Committed to cutting-edge innovation, quality, style and value, Keystone Cougar offers a wide selection of travel trailers and fifth wheel RVs for half-ton and 3/4 ton trucks. Designed to grow with your family, from your first RV to your last.
Always be ready for the road. Upgrade your RV with the tire pressure and temperature monitoring system (TPMS), that sends you tire notifications directly to your phone.
• Monitors and alerts drivers of high or low tire pressure and temperature
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation
• Works with OneControl ® app on iOS and Android devices
• Kit includes 4 sensors and can also monitor up to 20 tires simultaneously
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.
RV TODAY Magazine
Volume 1 I Issue 7 I November/December 2022
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
Director of Advertisers & Sponsors Richard Kirby - richard@rvtoday.com
RV TODAY 3916 N POTSDAM AVE #3194, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57104
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 ©2022
Anytime you start a new business or venture, getting the first full year in your rearview mirror is very exciting, and this issue marks exactly one year of publishing RV Today.
There are tens of thousands of people reading RV Today, from the print edition found in your mailbox, libraries, and bookstores, to the digital edition in your inbox and on virtual newsstands. We couldn’t be more thankful for each of you.
We’ve been saying this for awhile, but it’s still probably not common knowledge that most publications in the RV space are owned by dealerships, manufacturers, campgrounds, member organizations, or marketing agencies. Most were an afterthought or an acquisition to help build their brands. Meanwhile, our brand is just a magazine, nothing else.
We are the only print and digital magazine covering the RV lifestyle that is written and produced by RV owners, for RV owners.
I am really proud of what we accomplished in year one, and I’m very excited for the things to come in year two. We do have a few surprises coming in 2023, but I can tell you that we want to focus on things that are more “analog.”
We want to really grow the offline experience, helping people disconnect from their devices while reading the printed version, but still providing a deep dive into the RV lifestyle. You will also see us helping RV owners find more in-person events to attend so they can meet and visit with other people just like them, who love owning an RV. Our biggest focus will be on creating an offline, in-person community for RV owners.
On that note, we want to hear more about events, rallies, meetups, conferences, and classes that you attend or host, and share the word so other RVers know about them, too. Email the team at collab@rvtoday.com to tell us more about what you have planned for 2023.
Again, a big thank you from all of us here at RV Today, and we truly hope to meet you one day on the road.
The Takacs’ family are weekend warriors with an epic twist. Throughout the week, they are hardworking students, teachers and scientists, but when the weekend hits, they transform into explorers. Their family truly takes advantage of every weekend they can and hits the road to find the best trails and moonlit skies. When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t end for this adventurous family - Alison and Jason capture stunning astrophotography to share with their followers! Follow their journey on Instagram; they truly are one-of-a-kind.
Penny Rose
Jack Huber
Carrie Hansen
Jamie May
Kevin and Taylor Mathers
Kate and Curt Gallagher
A.J. Forget
Paige Marley
Rachel Cowle-Healy
Karen Blue
Matt Clyne
Casandra Kier
Kaycee Sogard
Ashley and Zack Russell
Kerisa Tiongson
Anne Klumpp
Nancy Walters
Patty Gill
Mark Anderson
William D. McLeod
Olivia Sain
Stephanie Lincoln
Mark Koep
Andrew Woodmansey
Joy Newcomb @ayj_adventures
How to Buy a 4-Season RV
Joy has been living and working from her home on wheels with her two dogs since 2018. As a photographer and designer, you can find her perfecting her craft and exploring unique places when not working with clients on ayjadventures.com
Nicoll Davis @livingtinywithawolf
10 Scenic Hikes in Sedona
Nicoll and her husband Jake travel full time with two dogs and a wolfdog. Nicoll shares travel guides and traveling full time while living tiny on her blog livingtinywithawolf.com.
Kristen Bates @perpetualmoves
Valley of Fire State Park
Kristen and Jameson live and travel full time in their Class A RV, on the perpetual search for sunshine and adventures. Experts in boondocking and finding the path less traveled, they share their experience on YouTube at Perpetual Moves.
Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk
Grand Canyon National Park
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 self-converted 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, Adventures of A+K.
@you.me.andtheboys
@travelingtiongsons
“Because
“We can all be together as a family, have the comforts of home, and value experiences over possessions.”
life is too short to stay in one place and not try to see it all!”
Freezing temperatures can cause cracked pipes, leading to costly repairs, so don’t wait too long! Winterize your RV as soon as temperatures drop down to the low 40s or high 30s.
☐ Gather supplies, like non-toxic RV/marine antifreeze and a water heater bypass. You may need more specific supplies, like a water pump converter
☐ Remove water filters
☐ Drain and flush gray and black tanks
☐ Drain water heater tank (turn off heater element before starting so water is cold)
☐ Open hot and cold faucets, remove drain plugs
☐ Bypass hot water heater so antifreeze stays out of your water heater
☐ Pump in antifreeze (a water pump converter kit allows you to use an intake line for this)
☐ Turn on faucets one at a time until antifreeze comes out (don’t forget your outdoor shower!)
☐ Flush toilet until antifreeze comes through the system
☐ Ensure that antifreeze enters all plumbing by adding a cup to each sink, toilet and shower drain
☐ Close all faucets
Be ready to take the RV out for a snow day adventure by loading it full of your musthave winter gear. Use this checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!
■ Snow boots
■ Heavy socks
■ Gloves, hats, and scarves
■ Extra blankets
■ Hand and foot warmers
■ Sleds or snow tubes
■ Canned chili or soup mix
■ Hot cocoa and marshmallows
Roadfood: An Eater’s Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hot Spots and Hidden Gems Across America
–by Jane Stern and Michael Stern
Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love with Camping –by Dan White
Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
–by Jessica Bruder
Travels With Charley: In Search of America
–by John Steinbeck
Are you considering being a snowbird this winter? Peak snowbird migration is January through March, allowing RVers to stay warm throughout the year and avoid the snow. But be sure to weigh a few pros and cons before heading south:
Pros
■ Following good weather allows you to enjoy summer-like conditions year-round
■ Outdoor recreation opportunities keep you active and healthy
■ Take advantage of monthly rates at campgrounds
■ Allows you to stay longer in places you’ve enjoyed on vacation in the past
Cons
■ Mail forwarding
■ Paying for utilities and home maintenance while you’re gone
■ Access to medical care
■ Preparation and planning required
If your finances feel too tight to allow for more travel, you may want to consider whether making some lifestyle changes could help. Living on less than you make is the key to finding the extra money you need to take more trips.
Since RV vacations increase your expenses, you’ll want to figure out a way to spend less in other areas of your life. You may be able to find some easy things to cut—for example, can you spend less on monthly subscriptions, eat out less, or cut back on shopping? Alternately, increasing your income can also free up more money for vacations. You can look for a higher-paying job or add on a part-time job, start a side hustle, and sell things you own, large or small, especially if it’s something you’re still making payments on.
Decreasing your expenses and increasing your income are great, but they are really just strategies to help you accomplish your goals. Before you start spending more on RV vacations or any other indulgence you’re considering, there are three steps you should take.
You create breathing room when you get to a point of living on less than you make. When you have breathing room, you can start putting money in a savings account. When you have a comfortable three to six months of expenses saved, you are ready to tackle your debt.
This applies to any debt you may be carrying, including credit cards, car payments, and student loans. If you own a home and have equity, but still have a mortgage, you may even consider selling your home and buying a smaller, less expensive home with the equity from the sale. You create more breathing room with each piece of debt you pay off.
When you are out of debt, you can go back to working on your savings. Your goal here will vary based on several factors, like how much job security you have and how close you are to retirement. But once you have saved about two years of expenses, you’ll be in a very comfortable spot to be able to take more than the normal amount of time off work to go on RV vacations.
You can own an RV, go on RV vacations, and enjoy your life while you’re working on any of these three steps; it just might not be as easy, and you’ll be in a position that isn’t quite as comfortable. Here are some tips for changes to consider and mistakes to avoid in the meantime.
For a variety of reasons, some people end up with an RV that doesn’t suit them, and an RV payment to go with it. While there are pros and cons to trading up, and I certainly don’t want you to feel stuck with an RV you don’t like, one thing to consider is that it’s hard to pay off your RV when you’re trading it in for a more expensive model every few years. Owning your RV outright helps create quite a bit of breathing room. If you save a little extra and get to a place where you want to upgrade, you can sell and get a better RV with cash, or at least with a much smaller payment.
Emergencies happen, and I’m not just talking about RV and home repairs. I’m talking about larger-scale, unexpected things, like getting laid off and facing an extended job search, or you or your partner facing major medical issues. You can’t plan for exactly what will happen; that’s the nature of an emergency. But one thing you can always count on is that you will fare better against emergencies if you have more savings and less expenses. Once you have all your debt paid off, in addition to investing for retirement, you can treat your emergency savings account as essentially limitless—there’s no reason to stop adding to it once you have two years of expenses saved.
Budgets fall apart when they don’t mesh with your actual spending patterns. If you’re trying to squeeze in an extra vacation by promising yourself you’ll stay at less expensive RV parks, cook your own meals, and go hiking every day, when you know you really love fancy RV resorts, trying new restaurants, and shopping, you’re unlikely to stick to your budget and you’ll feel strapped and stressed. It’s important to be honest with yourself and only commit to what you can really afford.
If you’re a homeowner and want to create a lot of breathing room, consider if there’s anything you can do to either reduce or eliminate your mortgage payment. For some people, this means selling their house to buy a smaller house with the equity, or moving slightly farther outside of a city to find lessinflated prices. If you love spending time in your RV and you don’t have to be tied to one place for work, you could even consider selling your home entirely and RVing full time.
Be sure to make choices based on your priorities and what works for you and your family. At the end of the day, it’s all about making decisions that allow you to be more independent and do more of what you want to do. ■
For more financial tips, check out Penny’s website at FeFiFoFumservices.com.
In 2021, we purchased an RV co-op space and shed in Hondo, Texas, so we could winter in a warmer climate. We don’t prefer long stays in Florida or Arizona, so Texas was a natural choice for us. Not long after we arrived last April, a huge hailstorm near two passing tornadoes hit our park, and we decided to stay put until all the damage was paid for. Because of this, we’re now in our second year of continuous living here, which has given us time to put things in perspective. There are lots of things to like about Texas, but these are some of my favorites.
