Message from Marguerite

s the leaves begin to change color and the sun sets on summer, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful summer it was. From Memorial Day A to Labor Day, I checked in on your #100DaysofCamping pictures. I saw family reunions, dinners over the grill and campfire, giant smiles on little ones faces, pets joining in on the fun, and a shared love of camping from California all the way to Florida, the Pacific Northwest straight through to the tip of Maine. That excitement for the outdoor lifestyle united so many of you all summer long, and it was inspiring to see.

That said, while we certainly celebrate the summer camping season year after year, there’s just something about camping in the fall and using the change of season to make plans for the winter ahead. The fall months are a little quieter, and the weather a little more crisp, making the campfire a little cozier and a true prize at the end of the day. Plus, s’mores taste just as good if not better with a fall crisp in the air. I encourage you to try it out!

Looking to the end of the year, it feels as though this year ended just as quickly as it started. I’ve noticed holiday decorations in stores, and gift guides in email and online. Even though it seems like we just wrapped up summer, the end of the year is just around the corner, and with it the holidays and much cooler weather. If you are hoping to plan ahead for the holidays, I encourage you to check out the gift guide in this issue of the magazine. With gifts for hikers to gourmet campfire cooks, there’s a great variety of items out there.

Kenisee Lake RV Campground - Jefferson, OH

In addition to the holidays, the end of the year brings a new season and chance to reflect back on the year prior, while planning ahead for the upcoming year. With the continued excitement around RV travel and the outdoor lifestyle, many are realizing they don’t need to hunker down for the entirety of winter and wonder if their RV is missing them, too. Whether it’s for a month or the full winter season, camping enthusiasts across the country are hoping to hit the road this winter to follow the sun and truly Winter Differently. Already winterized the RV? Try checking out a cottage in sunny Florida, Texas, or Arizona. The lifestyle you all know and love exists in the winter months, as well, with neighbors who feel like family and friendly waves from other campers and RVers. If you’re heading south to Florida this winter season, be sure to review the feature on Florida’s Panhandle in this issue of the magazine. I have a feeling you’ll be planning some detours and stops along the way in this beautiful part of the state!

As always, thank you for a memorable camping season and year. I hope to continue to see many of you sharing your sunny RV photos in the winter months, should you choose to head south and try out the snowbird lifestyle. I have a feeling you’d enjoy it.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO