Volume 2 I Issue 10 I April/May 2023
Publisher Demian Ross
Chief Editor Nikki Kirk
Managing Editor Jess Stiles
Editorial Assistant L. Merredith
Art Director Gayle Schadendorf
Operations Manager Jamie May
Copy Editor Kristin Skaggs
Advertising Information sales@rvtoday.com
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Owning an RV is very much the same as owning real estate—it's all about location, location, location. With RVing, it’s also about improving the experience of your time spent camping.
Before 2016, I would do what I considered “real” camping—the kind with a tent, sleeping bags, and no bathroom. I thought taking an RV wasn’t the same, and I also thought tent camping allowed you access to way more and better locations. Well, I was wrong on both counts. In fact, most places that allow tent camping allow RV camping as well, as long as you can get to the location with an RV.
Now that I’m an experienced RV camper, I’m amazed at how much better camping is with an RV—and I’m not just talking about the bathroom situation! With an RV, there’s so much more time to actually enjoy camping, rather than setting up and breaking down your campsites. It’s like you’ve gained 30% more vacation time just by having an RV.
Part of this is because you can store almost everything you need right in your rig, and you don’t have to pack if you already have everything ready to go! There’s nothing worse than getting to the campsite and realizing you forgot the can opener or lighter again.
My parents had a cabin, and once they chose to fully stock it with everything they needed, they started going much more often. They could literally decide to head to the cabin on the way home from work on a Friday since everything they needed was already there. More RV owners need to do this as well—be ready to go at a moment's notice. Nothing will stop a trip faster than thinking about packing.
Once you have a fully-stocked RV, all you have to worry about is where to go, and that’s where we come in—helping RV owners get the most out of their RVs.
Demian Ross, Publisher @demianross demian@rvtoday.com
The whole point of weight distribution is getting the correct amount of weight moved from the rear axles to the front axles of your vehicle. Current weight distribution hitches take an all-or-nothing approach: loaded or unloaded. Our composite LITEFLEX® bars make it possible to fine-tune your setup with just the pump of a handle.
Composite
are lighter-weight and 5x more flexible than steel, but with similar strength.
Jennifer Vickery-Smith
Brooke Edwards
Jessica Rider
Ronald McClain
Lisa Warfle
Scott Russell
Rick Nullmeyer
Steven and Carmen B. Mendoza
Caleb Barnaby
Crystal Davis
Desiree and Nathan Fairchild
Stan and Rhonda Wijnhamer
Lacey and Dustin Reichwald
Roxanne and Gary Brooks
Jill Remington
Kathryn Frazer
Patty Gill
Mac Blackout
Emily Pack
Jessica Samuels
Nancy Walters
Andy Greaves
Kevin Skelton @_neverstopadventuring
Camping Without Hookups
Kevin and Christine have been traveling with their three children in a fifth wheel for over four years while working remotely, homeschooling, and exploring the country. They share budgeting tips, the best places to travel and RV projects on their Never Stop Adventuring YouTube channel and website at neverstopadventuring.com
Brenda Huynh @rv_lifestyle_asianfamily
Creating a Community
Brenda and her family love to bring others into their journey by sharing RVing tips, their favorite destinations and by organizing several events throughout the year. Brenda shares her family’s adventures on Instagram and in her Facebook group, “Asian American RV Adventurers.”
Anne Klumpp @ontheroadofadventure
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail
Anne has been traveling full-time in a Class A motorhome since April 2019 with her husband, Brian, and their dog, Skipper. They share their adventures, including their experiences of local culture through food and beverage, home cooking, and RV life on Instagram and their blog ontheroadofadventure.com
Ashley St. Germain @highfive.to.happiness
Visiting Vancouver Island
Do you have a story idea, product you love or campground to highlight? Reach out to us at collab@rvtoday.com
Traveling full time since 2018 in their Airstream affectionately known as Pickles, Ash and her family love to explore new areas. Ash is a professional photographer, using her talent to inspire other families to spend more time adventuring through visual storytelling, and shares on her website highfivetohappiness.com
Our readers share what they love about RVing!
The
@voyager.5.the.airstream
@the_renegade_ramblers
The freedom to see this beautiful country and the ability to live a life dictated by what we want”
community— meeting the people you met online on the road”
This vintage rig may look like a bus, but it’s an RV made by a school bus company.
Lacey, Dustin, and Althea Reichwald fell in love with the 1984 Blue Bird Wanderlodge named Mother Ship, and it’s easy to see why. Retro features including the round headlights, paint job, and overall boxy shape make this vehicle stand out, and there’s even more to love inside.
Quirky elements like the built-in countertop blender and musical horn also make this RV unique. “Picture an ice cream truck music maker, but as loud as a fire truck siren,” the family said. “The musical horn plays more than 30 songs, from ‘America The Beautiful’ to ‘Zip-ADee-Doo-Dah.’ Our favorite? ‘On The Road Again.’”
During the 2.5 years the family traveled full time, they really learned to appreciate their vehicle. “It has a solid construction. Blue Birds are built to protect their riders, like a school bus.” This design also makes it perfect for keeping out noises, which makes the rig super quiet to sleep in.
Another plus of owning Mother Ship was that they made friends everywhere. “It was a magnet for meeting new people
and starting conversations. Wanderlodge fans and people who had never seen one before would flock to our campsites or wave as we drove past.”
Still, classic RVs can be a challenge. “Being vintage and fully mechanical, the parts are often rare, so we learned to look in different places.” For example, the engine is in many older semis and farm tractors, so parts can be bought from truck service garages and farm equipment stores.
There is a level of dedication needed when owning a vintage vehicle. “If you’re interested in buying an older RV, we’d recommend setting aside twice as much time and money as you think you’ll need— for everything. The upside is once you get into the right mindset, you’ll slow down and enjoy the ride.”
The family recently sold Mother Ship to a new caretaker, but said it will be back on the road again soon. ■
For more vintage vibes, follow the Reichwalds as they reflect back on their time with their retro RV. They’re on Instagram @hunger.to.wander.
It was a magnet for meeting new
• Premium steel construction offers robust 20,000-lb. capacity
• Features patent-pending ShockDrop™ technology to reduce jerking and jarring
• Unique coupling system eliminates guesswork by offering visible contact surface
• 65% lighter than most traditional 5th wheels (main body weighs as little as 60 lbs.)
• Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J2638
• Mounting options for industry-standard rails (#16600) and most standard height gooseneck balls (#16602)
Be flexible Weather can change at the last minute, so keep an eye on the forecast and be flexible with your itinerary and destination.
Double-check campground dates
Most campgrounds close for the winter, so it’s important to verify their opening dates.
Spring Break Destinations
☐ Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The snow is melting, fresh green grass is growing, and that means it’s time to get your RV out of hibernation and ready for camping again!
FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR RV FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF TRAVEL
☐ Inspect hitch connection and wiring
☐ Inspect slides and awning
☐ Inspect roof for leaks
☐ Check holding tanks and gauges and test for leaks
☐ Clean and test appliances
☐ Check for propane leaks
☐ Test water heater
☐ Inspect battery fluid levels and functionality
☐ Check tire pressure
☐ Cumberland Island National Seashore
☐ Grand Canyon National Park
☐ Arches National Park
☐ Joshua Tree National Park
☐ Death Valley National Park
☐ Everglades National Park
Test your gear, both new and old Test your camping stuff and make sure it wintered well. If you bought new gear for the season, take it out of the package and make sure it works before your first trip.
Plan for bad weather Camping in the shoulder seasons means smaller crowds and lower prices. However, spring weather can be unpredictable, and rain or snow can happen unexpectedly. Pack your RV with extra layers, warm socks, rainproof jackets, umbrellas, and an extra canopy tent.
Prepare for mud Place an outdoor mat in front of your RV to catch the mud. Consider getting rain boots for the whole family if your destination is especially wet. Also, be sure to scout your campsite ahead of pulling in, in case it’s too soft.
Keep firewood dry Storing firewood in a large plastic tub keeps it dry. Use fire starters to get your fire going easily.
Stay dry inside Dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing packets can make a huge difference inside your RV during a wet spring season.
Avoid bug bites Mosquitoes and flies enjoy the spring sunshine just as much as we do. Bring along bug deterrents to make sure you can enjoy the spring weather without getting bitten. ■
One of the unexpected blessings of parenthood has been the joy of having a front row seat to watch our two sons fulfill their dreams. Our youngest, Conner, age 22, is a country music artist and spent the summer and early fall touring with country music superstar Thomas Rhett. Conner started writing songs at the age of 7 after a family visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, signed a publishing deal for songwriting at the age of 16, and a record deal right out of high school at 18. His brother, Cooper, age 24, is a videographer. He travels with bands such as Alabama, and artists including his brother, creating content and shooting video footage on the road
When we realized this tour would take Conner literally across the country, we knew we would want to tag along whenever possible, and we were thankful we’d upgraded our pull-behind trailer to a motorhome a couple of years ago. We wouldn’t want to miss this incredible chance to see our boys living out their dreams! We affectionately call our RV “Dolly,” in reference to our love for country music, adventure, and Tennessee.
Thomas Rhett’s crew was incredibly kind, and on many occasions allowed us to park Dolly with the buses and rigs at the arenas and amphitheaters. We even brought our sweet golden retriever, Tucker, on tour. He would hang out with us during the day, and then we would walk him around the venue in between sets so he could do his own “meet and greet.”
Tucker became quite a hit on tour! Even though hanging out with the boys and the band on the tour bus was a lot of fun, it was really nice to have our own space in the RV to relax, get
dressed for the shows, and even sit outside in our camping chairs as we watched the daily load-in with the crew.
At night, we camped in arena parking lots, at nearby campgrounds, and even in a few Bass Pro Shops parking lots. (Most Bass Pro Shops locations allow overnight stays in an RV, but be sure to pop into the store to purchase some beef jerky, or better yet, a Bass Pro hat, as Thomas Rhett sings about!)
Our first big tour weekend in Dolly took us up north from our hometown of Nashville to Niagara Falls, with tour stops in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York. In Ohio, we found a great campground on the water outside of Cincinnati called Tucker’s Landing. In New York, we especially liked the convenience of camping at Cherry Hill Campground, just across the street from Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.
At Niagara Falls, we parked in an RV area near the back of the state park and explored on our e-bikes. This was a great
area to bike, and we enjoyed seeing the gorgeous falls, a first for both of us. On the return home, we stayed near Presque Isle on Lake Erie and rode the 14-mile loop around the island. We stopped to pick fresh cherries at a Pennsylvania farm and ate at the iconic Sara’s Diner in Erie. The onion rings and orangevanilla shake are a must.
Another tour trip took us to the Midwest as we visited arenas in Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. We took our time coming back through Arkansas, camping in Eureka Springs and at Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs. We made sure to build in extra travel days for spontaneous roadside stops and historical markers.
We toured two birthplaces of U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln’s in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and Andrew Johnson’s family home and museum in Greenville, Tennessee. One of our most unusual stops was the Bush’s Bean factory,
restaurant, and museum in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee. Yep, a bean museum—it’s definitely something to see!
We somehow managed to visit Acadia, New River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountains, Hot Springs, and Rocky Mountain national parks as we toured the country as well. All in all, we hit about one-third of the cities on the cross-country tour.
While we are certainly a family who camps and travels a lot, we have always tended to stay in the South, primarily for convenience. Conner’s musical adventures have been the perfect excuse to put a few extra miles on Dolly and see some incredible parts of the country! We can’t wait to see where this adventure leads us next. ■
CONNER SMITH is a 22-year old country singer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” Conner is signed to Valory/Big Machine Records. His radio singles include “Learn From It” and “Take It Slow.” Music, merch, and touring details can be found at connersmithmusic.com.
JENNIFER VICKERY SMITH is the host of the “Got It From My Momma” podcast and has worked as a reporter, anchor, print journalist, and producer in both the world of entertainment and broadcast news for more than 20 years. She has worked with each of the major networks, and nationally broadcast entertainment programs, including Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and EXTRA.
Check out the Smith family’s travel on Instagram @DollyRV
Most RVs are designed to be used in campgrounds with some combination of electrical, water, and sewer hookups. But what happens if you want to take your RV someplace with no hookups at all? Maybe your destination doesn’t have great campgrounds nearby, or the campground you’re visiting doesn’t offer hookups. Or maybe you want to get away from it all and park in a beautiful area where you can’t see your neighbors!
There are many terms for camping without hookups: wild camping, dry camping, dispersed camping, free camping, boondocking, and even just overnight parking. They all have slightly different meanings, but boondocking is the most commonly used term with RVers. It derives from “being out in the boondocks,” but it applies to any situation where you have no hookups.
Electricity and water are the two main considerations when boondocking. Fortunately, just about every RV has a freshwater tank, as well as holding tanks for wastewater. How long you can go without water and sewer hookups is highly variable, depending on the amount of people in your RV and
your usage habits. A great way to test what will work for you is to practice boondocking in a campground. Fill your freshwater tank, close your wastewater valves, switch over to your water pump, and see how long you can make your water last.
Don’t be discouraged if you only make it a few days on your first attempt! There are lots of ways to conserve water, and it often takes a little practice. Here are a few ideas:
■ Bring full water jugs for drinking water.
■ Prepare several meals beforehand so you don’t need to wash fruits, veggies, etc.
■ Use disposable plates and utensils to cut down on dishes.
■ Don’t let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth.
■ Take fewer showers, install a low flow shower head, and practice taking very quick showers, where you only use the water to get wet and then again to rinse off.
■ Some ultra water savers stand in a bucket while showering to collect their shower water, then use that water for flushing the toilet.
If all of that isn’t enough—and it may not be if you want to stay the full 14 days allowed on most public land—you may want to consider purchasing extra freshwater and wastewater tanks. A water tank in the bed of a truck can be filled up and brought back to your campsite to re-supply your RV. Wastewater tanks can also be filled in the bed of a truck with the help of a macerator pump and then dumped at the nearest dump station. Theoretically, with these items you could stay out there forever as long as you can cart the water back and forth. Of course, it’s cheaper to just break camp and head to the dump station before heading back out again.
What about electricity? All RVs come with one or more batteries to run the lights, water pump, and sometimes the refrigerator, but they don’t last very long. Especially if you have a residential fridge running off of those batteries, you might not even make it one night. The easiest solution is to use a generator. If your RV has one built in, you are all set! If not, that would be another upgrade to consider. But generators use a lot of fuel and can be quite noisy! An alternate option is upgrading your
batteries and adding solar panels to take care of your power needs. Solar setups can be expensive and complicated, but for serious boondockers, they’re a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the dirty secret is that free camping isn’t actually free. Avoiding campsite fees certainly saves money, but generator fuel, dump station fees, and the price of the upgrades it takes to keep your RV going while off-grid can really add up. Some boondocking areas also require permits, so be sure to know the rules for the places you plan to visit. When boondocking, please remember to pack out what you brought in so these beautiful places stay beautiful and open for use.
Camping without hookups is definitely a different kind of RVing. Some prefer the convenience of a full-hookup campground, while others fall so in love with boondocking that it is all they want to do! I recommend giving it a try to find out if boondocking is for you. ■
Kevin shares more RVing tips on Instagram at @_neverstopadventuring.
In 2021, we had two small kids, my husband was unhappy at his job, and we loved our home that we had built, but wanted something more. We just had so much stuff, and none of it was actually making us happy. Russell’s job required him to travel overseas for months at a time, and when he was home, he mostly sat behind a desk, which didn’t suit him at all.
What we really wanted was more time together, so we decided Russell would quit his job and we would buy a camper and do some traveling with our kids. The housing market was great, so we sold our house and moved into
a small rental that we owned next door. After a ton of RV shopping, I found a used fifth wheel that was perfect for us, but the sale went to a cash buyer, and we were heartbroken.
After that I only searched for fifth wheels with lofts, because we had fallen in love with that layout. I found another fifth wheel similar to the first one, and we went to check it out. The owners were a family of six, but they recently had twins and decided they needed more room. It wasn’t perfect, but we loved the layout and really connected with and trusted the sellers. So we decided to go for it!
Russell would have been fine leaving the camper exactly how we bought it. I, on the other hand, had been researching and following every camper renovation I could find, gathering tons of inspiration for our own. I knew that since Russell didn’t really care either way, I’d have to do a lot of the work myself. But he’s amazing at construction and figuring things out, so I knew I couldn’t do it without him. The window valances and curtains were the first things to go. I also popped off all the wood trim around the five slides. I knew I wanted to paint the entire camper, so I prepared by taking off all the doors and hardware and removing the furniture. Before starting the painting process, I washed every surface and lightly sanded. I then painted the entire camper with primer using a roller, and immediately regretted it! I covered everything with plastic wrap and used a paint sprayer for my second coat of primer and two coats of paint,
which I highly recommend. I chose a white paint for almost the entire camper, with pewter green on the island and doors. It may seem crazy to have white paint everywhere, especially with three kids, but I love the way it looks and it’s actually very easy to clean.
We added wood accents throughout the camper. We created a faux wood beam on our largest slide in the living room, and added matching wood pieces above each of the other slides. We also took out the peninsula in the kitchen and created a butcher block island in its place, complete with a large sink and enough overhang for four people to eat comfortably. Our barn door that leads into the bathroom is another wood accent. I glued super thin wood planks in a herringbone pattern on the door, and sanded and stained them to create a gorgeous focal point in our bedroom. This may be my favorite DIY in the whole camper!
We also added new flooring throughout. There was carpet everywhere except the kitchen and bathroom before, and we replaced that with vinyl planks, which feel much nicer and cleaner. We even added it to our stairs, which Russell converted into storage for us. We store our shoes in the stairs near the front door, and the kids have their dirty clothes hamper hidden in the stairs up to the loft.
Our bathroom feels pretty large because it has its own slide. It came with a double sink vanity and a corner shower. To give it a little update, we painted and added new hardware, sinks, and faucets.
We took out the sleeper sofa and Russell created a floating daybed that I had drawn up. This has now become our 3-year-old’s bed, and there’s a ton of storage space below it. The kids’ clothes are kept in the closet in their room as well as in some canvas drawers. Our 5-year-old’s bed is in the loft, along with more canvas drawers for toys. Another focal point in the camper is the mountain mural in their room that covers an entire wall. This was an Amazon find—it’s actually stick-on wallpaper that came in several long strips. It was difficult to apply and get right, but everyone loves it, so it was totally worth it!
The kitchen is my favorite part of our renovation. Across from the butcher block island and large sink, we took out the original stove/oven and replaced it with a two-burner induction stovetop and Ninja Foodi 10-in-1. They have been amazing for everything we’ve needed so far! The stovetop is set into another butcher block countertop, and I used the same wood plank technique on the backsplash as I did on our bedroom door. We also added a dishwasher, which we
are so pleased with, and a black retro Galanz refrigerator.
In the living room, we added new light fixtures, some open shelving, and a super comfortable modular couch with storage under every seat. We also added a small foldable side table beside the couch that we use for eating and working. The new central light fixture we found has a small retracting fan that only comes out when you turn it on
Halfway through our renovations, we found out we were expecting our third baby, and also decided that we would be living in the fifth wheel full time instead of just traveling occasionally. This changed things quite a bit! We decided to make part of our main closet into a tiny nursery. When we started renovating the closet, we discovered a ton of unused space behind some faux walls. Russell ripped the walls down and made the space into usable shelves—when you’re living in a camper, every inch counts! I found a used swivel bassinet that Russell secured to the floor beside the bed so I can easily move the baby beside me in the bed or back into the “nursery” space.
Overall, we are extremely happy with our renovations, and we love living in our fifth wheel. Russell has learned the ins and outs of how campers are made and what they need to function properly. We would love to design and renovate more! ■
What we really wanted was more time together, so we decided Russell would quit his job and we would buy a camper and do some traveling with our kids.
SEE THE ENTIRE 2023 LINEUP
Summer is almost here. And with it, road warriors will be setting out on vacations of a lifetime. The best way to travel? In a Newmar. Our 2023 lineup of luxury, gas, and diesel Class A and Super C coaches come in a variety of floor plans that make it easy to find the one that fits your travel needs. And with dozens of features, options, and Newmar’s legendary quality, The Difference will be clear the second you step inside.
See the entire lineup at NewmarCorp.com
Every year, RV manufacturers organize and host events for RVers across the country. You can check RV manufacturer websites or find Facebook groups to see the latest updates regarding their event schedule and locations.
You’ll notice many of these events are held at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Elkhart, Indiana is known as the RV Capital of the World because many manufacturers are based in the area, and the fairgrounds are located in Goshen, a short drive from the city of Elkhart.
The Montana Owners Club (MOC) hosts several events in different regions throughout the year to provide owners the opportunity to visit with other Montana owners without having to drive very far. This year, the main annual rally will be held September 8–15 at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
Grand Design organizes a National Owner’s Rally every year at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, which typically occurs around Labor Day weekend. Owners can also choose from a number of gatherings across the country throughout the year. You can find the official rally calendar at https://gdrv4life.granddesignrv. com/events/calendar.
For those wanting to meet up with other Jayco Travelers, the Jayco Entegra Rally at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds is scheduled for May 22–25, 2023
Heartland RV owners can gather at the annual rally at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds from June 12–18, 2023. Join the Alliance RV Group on Facebook to browse a number of events organized by other Alliance members. The big annual Alliance RV meetup usually occurs at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in late May.
The Forest River Owners Group (affectionately known as FROG), has several events throughout the year in different regions. The main event, 2023 International FROG Rally, will take place August 13–19 at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
The Thor Diesel Club has several events throughout the year, as well as a large annual meetup that usually occurs in early October. Official dates and locations can be found at thordieselclub.org.
Lippert, an RV components company, hosted their 2nd Annual Mountain Getaway in late October of 2022, and it was a huge hit with the RVing community. Keep an eye on the Lippert website, store.lci1.com, for future events. ■
To see more events, flip to the back of this issue and visit our website at rvtoday.com/rv-rallies.
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance is an organization with a mission to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the industry a place where women thrive. One of their newest signature programs is a series of female-only RV technician classes offered in conjunction with the RV Technical Institute.
The program was piloted in August 2022 and resulted in 24 women successfully completing the training and testing to become RVTI Certified Level 1 RV Technicians. The response to the class was so great, the Alliance is expanding the program nationwide.
This year, the Alliance is hosting five all-female technician classes across the United States—in Texas, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Indiana. The purpose of these classes is to get more women into the RV technician field and help begin their career in the RV industry. The training
program is $600 and includes in-person training and testing. Participants will receive their Level 1 certification upon completion and passing of the Level 1 exam. Participants are also able to continue their RV tech training by taking the Level 2 training through in-person classes in Elkhart, Indiana, or through an online, self-paced program.
“This is a great way for women to learn a new skill that will help them grow a career as an RV technician,” said Jessica Rider, managing director of the RV Women’s Alliance. “The opportunities are endless in this field.” ■
Women who are interested in applying for an upcoming class can visit rvwa.org/contact. To learn more about the RV Women’s Alliance and how they are serving more than 1,500 members from 500-plus RV companies across the RV industry, visit rvwa.org.
Perhaps other fifth wheel RV inspires owners like Montana. Built by generations of experienced craftsmen, Montana and Montana High Country are the pinnacle of luxury fifth wheel travel. Stunning interior design, profound attention to detail, and the highest quality materials come together in this collection of unforgettable RVs. With our eyes firmly on the horizon, Montana is driven to deliver innovation that transcends expectations and delights new owners, year after year.
17 Second Ave., Ocean City, WA 98569
Screamin’ Eagle Campground was pristine! It’s a three-minute walk from the huge beach at Ocean Shores, and it’s close to many amenities. The owners were nice and helpful, and the campground was really well-maintained. We stayed in mid-May, and it was not too crowded. We even ended up extending our stay because we enjoyed the proximity to the beach.
Contributed by Roxanne and Gary Brooks @dreaminofairstreamin
Weed, CA
Planning to hit Northern California? Mount Shasta Brewing Company, conveniently located off Interstate 5, is the perfect stop!
This microbrewery’s goal is to create an enjoyable beer-drinking experience for all guests. They offer a variety of beers on tap, and the beer fridge is always stocked with bottles to take back to your RV. They also have wine, cider, and locally-made sodas, as well as a full food menu!
Mount Shasta Brewing Company is a familyfriendly establishment conveniently located next to a city park with a beautiful view of Mount Shasta. Who could ask for more?
S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89054
A vibrant surprise awaits you in the Mojave desert! Seven Magic Mountains is an abstract art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, consisting of seven colorful towers made of stacked limestone boulders. Each tower stands at least 30 feet tall and illustrates the perfect mix of magic and balance. This spot brings in large crowds—if you’re heading to the Las Vegas area, join the viewing party! These fluorescent bouldertotems are a unique and photogenic stop.
If you’re road-tripping across America, Grand Canyon National Park—the most iconic of them all—has to be a stop. Over the course of six million years, the Colorado River carved through these rocks, slowly forming the breathtaking sight we can see today. Kathryn and Adam Frazer wrote, “You truly cannot grasp how impressive
and vast it is by looking at photos—it must be seen with your own eyes!” The canyons are the largest in America, coming in at nearly 300 miles long, nearly 20 miles wide, and one mile deep.
To take in the full beauty of the canyons, the Frazers recommend biking around the park, climbing the Desert View Watchtower, stopping at other viewpoints, and trekking along as many trails as possible. “But whatever you do,” they said, “you must make sure you visit a viewpoint for sunrise and sunset, which is when the canyon is the most magical!”
You must make sure you visit a viewpoint for sunrise and sunset, which is when the canyon is the most magical!”
– Adam and Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk
Grants, NM
If you’re spending time in New Mexico or traveling to the Grand Canyon, we have a top Harvest Hosts spot to recommend—Junkyard on 66!
This brewery is located within an active junkyard, and yes, you read that right. The brewery and junkyard sit on 10 acres and can host 15 RVs at a time with no size restrictions. Food is available every evening and all day on the weekend, and the barbeque is definitely worth writing home about. Harvest Hosts members love the uniqueness of the location, and it’s especially recommended for those who love old cars.
Murdo, SD
The Pioneer Auto Show is a family-run tourist attraction in South Dakota, about 60 miles from the Badlands and right off the highway. The museum opened in 1954, and it features more than 275 classic cars, 60 tractors, 60 motorcycles, and tons of antiques and memorabilia. There is also a cafe, the Covered Wagon Cafe, and a gift shop on the property.
Harvest Hosts members are invited to tour the museum, and reviews say there’s something for everyone! We hear the breakfast is great, and the cars are even better. This is a must-see if you’re traveling through.
PLA-MOR CAMPGROUND
2162 US Highway 6, Bremen, IN 46506
Pla-Mor Campground has large campsites, and many of them are pull-throughs. There are sections of seasonal sites and even a few tiny homes on the property, all of which appear well kept. The park seems well-maintained.
They offer a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, catch-and-release fishing pond, 200-yard driving range, miniature golf, playground, and horseshoe pits. There are plenty of park roads to walk dogs and several
areas of the park where dogs can run. There are some planned activities offered, such as Kids Craft Saturdays. Additionally, there’s a camp store and snack bar, where ice and firewood can be purchased. A gas station and a dump station are also available, and they are willing to accept packages for fulltime RVers.
This park is located near the Newmar RV Factory, Notre Dame University, and Shipshewana Flea Market.
Contributed by Anne Klumpp
@ontheroadofadventure6990 West Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
The Fitz RV Resort is in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This brand new RV resort is small, but luxurious. If you’re looking for a central location close to San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg, this is a great option.
This resort is gated, with large, fully-paved campsites. Trees have been planted at every spot to provide more shade. It is a very quiet campground, but I could see it becoming a fun/ happening campground soon! You don’t need quarters at their laundromat, just a credit card or an app on your phone.
The campground has a collaboration with two local breweries, so if you are staying at the resort, you get your first drink free. We visited both breweries, and they had great beer, food, and live music. Texas has some of the best sunsets, and amazing ones can be seen here.
The resort is in a cute, small, historic Texas town. There are several breweries, as well as coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. About an hour away is the German town of Fredericksburg, home to amazing wineries and German food. San Antonio, home to the Alamo and the world-famous River Walk, is an hour and a half away. San Antonio also has a Six Flags and SeaWorld. Austin is 45 minutes away, and home to some of the best BBQs, as well as the Texas Longhorns.
13651
This public art installation, consisting of ten Cadillacs planted nose-down in the dirt, was created in 1974. Visitors are encouraged to add their own marks to the cars—every inch of the Cadillacs is covered with every color of spray paint imaginable. The layers of paint get thicker every year.
Want to see this display yourself? It’s a stop along Route 66, so find a place to park, and be sure to give that can of spray paint you brought a good shake as you walk up!
Don’t forget to take a picture of your art, because it might be painted over in a matter of minutes.
Contributed by Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
We loved this state park! There are lots of things to do within the park, and you’re close to the cute, quaint beach towns of Lewes and Rehoboth in Delaware.
Within the park are more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a free nature center, historic fort structures, places to swim both in the bay and the ocean, weekly ranger programs, a fishing pier, playgrounds, and a camp store.
We had a large pull-through site that fit our 45-foot RV and tow car, but some sites only fit smaller RVs, so check before you book.
Richmond Hill, GA
Veteran-owned Debellation Brewing Company opened in April 2021 and serves handcrafted beer year-round. Oh, and it’s Viking-themed! The founders trace their name and lineage back to Norway by way of England, Scotland, and Ireland. They strive to discover new styles and flavors of beer using locallysourced ingredients when possible to craft a delicious beer that is truly enjoyable.
When you stop by, raise your glass and Say “skål!” (pronounced “skoal”) with gusto. The origins of the word “skål” aren’t entirely clear—some claim the term has a root in the skulls of the vanquished, from which Viking warriors would drink to celebrate their victory, but historians believe it actually means “cheers!” Who doesn’t love a good history lesson with their beer?
753 Heights Road, Glover, VT 05839
In the middle of nowhere in Vermont is a place, a movement, and a theater called Bread and Puppet Theater and Museum. The theater company orchestrates productions with puppets and people that convey political messages. Does that sound intriguing? Wait until you see the museum. It’s housed in an old dairy barn with creaking floors, dusty rafters, and lights you turn on and off yourselves—being in there in the dark would scare anyone! Past puppets decorate every inch of wall space and stare back at you as you explore.
Contributed by Nancy Walters @rvagogo
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Download the Lippert OneControl app via the Apple App Store or Google Play and take control of Tire Linc technology.
Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.When we first started camping 26 years ago, we rarely met other Asian Americans on our camping trips. We love to share our passion for the outdoors with others—especially those with a similar upbringing and culture that tends to shy away from this activity. While falling in love with camping and RVing, we also created a Facebook group for Asian American RV adventurers in order to foster a sense of community and connection.
We post our trips for inspiration and provide advice, tips, and campground reviews, in addition to hosting campouts and rallies. We offer a safe, informative, and fun platform for Asian American RVers. During COVID, we realized there were more new and inexperienced RVers needing help than ever before. People felt trapped at home and craved the outdoors, and we received many requests for tips and advice. We realized we had developed specific expertise that only years of passion for the outdoors and RVing could provide— everything from packing tips, how to entertain kids on long drives, and meal prep ideas. It’s a platform run by RVers for other RVers who share a similar cultural background and interest. We host yearly campouts where we meet other Asian American RVers around the United States in person. For these trips, we book many sites and organize planned activities and potlucks to get to know each other better. We share our love of food, pets, gadgets, and Mother Nature, as well as traditions and culture from our motherland, plus other shared interests. Throughout the year, we also hold more informal rallies, where we pick a campground, and anyone interested books their site and meets us there.
Last fall, we hosted one of our best campouts in Mammoth Lakes, California, for 20 members and their families. We love how our campouts allow us to meet others with similar interests, share ideas, and, most importantly, have fun! A successful campout requires a lot of planning, organization, communication, and flexibility. We’ve hosted so many events that we have it down to a science, but we still know to expect the unexpected.
Leading up to each event, our travel day is always exciting! We love the anticipation of a fun weekend ahead and are always excited to see old friends and meet new ones. For the event in Mammoth Lakes, our members mainly came from Northern and Southern California, and most of us were delighted to get away from the sweltering heat.
We share our love of food, pets, gadgets, and Mother Nature, as well as traditions and culture from our motherland, plus other shared interests.”
We always organize outdoor activities, and kayaking is one of the most popular. Our group has both seasoned kayakers and newbies. Everyone is constantly sharing reviews of the best inflatable kayaks, automatic pumps, and accessories. We had a big group kayak excursion at Lake Mary on Saturday, and the weather was perfect, with very little wind. We had so much fun exploring the beautiful lake together. Some of us even spotted a bear on the shore, and we noticed that people on the beach and in nearby kayaks did not heed the distance rule. Keep in mind that bears are great swimmers!
As Asian Americans, we love soup in all kinds of weather. Since fall was upon us and we had
very talented chefs in our group, we held a soup competition! There were two contests that night. The first was the Asian American RV Adventurers Top Chef. Three preselected distinguished judges evaluated the soups based on taste, creativity, and presentation. This doubled as an icebreaker, helping us get to know the judges and contestants better. The second contest was the People’s Choice (popular vote), where everyone could taste the soups and cast their votes. We had prizes for both, but bragging rights went to the Top Chef, who was awarded an engraved wooden spoon. The chefs, judges, and members all made it so much fun. We had a horseback riding excursion early Sunday
morning. The ride was a 1.5-hour round trip to Lake Mary and back. Along the way, we went through the picturesque landscape with tall lodgepole pine trees and saw a lot of receding lakes—a stark reminder of the drought. Later that afternoon, a group of us biked to the Village and rode the town trolley with bike trailers to Horseshoe Lake. Then we all rode our bikes downhill together. The beautiful Lakes Basin path is a must when you visit Mammoth Lakes. After an active day, we came together for an impromptu
potluck for our goodbye dinner. The highlight of our last evening together was our two steak gurus showing off their different methods of drying dry-aged beef. We all benefited, because both ways resulted in delicious steaks.
The soup competition represented the essence of the Asian American RV Adventurers group. There are of course various ethnic backgrounds among Asian Americans, including Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese from both Hong Kong and mainland China. As you might expect, the soup entries were eclectic! Like all the ingredients in a soup that complement each other, we come from different backgrounds and upbringings, but share the same interests and love of the outdoors and RVing. ■
Join Brenda Huynh and her family’s adventures on Instagram @rv_lifestyle_asianfamily or in her Facebook group, “Asian American RV Adventurers.”
Whether you’re a part-time or full-time RVer, it can be difficult to meet people on the road who share your interests. RV rallies and getaways, where RV companies, businesses, and groups host get-togethers at the same campground or site, are great ways to meet up with other RVers. Most events have a fee, which may include your campsite, food, alcohol, swag, events, seminars, classes, and/or entertainment.
It can be intimidating to show up to one of these events for the first time. If you’re worried about being the only person there who doesn’t already know others who are going, or you don’t know what to expect, here are a few tips for you!
By Patty Gill■ Be prepared to have a lot of fun! You get out what you put in, so show up with an open mind, ready to try new things.
■ Find theme-specific rallies that interest you. You can browse events and rallies on RV websites and Facebook groups to narrow it down. That way, you will already have something in common with other attendees.
■ Some rallies fill up really fast, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as tickets are available. You can typically sign up for email alerts to notify you when reservation sales go live. If you know other people who are going and want to camp near each other, you’ll need to reserve your campsites together ahead of time.
■ Find the itinerary on the rally website or Facebook page to see what is scheduled. There may be specific events you want to be prepared for, such as costume parties, themed dress-up days, or potlucks.
■ Carry cash for certain games, merchandise, 50/50s, donations, etc.
■ Get out of your comfort zone and talk to people you don’t know. For example, make a commitment to sit with different people for dinner every night.
■ Participate in all the events, activities, and seminars. Many rallies have topical discussions led by experts in the industry, and you can learn a ton by attending these sessions.
■ During the rally, check the website and Facebook group for attendee updates and schedule changes. Anything can happen at these events, and it’s important to know where to find new information.
■ Take a lot of pictures and videos, and tag the event when posting to your social media so you can continue to meet people online after the event.
■ Have cards, stickers, or anything to pass out to new friends so that you can keep in touch. Make sure your name, social media handle, and/or contact information are included.
Patty and her husband, Shane, enjoy rallies through the year as they travel. Check out their adventures on Instagram @gills_on_wheels.
From @rvtoday followers on Instagram
Have you been to an event or rally?
Yes - 92% No - 8%
Do you enjoy events with a lot of talks/seminars?
Yes - 60% No - 40%
Have you been to a themed event? (Solo, BIPOC, etc.)
Yes - 5% No - 95%
Do you prefer large (lots of people to meet) or small (more personal) size events?
Small - 89% Large - 11%
My wife, Toxey, and I traveled as often as we could after we met in 1964. We married in 1966, and I was wounded in Vietnam in 1968 with severe leg injuries After having three children, we started camping every chance we had, starting with tents, then tent trailers, until Toxey passed in 2020.
Our first major cross-country trip was in our new Volkswagen bug pulling a tent trailer, with two kids in diapers. We gradually transitioned from tents to campervans, then to our first new class C motorhome in 1995. Before we bought the motorhome, we had a van built by Sportsmobile in Indiana, on their 24-foot 3500 campervan platform, which was their largest. It had everything, including a Braun tri-fold lift, a multi-lift on floor base, and even a washer and dryer. After several trips, we realized it was too small.
We tried staying at hotels, not knowing the many trials and tribulations we would endure. We learned that many hotel beds are platform beds and not compatible with Hoyer lifts.
Soon after we bought our motorhome, we decided to “retire” and travel during the spring and fall, about six to eight weeks at a time. On our way back from Mardi Gras in 1996, Toxey had a massive stroke in South Carolina. We thought our traveling days might be over, but Toxey insisted we would find a way.
In 1997, our wheelchair van guy, the late Richard Spencer, from Brimfield, Massachusetts, showed us an exterior seat lift so Toxey could get into our class C. She was right, we could travel again! One major thing Richard taught us was that in the accessibility world, adding an inch was as good as a mile. It was excellent advice.
We discovered the Handicapped Travel Club about 15 years ago and decided to join to find out how others adapted to traveling. It was one of the best decisions we made! Not only did we get great ideas, but we also met other members at the annual rally. After one rally, we were hooked. It was amazing to see all the travelers with disabilities who found ways to adapt. Toxey was aphasic, meaning she could not talk, but she sure could communicate! She would travel around communicating with the members with her contagious smile. She even won the wheelchair race! ■
For more information on the Handicapped Travel Club, visit handicappedtravelclub.com/home/
■ Superarm lifts can be used in place of ramps or wheelchair lifts.
■ Some regular campsites are better than the accessible sites. Most accessible sites are close to bathrooms, which can mean a lot of noise. We used our self-contained camper facilities.
■ Easy locks for wheelchair tie-downs are important.
■ We had our own washer and dryer in most of our campers, which made laundry day more relaxed.
■ Wheelchair van dealers have good solutions to many problems.
■ Use seatbelts in power chairs and wheelchairs. My wife slid out of her power chair and broke both legs!
■ Try to get manual backup for all equipment. You don’t want to be stuck when the power runs out!
■ Many disabilities are progressive, so plan for future events, like getting a wheelchair ramp or lift instead of a seat lift.
■ Be adaptable!
■ Don’t dwell on the high cost of equipment. It will not be cheap. Borrowing money from savings, banks, and credit unions got us good equipment. We just considered it part of the cost of being free to travel.
Nate and Christian, the husband-and-wife duo Project Trek, are full-time RVers who love to experience the outdoors with their two kids, Ella and Andersen.
After suffering from the financial collapse of a failed business, Nate and Christian decided to take matters into their own hands and began the process of pursuing financial freedom. After completing their debt-free journey, they realized there was still something missing. They had a deep rooted desired to travel and spend more time with their children. Inspiration for full-time travel came from a week-long trip in a borrowed RV. Shortly after, the family dove head first into full-time RVing in April of 2017, when they hit the road in their Open Range Fifth Wheel by Highland Ridge RV. They have no plans of going back to the suburban life! Follow along with them as they navigate road schooling, healthy living and forming a community for other full-timing families.
If hearing the words “Tennessee whiskey” only gets you humming the country song or imagining the black and white label of a Jack Daniel’s bottle, you’re probably not alone, but you are definitely missing out!
For more than 200 years, Tennessee has been a leader in the production of distilled spirits. Early American settlers heading west found pure water sources, great weather, and quality soil for growing
grains—all critical ingredients for high-quality whiskey. Prohibition laws were enacted in the state in 1909, more than a decade before the Volstead Act ended the production and consumption of alcohol for pleasure in the United States in 1920. Prohibition ended in 1933, but Tennessee remained dry until 1939, when laws were enacted to allow the distillation of drinkable spirits in three counties—Lincoln, Moore, and Coffee.
With more than 60 distilleries currently open across Tennessee, you would never imagine that these limits remained in effect until 2009, when the Tennessee General Assembly amended the statute. Further revised in 2013, the law currently allows distilleries to be established in 76 of the state’s 95 counties—any county that allows retail or liquor-by-the-drink sales.
Taking its cue from Kentucky’s ever-growing bourbon business, Tennessee saw whiskey production as an opportunity to create jobs and significantly increase tourism. Uniting their efforts, 28 distilleries have joined forces under a marketing campaign called the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Their website is an excellent source of information and tools to plan a trip to explore Tennessee’s whiskey producers. You can also track the distilleries you’ve visited with a special passport. When you’ve seen them all, you can exchange the passport for a souvenir T-shirt.
Until we visited the state, I wasn’t sure what made Tennessee whiskey unique. I learned that almost all Tennessee whiskey qualifies as bourbon because it is made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn (the remainder is rye, wheat, or barley), distilled to no
more than 160 proof (80% ABV ), and aged in new oak barrels. Although Kentucky produces the most bourbon, bourbon can be made anywhere.
There are a few things that separate Tennessee whiskey from bourbon. Obviously, Tennessee whiskey can only come from Tennessee. It must be aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, and it goes through a sugar maple charcoal filtration known as the Lincoln County process. This step adds an additional level of sweetness and, as we know from the song, makes it extra smooth. Also, both flavor and color may be added to Tennessee whiskey.
Tennessee’s distilleries are located all over the state, with the highest concentration in Middle Tennessee and the Gatlinburg/Knoxville area.
We started our Tennessee whiskey adventure with a tour and tasting at Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis. This craft distillery is the product of brothers Chris and Alex Canale, who honor their great-great-grandfather’s tradition of distilling whiskey in the 1800s. It’s located close to the Civil Rights Museum and the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, so it’s easy to squeeze in a visit between other tourist attractions.
From Memphis, we moved on to Nashville. If you’re
short on time or want to limit the amount of driving your designated driver must do, we recommend Nashville’s Marathon Village, which offers three distinct whiskey experiences. This group of buildings once housed Marathon Motor Works. Today you will find several businesses, including three distilleries, operating here. Take a self-guided tour of the auto company as you move between them.
Those who prefer sweeter, flavor-added whiskey will appreciate a stop in the middle of Marathon Village at Tennessee’s Legend Distillery, which has three other locations in the state. I counted at least seven flavored whiskeys available in this tasting room, from salted caramel to peach. They also produce rum, tequila, and vodka.
Corsair Distillery was founded by two Nashville natives in 2008. They started the business in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but moved it in 2010, making it the first craft distillery in Nashville post-prohibition. While technically not Tennessee whiskey, they make a unique and tasty American whiskey using smoked barley. The distillery offers tours and tastings, or you can enjoy a craft cocktail or local beer in their taproom along with a freshly-baked pizza.
If you’re genuinely whiskey-focused, don’t miss Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. This historic distillery operated from 1870 to 1909, and the founder’s greatgreat-grandsons relaunched the family business in 2011. We found them all delicious!
If driving isn’t an issue and you’re looking to learn more about the history of Tennessee whiskey, consider taking a day to visit Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg; Cascade Hollow Distilling Company, the home of George Dickel, in Tullahoma; and Uncle Nearest in Shelbyville.
Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel brands survived Prohibition. They offer their guests an opportunity to see how whiskey production has evolved over the years and, of course, to taste some of the whiskeys from their well-established brands.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery was the first registered distillery in the United States in 1866. While you’re likely familiar with some of their products, you’ll also find many unique items for sale here. You can buy a bottle, but take note—you cannot buy a tasting without a tour.
Cascade Hollow Distilling Company opened a few years after Jack Daniel’s, in 1878. A significant
shareholder in the company and well-known merchant in Nashville, George Dickel gained a reputation for selling the smoothest, mellowest spirits in town. They are still the only Tennessee whiskey producer that chills their whiskey before the charcoal filtration.
Some may argue that Uncle Nearest, a distillery launched in 2017, doesn’t belong on this historylesson tour, but it was Nathan “Nearest” Green, once an enslaved man, who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. This fastest-growing whiskey brand in the country pays homage to the first recorded African-American master distiller through its name. The distillery continues to make history with its master blender, Victoria Eady Butler. The great-greatgranddaughter of Nathan Green, Butler is the first Black woman master blender.
There are many other distilleries in or reasonably close to Nashville. If you’re on an extended stay in the area, you might make it to all of them! If you want to experience more Tennessee whiskey but are short on time, check out a local whiskey bar. Many bars on and off Broadway offer Tennessee whiskeys from craft distilleries. We shared a couple of whiskey flights and a hearty lunch at Stock & Barrel in The Gulch. They sell
a fantastic selection of whiskey from around the world, including many local options.
If you’ve never visited a distillery, I recommend taking the time to tour one or two. Of course, not all whiskey is produced the same way, but once you’ve seen a few copper stills and barrel rooms, they all start to look the same. While the distillation process is essentially the same, the mash bill (the mix of grains used) and the aging process can differ from product to product, making each tasting experience unique.
Like so many places we’ve visited in our full-time RV travels, we feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. I look at that as good news—we get to keep our passports active and look forward to the next time our home-on-wheels finds its way to Tennessee. In the meantime, we will enjoy the items we purchased along our journey and hold on to the many memories we made while exploring here. ■
Find more foodie destinations by following Anne on Instagram @ontheroadofadventure.
TThe beauty of Florida beaches contrasts with vast marshlands and massive canopies of live oak trees at Fort Clinch State Park. The 1,400-acre park, located just south of Florida’s border with Georgia on Amelia Island, provides a diverse backdrop for nature explorers and history buffs alike.
Named one of the top ten islands in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler, with a rich history dating
back over 400 years, Amelia Island has served under eight flags since it was founded. If you’re a history buff, be sure to visit the Amelia Island Museum of History. Outside of exploring the beauty of the state park, my favorite part of the area was the Fernandina Beach Main Street district, a historic downtown area with locally-run shops and restaurants
Fees vary depending on your activity. There are two camping options—the river loop has spots that are set back
in the tree canopy with access to the inlet beaches, while the beach loop provides a quick walk over the dunes to the main beach area with little tree coverage and smaller spots. I preferred the more private spots in the live oak trees, but any spot in the park is worth the views and activities available.
Dogs are allowed, but have limited access. While Malbec and I were welcomed into the park with a smile and a dog treat, Fort Clinch does not allow dogs on the beaches or the grounds of the fort. They are welcome in the campground and several trails throughout the nature preserve, and there are plenty of signs to keep you on track if you’re unsure.
Fernandina Beach Main Street was human- and dog-friendly alike! There are plenty of restaurants with outside seating and bartenders with treats hidden behind the counter for good boys and girls. If you want to take your dog with you on a walk around the Main Street district, Malbec and I recommend stopping on the patio at The Boat House and Duck Pinz Fernandina.
Fort Clinch offers lots of outdoor activities. There are six miles of hiking and off-road biking trails with lots of overlooks and nature views, including the Amelia Island Lighthouse and the Cumberland Sound, where you may be able to see wild horses roaming the beaches. Of course, you can also partake in water activities at the beach, as well as shark tooth hunting.
Once a stomping ground for pirates, the Main Street district is a Victorian seaport village home to dining, shopping, and lots of history pop in to The Palace Saloon, the oldest bar in Florida. It’s also just a really cute downtown area—the small town, Main-Street-style architecture makes for such a beautiful stroll. ■
You can find Lisa on Instagram @roamwithlisa and @roamwithmalbec
By Scott Russell
Think about some of your favorite national parks. You’re probably picturing unique landscapes with amazing views and lots of room to explore. Well, what if I told you there are state parks just as good as—or even better than—some of our country’s most popular national parks? We’ve visited state parks that blew us away with their natural beauty and outdoor activities, and we honestly think these parks could compete for national park status. If you’ll be hitting the open road in your RV this summer, consider these fantastic state parks!
Silver Springs State Park Watkins Glen State Park
Before theme parks became the main attraction, nature was the star in Florida. Silver Springs State Park, known as one of the first tourist attractions in the state, has all the beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history you would expect from a national park, and we think it’s a must-see.
Tucked away in north central Florida, this park is one of America’s largest and deepest natural springs, made of 30 springs that form the beautiful Silver River. The headspring, Mammoth Spring, flows out of a large limestone cave connected to the Florida aquifer. This gorgeous area was designated a national natural landmark in 1971.
This crystal-clear natural spring has drawn tourists, who braved paddling the vast river systems, as far back as the 1820s. In the 1870s, the idea was formed to mount a piece of glass to the bottom of a rowboat to give tours of the spring. This idea was the beginning of the world-famous Silver Springs glass bottom boat tours that you can still enjoy in the park today!
After taking the glass bottom boat tour, you’ll likely want to get out on the water on your own. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the springs and the Silver River. One section of the river, the Fort King Paddle Trail, is only open to non-motorized watercraft. This section is the most scenic and peaceful way to enjoy the river. The water is so clear that it feels like you’re paddling through an aquarium!
You can see loads of fish, turtles, aquatic plants, alligators, and sometimes even manatees as you paddle the springs. We had the thrill of floating alongside an enormous manatee on a chilly winter day during our visit. We recommend paddling around the headspring and then going down and back up the Fort King Paddle Trail. If you’re looking for a more extended adventure, you can start on the Fort King Paddle Trail and then continue the entire 5 miles of the Silver River. There is a park shuttle to pick you up at the end.
Hollywood also recognized Silver Springs State Park’s beauty in the 1930s. There have been 20 different movies filmed in the park, including “Creature From The Black Lagoon,” “Rebel Without A Cause,” and six Tarzan movies. Silver Springs was also the site of filming for the TV show “Sea Hunt.”
Visitors to Silver Springs also love the challenge of trying to spot wild monkeys. In the 1930s, a boat tour provider purchased rhesus macaque monkeys to create an island tourist attraction, not realizing that the monkeys could swim. They quickly swam off the island and dispersed throughout the area, and a few of their descendants still live along the Silver River today.
They can be tough to spot, but we got the thrill of seeing a group in the trees along the river at dusk. Look for shaking trees, and you may spot them too—they often jump from tree to tree, causing the branches to shake wildly. Some visitors even get the thrill of seeing them swim across the river!
The Finger Lakes area of upstate New York is a treasure to add to your RV travel bucket list. Glacial activity scraped 11 narrow finger-shaped lakes and gorges into the landscape, leaving behind a wonderland for nature lovers. At the southern tip of Seneca Lake lies another state park that could compete for national park status, Watkins Glen State Park.
In this gorge park, 200-foot cliffs surround you as you walk along Glen Creek, and you’ll find 19 beautiful waterfalls along the rocks. You can even walk behind two of the waterfalls and enjoy the cold mist. The whole park is postcard perfect.
This park is a photographer’s dream, with stone arch bridges and rock tunnels among the waterfalls. The most scenic hike, the 3-mile out-and-back Gorge Trail, takes you deep into the gorge near the falls and creek. For a bird’seye view, you can take the 3-mile out-and-back Indian Trail, which follows the top of the gorge rim. Another option is to hike up the Gorge Trail and back on the Indian Trail. Or, if you only want to hike one way, there is a shuttle that can take you back for a fee.
This park is extremely popular and can get very crowded, so we recommend visiting as soon as the park opens for the day, or in the last couple of hours before the park closes. Another option is to stay in the state park campground to help you get an earlier jump on the crowds.
This section of our state park list was tricky, because both Valley Of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area could be considered national-parklevel parks. They both have gorgeous red sandstone rock formations, petroglyphs, and a unique desert landscape. Also, both parks are close enough to Las Vegas for a day trip, with a scenic drive and hiking opportunities.
Red Rock Canyon is closer to Las Vegas and has a 13-mile scenic drive, and is known for its beautiful rock formations and canyons. The park’s unexpected water feature is what tips the scales for us—a short walk from the Willow Spring Picnic Area is the must-see Petroglyph Wall. In the springtime, there is a beautiful waterfall at the end of the short .8-mile Lost Creek / Children’s Discovery Trail. There is something spectacular about hiking in the desert and discovering a hidden waterfall oasis.
The Calico Tanks Trail is a great, slightly more challenging hike. This 2.2-mile hike has a bit of rock scrambling, but the view is worth the effort. The trail leads to a scenic peak overlooking the entire park, and sometimes you can even see Las Vegas in the distance.
Step inside the visitor center to learn about this park’s unique geology—the red rock formations are actually the result of oxidized sandstone. And don’t miss the fun and educational Junior Ranger program if you have kids in tow. America’s state parks are teeming with natural beauty and adventure just waiting to be explored. These are just a few of the gems that offer comparable experiences to national parks. So, next time you’re planning an RV getaway, pack your hiking boots and head on out to explore America’s state parks! ■
Scott shares tips on RVing, travel destinations and their full-time RV lifestyle at theadventuredetour.com and on Instagram
@theadventuredetour
My wife, Jan, and I have traveled all over the United States in our motorhome since about 2005. We’ve been as far north as Lebec, Maine, and as far south as the Florida Keys. We’ve been to Moton Field in Alabama, where the Tuskegee Airmen learned how to fly; to the crocodileinfested waters of the Everglades; to the home of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois; and to White Bear Dunes in Michigan, all from our home in Northern California.
We’ve also been to lots of national parks, as well as national battlefields, seashores, and historic sites stewarded by the National Park Service. During the summer seasons from 2013 through 2019, I was a National Park Service Ranger in Yellowstone National Park, working for the Department of the Interior at the visitor centers at West Yellowstone and Madison Information Station. I answered questions about the park, led evening campfire and Junior Ranger programs, and helped visitors enjoy Yellowstone as much as possible.
People of all ages come from all over the world
to visit Yellowstone National Park. They come as individuals, families, and on tours, hoping to experience all the park has to offer. Many visitors come with some basic knowledge about Yellowstone, but quickly realize they have no idea how to put this knowledge into action, which can lead to a frustrating and disappointing visit. They soon realize that planning is the key to an enjoyable visit in Yellowstone.
It never ceased to amaze me how many people would walk up to the visitor center desk and tell me they have two days, they want to see the entire park, and they don’t want to miss anything. I’ll tell you up front—in Yellowstone, seeing the entire park in two days is just not going to happen. At 3,500 square miles, the park is way too big, plus there are too many visitors in the park, too many wild animals (bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, and wolves, to name a few), and too many natural features to get to, like geysers, hot springs, steam vents, waterfalls, rivers, trails, and more. So if you only have two days, you simply haven’t set aside enough time to see everything. But that
doesn’t mean you can’t have a great visit in two days!
To help, I created Ranger Day-Plans, available in my Ranger Pocket Guide, based on the length of time a visitor has set aside to see the park. The more time they have, the more they can see. My hope is that with some guidance, visitors can pre-plan their trip and set aside enough time to see what they want to see.
The Ranger Day-Plans are based on years of experience based on visitors’ questions and what people want to see the most.
Take the time to invest in your enjoyment by planning your visit—the park can be a wonderful, amazing, and awe-inspiring place. By planning in advance, you’re giving yourself a great chance of having a visit you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life.
My Ranger Pocket Guide is available to help you navigate the challenges of visiting one of the busiest national parks in the United States. It includes Ranger Day-Plans for one, two, three to four, and five-plus day visits to Yellowstone, plus driving maps and turnby-turn instructions. I use map references at the start of each plan that you can transfer to a Yellowstone Park map and highlight. ■
■ Accommodations are very limited, so I recommend planning lodging months in advance of your trip. The further ahead you plan, the better your choices and prices will be.
■ There are a limited number of campgrounds inside the park, and some are seasonally closed or close earlier than others. If you want to use your RV, there’s usually a limit on the length of your rig, and some campground areas are tent only.
■ Keep transportation time in mind. You may end up booking a hotel or campground an hour drive from the park! If so, work that into your schedule so you don’t end up frustrated or tired.
■ Yellowstone is extremely popular, so it can be congested, and traffic sometimes comes to a stop, adding even more time. These crowds can also lead to overloaded parking lots, and lines for the bathrooms and restaurants. It’s good to build a lot of extra time into your schedule to account for this.
■ Everyone wants to take pictures of animals. These animals are wild and sometimes they get close to the main roads, or even on the roads! Expect this, and use the time to admire your beautiful surroundings.
■ Boardwalks are around all the hot springs and geysers for your safety—please, please, don’t step off a boardwalk for any reason. Geyserite is beneath the boardwalk, and if it can’t support your weight, or it’s compromised in any way, you could get seriously hurt.
■ The weather is constantly changing. We’ve had snow in West Yellowstone on July 4th, we get a fair amount of thunderstorm activity, and we get cold weather in April, May, October, and November. Because of this, it’s good to wear layers and be flexible with your plans. Sometimes it’s very difficult to take pictures of hot springs because all you see is steam!
■ There isn’t much cell signal in the park, so download offline maps in advance.
Located on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a small coastal town lauded as the surf capital of Canada—and the only place in the country where you can surf year-round.
There are plenty of articles out there that will highlight all the best activities and restaurants in Tofino, but I want to share our experience as a full-time RV family. For us, Tofino wasn’t just a vacation destination—along with my husband, two kids, and two dogs, I called Tofino home for six months during the winter season.
When we moved into our RV full time, one of the first decisions we had to make was where to go for the winter. We’d been living in Ontario, and after some research, I knew I wanted to spend the winter in Tofino and leave the frigid temperatures behind us.
A lot of travelers warned us about how expensive Tofino would be—it is a huge tourist destination, after all—but the views won me over. As a photographer, I knew I wanted to experience those Tofino sunsets, even for just one winter season. So in the autumn of 2021, we packed up the RV and drove west.
Tofino is interesting for many reasons, but one way that it is truly unique is how it’s situated geographically. It is very remote, except for the small neighboring town of Ucluelet about 30 to 40 minutes south. You can only access Tofino
and Ucluelet by taking the single lane Pacific Rim Highway 4 from Port Alberni, British Columbia. The drive twists through the mountains with no cell service for a couple of hours until you reach the end of Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
We learned very quickly that the food in Tofino was both amazing and very popular. Long lines, sold-out items, and required reservations were common. Fortunately, we had chosen to stay in Tofino during the off season. For context, the little town of 2,000 can swell up to 20,000 people during the peak season of April through October!
Since we were traveling with our kids, we decided to skip the fine dining and looked to the local Facebook group to find our go-to places. This was a great resource; it directed us to some amazing local eats and allowed us to research menus ahead of time—a must with picky kids.
Shortly after we arrived, ordering from PizzaMoto quickly became a Friday night tradition. When I first tried their pizza, I proclaimed it to be the best I’ve ever had, and I still stand by this statement! This place has some mouthwatering topping combinations—my favorite was the Kauai 5-0, which included jalapenos, cheese, and charred pineapple. It was perfect for a lunch on the beach or a quick dinner. Don’t forget to ask for a homemade dip!
One of the most well-known eats is the famous food truck Tacofino. The tacos are fully loaded and not too expensive. We quickly became addicted to the classic fish taco. This spot can be hopping, though! Even in the off season, the line would sometimes be two to three hours long. We spent many days randomly driving by and crossing our fingers that they wouldn’t be too busy. Eventually, we learned the local secret: you can call in your order ahead of time and skip the line. What a game-changer!
Tofino is home to a few premium coffee places, but our favorite was Tofino Coffee. They roast their own beans locally, and it’s always fresh. For the pastry lovers, I recommend Tofitian Cafe. On select weekends at around 10 a.m., they serve these delicate cinnamon buns that absolutely melt in your mouth. Understandably and without fail, they always sell out within an hour or two. It was a rare treat for us, but I was always excited when we were able to snag a few.
Without a doubt, Tofino has some amazing food, but the rugged west coast views were what really drew me in. In fact, I made it my personal mission to find the best spots to shoot sunsets during our stay.
You’ll be amazed by the sunset from any beach in Tofino, but there are a handful of places I would highlight as my favorites. The first one is a popular spot called Pettinger Point. It’s a trail located at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, off Cox Bay Beach. The trail ends on a giant cliff of rocks overlooking the endless ocean. Witnessing the sunset from here at least once is a must.
Another great spot is at the top of Radar Hill, located in the Pacific Rim National Park. It’s an easy drive up to the hill and a very short walk to the lookout point. Radar Hill is an important location steeped in Canadian history; during World War II, it was a lookout point used to watch out for invading Japanese vessels.
There are two more sunset spots worth mentioning. Tonquin Beach and Middle Beach are smaller, lesserknown beaches for those looking for
a more serene sunset experience— especially helpful if you visit during high season.
Our family is very active and outdoorsy, so I am always looking for interesting hikes. Fortunately, Tofino is home to incredible hiking trails for all experience levels.
Tofino has a unique ecosystem; it’s a temperate rainforest, home to giant trees that are more than 2,000 years old. You can experience this firsthand by taking a short boardwalk hike on the Rainforest Trail located inside the Pacific Rim National Park just 10 minutes outside of town. There are two trails, one on each side of the highway. Both are well worth the trip; it’s as though you’ve left the modern world behind and traveled back in time.
Our all-time favorite hike is not for the faint of heart! It’s only about 2 kilometers total, but it’s an unofficial hike. The trail is easy to follow, worn down by previous visitors and marked by flags, but keep in mind you will be hiking through the forest, so expect to climb over large roots and dodge mud puddles. In one area of the hike, there are sections of boardwalks that locals have built to get through the bog. It’s a tricky journey, but not at all impossible, even for inexperienced hikers, as long as you are prepared and willing. What makes this hike unique and worth the trouble is at the end of the trail—an abandoned World War II plane.
Radar Hill Cox Bay BeachThe plane crashed after it took off from the Tofino airport in February 1945. All 12 souls on board survived, but they did have to spend the night in the wilderness before they were rescued. There were four bombs on board that were amazingly not set off during the crash.
I recommend boots for this trail, as it can be quite muddy, especially considering the amount of rainfall Tofino receives. As always, it is best to leave no trace and to not disturb the plane. After 77 years, there is inevitable wear and tear on it from visitors and the elements, but I hope it will stay as is for many more generations to visit.
For more scenic hikes, I suggest driving to the neighboring town of Ucluelet for the famous Wild Pacific Trail. This 9-kilometer, family-friendly trail is an amazing place to observe the rugged west coast. The path is clear, with interpretive signs and plenty of rest benches. The very southern part of the trail features the Amphitrite Point Light. A lighthouse was initially built here in 1906 in response to a shipwreck, and the current one was built in 1915 after the original was damaged by a storm. The lighthouse loop is a unique section of the longer Wild Pacific Trail, and is a wheelchairfriendly, 2.6-kilometer gentle hike. Many visitors travel great distances to experience this spiritual walk and find inspiration. Enjoy the crashing waves if you visit during storm season. On one of our frequent visits to this trail, we had the pleasure of seeing humpback whales breaching in the distance behind the lighthouse. Of course, it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. We loved our stay in Tofino, and as an RV family, it was the perfect way to experience the west coast during the winter months. I came for the views, stayed for the food, and fell in love with the hiking adventures. If you are looking to plan a trip that will inspire, offering both tranquility and adventure, consider escaping to Tofino. ■
Enjoy more of Ashley’s photography and tips from her travels at highfivetohappiness.com and on Instagram @highfive.to.happiness.
Amphitrite Lighthouse
RV camping is all about quality time with family and friends. These products will help you enjoy more time outside, making memories with those you love.
Rocking chairs aren’t just for indoors. This camp rocking chair supports up to 250 pounds and easily folds up to take along with you wherever you go.
For more advanced campfire cooks (or those wanting to practice and learn) try Lodge’s deep camp dutch oven. It’s perfect for many uses including casseroles, soups, and more!
This oversized dice set lets you enjoy “Yardzee” and many other games while outdoors. Just find a grassy area nearby and get playing.
If your favorite camp activity includes rest and relaxation, set up this hammock. It includes a mosquito net and rain fly. Or, use it to sleep under the stars at night.
Don’t run inside because of the bugs, keep them away with Thermacell. This flameless, DEETfree repellent creates a 15 foot barrier to keep mosquitoes away.
One of the best things about a campfire is being able to cook on it. These cast iron cookers are an easy way to make a quick meal.
You have it made in the shade with Solera by Lippert’s classic shade front panel. Extend your living space and enjoy more time in the great outdoors while RVing.
For busy little bodies that easily get bored at camp, try this game. A seek and find scavenger hunt is sure to keep them occupied for a while!
For nighttime gatherings, keep the pathway lit with Goal Zero’s lantern. It’s portable and rechargeable.
Give your pets room to roam and enjoy being outdoors too. This portable system is great for RVing and camping. ■
Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2023 events
MAY
West Coast Kencraft Trailers and Friends Casa de Fruta, Spring Fling
May 4–7
Hollister, CA
Rainbow RV Las Vegas Rally
May 19–21
Las Vegas, NV
Colorado Hi Loners on Wheels
May 21–26
Longmont, CO
JUNE
West Coast Kencraft and Friends Summer Fun on the Delta
June 8–11
Rio Vista, CA
Wind River Rally
June 22–25
Hudson, WY
RVing Women SoCAL journers
Chapter
June 22–25
Oceano, CA
JULY
2023 People’s Tiny House Festival
July 8–9
Loveland, CO
Winnebago Grand National Rally
2023
July 16–20
Forest City, IA
2023 New York Grand Design Rally
July 27–30
Alexandria Bay, NY
AUGUST
Airstream Club’s 2023
End of Summer Rally
August 18–21
Mineral, WA
Vanlife Eats
August 25–27
Basingstoke, Hampshire, England
Colorado Hi Loners on Wheels
August 20–25
Aurora, CO
SEPTEMBER
Airstream Club’s The Mother Lode of the Mother Road: A Route 66
Adventure Caravan 2023
September 10–November 9
Joliet, IL
America’s Largest RV Show
(The Hershey Show)
September 13–17
Hershey, PA
Washington State Evergreen
Fall RV Show
September 22–24
Monroe, WA
OCTOBER
Adventure Van Expo
October 7–8
Chattanooga, TN
2023 Grand Design RV Owners
Capital Rally
October 12–15
College Park, MD
SEMA Show 2023
October 31–November 3
Las Vegas, NV
Events listed are a courtesy to our readers, with dates and details subject to change. For more information, contact the event organizers directly. If you want your next event listed here, please email collab@rvtoday.com.
A family and their dog stand outside of their Quonset hut in the early 1900s.
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