Pancakes are a camping breakfast staple. They’re easy to make, they last for a few days in the fridge (if you even have any leftover), and are incredibly customizable. And while basic pancake mix is a great standby, sometimes you need to mix it up a bit. And a great way to do that is by swapping out the water or milk for beer! The carbonation in the beer makes pancakes light and fluffy, and the flavor add a little extra zing to the taste.

These beer pancakes the perfect breakfast meal to eat on their own smothered in syrup, or as a side to bacon and eggs. And like all pancakes, they’re very easy to make. Simply mix together the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients and the beer, mix everything together, and cook the batter in a pan or on a griddle.

Tips on Ingredients

Since this pancake recipe can be adjusted to fit your tastes, we’ve listed a few optional ingredient suggestions below.

Visiting several new national parks is one of the best excuses to get on the road this summer. Unfortunately, you probably aren’t the only one with that idea, which means campgrounds can book up well in advance. Still, there are some tips and tricks you should know if you are learning how to plan a national parks road trip.

Whether it is for this summer or sometime in the future, this guide will help you plan your trip to explore some of America’s most beautiful natural landscapes!

Get A Full National Parks Overview

When I began planning my recent national parks road trip, I started by pulling up a map of all the national parks in the U.S. This gave me a solid idea of which parks might be within range and I used the map to make a list of parks that I could hit on my ideal road trip route.

Set Your Timeline

Our road trips are typically going to be constrained by some sort of responsibilities that we must either complete before we leave or that require our attention shortly after we return (or both!). So it’s helpful to understand just how long you can be away.

Home of the Manatee

Crystal River and Florida’s Citrus County, located on the Gulf of Mexico, are an easy drive from Orlando and Tampa yet a world away from Florida’s busy theme parks and beaches. This is Florida in its natural state and nothing quite defines the natural wonders of Florida like the manatee. Crystal River and Homosassa are among the only places in the world where you can swim with manatees in their natural habitat.

More manatees gather in the waters of Crystal River and nearby Homosassa than anywhere else in Florida, giving it the name The Manatee Capital of the World. As many as 1,000 manatees — one-sixth of Florida’s manatee population–shelter in the 73°F (23°C) clear springs here each winter.

Swim with Manatee Tours and “Dry” tours—tours where you don’t get in the water–get you close to these amazing mammals on water while Three Sisters Springs Refuge and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park provide an amazing up-close view from land.

Diving for Scallops

In summer, the delectable Florida bay scallop draws hungry visitors to the Big Bend region of Florida to dive for scallops living in shallow water seagrass beds just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

Summer is here! For many, this season comes with longer days for fun, and shorter patience for heat. However, one way to get the most out of both the light and the heat is with solar panels. Summer is the perfect opportunity to employ those solar panels of yours for the biggest payoff. Below are five tips to get the most out of your solar panels this summer and every summer going forward. So wipe the sweat off your brow and soak in the silver lining of the season.

Timing is everything!

Time your energy use for peak sun hours.

Obviously, your solar panels will be receiving the bulk of their charge when the sun is shining directly onto them. What may not be as obvious is to do your energy intensive activities during this same time. Run the laundry, a full cycle of washing, during the mid-day range of daylight hours to essentially use free electricity to do so. Plug in all phones, computers, and tablets for a full charge while the sun is shining on your panels. Timing these activities while your solar panels are getting the most light will not only keep you from procrastinating and saving these chores for later, but will take advantage of having the sun do them for you without tapping your battery store.

Switch standby mode to stand down instead.

When you’re not using your TV, unplug it to conserve utmost power.

The majority of electrical devices such as kitchen appliances, game consoles, and that beloved flat screen TV, tend to use and consume electricity even when they’re not in use. Entering a standby mode keeps them from using full energy, while still using just enough in case you decide to flip them on. Keep them from sapping energy entirely by unplugging them. Summer is the perfect time to be outside anyway, so why waste the one thing your solar panels are working so hard to provide? Plug in your devices and appliances only when you know you’re going to be using them and bank the energy your panels are collecting for when you really need it.

Upgrade all your lightbulbs.

On older RV’s, swap incandescent bulbs for LED ones. Image by EllenM from Getty

Upgrading to energy efficient lighting is quite literally the brightest tip on this list. Opt for LED lighting instead of incandescent lightbulbs. The swap will transform your electricity bill and the way you look at all lighting from this point forward. Solar power is such an amazing renewable-based source but gets completely wasted with those old lightbulbs since they essentially burn a lot of their energy as heat. LEDs use the energy for light and nothing else. Their efficiency saves you dollars, and saves you from wasting needless solar energy. Who likes waste? Consider this one of those proverbial (and literal) lightbulb moments.

Make sure your solar panels are clean.

Wash your solar panels so they’re clean and soak up the most solar energy.

Everything functions and performs better when it’s fresh and clean. Solar panels are no exception. Since they are exposed to the elements, getting dirty is inevitable. Dirt, debris, pollen, mold, and the always fun bird droppings are commonly found covering up parts of your solar panel and blocking the rays. Combat this with regular cleanings twice a year minimum or at the beginning of every season. If it’s not a job you’re comfortable with, hire a professional to do it for you. Have them inspect each panel for damage and repairs while they’re up there on your RV roof. Then rest assured knowing your panels are performing to the best of their ability. Once clean, make sure your RV is parked in a location where your solar panels are able to reach full capacity by absorbing the most light possible in a day’s time.

The second half of the 19th century marked a huge influx of people moving West. With dreams of getting rich, miners and investors alike flocked to the Western states  to seek their fortunes while towns and mining settlements popped up overnight. When the mines dried up, the towns were abandoned and faded into obscurity. Throughout the West, you’ll find the remnants of these “Boom and Bust” towns scattered around the countryside, some found right off the road while others may require a hike or bumpy ride into the mountains. Though the towns might be long abandoned, their rich history continues to tell a tale.

Sprucemont, Nevada

Situated in Northeastern Nevada, the Spruce Mountain Complex, was a mining district that flourished during the last half of the 19th century. Within the complex, you’ll find the mining camp of Sprucemont, perhaps the best-preserved ghost town in Elko County, with numerous buildings, ore chutes, and mines dating back over 150 years ago. The scenic drive to Sprucemont starts about 40 miles south of Wells as the road winds its way up the mountain, offering fantastic views of the Humboldt Range, Ruby Mountain Wilderness, and the Clover Valley below.

Dating back to 1869, when lead-silver ore was discovered at the Latham mine, prospectors began flocking to the area with dreams of striking big. Within a few months, around one hundred miners were working claims on the western and eastern slopes of Spruce Mountain and several new mines were erected. A year later, the different mining districts were consolidated into one district called the Spruce Mountain Complex. In 1930, low lead prices caused many of these mining companies to fold, and several mines stopped production. Though 1945 was the biggest yielding year for Spruce Mountain, all serious mining ended by 1952 and the land was taken over by the BLM.

When you visit today, the gravel road to the first town of Sprucemont is in excellent condition and provides several great boondocking opportunities along the way. Further up the rough road, high clearance vehicles or ATVs are needed to get to Monarch Mine, or you can choose to hike.

My husband and I love to cook. And, we love to cook for our dogs.  We also enjoy keeping healthy, active and naturally nourished on the road while living full-time in our RV. We wouldn’t have it any other way, but, one thing I miss about stationary living is gardening! I used to love planting all kinds of organic herbs for us and our dogs. Not only do they add a freshness and pop to any meal, herbs are also highly nutritious for you. I know that what we grow ourselves will taste better than what is on any supermarket shelf!

So when we recently moved into our fifth-wheel, I knew that one of the first things I was going to do was endeavor to grow fresh herbs. I was feeling very inspired in my new kitchen to cook more creatively and to try new recipes. One of my favorite parts about our fifth-wheel is the abundance of windows and sunlight. But with a smaller space, I wondered if it was really possible to have a thriving and functioning herb garden in an RV. Where would be put it? How would we ensure that when we moved our RV that it would not be damaged and secure? 

What Do Herbs Need To Grow?

If herbs have drainable potting soil, temperate weather, and sunlight, then they will thrive for you. That’s regardless of if you keep the plants on your windowsill or in an outdoor garden. Since we became full-time travelers, schedules are important and it is no different when taking care of your herb garden.  Generally, plan to water your herbs about 2-3 times a week and stick to a schedule so that you remember when you watered them. You don’t want to water too often and have the water runs through the soil and sits. But you don’t want them to dry out completely. Know the moisture level in your home and watch your herbs. Adjust accordingly to the herbs that you choose!

Herbs are healthy additions to fresh cooking in an RV.

What Do I Do With My Herb Garden When We Move Our RV?

Travel days are extra important for your herb garden. Make sure that it cannot move and that it is protected. We all know how bumpy roads can get. It’s no fun cleaning up dirt in your RV as you are trying to set up camp as well. We like to wrap our herb garden in cushioned pillows and towels. We make sure that it cannot tip over and that it won’t be in the way of any slide-outs.

What Herbs Should I Grow?

Choosing what herbs to plant is just the start of the fun! Rosemary, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley, basil, and oregano are among the easiest herbs to grow year-round in your RV herb garden. Avoid herbs that can grow too large to keep in small containers. Some of the preferred smaller options are basil, chives, thyme, oregano and rosemary.  Don’t limit yourself to herbs you are familiar with. Research and try new flavors. I like to be inspired by the many places we travel to. I often research local favorite recipes, learn about the history, and make my own version. As a dog mom, I cook both a person and a dog friendly version as well. 

The RV boom is continuing as never before. With record sales and so many new people entering the RV lifestyle, it might seem like snagging a campsite reservation is a cut-throat competition.

But it isn’t.

We have 5 tips to help you snag a spot for camping this summer–peak RVing season. But first, a reality check.

Just like it’s a seller’s market in the RV industry, it’s a renter‘s market in the campground industry, and that holds true whether that recreational vehicle campground is a county, state or national park or any of the thousands of private RV parks across North America.

It makes no difference what kind of RV you have – a motorhome, towable, 5th wheel, or pop-up.

4th of July is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your camping recipes for your celebration!  Check out these easy camping recipes for 4th of July that will help you entertain your family and friends this holiday.  If you’re looking for an RV that can help you sleep your entire crew comfortably, shop the RVs that sleep nine or more for sale near you.

Breakfast

Start your day at the campground off with a bang with these fun, decadent pancakes.

INGREDIENTS

2 cup pancake mix1 1/3 cups water2/3 cup chopped nuts1/4 tsp of cinnamonbutter2 banana, slicedSyrupPeanut butter, optionalWhipped cream, optional

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mix the pancake mix with the water, cinnamon, and a 1/4 cup of chopped nuts.Heat a tsp of butter in a skillet over your fire and add a large spoonful of batter to the center.Cook until the batter bubbles, flip, and cook until browned.Serve with butter, syrup, nuts & banana. You can top with peanut butter, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or more berries!

Lunch

Everyone will love this refreshing lunch!

INGREDIENTS

1 12.5 oz. can chicken2 Tbsp. mayonnaise2  Tbsp  minced onion6-8 grapes, quartered1 celery stalk, thinly sliced1/4 cup chopped nuts – walnut, pecans, or almonds

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and chill.  Serve in a wrap, on toasted bread as a sandwich, or on crackers for a lovely snack.

Dinner

Recipe adapted for camping from a recipe on www.thewholesomedish.com

Ready to get back on the highway for summer? Good Sam has added 35 new parks to its network for RVers eager to jump into the camping life. Good Sam members can save big with the 10 percent discount, and while you’re exploring, discover all of the RV parks in the Good Sam Network.

If you’re not a member, joining is simple: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Park, or sign up online. Check each park’s link to determine seasonal availability and to make reservations.

Alabama

Sleepy Holler Campground, Jasper

This friendly park sits about 30 miles from Birmingham and 60 miles from Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Seventy-five full-hookup sites, many with 50-amp power, ensure comfort.

Arizona

CT RV Resort, Benson

Camp within striking distance of Kartchner Caverns, Tucson, Bisbee and Cochise Stronghold. Enjoy the pool, rec hall and self-service RV wash.

Antelope Point Marina RV Park, Page

It’s finally here! That time of year when the days get longer and the warm weather begs for us to be outside. Months spent cooped up at home have gotten us itchy to get outdoors and get moving, be that throwing a frisbee at our local park or RVing through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

At every opportunity, we at Camping World encourage you to enjoy the national parks responsibly and to support the NPF. So how can you show your support? This year, it can be as easy as posting about your love of the parks on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Let’s discuss how you can get involved and make a difference.

How to Support the National Park Foundation

The Winnebago Ekko makes a great basecamp for boon docking overnight in the national parks.

2020 had us all dreaming about getting “On The Road Again,” as Winnebago helped us all say. Their award-winning campaign provided the perfect opportunity for the outdoor-loving community to come together around the digital campfire. But more than just a moment of commonality, the initiative has served a greater purpose as a partner of NPF, and their work isn’t done yet. Here’s where you can play a part.

By participating in the #SupportYourParks campaign, you can not only support the NPF, but you have the chance to win great Winnebago prizes.

As a partner of NPF, Winnebago is offering up America the Beautiful annual passes to the national parks. The grand prize winner of the giveaway will also win an experience in a Winnebago Class A motorhome. To enter to win these prizes, simply follow Winnebago on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, like the #supportyourparks post, and tag a friend. That’s it! You’re automatically entered to win.

During our search for the perfect camper van, we discovered many Class B RV manufacturers in the United States and Canada. Some of these companies make ... Read more

Welcome Savannah, and thank you for sharing your story with Camping World.

Q. Savannah, you’re a full-time photographer that travels in a van—Can you describe your travel style in five words or less!

A. Boondocking

Q. A few lightning questions:
Favorite snack, meal, or beverage to have on hand in the RV.

A. Tea, cheese and crackers, and popcorn!

Let’s face it, there’s really no such thing as “maintenance-free.” Everything needs a little routine care in order to work and perform at its peak, and that includes your motorhome, trailer, or fifth wheel RV.

RVs provide the ultimate escape while bringing along the conveniences of home. Some of us are escaping the big city, a stressful work week, weather, or even the seemingly never-ending parade of home improvement projects.

When tourism and hospitality services came to a screeching halt, RVs provided the safest way to escape quarantine confines. Unsurprisingly, consumer demand for RVs continues to grow even after lifting quarantine restrictions. That’s great news for RV owners interested in making extra income renting their RV.

Managing RV Total Ownership Cost

Before your RV delivers you to a coastal breeze or cozy mountain town, you have to show it a little bit of love. The purpose of maintenance is to maximize value from your investment. Properly maintaining your RV is the most important thing you can do to keep it running and help retain its value.

Maintenance is like that part of the iceberg below the waterline. What lies beneath are not unseen costs lurking to surprise you, but rather unaccounted total ownership costs. Whenever anything is unaccounted for, it feels like it adds up quickly. RV owners experience this hit to the wallet wondering why they have less leftover than expected—whether it’s food, fuel, or travel money. Easily sidestep this pothole by learning exactly what is needed to support your RV’s maintenance plan and personalized usage needs.

One of our favorites Ventura Beach camping spots is Rincon Parkway on Old Pacific Coast Highway. This campground offers beachfront RV camping in Ventura, California ... Read more

Affectionately known simply as “The Rockies,” this wild, rugged mountain range defines and divides the continental US. Stretching more than 3,000 miles, from Canada down to New Mexico, the Rockies serve as the gatekeepers to the West. Today, the mountain range defines the wild landscapes of states like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and more. While the eastern Appalachian mountain range has soft curves and rounded peaks, eroded over millennia by wind and rain; The Rockies are characterized by sharp, dramatic peaks and valleys, carved by glaciers and dramatic tectonic shifts.

Spanning several states, the Rocky Mountains are no quick trip. To see, experience, and fall in love with the mountains, you’ll want to get up close and personal–in an RV. Imagine falling asleep to the howl of a herd of coyotes, or waking up to a field of grazing elk outside your doorstep. In an RV, you’re connected to the land–seeing the sun warm up the mountainsides in the morning, and watching it sink behind the ridgeline as you keep warm by an open fire at night.

Get ready to harness your inner Lewis and Clark. The Rockies are truly “the Wild West,” and you’ll need a fully stocked RV and a penchant for adventure to see it all.

Weather in the Rocky Mountains

Elevation is everything when it comes to exploring this mountain range. No matter the time of year, pack layers for a trip to the Rockies. The summer months are the best time to enjoy the mountains as the weather is fair and predictable. Still, some regions of the mountain range are open year-round. A 4WD vehicle won’t go to waste scaling the grades of the mountains. Remember to plan and prep accordingly for an RV trip in the mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking the Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado, USA.

Start at the namesake Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado to introduce yourself to the mountain range, its history, and the story of this national treasure. A scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road will introduce you to the alpine tundras and forests that characterize the Rockies. Hiking, night sky photography, and backcountry camping are popular here, pushing visitors to unplug and sink into solitude.

At 6,684 feet, the highest point in the eastern US is Mount Mitchell, in North Carolina. Idaho, where I live, has several peaks over 12,000 feet. They’re beasts.

Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, where I grew up, reach heights of 13,000 feet. They’re mega-beasts.

And when I spend time in Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks for work, I breathe fairly well but my nose tends to bleed. Those peaks are beyond beasts. They’re pushing more than 14,000 feet above sea level.

