WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Sometimes, there’s a benefit to getting older. That’s particularly true for those looking for the perks and benefits of senior passes for RVers!

There are so many senior passes available that most RVers are not even aware that, had they asked or taken the time to check around, they can get steep discounts on camping, admission fees, products, and services.

It’s hard to come up with an exhaustive list – it would take many pages and thousands of words. But here is our list of what we think are some of the best senior passes for RVers currently out there.

The National Parks Service Senior Pass

The National Park Senior Pass is hands down is the absolute best of the best. It used to be known as the “Golden Age Pass,” but several years ago, the park service made it even easier to understand by simply calling it the Senior Pass. They also raised the price but, still, at its current $80 fee for a lifetime pass ($20 for an annual pass), it provides a value that is truly priceless. That’s $80 for a lifetime pass–paying for itself in just four years.

The only requirement is that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 62 or older. You must have an ID that proves so like a Driver’s License, Passport, Passport Card, or Green Card.

Temple View RV Park is in the heart of St George, Utah. It’s convenient to everything — 45 Minutes to Zion National Park and a short drive to Las Vegas!

Enjoy the park’s year-round heated pool and hot tub, clubhouse, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, putting green, billiard tables and more…

Consistently ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, St. George, Utah provides an ideal mixture of big-city appeal and small-town feel. The city has become a popular retirement destination and a favorite getaway spot for those seeking pleasant weather, unrivaled scenery and year-round recreation. You will not be disappointed in your surroundings when you choose McArthur’s Temple View Southern Utah RV Park over other nearby RV parks.

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Snowbird season is just around the corner. And if you are frustrated trying to find a winter camping destination that isn’t all filled up by those who made early reservations (sometimes a year in advance!), check out these unsung snowbird destinations. While not entirely undiscovered, these warm destinations are still great locations where you probably can find some openings for the 21-22 season.

The most popular RV snowbird states are Florida, Arizona, and California. These states see a “flock,” of winter visitors, and that’s been a given year in and year out, with and without COVID.

But, four other states are also great snowbird spots that deserve to be on your radar. Consider Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and New Mexico.

Crab Island. Destin, Florida. Image: Shutterstock

When is Snowbird Season?

In general, the snowbird season is from November 1 to March 1. There are two waves.

The early wave heads to snowbird destinations right after Halloween. The second wave leaves right after Christmas.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best hiking destinations in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. While it can be quite busy during the summer, many people believe that the changing colors and cooler temperatures make fall the best time to hike in the park.

Because the park covers a total of more than 522,000 acres, you will have many routes to choose from if you want to hike in the Smokies. Today, we are going to highlight five very different options for hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will give everyone from beginners to experts something to enjoy during their trip.

Appalachian Trail Loop From Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion

Distance: 8.1 milesTrail Type: Out and backElevation Gain: 1,640 feetDifficulty: Hard

While you might not initially like the idea of making a bunion your primary hiking destination, no visit to the Smoky Mountains is complete without setting foot on the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead for this hike is located at Newfound Gap on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Be prepared for a nice climb to start the first two miles of this hike, but make sure you lift your head up to appreciate the foliage from time to time. During the spring and summer, wildflowers line the trail and the changing colors of fall are definitely a sight to see.

Planning your trip to the campground this fall is easy; deciding what meal to make while you’re there isn’t always the same story. So be sure to bring along your Dutch Oven and make this roasted chicken for your crew! You’ll love how simple it is to make this filling meal.

Ingredients

Recipe from SelfProclaimedFoodie.com, adapted for this post.

