Go Camping America Blog

Boulder City, Nev., a nice, warm stop for biking, hiking

2011-11-06T11:13:00.002-07:00

Boulder City recently hosted the 24 Hours of Bootleg Canyon, a hardcore mountain bike race, but you don’t have to be that crazy to enjoy the more than hundreds of miles of bicycle-friendly routes, lanes and paths in the area, including the tough but easy-to-navigate River Mountains Loop Trail.

Boulder City borders picturesque Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir in the country, and not only is there plenty to do on the lake itself, but Las Vegas is only about a 40-minute drive away, as is the funky, old-school Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino, which holds the oldest active gaming license in southern Nevada, in nearby Henderson.

The view of Lake Mead from the River Mountains
Loop Trail. (roadtripster)

But why would you spend time inside when there’s so much to do out in the nice, warm temps this time of year, especially if you come from somewhere cold? There was a bit of wind – ok, that’s an understatement; we nearly got blown off the trail – one day, but otherwise it was toasty enough to wear shorts and T-shirts the whole time.

The River Mountains Trail is not for sissies: It gains 1,334 feet in elevation, and it’s wavy-gravy the whole way. But it is paved, and the scenery, especially going past the lake and Red and Black mountains, is pretty spectacular. If you don’t want to take on the whole loop, you could just pick a piece and do it as an out-and-back to BC. We wound up getting off at Henderson for a breather and a late lunch; there’s a spur section that follows the road.

If you haven’t hauled your bikes, there are several rental shops in town. We used All Mountain Cyclery (1404 Nevada Hwy., 702-453-2453), which had a decent selection of Specialized hardtail bikes for $40 for a full-day.

They tried to talk us into renting full-suspension bikes at $75 per day, but we weren’t going to be doing anything serious in Bootleg, and so we settled for the hardtails. They don’t go overboard on maintaining the hardtails, so be warned; we had some issues with under-lubricated chains and shifters, as well as heavily patched tubes that blew, and they had given us a pump that didn’t work with Pressta valves. Just sayin’.

Bike shops are your best stop, though, to pick up trail maps, most of which are free. For $5, it’s worthwhile to grab a laminated copy of the one for Bootleg Canyon. If you’re not a biker, there’s a beautiful hikers-only trail called River Mountain that will get you into this great area; it’s about a 2 1/2 –miler, round-trip, out-and-back.

To refuel, Evans Old Town Grille (1129 Arizona St., 702-294-0100) is destined to became one of our favorite eateries, so friendly that on our first pass while walking our bikes around town to scout dinner options, a server chased us down the street to make sure we had a copy of the menu so we could think it over. We were rewarded that night with huge plates of food, including falling-off-the-bone-tender pork ribs in a sweet-spicy sauce and excellent shrimp scamp. Pick the Greek salad over the regular, for sure, and if you can, at least try to split a dessert (the watermelon sherbet pie is weird, but wonderful).

Also, we can vouch for Massage Therapy by Gloria, so necessary after all that exercise. There is a Gloria, and she has amazing hands (if you tell her you like “deep pressure,” she will oblige). An hour (and it’s a full hour, none of that sissy 50 minutes stuff) costs $60, and it’s worth every penny. Also, there were two of us, and so she brought in Katherine Weir, another local therapist, who’s also a serious hiker and understands those needs. Weir was great, too, and runs Kare by Kathy (702-497-7412). Same pricing.

There are several RV parks and campgrounds in the Las Vegas area; visit Go Camping America’s site to check them out.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

How much gear is too much?

2011-10-11T08:35:00.002-06:00

So a bunch of us are planning a trip for next week that means four nights of camping, and it also involves hauling a lot of heavy gear on top of two small cars. It occurred to us that everything we need to take, including two inflatable rafts, probably won’t fit inside the cars, so we started to discuss loading the gear on top of the cars.

(istock)

It seems to me that the things we’re loading have a strong potential to scratch the vehicles’ roofs – neither car has a roof rack or side rails – and in Utah, our destination, it’s possible it’s illegal for us to simply strap the gear onto the roof the way we’re proposing. So I found a site that sells inflatable racks that use the roof to stabilize the load.

But that triggered a heated conversation about spending money versus making do with what we have. Which is something that comes up a lot lately, in the face of downsizing and layoffs and a rough economy.

I was raised to take care of the things I already own, which is why I was mentioning that we might be thinking about damaging the rooftops of the cars we’re taking. But some in the group were less worried about damage than spending more money on a trip that’s already starting to be costly because of money we’d spent for more gear.

Of course, to the people who make the gear, the fact that we’re all spending less on it these days is a concern, too.

But there’s also definitely a question of, how much is too much gear? Long ago I remember reading the story of Paul Petzoldt’s first ascent of the Grand Teton, which he did not only without oxygen but also in cowboy boots. It’s true, he later founded the National Outdoor Leadership School in 1965, which stressed preparedness, but it certainly didn’t say you had to buy $5,000 worth of stuff to get anywhere.

Let’s face it, too: There’s a lot of stuff being made out there that’s not only unnecessary, but poorly made and overpriced. As we get older, we want more convenience and we’re willing to pay for it, and there are plenty of companies out there willing to exploit it. (Exhibit A: air-conditioned clothing. Seriously)

Look in your garage right now, though, and share with the class how many items are in it that seemed perfect at the time – you had to have it! you couldn’t live without it! – and are now collecting dust. Fitness equipment seems to be the all-time leader in things-we-buy-and-use-once, but camping gear often winds up in the top five.

This car rack discussion led us all to do a quick perusal of our own garages and basements to see what was lying around, and we were all a bit chagrined to find quite a bit of gear that had been bought, used once or twice and then never used again. I have two camp stoves that never quite fit the types of backpacking I was doing and thus never got used, along with a water filtration system and two oddly sized coolers that were too small to make sense. Also: ski carriers for the backcountry, an enormous but cool-looking lantern that sucks battery juice and more backpacks that were used once and tossed in a pile than I care to admit.

The take-away, I guess, is that going forward, I’m going to be more judicious about what I spend money on.

And we decided against the inflatable car rack. We’ll see how it goes!

What do you think about this? And what do you have lurking in your garage or basement that you haven't used in a long time, or never?

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Fast, easy RV crockpot pork recipe that feeds a crowd, with salsa side

2011-10-06T11:41:00.000-06:00

My favorite foods on the road are the ones that can be cooked in the RV, keep well, feed a lot of people and make most of them happy. If they’re incredibly delicious, that’s a bonus.

This kalua pork recipe definitely qualifies on all counts. You can find recipes all over the Internet for this Hawaiian-style meat, but most of them put the pork butt in the oven, and oddly, even when they cook it in a crockpot, they call for way too long of a time, which dries out the meat.

The pineapple salsa moistens the pork or rice.

We have become addicted to the little slider buns you can now find in most grocery stores, which are made by Sara Lee and Pepperidge Farms. They cut down on the number of sandwiches every eats, which makes for natural portion control, and they’re tasty (count on at least two per person). We’ve also served the pork in tortillas with all the fixings – onions, cilantro, tomatoes, etc.

Barbecue sauce is great with the pork, but the pineapple salsa recipe that follows is excellent, as well. This salsa also works with steamed rice as a side dish, too. Keep in mind that the pork is actually moister and better the second and third day.

Crockpot Kalua Pork

Serves about 10-12

1 boneless pork butt roast, 4-6 pounds

1-2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (you can also use coarse kosher salt)

1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring (we used half mesquite and half hickory)

Pierce the pork all over with a fork or the tip of a knife. Rub it well with the salt. Pour the liquid smoke on one side and then rub it to the other. Place pork in slow cooker on low heat. Cover and cook for 8-9 hours for 4-5 pounds and 9-10 hours for 6 pounds, turning once about halfway through. Remove meat, pull apart and reserve drippings, adding as needed to moisten when you serve.

Pineapple Salsa

Makes about 2-3 cups

1 fresh pineapple, trimmed and diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

½ cup minced cilantro

½ jalapeno, minced (or less, if you don’t like it to be spicy)

2 tbls. fresh lime juice

¼ tsp salt or more to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to meld flavors.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Camping personalities: How to make a trip work with a big group

2011-09-28T15:37:00.002-06:00

I just came back from a group camping trip composed of people to whom I am not related (read: don’t rely upon me for financial support or otherwise legally don't have to put up with me), and once again, I’m amazed at how we all managed not to kill each other.

You know what I’m talking about here. Every trip, there’s always somebody who gets up super early and beats his (or, um, maybe her) chest, coughing and clearing their throats – and often yelling something like, “Yep, yep, it’s great to be alive!” – so loudly that everyone else has to get up, too.

No one ever really looks like this when camping. (istock)

There’s always that person who somehow manages not to be around when the disgusting greasy cooking thing needs to be cleaned, and there’s always someone who is so over the top when it comes to cheerfully (frantically! maniacally!) getting everything done, you’d just like to smother them with a sleeping bag and hide the body in a dumping station.

But they’re your friends, or your family, and you have to make this work. Sometimes, heaven help you, for extended periods of time, like longer than 15 minutes. In which case, there’s not enough beer on the planet, and so you’re going to need some helpful hints. So here’s what we all chatted about around the fire one night, things we all thought had helped us over the years, not to mention through this trip (plenty of beer was also at the top of the list).

1. Designate a trip leader: While no one likes to have to report to yet another boss, agreeing on one person (or a couple) to serve as a central clearinghouse for information will at least cut down on the inevitable back-and-forth that will occur as the trip gets closer and more details need to be solidified. The trip leader’s duties can be as simple as serving as the vehicle that stays in front when the driving gets underway or as elaborate as tracking trip expenses and sending out repeat reminders as the trip approaches. Be sure to remind everyone to hit “reply all” on emails so that everyone is clued in on pertinent info.

2. Divide and conquer: If you can come up with a way to divide up responsibilities ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy the trip so much more. Things such as meal planning and execution, dish-washing, setting up the tents, who pays for what – all of that can be nearly squared away before anyone even pulls out of a driveway, and if it’s written down in an email or on paper, so much the better. It cuts down on squabbling later, because you can always point to a printout and say, “Hey, we agreed you were going to be in charge of toilet paper.” And isn’t that moment when you realize you’re 50 miles from the nearest facilities with no paper products what great trip stories are made of?

3. Plan ahead: Chat with everyone about what you would like to see happen on the trip and ask for input. If you envision three days of hiking and a mushroom-hunting foray in the forest, while most of the rest of the group thought this was going to be a rest-fest with lots of alcohol consumption and chatting around the fire, there may be some friction.

4. Be flexible: That said, also be prepared to change things at the last minutes and have back-up ideas in mind. We all know it can rain unexpectedly, equipment breaks, things happen. And if it turns out that the majority wants to do something different from what you want to do, it helps to be gracious and go along willingly. The hiking boot may be on the other foot another day, and you will have purchased valuable goodwill.

5. Bring games: Even silly, stupid ones. So many trips have been saved when the rain wouldn’t let up or things just went flat when someone pulled out “Pictionary” or some other ridiculous kids’ game that turned out to be hilarious (especially after a few margaritas).

6. Bring snacks: Even if it’s an all-adult trip, having something to munch on makes everyone less cranky. When you come back to the camp after a hard day of hiking-biking-rafting-whatever, even the fastest camp meal is going to take some time to prepare, so chips and salsa, veggies and dip or some other items that you can just set out and let people scarf up while the meal is being prepared will go a long way toward keeping everyone mellow.

7. Give everyone some space: Recognize that everyone has a breaking point in terms of how long they can take being with others. Even extroverts need some down time. If you see someone edging away from the group, let them go off on their own for a while. This seems to be one of the hardest things in the group setting – for people to realize when they need to get some quiet time and to give themselves permission to, and for others to let them. A little “me time” can help everyone be more patient and tolerant during group time.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Leaf-peeping spots for a fall trip in Pennsylvania

2011-09-20T16:36:00.002-06:00

The Keystone State is one of the top in the country for fall foliage, and this time of year, the weather is usually pretty cooperative for camping. The views are spectacular from one end to the other, and there are so many things to do inside and out, it’s hard to know where to start.

If the changing colors are your focus, though, here are some ideas. Just be sure to keep the camera battery charged, and check gocampingamerica.com for the RV parks and campgrounds near each stop.

Southwest

McConnell’s Mill State Park
With the oft-photographed covered bridge in its midst, McConnell’s Mill, which sits 40 miles north of Pittsburgh on Rte 422 via I-79, is a big draw for those looking to take long walks around the picturesque seven miles of trails and a drive to the waterfalls, restored gristmill and Slippery Rock Creek. Pack a picnic, because there are multiple stops along the route through. If you fish or river raft, this is also a top-notch destination.
More info

Ohiopyle State Park is as scenic as it gets. (istock)

Ohiopyle State Park
The Youghiogheny (pronounced yawk-ah-gain-ee) River runs through this scenic, 19,000-acre state park, which sits 67 miles southeast of Pittsburgh via I-76 and offers river rafting, of course, as well as a paved section of the Great Allegheny Passage to bike on, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and plenty of picnic stops.
More info

Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece 68 miles southeast of Pittsburgh via I-76 is a marvel, a relaxing place to contemplate our ability to merge the man-made with nature. Take a tour if you have time, because the guides have great stories to tell about the background of the construction and the conflicts that occurred between the famously cantankerous architect and Edgar J. Kaufmann, the Pittsburgh department store owner who commissioned this fascinating weekend retreat. Because it’s only about 10 minutes from the entrance to Ohiopyle, this is a good pairing with the state park. Admission: $20 adults, $14 ages 6-12
More info

Northwest

Canoe the Allegheny River
Driving along the Allegheny is delightful this time of year, but if you have the time and inclination to get out and be on the water, there are several outfitters who can get you up close and personal with the river and the surrounding gorgeous fauna and foliage; most trips take just a few hours and cost $35-$50 per person, and the outfitter will shuttle you back to your vehicle. Expect to see all manner of birds and water fowl.
More info

The lighthouse at Presque Isle. (istock)

Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie
By the time September kicks in, the air is a bit cool to spend much time on the beaches here, but it’s still nice to walk along, and very pretty to picnic, and the birds and lighthouse added to the changing leaves make for stunning photographs.
More info

Central

Gettysburg
Now that some of the brouhaha has lessened over the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the crowds also have lessened, and this is a good time to visit this important battle site. Plan to spend a full day, as the town – where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address – and the 6,000-acre national park (including the Military Park and the National Cemetery) all have something interesting to offer.
More info

Southeast

Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary
More than 2,000 acres have been preserved since 1934 along a tract beyond Kittatinny Ridge when you travel Rt. 895, and here some 18,000 birds migrate through annually, including more than a dozen species of raptors. In the fall, you can count on hawks, falcons, ospreys, and merlins, and as November and December kick in, look for golden eagles. There are numerous paths varying in skill level, but the more strenuous ones mean fewer people.
More info

Reading outlets
The more than 300 shopping outlets clustered in this otherwise charming area have made Reading a bit of a mecca for the bargain-mad, and there really is something for everyone, along with plenty of eateries for refueling.
More info

Heritage Center Museum, Lancaster
The crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch are a big draw in this area, and fans will find it worthwhile to stop by this comprehensive collection, which includes quilts, furniture, toys and other regionally created pieces, housed in a 1790s Masonic lodge (13 W. King St., 717-299-6440). Admission: Free.
More info

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Get your gear here: an effortless bike pump, getting clean water

2011-08-31T09:14:00.002-06:00

Camping and RVing doesn’t just involve the pulling up to a site, pitching a tent or hooking up and kicking back – there are usually activities planned, and that means gear.

It seems as though every time we head out, someone brings along a new piece of gear that I wind up coveting, and it’s a struggle to keep from running out after the trip and buying it. Not only is the cost a factor – we just can’t afford every new gadget and gizmo – but there are also the considerations of space and weight. In addition, I think we can all count the number of items collecting dust in the corners of closets and storage spaces.

But every once in a while, a piece of equipment turns out to be truly revolutionary, a top-notch replacement or so useful that it does wind up being worth the money. Here are a few that have earned a permanent spot on our excursions:

Topeak Harpoon S2 Harpoon Master Blaster Bike Pump

Not only is this now the bike pump we carry while we’re actually biking – it’s so small, it works well attached to a bike or stashed in a backpack – it replaced our floor pump, as well. It automatically adjusts to fit either Presta or Schrader valves, so there’s none of that awkward unscrewing of caps and pulling out the spongy insides (and then dropping all the innards into the dirt with filthy hands, etc., while you’re on the trail), and it locks right on. But the best part is that this little thing rocks on the inflation part: It not only sends a big burst of air in when you push in, but also when you pull the handle out. So the tire fills up in no time, and pretty much effortlessly, so a small child can do it. If you’re worried about overinflating, just switch it over to low pressure. Also comes with a needle attachment for inflating basketballs and soccer balls.

Buy it here: www.amazon.com, $23

SteriPEN Water Purification System

If you’ve been using the old iodine tablets or chlorine to sterilize your water when on a long backcountry hike, it’s time to check out this system. Lightweight and economical in the long run, the unit uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. You just stick the wand end of the PEN into the water, and wait until the light turns off, which indicates that the water is clean. The PEN claims to be 99.9 percent effective, which is as good as or better than any other system. Initially, the cost will seem prohibitive, and at first I was skeptical about the battery use, but now that I’ve been using it for a year, I’m sold. Each set of rechargeable batteries is supposed to be good for between 50-75 liters of water, but I’ve actually gotten closer to about 80 (they recently came out with a hand-powered unit, by the way, but I haven’t tested it). Bonus: Iodine and chlorine make the water taste icky. I have a friend who’s so enamored of the SteriPEN, he takes the small unit along each week when he trains for a marathon.

Buy it here: www.steripen.com, starts at $70

eGear Collapsible Floating Lantern

River rafters, fishermen and other water bugs will appreciate this waterproof lantern, but everyone who needs light at night and knows that sometimes it rains, you want a small compact unit that packs away easily, and that it’s nice when you can hook the thing onto something at a weird angle will love it, too. The hook pulls out of the handle, which is ingenious, and the light comes on as soon as you open it up, so no fumbling around for a switch in the dark. It’s 6” high and 3” around, and takes 3 AA batteries.

Buy it here: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/, $13

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Easy lunch items for hiking that kids can help cook

2011-08-24T11:11:00.001-06:00

We’re always looking for foods that the kids can help make, are easy to carry on a hike or to take to the beach in a small cooler, and that use up leftovers. If they happen to be relatively healthy, too, well, bonus!

These veggie wraps fit the bill. We’ve filled them with everything from stir-fry leftovers to grilled vegetables to the toppings from homemade pizza, and it’s hard to go wrong. Most young ‘uns love cream cheese, and that provides the base and makes the tortilla hold itself together.

Kids can assembled their own, which gets them involved, and these are so easily transportable – just shove them into baggies (they stay nicer if you can wrap them in cling wrap first) and put them in a pack or a cooler for later. They’re a weekly lunch item for school for us. Lettuce or spinach adds extra crunch. Some fresh herbs, a little salt and pepper -- and if you have time, some sautéed garlic – all add flavor boosts, but aren’t necessary. These are just so user-friendly.

The Chocolate Crisp Jumbles are a popular variation on Rice Krispie treats that have been around for a while, but are worth adding to a regular repertoire, also because the whole family can get in on the action, they’re quick and easy to make, and they travel well. And they’re delicious!

Veggie Wraps

Tortillas (flour, whole wheat or whole grain)

Cream cheese, about 2 oz. per wrap

Mix of leftover cooked vegetables, about a half cup per wrap (we like combinations such as zucchini, tomatoes, onions and red peppers, and often throw in corn cut off the cob or black beans; adding sautéed garlic, fresh basil or parsley is nice, as well)

Lettuce or spinach (optional)

Place each tortilla flat on a surface and smear thinly to the edges with cream cheese. Spread vegetables across the center of the tortilla in a thin line. If using lettuce or spinach, lay it on top of the vegetables.

Fold one side of the tortilla over the mixture, and then roll it all the way to the end, using the cream cheese to make it stick. Cut in half.

If packaging for a hike or later eating, wrap each half individually in plastic wrap to hold it together better.

Chocolate Crisp Jumbles

Makes about two dozen.

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate

¼ c. unsalted butter

5 tbls. light corn syrup

3 cups Rice Krispies or other crispy rice cereal

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or very thinly grease them.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, in a microwave in increments so that it doesn’t burn or in a double boiler over simmering heat. Take care not to scorch!

Stir in the corn syrup and rice cereal. Drop by large spoonfuls onto the cookies sheets. Place in refrigerator for an hour until they are firm.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Five guide books RVers and campers should consider having on hand

2011-08-23T13:57:00.002-06:00

Remember books? Those bulky, unwieldy things we used to carry around, occasionally read, even check for reference?

They still exist, although their days seem to be numbered. More often than not, when anyone has a question or longs to know who, what, when, where, why or how, Google is the first one consulted.

C’est la vie. Sometimes, though, the Internet goes down. Curses! Or, even worse, there’s no Wi-Fi to be found. That’s when it’s nice to have one of those old-fashioned thingies with paper inside that can always be counted upon to offer up the goods.

Here are a few handy books that I’ve come to rely upon for their interesting information that has proven useful on the road.

“Healthy Highways,” by Nikki and David Goldbeck ($19.95, Ceres Press)

We all know that eating healthfully on the road is a losing battle – and certainly not a weight-losing one. The Goldbecks have scoured the nation in search of natural food markets, organic groceries, vegetarian restaurants and other health-oriented options. The result is this excellent compilation, which also includes detailed directions.

“500 Things to Eat Before it’s Too Late – and the Very Best Places to Eat Them,” by Jane and Michael Stern ($19.95, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

If you keep this book next to “Healthy Highways” on a shelf, eventually they will start to duel each other in an existential food fight. You can even alternate nights out using one or the other – first go somewhere that will unclog your arteries, and then pick something that looks utterly delicious from this book, which is filled with things that look so good but ultimately will kill you. Even if you only indulge occasionally, it’s a fabulous read.

“Eccentric America,” by Jan Friedman ($18.95, Globe Pequot Press)

It’s always fun to know where the nearest corn mazes, biggest balls of twine and shrines to headless chickens are in conjunction with your current location. “Eccentric America” endeavors to ensure that information is at your fingertips, with descriptions of the weird places that are compelling enough to make them irresistible.

“Exit Now: Interstate Exit Directory,” by Trailer Life Books ($24.95, Trailer Life)

A terrific resource for anyone who spends time on the highways and byways, and particularly those who speed by those signs and then later wonder, “Was there a Starbucks at this turnoff?” Or for families where someone has to use the restroom every 15 miles. The ring-binder directory lists eateries, gas stations, hospitals and shopping, and the color-coded maps are easy to read. It takes a little bit of time initially to figure out the system, but once you do, this thing is pretty useful.

“The Official Guide to America’s National Parks,” by Fodor’s ($18.95, Fodor’s)

It would be impossible to cover everything there is to do in all of the national parks, but having a guide around that reminds you that no matter where you go, chances are there’s some kind of national park nearby where you can do something fun is a good thing. And not just a big park – there are tons of little parks and monuments and memorials, many of which are so rarely visited that they are quiet and just cool to check out. The book includes activity options, fees and insider tips on how to enjoy each park. America’s best idea, indeed.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Five fabulous fall trips for leaf-peeping

2011-08-19T11:22:00.001-06:00

Summer isn’t quite over, it’s true, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the cooler weather – especially if, like us, you’re in one of those areas where it feels like the heat will never break.

Fall temps mean fall leaves, and the frenzy over where to peek at those leaves is always fun. Here are some options around the country where the drive takes you through some of the best and most colorful views. And, as always, visit the Go Camping America site to check out the great options for campgrounds and RV parks along the way.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

From late September through mid-October, the area along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which starts 13 miles east of Portland, Ore., on Interstate 84, is a smorgasbord of color, with maple trees, ash and cottonwoods all vying for best in show. The waterfalls en route – check out Multnomah or Wahkeena falls – are dramatic against the brilliant foliage, and there are other attractions, as well, including the Bonneville Dam, which has a fascinating salmon fish hatchery.

The waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge are gorgeous.

Aspen, Colorado

The unique gold and burgundy of fall aspens in Aspen turn this into a rewarding drive from mid-September to mid-October. The famous Maroon Bells – the two peaks in the Elk Mountains that are among the most photographed peaks in the world – offer a scenic counterpoint to the dramatic display, and Independence Pass, on Colorado 82 between Twin Lakes and Aspen, is a virtual explosion of color the whole way. And because this is technically the “mud season” in the town, there are usually good deals to be had on dining and shopping.

Various spots in Vermont

The sheer variety of trees in the state –oak, hickory, birch, dogwood and, of course, maple – makes it a terrific choice for a trek through any part of it, although those in the know tend to point toward Glover, Manchester, New Haven, Burlington and Bennington, and anything, really, around Lake Champlain. The colors range from russet to the many shades of wine, and serious leaf-peepers tend to wax nostalgic about their favorites and where to find them.

The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

With more than 100 types of trees, the Poconos are PA’s best bet for a visual vacation this time of year, starting the second week of September and going through late October. The area stretches for more than 2,000 miles and three zones, and so different sections change at different times, which means that you can spend several weeks and still not see it all. Miles of hiking trails offer a great way to get out and see the leaves up close, so don’t forget the camera!

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Porcupines and Ottawa National Forest are famous for their colors, with deep reds and vibrant yellows being the most talked-about hues from the abundant maples and oaks. As the season progresses, frost sets in, which gives the landscape a unique look, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for moose in this neck of the woods. Also consider the scenic tour of Keweenaw Peninsula, from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor, which includes a stop at the lovely Lake Roland, rimmed by trees that turn a magnificent rust and burgundy.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Top ten things travelers forget on camping trips

2011-08-06T09:17:00.001-06:00

There you are, surrounded by 12 hungry campers in various stages of sweaty, cranky exhaustion after a day of hiking through the woods, all eagerly awaiting the famous Goulash on a Stick that you’ve been promising to flambé over a roaring campfire all day.

The food has been prepped, the plates and utensils sit on a checkered tablecloth ready for action. And you would fire up a grill or a stove or some wood, if only…you hadn’t forgotten to pack the lighter. Or some matches. Or something, anything that would ignite and turn your culinary creation into something edible.

Sigh.

It’s another reminder that pack lists are the bomb, although they certainly aren’t a guarantee. Proof: a trip to a ritzy resort area where one of my daughters confessed just before we headed to the swimming pool that she’d forgotten her bathing suit, even though, as I pointed out repeatedly as we traipsed all afternoon from store to store, that she had checked it off her list as packed.

That was a costly one, because it was so far into the summer that the only place selling them had one her tiny size for…gulp…$80. What were we going to do? The swimming pools had a strict “no street clothes” policy, and we had a whole week to go.

So, after chatting with some other serious camping folks about this issue, here are the top items that seemed to come up over and over. And I’d like to say we’ll never forget a bathing suit again, but we all know that’s not true.

What are some of yours?

1. Sunscreen. Thank heavens most places have this on hand, especially in convenience and campground stores. Still, sometimes all you can get is the tiny tube, for twice what you would pay for a big bottle.

2. Bug spray. A recent trek to Moab found us so surrounded by mosquitoes it felt like we were in a stinging snowstorm. Some folks on the trip had spray, some not, and we quickly ran out. We wound up needing citronella candles, too.

3. Flashlight. Or headlamp. Without something at night to light the way, things go bump.

4. Maps. There’s always someone in the car or on the trail who refuses to ask for directions, and there’s nothing worse than being completely lost in an unfamiliar area. We keep ours in Ziploc bags so they don’t get wet or covered in food goo, and store them in files labeled by state.

5. Lighter/matches. We try to bring both, in case the lighter winds up running out of fluid and/or the matches get wet. It’s always good to have a back-up.

6. Containers for leftovers. A Ziploc full of a variety of sizes of Ziplocs is a great thing to have on hand for any kind of leftovers, but it’s also nice, if you have room, to have a few plastic containers for whatever winds up needing to be stored. It seems as though there’s always a little bit of something that we’re reluctant to just pitch. And the baggies are good for the inevitable rock, shell and leaf collections, as well.

7. Band-Aids. Even when we remember them, they seem to disappear faster than you can say “owie!” So we buy the super big box.

8. Sunglasses. Yeah, they’re going to get lost anyway, so go with the $5 pair. And bring a spare.

9. Paper towels. They can be used for spills, as napkins, as ground cloths, bundled as oven mitts or potholders, wrapped around “owies,” called into service as dishcloths or towels...and so much more.

10. Bathing suit. Not only have we forgotten to bring one on a trip, but I confess to having left mine hanging to dry on the back of a hotel bathroom door, and I almost did it again very recently on another trip. They’re just not an everyday item.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Super-fast, yummy stir-fry for quick RV meal

2011-07-26T15:57:00.002-06:00

There are so many times, especially after a long day of sightseeing, when we come back to the camp and no one feels like cooking. It’s tempting to go out for something that’s cheap and bad for us, and more often than not, that’s what we do.

I try to have a few things on hand, though, that will keep us from doing that too much. All it takes is a couple of chicken breasts in the freezer and some freshies – maybe a little bit of broccoli and a red pepper, or some celery and carrots – on top of steamed rice (even instant is better for you than a Big Mac) and we’re good to go.

Healthy and delicious!

Here’s our family’s favorite fast stir-fry.

Super-fast Stir-fry

The sky’s the limit with vegetables in this – we’ve used carrots, celery, all manner of bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms (shiitake, button, portobello), bok choy, onions and baby corn, all to good effect. We make a steamer full of brown rice, but it's faster with instant if that's what you have on hand. Serves 3-4

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch-thick strips

2 tbls. toasted sesame oil, plus 4 more tbls.

4 cloves garlic, minced

2-in. piece fresh ginger, minced, or 1 tbls. ground ginger

6 cups vegetables, cut into bite-size chunks

2 tbls. rice vinegar, brown rice vinegar or white wine vinegar

2 tbls. black sesame seeds
Soy sauce to taste

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot; add 2 tbls. sesame oil and then immediately add chicken strips. Sauté, stirring, until meat is just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from pan, set chicken aside in a bowl, and turn burner off.

Add garlic and ginger to pan. Let sit for a minute, then turn heat to medium. Add remaining sesame oil and sauté for 10 seconds. Add vegetables. Sauté, stirring vegetables constantly, until they begin to soften. Pour vinegar over and stir to coat.

Cut reserved chicken into bite-size pieces and toss in with vegetable mixture. Cook until heated through, about one minute. Sprinkle sesame seeds over top and divide among serving bowls with white or brown rice. Serve with soy sauce on side.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Some top spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway

2011-07-21T12:10:00.000-06:00

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs for 469 miles from Virginia in the north to North Carolina in the south (and a tiny bit over the border into Tennessee), is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It's famous for not being particularly RV-friendly in parts -- many big-rig drivers tote along another vehicle and park the RV at a centrally located campground to go explore chunks of the drive. The route is well marked by milepost (the spots below are so marked), and a good place to start your trip planning is at the official site.

The views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are hard to beat.

However, with the exception of the tunnels around Asheville, N.C., most of the road can be done in a motorhome; you just want to get a good map of the highway and pay attention to the warnings about tight sections and watch for the turnoffs that are marked as larger, as well as keeping an eye out for tunnel heights all along.

Highlights include Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Here are some other options for activities:

Mill Mountain Zoo (MP 120.3) is a nice break near Roanoke, Va., with more than 160 animals, including small exhibits of big cats, primates and wolves. There's a wildflower garden and a small train (extra charge), and the views are spectacular.

Mabry Mill (MP 176.2, 276-952-2947) near Rocky Knob, Va., is a cool grist mill with living-history re-enactments that does different demonstrations depending on the time of year. Soap-making, apple butter, wood-carving and cloth-making are among them. There's a nice restaurant nearby of the same name that serves food made from local produce.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is not for those with height issues.

Grandfather Mountain (MP 305) has a Mile High Swinging Bridge that makes kids squeal and a lot of adults close their eyes and, well, usually swear. Once you're across, though, you'll say it was great fun. Promise. Don't forget the camera, because there's also a "zoo" of sorts where you feel as though you're in the cage, and the animals get to roam free. It's pretty cool.

Altapass Orchard (MP 328.3) near Linville Falls, N.C., is best at apple-picking time, of course, but year-round offers the products made from the apples (cider, juice, jams, etc.) as well as fudge and also has a Monarch butterfly pavilion for kids.

Sliding Rock (by MP 407.6) near Pisgah, N.C., is a kids' paradise, a natural water slide that ends in a small pool. It costs a buck to do it, and good luck tearing the kids away on a hot day.

Graveyard Fields (MP 418.8), also in the Mount Pisgah area, is a great place to get out and stretch the legs; several waterfalls, including Yellowstone and Upper Falls, are worth striving for, although the latter requires a 3.2 mile jaunt.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids or without.

Saving money on a road trip (even with kids)

2011-07-13T16:16:00.002-06:00

We’re in the thick of family vacation time, and money isn’t getting any easier to come by. The most expensive components of a road trip continue to be gas, lodging and food, but with RV travel and camping, the lodging part is usually significantly reduced compared to those traveling with hotel destinations in mind. Here are a few tips for lowering the bill for some of the other things you’ll come up against.

Plan ahead. This always sounds great, but it’s the hardest thing to do, especially with a day job and multiple people to coordinate. It’s the one thing, though, that will make the biggest difference. At the very least, try to come up with an idea of the most important places you want to visit – museums, theme or water parks, historical sites – and things you want to do, such as hiking or horseback riding. Then sketch out an itinerary and a budget. Having something written down helps you stick to a spending plan, simply because it keeps you on track. It also helps to have a good pack list with everything you’ll need along the way, because then you won’t have to buy forgotten things along the way.

Plan meals ahead. Knowing what you’ll be cooking on the road and buying as much of the non-perishable food as you can in advance will keep you from spending too much on the more-expensive fare at campground stores and convenience stores en route.

Pick an RV park/campground with activities. You may pay a few extra bucks to stay, but the savings will be exponentially worth it in the long run if everyone finds something to do during down time on-site. A swimming pool, evening movie, game room, nice playground and other distractions go a long way toward keeping everyone from looking for ways to needlessly spend money shopping or buying junk food when they’re bored. Also bring along games that everyone will enjoy.

Look for online passes. Many cities have discounted coupon books (such as CityPass) that offer substantial savings – just be sure you’ll actually visit enough of the places to make buying the whole book worthwhile – and the attractions themselves usually offer discounts if you purchase your tickets ahead and print them out. Set up a system of folders that can keep track of what days you’ll be where and file the tickets accordingly, which will help keep you organized. Also be sure to take advantage of military, AAA and senior discounts, and look for discounted meal vouchers at the amusement parks, as well.

Plan meals around attractions. If you can hold off going to an amusement park or other expensive activity where you’re held captive until just after lunch, you’ll save quite a bit, especially if it’s one that doesn’t allow you to bring in food. That way, you’ll only have to buy dinner and maybe a snack. Take advantage of the attractions that do let you bring food in, even if it’s just to haul around snacks that will keep you from overeating pricey, unhealthy food. Don’t forget water, which is also expensive when bottled. Refill at water fountains.

Take advantage of parks’ meal offerings. When you check in, be sure to note if your campground is offering a free weekly pancake breakfast or weeknight BBQ, and plan that into your itinerary.

Gas up at the cheap spots. If you have access to the Web, Gaspricewatch finds the cheapest gas prices for you, which can sometimes be a big saver, especially if you’re in an RV. Of course, driving 20 miles out of your way doesn’t make sense, but if you’re in an area where there are multiple options, it can be a help. Also, RV tire pressure and filling up on weekdays (allegedly cheaper than weekends) seem to be constant issues.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

More kids’ activity ideas for camping trips

2011-06-08T15:22:00.001-06:00

Thank heavens companies keep coming up with ideas for keeping kids occupied on camping trips, although a recent river camping trip found the adults trying to muscle out the kids to play a game I’d never seen before.

Called Tailgate Toss, this simply constructed item involves two large, wooden boards with legs on one end that hold each board up at an angle. Teams divide into two groups – two to four people usually play – and each side then throws beanbags into the hole in each board. The scoring initially seems complicated, as it’s more involved than regular old bean bag toss, which is what this resembles, but eventually you get the hang of it.

Tailgate Toss, or "Corn Hole," is a big hit with all ages.

Some of the people in our group knew this game as “Corn Hole” –apparently it depends on what part of the country you call home –but the result was a hotly contested battle that got so involved, we stuck flashlights under the holes and played it well into the twilight hours.

You can get Tailgate Toss with the insignias of your favorite sports teams or just plain wood. For ages 5+

Cost: $64-$120

Get it at: tailgatetoss.com, amazon.com, overstock.com

Speaking of being on the river, whenever there’s water involved, stuff is going to get wet. We discovered a laminated version of the ever-popular Uno card game, called Uno H2O to Go, which works just like the original game except that each card is coated in plastic and has a hole in it so that the deck can be secured with a plastic hook, that then easily clips to pants pockets or the inside of a backpack or bag.

That means you can take the cards along hiking, in the car or anywhere that having something to occupy the group will come in handy. For ages 7+

Cost: $8

Get it here: Target, REI

An ideal in-the-car or RV game is Blokus to Go, a strategy game that’s fierce in its larger version and very fun in the smaller one. The pieces snap in place, with the basic idea being to get all of your tiles on the board, while touching another tile of the same color only at the corners. It gets a little maddening, but in a good way.

What’s also cool about the travel version of Blokus is that if you don’t finish – or, say, have to make a pit or picnic stop – you can just close the sides and hold your place. Young kids pick up on the concept very quickly. For ages 5+

Cost: $15

Get it here: amazon.com

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Huge Discounts on Camping June 1 - June 25 - ACT FAST!!!

2011-06-08T10:57:00.001-06:00

www.gocampingamerica.com/promotions

20% off GoCampingAmerica.com Accomodations
Coleman
Camping World
El Monte RV Rentals

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GO CAMPING ~ ON SALE!!!

Huge Discounts on Camping June 1 - June 25 - ACT FAST!!!

2011-06-08T10:40:00.000-06:00

June is Presidentially Proclaimed, National Great Outdoors Month, so Go Camping America has partnered with some popular camping retailers to discount 'all-things' camping to further encourage more families to go camping this June! Check out the details below - you won't want to miss these HOT Deals!!!

Available June 1 - June 25, you can find discounted overnight park stays at GoCampingAmerica.com parks, discounts on camping gear at Camping World & Coleman, plus discounts on RV rentals from El Monte RV Rentals. Check out www.gocampingamerica.com/promotions to download or link directly to these amazing deals!

Why not hit the road for a weekend getaway before June 25 and cash in on some of these offers! We could all use a little more vacation time, right?

Also, capture your camping experience on film and enter it into our Not Bummer Summer Go Camping America Video Contest sponsored by El Monte RV Rentals. The kids movie, Judy Moody & the Not Bummer Summer, out in theaters June 10th - provided inspirtation for the contest. Show us how your camping getaway gave you a Not Bummer Summer! The grand prize winner will receive a 7 day/6 night RV Camping Getaway at any GCA park of your choice + plus RV rental for the trip! Other prizes for 2nd and 3rd place! Enter today: www.gocampingamerica.com/videocontest

Share this great deal with your friends! Happy Summer Camping!

Granola bar recipe that leaves them wanting more

2011-06-03T12:45:00.001-06:00

Snacks for on the road are almost always unhealthy, and while you rarely have trouble getting anyone to wolf down a bag of Doritos, well, there's no question there's little in there that's good for anyone.

Not to mention, an hour later, everyone's hungry again.

Whole grains, nuts and fruit make these bars healthy.

These granola bars have no preservatives or anything bad in them, and they aren't even made with sugar -- they use brown rice syrup, which you can find at any natural foods store. Many regular groceries carry it now, as well. You can substitute honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different and they won't stick together as well.

These are kid-tested and hard to stop eating, because they contain dried fruits most folks love, and have a great texture and taste. They're also high in omega-3 fats, fiber and important minerals.

What's not to love? Extra bonus: You can substitute whatever nuts or dried fruits you prefer; it's a very forgiving recipe. The original called for macadamia nuts, but they are expensive and very high in fat. But they're also delicious. We've used hazelnuts and even pine nuts to good effect.

As for fruit, kids love Craisins in there. The original also called for wheat germ, but so many people have gluten issues we started leaving it out. But if you like it or need the extra vitamin E and protein, by all means, throw three tablespoons in; it will be delicious and provide that extra boost.

Fruit and Nut Bars
Makes about 8-10 bars. Store in airtight container. Will keep for a week at room temperature or two weeks in refrigerator.

1 c. pitted dates
Some kind of oil for pan (I use coconut)
1 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats, finely ground using food processor, or 1
c. quinoa flakes
4 1/2 oz. (1 c.) pecans, toasted, then ground in food processor (the
texture will be nice if you just chop half, but if you don't feel like
dealing with that, all ground is fine)
2 oz. (1/2 c.) some other kind of nut (have had success with walnuts, cashews, unsalted peanuts and pine nuts, and macadamia are heavenly when they're on sale), also chopped
1/3 c. dried papaya, cut into pieces
1/3 c. dried cherries
1/3 c. dried blueberries
3-5 tbls. ground flaxseed (or whole)
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 tbls. brown rice syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Place dates in small saucepan, cover with cold
water and bring to simmer. Drain. Puree in food processor until
smooth.

Coat 8 or 9 x 10 inch baking pan with oil.

Mix all dry ingredients with dried fruits, salt and cinnamon until well
combined. Mix in date puree and brown rice syrup until everything is
moistened. Press mixture into pan.

Bake until firm and edges just start to brown, about 25 minutes. Let
cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into preferred bar size.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Get your gear here: Cooking ideas, and a powerful flashlight

2011-06-01T17:50:00.001-06:00

My friend Pete swears by crockpot meals on RV trips, plugging one in before heading out for the day so there’s a hot meal ready when everyone’s too tired at the end to throw anything together. RoadPro makes a 1.5-quart, 12-volt slow cooker that plugs into the cigarette lighter and works like a charm. The stoneware insert is dishwasher safe, and there’s a stretch cord that keeps the lid on so that you can drive while it’s cooking, too.
Cost: $28
Get it here: amazon.com

Speaking of cooking, if you find yourself at a campground with fire rings and are looking for a more efficient way to put your food over the flame to cook, the Tripod Pioneer Grill by Rome is great. The tripod is adjustable and breaks down for storage, and the rack one which you set the cooking pans, Dutch oven, coffee pot or even some foods directly is completely adjustable via chains, so that you can raise and lower it to control the amount of heat. The contraptions sometimes swings around a bit, but works especially well with heavy items.
Cost: $35
Get it here: rvsupplywarehouse.com

Everyone in camp should have their own flashlight, and the rechargeable, incredibly powerful Streamlight UltraStinger is pretty cool, able to go for an hour of continuous use, with a 30-hour halogen blub and an easy-to-hit push-button on-off switch. The 12-inch-long unit can be recharged in a vehicle with a 12-volt or using a 110-volt plug. The downside: It’s ridiculously expensive. But it will last forever, and the fact that it’s rechargeable is huge.
Cost: $155
Get it at: cabelas.com

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Road trip! Water, antiques and history in the New Haven, Conn., area

2011-05-26T15:50:00.003-06:00

Old time charm meets newfangled recreation when you take a road trip near New Haven along the Long Island Sound in lower Connecticut.

Many folks think of Yale University when they think of New Haven, and rightly so – it takes up the western edge of town and is a fun tour (free, visit the site for more info). But there’s a lot more to this architecture-laden place that started as a colony in 1638: churches, art galleries, libraries and museums are tidily interspersed around well-manicured squares.

If it’s a nice day for a picnic, Lighthouse Point Park is suitable for swimming, and has a cool old carousel. Stony Creek is just southeast of Branford and a destination for those looking to take a cruise around TheThimbles, tiny islands with their own weird and unique histories. Just east of this is Hammonasset Beach State Park, two miles of soft, clean sand with amenities such as restrooms, showers and picnic areas.

Start driving east along Interstate 95 into the Lower Connecticut River Valley for a series of picturesque towns with plenty of antiques shopping and views out over the Sound. Towns such as Westbrook, Old Saybrook and Old Lyme are charming, and the latter is famous as the onetime mecca for the American Impressionists such as Childe Hassam and William Chadwick. They met at the home of Florence Griswold, which is now a museum worth visiting. Old Saybrook is home to the impressive collection at Old Saybrook Antiques Center.

Also in this area: the popular Gillette Castle State Park, lined by mountains and possessing an actual, medieval-looking castle, with the Connecticut River running alongside. It takes you away from the Sound, but there are other interesting towns to explore along the way, as well, including Essex, Chester and East Haddam, all following along Highway 9 and Highway 82.

A couple of terrific places to eat along the way: Bill's Seafood Restaurant in Westbrook (548 Boston Post Road, 860-399-7224) fries the living daylights out of anything, but especially clams and calamari. Great place for kids, right on the water. Also the Griswold Inn in Essex (36 Main St., 860-767-1776), which was built in 1776 and takes its Colonial-ness very seriously, as well as (weirdly) its tapas, served in the wine bar (the regular food is just so-so). And, finally, check out the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme (100 Lyme St., 860-434-1667) for a romantic, upscale meal with strolling musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.

For a good night's sleep en route, some top campgrounds include Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford; Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton; Little City Campground in Higganum; Wolf's Den Campground in East Haddam; Salem Farms Campground in Salem; and Aces High RV Park in East Lyme.

For more options, including several near Gillette Castle State Park, visit Go Camping America's Park Finder.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Tips for first-time RVers

2011-05-18T11:18:00.000-06:00

So you're going to do it – you're going to drive a vehicle the size of your first apartment to some cool part of the country, maybe with kids in tow, and there's a chance you're a little bit nervous about that. And understandably so...RVs are large, a bit more complicated than your car and come with a lot of bells and whistles.

Here are a few handy hints that may help the first time out.

Rent the right RV for your trip type and group size Talk with the folks at the place where you’re renting about how many people you are taking, what you plan to do on the trip (such as whether you’ll be hauling bikes or other toys) and where you’re headed (for instance, will you be driving on a lot of narrow roads?).
Try to avoid the common pitfall of renting too large an RV for your needs. It’s fun to have space, but the truth is, you don’t spend as much time moving around in it as you think – when you’re driving, you’re sitting, and when you’re parked, you’re sleeping the majority of the time. Slide-outs are the big must-have if you can get them; they add space when you’re sitting still.

Know your dimensions at all times They’re usually posted somewhere so the driver can reference it, but if not, put it on a Post-it. But also be checking before every bridge, tunnel, gas station overhang to see if you will fit. It’s easy to get so used to driving that you forget.

Have someone spot you when you park Make sure they’re well out of the way and you can see them (being able to hear them is nice, too) and agree on hand signals ahead. RV parks are famous for friendly folks who are willing to help, as well.

Side mirrors rule Because you can’t see out the back (except when you use the rear-vision camera, if your vehicle has one), your side mirrors are indispensible. Check them daily to make sure they are where you need them to be. While you’re driving, not only will they show you where other traffic is positioned, but they will keep you in the lanes, because if you can see the painted lines, you’re good. The camera is nice to check periodically, too, by the way, to see if anyone is all up in your backside.

Speaking of your backside…It swings way out when you turn, requiring a bit of a pull forward first. It’s nice if you can practice that a couple of times before pulling out of the lot.

And the best advice I ever received: Don’t drive down any road, alley or parking lot where you don’t know that there’s a way out. A friend of mine once had to unhitch a Jeep and drive backward an entire mile in a 31-foot motorhome after accidentally going down what turned out to be an unmarked no-exit alley.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Discounts on overnight camping, RV rentals

2011-05-16T12:36:00.003-06:00

If there’s anything better than camping, it’s saving money while doing it, and you can start today by printing out the e-coupon available here, good for 20 percent off overnight stays at the more than 3,300 campgrounds, resorts and private RV parks that make up the Go Camping America family. Coupons valid for use, June 1 - June 25. So 'Get Outdoors & Go Camping America...It's Easy!'

The discount is a great way to celebrate the month of June, which is National Great Outdoors Month. The coupon is good at participating campgrounds from June 1-25.

Not only that, Coleman.com , Camping World and El Monte RV will be offering discounts during the month, as well. Plus, enter for your chance to win the Not Bummer Summer Go Camping America Video Contest sponsored by El Monte RV Rentals. You could win a Grand-Prize camping getaway - a 7 day/6 night GoCampingAmerica.com Park Stay & 7 day El Monte RV Rental! Visit: www.gocampingamerica.com/promotions

If you’re waffling on why camping instead of another kind of vacation in June, think about these reasons:

1. Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, because it requires teamwork, tolerance and patience.

2. Car camping is almost always cheaper than staying in hotels, and RV trips come out cheaper or about even, depending on the type of trip, with their own rewards built in.

3. You can take your own food, which means meals can be as healthy or not as you want, cooked the way you want, when you want.

4. It allows you to have schedule and itinerary flexibility.

5. You get more immediate access to the outdoors.

6. High safety factor – kids are able to move around freely in a campground setting, meet other kids and play.

7. There’s usually something for everyone; you can choose an area where the group can divide up and find the activities that interest them, often in the same campground or resort.

8. Campgrounds, RV parks and resorts are famous for being friendly and helpful.

9. There is a campground near pretty much every major attraction in the country.

10. Camping itself is flexible – you can camp in a tent, a cabin, an RV, a yurt, for a night or two weeks.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Keeping kids occupied on long road trips

2011-04-30T10:49:00.002-06:00

Are we there yet?

Are we…OK, you’ve probably heard that, oh, a hundred times before – sometimes within a ten-minute time period – if you’ve ever taken a kid on a road trip. Or said it, if you were ever a kid yourself.

The attention span of the under-18 set seems to be directly proportionate to the ability of anyone over, say, the age of 30 to come up with ways to occupy them. And our capacity for understanding what’s interesting to young people also seems to diminish in that same ratio, as well.

I’ve developed a complex system for discerning what will distract kids on road trips: making them do different things, and then seeing how long they shut up during each one. The most effective turns out to be a game we call “wear this duct tape,” but it turns out that it has a low approval rating from various parenting groups.

And so here are some that are more politically correct and fun.

Bananagrams

Age range: 7 and up

Basic concept: One to eight people can play this fast-paced game that’s sort of like Scrabble without a board. Tiles are dumped into the center of the table, and everyone has to come up with vertical and horizontal words on their own personal grid. They add and subtract tiles as everyone yells “peel” and “dump” until finally someone is “bananas” when all but a few tiles are used. It sneakily teaches spelling and fast-thinking and is fun. It’s ideal for RV travel because it requires a flat surface, but can also be taken along on a camping trip for down time at a campsite or a rainy day, because it is carried in a small, zippered pouch. The same company also makes a cool word game called ZIP-IT.

Shut-up time: It can go for a good hour, depending on how many people are playing.

Cost: $15

Find it: bananagrams.com

Travel Auto Roadtrip Bingo I Spy

Age range: 4-9

Basic concept: As everyone is tooling along, call out the things you see, and the tykes can slide the little plastic windows over the items on their cards. You can keep little trinkets or treats handy as prizes. You’ll need to keep them a bit engaged, as it might take a while to find enough things to get five in a row for “bingo,” depending on where you’re driving.

Shut-up time: This is more interactive, but it does keep everyone talking for a bit about something besides how long the drive is taking.

Cost: $14 for three cards.

Find it: amazon.com

Radica’s 20Q

Age range: 4 and up

Basic concept: Remember the game 20 questions? This amazing little electronic ball will astound you with how good it is at playing, and you may find yourself stealing the ball away from your kids to try to stump it. The game also trash talks you when it thinks it has outsmarted you, which it does, infuriatingly, most of the time. Kids with tiny fingers may need help with the buttons, but they’ll figure it out fairly fast – you’re the one who may be asking for help.

Shut-up time: Varies, but hands-down one of the most distracting items we’ve had over the years. We’ve purchased several versions of it, gotten updated ones, and given it as gifts many times.

Cost: $10

Find it: Target, amazon.com

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

RV-friendly breakfast recipe

2011-04-27T10:01:00.000-06:00

Successful meals on an RV trip are dependent on a few things: simple dishes that use a few ingredients found easily on the road, quick cooking times that use up few resources, and easy clean-up.

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that meet these demands, and when I find one that’s especially versatile, it becomes a family mainstay. Bonus: when it’s something that everyone likes.

Yum! These contain provolone and zucchini.

This fast, flexible, forgiving egg muffin recipe completely fits the bill. These things are delicious, and the best part is, you can put whatever you want in them, taking your favorites when you hit the road, gathering ingredients along the way or using up leftovers whenever possible. Even better, pretty much anyone in the family can put it all together and throw it in the oven.

Toast or quick breads, some fruit on the side – and these are good to go. Two of these are actually what my daughters pack in their bags on the way to school some mornings, with a water bottle of juice and a bran muffin. It’s the way to get kids a fast, nutritious hot meal as they head out the door, and that translates well for a trail breakfast or eating en route.

You can use pretty much anything for the meats, cheeses and vegetables, although you want to be careful with some of the more watery veggies, such as tomatoes or zucchini, because they might need a minute more of cooking to keep the result from being too watery, as well.

Some favorite combinations we have used successfully for the meat/cheese/vegetables: smoked salmon and cream cheese; goat cheese and asparagus (chives sprinkled on top is nice); zucchini and mozzarella; cheddar and onions; chicken and herbed boursin.

RV Eggy Oven Muffins

Makes 6 muffins.

8 eggs

¼ cup chopped vegetables or shredded, cooked meats

¼ cup shredded cheese

Salt and pepper (optional, and about a dash of each)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place six aluminum foil muffin liners in muffin pan (if it's a 12-muffin pan, be sure to put a little water in the rest of the cups so they won't scorch). Beat eggs together well. Add rest of ingredients and combine. Bake for 20 minutes, or until egg is set through to center.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Consider a camping trip to celebrate the Civil War Sesquicentennial

2011-04-20T14:41:00.001-06:00

As the multi-cannon salutes fire up to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the first shots fired on Apr. 12, 1861 – I know, it’s easier to say that than “sesquicentennial” once, let alone ten times fast – it’s tempting to start putting together some itineraries that cluster around some of the major sites.

Because so much of the lodging is already sold out or will go quickly as more events get under way, folks with some flexibility in timing or mobility may be able to more easily get in to visit the battlefields and check out the festivities. The key is to plan ahead, work around the bigger brouhahas and be able to let go of some things if the crowds are too cumbersome.

Another option is to wait until after the party is over. Many of the special exhibits will still be up, and there will still be a festive air lingering around the places. In addition, many of the sites offer re-enactments year-round or at specific times that don’t coincide with the anniversary, so you can still catch cool activities later this year or early next.

A foggy morning at Antietam.

One of the most impressive kick-offs is in Gettysburg, not surprisingly, the weekend of Apr. 29-30. Nearby Fairfield, Pa., and other parts of Pennsylvania will follow suit. In Virginia, activities and events – including several important battle re-enactments – have been planned throughout the year across the state, including a huge celebration at Manassas National Battlefield park July 21.

And, of course, just because some of the sites, such as Antietam in Maryland, aren’t planning anything special doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping by to commemorate in your own way. It also means that these places might be a little less crowded some days, especially during the week, but don’t count on it too much – a lot of Civil War buffs are planning to tour all of the major battlefields anyway.

Don’t forget that the Civil War was waged out West, too, in places such as Arizona and New Mexico. Swing by the Glorieta Battlefield near Pecos or Fort Stanton in New Mexico. Picacho Peak State Park (5520 Picacho Peak Road, Picacho, Ariz., 520-466-3183) is closed in the hot summer months, but does battle re-enactments in March and is a great place to visit in the cooler seasons, and Fort Bowie National Historic Site (3203 S. Old Fort Bowie Road, Bowie, Ariz.; 520-847-2500 showcases the fort established as a result of the battle between the Union and the Chiricahua Apache.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Packing for a camping trip? Make a list, check it twice

2011-04-12T17:42:00.000-06:00

Packing for a camping trip often feels like a no-win situation.

Half the time it feels like you’re hauling along everything you own – it seems as though it would make more sense to watch a video of a fire on the TV and save the gas money, because at least then you could reach into the fridge and all the beers would always be cold. And then there are those trips where you wonder what you were thinking about when you loaded up, because every ten minutes you remember something you forgot.

What to do? Well, the best thing is to make a pack list.

I know, it sounds so…organized. But think about it: Wouldn’t it be nice if every time you went on a camping trip, all you had to do was print out a tidy little list of all the things you needed to take, so that you could check them off as you pack?

There are several websites that offer pre-assembled pack lists, and those are great starting points (Go Camping America has a printable PDF that works nicely). You will probably find, as I did, that these lists require a bit of customizing for your own situation. Over the years, I’ve also found that we need pack lists for different types of trips – we have separate rosters for RV trips, car camping trips, back-country trips, trips where we’ll be mountain biking, river rafting, etc.

The easiest thing to do is start the lists on a computer, naming them according to the type of trip – which for us means we can then cut-and-paste lists for larger trips, such as when we’ll be mountain biking on a car camping trip.

We put two lines next to each item, so that we can make a check mark if it’s an item that we’ll need to take, and then mark it off when it’s been packed. It looks something like this:

Cooking

___ ___ propane stove

___ ___ coffee pot

___ ___ Dutch oven

___ ___ utensils

What’s also helpful about the pack list system is that you can print out separate lists for every member of the family, so that kids can pack their own clothes, games and other items. For younger kids, you can always check up on them, but older kids will appreciate some autonomy – they know the basic types of items they need to bring, but they can make decisions about the exact ones. Don’t forget the things you’ll need for the pets, vehicle maintenance and first aid.

At the end of each trip, maybe on the drive home, you can make notes about things you wish you had brought – one of the kids can have a notebook out to jot them down – and then you can add those items to the lists later.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Camping with kids: Tips on keeping it fun

2011-04-09T21:40:00.000-06:00

Camping with the family brings to mind a better, simpler time. You know, a time when adults were forever in danger of setting fire to entire forests because everyone smoked like a chimney and flicked the butts – “They decompose,” my dad used to say, and since that was in the ’70s, it’s safe to assume they finally have – and moms always brought along 25 Tupperware containers filled with Jell-O salads and deviled eggs in varying stages of watery deconstruction.

Nowadays, we can take our laptops with us and hardly disconnect from our everyday worlds, which is a shame, because camping is good for the technologically saturated soul.

But camping is especially good for kids, so if you can get them to take their earbuds out for five minutes to listen to a bullfrog calling out at dusk, or convince them that hiking to the top of a peak is not just character-building, but lets you see three states from the summit, they usually will think it’s kind of cool. They absolutely will not admit this until they are 35 and want to sell off their own children, however. You must be patient.

There are four areas where paying special attention will increase the chances of a successful trip. The definition of which is: One in which everyone is still speaking to each other at the end – or at least the adults. If you have teens, you know there just are no guarantees.

Food
Hungry kids are unhappy, uncooperative kids. There seems to be no such thing as too many snacks on a camping trip. If you’re concerned about sugar and salt intake, pack favorite nuts or trail mix, protein-packed granola bars, cut-up fruit and vegetables with healthy dips and just a few treasured “bad for you” tidbits that can be saved for when you can’t get the grill fired up and dinner takes three hours.

If you’re headed away from the camp on an activity, be sure to pack as much non-perishable food for the group that will hold everyone in case you get held up. The bottom line: You always want to have something to hand out if things take longer than you intend…and things always take longer.

Activities
Adults have a tendency to over-plan, and then when kids get involved in something that truly absorbs them the big people get cranky about not sticking to the schedule. Be flexible. Attempt no more than one event per day, and if possible, have at least one day on a trip that has nothing planned. That way, if the group discovers something appealing along the way, you have a slot for it and everyone feels involved. In addition, kids on camping trips often become completely enthralled by the most mundane things – skipping stones, chasing bugs, collecting leaves.

Also, be OK with letting go of things that are important to you to maintain a willing and cheerful group dynamic. If an attraction or activity is that important to you, initiate negotiations that let each person on the trip be heard. For example, if there’s only one day left and you’ve spent your whole life dreaming of one day visiting the Unmatched Sock Museum, but everybody else would rather go swimming in the lake, discuss separating, working out time to do both or some other mutually agreeable plan. The important thing, though, is that everyone has a say.

Distractions
Drive time is usually whine time. For small children, pack an individual bucket, backpack or container filled with games, snacks and toys, and it’s a bonus if one or two inexpensive items can be new. Older kids appreciate their own snacks and magazines, hand-held electronics (Target sells $10 versions of Hangman, ConnectFour and other popular games) and disposable cameras. Secretly stash a back-up bag of old favorite games, toys and magazines, because they will run through the first set in, oh, about fifteen minutes.

Most importantly, as soon as you arrive, let everyone unwind, stretch their legs and shake it off as much as possible. Most kids resist going right from the car or RV to a tour of “some stupid monument.”

Sleep
By day three of a multi-day camping trip, the thing that usually causes the most trouble is a lack of sleep – on everyone’s part. The adults get just as cranky as the kids, and then no one is having any fun. It’s tough to get everyone to go to bed when there are so many exciting nighttime things happening: fire, s’mores, weird bug and other critter noises, and just the unfamiliar surroundings. Younger kids especially can be subject to a second – and maybe even third – wind right before you want them to settle down.

The best approach is to stick as close to the usual (summer, non-school-time) bedtimes as possible. They probably won’t fall asleep right away, but going through the routines of teeth-brushing, face-washing and putting on pajamas often starts to trigger sleep responses. Give everybody their own flashlight so they feel safe about going to sleep in the dark, and so they have one to grab in the middle of the night if nature calls. Insist that everyone get into sleeping bags or bed, and encourage quiet talking.

If by the third or fourth day, everyone is ragged, it’s time to reassess – and definitely consider scaling back. Otherwise, it would have been less stressful to stay home! And p.s., no one ever looks like the family in the clip art. Ever. And that's OK.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

So you say you've never seen the Grand Canyon...

2011-04-06T15:52:00.001-06:00

It’s surprising, really, the number of Americans who haven’t visited the Grand Canyon. There are those who have visited all manner of man-made fluffery in France and swear by the all-you-can-consume, all-inclusive resorts of Mexico, but have yet to get to the biggest, most beautiful pothole in their own country.

I know, I know – it’s sometimes easier to hop on a plane and fly across the Atlantic than it is to drive or fly clear across the country and then drive again to a remote location. But still.

The views at the North Rim, while harder to get to, can't be beat.

The even sadder truth is that of the ones who do actually make it there, 90 percent never even leave their cars. They drive along the South Rim, the most accessible part of the park, stopping for a Kodak moment at the Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest, and Desert View overlooks. Even fewer make the long trek in to the North Rim, maybe easing out of their rigs just long enough to snap a shot from the lodge patio, take a potty break and then hop back in to trek to the next big thing.

The rewards, though, of spending some time at this glorious, one-mile-deep canyon can go far beyond getting that national park ticket punched and moving along.

First of all, it’s ideal for kids, particularly those over about age 7 or 8. Remember, though, that if they’ve been patient for the long drive there, they’re going to need some running around, letting-loose time when they arrive, so sticking them at a table at one of the nice lodge eateries is a terrible idea. Better to get them a snack and let them blow off some steam first.

Second, there are gorgeous, shady spots for camping (no hookups at the campgrounds inside the park, but there are places on the way, check here for details. Third, there are many options for getting exercise, including hiking and biking, and other outdoor adventures, such as whitewater rafting and riding a mule along the rims or down into the canyon.

Here are some highlights:

Bikers at the South Rim can take it easy along the three-mile greenway in the village – especially welcome for kids who don’t want to walk everywhere – or stretch your legs along Hermit Road, which gets you views of the Colorado River and big panoramas of the canyon itself. Private vehicles are limited here, so there’s less traffic. Didn’t bring a bike? Rent one at Bright Angel Bicycles, which can also arrange for a guide.

Don’t feel like doing any work? They’ll do it for you via shuttle, which will haul you along Hermit Road in a free bus (March-November). You can also take a tour bus ($25 per person, kids under 16 free).

Near the South Rim – about a five-hour drive – a half- or full-day whitewater river rafting trip or a smooth-water raft trip is a great way to beat the heat. Prices vary according to the length and type of trip. You can also plan ahead for a commercial trip down the Colorado River inside the canyon, for trips that can start at three days long.

If you’re taking the kids to the North Rim, a one-hour mule trip along the rim is ideal. They have to be age 7 or older, and the cost is $40. They also offer half-day trips, but those are better for adults; it’s usually stinking hot there, and attention spans don’t often last that long.

The Bright Angel Trail is an easy one for kids.

Also at the North Rim, there are several hikes worth checking out. The Bright Angel Trail is only a half-mile round-trip and very easy for kids; it gets you terrific views of the canyon and starts from just beyond the lodge. The trail is paved and only slightly sloped. Other easy, kid-friendly hikes with canyon views include the .6-mile, round-trip Cape Royal trail and the .2-mile, round-trip Roosevelt Trail. For older kids and adults, there are about another half-dozen other trails to check out, from three to ten miles long, as well as the 28-mile (round-trip) overnight trek down to the river on the North Kaibab Trail.

For mountain bikers, the singletrack along the Rainbow Rim is some of the best riding in the country. Not only are the views spectacular and unparalleled, but the trail itself is pretty sweet. The bad news: There’s a 30-mile dirt road drive to get to the trailhead, and you need to set up a shuttle or do both ways of the 18-mile point-to-point as an out-and-back. Ouch. Still, it’s so beautiful, it’s worth it, and it’s not a technical ride – mostly smooth, with the occasional tree root or ruts and rocks, but all avoidable.

For more information about visiting either the North or South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park, visit the official website.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Cooking with kids on a camping trip, with recipes

2011-03-28T08:51:00.002-06:00

Cooking for kids on a camping trip can be…fun. Often it goes something like this: You’re 20 minutes into trying to find the griddle that you know you put at the bottom of that one box, and then Jimmy asks what we’re having for breakfast, and then you find the griddle, but now where is the mix?

Then Ashley wants to know where the Band-Aids are, and can you get poison ivy if you touch it with your clothes on? And, by the way, she announces, she hates pancakes. Jimmy comes back to announce that he’s hungry, right now.

The banana-peanut butter recipe makes great waffles.

They want this, they want that. “Ewwwww” to that. Are we having (fill in the blank with something you didn’t bring)? And you’d better have the stuff for s’mores on hand.

Cooking with kids, though, that can be a different story (a messier one, yes, but it’s all trade-offs here…). When they’ve had some say about what’s being made and they’re invested in the outcome, they’re usually – well, I say usually because we all know there are no guarantees here – more agreeable. At the very least, it keeps them from putting smelly things they find near the creek in each other’s sleeping bags. For now.

Here are two recipes that are big hits out on the road, and not only are they a blast to whip up with input from everyone in the family, they’re fairly forgiving. Note: You can speed up the pizza process if you make the pizza dough ahead and bring it along (it will keep, chilled, for up to two days), or bring commercially prepared pizza dough instead. And these toppings are just suggestions – if you have a kid who likes Froot Loops on his pie, why not?

Pizza on the Grill

Pizza dough

1 package (2 ¼ tsp.) active dry yeast

1 ½ cups warm water

¼ cup olive oil, plus more for oiling dough

4 cups flour, plus more for kneading

1 ½ tsp. salt

Pizza

Pizza dough (recipe below makes enough for six individual pizzas)

3 cups of your favorite pizza sauce

3-4 cups mozzarella cheese or mix of cheeses, grated

1 1/2 cups each of toppings, diced, sliced or chopped: black olives, ham, sausage (cooked), pepperoni, pineapple, onions, mushrooms, red or green peppers, fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, basil, sweet corn kernels.

Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm (not hot; check it on your wrist) water for five minutes. Add oil, flour and salt. Mix until blended, and then knead for eight minutes (kids love to do this; put a piece of aluminum foil on a table and flour it, and then turn them loose).

Cover the dough and put it somewhere to rise at room temperature until doubled in bulk, about 1 ½ hours. When ready, punch down and allow to rise again until doubled, about another half hour.

Meanwhile, prepare charcoal grill or preheat gas grill to medium or 350 degrees. Tear six 12-inch sheets of aluminum foil and, using a piece of paper towel, slick with olive oil. Lightly oil everyone’s hands and divide dough into six equal portions, giving each person their own to flatten on a piece of aluminum foil and shape into a pizza (gently flatten and push into shape, and make a rim around the edges).

Flop each crust onto the grill dough side down, two at a time, and gently ease the foil off. Grill for about 3 minutes, or until the dough starts to puff up and the bottom looks like it’s getting slightly crispy. Using a large grill spatula, transfer each crust, grilled side up, back onto its foil and set aside. Repeat with the rest of the crusts. You can do this part several hours in advance; just let the crusts sit somewhere covered to keep bugs off.

Make the pizzas: Have all of the ingredients out – the sauce, the cheese and the toppings – so that everyone is able to reach to custom-assemble a pizza. They should first slather on about a half cup of sauce, then the same amount of cheese, and then the toppings.

Using a large grill spatula (sometimes two is better), carefully lift or slide each pizza from the aluminum foil and put it back on the grill (depending on how large your grill is, you can grill two or three at a time). Cook, with the lid on or top down, until the cheese melts, the toppings are heated and the bottom of the pizza is nice and crispy and evenly browned (sometimes you have to rotate the pizzas). It usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Makes 6 individual-size pizzas.

Peanut Butter & Banana Pancakes

2/3 cup of pancake or waffle batter, made according to package directions (whole grain, buckwheat and buttermilk all work well with this recipe)

1 banana, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons peanut butter, creamy or chunky

Honey or maple syrup for topping

Stir banana and peanut butter into batter. Heat griddle over medium-high heat. Spoon portions of the mixture onto the hot griddle – feel free to make shapes, such as Mickey Mouse or hearts – and cook on each side until golden. Serve with honey or syrup. Makes about 8 medium pancakes

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Camping gear that passed the road trip test

2011-03-25T10:01:00.001-06:00

Most campers have a love-hate relationship with gear – love to get a shiny-new toy, hate it when it breaks or wears out. And there’s nothing worse than gear that doesn’t work as advertised, or winds up not being worth the money in the first place.

The roadtripster feels your gear pain, and so is always on the lookout for gadgets and gizmos that live up to their billing. Here are three that recently passed the road-test:

Rio Adventure Roll-Up Table

Finding a reliable, sturdy table that you can eat at or let kids play games on but still fold down into a reasonable size for transport can be a challenge. This has long been my favorite camp table, and now I have several. When open, the table top measures 32” square, and it sits 26 inches high. The slatted top rolls up for

easy storage, and the X-frame sides give it extra stability, but they’re still narrow enough to get your legs under. Made of easy-to-clean, very lightweight aluminum that’s nonetheless hearty, and best of all, you can set hot pans and plates down on it, or even use it for your cookstove. The legs just collapse, and it comes with a carrying bag. Cost: $59.95

Get it here

GSI nesting wine glass

No matter how fancy-schmancy that merlot might be, it’s never going to taste any better than jug wine in a paper cup or tin coffee mug if that’s all you’re toting around. If you’re worried something nicer will break or take up too much space, check out the nesting wine glasses from GSI. Lightweight and thin, but pretty much indestructible, they have screw-off stems that turn upside-down and snap into the cup, so you can then stack and store them. Made of a BPA-free material that’s easy to clean. Cost: $6.95 each.

Get it here

Lucky Bums Kids Moon Camp Chair

Kids’ stuff in particular takes a beating, so it’s especially nice to find camping equipment that can withstand some abuse. These chairs are groovy and comfy, strong enough to hold up to 95 pounds, and come in handy when the tykes finally get tuckered out enough to sit down for a while. They’re also inviting (padded!) enough that they’ll want to sit in these instead of your chair (you know, the one with the nice cup holder for your beer). Lifetime guarantee, drawstring bag, and comes in pink or green. Cost: $31.95

Get it here

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Tips for a trip to Napa Valley wine country

2011-03-21T14:53:00.000-06:00

When the weather starts to warm up, but it’s not yet so humid that you feel like you’re walking around in the armpit of a hairy man in a Turkish bath, a weeklong jaunt through Napa Valley wine country is just the ticket. And, let’s face it, the chance to drink some wine, especially if it’s free, can’t hurt.

There are more than 300 wineries in Napa, so it’s a good idea to pick a few that really interest you for sampling. Then base the trip on hopping from one charming town to the next, starting with Napa and ending in Calistoga (with Yountville and St. Helena between). You can fly into San Francisco, rent an RV, towable or car there and drive up – it takes about an hour on either Interstate 80 or U.S. 101. There are several campgrounds and RV parks situated around the towns.

A few tips to make your visit more enjoyable:

Visit the vineyards before May, after November or midweek – The crowds pick up in the summer and steadily increase through the “crush,” or harvest, which is late August-October. Otherwise, be prepared to stand behind hordes of people in the tasting room saying things like, “It has a lot of ’67 Chevy exhaust with a hint of woodchuck fur, don’t you think?”

Find out which tasting rooms charge – The fees vary from $2-$25, and some wineries, bless their hearts, still don’t charge. Some places include a souvenir glass, and a few offer snacks. Most put the fee toward a bottle purchase. Check online for two-for-one tasting deals, which can save quite a bit.

Have some kind of strategy – The first time I visited years ago, I inadvertently learned something crucially different from each winery. From Mondavi, I became schooled in the fascinating multi-layered vastness of a gigantic commercial operation. At Beringer, I discovered the point of tasting in flights; at Grgich, I learned about the science of making wine, and at Rubicon, I learned something of the soul of the process. For subsequent visits, I researched the vineyards ahead so that I would always come away with a deeper understanding of wine-making.

Check out the farmers’ markets – It’s one of the best ways to eat on the road, and there’s one nearly every day of the week somewhere along the route. The Napa Downtown Farmers’ Market runs May-October on Tuesdays-Saturdays. On Wednesdays, it’s the Yountville market June-September, and Fridays it’s St. Helena’s turn May-October, as well as the Napa Chef’s Market May-August. The Calistoga Farmers’ Market is on Saturdays.

Stay sober enough to make good choices – If at the end of the day, you find that you have seven cases of white zinfandel, you have only yourself to blame. You’ll know who’s about to make that really bad purchase – it’s the guy who’s going on and on about the “great legsh” on some cabernet at the counter. Also keep in mind that the great deals at the wineries are the fabulous wines that are only available there – meaning, they’re usually produced in limited quantities and not distributed – and the bottles that are discounted big by the case.

And, finally, you’re going to need to stop driving for a period of time while you do this; that’s all there is to it. The local police force keeps a pretty close eye on things. Designate a driver or rent a taxi or limo service, get someone to watch the kids, and then go taste some wine!

Visit the Napa valley site for more information.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

New blogger likes a good road trip, whether by motorhome, tent or towable

2011-03-16T11:08:00.012-06:00

Periodically – and not nearly as often as many of us would like – some of us transfer a large percentage of our belongings into a scaled-down version of our homes, except that it has wheels and often it’s much cleaner. And it might be a toss-up as to which one cost more.

Then we drive this rolling house hundreds, even thousands, of miles – sometimes on treacherously narrow, steep and even icy or snow-packed roads – to live in close proximity to others of our kind, mostly strangers. Who usually don’t stay that way for very long.

What's not to like about fresh air and freedom?

There are those who call this behavior “crazy.” We call it “vacation” or “retirement.” And, yes, “fun.”

It’s fun even when your son brings the pet mouse along and then, oops, it gets loose just as you’re about to get on the interstate. It’s fun even when it’s March Madness, and you’re at the one campground that has no signal. It’s fun even when you spend half the day loading everything, drive for seven hours and then realize that your wallet is still sitting on the kitchen counter.

How do you know you’re an RVer? You’re an RVer if…

…you drive past gas stations and evaluate them for their clearance, even when you’re not in your rig.

…you’re not a doctor, but you always have a box of latex gloves on hand.

…you see a “12 percent grade ahead” sign and start to laugh maniacally.

…you put nicer sheets on the bed in your RV than in your house.

…the last centerfold you looked at was the one of the new Winnebago Journey, with its 360 hp diesel engine, oh, yeah.

…while sitting at your desk at work, you wonder what your RV is doing right now.

…you start to think of any shower that lasts longer than 20 seconds as extremely extravagant.

…your annual fuel budget is larger than the one for food.

…the bathroom in your house feels so big, you think it might qualify as “open space.”

and

…on a trip without your RV, you put a lawn chair outside your hotel room door and smile at passersby, jus’ bein’ friendly.

Campgrounds can be great places for kids.

Of course, not everyone is quite this hardcore. Some of us suffer from RV envy and are dipping a toe in the crazy waters, wondering what it would be like to avoid the high costs and haughtiness often associated with hotel stays. We want to take our kids to welcoming places where they can access playgrounds and fresh air; we want more flexibility when it comes to meals and bringing our toys.

Then there are those who go with a tow – a pop-up, a fifth-wheel, a tent camper – or would rather camp in a tent or stay in a cabin. Been there, done that, too, and there’s something to be said for all of it. The bottom line is coming up with a way to get away that suits your needs, your budget and makes you happy.

So whether you’re serious or just curious, it’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to traveling together.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.

Here's another great blog to follow!

2011-03-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the following for great ideas on where to go in your RV :) Don't have an RV, then check out renting one from El Monte RV. http://www.elmonterv.com/
Their blog, Monty's Musing - RV Travel Blog is a great spot for info: http://blog.elmonterv.com/

Get Ready for 'Get Outdoors & Go Camping America...It's Easy!' June Promotion

2011-03-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thinking about a little family camping getaway/vacation this summer? If so, stay tuned to GoCampingAmerica.com....we're partnering with some of the leading outdoor/camping industry companies to offer HUGE discounts on camping! So whether you're a newbie to camping or an experienced RVer, you'll want to check out our website for HOT deals for use June 1-June 25!

Go Camping America Blog a Top Camping Blog of 2010

2011-02-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago we got the news and we are tickled. The GoCampingAmerica.com blog was named one of the "Top Camping Blogs of 2010" by PatriotGetaways.com. According to webmaster Dmitriy Naymark:

"I am writing to congratulate you on the fact that Go Camping America blog made it to our Top Camping Blog list of 2010. We based the list on responses from over 5,000 of our clients and blog readers."

Here's what the Smokey Mountains Travel Guide had to say about us:

"Camping is a pastime that many love to do so that they can escape their ordinary lives and get in touch with a more laid back immersion into nature. Of course, most can’t spend everyday camping but that doesn’t mean that you can’t keep up-to-date with the activity that you love so much! These blogs make our top 10 list for their information, fun, pictures, and overall appeal according to over responses from over 5,000 of our past quests, polls of our readers and the feed readers of our staff:

4. Go Camping America: This blog is for the RV campers amongst us and gives information for great RV camping grounds, recipes that are easy to make within an RV, special festivals and events for RV campers, and more."

Wow, we're honored! A sincere and hearty thank you, our dedicated readers. We look forward to bringing you more exciting, useful and downright fun RV and camping news and tidbits throughout 2011.

Your prouder-than-punch camping friends at www.GoCampingAmerica.com

What are your 2011 camping / RVing plans?

2011-01-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

The decorations have been taken down and put away with care, the company’s gone and you’re back to your regularly scheduled programming. Like many folks perhaps you made New Year’s resolutions…and if you’re anything like us, front and center is to go camping and RVing in 2011. And why not? Where else can you experience the beauty and abundance of nature, enjoy healthy outdoor activities, cook up a feast over the campfire and make family memories that will last forever…all on a budget any family can afford?

Whether you are looking for an epic adventure across the continent or a close-by weekend retreat, you’ll find the perfect RV park or campground on the find a park page at GoCampingAmerica.com. Book your camping adventure online or play it by ear. Stay in a tent, a motorhome or travel trailer, a yurt or a cabin. Visit a full-fledged resort offering planned activities and events or go back to nature in a quiet, reflective campground. Get away to the mountains, a lake, the desert, ocean or the Great Plains - it's up to you!

Camping and RV opportunities abound but chances are you already know this by heart. What are your 2011 camping and RVing plans? Big family affair? Romantic escape? Adventure rich? Leave a comment below and let us know how you plan to enjoy the bounty of our nation’s great outdoors – we’re excited to hear all about it!

Happy 2011 camping from your camping buddies at GoCampingAmerica.com!!

Happy Holidays Campers

2010-12-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the end of the year and the much celebrated holiday season has arrived. Whether you are a winter camper or RVer, sunbelt snowbird or a fair weather family vacationer, chances are there are more than visions of sugar plums dancing in your head!

Take this special time spent with family and friends to re-live the past year's best outdoor experiences and begin planning your next RV or camping getaway. Start dream surfing today by visiting GoCampingAmerica's Find a Park page and discover a world of outdoor opportunities.

From snowcapped mountains to roaring ocean waves to high desert and wide open plains, each and every one of us at GoCampingAmerica.com wish you and yours a holiday filled with happiness, love and laughter and maybe even a stocking filled with cool camping gear.

Very merry and ho! ho! ho!

