Traveling the country with the person you love the most sounds like a dream lifestyle, but it’s a dream come true for David and Amanda Boles. Along with their dog, Bailey, the couple has been traveling full time in their RV for the last three years and have no plans of stopping any time soon.

After living in their home in Nashville, they quickly realized they would rather spend all their time traveling instead. What fun is a large house if you never want to be in it? So, they sold their home and most of their belongings to hit the road in their RV.

Why Choose the RV Lifestyle?

With David working on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico, the couple wanted to maximize their time together by traveling and adventuring as much as possible. What’s the best way to do that? In an RV! David consistently works three weeks on and three weeks off, so traveling in an RV allows the two to thoroughly enjoy their surroundings during their downtime.

“Traveling in an RV,” David says, “is just so much easier, so much less stress, just a slower pace.”

It’s that slower pace that keeps David and Amanda on the road. Every day is an adventure and can be just like the day before it or completely different if they want. Amanda enjoys that a typical day can range from hiking to soaking in a hot spring or off-roading in their Jeep.

Are you looking to maximize your time outdoors on your next family vacation? Take your family RV camping in Citrus County, Florida, and experience hiking, boating, paddling, scalloping and fishing in a beautiful natural setting. Here are some of the top places to go RV camping on your next visit to the soul of Florida:

Crystal Isles RV Resort: Close to the Gulf beaches, this RV Resort offers plenty of amenities, including a pool, waterfront sites, on-site laundry and boat rentals.

Rousseau RV Resort: On beautiful Lake Rousseau, the sites at this RV Resort are shaded by ancient live oaks. Guests will enjoy the waterfront views, swimming pool and access to both saltwater and freshwater for plenty of fishing.

Nature’s Resort: Situated on the Homosassa River, this 97-acre resort offers RV sites and also cabin rentals. There’s a swimming pool, game room and access to the Gulf for fishing and boating.

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We chose the RV lifestyle for one important reason: we wanted to spend more time with our dogs!

And because our lives are centered around everything full-time RV and dogs, we want our dogs to be comfortable in their home on wheels too. Having a comfortable RV interior is just as important as where we park it. So we recently made some RV interior updates with our dogs in mind. A full RV makeover isn’t necessary to give your coach a cozier feel for you and your pet. Put Rover in the car and head to your nearest, dog-friendly Camping World location to find some of these budget-friendly RV enhancements your fur family will love.

Stair Hugger Rugs

As our dog Brickle has gotten older, he is more unsteady. The inside RV steps into the bedroom have proved to be a challenge for our senior dog. Simply adding carpet runners to the stairs make it easier for Brickle’s paws to grip, and provides him with more stability and confidence. An added bonus was that now we won’t slip when we get up in the middle of the night! Yes. That has happened. The stair hugger rugs are easy to install, securely fastening to most stair surfaces. It also adds a classy, decorative touch to your RV interior as well.

Blanket

I am all about being cozy in my home on wheels. Chilly nights call for a dog or two on the couch and my favorite blanket. Brickle and Fruitycake love to watch TV on the couch with us with their blanket too! But a blanket has to be almost as cute as our dogs! They are certainly happy campers when it comes to their blankies. Your dog needs a spot to call their own, especially in the RV. A blanket is often just the thing that they need to provide that source of comfort we all long for. We also like using a blanket on top of their dog beds to catch any dirt and fur and then wash the blankets regularly to control pests naturally without chemicals. Make the space even cozier with matching throw pillows.

Cookie Jar

Treats are a requirement in our RV for persons and dogs alike! Keeping the treats accessible for us yet out of reach of the dogs is important. We love our cookie jar to keep our peanut butter cookies and Fruitycakes fresh. Adding Velcro to the inside of the canister for added security during moving days is easy and secure. Our favorite cookie jars are those with a retro decorative touch that really highlights the appeal of camping throughout the years!

Pinch Pond Family Campground, in the heart of Amish Country, offers the perfect combination of camping fun and the convenience of touring.

Pinch Pond Family Campground is family owned and operated for over forty years! If you are on vacation touring this area, we can help. We are centrally located, in the foothills of Northern Lancaster County – home of the Pennsylvania Dutch, between Hershey Park, Gettysburg, Philadelphia and the Chesapeake Bay area. We are close enough to these major tourist areas for you to visit during the day and return to our campground for the night, then head in another direction the next day. We offer reservations by the day or month to assure your ability to stay in this beautiful centrally located facility.

If you are looking for a place to stay and enjoy the campground, Pinch Pond offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your stay, as well as great restaurants and attractions nearby. We offer fun for the whole family; pets are welcome!

Pinch Pond Family Campground has accommodations for everyone

We offer very spacious sites, sunny or shaded, for campers from the largest RVs to the smallest tents. All sites include a campfire ring and picnic table. RV sites also include water, electric, sewer and cable tv hookups. Pop-up sites include water and electric hookups. WIFI hotspots and ethernet connections are available for a small fee. Cottages and Cabins are available for rent to non-campers.

Pond Family Campground strives to make your experience both memorable and fun for everyone. We offer a 30×60-foot pool, a large fishing pond, a large indoor video game room with the latest games, three clean, modern restroom buildings, a laundry room and a large recreation building for indoor events. There is a large office and well-stocked camp store on the premises, which offers everything from RV supplies to candy bars to gifts. We have many scheduled activities for all ages, including crafts, fishing and sporting events, pool parties, bingo, wagon rides, hayrides and events to celebrate the seasons – culminated with our famous Haunted House. We offer the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful vacation without even leaving the campground.

It’s about that time. It’s the part of the year when all your new year resolutions start to fizzle out – old habits die hard. I get it, and it’s okay! Don’t feel bad. It happens to the best of us. How about a solution to lift the spirits? Instead of a “new year, new me” mantra, let’s scream out “new year, new RV” instead.

I’m not talking about purchasing a brand new RV, although that’s always an option if you’re in the market for one. There are ways to make your existing RV feel brand new – starting with furniture. Here are a few new RV furniture pieces that will revive an old RV.

Flip-Top Sofa Table

When it comes to the RV lifestyle, nothing speaks the language more than a piece of furniture that’s versatile. With the flip-top sofa table, you not only get something versatile, but you get a piece of furniture that’s perfect for dining, crafts, games, laptops, and more. Two flip-up side panels give you extra space when you need it and fold down, out of the way, when you don’t. The best part? The extended base is designed to slip under your sofa or chair, making it perfect for tight spaces.

Quilted Reversible Furniture Cover Protector

It’s not a new piece of furniture, no, but it does have the power of making your furniture feel like it’s new. Perfect for those times when a new sofa, loveseat, or chair isn’t in the budget, the quilted reversible furniture cover protector breathes new life into your existing furniture. Guarding against spills, stains, and pets that shed, this cover is reversible and covers your furniture from top to bottom. It’s also machine washable! Stretch a few more years out of your current furniture and save up for an extensive renovation down the road.

Kathy Ireland Easy Out Sofa

If a new sofa is in the budget, let me introduce you to the Kathy Ireland Easy Out Sofa. It’s a space-saving solution for any room. Have a surprise guest that needs to stay the night? No worries. This sleeper sofa transitions quickly and conveniently by removing the back cushions and expanding the sofa into a bed. It’s so easy, you can do it with one hand. Designed to match any décor-style, you’ll fall in love with its clean lines and versatility – and the fact it will take your RV from old to new in an instant.

How to Get Teens Onboard for Your RV Travels

As teenagers enter the time in life when they start pulling away from family to spend more time with friends, RVing can be a great way to stay connected. However, if you want your teenager to engage in your travels, you should be mindful of their lives and preferences.

We started RVing when our sons were 11 and 14. Over the next few years, they grew a lot taller, got involved in school activities, started their first jobs, and then one of our sons went off to college. These changes in their lives affected many aspects of our travels! However, we continued to look for ways to keep them involved without giving up on our travel dreams.

