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LET’S
RV TODAY Magazine
Volume 2 I Issue 8 I January/February 2023
Publisher Demian Ross
Chief Editor Nikki Kirk
Managing Editor Jess Stiles
Editorial Assistant L. Merredith
Art Director Gayle Schadendorf
Operations Manager Jamie May
Copy Editor Kristin Skaggs
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
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YEAR ONE IS DONE! I can already tell you RV Today magazine is here to stay. We are in this for the long haul.
Over and over again, you’ll hear me talk about how proud I am that we are the ONLY independently-owned magazine for RVers. All the content comes from actual RV owners sharing their stories, tips, and tricks.
Our biggest competitor is a magazine owned by a national dealership, which shows in its content. They recently published a generator comparison, and left off arguably one of the most popular generators, the Harbor Freight Predator 3500, and I’m guessing that was because they don’t sell these in their locations. To me, that’s not a magazine; it’s a catalog in disguise.
It really is important to have content around a lifestyle or hobby that is not controlled by the industry or one single person’s opinion.
We make it our job to help you get the most out of your RV. In 2023, one of our goals is to help anyone who wants to buy an RV know exactly which one might be best for them. We believe you’ll find the right answer for you by combining many experiences and perspectives, as well as gathering answers to your questions, and getting suggestions from people who actually own RVs.
Are you an RV owner who wants to share some great advice, a unique location, or tips and tricks? If so, we would love to share your experiences in the magazine. Just reach out to us at collab@rvtoday.com and let us know what you would like to share. A lot of our subscribers have been able to share great advice when it comes to owning an RV.
2023 is going to be a big year for us at RV Today, and I want to thank you for joining us on this journey. We want to help you look back on your RV purchase with fond memories.
I hope to see you on the road.
Jeremy and Kendra Crawford
Jessy Muller
Samantha Platt
Peggy Dent
Gerri Almand
Natasha Boling
Sylvia Steiger
Terri Young
Anne Klumpp
Olivia Sain
Marty & Jennifer Vickery Smith
Jenn & Brandy Jackson
Lindsey Chambers
Chelsea Gillespie
Joy Newcomb
Kestra Bronneke
Brenda Huynh
Andy Best
Diana Ditkof
Alex Caputo
Lisa & Chris Carter
Steven Nascimento
Marie Casey
Lita Talisman
Ashlee and Justin Guerra
Kris Maria
Christine Blake
Angelique Correia
Mimi Garner
Desiree Fairchild @destn8tion
An Airy, Bohemian Renovation
Traveling full time with her family for over three years, Desiree shares her RV renovation ideas, family friendly travel tips and a humorous look into RV life on her Instagram account.
Katelyn Newstate @newstatenomads
Hueco Tanks State Park
Katelyn travels with her husband, Howard, and their three pups: Piper, Ella and Scout. They have been all over the world and love sharing their passion for travel and adventure through their YouTube channel Newstate Nomads and on their website at newstatenomads.com.
Alexis Nascimento @neversaysomeday
Best Parks to Explore in the Winter
Prioritizing experiences over things, Alexis and her husband, Steven, are an active couple traveling with their two boys. They love sharing family RV living tips along with their outdoor lifestyle, including hikes and travel destinations on their website neversaysomedayfamily.com and on their Instagram feed.
Kathryn Frazer @adventuresofaplusk
Planning the Perfect Road Trip
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.
@skouting.about
Being able to open our door to the great outdoors is an unmatched feeling!” @dakotagatien
We have no interest in settling down before seeing as many beautiful places as we can.”
Being rolling nomads has been a true pleasure, great challenge, comprehensive project, roller coaster ride, and amazing adventure!”
RVing gives us the sense of feeling at home while traveling on the road!”
@roamingwiththereynolds
Exploring places, meeting people, learning about the world, finding ways to live off minimal resources, and minimizing our footprint are why we live nomadically.”
@milesandlala
We want to hear from you – Share what makes you a happy camper by sending an email to collab@rv today.com
RVing can be a great time, and a great way to make memories. But whether you RV part time or full time, emergencies can arise, and being prepared for those emergencies will help you remain calm so
you can get through them. We travel full time, and we always try to stay prepared, because responding to a crisis on the road can be vastly different than responding to a crisis in an area you know well.
It’s important to keep emergency contact information in an obvious place. Most modern cell phones have this feature built in, but we like to keep a physical copy on our refrigerator as well in case something happens to our phones. We also want to make sure authorities will realize we’re staying in an RV and be able to find our RV if something happens while we’re away, which is where a business card from the campground comes in handy. We keep the business card, a note saying, “Our RV is located here,” and a copy of our emergency contact information with our vehicle registration so authorities can locate our RV if needed. We travel with our dog, so we also have to think about his safety. Because of this, we keep a sticker on the front door of the RV that says we have a pet inside and to contact us in case of emergencies. This sign has several phone numbers so someone can notify us right away if needed. We keep his vet’s information on the refrigerator as well.
A great first-aid kit is essential, but it shouldn’t be left in the RV all the time. We always keep ours in the vehicle we’re in, because we want to be able to get to it quickly when it’s needed. If we keep it in the RV and are away from the vehicle, then the first-aid kit does us no good. We keep a separate canine first-aid kit too.
When we get to a new location, we always look for the closest emergency room and the closest urgent care that accepts our insurance. We also look for the nearest emergency vet. We use Banfield Pet Hospital for our dog’s care, so we look to see if there is one close to us. We mark those in our preferred map apps on both our phones as well as our oldest child’s phone.
If you’re going to be outside of cell phone coverage, it’s best to have a device that connects to satellites. We recommend the Garmin InReach Mini 2 because it allows you to send SOS messages in case of an emergency.
We recommend replacing the fire extinguishers in your RV with Type ABC fire extinguishers. At a minimum, you should have one by every exit, but we suggest having one in each room. Teach your kids how to use them and show them how to operate the emergency exits. We also keep an automobile fire extinguisher in our truck. If a fire breaks out, you don’t want to have to run back to your RV and unlock it to get a fire extinguisher. They may seem like overkill, but these simple precautions can help put your mind at ease, and can save you in an emergency situation. Plus, peace of mind can make it even easier to enjoy your RV trips. ■
For as long as Jessy Muller can remember, she was attracted to any and all things vintage. “I appreciate the soulfulness of something old,” she said, “and I love daydreaming about the stories they encapsulate.” This is why it was love at first sight when she found her 1978 Dodge Commander. She’s owned her Commander for six years, and she feels the retro rig is perfect for her full-time travels. “All the windows, hands down, are my favorite part—I have a view no matter where I am inside. The bedroom, in particular, is surrounded by wall-to-wall windows. It’s the best bedroom I’ve ever had.” Another unique feature she loves is the pull-down single bed over the cab, which she uses as a guest bunk.
Of course, having a vintage vehicle comes with challenges, usually in the form of mechanical hiccups. Jessy has done almost all the work herself, whether she wanted to or not. “It’s partly because
of financial reasons and partly because being self-reliant is important to me.” From remodeling the interior more than once to completing numerous mechanical jobs, she said the work she is most proud of involved the removal and reinstallation of her radiator. “The thing is huge, and disconnecting parts that have been attached for 40-plus years was no small feat.”
Regardless of the job at hand, she shares there is an element of stress involved too, even if the work only requires a simple fix. “When the vehicle is your home, the stakes are higher, but that is more a testament to this lifestyle than my rig. Every single rig has mechanical problems, regardless of age.” The lesson her Commander has taught her most, though? “Slow down and enjoy the ride.” ■
For more vintage vibes, follow Jessy and her retro RV on Instagram @slowroamer.
I appreciate the soulfulness of something old, and I love daydreaming about the stories they encapsulate.”
My husband, Herb, and I have renovated 13 homes together and sold each of them. They were always stepping stones to buy something bigger and better, as well as an opportunity to try out new styles—each of our properties was sold fully furnished.
We had worked so hard, but we knew we were missing something, and we eventually decided to downsize. We went from a four-bedroom house to a three-bedroom apartment, and then to what we thought was our dream one-bedroom apartment.
In 2020, COVID put our early retirement plans on the back burner, so we were looking for a new project. I fell in love with a vintage caravan online, and a few months later, we purchased a caravan of our own.
The plan was a quick three-month flip, but it took seven months to restore the caravan, which we affectionately named Hunter. He was a complete rebuild from the frame up, but we loved him. He was our hotel on wheels, and we traveled along the east coast of Australia for eight months in 2021 before selling him.