PS - Scan the past year's blog entries for great RV and camping ideas, delicious campfire recipes and other inspirations of all sorts!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

RV Cooking Show Shares White Bean Pesto Dip Recipe

2010-09-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

If you're anything like me, you want to hold on to summertime as long as you can. It's this time of year that gardens are lush with the last of the year's fresh produce and basil plants everywhere are working overtime. To help you take advantage of the summer's bounty and offer you a quick and delicious dish to bring to any gathering, I'm tickled to share this episode of the RV Cooking Show - White Bean Pesto Dip and Pine Acres Family Camping, MA.

We stop and visit with Jeff Howard of Linabella's Gourmet Garlic Farm (an awesome pesto master) then spend some quality time with Denise Packard making this party pleaser for their park's 50th Anniversary celebration - Pine Acres Family Campground in Oakham, MA.

Lookin' good? Learn more about the Oakham-area and print this recipe (plus a good RV recipe for pesto) at the RV Cooking Show website.

Summer’s fleeting…take advantage of every opportunity to Go Camping America, meet and make friends, share stories and delicious dishes…RV life has it's rewards!

Evanne
RV Cooking Show

Campfire Treat - Doughboys

2010-08-26T10:27:00.001-06:00

For some families the kids are already back in school; for others the start of the school year is just around the corner. Either way, all across the country the upcoming Labor Day weekend is a big summer weekend to go camping America. Plan to enjoy quality together time hiking and exploring, geocaching if that’s your thing, grilling some mighty tasty chops, and capping the perfect day around a roaring campfire (find campfire tips here).

Top it off by trying a delish fireside treat that’s sure to be a hit...doughboys. These little toasted tubes can be filled with your choice of fillings - chocolate syrup, jelly, pie filling, whipped cream - you get the picture - and enjoyed on the spot. Here’s how to make your own doughboys:

You’ll need a “stick” about 1 ½ inches in diameter and about 2 feet long (pick up an untreated wooden dowel at your local home improvement store and cut to length). Decorate the holding end with permanent markers (this makes a great campsite craft).

At the campfire, butter the doughboy end of the stick and using refrigerated biscuit dough roll a single biscuit into a snake shape. Spiral wrap the dough on the buttered end of the stick making sure the dough is sealed on the sides and end - creating a “tube”. Rotate/toast over the fire for about 5 minutes - until it’s brown and easily slips off the stick (careful - they’re hot). Fill and enjoy - bet you can eat more than one!!

Find more kid-friendly recipes as well as your perfect place to tent camp or go RVing at GoCampingAmerica.com.

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

RV Cooking Show - St Louis for Free and Chops on the Grill

2010-08-04T17:46:00.000-06:00

Here at the RV Cooking Show we have a thing for cities. There’s a certain buzz, an abundance of culture and cuisine, and a sense of urgency that calls to us. When the opportunity to go RVing in or on the edge of a city presents itself we are tickled. That’s just what happened to us in St Louis – a generous host offering plenty of free things to do and see. Sure, you could spend a bundle if you wish, but you can just as easily fill up your days (and senses) with complimentary admissions, neighborhood strolls, etc. Find out what freebies we loved in St Louis then join us as we grill pork chops and top them with a magical compound butter (a fancy way of saying butter with a few mix-ins).

Looking for terrific tips on Missouri? Check out the Go Camping America Missouri page. And don’t forget…getting there in the camper is half the fun. Pick up some helpful RV driving tips here...can't hurt, right?

Here’s to a summer of great grilling and happy camping / RVing!

Evanne
RVCookingShow.com

PS – Print this delish recipe here…oh, yeah!

C'mon Campers - Take Your Kids Hiking

2010-07-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

Families across the US are making plans for the best-ever camping trips this season. Whether it’s a trip to a new “favorite” place or an old standby, let’s face it, this is what life’s memories are made of. And there’s something special about gathering the brood and taking a walk in nature. Exploring the big beautiful outdoors with your children can be an adventure and an education.

Devise a successful hike with children by following a few simple rules. Choose a trail that’s interesting, easy enough for all participants and is not too long. The length of the hike will most likely depend upon the difficulty of the hike and the energy level of your kid companions. Look for a safe hike – no steep cliffs, abrupt drop-offs or extreme weather. Keeping energy up is vital, bring plenty to snack on – certainly pack a lunch but make sure you bring other healthy “munchies” to enjoy along the way. Remember, the hike is a journey. Take time to stop and explore, explain and teach. As your child gets older consider inviting a friend along to share the adventure.

Plan some fun along the trail with these ideas:

Prepare a hiking kit for each child including a magnifying glass, notebook and fun writing utensils, a bug, flora and/or fauna identifier or anything else that may help pique their interest.
Wrap wide masking tape, sticky side out, around everyone’s wrist as a bracelet for collecting flowers, leaves, etc. along the trail.
Devise a scavenger hunt or visit GoCampingAmerica.com’s Kids Corner and print one we’ve already devised for you. Provide each child with the list of several items that are likely to be found on a nature hike, for example, a small brown rock, a leaf at least one inch long, a pine cone, a yellow flower, etc. At the end of the hike add up the pioints and give a small treat or prize to all participants.

There’s so much good to be had by simply taking a walk in the great outdoors. Share this joy – and the joy of camping – with your children…tomorrow’s outdoor enthusiasts! Find the perfect place to camp at our Find a Park page and create a tradition. It's time to Go Camping America!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

RV Cooking Show - RV Kitchen Pantry Items & Great Grilling

2010-06-24T16:05:00.001-06:00

Greetings campers,

It’s official…summer is here…and you know what that means…grilling season is upon us! Many of us can’t wait to pack the camper, set up in our favorite RV park or campground (found at Go Camping America, perhaps?), break out the grill and kick back. Several of you have written asking me about what I pack in the RV Cooking Show kitchen. We’ve already seen what pots and pans I like have on hand, now we’ll talk about the eats.

In this episode I’ll give you a sneak peek inside my RV kitchen pantry and spend some quality time talking about what I find essential to carry with me in my RV kitchen cupboard. I’ve even developed a checklist that you can print out and make your own. You can find it here.

Once we get everything put away we’ll go outside and grill. On the menu today is a terrific grilled portabella mushroom "burger", amazing "stewed" grilled blue cheese tomatoes, and a potato chip salad. Watch this episode of my RVTV below and go ahead, try a test batch before you hit the road. I won’t tell!

Spend some quality time finding your perfect camping spot or picking up some helpful RV and camping tips on the tabs at the top of this page. 'Tis the season!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

PS – Print two copies of the recipes – one for your camping trip and one for your home recipe box.

2010 Celebrates the RV Centennial

2010-06-03T12:34:00.001-06:00

One hundred…what a birthday! Three prominent RV-historians - renowned RV collector David Woodworth, RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum archivist Al Hesselbart, and Smithsonian Institution curator Roger White - have cited 1910 as the start of the RV industry. The mass-produced, manufactured auto campers and camping trailers first built that year were the forerunners of today’s RVs and we imagine that RVing’s early pioneers were just as excited to go RVing as we are today.

The RV Centennial has swept the nation with the national media tour, RV mascot Centennial Charlie’s cross-country trip (and stint as an RV Undercover Boss), and the upcoming RV Industry's Centennial Celebration being held at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. In fact, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate have passed resolutions declaring June 2010 RV Centennial Celebration Month:

The United States House of Representatives adopted a resolution May 26, “recognizing and honoring the 100 years of enjoyment of RVs in the United States.”
“Senate supports and recognizes the goals and ideals of ‘RV Centennial Celebration Month’ to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States; and encourages the people of the United States to celebrate this anniversary by taking part in recreation vehicle vacations.”

All across the country, RV parks and campgrounds are celebrating big, too. From vintage trailer rallies (including open houses and swap meets) to bbq gatherings to special geocache stashes the party has begun. Throughout the year, chances are your favorite RV park or campground will be hosting special events and weekends.

Take part in the fun they have to offer or make your own merriment. Throw an RV Centennial camping party. Schedule a camping trip with your friends and family, find your perfect park at http://www.gocampingamerica.com/, make reservations and get ready to get outdoors. When you arrive decorate your sites in fine birthday fashion, plan a potluck bbq, play your own birthday games, and enjoy the wonderful benefits of camping and RVing.

What are you doing to celebrate 100 years of RVing? Leave a comment, an idea, an inspiration below…we’d love to hear about it!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

Special memories are made in moments – many in RV parks and campgrounds

2010-05-26T10:24:00.000-06:00

Talking to a friend about our upcoming camping trip for Memorial Weekend, I started reminiscing about trips I’ve made through my life – as a kid and as an adult.

As a kid, we camped in a popup camper that I truly thought was the most magical thing ever – I mean how could it be better, camping in a tent, sort of, but not getting damp with the early morning dew. And a place to hide from my cousins, when necessary.

We camped with my cousins almost every time we went out, along with some other various friends. It was these cousins I had spent a lot of time with anyway, so camping was great. Our families both had three kids close in ages, so we grew up together.

One of the best parts of camping with my cousins was catching frogs in the pond. Trying to grab hold of those slippery creatures was great for a laugh, especially because someone or all of us ended up in the water.

We also loved going to the camp store for that special candy. I remember being introduced to Swedish Fish and Gobstoppers. I still love both of those!

One time, our dads rented kayaks for us kids to play around in. But by the time our dads spent so much time playing around in them, trying to dump each other into the lake that we never got our chance! We complained a lot, but we sure laughed hard watching our dads!

As an adult, the memories are just as sweet.

My son, who is now 19, used to be our fire builder. He always wanted to help his dad bring the wood to the fire pit and build the fire, or f-a-a-r, as he used to call it. Once the fire was lit, he was mesmerized and rarely left his seat in the circle surrounding the fire.

My daughter, on the other hand, loved the dirt that came with camping. At the ripe age of 3, she thought making dirt angels was the best part of camping. She’d lay down wherever she could find a patch of dirt and start moving her arms and legs in and out to create the dirt angels. Now, at 15, she tries to stay clean in the campground, just in case she sees someone she knows.

How times change!

Here are a couple of my favorite camping places in my home state of Michigan. We frequented these many times when I was a kid.

Miller Lake Campground, Hopkins Mich. – The rural, wooded setting is on a private 110 acre lake that offers RVers and campers 73 sites, fishing, swimming and a boat launch. There’s also miniature golf and pets are welcome.

Sutter’s Recreation Area, North Branch, Mich. – With 220 sites, campers and RVers find a welcome place to park. This family-owned campground has 40 acres with a 4-acre pond for swimming and fishing. There’s also a playground, horseshoes and other activities.

We’d love to hear some of your favorite camping memories and your favorite spots!

RV Cooking Show - Three Crepes and a Castle

2010-05-20T07:57:00.000-06:00

When you were a kid did you dream of being a famous movie star or sports figure, invited to exclusive parties to mingle amongst the elite? Visit the Hearst Castle estate and, with some imagination, you might get a taste of what it was like to be part of that crowd. There are several tours available including their newest – a self-guided Gardens and Vistas tour – complete with guides standing by to answer your questions about Hearst and “The Enchanted Hill”. Interestingly, rather than a rote tour talk, each guide is permitted to develop their own spiel focusing on their interest in the Castle and it’s art, people, grounds, history, and more. Well, at least for now, allow me to be your personal Hearst Castle tour guide in this episode of the RV Cooking Show – Three Crepes and a Castle – then join me in my RV kitchen.

In honor of National Strawberry Picking Day I'm going to show you how to make delicious crepes. Though I use jam, curd, and nutella in this episode you can easily add fresh strawberries or any other fresh in-season fruit. You'll find that with ingredients that you most likely already have at home, you, too, can make amazing crepes. It’s not difficult at all…just technique. Watch this RV TV video and you'll see for yourself!

Remember, you can print this RV recipe to take along in your camper. Nothing is more satisfying than elegance combined with nature! Enjoy!

Evanne
http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

RV Park and Campground Libraries

2010-05-06T16:39:00.000-06:00

Picture yourself lounging by the pool or relaxing at your campsite, lazily enjoying a really good book. It’s so good you finally finish it with a smile but that smile soon turns to dismay…you’re only into the 3rd day of your camping vacation and you've already used up your reading material. Enter the RV park / campground book exchange. Yep, most parks offer a “library” worthy of your attention.

Locate the library (sometimes in the laundry room) and you may find magazines, books, videos, games, puzzles, newspapers and more. It works like this – take one, leave one or borrow and return one. At the very least, book and magazine exchanges can be found at many, many RV parks and campgrounds. The titles you’ll find in the camp’s library may be as diverse as a big city library – magazines from National Geographic to Cooking Light to Smithsonian to Highways, both fiction and non-fiction books - medical, travel, suspense, romance, etc. and often puzzles of every challenge level.

In some parks you might even come across a selection of movies – sometimes VHS, sometime DVDs. Movies are usually not for exchange but donations to the collection are always welcome. Borrow them for a day or two – free - but please remember to return them. Games follow the same procedure and are for everyone’s enjoyment.

If this is something that interests you, before you leave home gather up the magazines, books, videos, games, etc. you’ve already enjoyed and plan to visit camp libraries at every stop along the way. Don’t worry if they aren’t the latest and greatest. The magazines may not always be current but the content is as valuable as the day it came out. Recipes are still tasty; motivational advice still stands; touching family stories still have the power to move you.

You don’t have to exchange in the same genre, either. Exchange a novel for a cookbook, a self-help book for a AAA Travel Guide, a how-to guide for a children’s book. In some parks you might even come upon a “reference library”. Please respect their rules and requests when it comes to “reference” items. These items are typically for “in library” reading only.

So, when packing up your family’s home-away-from-home, bring along your “used” books, magazines or other entertainment items and know that more often than not interesting material is at hand – add or exchange as you see fit!!

All the more reason to Go Camping America …see you on the road!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

RV Cooking Show Goes Green

2010-04-22T17:50:00.000-06:00

Don't let anyone tell you that RVers are not green. There's plenty of things we do to love our Mother Earth, our fellow beings, and the great outdoors. In this Earth Day RV Cooking Show episode we'll explore a few great things campgrounds and RV parks are doing to go green, ways we RVers save, and a few earth-friendly RV cleaning techniques. And of course, we've got a fast and fine dish for you to try. It's all right here compliments of the RVCookingShow.com and your friends at GoCampingAmerica.com.

Love the clean green concept but not sure what you should stock in your green cleaning kit? Give these few household items a place in your RV and you too can clean green:

Green Cleaning Kit

Baking Soda - cleans, polishes, deodorizes

Distilled White Vinegar - cuts grease, kills mold, deodorizes, does not stain

Castile Soap - natural, bio-degradable, plant-based soap

Borax - bleach alternative, cleans, deodorizes, disinfects (can irritate the skin and should not be ingested - by people or pets)

Cornstarch - cleans, polishes, deodorizes carpeting and rugs, removes grease stains

Toothpaste - a mild abrasive polishes

Lemon - antibacterial, fragrant, stain remover, bleaching agent

Olive Oil - nourishes wood, polishes

Essential Oils - disinfects, fragrant

Tea Tree Oil - antiseptic

By the way, green campers, several GoCampingAmerica.com campgrounds and RV parks have gone green. Look for this "Plan-it Green" logo next to their listing:

Happy Earth Day...cheers everyone!

Evanne
RV Cooking Show

Geocaching a Perfect Adventure for RVers and Campers

2010-04-08T10:18:00.000-06:00

Have you ever fancied yourself a treasure hunter - studying an aged treasure map and searching for that mysterious place where X marks the spot? Well, we can’t promise gold and gemstones but a high-tech treasure hunt is sweeping the nation - geocaching. With over a million caches stashed around the world - in cities, forests, on mountainsides, and even underwater - chances are there’s an adventure just around the corner. Geocaching has grown in popularity among RVers all age groups - families, boomers, retirees - anyone that relishes an exciting outdoor adventure.

The first step in geocaching is visiting http://www.geocaching.com/ to locate cache coordinates via zip code, state name or latitude/longitude. Then, using a handheld GPS unit or a GPS enabled iPhone, the hunters set out to locate the cache. And what exactly is a cache? Caches typically consist of a waterproof container hidden inconspicuously at the coordinates.

Inside the container you’ll find a logbook and a variety of goodies - perhaps a toy, map, small book, bauble or other silly, fun or even valuable item. No telling what treasure hunt plunder you’ll find!! Be sure to fill out the logbook with the date and time of your visit and leave something in exchange for a cache-goodie.

There are several types of caches, too. Many parks listed on GoCampingAmerica.com have stashed caches at their park. One of our favorites types of cache is what’s known as a Travel Bug. This “is a trackable item that moves from place to place, picking up stories along the way. You can add your own story when you’ve located a Travel Bug or live vicariously through each bug's adventures” according to Goeocaching.com’s Travel Bug page.

Sounds easy? Easy and fun! Enjoy this short, informative video and give it a try yourself. You’ll see what an exciting challenge and great RV travel fit geocaching really is.

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

Don’t forget to get your gadgets and toys before you take off in the RV

2010-04-06T19:08:00.001-06:00

Whether it’s something to do when the rain keeps you from outside at the campground, or finding the campground itself, there are many gadgets and games that are “necessary” in our RV trips now. It’s amazing that we can’t get along without things we once never even thought about bringing along.

I go nowhere without my laptop, so that’s a mainstay when we hit the road for the campground. So, I’m always looking for parks that offer Wi-Fi. But beyond that, there are so many other things that we “must” have, even when we’re “roughing” it in the RV.

My absolute is the Garmin, especially if we’re going to a new park. But even if we’re not, we may want to find a local eatery or attraction for which the Garmin may come in handy. My suggestion is the Garmin nuvi. There are several models from which to choose and the prices vary, but since we got ours, we haven’t had to drive around and ask for directions. And I absolutely love that you know about road construction and can find alternate routes. That’s especially helpful when you’re hauling a camper behind.

And, once you’re at the campground, many people are taking along their own satellite dish. I found a gadget that may be the best friend of your dish. The Align-A-Site helps you find a strong satellite, so you can get a good signal for your dish. This is especially great when the weather drives you inside.

And if you’re TV is up and running, why not consider an Apple TV. Since I’m all about Apple and use a Mac Book Pro, I love the idea. Apple TV hooks up to the your computer – Mac or PC – Internet and your TV simultaneously using a wireless broadband connection, so you can watch HD movies, TV shows and even podcasts or YouTube videos. You can even play your music collection from your iTunes on your computer. Even view your photos from your computer.

But there’s even more you can do with our TV if the weather has you inside, but you’re antsy to move. Consider bringing your Wii game console along, as well as your Wii Fit. We just got a Wii for the family last Christmas and it is a great way to play together. We love bowling together, but my husband and daughter challenge each other in golf since they can’t always hit the course.

It’s true, RVing and camping aren’t what they used to be, but they still offer us time away from home and a chance to enjoy each other’s company in a different setting. These are a few ways to avoid the “I’m bored” moments with your children, especially if they’re teenagers, like mine!

Happy camping!

RV Cooking Show Shares Pots and Pans Packing Advice + a Delish RV Recipe

2010-03-25T11:23:00.000-06:00

All across the country trees are budding, flowers are beginning to bloom, birds are chirping…and RVers and campers are preparing for their spring/summer adventures. One of the great things about camping is that it can be as expensive or as frugal as you choose to make it. A big financial factor is food – will you choose to eat out or dine in? Chances are it’ll be a combo.

Don’t be caught unprepared to cook a terrific meal at your campsite – it’s easy, fun, can be a great family affair, and is definitely a dollar-stretcher. In this episode of the RV Cooking Show I’ll show you what pots and pans I bring along in my RV…and a few things I carry that I really don’t need. Print a nifty RV Pots & Pans checklist here!

After a walk through my RV kitchen cupboards we’ll prepare a simple and delicious RV recipe - warm tortellini salad that can be made in advance and that is terrific for picnics and potlucks. It’s a favorite in my RV and will be a tasty addition to the ‘Movie Under the Stars Potluck Party’ this weekend at the campground I’m visiting.

Stay tuned to the GoCampingAmerica blog – soon your RV Cooking Show friends will share how we stock our RV kitchen pantry and even offer a checklist for your convenience.

Excitement is mounting…find your perfect camping spot, pick up a few helpful camping tips, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors - it’s time to Go Camping America!

Evanne

http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

Camping / RVing and Spring Wildflowers – a perfect pair

2010-03-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

You don’t have to read it on Go Camping America to know that springtime is prime time for wildflower viewing. From early March to the end of May RVers and campers can embark upon a memorable and exciting spring camping vacation full of fresh air hikes, colorful photo opps, and a healthy dose of nature – just what we all need after a long, snowy winter.

