For Lori Dasko, travel isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life. Currently adventuring in a 2024 Cirrus 820 packed with lithium power, Lori’s journey with Cirrus began years ago with a 2017 model, followed by a 2022 upgrade. These campers have been her trusted companions, carrying her family across awe-inspiring destinations and creating priceless memories.
From Colorado to Maine during an unforgettable month-long trip in 2019 to traversing Canada and Alaska in 2024, Lori’s Cirrus truck campers have been more than just RVs — they’ve been gateways to adventure. Among her cherished destinations is the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, where her stunning photo was recently featured in the 2025 Truck Camper Magazine Calendar.
A Winning Eye for Photography
Lori’s passion for travel goes hand in hand with her talent for capturing its breathtaking beauty. She’s a three-time winner of the Truck Camper Magazine Photo Calendar Contest, showcasing her unique eye for stunning landscapes.
Her 2023 calendar entry featured a magnificent sunset at Ruby Mountain Campground in Colorado, a favorite spot for Lori and her family. As Colorado natives, they often spend weekends exploring their home state’s natural beauty. Ruby Mountain offers a recreational paradise, with opportunities for rafting, fishing, ATVing, hiking, and visits to nearby hot springs and the historic St. Elmo ghost town.
For the 2024 calendar, Lori’s winning shot highlighted a breathtaking sunset at Arizona’s Lost Dutchman State Park, where her 2022 Cirrus 820 stood amidst a brilliant superbloom of Brittlebush flowers. The vibrant yellow blooms contrasted against the rugged Superstition Mountains, creating a truly memorable scene.
For the 2025 calendar, Lori’s 2024 Cirrus 820 appears, this time set against the dramatic landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park. Nestled between Zion National Park and Las Vegas, the park’s Mars-like rocks, rainbow-colored trails, and wildlife like bighorn sheep make it a favorite destination Lori visits annually.
“The beauty and wonder of Valley of Fire State Park has drawn us back numerous times over the years, each time to explore more of its fascinating geology,” Lori told Truck Camper Magazine. “This gem of a state park hosts two campgrounds which are set among an otherworldly expanse of red rocks. Looking out the camper window, it’s easy to imagine being on some far-away planet.”
From Tents to Truck Campers: A Camping Evolution
Lori’s RVing story was inspired by her desire to create lasting family memories with her teenage daughter. Although their 2011 first tent camping experience was a disaster due to uncooperative weather, Lori’s passion for the outdoors persisted.
Determined to find comfort, she transitioned to a pop-up camper, followed by a 28-foot travel trailer with a bathroom. Eventually, she discovered the versatility and convenience of truck campers.
“It was a big change,” Lori said of truck camping. “It’s really a different kind of lifestyle.”
Discovering Cirrus: A Perfect Match
Lori’s leap into the Cirrus lifestyle was serendipitous. While taking their travel trailer in for service, her family stumbled upon a Cirrus truck camper at a dealer lot. Though they didn’t own a truck at the time, the sleek, modern design and superior quality of the Cirrus caught their attention.
“The quality of the nuCamp brand was better,” Lori explained. “We also like the style. It was just different; most truck campers had been the same since the 1970s. The Cirrus appealed to us because we like the clean style.”
They purchased their first Cirrus, a 2017 model, alongside an F350 to carry it. The shift to a truck camper lifestyle was transformative. As an added bonus, they could also tow their ATV along with them.
Their newest Cirrus, a 2024 model, features the lithium upgrade, enhancing the standard 100Ah battery to an impressive 500Ah. This significant boost in capacity provides Lori with the power she needs for extended off-grid adventures. The increased battery capacity was a major factor in her decision to upgrade from the 2022 model to the 2024 so quickly, ensuring her camper could keep up with her adventurous lifestyle.
“It works great for us,” Lori shared. “We like to go off-roading. You can’t beat (a truck camper) for going off into little nooks and crannies when you’re camping. With the travel trailer, we were always limited to where we could go because it was so long. With the truck camper, we can pretty much go anywhere.”
A Lifestyle Rooted in Adventure
Today, Lori continues to embrace the unique lifestyle that truck campers provide, finding joy in exploring remote destinations, capturing extraordinary moments through her camera lens, and building memories that last a lifetime.
From stunning state parks to rugged off-road trails, Lori’s story is a testament to the boundless possibilities of life with a Cirrus truck camper.
For those considering the truck camper lifestyle, Lori offers heartfelt advice: Do your research and connect with the community. She highlighted the welcoming nature of Cirrus owners, who are always eager to share their experiences. Joining Cirrus Facebook groups and asking questions is a great way to learn more and feel confident in making the switch, she said.
Lori also praised nuCamp, emphasizing her positive experiences with the company.
“It seems to me from being involved with this brand and another brand, the Cirrus Truck Camper community is a very tight-knit community,” Lori said. “Their sense of pride in the brand is very strong.”
Whether you’re new to truck camping or looking for your next adventure, Lori’s story inspires others to take the leap and discover the freedom of the open road.
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