RV Today Issue 11 | May / June 2023

Volume 2 I Issue 11 I May/June 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

RV TODAY, PO BOX 437 JENNINGS, OK 74038-0437

Disclaimer: One of the great things about digital publications is the ability to link you directly to the products or services you want to hear more about. Some of the links in this issue are affiliate links where we earn commissions on goods or services you buy. These commissions help us to continue to publish the magazine. RV Today is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@rvtoday.com Copyright ©2023

FROM THE Publisher

Summer is near. Are you ready for the crowds?

By now, you are probably aware of the huge growth the RV industry had during the pandemic. Some reports say a lot of the RVers that purchased in 2020 and 2021 are selling their RVs now. You may assume that will mean fewer people on the road and at campgrounds, but because they are just selling to other RVers, I expect the numbers to be pretty steady.

Most of the data and reports I’ve read predict that this camping season will be very crowded—especially at state parks and highly sought-after locations like Zion, Yosemite, or the Smoky Mountains.

When talking to friends who are trying to figure out how to escape the crowds, it always comes back to trying new ways to camp, like boondocking, or using services like Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome.

But if you really want to stay at resorts with full hookups, I would suggest looking at areas that might not be as crowded. Some of my favorite campground stays were way off the beaten path, which provided exactly what I needed in my vacation … peace and quiet.

If you are one of the lucky few that have reservations, and you end up not being able to go, please call and cancel, even if you won’t get a refund. Let another family enjoy the spot. I’ve always been amazed at the times I’ve been to campgrounds that were sold out, yet still had so many open spots due to no-shows who didn’t cancel.

As someone who spent most of his adult life living in a crowded city, I wouldn’t let the idea of crowded campgrounds stop me from taking those camping trips; I’d rather be in a crowded campground than a crowded city any day of the week.

I would love to hear how you beat the crowds this summer. Just email us at collab@rvtoday. com and tell us how you found the perfect camping spot for you and your friends or family.

Until the next issue … happy camping!

GO WHERE STREAMS NEVER LAG.

Tom and Jenni French

Kat McMahon

Contributors Contributor Spotlight

Evan Martin

Lisa Paulos

Christophe and Iulia Legrand

Chelsea Pambuka

Kimberly Graham

Lisa English

Annie Williams

Matt and Laurie DuShane

Jesseca Perry

Shannon Murray

Teri Gilden

Paige McIsaac

Chris Stocker

Roxanne and Gary Brooks

Patty Gill

Nancy Walters

Jamie Cleary

Brenda Michniewicz

Laurel and Pierre Fortin

Stan and Rhonda Wijnhamer

Dennis Gaub

Andy Greaves

Anne Klumpp @ontheroadofadventure

Panama City Beach Bites

Anne, her husband, Brian, and their dog, Skipper, travel full time in their 2015 Entegra Aspire 44B. Anne retired from a 25-year career in the wine industry to pursue life on the road. Now she works as a content creator, sharing their RV lifestyle and adventures, especially related to food and beverage. Follow along on Facebook at On the Road of Adventure, or at ontheroadofadventure.com

Kaylee Techau @exploringoutsidethe303

The Hidden Costs of RVing

Kaylee travels full time with her husband, Steve, and their two kids. After selling everything and moving into an RV in 2018, they found a good balance working remotely and homeschooling while traveling. With a passion for helping others move into this lifestyle, Kaylee shares budgeting and financial tips. Find more at exploringoutsidethe303.com.

Christina Stawiasz @thyme.and.timber

A Summer Cookout Twist

Christina Stawiasz is the creator of Thyme + Timber. She currently travels with her husband Bramdon in their 21-foot Coachmen Expedition. She loves thriving in nature, creating fun recipes, and catching all the local markets along the way to create meals for thymeandtimberlife.com.

Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk

Best National Parks for Summer

Contribute to RV Today

Do you have a story idea, product you love or campground to highlight? Reach out to us at collab@rvtoday.com

Adam, Kathryn, and Kona are an adventurous married couple and their pup living on the road in their selfconverted Sprinter van! Find them driving all over, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream, and enjoying nature. For their detailed travel guides, check out adventuresofaplusk.com and their YouTube channel, adventuresofaplusk

@lisa_roams

Read

One

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TAKE A RIDE ON THE RETRO SIDE WITH THIS VINTAGE RV

Before Christophe and Iulia Legrand converted their 1974 Mercedes 911 into an RV, it was a fire truck!

They chose this vehicle for several reasons: It’s found on four continents—Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia—and the vehicle is still produced in Iran.

It also has no electronics inside—just mechanics. In fact, repairs are no problem since Christophe converted, built, and renovated the vehicle himself over the course of two years.

The last reason they chose their rig is simple—they fell in love with the way it looked. “We were looking for a truck with a nice face. We wanted a vehicle that could make people happy when they saw us on the road, and people love seeing us. It’s like a magnet for kindness and happiness.”

And they have time to gather lots of smiles as they travel full time, because they have to take their journey slower than most. “With this kind of truck, we cannot drive fast—the maximum speed is 90 kilometers per hour (or 56 miles per hour), but our average speed is 75 kilometers per hour (or 47 miles per hour), so we have time to discover the country.”

They save money on fuel expenses by mainly using vegetable oil collected from restaurants. “We start the truck with diesel, and after five minutes, when the engine is warm, we change to 100% oil. On the back of the truck, we built an oil filtration station to clean the oil and get rid of the water.” They’re proud that the oil they use is better for the planet, too. ■

For more vintage vibes, follow Christophe, Iulia, and their retro RV on Instagram @lesrollingforks.

We love him like a member of our family on our adventure.”

Summer Kickoff

YOUR ROAD TRIP PLANNING GUIDE

From national parks to scenic highways, RVing is one of the best ways to see the country. And summer is road trip season—a great time to embark on fun adventures to new places!

You may have had the opportunity to take a few short trips in the spring to get some

practice for the season ahead. If not, be sure to inspect your RV from bumper to bumper so you can embark on your trip feeling comfortable that you won’t run into any unexpected mishaps.

This guide is full of tips that can help ensure success for your big summer vacation plans.

BUILD A BUDGET

Before you start packing the RV with firewood and marshmallows, create your budget so you can determine how much you want to spend on gas, food, activities, and campground fees. If you’re driving to another region of the country, do some research on what prices will be like there, as it may be different from home. Be sure to include parking fees, tips, souvenirs, and entrance fees to any state and national parks you’re planning to visit.

PLAN A ROUTE

There’s a lot to consider when planning the route to your final destination. First, think about how far you’ll want to go each day. Folks who are new to RVing often overestimate how much distance they’ll feel comfortable covering. RVs move more slowly than cars, you will likely stop more often for gas and rest stops, and you want to give yourself room to stop at random roadside attractions you come across. Many seasoned RVers try to follow the 3/300 rule, meaning they limit themselves to 3 hours or 300 miles per day. In addition, it’s best to drive in the morning and arrive at camp before dark. Have some flexibility in your planned route until you make reservations for campgrounds, as availability can be limited. In addition, research any low bridges or tunnel height restrictions along your route and make any necessary changes to accommodate your RV size. Apps like RV Life and Togo RV are helpful when it comes to choosing a route that will be safe for your RV’s height and width. Finally, consider spending at least a couple of nights in each location to get a feel for the area.

MAKE RESERVATIONS

Now that you know your budget and general route, you can research camping options and choose specific places to stay. If you want to stay at a popular campground or RV resort, you will likely need to make reservations several months in advance. When looking for a campsite, check for campground length restrictions or other rules that might prevent you from staying there. For example, some national parks have a 32-foot maximum, and some areas in bear country do not allow soft-sided campers. If campground options are limited, consider boondocking for a night or two! You can find boondocking options through popular resources like the iOverlander app or freecampsites.net.

RESEARCH ATTRACTIONS

As you’re planning your trip, research the activities you want to do and note their hours of operation as well as whether or not they have RV parking areas. Make reservations if necessary, and check out their cancellation policy just in case. Don’t forget to pack any special gear you need for the excursion—for example, horseback riding tours typically require customers to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Leave time in your itinerary for activities at camp, where you can relax by the fire or in a hammock, play cards at the picnic table, and enjoy time with your family or friends.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

Bad weather can easily ruin a summer vacation if you’re not prepared. Bring a few games or movies as backup activities in case your plan for the day gets rained out. Even if you usually go out to eat, have a few non-perishable options in the RV just in case. Cans of soup or boxes of pasta and sauce are great options. With a few minor preparations, a rainy day could end up being the most memorable day of the trip! ■

flair function &

By Chelsea Pambuka

When we decided to go full time in our RV, we were not newbies; we had been weekend warriors for years. At the time of our decision, we owned a mid-bunk fifth wheel, and prior to that rig, we had a travel trailer with bunks. Traveling with those two different rigs had given us an idea of what we needed to function when we went full time.