We actually lived in Tornado Alley a few years ago, so we know what severe weather looks like and what safety precautions to take. Though severe Texas weather will also make anyone’s “Downsides of Texas” list, as a photographer I missed the brilliant lightning and fantastic cloud formations of the Midwest. Hail does make us more nervous than it did before, but Central and Southern Texas have fewer severe storms than the panhandle and north, so we can manage our trepidation. Naturally, none of this pertains to the annual hurricane season north of the Gulf. Visitors and residents alike must keep a watchful eye for these oncoming monstrosities.
Texas is famous for its bluebonnets, primroses, and firewheels, but in the spring and summer months, you can see many of the other 5,000-plus flowering plants in Texas. In addition to the wildflowers already
mentioned, you can almost always find prairie-fire, common sunflowers, Drummond phloxes, prairie verbena, and many others, sometimes congregating in the same fields or woods. Also, most cacti bloom in and around April throughout the Southwest, including Texas, with the duration depending on the amount of rainfall an area receives.
Like Arizona, the flat, sandy plains and desert regions of Texas can provide brilliant sunrises and sunsets, though the evening views are almost always more stunning. Often, when driving at dusk,
mixtures of orange, pink, red, and yellow create such picturesque scenes that you have no choice but to stop and admire them. There are lots of great spots to enjoy brilliant sunsets, including Mount Bonnell in Austin, anywhere along the Gulf Coast, Rockwall’s Lake Ray Hubbard near Dallas, and the deserts around El Paso and Big Bend National Park—plus almost any local viewpoint.
Much of the country is landlocked, and large swaths of Texas are as well. But Texas does have a coast that stretches some 350 miles from South Padre Island near the Rio Grande Valley to Beaumont and the Louisiana border. Along the way are Corpus Christi, Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Galveston. Many tourists have described Texas beaches as being among the best in the country, and I have come to agree. There are far too many clean, sandy strips of beach to mention here, but I would suggest a visit to Boca Chica just off South Padre Island, where one can easily find spectacularly beautiful beaches for miles in either direction—some crowded, and others quiet or deserted. Rockport Beach is the state’s first Blue Wave Beach, certified by the Clean Beaches Coalition, and one will never go wrong on Mustang Island or the Padre Island National Seashore
After all my travels, I can say with confidence that Texas is the donut capital of the United States. Almost any town with a post office and a gas station has at least one mom-and-pop donut shop, and many have several. Like pizza in Chicago, pastrami in New York, or wings in Buffalo, if you don’t make great donuts in Texas, you won’t stay in business.
According to the Biodiversity Center at the University of Texas at Austin, of the 615 species of birds found in Texas, about half will migrate. “Through the course of the season, millions of birds will pass through the Lone Star State on their way to warmer southern climates, or some will stay here for a while,” the Center’s website says. This makes backyard birding and bird-watching treks very enjoyable in fall and winter months. We’ve observed orioles, cardinal pairs, titmice, and finches at our feeders.
There are bird and wildlife sanctuaries scattered all around Texas. There are also annual birding events, including the Davis Mountains Hummingbird Festival, the Rio Grande Birding Festival, Corpus Christi’s “Birdiest Festival in America,” the Spring Chirp Festival, Laredo’s Birding Festival, and the Port Aransas Whooping Crane Birding Festival.
There are many iconic Texas mainstays in the culinary arts, including Tex-Mex, pecan pie, Texas chili, donuts and baked goods, chicken fried steak,
kolaches, puffy tacos, brisket and beef ribs, and, of course, the ever-important Texas barbeque. Together, these place Lone Star restaurants in a league of their own. The state’s proximity to the Gulf, Louisiana Cajun country, and Mexico provides an abundance of flavors, and Texas restaurants seem to rise to any occasion to provide everyone’s favorites. There are excellent restaurants in every small town, village, hamlet, city, and metropolis in the state.
Let’s face it, we moved here for the winter warmth, or at least relative warmth when compared to the northern climes. Most of Texas gets little to no snow, and cold periods are few and far between all winter long. The state has some important advantages over other winter destinations, such as drier air, cooler temps, and less tourist traffic. We hope to experience these benefits for many winters to come.
Despite politics and religious doctrines being so contentious in these turbulent times, we have found Texans to be friendly, kind, and helpful. They will as easily avoid combative topics as not, often favoring a more socially-friendly discourse. The severe storm that devastated our entire community last year took its toll, but also highlighted how Texans react to widespread and personal need with help, compassion, and concern. ■
Jack RVs full time, living on the road with his wife, Nadyne, and their two Chihuahua mixes, Rosie and Sadie. Jack has written mystery and crime/thriller novels and is also published in the RV marketplace. Learn more about Jack’s work at jackhuber.com.
We live in a world full of technological innovations that can make RVing easier, allowing you to spend time doing the things you love rather than endlessly planning and preparing. In addition to gadgets and gear, new apps are released all the time with this goal in mind. Check out some of the best new apps on the market:
This is a social networking app for people looking to connect with other RVers. Campside Social is creating an online community of campers with the goal of real life meetups. Once you arrive at your location, open this free app to check in at the campground, share posts about your adventures, and find others who are camping in the area. You can even post items for
sale or shop for items other campers have posted, making it easy to buy, sell, or trade camping gear. Campgrounds can also use the shop feature to sell products to campers with front-desk pickup or campsite delivery. While planning a trip, use the map feature to browse campgrounds and explore each community to see what other campers in the area are up to.
–Nick Sarro, Campside Socialfounder
Campside is a refreshing new app offering social experiences to explorers and adventurers. With Campside, you’ll be able to connect with other campers at your campground to plan and attend unlimited recreational activities.”
Created by full-time RVers who were tired of spending more time looking for a campsite than enjoying the great outdoors, this free app aggregates available campsites, including federal and state campgrounds, private campgrounds, and boondocking sites. You can sort through search results based on your filters, such as location and dates. Many apps provide campground information and reviews, but CampsiteTonight is the first app to show you real-time availability. Once you find a site you like, the app guides you to the correct website, where you can finish your booking. The app offers a premium membership that unlocks additional benefits.
GasBuddy
While this free app may not be brand new to the market, it is becoming more critical for RVers to find the best deals on fuel. Populated by users, GasBuddy shares real-time prices at gas stations all over the country. You can browse a list of nearby stations, or pan around the map looking for your next gas stop based on price and convenience. If you participate in reporting prices, you can earn gas rewards to be used on future fill-ups. Plus, you can use their trip cost calculator to create a gas budget for your next trip. As you know, every penny counts when you’re filling up an RV tank!
If planning an RV trip has you stressed, consider Togo RV, a robust app with a premium membership that lets you browse locations and build a detailed itinerary. The free version gives you access to RV repair shops with reviews, recall alerts for your RV, and pre-made checklists. According to rookie and veteran RVers, the premium membership is worth the annual cost. With features like RV GPS that considers your individual RV weight and dimensions, access to Campendium’s premium features, like coverage maps and public land overlays, and discounts to your favorite RV and camping brands, it’s easy to see why. You can start with a free seven-day trial and see for yourself! ■
Togo RV transforms time lost owning an RV into time spent enjoying your RV, hitting the open road, and relaxing on your own terms.”
–Togo RV
I drive quite a bit, filling up my tank three or four times a week. GasBuddy is always there to let me know where the best place to fill up is, even if I am in an unfamiliar area of town or traveling. Using the Pay with GasBuddy feature helps me to save even more on my frequent fill-ups.” –GasBuddy user
We strive to help the RV community spend less time searching and more time enjoying their trip. Whether a quick overnight or an extended stay, no one should be stressing about where they will park their home. That’s where CampsiteTonight comes in.”
–Liz Reilly, CampsiteTonight co-founder
By Carrie Hansen
In 2019, my husband and I began planning for the whole family to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary at several national parks. Unfortunately, the pandemic canceled our plans and we had to look for another option. We found that an RV was the perfect solution, because we could take our beds, kitchen, and bathroom with us! My parents purchased a 2006 fifth wheel bunkhouse big enough to sleep all of us—five adults, three tweens/teens, and two dogs.
I had been interested in RV renovation for years, so I was over the moon with excitement and ideas! I had mountains of notes, resources, and screenshots compiled from pros such as Triana at RV Fixer Upper and Rachel at RV Family Reno. My mom was immediately on board with a renovation, but my dad and husband were not so sure. Both of them had the perfect skills and work experience, though, so with a bit of encouragement, they warmed to the idea. We were only going to paint the bunkhouse, but then a dream was born. What if we could renovate RVs as a family business? Each time we pulled up the carpet and laid a new piece of flooring, we agreed to more—more freedom, more risk, more life, and more dreams
We wanted to test the market before diving into entrepreneurship, so we hesitantly asked my parents if they would consider selling the bunkhouse we had just finished renovating. They agreed, and it sold in less than 36 hours! This delayed the anniversary trip again, but we were still celebrating as we transitioned into full-time RV renovation. That’s when we began
Driftless (RV) Renovators, LLC.
We renovated two more fifth wheels before finding Ralphie, a 2020 travel trailer by Forest River. This was our first pre-purchase rig, meaning someone contacted us about purchasing the RV and worked with us to customize the renovation to fit their needs and wants. This collaboration was a dream come true! We really enjoyed getting to know our clients and designing a rig specifically for them. They were new to RV ownership and extremely open to our thoughts and suggestions, as we were to theirs. Together, we created a home that made everyone proud.
Ralphie is full of thoughtful design and custom builds. The list is long, but to name a few, we added hidden laundry storage, a cabinet for garbage, a large drawer for shoes, a counter extension, corner shelves for bathroom storage, and an electric fireplace! It’s our goal to add a fireplace to every rig, because it adds wonderful ambiance and provides “free” heat when hooked up to shore power. It’s also our goal that every rig is ready to camp when it leaves us.
We understand that RV renovation is an investment and want to protect that by beginning with a solid rig. We spend a great deal of time inspecting RVs before finding one we feel is right for our next renovation. Once we bring it home to Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, we go over all the systems, making repairs and replacements where necessary.
We want to produce RVs that are more than just beautiful, because we believe
function is equally important. After we’ve accomplished both beauty and function, the final touch on our projects is a thorough cleaning. Because of all this, we’re not the fastest renovators, but we hope to be counted among the most thorough and thoughtful.
There are so many aspects we appreciate about our small business, but what we love most is knowing we’re part of someone’s story. On the hardest reno days, we imagine the adventures and memories made in our rigs, and the love and laughter they hold. We’re grateful for the trust we’re given to create that space and we hope it shows in every aspect of our work. We are committed to quality RV renovation, and together we’re making home anywhere.
■ Renovate the right rig. RV renovation is an investment, so make sure you’re putting money into something that will fulfill all your needs and most of your wants now and in the future.
■ Don’t skip the inspection! Whether you buy from a private seller or a dealership, have it inspected! Water damage is common in RVs and can be costly to fix. If you’re comfortable doing the inspection yourself, invest in a $50 moisture meter—you won’t regret it.
■ Be prepared to pivot. Whether you’re doing the renovation yourself or hiring a pro, be ready to pivot, because something is sure to come up. Don’t worry, though—the solution often lends itself to a better renovation!
■ Use available resources. RV renovation has come a long way, and there are many trustworthy resources available! From inspiration pics to DIY video courses, information is at your disposal and can be helpful whether you’re renovating yourself or hiring it out.
■ Take your time. Don’t expect a quality renovation in a weekend (or even five). If you’re doing it yourself, take time to learn from the pros. If you’re looking to hire a renovator, be wary of quick flips. Most importantly, enjoy the journey! It’s worth all the sweat and pennies in the end.
■ Buy a renovated RV. We renovate whenever we’re not working on a client RV, and we offer rigs for sale as soon as they’re completed.
■ Pre-purchase an RV. After we inspect and purchase an RV, we offer it for pre-purchase, meaning you can partner with us to design the perfect home for you!
■ Bring us your RV. We renovate client rigs, too! Let us transform your RV into a beautiful and functional tiny home on wheels
■ Consult with us. We offer design and renovation consultations! If you want to renovate your RV, we’re here to help.
Follow Carrie and her husband’s renovations on Instagram @driftless_rv_renovators.
Just like every great road trip, sometimes life takes you in a new direction. At Heartland, we’ve launched a new journey to make our RVs better than ever. We’ve doubled down on seeking out the highest quality materials, creating fresh and inviting interiors and giving every unit the kinds of finishing touches you’d find in a new home.
Every unit goes through a top-to-tails inspection with a quality assurance expert—in fact, we have an 89,000-square-foot facility dedicated to walking each RV through a series of checklists to ensure it works exactly as it should. And with updated floor plans incorporating features our customers love best—spacious bathrooms, designer kitchens, furniture meant for cuddling up together—we’re confident every trip in a Heartland will be a happy one.
After all, that’s what RVing is all about: hitting the road with people you love, having adventures, making memories. So when you buy a Heartland, just focus on taking the journey of a lifetime. We’ll take care of the rest.
Experience the all-new Heartland online and check out 360-degree model tours, detailed floor plans, all-new features, galleries of updated decor and more.
Just visit HeartlandRVs.com.
By Jamie May
–asked the campground host as we checked into her place in Georgia.
–I replied with a smile, thinking she sounded a little concerned.
–It almost sounded like she was trying to convince herself. The rest of our conversation was me answering her questions:
Is it just you and the baby?”
“Yes,”
“Well, you have a system down,” she said. “You’ve done this before.”
Yes, I can back into the site on my own. Yes, I can hook up on my own. Yes, I have a baby in the backseat.
Her concern made it clear that I probably shouldn’t mention the fact that this actually was the first time I was on the road solo with a trailer and a toddler in tow.
My son, Luke, and I had set out the day before to begin making our way down to Florida, crossing through five different states along the way. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat nervous. I had already delayed the trip in an effort to be as prepared as possible.
I needed to be self-reliant, so I had stocked up on equipment and supplies so I could take care of any emergencies myself on the road. My partner, Ryan, was traveling a lot for work that month, so if we wanted our son to see his dad for more than a few days, we’d have to travel, too.
As it turned out, setting out on that journey showed me a lot about my son and myself, and made me realize what a perfect road trip buddy a two-year-old can be. After all, everything is new and exciting to a little one finding their way in the world. Seeing and experiencing new things has always been one of the best parts about traveling, and now I get to see it through my son’s eyes, too.
Getting outside of our normal routine made it easier for me to focus on him and the things that caught his interest. At home, there are so many
distractions and things that need to be done. On the road in our tiny house, life is more simple. I love it, and he does too. There’s one big reason why it’s so important to me to take him on adventures like this—to put it simply, it’s good for human development. Traveling broadens our perspectives and enriches our lives. It makes us more understanding of other people and other ways of living. It teaches us about the past, and helps us experience the present. It instills a sense of responsibility for nature, our planet, and future generations.
A common saying in our home when I was growing up was, “travel is the best education.” The older I get, the more I
Traveling broadens our perspectives and enriches our lives. It makes us more understanding of other people and other ways of living. It teaches us about the past, and helps us experience the present.”
come to see exactly how true this is. RV travel has been, and will always be, a big part of the way I parent.
When we arrived in Florida, the weather was perfect, and we spent as much time outside as possible. Breakfast was outside. Play time was outside. We met up with some friends and went shark tooth hunting on the beach. Ryan was working long days, but we got to see him a little bit here and there.
The campground where we stayed was also a working farm, and the perfect place to make our home for the week since there was so much to see and do. There were animals there that Luke had never seen before, and there was a farmers market, too. During the week, the campground was quiet, so he got to run around, explore, and play outside as much as he wanted.
Over the weekend, the campground started to fill up with other families. Two boys and their parents were playing soccer out on the field. I was surprised by how much it enthralled Luke! He had never seen anyone playing soccer before, and he was fascinated. It’s not something I would have thought to introduce him to at this age, but I’ve never seen anything make him so happy! He saw an extra soccer ball they brought, claimed it, and proudly ran all over the field with it.
So I took note—the kid needs a soccer ball! This may sound simple, but for a mom who had a baby a few weeks before the world shut down for COVID, it was a
big, big deal to me to be able to show him more of the world. Nothing about the first two years of his life has been “normal,” but we’ve managed and adjusted, and have found a way of living that is normal for us. Being outdoors has been a big part of that.
When we made it back to Georgia, I got him his own soccer ball, and he was happier than I could have imagined. That night at our campsite, all we did was kick that soccer ball around together. He laughed, giggled, smiled, and ran, chasing it all over the place. We had an absolute blast, and nothing else took our attention. It was simply me taking interest in what he was most interested in, and putting nothing else as a priority above that.
If we hadn’t hit the road together, we never would have had that moment together, and it’s a moment I will cherish forever with my son. I strive for most of our time together to be like that—moments where he has all my focus and attention, and there is nothing more important than him.
13 days on the road, 2,500-plus miles, five states down, and five states back, and we didn’t just survive, we thrived! I got to see my son in a whole new light, create memories we will hold on to forever, and help develop who he is as a person, as well as his spirit of adventure. ■
Jamie wrote “The Proving Ground: A 12-Month Solo Road Trip Across America.” Follow her on Instagram at @jypsythreads and on her website jypsythreads.com.
Photos courtesy of Jamie May and Ryan Bilinski and Mountain Escape Photography
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Planning a cross-country road trip or staying local? No matter where your RV travels take you, RV Today readers are sharing some of their favorite campgrounds from around the country.
Inn Town Campground
COST
$ Up to $30 / night
$$ $31-$60 / night
Full Hookups
Big Rig Friendly
Family Friendly
Pet-friendly Pool
Wi-Fi
9 Kidder Court, Nevada City, CA 95959
This is the top campground in the country, according to USA Today, and it is located in Nevada City, California. Inn Town Campground is a combination of a small RV park, slightly larger tent campground, and amazing glamping destination.
The owners of the park, Erin and Dan Thiem, are campers themselves and the nicest people you will meet in your travels. They have provided luxury camping amenities at their campground in a downhome and historic setting that is meant to look and feel as natural as possible.
The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons, as the campground is fully booked for weeks on end during the summer.
For more information on this campground, including photos and video, visit campgroundviews.com
Contributed by Mark Koep
2189 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540
Riverwalk RV Park, in Fortuna, California, is conveniently located right off of Highway 101. The campground has many amenities for RVs, along with amenities for those staying in cabins and tents. Overall, Riverwalk RV Park is small, clean, and well-kept. The park prides itself on being “the perfect base to visit the Redwood Coast,” and there are even a few smaller redwoods onsite! We enjoyed being able to stay here while we spent time exploring this beautiful part of coastal Northern California.
Fortuna is a nice small town featuring a few restaurants and an amazing park. A six-minute drive from the RV park gets you to Rohner Park, which has multiple trails to explore. The Riverwalk Trail is another lovely trail just around the corner from the RV park, with an entrance located near River Lodge Conference Center. There are several miles of walking trails in both directions along the river and by pastures, and there is an animal sanctuary where you can catch a glimpse of a camel and many other animals.
Contributed by Olivia Sain
606 CA-121, Napa, CA 94559
There’s almost no better location for an RV park than Napa Valley. A handful of sites on Napa Valley Expo RV Park’s perimeter are back-in spots, and the remainder are large 75-foot pull-through sites that easily accommodate big rigs. All campsites are paved, and with a grassy lawn between each site, there’s plenty of room between neighbors. There’s not a dog park on the property, but there’s plenty of space to walk your dog and a community dog park just a 10-minute drive away. You’ll find all services are within a close drive.
You can book any of the 28 sites up to a year in advance on their online booking system. Reservations must be paid in advance and are limited to a 28-day stay.
In Napa, you’ll find a vibrant downtown area with many restaurants, Oxbow Market, and Napa Farmers Market. In addition to Napa Valley wineries, a short drive takes you to Sonoma and Carneros growing regions, home to hundreds of other wineries. You can also be in San Francisco or Sacramento in a relatively short amount of time.
Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
The Morefield Campground is a gorgeous 4-mile drive into Mesa Verde National Park, which puts you in the middle of forested green mountains at an elevation of 7,500 feet. There are 267 camping sites, so we felt we had the entire park to ourselves with only 10 others there! There are no hookups, but we were pleasantly surprised that the campground offered some weak Wi-Fi. There are a few options for dining in the park and a small camp convenience store. Beware, there’s no cell signal!
The draw of Mesa Verde is touring the archaeological sites. For more than 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 pueblos and tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. Mesa Verde is also home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, including several that live nowhere else on earth. This location is an International Dark Sky park, so those who love to stargaze will be happy to camp here. You can hike the many nature trails or take a scenic drive to sweeping viewpoints. You can drive and stop along the way at the various archaeological sites for a self-guided tour, or you can book a guided tour. The can’t-miss site is the famous Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
Morefield Campground is a secret gem and one of our favorite camping spots.
