National parks get a lot of love in the United States. They also get a lot of crowds and a lot of expensive entry fees. State parks, on the other hand, offer a glimpse into a state’s own, personal views of beauty and nature. Here are ten that you should put on your list as you’re planning your next getaway.

Lime Kiln Point State Park, Washington

In the upper, can’t-really-get-much-farther-northwest corner of Washington State, there sit the San Juan Islands. They’re known as a great vacation spot for the beauty that comes with the Pacific Northwest. Lime Kiln Point State Park, a daytime-use park, is a favorite spot among travelers to catch a view of Orcas, Gray Whales, sea lions, porpoises, and other sea life. Best of all, ferries can take your RV (with size restrictions, obviously) across the water to the island.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Adirondack Park, New York

Perhaps more forest preserve than state park, Adirondack Park is unique in that a bulk of the land is privately held—albeit strictly controlled by the Adirondack Park Agency. That said, the park contains multiple towns and villages. It’s particularly well known for its stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, especially in the fall. Plus, there’s a significant chance you catch sight of a moose, black bear, or a number of other critters that call the area home.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Some state parks do get their share of love, and one of those is Fall Creek Falls State Park. In the heart of Tennessee, it’s got a total of six waterfalls across its 26,000 acres, including one that’s so spectacular (it drops 256 feet) they named the park after it. This park is somewhat of a resort, and also offers golfing, a pool, and tennis courts, in addition to amazing hiking and fishing. Plus, you can go for a nice, cool dip in some of the many swimming holes.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Ever wish you could walk across the Mississippi River? Crazy though it seems, it’s possible. You just have to go up north to Itasca State Park in Minnesota, where shallow water begins its journey down to the Gulf of Mexico. Itasca is the country’s second-oldest state park and draws thousands of visitors every year to wade roughly 30 feet across the headwaters. After you’ve done that, you can hike or ride a bike through the rest of the 32,000-acre park.

Get a taste of Germany in America’s Midwest. Located in the heart of the Wolverine State, Frankenmuth celebrates its ties to the old country in a big way; in fact, the town’s nickname is Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Looking for great Oktoberfest celebrations? You’ve come to the right place, but don’t limit yourself to the fall Teutonic celebration. Every season gives you a reason to visit Frankenmuth.

German Origins

The area’s German roots are apparent just about everywhere you look in Frankenmuth. Shop for European goods in the Bavarian Inn Castle, learn how to roll an authentic Bavarian pretzel at a local bakery and sample hops from the many breweries in town. The Frankenmuth Brewery is a great place to start; it opened in 1862, making it the oldest brewery in Michigan, and it continues serving tall steins of golden goodness. You can view the town from a pedal-powered trolley or take a walking tour to see the sights.

Cruising the Cass

Launch a kayak or canoe for a trip down the Cass River, close to town. You might even be able to paddle under the Holz Brucke (German for “wooden bridge”) Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Michigan and a prime example of Bavarian craftsmanship and design. For an old-timey sample of Bavarian charms from the water, step aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. The authentic stern-driven paddlewheeler operates one-hour historical tours on the bucolic waterway.

It’s a thought that every RV enthusiast has at some point — to sell or not to sell. If you’re asking yourself that question and have decided that the time has come to sell your RV, don’t panic. You’re in good company. Selling can be an adventure, often just as exciting as the adventures you’ve been on in that exact RV you want to sell.

Many RV owners decide to go through a dealer when selling their RV, using a process called RV consignment. It’s a process that has become popular since the RV owner doesn’t have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork that often come along with selling an RV. Waiting for the ideal buyer to come along can be a time-consuming and somewhat stressful experience.

With consignment, all of those boxes are checked on your behalf!

The Camping World Consignment Process

Camping World’s consignment program involves a professional sales team that partners with a vast national dealer network, together they take the initiative to sell your RV as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The goal? To get you the most cash as possible for your RV. By marketing the RV through the most heavily trafficked RV marketplaces in the world, you can rest assured that your RV is in good hands.

The consignment process is easy, straightforward, and hassle-free! In fact, it can be explained in six easy steps:

Is there anything more rewarding after a day of adventures than a nice meal around the table? Maybe a shower, but that’s a different conversation. Returning to the campsite to share good food and great memories around a comfortable camping table is one of the best parts of camping.