Though we considered staying in our mid-bunk fifth wheel, the setup wasn’t ultimately right for us. We needed a

space that would bring efficiency and have many purposes for our family, and decided a toy hauler would work best. Our three biggest must-haves for our new RV were an office space for Malvin to work, a separate room for the kids’ bedroom, and a table for homeschooling and meals. After walking through rigs and watching tours online, we fell in love with the Alliance Valor 42V13. The side deck offered a bonus space that we had not imagined—it could be used for playing, relaxing, and eating!

When the rig arrived, our first plan of action was to transform the main bedroom into the kids’ bedroom, because we wanted the kids to have their own space as soon as we moved in. Giving the kids the main bedroom allowed us to organize the closet with all their clothes, shoes, coats, and some of the toys. We modified some used bunk beds and mounted a crib in the space that previously held the head of the queen size bed, and cut the mattress in half to make it into two mattresses for the big kids. Putting up wallpaper, hanging book baskets and a dollhouse, and adding a comfy rug and cute bedding gave the space a personal touch. The space has evolved over time as the youngest has transitioned from a crib to a toddler bed and the oldest got her own space on the bottom bunk with curtains.

After completing the kids’ room, we moved to the garage, which is our office and bedroom. Each morning we make the bed and raise it up out of the way using the HappiJac bed lift. The door into the garage has a great seal and allows Malvin to have meetings at the same time the kids are playing or homeschooling on the other side of the door.

In order for the toy hauler to function as our bedroom and office, we needed to add closet space and a desk. First, we put down a rug and tweaked it to fit the floor. Then we added a wardrobe that we bought secondhand, and repurposed some shelves from our sticks and bricks home for extra closet and desk storage. This took a lot of measuring and

securing to the studs. Recently, we added a second desk for me to work. I was often floating around the house with my laptop trying to find a place to do my online tutoring or to create content for our social media. The new desk can fold down, and it has modular shelves that can be removed when we travel. This room also functions as the laundry room and stores all our workout gear when we’re traveling.

The main living space has been transformed over time as we’ve lived in the RV. Before getting on the road, we switched out the couch and the dining chairs. We wanted more function in this space, and we wanted the couch to have storage and double as an extra bed when we had guests. We also wanted the dining space to have storage for homeschool and crafts, so we added benches with built-in storage.

As we lived in the space, we added touches like

peel-and-stick wallpaper, and painted the cabinets. The space continues to evolve—we recently added a feature wall in the hallway near the main bathroom, and we plan to paint more cabinets in the future. We also added wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, and a shower curtain in the bathroom.

Our goal in this renovation was to make our space feel like home while also adding a lot of function for our family of five. We needed to make the space work for homeschool, remote work, and daily living. The space will continue to transform with our family as everyone grows. ■

Chelsea and her family share their renovation and travels on Instagram @kufamba_thetravelingtribe.

By Anne Klumpp

When I made reservations for our stay in Panama City Beach, I knew two things: it’s in the panhandle of Florida, and it’s considered the “Seafood Capital of the South.” As full-time RVers, we’re always eager to visit areas of the country we haven’t been to, especially if the weather is nice. And as foodies, any place referred to as the “capital” of any food group is on our bucket list.

I was not expecting to see the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, which is shaped like a sinking ship, or WonderWorks’ upside-down building. Of course, after seeing those, I wasn’t surprised by the number of putt-putt courses and other tourist attractions in the area. I’ll admit my hopes of finding great food began to wane.

We arrived with a list of places to try based on my research and personal suggestions from friends who have spent time in the area, and when I plotted these places out on Google Maps, it was no surprise that most were not beachside. That’s not to say you won’t enjoy your time or shouldn’t visit the beachside places! It’s just that, in my experience, restaurants in tourist towns often survive on location over quality.

Ultimately, we enjoyed our time in Panama City Beach, but we felt we experienced more authentic local culture and

Panama City Beach Bites

Dee’s Hang Out

Sunset over Saint Andrew ’s Bay

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Panama City Farmers Market

218 Harrison Ave., Panama City

I found a wide range of local fruits and vegetables and some fish and meat at this farmers market, which is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at McKenzie Park.

The Bagel Maker

41 W. 4th St., Panama City

If you’re a bagel lover and rarely find New York-style bagels in your travels, check out The Bagel Maker. You can get a bagel sandwich or take a dozen to stock your freezer. Or both!

Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Bar and Grill

1151 Bayview Ave., Panama City

It’s worth making time to go over the bridge to Panama City to soak up the sunset at Uncle Ernie’s. Get there early for a seat on the patio and stunning views of Saint Andrew’s Bay.

Tarpon Dock Seafood Market

234 E. Beach Drive, Panama City

If you enjoy cooking fish and seafood, stop by the Tarpon Dock Seafood Market. Located at the docks, fish doesn’t get much fresher than this!

Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant

1150 Beck Ave., Panama City

Owned by the same family as Tarpon Dock Seafood Market, this establishment tops our list for fish and seafood. It’s unassuming, well-priced, and super fresh— and everything we tasted was fantastic! Freshly shucked oysters can be ordered raw, steamed, or baked. We sampled two kinds of baked oysters—the local favorite, with house butter and parmesan cheese, and the three cheese with jalapeno. The fried grouper and shrimp entree arrived crispy and not over-cooked. But the star of the show was a whole blackened red snapper served with fresh chopped tomatoes and peppers.

As much as we loved the restaurants in Panama City, we found plenty to love in Panama City Beach as well! Without question, we found some great spots in and near the beach for you to try and for us to keep on our list of places to revisit next time we are in town!

Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill

16201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

This dog-friendly spot is located directly on the beach across from Pier Park and offers excellent happy hour specials on boozy tropical drinks like painkillers and bushwhackers. With plenty of outdoor seating and a view of the pier, we relaxed among the other tourists with a couple of drinks and appetizers.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar

Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Bar

The Bagel Maker

Tarpon Dock Seafood Market

Hunt’s Oyster Bar

David’s New Orleans Style Cafe and Sno-Balls

13913 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

You may be 300-plus miles from New Orleans, but you’ll find a lot of Cajun influence on menus around the area. The homemade olive salad on the Muffaletta Sandwich at David’s rivals the relish from the famous Central Grocery in New Orleans. Served on bread imported from NOLA’s Gambino’s Bakery, the 9-inch Muffuletta with two pounds of ham does feed (at least) four. This fast-casual spot serves other NOLA cuisine as well, like po’ boys, beignets, and pralines.

Dee’s Hang Out

529 N. Richard Jackson Boulevard, Panama City Beach

Dee’s claims to serve a Southern Coastal Cajun menu. We tried a few New Orleans-influenced plates at Dee’s, but we would go back for their Jalapeno Ranch Smoked Tuna Dip. Offered as an appetizer on its own or as one of a trio of dips along with regular Smoked Tuna Dip and Pimiento Cheese, this creamy starter comes with tortilla chips and assorted crackers.

Salty Sue’s Restaurant

17501 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

Chicken wings seemed to be the only thing in town as ubiquitous as smoked tuna dip. We tasted wings in a few

places around town, but the smoked chicken wings at Salty Sue’s took the prize for us! Available all day and on special for their daily happy hour, these wings are hickorysmoked and deep-fried before serving. They offer a few different sauces to enjoy with your wings, but we found the crispy-skinned, smoky chicken so flavorful that sauce wasn’t necessary.

Back Beach BBQ

19714 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

You’ll find plenty of options for barbecue around town, but the three huge smokers and the giant pile of wood outside of Back Beach caught our eye. Advertising 12-hour, slow-smoked barbecue, this fast-casual restaurant offers some of the best barbecue we’d had in a long time! From 7 to 10 a.m., you can order breakfast tacos or a biscuit sandwich. After 10, you can choose a sandwich or buy their oak-smoked meat by weight. We feasted for days on the assortment we ordered, with our favorites being the turkey and the beef rib, which is sold only on Fridays and Saturdays.

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

12805 US-98 R101, Inlet Beach

If you’re staying on the west end of Panama City Beach or heading out for a drive on Scenic Highway 30a, stop by

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

David’s New Orleans Style Cafe

Back Beach BBQ

amici. We heard great things about the restaurant scene in Rosemary Beach, and this place was mentioned every time. I loved the Black Grouper Bowl with seared grouper served on a bed of fresh greens and couscous tossed in red wine vinaigrette. The dish was simple but allowed the fish to shine. Brian’s pizza came with a flavorful tomato sauce and a tasty blend of cheeses.

Craft 850

7715 Front Beach Road , Panama City Beach

I went for the Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Craft 850. This 13-inch brick-oven pizza comes with Buffalo sauce, fried chicken, blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella cheese, and a ranch drizzle, combining all the delicious components of pizza and wings. The menu generally offers upscale versions of traditional bar food, like pizza, burgers, and tots, in a room that feels more like a nice bistro. They also offer an impressive 56-beer selection on tap and half-off a small but well-curated wine list on Wednesdays

Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill

2903 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach

Check out Christo’s for a casual sports bar. With 25 flat-screen TVs, this local hangout is the place to watch a game. Our expectations were low when we arrived to find it next to a gas station, but our experience was positive enough to have us return during our short stay.

Their version of jalapeno poppers (called Noles Roles on the menu) is made with fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, and sausage, then hand-rolled in a spring roll wrapper before frying. They also have a Redneck Chicken Sammy made with a country fried chicken breast topped with pimiento cheese, Sriracha aioli, slaw and house-made pickles. The food here is simply delicious!

Firefly

535 N. Richard Jackson Boulevard, Panama City Beach

If you prefer a fine-dining experience, add Firefly to your list of places to make a reservation. This restaurant offers a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list, impeccable service, and great food in a setting that makes you feel like you are miles away from the other beach restaurants. Don’t miss their local favorite, She Crab Soup. This creamy bisque was perfect, finished with a generous splash of dry sherry and a crispy puff pastry.

Parlor Doughnuts

10260 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

For a decadent, sweet breakfast treat, check out Parlor Doughnuts. Heralding from Evansville, Indiana, this fastgrowing chain makes small-batch layered doughnuts. They make each doughnut with buttery dough layers, like a croissant, fried to a crisp exterior with a light and fluffy interior. With more than 20 varieties, you’re sure to find one you love. ■

Anne and her husband, Brian, share their RV lifestyle and foodie destinations on Instagram @ontheroadofadventure.

Our experience goes to prove an old point—you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Or, in this case, assume anything about the dining scene by the number of puttputt courses in town!”

Craft 850

Firefly

Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill

THE

Hidden Costs OF

RVing

By Kaylee Techau

The RV lifestyle comes with some obvious costs, like the RV itself, a tow vehicle, and campground fees. But what about the hidden costs? These small— and sometimes large—costs that seem to come out of nowhere can really add up. Some hidden costs include weather-related prep, propane, tolls, fees, internet, and basic maintenance items.

This past winter, we were in Colorado during the deep freeze, and it was 18 below zero for multiple days. Before the storm came in, we decided to skirt the RV and purchase additional space heaters for warmth, which cost $300. Hot weather has hidden costs too, like additional fans or air conditioning units, adding Reflectix in windows, and increased electricity usage, which some campgrounds charge for.

Propane can be tricky to budget for because the amount you’ll need depends on climate and personal usage. We love to use the propane fire pit at night when hanging out with friends—we’ve used an entire 20-pound tank in one night this way! We especially went through propane quickly during that cold Colorado winter, when we filled a 30-pound tank every four days. At $30 for each fill-up, we spent $648 on propane in a year, $250 of which was due to cold weather during November and December.

Depending on where you are in the country, toll costs can add up quickly. The Northeast is famous for toll roads, and RVers can end up paying hundreds of dollars to navigate the area. We are heading up there this summer and have budgeted about $400 for tolls. There are toll roads, toll bridges, and toll facilities in more than 35 states—be sure to plan ahead and include it in your budget.

Always keep fees in mind—including campground fees, membership fees, and storage fees. Campgrounds can charge extra for children, multiple vehicles, and any number of other things. While most campgrounds’ websites are clear about extra fees, do your due diligence and read the fine print.

Membership fees can also add up—like Passport America, Harvest Hosts, Escapees, Thousand Trails, Resort Parks International, Coast to Coast, Good Sam, etc. Separately, these fees are mostly minor expenses, but when added together, they can put a dent in your budget! As a full-time family, we spend $1,650 in membership fees each year. Storage fees are another consideration, whether it’s storage for your RV, or a storage unit for your stuff. My dad paid more than $100 per month to store his RV because it didn’t fit at his house, and we actually recently found a new storage unit because the price for our old one was doubling every three months. We found a unit in Texas and were able to pay $500 up front for two years.

For digital nomads, access to the Internet can be a necessary hidden cost, especially because it’s safest to have two sources of Internet to ensure there is signal anywhere you go. Starlink and T-Mobile Home have gained popularity in the RVing community, but there are many options available. We spend $105 per month with an AT&T prepaid hotspot and T-Mobile Home.

Maintenance items—including lubricants, tank treatments, sealants, and cleaning supplies—are another underestimated hidden cost. A little maintenance goes a long way in protecting your RV from larger, more expensive issues down the road. We budget $30 per month for these items.

These hidden fees can vary a lot based on where and how you travel, as well as what type of RV you have. Advance research and a meticulous budget are helpful ways to be prepared for unexpected costs that pop up. ■

Kaylee is passionate about sharing budgeting tips. Follow her on Instagram @exploringoutsidethe303.

@snorkelsandsnowpants

Readers Share WHY They Chose Their RV

The layout and the positive feedback on the customer service from the manufacturer.”

@type1detour

We chose our RV for the second bathroom, metal sink, pantry space, full shower, and closet space.”

@travelfamily541

The big bunk room for our teens.”

@canadiancaboose

The layout—I love my big back kitchen!”

@scenic_adventurers

This is our third rig. We love the rear entrance next to the dry bath, walkaround Murphy bed, counter space and dinette, and having no slides!”

@njhappycamper

NOT ALL SUPER CLASS C S ARE EQUAL

ESPECIALLY THESE TWO.

The 2024 Supreme Aire and Super Star—which is all-new this year—put serious emphasis on the super in Super Class C. They include features you won’t find on any other Class C on the market, like a full air-ride cab and step-free aisleway, plus more advanced tech to make traveling simply better. Add in the dozens of luxurious touches and quality craftsmanship that Newmar is known for, it’s clear that these two coaches don’t blend in. And that’s exactly what we were going for.

SCAN TO SEE THE SUPER

2024 Supreme Aire

2024 Super Star

43 RANCH OLIVE OIL

San Ardo, CA

This world-class olive mill and ranch produces some of California’s best small-batch extra virgin olive oils. If you’ve ever wanted to see how olive oil gets from farm to table, this is where to go! Every process on the farm is designed for world-class quality, and it shows. 43 Ranch is a wonderful place to stay, learn, and explore. Schedule a tour and tasting on a weekend day to help develop your palate. With almost 500 happy reviews, Harvest Hosts members can’t seem to get enough of this place.

ALLENS BAR CAMPGROUND

US-101 and Hoh Mainline Rd, Forks WA 98331

We’ve seen tons of posts from fellow Airstreamers about Allens Bar, and it lived up to the hype. This was camping at its finest. You’re situated directly on the Hoh River— perfect and picturesque. We were fortunate enough to have the site to ourselves in early May. Even though it was wet, cold, and gray, it was absolutely stunning and we really enjoyed it. We will be back again, and we hope campers can enjoy this campground for many years to come.

Contributed by Roxanne and Gary Brooks @dreaminofairstreamin

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

One of the most stunning national parks is only a few hours from Seattle! The alpine landscape has more to offer than meets the eye, and the National Park Service encourages you to: “Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth’s changing climate.” From stopping at overlooks during scenic drives to backpacking on hiking trails, the magnificence of the park can’t be overstated!

Photos contributed by Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk

SUNBEAM HOT SPRINGS

Along Highway 75, Stanley, Idaho

Tucked right off Highway 75, Sunbeam Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with beautiful views of the Salmon River and Salmon-Challis National Forest, and it’s always worth a roadside stop! There are stunning views, and it’s easy to access by roadside pull-off parking and a short walk down. Thermal springs cascade from the hillside, providing a steamy bath and natural soak in one of Idaho’s most beautiful places, the town of Stanley.

Contributed by Lisa Paulos @lisa_roams

SENTINEL RANCH ALPACAS

Roberts, MT

Sentinel Ranch is an alpaca farm nestled deep in beautiful Montana. In addition to lodging through Harvest Hosts, they offer tours on the hour where you can feed and pet the alpacas inside the pastures with your ranch guide.

Sentinel Ranch also offers alpaca products in their ranch store. Alpaca is super soft, warmer than wool, breathable, hypoallergenic, and lanolin-free. Sweaters, socks, vests, hats, gloves, scarves, slippers, duvets, pillows, and rugs are available for purchase.

Stop in and enjoy a fun and memorable experience. Not only are you surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful mountains, but you’re also fully immersed in the alpaca farm.

1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201

If you’re ever in Little Rock, check out the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. Even if you don’t care for museums or libraries, this is still a great stop, because the glass building is stunning, and it’s located right on the Arkansas River. If you don’t want to go inside, the outside is just as wonderful— the grounds are beautiful and include a small park with a pond and an outdoor art exhibit. The exhibit

showcases 26 globes showing the effects of climate change, which is called “Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for A Cooler Planet.”

Inside, the library showcases the former president’s life and his time in office. Regardless of your political leanings, I highly recommend this educational stop.

Contributed by Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels

WILLIAM J. CLINTON LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

SAINT JOSEPH CENTER

North Little Rock, AR

Saint Joseph Center is an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and restore its historic property through sustainable farming and food production, and programs that educate, promote agritourism, and support community outreach

Today, through the efforts of devoted volunteers, Saint Joseph is a thriving, active place to learn, play, and grow—and a great place to park overnight! The farm stand has produce and products from the 100-year-old farm as well as other items grown and produced in Arkansas. Harvest Hosts members can request private tours of the farm and building. The property also hosts hayrides and birdwatching! Harvest Hosts members rave about the animals and the baked goods

$

DOWNTOWN RIVERSIDE RV PARK

250 South Locust St., North Little Rock, AR 72114

This was the first time we’ve ever stayed at an RV park downtown, and we loved this campground.

Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Downtown Riverside RV Park sits on the Arkansas River. The park is very safe, with a fence and a locked gate. They offer a shower house, dump station, laundry, and clubhouse. The office is closed to the public with contactless check-in, and your packets are outside the front door. The whole campground is paved and has very large pull-through and backin spots on the river.

At one end of the park is a small gate to the Clinton walking bridge, which you can use to walk or ride bikes to restaurants, parks, shops, and museums. A couple of bridges light up at night, and they are beautiful to see from the campground.

The area is owned by the city and very inexpensive for the sights and views you get. The location is right off the interstate, so it’s convenient whether you just need to stay overnight or up to two weeks.

Contributed by Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels

SUMMER CRUSH VINEYARD AND WINERY

Fort Pierce, FL

Summer Crush is the culmination of decades of growing experience coupled with years of vineyard and winery planning and development by owner/vintner Gary Roberts. The desire was to create an exciting winery experience like no other.

This winery is home to award-winning muscadine and fruit wines and hosts special events year-round. They have lawn games, disc golf, a pond, a book box, and live music on weekends. This is the perfect place for snowbirds.

Summer Crush can host several RVers at a time and allows for multiple-night stays for a small fee, meaning Harvest Hosts members can make a whole weekend trip out of this winery experience!

$$

FORT YARGO STATE PARK

210 South Broad St., Winder, GA 30680

There are so many things to do at Fort Yargo State Park, including disc golf, nature programs, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and a large lake in which to swim, boat, paddle, and fish.

The campground has several trees, and many sites have nice shade. Some also have water views and access. The roads are a little hilly and winding, but as long as you go slowly, you should be fine in a big rig. We took a picnic lunch on our hikes and enjoyed the pretty lake views.

This is a great campground and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Contributed by Nancy Walters @rvagogo

HERSHEYPARK

100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is an absolute treat! They have free parking (and it is labeled well). The park is clean and inviting, with friendly, caring employees. Our favorite ride was the Laff Trakk, an indoor twisting forwardand-backward ride! The wooden roller coasters provided a great old-school feel, and there is so much to explore for the younger kids, too. They have ticket deals, so keep your eyes open! This is an amazing experience for all. ■

Contributed by Jamie

Cleary @unweekendwarriors

THOUSAND TRAILS FOREST LAKE

192 Thousand Trails Drive, Advance, NC 27006

This campground is stunning—the lake adds great views and makes camping there even better! Our site was large, and the roads were easy to navigate in our 40-foot fifth wheel. They are currently adding almost 100 new spacious sites.

They have two large pools, which were unfortunately closed when we were there. The game room was great, with plenty of arcade games, pool tables, and a ping pong table.

Contributed by Chris Stocker @type1detour

M A N R V 1 0 1

f e a t u r e s a n i n l e t 4 f u n c t i o n ( 4 p o s i t i o n ) l o w l e a d b r a s s v a l v e t h a t i s u s e d f o r f i l l i n g t h e h o l d i n g t a n k , p r e s s u r i z i n g t h e f i x t u r e s w h e n y o u h a v e a w a t e r s u p p l y , p u m p f r o m t h e t a n k d u r i n g d r y c a m p i n g a n d h e l p y o u w i t h w i n t e r i z i n g a n d s a n i t i z i n g y o u r u n i t .

M A N R V 1 0 2

f e a t u r e s a n i n l e t 4 f u n c t i o n ( 4 p o s i t i o n ) l o w l e a d b r a s s v a l v e t h a t i s u s e d f o r f i l l i n g t h e h o l d i n g t a n k , p r e s s u r i z i n g t h e f i x t u r e s w h e n y o u h a v e a w a t e r s u p p l y , p u m p f r o m t h e t a n k d u r i n g d r y c a m p i n g a n d h e l p y o u w i t h w i n t e r i z i n g a n d s a n i t i z i n g y o u r u n i t . T h e

M A N R V 1 0 2 a l s o i n c l u d e s a 3 f u n c t i o n ( 3 p o s i t i o n ) l o w l e a d b r a s s w a t e r h e a t e r b y p a s s v a l v e . N o r m a l p o s i t i o n w h e n t h e u n i t n e e d s h o t w a t e r t o f i x t u r e s . B y p a s s p o s i t i o n f o r

m a i n t e n a n c e o n h o t w a t e r h e a t e r a n d t h i r d p o s i t i o n f o r s a n i t i z i n g y o u r f r e s h w a t e r t a n k .

RESORTS MEGA

The Perfect Summer V acation

Some RV parks stand out from the crowd when it comes to size and amenities, earning the moniker “mega resort” or “luxury resort.” These RV resorts can be expensive, but if you’re looking to splurge on an experience that prioritizes comfort and enhanced facilities, they can be the perfect choice! There are more resorts in this category than you might expect, but we’ve selected a few places where our readers have actually stayed, as well as parks that have won awards from RVing organizations and membership groups.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds chose Ocean Lakes for the 2022 Mega Park of the Year award. Park of the Year awards are based on providing a world-class guest experience resulting from excellence in customer service and operations. Ocean Lakes Family Campground aims to be more of a community than an RV park. With events like bluegrass weekend and craft fairs, they are passionate about bringing people together for a good time. In addition, campers will find some unique amenities, like a DIY dog washing station, an EV charging station, and beach wheelchairs, the result of a partnership with the county.

Photos by Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ruby’s Inn RV Par k & Campground

Bryce Canyon City, Utah

Ruby’s Inn has offered accommodations and camping since 1916. It’s a perfect hub for travelers looking to explore the Bryce Canyon area, but it’s also a destination all on its own. Ruby’s offers guided horseback rides, ATV tours, mountain biking, hiking, rodeos, and helicopter tours. Their general store sells a wide selection of food and camping accessories to outfit you for your trip. You can book lodging in the hotel, a cabin, a tent site, or one of the 250 full-hookup campsites.

Photos by Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground

Little Arrow Outdoor Resor t

Townsend, Tennessee

With tents, cabins, Airstreams, RV sites, and more for rent, this resort is a truly special experience. Little Arrow has been recognized by TripAdvisor and USA Today Readers’ Choice for being the best glamping resort. The RV sites are large, shaded, and pull-through, and some of them have full outdoor kitchens! In addition to the usual amenities at RV resorts, Little Arrow offers a coffee lounge, a pool and splash pad area, courts for basketball and pickleball, a community garden, and a food truck area.

Photos by Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Thousand Trails Verde Valley R V & Camping Resor t

Cottonwood, Arizona

Each year, the Arizona Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds selects a Large Park of the Year. In 2022, Verde Valley RV Resort won this category due to its family-friendly guest experience, as well as its close proximity to the infamous red rocks of Sedona. But with the facility being 300 acres, you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to! Located on the Verde River, there is something for everyone at this resort, including fishing, swimming, billiards, mini golf, shuffleboard, and more.

Photos by Thousand Trails Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort

Sun Outdoors Rocky M ountains

Granby, Colorado

The USA Today Best RV Parks of 2022 listed wonderful parks across the country, including Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. Located in picturesque Grandy, Colorado, this resort offers a home base for all your outdoor adventures. With RV sites, tent sites, and glamping and lodging options, there are choices for everyone. You can even stay in a covered wagon! With the Colorado river nearby and endless trails to hike, you can explore the Colorado Rockies by land or water. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy Winter Park and Granby Ranch, two of Colorado’s popular ski resorts.

Photos by Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

O’Connell’s RV Campground

Amboy, Illinois

Just 90 minutes from Chicago, O’Connell’s is perfect for a midwest family vacation. This resort has more than 600 campsites and offers both a water park and a lake with floating slides for even more fun in the sun. Between the volleyball court, activity center, four playgrounds, and weekly events, your family will have plenty of activities to enjoy while camping here. In addition to RV sites with full hookups, you can rent small cabins and cottages that can accommodate the whole family. ■

Contributed by Jerome Braga

@our1chance

ISLANDSouth Padre

THINGS TO DO, SEE, AND EAT

By Brenda Michniewicz

How would you like to spend your winter on a subtropical island camping by the best beach in Texas? South Padre Island is our favorite Texas winter destination, with 34 miles of sandy shoreline, tropical vibes, and endless things to see and do. Average temperatures from December through February are in the mid-60s and 70s, which makes it not too hot and not too cold. Here’s all the info you need to plan your trip to Texas’ favorite winter destination.

