South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world.

Located at the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, the park sits on a floodplain that covers more than 26,000 acres. Following heavy rains, it is not uncommon for more than 90% of the park to be submerged under water, making it a popular destination for kayakers. But raised wooden pathways grant access even during a flood, providing a unique experience for visitors looking to wander under the massive trees.

Best of all, Congaree is amongst the least visited national parks in the US, providing plenty of solitude for travelers who make their way to this unique setting. If that sounds like the kind of place you would like to visit, here are some tips to make the most of your time in the park.

Why Visit Congaree National Park in an RV?

As with any national park, an RV makes for a great basecamp for your outdoor adventures. That holds true for Congaree as well, although there are a few limitations that RVers should be aware of when planning their trip. Most notably, there are no RV campsites inside the park itself, and sleeping in a vehicle is prohibited. There is also limited parking for larger vehicles at the visitor center, making things challenging on busier days. If you plan on driving your RV to the park, get there early to claim a spot.

That said, there are plenty of campgrounds outside the park that can accommodate any type of RV. Several of those locations are near Congaree, making them great places to set up shop during your stay. And since the National Park Service doesn’t charge an entry fee, you’ll be able to come and go as you please.

Mather Campground is one of three South Rim Grand Canyon RV camping options located within the national park boundaries and offers prime camping year round. ... Read more

Talking about toilets isn’t the most glamorous thing in the world, but it sure is practical. It’s also essential to an enjoyable and stench-free RV living experience. As a new or experienced RVer, you must know how to operate and maintain your RV toilet.

While most campers contain holding tanks that are emptied using a sewer hose extension, there’s another type of RV toilet–a cassette toilet–that’s popular for smaller coaches and off-grid camping. Today, you’ll learn whether an RV with a cassette toilet or a portable toilet could be right for you.

What Is an RV Cassette Toilet?

The cassette toilet is really pretty simple. It’s a permanent toilet in your RV with a portable black water tank underneath. They are primarily found in camper vans and Class B motorhomes. 

Most campers include a large built-in black water tank to hold waste. When that tank fills up, you connect a sewer hose to an outlet in your RV’s underbelly and extend the other end to an inlet at a campground or dump station. If you have a regular RV septic system, you’ll need to know more about how to empty your RV holding tanks.

How Does a Cassette Toilet Work?

A cassette toilet functions in much the same manner as a traditional RV toilet. Unlike a portable toilet like the Thetford Porta Potti, cassette toilets are permanently secured in your RV bathroom.

Spring Break. Those two words conjure up images of travelers waking up from winter hibernation and hitting the road for fun in warm weather. Some places get crowded very fast, but savvy travelers can avoid the chaos and take a spring break at their own pace in these spots. Discover family-friendly getaways or peaceful spots for couples.

Northern Arizona

Early spring is an ideal time to explore northern Arizona. The peak crowds haven’t yet descended on local attractions and the temperature is cool and crisp — perfect for outings in places like the Grand Canyon and towns like Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Hiking

Don’t settle for sweeping views of the canyon from the lofty observation point on the South Rim. Take a hike deep into the canyon and see the 277-mile-long marvel from a different perspective. Hit the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ah Point, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail, which leads hikers past beautiful wildflowers and leads to some stunning views (as the name implies). Prefer to let someone else do the walking? South Rim Mule trips are offered year-round, but make reservations early: spots fill up quickly.

While there’s a lot to love about the RV lifestyle, full-timers know to expect the unexpected when they hit the road, which is why many opt for a service like Good Sam Roadside Assistance. But if you’re boondocking in the middle of nowhere when an emergency happens, you’ll need these 21 emergency preparedness essentials for RV owners to get yourself out of trouble.

Here are some basics to help you deal with RV emergencies:

21 Emergency Preparedness Essentials for RV Owners

1. Flares and Warning Triangles

Whether you’re dealing with a tire blowout or any other mechanical issue, we recommend putting out flares (at night) or warning triangles (during the day)  when you’re going to be sitting on the side of the road for an extended length of time. It’s the best way to signal your presence to other traffic, so they move over and give you plenty of room to work on your RV. 

Shop flares and warning triangles.

2. 101-Piece Tool Kit

Knowing how to operate and maintain an RV toilet might sound like common sense, but it’s a little different than the modus operandi for your household toilet. And if you neglect it, you open yourself up to the possibility of RV bathroom issues that require not-so-rosy solutions. 

Most of these issues can be avoided by operating your RV toilet correctly and knowing what can and can’t be flushed. Regular toilet maintenance will also keep your black water system working as it should and minimize the likelihood of more expensive repairs down the road. 

How to Operate an RV Toilet

If you’ve never used a motorhome toilet, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the Controls

The toilet in your RV won’t flush unless your water system is under pressure. When boondocking, this means your water pump is turned on and your fresh water tank is filled. Or, you might be connected to city water at a campsite or in a driveway. Just make sure you protect your plumbing with a water pressure regulator when connecting to city water. Learn more about pressure regulators and why they’re important. 

If you’re not familiar with the process of how to get running water in your RV, check out this quick video on how to hook up power and water to your RV. 

This article is not meant to serve as official tax advice. Keep in mind that tax laws can change from year to year. Always cross-check your deductions with a certified tax professional before filing. 

While most of us dread tax season, there are some RV tax benefits you should know that might actually help you look forward to that next April deadline. RV owners can get some tax breaks if they know where to look for them, and those breaks might even save you that extra cash you need to take another RV adventure this year. 

Before we dive in, it’s important to mention that state tax laws are different. This article focuses on RV tax benefits when filing federal taxes, so be sure to look into your state’s tax laws to find all the relevant deductions you can enjoy as an RV owner. 

Now, here’s a look at some ways your RV could help you when filing taxes with the IRS.

Types of RV Tax Deductions

New and used RVs are both eligible for tax write-offs. Keep in mind that these deductions can only be claimed for a single tax year in which a corresponding event occurred. Here are a few examples:

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the seven natural wonders of the world making it a popular travel destination for visitors from around ... Read more

Close your eyes and picture it. You’re lying on the beach with your hat shielding your eyes. In the background, you hear seagulls and the crash of waves slapping off the sand. All of a sudden you get hit with a jolt of adrenaline as you hear the drag on your conventional reel going. An 18-pound striped bass has started pulling on your line. You jump up, grab your rod and prepare yourself for the surf fishing fight of your life.

While this might all sound a little dramatic, surf fishing is an exciting way to wet some lines. The problem is very few people understand how to get started. It seems more difficult than other methods of fishing, and while it’s not necessarily true, there are a few things you need to know. 

By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to gather up the right gear and head toward the coast in search of some awesome fishing. 

What is Surf Fishing?

Surf fishing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s fishing along the beach and casting into the surf using a large rod and rig. While it mostly takes place on the sand, you could also surf fishing on a pier or along the rocks. 

What is a Motorhome?

A motorhome is a motorized RV designed for comfort as you hit the road with your friends and family. It is also sometimes called a ‘drivable RV’ and you will find varieties powered by gas or diesel engines.

The Three Classes of Motorhomes

There are three different classes of motorhomes: Class B, Class C, and Class A.

Class B

Built on a van chassis, Class B motorhomes are easily maneuverable and ideal for couples. All Class B motorhomes sleep at least two but some can sleep up to four people. They range in length from 16-24 feet. A new Class B runs from $60,000 to more than $100,000.

Shop Class B RVs.

Class C

Built on a truck chassis, Class C motorhomes have an overhang located above the cabin that is often used as an extra bed or storage area. Great for couples or small families, a Class C can sleep anywhere from four to nine people. Class C motorhomes are available from 20 to over 30 feet in length. A new Class C is typically priced from $50,000 to more than $200,000.

What is a Towable RV?

A towable RV is designed to be towed by a pickup truck or SUV. Some towable campers are light enough to be towed by smaller vehicles like a car or sedan, equipped with the appropriate towing capacity. If you have a lightweight travel trailer, you might get great gas mileage. Some towable RVs can even be towed by a minivan.

There are Five Types of Towable RVs

When choosing your next RV, consider one of the five types of RVs that can be towed.

Pop-Up Camper

These lightweight tent campers are ideal for smaller towing vehicles. Pop-ups typically sleep up to six people and have a length of 8-14 feet. They range in price from $6,000 to just over $20,000.

Shop Pop Up Campers.

Expandable Campers

A hybrid between a pop-up and a conventional travel trailer, expandable campers can sleep anywhere from 5-10 people and vary in length from 19-30 feet. They tend to range in price from $10,000 to $30,000.