Contributed by Stephanie Lincoln33.73151 -111.203798, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553
At Cholla Campground, spots are spacious and far enough apart to have some privacy from your neighbors. The campground is on the lake, so there are a few spots with amazing waterfront views. Cacti are plentiful, so keep your kids and dogs close! The site is solar powered, including the showers, so for warm water, plan your shower late in the day once the water has had a chance to heat up. You can stay for up to 14 days.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake offers recreation, and nearby Tonto National Monument gives you the chance to explore ancient cliff dwellings.
Contributed by Jamie May $$
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Ashton, ID 83420
Grandview Campground, near Island Park, Idaho, is one of our favorite hidden-gem spots.
It’s part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and offers eight partial-hookup (electric) RV and tent camping sites at a scenic location that can accommodate RVs of nearly any size. There are packed gravel roads and parking pads. Water is available, as are pit toilets.
ecent shade and a quiet setting allow guests to enjoy trails and drives. The park is located steps away from a roaring and majestic waterfall, and only a short drive from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It’s also very close to Ashton Road, which is a lesser-known dirt road that snakes through the mountains and drops adventurers between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. For more information on this campground, including photos and video, visit campgroundviews.com.
Contributed by Mark Koep
800 Guy Park Drive, Wildwood, MO63005
Whenever we visit the St . Louis area, we always stay at Babler State Park. This campground is located in a beautiful wooded setting in an 868-acre urban park surrounded by miles of hiking, paved biking, and equestrian trails; picnic shelters; a playground; and ball fields.
The campground has 30 basic and 43 electric sites, which are either 30- or 50-amp. There is no sewer or water at individual sites, but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground, and there is a dump station with potable water. All campsites and patios are paved and level, with a comfortable amount of space between sites. There is one main bathhouse with free showers and two vault toilets. The campground is open year-round, but the bathhouse is closed during the winter. Our cell phone, hotspot, and satellite reception worked great. Campground Wi-Fi worked well.
We love the location—you feel worlds away, but it is just a short 30-minute drive to downtown St. Louis. There you can find lots of great attractions, such as the Gateway Arch, the City Museum, the National Blues Museum, Forest Park, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch factory. There are also wineries, a large outlet mall, miles of hiking and biking trails, restaurants, and shopping
Contributed by Nancy F. Walters
42991 Ray Behrens, Perry, MO 63462
This Army Corps of Engineers campground has several full-hookup sites. Ray Behrens is paved throughout, and there is plenty of space between campers. The campground has a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Metal picnic tables, fire pits, asphalt pads, and many long and spacious parking sites can accommodate extremely large rigs and tow vehicles. There is also great Verizon cell service.
Nearby, Mark Twain Lake offers a marina, boating, fishing, and hiking trails. Clarence Cannon Dam provides plenty of photo opportunities, too. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is about 8 miles from the campground in Florida, Missouri, and well worth the trip. M. W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center and Northeast Missouri Vietnam Memorial can be found nearby as well.
Contributed by Mark Anderson
7872 Causeway Road, Hixson, TN 37343
Chester Frost City RV Park is located on the beautiful Chickamauga Lake in Hixson, Tennessee. The park is full of tall pine trees and surrounded by water. In fact, you can see water from almost every site and many back up to it. There are more than 500 camping sites, including tent sites. Chester Frost City offers 30- and 50-amp hookups, with water. There are no sewage hookups, but there is a double sewage dump station as you exit. They have a day area that includes bathrooms and a playground, and there’s a huge sandy beach area with a nice boat ramp that is perfect for boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Other amenities include tennis courts, a fishing dock, a golf course, a horse corral, and more. They are strict about check-in times, but this is a great camping experience that we highly recommend.
This campground is in a wonderful location 30 minutes outside of Chattanooga, with tons of tourist sights in the area. The Tennessee Aquarium, Discovery Museum, and Chattanooga Zoo are downtown, and there are also breweries and distilleries. The beautiful Rock City, with Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain, is also nearby.
Contributed by Patty Gill
$$$
10359 West Halls River Road, Homosassa, FL 34448
If you’re interested in seeing manatees when you visit Florida, this campground is perfect. It’s located on Halls River, which leads into the Gulf of Mexico, and manatees swim right up to the campground. Depending on your location, you may even get to see them right outside your RV.
There are 350 full-hookup campsites, about 100 of which back up to the river. Most of the sites are permanent long-term sites, but they have some open for short stays. There is a huge playground with a bounce pad and water slide. The bar right on the river serves food and drinks nightly, so you don’t even have to cook if you don’t want to! There is a church at this campground too, which we have never seen at a campground before. You can park your boat at the marina or rent one from the RV park. This spot is truly like a small town—you never have to leave.
The area around the park has lots of clear springs. The best, called Three Sisters Springs, is on the Crystal River, where manatees come to get warm in the winter. There are great seafood restaurants on the water and a few state parks minutes away. You can also spot spider monkeys at the nearby Historic Monkey Island!
Contributed by Patty Gill$$
336 Gardners Terrace Road, West Columbia, SC 29172
Big Rig Friendly is an RV resort in South Carolina. It opened in 2002 and has numerous extra-large sites that range from 75 to 120 feet. Sites have a nice amount of shade, too. Most are pull-through, and all have full hookups. There are several amenities at the resort, such as laundry facilities and more, and there are also plans to bring additional amenities to the area, such as a dog park, playground, pool, and pickleball courts. The location is great for easy access because it is 3 miles from the intersection of Interstate 26 and Interstate 77. There are several nearby attractions, including the South Carolina State Farmers Market, Congaree National Park, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, golf courses, restaurants, Lake Murray, and the University of South Carolina.
$$$
72 West St., Foxborough, MA 02035
Entering Normandy Farms is more like checking into a hotel—complete with a concierge and express check-in. You quickly realize how huge this resort is, with some 400 RV sites, tent sites, yurts, lean-tos, safari tents, and cabins.
There are plenty of RV sites to choose from, and a range of hookup options. The most comprehensive sites have water, sewer, cable, and 30- or 50-amp electric, and the basic sites have water and electric. We chose a paved full-hookup pull-through spot with a paved patio, fire pit, and picnic table. Our site was level and definitely big rig friendly. The Wi-Fi worked great, and we picked up 100 cable channels.
There is a long list of amenities for this campground, including four pools, a fitness room, a creative arts center, a camp store, a restaurant, a huge off-leash dog park, a BMX bike park, horseshoe pits, a baseball diamond, a volleyball court, a fishing pond, shuffleboard, disk golf, a playground, and a 20,000-square-foot activities building, which has an adults-only lounge, a pool table, an arcade, widescreen televisions, a sauna, and a hot tub.
Normandy Farms is about a mile from F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, which has 20-plus miles of hiking trails. Gillette Stadium, Patriot Place, and more are only 5 miles away. The site is also approximately 35 miles from Boston.
Contributed by Nancy Walters
Built to help you take on dirt, gravel, deep climbs and everything in between, the Lippert Li-Series Gladiator mountain ebike is versatile, tough and ready for every adventure. This is the perfect electric mountain bike for riders looking to explore off-road with more endurance and energy than ever.
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While most RVers winterize and store their RVs for the winter, there are some really fun adventures to be had during the colder months if you’re feeling up to it. Rather than spending the winter planning your summer trip, try out some of these experiences instead!
TThere is nothing quite like a Germaninspired Christmas market to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re in the United States, Canada, or Europe, there are plenty of amazing Christmas markets all over the world, each with its own special charm. Over the past few years, my husband, Kevin, and I have driven our selfconverted sprinter van all over the East Coast, visiting Christmas markets in Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and, of course, New York City. Most recently, we visited Quebec and it easily became one of our favorites!
Quebec hosts one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Canada each year. With more than 90 vendors, colorful Christmas lights around every corner, traditional wooden kiosks, and delicious food, there is something for everyone in the family. Though the market is only open Thursdays through Sundays, there is also plenty to do in the city surrounding the market when it’s closed.
Kevin and I visited Quebec last year and instantly became smitten with both the Christmas market and the city! When we arrived in the evening, Rue du Petit Champlain was a welcoming sight. Located in Old Town Quebec, this picturesque part of town is absolutely stunning during Christmastime.
Rue du Petit Champlain is the site of the first French settlement in North America, so it is packed with history, old town charm, cobblestone roads, and more. It was founded more than 400 years ago, and is now home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, delicious eateries and pubs, breathtaking French architecture, beautiful murals, and great views. During the holiday season, this area of Old Town really comes to life—it’s illuminated by Christmas lights, dressed in white powdery snow, and warmed with toasty fire pits! Kevin and I spent hours taking in the sights and the Christmas feel before heading to happy hour and dinner at Q-De-Sac Resto-Pub. We enjoyed nachos and a few beers before heading back out into the chilly weather to sit by one of the fire pits. It was a fun way to spend our first night in the city.
The next day, we woke up early to check out the indoor Christmas market at Le Grand Marché de Québec, which opens at 10:00 a.m. We tried local beignes, browsed the offerings of more than 150 vendors, and purchased authentic maple syrup!
After visiting the indoor market at Le Grand Marché de Québec, we headed back to Old Town to check out the famous German-inspired Christmas Market, which we highly recommend! We walked around all the kiosks, trying kombucha, mulled wine, local bison and boar sausages, cheese fondue, churros, and so much more, all while checking out the local goods being sold. They had everything from cutting boards and authentic
German breads and pretzels to handmade goods like gloves and scarves. It’s the perfect place to get quality souvenirs or gifts for family and friends for the upcoming holiday season!
Typically, Quebec’s Christmas Market opens in late November and runs until Christmas Eve. It is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Although we went during the daytime, I imagine it is even more magical at night with all the lights illuminating the market.
Watch Taylor and Kevin’s adventures on YouTube @youtube.com/mathersonthemap.
By Kate Gallagher
My husband, Curt and I love to snowboard—it was something we both picked up when we moved to Colorado. So when we bought our first RV four years ago, it was only natural that we took off full time that winter to road trip up to Canada and then zip around to a bunch of ski resorts in the west. Of course, at our very first destination in Crested Butte, Colorado, our brand new inverter stopped working and we had to sleep in 20-below-zero weather. We were plugged in, but the charger failed, and there was no sun for solar to charge the house batteries. Thankfully, we overpacked on that trip and Curt had a voltmeter and the old charger unit and was able to switch it out so we could use shore power.
