Early experiences in the Dakotas provided valuable inspiration for the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. That inspiration drove his desire to form the National Park Service, and you can easily imagine why he took up the cause at five national parks destinations to visit in the Dakotas. 

Four of these parks are within two hours of each other in South Dakota. The fifth — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — is roughly five hours away in North Dakota. So you can reasonably hit all five on your next RV trip through the Dakotas. 

Here’s your guide to these five national parks in the Dakotas, with nearby camping options for each: 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The park named after our 26th President is a great location to start or end your national park road trip in the Dakotas. Because it’s a little separated from the other four, hit it on your way to South Dakota or on your way home. 

Paddling is one of the best ways to cool off during summer RV trips. But renting kayaks or paddle boards at each new destination gets expensive. That’s why many RVers transport inflatable paddle boards, so they’re ready to paddle wherever their adventures take them. 

Why Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Great For RVers

Photo by Camping World

Transporting larger personal watercraft like kayaks and canoes is near-impossible with an RV or travel trailer that is not a toy hauler. On the flip side, inflatable paddle boards pack into convenient storage bags that fit in the underneath storage compartment in most RVs. 

Even if you’re towing a small camper with minimal storage space, you can find room in your tow vehicle to transport an inflatable paddle board. 

In addition to being the best personal watercraft for RVers to transport, inflatable paddleboards are easy to inflate and require minimal maintenance. They’re also great for bringing pets on the water, so no one gets left in your camper during the hottest hours of the day.  

Finally, inflatable SUPs are easy to carry from your campsite to the water. If you can’t always snag waterfront campsites, many paddle boards come in backpack-style storage bags. So you can easily carry them to the water without dragging or lugging a heavy kayak or canoe. 

Phew! Everything on your pre-vacation to-do list is checked off. You’ve sent your last work email and packed up your RV with all the gear you need for a great vacation. Now the only thing left is hitting the road, right?

Not so fast. Before you head out on that RV dream trip, take a moment to ask yourself: what have I done to secure the home that I’m leaving behind? How do I keep my home from becoming the target for thieves? Arrange a few extra security measures so that these questions don’t dog you for every mile of travel.

Lock Up!

This one is a no-brainer. Of course, it’s easy to remember obvious entry points like your front door, but it’s important to think creatively. Consider all the potential entry points for a thief. Make sure all ground-level windows are locked and secured, along with your garage and side or backdoors. Consider locking the gates to your backyard to deter thieves from sneaking around the back.

In the case that one rogue window remains unlocked, entry sensors can alert you (or a secondary contact) immediately that it was opened. In addition, Motion Sensors and Glass Break Sensors offer additional protection.

Don’t skimp on protecting the prized possessions that you store in the home. Invest in a safe if you don’t already have one to secure your important papers, cash, jewelry, keepsakes or other valuable items that you don’t bring with you on your trip.

Towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel on the highway is easier than parking and maneuvering around a campground. Anyone who says you don’t have to worry when learning how to back up a trailer is either lying, a pro, or has never done it.

Backing up a travel trailer or fifth wheel into a campsite can be stressful. However, there are steps you can take to make things easier when backing up towable RVs.

Practice Makes Perfect

Photo by Camping World

Before you attempt to back up a trailer into a campsite with many watchful eyes bearing down on you, you can apply the steps below to any parking space that’s roughly as wide as a campsite. 

Somewhere in your town, find a large parking lot that empties out sometime during the week. Take your trailer and spotter there to practice. Imagine that a set of two (or even four) parking spaces are your intended campsite. 

Then apply the steps below to practice backing up your trailer into that site from various angles. 

Call it old school, vintage, nostalgic or classic – retro campers are some of the most unique and eye-catching RVs you’ll see on the road today. They remind us of cross-country travel during simpler times. It’s a style that transcends age while also connecting with history. New, modern-day RVs can still hold onto the old soul and style of a retro RV while embracing the amenities and contemporary look of a new RV. Some might say retro and modern styles are a match made in RV heaven.

Here are some retro decor ideas for your new RV:

Kitschy Wallpaper

Image: Jenny Anderson

Wallpaper has already made its comeback so why not follow the trend while paying homage to the 50s and 60s with retro wallpaper. It can be done subtly with abstract patterns, florals, or a Scandinavian style pattern like a chevron. Make a big statement with neon block prints, a black and white checkered pattern, a houndstooth, or even a mural. Go with something kitsch for a fun retro theme that’s unique and reminiscent of the hippy days.

Wallpaper is as easy as peel-and-stick. Just apply it on a clean, dry service. If you’re ready to change things up, just peel off the old wallpaper. No sticky residue will be left behind. Check out some of the wallpaper options available at Camping World.

Vintage Textiles

Image: Jenny Anderson

Give your windows, chairs, and bed the throwback textile treatment it deserves. Home and RV decor enthusiasts know that a stylish throw pillow or blanket can tie a room together. The most helpful tip when choosing textiles is to keep them cohesive in both style and color.

Lake life is where it’s at. Whenever our family goes RVing, we make sure we are camping near a lake so that we have opportunities to play at the beach, go fishing, boating, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Being by the water not only gives us plenty of things to do but also triggers a sense of calm and joy. I love hearing the sound of loons calling or waves hitting the shoreline. And there’s nothing better than ending a beautiful day of RVing with an even more beautiful sunset at the lake.

To prepare for a day of RVing at the lake, there are a few essentials to check off the list to make sure you have a great time while lake camping.

Book Early

Image: Jenny Anderson

Waterfront campsites are among the most popular spots to get taken at campgrounds. Be sure to book your lake campsite far in advance if you want to guarantee a spot for your RV. Be sure to hit the refresh button often because there are last-minute cancellations at campgrounds all the time. 

Shoo, Bugs!

Where there is water, there are typically pesty insects — especially when temperatures warm up. It’s the unfortunate part of camping next to a lake. It is hard to truly enjoy the outdoors when you’re constantly swatting away unwanted insects. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks are among my worst enemies when lake camping so I always come prepared with my anti-insect weapons of choice: bug spray with DEET, permethrin-treated clothes, Thermacell, and a screen room. Learn How to Repel Bugs When Camping.

Bug spray. Look for a spray with 25 to 50 percent DEET will get the job done. I spray every couple of hours, especially if I’m using repellent that isn’t sweat or waterproof. After a day on the water, I always make sure to douse myself in bug spray before coming back to the campsite.Permethrin. Treating your clothing with permethrin will work wonders. I always try to treat my clothes a few days before a big camping trip to make sure it’s working at its highest potency. The treatment usually lasts up to five or so washes though. The best part is that after you treat your clothes, there’s no smell or sticky residue that bug spray sometimes leaves behind. Thermacell. Create your own little forcefield of protection around your lake campsite by using a Thermacell or two. This thing works wonders and I make sure to bring ours with us anytime we’re going to be hanging out at an outdoor area whether it’s the dock, beach, campsite, or the park. Thermacells run off a butane cartridge which heats up a replaceable mat that’s saturated in a repellent called allethrin which releases into the air to create a protection zone. Screened room. A screened room is an easy way to create an outdoor space that’s bug-free. It’s basically a large tent with screen walls so that you can still see and feel the outdoors while keeping unwanted pests away. It does take up space so make sure you have room for one when booking a campsite. 

Reel in Your Next Big Catch

Image: Jenny Anderson

If we’re camping by a lake, we never leave without our fishing gear. In fact, we usually choose lake campsites because we want to fish. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors alone or with friends and family. Plus, we are teaching our kids about conservation and how we can cook lake-to-table meals. We always keep an extra travel rod in the RV just in case we forget to pack the fishing gear or we end up breaking a rod. Find fishing gear at Camping World, and get inspired for your lakeside RV trip:

Camping season is upon us and that means it’s time to dust off the camping gear and start planning, including what meals you’re going to have at the campsite. My parents used to take my siblings and me RVing to national parks. The most memorable part, aside from seeing the national wonders, was always the food.

Mom and dad would cook up the best Korean dishes that would inevitably lead campground neighbors to our campsite asking what we were cooking. The aromas of grilled meats on the camping griddle like pork belly, marinated beef, vegetables, and kimchi were hard to resist. And I think most people are surprised by the variety of Korean dishes that can be made at the campsite.

As most outdoor enthusiasts know, food always tastes better outdoors. Korean food particularly tastes amazing while sitting around a campfire. The smokey smell and all of the flavors meld together perfectly.

To recreate some of my favorite dishes, I fired up the Blackstone Griddle which has been a practical addition to our RV cooking lineup. There’s a lot of real estate on that griddle top so it’s a great way to cook for a crowd or make meals to last a few days. Plus the powerful, adjustable heat allows me to sear, saute, fry, and keep food warm. There really is no limit to what you can cook on a flat top griddle.

Here are four easy, delicious Korean-style recipes that you can cook on a griddle. Acquire your own griddle for your campsite and save these recipes for your next trip.

RV owners like us are lucky. Finding the coolest camping destinations in July and August is pretty easy. With a tank of fuel and one turn of the key, our homes on wheels carry everything we need for a summer escape away from hot spots to a cool river, mountaintop or breezy beach. Endless choices make pinpointing a destination tricky, but these trip ideas can help you winnow down your options.

Where Are the Coolest Places to Camp in July and August?

Finding reasonable summer weather is tough. Most of us will put in a few hours of driving to reach the coolest place to camp in July and August. Historical weather data shows the five coldest summer states in the U.S. also happen to be filled with excellent RV camping destinations, too. The five best places to stay cool camping in summer are: Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado and Alaska.

These cool summer states are geographically immense. Each state gives you tons of camping choices from busy national parks to remote coastal destinations. Whether you can only book a quick getaway somewhere in the west, or you’ve got time for a longer journey to the far north, one of these great summer RV destinations is practically guaranteed to keep you cooler than where you’re standing now.

Oregon

I can’t help but feel grateful when I look out my window today. As I write this story, it’s nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit just a few hours south of where I’m camped in Oregon. But out here, the dense tree canopy is protected by gray and cloudy skies that keep me cool and happy.

Navigating RV dealers can be intimidating. There are hundreds of RVs for sale in different makes and models. Every detail seems to matter: kitchen layout, bathroom details, front living versus rear living, and then there’s the age-old debate of buying a used RV versus spending top-dollar on a new model.

If you’re leaning towards buying a used RV, you’re in good company. There’s plenty of value in used RVs, and some look like the previous owner barely took them camping. If you buy a used RV from Camping World, you’re assured that the RV has gone through a thorough reconditioning program, which we’ll highlight below. 

Why Buy a Used RV?

But first, here are some reasons to buy a used RV and tips on how to get a good deal. And to help with your search, you might enjoy this checklist for buying a used RV!

1. Used RVs Can Save You Money

This is the most obvious reason to buy a used RV. You can save money by buying it outright and avoiding monthly payments altogether. Or, you can save by financing a smaller amount and lowering your monthly payment.

Financing is a part of the RV buying process that can be stressful, so check out this guide to RV financing to prepare and reduce that stress! 

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Where are they going? Well, they’re probably going to the bathroom. It happens to all of us. Honestly, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home and RVs are no exception. So how do you make sure the room that works harder than any of the others stays fresh? Yes, with air freshener, but also by updating it. Check out these 10 RV bathroom renovation ideas that will have everyone lining up for their turn.

White Oval Bathroom Sink

17″ x 20″ Oval Bathroom Sink

A dirty, outdated, old sink that you just can’t seem to scrub clean is a real RV eyesore. Update your bathroom with this white oval bathroom sink. Remember to always measure your existing sink before replacing it. This one comes in at 17-inches by 20-inches. The fresh white basin will have your bathroom looking crisp and clean immediately after installation. Instant gratification – it’s a beautiful thing.

Shop all RV sinks.

Dura Faucet Classical Arc Spout RV Lavatory Faucet

Dura Faucet Classical Arc Spout RV Lavatory Faucet, Brushed Satin Nickel

With a new sink comes a new faucet; upgrade yours with the Dura Faucet Classical Art Spout. Designed with the classic two-lever, dual handle style so adjusting the temperature and water flow is easy and straightforward. The brushed nickel finish dresses up an otherwise bland area of the bathroom. Even if you’re not updating your sink right away, simply switching out hardware, like the faucet, can give it a brand new look and feel with very minimal effort and a small budget.

Shop all RV faucets.

Choosing a campground will be one of the first things you do when starting to plan an RV road trip. But it can be hard to know where to look for a campsite, and many factors can dictate where you can stay: your RV’s length, the duration of your stay, campsite amenities, and how much you would like to spend will influence your campground selection.

Fortunately, many campground options exist for all budgets and travel styles—each with strengths and weaknesses. Let’s discuss where to begin as you determine how to choose a campsite. 

How to Choose a Campsite

Write down the specifications of your RV.Write down your “must-haves.”Include all travelers in your plans.

Start by putting your RV details on paper. How long is your RV? How tall is your RV? What amp plug does it take, 15, 30 or 50?

Then elaborate on what you “must-have” at your campsite. Water hook-up? Beautiful views? A firepit? Sewer hook-ups? Privacy from neighbors?

Finally, bring together who you’re traveling with to finalize your search parameters in campground selection. Make sure everyone’s needs are heard and considered. Will someone want a hot shower at the end of a long day? Keep this in mind when looking at campgrounds and search for shower facilities or water hookups so your party’s needs are met. Maybe you’re traveling with young kids. Think about looking for campgrounds that have fun things to do on property.

As with any home, I’m sure at some point you will want to customize and upgrade certain features. There are endless things that you can upgrade and the prices can vary. While full-time RVing over the past four years, we’ve found several items that have made RV living more convenient and enjoyable.

We made a list of our top 25 recommendations for the best RV upgrades and modifications ranked by both monetary price, and convenience and value.

Monetary Price

Everyone has a different budget, so consider your own finances and what you can set aside for upgrading your RV by choosing to make the best investment to suit your specific needs. Since prices vary from time to time, you will find each item on our list paired with a certain number of $ next to it ranging from the least expensive upgrades ($) to the most expensive ($$$$$).

$$$$$ Ratings (Values Approximate)

$: under $50$$: $50-$99$$$: $100-$199$$$$: $200-$399$$$$$: $400+Chase & LIndsay RVing as Travel Nurses

Importance Value

Aside from monetary value, there are certain RV upgrades that, despite the cost, may be extremely beneficial and valuable for you to have. We rated each modification based off of how important and valuable we think this item is. Keep in mind that we are full-time RVers, so we may feel that some of these are well worth the cost.

Star Ratings

One Star = it makes a differenceTwo Stars = It’s worth itThree Stars = we use it all the time/highly recommend

Here are our personal ratings for the 25 best RV upgrades, based on cost and benefit, in no particular order.

As an experienced RV owner, I often get asked for tips from people who are buying their first camper. One of the first things I suggest is that they go to Camping World.

Camping World has well over two hundred dealerships conveniently located all across the country, so there’s typically a dealership within a short drive from everyone. They also have a large inventory so you can walk through as many units as you desire, giving you the best idea of which one is right for you. And lastly, you can’t beat their prices – you’re sure to find a good deal.

Perhaps you’re ready to purchase an RV and aren’t sure where to start. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect when you buy an RV at Camping World.

Image by Camping World

Pick a Date

A lot of people think the first step is to just stop by their local Camping World and check out some RVs. However, this can not only be a waste of your time but can also overwhelm you if you don’t go to the dealership with some direction. As I mentioned, they have a huge inventory, so walking around the lot aimlessly isn’t a great use of your time.

I’d first recommend that you spend a little time considering how you plan to use a camper — Will you be working remotely? Will you be going off-road? Do you need bunks for the kids and their friends? — and why you’re interested in purchasing one? You want to be very clear on your needs, as well as your budget, before even allowing yourself to shop. Your budget will also dictate whether you’re in the used or new market.

Relaxing and exciting times await you at the Choctaw RV Park! We offer you the serenity of camping under the stars while just steps away from the excitement and high energy of Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma.

You can spend the day at one of our premium 77 campsites while enjoying the beautifully landscaped park. Family fun awaits you! You might decide a dip in our sparkling pool is just the thing to start your getaway. The kids can burn off some of their energy at our playground, or if indoor activities are more to their liking, they can take in the fun of our game room. You can rest or read by our cozy fireplace or join the kids in the game room for some friendly competition! Then it’s back to your site to sit at your covered picnic table and take in the beautiful sunset as the chef in the family prepares something on the grill.

For a different kind of excitement, you can hop on our free shuttle and take a quick ride across the street to Choctaw Casino & Resort. The best in gaming, dining and entertainment awaits you. Find your lucky seat at one of our 7,400 slot machines, 106 table games or our poker room with over 30 tables. Enjoy fantastic dining at one of our 16 restaurants, such as our award-winning culinary destination 1832 Steakhouse, round-the-clock eatery Salt & Stone or sports hotspot The League. Grab a drink and relax at one of our 20 bars and lounges located throughout the property. Kids of all ages will enjoy the 70-game arcade, bowling alley and 6-screen movie theater.

One of the benefits of owning a Class C RV is that it can tow a car or toad behind it. This adds to the list of things you can do once you reach your destination. But you’ll need to make sure your RV is rated to handle the weight of the vehicle you want to tow. 

Why Tow a Vehicle Behind Your RV?

Photo by Camping World

If you’re looking to upgrade your motorhome experience, adding a toad to your setup might do the trick. Towing a toad behind your RV can help in many ways:

Avoid the hassle of packing up your campsite if you need to run into town for supplies.Drive your toad to any nearby attractions or parks—no need to find parking for a motorhomeSave gas on local tripsEmbrace the “spoke and wheel” setup—use your motorhome and campground as a basecamp and take your toad to explore all the area has to offer

If you’re ready to try a toad with your motorhome, here are the questions you need to ask to make sure you’re towing safely.

What is Your Class C’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?

Image by Dometic

Your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the total weight your motorhome can hold. Along with other towing and rating specs, it can be found on your vehicle identification label (a sticker on the inside of one of your door casings) or in your RV owner’s manual. 

When looking at GVWR, you’ll need to include your vehicle weight, the weight of everything in your motorhome (don’t forget water weight, occupants, and everything you’re bringing for your trip), and the hitch weight of your tow vehicle.

RVing is a convenient and affordable way to travel. Paying for flights and hotels on a traditional vacation can really add up, especially if you have a large family. With any type of travel, staying within your budget requires foresight and creativity.

Fortunately, there are many ways to plan and execute a budget-friendly RV trip, from dipping your toes into the exciting world of boondocking to enjoying membership discounts at luxury campgrounds. Plus, there are ways you can change your RV habits to keep extra cash in your pocket.

Here are five ways to save money on RV trips:

1. Plan Ahead

Photo by Camping World

Choosing your destination and season wisely can significantly lower the costs of any RV road trip. Certain tourist locations, such as New York City (yes, you can RV to the Big Apple!), are much more expensive than others.

Plan your RV trip during shoulder season if your dream is to visit a more costly destination. Many RV parks and tours offer a discounted rate during their low season, saving you a lot of money.

Today, we’ll dive into some of our favorite floorplans from CrossRoads RV’s fifth wheels! These RVs blend luxury and affordability to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the campground at a price you’ll love. Learn more about these four amazing CrossRoads fifth wheels below!

Find more CrossRoads RV fifth wheels for sale near you!

CrossRoads Cameo CE2901RL

The master bedroom in this CrossRoads Cameo CE2901RL fifth wheel features a spacious wardrobe and a slide-out king bed. You’ll find that the living room is equipped with opposing slides and a large entertainment unit to make it easy to watch the big game at the campground. In the kitchen, the bar with stools makes serving food to friends and family a breeze!

Additional Features:

Front Private BedroomBar StoolsDual Entry BathroomRear Living AreaExternal Docking StationSleep like you’re staying in a five-star resort wherever you go.

CrossRoads Cameo CE3891MK

The CrossRoads Cameo CE3891MK fifth wheel provides a luxury experience for a price you’ll love. The dual fireplaces ensure you’ll always be able to keep away the chill, and the TVs in the living room and master bedroom make it easy to watch your favorite shows wherever you’re most comfortable. In the living room, you’ll love the power theater seats that provide a cozy place to rest at the end of the day.

Additional Features:

Whether you’re in the market for a tiny trailer or a sprawling motorhome, shopping for a recreation vehicle involves a lot of choices. One of the main considerations is the selection of a floorplan that accommodates the owner’s requirements and preferences. In many cases, it may be necessary to change to another model, or perhaps a different make, to obtain the desired interior design. But regardless, a suitable floorplan is a key ingredient to the shopping process.

Slides are an integral part of the floorplan if the chosen unit is so equipped. These space expanders actually provide two floorplans: One for in-camp accommodation and living space and the other for stops that do not lend themselves to the deployment of slides.

So let’s first look at the in-camp configuration with all slides in the extended position. This is what is shown in the brochure.

Dinette Type

The most common RV dining configurations have a fixed-booth or wall-connected table setup. Some comprise a free-standing table with separate chairs. While the fixed location type is the most popular, the free-standing arrangement has some advantages. First, it can be moved slightly out from the wall providing more elbow room. Larger people may find this more comfortable.