I share these stats to illustrate why mountains in the East are considered hills in the West. When you go West, you go up. The higher you go, the more you need to plan and prepare — and the more time you need to take it all in. Views above treeline are unmatched; alpine lakes seem almost ethereal. The national parks and forests, the craggy peaks and deep valleys; they all demand your time and attention.

And to have that luxury, you’ll want a home on wheels. You’ll want an RV. Yes, you need to be mindful when camping at elevation, but it’s always worth the extra effort. Here are nine tips for RVing successfully and safely in the mountains.

Torn between camping in the woods and crashing into some waves this season? Spend your summer doing both, and have the best of both worlds!

Want to go hiking and wakeboarding on the same trip? We’ve got you covered. Traverse the American landscape this summer and visit cragged mountain terrains, beautiful seascapes, and lush forests by the lakeshore. Here we list 8 outdoor activities to do when you combine camping and watersports: The perfect summer combo is right at your fingertips.

Camping

After a long and hard year, it’s finally summer. Ease into the backcountry and embrace the wilderness through these outdoor activities.

Hiking

Camping is not complete without this classic outdoor activity. Explore the wilderness while setting your own pace, taking in your surroundings, and enjoying the tranquility of the woods.

After a fun-filled RVing experience, you’ll want to thoroughly clean and disinfect your RV. Why? Prompt RV cleaning extends its life, helps retain its resale value, and keeps your RV in tip-top shape for more memorable adventures. Plus, post-trip RV cleaning lets you see any damage more easily to catch potential maintenance issues before they become costly problems.

The sooner you clean your RV after a road trip, the better. Here’s how to do it.

RV Detailing

Detailing the interior and exterior of your RV is worth the effort. Save time by outsourcing this to professionals. Or, save money detailing it yourself.

Clean the RV inside and out after each trip.

What Do I Use to Clean My RV?

Around the campground and online, you’ll find many well-meaning opinions to this question. The answer is always:

“Use the manufacturer recommended cleaning products and guidelines to clean your RV.”

As travelers with pets, my husband and I have an extra responsibility onboard. We also have an extra element of fun, adventure, and excitement when we take our fur-kids with us on the road! It’s our job to make sure our pets have as much fun traveling as we do. And the most important component to a good time for all is feeling welcome and comfortable at the campground we choose. 

When we first began our travels almost five years ago in our RV, we took for granted that we would be welcomed with open paws at any campground. We found out quickly that every campground will have its own pet rules and guidelines. Some have breed restrictions. Others weight restrictions and limits on the number of pets we camp with, and a few have restrictions on all of the above. Doing your research ahead of time, and asking questions upfront, will ensure that you are not disappointed when you arrive. More importantly, this extra step ensures your pet is not disappointed! There is a perfect campground for a family with pets–and you can find it!

We have traveled to all of the 48 contiguous states with our dogs Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake. We have cut some campground stays short due to disappointment, but we’ve also extended our stays at some of the most pet friendly campgrounds around! Just like every person is different, every pet is different. Take into consideration your pet’s age, health and activity levels. There is a campground that is incredible for you and its waiting for your reservation!

Hanna Park

Mayport, Florida

Hanna Park is a county owned park near Jacksonville, Florida. If your dog is a beach lover, this campground is “pawfection”! Park your RV and set up camp in the wooded and shaded campground and then walk to the dog friendly beach at night. The staff is welcoming to pets and their people. I know this firsthand as we’ve visited this park for long periods at a time. We just couldn’t leave! Brickle loves the beach and Digby loves the wooded trails. This may be our perfect campground, but try and keep the secret!

Return to the road in a big way. Embark on an ecotourism adventure to see nature in its most raw form, from sprawling wetlands to towering trees. The following wild spots will make you forget about the past year’s Zoom calls, lockdowns and mask mandates.

Eco-tours are available in the locations below, giving visitors a chance to learn about spectacular flora and fauna that have to be seen to be believed.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest mountain, Denali, which stands 20,310 feet above sea level. But you don’t have to climb the peak to get an appreciation for the six-million-acre park. Denali harbors some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, caribou, wolves and moose. Even though roads are limited in the park, tourists are bound to see some of these creatures roaming the rugged terrain. Visitors can see animals from a bus tour or take the designated bike trail between the Nenana River and Denali Visitor Center. Observe park warnings about wildlife near bike trails.

Stay: Cantwell RV Park, located a half-hour south of the entrance to Denali National Park, is close to berry picking, hiking, fishing and water excursions.