At our next spot in Park City, Utah, it was just as cold, and even though we were plugged in again, our winterized pipes froze and our air jacks failed, causing us to panic a little! We reconsidered our life choices at first, but we rallied. Minimal damage was done, and we learned how to conserve heat better. Wool clothing and down blankets became our favorite things, and a warm dog or two didn’t hurt either.
After surviving those first few weeks of brutally cold winter RV camping, we continued on to Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Schweitzer in Idaho; then north to Banff and Lake Louise. We finished in Canada by going to
Revelstoke, Fernie, and Whistler. Back down in the States, we hit Crystal Mountain in Washington; Mount Bachelor in Bend, Oregon; and Tahoe in California.
Snowy, icy winter driving in a 40-foot class A towing a Jeep Cherokee was not for the faint of heart, but we never got stuck and never had to put on our chains, though we did travel with them—both for safety and to comply with local regulations in many places. Side note: We do not recommend the shortcut from Kamloops to Whistler! That was a real white knuckler.
The following year, we downsized our rig by almost half and took our new campervan to Taos, New Mexico and Mammoth and June Mountain in California before
hitting some favorites in Utah—Park City, Canyons, Snowbird, SnowBasin, Brighton, and Solitude. Our smaller van was much easier to heat and park, so we stayed warmer more easily, and started boondocking more.
In addition to Bureau of Land Management land and other free legal parking spots, some ski resorts allow you to camp overnight in their parking lots. Some are free, like Winter Park, Colorado. Some require a fee, like Taos, but you can stay for up to seven days in their lot! Some now require reservations and a fee, such as Crystal Mountain’s legendary B-Lot. Other mountains, like Aspen, Colorado, have free overnight parking in lots near the resort, and some have great RV parks really close by, like Fernie in British Columbia; Steamboat Springs, Colorado (a KOA with free shuttle to the mountain); and Jackson Hole (Fireside Resort, with an awesome hot tub). Oregon has numerous snow parks near Bachelor that require a cheap seasonal pass for overnight parking.
Rules can change each ski season, so it’s worth doing some research online or calling around before finalizing your winter route. Happy pow chasing!
Follow Kate and Curt’s travels on Instagram @gogogallaghers.
By A.J. Forget
GGrowing up, my whole family loved to cook. For us, the holidays were all about good food, good drink, and good cheer, though our dinner table was often out of step with the season. Chalk it up to living near the ocean or our French ancestry, but my father particularly loved to cook lobster for us on the holidays. Where other families would have been seated around a glazed ham or a giant roasted turkey, our feast table was often filled with a lobster apiece, served with vegetables, bread, and plenty of drawn butter.
This recipe pays homage to those cherished childhood memories as well as the European tradition of seafoodfocused holiday comfort food. The soup is based on a Greek avgolemono, an egg-thickened lemon and chicken soup, but the flavors of seafood and brandy give it a French influence. It’s rich, silky, and complex, and sure to warm your bones this holiday season.
Feel free to substitute your preferred brandy for the Cognac, or sub in shrimp or lobster for the scallops if you’d like! Whatever you choose, an egg-thickened and brandy-laced seafood soup is sure to delight.
A. J. Forget is a chef, writer, photographer, and author of The Buslife Kitchen, a cookbook focused on cuisine for the modern nomad, available on Amazon and at thebuslifekitchen.com. Find more on Instagram @the.buslife.kitchen.
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
1 pound scallops (shrimp or lobster are also fine)
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup shallot, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste (from the tube)
¼ teaspoon white pepper
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons
Cognac or other brandy
3 cups light stock (chicken or vegetable)
1 cup clam juice
3 eggs
¼ cup half and half or cream
1 tablespoon white wine
vinegar
Parsley, finely chopped, to garnish
Instructions: Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, then sweat the shallots and garlic until they just begin to brown at the edges.
Add the tomato paste and white pepper, mix well, and cook for two minutes or so, until the tomato paste starts to brown on the bottom of the pan. Deglaze with ½ cup brandy, scraping the bottom to get the fond. Then add the stock and clam juice, and allow to simmer over low heat. Once a gentle simmer is reached, remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, cream, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons brandy until uniform. Temper this mixture by pouring a thin stream of broth from the pot while whisking. Once tempered, strain the broth to remove the shallots and garlic. The soup should take on a nice pale color and more unctuous flavor.
In a separate heavy-bottomed skillet, cook your scallops. Begin by patting them down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Once nice and hot, add a good amount of high-heat oil (like vegetable or grapeseed). Sprinkle a bit of salt over your scallops and place them, salt down, in the hot pan, being careful not to crowd the pan. After about 2 minutes, they should have a nice brown crust on the bottom side. Sprinkle a bit of salt over the top and then flip them, cooking for around 30 seconds more. Remove from the pan and allow to rest.
To serve, place a few scallops in a shallow bowl and surround with broth. Garnish with a bit of freshly-chopped parsley and white pepper, if desired. Serve with plenty of good, crusty bread to soak up the broth ■
The majority of RVers winterize and store their RV for the cold season, but for those brave enough to tolerate the cold, there are some amazing and unique experiences to be had. Here are the top five reasons to take a trip in your RV this winter!
Imagine all your favorite winter activities, like sledding, skiing, and hot cups of cocoa, but in a new and exciting place you’ve never been to before. Or you can try a new winter activity, like cross-country skiing or dog-sledding. Winter travel can open the door for whole new adventures and memories to last a lifetime. Bundle up and get out there!
Snow adds a special element to the landscape, and some places are especially gorgeous when covered in snow. From the rugged mountains of Idaho to the red rocks of Arizona, this scenery is a landscape photographer’s dream. But you don’t have to be a professional to appreciate the added contrast and dimension snowy scenes can create. You can just enjoy your hot toddy and bask in the view
If you always travel for the holidays anyway, consider taking your RV this time to make it a longer family trip! Not only will you get to enjoy your family’s company, but you can explore a few winter attractions along the way! Many towns have special winter events, markets, and foods to enjoy, so take advantage of the holiday season and add a few stops to your itinerary.
Traveling during winter may sound crazy, but a huge benefit is that many RV parks have less expensive winter rates. You can save a ton of money by booking a week or two at an RV resort near all of the fun, wintery activities that you like to do. Some RV parks limit their amenities during the winter, so be sure to check their offerings before booking to make sure they have everything you need!
It’s no secret that many places, like Zion National Park and Yellowstone National Park, are breaking visitation records every year. Going in the winter allows you to experience these amazing locations with far fewer people around. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time, as some parks close parts of the park in the winter months. You’ll need to plan your access and activities accordingly. ■
TThe red rocks of Sedona are unlike any other geological formation in the world. With their vibrant red color and unique shape, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular with tourists. But on top of just being pretty, Sedona is home to miles and miles of hiking trails. Winding through the towering red rocks, these trails offer hikers the chance to explore caves, natural arches, and magical pools. Sedona is a hiker’s paradise!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Before you set out to explore the stunning Sedona landscape, be sure to purchase a Red Rock Pass. The United States Forest Service has created the Red Rock Pass program to help maintain and enhance Sedona’s red rock landscape. If you park on National Forest land in the red rock area, you’re required to display a valid pass on your windshield or to have purchased an online pass
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time of year to hike in Sedona depends on what you are hoping to see and do. If you want to avoid crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are ideal. The weather is also more pleasant at this time of year, with moderate temperatures and fewer chances of rain. If you’re hoping to see wildflowers in bloom, late spring is the best time to visit. Here are ten of my favorite Sedona-area hikes. Unless otherwise noted, trail lengths and elevation gains for the hikes in this article are as listed on AllTrails.
Trail Length: 4.5 miles round trip, Elevation Gain: 839 feet
Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. It’s one of my absolute favorites because it has so many scenic stops along the way, like the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the Soldier Pass Cave. There is a small parking lot, but as of 2022, the lot is closed whenever the free shuttle service is running, so be sure to check the shuttle schedule in advance. Scenic stops along the trail:
Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole: Just 0.25 miles down the Soldier Pass Trail is a massive sinkhole that collapsed in 1995. Sinkholes are most commonly created when rainwater dissolves limestone caves beneath the surface and the caves collapse suddenly. Seven Sacred Pools: Continuing down the Soldier Pass Trail, you’ll emerge from the trees to see the Seven Sacred Pools on your left. If it’s your first time on this hike, keep your eyes peeled—we walked right by them the first time!
Soldier Pass Cave: 1.3 miles from the start of the main trailhead, a spur trail takes hikers on a moderate climb up steep terrain. Once at the cave entrance, adventurers can choose to crawl or climb their way inside to explore the wonders of this hidden world.
Trail Length: 1.8-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 203 feet
Bell Rock is an iconic formation that is easily recognizable for its bell-like shape. Just a short drive from Sedona down Highway 179, you can find the Bell Rock Trailhead and hike the 1.8-mile loop around Bell Rock. You’ll also be able to see Courthouse Butte on this trail. This hike rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the entire Sedona area.
Trail Length: 3 miles round trip (1 mile if using the 4×4 trail), Elevation Gain: 462 feet
This large, open cave, also known as the Hide Out Cave or Shaman’s Cave, is located atop a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. According to local legend, Robbers Roost was a hideout for bandits and bootleggers. And when you see this cave in person, it’s easy to imagine outlaws using it as a hiding place. But what makes Robbers Roost unique is its natural rock window. This opening in the cliff face allows sunlight to pour into the cave, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Trail Length: 9.8 miles round trip, Elevation Gain: 2,326 feet
Loy Canyon is an excellent hiking trail for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient cultures. The canyon is home to well-preserved Native American ruins, providing insight into how local tribes once lived. These ruins are ancient and sacred,
Bell Rock Loop
Seven Sacred Pools
Soldier Pass Cave
so please respect them and preserve these sites by leaving no trace. Do not touch or move the ruins.
Trail Length: 3.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 521 feet
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of the most popular trails in Sedona, and for good reason. Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area and is an impressive 54 feet tall and 45 feet wide. The natural rock bridge is one of the most photographed locations in Sedona, thanks to its iconic status. And for first-time Sedona visitors, hiking Devil’s Bridge is like a rite of passage.
This hike can be quite crowded, especially at peak times. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, I recommend hiking Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail. It’s a more scenic and secluded route to reach the bridge.
Trail Length: 5.3 miles round trip, Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Many secret Sedona trails are becoming a lot less secret, but the hike to the cliff dwellings on Boynton Canyon leading to the secret Subway Cave is still my favorite trail in Sedona. To find the cave, hike down Boynton Canyon Trail for 2.01 miles and veer off the beaten path at the alligator bark tree. This hidden trail will take you to the Subway Cave, an old ruin and keyhole-shaped cave. To get into the cave, you’ll have to do some scrambling up the middle of the keyhole. The trail length and elevation gain listed here are based on taking the trail to Subway Cave, so they differ from what’s listed on AllTrails for the Boynton Canyon Trail.
Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
The Cathedral Rock trailhead is located just a few minutes from the city center, and the trail itself is relatively short and easy to navigate, with rewarding views, making this a very popular hike. Like Soldier Pass Trail, the parking lot is now closed during shuttle service hours.
Beginning with an easy walk through a driedup creek bed, the trail takes a short ascent up to a plateau. This plateau offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Coconino National Forest. The plateau is a great place to catch your breath and take pictures before continuing on to the summit. The final stretch of the trail is a bit more challenging, with some steep sections and loose rock, but the views from the top are more than worth it.
Subway Cave Loy Canyon RuinsTrail Length: 4.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,024 feet
Sedona is famous for its red rocks, and Bear Mountain is no exception. The trail winds its way up an exploded hillside, offering hikers stunning views of Sedona. This hike has some challenging sections, and there are several opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. The summit of Bear Mountain offers 360-degree views of Sedona and the surrounding area.
Trail length: 1.5 miles round trip (2.75 miles if you walk the whole trail on top of the mountain)
Elevation Gain: 511 feet
The Doe Mountain hike is one of my favorite hiking trails for sunsets in Sedona. With a gradual incline, you’ll pass through some trees and meander alongside a cactus or two as you venture to the top of the mountain. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with great views of Sedona.
Trail Length: 2 miles round trip, Elevation Gain: 291 feet
The birthing cave is a Sedona landmark famous for its unique teardrop shape and sacred powers. I honestly expected the cave to be a little bigger, but since most photographers take pictures of the birthing cave with wide lens cameras, the size is deceiving. Regardless, it was an interesting experience. The cave can get pretty crowded, so I suggest doing this hike in the morning.
With so many trails to explore, we hope you’ll get the chance to visit this stunning destination and take in the incredible scenery for yourself! ■
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When I purchased my first RV, I spent more than a year looking, researching, reading, and watching videos. I attended RV shows, walked through different models, visited multiple RV dealers and private sellers, and scoured RV Trader daily. I test-drove different models and tried to determine what I thought I wanted, what I knew I wanted, and what I could afford. It was the proverbial needle in the haystack, especially in Los Angeles.
In late September 2019, I found my first rig, a 2007 Winnebago 24-foot Class C. It was easy to drive, had a ton of storage, could fit in almost all national park campgrounds, and I eventually remodeled it so it would work for me and my travels. My plan was to follow the 72-degree weather after leaving LA. I initially decided to follow Route 66, stopping in Ohio to see family, and eventually making my way to Alabama. When the pandemic arrived, I went back to Ohio and parked at my family’s home to wait it out.
My first winter-weather experience in the RV taught me a lot and helped me understand what I needed in a four-season RV. I had an attached propane tank, which meant I had to drive the rig to the local Tractor Supply Co. or U-Haul to have it filled. Eventually, I installed an “extended stay” propane attachment and an easy-to-refill portable tank so I could keep the rig parked longer.
Next, I needed a heat source. In my research, I read multiple stories about the dangers of inexpensive heaters, so I chose to spend the money on one that had safety features including infrared technology. Infrared heat is a safe, natural process that works the same as sunlight—it warms up objects (including people) rather than the surrounding air. That first winter in the RV opened my eyes to where I could potentially travel with my rig throughout the year.
A huge benefit of the Class C I purchased was that my water tank was inside the vehicle under the
couch, which meant as long as I kept it warm inside, the water would not freeze. A downside, though, was that the black and gray tanks were under the RV, unprotected from the cold weather. I had a hill and fence nearby that helped keep the wind off the RV, but this led to questions I never thought I would need to research—I now know that urine can freeze at 5 degrees below zero and RV antifreeze prevents the black tank from freezing in winter climates. (This makes sense since it’s used for winterizing.)
While I didn’t get to travel as much as I would have liked in my first RV, I did take a few small trips and lived in it during all four seasons in Ohio. On one trip, I quickly discovered the downside of not having a tow vehicle—I had to pack up every time I needed to leave camp, then unpack and plug back in when I got back. There were times I had to do this twice a day in order to take my nephew to an event. I quickly
tired of this process and decided my next rig would be towable.
I’d heard the saying, “your first rig is never your last,” and I now understand that statement. In 2021, I began the difficult process of selling the Class C, buying a truck, and then finding a trailer, truck camper, or fifth wheel that would work for me. One thing I knew this time was that I wanted a winter-friendly RV.
Everyone has different needs for their space, and while it felt like some of my desired features changed every time I stepped into a new RV, I had a basic list of wishes while shopping that never really changed:
■ $20,000 to $30,000
■ 2012 or newer
■ 24 feet
■ Full/queen bed
■ Oven
■ Full-size RV fridge
Adding “cold-weather-friendly trailer” to the list quickly reduced my options. While shopping, I discovered the difference between a four-seasonready and Arctic package. The trailer I settled with has what’s called the northern package. It came with a Thermo foil barrier (floor and slide-out), two 30 -pound liquid propane tanks, and heated tank pads.
In all my research, I learned that marketing is everything, and most “winter-friendly” RVs are limited to just a few models and very hard to find. If you’re looking for a winter RV, my advice is that the first thing you should look at is whether the space under the RV is open or closed. If you can see the frame, then it really isn’t ready for hard winters.
RVing in the winter is 100% possible, but understanding where the limits lie in your actual RV is key ■
See more of Joy’s adventures on joynewcomb.com.
By Paige Marley
South of the hustle and bustle of Houston lies a quaint town exploding with character and perfect for enjoying the beach, soaking up nature, and eating delicious food. Rockport will always be one of our favorite beach towns in Texas.
As you cross over the bridge into Rockport, you’ll see birds flocking overhead and waves crashing against the shore. If you’re looking for a place to escape from the cold up north, or even just easy access to the beach, Rockport is for you.
We firmly believe every adventure should start with caffeine. After all, exploring a new town is always better with an iced coffee in hand, right? We enjoyed the Rockport Daily Grind, where we also did some downtown shopping.
If you need a place to work remotely, we recommend heading to Bella la Brew. It has delicious food and coffee, and is a perfect place to set up your workspace for the day. Even better, it’s attached to an adorable boutique you can check out during your lunch break.
One of our favorite things about Rockport was observing the birds. We visited in the spring, and found a glimpse into the wildlife that calls Rockport home around every corner. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars, as birders from all over the United States visit Rockport to catch a look at all types of birds.
Giant whooping cranes migrate annually in family units to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. These magnificent birds cannot be missed, as they stand four to five feet tall and often travel in small groups. At one time, their numbers had significantly dwindled, but after restoration efforts, there are more than 500 whooping
cranes that use Aransas National Wildlife Refuge as their stop-off point. When you visit, you can book a birding guide to help you locate birds of all shapes and sizes.
To catch whooping cranes and other migratory birds as they venture through Rockport, visit from mid-November to late March.
Among the coastal views, we’ve seen white egrets and great blue herons roosting in the treetops. And you can’t miss the pelicans that seem to be diving and soaring overhead everywhere you turn. They often eagerly await catching a morsel or two right next to the Paradise Key Dockside Bar and Grill, where fishermen hang their catch of the day.
The roseate spoonbills had us coming back for more as their pink coloring caught our eye repeatedly. You can also see cormorants basking in the sun as they hold their wings to capture the perfect rays. No matter where you go in Rockport, you will surely have your own nature experience.
Your outdoor experiences in Rockport shouldn’t stop at the wildlife—for the next leg of your trip, head to Rockport Beach. This small, umbrella-lined beach is actually Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach. The town prides itself on minimizing littering and staying on top of
Paradise Key Pelicans
Egret at Wildlife Refuge
keeping the beach clean. In order to do so, they do not allow dogs or glass containers of any kind.
Rockport Beach is small, but it’s perfect for a day at the beach, listening to the waves crash along the shore and watching birds come from all around. There is a small entrance fee, but to us, it was absolutely worth it. Pack a lunch to go and get there early to grab a cabana umbrella for your family, and you’ll create the perfect space to enjoy the beach all day long.
Downtown Rockport is bursting with charm and character. Park your car and take some time to stroll through the many seaside shops. Goin’ Coastal Outfitters has plenty of beach and coastal gear and clothing while also allowing you to grab some ice cream to enjoy. You’ll also find stores offering beach apparel, home decor, and perfect souvenirs.
To this day, Paradise Key Dockside Bar and Grill has some of the best queso we’ve ever ordered—their crawfish etouffee queso is simply unmatched. In fact, we visited four times during our stay, and it was delicious every single time.
Paradise Key is also a great spot to watch boats come in, and pelicans soar overhead. I also recommend Fulton’s Irish Pub and Grill for an ice cold beer after a beach day, The Boiling Pot for fresh seafood, or Apple Dumpling Deli to grab a sandwich to go.
While in Rockport, we stayed at Goose Island State Park, which has trees that could be from a Dr. Seuss book. It seemed every person we encountered was a nature enthusiast eager to share their latest bird sightings and where to find them.
We recommend the spots toward the back of the park as they are more private and secluded with bushes on all sides, creating your own space. Goose Island offers both 30- and 50-amp hookups. It’s an excellent central point to head into Rockport or venture the other way to spend your time at the Big Tree or Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
Rockport is the perfect stop on your RV adventure if you love small, quaint towns that welcome you with charm and character. ■
Follow Paige and Connor’s travels on Instagram at @unravelledthyme.
Fultons Irish Pub
The Coastal Mercantile
By Rachel Cowle-Healy
MMy husband, Blake, and I have four kids and a German Shepherd. We live in central Illinois, but you never know where we might pop up—pun intended— for an outdoor camping adventure! We first tried tent camping in 2011 and enjoyed connecting with nature, but we didn’t love sleeping on the ground and only went camping about once a year. After tent camping occasionally for several years, we bought our first tent trailer, a 2007 Starcraft, and fell in love with the wonders of pop-up camping! In 2021, we upgraded to a 2008 Fleetwood Arcadia, a large, high-wall tent trailer that we remodeled to be a completely unique log cabin on wheels.
Tent feel. Everyone feels the pull—there’s just something about going out to the woods to connect with nature. To us, being inside a hard-sided camper restricts this experience. We want to let the outdoors in! Pop-up campers are famous for generous windows, where every “wall” can be opened into a real-life mural of the outdoors. No other camper offers these lifesized panoramic views. Being surrounded by windows also offers amazing air flow. But don’t worry, there’s air conditioning and a furnace available for when the weather is less accommodating.
Creature comforts. Depending on the unit, pop-ups can have all the amenities and comforts of home just like their big rig siblings. Our favorite amenities include a hard walled bathroom/shower, sleeping space for eight including two king beds, an indoor stove with oven, an outdoor stove, an outdoor shower, and a slide-out. In its full glory, it opens up to be almost 27 feet long! Pop-up campers really do create a hybrid experience of feeling like you are outdoors while having all the comforts of home with you. It offers that “glamping” vibe without having to pitch a tent.
Smaller footprint. In travel mode, a pop-up camper becomes fun size! It can fit into smaller places, including garages and the many campsites that can’t accommodate larger RVs. We camped in Yellowstone recently and saw some medium-sized rigs having trouble parking and even needing tow services. It’s also easier to maneuver with a pop-up, and you can even see out the rearview mirror! Reducing the length and height for travel mode also creates less drag for great towability—coming in at only 1,000 to 3,500 pounds, tent trailers also provide better gas mileage and most can be towed by a minivan or SUV. We average about 14 miles per gallon with our 3,400pound pop-up, towing with a V8 Ford Expedition.
No wasted space. One of the wonders of a pop-up is that you are basically able to extract all the dead space by sliding in the beds and dropping the roof. Instead of hauling a large unit around, it can grow once parked at its destination. With other small trailers, such as teardrops, you gain the benefit of easy towability, but sacrifice in size and features. Slide-outs are another great way to increase living space. Pop-up owners know that not an inch of space is wasted, and every bit is appreciated and valued.
More affordable. Tent trailers are easier on the pocketbook than your average RV! Our first camper only cost $3,000, and the big upgrade last year was less than $7,000. Touring the country is much more enjoyable to us when it is not costing a small fortune! Pop-ups are priced lower both new and
used, and generally are cheaper to repair as well. A lot of pop-up owners are actually able to make minor repairs themselves, especially with the help of online communities and YouTube videos. This makes pop-ups great for the individual or family who can’t or simply doesn’t want to make a large investment.
Aren’t they a lot of work? Pop-up campers get a bad reputation for being too much work, but the reality is that all camping requires work! All RVs require some level of towing, leveling, hooking up, and/or setting up a campsite. Pop-ups do require extra steps for raising the roof and pulling out the beds, but we’ve found it’s only a difference of 10 to 15 minutes. There are even automated versions for those who don’t want the extra manual labor! Our family typically sets up our entire campsite in about 30 minutes. Teardown usually takes an hour, as there always seem to be many things to put back into place.
Does it leak? No! A well-maintained pop-up should not leak any more than a house or RV. It is helpful to use waterproofing spray every few years, and a tear in the canvas or vinyl will need a simple repair, but this should not be the norm. We have weathered many storms in the pop-up with no leak issues. In fact, listening to a storm in a tent trailer can be exciting!
What about bears? Everyone who camps in bear country knows that keeping a clean campsite is mandatory, whether you’re in a tent, pop-up, or hardsided camper. If a bear smells your food and wants to come see what’s for dinner, that’s what he’ll do We recently camped with our family at four different national park areas out west, all in bear country. We were responsible with food and dishes, and kept everything necessary locked up, and we had no issues. Consider the myth busted—campers camp safely in tents and pop-ups in bear country all the time.
With a new wave of families interested in getting away from city life and connecting with nature, it’s no surprise that pop-up campers are in high demand. Many families try out tent camping, then decide to upgrade to a tent trailer. More often than not, they either decide that camping just isn’t for them, or upgrade to what the pop-up community refers to as “the dark side” (hard-sided campers). But there are more than a few forever pop-up fans who realize they are a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else, offering affordability and towability without sacrificing size or features. For many across the globe, tent trailers are the best choice for their camping adventures. ■
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, and it’s only 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas. It’s no surprise that the park hosts a high volume of visitors due to its convenient location. With a little planning, you can have an incredible trip to Valley of Fire State Park.
Most visitors will travel to the park from Las Vegas. Take Interstate 15 North for about 35 miles to exit 75 and follow signs for Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. From the offramp, continue southeast on Valley of Fire Highway, and you’ll
reach the west entrance after 14.5 miles. The day use entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 per vehicle for non-residents. When using GPS, note that you may lose signal on the road into the park.
Valley of Fire Highway continues the entire way through the park, and drops you at a dead end on the east side of the park boundary. If you turn right, you’ll enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area. If you turn left, you’ll head to the town of Overton, where there’s a gas station, a laundromat, a grocery store, and the last time we were there, a cute little RV coffee trailer.
Mouse’s Tank Road is the only other paved road in the park, and it takes you out into the heart of the parkland. You’ll see the visitor center, which is a worthwhile stop. Then, you’ll reach Balanced Rock, Petroglyph Canyon, Fire Wave, and White Domes trailheads. Note: the visitor center is the last stop for potable water heading out this way.
Mouse’s Tank Road is the famous road you see everyone post on Instagram. The stark contrast of the red rock and the black pavement winding through the cliffs is beautiful, but we recommend enjoying it from your vehicle, not standing on the road for photos.
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for a visit to Valley of Fire. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, you may find a winter visit enjoyable, but this desert park is too hot in the summer to enjoy exploring the area fully. In fact, two of the major attractions, Fire Wave and Seven Wonders, are often closed during the summer due to extreme heat conditions.
We visited in April and it was a touch too hot for us as we were boondocking in the dispersed camping area. The main campground does have electric hookups, so you can run your air conditioning if necessary, and it is open year-round.
There are two campgrounds in the state park, and they’re both in the same area. The main campground, Atlatl Rock Campground, has hookups, flush toilets, and showers. Atlatl Rock has 44 sites, each with a picnic table and shade cover. There’s also a fire ring and charcoal grill at each campsite. Campsites 23 through 44 are designated for larger RVs and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.
Atlatl Rock is located near the campground and is a must-do in the park. There’s a staircase up to a viewing platform, where you can see the best petroglyphs in the park. You’ll see carvings depicting people, animals, and symbols.
Fire Wave Hiking TrailIf you don’t need amenities, Arch Rock campground offers additional sites. As you might guess, the second campground got its name from a nearby natural sandstone arch. Arch Rock Campground has 29 sites, though they’re smaller and more primitive than those at Atlatl Rock.
Arch Rock offers water spigots, but not electricity. The toilets are vault instead of flush, and there are no showers. Arch Rock is also closed during summer and winter. Some visitors like Arch Rock because it’s a bit more private than Atlatl, and sites 15 through 29 are located among the red rocks. You’ll still get a picnic table, shade structure, fire ring, and grill at these campsites, and a dump station is available to both campgrounds.
Beginning in 2023, all Nevada state parks are moving to a reservation system, so you’ll need to plan ahead and make a reservation for camping. The proximity to Las Vegas makes this a popular spot, so book as far in advance as possible.
If you prefer boondocking, or if the state park campgrounds are full, the Valley of Fire West Dispersed Camping area just outside the park is excellent. There’s plenty of space for small RVs, and
limited space for larger RVs closer to the road. One of the main reasons people choose this dispersed camping area is the cell service. There is no cell phone signal inside the state park, but the signal outside the park at the boondocking area is strong enough for remote work.
Stewarts Point Dispersed Camping is on the East side of Valley of Fire and is a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Mead. It’s free dispersed camping, but it’s located inside the National Recreation Area, so a National Parks Pass is required (or you can pay $25 per vehicle for a pass that’s good for seven consecutive days). There is room for RVs of all sizes at Stewarts Point, but because the land slopes down to the water, only smaller RVs and vans are recommended to venture down all the way to the shoreline. You’ll enjoy views of Lake Mead no matter where you choose to park.
The beauty of Valley of Fire State Park is very accessible—all you have to do is take a scenic drive through the bright red Aztec sandstone. But the best experiences are found a bit further afield through the many hiking trails available. You can find petrified trees
and petroglyphs from 2,000 years ago, and dogs are even allowed on leash on the trails!
Fire Wave Hiking Trail The Fire Wave trail is an easy 1.5-mile out and back hike. The main attraction is a waveshaped rock with two colors of sandstone. It’s a stunning formation and well worth the short walk to get there.
White Domes Hiking Trail The White Domes trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop that includes an adventure through a slot canyon. This trail is quite enjoyable, but there’s very little shade, so be prepared if hiking in warm weather, and always bring water with you.
Outside the Park If you’re visiting Valley of Fire State Park, be sure to also stop by Rogers Warm Spring. This warm (about 85 degrees) spring is located inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so you’ll need a park pass. At one point the spring was used as a tropical fish hatchery, and there are still tropical fish in the waters today.
This state park offers the wow factor of a national park. The ability to see so much of the beauty from the road, or with a short, easy hike, makes the park very accessible to all ages and abilities. Please remember to leave no trace, and never touch the petroglyphs, so that many more people can enjoy this park after you. ■
Kristen and Jameson share their travels on their YouTube Channel, Perpetual Moves.
White Dome Trail Slot Canyon
Mouse Tank Road
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When you think of the most iconic sights in the United States, the Grand Canyon likely comes to mind. At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep, it’s the largest canyon in the United States and an iconic feature of the Southwest. Despite spending the first 8 years of my childhood in Arizona, I hadn’t visited this park until a few years ago and was blown away by how colorful and grand the canyon really is! You truly cannot grasp how impressive and vast it is by looking at photos—it must be seen with your own eyes!
The Grand Canyon formed more than 6 million years ago, as the Colorado River cut through layers of rock, carving the canyon into what we see today and exposing some of the oldest rock on earth.
Over the years, the canyon has been used by many groups of people for its resources, starting with 11 Native American tribes who used the area around the canyon for hunting and farming. European and American explorers eventually came to the area, with prospectors following suit in search of ore. Mining of uranium, copper, and silver became a popular business, but when the railroad entered the area, many prospectors shifted gears toward tourism, creating some of the first visitor services, such as lodging and tours.