Just before leaving on our trip, I renovated and flipped two more vintage caravans with a friend. Herb said he would never renovate another caravan again, but I was hooked! I loved the buzz of rescuing something that seemed destined for the scrap heap and turning it into a tiny home on wheels.
Living in that vintage caravan showed us that a life less ordinary—a carefree life full of adventure—was the elusive ingredient we had been missing. We loved the thrill of traveling to a new place every few days to explore a new beach, a new walk, or a new favourite coffee shop. We loved seeing new sunrises and sunsets from some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.
We had learned a few things from our caravan journey, and we yearned for an even better life on the road, where we could be totally off-grid—we wanted to pull up at a coastal haven, open the windows, and have the sea air make our curtains dance in the breeze.
So in November 2021, we purchased a Toyota Coaster 22-seat ex-school bus, which we call Mr. Pemberton. Being retired and with the knowledge from our previous builds, the conversion really did take about three months this time, working mostly eight-hour days, seven days a week. The planning process started in November, and the build didn’t begin until mid-January.
We started our renovation somewhat unconventionally—we were sponsored by White Knight Paints for the external painting of the bus, and the build had been pushed back, so we worked on the outside first in order to meet contractual deadlines.
We filled, sanded, and attended to the surface rust before removing the front and rear bumpers and the hideous exhaust pipe that was vented to the roof of the van. The prep time of the painting took approximately two full weeks, and the painting itself was all done within two days.
Next came the large rooftop deck, which covers threefourths of the bus. We mounted the solar panels and backup camera, installed the ceiling vent, and refurbished the hubcaps all at once.
By the end of the first month, we were ready to start tackling the inside. After demolition, we taped out the floor plan and checked all our measurements. The insulation was the first big project, closely followed by the roughing-in of the electrical system. The ceiling followed shortly after, along with running all our electrical wiring prior to fitting the wall boards.
The water tank was fitted over the unused area of the wheel arch on one side of the bus and a raised bed was built on top of that, which allowed for our electrical system to be totally hidden, yet accessible via the back door.
The frames for the dining area and kitchen came in next—this was the most exciting part for me, and really helped cement the whole design. One of the final jobs was the refurbishment of the cabin area. It was not something we had done before, and re-carpeting the area was much harder than we had imagined, with all its curves and angles, but it turned out really well, and it’s something we are so proud of.
The build was an absolute dream, and every detail came together just as we had envisioned. I put this down to our meticulous planning and the hours and hours of YouTube videos we watched.
Our greatest challenge was actually the 12-volt electrical system. We had not had any previous experience with this and reached out to others who had converted buses before us for guidance. This was also our biggest expense, and Herb did an amazing job of nailing every component. Our solar system is really robust and is able to run everything we need. Even on rainy or cloudy days, if we are driving, our batteries are being powered by the bus’s alternator.
We are looking forward to a full lap of Australia in 2023, which will take approximately a year and cement many memories of Mr. Pemberton being put to his greatest test. ■
I loved the buzz of rescuing something that seemed destined for the scrap heap and turning it into a tiny home on wheels.”
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.
Nate and Christian, the husband-and-wife duo Project Trek, are full-time RVers who love to experience the outdoors with their two kids, Ella and Andersen.
After suffering from the financial collapse of a failed business, Nate and Christian decided to take matters into their own hands and began the process of pursuing financial freedom. After completing their debt-free journey, they realized there was still something missing. They had a deep rooted desired to travel and spend more time with their children. Inspiration for full-time travel came from a week-long trip in a borrowed RV. Shortly after, the family dove head first into full-time RVing in April of 2017, when they hit the road in their Open Range Fifth Wheel by Highland Ridge RV. They have no plans of going back to the suburban life! Follow along with them as they navigate road schooling, healthy living and forming a community for other full-timing families.
Whether you’re upgrading or just starting out, one of the main decisions you’ll need to make when shopping for an RV is whether you want to buy new or used. There are passionate arguments on both sides of this debate, so let’s look at some pros and cons.
The biggest benefit of buying new is being the first owner. No one has had a chance to alter or damage the RV, and you know every detail about it from day one. RVs straight from the factory have the manufacturer’s engineering and parts, and a manufacturer’s warranty in case something isn’t quite right. Minor defects can happen, but they are typically corrected through the warranty. Another benefit of buying a new RV is the ability to customize it to fit your needs and preferences.
The biggest downside of buying a new RV is cost. RVs, like cars, depreciate greatly over the first few years, and since most people don’t keep new RVs for very long, the loss of value can be sharply felt. Many people quickly realize their new RV doesn’t fit their needs and decide to trade it in, in which case the new vehicle depreciation is a significant negative factor.
Another reason people avoid buying new RVs is the need to resolve manufacturer defects. RVs are complicated, and things can go wrong in the assembly process. While they typically undergo rigorous quality control inspections, and most problems are resolved before the RV is shipped, sometimes things slip through the cracks. Even minor problems can be a nuisance—after all, you just paid full price for a new RV so you could take it camping, so you’re probably eager to begin your RV adventure! And arranging for an inspection of a new RV is virtually impossible, so there’s no real way to ensure you don’t run into these problems.
PRO: The benefits of buying a used RV are numerous. First the used market represents a much larger selection of models, floorplans, styles, ages, conditions, and price points. In the used market, buyers can find everything from like-new to “project” RVs. The original owner has already absorbed the early depreciation, so used RVs are less expensive, and any new-RV bugs have likely already been taken care of. Since many people discover their first RV purchase wasn’t the best choice for their needs and quickly trade it in, all these lightly-used RVs become available in the used market with deeply discounted prices.
Another pro of buying used is that it’s easy to hire an RV inspector to evaluate the RV and give buyers confidence that it’s in good working order. If you’re overwhelmed by the logistics of buying used, you can even hire professional help through a company like National Vehicle (NationalVehicle. com), which helps RV buyers and sellers transact business in the used market.
CON: A downside of buying used is that sellers may not candidly disclose the true condition of the RV, and some defects are hard to detect until the RV is in use. Additionally, after buying a used RV, you may not understand or know about any adjustments or modifications the former owners may have made. Knowing how everything in an RV works can be challenging, even if it’s straight from the factory, and modifications can make that even more difficult.
Whether you decide to buy new or used, remember to do your due diligence, research brand integrity, and get professional help if needed. And always remember—the goal of RVing is to have fun! ■
RVers are no strangers to unusual challenges, and we take pride in our problem-solving skills. RVers with disabilities often have to figure out all sorts of travel hacks and logistical solutions for even more unique challenges. We’ve gathered tips and tricks from RV travelers with disabilities to help anyone facing similar challenges who may be looking for inspiration or advice for their own travels.
Natasha Boling travels with her husband, Shane, and three children, all of whom require some kind of special care for their conditions, which include cystic fibrosis, Escobar syndrome, microcephaly, and cerebral palsy. The Boling family travels with a collection of special medications as well as essential medical equipment that requires electricity. Along with that, their RV has specific adaptations that allow them to travel more easily. The Bolings received their 2018 Grey Wolf 27R toy hauler from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so they were able to choose a model that allowed for a full wheelchair lift for their daughter. The RV was already wheelchairfriendly, but Natasha and her husband still made a few small modifications to accommodate their daughter with cerebral palsy. After adding a safety enclosure around her bed, counter extensions for wheelchair accessibility, and more shelves in the kitchen for easily-accessible medications and feeding tubes, the RV has become a proper traveling medical center with most of the things the family needs to be comfortable.
Despite these customizations, Natasha said, “Traveling with a disability is hard! There is so much preparation and planning that it takes a lot of joy out of going on vacation. Nothing is made for disabled people, and everything needs to be adapted, but you can do it! The memories are everything.”
The memories are everything.”
Terri Young and her husband travel in their 2017 Forest River Wolfpack toy hauler, and they’ve made a few modifications to ensure wheelchair accessibility. Terri’s husband is paraplegic with a C6/C7 incomplete spinal cord injury, and Terri is managing fibromyalgia. They enjoy their toy hauler because they ride side-by-sides as well. They’ve been RVing for more than 15 years and have searched high and low for the perfect floor plan to accommodate a wheelchair. The camper the Youngs have is not accessible, but it only required a few modifications. For example, they widened the bathroom doorway to 32 inches and replaced the door with a vinyl accordion one. With the addition of a few benches to allow for wheelchair transfers, as well as a modified ramp to make rolling a wheelchair up into the RV easier, the toy hauler is almost the perfect rig for their travels.
