My first camping trip was with my family alongside the road leading into Grand Canyon National Park nearly 50 years ago. Without a tent, proper sleeping bags, padding or even a stove, we lacked many of the amenities common to our more recent camping outings. A Styrofoam cooler was purchased specifically for this trip, and its sole purpose: keeping our food cold during this hastily planned vacation from everyday life. Years later, the memories of waking up during the night to find out that there were some unhappy ants underneath the sheet we slept on, watching the sunrise, illuminating the vastness of the Grand Canyon and pieces of that cooler endure through the years.

The experience of seeing the Grand Canyon had a lasting impact that I could not comprehend at the time. Our trip began on a Friday night at dusk when we left Los Angeles. Speeding across the emptiness of the desert until fatigue prevailed, we pulled over and off the road. Looking up at the sky, I was puzzled by all the “clouds” that did not seem to move. Some years later, it dawned on me that we were seeing the Milky Way. Facing a sky full of stars and then a deep canyon that extended from one side of the horizon to the other, the world I lived in became bigger and more amazing at the same time. I eventually learned the importance of safeguarding these spaces.

Keeping America Beautiful

In my lifetime, our attitudes towards litter have come a long way. It was not uncommon for travelers to open the window of their vehicle and discard what they no longer wanted. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 — spearheaded by Lady Bird Johnson — began the slow process of changing minds about litter on our public lands. Those of a certain age may remember the Keep America Beautiful commercial showing a Native American paddling a canoe in a dirty river, suffering the indignity of trash thrown at his feet and shedding a tear.

RVers need a basic tool kit to maintain their RV, and be ready for unexpected repairs on the road. If a cabinet vibrates loose during transit, you’ll need a screwdriver and screws. If you’re setting up camp, you’ll need a drill to wind out your scissor jacks. While you’re keeping your RV stored, you’ll need outdoor tools to keep the RV and the area around in clean.

You might have hand tools, power tools, and outdoor tools already in your garage, but you might not have cordless tools. Cordless tools can make camping tasks a lot easier like faster setup, cleanup, and repairs.

You might be thinking,

‘Sure they’re cordless, but they run out of power eventually. What then?’

You’re right; cordless tools use rechargeable batteries. If you’re you’re worried about losing power, invest in a portable power bank and compatible solar panels so you can charge whenever the sun is shining.

On our fall trip through New England, we found ourselves stuck inside the RV on numerous occasions due to the rainy season. While sitting inside we talked about how nice it would be to have a gazebo to set up so we could sit outside and enjoy the outdoors.

That’s what RVing is all about, isn’t it? Unfortunately, our truck camper doesn’t have an awning so a gazebo is the perfect solution for rainy days and so much more!

After our trip, we ordered the Gazelle G6 6-Sided Portable Gazebo from Camping World. We loved the looks of the Desert Sand color since it looked fresh and modern. We were also impressed with the size. Gazelle also has a 5-sided gazebo which has a smaller footprint, but we preferred to have more space.

The Gazelle 6-Sided Portable Gazebo

Image: Chase and Lindsay

Here are more reasons why we chose the Gazelle Gazebo and what we thought of it once it arrived.

Durable Quality

After unboxing the Gazelle G6, we were impressed with the quality. The bag itself has nice quality zippers, a carry handle, and even velcro tension straps to help decrease the circumference of the bag for easier storage. The material seems very durable, too.

At 670,000 acres, Kenai Fjords National Park is no small playground. Its vast icefields, with ancient glaciers scouring the land and deeply carved bays teeming with wildlife offer just a glimpse into its allure. Very few places host killer whales and mountain goats within the same boundaries, yet this icy wonderland is full of stunning anomalies.

From Resurrection Bay to Exit Glacier visitors discover life at sea and life on land are vastly different and dramatically astounding. From the world’s largest mammals to the planet’s smallest, Kenai Fjords is a park of exclamation points, and one well worth exploring to the fullest.

Why Visit Kenai Fjords National Park in an RV?

Photo Credit: Shelley Dennis

Only a very small portion of Kenai Fjords is accessible by vehicle, but the jumping-off spot for the park (Seward) is very friendly to RVs. The town has set aside hundreds of RV dry camping spots along the shoreline just for motorhomes and travel trailers.

Is there a more amazing view to wake up to than Resurrection Bay out your front window, with sea otters playing in the water just offshore? Glaciers line the mountaintops across the bay, and you can cast a line into the water from your front yard. This place is what RVing is all about!

When to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park

Photo Credit: Shelley Dennis

Kenai Fjords is accessible year-round but by different means of travel.

Finding the perfect way to travel with your loved one is in one of these great class B diesel motorhome for sale near you. Shop a fantastic collection of these RVs available at RVingPlanet.com and find the deal you’ve been waiting for today! Learn more about these amazing class B diesel motorhomes below.

Get more out of your travels when you enjoy the road trip as much as the stay!

2023 Midwest Automotive Designs Passage 144 FD2 Lounge

This brand new floorplan is an excellent way to start your next season of camping! Check out the features in this 2023 Midwest Automotive Designs Passage 144 FD2 Lounge class B diesel motorhome, which offers a rear power lounge for comfortable seating. There’s an LED HDTV to ensure you never miss an episode of your favorite shows.

Additional Features:

Rear Power LoungeWet BathLED HDTVExterior ShowerRear Hitch w/Wiring PackageThis rear lounge transforms into a cozy bed for two!

2022 Grech Turismo 4×4

Save $19,000 today on this Grech Turismo 4×4 class B diesel motorhome. Inside, you’ll find a kitchen with a two-burner propane cooktop that makes it easy to make breakfasts for your family. You’ll love that this unit is equipped with an LED Smart TV so that you can watch all your favorite shows no matter where you go.

Additional Features:

What’s the best part about camp cooking? – It requires little to no cleanup and doesn’t produce leftovers that need to be stored. Plus, with new cooking tools and gadgets, cooking camp meals is more fun than ever. As a full-time solo RV traveler who loves campfire cooking, adding the wolf ‘em stick, the cast iron pie iron, and a quality folding table to my arsenal of camp tools has been a game changer.

Click to view slideshow.

Having these tools on hand has absolutely elevated my solo-campfire dining experience and, hopefully, you can find something here that helps you do the same! One of my favorite things about the recipes below is that all of them can be modified to suit a vegan lifestyle or vegetarian diet with a few simple substitutions.

Breakfast Camp Meal Recipes

First, we’ll tackle breakfast. After all, it’s often called the most important meal of the day. If you’re an early riser or morning fire person, (or if you’re a breakfast-for-dinner kind of person) these are for you. 

Campfire Pie Iron Strudel

Image: Shutterstock

Ingredients:

Refrigerated dough (pie, biscuit, pizza, or croissant)CheeseEggs (cook before adding)Breakfast protein of choice (cook before adding)butter or oil for greasing the iron. If your iron is already seasoned, you may not need this. Learn how to season your cast iron!

Instructions:

Prepare eggs (or egg substitute) and breakfast protein to your preference. Grease the iron and fit dough to seasoned pie iron and assemble toppings.Cover toppings with more dough.Hold over a fire for 2-3 minutes before carefully unlatching it to check for doneness. Flip when the dough reaches the desired color and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.Enjoy!

Breakfast Cups

Just under three hours of driving from San Francisco and over an hour from Monterey, the pointy peaks of Pinnacles National Park lie within California’s smallest national park. Slightly off the beaten path of a typical national park route, Pinnacles will have you in awe with the towering peaks, rocky caves, and raptors soaring above the Salinas Valley.

If you want to enjoy some solitude and take a one-of-a-kind trip, RVing Pinnacles National Park is the place to go for hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, and a unique landscape amongst the valleys of central California.

Why Visit Pinnacles National Park in an RV?

Photo by yhelfman via Shutterstock

Pinnacles National Park is a terrific option for RV visits since it is easy to get to and less crowded than other national parks. It is a great stopping point between northern and southern California right off Highway 101 and can provide the opportunity to recharge in a quiet and peaceful place.