The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919 and is now the fourth most visited national park in the United States. While the canyon is home to four different areas, only the North and South Rims make up the national park. In this article, we’re sharing how to visit the South Rim, which is the more developed of the two and is accessible any time of year!
● The Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the U.S.
● It is the fourth most visited U.S. national park
● It became a national park in 1919
● The canyon is larger than Rhode Island
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Northern Arizona, close to both the Nevada and Utah borders. The closest major cities are Phoenix, which is 233 miles from the South Rim, and Las Vegas, which is 278 miles from the South Rim.
In our opinion, the best time to visit is in April or May, when the trails are clear of snow, the temperatures are cooler, and the crowds are a bit smaller. However, you can visit the park any time of the year!
In the summer, the temperatures can get very hot, especially when you go down into the canyon. If you visit in the summer or even late spring, be sure to start early to beat some of the heat, bring tons of water, and wear sun protection.
Unlike the North Rim, which closes from early December to mid-May, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open in the winter, but snow is not uncommon! If you visit in the winter, be prepared for some road and trail closures and also make sure you’re prepared to hike on icy trails.
Bright Angel Trail
● Entrance fee It costs $35 per vehicle to visit Grand Canyon National Park, which covers 7 days inside the park. We recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80, which gives you access to all national parks.
● Use the park shuttles There are four shuttle routes, and during the busier times of the year, certain roads are closed to private vehicles, so the shuttles are your only option to get to those areas. You can also walk around the South Rim along a 13-mile path, or do a combination of walking and the shuttle, which is what we recommend!
● Dogs are (sort of) allowed Dogs are allowed in some areas of the South Rim, including along the Rim Trail. However, they are not allowed below the rim or on the park shuttles.
● Food options The Grand Canyon’s South Rim offers quite a few dining options, as well as a market with grocery items. We only tried one of the buffets and it wasn’t anything to write home about, so we mostly cooked our own meals.
There are three campgrounds on the South Rim: Mather, Desert View, and Trailer Village RV Park. Mather (327 sites): Open year-round, requires reservations from March through November, and first come, first served the rest of the year
Desert View (49 sites): Open mid-April to mid-October and requires reservations
Trailer Village RV Park (123 sites): Open year-round, requires reservations, and is the only campground that offers full hookups
The South Rim is also home to six lodges, which offer a hotel experience in the park, and there are private campgrounds outside of the park, as well as national forest land to boondock on.
Check out the viewpoints The South Rim is home to many viewpoints, all of which give you the chance to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective. To access these viewpoints, you can drive or take the shuttle (not all are accessible by car or shuttle) or walk along the 13-mile (one way) Rim Trail. The majority of the overlooks are close to the road or Rim Trail, while some require a short hike.
You can’t go wrong with any view of the canyon, but some of our favorite viewpoints were Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, Ooh Aah Point, and Mather Point. But whatever you do, you MUST make sure you visit a viewpoint for sunrise and sunset, which is when the canyon is the most magical! Hopi Point is our favorite for sunset, and Mather and Yavapai are great for sunrise.
Hike the Bright Angel Trail The most popular inner canyon trail on the South Rim is the Bright Angel Trail. While it’s technically 15 miles round trip all the way down to the Colorado River, you can hike as little or as much as you’d like. We suggest going to the 3 Mile Resthouse for a 6-mile round trip hike.
It’s a beautiful hike and a lot of fun to go below the rim, but as with any hike in the Grand Canyon, it’s crucial to start early and bring lots of water. Remember, what goes down must go back up!
Hike the South Kaibab Trail Another great day hike option that is arguably more scenic and less crowded is the South Kaibab Trail. This trail is 12 miles round trip, but similar to Bright Angel, can be done as a shorter day hike, with Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip) being a good turnaround spot.
Bike around the park One fun way to experience the South Rim is by bike! You can either join a bike tour with Bright Angel Bicycles (they also rent bikes), where you’ll learn more about the park, or head out on your own bike!
We suggest riding Hermits Road, which is 7 miles one way and is only accessible by park shuttle, foot, or bike between March 1 and November 30.
Climb the Desert View Watchtower This sevenstory tower was built in 1932 and designed after the architecture style of the Ancestral Puebloan people in the area. The lower floor is meant to resemble a Native American kiva and visitors can climb stairs to the top levels for views of the eastern side of the canyon.
Visit Kolb Studio Kolb Studio was the home and photography studio of Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Back in the early 1900s, these brothers became famous for their photos and films of the canyon, which helped spread the word of the canyon’s beauty. The home is now an art gallery, museum, and bookstore for visitors. Take the train to the South Rim The Grand Canyon Railway has been bringing visitors to the park since 1901 and brings passengers from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim. This option gives you three hours in the park, which is plenty of time to visit a few overlooks and take in the canyon’s beauty.
Hike the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim The extra adventurous can hike from the North Rim to the South Rim on the park’s famous Rim to Rim hike. This hike is around 24 miles, and since it begins and ends at different rims, requires the use of a shuttle.
You can also do a Rim to River to Rim hike, going down to the Colorado River from the South Rim and then back up to the top of the South Rim via Bright Angel and/or South Kaibab. This is about 19 miles and while it technically can be done as a day hike, it is highly recommended to do it as an overnight trip, as many have had to get rescued.
If you have yet to make it to the Grand Canyon, be sure to add it to your list! With its year-round accessibility, easy-to-visit viewpoints, and challenging hikes, there are many ways to experience its magnitude, and it’s guaranteed to take your breath away! ■
Find more national park guides on Kathryn’s website at adventuresofaplusk.com and on Instagram at @adventuresofaplusk.
Why save RVing for just summer, spring, and fall? With the right equipment, you can use your RV in the winter too. Here are a few suggestions to help you get prepared for the coldest season of the year.
Don’t get stuck -- but if you do, make sure to have these recovery boards onboard. The end doubles as a shovel in a pinch. The boards will give you added traction to get out of a bind in snow, mud, ice, sand, and more.
Waterproof Matches Get a fire going even in the worst weather, with these waterproof and windproof matches. Great to add to your survival kit, or simply have on hand in case of an emergency. Each kit contains 25 matches.
You might have just found your new favorite cold weather camping accessory -- heated clothing. Carbon fiber heating elements inside have different settings, and can be adjusted to low, medium, or high to keep you warm and toasty all winter long.
Keep this electric blanket in the trunk of your car to use for road trips, or in the case of an emergency. The 12 volt plug goes into a cigarette lighter or adapter in your car, truck, or SUV so you can use it on the road. The cord is long enough so even passengers in the backseat can stay warm and cozy with this blanket.
For passing where chains are required, or simply needed, take a look at this set of snow chains to get you through winter. They come in a two-pack and give you traction on the road in the wintertime. They can be installed and removed in minutes.
5th wheel or RV. Don’t fumble around with your keys in the cold. This lock fits most trailers and gives you peace of mind on all of your adventures.
If you’re staying put a while in your rig for winter, RV skirts are a must. These by Airskirts are inflatable and help trap the air under your rig so you can warm it up and avoid cold weather camping hazards like frozen pipes.
Hose With freeze protection down to -20 degrees, this is the hose you’ll want to use for cold weather camping. An energy saving thermostat, and drinking water safe hose are among the features. It is also available in different lengths.
A favorite among campers in winter time, Mr. Heater portable Buddy heater is great to take with you wherever you go. Each propane canister will last a few hours. The ceramic plate puts out plenty of heat to take the chill off or warm up a room in your rig. It is indoor safe, with a safety shut-off in case it tips over.
Whether you choose to dry camp during winter and/or you need to winterize, winterize in a matter of minutes with Lippert’s Floë Integrated Drain-Down System. It uses compressed air to flush lines and drain pipes and tanks so they don’t freeze. Installation is DIY and easy. ■
Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2022-2023 events
DECEMBER
Loners on Wheels Lonestar Texas
December 6–9
Alvin, TX
Heart of Texas Annual Christmas
Campout and Party
December 1–4
Glen Rose, TX
Florida Airstream Club’s Ring It in Silver in 2023 New Year’s Rally
December 29–January 2
Saint Augustine, FL
JANUARY
Gulf Coast RV Show 2023
January 6–8
Mobile, AL
Greater Chicago RV Show
January 13–15
Schaumburg, IL
Gulf Loners on Wheels
January 17–22
Orlando, FL
FEBRUARY
Ford 68th Annual Indianapolis
Boat, Sport, and Travel Show
February 17–19 and 22–26
Indianapolis, IN
The 6th Annual Skoolie Swarm
February 18–27
Melrose, FL
37th Annual Hot Springs Boat, Tackle, and RV Show
February 24–26
Hot Springs, AR
MARCH
Virginia RV Expo
March 10–12
Hampton, VA
Mid-Atlantic RV Expo
March 17–19
Doswell, VA
Trailerfest Vintage Trailer Rally
2023
March 30–April 2
San Dimas, CA
APRIL
Eastern Caribbean Cruise HOP
April 7–17
Tampa, FL
2023 Grand Design RV Owners
Southern California Rally
April 12–15
San Dimas, CA
RVers Boot Camp
April 21–23
Brunswick, GA
MAY
Moab Outdoor Adventure HOP
May 2–7
Moab, UT
2023 Tennessee Rally
May 4–6, 2023
Sevierville, TN
Rocky Mountain LTVers 2023
Spring Bryce Canyon Rally
May 18–22, 2023
Bryce Canyon City, UT
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 info@rvtoday.com
The “Home from Home” was a motorhome built in Australia in 1929 by Gerhard “Pop” Kaesler. Unhappy with the quality of hotels used by his family on vacation, Kaesler decided to build his family an RV that looked just like home, complete with painted bricks, tiled roof, and chimney. Kaesler soon sold “Home from Home” to the mayor of his local town and built a second RV called “The Cottage,” which featured, among other things, a chessboard toilet lid. Both homes still exist today and are on display in South Australia.
This is one of more than 300 images featured in Andrew Woodmansey’s new book, “Recreational Vehicles: A World History 1872–1939,” published by Pen and Sword. You can find more information on his book and other early RVs in Andrew’s blog at rvhistory.com.
Recreational Vehicles
Andrew
Our Service Response Team consists of eight expert techs with trucks and trailers spread out across the US. They are committed to training dealer technicians to aid in getting you in and out of appointments. The team is trained to assist anyone stuck on the side of the road in need. You don't have to be a part of the Grand Design Family to receive our helping hand. In times like these, we need to show all RV'ers that Grand Design cares about them even if they didn't choose our products as their home away from home.
