Summer is made for camping, and the Fourth of July is especially perfect for some good old-fashioned camping fun. Independence Day is a time when America’s hard-working men and women take time to bask in the summer sun and celebrate the nation’s freedoms. We scoured the country for some of the most spectacular Independence Day celebrations.

Alaska — Celebrate the Fourth in the Last Frontier

Eagle’s Rest RV Park & Cabins, Valdez, AK – Take in the pristine Prince William Sound and misty towering waterfalls atop the majestic peaks. Every July, the friendly folks at Eagle’s Rest RV Park & Cabins host a massive celebration that includes a fish fry.

While you’re there, explore Valdez! With mountains rising to over 5,000 feet and abundant waterfalls, the scenic vistas can be overwhelming. Here are just a few things to enjoy in this outdoor paradise.

Hiking trails: With some of the tallest coastal mountain peaks in the world, you will likely spot some wildlife and on a nice day, kite surfers catching the wind and ocean waves. And where else can you strap on a pair of crampons and stroll upon the blue ice of Worthington Glacier? Guided hikes are offered daily from June 10 until September 10th through Pangaea Adventures.White water rafting: The Lowe River through Keystone Canyon offers exciting rapids, massive waterfalls and magnificent canyon views.

California – Watch Fireworks Burst Over the Beach

2. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach, CA –  Along with their annual Independence Day on the Back Bay, Newport also hosts their Tunes at the Dunes summer concert series – eclipsing 4th of July weekend.

Building a perfect camping menu for your next trip to the campground is a great way to ensure you get enough food for your crew. Keep them ready for adventure by planning your meals ahead of time to ensure everyone takes time during the day to recharge. These delicious camping recipes for spring are the perfect start to a great week at the campground!

Campfire Caprese Brie

This light, delicious lunch is packed with nutrients and flavors. It’s the ideal thing to make for a busy group that doesn’t want to sit still for long! 

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes3 cloves garlic, minced1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oilKosher saltFreshly ground black pepperPinch red pepper flakes1 wheel of brieBalsamic glaze, for drizzling¼ c. fresh basil leaves1 baguette, sliced, for serving

Instructions:

Wash and dry your tomatoes and basil, and peel the garlic cloves.Slice the tomatoes in half and mince the garlic. In a large bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes and garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Over your fire, place a cast iron skillet to heat. Once it’s hot, add the brie to the center and top with the tomatoes. Melt over the fire until the brie is gooey, around 20 minutes. The brie might not ooze unless you poke it with a fork or knife, but it will still be gooey and delicious on the inside. While the cheese melts, thinly slice the basil leaves and the baguette. Serve the brie topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and the shredded basil. Dip your baguettes into the mix or scoop it out of the cast iron to top your slices. 

Hot Ham & Swiss Croissants

Another quick and easy lunch, this meal is perfect for picky-eaters or a last-minute lunch before you hit the trails. 

Ingredients

Recipe adapted from one on

2 tbsp Dijon Mustard1 tbsp honey1 tbsp brown sugar4 croissants8 slices swiss cheesetap herePound deli ham, your choice of flavor

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey, and brown sugar until thoroughly blended. Split the croissants with a knife and coat both of the interior sides of the croissant thoroughly. Add the sliced ham to desired thickness and top with swiss cheese. Close the sandwich and wrap it in foil. Repeat for each croissant. From here, you can place these sandwiches in the fridge or a cooler until you’re ready to heat them, or put them straight into a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes!Serve warm!

Shrimp Boil

This dinner is sure to bring everyone back to the campsite smiling and ready to eat! A shrimp boil is also a fun way to spend some time together as a family. Just cover your picnic table with a clean tablecloth and dump the cooked ingredients in the center when you’re ready to eat! Make sure you have plenty of napkins handy!

With the popularity of camping and RVing continuing to grow, there’s never been a better time to get behind the wheel of your dream motorhome. That being said, purchasing a brand new rig is, understandably, a big investment – making the option to rent all the more attractive. 

So if you’re looking to test out a motorhome for the first time, here’s a quick overview of the different RV types to help you find a rental that’s right for you.

 

RV types 

There are certainly a lot of great options when it comes to renting an RV. Whether you’re looking for something that’s spacious with all of the bells and whistles, a motorhome that’s a little more compact and fuel-efficient, or something in between, the challenge is just finding the rental that’s right for you. Here’s a brief overview of the different RV types to get you started on the right track.

At the border

As my well-worn passport can attest, I’ve crossed numerous international borders over the years, thankfully with nary an issue. But until recently, I never attempted a border crossing in my camper van.

Normally this wouldn’t make me nervous, but both my RV and I needed a makeover at that moment; my Roadtrek is in desperate need of new paint, while my long, unkempt hair and beard made me look like a chop-shop owner who gets killed in the first five minutes of a John Wick movie. I felt like a neon sign reading SKETCHY in all caps was flashing above my camper van as I pulled up to the booth just outside Port Huron, Michigan.

I handed my passport to the border agent who glanced down at the booklet and back up to me.

“Is there anyone else in the vehicle with you?” the agent asked. I quickly respond with the truth, that no one ever wants to travel with me. The agent chuckles slightly and I find myself relaxing a little bit.

“What brings you to Canada?” I’m cutting through Canada on my way to the Catskills to go fly-fishing.

RV leveling blocks are an essential accessory for RVers to ensure that their vehicle is level and stable when parked on uneven ground. Here's some information about RV leveling blocks: Purpose: RV leveling blocks are used to raise or lower the wheels of an RV to achieve a level position. They help to stabilize the RV, improve comfort inside, and pr...

 

 

Break out the grills and swim trunks because summer is upon us. And if you’re looking to make the most of your vacation, you might want to consider upgrading some of your gear. However, with so many targeted ads and viral fads, sorting through the noise and finding the proper accouterments can be a challenge. So in order to help you upgrade your inventory (without wasting cash), we’ve put together a list of highly-rated gear to kick off your summer plans.

Gear List

Packing cubes

Never underestimate the value of consolidation – especially if you’re traveling for more than a week at a time and need to pack a lot into one bag. Packing cubes maximize space, are easily washable, help contain odors while reducing mold, and will fit in any suitcase. 

Renting an RV allows you to experience many of the perks of RV life without buying or maintaining an RV, which can be a daunting first step. Renting also provides an easy entry point for those considering an RV purchase who want to learn the ropes before investing. Whether this is your first time RVing or you want to use the opportunity to scope out a new type of rig, Good Sam RV Rentals connects renters with helpful owners.

But just because the barriers to entry are fewer when renting an RV versus buying one, planning a good trip requires some forethought to know what to expect and to find an RV that best fits you and your family and friends. Choose the right RV — and the right destination — and renting an RV can be the easiest, most affordable way to experience the RV lifestyle on your own.

We’ve broken down the process into three primary steps.

Choosing an RVChoosing a destinationTaking the trip

Choose an RV and a destination based on what you need, not what comes up first in the search. Doing so requires general knowledge about RVs to know which will be best for you and where to take it.

But before you choose an RV, how does the process work?

Water fun is kind of a big deal at Grey’s Point Camp in Topping, Virginia. Located on the banks of the Rappahannock River near the Chesapeake Bay, this Good Sam Park treats guests to lots of ways to float, slide, and make a splash. 

From the campground (with a Good Sam Rating of 9/10*/10), guests can launch a kayak or canoe right on the river and spot the wildlife that thrives on the verdant banks. Campers with small kids might prefer to stay on the Grey’s Point property for watery good times. Pools and a splash zone give campers lots of ways to shoot water or get doused with lots of colorful play equipment. 

Thrill-seekers can get an adrenaline kick by launching themselves down the pair of twisting waterslides. 

Set Sail

Brought your boat? You’ve come to the right place. The Grey’s Point Camp Marina provides docks for your watercraft, and a boat ramp enables campers to launch their vessel. From the marina, boaters have seemingly endless choices, from fishing in the Chesapeake to exploring the myriad channels and inlets that make up the estimated 465 miles of shoreline in the River Realm. 

 

What are RV lenders looking for?

When it comes to seeing the country and taking in the beauty of the outdoors, there’s no better experience than an RV. But in reality, purchasing an RV can be an expensive proposition for many. Fortunately, there are plenty of quality lenders who can help you purchase a motorhome through an affordable plan, assuming you qualify. If you’re in the market to finance a new or used RV, here’s what a lender will be evaluating.

Credit (or FICO) score 

Since the 1950s, the FICO (Fair Isaac and Company) score has been an industry standard when it comes to determining someone’s credit. The three-digit score represents a combination of factors, including the purchaser’s payment history, debt, borrowing history, and any open lines of credit.

Here’s a general range of FICO scores:

Exceptional: 800 to 850Very Good: 760 to 799Good: 700 to 759Poor: 600 to 699Very Poor: 300 to 579

For an RV lender, they’ll usually be able to work with anything above 700 (and, in some cases, can go as low as 600). That being said, the lower your FICO score, the higher your interest will be – meaning steeper payments. If you’re below 700, it might be worth taking some time to rebuild your credit before trying to take on an RV loan.

Spectacularly located in Northwestern Wyoming, just 52 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, Cody Yellowstone is a place every RVer should visit. Not only is it home to the world’s first national park, but it was just named “The Best Western Small Town in America” — making it the perfect place to have authentic Wild West adventures and sleep under the stars when you’re on the road.

Life is good in the woods

With nearly 7,000 square miles, a population of just 30,000 people, and wide-open spaces as far as your binoculars can see, Cody Yellowstone is like a breath of fresh air for RVers. If you love to be out in the wild, the United States Forest Service operates a variety of campgrounds and campsites throughout the region — not to mention close to 300 backcountry sites in Yellowstone operated by the National Park Service if you really want to go off-road.

You can lead a horse and an RV to water

If you prefer water over woods, Cody Yellowstone has a terrific parking spot for you, too! Buffalo Bill Reservoir features its own boat ramp and plenty of room for boaters. The two campgrounds in Buffalo Bill State Park feature 125 RV/tent sites and 11 tent-only sites. Sites are spacious, all feature tables and grills, and are conveniently located near water and restrooms.

There are Wild West adventures around every corner. Literally

In Cody Yellowstone, you can take an old-time trolley tour of Cody Yellowstone, showcasing local history, area attractions, and jaw-dropping scenery interwoven with the compelling story of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

Mexico is a country with diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery, making it a great place for road trips. Here are some of the best driving routes in Mexico: Baja California Peninsula: This route offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez, and the desert landscape. The highway runs from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, covering over 1...

It’s not fun to think about a vacation gone wrong, but it’s even worse to think about a vacation gone wrong and you being left in the lurch because you didn’t have reliable travel insurance. The likelihood is that you’ll never need it – but that’s the thing about accidents: they happen when you least expect them.

And while it’s generally an extra couple of hundred dollars on top of your trip, should the worst happen, it could save you tens of thousands. To get a better idea of whether it’s worth getting a policy for your next trip, here’s a quick overview of travel insurance and what’s covered.

What is travel insurance? 

Like any other type of insurance, travel insurance protects you from the unexpected. Whether it’s a flight canceled due to bad weather, damage to your adventure gear, or a medical emergency on the road, there are sometimes unique scenarios that a traditional insurance policy won’t be able to cover. 

 

What’s not covered?

While a lot depends on the provider, you can usually expect that foreseeable or expected cancellations will not qualify. That being said, providers generally work with you when cancellations are outside of your control.

One of America’s largest vintage trailer rallies is set to take place on May 18–20 in Pismo Coast Village RV Resort in Pismo Beach, California.

The annual Pismo Vintage Trailer Rally is a widely recognized event that brings together amazing, dedicated trailer owners who are passionate about iconic vintage trailers. With over 300 vintage trailer participants, the gathering promotes the history, restoration, and preservation of these marvelous gems on wheels.

Hosted by Pismo Coast Village RV Resort for the past 15 years, the rally features beautifully restored travel trailers from the 1930s to the 1970s with famous names like Airstream, Boles Aero, Shasta, Silver Streak, Vagabond, and Westcraft as well as unique special edition trailers. Many of the vintage trailer owners tow their units with beautiful vintage vehicles with matching color schemes. Tow vehicles on display usually range from Hudson, Ford, and Chevy pickups to vintage Woodie station wagons. Trailer owners celebrate this legendary tradition by furnishing and accessorizing the inside and outside of their trailers with authentic vintage décor.

The highlight of the weekend is the Open House and swap meet, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20.

RV HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are designed to provide a comfortable interior environment for recreational vehicle (RV) occupants, regardless of the weather outside. Here are some key features and components of RV HVAC systems: Air Conditioning: RV HVAC systems typically include a roof-mounted air conditioning unit tha...

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is unlike anywhere else in the county. It’s sunny and 75, the wildflowers are blooming, rivers are rushing with snow melt, and the mountains are clear, allowing you to hike from sun up to sundown. Pacific Northwest road trips allow you to immerse yourself in lush forests or on lake shores, see the sights without worrying about rushing home, and truly feel alive.

 

Here, we’ve outlined seven different road trips with places to stay along the way, but also make use of the RV Parks and Campground finder to key in on the locations you plan to visit.

Plan Your Adventure: The Ultimate PNW Road Trip Guide

Avoiding crowds during a Pacific Northwest road trip

While avoiding summer crowds entirely is impossible in the PNW, you can still mitigate them. First, visiting popular areas on the weekdays allows you to explore with fewer people. Secondly, arriving early or staying late for sunset gives you more peace and quiet to soak in the views. 

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic scenic drives in Australia, located in the state of Victoria. It spans over 240 kilometers along the southeastern coast of Australia, from Torquay to Allansford. The route offers stunning views of the ocean, rugged coastline, and scenic landscapes, including the famous Twelve Apostles, a collection of ...

Enter your text here ... The Romantic Road is a famous driving route in Germany that stretches for about 350 kilometers from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south. It passes through picturesque towns, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. The route was originally developed in the 1950s to promote tourism in the region and has sinc...

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is a scenic road that runs along the coast of California from Orange County to Mendocino County. It's one of the most famous and popular road trip routes in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and stunning natural landscapes. Some of the mu...

The Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches for 232 kilometers (144 miles) through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. It runs between Lake Louise and Jasper, and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Here are some of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Breathtaking scenery: The drive offers stunning view...

The "Rule of 3" for RV refers to a guideline that some RV (recreational vehicle) owners follow when it comes to camping and RV travel. The rule states that: On average, you can go 3 weeks without any significant resupply needs.You can travel up to 300 miles in a day without getting too fatigued.You should try to stay at least 3 days in each locatio...