Known as the “Valley of the Vapors” to Hernando de Soto when he arrived in 1541, Hot Springs National Park lies in a small valley of the Ouachita Mountains in west-central Arkansas. With 43 natural springs erupting from the rock, the region is highly sought after for its healing waters, and visitors today can stroll through historic bathhouses that harken to times past.

Enjoy a soak and steam. Residents have for over 100 years or have a brewsky at another of the converted bathhouses. Venture along the 26 miles of trails over Hot Springs Mountain and participate in several informative park ranger tours. Located within a city, this is an unusual national park, but one that celebrates our natural resources while protecting them.

Why Visit Hot Springs National Park?

Very amenable to RVers and campers, Hot Springs has several nice campgrounds that cater to motorhomes and travel trailers. Tent campers can also find plenty of places to stay.

Imagine driving through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains to arrive at Hot Springs National Park, where you can enjoy the history of the area, and then participating in the bathhouse ritual of a tub bath, a sit in the vapor cabinet, application of hot packs, and relaxing in a cooling area, just as they did 100 years ago.

After this afternoon of pampering, you will definitely be ready for a nap in your RV, then a nice meal, either prepared at the campsite or taken at a restaurant in town.

Class C motorhomes tend to be the RV that first comes to mind when many people think of camping and road trips. The design has been around for decades, and it’s a proven one that continues to get better as time goes on.

Class A and Class B motorhomes offer serious benefits of their own, but Class C motorhomes are a good middle-of-the-road option between the other two types of motorhomes. Class C RVs work for the solo explorer, the adventurous couple, as well as families large and small.

Speaking of families and Class C motorhomes, if you have the need for a camper that can sleep up to eight people, look no further than the venerable Class C motorhome. Here are several units that will sleep eight people with ease.

Thor Omni RS36

Thor Omni RS36 (Image: Thor)

Bells and whistles. If you like them, then you’ll love the Thor Omni RS36. With a king-sized bed in the rear, bunk beds across from the bathroom, a cab-over bunk at the front, and a dinette that converts to additional sleeping space, it’s no surprise the Thor Omni is at the top of everyone’s list. Plus, there is theater seating! And a full kitchen. It’s everything you love about home but on the road and with enough space for the whole family. Ring the bell. Blow the whistle. This one is a winner.

Shop Thor Omni RS36 RVs.

Getting out on the road is comfortable and easy when you leave home in one of the class B diesel motorhomes available at a dealer near you. These amazing class B diesel motorhomes are built with comfortable seating to make the road trip fun and all the amenities you need for camping with your crew. Learn more about six deals you won’t want to miss below.

This 2022 Airstream Interstate 19 class B diesel motorhome is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience.

2022 Airstream Interstate 19

This dream RV for two features a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 chassis with a 3.0L V6 Turbo Mercedes-Benz diesel engine. With power and quality construction like that, you’ll have a smooth ride no matter how long you spend on the road. Inside, you’ll find an in-dash wireless cell phone charging station and heated seats to keep you comfortable all along the way.

Additional Features:

Power SofaPower OttomansCorian Galley ShelfPower Window ShadesOverhead StorageThere’s plenty of cupholders in this luxurious RV.

2023 Coachmen Galleria 24T

Get all the space you need inside the Coachmen Galleria 24T class B diesel motorhome. This unit offers a Memory foam power sofa with sleeping space for two. You’ll love entertaining guests at the campground, thanks to the outdoor awning that provides plenty of shade and the three captain’s chairs in the living room that offer comfortable seating for everyone.

Additional Features:

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to RV refrigerators. The topic is sure to start up lively debate among RVers. Like all other things RV-related, your RV refrigerator is a matter of personal preference. And your RV travel style will highly influence that preference.

With that said, some RV refrigerator basics will help you know what you’re looking at when you’re out on the showroom floor.

RV Refrigerator Types

Most new motorhomes and used motorhomes offer either compressor-driven refrigerators or absorption refrigerators. Absorption refrigerators are the most common, but you’ll also see “residential-style refrigerators.”

Unfortunately, this term can be confusing. Some RVers and RV manufacturers use that term to refer to the design, and others to mean a refrigerator designed for use in a fixed residence. Let’s clarify some info on how different RV refrigerators work.

Absorption Refrigerators

Photo by Camping World

The most common type of refrigerator you’ll find in RVs is an absorption refrigerator. Absorption refrigerators can run on propane, in addition to an electrical power source. This makes them more flexible than compressor-driven refrigerators.

America’s Mid-Atlantic region embraces autumn with gusto. Tour the countryside to see vibrant fall colors or drop into haunted houses in some of the big cities.

Delaware

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

The weather on Delaware’s coast is pretty nice during October, and a slew of local festivals give travelers great reasons to camp near the beach. Celebrate Halloween at the annual Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth, including a costume parade, dog parade, trick or treating and hayrides. One of the event’s highlights is the Sea Witch Hunt, in which attendees try to find the dreaded witch for prizes.

Stay: Massey’s Landing, Millsboro

When you think about national parks, there are a few places that immediately come to mind. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, and, of course, Yosemite. With its stunning landscapes, iconic rock faces, and pristine wilderness, Yosemite is one of the country’s most popular outdoor destinations. It is a must-visit place for hikers, backpackers, and rock climbers, although it has plenty to offer anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery on an epic scale.

Ansel Adams spent his life trying to capture the essence of this beautiful place, capturing some of his most memorable photos there. But, you can’t truly appreciate what Yosemite has to offer until you visit it yourself. Here’s how to make that happen and what you should see and do once you get there. 

Image by Unaihuiziphotography/Getty

Why Visit Yosemite in Your RV?

Covering nearly 760,000 acres, Yosemite is epic in size and scope. There is so much to take in here that a single visit only scratches the surface of what the park has to offer. By visiting in an RV you’ll have the perfect base camp for your outdoor adventures, with a comfortable and warm setting to return to at the end of the day. Hike the trails, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a beautiful campfire after sunset. This is a place that any adventurous traveler or outdoor enthusiast will fall in love with, and most likely return to again in the future.

Image by jssuley/Getty

When to Visit Yosemite

As with most national parks, Yosemite is open year-round and accessible 365 days a year. If you’re RVing, it’s best to go in the late spring through early fall, avoiding chances for major snowfall at the lower elevations. You’ll find that all of the park’s areas are open from June through September, although it is the busiest time of the year for travelers. Be prepared to share the roads and parking lots, as even on weekdays, it can get very crowded. 

Yosemite in the Spring

Spring brings warming temperatures and a slow, gradual thaw to Yosemite National Park. The park’s numerous mountain peaks continue to be shrouded in snow, but at lower elevations, winter is in full retreat. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-50ºF to mid-60ºF range in the Valley, falling into the low- to mid-30s at night. All temperatures are colder at altitude, although much of the backcountry remains closed throughout March and April. Snow showers are not unheard of at this time of year, but most days are clear and sunny.

As much as we wish for it, the RV lifestyle isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Inevitably, there will be storms that delay your journey or, in the case of solar panels, threaten to break you. But don’t give up!

There are ways to weather those storms that include protecting your solar investment. As with all inclement weather, a little preparation often dictates how well you survive it.

Knowing how to protect your RV solar panels from hail will help you prepare for the worst while still hoping for the best.

How Delicate are RV Solar Panels?

Image: Chase & Lindsay

Since installed RV solar panels are designed to capture as much sun as possible, their positioning can leave them vulnerable in the eye of a storm. Solar panels are typically mounted on the roof of your RV and left exposed.

While covering them would render them ineffective, this exposure can be problematic in severe weather. Most solar panels are built to withstand wind and rain, but hail is a different story.

The Los Angeles RV Resort (formerly Acton / North LA KOA) is now open as a Good Sam Campground for guests in historical Acton’s beautiful Soledad Canyon. Located just 45 miles from Los Angeles, Action Camp has all you need for the ultimate camping getaway or as a base camp for your SoCal explorations. The fun family-friendly campground offers lots of amenities.

Enjoy the swimming pool, volleyball & basketball courts, convenience store, outdoor café-style area, indoor lounge and more. Perfect as a large group retreat center with wide open fields for family reunions, school groups, clubs and nonprofits. There are full hookup RV sites but if you don’t have an RV, reserve our Woody tents, cabins or teepees or maybe a deluxe tent site with power. Camp with a touch of glamour… Glamping! This lovely canyon area has limited cellular signal but there is Wi-Fi available for those times you do need to stay connected. There are plans to add educational programs and more, so checkout our website often for activities.

Local area attractions include Universal Studios, Hollywood, Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Dodgers Stadium, museums and more! Enjoy day trips to Santa Monica, Malibu and Venice Beach. AND it’s a must-stop base camp for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Stay for a night, a week, a month or more!

Get a great deal on your next fifth wheel and take something to the campground that gives you all the space you need for a great night’s sleep. These fifth wheels with a master bed slide–out offer a spacious bedroom for you to get your beauty sleep in every night at the campground. Learn more about these five amazing fifth wheels below!

Find more deals on fifth wheels today!

2022 Alliance Avenue 32RLS

This couple’s coach offers residential features that will help you feel right at home at the campground. There’s a residential refrigerator, a kitchen island, and a king bed in the master bedroom! Additional features you’ll love include a 50″ HDTV with hidden storage behind it.

Additional Features:

13 Cu. Ft. RefrigeratorKitchen IslandQueen Bed SlideFull BathroomRear Living AreaThe large windows will give you plenty of natural light.

2022 Coachmen Brookstone 290RL

Get an incredible deal on this Coachmen Brookstone 290RL fifth wheel that offers a king bed set into the slide in the master bedroom. There’s a large wardrobe for all your things and a spacious shower in the bathroom to help you wash away the day before you crawl into bed. You’ll love the theater seating in the living room for family movie nights.

Additional Features:

When most people think of Colorado, they think about the Rocky Mountains and popular ski towns. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can often be overlooked, but it is one of the state’s most notable spots!

The sand dunes, which are believed to have started forming about 440,000 years ago from the combination of opposing winds and a huge supply of sand from the valley floor, are the tallest in North America. They’re a must-see for any RVer.

Why Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in an RV?

Not only are the sand dunes a rare natural phenomenon, but the entire area surrounding the national park is filled with beauty. As you drive to the park, you’ll quickly fall in love with the San Luis Valley and be greeted with sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west.

Once inside the park, you’ll be amazed by its diversity. Its high desert landscape is home to lakes, forests, wetlands, grasslands, meadows, and shrublands. Plus, with over 100,000 acres to explore, you’re sure to find what excites you most!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was also recently named one of the quietest national parks, which is just another feature that makes it feel somewhat bizarre. It’s truly a park of contrasts that you have to see to believe.

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

RV slide-outs have given otherwise compact RVs more interior living space since their invention in 1915. They completely change the look and feel of your RV interior, providing more space for cooking, lounging, and entertaining guests. 

But what do you do if your RV slide-outs don’t retract when you’re packing up camp?

Lubricating your slide regularly is one way to avoid this issue, but there is a way to operate RV slide-outs manually. The procedure varies based on the type of slide your RV is built with, so understanding that is your first step. 

Types of RV Slide-outs

Photo by Camping World

RV manufacturers use different slide-out manufacturers in their builds. While there are more than these three RV slide types, these are the most common: 

There are hundreds of thousands of miles of scenic bike trails across the country and many of them are located near some of the best campgrounds. From paved trails to rural rail trails, the opportunities to go road biking, fat biking, mountain biking, and electric biking are endless. 

Whether you want to have access to nearby cities by trail or simply want to get some exercise in the great outdoors while camping, we narrowed down five of the best campgrounds located near rail trails and bike trails — all of which are Good Sam Parks. Save 10% with your Good Sam Club Membership when you stay at any of these campgrounds! 

Susanville RV Park — Susanville, California

Image: Shutterstock

Discover the windy path of the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail in northeastern California. The 25.4-mile scenic rail trail takes you from Susanville to Westwood with much of the trail winding along Susan River Canyon. 

Susanville RV Park is nestled near downtown Susanville just 2-miles from the Bizz Johnson Trailhead. You’ll find plenty of space at this Good Sam campground with 101 full hookup sites and 45 big rig pull-through sites. It’s pet-friendly with bathrooms, showers, laundry, a fitness center, and WiFi. 

The nearby Bizz Johnson trail is unique because you not only get a view of the mountains, but it takes you across bridges, trestles, and even tunnels giving you a better look at the history of the Central Pacific Railroad. If you visit in October, be sure to check out the Rails to Trails Festival at the Historic Railroad Depot in Susanville.

The House of the Sun is an apt name for a place that hosts the world’s most stunning sunrises. At Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, visitors vie for the opportunity to see what Mark Twain once described as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.”

It seems the sun begins and ends at Haleakala Volcano, where it is believed that the demigod Maui lassoed it in the sky, slowing its descent to lengthen the days on this beautiful island. Today, you’ll need more than a day to discover the treasures hidden between Haleakala’s rain-forested rocky coasts and the top of its desolate crater.

Why Visit Haleakala National Park?

Haleakala National Park is a remote region full of contradictory landscapes and topography. From sea level to over 10,000 feet, the park is home to an amazing array of wildlife and vegetation. Dolphins may greet you along the coastal rainforest and endangered songbirds might sing you to sleep at your campsite.

Awe-inspiring sunrises give credence to the park’s name, and it is easy to see how Polynesians believed Haleakala to be the House of the Sun. It’s one of the most unique places in the US and, honestly, the world. The wildlife is abundant and interesting, the views are spectacular, and the place is magical in all the right ways.

When to Visit Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is open year-round, but temperatures and weather can be deceptive. Maui’s south Pacific location doesn’t receive the same four seasons as most parks in the US, so it makes more sense to break down weather patterns by the park district. But wherever you go, prepare for drastic weather changes.

Fifth wheel RVs offer many advantages thanks to their unique towable design. The fifth wheel hitch provides RVers with additional floorplans, amenities, overall length, and much more. But there is one glaring barrier to entry with fifth wheel RVs — most require a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Heavy-duty pickups are large and powerful machines. They’re also expensive, which dissuades many potential fifth wheel owners. Many buyers simply can’t afford to buy a heavy-duty truck, such as a Ford F-350 or a Chevrolet Silverado 3500, in addition to the cost of a fifth wheel (even if you buy a used fifth wheel).

Can You Tow a Fifth Wheel RV With a Half-Ton Truck?

Photo by Camping World

Fortunately, there are fifth wheels designed to be towed by certain light-duty half-ton pickups, like an F-150 or a Toyota Tundra. If you already own a half-ton truck, you don’t have to settle for a traditional travel trailer if you’re set on a fifth wheel floor plan.

That said, not all half-ton trucks can or should tow all fifth wheel models. Use a tool like Camping World’s Towing Guide to calculate your truck’s towing and payload capacities. Understanding weight ratings is vital to selecting the right travel trailer or fifth wheel your truck can tow safely.

A base-level half-ton pickup may not be able to tow all fifth wheels. But half-ton trucks with high enough towing and payload ratings have the ability to tow many. With that in mind, let’s look at half-ton fifth wheels and the trucks that pull them.

September brings with it some of the best weather and the best places to visit if only to witness Mother Nature doing what she does best — painting her landscape with autumnal colors.

With summer, you’re forced to endure the heat. In winter, you must brave the cold. But fall gives you refreshing days sandwiched between cool mornings and nights that make it the perfect time to explore the country in your RV.

So, channel your inner Earth, Wind & Fire because the best places to RV in September will surely have you dancing from destination to destination.

Acadia National Park — Maine

Image: Skyler Ewing via Shutterstock

Very few places compare to an east-coast autumn and Acadia National Park proves that point every year. With its rugged mountains, thick forests, alpine meadows, and windswept coastlines, fall shows off by transforming the foliage and the views entirely.

There are plenty of roadways to explore by RV as well as trails for hiking and biking and water for kayaking. Regardless of how you soak it in, the September views will not disappoint. Located on the coast of Maine, it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer.

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Troubleshooting RV electrical systems isn’t as complex as you might imagine. You’ll need a basic understanding of AC and DC power, the ability to operate a volt meter, and the know-how to understand your volt meter’s readings. 

But there are various electrical issues that require different troubleshooting approaches. So let’s provide overviews of those components and some basic electrical troubleshooting tips for common RV electrical problems. 

Disclaimer: Working on RV electrical systems can be hazardous. If you’re not comfortable with any of the testing methods below, contact a Camping World Service Center to schedule a diagnostic appointment today. 

Understanding AC and DC Power

Your RV’s electrical appliances derive power from shore power (AC) or your coach batteries (DC). Your microwave and air conditioner usually require AC power, but your water pump, refrigerator, and vent fans can operate using 12-volt DC power. 

Fall is quite possibly the best camping season of all. The air is crisp, the leaves change into beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow, and the mosquitoes have finally taken a hike. As summer fades and the cooler temperatures set in, it’s also time to change up your RV decor from light and airy to warm and cozy.

Here are some easy ways to decorate your RV this fall camping season.

Layered in Cozy

Image: Jenny Anderson

Nothing says cozy like soft throw pillows and cuddle-worthy blankets. As temperatures cool off, make your RV feel extra “homey” by layering up your bed, sofa, and camp chair with these basic creature comforts. Pair different textures for added depth. Chenille, velvet, and plush fabrics in warm colors like terracotta, burgundy, and olive are the perfect accents to give your RV a touch of fall.

Festive Front Door 

Image: Jenny Anderson

Give your RV autumnal curb appeal with a festive wreath. A wreath on your door is an easy way to dress up the outside of your RV and invite fall into your home-on-wheels. Find a wreath with pops of warm colors, flannel, pinecones, pumpkins, dried or faux maple leaves, or other elements of nature.

Go the DIY route with a wreath form, floral wire, and glue gun to create your own wreath. Hang your fall wreath with Command Outdoor Hooks or dangle it from the awning, camp chair, or flag stand.

One of the best parts of the RV lifestyle is meeting great people on the road, many of whom may become lifelong friends. But when you’re moving your RV around a lot, it’s natural to consider your RV’s security. 

When considering how to prevent RV theft, it’s best to be prepared. RVs are a significant investment themselves, not to mention that they’re often full of belongings you value. Here are several ways to deter Grand Theft RV, from simple outdoor lighting ideas to complete RV security systems.

Do Your Homework

Photo by Camping World

Knowledge is your most valuable asset in the fight against RV theft. Researching where you’ll travel and the potential dangers of those areas is critical. It doesn’t require a ton of time, and it may lead to something as simple as booking a campground in a safer neighborhood, but that can go a long way towards improving your RV’s security. 

Utilize Trailer Hitch and Fifth Wheel Locks

Photo by Camping World

For travel trailers and fifth wheels, swiping a full rig can be as simple as backing up, hooking up, and pulling away. Unless you always keep your trailer attached to your tow vehicle (which is unrealistic), you’ll need a way to secure it when you detach. 

Hitch and trailer locks fit into the hitch opening and lock with a bar over the top, preventing anyone from dropping the hitch onto their own vehicle. A fifth wheel lock wraps around the hitch beneath the trailer and makes it impossible to connect to a fifth wheel hitch.