Here are 11 tips for traveling with your teens:

1) Include teens in the RV travel process

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The RV industry is used to twists and turns which is exactly why you’ll see them making every effort to stay ahead of the curve. When it comes to advances in technology, RVs are sporting more features and high-tech gadgets than ever before. The comforts of home are included, as always, but we’re seeing more and more that RVs are starting to feel like high-end luxury apartments and not just a home on wheels. So, buckle up as we hit the ground running with our favorite cool new RV tech features.

All Things Solar

It’s rare to find a new RV these days that’s not solar prepped. Many have solar panels already installed and are ready to soak up the sun right off the lot. But for those that don’t, solar installation is an easy upgrade to make. The benefits of having solar panels established on your RV continue to grow. Solar power can operate your interior lights without any drain on your battery, prolonging battery life and your camping experience. Solar panels are popular for good reason. Learn How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panels This Summer.

Let’s look at the 2022 Hideout Travel Trailer, for example. Solarflex 200 is standard on all new Hideout Travel Trailers. We’re talking 30A solar roof port with MC4 connectors and a 10 AWG MPPT solar charging circuit, a 200-watt solar panel from Future Solutions, an inverted 110-volt loop prep with up to seven outlets, and a Zamp Solar portable solar panel charging port. It also comes with a 15A Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller that can be used with an app on your phone. Smart solar tech–how’s that for cool?

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Nothing stops you in your tracks quite like a tire blowout. They’re not only inconvenient, but they’re dangerous. Losing control of an RV while it’s in motion is scary, so it’s better to plan ahead. How you ask? With an integrated new tire pressure monitoring system.

When you’re covering a lot of ground, having a tire pressure monitoring system (TPM) to monitor your RV’s health makes maintenance easier. If you’re wondering why tires are such a big deal, read through the RV Tire Basics You Should Know. How TPM systems work? Sensors are placed directly on your tires that send information back to a monitoring screen typically mounted on your dashboard. The newest systems monitor the pressure in your tires and trigger an alert if the pressure falls below a designated threshold.

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Whether you’re craving a couple’s getaway or a family adventure, there are so many places in this beautiful country to go and see that it can be hard to choose sometimes. The planning stage can often be the worst part, but don’t let the stress keep you from hitting the road. We’re here to help! One of the things that I have never regretted doing is going to visit some of our country’s national seashores.

These protected areas are so stunning that you’ll have a hard time leaving once your visit is over, at least that is always the case in my experience. Imagine the sea breeze in your hair, the smell of saltwater in the air, the sand between your toes, and the rush of waves as they roll over the shore – it’s practically heaven on Earth, so why not visit whenever the opportunity presents itself. I know I do.

While most of these areas don’t allow you to visit with your RV, unfortunately, you can leave your RV at one of the many parks nearby and still take advantage of the gorgeous views without your RV. I highly recommend doing so. After all, soaking in the shores is best done on foot. You will not regret it. Here are the national seashores I recommend that are sure to take your breath away.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout National Seashore often get overlooked by people heading to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that’s located a little to the northeast. However, that’s their loss because this place is amazing!

The lighthouse is designed with a distinctive black and white pattern that scales the height of its sides, and you can easily get tickets to go inside and walk up the impressive structure. The seashore features several beautiful areas where you can watch the wildlife, sink your toes in the sand, and relax completely. If you want, you can also check out Porstmouth Village, which is a ghost town on a nearby island.

Woodland Park Campground is located a short walk from a unique 7- mile stretch of natural sand beach on the clean blue shallow waters of Lake Huron, famous for excellent swimming and spectacular sunsets.

Woodland Park Campground is one of Good Sam’s Top-Rated 10/10*/10 parks. The Park has over 770 total sites, with 155 being overnight/transient sites, plus tenting sites. Each site includes a large cement patio, paved roads, free cable TV, picnic table and fire ring. High-speed WiFi is available. The indoor heated pool and hot tub provide family fun – rain or shine.