WHERE TO STAY: There are three RV parks on the island. Isla Blanca Park is the favorite, with direct beach access and more than 600 full-hookup sites. There is also the option to boondock directly on the beach, but we highly advise doing some research first—we’ve seen many cars and RVs get stuck due to the high tides and deep sand! The island also has multiple hotels, condos, and beach vacation rental options.

TRANSPORTATION: Getting around the island is very easy. You can bike or e-bike directly from the parks, with just a short distance to the main strip. There are plenty of rental options for bikes, golf carts, slingshots, and Jeeps. The island has its own free Island Metro shuttle, which also transports to Port Isabel across the bridge.

ACTIVITIES: South Padre Island is touted as the Sand Castle Capital of the World, because its sand

is perfect for sculpting. You can even take a class to learn how to build a sand castle! The beaches are great for shell collecting, bird watching, kite flying, windsurfing, and other types of water sports. Be sure to sign up for a surfing lesson! Other water activities off the beach include bay and deep-sea fishing, charter boats, dolphin watch tours, dinner cruises, eco-cruises, snorkel/scuba diving, and parasailing. You can even go horseback riding! When you need a break from the beach, there are plenty of boutique stores, art galleries, and museums to browse through.

ATTRACTIONS: You won’t want to miss the island’s fun attractions. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a rescue center for turtles. Learn about all the nature in the area at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, and get a bird’s-eye view of the bay area, plus an up-close look at some alligators. Enjoy a nature walk on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail and view the beautiful Wyland’s Whaling Wall Mural, a popular spot for photographers. Take the drive out to SpaceX or watch a launch right from the island. Follow the Sea Turtle Art Trail to find all the turtle statues. Visit Port Isabel Lighthouse for an incredible view of the Queen Isabella Causeway.

Take advantage of the outdoor grills in the pavilions at Isla Blanca Park, and take in a live concert at the Cameron County Amphitheater.

DINING: South Padre Island has more than 40 local dining and live music venues, including casual and fine dining, indoor and outdoor options, and plenty of beach and bayside views. Some of the restaurants will even cook up your catch of the day for you. If you enjoy fine dining, check out Sea Ranch or F&B. Cure your Cajun craving at Daddy’s, or feast on a buffet at Louie’s Backyard. For Italian or pizza, try The Meatball Cafe or Gabriella’s. Catch a sunset at Longboard or Laguna BOB, and grab a cold one at Padre Island Brewing Company.

With so many things to do on South Padre Island, along with the tropical vibe and small coastal community feel, we hope you will add this Gulf Coast destination to your Texas bucket list. It’s a great place to visit any time of year. (Well, except for spring break, when more than 50,000 students come to party.) ■

Find more of Brenda’s travels on Instagram @ourmobilejourney.

RV

Air Conditioner

MAINTENANCE TIPS

By Laurel and Pierre Fortin

Air conditioner performance is critical for creating a comfortable environment in your RV, especially when the weather gets really warm. With the A/C on full blast, we consider it glamping!

Optimizing the performance of your air conditioner comes down to a few effective maintenance tips. If your air conditioner isn’t meeting your needs, follow these recommendations to improve the performance and efficiency of your unit.

Inside and outside filters are often the culprit when your air conditioner’s performance starts to lag. Performance is directly proportional to air restriction through those filters.

INSIDE FILTERS

Any buildup on the filter causes airflow to be restricted. Inner air filters are easily accessible from the inside of any coach, and are the first thing to check when you feel like your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Opening the door when you enter or exit your RV results in normal airborne dust, which flows through your RV and into those filters. RV owners should remove and clean inside filters at least once a month, if not more often, depending on the conditions of your camping locations.

OUTSIDE FILTERS

While these are harder to access, outer filters are also directly proportional to the performance of any air conditioner. You will have to inspect and replace these at least every 6 months if you are traveling full time, or once a year if you use your RV for weekends and short trips.

MANAGING HIGH HUMIDITY

One often-underestimated contributor to poor air conditioner performance is the level of humidity inside the unit. RV owners need to keep in mind that air conditioners actually take the ambient air, remove the humidity, and make the air more comfortable. So the more humid it is inside your RV, the harder your air conditioner has to work. Remember to turn your fan on while showering, cooking, or hanging wet clothes inside. ■

Pierre and Laurel run Blue Ox RV Inspection and share helpful RV maintenance tips at blueoxrvinspection.com, blueoxontherun on YouTube, and @blueoxrvinspection on Instagram.

A tasty blend of surf and tur f on a skewer.”

A Summer Cookout Twist

Jambalaya Kebabs

By Christina Stawiasz

SSummer and beautiful warm weather are always on my mind— as soon as the snow melts away, I start going through the list of places I want to visit. I’m always eager to de-winterize the RV as soon as the weather starts to change and we emerge from our winter hibernation. It means that summer is here, or at the very least, around the corner. I love the adventure of RVing, and experiencing amazing hikes and gorgeous views, but I’m just as excited to experience different cultures and cuisines. There are so many good eats out there, and as a foodie and outdoor cooking enthusiast, I use time on the road to gain experience and insight on local foods in the area I’m visiting. Whether it’s shopping at the farmers market, trying street food, or eating at local restaurants, there’s always something new to discover.

Having a travel grill changed how I cook while traveling; I rarely use my RV stove or oven now unless I’m boiling pasta or making rice. There are so many different types of grills on the market that it’s easy to find the perfect one (or two) to fit your space and needs. I started with a small gas grill

with a collapsible stand for serious space-saving convenience, and now I also have a small travel kamado grill, which is fueled by charcoal. It has been so versatile. I can of course use it as a regular charcoal grill, but it has also doubled as an outdoor oven! Investing in cast irons is another must while camping—they’re super sturdy, clean up well, and last a lifetime. With just a couple of these cooking necessities, I guarantee your summer cookouts will be extraordinary.

Louisiana is one of my favorite places to travel for amazing culture and food. I’m a sucker for Creole and Cajun food, and jambalaya is one of my favorite dishes. Jambalaya is a hearty dish packed full of chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, as well as vegetables like bell pepper, okra, and onion. It’s some of the best comfort food. One day I was wondering if I could make this comfort food into a summer meal, and it dawned on me—kebabs! Who doesn’t like a kebab on the grill in the summer? These jambalaya kebabs have been a hit at my campsites. They’re a tasty blend of surf and turf on a skewer. ■

Jambalaya Kebabs

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cut into 8 pieces

12 ounces smoked andouille sausage, cut into 16 pieces

8 jumbo shrimp

1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

16 whole fresh okra

2 tablespoons Creole or Cajun

seasoning

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic

Hot sauce (optional)

8 skewers

Instructions:

■ Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

■ Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine chicken, 1 tablespoon each of Creole or Cajun seasoning and tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of garlic, and mix well. In a second bowl combine the shrimp and remaining seasoning, olive oil, tomato paste, and garlic. Toss to coat well. For some extra heat, add a few splashes of hot sauce. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

■ Assemble the kebabs, keeping the shrimp separate from the chicken since the cooking times will vary.

■ For the chicken kebabs, thread okra, bell pepper, onion, chicken, and sausage, then repeat once more.

■ For the shrimp kebabs, thread okra, bell pepper, onion, shrimp, and sausage, and repeat once more.

■ Brush grill grates with oil or coat with cooking spray.

■ Starting with the chicken kebab, cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through, 160 to 165 degrees. I prefer to pull them from the grill right before they get to 165 degrees, because they will continue to cook as they rest.

■ For the shrimp kebab, cook about 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Find more cooking tips from Christina on Instagram @thyme.and.timber

UPGRADE YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Char-Griller

Akorn Kamado

Charcoal Grill Cook low and slow or at a high temperature with this efficient high quality steel grill.

Char-Griller

Flat Iron Gas

Griddle With four burners and a flat top griddle, you can cook a variety of foods at the summer cookout.

The Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven Make group meals over the fire with this classic camp utensil that will last generations.

Costway Portable Propane

3-Burner Cooker

Cook a feast outdoors with this portable stove top that puts out 225,000 BTUs.

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.

5

MountainDestinationsBiking Great for RVers

By Stan and Rhonda Wijnhamer

We are retired, part-time RVers who travel with our Grand Design Imagine 2500RL several months of the year. We both had demanding, high-stress jobs and a history of major medical events, and in 2019, we decided to retire and pursue an active lifestyle.

Shortly after, we started our YouTube channel, Over the Hill Adventures, to

encourage and inspire others to get active and find their new adventure. We found an incredible new lease on life and felt it would be selfish to keep what we learned to ourselves.

