Camped in the UP, camped in TN, KY, NY but you can't beat he west. And yes, I have more years on you. Been retired from the Federal government now for about 10 years due to requirement to retire or at least leave my job at that time.
As for canoeing, two hour drive to Jackson Lk WY, jump on the Snake river and go 1078 mile to WA. Might be fun.