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3 Western Brewery Towns With Unbeatable Craft Beer Scenes

Every good road trip starts with a theme. If you’re a fan of craft beer and cool small towns, brew up your next RV adventure to these three awesome brewery towns in the west. Each of these western craft beer destinations has scenery and vibe unlike anywhere else, and they’re all home to some of the tastiest craft beers in the country. Here are my three favorite beer town getaways with convenient RV camping.

Eureka, California

My old hometown not only has several award-winning craft breweries but also lies in a region with such ideal summer weather that locals call it “The Santa Barbara of the North.” When everywhere else is baking in scorching hot temperatures, the cool, salty ocean breeze in Eureka and surrounding Humboldt County makes it one of the best brewery destinations in the west. Point your rig to Arcata, where RVs of any size can make Mad River Rapids RV Park home base. This oceanside resort is where we kicked off our full-time RVing adventures, and it makes a perfect spot to begin your North Coast brewery adventures. For the most authentic taste of Humboldt, add these three brewery destinations to your Humboldt County itinerary:

Photo: VisitHumboldt.com

• Get a feel for the local lifestyle at Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, one of the U.S.’s first certified organic breweries and also founded by one of the first female brewmasters in the nation, Barbara Groom. Hang out and get to know locals in the downtown Eureka restaurant, then take a free Lost Coast Brewery tour just down the road.

• Roll south on US Highway 101 to Eel River Brewery in Fortuna. Situated more inland than Eureka, it’s where you’ll find sunnier skies and many RVers’ favorite Riverwalk RV Park and Campground, located within walking distance of the brewery’s award-winning certified organic beer. Grab a bite from the pub menu that features steaks and burgers made from the brewery’s ranch operation. They take “locally made” to an all-new level, by raising Black Angus beef cows on diets of organic sweet alfalfa and brewery malt grown on the Eel River Brewery’s land.

A ice-cold beer poured from a tap into a glass.
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5 Ways Phil Mickelson Trains His Mental Game

After Phil Mickelson’s incredible win at the PGA Championship, he spoke about some of the techniques that he’d been using to prolong his career and become the oldest winner of a major at the age of 50. The longevity of Phil’s career (his first PGA Tour victory was over 30 years ago) is not only because he stays physically strong and flexible, but because he strengthens his mental game too. He said:

“I’m trying to use my mind like a muscle and just expand it”.

Whatever goals you are pursuing, whether in golf or otherwise, here are 5 mental skills that you’ll need to hone if you are to achieve them.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how he:

Improves his focus and ability to stay presentCalms his nervesCreates a picture for each shot and commitsKeeps a “Beginner’s Mindset”Uses a Mental Scorecard

1. Phil improved his focus and ability to be present

After the Wells Fargo Championship a few weeks before the PGA Championship, Phil said:


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Lightweight Flatbed Truck Campers – From Pop-Up Truck Campers to Custom Fiberglass Truck Campers

During our search for the next adventure vehicle, one option that was recommended to us over and over again were flatbed truck campers. Unlike the ... Read more

Terre Blanche announces reopening and new Michelin-starred head chef

The French five-star resort Terre Blanche, one of Europe‘s most prestigious destinations for golf and gastronomy, has announced its reopening date and new Michelin-starred head chef.

The resort, set among the rolling hills and vineyards of Provence, less than an hour from Nice and the stunning coastline of the Cote d’Azur, is home to two championship level golf courses and a state-of-the-art golf academy, as well as luxurious suites and villas, an award-winning spa and Michelin-starred dining.

Following restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the resort will now fully reopen on June 17.

The resort has also appointed Christophe Schmitt as the new Chef des Cuisines, who will take over the reins at the resort’s restaurants including the Michelin-starred ‘Le Faventia’. Chef Schmitt built his reputation at Michelin level establishments including Le Diane in Paris where he was awarded a Michelin star.

Like Provence itself, Terre Blanche is a food lovers’ paradise. There is something for everyone with light lunches at Les Caroubiers with a view over the golf courses, Michelin-starred dining on the terrace at Le Faventia overlooking the local hills, the stylish Gaudina with its brasserie ambiance, and poolside meals at Le Tousco. Le Pitchoun caters just for children and, in summer, Le Patio and terrasses restaurants are perfect to enjoy meals outdoor.


