If you get just a few days of free time, you might want to check out Arkansas. Hot Springs area is a little over 600 miles from you, but a lot closer than southwest areas. We just went last week and really enjoyed it. Did some kayaking and paddle boarding along with some great camping along rivers and lakes. That state is full of rivers and lakes and the northern part was even better AND a lot less people with some fairly secluded areas right on the water. That would be even closer for you. We bought our camp trailer in Columbus OH a few months back and then went to Gatlinberg and north Georgia. That wasn't too far a drive from Columbus and north Georgia was pretty impressive.