Many RV enthusiasts overlook the benefits of a folding camping table. Fortunately, it’s an easily avoidable mistake. Hopping from campsite to campsite doesn’t require forgoing the luxury of dining at a table with your favorite people.

Here are the best reasons to pack a folding camping table in your RV.

Folding Camping Tables are Convenient

The ease of setting your folding camping table up anywhere is one of its biggest perks, but there are other reasons why these tables are super convenient.

Whether you need a surface for family game night, extra space for prepping meals, room to spread out crafts, or any other reason where a table comes in handy, a folding table makes camping easier. Simply unfold and set up and you have an instant flat surface for all your needs.

When our family started to travel in an RV with our pets, we had no idea the fun that was in store for us. The RV life changed us for the better and, we hope, made us better dog parents. But along the way, and in every state and probably on every highway, we have made many mistakes.

Some mistakes you just have to learn for yourself, but other mistakes can be avoided when it comes to RVing with your dog. Preparation, flexibility, and a sense of humor have to be packed just like the snacks! Yes, please don’t forget the snacks when RVing with your dog. Lesson learned. But there are many more mistakes we have made in over six years of RV life with our dogs.

Don’t make these mistakes like we did!

Not Checking a Campground’s Dog Policies 

I did not realize that there are some campgrounds that simply do not allow dogs. In addition, many campgrounds have breed restrictions, weight restrictions, and the number of pets allowed in your RV. Read the small print, and if in doubt, ask.

After driving all day, it is a horrible feeling to know you are not welcome once you arrive and have to leave. We have found that state parks, national parks, and county parks are more accommodating for dogs. If you are staying at a private park, it is extremely important that you are aware of their dog policies.

Not having cell service while traveling in an RV can range from inconvenient to life threatening. That’s where having a cell signal booster can make ... Read more

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An RV without a battery is…well, it’s still an RV, but with fewer amenities than you’d want. RV batteries keep your unit’s electrical features functioning properly, so it’s important to keep your battery in optimal condition.

So let’s highlight a few ways to safely ensure your battery is operating at capacity, from troubleshooting to charging. 

Where is Your RV Battery?

Depending on your RV type, your battery (or batteries) will be located in different areas. Here’s a quick breakdown of general locations, but remember this may vary slightly for different makes and models: 

How to Test your RV Battery

If certain electrical systems on your RV aren’t functioning as expected, you’ll need to check your battery’s voltage. To do this, you’ll need a volt meter, and you’ll need to switch it to the Volts DC setting. 

If you have a motorhome or a towable and you’ve selected your first destination, you’re officially ready to pack up for some serious fun. The biggest challenge when camping for the first time is deciding what to pack without overloading your RV with unnecessary items and camping gear you may not use.

RVs give you the freedom to bring a lot more than you could when car camping. But you need to be careful not to exceed your camper’s weight ratings. Follow these RV packing tips to save space, time, and stress when you pack for your first camping trip.

First Things First – Gear Testing and Preparation

Before you randomly start loading things into your RV, play around with your gear in the backyard. Get comfortable with pitching your tent, explore the features of your camping cooler, and test out a meal or two on your portable grill.

By testing out your gear in your own backyard before reaching the campsite, you can maximize setup time when you arrive. Who doesn’t love saving time? Especially when there is plenty of adventure ahead on your RV trip.

During this phase, consider how your gear will fit into RV storage compartments. Loading smaller gear into storage bins or containers saves space and keeps your gear organized so you don’t have loose items moving around when you’re in transit.

RV camping is already a significant upgrade from tent camping and sleeping on the ground. But once you experience the comfort and ease of a traditional RV, it’s only natural to consider RVs with even more luxurious amenities. 

All RVs can be your home away from home, but few can turn heads like the best luxury RVs. Luxury RVs offer the chance to explore in style, with posh living spaces and unique amenities you won’t find on other campers.

If you’re looking for an RV that redefines glamping, luxury motorhomes and towables can’t be ignored. So let’s explore whether they’re the right option for you. 

What is a Luxury RV?

Luxury RVs aren’t necessarily defined by RV types. For example, there are luxury fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, and all types of motorized RVs. Some of their common traits include: 

In addition, many RVs that are built to go off-road fall into the luxury category. This is because they must feature higher-grade construction than traditional RVs, as well as include amenities like solar panels, upgraded suspension and shock absorption, and higher ground clearance. 

