WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

As the snowbird season approaches, legions of travelers set their sites on spending winter in the sunny Southwest. For Good Sam members, the road to iconic attractions like the Grand Canyon or Palm Springs just got smoother with the addition of 12 new Good Sam Campgrounds in the Southwest.

Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While exploring, discover all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. If you’re not a member, joining is simple: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.

Arizona

Ajo Heights RV Park, Ajo
With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, Ajo Heights RV Park spoils guests with views of the surrounding Little Ajo Mountains and sweeping desert vistas. The resort is near Arizona State Route 85, just north of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Mexican Border.

Rock Shadows, Apache Junction
This 55+ community comes alive with youthful energy in a modern setting and friendly atmosphere. Outstanding weather and stunning mountain views complete the picture.

Soar through the trees or descend into huge caverns during a visit to Bigfoot Adventure RV Park and Campground in Tracy, Tennessee.

The park is part of the 500-acre Bigfoot Adventure, which includes disc golf,  zipline courses, and hiking trails that snake through the beautiful countryside. For families,  Bigfoot Adventure is a fantastic destination for wholesome fun.

Camp on the Cumberland Plateau

Bigfoot Adventure sits on the Southern Cumberland Plateau, a range that runs through Tennessee and consists of gorges, waterfalls, sandstone outcropping, and deep-cut valleys. Much of the terrain is carpeted by pine, hickory, and oak trees, resulting in the kinds of vistas that make Tennessee such a popular travel destination. 

The RV park gives guests all the amenities they’ll need for a fun stay. Camp in one of the 35 pull-through RV spaces that measure 40×80 feet. Twenty-six sites gravel sites include a picnic table, lawn area, and fire pit. Nine grass sites provide water and power; the area can be used for tent camping as well. Eighteen sites provide full hookups. The park is dog-friendly and includes a dump station. The park offers a bathhouse and showers.

Like many other industries and products, it is not surprising that some things are possibly misunderstood when it comes to recreational vehicles. These misconceptions often lead to the developing of believable myths. Though we can not possibly address all of these we can look at a few of the more common beliefs.

Myth

Filling your RV tires with nitrogen instead of compressed atmospheric air will alleviate the need for topping up the pressure from time to time.

This is not true. While nitrogen may reduce the frequency of topping up the tire pressures, it does not alleviate this need entirely. Nitrogen molecules are larger than that of oxygen and therefore pass through the tire casing at a lesser rate. However, there are other benefits that the nitrogen fills provide, such as less volume variation with tire temperature changes. Atmospheric air contains 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.

Myth

Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has supported their business by creating a user-friendly online experience for their guests.

It’s no secret that a strong online presence can grow your campground’s reach. However, knowing where to start (or at least where to focus) can be tricky – even for the most experienced campground owners. 

Whether you’re trying to factor in social media strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), or even just stay ADA compliant, there are a ton of variables when it comes to crafting your park’s digital brand. 

Fortunately, Campland on the Bay has found a lot of success in cultivating an online experience. Here are a few quick takeaways to consider for your campground’s digital brand.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one and part two of this three-part series.

Weaver’s Needle RV Resort situates travelers close to renowned Arizona attractions. Within view of the park lies the famous Superstitious Mountains, shrouded in legend and known for great hiking. Closer to the 55-plus resort, Phoenix is less than 30 minutes away, while restaurants, markets fishing, boating, and hiking are all within minutes. Visitors can opt for a short-term stay or book a year-round stay. The park’s ample amenities keep visitors comfortable throughout their stay, regardless of the type of vacation you choose.

Threading the Needle

Weaver’s Needle treats guests to the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Each site has a paved pad, with a maximum length of 40 feet. Each site has room for slideouts along with patios, and 200 of the sites are all-weather. Two hundred sites are full-hookup, and Wi-Fi is available at overnight sites. 

Once guests get settled in, they have plenty of options within the park. A heated swimming pool and spa give guests a great way to unwind after a long day of driving. Active travelers can hit one of the pickleball courts or slow things down at the horseshoe pits or boccceeball courts. There’s also a billiard table.

Hobbies and Pastimes

Weaver’s Needle RV Resort gives guests lots of opportunities to pursue their interests. Learn new skills with painting classes, line dancing lessons, and ceramics and woodworking facilities. Participate in jam sessions or join the chorus to explore new musical horizons. 

To add fodder to the argument that fall is the best season for camping, we’ve compiled a list of twenty incredible campgrounds for Halloween camping and festivities. Not only do these locations love to celebrate Halloween, but they’ve also organized a slew of family-friendly activities you and your camping neighbors are sure to enjoy. 

1. Verde Ranch RV Resort

Camp Verde, AZ

Join Camp Verde from Oct 20-22 or Oct 27-29 for a spooktacular camping weekend that includes Halloween festivities like a haunted river trail, trick or treating, costume contests, hay rides, site decorating contests, and more. 

Over two decades ago an RV rear camera was considered somewhat of a luxury as well as a safety feature.  These consisted primarily of a wired black and white analogue camera connected to a dash mounted four or five inch CRT display.  In addition to the obvious safety aspects these provided, they also aided the driver in more precise backing maneuvers and in the monitoring of any towed vehicles while travelling.

Camping, RV storage, and great customer service are big parts of Hawkins Pointe Park, Store & More, located just outside the “Scenic City” of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The park is conveniently situated about one mile off Interstate 75’s Tennessee Exit 1, which it shares with Camping World, Costco, and Bass Pro Shop.

This family-run RV Park and Storage features 34,000 square feet of covered storage, 50 large pull-through and back-in sites (available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rental), and 10 Premium Club Storage Bays that are climate-controlled. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of hospitality, and we welcome folks who are in all stages of self-contained RVing.

Customer Focus

Most of our customers are pass-through tourists, sightseers, traveling professionals, and dog parents. Hawkins Pointe is very dog-friendly and includes a fenced dog park, waste stations, walking paths, and a dog bathing station. The roadways were named for beloved Hawkins family dogs and designed with wide sweeping curves and few trees to make navigating the park and getting satellite and Wi-Fi signals a breeze.

Deep Roots

Owner John L. Hawkins III has spent over 40 years in towing and recovery manufacturing and sales business. As the birthplace of the tow truck, Chattanooga was an obvious choice for the largest manufacturing facility of towing equipment in the world, Miller Industries. The Hawkins family made Chattanooga their permanent home the same year that Miller Industries and the Tennessee Aquarium did in 1991.

Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business by creating better guest experiences. 

At Campland On the Bay, good guest experiences are an investment, passed down from one generation of campers to the next. That’s why you see guests wearing “Campland Raised” t-shirts from the gift shop, and why those who visited Campland as kids now bring their children to this same spot. When campgrounds create better guest experiences, guests are more likely to return.

Here we explore how Campland On the Bay fosters better guest experiences to ensure that every trip is memorable, that guests leave better off than they came, and that every point of contact is meaningful for their guests. 

I’d spent the day exploring Sequoia National Park when I pulled into the neighboring national forest to set up camp for the night. The scenery in the campground was gorgeous – near the top of a mountain, surrounded by sparkling granite and towering pine trees. After a quick dehydrated dinner, I set up my tripod near some boulders, trying to frame the scene for later, when the Milky Way would roll through late that night. It was perfect, except for one thing.

Further down the mountain, a group of teenagers or college kids were partying hard, their yells and blaring Top 40 tunes echoing throughout the canyon. Had the scene been a fraternity house, I’d have had zero problems with their rowdy behavior, but we were in one of the world’s greatest natural cathedrals. As I continued to prepare for the natural light show that would be occurring later that night, I soothed myself with the knowledge that the campground quiet hours would soon be in effect.

Unfortunately for me and everyone else in the campground, the partying kids paid as much attention to quiet hour rules as they assuredly did with underage drinking laws. When I rolled into my tent in the wee hours of the morning, they were still going at it. What I hoped would be a magical experience in a gorgeous forest was marred by a group of selfish people who didn’t care about anyone else’s enjoyment but their own. Sadly, this is an all-too-common occurrence.

What quiet hours mean when camping

If you’ve ever overnighted at a campground, you’ve likely seen the signs – “Quiet Hours from 10 pm – 7 am” (or thereabouts). But if you’re new to camping, you may have questions. What do camping quiet hours mean? Are we talking no voices above a whisper or turning the Whitesnake down from full blast to merely ear-curling – or just muting it altogether? Outside of quiet hours, are you allowed to be as loud as you want?

New electronic gadgets always bring out my inner cynic, like the first time I heard someone raving about their new portable power station for RV camping. It sounded like just gizmo that would take up precious space in my small fifth wheel. But after some research, I’m not too proud to admit that I was wrong about these things. Today I’m a believer that these devices can be a huge benefit for RVers who love camping off-grid. Here’s what changed my mind.

Not Just Another Dry Camping Gadget

From smartphones to headlamps, we all RV with more electronics than we used to. Even our rigs are loaded with electronics that consume more power, like push-button RV dumping and automatic leveling systems. That’s why if you haven’t looked into adding a portable power station to your RV gear, now’s the time. These ultra-efficient, clean energy stations are better than ever at keeping your creature comforts powered up wherever you camp. And although they are not inexpensive, if you decide to take the plunge on a device like the Jackery Explorer, the payback is immediate. More power means more comforts and longer stays when you’re camping without hookups.

Until now, there’s always been a price to pay for boondocking without hookups. That price is the careful monitoring that must happen if you don’t want to kill your RV house batteries, especially as night falls. For boondockers like me, electricity is a precious commodity.  For instance, my husband and I are usually are running two computers, one tablet, two phones with individual internet hotspots, and other household appliances throughout the day, like our refrigerator. If the weather turns bad, our 500-watt RV solar array forces us to prioritize what we use and when, in order to keep power flowing and our batteries happy. With no more room on our roof or in our battery storage area to expand our solar power system, juggling power consumption is a constant, frustrating struggle on cloudy days.

During those times, our 16-year-old gas-powered generator often helps us meet our power needs. But being saved by a genset means always carrying a gallon of gasoline in our toolbox because our truck is diesel-powered. And I can’t count the number of times we’ve spilled gas on our hands while refilling the generator. Have you ever tried removing gasoline odor from your skin when you’re dry camping? It’s tough. And after all that, even our “super quiet” gas generator emits clatter that disturbs the peace, and fills the air with smelly fumes.

For many RV buyers, a new vehicle isn’t necessarily complete when it rolls off the lot. New owners often apply additional modifications to the vehicle once it’s in their hands, and many of these aftermarket add-ons add value to their vehicle. Owners are wise to keep track of these additions, as they may enhance the resale value of their RV when it’s time to change to a new unit.

So what are some of these items that are popular features that they add shortly after their RV purchase?  Understandably, these will vary greatly depending on the rig type.  After all, a tent trailer owner will obviously have a smaller “must-have list” than a 45-foot diesel pusher.

Here’s a list of upgrades that will not only improve your vehicle but will add value when it comes time to sell.

Tire Monitor Systems

However, an extremely popular upgrade across all types and sizes is tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS).  These range from self-installed screw-on cap types with stand-alone wireless receivers to full-featured internal tire pressure and temperature transmitters.  While the later type generally is more a factory option opted to purchase, the easy screw-on kits are very effective and economically priced.

Some of the aftermarket items that owners choose are things like portable generators, satellite television receivers and antennas, upgraded audio equipment, in-line power surge protectors, emergency automatic weather broadcast receivers, and similar electronic hardware.

Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun, comfortable, and sustainable way. Here, we take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business serving guests, creating a welcoming community, and cultivating culture for its employees and visitors. 

Welcome to our three-part series highlighting a premier Good Sam campground, Campland On the Bay, in sunny San Diego, California, where they’ve provided memorable experiences for campers and their families for well over fifty years. This beachside campground creates a camper-first experience that lets them leave their troubles at the gate. 

The relationship between campers and campgrounds is reciprocal. Campgrounds thrive when they provide an experience campers want to return to. And that’s why we’re taking a closer look at Campland On the Bay, exploring the steps they take to provide a remarkable experience for campers every time they visit. 

Camping has entered a whole new era these past few years with the dawn of glamp camping. This style of camping isn’t like the olden days where you’d rough it in the woods, rather it’s a form of camping that brings hotel-like amenities into the wild. 

That’s why we wanted to sit down and unpack glamping in a way that helps you see what it’s all about while getting you the tools to find a stay near you.

Let’s dig in and see what this new wave of glamorous camping is all about. 

What is Glamp Camping?

As temperatures trend hotter across the country, it’s a good time to think about how heat in general affects tire performance. Specifically, how heat and tire pressure are related. The relationship between the two might not be quite as straightforward as you might think. For example, what does it mean when you have one hot tire? We’ll cover the basics — like what happens to your tires when the outside temperature increases — as well as the importance of keeping close tabs on your tires’ pressure, temperature, and performance.

Tire pressure and tire longevity

As most of us know, an underinflated tire exposes more surface area of the tire to the pavement. And the friction this causes can quickly increase the temperature of the tire, compromising its integrity. A slightly underinflated tire will deteriorate far more quickly than a properly inflated tire. But the problem doesn’t stop there.

An overinflated tire also presents longevity issues. When a tire is overinflated, less surface area comes into contact with the pavement, which contributes to uneven wear as the force and weight of your vehicle fall on a smaller surface area.

This is why it’s crucial to maintain tire pressure in the Goldilocks zone — not overinflated, not underinflated. This is an easy enough task when you regularly check the tire pressure, and it’s a great practice to make your tires last longer. But what happens when your tires are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations as you travel? Both overinflation and underinflation put your tires at risk, and it becomes increasingly difficult to moderate the changes during hot summer months.

Put a stop to video streaming and turn to a different show: the night sky. From the right vantage point, campers can see endless spectacles of constellations, clusters and planets. Take in views of the Big Dipper from the Texas prairie or marvel at the Milky Way Galaxy from eastern Nevada. Embark on a stargazing camping trip to see the galaxy (and beyond) without leaving the ground at the following places. But first, some stargazing camping basics:

What time should you start stargazing?

If you’ve ever been late getting the RV leveled and set up, dinner cooked, and the camping chairs set up, then stargazing might be for you. Because once the sun sets beneath the horizon, you’ll still need to wait. Stargazing is best done after twilight, when no remainding sunlight can obscure the light of distant stars and planets. The benefit of stargazing while camping is that you’re likely away from city lights, but you still need to stay up late enough that sunlight isn’t a problem, too.

How do you plan a night of stargazing?

First things first when trying to plan the perfect night of stargazing: check the weather. Overcast skies are a sure-fire way to ruin the best laid stargazing plans. Be sure to check your local area on Clear Dark Sky to see your visibility forecast for the week. Also, avoid full moons while stargazing. This light, like sunlight, can prevent you from getting the full stargazing effect.

Another key aspect to planning a night of stargazing is to download your favorite stargazing app which will help you and your friends and family locate and identify constellations and planets.

Tools to manage repairs on your own and a roadside assistance plan when you require help beyond what you can tackle yourself — no RVer’s rig is complete without both of these critical emergency options.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance helps you get back on the road when the job requires professional help.

