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.

Now’s the time or order your 2022 RVs from a dealer near you. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best upcoming floorplans that are on order today. You’ll get a glimpse at travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes that will help your family find adventure wherever you go.

2022 Grand Design Imagine 2400BH Travel Trailer

Get the space your family needs to enjoy a weekend or extended stay at the campground with the 2022 Grand Design Imagine 2400BH travel trailers.  These floorplans feature double-sized bunk beds to give everyone a comfortable place to rest at the end of the day.  You’ll love the shoe storage near the door that makes it easier than ever to keep your floors clean during your stay.

Additional Features:

Double-Size BunksBike StorageWardrobe/PantryShoe StorageOutside KitchenSolar Power Inlet

2022 Jayco Eagle 332CBOK Travel Trailer

Get a lightweight RV in the 2022 Jayco Eagle 332CBOK travel trailer, which is an ideal couple’s coach for anyone who loves to travel with ease.  This trailer is excellent for entertaining guests at the campground, thanks to the bar with stools and the theater seating in the living room.  The entertainment center features a 50″ HDTV so that you can catch the big game with your crew.

If you’re planning to visit a national park on your summer RV trip, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans flock to our national parks during family summer vacation. However, you don’t have to let the crowds put a damper on your fun. Follow these tips for enjoying the national parks during the busiest time of year.

Before we begin, don’t forget to plan ahead for bringing your pets to National Parks. And, make sure your rig is an allowed size for national park campgrounds, as they do not often accommodate big rigs.

Go Early or Stay Late

Image by Keith Luke from Unsplash

Many of the busy parks limit the number of visitors that can enter on any given day. By getting up a little earlier than usual, your family can be first in line.

This will be easy to do if you take a few minutes to prepare for your trip a day in advance by packing a lunch, a blanket, and some games. Then get a good night’s sleep so you can an early start to your day. Once you arrive at the park, you can go ahead and visit the most popular sight or two on your list right away before the rest of the crowds arrive.

As the park begins to fill up, you can find a shady spot to put out your blanket and have a relaxing picnic lunch. Stick around a little longer playing cards or other games so that later when everyone else is hot and tired, you’ll still have plenty of energy for more activities.

There’s so much to love about traveling and vacations, but meals and food prep isn’t usually one of them. It can definitely get tiresome eating out every day for an extended period of time, or having meals that only consist of shelf-stable packaged foods. That’s why we love traveling by RV. Having a kitchen in our RV means that we can create our own meals!

But it can also get complicated to prepare meals for a lot of people in a small space. And with a family of seven, we’re always cooking for a crowd! Whether you’re preparing food for just your family, or whether you’re RVing with friends or relatives, here are some tips on how to cook for large groups in an RV kitchen!

Get Organized

An organized kitchen is the key to efficient meal making in an RV.

The number one most important thing for us to be able to use our RV kitchen in a functional way is to organize our food and supplies! It can be maddening to try to cook and to either not know where to find the things we need, or to know where they are but not be able to quickly and easily access them.

In our particular RV, we have a sink and cabinet area that has our most frequently used food storage. The cabinet right under the sink has some basic cleaning supplies, and the one right next to it has our dishes and shelf-stable breakfast foods. That way, if our kids wake up early, they can easily and quietly get themselves breakfast. The drawers under the sink hold utensils, spatulas, ladles, and other kitchen supplies, while the cabinets above the sink hold more lightweight items like bread and crackers.

Store high-use items within easy reach.

We also have a fridge, which is wonderful! It’s not as big as our fridge at home, so we try not to overpack it but it’s great to keep perishables like yogurt, milk, cheese, berries, and fresh veggies. The cabinet underneath holds heavy grocery items like canned beans.

Towing can be one of the most stressful things about RVing. Even for veteran RVers and professional truckers, towing isn’t something to be taken lightly.

Whether you tow a vehicle with your motorhome, or an RV with a tow vehicle, you need to know the hitch and tow fundamentals to travel safely. Choosing an RV setup that works best for you is the first step. There are so many configuration setups to fit an RV lifestyle. As a rule, it’s best to practice with your setup to really get a feel for how it tows.

Consider these things when selecting your RV setup:

What type of towing are you most comfortable with for your ability level?What is the overall traveling length of your RV, tow vehicle, and hitch you can manage?What vehicle capabilities do you already have (truck, SUV, motorhome, toad)?What type of terrain will you encounter on your road trips?What destinations are you dreaming of visiting in your RV?What are your general transportation preferences at any given destination?What are your RV ownership maintenance preferences—money-saving DIY, versus time-saving outsourced to trained RV maintenance professionals?

Your choice here is key because your RV and tow vehicle must be compatible. This is where RV hitch types join the conversation.

Hitch Types for RVs

With motorhomes you’ll use a tow bar or a tow dolly to pull a towed vehicle. You can also use your motorhome to pull a boat trailer or haul toys, like ATVs.