Terri has been instrumental in helping others with disabilities travel more in RVs through her Facebook group Camping With Disabilities or Chronic Illness. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” she said. “Don’t feel bad if it takes you hours to set up or tear down camp. The great thing about camping is there are always people around who are willing to help. Don’t be
afraid to ask. You have to roll with the punches and be sure to laugh.”
Terri is also a Campground Accessibility Specialist. She has been to campgrounds all over the United States and has only found one campground to be truly wheelchair accessible. “Do not expect a campground to be accessible,” she said. “You just have to learn to adapt or overcome the inaccessibility issue you will find at every campground.”
Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Sylvia Steiger has been traveling in an RV or motorhome her whole life. When her children were small, she didn’t want to deal with car camping, and the RV was a great tool to get her family outdoors. Over time, she has developed mobility issues and has been dealing with kidney failure for almost a decade. Since she was familiar with RVs, Syvia knew exactly what she wanted in her RV to accommodate her chronic pain and mobility issues.
She purchased a 2006 Itasca Sunova, which mitigated some of the issues that most RVs have, such as steep steps to enter and a small bathroom. Still, she carries a section of 4x4 lumber that she uses as a first step to compensate for the large gap between the factory step and the ground. She travels with a Eurostyle rollator, which folds side-to-side like a wheelchair, taking up less room than the traditional rollators found in the United States.
Sylvia said the process of shopping for an RV will take time if you want to make sure you find the right one for your specific needs. Every traveler with disabilities will have a different list of things they need in their RV, so it’s important to shop in person and take the time you need to vet all your options.
The most important lesson Sylvia has learned is that people are always willing to help. For example, she will pull up to a gas station and call the attendant over the phone to request assistance with filling her tank.
“Almost always, someone came out, I handed them my credit card, and they pumped for me,” she said. At campgrounds, Syvia calls ahead and explains that she will need someone to help her check in if they don’t have a drive-up window. She asks for help setting up her electric hookup and has no trouble ordering food from local restaurants straight to her RV at campgrounds.
“Limitations don’t mean that you can’t travel; you just have to plan for them,” Sylvia said. When she was younger and healthier, she would drive from Wyoming to Dallas in one haul! She’s learned to slow down and add a few rest days into her schedule in order to accommodate her body and allow for any unforeseen problems.
“When I am tired, I stop and rest. Sometimes in a rest area or park, sometimes at a gas station or a store parking lot. That’s the advantage of a motorhome!” Sylvia said. “Disabilities do require making an extra effort to travel, but that’s also true in nearly every aspect of a disabled person’s life. When I consider the alternative of never doing anything because it would be harder for me than a younger, healthier person—I’d rather make the extra effort.” ■
Limitations don’t mean that you can’t travel; you just have to plan for them.”
Expandable Solar
Scalable system designs
Custom fabrication and integration
Whether
Alcatraz Island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and a stop here shouldn’t be missed. This tiny historic island boasts a complex history—it’s been home to a fort, a military prison, a maximum security federal prison, and an American Indian occupation.
@soulofaseeker
Take a drive further west to the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, which stands nearly 750 feet tall! According to the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, the bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors per year.
@ayj_adventures
FUN FACT: Did you know the water under the bridge is called the Golden Gate Strait? This stretch of water is how the iconic bridge got its name!
Alcatraz Island provides a powerful opportunity to encourage visitors to contemplate their personal views on crime and punishment, the judicial system, national defense, and freedom.”
–The National Park Service
98 Gull Lake Road, June Lake, CA 93529
We loved our time along this stretch of the 395 on the eastern side of the Sierras. June Lake was our stop between Bishop and Mono Vista (which is where Yosemite’s eastern entrance is). This small town has a couple of restaurants and many cabins, and it’s only a 30-minute drive to Mammoth Lakes, where you’ll find groceries and other services. The June Lake Loop is worthy of an afternoon or evening drive—we drove it at least once in each direction!
The campground itself is small, so the spaces
aren’t huge, but they are ample. It was a great place to call home for a couple of weeks. There’s a hiking trail accessible by foot from the campground that goes around Gull Lake, and the town is a short walk away, too. Summer temperatures are mild and the scenery is awesome!
Contributed by Anne Klumpp
@ontheroadofadventure
Just a few hours away, you can find additional beautiful views on the Million Dollar Highway. Built in the 1880s as a wagon road, this 25 -mile stretch in Colorado is known for plunging drop-off views. There are many sharp bends and no guardrails, but the road has a lot to offer in exchange. Adam and Kathryn Frazer said, “With tons of mining history, epic mountain peaks, charming towns, and endless outdoor activities, this region of Colorado is now one of our favorite places in the United States.”
@adventuresofaplusk
24990 State Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323
We loved our stay at The Views RV Park and Campground. As the name suggests, the views are amazing. The owners are terrific and onsite, so they can help if you have any issues. We used this campground as a base for visiting Mesa Verde National Park as well as Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center, which is just around the corner. A short hiking trail has been cut in around the property and makes for a nice place to take the dog for an off-leash walk. The town of Dolores isn’t too far away and has a few restaurants and a farmers market. You’ll also find plenty of trails for hiking or mountain biking. You’ll find golfing, wineries, and breweries just a short distance away, in addition to McPhee Reservoir, which is great for boating and fishing.
Contributed by Anne Klumpp @ontheroadofadventure
Due to the proximity, visiting Mesa Verde National Park is a must if you stay at The Views RV Park and Campground! The park is known for the ancestral Puebloan communities, which can be seen on the mesas and in the cliffs. Because of the importance of protecting pueblos and tribes, this location is a World
Heritage Site. Beyond the many archeological sites, there’s even more that sets this national park apart— during the day, hikers can see unique endemic species and find amazing views from canyon edges, and at night, stay for some top stargazing, because this spot is also an International Dark Sky Park.
@unequipped2roadtrip
There’s nothing bad about this national park; The Badlands only got their name because they were difficult to cross. Spend a day—or a few—at this national park in South Dakota to see otherworldly landscapes, plus wildlife including prairie dogs, bighorn sheep and bison Scenic overlooks make great stopping points while driving through. Hiking and camping are also available in the park.
FUN FACT: Badlands became a national park on November 10, 1978 and is one of two national parks in South Dakota.
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10550 Pioneer Road, Theodore, AL 36582
Homestead RV Community offers a different take on the RV park model. The developer of the park knows there are many full-time and long-term RV campers looking for a manicured setting with blazing fast internet. Because of that, this park has both.
In addition to basic amenities, there are even hot tubs onsite! Prices vary based on type of site and length of stay.
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1130 Rocky Ford Road, Smyrna, TN 37167
Nashville, Tennessee is a great place to visit, but most campgrounds in Nashville are a bit pricey. We found one located outside of the city in Smyrna for about half the price.
This was such a friendly campground, and everyone was so helpful. They even have a golf cart valet who takes you to your campsite and will help you set up if you need it. There are 130 full-hookup sites and a couple of cabins for rent. Most of the sites had a fire pit, but were not that large. We were lucky enough to get their largest site—site 87—which we loved.
If you want to visit Nashville without the high campground fees, check out this campground. It’s affordable, only about 30 minutes from downtown Nashville, and has all you need, including friendly staff.
For more information on this campground, including photos and video, visit campgroundviews.com.
Contributed by Mark Koep
The Florida Keys offer tons of adventure. Dry Tortugas National Park is composed of seven islands and requires a bit of planning due to being accessible only by boat or seaplane, but the trip is worth it. This area holds one of the country’s largest forts, and its prime location between the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida meant it was coveted by Americans and enemy forces.
But the fort is not the only attraction. According to the National Park Service, the “picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area” are also reasons to make the journey.
The fort is not the only attraction, visitors come for the picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.”
–The National Park ServicePhotos provided by Jennifer Jackson @journeyingjackson
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177 Campground Drive, Fort Gaines, GA 39851
Cotton Hill is an Army Corps of Engineers campground set on a large reservoir in southwestern Georgia. We really enjoyed our stay and found it to be relaxing.
The campground is divided into three loops, and most sites are situated on the water, with beautiful views of the abundant birdlife. All RV sites have full hookups with a large patio containing a fire pit, picnic table, small wooden table, and lantern hook. Our
The Florida Keys also have many state parks, including Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological. Here, history and geology are mixed. The Florida East Coast Railroad purchased the land and used the unique Key Largo Limestone to build a railroad in the early 1900s. Once this was complete, the quarry produced Keystone. The quarry is also known for its preserved fossil corals and marine life, which are visible as visitors follow the quarry walls. In fact, Jenn Jackson said, “The highlight for us was searching the quarry walls for coral fossils, especially brain coral!”
@journeyingjacksons
site—number 38—was long and level, but about half the sites have a very steep driveway that may cause larger RVs to scrape when backing in. Pull-thru and tent sites are available as well. The bathroom, free showers, and laundry were clean and functional.
The park has a nice nature trail, a dog park, a playground, a boat ramp, and a swimming area. Many people come to Cotton Hill for the excellent bass fishing, and they can pull their boats right up the shoreline in front of their campsites. The fishcleaning station is a bonus. ■
Contributed by Nancy Walters @rvagogo
Just a short boat ride across the bay from Homer, Alaska, is Kachemak Bay State Park, containing 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, and wild Alaskan scenery. The most popular hike in the park goes to Grewingk Glacier, and you can bring your own boat or sign up for a guided kayak tour to paddle in for a closer view.
The Gulf Coast area has enough activities to make everyone in the family happy, from great food and shopping to Gulf State Park and miles of sandy beach, nature trails, and freshwater and saltwater swimming. If you’re more of a shopper or foodie, the Retreat is close to many shopping outlets, grocery stores, and restaurants. You don’t want to miss some of the area’s best events, like the Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival or the Annual Oyster Cook-Off!
If you’re up for a tough hike and an amazing view, head deep into Kenai Fjords National Park to see the Harding Icefield. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can charter a plane or helicopter to take in the icefield, which spans more than 700 square miles.
A 1.5-mile hike will take you to one of the most popular photo ops in Arizona, where a unique bend in the Colorado River creates a beautiful scene. Due to its recent popularity, additional parking and a viewing platform have been added. No drones are allowed, and be careful not to step too close to the edge!
Walk a short path through botanical gardens to visit Anthony Chapel, a beautiful glass chapel in the woods at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. With vaulted glass ceilings and glass walls on all four sides, the chapel hosts weddings in the gardens, and is also open for visitors to view. A similar structure called Thorncrown Chapel can be found in Eureka Springs.
This park is less than three hours from San Diego and Los Angeles, making it easy to visit! Joshua Trees are not actually trees, but a member of the agave family. They can grow up to 40 feet tall and live more than 150 years.
Tucson has many options for vegans and vegetarians, including La Chaiteria. If the saying, “You eat with your eyes first,” is accurate, you’ll be very well fed before even taking a bite! The beauty of the finished plates alone was terrific. Carnivores may find a couple of specials available on their menu. Whether you eat meat or not, the creativity and flavors are outstanding. Photo provided by Anne Klumpp
The Sequoia Park Zoo is a great place to walk through ancient Redwood forests. Take the boardwalk to admire a grove of the world’s tallest trees, and enjoy the new Skywalk, getting you closer to the crowns of the plant kingdom’s kings and queens.
For those of you with manatees on your bucket list, stop by this state park in the Florida Keys! Photo
A hidden gem of the Midwest, this state park offers hiking and rock climbing not too far from the amenities of the big city.
For beachfront camping on the Gulf of Mexico, check out this campground just outside of Destin, Florida. Photo provided by Marty and Jennifer Vickery Smith
Home to Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls, Idaho, is a great place to visit. Shoshone Falls is best in the spring, since the flow significantly varies with runoff. Just downriver from the falls, you can still see the jump site where Evel Knievel attempted to ride a steam-powered rocket across the canyon in 1974.
Soak in the summer sun and enjoy the beautiful shoreline along the coast of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes.
Formerly Indiana Dunes
National Lakeshore, the area received national park status in 2019. It’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country. You’ll find sand dunes for climbing, trails for hiking, beaches for swimming, and a campground open seasonally.
provided by Jenn & Brandy Jackson Photo provided by Kathryn FrazerKnown for its iron rung hikes and iconic coastal views, Acadia National Park is a must-see for your New England road trip!
This small coastal town is the easternmost point in the United States and offers quintessential New England vibes and views, including one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
Just south of New Orleans is an important ecological habitat where you can observe all kinds of native wildlife, including alligators.
NOLA locals and tourists alike visit Mother’s for their highlyacclaimed jambalaya, a signature local rice dish with roots in multiple cultures, including West Africa, Spain, and southern France. Jerry’s Jambalaya, as it’s called on their menu, contains tomatoes, making it a Creole version of this rice dish.
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM, KENTUCKY
Photo provided by Anne Klumpp
One of America’s most remote and beautiful places, Boundary Waters covers more than 1 million acres and is perfect for when you want to disconnect.
For a quintessential Northeastern experience, drive the 34-mile stretch of this iconic highway, stopping at the covered bridges, overlooks, and of course, Cheese Louise for a snack.
City of Rocks State Park is a desert paradise for dry campers, offering a breathtaking mirage of volcanic rock formations in the shape of boulders and pinnacles that rise as high as 40 feet.
While this summer town is famous for being the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, there is quite a lot to do in Gardiner outside of the park as well! Take a whitewater rafting trip down Yellowstone River or head into the mountains and view Mammoth Hot Springs from above on a horseback ride.
You can see Lady Liberty from the shore or take the free pedestrian ferry for an up-close look. If you want to stop on the island, be sure to book a tour.
HOOVER DAM, NEVADA
Photo provided by Kathryn Frazer
Photo provided by Lindsey Chambers
Pack your day bags or drive your RV right into one of the most unique national parks.
If you haven’t visited North Dakota yet, you’re missing out! Theodore Roosevelt National Park has some of the best views and tons of wildlife. The bison roam freely, as do the wild horses. See how many you can spot!
With more than 700 wineries to choose from in the Willamette Valley, there’s something for everyone on your road trip. The region is especially known for producing some of the best pinot noirs in the world.
With a little pre-planning, you can score one of these beachside RV spots in the Outer Banks. Stay during the shoulder seasons to miss the summer crowds and enjoy life at the beach.
This 33,000-acre historic and natural area is surrounded by suburbs, but just a quick drive from some of Ohio’s largest cities.
Photo provided by Anne Klumpp
Photo Provided by Chelsea Gillespie
Photo provided by Kathryn Frazer
Step back in time and see how Gilded Age socialites summered in New England “cottages.”
Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, it’s hard to beat Blues City Cafe’s location if you plan to check out the excitement of Beale Street before or after you eat. Don’t pass up their “Best Meal on Beale” if you love large portions and yearn to experience barbecue and southern cuisine together. This platter will satisfy the hungriest diners, with a half slab of stickysauced ribs, a crisply-fried catfish fillet, classic baked beans, creamy coleslaw, well-done steak fries, savory hush puppies, and a slice of Texas toast.
It’s no secret that Austin is a foodie hub, and there is literally something for everyone! You can tour street art and explore along the river between meals.
The Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park is one of the most scenic drives in the Mount Rushmore State, including many up-close wildlife encounters.
One of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Fall Creek Falls is a beautiful sight.
Photo provided by Anne Klumpp
For boondocking on the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island leaves nothing to be desired.
Photo Provided by Kestra Bronneke
Even if you haven’t been here yet, you probably recognize the iconic crimson-colored buttes in the landscape of Monument Valley. This area on the Arizona/Utah border is at home in Navajo Nation, and has been the backdrop for many movies. For an entry fee, visitors can drive the loop through this scenic landscape. To explore further, you’ll need to enlist the assistance of a Navajo guide. Please be respectful when visiting, as it is sacred to the people of the area.
A visit to Vermont isn’t complete without stopping by a farm, and Shelburne Farms is one of the best. This educational farm offers tours, cheese samples, and lots of animals. You can even plan a stay in one of their 28 rooms or cottages.
Photo provided by Joy Newcomb
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, UTAH
For free maple syrup tours, check out Baird Farm. Then head over to the Vermont Maple Market for a Northeastern specialty—the Maple Creemee!
Did you know you can book tours of the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, FBI headquarters, and more? Plan your visit to the nation’s capital online through your state representatives’ office. Some tours must be booked in advance, so plan ahead!
Your visit to Wisconsin isn’t complete without a Duck Tour. The best part is, it’s fun for the whole family.
It’s sacred to Native Americans in the area and was also the very first designated national monument in the United States. It is also a popular destination among climbers.
You can explore one of the most iconic national parks in many different ways, including by kayak!
Photo provided by Brenda Huynh
Photo provided by Kathryn Frazer
Photo provided by Kathryn Frazer
The London Bridge connects an island in the Colorado River to the banks of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The bridge originally spanned the River Thames in London in the 1830s, but Robert P. McCulloch, the founder of Lake Havasu City, purchased it from the city of London as a tourist attraction.
In order to transport the monument, each face stone was removed, numbered, and cataloged. They were loaded onto a cargo ship and transported across the Atlantic, then traveled through the Panama Canal to Southern California and completed their journey on land. Reconstruction took approximately three years.
Along with the bridge, McCulloch developed an English Village complete with a hedge maze and historical museum. Much of that homage to the United Kingdom has been replaced, but there are still pieces of history in the area, including a classic red telephone booth.
Photos provided by Gerri Almand
By Desiree Fairchild
Living on the road full time was a new lifestyle for my family— as popular as it has become, it can still sound very different to some people. My husband, Nate, and I were always moving states due to his career, so choosing this type of living seemed like a no-brainer
From the moment we stepped into our 2019 Keystone Raptor 423 toy hauler, I knew it was the floor plan for us. Not long after we purchased the trailer, I started renovating it, and realized I had started a very big project. I loved the original colors, but I envisioned taking our trailer to the next level and giving it character and functionality so it would feel like our home. I wanted to make it my own by adding a cozy, modern vibe. My goal was to create a space that felt welcoming to us as well as our family and friends.
I went out and bought a couple of cans of bright white paint from Lowe’s, as well as a whole box of sandpaper. When I arrived home, Nate said, “I’m excited to see what you’re going to do with this space.” He knew interior design had always been a passion of mine, because I’ve created an enjoyable and relaxing space for our family in every house we’ve lived in together.
I started this renovation with a beautiful white and gray marble stone backsplash. Next, I sanded down all the cabinets in the kitchen. You can really wear yourself out sanding, so that part happened in stages, and was probably the hardest part of the job. Then, I started painting all the upper cabinets and slides white, but I wanted a contrast, so I painted the small pantry cabinet over the loveseat and the bottom kitchen island cabinet black. I love neutrals and warm wood accents because they can make an area brighter and give off the appearance of a bigger space, especially when you’re working with only a couple hundred square feet. I realized around this time that I wanted to give our RV a boho feel.
Once the cabinets were completed, I added two small wooden shelves on the side of the upper cabinets for extra decor. Next, I removed the valances to open up the window space and let more light shine in, which made the area airy and modern. It really made our space feel more like a home, too.
I wanted to create a separation between the kitchen and living room, so we added a marble-esque peel-and-stick tile with a flexible grout and honeycomb pattern going into the living room. I knew this flooring would set off the design, and it really was a game changer.
Once that was done, I slowly started adding wooden accents throughout. We found white saddle stools for the island that I sanded down to the original wood. I built a valance for my custom kitchen window blinds and a wooden header and mantel for the TV entertainment area. The mantel was key for me because we enjoy decorating for holidays and I knew we could hang decorations on it.
I still wanted a feeling of luxury, so I added unique, warm patterns with an area rug, pillows, and throw blankets. I also built a custom live edge wood coffee table with hairpin legs for our living room, and I switched out our lighting fixtures above the U-shaped island for baskets to create a warm ambience. What says home better than fresh, bright, beautiful plants with
macramé hangers and baskets for storage? This makes a space feel relaxing and cozy.
Once the main living space was finished, it was time to tackle the other rooms! For the bathroom, I added a backsplash behind the toilet and mirror, painted the cabinets black, and added some fun wall decor and a basket of hand towels. The main bedroom suite reno included wood accents on the wardrobe slide and window valance and white paint on the closet cabinets, along with finishing touches of gray wallpaper and a Beddy’s comforter set.
I finished the renovation with the back bedroom, which belongs to our son, Maxton. I removed the two factory black sofas and added a long wooden desk on the HappiJac system for Maxton to do his homeschooling. This way, we could still have the room, but with the push of a button, his bed and desk could be lifted. I wanted his room to be fun but still mature as he is turning 9 soon, so we bought a versatile indoor/outdoor modern chair and patio table set, boho wallpaper, and fun decor along an “adventure” theme, which is perfect for him. We also added a plush, fluffy area rug for warmth and a cube bin organizer for all his toys, books, and Lego creations. It would not be complete if we didn’t add the ventless washer/dryer combo, making daily laundry an easier task.
Each room has been customized and renovated to fit our family’s needs, but I still find myself adding new things to make it work even better for us. We love the home we’ve created and enjoy coming home to it, because we smile and feel at peace every time we step inside the door. ■
For more on Desiree’s renovation tips, visit her on Instagram @destn8tion.
Each room has been customized and renovated to fit our family’s needs, but I still find myself adding new things to make it work even better for us.
One of the most important considerations for RV travel is how to ensure access to potable water in the places you explore. Most communities in the United States have reliably safe water, and most RV parks undergo regular testing to ensure compliance, but some hose spigots certainly inspire more confidence than others. We’ve come across questionable water sources during our travels, including at RV parks.
So how can you ensure your drinking water is safe while RVing? The only practical option is investing in a water filtration system. Read on if you’re hoping to decide which system might be best for you.
Andy Best (@Andy_Best) has traveled extensively using Camco TastePURE filters to fill the freshwater tank on his truck camper. “We never hook directly into our camper, but we use this every time we top off our tanks,” said Andy, who travels full time with his family. “It gives us nice peace of mind and the water is always great.”
These little blue filters are ubiquitous at RV parks, and it’s easy to see why—they’re an economical and efficient way to filter out sediment and get great-tasting water. They’re also easy to replace while traveling—you can find them at most retailers that sell RV products. The filters are proficient at removing the taste and smell of chlorine and are advertised to filter sediment greater than 20 microns. If you’re confident in your water source and just looking to filter out sediment particles and improve the taste of your water, this is a great option.
Diana and Alex of @beerving_america have been using their Clearsource Nomad filter for the past year. Clearsource is one of the most popular manufacturers of multi-stage canister filtration systems. You can use their systems to filter water at the tap, from a natural source, or integrated directly into your RV’s plumbing.
“We really like being able to use the same system to filter water from natural sources and full-hookup RV sites,” said Diana. “It makes getting water on the road super easy.”
The Clearsource Nomad includes an integrated 15-amp pump capable of pulling water from natural sources at a rate of 4.5 gallons per minute, which makes filtering water from your favorite lake or stream almost as fast as turning on the tap.
This type of system typically provides greater protection against sediment and contaminants and can provide protection against things like Legionella, E. coli, and giardia. With an industry-leading 5-micron primary filter and a 0.2-micron secondary filter, Clearsource filters provide true peace of mind for those concerned about what may be in their water.
Another great option popular with vanlifers is a countertop carbon filter, and Berkey Filters are the go-to. Ranging in size from 1.5 to 6 gallons, these stylish stainless-steel filters feature a specialized purification process that is time consuming, but effective.
“Life on the road would be much more difficult without our Berkey,” said Chris Harper, who travels full time with his wife, Lisa (@RoveandSwig). “Having the ability to filter water from any source available to us has been critical to our happiness and peace of mind.”
These carbon filters do have some drawbacks. For starters, they take up counter space and need to be secured for transport. You’ll also still want a way to keep sediment from getting into your freshwater tank, as sediment buildup can lead to plumbing issues. Lastly, you’ll need to be diligent about keeping these filters topped off, as the most popular travel model only holds 1.5 gallons and takes 1.5 hours to filter that much water.
When deciding on a water filter, go with whichever option gives you the most peace of mind and fits your rig. The most important thing is that you’re always getting clean water wherever you go! ■
Since hitting the road full time in our Sprinter van in 2019, we’ve learned a lot about how to plan an epic road trip. We’ve driven all over the West, through the Rocky Mountains, across the Midwest, around New England, and even all the way up to Alaska. You could say we are basically professional road trippers at this point!
We’ve learned that there are two kinds of travelers—those who prefer to wing it and those who thoroughly plan their trips. We are the latter. We love to meticulously plan and learn about our destinations before we hit the road so we don’t miss any popular stops or hidden gems. Here, we share our step-bystep process to plan an epic road trip so you can do the same!
This might be the most exciting step! Figuring out where to go can be daunting, but asking yourself these questions can help you decide:
What type of scenery are you looking for?
What type of activities do you want to do?
Do you want nature, a big city, or both?
How much time do you have?
One major consideration is the weather, which can make or break a trip! Some destinations, like Arizona, may be 100-plus degrees in August, but perfect in January, while Montana is snow-covered in January and much more comfortable in August.
It’s also good to know what the crowd levels are like at specific times of the year. For example, we attempted to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, the busiest national park in the United States, during peak fall foliage, and it was a huge mistake. Instead of a peaceful experience, we discovered major crowds. Had we gone before fall foliage, or even just during the weekdays, our experience probably would have been better!
Here are some of our favorite places to visit by season!
■ Winter: Arizona, Southern Utah, Texas, California, Florida
■ Spring: California, Arizona, Southern Utah
■ Summer: Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, South Dakota, the Great Lakes, Upstate New York
■ Fall: New England, the Great Lakes, Upstate New York, Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, West Virginia
You may choose to take the interstate if you want to reach certain destinations as quickly as possible, but if you have time, you can take the scenic route and experience more attractions off the beaten path.
Some things to consider when choosing your route:
■ Seasonal road closures. Some roads close in the winter and don’t reopen until mid-summer, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
■ WConstruction. Keep an eye out for construction delays and be sure to plan for extra time if needed.
■ Tolls. Out east, there are lots of toll roads. If you want to skip them, be sure to turn on the “avoid tolls” option in Google Maps!
Once you know your route, we suggest downloading offline maps for your journey to ensure you can navigate without cell service.
Road tripping can be a more affordable way to travel, but costs can also add up! Some major expenses we come across are:
■ Fuel: Fuel prices vary all over the country, and we love using the GasBuddy app to help us find the cheapest prices. Joining reward programs for specific brands will also help you save a bit at the pump. Want to save even more on fuel costs? Sticking to one general area instead of driving to many locations can help cut down on the miles.
■ Campgrounds: Boondocking for free is the most affordable lodging choice, of course, and campground prices can vary greatly depending on your needs and the location.
■ Food: Food is one of the best parts of traveling, in our opinion. We love trying local spots, but restaurant expenses can add up! Depending on your budget, you may want to plan for a mix of eating out and cooking.
■ Activities: Whether you want to hike (usually free!), visit museums, or go on tours, figuring out what activities you want to prioritize and budget for ahead of time is always a good idea, especially because some attractions have discounted rates if you buy tickets in advance!
You can design your itinerary to see exactly what you want and travel on your own schedule. But prioritizing can be tough, especially if you have limited time, so we always try to plan our itinerary beforehand. That way, we aren’t wasting time during the trip figuring out what to do or where to eat.
So how do we find things to do and places to eat? Some of our favorite resources are:
■ Google: Searching “unique things to do in ____” and “best local restaurants in ____” always helps us find fun and delicious stops!
■ Google Maps: We use Google Maps to look for cool things along our route, read reviews, and save spots for future reference.
■ Blogs, YouTube, and Instagram: These are good resources for recommendations from other travelers. AllTrails: This is our go-to app to find hiking trails when traveling.
■ Roadtrippers app: This app helps you find cool stops along your route.
■ Reddit: We like going to the subreddits of cities we’re visiting to get suggestions from locals.
Once we have a list of things we want to do, we organize the stops into an itinerary. We group things that are close together for each day and prioritize the busiest spots for early morning or late in the day, when crowds are lower.
To keep track of everything, we create a Google Sheet with our schedule, which is especially helpful if traveling with others, so you can collaborate.
7:00 to Hike to Delta Lake Insert Google Maps link National Parks 7.4 miles, 2,300 feet of 11:30 a.m. or GPS coordinates Pass elevation gain
Estimated time to hike: 4.5 hours
Bring a snack!
11:30 a.m Drive into Jackson 30 minute drive from the for lunch! trailhead
12:00 to Lunch at Liberty Burger 160 N. Cache St., $45 Get the huckleberry shake!
1:30 p.m. Jackson, WY 83001
Don’t overbook!
Be sure to leave time for spontaneity. While we love having an itinerary, we try to not cram our schedule too much,
because you never know what you’ll find along the way or if you’ll have any unexpected mishaps.
Once you have your itinerary figured out, it’s time to plan where you’ll stay! Some of the tools we use to find both free and paid camping are:
■ Campendium
■ The Dyrt
■ Freecampsites.net
■ iOverlander
■ RV Parky
■ Harvest Hosts
We choose campsites based on cost, privacy, amenities, proximity of grocery stores, laundry, fuel, and cell service.
We free camp as much as we can, but if you do want to pay for a campground, be sure to check in advance to see if you need a reservation. Many campgrounds in popular destinations fill up months in advance.
Create a packing list
While there are general items you need for any road trip, like snacks and a car charger, some destinations
may require items you don’t always pack, like your National Parks Pass or bear spray.
■ Check the weather forecast
■ One thing we have learned on the road is that weather can surprise you. We’ve gotten stuck in heat waves in Washington, many days of rain in Alaska, and unexpected snow in Colorado. Be sure to check the weather right before you leave for the most accurate forecast! We also suggest bringing layers, as most road trips will take you through varying climates and weather conditions.
■ Make sure your vehicle is road ready
■ Before leaving, make sure your vehicle can handle the demands of the road. Does it need service? Did you check and top up any fluids? How old are your tires?
■ Be prepared for emergencies
■ Emergencies on the road are inconvenient, and can even be scary! With the right preparation, you can minimize your downtime and get back on the road quickly. If you don’t have one already, we suggest buying a roadside emergency kit, tool kit, and first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to tell someone your plans, just in case something happens.
Whether you’re planning your first big road trip or are a frequent roadtripper, we hope these tips help you plan an unforgettable time on the road! ■
Find more of Kathryn’s travel guides and tips on Instagram at @adventuresofaplusk or at adventuresofaplusk.com.
By Marie Casey
If you haven’t RVed south of the United States border, Puerto Penasco is a great destination to test the waters. It’s located in the state of Sonora, Mexico, and it overlooks the Sea of Cortez. During our two-month stay, we were spoiled with warm, sunny days and cool nights, with minimal rain. We loved our time in Puerto Penasco.
drive is manageable and the border crossing is easy to maneuver in a big rig without the weird bumps, dips, and curves we saw with other border access roads.
Baja California is a popular choice for RVers who have decided to foray into Mexico, but we chose Puerto Penasco (also known as Rocky Point or “Arizona’s Beach”) because the
With our car in tow, we drove our motorhome into Mexico on a quiet Monday morning. We were waved through immigration, but were stopped at the military checkpoint, which is fairly common with motorhomes that are towing a vehicle. In most cases, the towed vehicle will be inspected because it is not crossing on its own steam, and non-operating vehicles have a separate permit process. They checked inside the
Required for entrance to Mexico:
■ A valid passport
■ Mexican auto insurance
■ FMM (visitor permit)
We also recommend:
■ Vehicle registration
■ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
■ Pet vaccination records (if applicable)
Not required for Baja California or Sonora regions:
■ TIP (foreign vehicle permit)
Helpful Information:
■ Borders accept credit cards only, but you should always have enough Mexican pesos just in case.
■ Cell service was very good the whole way from Lukeville to and around Puerto Penasco. We have AT&T and had no issues working or streaming.
■ You can transport up to 50 pounds of shelf stable dry and wet pet food with no hoofed protein into Mexico, and we noticed that certain dog food brands weren’t available at the grocery stores. If you have pets with specific diets, you should plan ahead!
car, and it seemed they might enter the motorhome as well, but Lexi, our Maremma Great Pyrenees mix, voiced her disapproval, and they seemed to change their minds.
It was a slow crawl through Sonoyta to MX-8—the speed limit is 40 kilometers from the checkpoints until you reach a highway—but there are multiple rest stops, or zona de descanso, along the way. We later learned a better alternative in a big rig is to turn west off MX-8 onto MX-3, then south onto Boulevard Costa Diamante. There, you have the choice of two RV parks and a campground. We stayed at Playa Bonita RV Park for the first week, then for the rest of our time, we stayed at Concha del Mar Campground & RV Park.
we enjoyed long walks on the beach, spotting seabirds, and enjoying the glorious sunsets over the water. We also frequented the area around San Juan Hill (also known as Competition Hill), which is a vast, multi-use area that is generally very quiet on weekdays. There is also a strip of restaurants, cafes, OHV rentals, foreign exchange booths, and a small bank.
Check out the Malecon, or waterfront esplanade, for an array of colorful shops and restaurants. It was quiet when we visited during a weekday, but we imagine it would be bustling on the weekends. The shops and restaurants seemed dog friendly—we had lots of invitations to come in despite having Lexi with us!
Take a drive to La Choya, a sleepy little community with a beautiful bay. We went on a Sunday morning, so not much was open yet. We had decent fish and shrimp tacos at Mr. Fish and walked the bay afterward for bird watching.
We also highly recommend spending a few days at Barb’s Dog Rescue north of the MX-3/8 junction. We initially went to donate food, but we took some dogs for a walk, one thing led to another, and we ended up with a new family member named Tony! If you’re looking for a dog, whether you’re in Mexico or not, keep this rescue organization in mind. They have partner rescue groups in Arizona and transport dogs across the border regularly. Even if you can’t adopt, consider donating dog food and visiting the dogs to give them some social interaction. Playing with puppies makes for a fun outing, especially if you have kids.
We usually make our own food, but in Mexico, eating at restaurants is often less costly than in the U.S., so we splurged a little on this trip! Our favorites were Tacos Brissa, especially for their chile relleno, and Pollos Lucas for a whole chicken to go. For something sweet, the doughnuts from Candy Cake were great and much less expensive than we expected. For an evening snack, get fresh warm churros from Churros Penasco. We could eat these all day, but the stall doesn’t open until 6 p.m.!
There are many fresh seafood stalls on the way to the Malecon. We purchased from Jessy’s Fish Market, where there is no extra charge to peel and devein shrimp.
There are three main grocery stores in town— Sam’s Club, Ley, and Super Norte. There is also a small Bodega Aurrera by the Sam’s Club. Fresh food was inexpensive compared to the U.S. and Canada, especially vegetables and tropical fruit
We enjoyed our time in Puerto Penasco and look forward to visiting again! Even though we did not venture further afield as we thought we might, it was a relaxing trip and a great first step into future Mexican travel. ■
For more on Marie’s travels, follow @awesome.journies and @thecaseypack.
Competition Hill
Competition Hill
Less than an hour outside of El Paso, Texas, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is one of the most unique and history-filled places we’ve visited in our four years of full-time travel. The park features a campground, hiking areas, rock climbing, stargazing, guided tours, self-guided exploration, and much more. Visiting this can’t-miss park takes a bit of planning and a mandatory orientation in order to fully experience all that it has to offer.
Hueco Tanks, pronounced whey-coe, is named after the hollow pools found throughout the rock formations there. Early explorers traversing the barren Chihuahuan Desert would find refuge at this rock oasis, seeking shelter and water that collected in the huecos, or natural pools. During their visits, some would leave a mark, their signature, or even intricate art on the rock walls. Today, it’s home to the largest collection of painted mask images in the country, and there are more than 3,000 petroglyphs and pictographs painted and etched into the rocks and boulders. During our visit, we were told that we saw half of 1% of all the images that can be found at Hueco Tanks.
After years of operating as a tourist destination, Hueco Tanks became a Texas State Park in 1970. Sadly, during the time prior to the state taking ownership, people were actively destroying the historic paintings and carvings, which is partly why access to the 860-acre park is so heavily restricted today. Texas has invested heavily in the preservation of the site, which has included extensive research and painstaking cataloging of the carvings and paintings. Today, Hueco Tanks is listed as both a National Historic Landmark and a Texas Archeological Landmark, as well as earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
In order to protect the integrity of the park and its 10,000-year-old history, Hueco Tanks only allows 70 visitors into the self-guided area at a time—and take note that having a camping reservation does not grant you automatic access to the trails and main features of the park. When planning your visit, we recommend making reservations for three things— camping, self-guided access, and a guided tour.
The small campground at Hueco Tanks has a total of 20 sites—16 feature 50-amp electric hookups and water, and four have just water. All 20 sites are back-in, ranging in length from 25 to 80 feet, and nightly camping fees are inexpensive. If you’re planning to visit multiple state parks in Texas, we highly recommend purchasing a Texas State Parks Pass, which costs $70 and covers entrance fees to 89 parks, in addition to providing discounts on camping and activities. It more than pays for itself after a few visits.
Our site had plenty of room for our 25-foot RV and tow vehicle. The views are incredible, and many campsites have beautiful picnic structures where you can sit outside beneath the towering boulders. It’s certainly one of the most unique and fun camping experiences we’ve had! Pets are allowed in the campground, but are prohibited from entering any other area of the park except the paved picnic trail.
Booking camping at Hueco Tanks is pretty straightforward and similar to reserving campsites at many other state parks. You can click through on their website to book through Reserve America or call the park directly.
At Hueco Tanks, both camping and day use require reservations and permits. Reservations can only be made by calling the park directly, and they hold back several slots for walk-in visitors. Only 70 people are allowed into the self-guided area at a time (and they track as people leave to allow more visitors an opportunity to explore), so the park recommends reserving permits up to 90 days in advance. While you don’t need to camp on-site in order to visit Hueco Tanks, there is one major advantage offered to those who stay overnight—campground guests have the ability to line up at the visitors center before the gates open, giving them the first crack at snagging an open slot for that day. We were successful with this method during our visit!
There are two ways to explore the state park, and we highly recommend starting off with a guided tour, followed by time in the self-guided area. The park is divided into several sections, and the areas you’ll explore with a guide are completely different from the areas you can explore on your own.
If you’re a rock climber, Hueco Tanks might already be on your radar since it’s considered one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world. Permits and reservations are also required to climb in the park, and there are approved climbing tour companies listed on the Hueco Tanks website if you’d like to climb with a guide. You must bring your own gear and check the list of areas that are closed to climbing. Unsurprisingly, this activity is also heavily restricted and monitored to make sure there is no damage to any of the historical elements.
In order to camp, climb, or visit any section of Hueco Tanks, you’re first required to watch an orientation video at the visitors center. Even returning guests must watch the video once a year! This will give you an overview of the history and best practices for doing your part to help preserve the area.
Going out with a guide first will give you a much deeper appreciation and understanding of the park’s history. Plus, you’ll be better prepared to spot the many pictographs and petroglyphs located in the self-guided area. We were lucky enough to have Alex as a tour guide during our visit in 2019. Prior to leading tours, he worked as the lead ranger at the park and lived on-site for 15 years, so his knowledge runs deep and his storytelling is wonderful. His pictograph tour was absolutely incredible and we could have listened to him talk all day!
Once you set off on your own, there are several trails that lead to large sections of the tanks. From there, you can step back in time and discover what made Hueco Tanks an oasis for early travelers and explorers. We felt like we were traversing another planet as we climbed on top of and into rock formations that were used as shelters. You’ll also
start to feel a bit like a treasure hunter as you search for the hidden carvings and paintings depicting masks, animals, weapons, and humans.
In one instance, we teamed up with another couple to find incredible side-by-side painted masks that required us to hike down into a canyon area and then climb under a small opening. Our reward was a large “room” and an awesome photo op of these perfectly-preserved pictographs!
Our visit was a lucky find for us as we traveled through the area, but now we recommend it as a must-visit. Whether you’re looking for beautiful camping, scenery, hiking, or rock climbing, Hueco Tanks is an incredible and unique experience found only in western Texas. ■
For more travel guides and exciting destinations, find Katelyn and Howard on their YouTube channel, Newstate Nomads.
By Alexis Nascimento
The arrival of winter doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring in your RV. There are plenty of amazing national and state parks around the United States that are actually better to visit during this time of the year, and we’ve rounded up our favorites!
Recommended by Alexis Nascimento, @neversaysomeday
A magical yet desolate national park, Joshua Tree is the ideal place to find solitude, hike to your heart’s content, and take in incredible desert vistas.
Best known for its iconic flora—most notably the ever-present, slow-growing Joshua Tree—Joshua Tree National Park boasts 794,000 acres of stunning views and rewarding hikes. It’s a unique landscape, as the park is made up of the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
The Best Ways to Take in Joshua Tree:
■ Go on a family hike to Arch Rock (1.4 miles round trip), Barker Dam (1.1-mile loop), or Mastodon Peak (2.6-mile loop)
■ Scramble the ample boulders at Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Split Rock Loop, and Hall of Horrors
■ Catch the sunset at the High View Nature Trail
■ Stargaze under the night skies
Recommended by
Kris Maria, @krismariawandersJust 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park features wetlands, waterfalls, rocky peaks, and plenty of wildlife—and snow-covered mountains and icy waterfalls make it stunning in the winter. With more than 200,000 acres of protected lands, this East Coast park is relatively under the radar, which translates to more quiet time and fewer crowds.
As long as you come prepared, winter is the perfect time to do the more popular hikes in the park. Although winter brings average temperatures ranging from 29 to 39 degrees during the day, the cooler weather improves visibility of the valley below and mountains beyond. You’ll want to make sure you wear extra layers, and bring extra water, food, flashlights, and a map in case you get caught in a winter storm. It’s also a good idea to carry microspikes or traction coil devices for your boots.
■ Cruise along Skyline Drive, which has more than 70 lookout points
■ Visit Luray Caverns, the largest cavern system in the eastern U.S., featuring the Great Stalacpipe Organ
■ Hike part of the infamous Appalachian Trail, or to spectacular mountain views at Mary’s Rock, Bearfence, Hightop Peak, and Blackrock Summit
I personally think the beauty of the winter is unmatched, said Kris, who shares all of her East Coast hiking adventures and tips on Instagram. Snow covers the layers of mountains that seem to go on endlessly, and there are shimmering icicles hanging from the waterfalls.”
Recommended by Ashlee and Justin Guerra,
@ashofalltravelsSeeing Death Valley National Park in the winter is a must due to the extreme temperatures at other times of year. Summer temperatures can reach up to 130 degrees, whereas the average winter temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s.
Another perk of visiting this desert park is the dark sky! The stargazing is unparalleled in Death Valley, with optimal viewing of the Geminid meteor shower in December.
Death Valley also boasts nearly 100 scenic trails, most of which are only recommended for hiking during winter. The best trails include Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Natural Bridge Canyon, Dante’s Ridge, Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Mosaic Canyon Trail.
■ Time your visit for meteor showers and optimal stargazing
■ Take a backpacking trip to Panamint Dunes
■ Go sledding on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The stargazing is absolutely soul-filling in the winter!” said Ashlee, who travels whenever possible with her husband and three children. “A perk for families is the earlier sunsets, which means little ones can see the stars without staying up way past bedtime.”
This state park isn’t as well-known as a few of the others on this list, but it’s an amazing park to visit because of its moderate, mild temperatures. And it’s not too far from Las Vegas!
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, with 40,000 acres of stunning red rock formations, all created out of Aztec sandstone.
Even if you visit in the winter, be sure to dress in layers (temperatures can range from 30 to 75 degrees in one day at this time of year), wear a hat and sunscreen even if it doesn’t feel hot or sunny, and drink plenty of water.
■ Scramble the Beehives
■ Hike the Fire Wave, Pink Canyon, and White Domes trails
■ Drive the scenic Mouse’s Tank Road
This is an awesome place for families because there are a ton of really amazing things to see in the park that require little to no hiking,” said Chris, who spends her free time hiking Nevada’s desert trails. “There are also a ton of picnicking areas, excellent camping, and slot canyons here.”
Recommended by Mimi Garner
Prefer to spend winter on the East Coast? You’ll want to check out one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, Hillsborough River State Park. Subtropical summer temperatures and high humidity give way to sunny, warm winter days with very little rain and pleasant, cool evenings.
Hillsborough is known for its Class II river rapids (which is rare in Florida), with the river being the central feature of the state park. This natural waterway flows from two Northern sources, the Green Swap and Crystal Springs, making it popular with paddlers as there’s a 34-mile designated canoe trail.
The park is located near the Tampa metro area, and it’s also within reach of some of the world’s best beaches, beautiful springs, Disney World, Legoland, and Busch Gardens. For those who like to do a bit
There is so much to see and do at this state park, which is why it’s one of our favorites,” said Mimi, who travels full time with her husband in their Airstream. “There are seven miles of hiking trails, two wonderful biking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, wildlife viewing, geocaching, and ranger talks. From here we also love to visit Honeymoon Island State Park and take the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park, two of Florida’s most unspoiled, natural beaches.”
CENTRAL FLORIDA
more beyond hiking and water play, this state park is just minutes away from the Tampa RV SuperShow in January, the Florida State Fair in February, and the Florida Strawberry Festival in March.
Florida state parks are in high demand in the winter, so make reservations early! You’ll need to book 11 months in advance to secure a reservation at most Florida parks.
■ Hike the Baynard, Seminole and River Rapids nature trails
■ Bike the Wetlands Restoration Nature Trail
■ Fish for bass, catfish, and bream along the river
■ Pack your canoe or kayak to paddle
Recommended by
Angelique CorreiaDreaming of the most beautiful winter wonderland views? Then be sure to add Yosemite National Park to your cool-weather bucket list.
One of the best parts about visiting Yosemite National Park in the winter is the lack of crowds. It’s a great opportunity to explore the park when it’s completely transformed and truly breathtaking!
■ Snow camping at Upper Pines Campground
■ Ice skating in Curry Village
■ Rent snowshoes and hike to Dewey Point
■ Hike the Valley floor from Curry Village to the Yosemite Valley Chapel and Cook’s Meadow Loop for a gorgeous view of Yosemite Falls
■ Enjoy brunch at the Ahwahnee—just be sure to make a reservation!
Winter snow blankets the park, transforming Yosemite into quite the magical winter wonderland,” said Angelique, a Central California native who loves the outdoors.
“If you haven’t experienced Yosemite in the winter, you’re in for a real treat.”
Recommended by Lita Talisman, @litaofthepack_
Are you seeking solitude, mild temperatures, and gorgeous desert views? Consider visiting Big Bend National Park in Texas.
Big Bend is in Southwest Texas, where the heat can sometimes be unbearable. In the winter, you are likely to experience mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s, although you might see snow on occasion.
Another reason this park is great in the winter is that it’s completely accessible all winter, so you will get to do everything you had planned!
■ Hike the Lost Mine, Emory Peak, Santa Elena Canyon, and Boquillas Canyon trails
■ Drive the scenic roads
■ Take a dip in the Boquillas Hot Springs
■ Catch a sunrise at Santa Elena Canyon ■
Which national and state parks do you love to visit in the winter? Share your favorites by tagging @RVTodayMag on social media!
Big Bend is truly one of the most stunning parks in the entire country. I have been to all 50 national parks in the continental U.S., and it’s in my top five!” said Lita, who lives full time in her converted cargo van with her fiancé, Dylan. “There are so many beautiful landscapes and it’s an incredible place to visit. You will find, at times, that you are the only ones on a trail or that you have spots all to yourself. What’s more magical than that?”
Make the most of your time on the road together for your next family RV trip with these products. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and have fun along the way.
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Card
It’s better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. This pack of 10 cards means you can have one on hand for each family member. Once filled out, keep in a noticeable place in your car or RV so when help arrives, they have the info they need. It could save a life!
Put together by the dynamic duo at RV Miles (@rvmiles), this one is for the kiddos. This cute journal helps kids take notes and write down memories of their favorite national park visits while on the family trips. ■
Stay connected with fellow RVers at these 2023 events
FEBRUARY
Richmond RV Show
February 3–5
Richmond, VA
Florida Vanlife Gathering
February 3–5
Dale City, FL
Edmonton RV Expo and Sale
February 9–12
Edmonton, AB, Canada
MARCH
Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show
March 2–5
Toronto, ON, Canada
Montreal RV Show
March 2–5
Montreal, QC, Canada
FMCA’s 106th International Convention and RV Show
March 15–18
Perry, GA
APRIL
Florida Airstream Club Silver
Between the Lakes Rally
April 13–17
Lake Wales, FL
RVing Women Texas Ramblin’
Roses
April 21–23
Junction, TX
Spring Hall of Fame RV Show
April 27–30
Elkhart, IN
MAY
CA Oroville Cinco De Mayo Rally
2023
May 5–7
Oroville, CA
2023 Rally @ Sea North to Alaska!
May 14–21
Seattle, WA
2023 Grand Design RV Owners
Kanab Utah Rally
May 17–20
Kanab, UT
JUNE
8th Annual Vintage Camper
Jamboree at Shore Hills
Campground
June 2–4
Boothbay, ME
FMCA’s Northwest Area Rally
June 7–11
Albany, OR
Vanlove Fest 2023
June 23–25
Elvington Airfield, York, UK
JULY
8th Annual Audrey’s Jingle in July 2023
July 13–16
Sevierville, TN
Texoma Travelers All Clubs
Caravan to the Atlantic Provinces
July 3–August 8
Bar Harbor, ME
The Grand Fair 2023
July 6–9
Cashmere, WA
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.
Built in France between 1923 and 1925, Carling Home Number Two was the second of four RVs built personally by Charles Louvet during the 1920s and ’30s. It was probably the first ever coach-built motorhome with its engine incorporated inside the frame. To keep his RVs light, Louvet used aircraft-inspired construction techniques, like fabric exteriors, timber frames, and portholes. Louvet would display his RVs on the streets of Nice in southern France, charging an entry fee to fund his future projects. His family often had to sit in a nearby cafe until late at night waiting until the last of the paying visitors had gone before they could go to bed in this unusual family RV.
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
Photo courtesy The State Library of South Australia
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