Everyone has heard of the famous Texas Hill Country bluebonnets but the indian blankets, just as spectacular, follow the bluebonnet blooms. California deserts come alive with color. If you time it just right you might get to see flowering Joshua Trees (photo left) – though the fragrance can be less than pleasant. And then there’s Tennessee's famed Great Smoky Mountains wildflowers. Nowhere else can you see the flame azalea and with over 1500 other flowering plants you won’t be disappointed.

But did you know that most likely there are beautiful wildflower displays in your “backyard”? The wildflower displays in the Pacific Northwest’s (Oregon and Washington) Columbia River Gorge are, well, gorgeous. The Hocking Hills area of Southern Ohio boasts amazing wildflower displays. Virginia’s Shenandoah region as well as the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway are a haven for wildflower lovers.

As if camping or RVing, hiking, and photography aren’t enough, springtime blossoms with some fabulous flower festivals. There’s the nationally known Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC March 27 – April 11; Ashville, North Carolina is home to the Biltmore Estate Festival of Flowers running from April 3 – May 16; and July 12 – 18 you won’t want to miss the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in Colorado.

With longer days and warmer weather ahead, gather the family and visit GoCampingAmerica.com to find your perfect springtime destination and campground. Here’s to a blooming good time!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

Take a warm weather trip to Las Vegas – there’s more than gambling to keep you busy

2010-01-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

The holidays are behind us and if you’re like me, you’re thinking about camping already. And for those of us who live in the colder areas of the nation, and aren’t able to leave on long RV trips, now is the time to make reservations for the summer months. But for those who are lucky enough to be able to get away in the rig now, winter camping in Snowbird areas is a great way to enjoy your RV.

While Texas, Florida and Arizona are popular winter getaways for RVers, there are other areas that offer the warm winter sun and adventures. One area that you may want to consider is Las Vegas. There’s much more to do than just gamble, and the RV parks are waiting!

Whether it’s soaking in the warm winter sun, enjoying golf or visiting the casino, there are RV parks that can accommodate your motorhome or travel trailer, and they have other amenities to add to your visit.

Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas – This park offers a mountain view and is just minutes from the casinos, gaming and entertainment of “The Strip” in Las Vegas. There’s also bowling and shopping nearby, as well as numerous restaurants. While at the park, amenities include a swimming pool and spa, a clubhouse, exercise and fitness machines. The park offers guests free WiFi, laundry, planned activities, miniature golf and chapel service. The park has more than 400 sites, all with 30 and 50-amp connections. There are also two Laundromats.
Las Vegas KOA at Circus Circus, Las Vegas – Enjoy the famous Las Vegas Strip from one of these 400 sites. The park also offers rentals in its Airstream travel trailers that sleep up to four and just walking distance from the Strip. Whether you bring your own RV or rent an Airstream from the park, you can enjoy Circus Circus’ indoor theme park (Adventuredome), a midway with daily circus acts, swimming pool and spa. For those who want to see the sites, day trips can be made Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park or Mount Charleston. On site amenities an espresso bar, a dog park, a dog run and free Wi-Fi service.
Terrible’s Lakeside Casino & RV Park, Pahrump, NV – Just about 60 miles from Las Vegas, this park offers video and slot machines on site, with nature at your door. The park offers a heated swimming pool and hot tub, kayaks, peddle boats, fishing, a nine-hole Frisbee golf and horseshoes. There’s also a lake lagoon and sandy beach. The park offers 160 sites.

So, if you can get away for some winter camping and enjoy Vegas or would like to visit, hook up your RV and head west. Vegas is calling!

It’s winter again.

2009-12-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

What if I don’t have indoor storage for my RV?

We, like many RVers, have a somewhat large travel trailer without a pole barn or large garage in which to park it for the winter. Many find storage in their area in which they can place their RVs like a local RV park or campground offering the camper a respite from the cold winds and snow of December, January and February – and sometimes earlier and later months, depending on where you live.

But for others, there is no available inside storage. Either they got there too late – I’m guilty of this one – to obtain space inside, or there just isn’t any place nearby or the fees are too expensive for their budget.

But don’t fear, RVs are rugged and can stand up to the cold, if you do the right things by them. So, if you are one of the many RVers who can’t break away from home for the winter and enjoy some less frigid temperatures in the south or southwest, or even international warm spots, then here are some suggestions for getting your RV through the winter, so it is ready for you and your family in the spring, when you will jump to the chance for camping during warmer days, sometimes cool nights and the undoubted campfire.

If your RV stays outdoors for the winter, make sure you’ve winterized it in detail. Winterizing the RVs water system is one of the most important items on the list. This is normally done using RV antifreeze, which can be found in most RV parts stores, including those inside some general merchandise stores. The instructions should be in your RV owner information, but if you don’t have these, try locating your brand online to see if you can find the guide. If you’re still having trouble locating the instructions, check with your local RV parts store. In addition, removing your battery for the winter will help to save battery life.

For those of us who store our RVs outdoors, there are additional considerations. You may want to use wheel covers – again these can be found at RV parts stores to fit neatly over the wheels. Parking on pad can also be helpful. And, if you want to cover your RV to protect it and slideouts from the winter weather, consider a breathable cover to avoid condensation from forming.
So, remember, your RV needs some tender care to prepare it for the winter months when you and it may be separated, but to ensure that come warm weather in the spring, you’ll be once again on the road and into the park.

Happy winter leads to happy camping!

Take your deer camp in the road

2009-10-27T09:07:00.000-06:00

Take your deer camp in the road
Parks cater to hunters

Many of us enjoy fall camping – finding that perfect, peaceful spot to watch squirrels scurry through fallen leaves gathering their winter supply of food, or strolling through nature’s beautiful color palette. But there are others among us campers, who use fall camping time to experience deer hunting in other areas of the country – deer camp on wheels.

Now, I grew up in northern Michigan, so deer season was always like an extra holiday for us. Opening day of gun season was a school holiday when I was kid, although that’s changed a little now and it’s an excused absence with a copy of a deer license. It also meant family coming in to hunt, eat, tell stories and hunt some more. My grandma and mom may have liked it more if these hunters had considered taking their hunt to the road with their campers.

Today, there are several parks that welcome the fall hunters. And for those non-hunters who enjoy the fall season and camping out in the brisk weather, there’s still plenty to do at the campground or RV park while the hunters are out.

Here are a few ideas from which to choose:

McCaslin Mountain Campground, Silver Cliff, Wis. – The 300-acre campground borders the Ncolet National Forest in northeastern, Wis., making it an idea spot for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Trout streams and the nearby Governor Thompson State Park also make it an outdoor haven. In addition, there are nearby ATV and snowmobile trails, as well as hiking and biking trails. And hunters can find guide service for guided deer, bear and turkey hunts. For the times when you are not out and about or hunting during season, the park also offers a game room and mini golf course. The campground offers 80 primitive sites, both wooded and open, and 48 water and electric hookup sites.
Four Seasons RV Park, Herrin, Ill. – This park offers peaceful, spacious shaded sites, with full hookups. With an abundance of wildlife, the family-owned park welcomes hunters and fishermen. For those times you are back at camp, there is WiFi access available and laundry for the 30 sites.
Moosehead Family Campground, Greenville, Maine – Located in the heart of Maine’s north woods and just minutes from Moosehead Lake, this campground welcomes hunters, as well as nature lovers who can watch the deer and moose walk freely. Just minutes from Greenville with its golf, public beaches, restaurants and shopping, the campground is nestled in a stand of apple, spruce, fir and pine trees. With 20, 30 and 50-amp sites, RVers are also offered a game room, playground and modem hookup at the camp store.

So, whether you enjoy hunting or enjoy watching the wildlife, get out in your camper before the snow flies and enjoy the third season for camping!

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping

2009-10-27T09:05:00.000-06:00

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping
What happened to those first-come, first-serve days for procrastinators like me?

Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, has come and gone. But it wasn’t unnoticed. Although AAA reported fewer people would be traveling for the holiday weekend, the roads we traveled were filled with RVs and campers.

The weather was wonderful for camping, but sometimes if you leave the planning to someone else, it doesn’t get done and then you’re scrambling at the last minute. Earlier this year, we had planned to be in Tennessee camping and partaking in a family reunion. However, a death in the family that brought everyone from around the country together earlier, kept them from making the same trip in September. So, we were going to change our plans.

The problem is, we didn’t get the changes made in time. And, as often as I remind everyone here to make reservations early – we didn’t get ours made. And calling around just days before the holiday weekend left my husband and myself looking at each other knowing that for the first time in years, we had no camp site for Labor Day weekend.

We frantically called around to private and public parks, only to get the same message – no open sites. Finally, we found one, but there was a problem, the only open site couldn’t accommodate our 29-foot travel trailer.

So, you guessed it; we had no place to go. There used to be a time when reservations were considered odd in the RVing and camping sector of the industry. People got out of work on Friday and took off to the nearest or most desirable campground and put up camp. For the most part, those days are gone.

It makes sense that campground owners and operators want to know they have a full park for any weekend, but especially the holiday weekends. But planning too far in advance takes the thrill out of the open road and finding a destination by chance. While that can be done, for the most part, on other weekends throughout the summer, don’t leave the holiday weekends to chance. Learn from my lesson – MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY!

Now here are some campgrounds that take reservations and would love to open their sites to you:

River Trail Crossing RV Park, Butler, Ohio, is on the Clear Fork Mohican River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campground offers 44 total sites, from primitive tent sites to full hookup sites with 50-amp service for “big rigs.” Amenities include fishing, biking and hiking, a playground and even the chance to pan for gold in the river.
My Brother's Place Campground, Houlton, Maine, is just two miles from New Brunswick, Canada. With 80 total sites, guests can stay in tents or RVs, or rent a cabin or 5th-Wheel Travel Trailer. WiFi is also available in the park, along with fishing, hiking and biking trails and nature trails, and swimming in a lake, pond or the ocean.
Pioneer Trails RV Resort & Campground in Anacortes, Wash., is located among tall evergreens and including an adult spa, sports courts and 60 campsites. There are also six cabins and 24 RV rentals. WiFi is available throughout the resort, as well as a playground, basketball courts, regulation horseshoe pit and covered picnic areas.
Indian Point RV Resort, Gautier, Miss., is surrounded by the Sioux Bayou that leads to the Escatawpa and Pascagoula rivers, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. There are 100 total sites and 16 cabins for guests without RVs. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access in the park, fishing, mini-golf, a playground and a swimming pool.

Camping is exciting with nearby thrill parks

2009-08-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

If your family is like mine, you love the rides of thrill parks. And for others who like a tamer type of entertainment, there are parks that offer that as well. There’s no better way to enjoy these parks than by taking your RV along for the trip and stay onsite.

Whether it’s roller coasters, wild swings, carousels or a lazy paddleboat excursion, there are parks that offer these and give you a place to park your home on wheels. We love taking these types of trips because even though the parks themselves aren’t the cheapest vacation, a full day of activity for one price isn’t bad in today’s economy. And if you have the option to go back to your campsite for a rest and food, saving you from exhaustions and saves money.

Our favorite spot is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and its Camper Village. Although we spend very little time at our site or in our RV, and the campground offers minimal amenities, it’s nice to eat at home once in awhile. And it gives us a chance to do two days in the park, running from roller coaster to roller coaster.

The best part of staying onsite is the early and late access to the parks, while other guests are leaving or haven’t yet arrived, you can enjoy the park! So, here are some suggestions, including our favorite spot, and their offerings. Book one before the summer is over and scream with your kids. It’s a great way to spend your day!

Camper Village, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio – Located on Lake Erie peninsula, you can walk right into Cedar Point Amusement Park from your RV. The park offers 209 total sites and 60 cabins. Pets are welcome and there are cable TV and laundry facilities. In addition to the amusement park, there is an outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, shuffleboard court and game room.
Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, Santa Claus, Ind. – The 2008-09 National RV Park of the year and is located next to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Theme Parks. The resort offers free shuttle to the theme parks. In addition to location to the theme parks, the resort offers WiFi at most sites, a pool, golf car rentals, playgrounds, paddleboats and fishing. The 232 sites include 200 full hookup sites. In addition, there are cabin and RV rentals. For those who enjoy more than theme parks, the resort is just minutes from the Lincoln Boyhood National memorial, Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Amphitheatre.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Buena Vista, Fla. – Part of the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Fla. Resort, Fort Wilderness sits on 740 acres of woodlands and the Walt Disney World Resort, the campground offers 784 sites, as well as cabins. Staying at the resort allows guests easy access to all of the Disney resort with free transportation to theme parks and other parts of the resort. In addition, there are pools, horseback riding, tennis, boat, canoe and kayak rentals, as well as hiking trails. There is also a seasonal Mickey’s Backyard BBQ where characters participate in the hoedown. There is also a restaurant and snack bars, laundry facilities, babysitting, a kennel and high-speed wireless Internet access available.
Highmeadow Campground, Hershey, PA – Offering 299 sites and 22 cabins, this campground is part of Hershey Resorts with direct access to Hersheypark and Dutch Wonderland, In addition to the theme parks; the campground offers Internet access, cable TV and laundry service. There’s also a swimming pool and an arcade/game room.

Take me to the campground, and the beach

2009-08-05T15:11:00.001-06:00

What’s better than going to the beach in the middle of the summer – how about going to the campground and the beach?! If you’re like my family, you love camping and everything that goes with it, and in the summer that means water and lots of it.

Paddling around in a two-man raft is relaxing, especially when followed by grilling out and sitting around the fire. Fast forward to the next day – more of the same!

Or, what about splashing through the water, burying a “loved one” in the sand and building sand castles? And after you’re done, walking back to your camper, having a burger and then S’mores over the campfire? There’s no better way to go to the beach than to finish the day at the campsite and not in the traffic jam heading away from the lake.

There’s also fishing, a relaxing outing in itself. And, if you’re at the campground that means fresh fish for supper!

This summer hasn’t been as warm as many of those I remember, but we’ve found our way to Lake Michigan and then some smaller inland lakes to enjoy the water. Just a word of advice, when you go to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, be prepared for some COLD water. But if you’re a northern girl, you love it!

Here are some great places to enjoy the water this summer, along with your RV!

Lakeshore Park, St. Ignace, Mich., gives campers an opportunity to enjoy the Upper Peninsula with a view of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. With 75 sites, the park is open from May 1-Oct. 15, offering RVers access to Lake Michigan and is just an hour from the Soo Locks. The park also offers free Wi-Fi.
Pirateland Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., offers 1,500 sites and 88 RV rentals. On the beach of the Atlantic Ocean, the park offers visitors a swimming pool in addition to the ocean. It also has a 510-foot Lazy River where floaters can relax. With numerous amenities, the park also has organized activities. The park also offers Internet access.
Edgewater Resort & RV Park, Kelseyville, Calif., is on the 100-mile shoreline of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California. The park offers 60 sites and eight cabins. There is boat trailer parking, launching and docking facilities and a beach area. Watercraft is also available for rent nearby.
Sylvan Lake Beach Park Inc., Hopewell Junction, N.Y., is on 65-wooded acres and on a 120-acre spring-fed lake just 60 miles from New York City. Offering 75 sites, a sandy beach, fishing and boating. There are also lots of family activities and a playground.

New campground doing well in spite of economy

2009-08-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

While RV companies have been hit hard by the recession, it seems that RVers are still getting out on the road and to the parks. And even a new park in northeast Indiana is having a good seasons, despite the faltering economy.

The Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA in Bluffton, Ind., about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne, opened to its customers this spring, and is having a pretty good year, so far, said owner Ann Marie Crismore, who owns and operates the park with her husband, Ryan.

The couple spent two years planning and constructing the park that will eventually have 124 sites, including five cabins, plus eight tent sites, when all is completed. Sites will be water and electric and full hookup, and the majority are pull-thru sites.

There’s also a fishing pond and in-ground pool and nearby is the Wabash Heritage Trail and Ouabache State park if hiking is something you enjoy. Little Turtle State Recreation is also nearby for fishing.

While the actual work has been ongoing for two years, emotionally the couple worked on the park for 10 years, Crismore said. So, there was no turning back this spring when things looked bleak.

However, guests to the park have come from near and far. “We’re getting RVers from all over, some who are staying near home to enjoy their RV and others who are traveling cross country,” she said.

Guests have come from Bluffton and all over Indiana, as well as Texas, California and Canada, Crismore said. “Last night, we had a tent camper come in from Montreal, Canada, and this morning we had a rig come in from California,” she said in late June.

For those who have not visited the Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA yet, pets are allowed for a small deposit, and an activity director on site is keeping kids busy. So far, they’ve had a scavenger hunt, charades and an ice cream social. More is planned for the summer, Crismore said.

“We’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” she added, saying she and her husband used to be RVers and now tell their friends to come to the park so they can sit at the fire with them.

Independence Day weekend is fast approaching; make your reservations now, if you haven’t already. Parks fill up quick for the long holiday weekends. Enjoy the sun, the fire pits and the weekend neighbors at the park you visit. Break out the hotdogs, its time to go camping!

Here are other new RV parks to enjoy around the country:

The Bainbridge/Flint River KOA is just off of the Highway 84 and 27 Bypass in Bainbridge, Ga., and is open all year. Access to the Flint River and Lake Seminole is just across the street. The park offers RV and tent sites, as well as an 18-hole miniature golf and a community fire pit. There’s also Wi-Fi and a washer/dryer facility.
Located in the Tucannon Valley, the Dayton/Pomeroy KOA is on the edge of the Wooten Wildlife area and Umatilla National Forest; this KOA has 70-foot pull-thru sites, as well as cabins and tent sites. It’s open from March 1-Nov. 30. Breakfast is served most weekends and ice cream socials and movies under the stars at the outdoor theater on weekends and holidays during the summer.
The Salem KOA is just two miles south of Salem in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and only 100 yards from the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. Open from Feb. 15-Nov. 1, the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Hood are both within driving distance. RV sites and cabins are available. And there’s even a doggy play area. Wi-Fi is available and the swimming pool is open from May 15-Sept. 15.
Shoreline RV Park, Eureka, Calif., is on the coast of California, 280 miles north of San Francisco is in the heart of northern California's coastal redwoods. Visitors can hike, bike and boat. The park offers 58 sites, a dog park, on-site security, Wi-Fi and is near a public boat launch, marina and beach.
Deer Haven Campground is located in Lisbon, Conn., and has 78 sites, including 50 full hookup sites and five tent sites. Amenities in the park include hiking and biking trails, swimming in a pond, lake or the ocean, and planned recreation.

You don’t have to camp on public land to enjoy it

2009-08-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

As someone who loves the outdoors – hiking, biking, swimming, whatever it may be – not everyone can or want to haul their RV or tents to a state or national park to enjoy the wonders on a warm weekend. But there are other options. Several campgrounds and RV parks are nestled near these wonderful outdoor attractions – and often offer amenities not found in the public campgrounds – such as cable TV or Wi-Fi.

Like many, Memorial weekend was our first camping trip of the summer. We went just an hour from home in northern Indiana, enjoying the nearby state park and its natural attractions. And while the state park was full of campers, so were the surrounding private parks, which also offered their guests the options of water and sewage hookups, cable TV and Wi-Fi. And those who chose to stay at the private parks also were just minutes from the state parks vast biking, hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as the beach.

But because you aren’t the only one who wants to get away for the holiday – make your reservations early. The wonderful weather was an added boost to the unofficial opening summer holiday weekend and there were NO camping sites to be found! So, if you’re considering an RV park near a state or national park for the next holiday weekend, call NOW!

We made our reservations, along with other family, months in advance, so we just pulled in and set up. How nice that for once we were the closest to home. But I discovered that’s not always an advantage.

We were the last to arrive because of work that I could not do before 6:30 p.m. Friday. In addition, we knew we would be gone for several hours on Saturday because we had a wedding to attend. Still not a problem since we had the long weekend, and a wedding is a very important event!

However, Sunday brought sad news to my family and another trip home for me. My eldest – who decided to stay home – called me Sunday morning to let me know my dog had died sometime during the night. Now this is a dog who was 14 ½ years old and I could see him physically aging tremendously in the past few months, but you’re just never ready for it when it happens. And the fact that I wasn’t there when it happened has left me riddled with guilt.

My dog used to love camping and was a very good camper. He was a Keeshond and loved people. But the older he got, the more trouble he was having moving around, so camping wasn’t the top of his list any longer. Part of me wished we had taken him this trip and part of me is thankful he was home when he died. But hundreds of tears later, neither thought makes it any easier. I will miss my camping mate, my fuzzy buddy and my friend when no one else seemed to understand me.

