WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

If you’ve been a fan of the hit TV series 1883, you’ve marveled at the adventure, danger, beauty, and amazement encountered by the early pioneers who traveled west on the Oregon Trail in covered wagons. In 2022, though, we can now follow much of that trail in comfort thanks to today’s version of the Covered Wagon – the modern recreational vehicle.

All the way west, starting at St. Louis, are roadside parks, historic markers, small towns, and fabulous scenery that commemorates and celebrates that massive migration. The routes are far removed from the interstates, usually along well-maintained state two-lanes, with lots of places to camp. If you are thinking about making such a trip, all the way to Oregon or only for parts of the trail, the first thing you need to realize is that it’s really not just one trail you’ll be following.

A Brief History of the Oregon Trail

Originally, the trails were all formed by animals and then by the various Native American tribes that transformed them into hunting grounds. Then in 1804, Lewis and Clark, using the Missouri River for much of their travels, made their way to the Pacific Ocean and, as their accounts slowly reached the population centers and small farms back east, they showed the way for those first covered wagon pioneers. The Oregon Trail was the route those pioneers followed, a journey that, in some places, almost paralleled the Lewis and Clark expedition.

It’s hard to over-emphasize the importance of these two 19th-century routes. Lewis and Clark discovered the overland route to the Pacific, thus opening up the nation to east-west travel in the days immediately after the Louisiana Purchase. It was a trip that in its day, was as monumental as the American landing on the moon is to ours. The Oregon Trail pioneers came about four decades after Lewis and Clark, mostly traveling in their prairie schooners – so named because their wagons were covered with white canvas that made them resemble a ship at sea.

Others took routes that sprang off the Oregon Trail on paths called the California Trail and the Mormon Trail as they headed to the Gold Rush and Salt lake City. The Pony Express routes also traveled parts of the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail, and the various other trails that led from it, constituted the single greatest migration in America – consisting of as many as a half-a-million men, women, and children who traveled by wagon and by foot west for two decades from 1842-1870.

Summer is prime camping season, but if you don’t pick the right destination you may find yourself sweltering in the heat instead of enjoying yourself. That’s why finding a great campground near the water is key!

Lakes are wonderful for camping and most have some amazing campgrounds nearby to choose from. You can build wonderful memories with your family at a lake. So, pack up your swimsuits, fishing poles, and kayaks and head to one of these fabulous lakeside campgrounds, many part of the Good Sam Campground network. A Good Sam Membership saves you 10% on stays at these campgrounds and over 2,000 other camping destinations.

Davis Lakes Campground – Virginia

Even better than camping on one lake is camping on three! Davis Lakes Campground has it all: fishing, water sports, and plenty of activities for land lovers too. Located in Suffolk, Virginia this campground is only an hour away from Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg, but you might have a hard time dragging yourself away from all they have to offer onsite.

For starters, the 25-acre Lake Neal is the primary fishing spot, but don’t miss the six-acre Catfish Lake stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. If you’re looking for a sandy beach with a terrific swimming area, try the 18-acre Lake Helen which also boasts an Aquaglide with water trampolines, jungle gyms, and blast bags.

Other Campgrounds Nearby

Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort – New York

Since 1968, the Anderson family has been providing a summer retreat for the whole family at Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort. Located on the shores of the 17-mile-long Chautauqua Lake in Western New York, this family resort has every amenity you could want including a pool, splash pad, playground, boat marina, and nature trails for starters.

Every good adventure starts with coffee. For some RVers, a daily cup of Joe is part of their morning ritual. For others, that coffee fix is essential to fuel their day on the road, trail, river, or wherever the day takes them. Thankfully, making coffee in an RV is as easy as making coffee at home. I’d argue that it’s even better because coffee tastes amazing when you’re taking in majestic views outside your RV window.

As a fellow coffee-lover, it might not come as a surprise that I always opt for whole bean coffee and a manual grinder for robust, fresh, and flavorful coffee. So put the instant coffee aside and make way for six different methods for brewing quality coffee to sip and savor while RVing and camping. 

French Press

Coffee snobs know a French press is a sure-fire way to make bold, smooth, and flavorful coffee. It’s so simple yet does a great job at making quality coffee. In our RV, the French press fits in a little basket designated for coffee-related things including our favorite whole bean coffee, a grinder, and a French press. It’s easy to grab out of the RV kitchen cupboard every morning.

To make coffee in a French press, add about six tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per two cups of water; more or less coffee depending on how strong you like your java. We boil water in our kettle on the RV stove or you can opt for an electric kettle. Pour hot water into your carafe and let it steep for six minutes. Then separate the grounds from the coffee by pressing down on the filter. Pour the coffee into your mugs right away to prevent it from steeping further. Between my husband and I, we can easily make coffee in an eight-cup French press and have a mug and a half for the both of us.

Aeropress

If you’re looking for a specialty coffee maker that not only makes smooth and balanced coffee but is also durable, space-saving, easy to clean, and versatile, the Aeropress is your best bet. Versatility is the Aeropress’ biggest strength and it’s no wonder this little device has a cult following. Whether you enjoy classic black coffee, espresso, an Americano, cold brew, cold extract, drip coffee, French press style, or iced coffee – the Aeropress can do it all. It is truly an impressive contraption. So how does it work? The Aeropress uses air pressure to force the water through the coffee grounds. Place your coffee grounds into the brewing chamber, add hot water, and push down the plunger gently to force water through the coffee grounds and filter into a cup. Push down the plunger to extract the coffee. The Aeropress is practical for one or two cups of coffee. 

Keeping a leak-free roof over your head is one of the most important things you can do for an RV of any type. If you don’t have a good roof, the rest of your RV is compromised. One of the best ways to treat your roof right is to do a regular RV roof inspection.

Many suggest adding an RV roof inspection to your annual maintenance routine. Even if you’re not interested in doing maintenance work yourself, you can save money and time simply by giving it a quick check.

How Often Should I Inspect My RV Roof?

Seasonal RVers should inspect their RV roof at least twice a year. Inspect at the beginning of the RV season and again at the end of your camping season before winterizing your RV.

Full-time RVers need to consider regular RV roof maintenance at least three to four times a year. Make it a quarterly check and combine it with a thorough roof cleaning. You’ll already be up on the roof for regular RV maintenance, so cleaning while you’re at it is a good idea.

Check out some options for RV cleaning products. And don’t forget, nationwide Camping World Service Centers offer free roof inspections!

Most RV owners in North America do the majority of their travel and camping in the summer and extended shoulder seasons. This generally avoids their exposure to driving in winter-like weather such as snow and ice. But poor weather driving conditions are not necessarily confined to the colder months. Late spring and early summer rains can put a damper on your RV trip. Indeed, precipitation can present very challenging driving conditions. Don’t underestimate the impact that even light rain can cause on your travels.

Because we have driven in rain countless times, little thought is given to wet weather. However, rainy weather can create several driving hazards, especially with a large heavier vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the problems that precipitation can spawn.   

Slippery Road Surfaces

Wet road surfaces have less traction than dry surfaces, resulting in reduced tire grip and braking effect. This is especially true during the early phases of the precipitation, as oil from the highway traffic disperses. Loss of tire grip can result in skidding sideways in a turn. If you drive around a corner at a speed that is close to the side force grip of a tire’s traction threshold, even a slight bump may launch you into a skid.  Reduce speed in all turns. 

Possible Flooded Roadway

1. Food is fresh, like really fresh. On Prince Edward Island, we take farm-to-table and boat-to-table to a whole new level. As you tour the Island, you’ll better understand that food is a way of life here. You’ll see farmers cutting hay, cattle grazing in wide-open pastures and potato fields blossoming with colors of pink, white, yellow and purple. Our rivers and estuaries provide the ideal conditions for harvesting mussels and the world’s finest oysters. Perhaps you’ll catch the fishing boats coming back to the harbor in the early afternoons of June and September as fishers return with their catches of delicious Prince Edward Island lobster.

2. Highly trained chefs. Our best butchers, bakers and culinary artmakers are graduates of the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown. For a unique gastronomic experience, be sure to visit the on-site market or make reservations for the dining room for a spectacular view of the Charlottetown Harbour.

3. Chefs, farmers and fishers are neighbors and often friends. The Island provides the perfect growing conditions for food and relationships. Within minutes, chefs can visit local producers to select menu ingredients. In fact, many of our local chefs and kitchen helpers grew up in the small fishing and farming communities — quality assurance at its finest.

4. Find the makings of dinner along the way. Along our highways and byways, you’ll find roadside stands selling anything from potatoes to pumpkins and free-range eggs to firewood. You can even find a honey hut. If the season is right, ask about buying a feed of lobster at the wharf. Here, fresh can be both savory and self-serve. Most stands accept cash only so be prepared before you head out.

Maintaining the electric power steps on your RV is extremely important. Without them, you’re going to have a hard time getting in and out of your RV, unless you always carry a set of portable RV steps or a step stool around, which can be cumbersome. 

If you don’t maintain your RV electric steps, you could be on the hook for an expensive repair if they fail entirely. A few simple DIY maintenance tasks will save you money and the hassle of repairing or replacing faulty steps. 

Step 1: Make Sure Steps Are Fully Extended Before Use

You should never put any weight on a step that is not extended and in a locked position. You’ll know your steps are fully extended when the motor has stopped running. Then they are ready to use.

If you use your RV’s electric steps while they’re still moving it can result in the weakening of joints that hold the steps together or a broken step entirely. Both of these will eventually present a significant fall risk for you and anyone else entering or exiting your RV. 

Step 2: Use Your Handrail 

Most RVs are equipped with some sort of handrail to help you maneuver up and down your steps. Use this handhold to minimize the risk of a fall when going in and out of your trailer. 

Peace River: A place where history, beauty and adventure collide!

Rendez-Vous RV Park is located in Peace River, Alberta, in Northern Sunrise County. We are a year-round park with all the all amenities you need for an amazing stay. Rendez-Vous RV Park has 57 pull-through and 50 back-in sites, all fully serviced with 30 or 50 amp power and extremely spacious sites making us perfect for Big Rigs!

Our park has all your necessary amenities, including an immaculate shower house and 24/7 laundry. The office also features a convenience store with an ever-growing inventory of U-Haul supplies, groceries, ICE CREAM, firewood, propane and items for your RV.

No RV? No problem. We have 3 fully furnished luxury cabins complete with TV and free WiFi just waiting to welcome you home each night after a day of exploring the Peace!

Unless you’re really roughing it, off-the-grid entirely, most campgrounds will include some form of electric service for your rig. Those hookups give you everything you need to be able to power and charge your RV while you’re camping.

When you’re boondocking, however, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. No powerlines, no buzzing, nothing to keep your rig up and running except your battery. And while a battery will hang on and keep you comfortable for a while, it can’t and won’t last forever. A battery needs to be recharged.

But thanks to that bright, shining star in the sky, we can harness energy wherever the sun is shining. This helps us power all of our stuff—from the television to a coffee machine to your RV’s onboard battery. Solar power for your RV is a smart way to bring energy with you, recharging your battery power along the way.

The Realities of Solar Power

While harnessing the power of the sun seems like a no-brainer, it is an investment. And not always a cheap investment, at that. Unless you’re a regular boondocker, regularly go off the grid, and tend to stay away from power sources, solar may not be a worthwhile effort.

If you mostly stay at campgrounds, if you’re regularly in populated areas, or only boondock once in a while, a generator might be a better option for your needs and your wallet. Choosing the right generator is easier than you think. Use our guide to choosing the right generator for your RV to find the perfect match.

Yellowstone National Park is the nation’s first national park and remains one of the country’s most popular and visited parks. It’s a vast, beautiful, and wild habitat known for spectacular geothermal features and an abundance of wildlife rarely found in other parts of the US. 

Herds of massive bison wander through the park’s grasslands, and gray wolves roam the northern regions. Old Faithful might be the park’s most popular geothermal feature, but hot pools and spouting geysers dot the park’s landscape. 

Spanning a huge area of 2.2 million acres, you might need multiple trips to experience everything Yellowstone offers. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to this incredible national park that spans parts of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

Why Visit Yellowstone National Park in an RV?

It might be easier to think of reasons not to visit Yellowstone. Seriously, the park is unbelievable. There’s so much to see and do, and its grandeur makes it an unforgettable experience.

One of the primary reasons to visit Yellowstone is the abundance of hydrothermal wonders. With over 10,000 thermal features, Yellowstone is the best place in the world to see geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents. 

Surrounded by the natural wonder of the Pend Oreille River Valley and the Selkirk Mountains, Kalispel RV Resort features full hookups and cozy cottages for every adventurer. With nearby outdoor recreation for every season and indoor entertainment and dining that’s just steps away at Kalispel Casino, this is your perfect basecamp in Cusick, Washington.

Room to Roam

Warm weather ushers in plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. You’re free to roam more than a million acres in the surrounding Colville National Forest, with abundant trails for hiking and off-road riding.

Pend Oreille River Water Trail

For paddlers of all types, the Pend Oreille River Water Trail offers 70 miles of river to explore by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Fishing and Boating

Anglers will enjoy casting in the river and at dozens of nearby lakes, with Browns Lake exclusively reserved for fly fishing. And boating enthusiasts can launch at the nearby Cusick City Park boat launch to enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Pend Oreille River.

Black-Footed Ferret RV Resort — Wyoming Glamping at Its Finest!

Come enjoy our hospitality and meet Meeteetse, Wyoming! The town’s name is derived from a Native American term for “meeting place.” Our brand new RV Resort is named after the last known wild population of black-footed ferrets that were discovered in Meeteetse in 1981. All black-footed ferrets today are descended from these animals.

Home On The Range In MEETEETSE, WY!

Black Footed Ferret RV Resort is located in the Authentic Western Town of Meeteetse.

Meeteetse has a rich history of the land where outlaws rode and cattle barons ruled. Wooden boardwalks, hitching rails and water troughs still line the streets. Here is where the Absaroka Mountains and the Wyoming Bad Lands meet. We are Wyoming’s best-kept secret, offering some of the best fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park is a Brand New RV Park. It’s located near Bryce Canyon National Park and on America’s most scenic byway — Scenic Byway 12 — in Cannonville, Utah.

Welcome to Heaven on Earth at Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park, offering stunning landscape views in a quiet setting close to Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We are located in the middle of it all!! This is where your adventure begins & memories are made to last.

The area is surrounded by views of mountains, rock spires, hoodoos, canyons and vistas in many colors of reds, whites and coppers. You will see alfalfa fields, antelope, deer, elk, turkey, hawks and other wildlife.

This peninsula along the state’s eastern shore is a hodge-podge of orchards, lighthouses and state parks, all nestled within a landscape that harkens back to a simpler time. The region is also a haven for lake lovers and watersports aficionados who arrive each summer to enjoy the more than 300 miles of pristine shoreline. Whether you’re looking for fun-in-the-sun or laid-back luxury, life just seems a little easier in Door County.

Loads of Lighthouses

Getting its name from the 19th-century ship captains who called the waters around its northernmost point ‘Porte des Morts’ – or ‘Death’s Door’ – it’s no wonder that the coast of Door County is dotted with lifesaving lighthouses. These days, touring all eleven is the perfect introduction to the region’s quaint waterfront towns. Sturgeon Bay, the county’s largest, has three lighthouses, as well as quirky boutiques, carriage rides, and plenty of boating opportunities. Farther north, the lighthouses around Bailey’s Harbor are easily accessible, with many open to the public. The most photogenic of the bunch, the Cana Island Lighthouse, lies just off the coast and can be waded to during low tide. More remote lights, like the Chambers Island Lighthouse and the Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, are only accessible by boat or ferry.

Nautical Past

To learn more about the region’s longstanding relationship with Lake Michigan and beyond, head to the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Exhibits at the waterfront site include deep dives into the area’s long history of shipbuilding, its most fantastic captains and craftsman, and a growing number of workshops and classes for those looking to gain hands-on experience. At the northernmost tip of the peninsula, in the small fishing town of Gills Rock, the Death’s Door Maritime Museum offers up insight into the shipwrecks and storms that have come to define the region’s waterways. You can explore a 45ft wooden fishing tug, see artifacts from decades old wrecks, and learn more about the finely-crafted lenses used in the nearby lighthouses. Amazingly, many of the most prominent shipwrecks are submerged in less than 60ft of water, which means that kayakers and snorkelers can see them from the surface when the water is clear. Join a guided boat tour or scenic cruise for an even closer look.

Some RVers might be nervous to venture off the grid. But traveling to rugged, remote destinations doesn’t have to be so intimidating. With the increase of RVs designed for off-road adventures, it’s easier than ever for outdoor enthusiasts to conquer their nerves and replace them with excitement and memories that are truly one-of-a-kind.

While road trips on major routes and byways are still popular, it’s the option to drive to places where only hiking boots can go that really inspire intrepid wanderlust. If your sign of a good trip is mud-caked tires, then an RV built for off-road is the adventure travel partner you need.

So, what makes an RV built for off-road adventures? Let’s get into it.

What to Look for in an Off-Road RV?

Every RV differs from one to the next, but an off-road RV sets itself apart in more than just looks. An off-road RV is built specifically for roads less traveled–think dirt roads, mud trails, or sand-packed shores. It’s on these roads less traveled where the adventure is the journey and not just the destination. Here’s what to look for in an off-road RV.

Industrial Design and Construction

Featuring rugged construction from raised axles to reinforced bodies, off-road tires to four-wheel drive capability, off-road RVs are built with protection in mind. They’re designed to protect you and your rig while traversing rugged paths that would cause most RVs to back down quickly. Simply put, off-road RVs are not your typical camper – they’re on another level.

Our first taste of Grand Teton National Park was just a quick drive through it, so we were excited to finally spend a couple of ... Read more

With a yearly attendance of 300,000, one would think that not many people know of the extreme seclusion and overwhelming peace found at Anacapa, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands only 20 miles away from the coast of California. And they would be correct.

Channel Islands National Park is a respite from the fast-paced, crowded city life that lies just across the bay. Kayaks are the main form of transportation around these islands, which harbor 145 incredible plant and animal species not found anywhere else in the world.

Those who have discovered the park’s charms come to watch the whale migration from north and south, spearfish through giant kelp beds, and explore amazing sea caves. It is here, in a land stripped to its bare essentials, that these travelers seek to recover their own equilibrium through the self-sufficiency and preparedness required for one of Mother Nature’s best offerings.

Why Visit Channel Islands National Park in an RV?

Travelers will not get to the islands with their RV, but they will get pretty close. Ventura, California is the mainland destination, where boat service takes visitors on the 20-mile journey out to the Channel Islands. Once on Santa Cruz, or any of the other islands, let your feet do the hiking over hills, to sea cliffs, and onto the beaches of America’s version of The Galapagos. Or, sign on with a guide service and explore the many sea caves in a kayak. Return to the mainland when you are ready, and your home away from home will be waiting for you.

While you can’t physically reach the Channel Islands National Park by RV, you can still take in the breathtaking views while parked. Being close to the park is one of the biggest advantages of traveling by RV, meaning you’ll be among the first visitors in line for the boat service or air service. Who wouldn’t want to cut down on time waiting to climb aboard a boat or plane to save as much time for exploring the park once you arrive? The comfort and convenience of your RV will be ready, and close by, after a full day of exploring.

Cape Cod lives up to its reputation as a postcard-worthy New England excursion. Jutting out into the Atlantic like a flexing arm, this 339-square-mile Massachusetts playground is home to pristine sandy beaches, rugged natural landscapes and charming seafaring villages. This is where a quiet stroll can lead past Gilded Age mansions, expansive dunes and sun-dappled forests. Check out the charming Cape towns for tranquil walks among coastal pine forests, craggy bluffs, salty marshes and sandy beaches.

Visit the historic lighthouses, tour the wild cranberry bogs, or walk in the footsteps of America’s 35th president. Sample succulent lobster and get crackin’ with the best oysters in New England. Learn the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and explore where Mayflower residents began a new life. This New England coast is steeped in history, legends and romance.

Bay State Paradise

Cape Cod National Seashore, on the tip of Cape Cod, is a 40-mile natural paradise filled with marshlands, freshwater ponds, wild cranberry bogs and beautiful pristine beaches. Wildlife and sea critters are plentiful along with picturesque lighthouses guiding ships at sea to safe harbor. There’s even an ocean graveyard between Chatham and Provincetown where more than 1,000 shipwrecks are buried.

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the nation’s most unique national parks. Although only 70 miles from Key West, FL, Dry Tortugas is the nation’s most remote national park, only accessible by boat or seaplane. 

The list of amenities is few. There’s no cellphone service, no internet, no fuel, no public bathrooms, and there’s not even food or water. You need to bring what you want and need along with you.

What Dry Tortugas does have is 100 square miles of tropical waters and seven small islands where visitors can step back in time and step into nature the way it was intended—wild and untouched.

Why Visit Dry Tortugas National Park?

Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the picturesque blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. If you’re into world-class snorkeling and diving, fishing, or soaking up the sun on soft white sand beaches as the day passes, Dry Tortugas National Park is the place for you.

This park often goes overlooked because the lure of Key West stops most visitors. But if you make the excursion, the snorkeling in Dry Tortugas is better than almost anywhere else in the Keys and the secluded, white sand beaches are far superior to any beach in Key West.

The biggest benefit to RV traveling and camping (other than not sleeping on the ground) is having all the amenities of home with you. Road trips can be much more enjoyable and relaxing when you have a comfortable resting place, from a cozy living room to a tranquil outdoor patio. But, let’s be honest, an RV won’t feel like home the moment you drive it off the lot. It’s up to you to make it cozy and welcoming. So, whether you’re a full-time RVer or weekend warrior, it’s time to transform your RV interior.

We asked and you answered––here are unique and simple ways you can transform your RV into your own rolling home!

Hang Wall Decor

This is the easiest way to “spruce up” any space and add your own special touch with your favorite camper decor. Whether it’s family pictures, inspiring quotes, or photography of the places you hope to visit, hang up whatever makes you happy! You may think it’s impossible to keep decor on the walls with all the movement that happens when you travel. Maybe you’re also worried about putting holes in your RV’s walls. But, fear not! Command hooks, putty, and velcro work wonders. Another option is to use decals that stick right on the wall and are removable, reusable, and affordable!

“I add decorative touches that are easy to just put away in a tote when we are on the road and just take them out when we get to the campground.”-Karla Clark

Add a Rug or Two

Most RVs come with laminate flooring, which makes it easy to clean and care for. You can always replace the flooring if you’re ready for a challenging DIY project. Learn about all the kinds of RV flooring and which one is right for you.