With our mountain bikes tucked securely in the back of the truck, we seek out the best places in the country to ride. These are our favorite destinations we’ve found.

CALIFORNIA

Montaña de Oro State Park

Just south of Morro Bay in central California is Montaña de Oro State Park, with mountain bike trails that meet the Pacific Ocean. The views from these trails are unmatched by any we’ve ever experienced. We chose to camp at Avila / Pismo Beach KOA, which is only 30 minutes away from the park.

Oats Peak Trail is 11.3 miles and takes you 1,433 feet up into the mountains, with views of the ocean and the historic landmark Morro Rock. This intermediate trail is not for the faint of heart—the final half mile is made up of soft dirt and loose gravel. You might have to walk your bike to reach the final peak, but the views are absolutely worth it!

Hazard Peak Trail is 4.1 miles, and takes you up 915 feet with beautiful ocean and canyon views. It’s a soft-packed, single-track trail through a eucalyptus grove. As you wind along the edge of the mountainside and gain elevation, you are met with spectacular views of Morro Bay.

Bluff Trail is an easy 2.3-mile trail that follows along the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. This area is a haven for wildlife due to its special protection as part of the California Coastal National Monument. You’ll ride along a well-maintained, wide-dirt trail, which offers views beyond your imagination. This is a perfect family-friendly trail, so we recommend it if you have little ones.

Hazard Peak Trail

Oats Peak Trail

Cortez

Cortez was centrally located to several places we wanted to explore while visiting Colorado. We camped at WestView RV Resort in Dolores, which borders Cortez. Here are three places we highly recommend riding.

Phil’s World, a mecca mountain bike park that cannot be missed, offers 60 miles of single-track trails for all ages and experience levels. It sits atop a southwest desert mesa, with trails traversing every direction. This was our first visit to a mountain bike park, and when we arrived, our lack of experience made us feel a little out of place. That quickly changed as we set off on our first ride and discovered the flowing trails were fairly flat and easy to navigate.

Boggy Draw Loop is up the hill from Dolores. This 8.6-mile round-trip ride takes you up 471 feet on a single track through the ponderosa forest. The ride was not difficult, and we found folks of all ages riding the beautiful forest trail. It was a gradual 4-mile climb, and the beauty of the trail kept us captivated and distracted from the pain in our legs yelling for us to stop! Once we reached the top of the mountain, we raced back down through the ponderosa trees with an occasional jump. It was certainly worth the initial climb. Boggy Draw Trail System offers several other trails for intermediate and advanced riders

Canyons of the Ancients Loop is a 7.5-mile loop ascending approximately 800 feet. This is a difficult ride with many rewards. The trail goes up to the archaeological Puebloan ruins, where you can explore well-preserved evidence of Native American culture. If you are not an experienced mountain biker, we suggest hiking this trail. You will not be disappointed.

Long House Loop Paved Trail is a 6-mile trail in Mesa Verde National Park at Wetherill Mesa. The loop takes you to several overlooks, including the Kodak House, Nordenskiold Site #16, Long House, the Badger House Community, and the Step House. We were there in the month of April and rode this loop in the evening. It was a memorable ride, because it seemed like we had the national park to ourselves!

Boggy Draw Loop

Canyons of the Ancients Loop

UTAH Moab

While visiting Moab, we stayed at the Portal RV Resort, which was very close to all the places we wanted to visit. Moab has the most incredible red rock landscapes and is definitely a playground for those of us who are kids at heart. It has become one of our favorite destinations.

Slickrock Bike Trail offers an 11.2-mile loop as you follow a dotted white line up and down the surface of the sandstone rocks. Looking down on the Colorado River from the top was breathtaking, and an experience of a lifetime. It is a black diamond trail, and to be honest, we would not do this ride again with a conventional mountain bike—we had to dig deep and push beyond our limits. We plan to do this ride again with our new e-mountain bikes.

Dead Horse Point State Park’s Intrepid Trail System offers 16.6 miles of trails that go over sandstone, through trees, and along the rim of canyons overlooking the Colorado River. These views are much like what you would see at the Grand Canyon. It is a spectacular ride for all ages and skill levels

Slickrock Bike Trail

Dead Horse Point

MONTANA St. Regis

St. Regis is hailed as the gateway to Glacier National Park. We camped at the Nugget RV Resort in St. Regis, where we experienced one of our all time favorite bike rides.

Route of the Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail is only 30 minutes west of St. Regis on Interstate 90. This trail is hailed as the crown jewel of the Rails-to-Trail adventures. It’s a converted railroad bed and offers 15 miles of downhill biking through 10 train tunnels and over seven train trestles. This is a family-friendly trail for all ages and skill levels. Once you’ve made it to the bottom, a shuttle bus takes you back to the top and drops you off before the pitch-dark, 2-mile train tunnel, and you get to go through a second time! There is a minimal fee to ride this amazing trail. Route of the Hiawatha is in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. Be sure to bring a light!

Yellowstone National Park

While visiting Yellowstone National Park, be sure to ask the park ranger at the gate for a bike map, which will show exactly where to ride your bike in Yellowstone.

Old Faithful Lodge to Morning Glory Pool Trail is a 1.7-mile paved one-way trail from the Old Faithful Geyser to the Morning Glory Pool, with several other geysers to see between these two iconic destinations. We recommend doing this late in the evening or early in morning to avoid the crowds.

Lone Star Geyser Trail offers a 4.8-mile round trip through some of the most beautiful wilderness Yellowstone has to offer. This is an easy bike trail on a flat, abandoned road, but don’t forget the bear spray! This may take some planning, because Lone Star Geyser only erupts every three hours

Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail is a 4.1-mile one-way portion of the Fountain Pot Loop Family Ride, which is 14.2 miles. This trail takes you to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trailhead, where you can leave your bike and take a short walk up to the overlook. Here, you will see mind-blowing views and the unbelievable colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest spring in the country. Continue down the trail to find yourself away from the crowds of people visiting Yellowstone, and don’t be surprised if you find you are the only ones riding your bikes! Continue down the trail further and follow along the bluffs above Firehole River. This truly is the best way to explore Yellowstone!

We are blessed and humbled to share these incredible locations with you. ■

To learn more, follow Stan and Rhonda on YouTube or their website at overthehilladventures.life.

CLICK, LOAD AND GO!

ACTIVELINK™ BIKE RACKS

• Rubber bumper pad on vertical support tube to protects the bike

• Flip-back arm makes loading loading inner bikes easy (Ultra only)

• Bikes can easily be lifted onto cradles from underneath (Ultra only)

• Steel construction with dual E-coat and carbide black powder coat finish

ACTIVELINK™ ALUMINUM CARGO CARRIER

• Weighs only 25 lbs. for easy moving and handling

• Eye bolts provide secure attachment points

• Carrier can be flipped in the shank when not carrying a load for compact transport

• Built-in reflectors add visibility for increased safety

1. Install the shank just once

Shank provides integrated resting point for struggle-free installation

Unique connection allows you to easily swap out accessories as needed

Patent-pending ActiveLink design for fast, secure attachment with pin and clip

2. Click in your accessory

3. Insert pin & clip and go!

Big SkyCountry

A HISTORIC LOOP THROUGH EASTERN MONTANA

Montana boasts soaring mountain peaks, rushing streams, tumbling waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife. But if you spend all your time viewing those attractions, you’ve missed about two-thirds of the Treasure State, including the rugged beauty of the Great Plains, where some of the most significant history of the West played out in the late 1800s. That’s when the Army forcibly settled Native Americans on reservations, and cattle drives from Texas pointed north to the lush grazing available in the “Big Open,” or the open range between the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Here, homesteaders found more heartbreak than fortune trying to farm an unforgiving landscape.

I’m an Eastern Montana native—born in Glendive— and I’ve spent most of my adult life in Billings, the gateway to the Great Plains. Last August, my wife, Cathie, and I made a 720-mile loop, starting and ending in Billings, through the region I’ll always call home.

Our route took us along Interstate 90 to Crow Agency, then on U.S. 212 to the far southeastern Montana hamlet of Alzada. We journeyed north on two state highways—323 and 7, which are through Ekalaka and Baker—until we reached Wibaux. From there, it was about a 270-mile trip on Interstate 94 back to Billings with stops in Glendive, Terry, Miles City, and Pompeys Pillar.

We traveled in our Class B Airstream Interstate motorhome, and crammed as many sights and museums into the five-day trip as possible. I was familiar with most of the major attractions, and it was a chance for my wife, a Salt Lake City native, to expand her knowledge of Montana. Here are highlights of our odyssey and my personal must-see list for those traveling through a landscape that truly earns the “Big Sky” nickname.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD

By Dennis Gaub

NATIONAL MONUMENT This is where the Lakota and Cheyenne wiped out Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s 7th Cavalry in a June 1876 battle, before ultimately losing the war. To get a true sense of the battle, drive U.S. 212 east to Busby, then south on State Highway 314 for 20 miles to the Rosebud Battlefield. 10 days before the Battle of the Little Bighorn, this quiet, little-visited place was the site of the greatest Indian conflict in American history.

ST. LABRE INDIAN SCHOOL AND

MUSEUM

Located in Ashland, this school traces its origins to 1884, when four Ursuline Sisters from Miles City began teaching in a log cabin. The original building served as a residence, school, dormitory, and church. That building is gone now, but the rebuilt school educates nearly 700 children—mostly American Indian—today.

SAINT LABRE CHEYENNE INDIAN

MUSEUM While there, be sure to visit the Cheyenne Indian Museum, which is filled with Plains Indians artifacts. Also, don’t miss the St. Labre Chapel, which was built in 1971. Its design is a modified Indian lodge or tipi, keeping with the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Cheyenne and Plains people. Local Montana dolomite is used on exterior walls and in some important interior areas.

POWDER RIVER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

AND MAC’S MUSEUM

Located in the heart of prime ranch country, this gallery includes Indian artifacts, historical guns and ammunition, pre-1900 buggies, vintage vehicles, and farm implements that demonstrate modern ranching practices. Another

Powder River Historical Museum

Red Shale, a National Forest Service campground east of Ashland, offers a rustic, free, and quiet place for an overnight stay

Saint Labre Cheyenne Indian Museum

Carter County Museum

Carter County Museum

Powder River Historical Museum

crucial battle in the Great Sioux War of 1876 was the Battle of Powder River, or the Reynolds Battle, as locals call it. This was fought in March 1876 south of where Broadus sprang up. The museum displays battle artifacts.

CARTER COUNTY MUSEUM

Founded in 1936 in a former car garage in Ekalaka, this is the oldest county museum in Montana, and it was the first to display fossils. Dinosaur bones and nearcomplete skeletons excavated in the area have ended up in the Smithsonian, New York’s American Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana, and elsewhere.

Visitors also can view petrified wood obtained from local ranchers.

Ekalaka was named for Ijkalaka, the Oglala Sioux niece of Chief Red Cloud who married settler David Russell. The town of 400 grows significantly during the annual Dino Shindig—in July, visitors convene to hear lectures from leading paleontologists, partake in activities for kids, and dance the night away. Pre-registered attendees get to participate in a field expedition where they travel to active dig sites to prospect for and excavate fossils. Major finds go on display in the museum, and the discoverers get credit.

North of Ekalaka, stay at Medicine Rocks State Park, one of Montana’s most unique campgrounds.

O’FALLON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

This museum is in Baker, and in addition to housing thousands of items showcasing pioneer life in the area, it’s the home of Steer Montana, advertised as the world’s largest steer. Area rancher Jack Guth raised the behemoth bovine, who grew to be 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 10 feet, 4 inches long, and 3,980 pounds. Guth showed the steer at state fairs, stock shows, and carnivals in Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and elsewhere in the West for more than a decade.

How did the animal get so large? The story goes that Guth fed him grain mash left over from stills operated by local bootleggers in the 1920s

Medicine Rocks State Park

O’Fallon Historical Museum

MAKOSHIKA STATE PARK Located on the eastern edge of Glendive is the largest state park in Montana. Makoshika presents a landscape of badlands beauty. It’s one of 14 stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail—the Carter County Museum is a trail stop, too. More than 10 different dinosaur species have been discovered here, including a complete Triceratops horridus skull (which is on display in the visitor center), fossil remains of Edmontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex, and a nearly complete Thescelosaur skeleton.

PRAIRIE COUNTY

MUSEUM

AND EVELYN CAMERON GALLERY This museum and gallery are found in Terry, a town famed as the home of high-born Englishwoman Evelyn Cameron, who arrived in 1889 with her husband, Ewen. Evelyn became a frontier ranch woman and developed a keen interest in photography, which allowed her to meet her neighbors and accompany Ewen as he studied birds and hunted.

Photography also brought in extra income for the Camerons. From 1894 through 1928, Evelyn photographed vast landscapes, wildlife, and early settlers of the area. Her work was largely undiscovered until a half-century after her death, when Time Life Books editor Donna Lucey

Kempton Hotel in Terry, built in 1902 and the oldest continuously-operated hotel in Montana. Friendly spirits haunt the hotel, whose guests have included Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane.

discovered Evelyn’s diaries and glass plate negatives in the basement of her family friend. Lucey wrote a book about Cameron’s life and art, and Cameron became the subject of an Emmy-winning 2005 PBS documentary, “Pictures from a Worthy Life.”

While in Terry, drive north a short distance on State Highway 253, then turn left (west) to follow part of the Calypso Trail, a dirt road that leads to a spectacular vista of the Yellowstone Valley.

RANGE RIDERS MUSEUM One of the leading exhibitions of ranch and pioneer range memories in the West is in Miles City. This museum traces its roots to the formation of the Range Riders Association in 1939. A year later, members held their first reunion, with membership open to anyone who had ridden the open range before 1910. The group built the log building that is the heart of the museum complex in 1942; it’s located where General Nelson Miles constructed the Fort Keogh Cantonment in 1876 after the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

POMPEYS PILLAR NATIONAL

MONUMENT Just off I-94 in Worden is this 150-foot-high sandstone butte that was known by American Indians as “the place where the mountain lion lies.” Visitors can walk 202 steps up a boardwalk to a 360-degree view of the Yellowstone Valley. Along the way, they can see William Clark’s carved signature, which is enclosed in glass—the only remaining physical, in-the-field evidence of the 1804 to 1806 Corps of Discovery expedition from Saint Louis to the Oregon coast and back.

Once back in Billings, you can enjoy hundreds of attractions in Montana’s largest city. This includes restaurants along Montana Avenue, the Western Heritage Center, the state’s only walkable craft brewery district, and Montana’s largest retail shopping district along Shiloh Road. ■

Evelyn Cameron Gallery

Pompeys Pillar National Monument

National Parks

Best for Summer

By Kathryn Frazer

Glacier

Many national parks in the United States can be visited year-round—like Redwood, Zion, and Pinnacles, to name a few. But for some, the season you visit can make or break your experience.

It’s often best to avoid national parks during the summer—mostly because they’re so busy, but also because some parks, like Death Valley, are overwhelmingly hot. But for other parks, summer is really the only season to visit, especially if you want to enjoy all that they have to offer.

We’re sharing our five favorite national parks for a summertime adventure, based on the parks we have experienced!

Rocky Mountain Mount Rainier

Denali

North Cascades

Glacier National Park

With 26 named glaciers, 762 lakes, glacially-carved mountains, scenic drives, and wildlife (keep an eye out for bears!), Glacier National Park is one of the most jaw-dropping destinations in the continental United States.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IN THE SUMMER

The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which cuts across the park, is only open from late June or early July to early October, and many of the park’s trails are not snow-free until July.

HOW TO GET THERE

Glacier is located in northwest Montana, a little more than 2.5 hours north of Missoula, and encompasses 1 million acres, with many areas to explore.

THINGS TO DO

■ Kayak on Lake McDonald

■ Hike to Avalanche Lake and the Trail of the Cedars (6.7 miles)

■ Drive the stunning Going-to-theSun Road, which is 50 miles one way. There is a vehicle limit of 21 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet tall. You can take the free park shuttle if your vehicle is too large.

■ Visit Logan Pass and hike the Highline Trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook (14.7 miles) and Hidden Lake Trail (5.3 miles)

■ Hike the Siyeh Pass Trail (9.7 miles one way). This trail starts and ends in different spots, so use the park shuttle to get back to your starting point.

■ In the St. Mary area, hike to Saint Mary & Virginia Falls (2.9 miles), with an add-on to Sun Point (0.4 miles)

■ In the Many Glacier area of the park, hike to Iceberg Lake (9.3 miles), Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel (10.5 miles), Grinnell Glacier (11.2 miles), and Cracker Lake (12 miles)

■ Visit Polebridge and have a huckleberry bear claw from the Polebridge Mercantile

Trail of the Cedars

Sun Point

Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Logan Pass

Highline Trail

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Virginia Falls

Rocky Mountain National Park

Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park combines rocky peaks, pristine lakes, alpine tundra, and sweeping mountain views.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IN THE SUMMER

One of the best parts of this park is hiking to the many lakes and getting a bit higher in altitude, which is safest during the summer, when avalanches aren’t a threat. Also, some park roads, like Trail Ridge Road, are typically closed until late May.

HOW TO GET THERE

The park is located 1 hour northwest of Boulder and 1.5 hours northwest of Denver, making it an easy park to get to when visiting Colorado.

THINGS TO DO

■ In the Bear Lake Corridor, hike to Bear Lake (0.7 miles); Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes (3.2 miles); Lake Haiyaha (4 miles); Alberta Falls (1.6 miles); Mills Lake (5.4 miles); Sky Pond (9.4 miles); and Hallett Peak (10.3 miles). Many of these trails can be combined to visit multiple spots along one hike.