Please tell me about your camping buddies. And, in honor of my buddy and for all of you who camp and travel with pets, here are a few parks that invite them in with you and are close to nearby public parks for outdoor recreation:

In northern Indiana, just a few miles from Pokagon State Park is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake, Fremont, Ind. The park itself is located on a 100-acre lake with a pool and splash playground, waterslides, mini golf, boat rentals and five playgrounds. With 540 sites and 18 cabins, it can accommodate nearly any camper/RVer. Pets are welcome.
In northern Georgia, Lake Nottely RV Park, Blairsville, Ga., is a relaxing stay and near the Appalachian Trail for hiking and sightseeing, in addition to numerous other area stops. The park has lake-view sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi and boat ramps and docks. It also has swimming in the lake, pond or ocean, along with hiking and biking trails. Pets are welcome.
In St. George, Utah is McArthur’s Temple View RV Resort, where guests can enjoy Utah’s Color Country. Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, the park offers 270 sites, some with full hookups. There’s also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, exercise room and Internet connections. Pets are invited.
Ardmore, Okla., is home to Hidden Lake RV Inc., where, in addition to large sites, Wi-Fi, cable and RV repair and service, you’re just minutes away from Lake Murray, Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park. The park has a 5,700 acre lake with hiking and horseback riding. In addition, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, with its mineral spring and wildlife is also nearby. Hidden Lake welcomes pets.

Is it camping or RVing? Are they the same?

2009-04-07T09:13:00.001-06:00

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!

RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!

2009-02-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Finding your way to campgrounds

2009-01-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

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!

Holidays take top billing, even yearlong in some parks

2008-12-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas

2008-11-24T13:19:00.001-07:00

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?

Winding Down

2008-10-01T16:37:00.001-06:00

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.

Plan for your RV trip, don’t leave it to chance or the last minute

2008-09-02T10:08:00.000-06:00

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!

Try RVing even before you purchase your own rig

2008-07-30T08:56:00.000-06:00

During the Independence Day Weekend – known as the 4th of July to most – we camped in northern Michigan on the Manistee River, near my hometown. It was there that I saw a few young campers, reminding me of my husband and I when we started camping in tents. Some of them had tents, some popup campers and some with nothing at all. But they weren’t left out in the cold, they were in a cabin.

Like many RV parks and campgrounds, this park offers campers without the accessories – a popup camper, travel trailer, motorhome or even tent – to spend the weekend with their camping friends or on their own, enjoying the RV lifestyle with out the investment. The camping cabins or even RV rentals at many parks are rented to the user who then brings his own items for the weekend.

Some, like Sherwood Forest Camping & RV Park in the Wisconsin Dells, rent the camping cabin basic, leaving it up to the new “RVers” to bring all their needs for the weekend, week or even longer vacation. The camping cabin provides them with a place to sleep, relax, hold their bonfires and even watch TV or use their laptop computers, if they so desire. The weekend campers use the same restrooms and showers that are available to other RVers, but they don’t haul in their own RV or tent.

Others, like Camp Bell Campground in Campbell, NY, near Finger Lakes, offer a camping cabins or travel trailer rentals. Campers can really get an idea of what RVing is like, and dip their toe in the water so to speak, before buying an RV or their own.

And for those who truly enjoy pampering of sorts, Compton Ridge Campground in Branson, Mo., offers three types of camping cabins, including its luxury cabins that include a full kitchen with appliances, a bathroom with a shower, a screened porch, a fireplace and cable TV. They also offer two other cabins for those who prefer to “rough it” just a little more.

And whether they ever do buy an RV, the weekend rentals allow you to have a great RV vacation without buying the RV. It’s a nice way to introduce newcomers, or even those who make it one trip a year and don’t want to buy an RV, to enjoy the lifestyle.

RVing a good way to vacation even in the current economy.

2008-07-07T09:09:00.001-06:00

While the daily news continues to discuss the lagging economy and we’ve seen RV companies being impacted by slow sales, using the RV to travel is still a good deal, even with high gas prices.

With gas prices well over $4 a gallon around the country, hauling an RV gives you a moment to consider another means of travel. But once you start adding in your meals on the road, hotel rooms and airfare if you’re flying, taking your RV is still an economical and practical means for travel.

According to the biannual Campfire Canvass survey conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) found that despite high fuel prices, 82 percent of RV owners say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations and they still plan to use their RVs.

According to the latest survey, 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs at least as much this spring and summer as last year, but some changes were noted. Fifty-eight percent of those who said their travel plans would be affected said they would travel closer to home and 35 percent said they’d travel fewer miles. Another 34 percent of RVers said they’d stay longer in one destination.

My family is following suit. We are staying closer to home this summer and we are staying in one place longer. But we aren’t suffering for the choices. We still get to travel and still enjoy family time, just maybe closer to home. But it gives us a chance to discover things we may not have otherwise paid attention to in our own “backyard.”

However, there are those who aren’t changing plans. The study found that one-third of RV owners say fuel costs won't affect their travel plans. We also fit this group for our one long vacation. We’re still planning a trip to West Virginia to white water raft in August – before our oldest heads out to college. We’re looking forward to the adventure, but I’m not sure we would do it if we didn’t have our travel trailer.

Eating “at home” in the RV saves money, and renting a space for about $35 a night beats the price of a hotel room, which when I checked were around $110 a night. Even at the 10 to 12 mpg we get in the truck while hauling the camper, we’re saving money. And if gas prices are really a concern, there are always popup campers, which because of the light weight don’t have as great of an impact on the gas mileage.

So, if you’ve considered an RV, but think now’s not the time, you might want to think again. This might be just the right time to make your best deal since some RV companies are giving incentives for those in the market for a new RV in today’s economy.

And while the immediate picture may not be bright, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association believes that the appeal for RVs will continue since “the basic demand for RVs is deeply rooted in family values, the enduring appeal of the natural environment and people’s desire to instill in the next generation their cherished traditions.”

May Blog

2008-06-09T08:39:00.000-06:00

May Blog

The summer kicked off with Memorial Day weekend, the time when RVers hit the road for the first camping trip of the season for many people and families. But this year that holiday weekend and unofficial summer kickoff was met with gas prices hovering the $4 mark and diesel even higher. And guess what, many people still went camping.

Now, official numbers haven’t yet been released, and I did personally see many campers, travel trailers and motorhomes sitting in driveways. But I was looking. I wondered how gas would impact our camping and RV travel. I don’t know if it did or not, but AAA estimated that the number of Americans who would travel during the Memorial Day holiday would drop, with 37.87 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million. .

As I told you earlier, my family didn’t go out this year because our son was graduating from high school on June 1 and we had an open house and graduation to prepare for. That’s the only thing that kept us home. In fact, as gas prices creep up, we bought a new tow vehicle for our 29-foot Jayco. While many people are downsizing, we needed a travel vehicle to tow our travel trailer, and we’re not about to stop camping!

So, with a new truck in the driveway, we’re already looking ahead for the next opportunity to hitch up the camper and go. And we will go. We may make cuts other places, but camping is something the whole family enjoys. And our son is leaving in August for college, so there’s only so much time to still have the whole family together.

We have a few open houses left and a nephew’s wedding in mid-June, but after those are past, we’re heading out on the open road, even with more money going to gas. We’ll cut back other places and make adjustments, but camping with the family is a treat and a wonderful time for us to spend together with few outside interruptions. And we’re not alone.

The Campfire Canvass survey by RVIA found that 93 percent of RV owners intend to use their RV as often or more frequently this summer as last. And, more than one-third said fuel costs would not affect their travel plans. Others, however, said they will adjust their travel plans to conserve fuel by staying closer to home and spending more time in one place.

In addition, 83 percent of the nation’s campgrounds reported that summer reservations are the same or better than they were in 2005, according to a recent survey by Michigan State University and published by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

So, if there’s a will, there’s a way. And we’ll find ours on the open road leading to a camping destination. Make room at the campfire, we’re coming in.

ARVC March Blog

2008-03-31T10:52:00.000-06:00

ARVC March Blog

Is a seasonal camping space right for you, or should you take your camper on the road and experience several camping locations?

These are questions that campers may ask themselves at different times in their lives. Whether it’s when they get their first travel trailer or their third motorhome, different times in life bring different camping needs and desires.

Having a seasonal site - a destination that you can take advantage of each weekend or vacation that you can get away - makes sense to many people who see their RV or motorhome as a second home or vacation home. However, for others, the experience of finding someplace new to enjoy makes more sense, so they enjoy hitting the road each weekend or vacation time they can manage to get away.

But whether you choose to hit the same spot each time, knowing that your home on wheels with some possible amenities you won’t receive at a weekend only getaway - such as a permanent deck off your RV or knowing your weekend neighbors - or your choose the freshness of something new - visiting new parks with new experiences and activities, you can find many places to enjoy your RV. And with spring here and warmer days on the horizon, now is the time to make your choice - permanent or transient.

One way to decide is to try a park that offers seasonal sites during the summer and see what you think. Talk to the seasonal park users and see if they seem to have the same expectations from their destination as you.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself to determine what is best for you:

Do I want to haul my camper once this season, or would I rather drive it regularly to my destination?

Do I want to visit the same place each weekend, or each time I can get away, or do I want fresh experiences?

Do I want to leave things where they are, and just bring what we’ll need for the weekend or week, whatever the length of visit?

Do I have the time to make reservations for each weekend or vacation?

Would I rather make my reservation once - in the spring?

Will I use my camper enough to cover the cost of the seasonal site?

Will I use my camper more if I have it readily available for spontaneous trips?

Will I tire of the same place?

Do I see my RV as a second home?

Do I see my RV as a home on wheels that can take me to new places?

Whatever your answers to these questions, here are some parks you may want to try. They offer both weekend and seasonal sites.

* Honcho Rest Campground, Elk Rapids, Mich. Opened May 1-Oct. 7 with 58 sites.

* Adirondack Camping Village, Lake George, N.Y. Opened Mid-May-Mid-Sept. with 165 sites.

* Pinecrest RV Park Resort, Russell Springs, Ky. Opened April 1-Oct. 31 with 50-plus sites.

* Beaver Lake Campground, Custer, S.D. Opened March 1-Oct.1

Spring Break is a perfect time to begin camping

2008-03-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

While many people hit the roads and skies to find warm weather for those weeks dedicated in March and April as vacation weeks from school, whether you call it Spring Break, Easter Vacation, Spring Vacation, it’s a time when schools let out for a break from school work and parents take the opportunity, in many cases, to take a break as well and head to warmer weather for a week of sun and relaxation.

But if you have a week, why not take your camper or motorhome along for the ride? Those warm weather destinations also are home to many RV parks and campgrounds, and why not save some money along the way?

We all know it’s cheaper to cook your own food, rather than eat out, and staying in a park at park rates beats the hotel, plus you have more than just a bed – you have your own little house with a living area, kitchen and dinette area, as well as some privacy in the bedroom and sleeping areas.

And there’s no waiting on flights that are delayed.

Plus, that leaves more money for other things, like souvenirs and entertainment.

Although we aren't going to be able to take a family spring break trip this year, we have been known to haul our camper to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to relax and enjoy the sun.

A few years ago we made the trek to Myrtle Beach and partook in the hospitality of PirateLand Family Camping Resort, where my husband, kids, my parents, my brother, and myself hauled our campers to the coast and coasted for the week.

PirateLand has its own private beach on the ocean, giving us easy access to the sandy shoreline, the salty water and all of its inhabitants. We walked and jogged the beach, discovered shells, which my daughter insisted on taking home - all of them, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

PirateLand offers its guests a pool if they Atlantic temperatures are too cool for their liking, as well as its Lazy River, where floating on a tube around the "river" and its gentle bends can make a lovely day pass quietly.

So, when planning your spring vacation, don't forget that your RV isn't only for the summer camping season. Think about breaking it out early and checking out the parks near your destination, whether it's Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, whatever warm weather area might tickle your fancy.

Some other parks in those warm weather vacation areas are:

Myrtle Beach:
Apache Family Campground
Lakewood Camping Resort Inc.
Myrtle Beach KOA Kampground
Myrtle Beach Travel Park
Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Panama City Beach, Fla.:
Camper’s Inn
Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
Panama City Beach RV Resort
Park Place RV Park and Motel

Savannah, Ga.:
Savannah Oaks RV Park

Corpus Christi, Texas:
Colonia Del Ray
Greyhound RV Park
Hatch RV Park
Laguna Shore Village
Marina Village RV Park
Padre Palms Travel Park
Puerto Del Sol Resort

Go Camping, America!

I know the warm weather’s coming

2008-02-21T06:48:00.001-07:00

While we await the newest snowstorm to hit the Midwest, I’m planning summer camping trips and making reservations. And a word of advice, if you’re planning to go camping during the “first unofficial weekend of the summer” – Memorial Day – now is the time to make reservations!

While I consider our summer activities – which must be planned around our son’s high school graduation, other family graduations, my nephew’s wedding and our daughter’s sports and 4-H – I think about the cost of gas and what that may or may not do the camping and RVing industry. For us, we may stay a little closer to home than we did last year, although part of that is just the hectic summer schedule. The other part is that we need to buy a new tow vehicle and we’re trying to make the right decision.

But while I contemplate these things, I also want to let those of you who are able to spend more time in the RV to consider working at campgrounds and RV parks – known in the industry as “workamping.” This is one way to make some money while you’re on the road and let your RV work for you.

Earlier this month, Workamper® News – a publication aimed at those who want to find ways to earn money and in some cases other benefits while spending their time traveling in their RV – held two job fairs to assist those interested in workamping.

For those of you who have an interest, there are a few suggestions the publication gives, such as identifying the type of work you want and the area where you’d like to spend some time. And, make sure you understand the agreement with your new employer.

There are also other things to consider. If you’re married, do you and your spouse want to work, or just one of you? This could determine where you look for a position, considering what the park needs.

Positions can be part-time or full-time, and some positions can even be on a volunteer basis.

Whatever your needs, there are many positions at parks – from being campgrounds hosts where your site is identified as a place for other campers and RVers to get information, and even in some cases, a cup of coffee in the morning, to cleaning bathrooms and other facilities. Some might work in camp stores while others work as recreational directors. The positions vary and the pay varies. Just make sure you understand all the terms going in, so neither you nor your new employer will be disappointed. Once you’ve signed on to work at a park, just as any employer, they are counting on you fulfilling your commitment.

Summer’s coming! Enjoy!

Winter Camping isn’t just for snowbirds

2008-01-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

While camping or RVing may not top the list of many RV owners during the winter months, for those who want to take the camper out for a weekend or longer, there are options available beyond those for Snowbirds.

Whether you’re someone who lives in areas with a warm winter climate, or someone who wants to escape the cold of the north for a quick RV trip, there are parks that have their sites and arms opened to you. Winter camping isn’t just for Snowbirders anymore.

Although you may be heading to similar destinations as Snowbirds flock to, such as Texas and Florida, not all parks cater only to those retirees who make their winter homes in an RV park.

One such destination is Whispering Pines Resort & Campground in Tyler, Texas. The park has a family focus and continues activities for the entire family throughout the winter months. Recently, when a dance with a live band was held for “older” guests, a DJ and more modern music was available to the younger guests of the park.

Located in eastern Texas, the park is nestled within pine trees, offering guests 100 sites, including some pull-thrus, with a variety of hookup offers – partial to full. The park also has 20 cabins and 20 RV rentals.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, adult pool/spa, family pool, laundry facilities, a gift store and numerous planned activities.

There are nature trails, as well as hiking and biking trails, fishing and swimming in the lake, pond or ocean. The park also offers miniature golf.

Another Texas stop is Puerto del Sol RV Resort in Corpus Christi, Texas

The park is located on the bay and has numerous local attractions for guests to visit, including the USS Lexington and state aquarium.

There are 53 sites and all are pull-thru, with the option of full or partial hookups. The park also offers 10 tent sites.

There’s a store onsite, along with laundry facilities and Internet access in specific park locations.

There’s swimming in the lake, pond or ocean and a boat launch is in the park.

For those who are looking for a getaway in Florida, Lake City Campground in Lake City, Fla. is open.

The park offers shady and sunny, full hookup pull-thru sites, as well as tent sites. With 50 total sites, options range from partial to full hookups, as well as back in or pull-thru sites. There are also five rental cabins.

The park is located alongside the Osceola National Forest and just 10 miles from the Stephen Foster Folk Center. Families can take a relaxing tubing trip on the Suwannee River or head 20 miles to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park for more tubing. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s also fishing, hiking and biking trails, nature trails and a swimming pool in the park.

Lake City Campground also is home to mockingbirds, whippoorwills, owls and other warblers.

Wi-Fi and a store are also offered in the park, along with an arcade and game room that includes a pool table, board games and a TV.

Whatever your warm weather choices, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities for all winter campers. But, like all camping seasons, don’t forget to call ahead and make reservations, so that you can leave your cares behind with the cold weather and enjoy your get away in the warmer weather of the states.

2007-12-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Checklist for Snowbirding

It’s that time of year – the time when most RVers either revel in the memories of the summer camping season and wait for spring, or become Snowbirds and head to warmer weather for the winter.

If you’re the latter, there are some things to consider and to take care of before packing up for the winter. For those who have done this before, it’s routine, but for someone new to Snowbirding, there is a good way to do it.

First of all, Snowbirds are simply people going to warmer climates for the winter – like birds traditionally fly south for the winter. Once, the Snowbird lifestyle was considered only for the wealthy and the famous. Today, however, the Snowbird lifestyle is for anyone, and includes many RVers. Some of the most popular destinations in the United States for RVing Snowbirds are Florida, Arizona and Texas.

But before you hit the road, there are some things you should do.

First, know where you’re going. Don’t expect that just because it’s winter there won’t be many RVers. That’s just not true. In fact, according to the American Camper Profiles & Perspectives study, conducted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), 5 percent of active campers are Snowbirds, as are 11 percent of total RV owners.

So, make your reservations!

And, decide what to do with home services while you are gone, including mail delivery. You can have the U.S. Post Office hold your mail, but if you have bills and other items that you need to take care of on a regular basis, you may want to consider a mail service. These services send your mail to you at your snowbird destination, and can change that destination if you’re moving from one RV location to another during the winter months. Just make sure you check out the service you’re using and get references.

Most RV clubs offer mail services to their members including the Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA), the Good Sam Club and the Escapees RV Club.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you’ll need employment while away from home and enjoying the warm-weather region.

Working RVers – known as Workampers™ - find temporary employment while on the road. These jobs can be found through newspapers, online listings, and other options, but Workamper News is a service that caters directly to RVers. Many of the listings handled by the newspaper include positions with campgrounds and RV parks, theme parks and a variety of other venues. Payment for positions varies, and sometimes may include the value of a site when working at RV parks. Make sure you understand all the terms and that the compensation is at least equal to the applicable minimum wage, according to Workamper News.

For those who aren’t seeking employment, check out your destination area to ensure you’ll be happy in your home away from home for the winter months. Talk to others who have visited your destination and ask for recommendation of things to do. And remember, many of the Snowbird destinations cater to an older crowd, so take them up on their activities and outings. Remember, they know the area and their business is keeping their winter guests happy.

Once you have all your details in place, leave your cares behind with the cold weather and enjoy the winter sun.

Next month we’ll look at whether there is a winter season for traveling RVers or families who still like to take their rigs out for the weekend.

2007-11-19T14:05:00.001-07:00

Winterizing isn’t a welcome time

For many campers and RVers, putting away the gear for winter is a chore that must be done, but not without remorse that the camping season is over.

While many Snowbirds take to the road and head to warm weather states for the winter, many of us are still tied to a job or kids in school, or both, and must put our rigs away for the next camping season. It’s almost like putting the Christmas and New Year’s decorations away after a festive holiday season.

But when it comes to winterizing your RV, there are items you shouldn’t forget.

Winterizing the RVs water system is the most important piece of winterizing your unit.

Complete steps should be in your RV owner information.

There are also suggestions for RVs not stored inside, such as wheel covers and tarps to protect it from the elements.

While instructions and suggestions for preparing your unit for winter can be found in your owner’s manual or RV papers, don’t fear, if this is something you don’t want to do yourself, or don’t feel confident. Most RV service centers offer winterizing services, and can give you suggestions for storage. Just make an appointment, hitch up your RV one more time, and take it to the pros. Once it’s done, you can take it home for winter storage.

