Rain Spirit RV Resort, new in 2019, is located in Clarkdale, Arizona. The big-rig-friendly resort has 63 full-hookup sites, back-ins and pull-throughs, with paved roads and compacted gravel sites. Enjoy the centrally located pool and spa, rec room with library lounge, fitness center, private tiled shower rooms, laundry facilities and enclosed dog run. Rain Spirit RV Resort overlooks the Verde River and has views all around of beautiful mountain ranges as well as Sedona and Sycamore Canyon red rock formations.

Historic Clarkdale and Outdoor Fun

Clarkdale is a well-preserved and historic turn-of-the-century mining town, just a few miles away. The town boasts the largest copper museum in the Grand Canyon State. Also near the RV park are hiking and mountain bike trails along the river as well as hundreds of miles of ATV and jeep trails. The Verde River also is easily accessible for fishing, bird watching, swimming and kayaking. There is a 3-mile stretch of river for kayaking rapids with a launch park upriver and a pick-up site just below the park.

From the river overlook to toward the east, the Tuzigoot National Monument can be seen in the near distance. It is a large, 1,200-year-old Sinaguan pueblo, semi-restored with tours and a gift shop. Adding to the appeal, Rain Spirit RV Resort is located away from light or noise pollution, which makes for a restful experience after a busy day enjoying the area. Don’t forget the Verde Canyon Railroad round-trip excursion that starts in Clarkdale and runs along the river. Guests can enjoy spectacular views while wining and dining in classic custom rail cars.

During winter, southern Utah’s famed red rock country becomes a land of contrasts as the vermillion cliffs, hoodoos and colorful monoliths get dusted with stark white snow. In this desert winter wonderland, visitors can enjoy some of the most pristine landscapes in the country without overwhelming crowds that flood the parks the majority of the year. Find solace on the trails, drive roads that are usually closed to private vehicles and take advantage of the off-peak prices. However, exploring in winter comes with its own share of challenges; park services are limited, not all sites are accessible and temperatures can get frigid. Before you set off on your adventure, be mindful of the weather forecast; pack plenty of layers and winter hiking gear, and research road conditions to ensure your trip is fun and safe.

Zion National Park

Considered one of the most majestic national parks in the nation, Zion’s most prominent feature is Zion Canyon, nearly 15-miles long and up to 2,640-feet deep. One of its less attractive features is the crowds, as it’s the third most visited National Park in the country. To beat the 20,000-per-day summer visitors, head to Zion during the winter, where you’ll find plenty of solitude while out on the trails. The other bonus about visiting between December and February is the fact that you can drive to almost all of the trailheads along Zion Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles and only accessed by shuttle buses the majority of the year.

Though evenings are chilly, daytime temps hover in the 50s, providing comfortable weather for strenuous hikes. Luckily, Zion Canyon’s low elevation means snow rarely makes it to the floor, and if it does, it quickly melts. However, on the peaks and higher elevations, expect snow and ice.

Lake Powell

It took me a long time to purchase an ice fishing flasher because I thought they were way more complicated than they are. The good news is, they’re actually simpler to use than a fish finder in a lot of ways. You just need to understand what the various colors and dials mean.

In this guide, I am breaking down all the finer details of ice fishing flashers so you can understand if buying one for your ice fishing trips is the right choice.

What is an Ice Fishing Flasher?

Ice fishing flashers can be difficult to understand. When I first looked at one, I thought they looked like some type of engineering device or something used to read the water quality. In reality, once you understand what every little dial and color means, they’re actually quite simple to use.

An ice fishing flasher is a piece of fishing technology designed to help you identify fishing opportunities beneath the ice. Using the flasher, you can figure out where the fish are, where the bottom is, what the total depth is and what type of structure or vegetation is scattered throughout the water.

From the soulful sound of the Fisk Jubilee Singers to the promulgation of country music from the stage of The Grand Old Opry to Taylor Swift strumming her guitar in the Bluebird Café, Nashville has earned its nickname as Music City U.S.A. If you want to beat the big crowds and still enjoy all the attractions, consider taking a trip to Nashville in winter or early spring. While many visitors stay away during this season, the town still thrums with music and fun.

Travelers to Nashville will find myriad ways to experience its musical roots, from refined museums to rambunctious honky tonks. Many of these attractions are indoors, away from the winter chill. However, there’s so much more to the city than its music, making Nashville a popular travel destination.

But, let’s start with the music since it’s the star of the show.

The Grand Ole Opry

What started as an insurance company’s idea for a business promotion way back in 1925 is now the longest-running live radio music show in U.S. history. To this day, the Grand Ole Opry is the twangy heartbeat of Music City U.S.A.

The darkest days of winter are upon us, but snowbird RVing dogs and their humans still have plenty of dog-friendly places to go RVing. From resorts with dog agility parks to laid-back cities that allow dogs to dine al fresco in restaurants, I love this new era of RVing with dogs any time of year.

How to Find Great Places to Go with Snowbird RVing Dogs

Not too long ago, RVing with dogs was filled with challenges. If you wanted to see the sights, you often had to make arrangements for someone to look after your dog. That’s not the case anymore. A quick internet search for the phrase “best places to visit with dogs” turns up endless search results. Pet parents like me have more options than ever to enjoy new places with dogs. To choose a place to park the RV, just zoom in on a given destination and scan for features like:

Searching for the ultimate dog-friendly RVing destinations can seem like a ton of work. I agree that it can be, but getting questions answered ahead of time is always worth the effort. Check the Good Sam’s listings to determine whether an RV park can accommodate your furry passenger. RVing to dog-friendly destinations puts my mind at ease when I arrive. During winter, these cities and RV parks are some of the most dog-friendly destinations in the U.S.

Palm Desert, California

Even if you’ve already winterized your RV, you don’t have to wait until the spring thaw to enjoy your next camping trip. While hot springs are the obvious choice in the winter months, some snowbird RVers might find that their winter destination is a little warmer than expected.

That’s why it makes sense to know the best (hot and cold) springs to soak in this winter. So whether you’re winter camping and need a hot spring to warm up in or you’ve gone south and clear, cool water isn’t as easy to find; there’s a spring on this list within a few day’s drive!

The Best Hot Springs for Winter RV Trips

For those interested in winter RVing, check out these awesome hot spring camping destinations:

Buckstaff Baths

Where: Hot Springs, AR

The Buckstaff Baths are actually one of eight bathhouses along Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. Most were initially built in the 19th and 20th centuries and are now part of Hot Springs National Park. The nearby Ouachita Mountains offer some exceptional hiking when you’re not in town shopping or enjoying your luxury hot springs experience.

The Santa Fe‒Taos circuit in the northern part of the state is where most visitors would go once they enter New Mexico, which, for locals, would be quite predictable. But New Mexico will deliver whether you go north or south. From bathing in crystal-clear light to dazzling desert landscapes, to deep gorges and canyons, you won’t be disappointed. We have compiled a list of the top ten reasons to visit New Mexico (and stay a while, too!).

Visitors flock tp the White Sands National Monument. Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico, it’s known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. But there’s more to this area than you might realize. In addition to hiking or sledding, don’t miss the White Sands Missile Range. You can wander through a fascinating collection of missiles and rockets that will make you feel as if you’re travelling through time. As it is an active military base, you’ll be required to bring an ID and go through security.

Visit this attraction located on the Plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. It consists of 27 radio antennas with a height of 25 meters in Y-shaped configurations and is dubbed as one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories.

Six RV parks have recently joined the Good Sam network, boosting your chances of finding savings and value on the road. Remember, Good Sam members can save big with a 10 percent discount at any of our 2,000-plus Good Sam parks across North America.

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

Whispering Pines RV Resort East and West, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Whispering Pines RV Resort sits in Alabama’s iconic Gulf Coast region. Within a 6-mile radius, visitors can find OWA, one of the largest amusement parks on the Gulf Coast, along with a Tanger Outlet Mall and the new Gulf Coast Zoo. Thrillseekers can check out the Wharf Marina with a Ferris wheel, laser shows, kids events, shopping, dining and more. Also close by are dozens of restaurants serving delicious, fresh seafood. Just a short drive away you’ll discover gorgeous white-sandy beaches and state parks with lots of natural attractions. While here, explore hiking, jogging and bicycle trails.

Park amenities include a resort-style pool, clubhouse and a fenced-in dog play area. Guests also can take advantage of the laundry facilities, restrooms and showers. The resort offers 40×80-foot back-in sites with 30- and 50-amp hookups.

Get a taste of perfection by staying at a Top Rated Good Sam Park. For 2022, a total of 157 Good Sam Parks scored flawless 10/10★/10 Good Sam ratings based on our trusted evaluation system.

Our rep teams travel across North America and inspect parks for the cleanliness of restrooms and showers; environment and visual appearance. Each category is graded on a scale of one to 10, and a star is added for exceptionally clean restrooms. You’ll also find these parks listed by state and province — along with plenty of helpful RV-related content — in our 2022 edition of the Good Sam Campground & Coupon Guide.

Alabama

Arizona

California

Colorado

Florida

Roadside attractions are usually defined as some giant, green-spotted animal (dinosaurs, for the most part) you can see on Interstates. But roadside attractions are sometimes as-is: an attraction by a roadside that’s so eye-catching that you just have to stop and admire it. There are tons of these in the United States, and here we have compiled a list of the top 10 roadside attractions.

The Thing, Arizona

Before arriving in Dragoon, Arizona, you’ll most likely see some “precautionary” signs along the way to alert you of the presence of The Thing. Made up of striped metal sheds, it houses a number of strange things. If you take the time to go inside, you’ll be welcomed by a nauseating surprise. Not only will you be confronted with gimmicky taste in patterns, but you can also get a little history fix as you trek the sidewalk. No spoilers here though, you can simply pass by and admire it. Mini spoiler: Rolls-Royce and mummies.

Miles the Monster, Dover, DE

At the site of the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware lives a massive rock monster with flame red eyes. While the speedway is less-than-scenic, posing with this 46-foot-tall car-crushing behemoth guarantees massive Instagram likes. It seems like it’s from The Thing and The Hulk’s same angular genetic branch. “It actually usually has legs,” says Joe Heller, the racetrack’s PR coordinator,  “but if it did, it could go up to 80 feet tall!” He does have a point there. They compromised by showing the monster’s upper half only.

The National Park Service, formerly known as the National Park System, grew in the century between 1872 and 1972 from a single, original public reservation called Yellowstone National Park to embrace almost 300 historical, cultural, recreational, and natural properties situated throughout the United States, its island possessions, and territories. The said properties have come to include increasingly diverse categories in 400 areas — not only National Parks, but also National Monuments, National Memorials, National Military Parks, and others. You may be wondering how this remarkable growth and diversification occurred. These areas now cover 84 million acres across all fifty states.

This incredible story began with just one park that didn’t bring any revenue. The concept of the national park is largely credited to George Catlin, an American painter who, in 1832, traveled across the Great Plains to document disappearing native American tribes. According to Catlin, “A nation’s park, containing man and beast, in all the wild[ness] and freshness of their nature’s beauty!”

Decades later, his dream came true when a natural wonderland spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho became the world’s first official national park. They called it the Big Yellowstone.

In California’s Yosemite Valley, controversy was brewing. John Muir believed that the state-managed areas were being exploited and lobbied congress for it to become a national park under full federal control. In 1903 Muir convinced President Theodore Roosevelt to join him on a camping trip in Yosemite. Three years later, the park was under full federal control. Roosevelt took swift action, making Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower the first national monument that year and establishing a tradition of a continued today.

Levy County is an untamed slice of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here, you’ll find rivers winding through lush forests and a profusion of wildlife that thrives in expansive public lands. After adventures on the mainland, head out to Cedar Key to savor a laid-back community that epitomizes “Old Florida.”

Cedar Key: Great for Snowbirding

Situated on Florida’s northwest coast, Levy County sits an hour west of Gainesville. U.S. Route 98, which runs parallel to the coast, connects many of the small towns in the region, including Chiefland and Crystal River. Those venturing out to the collection of islands known as the Cedar Keys will take Highway 24 west. The largest island is home to the small town of Cedar Key, with fewer than 1,000 residents. Snowbirds are attracted to this region’s mild winters, with lows rarely dipping below 50 degrees.

Florida Wildlife

Featuring a host of protected lands, the region is a prime location for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching. Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge entice hikers to explore salt marshes and grand cypress and oak trees. Nearby, the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park, accessible only by boat, is ideal for canoeing and kayaking in unspoiled landscapes. Keep an eye out for migratory birds, manatees, alligators and more. With both saltwater and freshwater fishing, anglers will find diverse habitats. Bicyclists won’t want to miss the Nature Coast State Trail, which includes 32 miles of a rail-to-trail conversion. The Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area offers more than 24,000 acres of hunting grounds that teem with whitetail deer and feral hogs.

Birds zip and zoom around us every day. But like many RVers, I hardly gave winged creatures a second thought unless a hummingbird buzzed past my head. All that changed the day I accidentally camped at one of the best winter birding destinations for RVers in the southwest.

Birds Bring Natural Stress Relief

It was getting late while driving to Tucson and we needed a place to stop for the night. An online directory pointed me to a nearby wildlife refuge near Willcox, where overnight camping is allowed. Easy to access with wide-open spaces, we pulled in alongside a stunning little lake. Little did we know that the daily display of Sandhill Cranes in flight was about to begin. Moments after logging onto our computers to manage an onslaught of incoming emails, an interesting faraway sound pulled us away from our screens.

As the deep orange Arizona sun sank low on the horizon, a loud chorus of honks and squawks slowly drifted toward us. We opened the trailer door just as thousands of giant cranes swooped overhead, traveling westward to their nightly destination. With broad wingspans averaging 78 inches across, they elegantly breezed along and dazzled us with their graceful V-shaped flight patterns. The Sandhill Cranes put on a show like no other, making us forget about the long, exhausting drive we had just endured. It was a free show that provided instant stress relief, connecting us to nature and the whole reason why we full-time RV in the first place.

Relax at the Best Winter Birdwatching Destinations

I had no idea that birdwatching can be a free, easy way to relieve stress. Armed with a great pair of birdwatching binoculars and a wide-brimmed sun hat, anyone can let go of their worries and get closer to nature through birdwatching.

In January, many of us try to stick to the New Year’s resolutions we made the previous year. How many of us have the determination to see it through?

The following places might just inspire you to live up to the promises you made to yourself as the clock ticked down to 2022. If you resolved to get more exercise, take a jog on a sandy gulf beach or paddle a kayak along the coast of a barrier island. Was a better diet on your list of resolutions? Try a healthy fish-and-greens diet found at a seaside eatery.

Find a destination below and then book a stay at a nearby RV Park (click on the links for more information).

Alabama

Alabama’s small but beautiful stretch of Gulf Coast entices beachcombers to explore sugar-white sands.

Discover how the Southwest does the holidays. You’ll find an accommodating RV park ready to help you make your winter dreams come true.

Southern Arizona

Hike and Bike in Mesa

Located east of Phoenix, Mesa has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and scenic grandeur from every vantage point. It’s no wonder that recreational opportunities abound in these parts. Mesa connects with hundreds of miles of superb hiking, biking and horseback riding trails ranging in length and level of difficulty. Usery Mountain Regional Park is woven with over 29 miles of trails, including the 1.6-mile Wind Cave Trail that delivers breathtaking mountain views without the need for challenging elevation spikes. The more strenuous 7.1-mile Pass Mountain Trail satisfies hikers looking to feel the burn and escape the (relative) crowds. The small nature center at the park’s entrance has a clutch of exhibits devoted to flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

Go Fish Around Yuma

Yuma’s proximity to the Colorado River and several lakes makes it a great destination for boaters and water-loving adventurers. On the Arizona side of Imperial Dam, Martinez Lake gives visitors a chance to go kayaking, canoeing or fishing by boat. On a hot day, you can relax and enjoy a lazy ride down the Colorado River on an inner tube for as little as an hour, or as long as three hours, depending on where you launch. Largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass make their homes in many of the hidden lakes and water channels created when the dam was constructed. Drop a line in Squaw Lake or Ferguson Lake, or in the Colorado River channel.  Board a paddleboat sternwheeler for a chance to see the landscape slide by as you travel down the river.

Stay here during your Arizona visit:

Southern California

Golf in Palm Springs

Located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs has grown to become one of Southern California’s favorite desert playgrounds. five-star restaurants, upscale shopping and hiking are favorite pastimes, but few local diversions match the area’s golf offerings. Enjoy a cool desert morning at one of Palm Springs’ verdant golf courses, where seasonal rates and public accessibility invite players to tee off amid desert splendor year-round. Choose from 18 or 27 holes on courses designed by masters like John Fought and Gary Player.

Can’t wait to hit the road? Not so fast. Whether you plan a winter trip in the Sun Belt or a springtime journey north, it’s important to cover all the bases when it comes to making reservations and checking in at an RV park.

Reservations

Researching your planned campground stay locations is a critical part of any RV trip. Once your destination is selected, you’ll need to take care as you go through the process of locking in your stay. While many RV parks offer online reservation systems, the direct telephone method gives you a chance to ask key questions. The correct information exchange can make this a perfect stay for all parties concerned.

Keep in mind that the rising popularity of the RV industry has created a high demand for campsites across North America. It’s more important than ever to act fast and take proper care to reserve the site that’s right for you.

Here are some of the steps that may help make your next camping reservation the best stay.

We’ve found an RV travel region for every season in the U.S. and Canada. Look at the travel calendar below and find a fun-filled destination during your favorite seasons.

Check out the attractions in each of our monthly regions, then choose an RV park for your stay.

January — Southeast States

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas

Choosing a gift for someone who has everything can be a real challenge. Choosing a gift for a fisherman who has everything is a nightmare. You want to get them something they’ll actually use and you want it to have an impact on their fishing in some way. Whether they’re looking for something to make fishing more enjoyable or for something to help them catch more fish; it needs to be useful, clever and affordable.

Based on personal experience and some consulting with my wife, I’ve put together 12 things I think most experienced anglers would love to have this year. Let’s do it!

1. Nightcrawler Bait Box

Every angler has their crutch and no matter what, some can’t let go of their love of worms. Personally, it’s been a while since I’ve fished with nightcrawlers, but if you have someone in your life who loves bait fishing, this could be a great gift. This nightcrawler bait box is breathable, lightweight, and comes with a door on the top to access everything. The box even comes with natural bedding to help keep the worms alive and well all season.

2. Fishing Line Spooler

When you get settled into your winter RV camping destination this year, naturally you’ll start looking around for things to do. Hiking isn’t easy with a foot of snow on the ground, so here are five guided snowshoe adventures to check out this winter. 

As the saying goes, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe!” So don’t be discouraged if you’ve never tried it before. Most of these companies specialize in teaching beginners the basics of snowshoeing and winter trail etiquette. 

PS Not all of these wintery locations will have a year-round Good Sam RV park nearby, but we’ve included a few options for you at the end of this article.

Guided Snowshoe Adventures

Most companies that offer snowshoe adventures will rent you the snowshoes and poles. Still, you’ll need a good pair of winter camping and hiking boots. Also, make sure you consult the tour company’s website for a full list of what to bring for your snowshoe adventure. 

Situated on 20 acres of pine forest, Lake Pines RV Park & Campground welcomes visitors with a family-centered retreat away from the busy world in Columbus, Georgia, since 1967.

Lake Pines RV Park & Campground offers full-service hookups, dump station, propane, 30- and 50-amp service and many more amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

In 1967, Ralph and Jean Gilbert opened up 20 acres of land to their camping club and other camping enthusiasts, creating a nature lover’s paradise. Fifty years later, Lakes Pines Campground and Event Center has become more than just a campsite shared among friends — it has grown into a legacy for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to love.

With just a short drive, you can visit the many beautiful outdoor attractions the area has to offer. Guests can choose from whitewater rafting the Chattahoochee River, hiking Pine Mountains’ 23 miles of trails, visiting the state-of-the-art National Infantry Museum or ziplining from Georgia to Alabama, 1,200 feet of exhilaration.