• The Best Way to Skirt Your RV
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First, a quick update: Last month, our News and Noteworthy article discussed how South Dakota was considering changing their residency laws to exclude Full-Time RVers. The great news is that the Senate State Affairs Committee killed both laws in a unanimous vote of 9-0. So our South Dakota RV domicile friends can rest easy.
This month, we start with a Colorado family that needed to change their 9-5 way of life. Today Ben and Charity of “Grateful Glampers” travel across the country with their family, teaching their followers about RVing. Learn more about them in our Feature Article!
Need help finding the Best Spring Break Campgrounds For Families? Turn to our Are We There Yet? Section to get some great ideas. One is a Best Campground KOA award winner!
Are you looking to flat-tow a toad as a dinghy? Our Drivable Motorhome Section highlights the Best Tow Bars to Flat-Tow Your Passenger Vehicle.
Our Towable Trailer Article shows you some fantastic Family Bunkhouse Travel Trailers. So whether you need to sleep 4 or 10, there’s a towable RV for everyone.
Did you know that some truck campers are family-friendly? Our Van & Truck Camper Department shows you the Best Truck Campers For Families.
Some of the Coolest RVing Gear For Kids can be educational. Many are STEM-Friendly! Get your future Nobel Prize Earth Scientist a safari vest with a magnifying glass, compass, journal, safety whistle, and more. They can also use these tools to earn patches as a National Park Junior Ranger!
Todd Henson from the NRVTA gives us some insights on Choosing a Portable Gas Generator for your RV in our Nuts and Bolts section.
Starting this Spring, Harvest Hosts is introducing their CampersCard Program. Once it begins, you can use Harvest Hosts for your overnight stopovers during your journey and this new discount campground feature for your final camping destination!
We hope you enjoy your April issue of RV Camping Magazine.
APRIL 2023
VOL.3, ISSUE 4
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Scarpignato
BRAND MANAGER Susan Scarpignato
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brian Newman
DESIGN
SR. ART DIRECTOR Kelly Y. Lee
CONTRIBUTORS
NRVTA
Thomas Godwin Terri Nighswonger
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING SALES Mike Scarpignato mike@rvblogger.com 443-699-6556
EDITORIAL mike@rvblogger.com
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BY THE NRVTA
If you’re considering purchasing a small fuel generator, we have 5 tips before purchasing that portable gas generator.
The first tip is going to be the weight. Many of these portable generators come in various sizes, so what’s the right size that suits you?
A lot of RVers go with their first instinct and choose the biggest generator possible because it provides the most power. But, if you can’t move or store it, the generator isn’t really portable. So you want to look at the weight to make sure you can move it.
Second, of course, is power. Look at the total wattage that the portable generator produces. Generally, small generators produce less power than bigger versions. And they typically won’t produce the 50 or 30-amp power you’re used to when your RV is plugged in at a campsite.
Portable generators usually produce half the power of when you are plugged into shore power.
no additional cost!
Should the unexpected take place, this plan provides coverage to return your dependents, pets, and RV home if you are not able to drive. While most people never experience a serious illness or accident during their travels, things can and do happen. Having a comprehensive medical emergency evacuation/repatriation and travel assistance program will allow you to enjoy your travels and focus on what’s most important to you. FMCAssist equals peace of mind.
By joining FMCA today, you’ll receive coverage immediately and save $10 off your first year of FMCA membership.
In most cases, they produce 1,600 Watts. Heavier gennies can top off around 3,500 Watts, but then the weight issue could be a problem. So in order to run off a small portable generator, you’ll need to cut back on your power consumption.
Some portable generator brands let you run 2 of their generators in parallel (together) to increase your wattage output. These
companies have bridge devices that plug into both generators.
The third consideration is the fuel capacity of the gas generators. Many state that they’ll last a certain amount of hours at a 50% load (a.k.a. generating half of the electricity it’s capable of producing).
For example, if you have a portable generator that produces 1,700 Watts and
says it’ll last 6 hours at a 50% load, that gives you 850 Watts of usable power.
A bonus tip is to purchase another 5-gallon gas can that lets you top off the generator right before you turn in for the night. That way, you’re not waking up at 2 or 3 a.m. when the A/C stops working because the gennie ran dry.
Number 4 is the noise level of gas generators. When you’re around other RVers,
no one really wants to hear your portable generator. Most campgrounds with dry campsites (a.k.a. no RV hookups), that we’ve seen have a noise limit of 58 decibels (around average room noise or background music level).
Some bigger generators are just over the line at 60-70 decibels. So make sure you’re considerate to the other people around you, even if you’re boondocking.
Finally, you want to look at the quality of the power the portable generator produces. If
you’re just running your air conditioner, furnace, and other essentials, the alternating current (AC) sine wave clean energy isn’t much of an issue.
When it comes to high-end electronics like TVs, CPAP
machines, etc., you want to make sure the portable generator produces the cleanest AC sine wave energy via a built-in inverter.
RVCM Editor: Right now, California’s “Air Pollution: Small Off-Road Engines” Law, AB-1346 (CARB), doesn’t go into effect until 2028.
The law itself only bans the sale of small gas engine devices, like RV generators, within the state, not the use. Also, this law doesn’t include propane or diesel generators, only gas. Its primary focus concerns lawn equipment and other small-engine devices.
If you would like to be able to fix the majority of the problems on your RV yourself, check out the Home Study Course offered by the NRVTA!
As someone who loves RVing, the outdoors, and all there is to do in nature, it’s a great feeling when your kids share the same passions. You have your RVing gear, so why shouldn’t your young ones also have their gear? Check out this cool gear for young nature lovers that will get them fired up to play outside and explore the world around them.
Start them young with a love of the outdoors. This Summer Pop ‘N Play Playard helps you to create a safe play area for your little one to explore. This is perfect for the RV. It’s lightweight and can be set up and taken down in seconds.
Features include a clip-on full coverage canopy, padded floor, and touchscreen-enabled entertainment pouch. A travel bag with a shoulder strap is included, so you can take this to the beach or wherever your travels find you.
For more great baby stuff, see our article, 14 Essential
Any kid who loves exploring and adventure will be over-the-moon for the Kids Explorer Kit. It comes with all they need to make great discoveries in the wilds of a campground or national park. The set includes
a safari vest and hat, backpack, telescope, push-on flashlight, butterfly net, magnifying glass, compass, whistle, bug jar, bug tongs, and 5 plastic insects.
The breathable explorer hat and vest are made of durable fabric that can withstand rough outdoor use. The hat will keep
Kids Explorer Kit
• AGE GROUP: 3-8 years
• STEM-FRIENDLY: Yes
• # OF ITEMS: 17
• STORAGE ITEM: Safari Vest
your child cool, and the vest has pockets to store everything they need to watch birds in flight, catch butterflies and other insects, and observe small things with the magnifying glass.
Inspire your child’s curiosity and imagination with this outdoor explorer kit. The 9-piece set includes binoculars, a compass, an LED flashlight, magnifying bug collector, a bug,
magnifying glass, a whistle, a backpack, and an unplugged explorer’s journal.
Once kids get this kit, they will unplug from electronics and focus on the natural world around them. They will develop STEM skills such as
the many nature-based sciences, navigation, morse code, and much more. This educational tool will get them excited about learning and nature.
Unplugged Explorer Kit
• AGE GROUP: 3 and up
• STEM-FRIENDLY: Yes
• # OF ITEMS: 9
• STORAGE ITEM: Backpack
Lightweight, compact, and maneuverable the XP Lite makes traveling easier and efficient. It weighs only 46lbs making this one of the lightest eBikes on the market. Starting at only $799, ride anywhere, anytime at our most affordable price.
Activities and fun abound when your child is enrolled in the Junior Ranger program through the National Park Service. Kids can complete a series of activities during a National park visit, share their answers with a park ranger and receive an
official Junior Ranger Patch and certificate.
They can also learn through workbooks and online learning activities when they can’t get outside or visit a park.
Kids will learn the Junior Ranger motto, take an oath to protect parks, continue learning
about parks, and share their ranger stories with friends and family.
Although Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5-13, people of all ages can participate.
• AGE GROUP: 5-13
• STEM-FRIENDLY: Yes
• # OF ITEMS: 1
• STORAGE ITEM: N/A
NPS Junior Ranger
If you travel with kids on the road, you know that RVing can be a fun learning experience for them. They can get out into nature, learn about the environment and apply real-world applications to many different scientific fields.
Who knows, you may have a STEM candidate and future Nobel Prize
Winner sleeping on the top bunk.
What good is a bunkhouse without some kiddos to fill it? If you have a big family, there’s no reason you can’t still get around the country in style and luxury. When it comes to kids, all adults need is a little bit of privacy every now and then, along with a
healthy dose of fun and excitement.
Fortunately, travel trailer manufacturers are more than aware that it's not just solo campers and couples buying their rigs. People have families,
and even kids get tired of sleeping on the convertible dinette. Tents are a blast but only if it's not raining.
The following travel trailers are all bunkhouse variations. What kids
(or even other family members and friends) don’t appreciate bunk beds? The best part is, they still feature all of the things RVers have come to expect. As the saying goes, “RVing is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle!”
The Keystone Hideout Series is known as “RVs for the adventurous,” and for good reason. The Hideout 176BH sleeps 6 and has a lot of features that accommodate families. Bedside outlets to charge those smartphones and gaming devices are one of many conveniences this travel trailer offers.
The safety features are top-notch as well, including GFCI receptacles, a propane gas leak detector, and 4G LTE/WiFI prep. The cell and WiFi prep is something Keystone now includes in every model, making it easy to maintain internet and cellular reception no matter where you are.
Spacious and comfortable design, excellent living amenities, privacy, extra storage, and lots of counter space define the 176BH, making it an excellent choice for families.
• UVW: 3,810 lbs
• GVWR: 4,500 lbs
• TONGUE WEIGHT: 520 lbs
• CCC: 690 lbs
• LENGTH: 21.4’
• SLEEP: 6
• Multiple bedside outlets
• GFI receptacles
• Propane gas leak detector
• 4G LTE and WiFi prep
The 28BHSS includes a quad-bunk room that sleeps up to 8 people, making it ideal for large families or even a trip with a large group. Storage is plentiful, and
having a walk-in pantry big enough to stock a ton of food for a long vacation is always nice.
Luxury abounds in the 28BHSS as well, including an electric fireplace, a Bluetooth
sound bar, exterior speakers, and cool-blue LED lighting. The darktinted windows allow for a bit of privacy if the kids need a nap in the middle of the day.
• UVW: 7,513 lbs
• GVWR: 9,063 lbs
• TONGUE WEIGHT: 835 lbs
• CCC: 1,550 lbs
• LENGTH: 36’ 10”
• SLEEP: 8
• Bunkhouse is private
• Walk-in pantry
• Plenty of elbow room
• Solar & Camera prep
The Cherokee 274BRB is the doppelganger of the Grey Wolf 26BRB. Though the latter is more popular, the former is an excellent bunkhouse travel trailer for large families. It sleeps up to 10 people and is more than spacious enough to accommodate all of them.
The slide-out makes for an enormous living space; even the bunks are fullsized. Extra storage is always necessary with large groups, and the 274DBH is more than up to the task.
The large dinette table is great for family gatherings. Features also include a power awning and outdoor kitchen that will make for comfortable outdoor evenings.
“The [Grey Wolf 26BRB] is more popular, the [Cherokee 274BRB] is an excellent bunkhouse travel trailer for families. It sleeps up to 10 people and is more than enough to accommodate all of them.”
SPECS
• UVW: 6,383 lbs
• GVWR: 9,985 lbs
• TONGUE WEIGHT: 720 lbs
• CCC: 3,602 lbs
• LENGTH: 32.7’
• SLEEP: 10
• 6Full-size bunks
• Extra seating space
• Outdoor Kitchen
• Large pantry
[Cherokee for large spacious
Having a large family is great, but everyone needs a little privacy occasionally, especially on rainy days when everyone is inside the trailer. The Mesa Ridge 338BHS remedies this in a few ways.
Both the master bedroom and the bunkhouse have doors to give everyone their own space. The master bedroom even has its own entry into the primary bathroom. The other great feature is that the bunkhouse has a half bathroom. That way, the kids can stay on their side of the trailer, giving mom and dad a peaceful night.
The U-Lounge in the living space acts as both a sofa and dining space with two oval tables that mount on the floor at both ends. Everyone will have a great view of the huge TV during movie night.
Storage may look small, but you will find that it is deceptively huge. The side hutch drawers are deep, and the storage under the oven can hold all of your pots and pans.
SPECS
• UVW: 10,330 lbs
• GVWR: 12,000 lbs
• TONGUE WEIGHT: 1,210 lbs
• CCC: 1,670 lbs
• LENGTH: 39.11’
• SLEEP: 9
BEST FEATURES
• 21 cu. ft. residential fridge
• Glass shower door
• Keyed-Alike door and bays
• 4 Seasons Package
It's not just about kids and large families. There are also other reasons to go for a bunkhouse floor plan. They tend to be more spacious since bedding is focused on a small, self-contained area. Many travel trailer
bunkhouses feature fold-down bunks, giving you storage and sleeping options.
Small families and couples are buying bunkhouse travel trailers as well. With a little sweat equity, the bunkhouse makes a great office space for those who work on the road. Bunkhouse travel
trailers that come with removable sofas offer room for desks and have the right type of electric outlets for computers and other peripherals.
Whether camping with your large family or needing a private space to work, bunkhouse travel trailers can be the right RV for you and your family.
Harvest Hosts is an RV membership program that allows self-contained travelers to overnight at unique locations around the country including farms, wineries, museums, breweries, and more! With 4683+ host locations inside of our everexpanding network, there’s an amazing experience waiting for everyone.
The Oxford Dictionary defines Glamping as “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.” Yet for Ben and Charity DeVries, they gratefully redefine that definition on a daily basis. Together with their 2 kids, Dakota and Trinity, not forgetting Alaska, the family dog, they travel full-time in their Class A diesel pusher motorhome all across the country.
First RV: 2000
Fleetwood Pace Arrow
Class A Motorhome
Gasser
Current RV: 2004
Fleetwood Discovery Class A Motorhome
Diesel
Started RVing: July
2017
Children: Dakota & Trinity- School Age
Origin: Colorado
Domicile: Florida
Like many American Families, they worked 9-5 jobs, and the kids went to school and dealt with the winter snow. Then they met a couple who helped them see beyond the daily grind. In January 2015, they took a drive over to an RV dealer (did we say they’re from Colorado?). Finding a motorhome they liked, they took a family photo in front of it and hung it on the refrigerator as a motivational goal.
Two years later, they bought their first motorhome, skiing down
Today, with over 140,000 YouTube followers, this family of 4 teaches newbie and veteran RVers the realities of RVing from their own experiences.
We had the chance to speak with Ben and Charity of “Grateful Glamper” to learn more about them, how they started in the RV lifestyle, and gain some great insights about their RV experiences.
WHY DID YOU START “GRATEFUL GLAMPER,” AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A YOUTUBER?
Our favorite thing about being YouTubers is being able to share some of our daily life with others - especially friends and family. We have family scattered throughout the US, so it is nice to be able to connect with them this way, even though many miles separate us.
HOW HAS FULL-TIME RVING CHANGED YOU AND YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD?
The world became both bigger and smaller - it's an interesting dichotomy - it became larger in the sense that there is so much to see and so much depth in things to learn. It is smaller in the sense that we would
“Our favorite thing about being YouTubers is being able to share some of our daily life with others - especially friends and family.”
run into people from our hometown or with shared experiences.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE RV LIFESTYLE?
We started our RV life by buying an older Class A gas motorhome (2000 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 32M) and taking weekend and week-long trips.
WHAT STATES AND/OR
COUNTRIES REMAIN EMPTY ON YOUR RV STICKER MAP?
Out of the lower 48, only one, Arkansas, still needs to be added to our map. We plan to visit there this summer! Hawaii and Alaska are also still empty. We had reservations for Banff in Canada in 2020, but COVID stopped our plans there.
AS FULL-TIMERS THAT SEND YOUR KIDS TO THE LOCAL SCHOOLS, WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU ASK THE CAMPGROUNDS YOU’RE CONSIDERING STAYING AT DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR? We ask about weekly or monthly rates and make sure they are family/kid friendly!
HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE FULLTIMING IN A GASSER MOTORHOME TO A DIESEL PUSHER BASED ON YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?
The gas-engine RV was cheaper from a cost of ownership perspective, but that was about all. The diesel pusher has a MUCH nicer (quieter) ride, and it pushes
through Mountain passes easier.
We NEVER worry about overloading it (it has a HUGE weight carrying capacity) and much more space. However, we wish we had gone with a diesel pusher from the get-go.
WHAT’S ON YOUR RV BUCKET LIST?
Some of our bucket list places are in Canada -
Banff, Vancouver, and the east coast of Canada. But only in the summer, LOL. Also, We would LOVE to go back and revisit Boston and NYC.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO START THEIR RV ADVENTURES?
Start NOW - however, and whatever that looks like in your mind. Even if it is
just a pop-up camper or small travel trailer, start as soon as you can!