½ cup dry seasoning rub – ingredients below, just combine thoroughly1 whole chicken½ cup unsalted butter1 pound baby yellow potatoes, quartered4 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered

Dry Rub:

1 tbsp garlic powder1 tbsp fresh ground pepper1 tbsp kosher salt1 tbsp mustard powder1 tbsp chili powder1 tbsp cumin1 tbsp dried thyme1 tbsp brown sugar2 tbsp paprika

Instructions

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season all over with the dry rub. Wrap in cling wrap and refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight.When you’re ready to cook, build a fire and heat 24 coals. Arrange 8 under your Dutch oven, evenly to ensure even cooking.Add butter to your Dutch oven and melt. Sear the chicken on both sides for five minutes each.Remove the chicken and add the vegetables to the pot.Replace the chicken in the pot on top of the vegetables, breast side up, and close the lid. Add the remaining coals to the top of the lid.While cooking, rotate the lid every 15 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. After 45 minutes, add a few more hot coals to the fire.Cook until the chicken reaches 165 degrees, approximately 1-1.5 hours.Serve with a side of toast!

This meal is perfect for your dinners at the campground, especially if you are spending a day exploring and need an easy meal to dump in the pot and let it cook.  Find your dream RV at RVingPlanet.com today!

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RVing has transformed the way my family experiences fishing. Gone are the days of booking mediocre hotel rooms so that we can be near our fishing spot when we wake up. And when hotels weren’t an option, I certainly haven’t missed the body aches from sleeping on a hard surface while tent camping.

Instead, we can park our camper just steps from our fishing hole for days or even weeks at a time. We can fish the early morning bite, have lunch, take a cat nap and head back out for the evening bite. We can clean our catch in the kitchen and store fresh walleye fillets in the fridge or freezer or better yet, cook it on the spot. RVing has allowed us to make fishing a family activity because our 2-year-old and 6-month-old now have a place to nap and play comfortably.

Our family fishes year-round and we have a few different pull-behind campers to make that possible. One is a retro camper from the 1970s that we primarily use for ice fishing and the second is a newer camper we use for regular camping. I’m actually in the middle of researching how to convert our newest camper into an ice fish house too. What can I say? We love fishing.

While neither camper has all the things I like, they’ve given me the opportunity to figure out what features could potentially make the perfect fishing RV. I’ll break down the features below.

Off-Grid Living

Most RVs these days come with battery and propane hookups. But if you bought an old converted camper like us, you’ll want to know the basic sources of power for off-grid living.

If you love to take luxury on the road, you’ll fall in love with these RVs with king beds for sale near you! No matter where you go, you can get a great night’s sleep that will keep you refreshed and ready for the day ahead of you. Learn more about these four incredible deals near you.

2022 Alliance Paradigm 310RL

This stylish couple’s coach is ideal for snowbirds who love to live in luxury while at the campground. The 2022 Alliance Paradigm 310RL fifth wheel available for order features a king bed in a slide-out with a spacious wardrobe for all your clothing and gear. You’ll love the kitchen design that features an island, a residential refrigerator, and tons of counter space. 

Additional Features:

Kitchen IslandNo CarpetFlush-Floor Kitchen SlidePull-Out Fireplace StorageIndustry’s Largest OvenMultiple USB Ports

You’ve had a great day exploring, the crickets are chirping, and you’re kicking back around the campfire in the evening. It’s time for camping cocktails! But what are your options when you’re parked away from civilization? Limited space in your RV means you’re probably not bringing along an entire home bar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a mixed drink.

With a little planning and preparation ahead of time, you can easily make cocktail bases that save space and time for your camping trip. From slushy margarita mix to fruity sangria, we have three recipes that can be easily made ahead of time and transported to your campsite in a cooler or an RV fridge/freezer. They all have less than four ingredients and only take minutes to assemble. And they all make between 4-8 servings, so they’re perfect for group camping and campsite happy hours.

So whether you’re heading to the woods or parking your rig next to a lake, try mixing up one of these summer camping cocktails for your RV trip. And of course, always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Prep at Home Camping Cocktails

If you’re planning to visit the beautiful Grand Lake, Oklahoma, area, be sure to stop into Cherokee Casino Grove during your stay. This stunning new casino is the new Number One Choice for Grand Lake nightlife. Nestled near Tom Cat Corner and Shangri-La Golf Club Resort & Marina at Monkey Island, Cherokee Casino Grove is the crowned jewel by Grand Lake. The casino is located 8 miles north of Grove on Highway 10, just 1 mile from the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.

When you’ve enjoyed your day on the water and want to have some adult fun to round out your vacation, Cherokee Casino Grove offers everything you need for a great night out. The 39,000-square-foot casino offers more than 490 of the newest electronic games, a full-service bar, a live music venue, a dance floor, complimentary nonalcoholic drinks, and a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night options.

Whether you LOVE GAMING or this will be your First Gaming Experience, we have everything at your fingertips to LIVE YOUR LIFE GRAND.

Guests who walk in our doors have come to expect EXCELLENCE. We opened our doors in January 2017 and offer a clean, new and exciting place to play. Our gaming floor features many of the MOST POPULAR GAMES IN THE INDUSTRY. Some of our fan-favorites include our theme-based options, such as “Walking Dead,” Red Ruby and Harley Davidson’s Cycles.

Take Your Gaming to the Next Level

Whether you’re loading up the RV for a specific hunting location or you’re driving from camp to camp to make the most of the season, choosing what to bring with you can be a challenge. Some of us are notorious over-packers leaving little room for any excess, while the rest are infamous for not packing enough and wishing for items left behind. Regardless of which category you fall into, worry no more! Camping World partners, Zach and Mary, share their RV pro tips for how to pack your RV for a hunting trip.

Tip #1: Use Storage Containers

First things first, it’s all about storage. Start by assessing how much storage space you have available in your RV, and purchase the right storage containers. Whether it’s storing weapons, additional clothing, or camera gear, you really need to have everything stored safely and securely to avoid it knocking around and breaking while in transit. RVs are short on space, but a lot of thought is put into savvy storage capabilities, so it’s wise to look at and utilize the storage options in the best possible way.

Consider where your gear will go in your RV and tow vehicle.

Tip #2: Analyze Your RV’s Floorplan

Some RVs are built to accommodate lots of gear, toys, and tools for your outdoor recreation adventures. With a toy hauler, for example, you always have a garage behind you. Pause and contemplate how to pack the garage so that everything fits and is tied down securely using the tie-downs on the floor. There’s a lot of room, so think about all you can bring along: kayaks, camera gear and cases, coolers, pet crates and toys, and even an ATV. It can feel like an intense game of Tetris, but it can also be fun once you master how to effectively pack and unpack it. One of the benefits that many love about a toy hauler is it gives them closer access to hunting grounds. Simply pull the unit up, unpack and drive out on the ATV to get close to the deer stand. The challenge of getting to the hunting site is eliminated.

A toy hauler RV offers plenty of storage space and a separate space for dirty gear.

Tip #3: Make Sure Cords are Safely Put Away

If possible, use some of the drawers inside the unit to store all the electrical cords. Between locations, it’s not uncommon to drive over a lot of bumpy roads or off roads, so using drawers and cabinets in the kitchen will help keep loose items safe and secure. Ask any RV rookie what lesson they’ve learned the hard way and most will have stories of leaving wine bottles or coffee containers out on the counter. It’s a scenario that always ends in a mess. Try storing those items in drawers with dish towels or mats in between them to prevent movement. Bonus tip: invest in a quality broom and mop.

Try our tips for savvy kitchen organization ideas and notice how cooking becomes easier.

The Los Angeles RV Resort (formerly Acton / North LA KOA) is now open as a Good Sam Park for guests in historical Acton’s beautiful Soledad Canyon. Located just 45 miles from Los Angeles, Action Camp has all you need for the ultimate camping getaway or as a base camp for your SoCal explorations. The fun family-friendly campground offers lots of amenities.

Enjoy the swimming pool, volleyball & basketball courts, convenience store, outdoor café-style area, indoor lounge and more. Perfect as a large group retreat center with wide open fields for family reunions, school groups, clubs and nonprofits. There are full hookup RV sites but if you don’t have an RV, reserve our Woody tents, cabins or teepees or maybe a deluxe tent site with power. Camp with a touch of glamour… Glamping! This lovely canyon area has limited cellular signal but there is Wi-Fi available for those times you do need to stay connected. There are plans to add educational programs and more, so checkout our website often for activities.

Local area attractions include Universal Studios, Hollywood, Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Dodgers Stadium, museums and more! Enjoy day trips to Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice Beach. AND it’s a must-stop base camp for hikers on the Pacific Coast Trail. Stay for a night, a week, a month or more!

Book your travel today at LARVResort.com or call (661) 268-1214

The post Los Angeles RV Resort is now Open appeared first on Good Sam Camping Blog.

RVing makes it so easy to try on different lifestyles. When I feel like being a surf bum, I just head to cute small beach towns with RV resorts and campgrounds. Great destinations like Jacksonville, North Carolina, Rockport-Fulton, Texas and California’s seaside San Luis Obispo County make it easy to reap the rewards of oceanfront real estate—at a fraction of the cost! Playing in the sun and sand with my home on wheels in tow allows me to enjoy waterfront real estate on my terms.

First stop, Jacksonville, North Carolina

There are 23 U.S. cities named Jacksonville, but only Jacksonville, North Carolina, has plenty of sun and sand for RVers. Located in the state’s Crystal Coast region and nestled along the New River, this fun beach town is currently ranked as one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing small cities. It’s adjacent to Camp Lejeune, the East Coast’s largest Marine Corps base, giving it youthful energy that welcomes visitors into this vibrant community with so much to do.

Life begins on the Jacksonville Landing

Every day, you’ll find anglers, kayakers, boaters, and bird watchers gathering at fishing piers and boat launches to enjoy the day on calm, clear water. Back on land, Jacksonville’s 19 miles of multi-use paths and greenways meander through fun and interesting places like the old train depot at Riverwalk Crossing Park, or Lejeune Memorial Gardens, the second largest Vietnam Memorial in the United States.

A year ago, Karen and her husband Sylvester decided they wanted to RV full time. And they didn’t waste any time after that. In fact, within a week, they had sold their home, bought a Class C RV, and were off — travelling across the country with their seven-year-old-son, Aiden. Speaking about the situation, Karen explained, “It happened very quickly.”

Today, The Apkans partner with Camping World to share their full time camping lifestyle with others, and spread the word on why RV life is so awesome.

Despite their busy schedule, crisscrossing the United States, homeschooling their son, Aiden, and Karen keeping up her blog The Mom Trotter, the couple managed to find the time to sit down with Camping World and talk about their RV lifestyle at the 2020 Ultimate RV Show. They discuss how and why they decided to pull up their roots and what 2020 has been like for them. Watch their interview below.

A Field Trip Every Day
Making the jump to full-time RVing is unique to each person. For Karen and Sylvester, it was full of its challenges. But, it also came naturally to them given their experience travelling.

Prior to RVing full-time, the family was travelling internationally on a monthly basis. Homeschooling was another area where the family came prepared.

“We’ve always homeschooled since day one so this wasn’t any different for us,” Karen adds. The family now weaves homeschooling into their travels. Studying topics and historical events then visiting those regions to see them in person where their son will deliver a report on what he’s learned.

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Have you ever wanted to live that “out-of-the-office,” lifestyle permanently? Tired of the same view from the office? Let’s be honest, we’ve all thought about it once or twice… or a dozen times. The good news is it’s much easier and more attainable to take work on the road ever been before.

Thanks to RVs, and the constantly growing community falling in love with them, unchaining yourself from your 9-5 schedule is growing in popularity and accessibility. You’d be surprised at how many employers don’t mind where you work from. Whatsmore, some jobs are even more successful with a changing backdrop.

Draft up your two weeks and take a look at these 10 awesome true-life full-time RVer jobs. The office view just got a lot more interesting.

1. Elopement Wedding Photographer

Documenting the most important day in a couple’s relationship is an adventure all on its own, but doing so from the most beautiful locations in the country is a thrill you’ll never stop chasing. It’s also an honor you’ll never forget since your job is to literally capture these epic moments on film. Meet and get to know all kinds of people as you share a significant role on their special day as an adventure elopement photographer.

Education Required: None. A course in photography is helpful, but many photographers are self-taught.

Fall is one of the best times of year to go camping, arguably the best of all, and we have just the spot for you to enjoy the season in all its glory. The Texas Hill Country, located in the heart of the state, is the absolute perfect location for fall camping. Bring the whole family during fall break from school or homeschool from the road, either way, there’s simply no arguing that the later months of the year are the most visually pleasing months to drive off the grid. It’s what RV enthusiasts everywhere crave. It’s why we do what we do.

Whether you’re looking for a picture-perfect opportunity at Distillers Hall in Dripping Springs (above), a quick weekend getaway, a reprieve from the 9-to-5 grind, or are simply ambling about in search of perfect weather, the Texas Hill Country has you covered.

Weather in the Texas Hill Country

Autumn weather combines warm and sunny daytime temps, with chilly evenings cool enough to enjoy with friends and family by the fire. In fact, well into October, you’ll find most days in the mid-’70s and temperatures that rarely dip below 50-degrees at night. It’s the ideal temperature for exploring the landscape during the day and making memories with fun and games back at the campsite at night.

This specific part of the state is known, famous even, for its charming towns. They’re set against the stunning landscape of rolling hills and limestone cliffs carved by tributaries of the Guadalupe and Colorado rivers. It’s the definition of picture-perfect. The region also boasts a diverse blend of cypress, maple, oak, sumac, and sycamore trees providing spectacular fall foliage that is sure to rival every autumn destination across the country. What you might not know about Texas Hill Country is that it’s an unsung wine region. You’ll find most of the state’s vineyards and distilleries (over 50) clustered in this picturesque area. See them all in your RV by following the Texas Wine Trail.

The coast of Maine shows off New England’s rugged side, and Acadia National Park is the place where mountains spectacularly tower over the Atlantic Coast. The entry point is the town of Bar Harbor, which has been a resort destination for almost 200 years. Here, painters and writers came as far back as the 1850s to soak up the ambiance of sea and sky surrounded by craggy coastline. “Rusticators” was the term to describe summer visitors and residents who built quaint cottages that grew into elegant mansions.

A Crown Jewel

Acadia National Park is the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” With more than 48,000 acres and close to 3 million visitors each year, this is one of the top 10 most visited parks in the country. Cadillac Mountain at 1,527 feet above sea level, is one of the highest points on the East Coast, with spectacular views of the sunset over Bar Harbor and Frenchman’s Bay. Anglers can cast for 30 types of fish including lake trout, land-locked salmon and white perch in nearly 30 lakes. Set out on 120 miles of trails in the park, including the walkway through Jordan Pond.

Desert Island

Explore the barren beauty of Mount Desert Island, where much of Acadia is located, along Ocean Trail with massive spruce trees perched upon two granite cliffs and Sand Beach wedged between. The craggy pink face of Otter Cliff belies beautiful views of the coastline, and the heart-jolting roar of Thunder Hole are just a few of the natural gems tucked along Park Loop Road.

Where will the road take you this year? We’ll show you five incredible RVs with lofts on sale today that will help you and your family get all the space you need at the campground. If you are looking for an RV that is capable of providing a comfortable space for your entire crew, don’t miss these RVs with lofts review.

2022 Alliance Valor 41V15

Get sleeping for up to nine inside the Alliance Valor 41V15 toy hauler fifth wheel. This beautiful RV features a 15′ separate garage with tie-downs and dual refueling stations to keep your toys loaded and ready for your next adventure. The loft provides a convenient sleeping space or additional room for storage off the living room and garage.

Additional Features:

15′ Separate GarageDual 30 Gallon Fuel TanksLoftFull and Half BathDual EntryMasters of 12 Volt Package