■ Drive the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest continuously-paved road in

the United States, with a high point of 12,183 feet. This road connects Estes Park to Grand Lake, and along the way you’ll go through forests, have many overlooks to stop at, and get to experience the park’s alpine tundra.

■ Hike Mount Ida (9.3 miles) along Trail Ridge Road.

■ Some additional hikes to check out are Ouzel Falls (5.9 miles), Chasm Lake (8.8 miles), Sandbeach Lake (9 miles), and Bluebird Lake (14.3 miles).

Emerald Lakes

Mills Lake

Alberta Falls

Sky Pond

Bear Lake

Trail Ridge Road Hike

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is home to Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington, at 14,410 feet. This majestic mountain, also known as Tahoma to the Puyallup Tribe, is home to 25 major glaciers and is considered an active volcano, but it hasn’t erupted in 1,000 years.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IN THE SUMMER

The majority of the park’s roads are closed in the winter. Plus, you will miss out on the park’s fire lookouts, wildflowers, rivers, and waterfalls if you visit at any other time of year!

HOW TO GET THERE

The park is located southeast of Seattle and is about a 2-hour drive from the city, depending on which of the five areas of the park you visit.

THINGS TO DO

■ In the Longmire area, hike to Comet and Christine Falls (3.2 miles) and Eagle Peak (7.2 miles).

■ In the Paradise area, hike the Narada Falls Trail (0.3 miles), Nisqually Vista Trail (1.1 miles), Bench and Snow Lakes Trail (2.2 miles), and Skyline Trail (6.2 miles). You can also drive the park road and stop at different viewpoints!

■ In the Sunrise area, hike the Naches Peak

Loop Trail (3.3 miles), Burroughs Mountain Trail (8.9 miles), and the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail (5.7 miles), which is our favorite hike in the park!

■ In the Carbon River and Mowich area, hike to Tolmie Peak (5.6 miles), which takes you to a fire lookout.

■ In the Ohanapecosh area, hike to Silver Falls (2.9 miles). This hike doesn’t have views of Mount Rainier, but it has incredible forest, river, and waterfall scenery.

Mount Fremont Lookout

Naches Peak Loop

Naches Peak Loop

Silver Falls

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a free national park in Washington’s Cascade Range and is nicknamed the “American Alps” after its glaciers, meadows, blue lakes, and jagged mountains.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IN THE SUMMER

The North Cascades Highway is closed during the winter, typically from November until late May or early June, making it impossible to visit the park outside of the summer and early fall.

HOW TO GET THERE

North Cascades is located 2 hours northeast of Seattle, and the park itself is a complex made up of three areas, including the official national park, which is a more remote, backcountry area, as well as the more accessible Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas.

THINGS TO DO

■ Check out the scenic overlooks along the North Cascades Highway, including Gorge Creek Falls, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Washington Pass.

■ Hike to Thunder Knob (3.4 miles), Lake Ann (3.4 miles), Blue Lake (4.6 miles), Cascade Pass (6.7 miles), Heather-Maple

Pass Loop (7.4 miles), and Hidden Lake (7.5 miles). All of these, except Cascade Pass, allow dogs.

■ Backpack Thunder Creek (10.3 miles), Thornton Lakes (10.9 miles), and Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm (12.1 miles).

■ Visit Stehekin, a remote area that is only accessible by boat in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

Blue Lake

Gorge Creek Falls

Denali National Park

Alaska’s Denali National Park is home to Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America at 20,310 feet, and encompasses a massive 6 million acres of wilderness, wildlife, and tundra terrain.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT IN THE SUMMER

Although Denali is open in the winter, the park road is primarily closed, so you’re only able to enjoy a small sliver of what the park has to offer. The park road usually opens in April, but mid-May is when the park’s activities and buses begin running.

HOW TO GET THERE

Unlike most Alaska national parks, Denali is accessible by car. It’s less than 2.5 hours from Fairbanks and less than 4.5 hours from Anchorage. You can also take a scenic train ride from Anchorage!

Once in the park, you can freely explore the first 15 miles, but after that, you’ll need to take the park buses, or bike, to experience the rest of the park.

THINGS TO DO

■ Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail (2.1 miles), Savage River Loop (2.1 miles), Savage Alpine Trail (4.1 miles), and Mount Healy Overlook (6.9 miles)

■ Ride a narrated or non-narrated park bus to see the park past mile 15

■ Check out the sled dog demonstration, where you’ll learn about dog sledding, see the dogs run around a short track, and meet and pet some of them

■ Go for an off-trail hike. Off-trail hiking is allowed in the park, and actually encouraged! We suggest speaking to a park ranger to find an area that will be the best fit for you.

Kathryn and her husband Adam share travel guides and more on their YouTube and Instagram @adventuresofaplusk.

Denali

Off-Trail Hike

Horseshoe Lake

Park Bus

Tips for Visiting National Parks in the Summer

■ Most of these parks are at higher elevations. Be sure to acclimatize, pack layers, stay hydrated, and wear sun protection.

■ Since the summer is busy, start your hikes early or go later in the day. Just be sure to pack a headlamp if you’ll be hiking in the dark!

■ Know if a park requires a special permit or reservation to enter. In the past, both Rocky Mountain and Glacier have required permits.

■ Summertime means wildfire season. Be prepared to encounter wildfire smoke and check for any closures.

■ Dogs are not allowed on most national park trails.

■ Regardless of the season, please leave no trace! ■

Savage Alpine Trail

Sled Dog Demonstration

Savage River Loop

Explore & Stay

Approved 10RVer Products

Summer is right around the corner, so check out these camping accessories and must-haves to help you get out and stay out longer.

Osprey Poco Child Carrier

Hit the trails with your little one with Osprey’s Poco child carrier. The built-in sunshade keeps them protected and the foot straps keep them comfortable while they’re along for the ride.

Camping Tea

Towels

These camping-themed kitchen towels are fun to use, or perfect as a gift for the RVer in your life. Different styles and themes are available.

Multi-room Camping Tent

RVLock Key Fob and Keypad

RVLock’s keyless entry system takes just minutes to install and has a lifetime warranty. Go key-free this summer!

Extend your outdoor space this summer with this multi-room family camping tent. The spacious interior is great for up to 12 people.

Baby Delight Bungalow

Give the kids their own space to kick back and relax with this portable cot plus canopy. They can chill, read, or nap—they’ll have it made in the shade.

LuminAID Light

LuminAID’s inflatable, waterproof light is solar powered, collapsible, and perfect for all your outdoor adventures and lighting up the night.

AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger

Pull up this inflatable couch for extra lounging spacae wherever you are.

Cooling Towels

Be prepared for hot, humid summer camping weather with these cooling towels. They can make all the difference when you’re in the outdoors and need to stay cool and not overheat.

Starcamp Survival Bracelet

Carry this paracord survival bracelet on all your summer adventures! It includes a firestarter, compass, scraper, and emergency whistle.

Portable Camping Utensil Set

This set has everything you need for your weekend camping trips in one compact package. Grill, eat, and repeat. ■

Events

Upcoming RV Events and Rallies

Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2023 events Visit rvtoday.com/rv-rallies for more information.

JUNE

Ontario Grand Design Owners Rally

June 2–4

Cherry Valley, ON, Canada

Tiffin Iowa Rally

June 12–16

Amana, IA

Wind River Valley

June 22–25

Hudson, WY

JULY

Adventure Van Expo

July 8–9

Evergreen, CO

Holy Toledo!

July 13–16

Toledo, OR

Airstream Club’s Youth Rally/Buddy Rally

July 19–23

Helen, GA

AUGUST

Camper Calling

August 25–27

Alcester, Warwickshire, England

Tannehill VolksJam

August 26

McCalla, AL

Overland Expo Mountain West

August 25–27

Loveland, CO

SEPTEMBER

Southwestern Wisconsin Vintage Trailer Rally

September 7–10

Kieler, WI

Wheel into Winthrop

September 14–17

Winthrop, WA

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally

September 22–24

Grand Junction, CO

OCTOBER

Moonlanding

October 6–9

Sky View, NM

3rd Annual Spartan Reunion 2023

October 12–15

Hollister, CA

Adventure Van Expo

October 14–15

Big Bear, CA

NOVEMBER

Airstream Club OAC Friendsgiving Rally

November 2–5

Silver Lake, WA

Tin Can Tourists Third Annual Vintage Liftoff Rally

November 2–5

Titusville, FL

RVing Women Virtual Fireside Chat

November 14

Virtual

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.

RV Yesterday

Auto Trailer Camp in Dennis Port, Massachusetts, 1936

Photo courtesy of United States Resettlement Administration, Mydans, C., photographer. (1936) Scenes at the auto trailer camp, Dennis Port, Massachusetts. United States Dennis Port Massachusetts, 1936. Aug. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2017716469/.

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