WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

RVing lakeside — it’s hard to beat. Depending on the location, you get the best of both worlds, enjoying the comforts of your RV while in close proximity to waterfront entertainment like beaches, swimming, and boating. And, during summers as hot as these, escaping to the water for a swim makes the heat more manageable. But not all campgrounds near lakes offer the same experience, and it’s an important consideration before booking just any lakeside campground. 

Let’s explore how to find lakeside campgrounds, what to look for in a great campground by the lake, and what to bring to complete the experience.

What are lakeside campgrounds?

Proximity matters, especially when choosing a lakeside campground. While looking for a campground near a lake, make sure you research how far you actually are from the water. If you imagine a beach within walking distance, verify before booking. 

For those with a boat who plan to launch onto the water, this is less of a concern. You’re driving already. But if you want to hike or walk to the waterfront, some campgrounds listed as “lakeside” may be a mile or more from your campground, and that might be a dealbreaker, depending on your aims. 

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina carves out a corner of tranquility in a bustling Southern California beach community right in the heart of Newport Beach. Guests can dip their toes in the sands of the peaceful Newport Dunes Lagoon or get out on the calm water on an SUP, kayak, or electric Duffy boat. The highly-rated (9.5/10*/9) resort’s camping sites let guests unwind and relax in a beach environment, with a slew of amenities just a short stroll away.

But rollicking adventure is never far away. Kids can cavort on the floating play structures in the lagoon, while grownups can sip tasty cocktails at the beachfront bar while enjoying the ocean breeze. Beyond the resort, world-class dining, boating, shopping, and family adventures await throughout Orange County. Beach bums, retail mavens, and boating enthusiasts will find a reason to stay at Newport Dunes.

Water, Water Everywhere

Newport Dunes occupies a large area on the banks of its horseshow-shaped lagoon. The resort makes the most out of this prized waterfront real estate with all the perks you’ll need for a first-class stay. This is Newport, after all, ranked as one of the wealthiest cities in Orange County. Appropriately, Newport Dunes makes guests feel pampered and relaxed.

Water recreation is a big deal here, and the resort invites guests to a dip in its Resort Pool Complex, including a 200-square-foot wading pool, a 1,650-square-foot heated pool, and two in-ground spas with massage jets. Lux poolside cabanas include a covered lounge area with living-room-style seating, a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi access, privacy drapes, lounge chairs, and an extended sunbathing area. 

Every year, thousands of RVers make their way northbound on I-75 from Gainesville, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, whether as a single trip, along the snowbirds’ trek back north, or as a leg along any given road trip.

If done right, this five-hour drive is one you can look forward to, including stops at state parks, museums, natural landscapes, and a Love’s Travel Stop that’s perfect for RVers everywhere. Don’t miss these great roadside destinations next time you travel from Gainesville to Atlanta. 

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Less than an hour into your trip, enjoy hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Or stop in the museum there and learn about the folk music icon who wrote “Old Folks at Home” about the scenic Suwannee River that runs through the park. 

While it may be a little soon for a rest stop, this park is a great, lesser-known attraction worth a visit. Check the schedule to see if your trip aligns with any music events hosted at this location. And, if not, just head up the interstate and visit the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park and Campground.  

Not far from the culture center are two other incredibly beautiful designated areas: Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area and Suwannee Valley Conservation Area. And if you happen to miss these spots altogether, the drive continues along the Suwannee River, adjacent to the Woods Ferry Conservation Area. So you’re sure to see some beautiful spots still along the way. 

Get truly off the grid and experience the backcountry of Oregon with an adventure into the Owyhee Canyonlands, also known as The Grand Canyon of Oregon, carved by the Owyhee River, a favorite trip for geologist-turned-river guide K.M. Collins. 

Combining the first initial of each state, the southeast corner of Oregon and its companion lands in Idaho and Nevada are affectionately referred to by locals as ION. Wrapping like a ribbon through the volcanic and sedimentary bedrock of the basin and range province, the Owyhee River carves what’s known as the Grand Canyon of Oregon.

There’s a special kind of magic about fall. For one, it means fall camping season has arrived. 

When the leaves change, and there’s a slight nip in the air, you can’t help but romanticize the season of apple picking, football, pumpkin spice-anything, and the leaves changing colors to pinks, reds, oranges, and purples. If you’re looking to appreciate the splendor of the outdoors, we’re fortunate to have some incredible vistas across the country. And if you plan to camp nearby, now is the time to reserve your campground and plan your trip. 

If you’re looking to capture the colors of the season and make some lifelong memories, here’s a list of 12 breathtaking spots for fall foliage as well as a list of campgrounds nearby.

1. Cape Cod, Connecticut 

Visiting Cape Cod in autumn is a great way to avoid crowds while taking in the scenic beauty of coastal New England. Whether you’re looking for premiere whale watching, an adorable farmers market, or a tour of the Cedar Swamp, the Cape makes for a lovely Fall.

Campgrounds nearby:

Timing is everything when it comes to many things in life, like when it comes to selling your RV. We all know that summer is a great time to find out what your RV is worth in order to sell it. But did you know that finding the right buyer for your RV actually starts long before you ever think about hanging that “For Sale” sign out front? I learned this the hard way last month after deciding to put our fifth-wheel up for sale.

How Not to Get the Best Price for Your RV

One of the biggest current trends in RVing is for owners to remodel and redecorate inside their RVs. Many RVers are remodeling their rigs into cozy wheeled homes that show off their personality and enhance their camping style. My husband and I did the same when we bought our second fifth-wheel back in 2014. We had no idea that our modifications would make it difficult to sell years later.

Our new-to-us RV was a 2010 Northwood Arctic Fox 27-5B bunkhouse fifth-wheel. When we discovered it on a dealer lot in Wyoming, we were mesmerized by the RV’s pristine condition. Garaged and meticulously maintained by its previous owners, it still had all its original furnishings and decor. That camper appeared to come straight from the factory, and we couldn’t sign the sales contract fast enough.

It was the bunkhouse that grabbed us. And what we did to that tiny space would come back to bite us years later when we put the RV up for sale. But back then, all we knew was that the bunkhouse was ideal for creating our future road-warrior workspace. So out went the bunk beds and in went a computer workstation/jeweler’s bench for me. Next, I tossed the factory window valances and put up my own window treatments. Finally, Jim removed the jackknife sofa and replaced it with his own desk built from a tree he felled while workamping on a Colorado dude ranch. Before long, that Arctic Fox was uniquely ours. Then about 10 years later, we decided to try truck camping life. Earlier this year, we made the move to put it up for sale.

RV tires come in various sizes, profiles, wall ply quantities, and rated pressure/load capacities. And all of these rely on compressed air or similar gas to operate. Much of the performance, lifespan, and durability is dependent on the internal pressure being correct for the vehicle’s weight and that it is maintained, and the type of air you put into your tires could affect how well they stay inflated over time. So which is better when choosing between nitrogen vs air to fill your RV tires?

Nitrogen vs air

Well, as we all have probably experienced, keeping the air pressure at the required pressure is an ongoing task. It normally requires that the pressures are topped up at least every three months or so. This need is driven by constantly escaping oxygen molecules that are small enough to migrate through the tire casing.

The compressed air found in most auto and truck tires contains about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and a balance of mixed gases. And, in addition to the oxygen passing through the tire casing, moisture in the air is the other issue. This moisture can be corrosive to both steel and aluminum wheels.

Recreational vehicles come in many types, makes, and models. This can make it difficult for people to choose a unit that would best fill their needs, application, and desires. In addition, they must fit it into their budget. This selection holds true whether a potential buyer is seeking a new or a used RV. Options are critical to this decision.

For those purchasing a new rig, there may be more financial discissions to make as optional equipment and possible add-ons are offered. Some of these optional extras are not only a great feature but may also increase the down-the-road resale value. Let’s look at some of the choices that may be available and worth consideration.

Hydronic Heat System

In lieu of an RV furnace and a hot water tank, the hydronic heating system can deliver both interior heat and hot water when needed. The forced air heat is supplied by the circulation of glycol to strategically installed fan-driven air movers. This is a far superior RV heating system in its air distribution. For house hot water, this can supply a near-continuous flow. While this is a somewhat pricey option, it has a substantial return on resale value.

Dishwasher

While seemingly not a needed appliance for a trailer or motor home, it can deliver worthwhile benefits. A dishwasher can alleviate the need to wash dishes every day while keeping the sink and galley tidy. Additionally, it will reduce the freshwater quantity due to only requiring one wash every few days.

An off-grid campsite can be terrifying for those who get spooked by the remoteness, while the busyness of a luxury campground can annoy those seeking serenity. My family is somewhere in the middle — and chances are, yours might be, too. How do we go about evaluating campgrounds to find the right spot for us? Check out these tips for picking the perfect park for you:

Know Your Style

Know thyself. The ancient Greeks understood that knowing yourself was the first step to finding wisdom. This happens to be great advice for evaluating campsites. Finding the perfect park starts with knowing your own preferences, which vary widely from person to person.

As you travel, pay attention to campsite and campground features and environments, and you’ll begin to notice some patterns in your preferences. 

Here are some elements to consider:

Getting into nature is easy, but following good RV camping etiquette takes practice. Now that more people than ever are discovering the joys of RVing, the time is right for all of us to practice good manners at the campground. Here’s how to make summertime camping experiences positive for everyone we encounter.

I love the freedom to shake up my routine with RV living. To wake up with the sun, go to sleep with the moon, and explore a gorgeous destination without the worries of routine living. RV trips can be filled with joyful opportunities that bring out the kid in all of us, but unfortunately, some folks forgot their manners. According to Facebook’s largest group of workampers in the U.S., more RVers than ever are making a bad impression at campgrounds.

The State of RV Camping Etiquette

As a moderator of the Workamping group on Facebook, I recently polled members about their experiences with campers’ behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The majority of poll takers (103 out of 126) indicate that RV camping etiquette could use some improvement. Workampers in the group are working at public parks and private RV resorts, and all report encountering the same bad camping manners, such as:

“For the most part, people are respectful. They are made aware of park rules ahead of time as well,” says Carrie Tuttle, a workamper since 2018. “Every season though there are a few who think the rules don’t apply to them and test the waters.” Tuttle believes the majority of guests know what good RV camp etiquette looks like.

This week in the Good Sam camping news spotlight, we’re taking a look at how campers are adopting AI as a means of trip planning, how you can earn $70 towards your next stay at a campground, and how the RV rental market is at an all-time high.

Campers are quickly adopting artificial intelligence

According to a recent study by KOA, 32% of campers claim to have used artificial intelligence as a means of trip planning, with another 22% of the survey intent on using AI for future travel. Primarily, most campers see AI as a helpful tool for finding well-reviewed parks, gathering information, or even just crafting an itinerary for upcoming trips. The study seems to suggest that campers are adopting AI technology quicker than any other group of recreational travelers. With an estimated 22 million households planning on camping over the 4th of July weekend, the data suggests that AI will be a pertinent part of many people’s summer plans.

RV rental market is at an all-time high

A recent report from Outdoorsy claims that the rental market for RVs is the highest it’s ever been, with 76% of their bookings coming from first-time customers. Additionally, renters are taking longer trips than in previous years (about 1 to 2 more days on average), with many expecting this trend to continue growing. One of the suggested factors for growth stems from inflation in the hotel industry, with the average cost of a room increasing by 54% in the past year. Other reports even predict the RV rental industry to be worth over $1 billion as soon as 2031.

RVshare and Hipcamp giving away $10 million in overnight stays

To commemorate their 10 years in business, RVshare and Hipcamp have announced a partnership and are planning to give away up to $10 million to RVers for overnight stays to celebrate. The relationship between the two companies will mean further integration between Hipcamp’s and RVshare’s inventory. As of last week, customers who book rentals through RVshare’s website or app can claim a promo code worth $70 for a Hipcamp booking. Note that the offer will only be valid for stays falling between June and December of this year.

The post June RV & Camping News appeared first on Good Sam Camping Blog.

Obviously, nobody plans for an emergency, but try as we might, accidents will still happen. With that, it’s imperative that you respond quickly and appropriately to mitigate further disaster in the event of a camping fiasco. To ensure the most safety and enjoyment, here are some best practices for first aid while camping. 

Prevention and first aid basics 

When it comes to first aid, the best offense is a good defense (or something along those lines). The best course of action is to anticipate disaster and prepare for the worst before it actually comes to fruition. Take it upon yourself to research any potential hazards, wildlife, poisonous plants, or weather-related risks that could affect your trip, as well as stocking up your first aid kit with essentials for any scenario.

For example:

Additionally, you would do well to familiarize yourself with fundamental first aid techniques such as CPR, the Heimlich, or cleaning wounds.

Common camping injuries 

Let’s break down the more common camping accidents with some quick tips for remedying the situation. Keep in mind that this list is for minor injuries that can be self-treated. In the event of an actual emergency, be sure to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Camp within reach of New England’s most celebrated destinations. Circle CG Farm Campground in Bellingham, Massachusetts, sits less than an hour away from Boston, Cape Cod, and other popular Bay State spots. Spend the day visiting places like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park, then relax at a highly rated (9.5/9.5*/10) resort with ample amenities. 

Travelers who prefer to stay local can enjoy the campground’s many activities, from Christmas in July to live music. The campground’s lush, wooded setting completes the picture for a relaxing vacation.

Camping Comfort

Occupying 30 acres, Circle CG Farm Campground sits amid ample shade trees in rustic surroundings. Recreation abounds here, with a pool, rec hall, and other spaces where campers can congregate. Guest can unleash their competitive spirit in the game room or hit the miniature golf course. Go fishing in the pond or hit one of the nature trails that stretch through the rustic property. 

The resort supplies travelers with all the stuff they need, including metered propane, ice, pet supplies, and firewood. The country store sells groceries, and restrooms and showers in the park have a starred rating for cleanliness.

We’re truly fortunate to live in a country brimming with natural beauty. With a wide range of aesthetic and ecological diversity ranging from coast to coast, the United States offers a lifetime of photo-worthy opportunities. To help you plan your next adventure, here’s a starter list of 5 stunning photo-ops you need to see for yourself, as well as a list of nearby campgrounds.

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Likely at the top of most people’s bucket lists, the Grand Canyon is among the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, let alone the United States. Carved over the course of millions of years by the Colorado River, the massive canyon offers plenty of hiking, whitewater rafting, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Nearby campgrounds:

The warming spring temperatures have ushered in another camping season along with the promise of hot, lazy summer days. Thoughts of spending hours enjoying hiking, fishing, or exploring nature’s secrets in the backcountry come to the forefront of your mind. Yes, it’s time to get the RV on the road with an eye toward air conditioning performance.

The heat of summer is welcoming for many as each day unfolds with higher temperatures. But while evening temps cool down significantly, there are some campers who find the overall climate too warm. For these folks, air conditioners in trailers and motorhomes are both needed and appreciated.

However, having an air conditioner might not be enough. Having an efficient air conditioner capable of producing a steady flow of cold air is needed to complete the summer camping picture.

Keeping Your AC Unit Cool

So, how should we go about making sure we are getting the most from our RV air conditioner? Well, before embarking on your first season’s trip, a basic operation test should be made on the air conditioner(s). This involves merely running the air conditioning and measuring the incoming air temperature. A probe thermometer or infrared temperature gun can be used for this. As a rule of thumb, a reading of anything between 16 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit lower than that of the air entering the AC unit is an acceptable result. During this trial run, the functions controlled by the thermostat can be tested and set.

With over 35 million people looking to rent an RV each year, there’s never been a better time to list your RV and make some extra cash. That being said, for many, their RV is one of their most expensive possessions, and the idea of renting it out can be a little daunting. That being said, the upside is definitely worth it. To help illustrate the point, here are a few reasons why you should rent out your RV.

Earn extra income from your RV

Let’s start with some compelling financials. 

On average, renting out an RV could annually bring in somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000 of extra income, with some even earning up to $52,000 a year.

Last year alone, the RV rental market grew 7.4%, with many speculating that it could even eclipse a billion-dollar industry within the decade. More and more folks have been taking to the outdoors since 2020, and with a looming sense of economic uncertainty, that trend is very likely to continue.

We bought our first travel trailer in 2014, and we quickly discovered we weren’t prepared for the process. Since we had purchased many automobiles in our lifetimes, we thought the steps for our RV purchase would be fairly similar. But we soon learned that buying an RV is quite different from buying an automobile. Before you buy your first travel trailer, consider these five items:

Weights and Measurements

Before purchasing our first travel trailer, we knew we needed to consider whether the weight and length of the trailer would work with our tow vehicle. Later, we came to realize there’s a lot more to it than that.

Start reading about towing, and you’ll see a lot of unfamiliar acronyms, like CCC, GVW, UVW, GCWR, and more. Before buying an RV, research the various weights and measurements you’ll need to understand to determine if you’ll have a good fit between the RV and your tow vehicle.

Consult the RV towing guide to see the capacity of your towing vehicle. 

Check out this helpful guide to understanding RV trailer weights. 

RV Loans

When buying automobiles, I hop online and apply for financing if the dealership tries to saddle us with a high-interest rate. I thought I’d be able to do the same thing when purchasing our travel trailer. Unfortunately, I learned that RV loans are different from automobile loans, and the process isn’t quite as easy or competitive. If you are looking to buy an RV, talk to your bank or credit union and look into specific companies that finance RV purchases before you make a deal.

Pack your bags, load up the RV and take your travels to a place where you can marvel at fascinating hoodoos, hike through unique slot canyons, bike through Ponderosa pines and take some picture-perfect photography.

Welcome to Utah’s Bryce Canyon Country!

This area is filled with amazing RV parks for every kind of adventurer. Are you ready to start planning your next trip? Hop in and buckle up!

Ruby’s Inn RV Park

The first park on our roundup is at historic Ruby’s Inn, right across from the gates of Bryce Canyon National Park. This is the closest RV park to the national park and has 250 spots with full hookups for water and electricity. Visitors to this park will also be able to enjoy all of the amenities provided by the larger Ruby’s Inn resort. Spend your days exploring Bryce Canyon or staying cool by the pool, and spend your nights surrounded by ponderosa pine trees and thousands of stars.

Regular maintenance is the only surefire way to extend the life of your RV. That’s why many RVers can benefit from having their motorhome or travel trailer inspected annually. Spring is a great time for an RV inspection. You can address anything that requires attention before camping season. This, along with an inaugural, close-to-home trip or overnight stay, preps you for longer summer trips further from home.

Along with many other benefits, Good Sam Elite Members receive an annual Good Sam multi-point inspection. Below, we’ve outlined what you can expect when you bring your RV to a Camping World location to have it scoped out and inspected. If you’re not a member, you can still schedule a routine inspection at your local Camping Word. Learn more about that process here.

Why a multi-point inspection?

Despite the United States only being less than a few centuries old, our country is actually rich in diverse archeological history. From early colonial settlements, all the way back to ancient Native American civilizations, there’s no shortage of stories to tell from our past. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure back in time, here are 5 archeological spots you should consider visiting in the United States, along with nearby campgrounds to stay at.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Collinsville, Illinois

One of the largest pre-Columbian settlements, Cahokia Mounds preserves the remnants of one of the most sophisticated Native American civilizations to have ever settled in North America (700 AD to 1400 AD). While you’re there, be sure to take in the exhibit or Climb of Monks Mound for a scenic view of an ancient city. 

Good Sam campground nearby: