For the past six years, my husband and I have RVed all over the country. We’ve also owned four different RVs in that time. But, I can honestly say that we’ve never considered renting any of those RVs out…until recently.

We had heard about other RVers who were making extra money on their campers while they weren’t using them by renting them out. While we thought it was a brilliant idea, the main reason we didn’t rent any of our RVs was because we were using them so much. In fact, we lived and traveled full-time in our first two RVs for over two years. Even after full-timing, we continued to spend more months out of the year on the road than at home, so our RVs rarely sat in storage for much longer than a couple weeks.

Recently though, after starting a family, we downsized to a travel trailer and now prefer to enjoy taking shorter camping trips close to home when the Colorado weather allows. So after planning out our camping adventures for this summer and fall, we saw several weeks on the calendar where our camper would just be sitting on our property.

We’ve made so many special memories throughout our years of RVing and are always encouraging others to get out there and adventure as well. However, we know that not everyone can justify the cost of buying and owning an RV if they only use it once or twice a summer. For those people, renting is an excellent option and we figured it would be a win-win for us to make some extra money while allowing other people to experience the joy of RVing!

Of course, we had our fears about renting out our camper. What if the renters destroy it? How will the insurance work? Can you really trust strangers to take good care of your camper?

Wyoming is home to two of the most visually striking national parks in the US: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. While Yellowstone encompasses much of the state’s northwestern corner, Grand Teton National Park to the south is equally breathtaking. 

The striking mountains of the Teton Range rise from the Wyoming plains to staggering heights. Grand Teton Mountain, the park’s highest peak, reaches an elevation of 13,775 feet, which is also the second-highest peak in Wyoming, behind Gannett Peak. 

Why Visit Grand Teton National Park in an RV?

Photo by Sean Xu via Shutterstock

The Grand Teton is an icon in the American mountaineering landscape, but there’s more to do than climb tall mountains in this wonderful park. There are lakes for kayaking and boating, the Snake River for floating and whitewater adventures, and much more. 

To truly experience what the Tetons have to offer, renting an RV or taking yours on a road trip to Wyoming is the way to go. There are RV-friendly campgrounds in the park, as well as nearby. And the proximity to Yellowstone National Park allows you to hit two of the most popular parks in the country in a single adventure. 

Or, if Yellowstone is too busy, the Tetons are one of the best alternatives to Yellowstone. From casual scenic drives to rock climbing and mountaineering, there’s truly something for everyone in the Tetons. 

When it comes to exploring the outdoors, the sky’s the limit in Big Sky Country. Montana is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking, pristine, and multi-faceted regions in the country. Being the largest landlocked state in the US, the Treasure State’s landscape encompasses desert, badlands, prairie, snow-capped mountains, and more than 8 million acres of national forest. From panoramic vistas, wild and scenic rivers, abundant wildlife, and Old West history, Montana’s offerings are endless. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its ancient glaciers and canyons, old-growth forests and nearly 100 different mountain ranges. Throughout the state, enjoy world-class fishing, Native American cultural sites, ghost towns, and dozens of hot springs. Despite its global visitation, you’ll still find more cows than people in Montana— making it the ideal spot to plan an escape.

This spring, many parts of Montana received record rainfall, and places like North Yellowstone and Red Lodge suffered catastrophic flooding with a 1-in-500-year meteorological event. With that being said, now is the perfect time to plan your 2023 trip to the impacted areas or explore other parts of Montana in 2022.

Libby and the Kootenai River

Founded in the 1880s, Libby Montana can be found in the Northwestern corner of the state along the Idaho panhandle border. Situated along the Kootenai River and flanked by the Cabinet Mountains, the town is in the heart of 2.2 million acres of national forest. Libby is home to over 140 lakes, 3 major rivers, and over 1,400 miles of trails- leaving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. While exploring this remote part of Montana, head to the famed Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge. Follow the 1.6mile out-and-back trail to the suspension bridge, spanning 220 feet across Kootenai Gorge. Continue on to Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Extending the entire length of the river, the vibrant turquoise falls dramatically cascade down the craggy rocks as it heads towards the gorge. If this scene looks familiar, that’s because it’s been a popular Hollywood filming sight, including credits in The Revenant and The River Wild.

James and I have been RVing for about 12 years now. We’re outdoor lovers, and RVing has been the catalyst for getting us closer to nature anywhere we want to go — which, like most RVers, is everywhere. Being able to easily get to giant outdoor playgrounds around the country has been absolutely wonderful.

What’s even more wonderful is when we can do it responsibly. I’m by no means perfect, but I do recognize the importance of being mindful of the impact we’re having on nature when out RVing. Over the course of our 12 years, we’ve come a long way in our sustainable RVing practices.

But the unfortunate truth of it is, there’s going to be some impact. RVing requires driving, after all, and until all-electric RVs become the norm, there’s just no way around us creating greenhouse gas emissions. The good news though is that there are ways to mitigate that, as well as many other RV lifestyle practices that weigh heavy on our planet.

Here are some of the changes we’ve made to be better environmental stewards on our RV trips. Perhaps some of these can work for you, too.

Be More Fuel Efficient

Image: Stef from The Fit RV

According to Natural Resources Canada, efficient driving can lower your vehicle’s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25%. We all know the common sense ways to be more efficient — using cruise control when you can, keeping your speeds down, and avoiding idling. But did you know your vehicle’s air conditioning can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 20%? It’s good to get in the habit of using the A/C sparingly when you can.

Whether you love to plan movie nights at the campground or you just enjoy kicking back after a long day, these RVs with theater seats will help you do just that. Find spacious interiors, luxury amenities, and so much more when you shop the new RVs for sale with theater seats. Check out our top five picks for these incredible floorplans!

Find more fifth wheels for sale near you!

Jayco Pinnacle 36SSWS

Find luxury in every inch of this Jayco Pinnacle 36SSWS fifth wheel. This fifth wheel features a master suite with a fireplace, a king bed, a wardrobe, and a bench. The living room offers dual opposing slides with a kitchen island and entertainment center to make the space feel homey and inviting. You’ll love that the theater seats are set into the slide-out to give you a great space to relax in the evening.

Additional Features:

Slide-in-a-SlideDual-Sink VanityMaster Suite with Front Windshield36″ FireplaceResidential Stove with 3.4 Cu. Ft. OvenShoe GarageWalk-In ShowerThe four-burner range ensures you can always make delicious meals for your crew.

Forest River Cardinal Limited 377MBLE

If you love adventuring with your family, the Forest River Cardinal Limited 377MBLE fifth wheel is an excellent option. This floorplan features a mid-bunkhouse for the kids with a loft overhead. You can easily sleep up to nine in this RV, and the pass-through storage provides ample space for all your camping equipment.

Additional Features:

One of the top questions people ask when starting their RV journey is: should I buy a new or used RV? 

While there are some definite advantages to buying new, buying a used RV is a great option for your family, especially if you’ve never owned a family RV before. There’s a lot to learn when you’re just starting out. 

Here are a few ways a used RV can ease your learning curve:

Save Money

The biggest benefit of buying a used RV is financial savings. Used RVs are often 30-40% cheaper than a comparable new RV. In this case, comparable refers to a similar length, features, and type of RV.

That lower purchase price may also come with lower insurance costs, less money toward interest payments (if you’re financing), and, in some cases, lower in-state registration fees.

There is a lot of jargon in the RV world. One term you’ll come across, but might not be familiar with, is “fifth wheel” or “5th wheel.” Fifth wheels are a type of towable RV that require a large pickup truck to tow because of the type of hitch they use.

But why are fifth wheel trailers called that? Let’s explore that question, and a few other fifth wheel basics, to help you decide if this is the right type of recreational vehicle for you.

How They Got Their Name – The Fifth Wheel Hitch

Fifth wheels use a U-shaped hitch coupling that’s bolted or welded to the frame of your tow vehicle—usually a pickup truck—through the truck bed. The connection point, also known as a pin box, places the trailer’s weight directly over your tow vehicle’s rear axle.

While hitch technology has come a long way, this basic design is responsible for the fifth wheel name. Old carriages in the 1800s had a horizontal ‘5th wheel’ that allowed the front axle to pivot. The name’s use was continued with the modern-day design for the 5th wheel truck hitch.

It’s similar to the type of hitch used on semi-trucks, which means it’s safe, sturdy, and rated for heavy loads. At the front of the 5th wheel, there’s a “king pin” that locks into the U-shaped pin box in the bed of your truck, allowing you to safely pull the trailer.

Fishing and RVing go hand-in-hand, at least it does for our family. It’s hard to beat a campsite next to a pristine lake surrounded by the wilderness or the salty air and open ocean while being just a few steps away from a favorite fishing spot.

My husband and I have our own styles of fishing. He prefers trolling for big fish while I enjoy the slow but exciting moments brought by bobber fishing.  But we do have something in common in our shared hobby: we like our fishing gear somewhat organized, especially when we are RVing. Between the two of us, our 3-year-old son, 1-year-old daughter, and little Yorkshire terrier, there’s a lot of stuff to pack for each outing (including the kids’ fishing gear). It feels like we are packing up the entire house anytime we travel.

Image: Jenny Anderson

Getting our fishing gear packed in an organized fashion is essential, especially with limited RV space. Plus, fishing rods are fragile. The goal is to avoid tangled and damaged rods during transport and make sure hooks and any sharp objects stay secure. It saves us time and headaches. Organized gear means more time fishing and less time rummaging around for fishing gear.

To pack fishing gear swiftly and securely in an RV, here are some simple tips seasoned anglers and casual fishing folks can live by.

Store Fishing Rods and Reels in a Carrying Case

Lucky for anglers who are always traveling, there are plenty of rod carrying cases made specifically for fishing rods. These cases protect your fishing gear and are easy to grab and go, whether you’re packing up the RV or taking out your gear to head to the next fishing hotspot. Rod carrying cases usually come with compartments made to fit multiple rods and reels, are easy to store, and are very portable. You can find durable fabric cases as well as sturdy waterproof hard cases. Rod carrying cases can easily be stored inside your RV or pass-through storage.

There’s more to July than fireworks on the Fourth. This is the month to really celebrate your travel independence, and that means going where your desires take you in some of America’s most beautiful landscapes.

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

Idaho

Southeast Idaho is a treasure trove of adventures. Roam otherworldly landscapes then go for a relaxing soaked in soothing hot springs.

Explore and Soak

Close to Fort Hall, the American Falls Reservoir offers 87 square miles of almost every imaginable type of water recreation. Go boating, waterskiing and windsurfing on the water, or explore the 100 miles of shoreline. Anglers will fill their fishing nets with cutthroat trout, crappie yellow perch and channel catfish.

The adventure of owning an RV never ends, with new and exciting turns along the journey. After a few trips, it’s natural to assess how you can add to your experience and upgrade your RV’s interior to better suit your camping style. 

Don’t stress! An upgrade to your RV experience doesn’t require an entirely new unit or a full overhaul. You can easily upgrade your entire space with advice from the specialists at a Camping World’s Design Center.

Why An RV Interior Upgrade Might Be Right For You

If there are parts of your RV that you’re “living with,” don’t be shy about making changes. Here are a few reasons to consider RV renovations:

Your Enjoyment and Comfort are a Priority

Photo by Camping World

Your RV is your home on wheels and should be comfortable, useful, and inviting. After all, the lifestyle is what’s enjoyable. So why not take your travel space and make it your own?

RV floor plans and interiors are designed to support a variety of lifestyles, functions, and activities. With tweaks between product lines and models, manufacturers do their best to accommodate as many different aspects as possible within the space.

One of the things that excite me the most as a bass angler is walking up to a flooded lake loaded with vegetation. As I stare out over the lake, I can’t help but think about all the opportunities for catching bass that lie beneath. 

The problem is getting a lure into the water without getting hung up on every cast. Having to dodge lily pads, low-hanging trees and standing timber is a serious challenge for a lot of anglers, but it’s even more challenging when there isn’t a lot of open water. 

These are the types of ponds I really enjoy so I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on this type of fishing, what lures to use, how to cast and how to pull the lunkers out of their hiding spots. 

Here are some of my biggest tips for finding bass in heavy cover. 

Back Off 

If you’re fishing from a boat, most people think you need to get right on top of the cover to prevent a miscast and getting hung up on something. This is where perfecting your cast really comes into play. 

I travel full-time with my two dogs, and because we’re gluttons for adventure, we frequently find ourselves boondocking or dry camping. We don’t like to disturb other campers, so we rely on our solar setup more than our generator. And, as northern portions of our country start to experience warmer summers, the dream of escaping the Texas summers we know becomes more of a challenge.

This has led us to get exceptionally creative about how we stay cool while camping in the heat.

We have altered schedules – we only go on walks/hikes/adventures in the mornings and evenings when the sun is a little more bearable, we get out of the rig and seek shade or waterfront parking spots at the hottest portion of the day and we, of course, pack up and leave when temperatures get into the high 90s/triple digits.

Image: Jupiter Moon

Keeping pets cool in the summer is especially important considering that pets don’t generally have sweat glands in the same way that humans do, and are more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating. Plus, no one enjoys marinating in the summer heat wearing a fur coat.

If you travel with pets, it feels like a given that you love them like family and want the best for them. That includes keeping them safe and comfortable as they accompany you on your adventures. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for six of my pups’ favorite summer must-haves for making travel bearable during the warmest months of the year.

Every camper will tell you that there’s never a dull moment when you’re camping. Whether you’re visiting a campsite for the first time or reclaiming your beloved spot at the campground you visit every fall, camping is full of adventure.

We wanted to hear your stories, so we asked and you answered! Spark up the campfire, have a seat in your favorite camp chair, grab a beverage, and check out the coolest and craziest things real campers have seen while camping.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

Image: Shutterstock

Lions, tigers, and bears — oh, wait. There aren’t any lion or tiger encounters to share, but there are plenty about bears. It seems one of the most common wildlife animals to run into while camping is none other than a bear.

From thieving bears who steal food, backpacks, and clothing to a mama bear watching over her cubs, these close encounters are just a reminder that we aren’t always camping alone. Of course, practice smart bear safety when camping to keep you and the wildlife safe and unharmed.

“While backpacking in Sequoia [National Park], I came across a mama bear and four cubs. I was about 30-feet away from them but separated by a large log. I watched the cubs play like kittens chasing each other up and down the tree. I sat and watched them for about 30 minutes while mama bear made sure I did not come any closer. It was a real National Geographic moment.” -Bill W.

If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don’t want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably.

Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you’ll find, and they offer a lot for the money. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a tent or want a good beginner RV, a pop-up is a smart way to go.

Shop new and used Pop Up RVs online from Camping World, or read on to learn some advantages of pop-up campers.

1. Pop-Up Campers are Affordable

Of all the RVs out there, the pop-up is by far the most affordable option. This is even true of brand new models, but the used market is an excellent option too. You can often find a used pop-up in good condition for less than $10,000 if you don’t mind a camper with minimal features.

The simplicity of a pop-up camper is what keeps their price tags low, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without amenities. Most pop-ups feature a nice kitchen area with a sink, a dinette, and two queen beds for ample sleeping space.

The smallest of the motorized RV types is the Class B RV. Lately, they’ve surged in popularity among RVers.

Class B Motorhomes are built on cargo van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, or even the Ram ProMaster. They don’t often have slides, so they’re lighter, and they’re typically less than 30 feet long. This makes driving a Class B easier than driving a Class A or Class C RV for some people.

Class B RVs are popular with those who wish to focus on spending more time outside their RV rather than inside, prefer a quick travel pace, or those that adventure out of it rather than live in it full-time. They’re also popular with solo RVers as well as couples who are looking to switch into a rig that may be more comfortably driven by both partners.

As popular as Class B RVs have become, they’re not right for everyone. Motorized RV owners of all ages, might prefer Class As or Class Cs, and RVing with a toad.

So how do you know if a Class B RV is the one to buy? We take a look at the pros and cons of a Class B RV as well as a compromise to help you decide which RV is the one for you.

Whether you love hosting everyone at the campground for the big game or looking for something with plenty of space for your family, these RVs with front entertainment are an excellent option. We’ll show you four amazing floorplans that provide a front entertainment center so that you can find the perfect design for your future vacations. Learn more below!

There’s plenty of space for your family in these amazing RVs.

2022 Crossroads Zinger 259FL

You’ll find sleeping for four inside this CrossRoads Zinger 259FL travel trailer on sale at RVingPlanet.com. You’ll love front entertainment center that gives you a 50″ TV, plenty of storage space, and a sofa for seating. The walk-thru bathroom gives you a great space for getting ready in the mornings.

Additional Features:

Front Entertainment CenterRear Private Bedroom30″ x 36″ ShowerKitchen Bar Stools50″ TVThis open kitchen with a bar is ideal for making meals for your crew.

2018 Keystone Outback 333FE

Save big on your adventures with this used 2018 Keystone Outback 333FE travel trailer available today! The living room features dual opposing slides with ample seating for you and your guests. In the bedroom, the king bed makes it really easy to get a great night’s sleep.

Additional Features:

Find more value at top travel destinations across North America. Thirty-one campgrounds have recently joined the Good Sam Campground network, increasing your odds of finding savings on the road. Good Sam members get a 10 percent discount at any of our roughly 2,000 Good Sam Campgrounds in North America.

If you’re not a member, Sign up online to purchase a membership or simply buy it at the Good Sam Campground you visit (discounts apply immediately). As you plan your trip, check each campground’s link to determine seasonal availability and make reservations.

Visit one of these new Good Sam Campgrounds today:

Alabama

River Ridge Resort, Guntersville

Birdwatchers flock to this region to see migratory avians fly over Lake Guntersville. The fishing isn’t bad here either, and visitors can enjoy this region from River Ridge RV Park, which has a marina with kayaking along with nearby trails for hiking, biking and ATV riding.

Trading an RV in? Do the right things, and you’ll get the most for your RV. In this video, we’ll go over all the things you should do when you trade in your model. Marcus starts on the outside and works his way in, touching on every detail that you must address to get the very best RV trade-in value possible.

Selling an RV or travel trailer is a lot like selling a home. Focus on curb appeal and make sure all the parts of the unit work properly. Ensure nothing is damaged or out of place. Assess your RV through the eyes of a buyer and an appraiser.

What would potential buyers want to see? What would you want to see if you were buying the RV you’re selling?

Prepare Your RV Before the Sale

Proper preparation is important in everything you do. You must prepare your RV before you trade it in. Here are Marcus’s suggestions for prospective sellers on where to begin and what to focus on when selling recreational vehicles:

Wash and Detail Your Unit

It’s amazing what a good cleaning will do for your possible trade-in value. People buy with their eyes first and then with their noses. The fact of the matter is a dirty or smelly RV gets a fraction of the sales price it could have if it came clean and ready to go. You want your unit to appear as close to brand new as possible.

Making healthy snacks and meals for your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. Learning the basics of safe ingredients for your dog is a good beginning! Being able to make your dog’s treats, snacks and occasional meals is possible, even while traveling. We know! We have been making our dogs treats and meals for over ten years, and for over six years on the road with our pets in our RV!  

Convenience is key to many of us. I have found that being able to shop for our food and our dogs’ food at the same place is easier than having to go to a pet supply store! I can also control the ingredients that go into my dogs’ food and save money. Just a little preparation and packing ahead of time, especially on travel days in the RV makes for easy snacks and mealtimes.    

Make sure to pick up a cooler, cooking utensils, food storage containers, and dog supplies at your nearest Camping World.  A cooler is essential in our RV to pack our dog’s meals and snacks ahead on travel days! These are just a few of the 2 Traveling Dogs’ favorite supplemental meals and snacks on the road! 

Please note, we are not dog nutritionists. Always consult your personal veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.  

Chicken Jerky For Dogs

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Easily, our dogs’ favorite, go-to treat anywhere, any time, any place! Chicken jerky for dogs is not only easy but cost-effective and delicious. If your dog is not a fan of chicken, feel free to substitute beef or boneless fish.

Glacier National Park is located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains right at the US-Canada border. It’s often called the “Crown of the Continent” and is one of the most photogenic of all the national parks. With the park’s abundance of beautiful landscapes and wildlife, it’s truly a paradise for nature lovers.

Why Visit Glacier National Park?

Photo Credit: Brandon Jean on Unsplash

If the park photos alone don’t convince you to visit Glacier National Park, know that it’s even more stunning in person. The park is home to some of the most pristine forests, meadows, mountains, and lakes. In fact, there are 762 lakes in Glacier National Park, only 131 of which are named.

It’s also home to 26 glaciers and 175 mountains! That’s not to mention the wildlife you’re guaranteed to see with 71 species of mammals roaming the park. Mountain goats are the official symbol of the park, and bears are spotted so often that you’ll want to be armed with bear spray at all times. 

The campgrounds near the Apgar Visitor Center are large and offer an excellent basecamp for exploring the park. From the campground, it’s a short walk or bike ride to the village, where there’s a small store, gift shop, restaurant, vendors for renting kayaks, and the beach on Lake McDonald, which is one of the park’s best locations for sunset watching. 

In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park has other unique qualities that set it apart from other parks. It has over 300 historical structures that are on the National Register of Historic Places.