For those who do not have a camping unit, the family can still enjoy the camping experience in one of Woodland Park Campground’s 2- or 3-bedroom Trailer rentals. Trailers include all dishes, plates, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery, microwave, toaster, coffee-maker, TV, and FREE CABLE.

There are supervised children’s activities and two playgrounds for the younger members of the family. If you have some spare energy, hit the courts to enjoy a game of basketball, get some sun playing sand beach volleyball or play a game of ping pong or billiards.

Camping and RVing are great ways to get away from it all, to decompress and unplug for a bit while soaking in all the beautiful views nature has to offer. However, roughing it doesn’t have to be rough at all. In fact, today’s modern RV electronics can not only make your RV camping experience more convenient and enjoyable but also much, much safer, all at the same time.  

RV Driving Electronics

Driving an RV isn’t exactly easy, and neither is towing a trailer or fifth wheel. Like most things in life, practice makes perfect. You don’t get brownie points for doing it alone either, so check out these RV-specific electronics that make going from point A to point B as easy as 1-2-3.

RV Specific GPS 

In order to get away from it all, you’ll need to know exactly how to get there. Maps and compasses were great a century ago, but technology has advanced and so have we. Consider getting an RV-specific GPS. Unlike a map app on your phone or a standard GPS unit, an RV-specific GPS will alert you to factors specific to RVing like bridge heights, downhill grades, and sharp turns. Once you’ve taken a trip with one, you’ll never hit the road without it again.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System 

RVing is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and travel, but if proper safety precautions aren’t taken, it can be dangerous. Especially when it comes to tires. RVs and motorhomes rest on tires and, they’re like the foundation of your home. In the unfortunate event a tire blows while in motion, a dire situation can occur. That’s why it’s so important to monitor tire pressure levels. With a tire pressure monitoring system, you can electronically monitor each individual tire at all times to ensure they are at the recommended level. This will also optimize fuel efficiency, so it not only keeps you safe but saves you money.  

Trailering Rear View Camera System

Towing something as large as a fifth-wheel or trailer is no easy feat. Mirrors can only do so much, and blind spots are everywhere. That’s why you should invest in a trailer rearview camera system. Let a series of cameras mounted on the trailer show you what would otherwise be impossible for you to see with just mirrors alone.   

South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world.

Located at the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, the park sits on a floodplain that covers more than 26,000 acres. Following heavy rains, it is not uncommon for more than 90% of the park to be submerged under water, making it a popular destination for kayakers. But raised wooden pathways grant access even during a flood, providing a unique experience for visitors looking to wander under the massive trees.

Best of all, Congaree is amongst the least visited national parks in the US, providing plenty of solitude for travelers who make their way to this unique setting. If that sounds like the kind of place you would like to visit, here are some tips to make the most of your time in the park.

Why Visit Congaree National Park in an RV?

As with any national park, an RV makes for a great basecamp for your outdoor adventures. That holds true for Congaree as well, although there are a few limitations that RVers should be aware of when planning their trip. Most notably, there are no RV campsites inside the park itself, and sleeping in a vehicle is prohibited. There is also limited parking for larger vehicles at the visitor center, making things challenging on busier days. If you plan on driving your RV to the park, get there early to claim a spot.

That said, there are plenty of campgrounds outside the park that can accommodate any type of RV. Several of those locations are near Congaree, making them great places to set up shop during your stay. And since the National Park Service doesn’t charge an entry fee, you’ll be able to come and go as you please.

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Talking about toilets isn’t the most glamorous thing in the world, but it sure is practical. It’s also essential to an enjoyable and stench-free RV living experience. As a new or experienced RVer, you must know how to operate and maintain your RV toilet.

While most campers contain holding tanks that are emptied using a sewer hose extension, there’s another type of RV toilet–a cassette toilet–that’s popular for smaller coaches and off-grid camping. Today, you’ll learn whether an RV with a cassette toilet or a portable toilet could be right for you.

What Is an RV Cassette Toilet?

The cassette toilet is really pretty simple. It’s a permanent toilet in your RV with a portable black water tank underneath. They are primarily found in camper vans and Class B motorhomes. 

Most campers include a large built-in black water tank to hold waste. When that tank fills up, you connect a sewer hose to an outlet in your RV’s underbelly and extend the other end to an inlet at a campground or dump station. If you have a regular RV septic system, you’ll need to know more about how to empty your RV holding tanks.

How Does a Cassette Toilet Work?

A cassette toilet functions in much the same manner as a traditional RV toilet. Unlike a portable toilet like the Thetford Porta Potti, cassette toilets are permanently secured in your RV bathroom.

Spring Break. Those two words conjure up images of travelers waking up from winter hibernation and hitting the road for fun in warm weather. Some places get crowded very fast, but savvy travelers can avoid the chaos and take a spring break at their own pace in these spots. Discover family-friendly getaways or peaceful spots for couples.

Northern Arizona

Early spring is an ideal time to explore northern Arizona. The peak crowds haven’t yet descended on local attractions and the temperature is cool and crisp — perfect for outings in places like the Grand Canyon and towns like Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Hiking

Don’t settle for sweeping views of the canyon from the lofty observation point on the South Rim. Take a hike deep into the canyon and see the 277-mile-long marvel from a different perspective. Hit the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ah Point, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail, which leads hikers past beautiful wildflowers and leads to some stunning views (as the name implies). Prefer to let someone else do the walking? South Rim Mule trips are offered year-round, but make reservations early: spots fill up quickly.

While there’s a lot to love about the RV lifestyle, full-timers know to expect the unexpected when they hit the road, which is why many opt for a service like Good Sam Roadside Assistance. But if you’re boondocking in the middle of nowhere when an emergency happens, you’ll need these 21 emergency preparedness essentials for RV owners to get yourself out of trouble.

Here are some basics to help you deal with RV emergencies:

21 Emergency Preparedness Essentials for RV Owners

1. Flares and Warning Triangles

Whether you’re dealing with a tire blowout or any other mechanical issue, we recommend putting out flares (at night) or warning triangles (during the day)  when you’re going to be sitting on the side of the road for an extended length of time. It’s the best way to signal your presence to other traffic, so they move over and give you plenty of room to work on your RV. 

Shop flares and warning triangles.

2. 101-Piece Tool Kit

Knowing how to operate and maintain an RV toilet might sound like common sense, but it’s a little different than the modus operandi for your household toilet. And if you neglect it, you open yourself up to the possibility of RV bathroom issues that require not-so-rosy solutions. 

Most of these issues can be avoided by operating your RV toilet correctly and knowing what can and can’t be flushed. Regular toilet maintenance will also keep your black water system working as it should and minimize the likelihood of more expensive repairs down the road. 

How to Operate an RV Toilet

If you’ve never used a motorhome toilet, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the Controls

The toilet in your RV won’t flush unless your water system is under pressure. When boondocking, this means your water pump is turned on and your fresh water tank is filled. Or, you might be connected to city water at a campsite or in a driveway. Just make sure you protect your plumbing with a water pressure regulator when connecting to city water. Learn more about pressure regulators and why they’re important. 

If you’re not familiar with the process of how to get running water in your RV, check out this quick video on how to hook up power and water to your RV. 

This article is not meant to serve as official tax advice. Keep in mind that tax laws can change from year to year. Always cross-check your deductions with a certified tax professional before filing. 

While most of us dread tax season, there are some RV tax benefits you should know that might actually help you look forward to that next April deadline. RV owners can get some tax breaks if they know where to look for them, and those breaks might even save you that extra cash you need to take another RV adventure this year. 

Before we dive in, it’s important to mention that state tax laws are different. This article focuses on RV tax benefits when filing federal taxes, so be sure to look into your state’s tax laws to find all the relevant deductions you can enjoy as an RV owner. 

Now, here’s a look at some ways your RV could help you when filing taxes with the IRS.

Types of RV Tax Deductions

New and used RVs are both eligible for tax write-offs. Keep in mind that these deductions can only be claimed for a single tax year in which a corresponding event occurred. Here are a few examples: