The Midwest is a region of the United States of America known as “America’s Heartland”. We can certainly say that traveling to the Midwest with our dogs, Brickle and Digby, touched our hearts!

Friendly people, good food, and simple living are what we will remember about our time in the Midwest. Wide, open spaces, room to roam, and a relaxed way of life made our dogs feel at home and relaxed. We found the Midwest to be very accommodating to dogs and their people.  

Although the Midwestern region of the United States is mostly flat, it does contain other landforms that vary in elevation. You’ll find rolling hills, rising mountains, plains, plateaus, and large lakes. Along with natural beauty, you will also find quite a few history lessons waiting for you and your dog as well! 

It’s time to visit some dog-friendly RV destinations in the Midwest! Remember, these destinations are only a start to the paws-ibilities of exploring this inspiring part of the USA!

Lincoln State Park – Spencer County, Illinois

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Rich in history and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home, Lincoln State Park has over 10 miles of hiking trails, rolling hills, and two lakes. Dogs are welcome to explore this state park with you. You can see the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, a pioneer farm, the Lincoln cabin site, the gravesite of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, and the historic Trail of Twelve Stones. Want to stay all day? You can camp in this state park! It is great for an overnight spot. 

Why should toy haulers have all the fun? Known for having maximum space for your outdoor accessories like ATVs, toy haulers are the go-to RV when you need storage space. But they’re not alone.

Cargo RVs are becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts who crave additional storage space without sacrificing living space. Suitable for the weekend warrior as well as the full-time RVer, a Cargo RV is arguably one of the best RVs to travel in.

Not sure which one to explore? No worries! We’ve rounded up a few awesome Cargo RVs that aren’t toy haulers, but still manage to pack in plenty of fun.

What is a Cargo RV?

Image: Camping World

Before jumping into our round-up of awesome Cargo RVs, you might be wondering what exactly a Cargo RV is. While the definition varies from model to model, the one thing that remains the same is storage capacity. If you’re into it, chances are you can make it fit — think kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dirt bikes, and more.

With a Cargo RV, you’re able to store bigger items and more gear than you normally can in a Class B or small camper. Much like the toy hauler, the use of space is only limited by how much you plan on bringing with you. The more the merrier? In a Cargo RV, that sentiment rings true.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the greatest mountain ranges in the country. They are a part of the Appalachian Mountains and stretch from Georgia to Pennsylvania. The range is home to some of the most beautiful sights you’ll see east of the Mississippi River, and because of this they’re a commonplace for RVers, campers, and other adventurers to visit

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to see this area. The scenic ribbon of road winds its way along the nearly 470 miles that the mountain range covers. It’s a fun and beautiful drive, and one that every American should make time for at least once in their life. The road is often called America’s favorite drive and for good reason. It’s one of those must-do road trips for any RVer and it rivals anything you’ll see on the coasts or in the Western United States.

Image from Getty

Taking an RV along the Blue Ridge Mountains is easy and totally worthwhile. While you can certainly do the route in your car if you’re tent camping or staying in hotels, ask anyone who has traveled along the route before, and they’ll tell you it’s the perfect time to explore RV travel. I took this route a few years back and saw several RVs. And, I have to note, that there are tons of Blue Ridge parkway campgrounds or Blue Ridge Mountain campgrounds that will accommodate RVs.

Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds

Here are five great choices for camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway when you need a place to stop:

1. Mount Pisgah Campground

Camping in the mountains, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, is full of adventure. Image: Camping World

Mount Pisgah Campground, located in Canton, North Carolina, is one of the most common stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers 70 RV sites with showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. That’s plenty of campsites, but with the campgrounds ideal placement in Flat Laurel Gap, it is quite popular, and you should think about making a reservation before you go.

During summer, America’s northern regions enjoy extended days and short nights. Pack in all the fun you can have during the long daylight hours in the following places.

Alaska

See our Regional Travel Calendar for more year-round destinations.

The Frontier State parties during June. Locals and visitors alike fill the streets in the cities to celebrate Summer Solstice, while tourists embark on trails and waterways to see the state’s magnificent wilderness. Before embarking on Alaska, make plans for the long drive north.

See Wildlife and Get Glacial in Anchorage and Nearby

Alaska’s biggest city is a great base camp for adventures in the nearby wilderness. Southeast of the city on the Seward Highway, the Alaska Wildlife and Conservation Center delights visitors with a hearty population of indigenous wildlife. Take a Walk on the Wildlife Tour and get close-up looks at black and brown bears, moose, lynx reindeer and more.

When it comes to RVing, the most exhilarating part isn’t necessarily the open road or the dream destinations – it’s the buying phase. Finding the right RV is part of the fun, so it makes sense to take your time searching for an RV that checks every box. What new buyers don’t always consider in their checklist is an RV that will hold its value.

There may come a time when you outgrow your RV and you’re ready to upgrade. Or, your camping adventures become less frequent, and it makes sense to rent an RV instead of own. For these reasons, it’s important to choose an RV that holds resale value. Other factors can help an RV retain, and even gain, value like personal upgrades you make, how well you maintain it, and the current market demand.

Every RV enthusiast will tell you about the rush of adrenaline that comes with collecting miles under your tires, but what often gets overlooked is where one journey ends and the next begins. Look ahead and prepare yourself for that fork in the road by investing in one of the best RVs that hold their resale value.

Forest River Forester Classic 2441DS

Resale Power Potential:

Holds 80% of its value after three years.

Have you considered hitting the road in a motorhome or travel trailer, but you’re just too intimidated by going it alone? There are thousands of “solo travelers” that have thrown their reservations aside and jumped into RVing with both feet and we want you to become one! That’s why Camping World has put together a series of articles to encourage those who want to travel but haven’t quite figured out how to do it alone.

Today we’ll deal with fears surrounding the black tank. Join us and Learn How to Handle the Dirty Work, so that your dream of solo travel doesn’t get flushed down the toilet.

You Don’t Have to Get Dirty

I think we all can admit that dealing with the toilet and dumping the black tank on our RVs is something we wish to avoid at all costs. I mean, no one signs up for RVing with the goal of being a great sewer technician. However, because we are solo travelers there is no one else to hand off this less-than-appealing task to.

With that said, I can tell you that it doesn’t have to be a dirty chore. With a few pieces of select equipment, you can conquer The Dump Blues in a matter of minutes without ever getting your hands soiled.

The Necessary Equipment

You don’t need much, but here’s a look at what you do need to get this job done:

Feel the heat for memorial day barbecue flavor.

Campground chefs, start your grills! Memorial Day weekend signals the official start of barbecue season, and we want you to wield the tongs and spatula like a pro during your travels. That’s why we’ve canvased our team of experienced camping bloggers for tried-and-true campground recipes. The results bring new flavors to those lazy summer campground gatherings. Bon appetit!

The Blue Hawaiian Burger

The Blue Hawaiian Burger combines distinctive flavors for the discerning campground palette. The sweet and tangy fruit of the fresh pineapple blends brilliantly with the smoky creaminess of the blue cheese to enhance the burger experience. The hint of mixed spices and a touch of brown sugar unite the combination of flavors for an easy-to-prepare gourmet delight.

Travel with confidence and comfort when you take home one of the fantastic diesel motorhomes on sale today! Below, we’ll show you four of our favorite options for families and couples that love to travel and need the towing capacity to bring along an extra vehicle. Get an insider’s look at that diesel motorhomes below.

Find more deals on motorhomes for sale near you at RVingPlanet.com.

American Coach American Dream 39RK

Get the best in luxury RV features when you take home an American Coach American Dream 39RK class A diesel motorhome. This unit features a private bedroom with a walk-through bathroom that offers plenty of space for you to get ready for the day. The kitchen comes fully equipped with everything you need to make delicious five-star meals for your family and friends. Save over $136,000 on this RV when you order today!

Additional Features:

Rear Private BedroomSeparated BathroomKitchen IslandMotion Power LoungeWasher and DryerThe kitchen island is ideal for cooking for your crew.

Entegra Coach Aspire 44Z

If you enjoy spending your time at the campground out in the beautiful weather, you’ll love that his Entegra Coach Aspire 44Z class A diesel motorhome features an outdoor entertainment center with a 43″ 4K UHD Smart TV. Enjoy other features like a fireplace, residential kitchen features, and dual vanity sinks in the master bathroom! Take along all your must-have camping gear with the slide-out basement storage tray and ensures you can easily get to all your things.

Additional Features:

The forums at RV.net reveal a common fifth wheel hitch mistake that often happens to new (or even experienced) fifth wheel owners. This mistake has to do with using a fifth wheel hitch improperly, but the good news is that it can be avoided fairly easily.

The All-Too-Common Fifth Wheel Hitch Mistake

Photo by Camping World

Imagine you’ve driven several hundred miles to your destination. You’ve been in your truck for hours, and you finally arrive at your campground. You’ve positioned your fifth wheel on the campsite after a couple of attempts and some slight adjustments. Everything is perfect.

You add wheel chocks to hold your fifth wheel in place, lower your landing legs, disconnect from your fifth wheel trailer hitch, and extend your slides. You set up your camping chairs around the fire pit and start prepping dinner. That’s when you realize you’re out of cooking oil and need to make a store run. Or maybe you just need drinks or sides to go with dinner. 

You double-check that the cables are disconnected between your truck and fifth wheel…all good there. So you hop in your truck, shift into drive, start to pull away, and then CRACK! What mistake did you make?

The answer: you forgot to lower the tailgate! As a result, your fifth wheel pin box dented your tailgate. 

We all know finesse generally means doing something delicately or in a refined way, but what’s finesse fishing? If you’ve ever read any article I’ve written, you’ll know I preach finesse angling a lot compared to various other techniques. That’s because I grew up fishing the muck and mud of various small ponds throughout Pennsylvania.

During my time growing up, I learned a lot about working lightweight lures, with active presentations and bright and vibrant colors.

That’s just a taste of what finesse fishing is and in this guide, I’m going to break down all the details of finesse fishing so you can start working it in when needed.

What is Finesse Fishing?

The big misconception about finesse fishing is that it means light and small everything, but that’s not necessarily true. If we think about the word as a verb, it’ll help us better understand what finesse actually means.

If we “finesse” a fish, what does that mean?

Major League Baseball season is in full swing. You can put a new spin on your experience by adding an RV to your roster of fan essentials. An RV is a great way to tour North America’s iconic major league parks, from venerable Fenway Park in Boston to San Francisco’s modern Oracle Park. Many parks accommodate your RV for baseball tailgating, allowing visitors can roast hot dogs and hoist brews before the first pitch.

Before your MLB tour, observe stadium rules. Between games, stay at a nearby Good Sam Park and relax and recount the best moments of the game.

Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

Sitting in China Basin and home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park has received accolades for its neoclassical architecture and wide range of amenities. Sometimes referred to as the RingCentral Coliseum, the Oakland Coliseum is home for the Oakland A’s but also hosts concerts and conventions during the off-season. Watch home-run balls splash in McCovey Cove, the section of the bay beyond the right-field wall.

Tailgating: Lot A is located just south of the ballpark, along 3rd Street and Terry A. Francois streets. Cost: $40 ($80 for oversized vehicles). It opens three hours before the first pitch and closes one hour after the last out.

It’s no secret that summer is the most popular time of year to go camping. The long days, warm nights, and generally great weather make it the ideal season for travel and spending time outdoors. But when the mercury starts to climb—and the temperature moves from warm to scorching hot—camping in the heat can become an uncomfortable experience.

Fortunately, it isn’t hard to make a few adjustments and learn how to stay cool camping. Here are some tips for staying comfortable that don’t involve huddling inside the RV with the air conditioning blasting.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when in the heat for long periods of time.

One of the most important ways to stay cool and safe in the summer heat is to drink plenty of fluids. When your body starts to overheat, it begins to sweat in an effort to cool itself down. But if you’re not adequately hydrated, you may not be able to create the perspiration you need to maintain a safe temperature. This can lead to dangerous conditions like dehydration or heatstroke.

Drink plenty of water while active in the outdoors and enjoy other cool drinks while relaxing at the campsite. However, be careful not to indulge in too much alcohol when outside in hot conditions. Alcoholic beverages can actually cause dehydration, so save those for later in the day when temperatures are cooler.

Have a go-to insulated cup, mug, or thermos and keep it filled with fresh drinking water.

Portable generators are a great addition to certain camping setups. They give you a safe power supply when you’re not camping with full hookups and can extend your boondocking trips. They can also be great for backup power at home during power outages. But you should know how to hook up a portable generator to use this RV accessory safely. 

Disclaimer: Read all operating instructions and safety precautions for your generator BEFORE starting it and plugging in your RV. Generators are different, so additional steps may be required for your specific model. 

How To Choose The Right Portable Generator

It all starts with choosing a generator model that can supply enough power for your RV. RVs have different electrical demands, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. 

Please watch the video above to learn more about choosing a generator for your RV. But at the basic level, here are the minimum recommendations for generator size based on RV electrical systems: 

When you first lay eyes on Lake Tahoe, it’s almost hard to believe it isn’t a protected national park. But for the millions of visitors that flock here each year, that means unprecedented public access to some of the clearest water in the world. 

There’s no shortage of fun in the Tahoe Basin, from motorized or human-powered boating to exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains on foot or bike. To help you set up your RV as an adventure sports basecamp in Tahoe, here’s everything you need to know about Lake Tahoe camping. 

How To Get To and Around Lake Tahoe

Photo by Vineyard Perspective via Shutterstock

A common remark that I hear from visitors is, “I didn’t realize it was so spread out.” Indeed, the lake is approximately 22 miles long, 12 miles across, and 72 miles in circumference. Because of the windy mountain roads, RVers will need to travel slowly and carefully when visiting Lake Tahoe. 

Be aware that it usually takes about two hours to drive around the entire lake–if you don’t run into any summer traffic. There are multiple ways to get to different parts of the lake. So here’s a quick rundown: 

From The East

Photo by instacruising via Shutterstock

If traveling in from the east, the two main cities before Lake Tahoe are Reno and Carson City. From Reno, you can take Interstate 80 to the town of Truckee. From there, you’ll have the option of taking Highway 89 to Tahoe City or Highway 267 to Kings Beach. 

If you are looking for an RV to take you and your family around the country or just to your local campground, you’ll find an incredible deal on your favorite brands when you shop used RVs! Check out these five amazing pre-owned RVs on sale today at fantastic prices you won’t want to miss. Learn more below.

Take home a fifth wheel for your family at a low price today!

2022 Alliance Paradigm 365RD

Save on this luxury fifth wheel when you snatch up this incredible used 2022 Alliance Paradigm 354RD today! This unit is in fantastic condition and features two separate living areas so that you can easily entertain friends and family. You’ll love that the basement pull-out storage tray gives you ample space for your outdoor gear and camping equipment.

Additional Features:

Separate Living RoomTwo Sleeper SofasBasement Pull-Out TrayPull-Out Fireplace StorageFloating Dinette TableKing Bed SlideThe residential French-door refrigerator is perfect for keeping snacks and drinks in easy reach.

2018 Forest River Salem Villa Series 4092BFL

Set up your home away from home for an unbeatable price when you take home this used 2018 Forest River Salem Villa Series 4092BFL destination trailer. This floorplan features a loft with sleeping space for the kids and private master bedroom. The living room offers plenty of seating space, and you’ll love the kitchen island with a dual basin sink.

Additional Features:

Most of us associate summer with some form of camping or outdoor recreation. But not all national parks are great summer destinations. Many parks in the Sun Belt, for example, experience sweltering temperatures. So if you want to check off a few destinations on your national parks bucket list this year, you’ll need to focus on the best national parks to visit in the summer in the U.S. 

As a general tip, many U.S. parks experience the height of visitation during the summer months. You’ll need to plan ahead to secure campsite reservations, book guided tours and research safety tips for the activities you want to do once you reach your destination. 

Because national park campgrounds fill up quickly, consider campgrounds outside the park too. Park campgrounds can also get expensive, and because they see such high visitation, keeping up with maintenance can be tough for park staff, especially toward the end of the camping season. 

Good Sam Parks provide an affordable alternative to camping inside the parks during peak season. Good Sam members can save big with a 10 percent discount at any of our 2,000-plus Good Sam Parks across North America. Sign up online to purchase a membership or simply buy it at the Good Sam Park you visit (discounts apply immediately).

The 10 Best U.S. National Parks To Visit in the Summer

That being said, your journey begins with a simple decision: deciding which park to visit and planning your national parks road trip! So here are a few of the best U.S. national parks for summer trips: 

If you’re looking for an amazing RV for your family, don’t miss out on these fantastic travel trailers! Coachmen RV is one of the best-loved RV manufacturers known for its quality construction and reliability. Learn about the top Coachmen travel trailers for sale near you below.

Find more Coachmen Apex Nano travel trailers for sale near you.

2022 Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH Travel Trailer

This RV is built for a family of five and features a 54″ x 80″ bed to ensure you always get a great night’s sleep. The bunks are 30″ x 74″ so they can comfortably sleep your kids or teens. In the kitchen, you’ll find plenty of space for making all your meals. The two-burner cooktop allows you to make meals for your crew in the morning or after everyone has settled in for the day.

Additional Features:

Front BedBunk BedsRear Corner BathroomMicrowaveExterior StorageThe front bed is a great place to rest after a long day on the road.

2022 Coachmen RV Apex Ultra-Lite 211RBS Travel Trailer

Enjoy traveling with your loved one inside this Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite 211RBS travel trailer! This unit features a full bathroom and plenty of space for a couple that loves adventure. There’s plenty of storage throughout the RV for long camping trips, so you can feel free to load up all your gear and enjoy weeks on the road!

Additional Features:

Summer is finally here, and with warmer weather comes new adventures! Late nights, bonfires, and camping are a few of our favorite things. Whether you’re planning on boondocking or staying at an RV campground this summer, consider these products that are sure to enhance your experience:

Club Chairs

Take your outdoor living space to the next level with a MacSports club chair. It folds down easily and stores well in small spaces, perfect for the RVer on the go. These chairs sit like indoor chairs but are made for outdoor conditions. It’s much more comfortable than a standard bag chair! Bring one, or several, to the next campfire with your family and friends. If you’re up for it, you could even spring for the MacSports Club Chair, Ottoman, and Table Bundle for maximum comfort and convenience. For all things camping chair-related, check out our RVers guide to choosing the best camp chair.

Patio String Lights

Image: Shutterstock

Patio string lights add a personal touch and a warm glow to your campsite. Most sets of lights allow you to connect two or more strands for extra length so you can string them as far as you’d like for maximum nighttime ambiance. Now you will want to spend even more time outdoors once the sun goes down. Try the Black Lantern Mini Light Set for a nostalgic feel or go with the Color-Changing Edison LED Light Set for a more modern display.

RV Patio Mats

The Hambricks enjoy outside time dancing on their RV’s patio mat. Image by Tyler Cave.

While we are on the topic of patio décor – style yours up with an RV mat. The breathable material won’t hurt the grass and keeps your area looking new. UV protection resists sun exposure and maintains the mat’s appearance. It’s easy to clean by simply spraying with water or sweeping for a restored appearance. The mat can be folded into a compact size for easy storage as well. There are several options, but a few stand-outs are the Reversible Geometric Design Patio Mat and the Reversible Magnolia Design Patio Mat. Are you interested in combining your patio mat with your lighting sources? Then the LED Illuminated Patio Mat will do just that.

Camping Grills

Image: Camping World

Don’t like cooking over an open campfire? No worries! Grills designed for camping outdoors have come a long way. Oftentimes, they’re small and portable – perfect for camping life. Also, they’re typically foldable and can be stored in tiny spaces when traveling from one campsite to the next. Get ready to prepare delicious meals for the whole family. The Razor Portable LP Gas Griddle has a versatile cooking surface that can take you from breakfast to late-night snack and every meal in between. If you’re looking for more of a traditional grilling experience, the BBQTek Portable Grill and Table Bundle will have the entire campsite calling you a chef in no time.

Traveling is meant to be fun and exciting! When we add pets to our camping trips, the fun never stops. Unless that fun is interrupted by an emergency and you need pet care immediately. But what do you do when you are in a new or unfamiliar place with your pet and you need a veterinarian? We’ve been in this situation many times during our five years of full-time travel. And we have learned what to do and what not to do when it comes to helping your pet. 

By preparing right, you can soften the struggle of a pet emergency on the road. If you’re a Good Sam member, you may have some helpful travel tools already at your fingertips, like discounted pet health insurance and pet subscriptions. Explore Good Sam pet benefits.

Records 

Photo: Rachael Johnson

Your pet’s records are your first line of defense when it comes to emergencies. Have all of your pet’s vet records, licenses, and test results on hand in case of emergencies. During an emergency, you may not have the time to look for papers. We keep physical copies of Brickle and Fruitycake’s records not only in our RV but in our vehicle and our backpack that we take on trails. We also keep a file of their records on our phones. These records can help a vet know how to care for your dog and be made aware of allergies and prior complications. 

Important records to have on file:

Vaccination records or titer test resultsMedication names and dosage amountsHeartworm test resultsMicrochip informationYour dog’s allergiesYour primary veterinarian’s contact informationPet insurance plan information

Make a List

When our dog Digby started having frequent bouts of illness, it made us nervous to travel. We like to be spontaneous when picking camping destinations, but as our dogs got older, that changed. So just as we mapped out our routes, we started mapping out veterinarians in the areas we planned to travel to. I make a list of emergency clinics, vets, and even mobile vets. Looking at online reviews helps to have a first choice of who to call if you need to.  

First Aid Kit 

First Aid Value Pack

The fact is that, sometimes, you will be in a remote area and a vet may be miles away. A first aid kit can come in handy until you can reach a veterinarian. You can purchase a first aid kit pre-made or make one yourself. Some items to include:

There’s a lot to consider when it’s time to get your RV ready for camping season. From spring cleaning to performing an RV walk around to check all components, getting your vehicle prepared to hit the road requires a proper checklist (find one here!). But in addition to all the cleaning and equipment checks that you carry out in your driveway, it’s good to plan a quick local trip to use your RV just like you would on a longer trip. Use these tips for a spring RV shakedown cruise to plan your first trip of the next camping season!

Tip 1: Set Your Intentions

Let’s be clear: the idea of a shakedown cruise is to focus on general RV maintenance. It gives you a chance to operate all of your RV’s components and appliances to double-check that nothing needs major repairs. 

You might find that certain things require a tune-up (i.e., changing the oil in your generator). So make sure you build some time into your shakedown itinerary for general RV maintenance. 

That said, you can have additional intentions for your shakedown cruise. Planning an RV staycation is a great way to explore areas close to home that you might otherwise overlook on your way to far-flung destinations.