Over the years, I’ve talked to plenty of folks who wanted to hit the open road, but were afraid of what might go wrong. Traveling in an RV, particularly one that’s old enough to vote, has more than its share of headaches. Parts that have been plugging along since the Clinton administration finally snap. Brittle belts break. Tiny squeaks suddenly turn into big bangs. Further into the RV, sinks drip, toilets leak, fans stop spinning. But no one should let these problems stop them from creating awesome memories with their families.

Everyone who owns an RV should be prepared for the inevitable. Thankfully when good RVs go bad, having roadside assistance and the proper tools in your vehicle will stop most situations from getting worse.

RVing lakeside — it’s hard to beat. Depending on the location, you get the best of both worlds, enjoying the comforts of your RV while in close proximity to waterfront entertainment like beaches, swimming, and boating. And, during summers as hot as these, escaping to the water for a swim makes the heat more manageable. But not all campgrounds near lakes offer the same experience, and it’s an important consideration before booking just any lakeside campground. 

Let’s explore how to find lakeside campgrounds, what to look for in a great campground by the lake, and what to bring to complete the experience.

What are lakeside campgrounds?

Proximity matters, especially when choosing a lakeside campground. While looking for a campground near a lake, make sure you research how far you actually are from the water. If you imagine a beach within walking distance, verify before booking. 

For those with a boat who plan to launch onto the water, this is less of a concern. You’re driving already. But if you want to hike or walk to the waterfront, some campgrounds listed as “lakeside” may be a mile or more from your campground, and that might be a dealbreaker, depending on your aims. 

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina carves out a corner of tranquility in a bustling Southern California beach community right in the heart of Newport Beach. Guests can dip their toes in the sands of the peaceful Newport Dunes Lagoon or get out on the calm water on an SUP, kayak, or electric Duffy boat. The highly-rated (9.5/10*/9) resort’s camping sites let guests unwind and relax in a beach environment, with a slew of amenities just a short stroll away.

But rollicking adventure is never far away. Kids can cavort on the floating play structures in the lagoon, while grownups can sip tasty cocktails at the beachfront bar while enjoying the ocean breeze. Beyond the resort, world-class dining, boating, shopping, and family adventures await throughout Orange County. Beach bums, retail mavens, and boating enthusiasts will find a reason to stay at Newport Dunes.

Water, Water Everywhere

Newport Dunes occupies a large area on the banks of its horseshow-shaped lagoon. The resort makes the most out of this prized waterfront real estate with all the perks you’ll need for a first-class stay. This is Newport, after all, ranked as one of the wealthiest cities in Orange County. Appropriately, Newport Dunes makes guests feel pampered and relaxed.

Water recreation is a big deal here, and the resort invites guests to a dip in its Resort Pool Complex, including a 200-square-foot wading pool, a 1,650-square-foot heated pool, and two in-ground spas with massage jets. Lux poolside cabanas include a covered lounge area with living-room-style seating, a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi access, privacy drapes, lounge chairs, and an extended sunbathing area. 

Every year, thousands of RVers make their way northbound on I-75 from Gainesville, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, whether as a single trip, along the snowbirds’ trek back north, or as a leg along any given road trip.

If done right, this five-hour drive is one you can look forward to, including stops at state parks, museums, natural landscapes, and a Love’s Travel Stop that’s perfect for RVers everywhere. Don’t miss these great roadside destinations next time you travel from Gainesville to Atlanta. 

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Less than an hour into your trip, enjoy hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Or stop in the museum there and learn about the folk music icon who wrote “Old Folks at Home” about the scenic Suwannee River that runs through the park. 

While it may be a little soon for a rest stop, this park is a great, lesser-known attraction worth a visit. Check the schedule to see if your trip aligns with any music events hosted at this location. And, if not, just head up the interstate and visit the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park and Campground.  

Not far from the culture center are two other incredibly beautiful designated areas: Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area and Suwannee Valley Conservation Area. And if you happen to miss these spots altogether, the drive continues along the Suwannee River, adjacent to the Woods Ferry Conservation Area. So you’re sure to see some beautiful spots still along the way.