Planning a camping trip is quite a challenge in itself, especially if you want to escape the crowds. During peak season, you may think this is one impossible task. Most people eye the summer months to escape to America’s national parks and embrace the peace and quiet the wilderness offers. But with hordes of people who want the same thing, this may be close to unattainable. On a sunny summer weekend, expect to see long bus lines, traffic jams, and many people cramming popular trails. Here are a few tips on how you can escape crowds in national parks this summer.

Choose your dates wisely

Going in the off-season can be the easiest way to avoid the crowds. Especially for the most popular national parks like Zion, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, which can be way too busy during the summer. Not only are there fewer crowds, but these parks are more beautiful in early spring and late autumn with better weather.

If you really want to go to the most popular national parks in the summer, remember to avoid the weekends as much as possible. It’s still recommended to visit during the week to ensure that there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that long weekends, discounted entry days, and special park events are certain to be extra crowded. If going on weekdays is not possible, try to go during other weekends.

Book activities early

There are various activities you can do in national parks. For first-time campers, guided tours and adventurous excursions are great ones to try. These can get fully-booked quickly, especially during peak seasons, so make sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. One example is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour which not only offers you a clear view of the park, but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view without tons of crowds around you!

When it comes to bass fishing in the muck and mud, it’s hard to beat a topwater frog. These are usually weedless lures that glide right through the pads and weed beds creating the perfect presentation to entice a bass out of hiding. Whenever I’m fishing heavily vegetated water along the shoreline, these are the lures I turn to.

The Top Picks

Here’s my top picks for the best topwater frogs on the market right now:

Lunkerhunt Pocket Frog

Specs:

Type: FloatingSize: 1-¾ inchesColor: Croaker

Pros:

Are you searching for a road trip adventure that features the red rock desert, towering Ponderosa pines, miles of hiking trails and the ultimate rock climbing playground? Filled with shapely rocks, uncovered ancient history and a sky known for its twinkling stars, make Bryce Canyon Country your next destination.

From now, until Labor Day Weekend, the ultimate summer event is happening. Bryce Canyon Country is hosting the “Find it. Tag it. Win it.” event. Simply travel around Bryce Canyon Country, tag @brycecanyoncountry on Instagram and use the hashtag #findtagwin at any of the 10 designated locations and win big prizes.

To participate, grab a brochure online or from a kiosk located in businesses throughout the county. Make your way to as many of these locations as possible:

Panguitch LakeAntimonyBryce Canyon National ParkKodachrome Basin State ParkDevils Garden in Grand Staircase-Escalante National MonumentThe Burr TrailAnasazi State Park MuseumTicabooEscalante Petrified Forest/Wide Hollow ReservoirRed Canyon

Visiting all 10 locations isn’t required but visit as many as you can. Each location is unique. Some are filled with whimsical hoodoos and others with sky-high copper chimneys.

The United States is filled with incredible natural spaces that have been protected as public lands for all to enjoy. I know as someone who didn’t grow up visiting national parks, though, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know what to do and which ones to visit. While these national treasures are set aside for everyone, we’re still working on equitable access, and knowledge is a big piece of that!

Our family has visited over 40 of the 63 US National Parks, as well as dozens of other federally protected sites. They truly are all unique and special, and we haven’t found a single one that we wouldn’t recommend. Still, there are some that are especially wonderful for families with young children. These also make great “intro” parks for those just starting to explore National Parks and other public lands.

Keep reading for the very best US National Parks for families to explore this summer and beyond!

Yosemite National Park

The Harbuck’s camp in Yosemite National Park.

Honestly, it’s hard to beat Yosemite at any age. The stunning views of granite cliffs, pristine meadows, incredible wildlife, the rushing waterfalls, and rivers…it’s pretty magical. It’s easy to see why the Ahwahnee people loved this Valley and lived in a symbiotic relationship with it. Yosemite is an especially wonderful place for families with young children because there are so many opportunities for little ones to explore without needing to go on long trekking adventures. When heading to Yosemite with kids, I highly recommend taking bikes—it’s the very best way to get around the valley. Bring your own using a bike rack mounted to your RV, or you can rent adult sizes once you get there.

Yosemite is also amazing for providing some easy hikes with absolutely spectacular views. Sentinel Dome and Lower Yosemite Falls are especially fantastic! And don’t forget to leave some time for water play. Either go and splash on the shores of the Merced River or take some inflatables and float downstream (just make sure the water levels aren’t too high). Your kids – and you – will be in heaven.

Of all the activities that RVers can take part in, few are as rewarding as hiking. But as we visit with those we meet across the country in campgrounds, rallies, and camping meetups, we are amazed at how many RVers—especially older ones—are not hikers.

Some think it’s too challenging, too strenuous, needing too much-specialized equipment. Surprisingly, some think it’s not enjoyable.

Boy, are they wrong.

Unless you have a serious underlying health issue, hiking is for everyone—no matter your age, experience, fitness level, or gear. Hiking will so enhance your enjoyment of the RV Lifestyle, nature, the geographic area you are visiting, and your relationship with your camping partner, that you will soon be instantly hooked. So let’s break it down a bit and talk about what you need gear-wise, how to get started, and what advice you should follow.

What Is Hiking?

Hiking: – the activity of going for long walks, especially in the country or woods

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The country’s best events are back, and it’s about time. We’ve all been locked up or locked down for months, and it’s glorious to get out in the fresh air again. So glorious in fact, why hold back? You’re ready to soak it in and make up for all that lost time, ready to turn events into experiences. Gather the friends and get back out there, because from NASCAR to Bonnaroo (and lots in between), you’ll get more out of the nation’s biggest happenings if you travel by RV. Here’s how to do it.

Bonnaroo

Where: Manchester, Tennessee

People come from all over the country to enjoy the music at Bonnaroo.

Rolling Stone has praised Bonnaroo as changing the face of rock n’ roll, and it’s not just A-listers like Lizzo and Foo Fighters making this four-day music fest a cultural force. Many up-and-coming acts make their debut here on the 10+ performance stages. Beyond the music, four 24-hour campground party barns, eclectic workshops, parades, food vendors, surprise popup events, and yoga classes will keep you entertained. (Do you want to run a 5k between all this? Believe it or not, you can.)

You’ll need an RV pass to park and camp in your rig at Bonnaroo. As with car camping, you can choose between General Admission, VIP, and Platinum campgrounds (whichever matches your ticket level for the festival). RV hookups are available for an extra fee. Rent an RV for this music celebration if you’re new to festival RVing.

How to Do It Right

Deck out your campsite at a music festival and make a relaxing lounge space for new and old friends to gather.

This one’s all about creating an inviting space for serious lounging between sets. Start with a patio mat, and go one size bigger than you think you need (you can always fold it!). Add a few comfy chairs, ottomans, floor poufs, side tables, and patio lights. If the party doesn’t land at your rig, bring a wagon so you can seek out fellow RVers and not arrive empty-handed. Last but not least: You’ll want a solid pillow and earplugs for efficient napping.

Pro tip: Bonnaroo is green — is your RV? Check your batteries and your solar panel output, and learn how to conserve and create power for your RV. If you need more juice, portable and folding solar panels make off-grid camping a breeze.

Hi Mark My Words readers! This month, we’ve got questions on RV air conditioning and electrical issues. Remember to send your RVing questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mark:
I have a Winnebago motorhome with a Coleman ducted-roof AC. We have condensation leaking into the coach. My inspection reveals no freeze-up on the evaporator coil, and a temperature check shows 20 degrees difference between the air going into the return and that in the outlets. The leak occurs periodically but is consistent. Condensate is running off the roof as well. Need help.
Thanks,
Hkrbr

Hi Hkrbr,
Most Coleman roof airs have two plastic drains for condensation water, located on the sides of the air-conditioning unit baseplate. These will often become restricted by a buildup of dirt and goo, and that can cause the condensate water to find a new path, like into the coach’s interior. The cure is a fairly simple cleaning of the drains and the evaporator compartment. Shut the unit off and, to be extra safe, either unplug from shore power or turn off the breaker that serves the air conditioner.

On the roof, remove the plastic shroud. Remove the cover over the evaporator core. Use a spray cleaner, like Fantastic or 409, and clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan. Use a small brush or a piece of flexible wire to clean out the little plastic drains that are found on each side of the baseplate. Button it up, and you should be good to go. I found a very good webpage with pictures and info to help you do the job. Take a look at this website before you get on the roof. As always, don’t take on a task unless you feel it is within your abilities. If you prefer, most RV service providers can do this for you, and it is a fairly easy job, so it should not be all that expensive.

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The Black Hills appear ominous and ancient; the Rockies dramatic and rugged. But the Blue Ridge Mountains give off a gentler look – romantic, charming, and eternally poetic. For this reason, the mountain range is approachable, even to beginner RVers.

In fact, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a top RV destination. This particular mountain range, and the surrounding forests, are vast and include many campgrounds and scenic drives. The mountains crawl over states like Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. To see and sink into the mountain culture of Appalachia, you’ll want to set aside some time and get comfortable, so you can slowly amble between mountain towns on your home on wheels.

Weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains experience picture-book seasons–snowy white winters, verdant summers, flower-filled springs, and amber-toned autumns.

Find the mountains packed with leaf-peepers in the fall when the Sugar Maple, American Beech, and Red Maples turn a fiery palette. In the winter, you can expect smaller crowds but the same characteristic views of the sapphire skyline. In fact, some overlooks offer better views in the winter without foliage. Be careful of ice on the road and always check the weather to ensure safe winter driving conditions.

In the summer, the Blue Ridge is full of vacationers seeking a cooling respite in the mountains shady valleys, and crisp creeks and lakes. Springtime is signaled by blooming Birdfoot Violets and Buttercups. There’s hardly a bad time to take a drive through the Blue Ridge mountains. Be prepared with plenty of water, appropriate hiking shoes, and a rain-slick.

Without a doubt, the Oregon coastline is one of the prettiest and most geographically diverse shores in the country. With majestic sea stacks, expansive sand dunes, colorful tide pools and rugged cliffs that dive into the ocean, the entire 363 miles of pristine shoreline stretches from the California border near Brookings, all the way to the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria. Aptly named “the People’s Coast,” Oregonians and visitors alike can enjoy the entire stretch of Pacific Ocean Coast due to legislation making it public land several decades ago. Starting South and heading north, here are some of the most impressive stops along the way.

Southern Oregon Coast

Perhaps the most photogenic stretch of shore can be found along the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, between the town of Brookings and Gold Beach. Known for its impressive sea stacks, natural arches, and rugged beaches, in this area, you’ll find waterfalls cascading down onto the beach, sea caves lined with anemone and starfish, and best of all, it garners a fraction of the crowds you’ll see up North. Harris Beach State Park is a favorite for camping families. But for those who enjoy a bit more solitude, Lone Ranch Beach and Whales Head are nice alternatives. For those who enjoy hiking, one of the best trails on the coast starts at Whales Head, where the hike leads you past fern blanketed forests, ocean vistas, and a natural bridge at a place named Indian Sands. For those wanting to escape the full sun or cool ocean breeze, Brookings is home to Oregon’s only Redwood groves, which are found along the Chetco and Winchuck Rivers. Additionally, just across the border, you can enjoy the Jedediah Redwoods and the Smith River and take the scenic drive on Howland Hill Road that meanders through the old-growth forest.

Heading north, the next stop is Gold Beach, the mouth of the wild and scenic Rogue River. In the mid 19th century, gold was discovered in town and prospectors moved to the area in droves. To this day, folks pan for gold on the beach, and rock hounds search for agate and jasper. For those who enjoy fishing, king salmon and Dungeness crab are popular catches in the area. If you forget to bring your gear, you can buy fresh local seafood at the docks or hire a private charter to take you fishing. For a scenic river trip, Jerry’s Rogue Jet Boats offer rides upstream where you’ll traverse through canyons and rapids. Next door to Jerry’s, and adjacent to hwy101, is the moss-covered sunken ship, Mary D. Hume, a steamer built in 1881 that holds the record of the longest-serving vessel of the Pacific Coast.

One of the most popular activities for RV travelers is hiking. What better way to get out and enjoy nature than to hit the trails? To ensure a safe and fun time, be sure to take precautions against some of the dangers of summer hiking.

“What kind of dangers are out there,” you ask? While they may vary depending on the specific trail, the concerns almost always include extreme heat and sudden thunderstorms, which bring the risk of flash floods and lightning.

A few precautions will go a long way towards keeping the entire family safe and happy on your next hike, like:

·      Having the proper gear.
·      Paying close attention to your surroundings.
·      Pacing yourself.
·      Staying hydrated.

A safe and happy trip–that’s the goal, right? Here are some tips and tricks for staying safe while hiking this summer.

RVing is amazing, but just like any other type of traveling, it can throw you off your healthy living game. It makes sense really: you’re out of your routines and distracted by the adventure. Plus, ‘vacation-mindset’ can creep in, letting you slack off on your healthy choices– after all, you’re on vacation! But it really is possible to have a great time on your trip AND keep the trip healthy without depriving yourself of a true vacation.

It all comes down to how you organize your trip.

You diligently pack up the RV and plan where you’re going – doesn’t your health deserve the same level of attention? One reason people struggle with RVing healthily is that they neglect to plan it in from the get-go. Set yourself up for success before the trip even begins with these tips and checklists. Do this and you just might even come back from your travels fitter and healthier than you left!

Move every day, be it on a hike, walk, or bike ride.

TIP 1: Move Every Single Day

Fill your days with fun activities that keep you moving; go for a hike or swim, window shop a touristy downtown, play an outdoor game with your family, or even do an actual workout right at your campsite. When you’re choosing RV parks and campsites, find ones that make it easy for you to stay active. When you get there, choose to walk or bike instead of drive whenever you can. Staying active can easily be incorporated into your vacation without it feeling like a chore. It can even make the trip more fun and memorable.

Physical Activity Checklist:

Athletic shoesAthletic wearSmall day hike backpackBicycle & helmetOutdoor Games: Cornhole, Frisbee, Bocce, Pickleball, etc.BinocularsYoga MatResistance BandsOther workout gear: ie dumbbells, kettlebells, jump rope, etc.Water gear: ie swimwear, kayak, paddleboard, etc.

TIP 2: Make Healthy Eating Part of the Adventure:

Shop local produce and create healthy meals that keep your body fueled.

Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll eat nutritiously on your RV trips. An upcoming trip is a great time to explore new recipes and get out of your cooking comfort zone. When you plan your foods ahead, you’ll only shop for the meals and snacks on your list. Doing so makes eating unhealthy foods much more inconvenient, since you’ll only have the RV stocked with the foods in your meal plan. You can even seek out local farmers markets along your route and stock up on fresh in-season foods. Eating local foods makes the meal seem more special, especially since you’ll know you only have them because you’re right there at that moment. On your long driving days, avoid loading up on gas station junk food by having pre-portioned healthy snacks (like your favorite kind of nuts) or fresh fruits and veggies stocked in the RV. With a little planning and creativity, eating healthy and delicious can be the best part of the trip!

At last, you’ve made the trek to one of your favorite RV parks. You’re all hooked up to the services and ready to enjoy the freedom of camping and the outdoors. During your stay, you hope to take in some of the attractions in the area as well as trying some of the delicious offerings at some of the local eateries. Safeguarding your RV is next on the agenda.

During your absence from camp, your RV will be fine. After all, it is all hooked up to the utilities, and everything is doing what it’s supposed to do. Just lock the door or secure it as needed. Right?

Hold on! There are things that really should be done to safeguard your rig and its belongings while you are gone. Failure to do some of these things can result in a catastrophic event for your vehicle under some unexpected circumstances. So let’s look at some of the items that require checking. These will vary depending on the specific RV type and trim level.

Retract All Awnings

While awnings provide shade, not only for people beneath them, but also help to block direct sun on the vehicle walls, they are greatly affected by wind and wind gusts. A rouge squall on an otherwise fine day can roll through without warning. Severe damage to the awning and RV body can result.

Taking your family on the road in an RV is one of the best ways to have a safe and fun vacation, or it can be one of the most rewarding ways of living your life. However, being out on the road for extended periods of time can come with certain challenges. One of the most important is how to get your kids the schooling they need.

Homeschooling while traveling, also known as “roadschooling,” is a great way to teach your kids all that they need to know. Before you take homeschooling on the road, you might wonder how to make it work. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at homeschooling your kids on the road and discuss some lessons learned from folks living the lifestyle. Let’s dive in.