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14 Fun RV Games to Play with Friends and Family

I spent many of my childhood summers going on road trips with my family and we never left the house without games to keep everyone ... Read more

How To RV: Estimating How Much Propane You Need

A house relies on natural gas piped in from a local gas company to operate some appliances. RVs on the other hand, are engineered to deliver the same heating and cooking conveniences of home, but in a mobile package. But how?

For most RV models, many major amenities are powered by the propane system, like refrigeration, hot water, and HVAC. You can start to see how running out of propane could really interrupt your RVing plans. Knowing how RV propane systems work will help you estimate the amount of propane you’ll need on a trip so you don’t run out at the wrong time. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to troubleshoot why the propane is not flowing and solve issues on the fly.

Why Do RVs Use Propane?

Let’s take a moment to remember our grade school science:

Gases change state between liquid and vapor in response to changes in pressure and temperature.

At higher pressure, the fuel molecules are compressed into liquid form (also dropping in temperature). At lower pressure the liquified molecules expand, vaporizing into gaseous form (also warming in temperature).

Propane tank overfill prevention device stamp
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The Complete Guide to RVing With a Baby

I assume you’ve landed on this article because you’re considering taking your baby on the road and you want validation that it’s possible, and furthermore, some guidance on how to do it. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not only possible, but enjoyable and special, too!

My husband and I spent two and a half years on the road full-time, living, working, and adventuring in our RV while traveling all across the U.S. We absolutely loved it and had no plans of stopping. But when we decided it was time to grow our family through adoption, our circumstances required us to take some time off the road in order to do so.

Not long after our son was born and in our arms, we started to get the itch to get back into RV traveling. We wondered if people would think we were crazy, or even worse, irresponsible parents, for wanting to take a five-week-old baby on an extended road trip in a tiny home on wheels! But we went for it anyway and our first trip was so successful and memorable that there’s no stopping us now.

I certainly hope that if you’re on the fence about RVing with your baby, that I can convince you to go for it. I’ve put together this helpful, 3-part Ready, Set, Go! guide to ensure you feel as prepared as you can be. So, let’s dive in.

The author and family on the road at Fire State Park.

Part 1: Get Ready for the Baby

What is your baby like?

You’ll likely have a good sense of whether or not your baby will be comfortable or able to adjust to being in the RV. But you’ll definitely want to consider the factors that may influence how your baby handles it. Is he healthy or does he need special medical care or frequent doctors visits? Is she generally a content baby or is she sensitive to loud noises and other stimuli? Does your baby thrive on a routine?

RVing with baby
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8 Great Father’s Day Gifts for a Camping Dad

This Father’s Day (June 20), treat the dad in your life like he’s a camping VIP. Give him a gift that satisfies his craving for comfort, or consider an item that takes him out of his comfort zone and into new outdoor experiences.

Every camping dad is different. What do you give the dad who took you on your very first camping trip? What about that cagey father-in-law who’s nearly impossible to buy for? If you’re stumped about what to give pops, check out the gifts below for inspiration. 

Each of the following will help improve his RVing and glamping experience. Help Dad achieve true camping VIP status. 

KING WiFi Max

King WiFi Max. Photo courtesy of Camping World

You wouldn’t deprive your dad of his favorite streaming content, would you? KING WiFi Max helps campers stay connected by providing a gateway between all your web-enabled devices and the local Wi-Fi source. The compact design requires no installation and the device can be set up in less than a minute. There’s no monthly service fee or contract, and no impact on bandwidth speed. Watch the big game with confidence at the campsite or set it up at the tailgate party so you can catch the pregame show. Don’t be vexed by weak Wi-Fi sources that thwart your ability to watch what you want. 

Barbecue Caddy
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A Weekend Warrior’s Guide to RVing

A record number of travelers are taking to the road these days, exploring America’s highways and byways and camping in RVs. But you don’t have to spend months or even weeks away from home to experience the RV life. It’s a unique form of travel that’s accessible to every kind of adventurer — even if you only have a weekend.

For working couples, busy families, or anyone on a budget, a shorter trip can offer all the benefits of a longer getaway without using up all your vacation days or breaking the bank. In fact, shorter trips can have some serious advantages over an extended stint on the road: They’re easier to plan and cheaper to execute, so you can afford to take them more often. Not only that, but when you’re gone for less time you won’t be coming back to piles of work and the stress that accompanies it.

When a weekend’s all you’ve got, you have to make the most of every minute. Traveling via airplane, for example, can mean wasting a big chunk of your vacation sitting in airport lounges and uncomfortable airline seats. In an RV, there’s none of that — when the clock strikes 5 on Friday, the adventure begins. Here’s how to make the most out of a weekend RV trip.