You can visit our website and blog. We are also on Youtube, Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook. People can get to know us best by watching our Youtube videos. New weekly videos drop on Sundays at 3 p.m. EST.
“Glamping doesn’t necessarily require a plush sofa or the finest building materials in their motorhome. Instead, their definition of glamping focuses on the RV lifestyle itself. ”
HOW DOES THIS FAMILY DEFINE GRATEFUL GLAMPING?
For Ben and Charity, the concept of Grateful Glamping doesn’t necessarily require a plush sofa or the finest building materials in their motorhome. Instead, their definition of glamping focuses on the RV lifestyle itself.
Their dream was to spend more time, make memories, and have adventures with their children and each other.
They didn’t want to continue the daily grind of the typical 9-5 lifestyle or have their lives contained primarily to one location. They wanted to see and explore everything possible gratefully.
WATCH THE GRATEFUL GLAMPERS ON “RV UNPLUGGED!”
Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and set that reminder bell on YouTube for RV Unplugged, sponsored by the NRVTA. Ben and Charity are on the red team under the leadership of Stacy from “Today is Someday.”
Catch the Grateful Glampers and other popular RV influencers compete in reality show games for prizes and supplies in a boondocking situation.
Will Ben and Charity win the grand prize of $10,000?
There’s nothing better than heading out on the open road in your motorhome and exploring our country's great unknown. Yet once you get to your campground destination, what do you do when you have to run to the store at night? Is it really worth disconnecting everything for a gallon of milk?
We’ll highlight the best tow bars for towing your passenger vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground. If you’re unsure if your car or SUV can be flat-towed, check the owner’s manual and read our blog article to learn more.
33 CARS AND TRUCKS THAT CAN BE FLAT-TOWED BEHIND AN RV
Before we start with the best tow bars for toads, we’ll first point out all the parts of the towing system. It’s more involved since passenger vehicles aren’t prepped to be towed.
The tow bar itself has a hitch that fits in the rear receiver or accepts a ball hitch on your motorhome. Two arms form a V-shape from the hitch point: either square-steel pipes or adjustable arms.
The adjustable versions are recommended if you can swing it (sorry for the pun). They make connecting the arms
easier to attach to your vehicle and have other road stabilization benefits as well.
If you get down on the ground and look
under the back of your motorhome, you’ll see that your motorhome’s tow hitch has thick bolts connecting it directly to your RV’s frame and that it’s also welded in place. This method ensures the best connection possible.
To tow your passenger vehicle, it needs something under the front of the vehicle to act as a hitch receiver for the car, SUV, or truck so it can be pulled. This is called the base plate, which looks sort of like a hitch. It also has additional connection places for the tow bar and other connections.
Your passenger vehicle needs some additional wiring. It may not be wired up for toading, even if it comes with a tow package. If you know what you’re doing, you could wire up
*In the RV World, the words “Toad” and “Dinghy” refer to the passenger vehicle that you’re towing behind your motorhome. It also refers to the passenger vehicle if you’re triple towing with your fifth wheel or travel trailer.
yourself, but we always recommend having a professional feed the various wires and cables to do it.
The last thing you want is a wire melting or the emergency braking cable snapping because it's rubbing on something that wears it down.
You’ll also need a braking system that pushes down the toad’s brake pedal when you slow down in your RV. Many brands are different, but keeping the same ones together is always good. This may sound very 20th-century,
but many of these brands are only self-compatible.
The Rambler 70001 is a fantastic choice for small flat-towable cars under 7,500 lbs. It gives you active slide resistance in the arms for excellent control of your tow vehicle, non-binding
latches for easy release, and protection against road debris. Once you get to your camping destination, you can either fold it up or easily detach it from your RV since it only weighs less than 40 lbs.
• Max Tow: 7,500 lbs.
• Compatible with CURT or Blue Ox base plates
• < 40 lbs. Product Weight
• Class III hitch compatibility
NIGHTHAWK 676
Roadmaster not only has a great reputation in the hitch industry, but they also came up with a solution that was thought of as unsolvable! The Nighthawk is an 8,000 lbs toad hitch that lights up at night!
The Nighthawk has LED lights across the outside of each arm that can be clearly seen at night. This way, other drivers will clearly see that the passenger vehicle behind your RV is attached.
Nighthawk FEATURES
RoadMaster
• Max Tow: 8,000 lbs.
• LED Light strips on arms
• Enclosed channels for power cords
• Longest tow bar arms in the industry
The Blue Ox Avail is known well in the RV World. Its 10,000 lbs towing capacity will ensure you’re fullyloaded Cadillac Escalade can come with you on your journey. If you
want to make things easy, Blue Ox also offers a braking system, an accessory kit with all the wiring, and a base plate. This way, you have a one-stop shop for everything you need in one place.
BLUEVISIT OX AVAIL TOWBX7420BAR
Winter is behind us. Kids are out of school for spring break. So now it’s time to plan a family vacation everyone can enjoy. Many great locations avoid the spring break party crowds that have plenty of family-friendly fun for everyone!
Why not consider an RV camping trip? RV parks across the country offer various activities for all ages, from playgrounds and hiking trails to swimming pools and game rooms. RV camping is an affordable and fun way to spend quality time together as a family, but there are many campgrounds choices.
To make things easier, here are some of the best options for families looking to enjoy their spring break camping adventure without all the college kids.
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake is perfect for families who want to relax and unwind with nature. With access to the Ocklawaha River, Sun Retreats is an excellent spot
for nature lovers looking to kayak or fish.
This Sun Outdoors Resort has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, and putting green to enjoy the Spring Florida Sunshine. Other amenities include a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and fullservice restaurant. There is also a playground, basketball court, and horseshoe area for the kids.
the whole family. 062 RV CAMPING MAG
With its convenient location near Ocala
National Forest, Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake offers plenty of spring break activities for
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Farm Country RV Park is ideal for exploring Texas history during spring break. In Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Farm Country RV Park offers sweeping scenic views of the Hill Country, plus easy access to several local attractions.
There are guided horseback rides through scenic hills around Bandera for an extra family adventure. Then, take the kids to the Frontier Times Museum, where you can learn about life in the old west.
With full hookup RV sites for your family’s camping needs, an on-site pool, laundry room, and clubhouse for entertaining, Farm Country RV Park has everything you need to make your spring break a fun and memorable experience.
RV PARK
“Farm Country RV Park offers sweeping scenic views of the Hill Country, plus easy access to several local attractions.”
The New Bern Holiday KOA is a great location to enjoy all that spring break offers. Set amidst towering trees and the picturesque Neuse River, enjoy days filled with nature hikes, swimming, fishing, pedal boats, and kayak rentals.
RVers will appreciate the full hookups and spacious patio sites, while kids love exploring the playground, gem mining, and jump pad. And thanks to its central location, the New Bern Holiday KOA is an excellent base for exploring all that eastern North Carolina offers.
From historic downtown
New Bern, the secondoldest city in North Carolina, to the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s such a great place; this campground won KOA’s Campground of the Year Award in 2019!
Stone Mountain Park Campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and camping fun for the whole family. With 250 full or partial hook-ups, you’ll have plenty of options when picking your private getaway spot.
Enjoy the Spring FUN Break at Stone Mountain Park, just minutes from the campground. This special event runs through the end of May with activities for all ages, including a thrilling laser light show, a majestic Summit Skyride, and a scenic open car train ride.
Take the family on some of the incredible nature trails, where you can explore a variety of habitats and enjoy breathtaking views. Or cast a line in one of the many fishing spots around the park and try to catch some dinner.
If you're looking for the ideal place to relax and unwind, you can take advantage of
the on-site swimming pool, sand volleyball court, and children's playground. So grab your camping gear and head to Stone Mountain Park Campground for a genuinely unforgettable spring break experience.
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK CAMPGROUND
“Stone Mountain Park Campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and camping fun for the whole family.”
Located in Live Oak, Florida, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground is a oneof-a-kind destination for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The park boasts eight hundred acres of pristine forest, meadows, and wetlands, with the historic Suwannee River running through it.
In April, the park comes alive with the Suwannee River Jam, a three-day country music festival featuring some of the best country music acts in the country. At night, gather around the campfire for some good old Pickin’ & Grinnin’ jam sessions under the stars.
Besides enjoying live music, visitors can enjoy the campground’s many amenities. Go for a hike, bike one of the park’s scenic trails, or rent a kayak or canoe and explore the historic Suwannee River at your own pace.
Visit the bat house, and watch thousands of bats take flight at sunset. Tour the Boatright Barn Museum and learn about old-fashioned farm equipment and tools. There’s a country store and restaurant on-site to
provide all the necessities and a variety of shops and restaurants near the campground.
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground is a unique experience that will leave you with excellent spring
break memories and lifelong friendships.
RIVER MUSIC PARK & CAMPGROUND
From nature hikes and fishing to live music festivals and swimming pools, you can find a wonderful place to enjoy your family’s spring break getaway. These
options make it easy to escape the college crowds and thoroughly enjoy a fun-filled break. No matter which RV Park you choose, these campgrounds provide an amazing backdrop for quality family time yearround.
BY THOMAS GODWIN
At first glance, a truck camper doesn’t seem all that big, at least not compared to a motorhome or a large travel trailer.
Fortunately, some of these truck campers are monstrous, especially
on the inside. It may take a physical inspection to drive the point home, but there really are family truck campers with enough room to accommodate quite a few people.
Not a believer yet? Well, some of these campers don’t need a big truck to haul them. You’ll find that the best features focus on family-friendly amenities like sleeping accommodations and safety.
You can only haul this monster with a 1-ton truck. It's heavy, durable, and manufactured in Lamilux HG 4000, which is an industry-speak for high-gloss fiberglass.
Once it’s installed, it's not going anywhere, thanks to the Lance’s LanceLock Trusswork System.
The inside is surprisingly spacious and airy. It features two slide-outs, one in the rear and one on the road side. Once the slide-outs are situated,
the 1172 is loaded with everything you would expect in a Class C, including a convertible sofa, two sleeping areas, a dry bath, and a full kitchen.
SPECS
• TRUCK CATEGORY: 1-ton
• CARGO BED: Long
• LENGTH 20’ 4”
• UVW 4,318 LBS
• CENTER OF GRAVITY: 61” Front/35” Rear
• SLEEP: 5 to 6
BEST FEATURES:
• High-gloss fiberglass construction
• Fold-down, childrestraint bunk
• Convertible dinette
• Plenty of storage
The Host Mammoth name suits its interior proportions and is wellconstructed. It's a long-bed truck camper that features three slideouts. That’s why this “mammoth” needs a longbed 3500 series truck or bigger.
When the three slideouts are extended, it's positively luxurious and spacey. It has a high-end extravagant aesthetic with soft browns that are dark but warm against a white overhead. All of which surrounds the entertainment center, complete with an HDTV and a fireplace.
The domestic features are also present, including plenty of cabinetry, an 8-cubic-foot fridge, a loveseat, a 6-gallon water heater, a three-burner stovetop, and an optional washer/dryer station in the rear slide out.
Host Mammoth 11.6
SPECS
• TRUCK CATEGORY: 1-ton
• CARGO BED: Long
• LENGTH 20’ 4”
• UVW 4,318 LBS
• CENTER OF GRAVITY: 61” Front/35” Rear
• SLEEP: 5 to 6
BEST FEATURES:
• High-gloss fiberglass construction
• Fold-down, childrestraint bunk
• Convertible dinette
• Plenty of storage
Dropping to the ¾ truck class, we have the Scout Kenai, which is astonishingly light at a 1,231-lb dry weight. However, it still manages to sleep 6, so kudos to Scout for their next-level innovations. The mudroom entrance and stainless steel drain pan are the most popular features of this one.
But the RinseKit
portable shower, which is pressurized and heated, doesn’t lag far behind. The interior is spacious with next-gen features. The aesthetic of multi-shades of grays and whites fits today’s contemporary look. A 4.75-gallon Thetford Cassette Toilet rests quietly and unassuming behind the dinette.
It's also a great option for boondocking since it features a Yeti Goal Zero
1500x Lithium Battery and a 2,000W inverter.
Editor’s note: Scout states that the Kenai can be hauled by a ½ ton truck that has a heavyduty hauling package. While we accept their claim, these half-ton pickups aren’t widely available, so we recommend using a ¾ ton truck. This will allow you more payload weight for your gear and less stress on the truck.
• TRUCK CATEGORY: ½ to ¾ - ton
• CARGO BED: All Lengths
• LENGTH: 12.1’
• UVW: 1,265 lbs
• CENTER OF GRAVITY: 35”
• SLEEP: up to 6
BEST FEATURES:
• Very lightweight
• Fantastic storage
• Mudroom entrance w/ drain pan
• Staw-away cassette toilet
• TRUCK CATEGORY: 1/2-ton
• CARGO BED: All Lengths
• LENGTH: 16’ 8”
• UVW: 2,873 lbs
• CENTER OF GRAVITY: 38 and ¾”
• SLEEP: 4
BEST FEATURES:
• Extra storage space
• Dinette/bed conversion
• Large wet bath
• TruRest Queen-size bed
We are getting into smaller territory now, but the Arctic Fox is a wily one. Like the crafty creature it gets its name from, this truck camper can overcome and adapt instantly. It's the smaller entry-level 1/2-ton
truck camper that easily accommodates 4 people.
The interior cabinetry is a dark cherry finish that feels like home, and the dry good storage is large enough to keep your gremlin tag-alongs well-fed (just not after midnight). The dinette flips into an
extra sleeping spot quickly and efficiently. The 811 also features a stand-up shower and toilet.
The slide-out storage tray is a unique addition to storing small tools, fishing gear, hiking gear, and more.
Northwood Arctic Fox 811
Truck campers make it easy to boondock and otherwise take advantage of free camping sites that are hard
to reach. It’s also better on fuel mileage and speaking of fuel, it's much easier to hit up the gas station when the inevitable “I have to use the bathroom” moments roll around. Insurance is cheaper, it’s easier to store, and a truck camper is a fantastic option for family camping.
BY RVCM STAFF
Welcome Harvest Hosts to the RV campground discount club arena!
Yep, you read that correctly. Coming this spring, Harvest Hosts will offer its over 250,000+ members and the general public their new CampersCard program.
Currently, Joel Holland and his
team are working with campgrounds nationwide, putting together the best discounts, free campsite upgrades, and other benefits for CampersCard members.
Not only is this service free for campgrounds to sign up, but in the same spirit of Harvest Hosts, current members can recommend
their favorite camping locations to add to the database.
Why you might ask? Because don’t we spend most of our camping experience at our final camping destination anyway? Joel and his team realized that Harvest Hosts was primarily helping its
members on the journey but not always the destination.
Once the CampersCard program begins, members will not only be able to search for campground
destinations, but they'll be able to explore them through photos and other important information.
Once members have found the right place, the campground profile will let members know how the campground prefers to take reservations (via phone call
or the campground’s home page that will be linked, etc.).
RVCM Note About Making Reservations: Members can’t make reservations through the CampersCard Website directly. The easyto-follow instructions on the listing will give you
everything you need to know about making your reservation.
All the contact information for the campground will be listed for those who prefer talking to the reservation desk. Just as Harvest Hosts currently does, the listing will also show you
information to set into your favorite RV-friendly GPS app or device.
Besides the campsite discounts, there are a plethora of other benefits members can enjoy.
While it depends on the individual campground's offering, additional benefits can include:
• Early check-in
• Late check-out
• Free campsite upgrade (if available)
• Free bundle of firewood
• Discounts on other campground features (think about the theme park campground ticket savings possibilities)
• Discounts on other travel-related purchases such as hotels, theme parks, concerts, restaurants, and more!
Like virtually all of us, if you were to pull out your wallet, it’s probably jammed-packed with plastic cards, or your mobile device app is filled with electronic versions. Wouldn’t one more discount camping card membership cut even more into your camping budget?
Once the CampersCard program begins, Harvest Hosts will be your one-stop shop for finding the best destination campground and those free overnight stops along the way.
Harvest Hosts hasn’t made the official announcement yet on how CampersCard will work for individual members, but the difference is we know the reputation of both Harvest
Hosts and Boondockers Welcome already.
Unlike other membership programs of this nature, the participating campgrounds don’t have to “pay to play” to join this program. Harvest Hosts is using a similar mentality that these campgrounds are extended versions of the Host network.
Granted, we’re talking apples and orange groves, but in this case, the campgrounds don’t have another expense they have to recoup.
The Harvest Hosts CampersCard program gives campgrounds more freedom to offer their
guests better deals and features.
This program will be offered to everyone, not just Harvest Hosts or Boondocker Welcome members. So for those who haven’t enjoyed the Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome experience yet, it’s never too late to sign up. Now that both of these amazing FREE camping programs (though you are expected to support the small business that Hosts you when using Harvest Hosts) are joined together, over 8,000 locations are waiting to be explored.
The official membership announcement from
Harvest Hosts will happen sometime in the next few months, so keep up with RV Camping Magazine and our Weekly Newsletters from RVBlogger, Travel Trailer Pro, and Motorhome FAQs for more information about Harvest Hosts’ CampersCard updates.
CampersCard Website
Harvest Hosts
Website
Boondockers
Welcome Website