Choose Curriculum Model That Works For Your Family

Image from Getty

Another thing every parent who is interested in homeschooling should think about is the curriculum. A lot of people wonder what they would teach their kids and how they will teach it to them. There are many curriculums out there for you to choose from. It’s tough to say when curriculum is better than others, but the types of learning your kids can do will likely fall into one of three types:

online programsall-in-one workbooksun-schooling

Online Curriculum

As you might imagine, online curriculums are varied. They allow your children to learn at their own pace and are often guided. There’s a proven plan behind the good ones, and you can often be sure your kids are learning what they need to. Two that seem popular are Time4Learning and Khan Academy, though there are many others. You’ll need an internet connection for your kids to complete these assignments, which can pose a challenge on the road, but is not insurmountable.

Workbooks

Workbooks are another great option. There are dozens of all-in-one workbook programs out there. If you don’t have internet access all the time but you want your children to follow a proven plan, then this is another great option. Some all-in-one workbook options include Brain Quest, Sylvan, and Flash Kids. Another good thing to do is look to see if your state recommends any learning workbooks or tools. Supplement workbook activity with reading for fun. This ignites curiosity and keeps kids asking questions.

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Hot weather RVing is sometimes impossible to avoid. But my favorite RV hacks to survive summer heat waves can help you get through it. From a sweltering blast of heat in the Colorado Rockies, to a scorching July RVing in the Midwest, this is what I’ve discovered about the best ways to keep cool and enjoy the long, lazy days of summer.

My Favorite RV Hacks to Survive Summer

It seems easy enough to point your RV north to escape summer heat waves. You could also go high-altitude mountain camping, if that’s convenient. But during the last 14 years of fulltime RVing, I’ve found that breaking camp to search for cooler temperatures isn’t always possible. Sure, heatwaves happen, but they tend to disrupt life at the most inconvenient times, like when my RVing pet needs vet care or a family member requires help. Despite occasional hot weather challenges, we’ve learned to keep our tempers cool with these easy RV hacks to survive summer heatwaves.

Heatwave Hack 1: Take Advantage of Shade

If you have the option to orient your RV in any direction, always park in a way that gives you the most shade. For example, a trailer owner should point the rig west to northwest. Campers with motorhomes and vans should point the windshield north. If your RV is like most, with your door and awning on the passenger side, taking advantage of the sun’s movement will give you shade throughout the day (presuming you’re camping in the northern hemisphere). When parking choices are limited, look for a campsite that allows you to face either of those directions. Don’t forget to consult RV park maps before you book a specific site.

Heatwave Hack 2: Don’t Cook (or do it outside)

Welcome, Michael and Mikey! Thanks for chatting with us at Camping World about your RV experience!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you choose to travel in an RV.
A. We have always loved living an outdoor lifestyle. We believe it is a way of life and one of the best ways of enjoying life.

Q. Describe your travel style in five words or less!
A: Father & Son Bonding.

RVing helps the Palmers enjoy the community of NASCAR and racing.

A few lightning questions:

Q. Favorite snack, meal, or beverage to have at the campsite?
A. Anything on a grill. Steak, Chicken, Kabobs. We always have to have ice-cold Coca-Cola. You cannot go RVing without having some marshmallows to roast over the campfire!

Nimiipuu, “the people,” were created in North Central Idaho at the dawn of time, according to tribal legend. French Fur Traders gave them the name Nez Perce when they began trading with the tribe. Today, visitors can view petroglyphs in Hells Canyon dating back more than 12,000 years ago, depicting stories of a time gone by told by the Nez Perce of Lewis Clark Valley.

The Nez Perce saved the lives of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition, who entered this area hungry and without adequate shelter from the harsh winter. The explorers would likely have suffered a tragic ending if not for the assistance of the Nimiipuu. The tribe provided them food, shelter, and guidance for months while they were stuck here in the region that straddles the border between what is now Idaho and Washington.

Today, the tribe hosts PowWows and other community events in various locations throughout the year. Tribal enterprises include forest products, limestone quarry operations, two popular casinos, an RV park, convenience stores and the Red Wolf Golf Club. Travelers are welcomed today just as the Nez Perce welcomed the Corps of Discovery Expedition nearly 200 years ago.

Nez Perce Tourism is the warm welcome to Nimiipuu Country, offering the only tours created to connect you to Nimiipuu culture through interactive storytelling, song, drum and dance. From riverbeds to mountain tops, Nez Perce Tourism offers land and water journeys, giving insight into the Nimiipuu way of life, past and present.