This park is accessible to all types of RVs, but it is important to note that there is no road connecting the east and west sides of the park. If you are cruising up or down the 101, the west entrance is a great place to stop in an RV for an afternoon hike or picnic. The east side of the park is the best option for visiting if you want to stay for more than one day.

When to Visit Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is open all year round. The east side is open 24 hours a day for trail access, and the gate on the west side of the park is open daily from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

These fantastic toy hauler travel trailers with outdoor kitchens are the best way to get your family out to the campground! We’ll show you six of our favorite deals ongoing now so that you can take home the best combination of features for your family. Learn more about these RVs with spacious garages and outdoor kitchens below.

Order this Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 27RR toy hauler travel trailer today!

2023 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 27RR

Your family of six will love traveling together in this Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 27RR toy hauler travel trailer. There’s an 11′ separated garage to give you plenty of room for all your outdoor toys and equipment. Additionally, this space doubles as a second bedroom for the kids or your guests.

Additional Features:

Walk-Through BathU-Shaped DinetteDual EntryOutdoor Kitchen11′ Separate GarageThe kitchen is perfect for quick meals.

2022 Forest River No Boundaries NB10.6

Take home this couple’s coach with a ramp door and plenty of space for outdoor toys. Additionally, you’ll love that the roof tent gives you plenty of storage and sleeping space. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator and all the appliances you need to make meals around the campfire.

Additional Features:

An old adage says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Like your clothing choice, tent selection is critical to your comfort when the weather isn’t perfect. 

With the right tent and camping gear, your season can easily extend into the winter months, and you can enjoy the outdoors when the weather isn’t always fair. Aside from choosing a four-season camping tent, you’ll benefit from knowing how to insulate a tent for winter camping. 

Start by Selecting The Right Tent for Winter Camping

Photo by gorillaimages via Shutterstock

Winter camping in cold temperatures requires a true, four-season camping tent. These tents are designed to handle the winter elements, meaning they’re less likely to break in high winds, collapse under heavy snow, and let cold air inside than regular tents. 

When selecting the right camping tent, smaller is better for winter camping. That’s because there will be less interior space to retain heat. Some of the best brands for four-season tents include Mountain Hardwear, NEMO, The North Face, and Hilleberg.

How to Insulate a Tent for Winter Camping

With the right camping tent in hand, here are a few tent insulation tips: 

With everything costing much more and inflation galloping onward, it’s no wonder people are reassessing their vacation plans. For folks seeking vacation fun without breaking the bank, recreational vehicle trips have never looked so inviting. However, even the RV lifestyle can’t escape the increased costs of nearly everything. So how do campers combat RV inflationary headwinds?

Get Back to Nature

So often, we think that to have a fantastic vacation, we must travel to far distant commercialized destinations like theme parks or fancy resort areas. These destination vacations can cost a fortune; fuel costs, RV park fees, activities, entrance fees and other costs pile up with alarming speed. But if you look back at the best summer vacations, they most often are the times you spent with your family doing simple things. Get inspiration from the vacations spent in national forest campgrounds, swimming and fishing in the lake or river, hiking and exploring the surrounding area, sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows, savoring the potatoes that were roasted in the fire for dinner and having great fun with the family. Get back to basics and back to nature.

Cool’ n’ Cook

Eating at restaurants for all your meals becomes very costly over the course of your vacation. But spending excessive time cooking isn’t most campers’ idea of a great vacation. To save money and time, we make cookies, desserts and homemade freezer meals ahead of time to use while we’re traveling. Casseroles like shepherd’s pie can be frozen in individual- or family-sized aluminum pans. Soups can be frozen in correct portion sizes in freezer bags and laid flat to save space in the freezer. These freezer meals save time and effort; just heat and serve. Also, making use of a crockpot is not only economical but convenient. Throw in the ingredients in the morning, turn on the pot and dinner is ready any time you are!

Fuel Concerns

OK, so you’ve picked your destination and reserved a spot. Even though you’ve selected a campground that is relatively close to home, the trip still is going to make a dent in fuel expenses. Increasing the miles per gallon can help reduce the trip’s overall expenses. Let’s take a look at some of the many ways you can travel further on a gallon of fuel.

Hot water is a luxury that RVers should never take for granted. From showering to truly cleaning your dishes, it’s essential to your overall RV hygiene. When considering an upgrade to a tankless RV water heater, you must know the advantages and disadvantages of this water heater type.

What is a Tankless Water Heater (and How Does it Work?)

Traditional water heaters boast a storage tank that fills with water from your fresh water tank or when you’re connected to city water. That water is then heated using a propane burner or an electric heating element, which can sometimes take as long as 30 minutes before you can enjoy a hot shower. Tankless water heaters work a little differently.

Tankless RV water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat your water instantaneously, eliminating the need for a storage tank. When you open a hot water fixture in your kitchen sink or RV shower, cold water runs through a heat exchanger powered by propane gas. This design allows them to deliver constant hot water without you waiting for water to be heated in a tank. 

Photo by Camping World

Benefits of Tankless RV Water Heaters

Here are a few of the advantages of tankless RV water heaters: 

Increased energy efficiency because there’s no heat loss from standing water. Reduced risk of spillage and decreased potential for RV water damage.No waiting for your water heater’s tank to heat up.Longer life expectancy than standard water heaters.

Disadvantages of Tankless RV Water Heaters

While they’re a great option for some, some RVers still swear by their standard water heater because tankless RV hot water heaters can:

Located along the Alaskan peninsula, Katmai National Park is a vast and untamed wilderness of volcanic peaks, dense forests, and windswept coastlines. The park’s sprawling landscapes cover more than 4 million acres, making it larger than the state of Connecticut.

Here, visitors will find a setting that is breathtakingly beautiful and awe-inspiringly vast. A place where the forces of nature remain fully in charge and mankind remains a visitor, even after 9,000 years of habitation. For outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and animal lovers, Katmai is a place unlike any other.

But you’ll have to leave your RV behind on this journey. There are no roads within the park, and the only way in or out is by boat or float plane. Those who make the trip are rarely disappointed, however. As this is a place that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.

Why Visit Katmai National Park?

Photo Credit: webguzs/Getty

Remote, wild, and indescribably beautiful, Katmai National Park is a destination that humbles visitors with its size and scope. The Alaskan landscape is one of the last true wildernesses on the planet, barely touched by man. That alone is a reason to visit, as there are few places on the planet where we can still witness nature in its purest form.

Katmai is also a destination where the Earth’s awesome volcanic forces are fully displayed. The park sits along the Pacific Rim’s fabled Ring of Fire and is among the most active volcanic regions on the planet. At least 14 volcanoes inside the park show signs of activity, including Mount Katmai itself.

As the holiday season ramps up, New England remains a prime destination for touring. It’s worth the low temperatures to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in Massachusetts or sip a cup of hot cider in New Hampshire.

Maine

See our Regional Travel Calendar for more year-round destinations.

Late fall along the Maine coast means clear air and few crowds. Take a drive to Ocean Point, at the tip of a peninsula director south of Damariscotta. See Lighthouses in the distance on the water and enjoy the brisk air. Afterward, head back to Damariscotta for a warm bowl of chowder and a tall brew. Motorists can also motor north to Acadia National Park and drive the Loop Road, which remains open through November. 

Hunt for Seaglass on the Coast

To the south along the coast, Old Orchard Beach hosts the annual Celebration by the Sea: Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Participants record where they found holiday treasure and turn it in for prizes. For more treasure, bundle up and walk the beaches of Kennebunkport to the south for seashells and sea glass, which wash up on shore during this month. Also, in Kennebunkport, visitors can take an early winter walk in Wells Reserve at Laudholm, with seven miles of trails that lead through compelling forests and marshes.

If someone had told me that one day, I’d be traveling with my kid, our two dogs, and two horses – I wouldn’t believe them! And, I would have so many questions.

Why? How? Where did all the animals come from? Where are they all kept? What’s next?

I was not raised with horses and I barely knew how to ride a horse. Now, I own two horses that join us on our camping travels.

Today, while our ponies are parked at their home barn, I’m here to answer the most common questions about how we camp with horses and so much more.

How Our Horse Camping Journey Started

During the pandemic, we hunkered down in Texas and learned a great deal about horsemanship. Our family volunteered at barns for months and learned an extensive amount of information about the anatomy of horses, grooming, diet, exercises, body language, and more. Being around horses during a time when the world was forced to experience so much isolation helped us cope tremendously. There was so much to learn and it felt like we had been fully immersed in a hands-on course. For almost 9 months, day and night we worked with horses until we adopted our first one, and then another horse six months later.

With five national parks, Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park may see fewer visitors than its more popular siblings, Zion, Arches, and Bryce, but it’s still one of the more awe-inspiring parks in the state. RVing Capitol Reef National Park is one of the best ways to see the park, either as a grand tour of Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ or as a standalone trip.

Located in the south-central desert of Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is fairly isolated from any big cities. The nearby towns of Torrey and Hanksville are small, and getting here may be a bit of a trek. However, it’s definitely worth the journey.

Why Visit Capitol Reef National Park in an RV?

Photo by Peter Wey via Shutterstock

RVing Capitol Reef National Park is a great experience, especially when touring other parts of the Utah desert. Capitol Reef has spectacular scenery that leaves visitors feeling like they’ve wandered into another world. It is a remote and rugged landscape, which gives a new appreciation for the desert.

There are some amazing hiking and off-roading trails in the park. Capitol Reef shines for RVers who travel in rigs around or under 27 feet or those towing a four-wheel drive-capable vehicle to access remote areas in the park. Visitors in longer RVs may find themselves limited in what they can do in the lesser traveled areas of the park, though there are sites that are still accessible along the main corridors.

When to Visit Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is open year-round – 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The visitor center hours change depending on the season, and parts of the park may close due to inclement weather like snow or floods.

A little more than a year ago I won a 2021 Thor Freedom Elite 22HEC from an Instagram giveaway hosted by @UsTheRemingtons on Instagram. The giveaway was sponsored by GoodSam and, as my old 1979 Coachmen had just blown its engine, the new RV could not have come at a better time.

When Camping World reached out to me to ask me to review life in a Freedom Elite, I was stoked. As someone who’s experienced both extremes of RV dwelling– from a very old vintage RV fixer-upper to a brand new model – I feel confident and qualified to review this experience. I hope my review helps you determine if a Thor Freedom Elite is right for you!

Learn more about the Thor Freedom Elite here.

What I Love About the Thor Freedom Elite

First, let’s start with the good. There is, after all, a LOT of good with this RV.

Fuel Efficiency

It’s relatively inexpensive on gas which was an absolute delight as gas prices surged over the summer. Sure, it’s no Prius, but when compared to diesel vehicles or Class A RVs with lower mpg ratings, driving the Freedom Elite is a relatively economical way to see more of the country without leaving the comforts of home behind.

In southwest Alaska, where the Alaska Mountains meet the Aleutians, lies one of the world’s most diverse regions. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is home to active volcanoes, rushing salmon-filled rivers, glaciated valleys, and nutrient-rich tundra.

This diverse landscape supports many brown bears, caribou, bald eagles, moose, and Dall sheep. It is here that nature envelopes visitors in overwhelming landscapes and unbelievable wildlife viewing.

Why Visit Lake Clark National Park in an RV?

Photo Credit: NPS by C. Lindsay

Your RV or travel trailer will have to sit this one out, as Lake Clark has no road accessibility. Leave your RV in a town where bush flights into the park are available, like Anchorage, Kenai, or Homer. Plan to spend several days exploring the immense landscapes of the park and watching brown bears devour sedges, clams, and salmon. 

Several lodges can be booked for summer visits. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is one of the last truly wild places on the planet. Travel here is reserved for the adventurous, those looking for experiences larger than life itself.

