The Southwest welcomes the holiday season with candlelight celebrations and novel ways to welcome St. Nick.

Southern Arizona

During the holidays, southern Arizona lights up with luminarias and centuries-old festivals.

See Light in the Valley of the Sun

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

Taking up 140 acres in the heart of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden serves as a home to more than 50,000 plants, including many indigenous cacti and agave. During the holidays, the landscape basks in the soft glow of hundreds of luminarias — along with electric holiday lights. Known as Las Noches de las Luminarias, the event guides guests through a desert wonderland that will make you see nature in a whole new way.

We want to hear the unique way you RV. Tell us about your rig, your camping style, and what you love about the RV life.

Click to view slideshow.var gform;gform||(document.addEventListener("gform_main_scripts_loaded",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.domLoaded&&gform.scriptsLoaded?o():!gform.domLoaded&&gform.scriptsLoaded?window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",o):document.addEventListener("gform_main_scripts_loaded",o)},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,n,r,t){gform.addHook("action",o,n,r,t)},addFilter:function(o,n,r,t){gform.addHook("filter",o,n,r,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook("action",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook("filter",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,n){gform.removeHook("action",o,n)},removeFilter:function(o,n,r){gform.removeHook("filter",o,n,r)},addHook:function(o,n,r,t,i){null==gform.hooks[o][n]&&(gform.hooks[o][n]=[]);var e=gform.hooks[o][n];null==i&&(i=n+"_"+e.length),gform.hooks[o][n].push({tag:i,callable:r,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(n,o,r){var t;if(r=Array.prototype.slice.call(r,1),null!=gform.hooks[n][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[n][o]).sort(function(o,n){return o.priority-n.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){"function"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),"action"==n?t.apply(null,r):r[0]=t.apply(null,r)})),"filter"==n)return r[0]},removeHook:function(o,n,t,i){var r;null!=gform.hooks[o][n]&&(r=(r=gform.hooks[o][n]).filter(function(o,n,r){return!!(null!=i&&i!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][n]=r)}});

North Cascades National Park, located in Northern Washington, is where the crowds are few, but the adventures are abundant. Steep, gray, snow-capped mountain terrain expands for hundreds of miles, and the park is just 2.5 hours from Seattle.  

Sometimes known as the “American Alps,” the North Cascades are surrounded by vast pine forests, vivid glacier lakes, and wildflower meadows. Elevation in the park reaches 9,206 feet. The North Cascade Mountains call every lover of the outdoors to come to visit its wild terrain.

This park boasts over 300 glaciers, which makes it the highest concentration of glaciers in a national park, second only to Denali National Park in Alaska. In addition to its raw beauty, it is less congested with people, even during peak season. North Cascades ranks in the top 10 least-visited national parks, making it a prize for many.

Why Visit North Cascades National Park in an RV?

Photo by Michal Balada via Shutterstock

The North Cascades is meant to be driven. The North Cascades Highway, or State Route 20 (SR 20), is the only paved road through the park and the main means of travel. There are 30 miles of SR 20 that belong to the park, and an average drive-through takes about an hour. 

The rest of the highway continues for another 50 miles that comprise part of a 440-mile loop that has recently been named the “Cascade Loop Northern Scenic Byway.” There are numerous overlooks along SR 20, showcasing the park’s vibrant glacier lakes and alpine ranges. 

Sequoia National Park covers an expansive 1,300 square miles and is home to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 of the United States. With roaring mountain rivers, granite peaks, an extensive backcountry, and signature Giant Sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park brings in over one-million annual visitors to experience its beauty. 

If you’re looking for the only place in the world to feel the immense power of these storied trees, then gas up your RV and hit the road. But before you do, here’s what you need to know about RVing in Sequoia National Park.

Why Visit Sequoia National Park in an RV?

Photo by Virrage Images via Shutterstock

Have you ever wanted to walk among giants? California’s two-for-one national park duo of Sequoia and Kings Canyon lets you venture into a land of otherworldly trees that almost seem too grand to be real. And with these giants growing only within a 60-mile area high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s the only place you’ll be able to experience their power.

Sequoia National Park is easily accessible in under four hours from Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco, and can easily be looped into a National Parks road trip with Yosemite to the North or Death Valley to the Southeast.

Because Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are in close proximity, having an RV for your visit to these parks allows you to easily bounce back and forth. You can easily go from seeing General Sherman Tree on the Sequoia side of the park to the Zumwalt Meadow on the King’s Canyon side on the same day.

Camping is a great activity that you can enjoy for a couple of days or for weeks or even months on end. While I know several people who spend long periods of time in their RV camping at various campgrounds around the country, I also know plenty of others who only camp on the weekend.

These weekend warriors need gear just like the camper who spend large periods of time hanging out at campgrounds. If you have someone in your life who loves to spend their Saturdays and Sundays camping, then this is the list for you.

Perma Chill 50 Quart Cooler

Made in the USA! This 12.5 gallon cooler is rated for 7 days of ice retention, making it perfect for backwoods camping and long fishing trips. The Perma Chill’s freezer-grade gasket, lockable lid, and tie-down slots make it easy and safe to haul to your campsite’s location.

The cooler features an integrated bottle opener, inch ruler for measuring your catch of the day, and comes in five colors.

Learn to make the most of your RV. Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

When your RV is plugged in, 120-volt alternating current (AC) can run appliances and small electronics. Just like in your home, circuit breakers control AC power and allow you to plug in safely. 

But what happens when power outlets or specific appliances stop working? Troubleshooting RV circuit breakers may only be part of the solution, but it’s an important piece when troubleshooting your RV’s entire electrical system. 

The video above shows you how to troubleshoot electrical issues associated with pulling too much power, like tripped breakers or blown fuses, and how to fix them. Below, we’ll go into more detail about RV circuit breakers, how they operate, and how to troubleshoot them. 

Understanding AC versus DC Power in your RV

Before you dive into circuit breaker troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand how RV electrical works. Here’s a short video introduction: 

Finding the perfect gift ideas for RV owners can be a real struggle. The last thing an RV owner wants is one more item to fit into their camper’s limited storage space. But not all gifts have to be clunky and cumbersome. Great gifts serve a unique RV purpose.

Start by considering who you are gifting to this year. Ask what they love most about RVing and learn how they travel. Use this information to guide your giving.

In need of some help brainstorming gifts for RV owners? Discover Camping World’s Holiday Gift Guide for inspiration.

Gifts for the Camp Foodie

Click to view slideshow.

There’s just something about cooking outside that’s thrilling. For those that love firing up the grill and covering the picnic table with a spread of good eats, consider cooking gifts for RV campers.

Camp Chef Artisan Pizza Oven is a real crowd-pleaser and the best way to make everyone’s favorite meal—pizza.Give the chef a practical gift to make life easier, a workspace all his own with the Folding Aluminum Grill Table.A Cast Iron Pie Iron is a fun tool for cooking tasty hand pies over the coals.RV ovens aren’t like the ones at home. The Omnia Stove Top Oven makes oven baking in your RV kitchen energy efficient and simple.Don’t let a delicious meal go to the flies. A Mesh Food Cover is a great gift idea for outdoor eating.This Telescoping Camp Fork is a perfect stocking stuffer and essential for marshmallow toasting.

Browse everything you need for a camp kitchen.

Want to get the most out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel and never miss a video.

In your house, you rarely need to think of your oven pilot light — you only worry if it goes out. But in your RV, you’re responsible for lighting it and turning it off before you start driving.

The video above gives a quick, simple walkthrough of how to light your RV oven pilot light. Plus, you’ll learn when to leave it on and when to turn it off. Let’s cover all that. 

How to Light Your RV Oven Pilot Light

Your oven’s pilot light is located under the bottom tray inside the oven. Here are the steps for lighting it: 

Pre-Checks

Photo by Camping WorldPark, level, and stabilize your RV. Ensure you have LP in your container(s).Open the valve on top of the container.Set the regulator switch to the correct position (for towables with multiple containers). Check adequate propane flow by lighting a burner on your RV’s cooktop. 

Step 1: Open the oven door.

This makes it easier to check the pilot is being lit and prevents LP gas from dangerously building up inside your oven. 

Traveling is easy wherever you plan to go when you have a class A motorhome. You’ll find that these class A motorhome for under 120K are an excellent way to get to the campground and enjoy an easy setup and spacious interiors. Learn about our favorite floorplans below!

Find more amazing options when you shop at RVingPlanet.com!

2023 Thor Motor Coach Vegas 24.1

Save over $50,000 on this Thor Motor Coach Vegas 24.1 class A motorhome today! Inside, you’ll find a set of twin beds that easily convert into a king so that you can get a great night’s sleep wherever you go. Additionally, you’ll find a flip-up countertop in the kitchen so that you have plenty of space for making meals for your crew.

Additional Features:

Twin Beds with King ConversionDrop-Down Overhead BunkSofa Bed with Removable TableWinegard ConnecT 2.0Touchscreen Dash RadioThe large slide-out opens up the living space.

2023 Thor Motor Coach Vegas 24.4

On sale for just $116,000, this Thor Motor Coach Vegas 24.4 class C motorhome is a steal! You’ll love that there’s a coffee table between the driver and passenger seats. The Murphy bed allows you plenty of space for entertaining and a cozy spot to rest at the end of the day.

Additional Features:

Camping has long been associated with uncomfortable nights sleeping on the ground. That’s not the case if you take the time to upgrade your RV bed, which is a no-brainer when you spend roughly a third of each day using it.

Interested in reimagining what your RV bedroom could look and feel like? Camping World Design Centers help RVers plan and complete interior design projects, including making your RV bed the most comfortable bed ever.

How to Upgrade Your RV Bed

From replacing your old mattress to fitting it with the correct RV bedding, here are seven easy ways to upgrade your RV bed:

1. Get a New RV Mattress

Photo by Camping World

How old is your RV mattress? If your RV is more than eight years old, there’s a good chance your mattress is too. RV mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years. If your mattress is older than that, it’s time to upgrade.

When considering an upgrade, it’s essential to be familiar with RV mattress sizes because they differ from regular mattresses. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

Whether you’re new to the RV lifestyle or you’ve been RV camping for years, it never hurts to hear some advice from time to time. After all, aren’t we all striving to make our next adventure our best adventure? We asked RVers for some of their best camping advice, and they had a lot to say. But first, let’s meet these road travelers.

Meet Our Experienced RV Campers

Image: Mike Wendland

Mike Wendland – The RV Lifestyle

Mike started his website, RV Lifestyle, with his wife in 2012 after deciding to spend their retirement traveling throughout the country. He also runs The RV Podcast.

Follow Mike on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Stef — The Fit RV

Stef is a health and fitness professional who promotes healthy RVing on The Fit RV. She, along with her husband, James, offers RV-related tips centered around fitness and tech.

Follow Stef on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

The recent pandemic was no fun, but I can think of one good development: working while RVing is now easier than ever. If you’re also thinking about trying the lifestyle, don’t turn the key just yet. My five best tips for working while RVing from anywhere are critical reading before you give it a try.

The 5 Dos and Don’ts of Working While RVing

Many aspiring nomads enjoy browsing the social media profiles of full-time RVing influencers. It’s a fun way to daydream and do your research, but be warned: you may only be seeing the extremes of nomadic living. Most profiles tend to focus on the good days of this lifestyle. Some like to share a gritty story, but rarely do full-time RV influencers expose the whole truth about living and working on the road. If you’re planning to travel and earn money, my five reality checks about combining work and RV travel will put you on the best path forward.

Don’t Let Work Take Over Your RV Adventures

Work isn’t always a four-letter word. My husband, Jim Nelson, and I have spent the last 15 years working on the road and it pays for full-time RV travel and living expenses. We don’t work every single day, but as two self-employed people in a 27-foot fifth-wheel, the line between work and home life is razor thin — even more than when we had a sticks-and-bricks business in Northern California. We’ve discovered that separating work and play on the road is difficult at best. But when we prioritize fun at great destinations, our effort to clock out reminds us why we full-time RV in the first place. For instance, a trip to Dinosaur National Monument in Utah reminded us that walking away from work a little more than usual rewarded us with unforgettable experiences at park attractions, like Dinosaur’s gorgeous hiking trails.

Have Multiple Ways to Get Online

New nomads working on the road quickly discover that relying on RV park and campground wifi is a fool’s game. Although many top-rated RV parks have installed wifi networks throughout their campsites, the sad truth is that rarely does the technology keep up with everyone’s needs — especially now that more of us are working online. So if your job or nomadic business depends on internet access, don’t leave home until you buy the best RV internet connectivity hardware and service plans you can afford. And always have service with at least two different providers. That way, when (not if) one service goes down, the other is your backup way to get online, so you can keep bringing home the bacon.

If any of these winter festivals are within visiting distances of you and yours, we highly recommend the trip to fully enjoy the season. 

 

Temperatures may be dropping, but the festival season is just warming up. Whether you’re looking to extend your holiday vacation or get your family uncooped from the house, there are still plenty of events to keep you busy.

 

To help you make the most of the frigid temps, here are 10 winter festivals to put on your radar.

The end of the year is a time for rest, reflection, and preparations for the year ahead – including your travel plans. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of opportunities to make 2023 an even better camping season and to get ahead of the curve. 

Whether you’re getting a jump on reservations or investing in new gear, upgrading your RV or completing routine maintenance, preparation makes for smooth travels heading into the next year of camping. 

To make life easier, here’s a helpful end-of-the-year camping checklist.

Reserve early

Some campgrounds now fill up months or even years in advance, so it’s a good idea to get a jump on next year’s itinerary now. Instead of waiting to book reservations in the spring, take the time now to make a list, research site requirements, and know when bookings go live for your desired campgrounds. Discover campgrounds wherever you plan to travel, and book early.

Gear up (and down)

Take stock of your gear. What’s left in the closet from last year that’s still unused? Is there anything you’ve outgrown your need for? Once you’ve updated your inventory and identified what you don’t need, consider donating your old gear to someone who would really benefit from it. Then consider what you might need that you don’t already own.

Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have the opportunity to experience firsthand just how powerful and awe-inspiring our planet can be. The park gives travelers the chance to get up close and personal with Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world. These fearsome peaks continue to shake, rumble, and spew ash and lava in an impressive display of how Pacific islands form and grow.

Spread out across 344,000 acres, the park’s boundaries stretch from the black-sand beaches of the island of Hawaii up to 13,680 feet above sea level. This makes it an environment that is unlike any other on Earth, which is why it draws more than a million visitors on an annual basis. It is also why it should be on your must-visit list when visiting the 50th state.

Why Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in an RV

Photo Credit: Vito Palmisano/Getty

The roads inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be narrow and twisting, which doesn’t make it very RV-friendly at times. That said, the park is very accessible to a Class B camper van, which can serve as an excellent base camp while exploring the landscapes there. This is especially true if you want to reach some of the more remote areas where you can get up close to flowing lava.

Unless you live on the island of Hawaii, you probably won’t be bringing your own RV along for the trip. Instead, you can explore options for renting one locally. This can be a fun and rewarding way to explore the region, including areas beyond the park itself.

When to Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Photo Credit: NPS by J. Wei

The park is open year-round, but occasionally some sections are closed due to volcanic activity. Before setting out for a visit, it is always a good idea to check the National Park Service website for updates. Additionally, the weather conditions within the park can vary greatly based on location. It is not uncommon for it to be hot and sunny at sea level and chilly and blustery at higher elevations. Mists often form above 4000 feet and temperatures at the summit of Kīlauea can be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at the base. Bring a jacket and be prepared for wind and rain.

If someone were to ask you what the United States’ deepest lake is, would you know? Well if the title of this article didn’t tip ... Read more

The mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, keeps a low profile, and visitors like it that way. Sitting amid the Sierra Blanca Mountains in the heart of the state, Ruidoso avoids the bright spotlight enjoyed by Santa Fe or Taos to the north. That means fewer crowds on Ruidoso’s trails, the banks of local fishing lakes, and the town’s stores and restaurants. Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park puts guests in the middle of the action, within walking distance of town and the surrounding outdoor attractions. 

The campground makes the most of its location. Nestled among more than 100 tall pines on two acres, the park sits close to the town’s shopping strip and maintains sparkling-clean laundry facilities, bathrooms and showers. The owners, Rich and Anna Dozier, live on the grounds and set the tone for friendly customer service. At this writing, the campground has maintained a five-star average in customer reviews on GoodSam.com, and management works hard to maintain a friendly, carefree New Mexico environment. Look for the artwork found throughout the campground and enjoy the surrounding views. The nearby 98 River Park (open from dawn until dusk) on the banks of the Ruidoso River gives guests a chance to enjoy nature and follow trails along the waterway.

Rentals and More

The campground’s rentals offer a wide variety of camping experiences. Guests staying in the Queen Anna cabin will enjoy a rustic camping experience with all the modern conveniences and comforts needed for a comfortable stay. The main part of the cabin is built in a contemporary design with a bedroom, bunkhouse and 11/2 baths. The cabin has a living area with stainless appliances, granite countertops, AC and a wood-burning stove.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s many gems for hikers, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers. There are many ways to experience the Park, but RVing Rocky Mountain National Park should be on your national parks bucket list. 

Why Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in an RV?

Photo by Colin D Young via Shutterstock

Visitors from all over can enjoy the different ecosystems of the Colorado mountains while having the option to see a variety of high alpine wildlife. From thick pine forests and beautiful open meadows to high rocky peaks and bare alpine tundra, exploring the park allows travelers to escape city life and enjoy the Colorado wilderness.

There are several RV-friendly campgrounds within the park, making for a perfect place to basecamp for a few days. Visitors in longer RVs and trailers may be restricted on certain roadways, but overall, the park is fairly accessible to most vehicles.

When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, access to the park changes drastically depending on the season. When the park starts to receive snow, high-elevation roads close, limiting visitor access. 

The most popular time to visit is during the summer and fall, from the months of May through October, with the peak times being June through August. Timed entry reservations are required to access the park during the high season from late May to mid-October. 

There’s nothing quite as relaxing after a long day of driving as sinking into a tub and enjoying a long soak. These travel trailers with a bathtub allow you to take that comfort on the road wherever you go. Learn more about these RVs with bathtubs available near you and find the perfect combination of features to take home!

Find more travel trailers for sale near you.

2022 Coachmen Catalina Legacy 293QBCK

This bunkhouse RV is an excellent example of how Coachmen RVs blend luxury and practicality. The bunkhouse offers the kids a space to call their own while you can enjoy the comfort of the private master bedroom. Additionally, there’s a slide-out in the living room to maximize your living space.

Additional Features:

Private BunkhouseU-Shaped DinetteQueen BedOutdoor Camper Kitchen18′ Electric AwningFlip-Down Cargo Rack Take home a Coachmen Catalina Legacy 293QBCK travel trailer today.

2022 Dutchmen Colorado 26BHC

Save up to $10,000 on this Dutchmen Colorado 26BHC travel trailer today, and take home an RV with a set of double-sized bunks. The bathroom offers a bathtub/shower combo that gives you the option to enjoy a quick rinse or a soak whenever you want. The outdoor storage space is large enough to give you all the space you need to bring your camping essentials.

Additional Features:

Bryce Canyon National Park is a majestic destination in Southern Utah and is home to the highest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world. Many compare the canyon’s soaring spires and oddly-shaped hoodoos to huge, natural sandcastles.

RVing in Bryce Canyon National Park is an excellent way to explore the natural wonders of the canyon and surrounding desert.  Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks are relatively close by, so why not make an epic road trip out of your visit?

Why Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in an RV?

Photo by Alexander Lozitsky via Shutterstock

Traveling in an RV or with a travel trailer is a great option in Bryce Canyon National Park if you plan to camp at one of the park’s campgrounds or in the surrounding areas of Bryce Canyon City.  

But, if you plan to take your trip to Bryce during the late spring through the fall, vehicle size restrictions are important to consider before deciding to bring your RV into the park. Vehicles over 20 feet are prohibited from parking at the Visitor Center and viewpoints in the popular Bryce Amphitheater area when the free park shuttle runs from April through October.

Alternative areas to park oversized vehicles are available in less busy areas of the park, the Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City, and the campgrounds. The campground and paved park roads can accommodate RVs up to 30+ feet, but parking is limited for any RVs or trailers over 20 feet during peak season.