Sitting in the western foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Riverbend RV Park puts guests within reach of a slew of fun activities in one of the most ruggedly beautiful regions of the U.S. The park’s location on the banks of the Methow River means that fishing, kayaking and swimming are just steps away. Venture further into the Methow Valley, and guests can go rock climbing and hiking in the mountainous terrain. Outfitters in the area can arrange horseback riding on trails that lead to spectacular views.

You’ll also find plenty of attractions for sightseeing and shopping. Buy some fresh, locally sourced food by visiting the Methow Valley Farmers Market, put on every Saturday. Grab a seat in a restaurant on the bank of the Methow River, or peruse one of the galleries in town. The local Merc Playhouse hosts music concerts, dance performances and guests speakers throughout the year. Learn about firefighting when visiting the Smoke Jumpers Base in Winthrop, Washington, just eight miles to the north. Take a tour of the base and learn about the firefighters who parachute into remote areas to combat aggressive blazes. Exhibits and tours showcase the history of these highly skilled public servants.

After a busy day of sightseeing and fun, relax back at Riverbend RV Park, which keeps guests comfortable with 56 full-hookup sites powered by 30- and 50-amp electricity. The roomy sites allow plenty of room for slideouts and also include tables and fire pits. A campground store with RV supplies keeps guests stocked up and ready for the next adventure. Riverbend also has propane, laundry facilities and a dump station. Dog owners can let their pets burn off energy on the 1/2-acre dog park.

During your stay, check out some of the local attractions:

Before packing up and leaving a campsite, you want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Running through this departure checklist is called an RV walk-around. Learning how to do an RV walk-around is essential before you hit the road. This includes checking for patio furniture or outdoor decor left outside and making sure your awnings and TV antenna are retracted.

Leaving belongings behind on your camping trip, or leaving compartments unlocked can ruin a perfectly good trip and cause unnecessary delays because you have to retrace your steps. Many experienced RVers have made these mistakes at least once. But having an RV checklist will prevent it from becoming a nasty habit.

Here are a few things to avoid before setting off so that your journey is just as fun as your destination:

Not Bringing in the Awning Before Moving

This may seem crazy, but it happens. Awnings are not rigid structures. Running into objects when your awning isn’t 100% retracted will result in costly damage to your RV’s exterior and, of course, the awning itself. Make sure you’re awning is in it’s locked position. Even if the awning is slightly out of lock, the vibration of the road can damage the awning system and lead to repairs.

Bringing in your awning can prevent snafus from happening while on the road. It’s not only safer for you and the awning itself, but also for other travelers on the road. Maintaining your awning is an important part of being a responsible RV owner.

The largest of Utah’s five national parks, Canyonlands is a stunning landscape filled with remote valleys and gorges. Over the centuries, the park’s trademark rock formations have been carved by the constant flow of the Colorado River, giving the place an otherworldly feel. Visitors to the park will discover sweeping vistas of windswept mesas, colorful buttes, improbable rock arches, and towering spires.

Whether you’re looking to explore its vast and wild backcountry or simply relax at a quiet campsite, Canyonlands is a must-visit. Here’s what you should know before you go.

Why Visit Canyonlands National Park in an RV?

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct districts comprised of more than 337,000 acres of extraordinarily diverse and rugged terrain. Those regions include Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and Rivers.

Each of those locations has its own unique topography and allure. For instance, Island in the Sky offers some of the park’s most accessible hiking trails and best scenery while Rivers provides access to the Green and Colorado rivers and their tributaries for kayaking and rafting.

Part of the challenge when visiting Canyonlands is that none of the districts connect to one another. That means you must leave the park and re-enter from a different location to visit each district.

Though Arizona might be best known for its giant crack in the earth, the Grand Canyon State offers boundless opportunities to experience some of the most unique landscapes in the country. From towering saguaros, colorful canyons and ancient cliff dwellings to kitschy Route 66 attractions and relics of the Old West, Arizona is chock-full of places to explore.

Page and Marble Canyon

Situated along Arizona’s northern border, the town of Page provides the perfect basecamp for exploring this region of the state. Take the scenic drive south from Page to Marble Canyon, home of the Navajo Bridge that spans the Colorado River. While there, explore Lee’s Ferry, the principal launching point for Grand Canyon rafters, and hike along the interpretive trail featuring ruins from the old settlement. For a longer trek, hike the Cathedral Wash Trail that takes you through a beautiful slot canyon with spectacular geology. While in Page, stop at Horseshoe Bend for an iconic view of the Colorado River and explore the Lake Powell area.

Prescott and Jerome

Not far from Sedona and along scenic 89A, you’ll find the historic mountaintop town of Jerome. This former copper mining town-turned-artist colony is also known for its haunts and ghost tours. Explore the place once regarded “Wickedest Town of the West” on guided trips that allow exclusive access to several historic buildings. While walking around the community, peruse the quirky galleries and boutiques that line the streets and drop by the Mining Museum. Because of the winding nature of this high-elevation segment of 89A, with 127 curves in 12 miles, it’s fair to say this is a destination where the trailer is best left-back at camp.

The largest of Utah’s five national parks, Canyonlands is a stunning landscape filled with remote valleys and gorges. Over the centuries, the park’s trademark rock formations have been carved by the constant flow of the Colorado River, giving the place an otherworldly feel. Visitors to the park will discover sweeping vistas of windswept mesas, colorful buttes, improbable rock arches, and towering spires.

Whether you’re looking to explore its vast and wild backcountry or simply relax at a quiet campsite, Canyonlands is a must-visit. Here’s what you should know before you go.

Why Visit Canyonlands National Park in an RV?

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct districts comprised of more than 337,000 acres of extraordinarily diverse and rugged terrain. Those regions include Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and Rivers.

Each of those locations has its own unique topography and allure. For instance, Island in the Sky offers some of the park’s most accessible hiking trails and best scenery while Rivers provides access to the Green and Colorado rivers and their tributaries for kayaking and rafting.

Part of the challenge when visiting Canyonlands is that none of the districts connect to one another. That means you must leave the park and re-enter from a different location to visit each district.

Pack your bags and plan to stay a while in the beautiful high-desert town of Borrego Springs. Located just 90 miles Northeast of San Diego, there is so much to explore and do in Borrego Springs. Experience the adventure of hiking in the desert, gazing at the night sky, visiting area attractions or just enjoying the amenities of this breath-taking resort!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is no more than a mile away. Which means it is easy to spend your days roaming badlands and enjoying the views.

View Sky Art inspired by Fossil Treasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert. View the whimsical metal sculptures scattered about on permanent display in the city of Borrego Springs.

Borrego Night Sky Tours — Located in an International Dark Sky Community, Borrego Springs can bring out the astronomer hidden in you. Or if you are a bona fide stargazer, you can bring your spyglass and gaze to your heart’s content. For the novice, local astronomer Dennis Mammana will take you on a guided tour so you can learn firsthand from an expert about the cosmos!

For some good exercise along with enjoying desert flora, take the Cactus Loop Nature Trail for a 0.7-mile walk appropriate for all skill levels.

Quartzsite is a small town in West Arizona, less than 20 miles from the California Arizona border. Any motorist who has driven on Interstate 10 ... Read more

When you decide that buying an RV is right for your family, you may find that the best choice to make is to buy a pre-owned model. However, vetting a pre-owned RV is a little different than evaluating a brand new model – which is why you need the ultimate checklist for buying a pre-owned RV to find the right motorhome for you and your family!

This checklist is divided into the three main phases of the pre-owned RV buying process: Pre-Purchase (Research), Purchase, and Post-Purchase – with everything you need to keep in mind during each phase.

The Pre-Purchase Phase: Researching Pre-Owned RVs

It’s important to be diligent when making any purchase, but that’s especially true for RVs. It’s not a small decision and there are many factors to assess. Take the factors below into account before you even consider driving off the lot:

Set a Budget

This may seem like common sense, but it’s easy to walk into an RV dealership and become transfixed by all of the features and upgrades that many RVs offer today. Knowing what you are comfortable spending – and sticking to it – will be critical as you move through the process. Establish your must-haves and your like-to-haves, then set a budget that allows you to comfortably navigate that list while shopping for your RV.

Decide on a Type of RV

Pop-Up, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toyhauler, Class C, Class B, Class A — These may all seem like foreign terms at first glance, but choosing the best type of RV for your needs can easily be narrowed down by deciding if you would like to drive the vehicle (Class-B, Class-C, Class-A, or Class-AD), or tow the vehicle (pop-up, travel trailer, or fifth wheel). From there, you can narrow it down again by deciding how much interior living space you’ll need to be comfortable on the road.

During our RV downsizing journey, we looked at quite a few small travel trailers. The number one requirement was the travel trailer had to be lightweight. ... Read more