Sensory perception is overloaded in this corner of the world, where glacier-capped mountains erupt, fish too numerous to count color the water bright red, and the landscapes are so vast that you will think you are the only person left on earth to exult in them. With 4 million acres of space, you just might be.

If camping throughout the year is what you love to do, don’t miss these cold weather RVs! Below, we’ll show you the best options for camping in any weather and all the amenities you’ll need. Find more reasons to love these incredible RVs in this review.

Find more RVs for sale at incredible prices when you shop at RVingPlanet.com.

2023 Forest River Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26RL-L

There are so many things to love about the Forest River Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26RL-L travel trailer that features sleeping for up to four. The dual opposing slides give you more space for entertaining in the living room when the weather is too chilly to be around the fire. You’ll love that the coffee bar makes it easy to get your cup of Joe in the morning.

Additional Features:

Dual Opposing SlidesCoffee BarFree-Standing Table w/ChairsHome Theatre SeatingKitchen IslandJuice PackThe free standing table and chairs are great for sitting around for a game of cards.

2022 Crossroads Cruiser Aire CR33BHB

Save big on this bunkhouse RV that offers plenty of space for your whole family. This CrossRoads Cruiser Aire CR33BHB travel trailer is on clearance now, so you can save up to $21,000 today! Enjoy features like the outdoor kitchen, plenty of slides for maximum living space, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Additional Features:

You might think selling a used RV is easy, but it can be a real pain as a private seller. From repairs to advertising to negotiating the terms of a sale, there’s a lot to consider if you’re selling a motorhome or travel trailer on your own. 

Luckily, there are resources to help you sell a used RV and ways to improve your RV’s resale value so you can get the best return possible. Let’s discuss best practices for selling a used RV. 

Why Sell your Used RV?

Photo by Camping World

Maybe your RV is starting to feel cramped, and you’re ready for a larger RV. In this case, you might consider trading in your RV in search of a new unit. Trading in at Camping World allows you to deduct the value of your trade-in from the taxes owed on a new unit. 

Possibly you’re concerned about winterizing your RV and storing it properly. Or you want your RV off your hands so you can focus on other things. Consigning your RV can be a good option in this case, as your RV can live at a Camping World dealership until it sells, at which point they write you a check minus a consignment fee. 

Or maybe life circumstances are making RV adventures difficult for you right now. You can sell your RV and get a check in hand to spend on whatever you wish, although you don’t get the tax benefits that come with trading in your RV. If you do sell outright, you can always rent an RV down the road.  

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time camper, one of the most incredible things about owning an RV is turning it into a recreational reward that you look forward to camping in. You don’t have to be an expert nor do you have to hire an interior decorator to make your RV look cozy, fun, and stylish! An RV can be your canvas to express yourself, the seasons, and more.

Although gutting and renovating an RV can be fun to imagine, it requires creative and practical to give your RV a new look and achieve the best results on any budget. Check out our top tips for how to decorate an RV for every budget.

Keep It Simple

Image: Shutterstock

A common mistake most new campers make when they are eager to decorate their RV is shopping for a surplus of knick-knacks they believe will look good inside their RV. This can easily lead to an RV appearing cluttered. When in doubt, remember less is almost always more. With simple ideas, any RV can be decorated and look fantastic regardless of the budget. Look for items that due double-duty and have more purpose than one, like a cutting board that doubles as a sink cover.

Swap Out Fixtures

Image: Shutterstock

Disguise an older camper with new fixtures or hardwar to give it a modern look or a theme. Try using lightweight parts, or interior items designed specifically for RVs to stay within the safe weight limits for RV travel. A visit to the nearest hardware or recreation store allows a great opportunity to see the size and installation requirements of fixtures before buying them. Check out these easy RV interior lighting updates.

Throw Blankets

Image: Camping World

Throw blankets can make any bed or sofa look stylish (and comfortable!) within seconds. If you are not sure what kind of bedding set will look most appealing in your RV, try a throw blanket on a white comforter set and see how you feel about it. Give it a few days or weeks before making the plunge for all-new bedding. Who knows? The layered look might be more your style in the end.