For those of you who can still get out and enjoy the RV, there are some great winter destinations, and below are just a few of the many great parks available.

Florida:

Whispering Palms in Sebastian, Fla. caters to the 55-plus crowd with 572 sites in its RV resort and manufactured home community. Situated along Florida's Treasure Coast, Sebastian offers beaches, fishing, and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. Whispering Palms amenities include: activities, billiards, dancing, outdoor games, a lake, Internet access, tennis and pets are welcome. In addition, there is a recreation room and library. There is also nearby golfing, sailing and windsurfing and numerous fishing and sightseeing opportunities.

Whispering Palms Mobile Home and RV Community, 10305 US Hwy #1, Sebastian, Fla. 32958; (800) 414-0814, (772) 589-3481; fax: (772) 589-3477; e-mail whisperingpalms@bellsouth.net

Indian Creek RV Resort is a Florida 55+ Community with numerous amenities, including shuffleboard courts, five tennis courts, three heated pools, spas, 21 private lakes and Wi-Fi, and just a short bike ride form Ft. Myers Beach. Nearby activities are boating, fishing, shelling, golf, museums, historic homes, nature preserves, dog racing, and major league baseball spring training.

The resort offers 1,204 sites, with various options, including pull-thru sites, 50-amp service and full hookups. Other site amenities include phone service, cable TV and Internet access.

Indian Creek, 17340 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. 33931; (800) 967-0138.

Arizona:

Prospectors RV Resort is a two-season park open year-round with activities planned for each season. The 96 full hookup sites include cable TV, Internet access and phone service. Other amenities include a heated pool, spa, game room, laundry room, fitness room, and organized activities that include ice cream socials, bingo, popcorn and movie night and organized dinners and holiday events.

Prospectors RV Resort, 4750 N. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Ariz. 86404; (928) 764-2000, fax: (928) 764-2108.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge is in the White Mountains and offers a 9-hole golf course, tennis court, bocce, shuffleboard, billiards, pool, hot tub, craft rooms, entertainment, and a fishing lake. The 529 sites include 17 pull thru sites, 125 50-amp sites and 125 full hookups. There are also four Cabins and six RV rentals available.

Voyager is an adult Park.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge, 1993 Juniper Ridge Drive, Show Low, Ariz. 85901; (186) 653-4345; info@juniperridgerv.com; www.juniperridgerv.com.

Shangri-La RV Resort is family-owned and operated with a swimming pool and spa, planned activities, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball and free cable TV. The 302-site resort offers 18 pull thru sites; 302 30-amp, 302 50-amp, and 302 full hookup sites, as well as an RV rental. Additional amenities include concrete patios, a marina, planned recreation and it is equestrian friendly.

Shangri-La RV Resort, 10498 North Frontage Road, Yuma, Ariz. 85365; (928) 342-9123; info@shangrilarv.com; www.shangrilarv.com.

Texas:

Bay Colony RV Resort is located just 20 minutes outside of Houston and offers 71 full hookup sites with private patios. Amenities include: cable TV hookup, swimming, Internet access, laundry and a pool, and pets are welcome. The resort is also near the ocean, surfing, fishing, golf, shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Bay Colony RV Resort, 217 FM 517 W, Dickinson, Texas 77539; (866) 442-2978, (281) 614-5252, fax: (281) 614-1999; e-mail: bay_colony@verizon.net.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park has large pull-thru sites, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and is pet friendly. With 64 full hookup sites, 25 offer pull thru access. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access, phone service and complimentary coffee and donuts.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park, 1414 Sunrise Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79104; (806) 373-4962; info@amarillorvranch.com; www.amarillorvranch.com

Have a great winter camping season!

Summer’s coming to a close

2007-08-30T12:19:00.000-06:00

The end of summer is looming and I can neither believe it’s almost over nor am I ready for it to be over.

It seems like it was just a few days ago when we were shopping for our new camper and planning a two-week excursion in our new home on wheels. But it wasn’t just yesterday and it really is almost the end of summer – at least unofficially.

After this Labor Day holiday weekend, kids who haven’t already returned to school will do so and many families will pack away their RVs and campers until next spring.

I both love and hate this time of year. While I really love the crisp days of fall and the cool evenings, as well as my son’s high school football games, I really miss the carefree days of summer and the more frequent camping trips.

We do have some fall camping planned, but it won’t be on as regular a schedule as our summer camping. Maybe just a couple of times out, and likely near home because of late Friday night games.

But that will be for a future note. Right now I’m planning for our last big hurrah weekend of camping.

We’re going to Gordon's Camping Resort, just a few miles north of Kendallville in northern Indiana, about an hour from our home. The 75-acre campground doesn’t take reservations and has never turned a camper away, but we’re taking our camper up Thursday night just to be safe.

We have that Friday night football thing to deal with, so we didn’t want to lose out on our choice site by waiting until late Friday or early Saturday to get there.

The campground has sites for almost any preference, from open lawns, to wooded and shaded sites, and all with water, electricity and 20/30/50 AMP electrical connections.

But it’s not just the sites that have us interested. I’ve heard from people for many years that this is a nice place to go and we just haven’t made the outing, but with the list of activities, I think we’re going to have a great time.

My daughter and her friend – both nearly 13 – will have a grand time with all of the events planned, from kids Bingo, to hay rides, to a dance, the two girls should have a wonderful weekend. The heated swimming pool will be nice for the lazy afternoons, as well.

And our son, who will join us after work on Saturday, will be bringing a friend to admire the local scenery as they put it. And to get that last long weekend of doing nothing before the really intenseness of the senior year of high school sets in.

Even the weatherman is cooperating. He’s calling for sunny days and warm skies, but not the horrible heat we’ve been having. Now, if we could just get the gas stations to cooperate, but staying fairly close to home should keep our costs down.

AAA is calling for a flat holiday weekend with travel growing only .02 percent, even with the average fuel price at around $2.79 per gallon – lower than last year. AAA estimates that 34.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, almost the exact same number that traveled last Labor Day. According to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), travelers' perception of higher costs for fuel, lodging and airfares have resulted in the small growth in Labor Day travelers from 2006.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get out in the RV. While the gas may cost you, the lodging is reasonable and so is the entertainment. Firewood is inexpensive, and you have to eat even if you are at home.

So, pull up a camp chair, grab a hotdog stick and let’s go camping!

The Campground Can Break an Outing

2007-08-29T15:30:00.000-06:00

Camping with family and friends just doesn’t get any better than when you find the perfect campsite and have wonderful weather. However, the weather will be what it will be, so make sure the site works for you.

On a recent camping excursion we caught up with my dad and mom, sister and her family, brother and his family, and two grown nephews and their fiancé/girlfriend to do some camping at a state park in northern Michigan. Since this is near where I grew up and this is a state park my grandma took me to for many day trips as a kid – and we’ve camped there in the past, quite a while ago and several popup campers ago – I thought this would be great. Things sure change over time!

The state park camping facilities, like many state parks, need some updating attention. With trees in the way and very uneven sites, it isn’t easy maneuvering into a site, especially from the narrow roads. While we don’t have a mammoth trailer, at 29 feet, it does use up it’s own space.

Finally, we were in our space and since my family was there and the weather was decent, we could claim a successful trip. But wait, that was before we visited the lake and beach area that I grew up loving!

No longer is there a lifeguard on duty and the beach is not what I remember. And what happened to the HUGE swing set and merry-go-round? And what, no cotton candy or snow cones in the concession? Apparently, a new concessionaire has taken over and decided to trim down the offerings, both in food and in the souvenir shop. There’s nothing worse than realizing you can’t go back!

But wait, there’s more. I took my 3-year-old twin nieces to the lake to swim. They were catching minnows, splashing around and having fun, and because I’ve never been bothered before, we ignored the swimmer’s itch sign and went in anyway. I’ve still never had a reaction, but one of my nieces did and she suffered tremendously from the itching!

Maybe that’s why the once crowded beach had room for any visitor, and then some.

Now, just so you don’t think I’m condemning this place, I have many happy memories here from my childhood. But I think there used to be more care given to the facilities and the operations.

This is the campground where we got squirrels to run up our legs and take peanuts from our hands when I was probably 10. This is also the park where I spent long days swimming, playing and running with newfound friends as my grandma lounged in the shaded area when we took that special day off from the farm to spend a day at the beach. So, I have not ill feelings about the park. And I’ve stayed in beautiful state parks, so I don’t dislike them.

Now fast-forward a couple of weeks later to a private park just 20 minutes from there, just a few miles from my family’s farm in Mesick, and there you have a park that offers large, roomy sites for bigger campers and easy access roads.

While the attractions are still mainly the natural waterways and outdoor recreation, there is more attention to detail here.

This is also a park that brings back memories. I grew up swimming at the beach and few choice spots with swinging ropes at this Manistee River backwaters. I also spent some camping trips here with just my sister and me and my parent’s popup camper when we were teenagers. Yes, we were good – my dad could show up any time, and he did.

My family’s also camped here several times in the past 15 years. This was my daughter’s favorite place to make “dirt angels” when she was 3.

Since it’s early years, it has had groomed hiking trails added, which are great for runners or hikers. I’ve jogged the trails many times, and even searched them for my daughter once when she went too far with a puppy.

Northern Exposure Campground for this trek was one of relaxation. With sites right on the water, and large enough to easily accommodate our 29-foot trailer and it’s small slide, things were already much better.

The weather also seemed to cooperate more this weekend. No rain in sight!

Being able to easily back in the camper and set it up is the best way to start a weekend – that is if no pull-thru sites are available. My husband is much happier when he doesn’t have to make strategic maneuvers to make the camper fit. And since I didn’t think we bought that big of a camper, I’m always amazed when it can’t be accommodated, and that’s often at public campgrounds, state parks and even national parks.

So, listening to the frogs and crickets is made so much nicer when you didn’t have to work up a sweat to set up camp.

And visiting with neighbors who had just as easy a time is also good.

My dad did his usual talking with neighbors, which did help give us vital information about a new tow vehicle. We’re looking at a heavy-duty truck and now will likely go with the diesel after my dad’s conversation with an engineer from GM. We’re GM people anyway, but now we’ve done our homework and talked to the pros.

My husband is so happy – a new camper and now a new truck – life is good!

Now, sit back and relax!

Vacation Recap

2007-07-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I’m back from our first long vacation in our new RV. It was wonderful! Two weeks in the RV with the family – no work or sports.
We made a deal that no one was working on this vacation and except for one minor emergency business call, we kept that promise. It’s been a long time since we really got away and I can say that the long-awaited trip was worth every day that I stressed about not bringing work with me!
We visited northeast Tennessee and southeast Kentucky to hike, camp and go whitewater rafting. We had a great time discovering the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls and River.
We were amazed by the sandstone arches after about a 1 1/2 mile hike. We couldn’t believe the massive beauties and the access we had to climb atop of the arch and walk across it! We also rafted the Cumberland River, beginning at the falls – no we didn’t go over them, but paddled up to the falls and then went from there. We also hiked to the Yahoo Falls, which you can walk behind. However, with the lack of rain, it was only a drip, but still a remarkable drip!
We also discovered a town called Rugby, Tenn., which is on the National Registry and was incredible! A one-time utopia project in the works, the town was left behind, but later rediscovered and restored, as much as possible.
Then, when we were done with the outside wonders, we headed north to Cedar Point, you know, the roller coaster capital of the world! There, we experienced some of the most incredible man-made sights and rides. The Maverick is everything you heard – fantastic!
All in all we had a great time, and the time we spent in the national park campgrounds and private campgrounds was as relaxing and interesting as the rest of the trip.
While on the Tennessee side of the Big South Fork, we stayed in the campground in the park that took us down and up and up and down 13% grades and near u-turn turns, an interesting ride with the new camper. But once we arrived at the park that offered lots of space, horse barns for horse campers and numerous trails, we were happy with our choice.
The sites are set up in circles with easy back-in access and roomy spaces so we could stretch and let Bert, the Jack Russell Terrier of the family get out a little. We were warned about the bears and the Copperheads, but didn’t see any – that’s probably a good thing, although I was looking forward to some photos.
The campground hosts were very efficient here, although they weren’t as busy as the retired couple we encountered on the Kentucky side of the Big South Fork. There the couple from Ohio handled the trash and some of the clean up. They also watched a bear mosey in to camp from their breakfast table – probably not part of the deal.
We also spent some time at a Corbin KOA in Corbin, Ky., near the Cumberland Falls, that was very nice and gave us a chance to swim in a pool and have cable, which our 16-year-old son was grateful for about four days without anything but two stations. We don’t yet have a dish on our rig. He thinks we need one!
The sites were roomy and we had everything we needed, including a laundry room in the office/store. The owners and "workampers" were very helpful, giving us information on the sites of the area and offering assistance. They even had to let us out of our camper when we had a small mishap with a loose lock!
Thank goodness they were there. They even had had the same issue with their camper on a trip, so knew exactly what was wrong and how to fix it! The campground was very CLEAN and inviting and we met some interesting folks from Pennsylvania and other parts of Kentucky.
They offered sites with several different types of hookups. We took the full package, which gave us electric, water, sewer, cable and free W-Fi. Oh yeah, they wouldn’t let me bring my computer!
When we visited Cedar Point we stayed at their Camper Village, which we had stayed in before with our popup camper. This is a campground that isn’t cheap, but also doesn’t offer a lot of frills. You pay for the park access, but that’s what we wanted. Those that stay in the campground or one of the other Cedar Point facilities get early entry into the park, which this summer meant getting on the Maverick before the lines were two-hours long!
A tip for those who might go here, fill up your water tank, there are no full hookups here, only electric. However, the sites are big enough and they do offer pull-thru sites – but tell them how big your RV is, so they put in the right place!
The staff does keep a nice clean facility and the bathhouses were clean with adequate supplies of hot water!

selecting a campsite

2007-06-18T08:21:00.000-06:00

So, you’ve got your camper ready for the camping season, but you’re not sure where to go. First you need to decide: Do you want to take several trips with your camper in tow – or in drive – or do you want to find a place to park your unit for the season?
Either way, there are tips you should consider when choosing a campground.

If you’re someone who enjoys visiting different areas of the region or country, then a “seasonal” site isn’t what’ you’re looking for. However, make sure you plan ahead because campgrounds, whether they are state or national parks, or private parks, fill fast these days. With more than 29 million RV owners and active campers, according to The American Camper: Profiles and Perspectives, premium sites are a hot commodity.

Most public campgrounds use reservation services that allow reservations to be made months in advance. So, if you’re interested in one of the nation’s outdoor wonders, make plans early. But public parks aren’t the only answer. Many private parks are also available near such wonders as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and in the Smoky Mountains. And, they also take reservations. Many times, they also offer a greater number of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi (wireless Internet service) and cable TV.

GoCampingAmerica is home to hundreds of private campgrounds and RV parks where you can search from state to state and region to region to find a campground with amenities from full-service connections, to pools, to golf courses. These relaxing amenities can add to your visit to nature’s wonders when you need a break from hiking or white water rafting a nice round of golf may be on the agenda.

And since it appears the average price for a campsite is $20-$50 per night, the stay is reasonable and usually in the same range as the public parks.

For those who want to take their RV to a site and leave it so they can return each weekend or for a weeklong vacation, a private park is what you are seeking. Most offer a seasonal or long-term rate. However, don’t look for the same in public parks. They have a maximum consecutive stay for all visitors.

Today, there are more than 12,000 RV parks and campgrounds throughout North America from which to choose, and the amenities are almost limitless. Some of those most sought after in both RV parks and campgrounds are simple, larger sites and quick check-in.

However, whether you fit into the group of young professionals who want a retreat, a family looking for an entertaining getaway or a snowbird that wants a longer stay in a warmer region for the winter, there’s a park for you.

Parks accommodate RVs, owned or rented. Most have areas for tenters and some even offer camping cabins that can be rented. So, if you don’t own your own RV, find a park that can rent you one – or at least a cabin for your vacation. There are some parks that also offer on-site trailer rentals so you can get the RV experience before you actually get the RV. There are also park models – a permanent RV – and cabins, so enjoy the outdoors and the campground no matter what your circumstance.

Just remember to call ahead; there are a lot of us out there!

camping - buying a camper

2007-05-15T07:04:00.001-06:00

Picking Your RV or Tent

It seems that no matter how we start camping – as kids with our parents or as adults – many of us take that first camping trip in a tent. Many times its under the stars in the backyard, but it seems to ignite something that turns into a passion to hit the roads, pull into a campground and set up camp.

For many, the camping trail ends with some sort of RV – whether it’s a popup camper, travel trailer, fifth wheel or a motorhome. In fact, nearly 8 million U.S. households own at least one RV, according to RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association).

I, like many others, began my camping trips in the yard on my grandparent’s farm. My grandma would help us rig up a “tent” that we made from hammocks and blankets or other items, or we’d put out my uncle’s puptent, and camp outside. I spent most of my childhood outside, so sleeping out there seemed natural. Luckily for me, my grandma was willing to join in the fun!

But I actually began staying in campgrounds in a popup camper with my parents, sister and brother. Like many other RVers who begin their relationship with camping as a child, I returned to my roots as an adult.

My husband and I started camping with our own tent and all the necessities – a Coleman stove, lanterns, open-fire percolator coffee pot, an air mattress to relieve the hard ground and all of the other little gadgets you pick up along the way. I loved camping in the tent, but it wasn’t long after our son was born that we moved into a camper – a popup, just like the one I started camping in, except my parent’s camper was new, mine was just from the same era. After my daughter was born, we moved up to a little nicer popup – still used, but a little newer. Then, a few years later, we bought our first new popup camper. Wow! We got to break everything in ourselves!

Today, about one in 10 active RVers own a popup camper, according to “The American Camper: Profiles and Perspectives,” a survey prepared by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell of Orlando, Fla., for the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), and also sponsored by the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA). The largest two segments of RV owners have a motorized RV (a motorhome) or a travel trailer.

My family recently joined one of those two groups – the travel trailer owners. Our little campers are now 16 and 12, so we went with a bunkhouse model – everyone can sleep without breaking down the table or folding out the couch.

We did our homework and decided what we needed, what we wanted, and what we were willing to spend. Then, we took a trip to RV haven – Elkhart, Ind. – where we could see many of the models. We found that a trip just a couple hours away really could, and did, save us money.

During our search, we also visited many of the consumer RV websites, looking for any information on brands to avoid problems later. Since there is no “Consumer Reports” for RVs, we went straight to the source – RVers. We asked those we knew with RVs what they liked or didn’t like about the model and brand they owned, and we searched the forums on RV.net to see what others had to say.

I’m glad we did the research, but it took some time. There’s almost always someone who isn’t happy with something, but we wanted to make sure we weren’t getting a brand with which several owners had many similar problems. What we found on the RV.net forum did stop us from an initial purchase, on a brand that had several negative entries.

But, we finally settled on a Jayco Jay Flight 29BHS. This camper has a small slide, which was something my husband wanted for those trips that end up cold and rainy, a front queen bedroom and bunks in the rear, with a full-size lower bunk. We also were able to find a new 2006 still on a lot that allowed us more bargaining room.

This camper fit all of our needs – sleeping arrangements, with extra sleeping accommodations for friends, room enough for the family, and light enough to tow with our Tahoe. And, it fit the budget we had set.

So, just a suggestion for those of you who are looking for tents, campers or motorhomes – make sure you know your needs. If you’re purchasing a tent, sleeping arrangements are still important, as is how you’re going to use the tent – in a campground or on the move. When it comes to RVs, sleeping needs are also important, but there are also other considerations.

If you will tow a trailer or fifth-wheeler, what will you be towing with? Many types of vehicle can haul the lightweight popup campers, but travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers are heavier, so you need to know your weight limitations. And, fifth-wheelers must be towed by pickups. For those who are interested in motorhomes, it becomes an issue of needs and amenities, and price.

So, no matter where you are in life and what your needs and desires are for camping, there are some similar questions you must ask yourself. And stick to those answers – determine your need and your price and don’t waver. Then, if you are buying a towable RV, know what your vehicle can handle.

And, once you’ve made a choice, find the perfect camping place. Campgrounds across the United States offer a variety of options – from short-term stays to seasonal camping, where you can park your RV for the camping season – usually the summer months. To find out more about campgrounds near you, or near a place you’d like to visit, GoCampingAmerica.com gives you information on private campgrounds in each state. Just a click of the mouse will let you know how to contact the campground, and if they have a website, will take you to a virtual tour of the park.

Happy Camping!