Biking is one of the best ways to explore once you’ve set up your RV basecamp. Whether you’re exploring trails in the national parks or biking downtown to check out the local cuisine, transporting a bike on your RV expands your travel options once you reach your destination. 

But, it can seem daunting to get your bikes loaded onto your recreational vehicle and transported safely. The good news is that RV bike racks are made for all types of RVs, and you’re in the perfect place to find which type is right for you. 

Why Get a Bike Rack for an RV?

If you have a motorized RV, you could always secure your bikes inside while traveling between destinations. And we’ve certainly known owners of new and used travel trailers that transport bikes in the bed of their tow vehicle or on a roof rack. 

Toy haulers are perhaps the easiest because they have a garage that can be used for gear storage. But fifth wheels make it tough because the pin box takes up so much space in your truck bed, and your 5th wheel cap needs room to pivot as you go around corners. 

While there are ways to transport bikes without a rack, here are the major benefits of RV bike racks: 

There was a time when having a television in your RV was a unique luxury. But the days of fiddling with rabbit ears trying to improve TV reception in your RV are mostly behind us. Technological advancements have progressed to the point that having an over-the-air digital antenna and an RV satellite dish is normal.

Television in the RV market has changed dramatically over the years. Many modern RVs are now equipped with multiple TVs with access to hundreds of channels, including high-definition programming. 

Searching for a new dish can be overwhelming if you’re frustrated with your RV’s TV reception. Fortunately, you’re in the best place to learn how to choose the right satellite dish for your RV. 

Satellite Dishes versus Over-the-Air Antennas

No matter your budget, needs, or RV type, there is a satellite dish for you. There are many RV satellite dish options, but you should understand how an RV satellite dish differs from over-the-air antennas. 

Over-the-air digital TV antennas can receive local broadcast channels over the air, for free and without a subscription service. What you’ll receive (standard or high-definition programming) is largely up to the broadcast output for channels within range. 

Class C motorhomes come in a wide variety of lengths from 20 feet to over 30 feet. While a longer Class C motorhome might be right for you and your family, many RVers find that a shorter model works extremely well for them.

A short Class C motorhome is easier to maneuver on the road and around campsites and parking lots. These smaller Class C motorhomes are also more versatile as far as where they can travel. A really long Class C will be limited, and that can mean you’ll miss out on certain opportunities.

So, if you think a shorter Class C motorhome might be a good fit for you, then you should check out the options presented below. These are excellent Class C motorhomes that likely have exactly what you’re looking for.

Thor Gemini 23TW

If you’re looking for an RV with plenty of interior room and like the idea of a skylight above the cab of the RV, then the Thor Gemini 23TW is a perfect option for you. This model features a camp-side kitchen, a full bath in the rear passenger side of the RV, and a queen bed and Dream dinette on a slide on the driver’s side of the RV.

The unit features a Ford Transit chassis with a diesel engine that puts out 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This engine is great on fuel and provides plenty of power to get the RV around. The length overall is 23.5 feet. The model sleeps up to five people between the bed, the dinette, and the cab-over bunk.

When maintaining a motorhome’s engine, most people focus on oil changes and ensuring they’re done on schedule. But changing your engine air filter regularly is just as important. Here’s why.

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

Modern motorhome engines, just like automobile engines, are built with very specific tolerances. Even a minimal amount of dirt or dust introduced into the system will reduce the performance of your engine.

Your engine air filter is your engine’s best defense against dust and dirt. 

Dirt in an engine is extremely abrasive. The tolerances referenced above mean each component of an engine is engineered and manufactured with precision accuracy, so each piece fits and moves perfectly within the system.

Engine air filters can only handle a limited amount of dirt and dust. As they get older and more clogged, airflow is restricted, leading to engine overheating and other issues. It can also cause dirt to pass around the filter, potentially impacting engine components’ seal and fit and decreasing the engine’s power and efficiency.

Engines on less developed roads require more filtration. 

Your engine air filter will pick up dust and dirt if you only drive on developed highways. But many RVers these days are seeking boondocking destinations that require navigating miles of undeveloped dirt roads. 

Starlink Internet for RVers is very much a reality these days, making remote workers and boondockers particularly happy. Any RVer who has ever struggled with getting sufficient internet service while traveling is about to benefit from a big change in Internet technology. It’s all due to the work of a company called SpaceX.

It’s called the Starlink Internet system.

It’s the brainchild of Elon Musk, the guy who revolutionized the automotive industry with the Tesla, and whose SpaceX rocket company has been selected by NASA to get humans on Mars.

Starlink, which recently added two new tiers of service of interest to RVers, offers the potential of solving the congested Wi-Fi and horribly slow or nonexistent Internet that so often plagues RV owners on the road and in campgrounds. Staying connected on the road is a crucial part of the RV lifestyle.

I’ve been a Starlink customer for five months now and can report that while it’s far from perfect — there are growing pains and glitches and sometimes inconsistent speeds — the system works and generally offers broadband connectivity equaling and sometimes exceeding that of 4G LTE and 5G cellular.

You know Yellowstone, Acadia, and Yosemite. You also know that those national parks—while beautiful—also come with loads of crowds. Part of the glory of visiting our revered national parks is experiencing the unbounded nature of our country.

If you’re more a nature-seeker and less a people-person—or even if you just want to see some of the most amazing parts of the country that are off the beaten path, here are eight national parks to put a thumbtack in on your map.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

You won’t be getting all the way here in your RV (unless you’ve got some kind of James Bond-level upgrades) because Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands nearly 70 miles west off of Key West. If you’re already planning to camp in the Keys, though, it’s a perfect day trip. Take a ferry to the park (it’s a little over two hours by boat). Once you’re there, visit Fort Jefferson—a never-completed Civil War bastion—and dive or snorkel through the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. If you feel like roughing it, you can camp in the one nearby campground, but it’s primitive and its ten first-come, first-served sites fill up fast.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Not even 100 miles outside of Seattle sits one of the least-visited parks in the country. North Cascades National Park boasts some of America’s most picturesque views. As long as you don’t mind a few bumpy roads—many of the paths into and within the park aren’t maintained—you can camp, even in your RV. Otherwise, the hiking and backpacking, plus canoeing, kayaking, and fishing around the 12,000-acre Ross Lake are popular among travelers.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Though it sounds like a rainforest, Congaree National Park sits in South Carolina and is very much a deciduous forest. In fact, the many hardwoods in the park are some of the tallest in the country—some even the tallest of their known species. A good chunk of the park is pretty swampy, but a 2.4-mile boardwalk rises over the water and lets you hike without getting your feet (or ankles) wet. Of course, if you feel like dipping a toe in, one of the best ways to take in the park is by canoe. There’s no RV camping available in Congaree, but if you like to mix your camping styles up a bit, there are three available primitive campgrounds.

The events of 2020 have affected many things in our daily lives.  One of these is the closure of our borders that separate the U.S.A. and Canada.  The freedom for residents and citizens on both sides to freely cross from one to another has been, for the time being, temporarily interrupted.  Fortunately, commercially shipped goods and authorized essential traffic has been able to maintain flow.

For the majority of the population, staying in place until it is open again is somewhat manageable.  However, for some people, like the Canadian Snowbirds, the managing may be much more difficult.  A great deal of Snowbirds have sold their traditional stick homes years ago and have opted to live in their recreational vehicles.  Many stay in their favorite RV campground in Canada from about April until October at which time they migrate to their pick of locations in the southern regions of the U.S.  This annual migration and following of the sunny warmer weather is repeated year after year.

That all changed on March 21, 2020 allowing Canadians only to cross the border back into their country.  This allowed the season of 2019/20 snowbirds to return home.  But, who would have thought this would last this long? The usual departure date for Canadian snowbirds has long past.  The border crossings are still shut and probably will remain so for a while longer.

This has stranded many Snowbirds from the eastern provinces to the Pacific shores.  Canada’s climate is not really suitable for weathering a winter in an RV with the exception of the lower British Columbia coast, Vancouver Island and the related Gulf Islands.  In addition, there are other locations in lower British Columbia and west of the Rockies that do not get as much snow and cold temperatures as one normally would expect in Canada.  Places like the Okanagan Valley, for example, may provide a winter shelter for some stranded RV full-timers.   While there are many RV parks in these areas, those that remain open for the winter accommodation are normally quite full with domestic full timers from the colder provinces.  This is resulting in many RV owners seeking any port in a storm.  Dry camping in the best Canadian winter climate location may be the best many can hope for.  It may be a long winter!

For the most part recreational vehicles are not targeted by criminal events such as break and enter, component, or entire vehicle theft.  Any of this type of criminal activity is nearly unheard of during the camping season.  This is in part probably due to the vehicles being in use or even on and off throughout the season.  While during the off season, when stored for the winter, some break-ins and theft unfortunately do occur.  However, these are not that common, perhaps due to the low resulted revenue obtained.  After all, they only get maybe a TV and an in-dash radio. all of which may bring a hundred and fifty dollars at best when fenced.  RV wheels, tires, and related components are not targeted as they are from too much a niche market.

Well, all that was back then.  Today bigger dollar bounty has changed all that.  Ever climbing gas prices and large catalytic converters are the spoils that are attracting criminals to RVs.

When it comes to gasoline theft, to the perpetrator a motor home or a twin tank tow vehicle is like a fuel tanker with capacities of 75 to 200 gallons.  At today’s prices hundreds of dollars worth could be stolen in a short time.

The other item that has attracted people to turn thief is the catalytic converter.  These are found on pretty well all automobiles and trucks since their introduction and becoming mandatory in the early seventies.  Due to their containing a small quantity of precious metals in the form of palladium and platinum, theft of these has grown.  They are part of the exhaust system found between the engine and the muffler.  They can be cut off from beneath the vehicle in a matter of minutes.  These can bring hundreds of dollars and often a thousand or more, depending on the size and model.  Larger truck engines may have five times the valuable metals quantity, which of course elevates the price.

Before you hit the road, it’s best to ensure your RV, truck, and boat batteries are in good working order. Otherwise, you risk waiting for a tow truck to get you jump-started. To power an energy-hungry home away from home, RV batteries must reliably perform several jobs.

They not only have to start the engine, but they also run lights, water pumps, heat, appliances, and more. Given this tall order, installing the right batteries and maintaining them properly is imperative to problem-free RV excursions.

Basic RV Battery Terminology

RV, truck, and boat batteries are typically broken into two main uses: starting batteries and house batteries. 

Starting Batteries

The battery used to start and run the engine is referred to as a starting battery. Starting batteries deliver high bursts of power over short periods of time. 

These batteries are rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). CCA is the number of amps the battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts. The power level you need depends on the cranking requirements of your engine. 

The reality of trailer life is that you won’t always have access to shore power. That means you’ll either need a solar panel setup or a portable generator to keep your batteries charged. That’s not all portable generators do though. They also allow you to run larger appliances, like your AC unit. 

When you’re camping in a travel trailer, whether it’s a new travel trailer or a used camper, having a portable generator makes a big difference. That’s because many travel trailers don’t come with built-in generators, as you’ll find on most Class A Diesel RVs. 

Why Choose a Portable Inverter Generator?

An inverter generator provides electrical power you can use in your RV so you can utilize your RV air conditioner and other important features. You can buy non-inverter generators, but the power isn’t the kind you want for RV appliances and household electronics. Make sure you’re looking at an inverter generator and you’ll be good.

What Size Portable Generator Do I Need?

Before purchasing your generator, you should think about the power output you’ll need. If you get by without many electronics, you can probably buy a smaller portable generator. These are generally less expensive and have a lower power output. 

If you have a somewhat high power demand, you’ll need to get a generator that offers a moderate to high power output. These are usually larger in size and come with a higher price tag.

As summer temperatures rise, it’s always a good idea to stay close to cool bodies of water. The following trips keep you close to some of the most beautiful rivers, lakes and streams in North America.

Iowa

In Western Iowa, a pair of waterways give boaters and anglers opportunities for fun.

Ride and Fish the Rivers

Explore the Mississippi River from the port city of Davenport in eastern Iowa. Hop on a Channel Cat Water Taxi and ride the river to compelling sights along the banks. On the Illinois side of the river, board the elegant Celebration Belle and sail the Big Muddy in style on a four-hour lunch cruise. There’s also a Broadway and Movie Theme cruise as well as narrated voyages.