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Embarking on fun family adventures in an RV is at the top of many people’s wish lists and finding the right financing options with General RV can easily make that dream a reality. Whether you’re just starting to think about getting an RV or you’re ready to apply for a loan and bring your RV home, we’re ready to help you navigate this journey!
Financing Your RV Dreams
You may need a loan to finance all or some of the purchase price of a new or used motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, pop-up camper or toy hauler. When factoring in the tax savings and investment income, many times it is less expensive to finance an RV than to pay cash for it. Since RVs range in size and build, the loans used to finance them likewise vary in size and terms. While not usually as large as a home mortgage, RV loans are also unique from automobile loans, as they are often larger purchases and may require additional factors in the approval process.
Diving into the details
RV loans are typically secured by the RV, like car loans, with a fixed APR and set repayment terms. General RV can offer some RV loans for up to 240 months or 20 years.
Your credit plays a large part in your eligibility and interest rate, as does the size of the loan and your down payment. In addition to checking your credit, lenders usually look at other aspects of your financial health, such as your net worth or cash flow and income, employment and housing.
RV loans may require a down payment, often between 10% and 20%, depending on your credit. A larger down payment may reduce your monthly payment and may decrease the interest rate and how much you ultimately pay on the loan. General RV offers $0 down payments to qualifying customers.
Why General RV is Your Premier Financing Partner
General RV’s size and reputation enables us to give you the best opportunity to receive financing for an RV loan. We partner with national banks, regional banks and credit unions to find the best RV financing program that will work for you. Many of our partner lending institutions offer an automatic payment deduction option. You can even defer payment up to 90 days.
More than 70 financing options available at General RV
Those with poor to no credit can take advantage of General RV’s First Time Buyer program that utilizes other aspects of your financial history. There are also special financing terms for full-time RVers, as well as Canadian residents.
General RV offers simple interest loans – you only pay interest on the principal. We finance any type of RV – pop-ups, truck campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class A, B and C motorhomes. We even offer financing options for LLCs, businesses and trusts.
General RV also offers 0% financing on some of our protection products, such as CornerStone Service Contracts, SafeRide RV roadside assistance and Tire Shield tire coverage.
CornerStone Service Contracts
After more than 30 years, CornerStone RV is the most established service plan administrator in North America. This affordable extended service contract comes with a low deductible, chassis and coach coverage, service call benefits and nationwide protection.
GAP Coverage
Classic GAP has been in business for 30 years. If your RV is stolen or totaled, you will want GAP protection. They will pay the difference of what you owe on your loan and what the insurance company will be paying to you.
SafeRide Assistance
SafeRide RV Motor Club’s membership includes emergency roadside assistance and concierge services that you can use both on and off the road. We’ll guide you to the best campsites, make your dinner reservations and refer you to exciting, local activities.
Tire Shield
Tire Shield is a contract of protected coverage strictly for road hazard damage to tires on new and pre-owned RVs. Road hazards are those unusual conditions that may occur on the highway such as potholes, nails, glass and other hazardous materials. Tire Shield will pay the cost for repairing or replacing tires, rims, etc.
Platinum Protection for Interior & Exterior
Protect your investment from the elements with Platinum Protection Systems. The Ultimate Plus Appearance Protection provides extensive interior and exterior coverage. Whether it’s road salt, ocean spray, bird waste, tree sap or even sun damage, the exterior of your RV is protected. The interior is protected, as well, from rips, tears, spills, stains and even mold or mildew.
Our goal at General RV is to be your premier RV partner and your one-stop-shop for all your RV needs. For your convenience, we work with an RV insurance partner. Plus, you’ll find all the RV parts and accessories you need in our Supercenters. We also have more than 600 state-of-the-art RV service bays at our 18 locations and growing.
RV owners and enthusiasts know the cardinal rule of traveling – be prepared for anything. Whether you are camping in the rain or caught in a severe storm, Mother Nature can create many unique challenges for RVers on the road. Campers can encounter anything from severe thunderstorms and hail to tornadoes and hurricanes. Those dangers can seem daunting, but if you plan and create an emergency kit you can be better prepared for when natural disasters strike. All RVers, whether you are a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, should have an emergency kit ready to go whenever you are traveling.
Must Have Items in Your RV Emergency Kit
Food and Water
There is nothing more essential to life than food and water. It is best to keep a minimum of three days’ worth of both for each person in your group in your emergency kit. When choosing food options, foods must be non-perishable or have a very long shelf life. High-protein items like beans, canned meats and seafood, and even protein bars are also great additions.
Remember to check your supplies frequently throughout the camping season for their quality and expiration dates. Whether you are camping in the rain or dealing with the scorching summer heat – it is always important to keep your food in a cool, dry place to prevent damage or spoilage.
Medical Supplies
You probably have a first aid kit in your RV, but an additional, untouched collection of supplies is a must for any emergency kit. You can purchase a full kit with all the essentials or you can gather supplies yourself. Make sure your kit includes:
Bandages
Gauze
Alcohol wipes
Burn creams
Antibiotic cream
Antibacterial wipes
Hydrocortisone cream
Antiseptic wipes
Medical tape
Splint
Tweezers
Scissors
Medical Grade Gloves
Hand sanitizer
Face masks
Sunscreen
Pain relievers
Allergy medication
Three days’ worth of prescription medication, if applicable
Hygiene Products
Small, travel-sized quantities of hygiene items are perfect for a travel kit. Make sure you carry a small supply of extra hygiene products so you can be more comfortable during an emergency. Having access to a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, facial tissues, cleansing wipes and sanitary products is essential, especially if you become unable to access the items in your RV.
RV Roadside Essentials
If your RV experiences a mechanical or structural issue, it is important to be able to address the concern as soon as possible. Small issues like a leaky roof while camping in the rain or big problems like a dead battery can become larger issues, especially during severe weather. Every emergency kit should have these essential roadside materials:
Hazard triangles
Neon vest
Jumper cables
Flares
Tow straps
Traction mats
Tire chains
A spare tire
Items to Take Your RV Emergency Kit to the Next Level
While the listed items above are a good start, you can never be too prepared for an emergency. Take a look at some of these essential items available in the General RV parts store to bring your kit to the next level.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to any emergency repair – you can never have too much tape. Tape can be a temporary cure-all for problems faced on the road. Alphabond TPO tape is the perfect tape for any RV problem.
This tape is specially formulated for RV use. From small leaks to large holes, Alphabond TPO tape can offer a quick fix. It is the perfect, temporary solution for sealing roof joints and seams, tears, punctures and so much more. It adheres to wood, metal, fiberboard, ISO board, concrete, PVC and nearly every other surface of an RV. Installation is easy: Just press on to a clean surface, peel back the clear liner, and apply pressure to the tape facer to activate the adhesive bonding. This tape is essential for everything from small leaks while camping in the rain to damage caused by severe storms.
The Lion Cub JC is like a roadside assistance service combined into one. The multi-use tool provides portable power to jump-start your vehicle, air to inflate tires, can power multiple USB devices and is a flashlight. The 4-in-1 power bank weighs less than five pounds and can sit easily in the palm of your hand. Made from lithium iron phosphate, it is the safest technology on the market. It also has a long-lasting life cycle, capable of holding a charge for up to one year. This item is essential for any roadside problem.
RVs are required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to be equipped with at least one safe fire extinguisher. Most RVs are equipped with more than one, but it never hurts to have an extra one in case of emergencies.
First Alert Fire Extinguishers are perfect for almost any RV fire. This brand is capable of handling wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and electrical fires. Built tough, this extinguisher comes equipped with a durable metal head.
Be prepared after the storm
One of the biggest potential problems you could face on the road during severe weather is a loss of power. It is always best to be prepared for extended outages when camping in the rain or any other type of severe weather. Most RVs come with a generator already installed, capable of powering up your vehicle. But some still rely on hookup power at a campsite. After-market generator installed by General RV technicians or even just a portable generator you can pull out in an emergency is essential for power during an emergency. Here are a few recommendations from the General RV team:
Go Power!’s small, compact solar kit is one of the most versatile and convenient battery charging options. It is perfect for those who don’t want to permanently mount solar to a rooftop or want to supplement an existing system.
The folding solar modules has Anderson-style battery charging connectors which allow you to quickly interchange the charging accessory to best suit your needs. This model is great for maintaining your RV or trailer battery. Adjustable folding legs allow you to maximize solar exposure and for compact easy storage. This unit comes with multiple charging connectivity options and includes a heavy-duty nylon case for storage protection.
If you are looking for a starter generator, then the Lion Energy Safari LT is perfect. The portable solar-powered generator provides safe, silent and renewable power that can help in any emergency. The unit comes with two AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, four 12-volt barrels and a 12-volt car auxiliary outlet. The Safari LT is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but large enough to power base camp wherever you set up. The 500-watt and 450-watt hours capacity is perfect for weathering out storms and keeping your electronics running for days.
If you are looking to take your generator game to the next level, try the Lion Energy Safari ME. Much like the LT, it is a power punch packed into one conveniently-sized carrying case. This unit can power virtually anything you can plug into a standard wall outlet – power tools, refrigerators, freezers, air compressors, medical devices and so much more. The Safari ME delivers 2,000 watts and has a 4,000-watt surge rating. To put it into perspective, the Safari ME can power a refrigerator for 25 hours with one full charge. It also comes with many different outlets – including two AC, a USB, USB-C and 12-volt ports.
Find supplies for your perfect RV emergency kit
Visit the Parts Department at your local General RV Center to pick up these essential RV parts and accessories. And ask one of our team members for advice on what you may need in your RV emergency kit. Plus check out out great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear, and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
Conveniently located just north of San Diego, Oceanside RV Resort is a stunning coastal resort offering the perfect blend of beach access with the best of Southern California vibes. Oceanside RV Resort is the ideal choice for tent camping and RV enthusiasts, with spacious sites, well-maintained facilities, and easy access to the beach. The resort features a sparkling pool, a relaxing fire pit, and a fully equipped barbecue area, which is perfect for enjoying the sunsets after a day on the water, large gatherings, and making new memories.
Photo courtesy of Oceanside RV Resort
Additional resort amenities include mini golf, cornhole, billiards, arcade games, a Master’s themed putting green, and even boogie board and bike rentals. For pet lovers, Oceanside Resort has a charming dog park to ensure a comfortable SoCal stay for the furry, four-legged visitors, too.
Photo courtesy of Oceanside RV Resort
When not hitting the waves, the resort is also near local transit, including train and bus services, as guests can effortlessly venture into the city or nearby coastal towns and explore all that the San Diego area has to offer. Enjoy the convenience of San Diego’s attractions while staying in a serene, relaxing atmosphere that allows you to recharge and unwind or continue to hit the waves all year long at this ultimate coastal getaway.
Oceanside RV Resort puts guests within reach of some of San Diego’s most exciting events. Check out the calendar below, and for a complete list, consult San Diego Tourism.
April 6: Start your race season where triathlons originated in beautiful southern California with the beach breeze and chill vibes. IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside is the first race on the North American circuit with a stacked pro field that is sure to test your winter training.
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April 19-21: The Annual La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic showcases 125 world-class automobiles. Visit the elegant tasting and champagne gardens while reveling in views of the Pacific Ocean.
Now Through April 28: SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival showcases libations from favorite local breweries and fresh international cuisine infused with local, sustainable ingredients and unique flavors. The event is held near the acclaimed amusement park.
Field of multi-colored ranunculus flowers in Carlsbad. Getty Images
From Now Through May 12: Get a good look at the 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that comprise the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in nearby Carlsbad. The flowers bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year, creating a visual feast of color.
From Now Through May 12: The Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle allows wildlife watchers to observe graceful insects in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Watch these colorful creatures flit among lush trees.
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May 18: This annual event kicks off the summer Over the Line tournament, hosting some of San Diego’s finest Craft Breweries and Food Trucks at Mariners Point. Dust off those bats and enjoy some cherished local brews.
May 27: The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial honors America’s heroes at the top of scenic Mount Soledad, which overlooks the city.
From Now Through May 31: This celebration takes place in Belmont Park and features floral-inspired cocktails, live performances, art, and several photo opportunities. Don’t miss the special Mother’s Day Celebrations.
June 1-2: Join the race or watch the runners tackle a course that starts at Balboa Park and finishes in Downtown San Diego. You’ll explore up to eight well-known neighborhoods and experience an insider tour that even the locals rave about. This ultimate foot tour highlights all the iconic communities, their personalities, and everything special about America’s Finest City: San Diego.
Balboa Park starting line. Getty Images
June 21-23: Join participating breweries and grab exclusive glassware and special beer releases while supporting local beer makers in the San Diego area.
The National Parks Service operates some of the top camping destinations in the world. With dozens of locations spread across the U.S., campers can enjoy everything from lush forests and sweeping mountain ranges to white, sandy beaches and desert oases.
According to the National Park Service, 1.5 million camping trips were tallied across the 34 national parks in 2022. The top 10 parks in the NPS system accounted for more than 66 of those trips. While the other 24 parks may not be as popular, there is still plenty to be explored.
The parks listed in this article saw less than 25,000 visitors in 2022 – meaning they may be the perfect destination for campers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some solitude.
National Parks in South Dakota
Badlands National Park
From hiking to visiting the fossil preparation lab and watching paleontologists work, there is so much to do in Badlands National Park. The Badlands contains one of the world’s richest fossil beds, making it a haven for researchers and travelers who want to try their luck hunting for fossils. The Badlands’ remote location is perfect for stargazing. The park even holds an evening ranger program in the summer along with telescopes to see the clear sky. The Badlands is also close to other South Dakota destinations including Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument and Minuteman Missile National Historic Park.
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RV campers can experience Badlands National Park overnight in one of its two established campgrounds: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. In 2022, this South Dakota park welcomed less than 600 RV campers. Limited RV sites are available so reserve ahead if you want to explore the wonders of the Badlands.
Wind Cave National Park
Located just two hours away from the Badlands, Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. The destination allows travelers to get a glimpse at two very different worlds. Campers can enjoy sunny skies while exploring the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides or they can head underground to explore one of the top 10 longest caves in the world. There are over 30 miles of trails that hikers of all levels can enjoy.
This park had 5,528 RV campers visit in 2022. You can reserve your campsite from May through September, however, the park is open year-round, and in the off-season months, it is first-come, first-served. Over 45 campsites are available at the campground and can allow up to 40-foot-long RVs.
National Parks in Utah
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is like a massive playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This national park is great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and auto touring with your car or ATVs. Take a step back in time and explore the history of cave paintings and ruins. After the sunsets, turn your eyes to the sky. The Canyonlands is a designated dark sky park that is perfect for night photography and stargazing.
Canyonlands National Park is open year-round and welcomed just under 8,000 RV campers in 2022. Canyonlands has two remote campgrounds that are perfect for boondockers. There are no RV hookups available onsite, so be sure to bring everything you may need along with you.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a red-rock wonderland. It is one of the United States’ most memorable parks because of its contrasting colors and unique rock formations. The red-hued natural sandstone arches make this Colorado destination one of the most photographed national parks. After checking out the massive, world-famous Delicate Arch, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins and giant balanced boulders. Make sure you stop by the visitor center, which is open every day except December 25, to learn more about hiking trails, ranger programs, stargazing and more. If you’re visiting from April 1 to October 31, visitors are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park.
RV campers can stay at the Devils Garden Campground. You can reserve a site from March 1 to October 31. During the busy season, the campground is usually full every night. Outside of those times, campsites are first-come, first-served. There are no RV hookup sites available which make this place a great destination for boondockers. More than 20,000 RV campers stopped at Arches in 2022.
National Parks in Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas and an environmentally-diverse collection of flora and fauna. Spanning over 86,000 acres, visitors can enjoy everything from mountains and canyons to deserts and dunes. The diverse trail system is the largest wilderness area in Texas, making it perfect for hikers looking to explore something new.
Guadalupe has three developed campgrounds that are open year-round. In 2022, 9,607 RV campers set up camp at the Texas national park. The campgrounds have a number of RV campsites available, but they do not have hook-ups or dump stations available. The Guadalupe Mountains are perfect for campers looking to go off-grid.
National Parks in West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park and Preservation
If you’re traveling to West Virginia, you have to visit New River Gorge. New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent and the park has plenty of things to offer for campers. There are spaces for day hikes, biking, climbing and hunting. There is also white water rafting, fishing and plenty of scenic drives and gorgeous views. Visitors will also be able to see a modern marvel – the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere, which has four lanes of traffic, suspended 876 feet over the river. History buffs will also enjoy strolls through the preserved railroad town, mining towns, logging towns, army camps and glimpses of the past.
All the campsites at New River Gorge are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park offers primitive camping along the river. Developed campgrounds are available nearby. In 2022, the national park welcomed 9,963 RV campers.
National Parks in Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park
Nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, campers can enjoy sand and sun at Indiana Dunes National Park. On the land, campers can enjoy biking, hiking and horseback riding with over 50 miles of trails that lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. On the water, you can swim, fish and partake in watersports. The small park may only be 15,000 acres, but there is plenty to explore.
Indiana Dunes welcomes campers from April through October. There are over 50 RV campsites available that can be reserved online. Just over 11,000 RV campers visited the national park in 2022.
National Parks in Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an adventurer’s delight. Climbers and hikers are exposed to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks and craggiest spires in North America. For over two million years, the Gunnison River has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water and sky. From easy, short trails to long, strenuous hikes, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking. In the winter, you can also take part in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on many of the trails.
RV campers have their choice when it comes to camping at this Colorado national park. The South Rim campground has 23 spaces with electric hookups and reservations are available online. The North Rim and East Portal Campground has boondocking sites on a first-come, first-served basis and allows RVs up to 22 feet long. Just under 13,000 RVers camped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 2022.
National Parks in Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park
Despite having over three million visitors stop by in 2022, Yellowstone National Park is not a common RVing destination. People come from across the globe to camp at Yellowstone, but just 18,454 RVers camped at the park in 2022. Known as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres spans three states. Visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers and take a glimpse at many geological wonders.
Yellowstone National Park has 12 different campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsite. However, only the Fishing Bridge RV Park offers full hookups. Most campsites are reserved far in advance, so it is recommended that you make a reservation as early as you can.
National Parks in Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park
Home to the world’s largest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park is best known for its underground attractions. The Kentucky park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Cave tours are offered daily from late spring until early fall. During the warmer months, the forest floor on the surface comes alive with stunning flora and fauna. At night, ranger-led stargazing programs are offered year-round to provide visitors an opportunity to experience clear views of the starry night. You may even be able to spot the International Space Station on a clear night.
Mammoth Cave has three campgrounds that offer common camping amenities located close to the park’s visitor center area and cave tours. 18,810 RVers set up camp in 2022. RV sites are available at both the Mammoth Cave Campground and the Maples Springs Campground.
When it comes to campgrounds and RVs, size matters
While most national parks have campgrounds that accommodate RVs, there are various size restrictions. Before you book, make sure to read the size restrictions carefully. If your RV is over the size limit, you may be turned away. Even worse, you may not be able to make the tight turns necessary to get to the campground.
Spring and summer are the best times to go camping, but they are also the most unpredictable when it comes to weather. The skies may be sunny and blue when you leave for your camping trip, but storm clouds can form quickly and you could be caught in a storm. Severe thunderstorms can occur any month of the year, but they are most likely to happen during prime camping season.
RV owners and enthusiasts know they should always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Whether camping in the rain or amid an intense thunderstorm, you should always be prepared and have an RV emergency kit. But there are things you should do immediately before and during the storm to keep you, your loved ones and your RV safe.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast while RV Camping
The best way you can keep yourself safe while camping is to stay alert and informed. When preparing for severe weather, you should get into the habit of visually monitoring the weather at all times, even if the weather is calm. If you have access to the internet or cell reception, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast for the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have enabled severe weather alerts on your phone. Also, make sure you have weather apps installed on your phone so you can have easy access to the most up-to-date information. Knowing the forecast early can give you more time to plan for whatever Mother Nature sends your way.
How to Prepare Your RV Campsite Before a Severe Thunderstorm
Camping during a severe thunderstorm is nothing like camping in the rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher or it produces a tornado. Hail this large can cause significant damage to your RV. Strong winds are capable of breaking off large branches or knocking over trees at your campsite. Campers also need to be aware of lightning, one of the most dangerous aspects of a thunderstorm. Here are some general tips for RV campers ahead of severe thunderstorms:
Secure your RV. Tie down or put away things like chairs, grills and other small objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Make sure your outside storage doors are closed and locked. Retract your awning and ensure it is securely fastened. Close and latch your windows. Get your emergency preparedness kit out.
Secure your site. If your site has trees and shrubs, keep an eye out for weak branches that could break under high wind conditions. Falling branches can cause severe damage during a storm.
Have an evacuation plan – If you decide to evacuate, leave early. Check local forecasts and weather apps to ensure that you aren’t heading in the direction of the storm. Make sure your RV’s gas tank is full in the event of an evacuation.
Take cover before the storm arrives. If you can’t evacuate, the safest place to go is a basement of a sturdy building. The next safest is an inside room with no windows and plenty of walls between you and the storm.
Tips for RV Campers Caught in a Severe Thunderstorm
The safest location during a severe thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. While camping you may not have access to a space like this but there are still ways you can protect yourself.
If you don’t have a building, take shelter in a car or truck. The National Weather Service (NWS) advises you to hunker down in a vehicle and keep the windows shut. Certain RVs can be blown over in high winds. If you have no other alternative, try to stay in a hallway or in an area that is away from windows and cabinets that can fly open.
If you see lightning or hear thunder, stay inside. The NWS warns that when thunder roars, you should go indoors and stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
Avoid power surges and conductive materials. Unplug electronics and opt for cell phones and battery-powered devices. According to the NWS, you should avoid touching any plumbing or metal. Don’t do anything with running water including washing dishes and showering.
Don’t let Severe Weather Ruin Your RV Trip
Whether you are camping in the rain or find yourself in a severe weather event – the most important thing you can do is be prepared. Don’t let the risk of severe weather ruin a trip or keep you from heading into the wilderness. Check out the General RV Emergency Kit Essentials Guide to help you prepare your RV for adventure. Visit the Parts Department at your local General RV Center to pick up gear to help you prepare for severe weather. Plus check out our great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear, and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
RVs allow you to travel without worrying about finding a place to stay. You carry the comforts of home wherever you go. A toy hauler is a type of RV or camping trailer that is designed to haul recreational and sporting toys, such as snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes and more. Whether you want to pack up kayaks for an intense paddle down the river or you want to bring a golf cart to your campsite, a toy hauler is perfect for you.
A toy hauler combines the best qualities of an equipment hauler and a mobile living space into one package. There are many types of toy haulers including motorhome and travel trailer options. These RVs are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer.
Toy haulers are RVs that have dedicated storage space for large recreational toys. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are the most common types of RV toy haulers on the market, but there are a couple motorhome options available. Toy hauler motorhomes are usually Class A or Class C RVs with built-in garages.
Regardless of the RV class, a toy hauler RV features a living area and a garage space that allows you to load and unload your toys. Typically, these RVs are set up like a traditional fifth wheel or travel trailer, but the back is open and ready to welcome large items like a four-wheeler, motorcycles, kayaks and whatever other outdoor equipment you might want. The rear wall of the trailer opens up and folds down into a ramp for easy loading. The cargo space usually comes with D-rings to strap in your gear, along with furniture that is attached to the walls and folds up to increase storage space.
Toy haulers come in all shapes and sizes. Some have small living areas with large cargo space, while others have huge living areas and a smaller cargo capacity. These types of RVs are heavier than others.
What are the primary differences between fifth wheels, travel trailers and toy haulers?
Toy haulers can come in both fifth wheel and travel trailer options. The biggest difference between toy haulers and other RVs is the dedicated garage space, but there are other amenities that may influence your RV experience.
Fifth Wheel
Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. A fifth wheel will usually have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. They are some of the largest travel trailers available. They’re often used by full-time RVers because of the luxurious living space. Fifth wheels can have multiple slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, interior kitchens, bathrooms and a dedicated entertaining area. Most can sleep up to eight people.
Fifth wheels connect with a U-shaped coupling mounted in a truck bed, which makes them easier to tow. Due to their size, you will need a large tow vehicle. Half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 or the Toyota Tundra with large towing capacities are great options. Remember to double-check your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity before you tow.
If toy haulers are the king of storage, then the fifth wheel is the prince. Compared to travel trailers, a fifth wheel has a massive amount of storage. Fifth wheels have huge, pass-through storage bays that are able to accommodate long items like kayaks, surfboards and paddles.
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers come in many different shapes and sizes, from tiny models that are capable of being towed by small trucks and SUVs to massive luxury living spaces on wheels. They can come in a wide range of lengths – from 12 to 35 feet, but are typically smaller than your average toy hauler. Travel trailers are significantly lighter than toy haulers. Travel trailers tend to weigh between 2,500 and 7,000 pounds while the average toy hauler weighs 7,600 pounds. Depending on the size, you can tow a travel trailer with a small SUV or a light pickup. The dry weight for the average toy hauler is around 10,000 pounds.
Travel trailers are some of the most popular options for young families and first-time RV owners because they are often a more affordable choice. Prices often range from $10,000 to $200,000, but the average cost sits between $20,000 and $50,000. In comparison, toy haulers are more expensive, but they also offer more amenities compared to most travel trailers.
How big are toy haulers?
Toy haulers can vary in size; it all depends on how much storage and space you need. The standard width of a toy hauler is between 7.5 to 8 feet wide and around 13 feet tall, in order to stay within federal and various state guidelines for travel vehicles. The biggest difference with toy haulers is the length of the vehicle. There are small models that sit at less than 15 feet long and large models that can be over 48 feet long. The majority of toy haulers sit in a medium range at around 30 to 40 feet.
Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and are therefore much heavier than other RVs on the market. Toy hauler weight ranges from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds when empty. These are RVs designed to carry heavy cargo. On average, they can carry upwards of 10,000 pounds of cargo.
Is a toy hauler easy to tow?
When properly set up, towing a toy hauler is as easy as towing any other RV. In order to properly tow a toy hauler, you need a few essentials. The first is a vehicle and a hitch that can support the full weight of your toy hauler. Make sure you know how much your toy hauler weighs while fully loaded, including all your toys, liquids and gear (also known as the gross weight). Because toy haulers tend to be larger and heavier RVs, you’ll need a truck with a high tow capacity. Before purchasing an RV, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the toy hauler and compare it to your truck’s towing capacity. If the GVWR is heavier than the towing capacity, you will either need a bigger truck or a smaller RV.
Practice driving, turning, parking and backing up before you go on your first trip if you are new to RVing. If you plan to bring toys, load them up into your RV before you start practicing so you can get a better feel for the total weight of your RV while driving.
Where can you go camping in a toy hauler?
Due to their on-board features and amenities, toy haulers are especially great for anyone interested in boondocking. When figuring out which toy hauler is best for your unique boondocking needs, be sure and ask yourself these two questions: How many days do I ideally want to boondock for? What types of places do I want to boondock in? Answering these questions will help you figure out things like the overall size, ground clearance and tank capacity.
Who are typical toy hauler owners?
Toy haulers are the best option for adventure seekers. Their built-in garage areas allow outdoor enthusiasts the ability to take their favorite toys to camp, while still enjoying a comfortable living space. From professionals to hobbyists, travelers of all kinds are finding toy haulers to be the ideal mix of form and function.
Toy haulers are perfect for people who like to adventure with a lot of gear. They are spacious enough to hold motorized toys like ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, snowmobiles and jet skis. They are also perfect for kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, bicycles, snowboards, hunting equipment and more.
Many people choose to purchase a toy hauler for full-time RV living. Modern models are often suited to living year-round. Full-timers who don’t travel with toys often turn their garage into an office so they can work remotely.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a toy hauler?
Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, toy haulers make it easy to take the whole family camping in comfort. Outfitted with numerous amenities and features, these RVs quickly become your home away from home.
Advantages of owning a toy hauler
Easily Transport Cargo
A toy hauler is much more secure for hauling your power sports vehicle or other valuables than an open-bed trailer. When you travel with a toy hauler, your gear is protected from rain, snow and mud. Garages are typically between 10 to 14 feet long which means you have plenty of space for most toys.
Versatile Vehicle
People use toy haulers for all kinds of purposes. In addition to hauling your off-road toys, you can use it as a mobile workshop, art studio, office and more. The garage can be transformed into whatever you need it to be. Your imagination is the only limit.
Less Vehicle Maintenance
When you purchase a motorhome, such as a Class A, B or C, you commit to upkeep on a second motorized vehicle. This means double the oil changes, fluid flushes and general vehicle upkeep. With a toy hauler, you only need to perform maintenance on your truck towing the RV. While there are still some maintenance tasks associated with owning a toy hauler, such as replacing tires as needed and keeping moving parts lubricated, there is far less maintenance than a traditional motorhome.
Durable and Easy-to-Clean Garage
The garage of a toy hauler will have a reinforced floor to carry the additional load. It will also have a rubber covering or other easy-to-clean surface. The garage can operate as a mud room for kids or pets so they can clean up before heading into the primary living space.
Disadvantages of owning a toy hauler
Requires a Capable Vehicle
Normally, it doesn’t matter what size your personal vehicle is. For example, you can drive a small Toyota Corolla as your daily commuter. However, when you choose a toy hauler, you will need to ensure you have a truck capable of towing the RV. Toy haulers require a heavy-duty truck that can not only handle the weight of the RV but can also safely stop it. If you don’t already own the right vehicle, this can require a second investment.
Limited Passenger Space During Travel
When you are towing a toy hauler, you will be separated from your living space. It is legal to ride in the back of a motorhome, but the rules are different for towed RVs. Currently, 23 states allow passengers to ride inside a toy hauler while driving, but each state has its own safety requirements and conditions. Even if it is legal in some states, this does not mean it is always safe. Additionally, if you cross into a state that does not allow passengers to remain in toy haulers, all passengers must ride in the main vehicle.
Less Interior Living Space
Compared to fifth wheels and travel trailers, toy haulers have less livable interior space, unless you plan to convert the cargo area. While you can enjoy the bountiful storage, you’re living space is smaller compared to other large RVs on the market.
Needs Ample Storage Space
When you aren’t using your toy hauler, you will need to find a place to store it. Unlike a small camper van or pop-up trailer, toy haulers take up a decent amount of room. If you don’t have the space at home, this might require renting a storage unit or RV storage space during the off-season.
How much do toy haulers cost?
A toy hauler can cost between $20,000 to upwards of $100,000. Some luxury models can cost as much as $250,000. Prices vary depending on amenities, size, brand and even the time of year it was purchased. There are many models that are basic and designed to appeal to tradesmen and construction workers who want the comforts of home, but don’t necessarily care to pay extra for leather furniture and hot tubs.
A toy hauler typically sits on the more expensive side because it is built on a sturdier frame and often provides more amenities. Luxury models are worth the investment if you plan to live in your toy hauler full-time.
Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.
Financial options for purchasing a toy hauler
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your toy hauler. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their RV over the course of many months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your toy hauler RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your toy hauler on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing and stretch your dollars so you can enjoy more adventures.
What’s the best toy hauler for me?
With superior storage, amenities and durability compared to other RVs, toy haulers are popular choice for travelers who prioritize the outdoors. The dedicated garage space is perfect for adventurers and thrill seekers who need extra gear while camping. If you’re looking for a true home-on-wheels, a toy hauler is probably your best choice.
Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best toy haulers General RV has to offer.
The Alliance RV Valor toy hauler is the benchmark for luxury toy haulers. The Valor line is packed with adventure-ready equipment for the extreme journey and all the proven quality you can expect from an Alliance RV. With multiple floor plans, there is something for everyone. Whether you want a 10-foot garage space or a 20-foot garage space, Alliance has you covered. Travel trailer and fifth wheel options are available.
Valor is made to be adventure ready. The garages are built with a weather-resistant ramp, many floorplans are equipped with air compressors and outdoor hoses to keep your equipment clean. Stay cool all summer long, thanks to the efficient and effective A/C system that produces great cooling power with the least amount of ductwork.
The Momentum MAV toy hauler travel trailers by Grand Design are designed to provide exactly what you need. The spacious garage provides tons of cargo space, with no wheel wells to get in the way. Motion sensor lights and USB outlets will make your life easier, and you will be comfortable in all seasons with the 35K BTU furnace plus 15K BTU ducted air conditioning. Relax on the rollover sofa with a table, and the top bed will be perfect for your guests to sleep on. The front queen Murphy bed includes drawers to store clothes, plus overhead storage for personal belongings. This model also includes a patio with a pull down screen to let fresh air in without letting the bugs in!
Introducing the Brinkley Model G, developed & tested by RVers to create a toy hauler without compromise. The first fifth wheel toy hauler from Brinkley is the culmination of decades of experience, countless hours of research and development, and feedback from customers and fellow RVers.
With one virtual prototype and three physical prototypes, the Model G has been put through its paces, traveling thousands of miles and undergoing dozens of tests. The result is a high-quality RV that is both luxurious and functional, and perfect for any adventure. The 2024 Brinkley Model G line is a true luxury fifth-wheel toy hauler. The G line is packed with intelligently designed features, an automotive exterior and a true residential interior that’s unmatched.
Dimmable Bedroom Lights
Exterior 12-Volt Drawer Fridge with 24 Can Capacity
Keystone’s Fuzion brings heart-pumping styling, pioneering floorplans and the best RV garages for power sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re hauling dirt bikes, ATVs, motorcycles or golf carts, Fuzion’s frame-welded, Adjust-A-Track tie-downs feature 38 points to fully secure the widest range of vehicles. Models offer open-concept floorplans with cross-conversational seating, six-point hydraulic leveling, iN-Command smart RV control system, zero-gravity ramp doors and three air conditioners to keep things cool.
The interior is sleek and stylish with topstitched leather seating. The seamless interior features light countertops, subway tile backsplash and Fuzion’s durable stained cabinets. In addition to the luxurious interior, this toy hauler comes with an easy-to-set-up patio system with lightweight railing and ramps expanding your entertainment experience.
The Outback toy hauler travel trailer offers a versatile front cargo area with a side loading ramp. These models are perfect for carrying motorcycles, quads, golf carts and much more. The main living and kitchen area offers two slides for more interior space, a kitchen island with skylight above, plus a pantry, a booth dinette and sofa sleeper.
With any Outback travel trailer and toy hauler by Keystone, the Norco BAL frame is lightweight and corrosion-resistant and the huck-bolt assembly provides an extra measure of rugged durability. Also included is the BAL Norco 5.1 stabilizing system, leaf spring suspension system, color-coded unified wiring, Tru-fit slide construction and the Elements climate control allowing you to extend your camping season and combat humidity.
Forest River’s Wildwood FSX is filled with all the comforts of home to give you a pleasant camping experience. All models are 7 feet, 6 inches feet wide with a full interior stand up height. They are designed with a seamless one-piece roof and an aerodynamic radius front profile for fuel efficiency. The combined features create a quality, lightweight RV perfect for adventure. The Forest River Wildwood FSX travel trailer and toy haulers are easy to tow and easy to love.
The main living area will feel more like home with a fireplace. The full kitchen will allow you to prepare meals for your whole group. If you enjoy cooking outdoors then you will love the outdoor griddle and refrigerator, plus there is a power awning here for shade. After unloading the garage, the space can easily be converted to a patio, garage or guest bedroom.
Backed by more than 50 years of RV manufacturing, Coachmen’s all-new Adrenaline toy hauler lineup is designed for today’s outdoor enthusiast. These lightweight, half-ton towable toy haulers are constructed utilizing the most advanced manufacturing methods. They are designed and constructed to be affordable and functional.
Adrenaline is a versatile toy hauler RV that offers it all – a relaxing home base for weekend getaways or family trips cross country. With a massive garage, you can store all of your essentials. The rear ramp door makes it easy to load everything from dirt bikes to golf carts. The garage space also includes plenty of seating and even a TV. After you’re done with an adventure, kick back and relax in the cozy living space.
Is a toy hauler worth it?
If you already own a truck that is capable of towing a heavy load, a toy hauler could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Additionally, if you like to vacation with a lot of toys, it is a safer and easier travel option. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, toy haulers, like any RV, also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV Dealer to explore our huge selection of toy haulers for yourself. We have thousands of toy haulers in stock, including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
Severe weather can happen during any time of the year, but in the U.S. summer is typically the active season for weather-related disasters. Even on sunny days when the sky looks clear, storms can swoop in, and you could be caught in severe weather while on your camping trip. Tornadoes can happen anywhere, at any time. Although there are peak months in different regions, the majority of tornadoes happen during the spring and summer.
RV owners and enthusiasts know they should always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Whether camping in the rain or amid an intense thunderstorm, you should always be prepared and have an RV emergency kit. But there are things you should do immediately before and during the storm to keep you, your loved ones and your RV safe.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast while RV Camping
The best way you can keep yourself safe while camping is to stay alert and informed. When camping, you should get into the habit of visually monitoring the weather at all times. If you have access to the internet or cell phone reception, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast for the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have enabled severe weather alerts on your phone. Also, make sure you have weather apps installed on your phone so you can have easy access to the most up-to-date information. Knowing the forecast early can give you more time to plan for whatever Mother Nature sends your way. You can also purchase a weather radio to ensure you have access to the latest forecasts.
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. The National Weather Service (NWS) notes that tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year.
If you get an alert about a tornado watch, you don’t need to abandon your campsite immediately but you should be prepare to seek shelter. A watch means that tornadoes are possible in and near the area. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. A watch is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states. Here are some general tips for RV campers during a tornado watch:
Secure your RV. Tie down or put away things like chairs, grills and other small objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Make sure your outside storage doors are closed and locked. Retract your awning and ensure it is securely fastened. Close and latch your windows. Get your emergency preparedness kit out.
Secure your site. Keep an eye out for weak tree branches or shrubs that could break under high wind conditions. Falling branches can cause severe damage during a storm.
Stay alert. If there is a watch issued, keep an eye on weather alerts via weather radio or local news apps. Be prepared to act.
What RV Campers need to do during a tornado warning
If you are under a tornado warning, you need to take action immediately. This means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Here are some tips for staying safe during a tornado warning:
Abandon your RV and seek shelter. NWS warns that RVs offer very little protection from tornadoes. Try to find an underground shelter or a large concrete structure with thick walls. If you can’t get inside, try to find a space that can act as a thick barrier between you and any debris flying through the air. Look for things such as concrete walls or even a large boulder.
Find the lowest point in the ground. If you are driving, camping or parked somewhere where no strong shelters are available, the NWS says you should try to find a ditch or low point to lie down. Try to find something to protect yourself from falling debris like couch cushions or even a mattress.
Beware of downed power lines. If you were in or near a tornado’s path, it is likely you will run into downed power lines. Give downed power lines a wide berth, often they can skip around and transmit electricity through wet ground. Avoid getting close to a downed power line to prevent electrocution.
Don’t let Severe Weather Ruin Your RV Trip
Whether you are camping in the rain or find yourself in a severe weather event – the most important thing you can do is be prepared. Don’t let the risk of severe weather ruin a trip or keep you from heading into the wilderness. Check out the General RV Emergency Kit Essentials Guide to help you prepare your RV for adventure. Visit the RV Parts Department at your local General RV Dealer to pick up gear to help you prepare for severe weather. Plus, check out our great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of the camping season, but the months after are the perfect time to take your RV on an adventure. The post-summer camping season is perfect for people looking to avoid the crowds. School is back in session, which means fewer people will be taking a family getaway. Campers are able to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer bugs due to the decreased humidity and lower temperatures. For northern campers, the fall camping season runs from mid-September to early November. Meanwhile, southern campers can enjoy the benefits of the fall camping season from mid-October to late November.
Fall camping isn’t that different from summer camping, but as every good RV owner and enthusiast knows – you should always be prepared for anything. RVers should do their research ahead of time to ensure they are ready for their next adventure.
Planning a Fall Camping Trip
Some campgrounds and parks, especially national and state parks in colder climates, may close during the fall season due to weather. Campgrounds that stay open often drop their rates, stop taking reservations and operate on a first come, first serve basis. After peak season, some campgrounds may move to semi-modern campsites. Campers can expect to find either electrical service or access to modern restrooms. Drinking water may only be available by hand pump or pressurized spigots. Reach out to campgrounds and parks ahead of your trip to ensure you have everything you need to set up camp.
If you’re looking to dry camp or boondock during the fall, you will need to look ahead for potential road closures. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management may also close access roads on public lands due to weather changes. Always call ahead and double-check before heading out on an unmarked road.
The highlight of fall camping is being able to see all of the leaves change. Smoky Mountain’s Fall Foliage prediction map can help you determine the best places to see skies bursting with bright fall colors. In addition to finding the perfect place to stay, you have to find the perfect outdoor fall activities. Check out some of our favorite fall activities to start planning your next RV adventure.
Fall Camping Pre-Trip Maintenance
Campers heading out during the fall, especially those traveling to a cooler climate, will want to do a few maintenance checks before hitting the road again. RVers should double-check tire pressures, brakes and towing gear to ensure their vehicle can handle different road conditions. People used to RV camping during the summer may need to familiarize themselves with their RV heating system to keep themselves warm during the cool evening temperatures.
Owners should also know how to protect their RV’s water systems in the event of a hard freeze. During a cold fall night, temperatures can fall below freezing which means you may need to know how to disconnect water lines and drain them to prevent damage to your water and waste systems. To learn more about the process, check out General RV’s Winterization Guide.
Fall Camping Packing Necessities
Weather in the fall can fluctuate quickly from warm and sunny to cool and wet. While it’s hard to predict how the weather might change from day to day, or from morning to night, you can also be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. When packing your bags, be sure to include a variety of layers so you can adapt to the weather and stay comfortable. Rain jackets and waterproof clothes and shoes are also essential for those rainy fall days.
To prepare for cooler weather, you should throw a few extra sleeping bags or blankets in your RV. Wool and down blankets are excellent at keeping you warm and dry. Campers should also include extra water on their packing list. It is easy to get dehydrated with cooler, dryer temperatures. Water can be heated and put in a bottle to help warm your bed or sleeping bag.
Days are shorter in the fall, so it will likely be dark before you are ready to go to bed. Pack a few extra light sources like flashlights, headlamps or portable lanterns. If you need help filling out your packing list, stop by the General RV Parts Store. Our supercenters have thousands of RV parts and camping essentials along with knowledgeable staff who can answer your fall camping questions. Making sure you have the equipment to deal with changing weather can help ensure your fall camping trip is safe, memorable and enjoyable.
Summer is the best time to go camping, but it is also the prime season for severe weather like tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes. You may plan your trip expecting clear, sunny skies but Mother Nature may have other plans.
Whether camping in the rain or amid an intense thunderstorm, you should always be prepared and have an RV emergency kit. But there are things you should do immediately before and during the storm to keep you, your loved ones and your RV safe.
Keep an eye on the forecast while RV camping
The best way you can keep yourself safe while camping is to stay alert and informed. When camping, you should get into the habit of visually monitoring the weather at all times, even if the weather is calm. If you have access to the internet or cell phone reception, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast for the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have enabled severe weather alerts on your phone. Also, make sure you have weather apps installed on your phone so you can have easy access to the most up-to-date information. Knowing the forecast early can give you more time to plan for whatever Mother Nature sends your way. You can also purchase a weather radio to ensure you have access to the latest forecasts, even if you don’t have internet access.
How RVers can prepare for a severe weather
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, right during prime camping season. If you are camping along the coast during that time, you may need to prepare for severe weather. You may likely find yourself in a tropical storm. According to the National Weather Service, a tropical storm is a cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39 to 73 miles per hour. These types of storms originate over tropical or subtropical waters and can grow into a hurricane. Here are some tips for RVers who find themselves camping during a tropical storm:
Secure your RV. Tie down or put away things like chairs, grills and other small objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Make sure your outside storage doors are closed and locked. Retract your awning and ensure it is securely fastened. Close and latch your windows. Get out your emergency preparedness kit.
Secure your site. If your site has trees and shrubs, keep an eye out for weak branches that could break under high wind conditions. Falling branches can cause severe damage during a storm.
Prepare the inside of your RV. Seal all important documents in waterproof bags or containers. Shut all doors and windows to help prevent water and wind from getting inside.
Have an evacuation plan – If you decide to evacuate, leave early. Make sure your RV’s gas tank is full in the event of an evacuation. When hurricanes approach – it is never a good idea to ride out the storm in your RV. It is always best to pack your motorhome, grab your important documents and evacuate.
What RV campers need to do during a Hurricane Watch and Warning
If you are under a Hurricane Watch or Warning while RV camping, you need to take action immediately. RVs are unsafe in high winds. It is best to evacuate. Check local forecasts and weather apps to ensure you aren’t heading in the direction of the storm. Avoid driving through water as you make your way to a safe destination. Here are some additional tips for staying safe during a Hurricane Watch or Warning:
If you need to abandon your RV, try to find a safe spot to park it. If possible, the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) advises campers try to put your RV in an enclosed storage facility or try to park it next to a building. If you’re at a campsite or out in the open, choose an elevated site away from large trees and point the end of the RV that has the least amount of windows in to the wind.
Take precautions to protect your RV. The FRVTA suggests campers empty the holding tanks and then fill all your tanks with fresh water to help add weight for holding down the RV. Turn off propane cylinders and cover the regulator. Cover the vents and air conditioning unit. Secure as many items as possible.
Tips for RV campers after a hurricane
The storm might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is. Just like you need to be prepared before a big storm, RV campers need to be prepared for what happens after a storm. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a hurricane hits:
Be prepared for extended outages. Even weak or moderate tropical storms can bring down trees and power lines. The stronger the storm, the longer you are likely to be without power. Most RVs come with a generator installed, but some solely rely on hookup power. Make sure you have an after-market or portable generator in your emergency storm kit.
Be prepared for road closures and blockages. Although city, county and state transportation officials have plans to clear major roadways quickly, it may still take a few days to get most roads open. Secondary side streets may take even longer. Never drive in flood waters.
Don’t let severe weather ruin your RV trip
Whether you are camping in the rain or find yourself in a severe weather event – the most important thing you can do is be prepared. Don’t let the risk of severe weather ruin a trip or keep you from heading into the wilderness. Check out the General RV Emergency Kit Essentials Guide to help you prepare your RV for adventure. Visit the Parts Department at your local General RV Center to pick up gear to help you prepare for severe weather. Plus, check out our great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
Come visit Georgia’s premier family off-road and camping destination, just north of Atlanta in Dahlonega. Iron Mountain Resort is located off Highway 52 in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. We have 4,300 privately owned acres of off-road trails for all machines and enthusiasts to enjoy. Trails range from mild to wild to suit all rider experience levels and preferences! We are open daily for trail riding, track practice (coming soon!), side-by-side rentals, and camping. Monthly drive-in movies, races, and special events are available as well!
Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Resort
Discover a vast selection of 150-plus trails designed to cater to every rider’s preference and experience level, ranging from mellow to exhilarating. Our facility is open year-round, ensuring 365 days of thrilling trail riding, side-by-side rentals, camping, and exclusive monthly events.
At Iron Mountain, we’re all about getting outside and exploring off-road! We have 150 miles of GPS-marked and mapped, one-way directional trails. Iron Mountain also offers specific areas and trails for Jeeps and full-sized 4×4 vehicles, a single track for dirt bikes, and a dedicated obstacle course area coming in March.
Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Resort
Full-service Campground, Cabins, and Restaurant!
Our full-service campground offers 82 full-hookup and electric 15/30/50-amp, 100×40-foot sites with sewer and water hookups. No RV? No problem! We have family-style bunk cabins, which have a queen bed and four bunks. Each cabin includes electricity, heating and air conditioning, a picnic table, and private access to the bathhouse. Or grab your tent and enjoy one of our many primitive campsites.
Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Resort
The Grille Restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy a range of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. The Grille serves an array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, prepared using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Try our full bar of imported beers and cocktails!
Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Resort
Bring Your Own Machine or Rentals Are Available
You can either bring your own Jeep, side-by-side, quad, or dirt bike to hit the trails. If you don’t own a machine, no problem! We offer a full rental fleet of side-by-sides to choose from for day or weekend rentals! Our full rental fleet of CAN-AM & Yamaha Side-by-Sides is available! Choose your machine and take off for a day-long adventure on our trails. Helmets, fuel, and washout included.
So if you are looking for adventure or just a family camping getaway, Iron Mountain is the place for you. We are the premier family off-road and camping destination in Georgia, so don’t delay. Book today!
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This video overviews my routine maintenance procedures on my little Energizer 2000W portable gas generator. I will also update you on how it’s working after over 4 1/2 years of use.
Overall, it proved to be a good generator; it always starts up and runs well. I like that it’s compact and only weighs in at 44 lbs. Easy to carry and store during our RVing and boating adventures.
Camp under Montana’s big sky at Indian Springs Ranch Golf & RV Resort in Eureka. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the new resort puts campers in one of western Montana’s most scenic regions with state-of-the-art amenities and a slew of nearby recreation possibilities.
Just five miles south of the Canadian border, the resort is nestled within Indian Springs, a vibrant community located between Whitefish and the Purcell mountains. Indian Springs offers deluxe accommodation suites and a premier 18-hole golf course. Encompassing hundreds of acres, Indian Springs has several outstanding real estate opportunities.
Glacier National Park. Getty Images
Going to Glacier
After settling into one of the well-appointed sites, adventurers will have plenty of choices for recreation. For an unforgettable day trip, head west to Glacier National Park, comprising approximately one million acres of surreal lakes and towering peaks. A drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road leads motorists to unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks. The park is home to 762 lakes, many of which accommodate fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Hikers can soak in dramatic views by taking the Highline Trail, an 11.8-mile out-and-back hike that follows the Continental Divide.
Lake Coocanusa was formed by the damming of the Kootenay River. Getty Images
Lake Koocanusa
Anglers and boaters will find miles of open water in Lake Koocanusa, just an 11-minute drive to the east. Rent a vessel or launch your own craft at Abayancer Bay Marina, which offers boat slips, storage, a convenience store, and a full-service restaurant. Drop a line in the lake for rainbow, brook, or cutthroat trout.
Resort for All Sizes
The RV Resort at Indian Springs offers spaces for a variety of RV sizes. Each of the 95 all-weather sizes offers full hookups, with 30- and 50-amp power. Larger rigs can settle into one of the 84-foot big rig sites, and 57 pull-through sites also are available. Each space boasts room for slideouts, with a table at each site. Campers who seek to stay for an extended amount of time can reserve a deluxe back-in site for extra room and privacy.
Photo courtesy of Indian Springs
Bring your dog to the onsite dog park, or carve out some recreation time at the volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and playground for kids. In addition to roomy and clean bathrooms and showers, the RV resort’s laundry facilities give guests lots of space for sorting and folding laundry.
Photo courtesy of Indian Springs
An onsite general store meets RVers’s basic needs, while local grocery, convenience, and hardware stores are only minutes away.
Photo courtesy of Indian Springs
Going Golfing
Close to the resort, the Indian Springs Montana Golf Course consists of 18 holes situated in a breathtaking landscape. The fairways gracefully weave through the rolling hills that stem at the base of the Rocky Mountains. At each tee, golfers get spectacular glimpses of Montana’s beauty. The laidback course is as challenging as it is beautiful.
Terrific Trails
Nature is not far away from the resort. Walking trails surrounding the campground will take hikers to excellent viewpoints and birdwatching spots. Indian Springs Ranch & RV Resort.
In this video, I detail how I flush my black and galley RV waste tanks and clean and lube the waste valves. Since I dry camp (AKA boondocking) so much of the year, the tanks and waste plumbing tend to be more prone to gum up. This is due to trying to conserve our freshwater supply and exasperated by the fact I utilize a macerator pump to fill a sewer tote.
First, I add an RV tank treatment and let it sit in the tanks for several days. I then fill and empty them several times. Next, I use flushing wands. I have a rotary sprayer wand that I feed down the toilet. I use a narrow water heater wand for the galley tank. The galley drain has been modded to utilize a HepVo waterless trap. This makes for easy access to the galley tank.
After the tanks are cleaned and flushed, I use my landing jacks to raise and lower the front end of the trailer to allow the tanks to be fully drained. I then tip the front end up so that the only tank that may drip during the waste valve removal is the shower tank.
Next, I removed and cleaned my shower, galley, and black waste valves. After cleaning, I lubed the valve gate faces and rubber gaskets. For access to the valves, I have cut out sections of the Coroplast underbelly material under them. I use 2.88″ Gorilla tape to help reattach and hold it until next time.
Camp with the best. For 2024, a total of 164 Good Sam Campgrounds scored flawless 10/10★/10 Good Sam ratings based on our trusted and time-honored evaluation system.
Our rep teams travel across North America and check campgrounds for the cleanliness of restrooms and showers; environment, and visual appearance. Each category is rated on a scale of one to 10, and a star is added for exceptionally clean restrooms. You can also find top-rated Good Sam parks — along with parks that have a total ranking of 28 and higher — on our Top Rated Campgrounds page.
Parks With a 10/10*/10 rating:
Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Getty Images
Alabama 10/10*/10 Good Sam Campgrounds
Full moon over the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction. Photo: Getty Images
Good Sam provides everything you need to have a good trip. From savings on accessories and services to finding a campground, roadside assistance, insurance and specialized products and services designed to enhance RV and outdoor lifestyle.
Skywatchers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are preparing to celebrate the total solar eclipse on April 8. Festivals and special events along the eclipse’s path will feature music, fun, and opportunities to observe the phenomenon as it casts its dramatic shadow.
During this rare celestial event, the moon will blot out the sun over parts of the South, Midwest, New England, and Canada. The resulting shadow will travel along the roughly 100-mile-wide “path of totality.” While the total eclipse will last mere minutes, there are plenty of opportunities to extend the festivities in the preceding hours and days. Consult NASA’s Total Eclipse website for locations and times for eclipse watching across North American states and provinces.
Special solar eclipse glasses will be handed out at many events. Some will also offer a full schedule of entertainment, crafts, speakers, and more. While many locations are hosting festivals on the day of the eclipse, a few are taking advantage of the full weekend with three- or four-day events.
Here is a look at some of the 2024 solar eclipse festivities, along with some nearby Good Sam Campgrounds, taking place across the U.S.
Photo Courtesy of Mountain View, Arkansas
South and Central States
Arkansas: 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival in Mountain View
Mountain View, located in the heart of the rugged but picturesque Ozark Mountains, will host the 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival to celebrate the 4 minutes and 14 seconds of totality, one of the longest times in the state. Festivities and music will be offered in the historic town square, and parking can be reserved for $50, which includes four pairs of eclipse glasses, a map of downtown, and a shuttle service to the square.
Kentucky: X Marks the Spot Downtown Festival in Paducah
Paducah is one of the few locations that will have experienced both the 2017 and 2024 total solar eclipse, and it’s one of the only spots in Kentucky in the 2024 path of totality. In honor of this unique treat, Paducah is hosting the X Marks the Spot Downtown Festival, a two-day street festival on April 7 and 8. Live music and science-themed events will be part of the fun. The National Quilt Museum and several city parks will provide open spaces for viewing.
Texas: 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival in Fredericksburg
Experience the eclipse in luxury at Fredericksburg’s 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival, hosted on April 8 by Grapetown Vineyard and the Fredericksburg Polo Club. Watch polo matches, eat a farm-to-table dinner featuring award-winning wines, and enjoy live music while waiting for the celestial main event. That evening, your eyes will turn to the skies for a different reason, as the festival’s hot air balloon glow event begins. Camping is offered onsite.
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Midwest
Illinois: Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival in Carbondale
Carbondale is another city in the path of the 2024 eclipse after experiencing totality in 2017. The Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival, hosted in partnership with NASA, offers a full lineup of events from April 5 through 8 on the campus of Southern Illinois University. Take part in a 5k race, enjoy live music, hear expert speakers, and bring the kids for family fun.
Indiana: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Event in Indianapolis
Purdue University, NASA, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are joining forces for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Event. Visitors will gather on the speedway as NASA experts broadcast live, capping off a day of special events in an iconic location. Onsite camping is available.
Missouri: Solar Strings Festival in French Village
Want to combine all of the fun of a music festival with your solar eclipse viewing? The Solar Strings Festival will bring Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder along with a lineup of over 20 bands/performers to a scenic patch of the Ozarks. Visitors can spread out amid over 200 acres of rolling grasslands. Onsite camping and a full schedule of events round out the fun at Astral Village Art Park in French Village, located southwest of St. Louis.
Ohio: Total Eclipse Fest 2024
Downtown Cleveland will host the Ohio Total Eclipse Fest 2024 from April 6 to 8 at the North Coast Harbor, amid some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Voinovich Bicentennial Park, and FirstEnergy Stadium. The Great Lakes Science Center, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and The Cleveland Orchestra have teamed up for an out-of-this-world schedule of special events, featuring live music, arts and crafts, and a live NASA broadcast.
Great Lakes Science Center
South on Interstate 77, the MAPS Air Museum in North Canton offers guaranteed parking spots with an unobstructed view for $40 per car. Included in the deal are eclipse viewing glasses, lunch, and tours of the museum.
Some of New York’s most celebrated scenic regions are in the path of totality, promising natural beauty alongside the celestial event. Take your pick from Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, or the Adirondack Mountains. One of the largest events may be the Roc the Eclipse festival in Rochester, running April 6 to 8. Join a silent disco, take in a live theatre show, hear from renowned astronomers, and more. Tickets include admission to the Strasenburgh Planetarium and the RMSC Museum & Science Center.
Pennsylvania: Special Events Near Erie
The path of totality will cross over northwestern Pennsylvania near Lake Erie, and the whole region is rolling out the red carpet for visitors. The VisitErie website already has a special eclipse playlist posted with celestial-themed tunes. In February, the Eclipsing Stars multimedia exhibit will open at the FEED Media Center. The main event comes on April 8, with special public viewings hosted at Lake Erie Speedway, Mercyhurst University, and Presque Isle State Park. Plus, over 20 wineries in the Lake Erie Wine Country region are joining the fun.
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Vermont: The Whiteout in Jay
What could be cooler than listening to a rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” as the world plunges into darkness? If this sounds like your idea of fun, head to The Whiteout at the Jay Peak Resort in Jay. Live music and other special events start the day before the eclipse, leading to the outdoor concert and eclipse viewing on April 8.
Quebec: Eclipse Educational Events
Fifteen miles north of the U.S. border, the Mont-Mégantic Observatory hosts several educational events regarding the eclipse, along with a special viewing event on April 8. You also can find several eclipse viewing areas in the Quebec City and Montreal areas.
Stay:Camping Valee Bleue Resort, West Brom, Quebec (short drive south across the U.S.-Canada border into Vermont).
These are just a handful of the special eclipse events and festivals taking place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada! If you’d rather not celebrate in a large crowd, the good news is that the eclipse can be experienced anywhere within the path of totality and beyond, so there is room for everyone to find a slice of the sky.
In 2020, we had to spend our winter in British Columbia, Canada. We had enjoyed traveling to the southern USA as snowbirds, but the Covid border closure stopped that. I decided for our comfort and to save on propane and protect the rigs under the carriage. I would skirt it. Since I had previously used an EZ Snap product for my RV window shades, I decided to use their well-known skirting product.
I chose EZ Snap skirting for several reasons. First, it is easy to install; second, after use, it breaks down quickly into a small package for storage; and third, it is much cheaper than custom skirting options. Also, it looks fairly nice compared to many DIY wood and foam board attempts I’ve seen. Our RV Park had restrictions on the look of skirting.
This fall, EZ Snap asked me if I would be willing to record a series of bite-sized video clips about installing the skirting. I was busy winterizing our boat, and the BC weather in October was rainy and windy, so I told them I could do it in the southwest desert while boondocking. Below, you’ll find a playlist of those clips. I hope they help you. Cheers, Ray
There’s an expanding swell of tourists and adventurers making an appearance in the mountains of North Georgia. A family-owned development firm, OneStone, has taken on the task of transforming the heart of Gilmer County into a true destination for luxury RV travelers from all over the country. Talona Ridge RV Resort is already hitting many travelers’ “top 10” lists of luxury RVing destinations.
Photo: Talona Ridge RV Resort
As for the epic location in which the Resort now resides, no longer are these hidden gems of exploration — such as the wineries, the hiking/biking/jeep trails, the Cartacay River, Carter’s Lake, the BigFoot Museum, Springer Mountain (Appalachian Trail’s southern terminus) to name a few — going to be bypassed by the roaming RVers traveling through North Georgia.
Photo: Talona Ridge RV Resort
The gated Resort can take up to 141 big rig RVs and will treat clients to several top-notch amenities. These include a luxury pool and hot tub year-round, pickle ball courts, an intentionally designed dog park, fully paved sites, an exquisite event hall with an adjacent terrace, and a lookout deck in just one corner of the prestigious panoramic view.
Pool at Talona Ridge RV Resort
Other resort perks include live music, food trucks, an open bar in the evenings, yoga lessons, and a plethora of activities to keep you in the vacation mindset. A second pool and amenity area will also soon grace the middle level of the resort’s 3-tiered landscape.
Pickleball courts at Talona Ridge RV Resort
Many of the sites have a clear view of the surrounding mountains, with the top level (Eagle Crest) having a full panorama. Falcon Ridge, the second level, presents a great mix of views and a convenient location for the pickle-ball courts and the newest amenity set to be fully accessible in the fall of 2024. Hawk Valley is prized for its’ shelter from the breeze, proximity to the dog park and trails, and a great perspective of Grandview Hall and Talona Mountain to the Southwest.
Photo: Talona Ridge RV Resort
Climbing ever higher in the mindset of the RV community, this exciting new resort presents itself as a gateway to the North Georgia mountains for each beautiful season, and the demand continues to grow month-over-month with the expectation of a continent-wide influx for events such as the highly anticipated Apple Festival. Floridians will flow upwards and make northern Georgia their resting place for the changing of leaves or even catching the dusting of snow that might grace the landscape in Winter since it serves up the closest highlands at hand.
Musical performance at Talona Ridge RV Resort.
From the north, all who travel through or rest for a while can leave their snow shovels behind, as the location provides four clear-cut seasons, yet without too much snow and ice. The winter adventurers can easily find many excursions without the weather halting avid exploration.
Photo: Talona Ridge RV Resort
Photo: Talona Ridge RV Resort
OneStone, a rising leader in the luxury RV resort & outdoor recreation industry, plans to expand development atop this raptor’s perch over East Ellijay and beyond.
As such, all visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the breathtaking vistas, the charm of the Georgia mountains’ people, places, crafts, and adventure, and share in the very special experience of this beautifully situated resort.
Turn your next vacation into an adventure. The following destinations put campers in exciting environments for boating, hiking, biking, and fishing adventures.
April Adventures: Total Solar Eclipse
It’s never too early to plan for your spring adventures, and skywatchers won’t want to miss the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. During this rare celestial event, the moon blots out the sun’s light across a long swath of North America, first appearing over the skies above Mexico’s Pacific Coast around 11:07 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time and exiting the continent after it passes over Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. Consult NASA’s Total Eclipse website for locations and times for eclipse watching across North American states and provinces.
If you’re planning to camp in a region affected by the eclipse, don’t hesitate to make your reservations today. Check out some of the campgrounds that lie in the path of the eclipse, and get some tips on eclipse watching.
Coastal Fun
Camping on the Water Discover campgrounds on the shores of iconic oceans, lakes, and rivers
Wild Adventures
Explore Untamed Landscapes From river rafting to mountain biking, America’s wide-open spaces invite thrill seekers
Water Hotspots Explore coastal destinations from Santa Barbara to Myrtle Beach
Legendary Base Camps Camp in places like Sedona, Kalispell, and Moab, where excitement reigns
Alaska Adventures
Journey to the Last Frontier Bask in the Midnight Sun and marvel at larger-than-life glaciers.
America’s National Parks
Nature and History Preserved Rediscover America’s most cherished treasures.
Epic Fishing and Boating Haul in huge salmon or watch orcas defy gravity. Adventures are endless here.
Camp Close to National Parks Stay under clear skies near one of America’s finest national parks.
Fabulous Fall Colors
Crimson and Gold Forests Top spots for the time-honored pastime of “leaf peeping.”
Colorful Camping Stay at a campground that’s bathed in vibrant autumn hues.
Good Sam provides everything you need to have a good trip. From savings on accessories and services to finding a campground, roadside assistance, insurance and specialized products and services designed to enhance RV and outdoor lifestyle.
If you haven’t already made travel and camping plans for the total solar eclipse of 2024, time is of the essence! During this rare phenomenon, daytime will seemingly change into night for a few minutes in 13 states stretching from Texas to Maine. The following FAQ will help you decide where to camp for the best eclipse experience.
When Will the Total Eclipse of 2024 Take Place?
The total eclipse will take place on April 8 in the early afternoon hours. Texas will experience the eclipse around 1p.m. Central Time, while Maine will see the eclipse around 3:20 p.m. Eastern Time. Although the total eclipse will last only a few minutes at most, many locations will experience several hours of a partial eclipse.
Camping in Arkansas in the path of the eclipse. Photo: Kerri Cox
If you’re camping, make sure to note that April 8 is a Monday, giving you the perfect chance for an extended weekend stay. Depending on where you camp, you may need a reservation for the evening of the 8th; otherwise, you might have to check out of your campground before the eclipse.
Where Are the Best Locations to See the Eclipse?
The total eclipse will be visible in parts of these 13 states, primarily in the Central and Eastern U.S.: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. It will also be experienced in parts of Central Mexico and Eastern Canada.
The Great American Eclipse website has a map showing where the path of totality will cross the United States. Additionally, the site shows how long the partial and total eclipse will last in several major cities.
Elephant Rocks State Park is on the eclipse’s path of totality. Photo: Kerri Cox
What’s the Path of Totality?
The path of totality includes the locations where the moon will fully pass over the sun (the site indicates the path of totality in every state that will be affected). At the center of the path, the total eclipse may darken the world for over four minutes. As you get to the outer edges of the path, the full darkness will only last for a minute.
The partial eclipse will be visible in a much broader swath of the United States. In these locations, the moon will not fully block the sun. Instead of total darkness, the light will be more like late evening. The eclipse is described in percentages, and the closer to 100 percent you are, the darker it will be.
If you can travel to the path of totality, it is worth the effort since there is a significant difference in the experience. The eerie change to complete darkness only happens in the path of totality.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is on the path of totality.
How Can You Make Camping Reservations for the Eclipse of 2024?
With the eclipse crossing 13 states, there are ample camping locations. The first thing you must decide is whether you’d like to camp in the path of totality or in an area with a partial eclipse. Then, decide which state to target, depending on how far you’d like to travel and how much of an experience you’d like to have.
After checking the maps to find a location, use Good Sam to search for campgrounds and RV parks nearby. Many state and national parks likely filled when reservations opened, but private campgrounds are more likely to have openings, especially in areas experiencing a partial eclipse.
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You may find increased prices or requirements for the length of your stay at many campgrounds for the Eclipse weekend. Reservations may also be non-refundable. This special event is driving a lot of interest, so don’t be surprised if you encounter special conditions for your stay.
Eclipse Camping in Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park is one of two national parks in the path of totality. Arkansas’s Buffalo National River and Ouachita Mountains regions promise to be especially scenic. Or, head to the state capital of Little Rock.
Eclipse Camping in Kentucky: Much of the state will miss the total eclipse, but you can head to the Paducah region to experience it.
Eclipse Camping in Missouri: The Show-Me State’s best show will be found in Southeast Missouri, with beautiful locations found in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the town of Ste. Genevieve.
Eclipse Camping in Oklahoma: The total eclipse will be visible in small towns and rural regions in Southeast Oklahoma, while Tulsa and Oklahoma City will see a significant partial eclipse.
Eclipse Camping in Texas: The total eclipse will be visible in much of central Texas, including the major cities of Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Waco, and Fort Worth, as well as the popular Hill Country region.
Eclipse Camping in Illinois: Southern Illinois will be in the path of totality. Carbondale is practically dead center for seeing the longest period of darkness in the state. The Shawnee National Forest region would also be a scenic spot.
Eclipse Camping in Indiana: Much of Indiana should get a good show, with the cities of Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Bloomington being in the path of totality. Several popular state parks will offer beautiful scenery along with the eclipse.Eclipse Camping in Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the other national park in the path of totality. Much of Ohio, including many large cities, will experience the full eclipse, including Cleveland, Akron, and Dayton.
Eastern Seaboard
Eclipse Camping in Maine: The eclipse will miss Maine’s largest cities, but much of the beautiful woodlands and mountains of northern Maine will plunge into darkness, particularly near Moosehead Lake and Mount Katahdin.
Eclipse Camping in New Hampshire: Head to the North Country for the best viewing in New Hampshire, as the total eclipse will pass over the northern tip of the state.
Eclipse Camping in New York: Some of Upstate New York’s most scenic locales will be treated to a full eclipse, including Niagara Falls, the northern Finger Lakes region, and the Adirondack Mountains. The cities of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo are also included.
Eclipse Camping in Pennsylvania: The Keystone State will mostly experience a partial eclipse, other than in the northernmost portion of Western Pennsylvania, near Erie. Many parks along Lake Erie will offer a lovely landscape for the experience.
Eclipse Camping in Vermont: The northern portion of Vermont will be in the path of totality, including the towns of Burlington and Montpelier. Many scenic spots are found in the mountains.
What if You Can’t Get Reservations for Camping During the Eclipse?
It might be too late to get reservations about popular parks and destinations but don’t give up. Check for cancellations closer to the eclipse. You may luck into a last-minute spot. Or consider camping outside the path of totality and driving to it for the day.
Waiting for the eclipse. Getty Images
Also, if you are close enough to make a day trip to a location within the path of totality, the midday timing may make such a trip easy to accomplish. Many states and cities have eclipse websites with information about special events.
What Do I Need to See the Eclipse?
The first rule of an eclipse is to never look at the eclipse. Does that mean this is a lot of hoopla for nothing? Not quite! First, you will experience the darkness of the eclipse without looking directly at the sun. The shift from light to darkness is a unique experience. Plus, if you are in the path of totality, you may look at the sun when (and only when) it is fully covered by the moon.
Additionally, there are multiple ways to actually “view” the eclipse. You may find special eclipse glasses. Many locations in the path of the eclipse will have these widely available at convenience stores. Check with chambers of commerce, parks, and local businesses.
You may also create a pinhole projector using a box and other simple supplies. These allow a tiny bit of light to create an image of the moon eclipsing the sun. The full circle of the sun will get smaller and smaller and become a crescent before disappearing entirely in the path of totality.
Where Will You Experience the Eclipse?
I wasn’t swift enough to snag reservations at the state park where I hope to view the eclipse, so I’ll either make it a day trip or camp somewhere between my home and the path of totality. For the 2017 solar eclipse, I was in an area that had a 96 percent eclipse. While it was neat, I still hope to get the full experience in 2024!
With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to experiencing the great solar eclipse of 2024. Where do you plan to go for this special event?
Uncork vacation adventure in the hills of Temecula, California, between San Bernardino and San Diego. Pechanga RV Resort puts guests within close reach of stellar golfing, high-flying casino action, and a slew of vineyards that welcome visitors for tastings.
Situated amid lush landscaping and plenty of shady trees, the resort pampers guests with ample amenities. Take a dip in the pool, hone your skills in the putting green, or let your pooch run loose in the fenced pet area. From the resort, the surrounding mountains form an inspiring backdrop.
Photo Courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
Comfort in Wine Country
Pechanga RV Resort treats guests to ample lot sizes. Choices include the Presidential, with a picnic table, gazebo, barbecue, and fire pit; and the Chairman Elite, which includes all of the above along with a fire pit and large grass area. Sites also are available in pull-through versions and are 18 x 67 feet. All 210 available spaces have full hookups, with 20, 30-, and 50-amp power. The RV Resort amenities include immaculate restrooms and showers, cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, courtesy patrols 24/7, and a guest shuttle. Nearby, the Pechanga Gas Station, Mini Mart, and Baja Fresh offer added convenience.
Odds in Your Favor
A short walk from the RV resort, the Pechanga Resort Casino rolls out 200,000 square feet (equivalent to 3.5 football fields) of gaming fun. Hit the 5,500 state-of-the-art slot machines. Choose from 15 different table games, including blackjack, baccarat, and Pai Gow.
Some of the 4,500 slot machines at the Pechanga Casino. Photo Courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
Temecula Tables
Pachanga boasts several restaurants to suit a variety of tastes. Sit down for a delicious steak dinner at the newly renovated Four Diamond-rated Great Oak Steakhouse or grab a wholesome meal at the Pechanga Cafe. Other restaurants include the 1882 Cantina, Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, Paisano’s Italian, and Bamboo Pan-Asian Chinese.
Get your libations at the Round Bar, a multi-level, 360-degree party experience with music provided by a DJ. Slow things down at the Corner Bar, which immerses patrons in a classical 20th-century bar environment replete with stained oak, black granite, gold veining, and plenty of brass. The drinks boast ingredients like pear-infused bourbon, smoked apple rye whiskey, and in-house-made bitters.
Entertainment
Pechanga boasts a broad array of entertainment, from sports to music to comedy. Upcoming events include UFC bouts, the Brian Setzer Rockabilly Riot, Smokey Robinson, and the Bad Friends comedy show with Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee.
Driving at Pechanga’s Journey Golf Course. Photo Courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
Golf Journey
Searching for that perfect golfing challenge during your road trips? Pechanga’s Journey Golf Course is a par-72 links-style award-winning course designed by noted architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest. As golfers tackle the course, they’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding wine country and rolling hills.
Superb Spas
After a busy day of fun, pamper your body and relax your mind at Spa Pechanga. Treatments include the application of healing native botanicals, the same vegetation used by the Native Pechanga people for thousands of years. Also on the menu are several massage therapies, including a therapeutic, deep tissue massage, and balancing stone massage. The Journey of the Payómkawichum is a zero-gravity soundscape relaxing experience that will revitalize tired muscles.
Retail therapy at Pechanga. Photo Courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
Shopping Extravaganza
Ready to revamp your wardrobe? The Pechanga Boutiques carry the perfect outfits, with designer apparel at The Collection or The Collection Men’s. Buy fitness apparel at the Spa Pechanga and golf club, and accessories are available at the Pro Chop at Pechanga. Top brands like Burberry, Cartier, Frank Lyman, Gucci, and more are at your fingers for a fantastic shopping experience.
Local Attractions Around Pechanga RV Resort
Temecula Valley in Southern California has long been called a “secret paradise” that’s often overshadowed by nearby Palm Springs, San Diego, Anaheim, and Los Angeles. For visitors, this means avoiding big crowds while still enjoying wineries, hiking trails, warm weather, and great golfing.
The area’s hills and mountains offer lots of possibilities for active recreation seekers.
The Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival is held each May. Getty Images
Lovers of lighter-than-air travel converge at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival each May. The event features balloon rides high above the landscape. Can’t make the festival? Throughout the year, balloon operators in the area offer visitors a chance to glide in the area’s gentle wind currents with expert pilots.
Hikers and mountain bikers won’t run out of trails to explore. Bikers should hit the 1.5-mile Muriette Creek Trail, which features scenic picnic areas and consists of both paved and dirt surfaces. The 15.4 Wine Country Tour is an easy e-bike ride on mostly paved surfaces.
For hikers, the 7.2-mile Vail Lake Loop trail blends scenery and exercise. The 1,000-acre lake offers shore fishing along with paddling, power boating, and waterskiing. Road access to the lake is available if you don’t want to work up a sweat.
Grapes growing in a vineyard in Temecula. Getty Images
Fine Vintages
The region’s sunny climate has made it ideal for wine growing, and local vintners eagerly offer tastings to customers. Savor delicious reds at the Baily Vineyard and Winery, one of the area’s first winemakers. The Briar Rose Winery, whose buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottages from the 1937 cartoon, serves up a variety of wines along with lager beer.
Awesome Old Town
The streets of Old Town Temecula will dazzle history buffs, antique collectors, and window shoppers. Travel back in time to discover rustic buildings, pathways, and businesses reminiscent of Old West establishments.
Indulge your passions at the ever-expanding Promenade Mall, which is home to landmark stores, from Apple to Williams-Sonoma. For the dedicated bargain seeker, a short 15-minute drive to the Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall will reward you with top brands at low prices.
Honors
Pechanga RV Resort has garnered several accolades over the years, including a Reader’s Choice Award and Bronze Award from major RV publications, and Plan-It Green Friendly Park honors from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
Good Sam is taking it up a notch when it comes to guiding travelers to the best campgrounds in North America.
To recognize Good Sam Campgrounds that go above and beyond in terms of customer experience, Good Sam has launched its new 10/10*/10+ Campground Rating.
The new criteria separates campgrounds that have exceeded the expectations of the established 10/10*/10 system based on ratings, recreational items, services, social amenities, and anything else that goes into creating an unforgettable camping experience. Enjoy the best campgrounds that Good Sam has to offer.
Good Sam provides everything you need to have a good trip. From savings on accessories and services to finding a campground, roadside assistance, insurance and specialized products and services designed to enhance RV and outdoor lifestyle.
2024 Winnebago Vista parked outside of Side Biscuit in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Team drums? Or team flats?
Chef Jordan Balduf knows how to keep both teams happy. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, it’s no wonder he’s a natural at cooking some of the best buffalo chicken wings in the game.
Today, you’ll find Chef Jordan cooking his staple wings at Side Biscuit in the heart of Ann Arbor, Mich. The 270-square-foot kitchen is small but mighty, churning nearly two dozen 40-pound cases of chicken wings per week. In addition to the crispy chicken wings, the restaurant is also known for its buttery biscuits and savory chicken dip. The wings can be tossed in a variety of mouthwatering sauces made in house. The fresh flavors range from classics like “OG Buffalo” to more unexpected, original flavors like “Gucci Gang,” a sweet but spicy sauce made with Korean chili paste called gochujang.
Chef Jordan Balduf
Small Kitchen, Big Flavor
You don’t have to travel to Ann Arbor to eat good on game day. Chef Jordan has teamed up with Chef RV to show us how to take your tailgate feast to the next level.
Cooking from a 2022 Winnebago Vista, Jordan and our host Carlos Parisi show us how to make his staple wings, biscuits and dip. We utilized the space from both the inside and outside of the RV to show how you can maximize your cooking potential. With so many nooks and crannies, the RV has plenty of functional storage space that makes cooking for a party full of people feel effortless. Beginning with the biscuits, the RV’s countertop surface area proves perfect for forming fluffy dough. The fridge is big enough to keep the prepped wings and dough chilled while the delicious dip bakes in the nearly form-fitted oven space.
Outside the RV is where the chicken wing magic takes place. Using a propane tank to heat a pot of oil, the wings are ready to be dropped and deep fried. While 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard internal temperature for cooked chicken, Chef Jordan follows the unofficial rules of the Buffalo-style playbook: Don’t take the wings out of the oil until they reach an internal temperature of a crisp 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipes:
Biscuits:
4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
2 Teaspoons Salt
12 Tablespoons Butter
2 Cups Buttermilk
OG Buffalo Wing Sauce:
4 Quarts Frank’s Original Red Hot
4 Cups Butter
Chicken Wing Dip:
16 Ounces Cream Cheese
16 Ounces Shredded Cheddar
1 Cup Frank’s Red Hot
1 Cup Blue Cheese Dressing
2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
Winging It
When it comes to cooking for friends and family on the road, Chef Jordan says bring your wings. In the past, he has fried his signature wings in a cast iron skillet over the campfire on the beach. More traditionally, he enjoys treating everyone to a hot post-camping meal in the parking lot.
After cooking in the Winnebago, he says he was “super impressed with the space,” adding that it’s bigger than most apartment kitchens in the area.
The Winnebago Vista makes tailgate and campsite cooking a breeze with kitchen spaces both inside and out. The galley kitchen inside the Vista comes fully-equipped with a three-burner recessed range top with black glass folding cover and large oven. A massive, two-door 10 cubic-foot, 12-volt stainless steel refrigerator/freezer is perfect for cold storage, while dedicated pantry space help keep your cooking essentials nearby. On the outside of the Vista, the Winnebago Tailgate Package provides a refrigerator, LP Quick-Connect for a grill, a stainless-steel sink with single-level faucet and more to create an exterior cooking space that rivals the inside.
The Winnebago Vista is also built for luxury, convenience and entertainment. TVs located both inside and outside of the Vista will keep guests in the game while a powered patio awning with LED lights provides plenty of cover and light. A spacious bathroom will help keep guests comfortable and relaxed, as will the large sofa bed and swiveling captain’s chairs in the living area of the coach. With several convertible sleeping spaces, the Winnebago Vista can comfortably sleep up to eight people.
Impressed with the Winnebago Vista? General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of travel trailers and motorhomes for yourself. We have thousands of RVs in stock including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
With the new year comes a slew of new Good Sam campgrounds in some of North America’s most beautiful destinations. Check out this batch of 68 campgrounds that have recently joined the Good Sam Network. You can also visit new Good Sam Campgrounds in the Southwest and Southern States.
Good Sam members get a 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While planning your trip, consider all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. Not a member? Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online.
On the banks of the Little Susitna River, this park treats guests to a true Alaska camping experience. Cast a line into the waterway for world-class salmon or enjoy the nearby town of Houston.
Stay at an RV park with ample amenities, including outdoor games, a “bark park” for canines, a camp store, free Wi-Fi, laundry, and a grilling area. Beautifully designed cabins and glamping tents are coming soon in this getaway.
Located in one of the natural state’s top tourist destinations, this park sits close to Oaklawn Casino & RaceTrack and lakes Hamilton, Catherine, and Ouachita. Take a soothing soak in Bathhouse Row or go walking or biking on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.
Discover a wealth of RV camping adventures on beautiful Lake Hamilton. From pontoon and kayak rentals to a slew of nearby area attractions, this spot keeps guests active and engaged.
The mountains in the Natural State just beckon to be explored, and this RV park in the community of Mena is the perfect place to start. Whitewater rafting, offroading, hiking, and hunting entice outdoor lovers to this region.
As the name implies, this perch provides a relaxing spot with clean bathrooms and showers. Beyond the park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, and the McPhee Reservoir are all a short drive away.
This park serves as a year-round basecamp for adventurous road trippers. During the winter, snowsports are outstanding. In the nearby town, wine festivals and other events entertain and dazzle.
See the Milky Way and other astronomical delights from this town, designated an International Dark Sky community. During the day, hit the TransAmerica cross-country trail, paddle on the Arkansas River, and marvel at the towering sights of Royal Gorge.
This family- and pet-friendly park offers a gated, secure natural experience. Nearby casinos, ocean beaches, and antique shops complement on-site swimming, paintball, hayrides, and more.
Camp in one of Delaware’s most vibrant towns. Several state parks, historical sites, and water attractions keep guests busy in an under-the-radar gem of a destination.
Serenity meets adventure in this rustic getaway on a beautiful lakeside setting. With roomy RV sites and a welcoming environment, the park enables guests to fish, paddle, and hike to their delight.
Do you seek adventure or do you prefer to sit on a lush river bank and watch the current? This resort caters to every outdoor desire, with cabins, RV spaces, and tent sites at the confluence of three Idaho Rivers.
This 150-acre campground is a favorite among travelers to the Quad City region on the Mississippi River. The two lakes entice guests to go fishing, canoeing, or paddleboating.
Home to one of the world’s largest subterranean environments, Cave City is an outstanding travel destination. Experience it all by staying at Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave and enjoying attractions both above and below the surface.
Amid the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State, this campground offers full-hookup campsites with 30- and 50-amp power, Wi-Fi, and picnic tables. Amenities include a large pool, playground area, and a lighted outdoor dining shelter with a barbecue grill.
Get a taste of New England at its best on 600 acres of lush woodlands, many overlooking swimming and fishing ponds. Amenities include the General Store, Snack Shack, Ice Cream Shack, boat rentals, arcade, and Aqua Park.
Located in eastern Michigan, this glamping and RV resort sits on a picturesque hillside just five minutes from Lake Huron Beaches. Twenty-five acres of mixed-use glamping and RV spaces welcome travelers with great views of Stocks Creek.
Overlooking Table Rock Lake, the park has a boat dock and ramp. Campers can choose RV sites, A-frames, or lodges in one of the region’s best family camping destinations.
Minutes from Branson’s famous attractions, Bull Creek RV Park puts campers in a quiet and secluded environment. Swim in the creek, relax on the patio, or chill out on a hammock right by the creek bank.
This park has the best of both worlds: It’s located on Lake Taneycomo — with full lake access — and also minutes from the Branson Strip. Full-hookup sites, laundry, a shower house, and a full-service marina make this a top spot for campers eager to explore Branson.
This campground is located in a quiet wooded area with restaurants and shopping close by. Guests take advantage of the fishing pond, clean laundry facilities, bathhouses, and free Wi-fi.
Discover waterfalls and caverns in the rugged Ozark Highlands. Savor the scenery of crystal-clear Table Rock Lake, or launch a boat from the park’s marina.
Downtown St. Louis city skyline with The Gateway Arch. Getty Images
This newly remodeled resort entices golfers to gorgeous and challenging fairways and greens. Take advantage of Individual, Family, and Preferred Player memberships in this open-to-the-public destination. Relax in a full-hookup site while enjoying views of the Mississippi River.
Located near Glacier National Park, this “little piece of heaven” is a year-round, resort-style destination with fishing, golfing, and hiking all nearby. In winter, slide down great powder at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
This family-owned RV park is centrally located to many of Big Sky Country’s top attractions, including Glacier National Park, Whitefish, and Kalispell. Stay here for boating, skiing, and horseback riding adventures.
Perched on the banks of the Yellowstone River, this park offers outstanding accommodations for RV travelers and tent campers, including full hookups and free cable TV. With 46 RV sites overlooking the river, the park sits just one mile from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
This park boasts cozy wooded sites and ample amenities, including laundry facilities, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and showers. The campground sits five miles from the famous Jersey Shore, 10 miles from beautiful and historic Cape May, and 20 miles from Atlantic City.
Go camping close to all the fun. Atlantic Blueberry RV Park is 15 miles north of the Atlantic City Strip and beaches, 22 miles from Ocean City, 27 miles from Long Beach Island, and 20 miles from Brigantine Beach, a family-oriented beach town for kids of all ages.
The Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Getty Images
Nestled in the Lower Catskills/Hudson Valley, this resort is just 90 miles from New York City and close to outdoor attractions and entertainment. Go for a glider ride at Wurtsboro Airport, tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, or peruse exhibits at the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame.
This 154-site RV park is located in the Saratoga Springs area, home to arts, culture, and great horse racing. Guests can enjoy the park’s heated pool, hiking/biking trails, pickleball court, laundry facilities, remodeled showers, free WiFi at the clubhouse, and pool.
In the stunning Adirondack Mountains, this camping spot provides privacy and tranquility in unspoiled nature. Swim in the resort’s heated pools, watch an outdoor movie, or roast marshmallows around the campfire.
Niagara Falls as seen from the American side. Getty Images
On Route 62, this resort is six miles away from the amazing Niagara Falls, making it the closest campground to the iconic attraction. Take advantage of the variety of RV and tent sites; each site has a fire pit, picnic table, water, electric, sewer, and free Wi-Fi.
The Buckeye State’s top spots are all close to this resort, which is 20 minutes north of Columbus. Nearby attractions include the Polaris Fashion Place, the world-famous Columbus Zoo, and Ohio State University.
This Class A motorhome resort sits on the shores of Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake. Lots are for sale or rent, and the resort offers luxury amenities on the Sunset Coast.
Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. Getty Images
Camp on the stunning shores of Sandusky Bay across from Cedar Point Amusement Park. All sites are full-hookup with a heated pool, clubhouse, and nearby water sports, shops, and restaurants.
Camp in a great Oklahoma location. This RV park sits just west of Tulsa off Highway 412, a half mile from the gorgeous beaches of Appalachia Bay on Keystone Lake. Guests can camp on paved sites with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp power. There’s a dog park, a general store, and three storm shelters.
This RV park sits close to Boone Pickens Stadium, home to the legendary Oklahoma State University Cowboys. When not in football mode, guests can enjoy ample amenities along with roomy spaces, including some pull-through sites.
Camp in the countryside with long pull-throughs, shaded sites, and peaceful meadow views. The Old Towne RV Ranch has a great fishing pond, and guests can feed the fish from a relaxing gazebo. Just three miles away, the WinStar World Casino and Resort — the planet’s largest casino — dishes out gaming and entertainment.
Gaming and entertainment meet the great outdoors at this exciting getaway. The 74-space RV park has laundry and shower facilities, full hookups, free Wi-fi, and fully furnished park models. Owners of larger vehicles can take advantage of pull-through sites.
Experience scenic Oregon at Sun Outdoors Portland South, formerly known as Pheasant Ridge RV Resort. The amazing location in Wilsonville is minutes away from exciting attractions and only a short drive to Portland, the state’s largest city.
Camp in the beautiful countryside of Lancaster near the famous Green Dragon Farmer’s Market, historic Ephrata Cloister, and Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve, all minutes away. The campground offers several activities to keep guests busy.
Whether you’re looking to relax, fish, boat, kayak, or embark on ATV adventures, there’s something for all campers in this Pennsylvania getaway. The campground is located only two miles from Prince Gallitzin State Park and Glendale Lake. Stay overnight or for the season.
In the heart of the Black Hills, this campground offers spacious sites with views of the tall, majestic pines and babbling brooks of Bear Butte and Strawberry Creeks. Enjoy the amenities or tour the iconic town of Deadwood, a place that’s enshrined in Old West legend.
This resort is located within walking distance of downtown Hill City, which is just 25 minutes from the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Hike and bike the George Mickelson Trail located next to the park when you’re not enjoying the RV sites, tent sites, and vacation cabins.
Just five miles from Badlands National Park, this getaway has a pool, mini golf, 50-amp power, and spaces that stretch as long as 120 feet. Unique amenities include cabins with hard-surface patios, free pet showers, cable TV, an enclosed pavilion, and more.
Located off Interstate 90 in Mitchell, the campground sits in one of North Dakota’s most popular destinations. Visit the Mitchell Corn Palace, a major entertainment venue that’s also a showcase of amazing corn murals.
On the banks of the scenic Tennessee River, this campground gives guests a chance to enjoy fishing, boating, golfing, state parks, museums, and other diversions. Enjoy tenting, full-hookup RV sites — including big rig sites — and cabin/cottage rentals.
Home to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, the Titanic Museum, and several other attractions, Pigeon Forge is a tourism hot spot. Stay in comfort at Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge, located on the Parkway just minutes from major theme parks and museums.
This park is surrounded by a bevy of Volunteer State attractions, including the scenic Tennessee River, Watts Bar Lake, the Great Smoky Mountains, and a slew of local attractions and fantastic restaurants. Set in a peaceful environment, the campground welcomes pets and has roomy sites for guests, with pull-through sites available.
Utah
Hikers at the observation point near Angles Landing in Zion National Park. Getty Images
Camp in roomy RV spaces in a new RV resort close to Interstate 15 in southwestern Utah. Just minutes from St. George and a short drive to Zion, Settlers Junction has a swimming pool, pickleball courts, a dog park with dog cleanup stations throughout the park, and full hookups with 50-amp power.
Located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this resort sits right on the Chesapeake Bay with its own private beach. Bring along your fishing gear, kayaks, and paddleboards to take advantage of this terrific setting, or make a splash in the campground’s two pools.
Sun Outdoors Cape Charles — formerly known as Cherrystone Family Camping Resort — has more than 300 acres of natural waterfront with breathtaking sunsets, wildlife, and enough on-site activities to keep your entire family busy.
Camp and glamp in luxury at Chincoteague Island, Virginia’s newest RV resort and campground, located directly on Chincoteague Bay. Relax on the beach and relish sightings of the area’s famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies.
Lake Ridge RV Resort offers spacious full-hookup sites along with wonderful lodges, which are designed to offer the convenience of home in a quiet wooded setting. Drop into the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market.
Just one hour away from Richmond and Charlottesville, Christopher Run Campground offers beautiful lakefront camping, beaches, boat docks, and ramps. Guests also can play mini-golf and games, with the option of staying in cabins. It’s a great family getaway, with lake dining and fun.
In this resort, guests can cool off in the swimming pool and splash park, or try mini golf or fly fishing. Several planned activities keep guests busy against a beautiful backdrop.
Guests can enjoy an outstanding location just minutes away from the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague. Unplug at this quiet resort, which is nestled among the tall pines and breathtaking waterfront of the Pocomoke Sound.
Set up camp just a few miles from the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center in Silver Lake. Explore scenic trails in and around the blast zone, still scarred from the infamous 1980 eruption. See outstanding sunset views.
This park is located in downtown Forks just walking distance from restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. Go sightseeing for waterfalls, hike along the Sol Duc River, or explore beaches near Olympic National Park.
Beacon Charters RV Park is located on the scenic southwest coast of Washington in Ilwaco, which is nestled just inside the Columbia River bar. The property is located next to the Port of Ilwaco, a popular port for fishing.
Stay in the heart of the Tri-Cities area, famous for outstanding water recreation, wineries, and golf courses. Tri-Cities RV Park offers guests to rent for an affordable flat monthly rate with full hookups.
The Authentic Western Town of Meeteetse sits at the front porch of Yellowstone and is 30 minutes from Cody. The area is known for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, and visitors can experience it all when they stay here.
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. Getty Images
At the intersection of Highways 2 and 642, this campground sits on stunning Heritage Lake, with ample fishing available. Nearby, Morinville offers grocery stores, pubs, restaurants, and gas stations.
Visitors will discover this outstanding park on Cariboo Highway 97, a historic Gold Rush Trail of 1862 and a major route to Alaska. Take advantage of roomy spaces — including big rig sites — and explore the nature trail just steps from your campsite.
Campers can immerse themselves in the wilderness near the Grand Falls Gorge. Hike a mile-long trail with stunning views, ride a thrilling zipline, and marvel at wells in the rocks. With ample amenities, the park is located just seven miles from the town.
Sightseers will enjoy this campground’s location near the Tidal Bore, Truro, and other regional attractions. Guests can enjoy full-hookup and extra-long sites with free Wi-Fi, along with a laundromat and showers.
Nestled within Southern California’s arid landscapes, the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort in Niland, California, is more than a myth; it’s a tangible and captivating destination. Let’s explore the history of the Fountain of Youth and the myriad attractions in the surrounding area.
The Mythical Fountain of Youth: A Real-Life Discovery
The concept of the Fountain of Youth, promising eternal youth and vitality, has intrigued humanity for centuries. Although the Fountain of Youth in Niland doesn’t grant immortality, it offers rejuvenation. The natural hot springs in this region are reputed for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing mineral-rich waters, enveloped by the serene desert surroundings. These hot springs hold the power to alleviate stress and tension, making a visit to the Fountain of Youth a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Soothing hot water in the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort.
Things to Do and See in the Area
Hot Springs Relaxation: The centerpiece of the Fountain of Youth is the revitalizing hot springs. Renowned for their healing properties, these mineral-rich waters have a long history of attracting visitors in search of relaxation and well-being.
Desert landscape around the Salton Sea.
Bird Watching: The nearby Salton Sea is a paradise for birdwatchers. Positioned along the Pacific Flyway, it serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. Armed with binoculars, you can spot an array of bird species temporarily inhabiting this area. Salton Sea State Recreation Area: Just a short drive away, the Salton Sea State Recreation Area offers opportunities for picnicking, camping, and hiking while providing breathtaking views of California’s largest lake. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, providing a chance to observe the creatures that call this unique ecosystem home.
Salvation Mountain northeast of Niland.
Salvation Mountain: A brief drive from Niland takes you to the iconic Salvation Mountain. This technicolor wonder is an astonishing work of art, meticulously crafted by Leonard Knight over several decades. It stands as a testament to one man’s unwavering devotion to spreading a message of love and salvation through art.
Artwork and craftsmanship on display at East Jesus.
East Jesus: Situated adjacent to Salvation Mountain, East Jesus is an experimental art community and sculpture garden. Here, artists have transformed discarded materials into thought-provoking works of art, challenging conventional thinking. This is a unique destination for those who appreciate the intersection of creativity and sustainability. Ghost Town of Bombay Beach: The Salton Sea area features the captivating ghost town of Bombay Beach. Explore the eerie ambiance as you wander among the remnants of a once-vibrant resort town now in a state of decay. The town offers a unique backdrop for photography and a contemplative experience.
Exploration of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Venture a little further to explore the stunning Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The park offers hiking opportunities, a chance to witness breathtaking wildflower blooms during spring, and stargazing in a designated International Dark Sky Park.
A piece of obsidian stands out among rocks and sand in this corner of the California desert.
Obsidian Hunting: Geology enthusiasts will find the surrounding desert a playground for obsidian hunting. Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, can be discovered in this region. With proper permits and guidance, you can embark on a geological treasure hunt.
Ready to explore the desert with OHVs near the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort.
In conclusion, the Fountain of Youth in Niland, California, is a distinctive desert oasis with a rich history and a wide array of attractions. Whether you seek relaxation, exploration, art appreciation, or a connection to the desert’s natural beauty, this destination will not disappoint. Embrace the allure of this hidden gem and uncover the enchanting experiences awaiting you in the heart of the Southern California desert. The Niland, CA desert is an interesting area. This is ATV country — people love this area for Jeeping and 4-wheeling.
Vintage Bombay Beach poster on the Salton Sea.
Oddities: Salton Sea (the history of this area is fascinating) Bombay Beach Fountain of Youth is a destination in itself with wonderful Hot Mineral Springs and Saunas. They have a very active Snowbird season with live music and tons of activities. They have a store and a weekly farm market with fresh produce from the valley. They have hiking/biking trails directly from the park.
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The other day, I discovered a thin crack in the shower pan of our 2011 Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer. As a temporary measure, I applied a good helping of G/Flex 650 Epoxy around it to stop any leak and keep the crack from spreading further. I used it to repair cracked waste holding tanks over four years ago, and it’s been a success. So, it should do the job for my shower crack until I can acquire a replacement pan.
In this video, I make a custom plug for my Bluetti AC300 portable lithium power station. The AC300 doesn’t come with a plug for the 30A 12VDC port. It’s an optional accessory, plus I also wanted one to work for my existing XT90 connections on my VIAIR 12V air compressor and my Flojet Macerator pump.
I purchased an Aviation-type male plug and soldered it to 10 GA solar cables and an XT90 plug. I also made up some test cables using 10 gauge marine wire, XT90 connectors, alligator clamps, and ring connectors. Stay tuned, as I will have a video out with some testing of the Bluetti AC300 12VDC 30 amp port in the future.
On the heels of a major expansion, Encore Terra Ceia Village RV Resort gives guests more reasons to stay and play in this lush corner of southwest Florida.
Located in Palmetto on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Sarasota, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort recently added several amenities along with new, roomy sites. Guests can use the resort as a launching pad for day trips to surrounding attractions, from Walt Disney World to Seaworld to Longboat Key.
Big Expansion
The park hosted a Grand Opening event on November 4th showcasing all the major improvements made to accommodate guests and add more fun, including the following:
The addition of 190 new sites, with plenty of room for slideouts along with picnic tables
A new swim area with a pool, deck, and pavilion
New clubhouse with ample gathering space and restrooms
New state-of-the-art fitness center
New restrooms and bathhouse
4 new pickleball courts.
Terra Ceia’s new pool and clubhouse.
In addition to the main clubhouse, an activity center on the resort’s west side gives guests additional ways to relax. There’s a screen porch along with a second pool as well as shuffleboard courts.
Other activities in the resort include arts and crafts, exercise classes, and card playing. Guests can get competitive with ladder ball and other outdoor games, and give their pets a chance to exercise at the dog park. Five ponds surround the property, enhancing views in every direction.
RV sites at Terra Ceia
Comfortable Stays
Set among rich landscaping, the resort’s RV spaces include full-hookup Elite sites, with 30- and 50-amp power and available with cable and WiFi. Elite Plus sites sit on a perimeter road and some include a picturesque water view. Both concrete and grass sites are available, many of which can be occupied for a month or longer.
Terra Ceia
Nearby Fun
Terra Ceia’s location puts guests close to some of the Sunshine State’s most prized destinations. Visitors can motor northeast along Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 to get to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, two of the world’s most popular theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando gives visitors a spectacular look at ocean life.
Less than 50 miles north along Interstate 75, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay blends thrilling rides and immersive animal tours for a unique theme park experience. Also in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City, and charter boat trips keep the adventure going.
Florida Aquarium Tampa. Getty Images
The city also is home to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with high-stakes gaming, dining, and world-class entertainment. Find family-friendly fun at Adventure Island, which features 30 acres of water rides, dining, and other attractions. Launch a kayak on the surrounding waters to see the city from a different perspective.
Cool Off on the Islands
To the west, the Gulf of Mexico has postcard-worthy views complete with chains of verdant islands. For starters, Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key — known for their white-sand beaches — are just minutes away from the resort. Both offer lots of boating, fishing, and beachcombing possibilities.
Longboat Key. Getty Images
In Palmetto’s Back Yard
Guests who prefer shorter day trips will find plenty of attractions closer to home. Just south of Palmetto across the Manatee River, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton features The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, and more science-related exhibits that thrill and entertain. Also in Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center hosts top theatrical and musical acts.
For convenience, Palmetto is home to hundreds of local and chain restaurants. You’ll also find numerous shopping centers, including outlet malls and flea markets.
Terra Ceia Village is an Encore Park, part of the Thousand Trails chain of campgrounds and RV resorts. Get more information at thousandtrails.com.
If you’re making your way out west and looking for an enchanting detour, then Salina, Utah, might just be worth the pit stop. With plenty of serene and scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, golf, and more, it’s a great excuse to stretch your legs and stay a while.
To help give you some inspiration for an improvised itinerary, here are 5 places to explore around Salina, Utah.
1. Fishlake National Forest
The largest freshwater mountain lake in the state of Utah, Fishlake National Forest is a haven for bird watching, hiking, trophy fishing, or just taking in the sights of the serene aspen landscape. With hundreds of miles of motorized trails, diverse vegetation, and a diverse ecology of wildlife, there’s plenty to explore.
2. Yuba State Park
Built by local farmers and ranchers from a while back, Yuba State Park sits on the Sevier Bridge Reservoir. The reservoir is a great hub for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, and boasts plenty of opportunities for off-roading.
Fun fact: The dam bears the namesake of the men who built it, originally titled the U.B. Dam. It was later opted to go with a more phonetic spelling.
3. Cove View Golf Course
Cove View Golf Course is a beautiful respite for casual and scratch golfers alike, with plenty of events and concessions to help pass the time. Affordable and aesthetic, Cove View is a great excuse to get out and enjoy a perfect day in the Salina/Richfield area.
4. Love’s RV Stop
While you’re exploring Salina, you’ll need a good landing spot for the night. Fortunately, Love’s RV Stop – 581 has you covered with full hookups, fuel, and all the snacks that are vital for a road trip – for an overnight ranging between $37 and $48 a night. Not to mention that if you’re a Good Sam Member, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on your stay. Reserve your spot using Love’s app or on their website.
Love’s now offers over 40 locations nationwide, each providing full RV hookups, Wi-Fi, paved spots, laundry, restrooms, showers, dog parks, and other varying amenities from location to location.
5. Mystic Hot Springs
Discovered over a century ago, the Mystic Hot Springs were reinvigorated in the mid-90s to facilitate a resting place, combining soaking areas, restored cabins, and plenty of art, music, and glass jewelry. All in all, it’s a great spot to warm up during cooler temps and take in the artistry and scenic beauty while you’re at it.
Where you can find a rodeo, space rockets, and skyscrapers in the same town? Welcome to Houston, America’s fourth largest city, with a subtropical climate and a distinctly Texas attitude. Houston offers a wealth of diverse experiences to explore, including a world-class Museum District, abundant parks, and a thriving arts scene.
McGovern Lake in Houston Hermann Park Conservancy. Getty Images
Meander the Museum District
Nearly 20 museums await you in Houston the Museum District, and half of them offer free admission. You might find yourself examining one of the Menil Collection’s Picassos, gazing up at a dinosaur skeleton in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or paying solemn respects at the Holocaust Museum Houston.
You can learn about human health, Buffalo Soldiers, the Slavic culture, and so much more. If the kids are among along, make a stop at the Children’s Museum. When you’ve had your fill of halls of treasures, venture outside to Hermann Park, a 445-acre green space featuring a railway, pedal boats, and a Japanese Garden amid a natural landscape.
The Bloch Cancer Survival Plaza in the Museum District. Photo: Viephoto Studio
Hallmarks of Houston
One of Houston’s main claims to fame is the important role it has played in NASA’s Space Program, thanks to the Johnson Space Center. View artifacts from NASA’s history, including real moon rocks; take a tram out to rocket park, where you can see the massive shuttles that have gone to space; or book a tour of the historic Mission Control, the nerve center of space travel.
The Circular Walkway connects the Chevron Buildings in downtown Houston. Getty Images
Another iconic Houston stop is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world’s largest. The 20-day event each February and March is hosted in NRG Stadium, which seats over 70,000 spectators. In addition to the traditional rodeo events and livestock competitions, you’ll find an extensive list of entertainment options, including concerts by renowned performers, a carnival, and organized trail rides.
Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou near the McKee Street Bridge. Photo: Patrick Feller
The Great Outdoors
One way to get unique views of Houston is by paddling the Buffalo Bayou, a 52-mile waterway that winds through downtown. The recently remodeled Buffalo Bayou Park is home to biking and hiking trails, manicured gardens, and plenty of places to play. Another unique stop is the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, which features a 64-foot-tall semicircle man-made waterfall. It’s an obvious photo op and offers a spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
Tolerance Statue along the Buffalo Bayou. Photo: Viephoto Studio
Outdoor Performances
From March through November, the open-air Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park puts on lively stage productions. Think live jazz, ballet, and musical theater, which are absolutely cool and free. It obviously draws a crowd. This remarkable facility with its free high-quality programs is unique in the U.S. It is the only proscenium theatre in the country that offers an artistically excellent, culturally diverse, eight-month season of performances totally free of charge to the public. In the off-season, a picnic at Downtown’s urban park, Discovery Green, is another smart choice.
Good Sam offers more ways to save for snowbirds motoring through the Sun Belt this winter. We’ve added the 70 parks to the Good Sam Network, giving you more value for your buck as you explore Southern destinations like New Orleans’ French Quarter or the Houston Space Center.
Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While exploring, discover all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. If you’re not a member, joining is easy: Simply buy a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.
Find the new Good Sam Parks in the following states:
This new RV park in Elberta puts guests close to beaches, restaurants, shopping, and waterparks. Free Wi-Fi, a new pool, showers, and laundry give the amenities they need for a great stay.
This resort sits next to a Tanger Outlet Mall, OWA amusement park, mini golf, and Tropical Falls indoor water park. Guests can enjoy a clubhouse, three swimming pools, three pickleball courts, and a dog park. Additionally, the park sits 10 miles from a Gulf Coast beach.
Gentle Gulf Coast breezes foster a relaxing atmosphere at this beautifully landscaped resort, with a pool, fishing lake, and great location. Restaurants, shopping, waterparks, and other attractions are close.
This brand-new park boasts large lots for sale and rent. Guests can use the showers, bathrooms, coin laundry, pool, and meeting area. Take advantage of the designated dog park and playground amid ample green spaces and trees.
On a tree-rich peninsula by Wheeler Lake in northern Alabama, this park treats visitors to boating, fishing, and swimming. Also, there’s a zipline course and cozy cabins.
Located on a working persimmon farm, this new RV park features sites big enough for slideouts. Indeed, some have concrete patios and grass. Close to Midland City, the park is only 20 minutes from Dothan, with its variety of restaurants and shopping.
This 55+ active lifestyle community is close to some of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful landscapes, including beaches, springs, parks, and forests. In addition, the beautiful resort entices visitors to stay for a whole season, but folks can also stay for just one night as well.
Indulge in secluded camping in beautiful central Florida. Year-round local and fun events entertain visitors with food and fun. This can be a launchpad for trips to Daytona Beach and the Daytona International Speedway.
Florida’s Daytona Beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Getty Images
Paradise meets Southern charm in this hidden gem, with multiple spacious, shaded lots. From here, guests can take day trips to top Sunshine State destinations, including Gainesville, Crescent Beach, St. Augustine, Cedar Key, Daytona Beach, or Jacksonville.
Conveniently located off Interstate 75 near the Florida-Georgia state line, this park sits just 20 minutes from Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta. Great for one-night or seasonal visitors, the park has a fishing lake, pizza and wing delivery, and cabins.
From this park, guests can reach some of Florida’s top attractions, from the coasts to Disney World. Take day trips to fun spots or relax in a fun park.
In the quiet town of Madison, just off Interstate 10, Station RV Resort puts guests in the midst of antique shops, restaurants, and a community playhouse. The nearby Four Freedoms Trail leads hikers through lush environments.
This top vacation destination on Florida’s Panhandle combines luxurious amenities with fun and adventure. Families, locals, and snowbirds are welcome to this spot in the sun, just off Interstate 10 and 23 minutes from beautiful Navarre Beach. Rental cottages and covered wagons are available.
This resort offers 11 sites overlooking Ochlockonee Bay, with outstanding views of the water. Located in beautiful Panacea, this resort has been described as “paradise.”
North of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this park boasts beautifully remodeled facilities, round-the-clock activities, and possibilities for lasting friendships. This is a great snowbird roost or year-round destination.
State-of-the-art facilities at Ja-Mar Travel Park.
As part of the Florida Keys chain, Sugarloaf Key is connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway. Visitors to this tropical paradise can go kayaking, snorkeling, beachcombing, or fishing.
Bask in charming island style in Tallahassee. Guests can explore miles of untouched landscapes, local attractions, and activities, including golfing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The big rig-friendly park has a pool, playground, showers, and Wi-Fi.
In the heart of Florida, this park is just 3.5 miles from Legoland and a day trip away from Orlando. Discover outstanding shopping, stellar dining, citrus groves, and several canal-connected lakes. Guests can relax or explore.
Centrally located off Interstate 75, this park has renovated its bathhouse and laundry facility, and more improvements are underway. Anglers can drop lines in the 3.5-acre pond for catch-and-release action or take a dip in the swimming pool.
Overlooking Cloudland Canyon and Desoto Falls in northwest Georgia, Cloud Camp sits close to outstanding hiking and biking trails. Relax at camp or explore the scenic terrain. No RV? Guests can camp in one of the luxurious Airstream trailers.
In South Georgia, this park is the place “where to stay on the way.” Located off Exit 62 on Interstate 75, the park has a security gate, full hookups, pull-through sites, a fenced dog park, fast Wi-Fi, and paved sites. LongHorn Steakhouse, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Olive Garden, and more are all within walking distance.
With concrete pads and grassy areas, this neat and clean park is just minutes from Interstate 12 off Exit 19. Adjacent to the park, the Gator Park Sports Complex offers a wide range of recreation and exercise choices.
Twelve minutes from the French Quarter, this resort puts guests in the heart of the Big Easy’s action. Guests can launch their watercraft on the Inner Harbor Navigational Channel that leads to Lake Pontchartrain.
Travelers can explore New Orleans and the surrounding area from this pet-friendly, amenity-filled resort. Relax in the heated pool, sip a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or play mini-golf or pickleball. It’s great for snowbirds and groups.
Enjoy the renovations in this park off Interstate 10. In addition to new restrooms and showers, there’s a newly redone pool, a new game room with a pool table, and a table shuffleboard. Swim in the newly redone pool when you’re not lounging in the wide sites, some of which are paved. The park’s ample green spaces and large oak shade trees complete the picture.
Located one mile off U.S. Highway 45, this peaceful RV park has concrete pads and lots of room for slideouts. Walk your pets on the large expanse of maintained green grass with flowers. Also, the park has a pavilion and hiking trails.
Located northwest of the Outer Banks Peninsula, this KOA Resort sits on the Currituck Sound with a half-mile of private coastline, plus fishing piers and boat ramp access. Amenities include laundry facilities, clean bathrooms with hot water, Wi-Fi, a KOA store, and playgrounds.
Tryon International RV Resort is a center for equestrian sports.
Embark on Blue Ridge Adventures from this resort, which is part of the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The pet-friendly resort includes seven restaurants and bars, shopping, live music, golf, a pool, fitness amenities, and year-round events for all ages.
This newly renovated Blue Ridge retreat sits amid spring flowers, summer waterfalls, glorious fall colors, and fun winter snow sports. Hike, bike, fish, or just wander the woods on 78 acres.
This new RV resort is centered around family. The park is built on family farmland with your brood in mind, with a playground, ponds, a beach, big sites, and lots of music and entertainment to keep the party going.
This new park welcomes travelers motoring along Interstate 95 or the many state highways near Latta. With large pull-through sites and friendly staff, this park invites campers to take a break.
Just off Interstate 35 in Alvarado, this park boasts paved roads and sites, patios, a playground, and a sparkling pool and spa. Dogs can cavort in the dog park while their humans hone their golf skills on the putting green.
Minutes from Redfish Bay, this resort appeals to travelers looking for nearby fishing, boating, and beaches. Prefer to stay at the resort? Accordingly, go fishing in the pond or swimming in the sparkling pool.
In this vibrant community, guests can use the extra-large pull-through concrete sites with plenty of room for slideouts. Located just off Interstate 20, Sundance RV Park also has a dog park, clean restrooms, and laundry facilities.
This is the newest RV campground in Bandera — the Cowboy Capital of the World. Elm Acres has sparkling amenities in one central clubhouse. The friendly staff helps guests pursue their interests, whether it’s working, playing, or relaxing.
This all-age luxury resort in Brownsville lies only 17 miles from SpaceX and South Padre Island Beaches. If you want to go to Mexico, the park is only seven miles from the Matamoros Access Point. Visitors discover resort-style amenities and warm, sunny winters in this clean, safe environment.
Relaxing at Jetstream RV Resort — Tropical Trails in Brownsville.
The newest RV park in Cleveland is just a short distance from Interstate 69. Set amid tall trees and lush landscaping, the park’s large concrete sites and surrounding pavement give guests plenty of room for turning and parking their RVs. There are nice, clean, private restrooms, showers, and a laundry room. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing and basketball.
Visitors can escape to a place that welcomes families, retirees, singles, and winter Texans. Amenities include free fiber optic Wi-Fi, firepits, cable TV, and playgrounds. Garner State Park and the Frio River — both accessible to the public — are minutes away.
On 14 acres just two miles north of Garner State Park, Camp Cold Springs has 450 feet of Fio River Frontage. The newly renovated campground is the perfect spot to experience this beautiful waterway.
Located only a quarter-mile from Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, this park offers plenty of local year-round activities, including the famous Jeep Weekend on Crystal Beach. Supersites for big rigs give campers lots of elbow room.
Nestled on a ridge, the resort dishes out gorgeous views of the valley below. Relax in the sparkling pool and enjoy the scenery, or hit one of the local breweries or wineries to sample authentic Hill Country flavors.
This one-of-a-kind RV resort and tiny home community is new. Relax in the multi-million dollar clubhouse or take a dip in two gorgeous pools with incredible views.
This Texas Hill Country RV hideaway treats guests to high-tech features, including gigabit Wi-Fi and EV charging, without losing its connection with nature. Nearby, historic Fredericksburg entices with local wineries and attractions.
On the Gulf of Mexico between Surfside Beach and Galveston, Blue Water RV Resort offers the ultimate coastal camping experience. The upscale resort offers a private boat ramp, fishing docks, a sparkling swimming pool, and a beautiful clubhouse.
Nestled on the beaches of Galveston Island, Stella Mare RV Resort gives guests the coastal vacation they’ve always dreamt about. A heated pool, splash pad, and soon-to-come tiki bar complete the picture. Take advantage of pull-through and back-in RV sites along with beachfront vacation home rentals.
Access to the beach makes this park a vacation star. Take your ATV, UTV, or golf cart to the shore on a concrete trail. Hang out on the upper decks and soak in sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, or take a dip in the heated pool year-round.
Enjoy a Texas Hill Country vibe in Texas’s largest city. Indeed, This luxury resort is a stylish, amenity-laden destination 10 miles from downtown Houston.
Houston’s newest luxury Class A resort is a clean, safe community with great amenities 10 miles from downtown Houston, NRG Stadium, and the Texas Medical Center. The resort also is close to some of the area’s finest dining and top attractions.
Guests at Morgan Shady RV Park can camp right next to the Llano River with its clear, cool water. Swimming and kayaking are on the menu, along with great views of Lovers Leap, a craggy cliff that purportedly is the spot where a pair of star-crossed lovers took a fateful jump. Also nearby are great eateries and South Llano River State Park.
Traveling through Texas on Interstate 10? In that case, this is the perfect Lone Star oasis for relaxing and refueling before continuing your desert journey.
Set in one of the Lone Star State’s most scenic regions, this campground boasts nature trails and picnic areas on the calming waters of the Guadalupe River. The campground is close to shopping, wineries, museums, and fine dining.
Guests here can participate in fishing and water activities on Lake Livingston and two bordering creeks: Kickapoo and Rocky Creek. Engage in bird and wildlife watching, or simply kickback at the pool, near firepits, or in spacious RV sites and cabins.
This brand-new gated resort boasts 80 paved sites and 100 RV and boasts storage spaces. The wide paved roads that run through this resort give guests plenty of room to access sites. Great laundry facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi ensure that you feel at home. Don’t let the quiet country setting fool you: there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
Lots of amenities are available in this resort, from pickleball courts to a beautiful pool. In addition the surrounding greenbelt and hay meadows contribute to a beautiful environment. Convenience is key here, and visitors will have lots of resources during their stay.
This new luxury RV resort has a long list of amenities, including a pool, spa, pickleball court, dog parks, and washing station. Visitors also can choose from multiple laundry stations. An onsite restaurant gives visitors another reason to stay at the resort.
Discover an oasis on this barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. Indeed, guests who stay here are a short distance from fishing, beautiful beaches, bird watching, boating, entertainment, and more. Amenities include heated saltwater pools and hot tubs, a golf cart rental, an event center, and a dog park.
This RV resort at the seaside of Port Lavaca has a state-of-the-art private fishing lake, swimming pool, hot tub, and large sites. The luxury resort has affordable rates with sites up to 80 feet. Additionally, lakeside sites and double-wide sites are available.
In a beautiful country setting on the Lake Lavon Peninsula, this resort features a security gate with cameras, large sites, fiber optic internet, and laundry facilities. Take advantage of the four-acre wooded park with trails, fire pits, grills, and outdoor seating areas. A dog park ensures that canines get the exercise they need.
The newest RV Resort in San Marcos sits off Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio. The resort is surrounded by lakes, rivers, caves, and the beautiful and historic downtown San Marcos. Guests can enjoy the resort’s pickleball courts, pool, rec hall, bocce ball, volleyball, and more.
Get back to nature at a resort that offers primitive camping with river access. Visitors can pitch their tents on the banks of Rebecca Creek in the Texas Hill Country, with fire pits, picnic tables, and beautiful views. Enjoy covered picnic table sites with water and electricity. Travelers also can reserve a glamping tent that sleeps up to four.
This brand-new RV resort in Victoria has a quiet country feel. However, it is close to the town, with great restaurants and shops. Additionally, Guests can fish and swim on the lake or take advantage of the park’s numerous amenities, including a business center. All new paved sites and roads make it easy to get around.
This family-owned and operated RV park offers a clean, safe place to camp on 58 acres of scenic Texas countryside. Moreover, the premium lodging found in RV sites and glamping accommodations gives guests a chance to rest, relax, and revive. The park’s friendly team welcomes guests for a night/week/or extended stay.
Sitting on Interstate 10, between Houston and San Antonio, Iron Horse cools off guests with an adult-only pool featuring a spa, slide, and waterfall. The Lazy River is fun for the whole family, and guests can enjoy fire pits, grills, and Texas-style entertainment.
Forty miles west of Houston, this beautifully landscaped park sits in a country setting close to Interstate 10 at Exit 689. The park is big rig friendly, with large, level, pull-through sites, paved roads, free Wi-Fi, propane, and a convenience store and cabins. Take advantage of the RV inspections and mobile service onsite.
Winter Texans will enjoy the area’s mild winters along with the park’s many activities. A sparkling pool and spa, along with a rec hall and dancing, cards, and shuffleboard, make this an excellent spot. The resort also sells homes in its gated community.
Formerly known as RV Village Wharton, Jetstream Resorts has expanded the sites and improved the amenities to create a safe, clean, and happy community with a “resort-style vibe.” Relax in the beer garden or swim in the pool.
Located 70 miles north of downtown Dallas, this RV park has Wi-Fi, room for slide-outs, fishing, and a community fire pit. Restrooms and showers, along with trash service, make this a pleasant place to camp during your Texas trip.
Whitesboro RV Resort sits just off Highway 82 at Exit 622, conveniently located minutes from Gainesville, Denton, and Sherman. Nearby attractions include Lake Texoma, the Red River, wineries, lavender and wildberry farms, and golf courses. Adding to the fun, equestrian farms cater to horse lovers.
Excitement is coursing through the RV industry as manufacturers begin to introduce new models of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers for 2024. As the industry evolves, RV manufacturers are stepping up their game to stay competitive. That includes everything from minor tweaks and enhancements to existing models to brand-new offerings that push boundaries and redefine standards within the RV industry.
More families than ever are heading out to create their own Great American Road Trip and, for many, it starts with the perfect RV. One of the benefits of traveling with a trailer rather than a motorhome is that when you set up camp, you can unhook the RV and leave it set up while you use the vehicle to explore the area. When you travel by motorhome, you either need to drive your whole RV for sightseeing days or tow a separate vehicle behind it.
Unlike motorized RVs that have an engine and can be driven on their own, travel trailers are pulled behind another vehicle. Travel trailers come in all sizes, including everything from tiny jelly bean-shaped models with a small kitchen in the rear to a full blown house-on-wheels, with multiple slide-outs and residential-sized appliances. Their length can vary, starting at 12 feet long and going up to 35 feet long or more. Weight also varies with the size, from as low as 1,200 pounds up to nearly 10,000 pounds.
Sometimes called a bumper-pull (when they first became popular in the early 1950s, they were attached to the bumper of the tow car), the modern travel trailer employs a hitch secured to the frame of your tow vehicle. This truck or SUV will include specialized hardware to make towing safe and easy. Travel trailers are relatively easy to set up once you arrive at your destination. You can unhitch it, leave it and still have a vehicle to explore.
What is a fifth wheel?
Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. Typically, a fifth wheel will have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. Fifth wheel RVs are available in all sorts of styles and sizes. The smallest fifth wheels have less than six feet of headroom and are just large enough to squeeze in a wet bath. The largest fifth wheels weigh tens of thousands of pounds and must be towed with a semi-truck cab.
Fifth wheel travel trailers are great because they offer both the flexibility of a towable vehicle, as well as the comfort and luxury of super-sized RVs. If you plan to spend more time on the road, then you will want to make sure you have enough space for long comfortable trips, as well as some amenities for those rainy days. Even if you’re only a weekend warrior, a fifth wheel gives you plenty of extra leg room to feel comfortable anywhere the road may lead. If you have children, a fifth wheel can also give you a little bit of extra privacy.
What is a toy hauler?
Toy haulers are RVs that have dedicated storage space for large recreational toys. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are the most common types of RV toy haulers on the market, but there are a couple motorhome options available. Toy hauler motorhomes are usually Class A or Class C RVs with built-in garages.
Regardless of the RV class, a toy hauler RV features a living area and a garage space that allows you to load and unload your toys. Typically, these RVs are set up like a traditional fifth wheel or travel trailer, but the back is open and ready to welcome large items like a four-wheeler, motorcycles, kayaks and whatever other outdoor equipment you might want. The rear wall of the trailer opens up and folds down into a ramp for easy loading. The cargo space usually comes with D-rings to strap in your gear, along with furniture that is attached to the walls and folds up to increase storage space.
Toy haulers come in all shapes and sizes. Some have small living areas with large cargo space, while others have huge living areas and a smaller cargo capacity. These types of RVs are heavier than others.
When it comes to choosing between travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers, the differences are minimal. Instead of thinking of it as fifth wheels being better or travel trailers being better, it’s more about fit and which kind of RV best suits how you want to travel.
How big are travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers?
Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes and styles. That said, most travel trailers typically range anywhere from 12 feet to 35 feet long. A simple, 12-foot travel trailer allows enough comfortable space for one or two people (most likely a couple). Meanwhile, a 35-foot trailer can allow enough space for up to 10 people to sleep comfortably.
Travel trailers vary in weight from 1,200 to almost 9,000 pounds. The various lengths and builds available allow for a diverse weight range. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of about 3,500 pounds. Some larger travel trailers can reach more than 10,000 pounds when fully loaded.
Fifth wheel RVs often stretch anywhere from 30 to 45 feet in length. Many families opt for fifth wheels because they’re usually some of the largest travel trailers. Fifth wheels can vary widely in weight, with the smallest starting at around 2,400 pounds and going up to 24,000 pounds. It’s critical to have a heavy-duty truck — and a fifth wheel hitch — to tow them.
Toy haulers can vary in size; it all depends on how much storage and space you need. The standard width of a toy hauler is between 7.5 to 8 feet wide and around 13 feet tall, in order to stay within federal and various state guidelines for travel vehicles. The biggest difference with toy haulers is the length of the vehicle. There are small models that sit at less than 15 feet long and large models that can be over 48 feet long. The majority of toy haulers sit in a medium range at around 30 to 40 feet.
Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and are therefore much heavier than other RVs on the market. Toy hauler weight ranges from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds when empty. These are RVs designed to carry heavy cargo. On average, they can carry upwards of 10,000 pounds of cargo.
Are these RVs easy to tow?
From Gen Zers to Boomers, RVing of any type offers freedom and a sense of self-sufficiency. However, towing an RV can bring some unexpected stress and safety concerns, especially for first-timers. Trailers add weight and that added weight changes the handling dynamics and braking of the tow vehicle. That’s why you need to make sure your RV and tow vehicle are properly matched.
The towing capacity of a vehicle is how much weight it can tow. The towing capacity is determined mainly by the type of axles the truck has and their ratings. Usually, towing capacity applies to SUVs and trucks, since most sedans or smaller cars don’t have large towing capabilities. Keeping your RV’s weight in mind is integral as well. If your RV weighs too much for your tow vehicle, it increases the stopping distance and likelihood of damage to your tow vehicle or RV.
There are two important weight-related factors when it comes to RV trailers: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tongue weight (TW). GVWR is the safe maximum weight of the RV when it’s loaded for camping with water, fuel, supplies and cargo. The TW is how much downforce the loaded RV places on the towing hitch. Both numbers are displayed on the metal Federal Certification/VIN ID tag located on the front left side of an RV. You can also find the specifications listed on the trailer manufacturer’s website.
Those two numbers set the basis for choosing the vehicle best suited for towing an RV. Tongue weight of RV trailers, sometimes referred to as “hitch weight,” will be typically between 10 and 15-percent of the RV’s GVWR. RV trailer weights can vary widely by brand, type and size. That’s why it’s important to narrow down these numbers to the specific RV you plan to tow and then make sure those weights match your vehicle’s towing limitations. You can also find your vehicle’s towing capacity on General RV’s towing guide.
How much do travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers cost?
A travel trailer is the least expensive way to enjoy a recreational vehicle or RV lifestyle. Travel trailers are significantly cheaper than motorhomes for the fact they have no engine and must be towed. Travel trailer prices can range from $10,000 to $200,000 for a travel trailer. On average, most new travel trailers cost between $20,000 and $50,000. The size of the travel trailer is the first factor — the bigger you go, the more you will pay.
A fifth wheel typically costs more than a travel trailer, as it provides a bit more amenities and a better driving experience. It’s a better option if someone wants to try full-time RVing. Fifth wheel prices tend to vary depending on the make, year and amenities that come included.
A toy hauler typically sits on the more expensive side because it is built on a sturdier frame and often provides more amenities. Luxury models are worth the investment if you plan to live in your toy hauler full-time.
Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.
Financial options for purchasing an RV
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your RV. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their purchase over the course of several months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your RV on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing and stretch your dollars, so you can enjoy more adventures.
What’s the best RV for me?
Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. It is essential to determine the best RV to suit your needs, aesthetics and dimensions on the outside and inside. Make sure the floor plan is suitable for your requirements. There should also be enough room to fit the things you’re looking for. Make a list of those things you’d like to take and make sure you have enough space. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best toy haulers General RV has to offer.
Adventure begins with the Little Buggy from Modern Buggy RV. The Little Buggy RK is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a light-weight, affordable and easy-to-use option for their overland adventure. With its compact size and low weight, it can be towed by a large number of vehicles, making it a versatile choice for any road trip. The RK features a fully-functional kitchen, solar power, a queen-size mattress and real birch wood cabinetry. It can comfortably accommodate up to four people with the addition of the rooftop tent option, making it an ideal choice for a small family or group of friends. The best part about this RV is its simplicity, which makes it easy to set up camp and maintain, allowing you to focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure.
The Forest River Salem 169RSK travel trailer is perfect for couples who want to explore the great outdoors together! A rear private bedroom with a queen bed slide allows for more interior space, and includes a dresser with wardrobes on either side. Plus, the split-style bathroom will come in handy when one person wants to freshen up in the shower while another uses the private toilet and sink. You can prepare your best home cooked meals with the two-burner cooktop, then enjoy it at the front U-shaped dinette which can also transform into a queen bed for extra sleeping space. Enjoy making breakfast each morning at the outdoor kitchen under a 15′ power awning which creates a little more outdoor living space.
Start out on your boundless journey in one a Winnebago Micro Minnie travel trailer! Towing is made simple with the 7′ width to keep your Micro Minnie in your rear-view mirror. Despite their compact sizes, the Mirco Minnie does not lack in features. Two twin beds up front convert into a king-size bed. The booth dinette slide also converts into extra sleeping space. The spacious galley includes a sink, refrigerator, two-burner cooktop and even a convection microwave oven. Each Micro Minnie also comes with flexible exterior storage to make packing quick and easy, a 200-watt solar panel for off-grid camping, and Dexter TORFLEX torsion stub axles for smooth towing!
Enjoy years and years of memories with any Forest River Wildwood travel trailers! Two slide outs provide you with more space to relax, as well as a front kitchen with ample counter space. The middle bedroom includes a king bed, a desk with TV prep above where you can work away from home if needed, and even a closet with washer and dryer prep. This RV also includes a spacious full rear bath with its own exterior entry door, a walk-in shower, a linen closet for clean towels and recessed storage for necessities. You will find a plethora of amenities and features throughout the 2024 Forest River Wildwood.
Choose luxury, value and towability over all others when you take home a Grand Design Reflection travel trailer! The chef of the group will love the gourmet kitchen including the 16 cu. ft. refrigerator, the center island when preparing and serving meals and the hutch with overhead cabinets to display and store dishes and such. This area also includes two slide outs for more floor space and furniture to relax including theatre seating with cupholders, a booth dinette and a rear tri-fold sofa that offers sleeping space for two. Get cleaned up in the full bathroom, and retire to your front bedroom with a slide out queen bed, a front full-wall wardrobe with washer/dryer prep, a dresser and an additional wardrobe with drawers.
When you choose a Residence destination trailer by Keystone RV, you can live like a local wherever you decide to roam. You will love the ample cabinet space to store your belongings, along with upgraded appliances, spacious baths and higher ceilings! Additional interior comforts include designer upholstered window valances, solid hardwood cabinetry, bedside reading lights, and a shower with surround and a glass door. Since there is a heated and enclosed underbelly, you can plan to camp year around, and the Dexter E-Z Lube axles will make towing easier than ever. You will also find a 12″ powder coated I-beam frame and a fully walkable crowned roof for durability, and you can choose between aluminum or laminated sidewalls.
With any Arcadia Select fifth wheel by Keystone, you will enjoy easy towability and at-home comforts at an affordable price. Lightweight for a fifth wheel, the 21SRK is designed to be pulled by a majority of half-ton trucks. This rear kitchen fifth wheel includes ample counter space to prep meals and feed your family. A tri-fold sleeper sofa slide provides added space and a TV right across the sofa makes for easy viewing. You can dine at the booth dinette or head outdoors to sit under the 17′ electric awning. The full bath lets you clean up each day, and you’ll feel right at home having your own private bedroom up front with a queen bed. You’ll get great camp-friendly features such as a tankless on-demand water heater, heated and enclosed underbelly and Road Armor suspension.
Move to a new level of luxury with Jayco’s Eagle fifth wheel. With any Eagle fifth wheel or travel trailer by Jayco, you will appreciate durable construction materials, like the Magnum Truss Roof and the Stronghold VBL laminated walls. More luxurious touches include a 24” GE stove, a dual 15K whisper quiet A/C, legless free standing dinette with pivoting and extension function for a desk, and the JayPort system with 22” griddle, deep sink and hot/cold water connections. The Eagle fifth wheels and travel trailers are designed to make you feel at home with solid hardwood slide fascia, residential vinyl flooring, bathroom tile backsplash and plenty of storage for all your belongings.
You won’t want to camp any other way once you step inside the Alliance Paradigm fifth wheel! The chef will enjoy all of the space in the rear kitchen with ample counter space, a 19 cu. ft. 12-volt residential refrigerator, and a pantry for snacks. The middle living area includes dual sleeper sofas and a dual recliner loveseat across from the 50″ Smart TV and fireplace. The half bathroom is nearby for quick bathroom breaks too. You will feel right at home in the primary suite with a king bed slide, a flip-top dresser with a Smart TV above, and a seat with storage, plus access to the front full bathroom. The Paradigm fifth wheels by Alliance RV are functional, high-quality, and luxurious for an unforgettable camping experience.
The Momentum MAV toy hauler travel trailers by Grand Design are designed to provide exactly what you need. The spacious garage provides tons of cargo space, with no wheel wells to get in the way. Motion sensor lights and USB outlets will make your life easier, and you will be comfortable in all seasons with the 35K BTU furnace plus 15K BTU ducted air conditioning. Relax on the rollover sofa with a table, and the top bed will be perfect for your guests to sleep on. The front queen Murphy bed includes drawers to store clothes, plus overhead storage for personal belongings. This model also includes a patio with a pull down screen to let fresh air in without letting the bugs in!
Introducing the Brinkley Model G, developed & tested by RVers to create a toy hauler without compromise. The first fifth wheel toy hauler from Brinkley is the culmination of decades of experience, countless hours of research and development, and feedback from customers and fellow RVers.
With one virtual prototype and three physical prototypes, the Model G has been put through its paces, traveling thousands of miles and undergoing dozens of tests. The result is a high-quality RV that is both luxurious and functional, and perfect for any adventure. The 2024 Brinkley Model G line is a true luxury fifth-wheel toy hauler. The G line is packed with intelligently designed features, an automotive exterior and a true residential interior that’s unmatched.
Dimmable Bedroom Lights
Exterior 12-Volt Drawer Fridge with 24 Can Capacity
135 PSI Air Compressor & 60 Gallon (30+30) Fuel Tanks w/ Pump Station + Ext. Cord
Pull-Out Linen Closet w/ Adjustable Shelves
Pull-Out Pantry w/ Adjustable Shelves & Drawers
Flip-Up Waterfall Island Countertop (Converts To Peninsula w/ Four-Person Eating Area)
Is a travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler worth it?
If you already own a truck capable of towing a heavy load, a travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, RVs also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers for yourself. We have thousands of RVs in stock including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
Two Encore Resorts in Southeast Florida invite travelers to enjoy state-of-the-art amenities in warm Sunshine State weather at a fantastic discount.
Brand-new Tranquility Lakes RV Resort offers Lakeside Camping in the fun-filled community of Cape Coral. Up the coast in Palmetto, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort has a grand opening of a major expansion scheduled for November 4. Terra Ceia puts guests within reach of some of Florida’s top attractions, including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.
Both resorts offer promotions to give guests up to 50% off camping costs (see bottom of article). This offer presents a rare opportunity to sample the snowbird lifestyle at a big discount in gorgeous locations.
Tranquility Lakes: Cape Coral Camping at Its Best
RV Camping on Tranquility Lakes.
The city of Cape Coral enjoys a reputation as one of Florida’s top vacation playgrounds, with lots of golf courses, sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, and family-friendly attractions. RV travelers can enjoy it all by booking a stay at brand-new Tranquility Lakes — limited amenities available. Nestled along the shores of a 90-acre lake, Tranquility Lakes boasts RV sites with concrete pads and 50-amp, full-hookup pedestals. Each site has cable TV and picnic tables, the perfect setting for outdoor dinners during sunsets.
The resort amenities are expected to open in December, providing guests with access to a spectacular 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the lake, and a covered outdoor space for dining or relaxing. Additionally, the resort will feature multiple pools and a spa for guests to cool off and just relax. Competitive guests can hit the dedicated bocce ball area or compete in one of the 10 pickleball courts, catering to enthusiasts of one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
Pickleball courts and pools at Tranquility Lakes.
Cool Cape Coral
Beyond the park, Cape Coral has several attractions to keep visitors busy. Golf rules here, with 88 courses within a 15-mile radius of Cape Coral. Forty-one of these courses count as public, and most have 18 holes.
For family fun, the Sunsplash Family Waterpark packs several adrenaline-pumping slides. Slides like Terror Tube, Thunder Bump, and X-Cellerator dish out lots of thrills, while the Main Stream River Tube Ride carries visitors on a leisurely float around the park.
Blue heron on the shore of Fort Myers Beach. Getty Images
Just 18 miles to the south, the town of Fort Myers thrills visitors with white-sand beaches, excellent dining, and boating and fishing trips on the Gulf of Mexico.
Terra Ceia: In the Heart of It All
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Sarasota, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort sits close to some of Florida’s top attractions. The park has also made a significant expansion in sites and amenities, giving guests more reasons to stay.
Terra Ceia’s new pickleball courts.
The park recently added 190 new sites with picnic tables and plenty of room for slideouts. A new swim area with a pool, deck, and pavilion gives guests a chance to cool off. The new clubhouse has restrooms and a gathering space, making it great for camping with groups and clubs. Keep moving at the new fitness center or on one of the four new pickleball courts. Terra Ceia also added new restrooms and a bathhouse.
Terra Ceia’s upgraded pool area.
Other activities in the park include arts and crafts, exercise classes, and card playing. Get competitive with ladder ball and other outdoor games, and give your pet a chance to exercise at the dog park and dog walk.
Nearby Fun
Terra Ceia’s location puts guests close to top destinations. A day trip northeast along Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 takes visitors to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, two of the world’s most popular theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando gives visitors a glimpse of ocean life.
Dolphins perform at SeaWorld Orland. Getty Images
Less than 50 miles north along Interstate 75, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling rides and immersive animal tours for a unique theme park experience. Also in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, Ybor City, and charter boat trips keep the adventure going.
Guests who prefer shorter day trips will find plenty of attractions closer to home. Just south of Palmetto across the Manatee River, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton features The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, and more science-related exhibits that thrill and entertain. Also in Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center hosts top theatrical and musical acts.
Promo Code Tranquility50. Take 50% off and be one of the first to stay on Tranquility Lakes’ brand-new sites. While details get fine-tuned, visitors can relish the anticipation of being among the very first to experience the resort’s hospitality.
The 50% offer valid on all RV sites at Encore Tranquility Lakes. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 2 nights minimum and 6 nights maximum required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by November 30, 2023. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates do not include taxes and fees. Amenities vary by resort. Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are excluded from this promotion. Not available during holidays or special events. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Please contact the property manager for details.
Specials: Terra Ceia
Promo Code Season25: Nightly stays: 25%, offer valid on all RV sites, tent sites, and rental accommodations at all participating Florida RV Resorts. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 2 nights minimum and 6 nights maximum required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by December 15, 2023. This promotion excludes the following: Okeechobee KOA and Pine Island KOA.
Promo Code: Week50. Weekly stays: 50%, offer valid on all RV sites, tent sites, and rental accommodations at all participating Florida RV Resorts. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 7 nights minimum and 21 nights maximum is required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by December 15, 2023. The following don’t qualify for this promotion: Okeechobee KOA and Pine Island KOA.
Recently, I performed a minor repair to our Dometic 310 RV toilet in our 2011 Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer. First, I replace the flush valve that has been letting too much water into the bowl after a flush. This is annoying when we are off-grid camping and trying to conserve water and tank capacity.
While at it, I decided to replace the ball seal that keeps water in the toilet bowl. It is the original and 13 years old now. Likey, its days are numbered. Both tasks involved inexpensive parts and were relatively straightforward to perform with little tools involved.
In this video, I repair my Dometic DM2652 RV refrigerator. It was having trouble maintaining a cool enough temperature. 40-42F degrees was as cold as it would get in the fridge compartment, and that was on the top shelf, usually the coolest location. Normally, it’s between 32-36F there. Luckily, it turned out to be a faulty thermistor sensor. Simple and cheap repair!
Disclaimer: Working with Electricity and LP Gas is very dangerous and should be performed by a qualified technician. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered instructional. I’m not a qualified RV Technician. If you decide to do the same repair I’ve done here, then research and beware of the risks. Have it checked out by a professional. I accept no liability. You have been warned!
As the snowbird season approaches, legions of travelers set their sites on spending winter in the sunny Southwest. For Good Sam members, the road to iconic attractions like the Grand Canyon or Palm Springs just got smoother with the addition of 12 new Good Sam Campgrounds in the Southwest.
Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While exploring, discover all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. If you’re not a member, joining is simple: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.
Arizona
Ajo Heights RV Park, Ajo With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, Ajo Heights RV Park spoils guests with views of the surrounding Little Ajo Mountains and sweeping desert vistas. The resort is near Arizona State Route 85, just north of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Mexican Border.
Apache Junction with Superstition Mountain in the background. Getty Images.
Rock Shadows, Apache Junction This 55+ community comes alive with youthful energy in a modern setting and friendly atmosphere. Outstanding weather and stunning mountain views complete the picture.
Timberline Mobile Home & RV Park, Show Low Travelers can experience all four seasons in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. During the warm weather, visitors can marvel at crystal clear streams and lakes, along with incredible vistas. Winter brings ample skiing possibilities.
Canyon Motel & RV Park, Williams Found along the iconic Route 66, this park offers historic motel, caboose, and railcar suites, in addition to RV and tent camping. It’s a great spot to camp when visiting the nearby Grand Canyon.
Lake Nittany in Yuma. Getty Images
Las Quintas RV Resort, Yuma Nestled in the foothills of Yuma, this resort has excellent views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. Nearby, shopping, entertainment, and golf courses offer more fun.
California
Outdoorsy Yosemite, Bass Lake Guests can choose from RV camping, luxury glamping tents, and rustic cabins on the shores of Bass Lake. The thrills of lake life and the world of mountain adventures are just steps away.
Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Cloverdale This RV park sits close to Sonoma wineries, culture, dining, shopping, and more. The adjacent Cloverdale Citrus Fair hosts several fun-filled events year-round, with entertainment, exhibits, and food.
Autumn scene near Julian, California.
Stagecoach Trails RV Park, Julian Just 60 miles northeast of San Diego, Julian offers a slew of outdoor adventures, including hiking, horseback riding, offroad vehicle adventures, and beautiful nature. It’s also one of California’s only Dark Sky Communities.
Golden Bear RV Park, Klamath This quiet getaway on the Klamath River gives guests opportunities to fish, float, and relax. Nearby, lush redwood forests entice hikers and wildlife lovers w to er to see local flora and fauna.
Nevada
Mesquite Trails RV Resort, Mesquite This RV destination sits close to southern Utah, the Arizona Strip, and the west Grand Canyon area. But you may be tempted to stay in this brand-new resort and enjoy golfing, fine restaurants, and more in this Silver State gem.
Wolf Creek Golf Course in Mesquite, Nevada.
Whispering River Ranch RV Park, Yerington This brand-new RV park boasts ample amenities in a great Silver State location east of Lake Tahoe. Guests can ride in and out on their UTVs, kayak the Walker River, or refuel at the coffee bar. Camp in large sites and grass.
New Mexico
Trailer Village RV Park, Roswell This park invites travelers to “crash” in a family-owned and operated park close to top Roswell attractions. Guests will enjoy a safe, clean place to stay as well as the park’s own gift shop, Alien Depot. Buy some souvenirs or explore the surrounding area.
Soar through the trees or descend into huge caverns during a visit to Bigfoot Adventure RV Park and Campground in Tracy, Tennessee.
The park is part of the 500-acre Bigfoot Adventure, which includes disc golf, zipline courses, and hiking trails that snake through the beautiful countryside. For families, Bigfoot Adventure is a fantastic destination for wholesome fun.
Camp on the Cumberland Plateau
Bigfoot Adventure sits on the Southern Cumberland Plateau, a range that runs through Tennessee and consists of gorges, waterfalls, sandstone outcropping, and deep-cut valleys. Much of the terrain is carpeted by pine, hickory, and oak trees, resulting in the kinds of vistas that make Tennessee such a popular travel destination.
Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground
The RV park gives guests all the amenities they’ll need for a fun stay. Camp in one of the 35 pull-through RV spaces that measure 40×80 feet. Twenty-six sites gravel sites include a picnic table, lawn area, and fire pit. Nine grass sites provide water and power; the area can be used for tent camping as well. Eighteen sites provide full hookups. The park is dog-friendly and includes a dump station. The park offers a bathhouse and showers.
Onsite Fun
The park’s eight zipline courses send riders through towering trees and over the ponds at nearby Baggenstoss Farms. Experienced zipline instructors ensure that participants ride safely and have a great time.
Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground has eight zipline courses.
Competitive campers can hone their hand-eye coordination at the 9-hole disc golf course, which weaves through the expansive grounds. Send your disc gliding into one of the disc golf “baskets” for the win.
Hiking and Casting
Guests will discover hiking and biking trails suited to every level. Take in breathtaking views and take selfies or group shots in front of the Bigfoot Waterfall. If you prefer relaxing on a body of water, the catch-and-release fishing pond lets guests cast and reel in a beautiful environment.
Get Into Games
On the lush green grass, the RV park offers lots of lawn games for guests. Try your hand at cornhole and horseshoes; you can rent a cornhole game to take back to your campsite.
Bigfoot Adventure has lots of games for kids.
Beyond the RV Park
Bigfoot Adventure makes it easy to enjoy the Caverns, a nearby musical venue that’s located in a voluminous underground amphitheater. Hop aboard the shuttle that visits the park and enjoy the show. Time your visit for CaveFest, a country music extravaganza that runs for three days in October.
The Caverns hosts major concerts.
You don’t need to be a music fan to enjoy this subterranean environment. Take a walking tour and visit an underground room three football fields long. Take the challenging Adventure to go even deeper.
Top Trails
The Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point is a 9.6-mile loop trail that leads hikers to spectacular views of rock formations, cascading streams, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks in South Cumberland State Park. It’s a fairly rigorous hike, with a steep ascent to the Dog Hole Trail. But the views from Raven’s Point are worth it.
For trails that involve high-powered engines, head to Coalmont OHV Park, for trails that are suitable for jeeps, motorcycles, and other off-highway vehicles. Other nearby attractions range from the Dixie Diner — a wholesome eatery serving stacks of pancakes and biscuits and gravy — to the Lone Rock Trail, which leads hikers to remnants of the region’s robust coal mining industry.
Harvesting Memories at Baggenstoss
As part of Bigfoot Adventure, Baggenstoss Farms is an ideal spot for hosting events or weddings. The rustic setting is perfect for special gatherings and occasions.
Like many other industries and products, it is not surprising that some things are possibly misunderstood when it comes to recreational vehicles. These misconceptions often lead to the developing of believable myths. Though we can not possibly address all of these we can look at a few of the more common beliefs.
Myth
Filling your RV tires with nitrogen instead of compressed atmospheric air will alleviate the need for topping up the pressure from time to time.
This is not true. While nitrogen may reduce the frequency of topping up the tire pressures, it does not alleviate this need entirely. Nitrogen molecules are larger than that of oxygen and therefore pass through the tire casing at a lesser rate. However, there are other benefits that the nitrogen fills provide, such as less volume variation with tire temperature changes. Atmospheric air contains 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
Myth
Class A driver door option or availability is no longer offered. This probably happened due to the motor home industry wanting to decrease the base cost in a somewhat austerity program.
Drivers’ doors were featured on some models of gasoline powered class A coaches in past years. They were discontinued mainly due to the extra weight they added to the front axle. While the door does not seem to warrant such action, the primary increase in weight was not that of the door assembly, but by the heavy framing it required.
Myth
Filling your RV tires with nitrogen instead of compressed atmospheric air will alleviate the need for topping up the pressure from time to time.
This is not true. While nitrogen may reduce the frequency of topping up the tire pressures, it does not alleviate this need entirely. Nitrogen molecules are larger than that of oxygen and therefore pass through the tire casing at a lesser rate. However, there are other benefits that the nitrogen fills provide, such as less volume variation with tire temperature changes. Atmospheric air contains 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
Myth
People that own expensive high end RV’s are snobs!
Generally this is not true. Their actions and neighbourly friendliness are the same as the rest of the campers in the park. They often, however, tend to be ignored and even some time feel disliked. However, the unfriendly demeanour seemingly towards the high end rig owner tends to be caused by people feeling they may be rejected if they attempt to converse with them. Human nature to avoid the feeling of rejection is felt by many and thus can be eliminated by simply not engaging. Check it out next time at camp. Strike up a conversation with that person with the big dollar machine. You might make a new friend!
Myth
Motor Homes equipped with air brakes deploy the service brakes when air pressure is removed, not applied.
This is totally incorrect. The service brakes are activated proportional to the air pressure applied from the brake pedal valve. This misconception is confusing the park brake operation with that of the service brakes. The park brake consists of an additional air brake chamber mounted on the back of the service brake air chamber on the drive axle of the motor home. This added chamber contains a heavy spring that is held back by air pressure while the park brake is disengaged. When applied the air is released allowing the spring to mechanically push the brake cam to apply the park brake.
Myth
Trailer towing capacity is directly proportional to the engine horse power, foot pounds of torque, and vehicle gearing.
This is not correct. While towing capacity is affected by those specifications, the tow vehicle’s weight, braking specifications, and hitch load rating all go into the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). This is the maximum combined weight that both tow and towed vehicles can weigh.
Myth
RV’s equipped with residential refrigerators can not be used for dry camping due to their electrical needs.
A decade or so ago, that was probably true. However, refrigerator technology and quality has come a long way since then. Today’s units operate using over 70% less electrical power. This makes them a viable choice for off the grid camping with ample house bank batteries and inverter.
Myth
Inverters are rated in wattage output and are available in modified sine wave or true sine wave. Either sine wave type will work for all requirements found in an RV.
While it is true that most electrical applications within an RV will operate on either a modified or true sine wave, it is not as cut and dry as that. A true sine wave inverter will operate anything that you could plug in and operate at home. A modified sine wave inverter has short falls for some applications. Some charger devices and small appliances (especially European) may not function on this type of power. Micro wave and refrigerator control boards can have issues over a period of time.
Well, that’s some of the misconceptions that have circulated over the years and surface from time to time over the campfire. If nothing else they can fuel debates and great conversations.
Hmmmm………..Now do we store with the jacks down or with jacks up???
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has supported their business by creating a user-friendly online experience for their guests.
It’s no secret that a strong online presence can grow your campground’s reach. However, knowing where to start (or at least where to focus) can be tricky – even for the most experienced campground owners.
Whether you’re trying to factor in social media strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), or even just stay ADA compliant, there are a ton of variables when it comes to crafting your park’s digital brand.
Fortunately, Campland on the Bay has found a lot of success in cultivating an online experience. Here are a few quick takeaways to consider for your campground’s digital brand.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one and part two of this three-part series.
Online presence
According to Campland’s COO Jacob Gelfand, online trends are a snapshot of where your business is going. “He shared that Campland tracks changing demographics and trends online to get a better understanding of how they can provide a better experience at the campground.”
So, what is the data showing them? For one thing, guests are getting younger and younger, with Millennials and Gen-Z accounting for around 53% of the current camping population – with the technological prowess to boot. Jacob and Campland’s Director of Marketing Jan Yerzik, even explained to us how younger audiences consider your webpage a part of the guest experience and expect a user-friendly site with up-to-date photos.
In fact, websites with higher-quality photos earn 94% more views than those without. For some campgrounds, improving their photos has meant doubling their reservations. Further research even suggests that three out of four online visitors will judge your credibility based on how professional your website looks.
“It’s really a core part of our marketing philosophy that the relationship extends well after you’ve check out…we want to have an on-going relationship with our campers so that they feel like they’re part of the Campland experience even after they get home.” – Jacob Gelfand
Social media
“I look at social media as free advertising because it’s people showing how they’re having fun.” – Jan Yerzik
Jan and her team have done a great job incorporating social media into Campland’s online brand. Whether it’s strategically placed photo ops around the park or even just a contest on Instagram, she’s always trying to find ways for guests to engage with Campland in-between visits.
For Jan and her team, it’s a matter of keeping the conversation going. They’ve made it their mission to make campers feel valued by engaging with guests’ posts, responding to their stories and comments, as well as curating relevant content on their Facebook and Instagram.
And while social ads and SEO-driven content can go a long way, Jan made a point to share with us that you “have to figure out what works best for your park and your guests” and that a lot of it is really just trial and error.
So, whether you’re looking to grow your brand or find more intentional ways to engage with guests, investing in your online presence is a great way to create a unique experience that sets your campground apart.
For campground owners: How have you found success connecting with guests online?
For campers: What do you look for when you check out a campground’s website or socials?
Our 1976 vintage CHB trawler has a teak sliding entrance door to the main cabin, but unlike our RV, there isn’t a screen door. Since there isn’t any obvious way to install a screen door, the next best thing was one of those, as seen on TV magnetic auto-closing mesh screens.
The mesh gets attached to the door frame with velcro tape, and magnets sewn into the middle seams keep it closed. Pretty ingenious! For our application, a few mods needed to be done due to the odd door size of our boat’s door. It’s much shorter, narrower than a house door, and slightly off-square.
First, I cut off the bottom of the mesh to shorten it, then folded the sides to narrow. Rather than use the supplied Velcro tape to hang the screen, we installed metal snaps. The snap method leaves a few small gaps here and there, but we can live with that. Most bugs are blocked, and the screen is quick and easy to attach and remove. Overall, we are pleased with the results.
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort situates travelers close to renowned Arizona attractions. Within view of the park lies the famous Superstitious Mountains, shrouded in legend and known for great hiking. Closer to the 55-plus resort, Phoenix is less than 30 minutes away, while restaurants, markets fishing, boating, and hiking are all within minutes. Visitors can opt for a short-term stay or book a year-round stay. The park’s ample amenities keep visitors comfortable throughout their stay, regardless of the type of vacation you choose.
Threading the Needle
Weaver’s Needle treats guests to the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Each site has a paved pad, with a maximum length of 40 feet. Each site has room for slideouts along with patios, and 200 of the sites are all-weather. Two hundred sites are full-hookup, and Wi-Fi is available at overnight sites.
Once guests get settled in, they have plenty of options within the park. A heated swimming pool and spa give guests a great way to unwind after a long day of driving. Active travelers can hit one of the pickleball courts or slow things down at the horseshoe pits or boccceeball courts. There’s also a billiard table.
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort
Hobbies and Pastimes
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort gives guests lots of opportunities to pursue their interests. Learn new skills with painting classes, line dancing lessons, and ceramics and woodworking facilities. Participate in jam sessions or join the chorus to explore new musical horizons.
Other activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, and the hiking club ensure that guests can get a good workout. Weaver’s Needle RV Resort keeps guests active.
Apache Junction and Mesa
Nearby, Apache Junction and Mesa capture the imaginations of visitors. Beyond the stunning scenery and local lore are modern treasures ranging from a vibrant visual arts scene to delicious farm-to-table destinations. It’s hard to resist the mysteries that seem to live in these hills.
Goldfield Ghost Town.
Stretching 40 miles from Apache Junction to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, the legendary Apache Trail blends Wild West history with exciting outdoor recreation. Adventurers can wander through recreated boom towns, fishing in bountiful lakes, and admiring the vast Sonoran Desert from countless viewpoints. You’ll also want to take a scenic steamboat ride on Canyon Lake and explore Native American cliff dwellings in Tonto National Forest.
In Apache Junction, Goldfield Ghost Town simulates life in the Old West with authentically constructed buildings and Western attractions.
In Mesa, a different trail winds through town. Boasting 11 agritourism stops, the Fresh Foodie Trail lets you sample local flavors at wineries, olive farms, urban gardens and more. Highlights include learning how to grow your produce at True Garden and feasting on Arizona-style barbecue at Jalapeno Bucks.
Water Recreation at Your Fingertips
Three lakes and two rivers just outside Mesa open the doors to boating, fishing and all sorts of watersports. Cast a line into Apache Lake, Saguaro Lake or Roosevelt Lake to catch largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. If you’re after rainbow trout, flick your rod into Canyon Lake. Boat rentals are available at all three lakes, along with storage and camping facilities. Salt River is the closest river to town and winds through the Tonto National Forest, making it an excellent destination for kayaking and rafting. Tubing is popular as well, especially in the spring and summer months.
Roosevelt Dam
The Sonoran Desert has intrigued outdoor enthusiasts for centuries with its canyon-carved lakes, giant cacti and jagged mountains. Usery Mountain Regional Park is a fantastic spot to start your adventure with over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Don’t forget your camera as these pathways end with panoramic views of the valley. Trails within Lost Dutchman State Park lead you into the heart of the Superstition Wilderness and Tonto National Forest, while routes in San Tan Mountain Regional Park promise sweeping vistas of the lower Sonoran Desert.
World-class Art Scene
Get to know the city’s artsy side at the Mesa Arts Center, the largest arts and entertainment complex in the Southwest. You can catch a concert or comedy play at one of the state-of-the-art theatres or view works by renowned artists inside the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. The center hosts workshops too, so you can create paintings, pottery and more.
Phoenix Fun
With over 325 days of sunshine per year, the greater Phoenix area is well-deserving of its nickname, the “Valley of the Sun.” The balmy region consists of more than 20 communities, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale. Each enclave has a distinct flair, allowing you to choose your ideal getaway. From climbing rugged peaks and relaxing at luxurious spas to reliving Wild West history and exploring dozens of world-class museums, adventures in this part of the Sonoran Desert are incredibly eclectic and even more exciting.
Downtown Phoenix
Luxury Lives
It doesn’t take long for your stress to melt away here. Sumptuous wellness centers such as the Alvadora Spa and Aji Spa blend soothing treatments with tranquil desert settings so you can leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The area is also home to almost 200 golf courses. Play a round while admiring desert landscapes at Troon North or We-Ko-Pa. Some clubs like Arizona Biltmore even have on-site spas so you can indulge in a therapeutic massage after finishing 18 holes. You can also sip your way through dozens of wineries that cultivate vintages around the Phoenix area. Head to the Verde Valley to swirl fine reds amidst spectacular canyons or go to the Sonoita/Elgin region which is encircled by a national forest. If you prefer to stay in town, pop in Peoria’s Winery 101 to sample bottles from Gallifant Cellars and Southpaw Cellars.
To add fodder to the argument that fall is the best season for camping, we’ve compiled a list of twenty incredible campgrounds for Halloween camping and festivities. Not only do these locations love to celebrate Halloween, but they’ve also organized a slew of family-friendly activities you and your camping neighbors are sure to enjoy.
Join Camp Verde from Oct 20-22 or Oct 27-29 for a spooktacular camping weekend that includes Halloween festivities like a haunted river trail, trick or treating, costume contests, hay rides, site decorating contests, and more.
Head to River Sands RV Resort the last weekend of October for an outdoor Halloween celebration featuring a site decorating contest, a K9 costume parade, a pumpkin carving contest, a spooky tie-dye, a costume contest, and more!
It’s one thing to celebrate the weekend before Halloween, but it’s something truly special to host Halloween-themed events every weekend of the month of October! And that’s exactly what Island Oaks RV Resort does, giving you and your family and traveling companions more ways to celebrate Halloween in October.
Check out all Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo has to offer while hosting The Haunting of River Ranch, which occurs every Friday and Saturday, starting September 29.
Pine Lake RV Resort & Cottages hosts Halloween themed activities each weekend of October, including such events as the Feed the Zombies Food Drive, Ghoulish Critter Weekend, and Monster Mash Weekend. Plus, Pine Lakes includes a dedicated haunted house featuring 5-20 automatons!
Visit Frankenmuth Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park any weekend in October and participate in Halloween-themed activities like pumpkin painting, trick or treating, and campsite decoration awards.
Head to northern Michigan and find Holiday RV Park & Campground where, for two weekends in October, you can enjoy haunted forest hay rides, site decorating contests, trick or treating, and more Halloween-themed fun, perfect for the family.
It just so happens that a favorite camping destination, Ringler Family Campground, also maintains and operates one of the best haunted house locations in Minnesota. Visit the Haunted House in Brook Park and get ready for a few spooks you won’t soon forget!
Camp at Raleigh Oaks RV Resort and Cottages around October 28, and join them that evening for Halloween activities like campground trick or treating, a haunted house, and costume karaoke!
Head to Trailer Village RV Park if traveling through New Mexico and join this brand new Good Sam Campground for Halloween-themed activities. They will be on-call to host costume trick-or-treating with young visitors and karaoke and bingo in their clubhouse for adults!.
What better place to celebrate Halloween than at the namesake of one spooky tale? Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds hosts two early Halloween celebrations, September 22-24 and September 23-25. Bring your decorations and costumes and join in on a site decorating contest, a Halloween parade, trick-or-treating, a haunted trail, and more.
Halloween is celebrated big at Pinch Pond Family Campground, where they have a haunted house, host trick-or-treating, and also include wagon ride! Great fun for the whole family.
Check out the monthly event calendar for Bear Run Campground and head to October, where you’ll find two Halloween-themed weekends (Oct 13-15, Oct 20-22) featuring trick-or-treating, a family dance, site decoration contests, and more!
Head to Ashland and Americamps RV Resort where every Saturday in October is a Halloween celebration, featuring trick or treating and costume contests. Halloween weekend will feature all of that plus a Halloween movie on their 377” movie screen.
For four weekends in October, North Landing Beach RV Resort will be family-friendly Halloween events, with trick-or-treating occurring every Saturday, plus costume contests, site decorating contests, pet costume contests, and more! Plus, don’t miss the haunted maze!
Choose from an incredible five Halloween-themed weekendsat Stoney Creek RV Resort, where they start the ghoulish activities all the way back on September 15th! Join in for pumpkin decorating, costume contests, site decoration contests, and more!
At Campark Resorts, their Halloween attractions are nationally recognized in Canada, and it’s well worth your time to venture (if you dare) to Haunt Manor, an elaborate, detail-oriented haunted house and experience, perfect for those who want a top-notch scary Halloween. But nab tickets quick, because an attraction like this sells out quickly.
These last three parks in PA all celebrate Halloween with three weekends of fun and activities the last three weekends of October!
Over two decades ago an RV rear camera was considered somewhat of a luxury as well as a safety feature. These consisted primarily of a wired black and white analog camera connected to a dash-mounted four or five-inch CRT display. In addition to the obvious safety aspects these provided, they also aided the driver in more precise backing maneuvers and in the monitoring of any towed vehicles while traveling.
The makers and suppliers of these soon enhanced their offerings with full-color sets. While this might have seemed purely cosmetic, it was not. The addition of color to the display provided far more information to the viewer. Backing into a campsite may look clear on a monochrome display when a short post blends in with similar-looking shaded area. For example, green grass and a brown/beige post may fade into each other as their shade is similar. This can be difficult to see on a B&W display. However, in a like color scenario, the post can be easily seen and distinguished from the grass area.
Future years brought higher picture display resolutions and additional RV applications. Side cameras became commonplace and provided some increase in safety by helping to eliminate some of the possible blind spots of close traffic. However, side cameras on recreational vehicles have not replaced the traditional outside mirrors. This is probably due to the much lower resolution of the display compared to that of the direct view provided by a mirror. Additionally, the CRT non-traditional location placement may also be a contributing factor. However, recent automotive advances towards improving this technology has increased the screen resolution to an ultra-high definition. Rearview display location(s) also more closely mimic the traditional placements in most cases. There are expandable features that can be adapted to the electronic rear-view display systems in the future. Those features include, but are not limited to, automatic distance adjustments, forward and rear dash cam duty, no rear seat view-blocking, adjustable night darkening, etc. Hopefully, much of these advancements will also come to the recreational vehicle industry in the near future.
The coming years brought a flood of “Security Camera” applications that were found throughout many higher-tier RV offerings. Much of this option seemed driven more by glitter than need. Wireless systems were also introduced for use on trailers to tow vehicles and for the easier “Do it yourself” market. While high resolutions may be lacking in some of these aftermarket products, all in all, they do a fairly good job.
Flash forward to today! While the traditional “Back-up” camera is still a standard offering on many motor homes, new configurations and features are now available on some makes and models. A combination of a multitude of digital cameras provides a “Bird’s Eye” view of the vehicle. From this you can view the entire space and anything near the perimeter of your RV. This is a remarkable upgrade over the stand-alone standard backup camera system, albeit at a price. Lane tracking and departure will also add new types of cameras when such features are introduced to the motor home market options list.
New automotive developments employing night vision cameras is just becoming available to the consumer market. These military-grade systems are capable of displaying the roadway ahead, traffic, additional objects, infrared projected people, and medium to large animals. All of this displayed in 4K quality in an OLED (Ultra HD 3840 X 2160 Pixels) format. The night vision application can prove beneficial for driving on dark nights or in foggy conditions day or night. While such night vision systems are not available at this time on any motor homes, it is probably just a matter of time before they are.
Say, what about the motor home’s “Self Parking” feature? Let’s not go there yet!
Peter Mercer – With a Reflective View of the RV Camera
With a background in the designing and manufacturing of specialized automated industrial equipment, Peter Mercer writes about the full range of the RV travel experiences.
Camping, RV storage, and great customer service are big parts of Hawkins Pointe Park, Store & More, located just outside the “Scenic City” of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The park is conveniently situated about one mile off Interstate 75’s Tennessee Exit 1, which it shares with Camping World, Costco, and Bass Pro Shop.
Visiting dog at Hawkins Pointe.
This family-run RV Park and Storage features 34,000 square feet of covered storage, 50 large pull-through and back-in sites (available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rental), and 10 Premium Club Storage Bays that are climate-controlled. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of hospitality, and we welcome folks who are in all stages of self-contained RVing.
Customer Focus
Most of our customers are pass-through tourists, sightseers, traveling professionals, and dog parents. Hawkins Pointe is very dog-friendly and includes a fenced dog park, waste stations, walking paths, and a dog bathing station. The roadways were named for beloved Hawkins family dogs and designed with wide sweeping curves and few trees to make navigating the park and getting satellite and Wi-Fi signals a breeze.
Deep Roots
Owner John L. Hawkins III has spent over 40 years in towing and recovery manufacturing and sales business. As the birthplace of the tow truck, Chattanooga was an obvious choice for the largest manufacturing facility of towing equipment in the world, Miller Industries. The Hawkins family made Chattanooga their permanent home the same year that Miller Industries and the Tennessee Aquarium did in 1991.
Since then, Chattanooga has seen countless developments and accolades including Outside magazine’s “Best Town Ever,” twice. Chattanooga has a vibrant music scene, awe-inspiring mountains and waterfalls, incredible rock climbing, and an eclectic mix of world-class restaurants. Good Sam members can enjoy it from Hawkins Pointe, which is within minutes of it all.
Hawkins Pointe
Passion for Traveling
John and his wife, Karen, have been traveling the country in Multiple Prevost motorhomes since 2008. They have combined their skills, Karen in staging and decorating and John in mechanical and upfitting, to create JLH Coachworks. This dealership, located at Hawkins Pointe, specializes in refurbishing and re-homing used luxury coaches.
Hawkins Pointe
John’s decades in the trucking industry have fostered many important relationships, which the family enjoy sharing with park, storage, and sales customers. They have developed a reputation for being able to help get folks connected to specialists who can help get them back on the road when equipment problems threaten to ruin a trip.
Attractions near Hawkins Pointe.
Family Business
In 2021, John and Karen’s son, John Lee, joined them as General Manager of the RV Park and Storage, and two years later their daughter, Nicole, came on to help with bookkeeping. The staff, including Storage Manager Kevin and Reservation Specialist Cathey, have years of collective experience in the RV industry and provide unparalleled, personalized service to each of their customers.
Much like many of the towing companies that John has spent his career serving, Hawkins Pointe has become a family-owned-and-operated business. This year Hawkins Pointe acquired an additional two acres of land and plans to expand its RV sites in the coming year. The expansion will see an increase in amenities and site offerings for customers. The next time you make your way along the West side of the Appalachian Mountain trail, make sure to make Hawkins Pointe a part of your trip. We all look forward to meeting you and your dogs!
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business by creating better guest experiences.
At Campland On the Bay, good guest experiences are an investment, passed down from one generation of campers to the next. That’s why you see guests wearing “Campland Raised” t-shirts from the gift shop, and why those who visited Campland as kids now bring their children to this same spot. When campgrounds create better guest experiences, guests are more likely to return.
Here we explore how Campland On the Bay fosters better guest experiences to ensure that every trip is memorable, that guests leave better off than they came, and that every point of contact is meaningful for their guests.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one of this three-part series.
The Camping Revolution
The pandemic spurred many families to go camping for the first time — 7 million families, for context. It also brought out many more campers who had stopped camping prior to the pandemic. For campgrounds, this meant record-breaking numbers at a time when the rest of the hospitality industry struggled.
Camping demand increased, and campgrounds were presented with a unique opportunity to grow their customer base. The question was (and remains): Will it last?
The leadership at Campland On the Bay believes this “camping revolution” will ultimately prove to be beneficial to campgrounds and the RV-camping community.
“It has really reoriented travelers and people looking for recreational experiences to the importance of outdoor recreation… [and] RV camping in particular as a family-friendly way to reconnect with the outdoors, but to also have some agency and control over the experiences [they’re] having,” said Jacob Gelfand, COO of Terra Vista Management.
As Campland On the Bay saw record-breaking numbers over the last few years, they focused on providing excellent customer service, so those first-time campers would be more likely to return.
Customer Service
With so many different guests revolving through a campground day to day, week to week, how do you provide good guest experiences, and how do you measure your success? For Campland, online reviews are a gauge of how well they are meeting customer service standards.
At Campland, they monitor online customer reviews in real-time, which, in some cases, has given them a chance to address issues while the visitors are still at the campsite. And it’s not just about putting out fires. These follow-ups help Campland build trust with guests and create face-to-face opportunities to improve situations and show campers they are listening.
“Reviews are crucial… No matter what their issue, if you can take care of it before they leave, then there’s a very good chance they’re either going to modify that review to reflect how good the park did with its response or they’ll take down the review completely and leave a five-star review because of the customer service they received while here,” said “Ranger Dave,” the Guest Relations Manager at Campland.
Reviews can be red flags to help owners fix immediate issues, and they also provide a more global reading of what guests think about your campground in general.
Not only are reviews helpful for campground owners, but they also help campers determine where they should stay. Ninety-two percent of consumers now read at least one review before making a decision, and over 70 percent of customers are more likely to trust a campground based on a positive review.
Campgrounds should make it easy for campers to provide reviews, whether by offering a QR code to their review section, encouraging YELP reviews or similar, or even providing a physical comment box. That feedback can be invaluable and it communicates to campers that the campground wants to improve on their experience.
Creating Customer Experiences
If addressing reviews and improving customer service are the responsive actions campgrounds take to grow their customer base, then creating incredible customer experiences is an active action they can take, preparing long before a camper enters their gates.
At Campland, they work to create memorable customer experiences that visitors will want to recreate and share with family and friends.
“At every point of contact along the way, we’re thinking about how we can make this experience as meaningful as possible for our guests,” says Gelfand.
Guests at Campland are greeted personally and asked about what they might want to do during their stay. Staff provide information of all the possible attractions and activities to try to meet those customers’ expectations on an individual basis. From hosting organized events like dodgeball tournaments, live bands, and concerts to establishing permanent social hang-outs like cantinas and an ice cream parlor, Campland strives to make the guests’ visit as action-packed as possible.
But not every campground needs to offer the same scale of experience as Campland to be successful.
“You can provide family-friendly activities and entertainment on any scale. You don’t have to have a waterfront location, you don’t have to have a huge footprint to provide activities and experiences that will keep guests engaged and coming back and also set you apart from the competition,” says Gelfand.
For campground owners: What activities and entertainment happen at your campground?
For campers: What experiences have you had at campgrounds that have brought you back?
Diesel pusher motorhomes are hardy vehicles, but they’re not indestructible. Here’s a list of seven potentially damaging diesel pusher mistakes that owners should avoid.
• Fueling from both sides at the same time. Most diesel pushers (DPs) have fuel ports on both sides. Truck fuel stations generally have a master pump on one side with a slave pump on the other. This accommodates the filling of separate saddle tanks located on each side. They are not for filling a single tank of a dual ported vehicle. Doing so will lead to a serious fuel spill while pumping.
• Applying hard application of the service brakes while the park brake is engaged. High air pressure combined with the powerful spring brakes located in the tandem air chambers on the drive axle can damage the mechanical rods and linkages that control the brake action. Fortunately, all modern air brake vehicles have an anti-compounding valve designed specifically for this issue. It reduces air pressures being applied during such events. Regardless of this feature, it is common practice to tread lightly as not to rely solely on such safety devices.
• Pumping or dragging the service brakes while slowing or checking speed. Pumping the air brakes can cause the exhaustion of volume of compressed air in excess of what the compressor can produce. Dragging the brakes can cause rapid overheating of the brake system. These actions can reduce the efficiency of the braking system and possibly lead to total failure. Air brakes should be applied briskly as needed and released.
• Moving the vehicle prior to it fully airing up. Most DP’s must be at their highway ride height in order to have adequate wheel clearance between the front tires and the fenders. Additionally, driveline universal joints can be stressed by the acute angle that exists when the air suspension is fully down.
• Shutting down a hot engine or while above idle speed. Diesel engines must be allowed to cool down briefly prior to shutdown. This is primarily needed for a turbocharged engine. It requires only about 3 minutes and in many cases has nearly elapsed while pulling off the road. Also only shutdown while on low idle to avoid possible turbo damage.
• Checking the fluid level of an Allison transmission using the dipstick of an electronic fluid level equipped set-up. For units with this feature, the manufacturer recommends the use of the electronic method as it is far more accurate. The depressing of the up-and-down arrows simultaneously on the shift pad displays this feature if so enabled.
• Storing a DP with a tank full of 20 percent bio-diesel blend (B-20) fuel for a duration of over 90 days. Engine maker Cummins recommends not storing vehicles with high bio-diesel blends (B-20) for over 90 days as fuel system component issues may occur.
With a background in the designing and manufacturing of specialized automated industrial equipment, Peter Mercer writes about the full range of the RV travel experiences.
Forest River is redefining outdoor adventure with the all-new Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW travel trailer. Packed with innovative and unconventional designs, the X-Lite 24VIEW features pleasant surprises at every turn. The real game changing feature is the hidden bunk room behind the entertainment center, but it’s not the only surprise up the X-Lite 24VIEW’s sleeve. A unique kitchen and seating arrangement also provides some of the best views in the industry with a massive window surrounding the rear kitchen.
Boasting one of the most unique and versatile configurations on the market, the X-Lite 24VIEW blows away the competition in quality and value. Forest River went outside of the conventional RV norm and created a truly special floorplan that meets the needs of many different families and RVers.
Phenomenal Views in Every Direction
Interior from front to back
Bring the scenic views of the wilderness inside with 64 square-feet of windows throughout the X-Lite 24VIEW. A very large wall-to-wall window making up the rear of the RV creates one of the most unique and picturesque dining/seating arrangements in the market. In fact, the entire back of the X-Lite 24VIEW features a wrap-around U-shaped counter top with 18-feet of solid surface counter space. On the camp side of the RV, the counter begins with the double-bowl sink and continues to the 3-burner cooktop and oven, microwave and plenty of cabinet storage. Bar stools provide seating around the wrap-around counter top and both USB and standard outlets allow the area to double as a workstation. Combine that with huge windows and it’s instantly one of the nicest corner offices in the business.
Discover X-Lite 24VIEW’s Biggest Secret
Bunk room hidden behind entertainment center
The highlight feature of the X-Lite 24VIEW is the set of bunks tucked behind the TV and entertainment center. The shiplap feature wall opens to reveal the hidden bunk room and office area. The bunks are on hinges and can swing out of the way. A desk area and additional storage allow the room to double as another functional office space.
The upgraded designer furniture package includes a pillow-back Versa sofa and chaise lounge that converts to a bed. With the abundant counter space wrapping around the rear of the X-Lite 24VIEW, a traditional dinette was eliminated in place of the sofa across from the TV and fireplace.
Upgraded Bedroom and Bath Amenities
Interior from back to front
The large shower with surround features the Arcadia Series soft shower door, upgraded shower head and a skylight. A 60K tankless water heater ensures the shower stays hot anytime you need it. Furthermore, keep your bathroom essentials on-hand with plenty of storage below and above the sink.
Another new feature in the X-Lite 24VIEW is the Versa-Tilt bed system. The custom king bed boasts dual nightstands and closets, plus overhead storage. The bed can slide up and tip, providing additional floor space in the bedroom. When flat, totes can be placed under the bed for extra storage.
Outside Features for Exterior Entertainment
There’s plenty of room in the X-Lite 24VIEW to bring those extra amenities with 20.3 cubic-feet of Stow-N-Go storage. An outdoor kitchen featuring a small bar-sized refrigerator and flat-top griddle will make entertaining a breeze. Additionally, a 200 watt solar panel will keep the LED light strip under the 18-foot modern cloth RollerShades awning shining bright.
Check Out the Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW at General RV
Discover unparalleled comfort and convenience in the Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW while immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors.
With the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season underway, now may be the best time to stock up on some last-minute severe weather preparedness items tax-free during Florida’s latest sales tax holiday. It’s no secret that hurricanes (and tropical storms) are dangerous storm systems that primarily impact southeastern states. However, it’s still possible to RV and stay safe during potentially stormy weather.
The state of Florida is holding a 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday beginning August 26. The sales tax holiday is intended to give residents an opportunity to finalize their weather disaster supply kits in preparation for hurricane season.
General RV Center’s three Florida locations, in Jacksonville, Ocala and Tampa, have fully-stocked RV parts and accessory departments with a number of eligible items included in the sales tax holiday. The following products can be found at any General RV Florida location. Use the links below to navigate each section, or scroll to view the available tax-free products.
1. The Cummins Onan 4500i portable generator boasts efficiency, durability and performance. It’s RV and camper ready with a 30 amp TT-30R outlet and can run at 25% power for up to 18 hours.
Cummins Onan 4500i
Sale: $1,269.99
2. The Cummins Onan 2500i inverter gasoline generator offers 2,500 peak watts of power in a lightweight, easy-to-carry package. The one-gallon fuel tank provides 10 hours of run time at 25% load.
Cummins Onan 2500i
Sale: $829.99
3. The FIRMAN WH02942 is a 3,200/2,900W 30A electric start RV-ready portable generator, running on both propane and gasoline, for the best of both worlds. With an included RV-ready TT-30R 30 amp outlet it’s the ideal solution for those who enjoy camping, tailgating and other outdoor activities.
Sale: $1,219.99
4. The FIRMAN W01781 portable 2,100W inverter generator is a camper’s must-have — a mobile solution for your off-grid adventures. The strong recoil start FIRMAN engine runs cool, quiet and provides clean power for electronics and sensitive equipment.
FIRMAN W01781 portable 2,100W inverter generator
Sale: $729.99
5. The Safari ME from Lion Energy is a powerful lithium solar generator that powers virtually anything you can plug into a standard wall outlet. This 2,000W generator can fully charge from the wall in as little as 83 minutes, or use the power of the sun to recharge in as little as 95 minutes.
Lion Energy Safari ME
Sale: $2,349.99
6. The Lion Energy Safari LT is a portable solar powered generator that provides safe, silent and renewable power for your cooking, recreation, work and emergency needs. Therefore, at 500W of multiple outputs and only 11 pounds, you can have power at your fingertips, wherever you are.
Lion Energy Safari LT
Sale: $589.99
7. The Go Power! DuraPACK 8W Portable Power Pack is ideal for tent camping, camper vans, tent trailers, backyard parties, festivals, fishing and backup power for emergencies. Capable of charging cell phones up to three times per charge, the DuraPACK comes equipped with 8-watts of waterproof folding solar panels, LED status lights and an integrated flashlight.
Sale: $37.99
8. The Dexas Pets collapsible Travel Bowl with water bottle holder and carabineer is the perfect on-the-go pet companion. Clip the carabineer onto your belt loop or backpack or use the water bottle holder feature to hook it onto a water bottle top. Additionally, the travel cup expands for use and collapses.
Sale: $10.99
9. The Dexas Pets KlipScoop is a three-in-one tool; a measuring cup, food scooper and bag clip all in one! This fully-collapsible scoop saves space and makes it easy to pack in an RV or travel trailer.
Sale: $10.99
10. The Dexas Pets Collapsible Travel Cup features a two-cup capacity and is the perfect solution for the pup on the go! Store this collapsible cup with a water bottle for an easy hydration option at national and state parks, on hiking trails and more.
Sale: $10.99
11. Take a roll of Valterra Doggy Waste Bags waste bags with you on the trails with your canine companion. These biodegradable bags are better for the environment than other plastic waste bags, and they make it easy to pick up after your pup.
Sale: $5.99
12. Let your dog safely enjoy the outdoors with you with Valterra’ s Dog Tie-Out Cables. The cable comes in lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet, and is made out of aircraft-grade steel and has weather resistant PVC vinyl covering. Furthermore, it’s intended for dogs up to 100 pounds.
Sale: $11.99, $14.99, $18.99 (10’, 20’, 30’)
Tax-Free Products for Personal Safety
13. The First Alert FG250RVA battery-operated smoke alarm provides continuous protection against smoke and fire, whether camping on shore power or off-the-grid. This smoke alarm features a hinged cover for easy battery replacement and is approved for use in RVs.
First Alert FG250RVA battery-operated smoke alarm
Sale: $16.99
14. The First Alert Recreation Fire Extinguisher is a class 5-B:C rated fire extinguisher ideal for use in your RV. This portable fire extinguisher fights flammable liquid and electrical fires and can be recharged by a certified professional when discharged.
First Alert Recreation Fire Extinguisher
Sale: $32.99
15. The First Alert CO250 RVA is a single station carbon monoxide alarm specifically designed for RV use as defined by the RVIA. This carbon monoxide alarm uses an advanced electrochemical sensor to accurately detect elevated carbon monoxide levels, and an 85-decibel horn helps ensure you have early warning of carbon monoxide presence.
First Alert CO250 RVA
Sale: $30.99
All of these products, and more, can be purchased from any Florida General RV Supercenter tax-free from August 26 to September 9.
New electronic gadgets always bring out my inner cynic, like the first time I heard someone raving about their new portable power station for RV camping. It sounded like just gizmo that would take up precious space in my small fifth wheel. But after some research, I’m not too proud to admit that I was wrong about these things. Today I’m a believer that these devices can be a huge benefit for RVers who love camping off-grid. Here’s what changed my mind.
Not Just Another Dry Camping Gadget
From smartphones to headlamps, we all RV with more electronics than we used to. Even our rigs are loaded with electronics that consume more power, like push-button RV dumping and automatic leveling systems. That’s why if you haven’t looked into adding a portable power station to your RV gear, now’s the time. These ultra-efficient, clean energy stations are better than ever at keeping your creature comforts powered up wherever you camp. And although they are not inexpensive, if you decide to take the plunge on a device like the Jackery Explorer, the payback is immediate. More power means more comforts and longer stays when you’re camping without hookups.
Desert dry camping. Getty Images
Until now, there’s always been a price to pay for boondocking without hookups. That price is the careful monitoring that must happen if you don’t want to kill your RV house batteries, especially as night falls. For boondockers like me, electricity is a precious commodity. For instance, my husband and I are usually are running two computers, one tablet, two phones with individual internet hotspots, and other household appliances throughout the day, like our refrigerator. If the weather turns bad, our 500-watt RV solar array forces us to prioritize what we use and when, in order to keep power flowing and our batteries happy. With no more room on our roof or in our battery storage area to expand our solar power system, juggling power consumption is a constant, frustrating struggle on cloudy days.
During those times, our 16-year-old gas-powered generator often helps us meet our power needs. But being saved by a genset means always carrying a gallon of gasoline in our toolbox because our truck is diesel-powered. And I can’t count the number of times we’ve spilled gas on our hands while refilling the generator. Have you ever tried removing gasoline odor from your skin when you’re dry camping? It’s tough. And after all that, even our “super quiet” gas generator emits clatter that disturbs the peace, and fills the air with smelly fumes.
Despite the downsides of gas generators, we’ve been carrying it for years. Meanwhile we completely ignored the emerging portable power station technology that’s hit the RV gear marketplace over the last few years. Portable power stations powered by electricity revolutionized dry camping when I wasn’t looking! I became an instant fan once I tried one myself.
Jackery Explorer portable power station.
Portable Power Station 101
So what exactly do these boxes do? Portable power stations for RV camping are essentially a large rechargeable battery that can power devices ranging from smartphones to hair dryers and everything in-between. These devices are not complicated and easy to use without any technological know-how—or gasoline.
First, the portable power station gets charged with electricity so it can power your devices. You can give it juice by plugging it into a wall outlet before you leave home, or even at a campsite power pedestal before you venture into the wild for some boondocking. If you don’t get to charge it up at the campground, you can plug it into your vehicle’s 12V DC power output (the cigarette lighter socket) while you are on the road. You can even pair portable power stations with solar panels to recharge with free energy from the sun.
Once charged up, that power stays inside the station’s battery until you use it. Incoming power gets stored in a “mega” battery built into the power station. Usually, the battery is a high-quality lithium-ion battery, which is better at storing and dispensing stored energy. Lithium-ion batteries are also better at recharging, for instance, while utilizing “pass-through” technology that enables you to keep using your devices while the power station itself is being charged.
If you’re concerned about lithium-ion batteries exploding or catching fire, don’t be. Those stories you’ve heard about exploding lithium-ion batteries usually happen only to cheap knock-offs made with inferior materials. As long as you buy a portable power station for RV camping from a reputable brand, you can rest easy knowing that those manufacturers use high-quality batteries in their power stations.
Getty Images
When you plug into the station, it converts stored energy into the kind of power you need. Portable power stations have multiple outputs that handle a variety of device power needs. Most stations come with AC outlets, DC carports, and oftentimes multiple USB and USB-C / A ports. So if you’re charging your laptop with the station’s AC outlet, the power station converts stored DC power into AC power. Just be sure you have the AC power option selected so that your device actually starts charging.
With the push of a button, the station can automatically regulate power output based on the requirements of whatever you just plugged into it. The built-in smart power management systems require little to no user intervention. In return you get better efficiency and longer internal battery life. Plus, you don’t need to worry about overcharging or having too many devices plugged in at the same time. The best portable power stations for RV camping have robust safety features, such as overheat protection, short circuit protection, and voltage regulation.
Why I Switched from Gas Power to Electric Power Generation
At first I wondered “Why not just stick to my gas-powered generator?” It’s a valid question, but the choice is clear when you weigh the benefits of a portable power station for RV camping against the pros and cons of carrying a big, bulky gas generator.
They’re silent. Unlike generators, power stations make zero to little noise, about the decibel equivalent of a whisper. Your peaceful camping environment is preserved with these devices.
They don’t spew harmful emissions. These eco-friendly, battery-powered devices can be used in places where generator hours are restricted because of noise and pollution concerns.
Anyone can use them. Power stations don’t need priming or pumping to get then started. There’s no setup required, unlike most generators.
Of course, portable power station downsides aren’t all unicorns and rainbows. The biggest downside is they have limited power capacity that normally cannot run larger appliances like your air conditioner unless you make a Soft Start modification to the HVAC system.
In addition, portable power stations take longer to recharge. Instead of just pouring more gas into the generator to instantly restart the power supply, recharging can take up to 12 hours, depending on how you intend to do it. Usually, recharging through solar panels takes the longest to reload the battery supply.
Portable Power Station Considerations
Not all portable power stations have the same power output capacity or are the same size and weight. Recharging times and the number and types of devices they can charge will vary too. Don’t buy one until you audit the number and types of devices you want to charge with the device. Another important consideration is: where will you store a power station in your RV? Will it be easy to access? Is there ventilation to keep the station’s cooling fans happy? And since some can weigh almost as much as a gas generator, you’ll want to ensure you can put the station in the storage spot without too much physical struggle.
Since I stepped into the new era of using a portable power station for RV camping, I noticed that my stress level goes down when it’s cloudy outside and our solar power system isn’t as charged as we would like it to be. Instead of worrying about whether or not I can recharge my laptop to get in some additional work time, I just plug into the power station and relax. The power possibilities are practically endless now that I have modern camping technology on my side.
For many RV buyers, a new trailer or motorhome isn’t necessarily complete when it rolls off the lot. New owners often apply additional modifications as RV upgrades once it’s in their hands, and many of these aftermarket add-ons add value to their vehicle. Owners are wise to invest and keep track of these additions. They make trips more enjoyable and safer during your time as an owner and they may enhance the resale value of your RV when it’s time to change to a new unit.
So what are some of these popular features new owners add shortly after purchasing? Understandably, these will vary greatly depending on the rig type. (After all, a tent trailer owner will obviously have a different “must-have list” than a diesel pusher). But there are some upgrades that cross RV types, and we’ll explore some of those here. But don’t stop there! Research other value-adding upgrades for your specific type of unit (or even model) that may pay off.
Here’s a list of upgrades that will not only improve your RV but will add value when it comes time to sell.
Tire Monitor Systems
An extremely popular upgrade across all types and sizes of RVs is tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS). These range from self-installed screw-on cap types with stand-alone wireless receivers to full-featured internal tire pressure and temperature transmitters. While the later type generally is more a factory option opted to purchase, the easy screw-on kits are very effective and economically priced.
Adding a TPMS to your rig immediately helps you improve the life of your tires. Given road hazards, widely varying temperatures, long miles, and other surprises along the road, the best thing you can do for your tires is monitor air pressure, giving you a heads up before a minor issue becomes a major issue.
Solar
Solar is becoming an increasingly popular add-on to many RVs, especially for boondockers. Adding solar panels — and the equipment needed to process solar power — gives you and your rig more independence to travel where you want and remain powered. Keep in mind: when it comes to the RV community, some are still hesitant to equip their setup with solar. And that may be more true for new RVers who are already facing a learning curve in other areas. So to ensure solar doesn’t hurt the value of your RV, make sure you invest in quality products that are easy to use.
Portable generators
Most travel trailers and fifth wheels do not come equipped with a portable generator. Certain features like electric fireplaces will require more power than a typical 12V can handle, and they will have to rely on shore power or a portable generator. This can be a good upgrade to add that may increase the sellability of your unit. While you may want to keep your generator when you sell your RV, invest in a generator that will remain reliable long-term, whether that’s for you or the next owner.
Appliances
You will likely want to replace your appliances once they’ve reached the 5-6 year mark. But if you’re timing when to sell your RV with when you replace appliances, it’s a definite benefit to have recently updated the appliances. Those purchasing a used RV will already be nervous about looming repairs, and it’s a guaranteed way to sway them towards purchasing the RV if they are less likely to have to replace appliances.
Additional Aftermarket Electronics
Other aftermarket electronic/electric items owners choose are things like portable generators, satellite television receivers and antennas, upgraded audio equipment, in-line power surge protectors, emergency automatic weather broadcast receivers, and similar electronic hardware.
Covers & Winterization Stock
Trailer covers are an important item for winterizing your RV, and you should consider these along with anything else in the winterization process to purchase and keep in stock prior to selling your RV. While not necessarily an upgrade, trailer and RV covers and similar investments not only protect your rig, but they demonstrate the care you’ve shown your RV when in your possession. This is a clear indicator you’ve been a good RV owner. And you should be!
Other items such as wheel chokes, security alarm devices, hitch locks, lighting features, and of course, a couple of jugs of RV anti-freeze are also popular items. For most of these, the RV owner’s motivation is adding to the needed utility hardware and protective off-season items. Then there is the walk-through of a large RV camping retail store such as Camping World. Here it is not only easy to find items you need, but also difficult to pass up items you really don’t need but want.
Shopping for RV Upgrades
I have owned a half dozen motorhomes since joining the RV lifestyle years ago. Like most RVers know, vehicle issues happen from time to time. Many of these problems require a visit to your dealer or O.E.M. service center. While the majority of RV owners find these repair visits inconvenient and somewhat boring, I really did not. I found them interesting and very informative and looked forward to them. Plus, I had an ulterior motive that made the trip worthwhile, or at least, much more enjoyable.
So, what was the delight I generally found in most of these RV service center shops? Well, in as much as having a technician repair or replace a failed component, like say an RV refrigerator control board, it is now no different than before it failed. In other words, the fridge works like it used to. No better, no worse. There is nothing exciting here, just same old.
For me, before I go to a service depot, I scope out their product line. What accessories or options do they handle? Upon studying the available products they sell I usually come up with an item or component I would love to add to my rig. It might be an automatic start kit for my generator, a back-up camera, a GPS navigation receiver, an awning, or a host of items. This is the perfect time for such purposes. After all, not only can you purchase a long-sought item, but it can be professionally installed now.
For me, this method worked well. Once I have done all the preliminary work of sourcing what I want and ordering it for installation at the same time, the service appointment becomes far more fun. Now I am looking forward to it. When I return after the service appointment, I will have something better than I did before.
Now, I know there are costs here to consider. But I would end up buying most of these add-ons one day anyway. Additionally, there are less expensive items and gadgets that can be just as fun to add and can brighten up an otherwise humdrum service day. Extended hotdog/marshmallow forks for around-the-fire evening snacks come to mind.
So, surprise your RV ride with a treat next time a shop trip is needed.
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun, comfortable, and sustainable way. Here, we take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business serving guests, creating a welcoming community, and cultivating culture for its employees and visitors.
Welcome to our three-part series highlighting a premier Good Sam campground, Campland On the Bay, in sunny San Diego, California, where they’ve provided memorable experiences for campers and their families for well over fifty years. This beachside campground creates a camper-first experience that lets them leave their troubles at the gate.
The relationship between campers and campgrounds is reciprocal. Campgrounds thrive when they provide an experience campers want to return to. And that’s why we’re taking a closer look at Campland On the Bay, exploring the steps they take to provide a remarkable experience for campers every time they visit.
For Campland On the Bay, an incredible camper experience starts with cultivating culture within.
Building the Right Team
At Campland On the Bay, “happy employees make happy guests.” And one of their main goals is to cultivate an internal culture where employees feel appreciated and see themselves as part of a bigger purpose. At any campground, how employees treat their guests correlates with return visits and customer satisfaction. That’s why Campland prioritizes creating an enjoyable environment for their employees, knowing, in turn, their guests will receive the same.
The leadership at Campland prides itself on employee retention, and they have employees who have stayed with the campground for multiple years and decades—a rarity in the hospitality industry. This has a direct impact on the camper experience. Many Campland employees have built relationships with returning guests and are on a first-name basis with them. Their management makes it a daily practice to walk the campground, interacting with both employees and guests.
Jacob Gelfand, COO of Terra Vista Management, which operates Campland On the Bay, says “It’s a really important part of our whole philosophy, to make sure this is a place that our team members wake up and want to come to work every morning, and they feel like they’re enjoying a fun experience alongside the guests.”
Community Involvement
Campgrounds can be an economic, environmental, and social boon to their local communities. By attracting tourists to their location, they help support local economies, bring awareness to natural and ecological attractions, and drive future growth as ambassadors for the campground and local community.
The better the campground’s relationship with its local community, the better it can support the visitor experience, and the entire ecosystem grows through reciprocity.
At Campland on the Bay, they are longstanding partners with their local community, and they believe that an essential part of creating a positive culture lies in a strong relationship with their community. In addition to supporting local environmental and educational non-profits, they involve the campers directly. Campland Cares gives visitors an opportunity to make a $1 per day donation (or alternative amount) that goes directly to non-profits that benefit the local community.
The Value of Campground Ownership and Management
For campgrounds and campground owners, knowing your value is critical to cultivating a positive culture internally. Camping has surged in popularity since the pandemic, and now many campgrounds across the country are booked solid for much of the camping season. For example, it’s common advice among the camper community to book early and plan ahead to acquire a campground reservation successfully.
The takeaway? People want to go camping. And campgrounds owe it to themselves to create an experience that meets camper expectations. Campgrounds with purposeful cultures communicate that value to their employees and leadership so they work towards the same goal of customer satisfaction.
Campgrounds are a valuable resource. RV campgrounds are among some of the most coveted asset classes in real estate, and the global camping and RV market is predicted to reach $69 billion this year and grow to over $100 billion by 2026.
In many ways, Campland On the Bay was a predecessor to the campground community and industry we know today. In the late 1960s, Campland and similar campgrounds helped define RVing and destination camping as a viable asset class, leading to opportunities for investment.
In our next installment, we cover how Campland On the Bay works to create a better customer experience. For campers, what experiences have you had at campgrounds that have improved your visit? For campground owners, what steps do you take to cultivate a positive culture? Leave your answer in the comments below.
Camping has entered a whole new era these past few years with the dawn of glamp camping. This style of camping isn’t like the olden days where you’d rough it in the woods, rather it’s a form of camping that brings hotel-like amenities into the wild.
That’s why we wanted to sit down and unpack glamping in a way that helps you see what it’s all about while getting you the tools to find a stay near you.
Let’s dig in and see what this new wave of glamorous camping is all about.
What is Glamp Camping?
Glamp on your next vacation.
Glamping (i.e. glamorous camping) is a form of luxury camping where you’re able to get into nature while still enjoying cozy amenities like plush beds, linens, kitchenettes, porches, decks, and more.
Some examples of glamp camping you might have heard of include tiny homes, luxury treehouses, safari tents, yurts, and beyond.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to different types of glamping. The only requirements are that it be in nature and that it offer more upscale amenities than traditional camping.
Different Ways to Glamp
As the glamping trend has grown, so too have the many different ways to glamp out. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the different styles:
Glamping Tents
Glamping tents are typically a more-permanent feature provided by the glamp campground.
These ain’t your grandpa’s tent. Glamping tents are a canvas oasis that usually feature a built structure with tent material. Inside, you’ll often find plush bedding, a kitchenette, and sometimes even your own private bathroom — in a tent!
Many glamping tents also feature covered decks so you can take your morning coffee with natural views. For example, the luxury tents at Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground in North Carolina are tucked in private wooded sites, come fully furnished, have covered porches, and feature plush beds.
Conestoga Wagons
Page Lake Powell Campground
Yep, you read that right. These rigs bring wild west luxury to your next glamping experience. They’ll often feature so many niceties that you’ll feel like you’re in a suite. We’re talking things like fine wood trimmings, large comfy beds, amply equipped bathrooms, heat and AC, sitting areas, and more. Take the wagons at Page Lake Powell Campground in Arizona. They fit right in with the scenic red rocks and cowboy vibes of the camp — all while bringing you the comforts of home.
Vintage Airstreams (and more)
Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort
Vintage camping trailers, lovingly restored, are an increasingly popular way to glamp. The beauty of this glamping style is that you get to experience RV life even if you don’t have an RV — and in an even more exciting way.
The vintage Airstreams at Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort show off the vibes of yesteryear, while still offering all of today’s best amenities.
Tiny Homes
Small wooden houses at a climbing camp, Shelter for the traveler, House with porch.
Glamp camping is a solid way to try out the tiny home movement. That’s because glampgrounds offer ‘tiny’ homes with a mighty slate of benefits.
Even though they call them tiny, many of these home rentals can sleep up to six comfortably and feature ingenious style and design that flows with the nature around it.
Clabough’s Campground in Pigeon Forge, TN offers up tiny homes with a patio deck and grill. So you can BBQ it up with the fam as you soak in views over the Great Smoky Mountains.
Enjoy amenities like this onsite pool before returning to your luxury tiny home
Yurts
Yurts are a comfortable middle ground between tents and cabins.
Yurts have a long history of providing versatile and durable shelter in any climate. This camping tradition has been transformed into a luxury glamping experience at sites all over the world. A Yurt is a circular structure that’s assembled much like a heavy duty wood frame tent. That wide open space gives glamp designers a bunch of space for creativity.
Cabin camping might’ve been around for eons, but glamp camping has taken cabins to a whole other level.
The cabins at the Red Apple Campground in Kennebunkport, ME are right near the Maine Coast and are built out like plush homes. This sort of a stay gives you the chance to plug into nature without ditching creature comforts.
Oh and at Red Apple, they’ll even deliver Maine Lobstahs right to your front door.
Benefits of Finding a Good Place to Glamp
The biggest benefit of glamping is that you get to experience the healing power of nature without getting too rustic. A good place to glamp will also offer unique furnishings that flow into the areas around them.
The other big benefit of glamping is that it lets you test the waters of camping in a comfy way. If you dig the idea of camping, but are nervous about roughing it too much, glamping is a great way to get part way there.
The other benefit of searching for and finding a good place to glamp is that you’ll be able to choose your own adventure.
Our Good Sam Pack and Stay Campgrounds, for example, provide options that you can discover with the whole family to stay in the sorts of spaces and places that work well for everyone.
Glamping: What to Expect and What to Bring
The beauty of most glamping sites is that you don’t have to bring anything more than you might to a hotel room. Cabins, luxury tents, yurts, tiny homes, and more will generally be stocked with the linens and toiletries needed for your stay.
Additionally, many glamping styles feature kitchens and BBQs so you’ll have the tools needed to create and share family meals.
When it comes to what you should expect during a glamping stay, this will depend on the type of glamping site you choose.
Established campgrounds around the country offer glamp camping options. When you glamp at an established campground, you’ll likely benefit from things like a clubhouse, sitewide WiFi, campground activities, and onsite staff.
If you choose a more remote or independent glamping site, you might find that it’s more basic and doesn’t feature the amenities of a campground. These sorts of glamping stays can still be magical, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations.
How to Find a Good Glampground and Glamp
The best place to start your glamping search is by checking out campgrounds in the area you’d like to travel to see if they offer glamping options. This way, you’ll know you’re in an established location that’s experienced at hosting folks looking to plug into nature.
For all other inquiries, look no further than the Good Sam Campground Directory, a comprehensive list of campgrounds (and glamgrounds) which allows you to search the glamping options at Good Sam campgrounds by state.
Other glamping options you might want to explore are unique stays on properties like ranches, wedding venues, and even private homes. Many of these stays will be listed on traditional short term rental websites.
It’s also important to note that glamping stays won’t always be called glamping.
Tiny homes, for example, are available for stays at many locations around the country. Because the tiny home movement hits on so many different themes, stays like these might be described in a different way, but they still offer the chance to experience glamping.
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Even if you have your own RV, glamp camping offers a new wave of travel that allows you to plug into nature in an entirely different way. Glamp stays are as unique as the people and places that host them. So if you’re looking for a new and creative way to stay outdoors, look no further than discovering your ideal way to glamp.
As temperatures trend hotter across the country, it’s a good time to think about how heat in general affects tire performance. Specifically, how heat and tire pressure are related. The relationship between the two might not be quite as straightforward as you might think. For example, what does it mean when you have one hot tire? We’ll cover the basics — like what happens to your tires when the outside temperature increases — as well as the importance of keeping close tabs on your tires’ pressure, temperature, and performance.
Tire pressure and tire longevity
As most of us know, an underinflated tire exposes more surface area of the tire to the pavement. And the friction this causes can quickly increase the temperature of the tire, compromising its integrity. A slightly underinflated tire will deteriorate far more quickly than a properly inflated tire. But the problem doesn’t stop there.
An overinflated tire also presents longevity issues. When a tire is overinflated, less surface area comes into contact with the pavement, which contributes to uneven wear as the force and weight of your vehicle fall on a smaller surface area.
This is why it’s crucial to maintain tire pressure in the Goldilocks zone — not overinflated, not underinflated. This is an easy enough task when you regularly check the tire pressure, and it’s a great practice to make your tires last longer. But what happens when your tires are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations as you travel? Both overinflation and underinflation put your tires at risk, and it becomes increasingly difficult to moderate the changes during hot summer months.
What should tire pressure be in hot weather?
As a general rule, your tire pressure increases as the outside temperature increases. Gas expands when heated, and your tires will be under higher pressure the hotter it gets. How much? For tires, a change of 10 degrees in temperature will affect the PSI by 1-2 degrees. The hotter the temperature, the higher the PSI. So, on colder mornings when you check the tire pressure, think about how the temperature increase throughout the day will change the PSI.
With some parts of the country regularly hitting 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit, your tires could face significant pressurization changes. As the heat increases — and as you drive over hot surfaces and create additional heat through friction — your tires are at risk of becoming overinflated. Add in a bumpy road or a road hazard, and you face a serious risk of a blowout.
Why one hot tire?
Tire problems manifest themselves in many different ways, but what happens when the problem you’re having is out of the ordinary? For example, a gentleman told me recently his coach had blown the right inside dual three different times, and it only had 20,000 miles on it. The chassis builder replaced the first tire, but after that, they wouldn’t replace it again. They had apparently checked it out several times, but couldn’t find anything wrong with it.
Since he said the tire/wheel assembly is hotter than the same one on the other side, I suggested he record those temperatures and document them. What I think is happening with this particular situation is that the hose from the inside wheel that allows filling from the outside wheel is leaking, draining the air out of the inside dual. When it gets low on air, it develops a tremendous amount of heat and friction that eventually blows the tire. (If you have a set of these hoses on your coach, check them to make sure they are not leaking, and check the tire pressure on your inner tires frequently.)
Solutions for a single hot tire
One of the things we recommend is a full steel stem (not flexible). It comes out of the inner dual that curves toward the outside. When it comes to rotate your tires, you may have to dismount it at the tire and wheel because the stem is meant to stay on that inside dual position. I think you may be able to rotate it to the front wheel as well.
There’s another product called the Crossfire Dual, which attaches both the tires and wheels together to a common filling point, and equalizes the pressure between the two tires. Typically the inner runs hotter, which builds pressure up. This is due to the fact that the inner tires are closer to the brake drums and don’t have the same air circulation as the outers do.
The Crossfire uses a color-coded gauge that makes it easy to see if the pressure has gone too high or too low. If there is a blowout or if pressure drops more than 10 psi between the two tires, it shuts off the airflow between the two wheels so both won’t go flat. They do weigh quite a bit, though, so I would recommend re-balancing the wheels to compensate for the weight offset even though the product mounts near the center point of the hub.
Heat is a sign of resistance. An underinflated tire is one cause, but so is a dragging brake drum, a bad bearing, etc. For this reason, I think an infrared heat gun is another invaluable tool for diagnosing a hot tire or tire/wheel assembly.
Tire pressure monitoring system
Whether you’re facing heat fluctuations due to a mechanical failure — like a tire leaking air pressure and causing more friction — or because the temperature outside is heating up, you need to be able to detect changes as they occur. And, for tires, there’s nothing better than investing in a reliable tire pressure monitoring system that includes a temperature reader as well. This way, you can make inferences based on tire pressure and heat and make needed adjustments before you run into a flat.
Stay proactive about your tire’s conditions and the conditions you expose your tires to. That includes equipping yourself with the right precautions for the event of flat or damaged wheels and tires. For this, trust Good Sam Tire & Wheel Protection to quickly get you back on the road without a bill.
Tools to manage repairs on your own and a roadside assistance plan when you require help beyond what you can tackle yourself — no RVer’s rig is complete without both of these critical emergency options. Good Sam Roadside Assistance helps you get back on the road when the job requires professional help.
Over the years, I’ve talked to plenty of folks who wanted to hit the open road, but were afraid of what might go wrong. Traveling in an RV, particularly one that’s old enough to vote, has more than its share of headaches. Parts that have been plugging along since the Clinton administration finally snap. Brittle belts break. Tiny squeaks suddenly turn into big bangs. Further into the RV, sinks drip, toilets leak, fans stop spinning. But no one should let these problems stop them from creating awesome memories with their families.
Everyone who owns an RV should be prepared for the inevitable. Thankfully when good RVs go bad, having roadside assistance and the proper tools in your vehicle will stop most situations from getting worse.
An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure
If you take away anything else from this article, let it be this: Don’t neglect your routine maintenance. If you change your oil/brakes/filters when you’re supposed to and react to any out-of-the-ordinary noises or lights on the dash when they arise, you’ll avoid so many problems. I learned my lesson about neglecting maintenance.
A few years ago, I was in the midst of a trip through the Dakotas. The pulleys holding my serpentine belt in place typically squeaked for a moment or three when starting my van, but over the course of the trip, the period grew longer and longer. It got to the point the squealing lasted 10 or 20 minutes. I knew something was wrong, but I put off stopping by a local Firestone until I had an off day in my planned itinerary. I was literally passing by Mount Rushmore when fate decided my off day was right now.
Courtesy of Camping World
I heard a loud pop, then banging under the hood. My power steering was gone and I had to muscle the van into a parking lot. With Teddy Roosevelt looking on, I phoned roadside assistance and relayed my situation. Despite it being the middle of the night, the operator told me she was dispatching a flatbed. She was as honest as Abe, because the driver arrived relatively soon thereafter. Not only was my serpentine belt shredded, but the driver also discovered I was missing a bolt to one of my shocks, which explained the bumpy ride I’d had in the Badlands days earlier.
Thankfully I was towed to a garage that was used to dealing with traveling RVers; they had me back on the road before lunch the next day. While I hadn’t budgeted the cost of the repair, I was doubly lucky that it was less than I anticipated. If I didn’t have roadside assistance, I know that bill would have been much higher. (Of course, replacing the belt and pulleys beforehand would have been even cheaper.)
The benefits of Good Sam Roadside Assistance (and tools)
I consider the money I spend on roadside assistance each year kind of like an anti-anxiety prescription. It eases my mind knowing that when things go wrong – and they inevitably will – help is just a phone call away. If I’m on a distant Forest Service road and something goes wrong, I know I can call Good Sam Roadside Assistance and get towed back to a service center. I’ve changed dozens of tires in my life, but what if my spare has lost air since the last time I checked it? Good Sam can not only bring a new tire to me, but they’ll also replace it. (There is an extra fee for this, of course.) Running on empty, gambling if I can make it to the next Loves selling gas 25 cents cheaper per gallon and lose? Good Sam Roadside Assistance will be the good Samaritan, bringing me gas.
If there’s an issue inside the coach, Good Sam’s certified master technicians can give free, over-the-phone diagnoses and troubleshooting. But in order to fix those problems, you’re going to need your own tools (or take your RV to the garage). Since I’ve owned my Roadtrek, I’ve replaced the ceiling fan, toilet, galley sink, and even the sewer hose. (Twice on that last one; you can say I have … crappy luck. Cue rimshot.)
Keeping a roadside toolkit
So what tools should you bring with you on every trip?
Screwdriver with a variety of bits: Honestly, I typically carry both a handheld screwdriver and a 12V Black & Decker drill/driver. Both have come in handy on several occasions over the years. The multiple bits are crucial; I’ve helped out one or two folks on the road who hadn’t realized that their RV used specialized screws.
Wrenches and a Socket Set: So many items in your RV are held together by bolts and nuts; you need to remove them somehow.
Can of either WD-40 or liquid Teflon: If you haven’t removed a part in 20+ years, you can bet that it’s not going to budge without a little bit of convincing.
Tape Measure: Measure twice, only go to Camping World or hardware store for a replacement part once. (Who am I kidding? Every time I do a project, I’m usually heading back three or four times.)
Package of common fuses: I’ve only had to break into the box once or twice over the years, but on those rare occasions, you better believe I’m glad I have replacements on hand.
Gorilla Tape: One of the side windows lost adhesion and almost fell off. I used Gorilla Tape to hold it in place until I made a more permanent repair … nearly two years later. I use Gorilla Tape all the time, and it’s rarely let me down.
Mobile Jumpstarter/Tire inflator: My van is old enough that the front headlights don’t automatically turn off with the vehicle. Needless to say, I need to jump my battery a few times a year. While jump starts are included in Good Sam’s roadside assistance, I’m usually camping somewhere where it would take a driver a while to reach me. A jumpstarter solves that issue.
Flashlight/Headlamp: I’m an old man now, and my eyesight isn’t as good as it once was. A good flashlight or headlight is a necessity whenever I’m looking under the vehicle or hood.
I love that many of the problems that pop up, I can fix myself or with the help of a YouTube video or two. When the cheap particleboard tambour cabinet door finally gave out, a DIY tutorial on the app showed me how to build a brand new, stronger tambour. Doing it myself gave me a sense of pride and true ownership than if I’d simply paid for a replacement. Likewise, every time I use the toilet or dump the black tank, I smile knowing I did those repairs myself. (OK, that may be an exaggeration.) If I can do it, believe me, you can too.
RVing lakeside — it’s hard to beat. Depending on the location, you get the best of both worlds, enjoying the comforts of your RV while in close proximity to waterfront entertainment like beaches, swimming, and boating. And, during summers as hot as these, escaping to the water for a swim makes the heat more manageable. But not all campgrounds near lakes offer the same experience, and it’s an important consideration before booking just any lakeside campground.
Let’s explore how to find lakeside campgrounds, what to look for in a great campground by the lake, and what to bring to complete the experience.
What are lakeside campgrounds?
Proximity matters, especially when choosing a lakeside campground. While looking for a campground near a lake, make sure you research how far you actually are from the water. If you imagine a beach within walking distance, verify before booking.
For those with a boat who plan to launch onto the water, this is less of a concern. You’re driving already. But if you want to hike or walk to the waterfront, some campgrounds listed as “lakeside” may be a mile or more from your campground, and that might be a dealbreaker, depending on your aims.
Secondly, consider access. Not all public freshwater lakes will have public access, and not all lakeside campgrounds will have direct access to the lake either. Private residences or businesses may control the waterfront.
Seek out campgrounds that include some lakeside terrain within campground limits or that promote their own beach. Otherwise, search for the nearest public access. If all else fails, it’s worth calling the campground to investigate further. Locals will always have a better take on access, availability, and recommendations.
If you don’t plan to swim or hit the beach, you may still find value in lakeside campgrounds that offer excellent views.
What to look for in campgrounds near lakes
Whether you own a boat or not will determine much of what you look for in a lakeside campground. (It also depends on what type of boat — sailboat vs speedboat, for example).
For boaters, make sure that the lake is an adequate size for boating. Also, ensure there is an accessible launch ramp — just as you would check anywhere else. Finding a campground near a boat ramp will save you time.
The campground in the state you are visiting may have different regulations for boaters, so be sure to research and adhere to local regulations. Beyond this, you will experience different boating rules lake to lake. Some prohibit certain engines, boat types, noise levels, and more. If you plan to boat, know beforehand what regulations exist. In rare conditions, boaters are required to have a license.
For those that kayak or canoe, look for a lakeside campground with a lake that is restrictive to boat and engine types. Otherwise, the effort of loading and strapping down your paddle boats will be for naught. Even better, seek out “no motor” lakes, meaning you’ll have the water to yourselves and other kayakers and canoers.
If you aren’t boating, identify a public swimming area or beach before booking a campsite. Otherwise, you might be out of luck, limited to less-than-ideal lookouts and no swimming opportunities. In fact, some campgrounds prohibit wading or swimming. Know what your campground allows before booking.
If the campground does have a beach or public swimming area, determine your comfort zone when it comes to capacity. Many lakeside campgrounds with public swimming access areas get especially crowded during peak season. Call ahead if this is a worry to inquire what their busiest months look like on the water.
How to find lake campgrounds near me
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Now that you have tools to evaluate campgrounds near lakes, let’s explore how to locate all the options available for lakeside camping.
For Good Sam Members, you’ll ideally find a Good Sam campground where you can make use of the 10% booking discount. Plus, the Good Sam comprehensive online directory makes finding a lakeside, riverside, or boat-friendly campground easy!
You can manually search through all results for campgrounds in the zip code or city/state where you’re camping, or you can make use of the “Boating Fun” category, which will provide a list of all campgrounds with marinas, boat access, or near lakes or rivers.
Once you narrow down your location, you can browse campgrounds and learn more about what each offers in regard to boating, swimming, or general water recreation.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina carves out a corner of tranquility in a bustling Southern California beach community right in the heart of Newport Beach. Guests can dip their toes in the sands of the peaceful Newport Dunes Lagoon or get out on the calm water on an SUP, kayak, or electric Duffy boat. The highly-rated (9.5/10*/9) resort’s camping sites let guests unwind and relax in a beach environment, with a slew of amenities just a short stroll away.
But rollicking adventure is never far away. Kids can cavort on the floating play structures in the lagoon, while grownups can sip tasty cocktails at the beachfront bar while enjoying the ocean breeze. Beyond the resort, world-class dining, boating, shopping, and family adventures await throughout Orange County. Beach bums, retail mavens, and boating enthusiasts will find a reason to stay at Newport Dunes.
Poolside Cabana at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Water, Water Everywhere
Newport Dunes occupies a large area on the banks of its horseshow-shaped lagoon. The resort makes the most out of this prized waterfront real estate with all the perks you’ll need for a first-class stay. This is Newport, after all, ranked as one of the wealthiest cities in Orange County. Appropriately, Newport Dunes makes guests feel pampered and relaxed.
Water recreation is a big deal here, and the resort invites guests to a dip in its Resort Pool Complex, including a 200-square-foot wading pool, a 1,650-square-foot heated pool, and two in-ground spas with massage jets. Lux poolside cabanas include a covered lounge area with living-room-style seating, a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi access, privacy drapes, lounge chairs, and an extended sunbathing area.
Floating play structures in the Newport Dunes Lagoon offshore of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Need more room to splash? Newport’s lagoon dishes out several recreation possibilities. Vacationers can dive into the lagoon’s designated swimming area, monitored by lifeguards. The resort’s inflatable water park keeps younger bathers busy for hours, with more than a dozen inflatable play structures — including slides, trampolines, and climbing structures — floating close to the shores.
Ride the Tides
Newport Dunes rents out small watercraft to campers and the public. Boaters can stay in the calm waters of the lagoon or venture out into Newport Harbor beyond.
Paddleboards are popular, and the tranquil lagoon is a great place for beginners to have fun and develop their skills. The same goes for the kayaks and paddleboats for rent; tool around the harbor and get some exercise in the bargain.
Renting a Duffy Boat from Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Families can rent 21-foot electric-powered Duffy boats for leisurely cruises out into the harbor.
Bring Your Boat
Boaters who tow their own watercraft will find ample accommodations at Newport Dunes’ Marina. Launch your craft on a wide lane launching ramp. The resort’s launch service helps speed up the process with a custom vehicle. Boaters can use the private wash rack set up for launch customers, and staff will assist with charging batteries or putting air in tires.
Guests who want to extend their boating fun can rent slips for daily or weekly stays. Moor your boat in single-loaded berths from 22 to 46 feet with 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water, phone, and TV hookups.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Once you’ve launched your boat, you can explore the 52 square miles of harbor waterway. While cruising, sailors can gaze at the shore, lined with compelling waterfront architecture. Take a day trip to Balboa Island, known for its colorful boardwalk lined with mom-and-pop shops. You’ll also find plenty of enticing restaurants along the harbor’s coastline.
For even bigger horizons, take the harbor channel out to the Pacific Ocean and drop a line for Calico Bass and California Halibut.
Beachcombing and Big Waves
Visitors who prefer beachcombing over boating will find plenty of shorelines to explore. On the ocean side of the Balboa Peninsula, sun-seekers will relish the long stretches of sand that include Newport Beach Municipal Beach and Balboa Beach. Soak in the rays and take a dip in sparkling water, with plenty of room to lay out a towel and chill.
Surfing on the Wedge. Photo: Danny Avila
Lovers of extreme adventure should check out the infamous Wedge at the very tip of the peninsula near the harbor entrance. In favorable conditions, waves here have been known to top 30 feet. Only experienced surfers and body surfers need apply.
Hot Deals Near the Harbor
Less than two miles east of Newport Dunes, the Fashion Island complex expertly blends retail therapy with fine dining. Discover top brands in stores like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Dining selections include the RED O Taste of Mexico, known for elevated Mexican cuisine and gourmet cocktails, along with JOEY Newport Beach, which serves up succulent steaks in a contemporary setting. The red Fashion Island Trolley transports visitors around the area.
The Fashion Island Trolley near Neiman Marcus. Photo Dave Lowe
Theme Parks Aplenty
Newport Dunes sits just 29 miles south of Disneyland and California Adventure, two of the most popular theme parks in the U.S. If you want to expand your horizons beyond Mickey and the Matterhorn ride, head just 20 miles northeast to Knott’s Berry Farm, along with the Knott’s Soak City Water Park. Nearby, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament entertains guests with meals and jousting fun.
Also nearby are Adventure City, the Balboa Fun Zone, and Giant Wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
Camping at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
After a day of adventure, guests can find plenty of comfort in Newport Dunes. The park’s 281 available spaces each have a patio and table, and there’s enough room for slideouts. Shaded spaces are available as well. From their sites, guests can connect to Wi-Fi that supports mobile devices. Don’t have an RV? Stay in one of the 27 well-appointed cottages and cabin rentals.
Cottage at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Ice, restroom, showers, RV supplies, and a snack bar keep guests content. Canine campers will appreciate the dog run, although the park has some restrictions on breeds.
The resort’s activity calendar is packed with pursuits that range from arts and crafts to movies on the beach. Grab a bit to eat at Moe B’s Munchies and order a hand-shaken margarita at the beachfront bar. Bask in the tranquility of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina.
Every year, thousands of RVers make their way northbound on I-75 from Gainesville, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, whether as a single trip, along the snowbirds’ trek back north, or as a leg along any given road trip.
If done right, this five-hour drive is one you can look forward to, including stops at state parks, museums, natural landscapes, and a Love’s Travel Stop that’s perfect for RVers everywhere. Don’t miss these great roadside destinations next time you travel from Gainesville to Atlanta.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Less than an hour into your trip, enjoy hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Or stop in the museum there and learn about the folk music icon who wrote “Old Folks at Home” about the scenic Suwannee River that runs through the park.
While it may be a little soon for a rest stop, this park is a great, lesser-known attraction worth a visit. Check the schedule to see if your trip aligns with any music events hosted at this location. And, if not, just head up the interstate and visit the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park and Campground.
Not far from the culture center are two other incredibly beautiful designated areas: Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area and Suwannee Valley Conservation Area. And if you happen to miss these spots altogether, the drive continues along the Suwannee River, adjacent to the Woods Ferry Conservation Area. So you’re sure to see some beautiful spots still along the way.
Suwannee River State Park
Traveling with a history buff, or consider yourself one? The Suwannee River State Park might be the perfect outdoor adventure stopover on your way north from Gainesville. See Civil War-era fortifications still evident in the park where Confederate soldiers built embankments to defend against Union Navy gunboats.
While trails in the area provide ample opportunity for hiking, birding, bicycling, and picnicking, spots like the old Stagecoach Road and the railroad bridge that marks the site of the Battle of Olustee are historic sites you won’t want to miss.
Lake Blackshear
Swamp at Lake Blackshear in Cordele, Georgia
There’s nothing better than breaking up a longer drive — like from Gainesville to Atlanta — with a quick stop off the highway to sightsee natural landmarks. While Lake Blackshear is an artificial lake, there are some key details about this in-between outdoor excursion that make it a unique and worthy stopping point.
Covering approximately 8500 acres, Lake Blackshear was formed by creating the Crisp County Power Dam, which flooded the area and submerged countless trees, among them many Cypress trees that remain alive and rise from the waterline in several places across the lake. A favorite of boaters and fishermen, Lake Blackshear is approximately a fifteen-minute drive of I-75 when you exit for Cordele.
Love’s RV Stop
Courtesy of Love’s
You might just make Cordele a destination of its own, given the nearby lake and the conveniently located Love’s RV Stop – 801, a perfect spot to refuel, hook up to power and electricity, and stay the night. After all, with this many destinations along one stretch of highway, it might make sense to stop and rest here for the night and use your added free time to explore nearby destinations. If you are a Good Sam Member, you can make use of your 10% discount at any Love’s RV stop. Prices generally range between $37-$48 a night. To reserve your spot, use the Love’s app or reserve at their website.
Love’s now offers over 30 locations nationwide that provide RV hookups and various RV amenities. Amenities vary by location, but here you can enjoy Wi-Fi, paved spots, full hookups, laundry, restrooms and showers, a dog park, and more.
Learn more about Love’s locations that offer RV services, including hookups, amenities, and affordable nightly rates. Love’s continues to add RV locations across the country, so be sure to check to see if there’s a Love’s at your next stopover.
Museum of Aviation
Situated on 51 acres adjacent to the Robins Air Force Base, the Museum of Aviation is an educational, entertaining pitstop to help break up your drive.
It is the second-largest museum in the United States Air Force and features indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing aircraft throughout its history, including favorites such as the SR-71 Blackbird, the AC-130A Spectre, and the famous B-29 Superfortress.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
The park is a prehistoric American Indian site that features mounds that were built over 12,000 years ago for those civilization’s elite. Now, it’s a popular destination for those with an interest in archeology, Native Indiana history, and prehistoric sites.
The park features a museum that has on display over 2,000 artifacts found within the area. In fact, this location was the site of the largest dig ever conducted in the United States where over 800 men discovered over 2.5 million artifacts between the years of 1933 and 1936. With found artifacts such as pottery, arrowheads, tools, instruments, metals, and more, they were able to better piece together a timeline of who lived on the Macon Plateau.
For those with a knack for history, you’ll find both this park interesting from both a prehistoric perspective as well as a US history perspective, as it was also the site of two major battles in the Civil War.
Additional Stops Along the Way?
These are just a few of the many stopover options along your way from Gainesville to Atlanta. But along this five-hour stretch of highway, there’s even more to do, including the following options you might want to include in your itinerary:
Get truly off the grid and experience the backcountry of Oregon with an adventure into the Owyhee Canyonlands, also known as The Grand Canyon of Oregon, carved by the Owyhee River, a favorite trip for geologist-turned-river guide K.M. Collins.
Combining the first initial of each state, the southeast corner of Oregon and its companion lands in Idaho and Nevada are affectionately referred to by locals as ION. Wrapping like a ribbon through the volcanic and sedimentary bedrock of the basin and range province, the Owyhee River carves what’s known as the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
Dating back to the pioneers of yore, vistas revealing lonely mesas, towering walls of welded ash, and the stacked stratified layers of ancient lake beds have hypnotized and enchanted visitors. As a geologist gone rogue river guide, here are a few of my favorite haunts and hideouts in the desolate yet inviting Owyhee backcountry.
Leslie Gulch Owyhee Canyonlands
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Imagine a landscape formed by the eruption of a vanished volcano. The terrain surrounding Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern is etched and piled high with ashy volcanics which exploded forth from what was once Mahogany Mountain caldera. Strewn in the air only to rain back down, the scene is that of an epic Mad Max-style desert-scape riddled with sharp spires and formations. All this adjacent to a seasonal reservoir.
Leslie Gulch Reservoir
A can’t-miss itinerary is base-camping at Succor Creek beside the reservoir and exploring the many nearby gulches. While wandering in and out of red canyon walls and hoodoos, look for wildlife like big horn sheep, mule deer, coyote, California quail, and numerous species of birds of prey. Seasonally wildflowers like arrowroot, sand lilies, and larkspur will dance in the breeze on talus slopes. There are days and weeks of exploration available from this zone.
The boat ramp at Leslie Gulch serves as a takeout for whitewater rafters exploring the 67-mile spring river journey, which starts in nearby Rome, Oregon (more on this below).
If you travel through Jordan Valley, the closest refuel southeast of Leslie Gulch, stop in at Skinners Rockhouse Coffee, one of the only eateries for miles and miles. Excellent coffee, fantastic breakfast burritos and many trinkets and gifts are available from this adorable shop. Take a photo in front of the inventive custom mileage sign out front.
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Birch Creek Ranch
Drop down from the desert rim into a windy and unimproved road many hundreds of feet to the bottom of the Owyhee Canyon. Here lies the oasis of Birch Creek Ranch, first formed at the turn of the 20th century by Basque shepherds and later a West Virginian Cattle Rancher.
On the National Registry of Historic Places, traditional Basque stone walls, a water wheel, and almost 20 individual structures hint at a rural, homesteading lifestyle from another time. With two distinct home units a mile apart on a dirt road, Acordagoitia House and Morrison Ranch, both with root cellars, corrals, barns, shops, and other outbuildings, one could easily fill a day with plenty to discover on the Birch Creek Ranch. Owyhee River camping is offered up the drainage from the ranch about a mile.
The Grave of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
An infamous Oregon and Wild West legend, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was born to French Canadian interpreter Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea, the Shoshone Guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. He is the only child to ever appear on US currency. At age 61, after being educated in Europe and careers in fur trapping, trading, and military scouting, Charbonneau was headed north from California to Montana motivated by a gold strike.
While underway at an Owyhee River crossing, he fell in the icy waters, was transported to Inskip Stage Station, and, in 1866, died of pneumonia. His grave was forgotten until 1960 and was eventually logged as a Registered National Historic Place in 1973. The location of the grave is called Danner, though there is no town, only cattle and a cenotaph marker.
Coffee Pot Crater
One of the volcanic processes the Owyhee country region is famous for is basalt eruptions and flows. Coffeepot Craters is the site of one of the youngest lava flows in Oregon dated to 3,200 years ago. There are four unique craters identifiable within the Jordan Crater complex. In fact a lack of colonized lichen on other olivine-rich samples suggest an individual flow in the complex may be as young as 100 years old. During this family-friendly 1.6-mile loop hike – with plenty of side spurs, travelers will experience the distinctive texture and patterns indicative of lava rock.
To access this spot, a 26-mile road must be traversed, requiring 4-wheel/all-wheel drive. It’s best to avoid it after recent rain.
Pillars of Rome
Pillars of Rome, near Jordan, Oregon
Located a short drive outside of Rome, Oregon, the put-in for the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River journey, the Pillars of Rome are a gorgeous, easily accessed roadside attraction. Stacked stratified layers of ancient lake bed sediment pile up with striking continuity across the horizon. Named for their prominent similarity to Grecian ruins like the Coliseum, forum, and pantheon, the white-walled cliffs mimic stately Roman design. They are a popular hangout for avian passers-by along the Pacific Flyway. The most impressive is the Sandhill Crane who stops in nearby Malheur Wildlife Refuge to mate and rear its young seasonally. When these beauties fly over at the Cliffs of Rome, they announce their presence with the most fantastic calls and songs.
Owyhee River camping is available across the bridge at the Rome Wild and Scenic Owyhee River launch site. The best eatery and lodging is at Rome Station, a can’t-miss one-horse town center.
Owyhee River Rafting
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Although Owyhee Country is full of sights to see accessible by automobile, experiencing the region from the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River Canyon while rafting is an incredible way to witness its grandeur. In fact pairing a road trip with a commercial river trip is ideal. If you’d like to travel the terrain of Owyhee Country by raft, Northwest Rafting Company provides premiere whitewater adventures to novices and experienced boaters alike.
Owyhee River Camping
(Editor’s Note)
Camping and visiting places like Owyhee Canyonlands require preparation and research. Have a specific plan before leaving and consult safety resources before hiking or traveling in remote areas like this. If you plan to travel to the Owyhee Canyonlands, make sure you top off your gas or diesel and consider packing reserve fuel. Once you leave, Owyhee lacks amenities and services.
Camping opportunities around the Owyhee River are mostly primitive, and if you plan to RV to travel to this area, you will need to employ some expert-level boondocking skills. But southeastern Oregon provides a truly unique experience for travelers, and you can always set up basecamp or overnight rest stops at some of the Good Sam campgrounds in the general area. While you will still need to plan at least a half day’s drive to visit Owyhee, it’s helpful to plan backcountry excursions from the vantage of a comfortable campground. Campground options might include:
Recreational vehicles are growing in popularity with adventurers of all ages and fifth wheel RVs are perfect if you want to quickly hook up and take off. Whether you like to keep camping simple at your local campgrounds and state parks, you are a recent retiree who wants to hit the open road and explore or you are ready to splurge on luxury, there are fifth wheel floor plans for every need.
commonplace and provided some increase in safety by helping to eliminate some of the possible blind spots of close traffic. However, side cameras on recreational vehicles have not replaced the traditional outside mirrors. This is probably due to the much lower resolution of the display compared to that of the direct view provided by a mirror. Additionally, the CRT non-traditional location placement may also be a contributing factor. However, recent automotive advances towards improving this technology has increased the screen resolution to an ultra-high definition. Rearview display location(s) also more closely mimic the traditional placements in most cases. There are expandable features that can be adapted to the electronic rear-view display systems in the future. Those features include, but are not limited to, automatic distance adjustments, forward and rear dash cam duty, no rear seat view-blocking, adjustable night darkening, etc. Hopefully, much of these advancements will also come to the recreational vehicle industry in the near future.
