With the spring camping and RVing season just around the corner I’m getting a little antsy for our first trip. I’m not sure what early trips we’ll make, but we’re already booked for Memorial weekend with a short trip joining family at a park in northern Indiana.
But I think about our camping trips and how they’ve changed – mostly because of the change in equipment. I’m one of those people who like to discuss things – sometimes to the dire end. So, we have this discussion – are we still camping even though we’re going in our travel trailer?
I remember our early days in the tent with all of the comforts of the outdoors – the outdoor cook stove, lanterns, a “camping” coffee pot, grill, sleeping bags and bug spray. Then my husband needed to add a fan and TV to the list, as well as an air mattress. Apparently, the ground was getting harder that it had been in the past.
Then we went to the popup camper – it got him off the ground and gave me that outdoor feel that still let me believe I was camping out. I enjoyed the popup, and it gave us a few more conveniences. But after some years of this, my husband again tired of the setting up of camp. If we arrived late, it was dark and more difficult to get everything ready – and beds always had to be made.
So, came the day that we went “camper” shopping, i.e. travel trailer. My husband so wanted a trailer that could be backed into a site, and with less effort, ready for the weekend in mere minutes. I went into this a little less enthusiastic. We settled on our 29-foot Jayco, and I must say, it is very nice. But I still ask, are we still camping?
It’s not that we are indoors more when we’re at campgrounds, but it’s not the same having the wind blow through the wide open screens of a tent or even a popup camper. And, let’s be real, we use the AC now. Yes, there’s TV with surround sound, a microwave and the kitchen is all indoors now. While I don’t mind this when bad weather moves in, I still wonder if we’ve lost something.
My husband says absolutely not – this is heaven. He loves camping – you can find him at the campfire almost the entire time we’re out! And he loves his travel trailer. It’s perfect, or near perfect, he says. But then I wonder why he is looking at a fifth-wheel travel trailer and even at some of the smaller motorhomes.
I don’t think our conversion is complete yet, but I’m holding him back a little. I’m not ready for a “camper” with a sauna yet.
So, tell me what do you think? Is it still camping? And please, share some of your favorite camping/RVing experiences with us! Happy camping, I can almost smell the campfire!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!
RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!
The economy is the discussion of the moment, and most households are tightening their belts, reconsidering purchases and discretionary spending. When considering your own spending, one thing to think about is how an RV can save you money in the long run – on vacation costs.
According to a study by PKF Consulting, when comparing vacation costs, a typical RV family vacation is less expensive than other types of vacations studied.
Consider this, PKF found that for a 10-day vacation from Phoenix, Ariz., to Napa Calif.; vacationing with an RV saves money from a car and hotel trip, and a trip by airline and hotel stays. For a family of four taking the trip in a SUV with a towable lightweight RV costs $2,536, staying in an RV park and preparing all meals in the RV or at the campsite, the study found. The cost of traveling by car, staying at hotels and eating in restaurants raised the cost to $4,575, and for those traveling by air, renting a car and eating in restaurants the cost rose to $5,706, according to PKF. The study also showed that shorter trips were more economical in RVs than other vacation options.
And with the economy impacting the RV industry, this may also be the perfect time to purchase an RV. So, where do you go in the dead of winter to find your dream RV? To the RV/camping shows. Now is the time for RV/camping shows across the country – from the East Coast to the West, there are shows scheduled through the winter months. The shows allow you an opportunity to see the amenities and options that work best for your family.
A couple of shows you may want to attend are the Kansas City Mid-America RV Show Feb. 13-15, 20-22 at the Kansas City Convention Center; and the Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show Feb. 5-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
And when it comes to spring and time to take that new purchase out on the road – to the RV park, consider these options:
• Gwynn’s Island Camping Resort, Gwynn, Va. The park is located on Chesapeake Bay and offers 120 total camp/RV sites and 125 electric and water sites. There is lake, pond and ocean fishing, a playground and direct beach access.
• Roughrider Campground, Minot, N.D. This quiet park offers fishing and golf facilities, as well as hiking and biking trails. There are 76 sites, 33 full hookups, 24 electric and water and nine electric. Wi-Fi also is available.
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Mansfield, Bellville, Ohio. The park offers activities throughout the season, including fishing, a boat launch, golf facilities and the park is equestrian friendly. There are 150 sites, 49 are pull-thru and 142 are full hookup.
The economy is the discussion of the moment, and most households are tightening their belts, reconsidering purchases and discretionary spending. When considering your own spending, one thing to think about is how an RV can save you money in the long run – on vacation costs.
According to a study by PKF Consulting, when comparing vacation costs, a typical RV family vacation is less expensive than other types of vacations studied.
Consider this, PKF found that for a 10-day vacation from Phoenix, Ariz., to Napa Calif.; vacationing with an RV saves money from a car and hotel trip, and a trip by airline and hotel stays. For a family of four taking the trip in a SUV with a towable lightweight RV costs $2,536, staying in an RV park and preparing all meals in the RV or at the campsite, the study found. The cost of traveling by car, staying at hotels and eating in restaurants raised the cost to $4,575, and for those traveling by air, renting a car and eating in restaurants the cost rose to $5,706, according to PKF. The study also showed that shorter trips were more economical in RVs than other vacation options.
And with the economy impacting the RV industry, this may also be the perfect time to purchase an RV. So, where do you go in the dead of winter to find your dream RV? To the RV/camping shows. Now is the time for RV/camping shows across the country – from the East Coast to the West, there are shows scheduled through the winter months. The shows allow you an opportunity to see the amenities and options that work best for your family.
A couple of shows you may want to attend are the Kansas City Mid-America RV Show Feb. 13-15, 20-22 at the Kansas City Convention Center; and the Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show Feb. 5-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
And when it comes to spring and time to take that new purchase out on the road – to the RV park, consider these options:
• Gwynn’s Island Camping Resort, Gwynn, Va. The park is located on Chesapeake Bay and offers 120 total camp/RV sites and 125 electric and water sites. There is lake, pond and ocean fishing, a playground and direct beach access.
• Roughrider Campground, Minot, N.D. This quiet park offers fishing and golf facilities, as well as hiking and biking trails. There are 76 sites, 33 full hookups, 24 electric and water and nine electric. Wi-Fi also is available.
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Mansfield, Bellville, Ohio. The park offers activities throughout the season, including fishing, a boat launch, golf facilities and the park is equestrian friendly. There are 150 sites, 49 are pull-thru and 142 are full hookup.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Finding your way to campgrounds
Finding your way to campgrounds and parks easier with GPS
Although the news was full of doom and gloom for retailers this Christmas season, it did seem like the GPS was the big electronic item of the season. At least it seemed like it with specials on GPS beginning on Black Friday.
For RVers and campers, the GPS can be quite handy, and I for one and happy to have been the recipient of one such device this Christmas. Having an assistant of sorts, letting me know when to turn is even better than mapping it out on MapQuest.
And for those of you who like to find the park that is tucked away for a weekend visit or longer vacation, the GPS can help you get there without the, “Oops, I missed my turn,” with a 30-plus foot travel trailer following behind your truck.
So, if you were taking off to Crowder Point Family Campground in Crowder, Okla., you could use the GPS and have your directions given to you turn by turn. And if you accidentally missed a turn, some of the GPS units will automatically re-route you, eliminating the need to find the next exit or a large enough turn around.
Even though the park is near Highway 69, sometime even the best navigator forgets or misses a turn. And while you’re at Crowder Point, get ready for some fishing on Lake Eufaula or plan a visit to Arrowhead State Park or some of the other area attractions.
Head further west to Reno, Nev., and you can find Bonanza Terrace RV Park, just a couple of miles from downtown Reno off Highway 395. Although it may sound easy, using today’s technology can get you there, turn by turn.
Bask in the sun and enjoy the area attractions while you’re at Bonanza Terrace. The park offers long-term rates, too.
However you get there, get there. But for those of you who aren’t excited by GPS – as I am – the parks websites offer directions and maps at the click of a mouse. And if you call, they’ll be kind enough to give you directions.
Get the RV on the road and enjoy 2009. Happy New Year and Happy camping!
Although the news was full of doom and gloom for retailers this Christmas season, it did seem like the GPS was the big electronic item of the season. At least it seemed like it with specials on GPS beginning on Black Friday.
For RVers and campers, the GPS can be quite handy, and I for one and happy to have been the recipient of one such device this Christmas. Having an assistant of sorts, letting me know when to turn is even better than mapping it out on MapQuest.
And for those of you who like to find the park that is tucked away for a weekend visit or longer vacation, the GPS can help you get there without the, “Oops, I missed my turn,” with a 30-plus foot travel trailer following behind your truck.
So, if you were taking off to Crowder Point Family Campground in Crowder, Okla., you could use the GPS and have your directions given to you turn by turn. And if you accidentally missed a turn, some of the GPS units will automatically re-route you, eliminating the need to find the next exit or a large enough turn around.
Even though the park is near Highway 69, sometime even the best navigator forgets or misses a turn. And while you’re at Crowder Point, get ready for some fishing on Lake Eufaula or plan a visit to Arrowhead State Park or some of the other area attractions.
Head further west to Reno, Nev., and you can find Bonanza Terrace RV Park, just a couple of miles from downtown Reno off Highway 395. Although it may sound easy, using today’s technology can get you there, turn by turn.
Bask in the sun and enjoy the area attractions while you’re at Bonanza Terrace. The park offers long-term rates, too.
However you get there, get there. But for those of you who aren’t excited by GPS – as I am – the parks websites offer directions and maps at the click of a mouse. And if you call, they’ll be kind enough to give you directions.
Get the RV on the road and enjoy 2009. Happy New Year and Happy camping!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Holidays take top billing, even yearlong in some parks
While Thanksgiving is upon us, a time when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received, watch football on TV and devise a strategy for the day after Thanksgiving shopping spree, thoughts begin to turn toward the Christmas season. So, it’s only fitting that we look at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, named the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds’ (ARVC) Park of the Year in the large park category (251-499 sites) for 2008-09.
The park is in the heart of Christmas, literally with its home in Santa Claus, Ind., and neighbors Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, a theme park that features rides and fun in the Christmas spirit year-round.
While parts of the Midwest are under snow and the rest is just cold, it may not seem like time to think about camping, but that isn’t true for those at Lake Rudolph. The RVer is top of the list for staff, so while the park is closed, plans are already working for next camping season. It’s that attitude that helped the park earn the award based on national directory ratings, operations excellence and community service, among other areas.
“We are honored to receive this award from our peers in the campground and RV park industry,” said Philip Koch, owner and president of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. “My father, Bill Koch, opened Lake Rudolph in 1958. Receiving this award during our 50th anniversary year makes it even more meaningful. I want to thank our tremendous staff for their outstanding efforts, and I especially thank our guests for helping us create the great family atmosphere we have at Lake Rudolph.”
Although sites won’t open to campers until April for weekends and daily starting on May 1, reservations are being accepted now. The season runs through October, and then the first two weekends of November are added before the park closes for the season. The park also runs special HalloWeekends in September and October. For seven weekends, the park is host to families for hay rides, ghost stories, scary movies, a kids carnival, trick or treating from sites, site decorating contests, HallTEEN games and an outdoor dance.
Nearly half of the sites are rentals, so the park can open up the RV experience to numerous visitors who don’t own RVs. Of the park’s 456 sites, it has 19 park model cabins and 197 park trailers permanently located on sites. All of the rentals sleep up to eight and have full kitchens, bathrooms and are equipped with air conditioning. And key to the rental is the care and maintenance that are given to them, complete with housekeeping, said Dave Lovell, marketing director.
And add the pool, mini golf, golf care rentals and free WiFi, and nearly any desires of RVers are met. Lake Rudolph also provides free shuttle service to and from the theme parks.
It’s about customer service. With 100 seasonal workers and an experience management team with Certified Park Operator certification, keying in on the needs of the customer is everyone’s job, Lovell said.
Meeting those needs also means improving the campground. Improvements and expansion have been done every year of the past 11 years. Improvements includes adding and improving WiFi to the entire 160-acre campground, adding a food service facility, custom designed RV rentals, a new shuttle bus and shelters and improvements to the camp store and game room.
All of this is geared at bringing in guests – both RVers and those who have never experienced them before. The rental operations open up the world of RVing to more people each year. They won’t likely forget where that experience came from. So, if you like the idea of trying RVing, think about visiting Rudolph Lake next camping season.
The park allows up to eight people per site, which is also a great deal, and most amenities are included with the site rental. The only exceptions are golf car rentals and paddleboat rentals. And, the park offers discounted tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
So, whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Lake Rudolph opens its gates to RVers beginning in April and would love to have you visit.
The park is in the heart of Christmas, literally with its home in Santa Claus, Ind., and neighbors Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, a theme park that features rides and fun in the Christmas spirit year-round.
While parts of the Midwest are under snow and the rest is just cold, it may not seem like time to think about camping, but that isn’t true for those at Lake Rudolph. The RVer is top of the list for staff, so while the park is closed, plans are already working for next camping season. It’s that attitude that helped the park earn the award based on national directory ratings, operations excellence and community service, among other areas.
“We are honored to receive this award from our peers in the campground and RV park industry,” said Philip Koch, owner and president of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. “My father, Bill Koch, opened Lake Rudolph in 1958. Receiving this award during our 50th anniversary year makes it even more meaningful. I want to thank our tremendous staff for their outstanding efforts, and I especially thank our guests for helping us create the great family atmosphere we have at Lake Rudolph.”
Although sites won’t open to campers until April for weekends and daily starting on May 1, reservations are being accepted now. The season runs through October, and then the first two weekends of November are added before the park closes for the season. The park also runs special HalloWeekends in September and October. For seven weekends, the park is host to families for hay rides, ghost stories, scary movies, a kids carnival, trick or treating from sites, site decorating contests, HallTEEN games and an outdoor dance.
Nearly half of the sites are rentals, so the park can open up the RV experience to numerous visitors who don’t own RVs. Of the park’s 456 sites, it has 19 park model cabins and 197 park trailers permanently located on sites. All of the rentals sleep up to eight and have full kitchens, bathrooms and are equipped with air conditioning. And key to the rental is the care and maintenance that are given to them, complete with housekeeping, said Dave Lovell, marketing director.
And add the pool, mini golf, golf care rentals and free WiFi, and nearly any desires of RVers are met. Lake Rudolph also provides free shuttle service to and from the theme parks.
It’s about customer service. With 100 seasonal workers and an experience management team with Certified Park Operator certification, keying in on the needs of the customer is everyone’s job, Lovell said.
Meeting those needs also means improving the campground. Improvements and expansion have been done every year of the past 11 years. Improvements includes adding and improving WiFi to the entire 160-acre campground, adding a food service facility, custom designed RV rentals, a new shuttle bus and shelters and improvements to the camp store and game room.
All of this is geared at bringing in guests – both RVers and those who have never experienced them before. The rental operations open up the world of RVing to more people each year. They won’t likely forget where that experience came from. So, if you like the idea of trying RVing, think about visiting Rudolph Lake next camping season.
The park allows up to eight people per site, which is also a great deal, and most amenities are included with the site rental. The only exceptions are golf car rentals and paddleboat rentals. And, the park offers discounted tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
So, whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Lake Rudolph opens its gates to RVers beginning in April and would love to have you visit.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas
Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas
Snowbird is a term that isn’t new to anyone in the RV and camping world. But there are literal Snowbirds out and about during the winter months – camping in the areas that typically close for the season and enjoying the cold weather in their RVs.
While most RVers either winterize their rigs for the cold winter months or head to warmer climates to enjoy their RV without the cold winds of the north, there are those that embrace colder weather and winter snow while in their RVs. And, there are parks that are willing to accommodate those hardy campers.
The number of campgrounds open for the winter may dim in comparison to those awaiting RVers during the spring, summer and even fall. But those who do open their parks to the winter RVers offer their guests sites and access to wilderness that give them experiences that may be different than in other times of the year.
Riverview RV Park and Campground in Loveland, Colo., is set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the Thompson River. The campground sits at 5,100 feet in elevation and is just 30 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. RVers can enjoy the splendor of nature and park their RV before ascending higher in the mountains.
AtRivers Edge RV Resort in Brookings, Ore., also opens its sites to RVers during the winter months. Located on the southern Oregon coast, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, AtRivers Edge is on the banks of the Chetco River. In addition to being near the water, the park also is near the Kalmiopsis wilderness area.
But wherever you decide to take your RV for the winter, seasoned RVers recommend that you have a generator as part of your necessary gear. And, be sure to read all the information about operating the generator in the winter. There are also options to consider for the plumbing system, such as tank heaters.
So, if you truly love RVing and camping and you don’t want to put your rig away for the winter, consider your options. Look for campgrounds that allow winter camping and then make sure you’re prepared. You may have to dig a little snow out of the way for the campfire, but what’s better than a fire in the middle of winter?
Snowbird is a term that isn’t new to anyone in the RV and camping world. But there are literal Snowbirds out and about during the winter months – camping in the areas that typically close for the season and enjoying the cold weather in their RVs.
While most RVers either winterize their rigs for the cold winter months or head to warmer climates to enjoy their RV without the cold winds of the north, there are those that embrace colder weather and winter snow while in their RVs. And, there are parks that are willing to accommodate those hardy campers.
The number of campgrounds open for the winter may dim in comparison to those awaiting RVers during the spring, summer and even fall. But those who do open their parks to the winter RVers offer their guests sites and access to wilderness that give them experiences that may be different than in other times of the year.
Riverview RV Park and Campground in Loveland, Colo., is set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the Thompson River. The campground sits at 5,100 feet in elevation and is just 30 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. RVers can enjoy the splendor of nature and park their RV before ascending higher in the mountains.
AtRivers Edge RV Resort in Brookings, Ore., also opens its sites to RVers during the winter months. Located on the southern Oregon coast, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, AtRivers Edge is on the banks of the Chetco River. In addition to being near the water, the park also is near the Kalmiopsis wilderness area.
But wherever you decide to take your RV for the winter, seasoned RVers recommend that you have a generator as part of your necessary gear. And, be sure to read all the information about operating the generator in the winter. There are also options to consider for the plumbing system, such as tank heaters.
So, if you truly love RVing and camping and you don’t want to put your rig away for the winter, consider your options. Look for campgrounds that allow winter camping and then make sure you’re prepared. You may have to dig a little snow out of the way for the campfire, but what’s better than a fire in the middle of winter?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Winding Down
It’s that time of year again, time to begin thinking about putting away the camper – that is, unless you’re one of the thousands of Snowbirders who are getting ready to go to warmer climates for the winter. But if you’re not one of those who are living the winter in their RV, and you are in cold weather, then yes, it is that time.
But before you start winterizing your unit, think about a few last weekend trips to some of your favorite places. Even though the nights may be cooler, that doesn’t mean that adding a sweatshirt and sitting around the bonfire is out of the question. And, just think, the fall colors will be there to greet you each morning of your stay.
So, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your RV winterized. Instead, slow down and enjoy the sights from your home on wheels. Here are a few parks to consider for prime fall viewing:
Michigan may be cold in its northern edges, but the leaves are beautiful when they’re blazing in reds, oranges and yellows.
Head north to Cheboygan where you can experience fall in its splendor at Waterways Campground, www.waterwayscampground.com. The campground is on the Inland Waterways of Cheboygan where you can pull in your rig or even tent and you’re your boat out from the dock at the park.
The campground offers a store and allows pets and is equestrian friendly. Hiking and biking trails are available to view the fall colors, as well as fishing.
Maine is always considered prime fall viewing, so consider Riverbend Campground in Leeds, Maine. The park offers partially wooded or riverfront sites and is prime for fall foliage.
There’s a camp store and fishing available, as well as kayaking and canoeing for the adventurous. Pets are welcome.
Minnesota is home to more than lakes, but don’t forget to fish those, too. Take some time to enjoy autumn.
The Vagabond Village Campground in Park Rapids, Minn. offers campers beautiful Birch and Pine trees overlooking Potato Lake. Don’t forget your fishing gear. A boat launch is available and those who enjoy boating and kayaking or canoeing can rent them on site. Pets are also welcome here.
If you don’t want to travel that far north, consider West Virginia. It’s country landscape and fall colors are exquisite.
Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins in Summersville, W.Va. is near the marina. Enjoy fishing and hiking and biking on the trails. Pets are welcome.
So, remember, just because the days are shorter and brisker, there’s still time to enjoy camping and RVing around the country, but don’t wait too long. Many campgrounds close in October and you’ll be stuck waiting for next year.
But before you start winterizing your unit, think about a few last weekend trips to some of your favorite places. Even though the nights may be cooler, that doesn’t mean that adding a sweatshirt and sitting around the bonfire is out of the question. And, just think, the fall colors will be there to greet you each morning of your stay.
So, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your RV winterized. Instead, slow down and enjoy the sights from your home on wheels. Here are a few parks to consider for prime fall viewing:
Michigan may be cold in its northern edges, but the leaves are beautiful when they’re blazing in reds, oranges and yellows.
Head north to Cheboygan where you can experience fall in its splendor at Waterways Campground, www.waterwayscampground.com. The campground is on the Inland Waterways of Cheboygan where you can pull in your rig or even tent and you’re your boat out from the dock at the park.
The campground offers a store and allows pets and is equestrian friendly. Hiking and biking trails are available to view the fall colors, as well as fishing.
Maine is always considered prime fall viewing, so consider Riverbend Campground in Leeds, Maine. The park offers partially wooded or riverfront sites and is prime for fall foliage.
There’s a camp store and fishing available, as well as kayaking and canoeing for the adventurous. Pets are welcome.
Minnesota is home to more than lakes, but don’t forget to fish those, too. Take some time to enjoy autumn.
The Vagabond Village Campground in Park Rapids, Minn. offers campers beautiful Birch and Pine trees overlooking Potato Lake. Don’t forget your fishing gear. A boat launch is available and those who enjoy boating and kayaking or canoeing can rent them on site. Pets are also welcome here.
If you don’t want to travel that far north, consider West Virginia. It’s country landscape and fall colors are exquisite.
Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins in Summersville, W.Va. is near the marina. Enjoy fishing and hiking and biking on the trails. Pets are welcome.
So, remember, just because the days are shorter and brisker, there’s still time to enjoy camping and RVing around the country, but don’t wait too long. Many campgrounds close in October and you’ll be stuck waiting for next year.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Plan for your RV trip, don’t leave it to chance or the last minute
I’ve said it many times, don’t wait for the last minute to plan your camping trip, and don’t wait to make reservations because RV parks and campgrounds book quickly, especially for those holiday weekends. Well, I didn’t take my own advice – really I wasn’t given enough time, but either way you look at it, it didn’t work out well for my family.
We have a wedding on Labor Day weekend. I know, before you say it, a wedding on Labor Day weekend is unheard of, people just don’t get married on the last weekend of the summer and they don’t ask others to give up a grand and glorious long weekend. But it happened to us, so we tried to make the best of it and combine our wedding plans with the last long weekend of the summer and haul our RV to northern Michigan.
That plan, not such a good idea. Northern Michigan, a destination for thousands during the summer, is not an easy place to get an RV site for the weekend, any weekend, much less Labor Day weekend. I called all of them in the area we would be and I got the same answer from all of the park owners – “Sorry, we have no openings.”
I did have a glimmer of hope for a fleeting second. One park owner said she would know on Friday morning if she would have an open site. A young man was calling back to tell her for sure if he would take the sites he reserved. So, I hoped. But then she told me the “but.” The sites had no electricity. I, unfortunately, have not yet invested in a generator, so no electricity would not do. I kindly said thank you, but no thank you.
So, I wondered is this the way it is everywhere. I know in my own state of Indiana sites are difficult to come by, but we’ve found some. After making some calls, I find that it is typical; many park owners are having good seasons.
It seems there are many reasons, but people are still going camping, even though we’ve seen the numerous stories of RV manufacturers struggling, and some even closing their doors. But even though there may be fewer people buying new RVs, those of us who are using them do not seem to be dwindling. And let’s face it; it’s still a good idea.
To compare, even though our gas mileage when hauling our RV drops from an average of 16-17 mpg to 7-10 mpg, we take our own food and we rent a site for somewhere between $25-$45 a night. And, our fun is right there. We may do some activities around the campground, sightseeing and spending money, but we’ve really saved on our accommodations. We had to get a hotel room for our wedding excursion, and at a rate of $95, plus taxes and fees, and then eating out, we spent much more than the $250 in gas it would have taken us to go the distance and back.
Others have done the math and it seems that park owners are benefiting from that mathematical calculation. Talking to Klaas Bakker, owner of Lake in the Wood Campground in Narvan, Pa., he said his park has experienced a great summer.
“We’ve been full every weekend and we’re booked through Nov. 1,” he said Nov. 1 is the park’s last weekend of the season.
Bakker said his guests have come from all over the country and the world, with guests from Europe, as well. But he has run local ads about staying close to home and that has helped, as well. “People are more destination oriented,” he said. “We have lots of activities and are family oriented.”
Lake in the Wood added a theme this year and printed Gnome money for the park, and also has its Gnome Café. “We just made it fun,” Bakker said.
And that seems to be the consensus for the summer. Fun was in and campers and RVers were filling the parks in many areas of the country. While I wasn’t one of them for the last holiday weekend of the summer, I’m not done. My family loves late summer and fall camping and we’ll haul the rig a few more times, enjoying the crisp mornings that lead to hiking that sometimes doesn’t get done in the heat of summer, and cool nights with huge bonfires that seem more enjoyable when thwarting off the cold.
Enjoy!
We have a wedding on Labor Day weekend. I know, before you say it, a wedding on Labor Day weekend is unheard of, people just don’t get married on the last weekend of the summer and they don’t ask others to give up a grand and glorious long weekend. But it happened to us, so we tried to make the best of it and combine our wedding plans with the last long weekend of the summer and haul our RV to northern Michigan.
That plan, not such a good idea. Northern Michigan, a destination for thousands during the summer, is not an easy place to get an RV site for the weekend, any weekend, much less Labor Day weekend. I called all of them in the area we would be and I got the same answer from all of the park owners – “Sorry, we have no openings.”
I did have a glimmer of hope for a fleeting second. One park owner said she would know on Friday morning if she would have an open site. A young man was calling back to tell her for sure if he would take the sites he reserved. So, I hoped. But then she told me the “but.” The sites had no electricity. I, unfortunately, have not yet invested in a generator, so no electricity would not do. I kindly said thank you, but no thank you.
So, I wondered is this the way it is everywhere. I know in my own state of Indiana sites are difficult to come by, but we’ve found some. After making some calls, I find that it is typical; many park owners are having good seasons.
It seems there are many reasons, but people are still going camping, even though we’ve seen the numerous stories of RV manufacturers struggling, and some even closing their doors. But even though there may be fewer people buying new RVs, those of us who are using them do not seem to be dwindling. And let’s face it; it’s still a good idea.
To compare, even though our gas mileage when hauling our RV drops from an average of 16-17 mpg to 7-10 mpg, we take our own food and we rent a site for somewhere between $25-$45 a night. And, our fun is right there. We may do some activities around the campground, sightseeing and spending money, but we’ve really saved on our accommodations. We had to get a hotel room for our wedding excursion, and at a rate of $95, plus taxes and fees, and then eating out, we spent much more than the $250 in gas it would have taken us to go the distance and back.
Others have done the math and it seems that park owners are benefiting from that mathematical calculation. Talking to Klaas Bakker, owner of Lake in the Wood Campground in Narvan, Pa., he said his park has experienced a great summer.
“We’ve been full every weekend and we’re booked through Nov. 1,” he said Nov. 1 is the park’s last weekend of the season.
Bakker said his guests have come from all over the country and the world, with guests from Europe, as well. But he has run local ads about staying close to home and that has helped, as well. “People are more destination oriented,” he said. “We have lots of activities and are family oriented.”
Lake in the Wood added a theme this year and printed Gnome money for the park, and also has its Gnome Café. “We just made it fun,” Bakker said.
And that seems to be the consensus for the summer. Fun was in and campers and RVers were filling the parks in many areas of the country. While I wasn’t one of them for the last holiday weekend of the summer, I’m not done. My family loves late summer and fall camping and we’ll haul the rig a few more times, enjoying the crisp mornings that lead to hiking that sometimes doesn’t get done in the heat of summer, and cool nights with huge bonfires that seem more enjoyable when thwarting off the cold.
Enjoy!
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