How to Make a Quick Trip Feel Like a Proper Vacation

Comprehensive planning and preparation will have you spending less of your precious trip time on logistics and more on the fun of the adventure. For instance, choose a destination within a few hours of home to minimize your driving time. It’s also a good idea to practice setting up camp before you leave—especially if you’re new to RVing—so when you reach your site there’s ample opportunity to relax.

Having the right accessories can ensure a weekend trip is exciting and rejuvenating, even if you’re staying in familiar territory. Turn your outdoor space into an oasis with comfortable furniture, lighting, perhaps even an outdoor fireplace. It’s amazing how simple it can be to make a basic campsite feel like a resort.

Bayou Country swamp tour
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Tips for Renting an RV This Summer Vacation

We can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than to hit the road and explore the outdoors after months of home isolation. Whether a minimalist camper that is searching for a small campsite in the mountains or a glamper that prefers parking your RV at parks with plenty of amenities, it’s easy to find your ideal outdoor destination and the right rig!

Summer is just around the corner as the U.S. is getting back to regular operations, and people are extra antsy. More than ever, it’s important to get as many useful tips for renting an RV this summer, especially with some campgrounds still complying to social distancing and sanitation orders.

Renting an RV this summer vacation

Large companies have said that this can be a unique way to experience the outdoors. Bookings have surged at large rental sites.

Booking a rental

Rental agencies might require you to be over 21 years old and have held your driver’s license for at least two years. Other than that, you can legally rent and drive a motorhome in the United States.

Book in advance. Booking one day before the scheduled trip will not impress the agencies. A lot of people are scrambling to book for one on the spot, and it takes a lot of preparation for packing up. Not to mention, you must consider inspecting and familiarizing yourself with the vehicle before heading out.

Family Bunkhouse with powerful solar power
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SLO CAL’s Highway 1 is Best Seen by RV

There’s nothing like the iconic Highway 1 road trip, especially when you do it by camper. Whether you know it as PCH or Highway 1, the scenic route snakes along undiscovered beaches, rolling green hills and quaint communities in SLO CAL. This bucket-list journey can’t be made in one day so don’t miss out and plan your multi-day stop in SLO CAL to see it all.

Photo: Visit SLO CAL

While you drive through Ragged Point, take time to enjoy the stunning coastal views and listen to the waves crashing below. As you head south, you’ll find the beaches occupied by a SLO CAL favorite, elephant seals. These mighty animals claim the beaches of San Simeon. The elephant seal viewing area has plenty of parking, accommodating vehicles of all sizes, no matter your RV’s size.

Next, it’s time to set up camp. There’s an array of coastal RV Parks waiting for you to check-in. Morro Strand RV Park has sites ranging from 20×30 all the way up to 40×70 to best accommodate whatever your needs may be. Enjoy fire pits and BBQs with Morro Rock standing tall as a backdrop. Forget the firewood? There is also a convenient general store onsite, stocked with all your needs to make your stay as stress-free as possible.

Visit SLO CAL

A kayaker paddles out of a cave and into the open ocean.
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Full Time RV Living: An Interview with Bionca Smith

Welcome, Bionca and Carter Smith! Thanks for sharing your RV story with Camping World.

Q. Tell us a little about your various full-time rolling homes? How have you made it feel like home wherever you roam? 

A. We have a Campervan and a Travel Trailer. We make it feel like home, by always camping where campfires are allowed. A fire pit is must have at any campground since we cook meals outside on it.

Bionca and Carter cook over a fire almost everywhere they go.

Q. Describe your travel style in five words or less?! 

A. Fun, educational, engaging, spontaneous, and inspiring.

Airboat tour
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Visiting Bayou Country in an RV

“From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam…”

We all know this common lyric from “God Bless America,” but what the song forgets to mention is the bayou. Though America’s Rocky Mountains and Midwestern prairie are majestic, there’s a certain romance, charm, and haunting beauty to bayou country.

A bayou is a body of water, commonly found in the southeast United States. Bayous may look like standing water, but they’re usually slow-moving rivers or streams composed of brackish water (a mix of saltwater and freshwater). These marshlands are home to shrimp and crawfish, but also alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds.

This southern swamp country has a diverse immigration history with influences from Native American, French, Canadian, European, and African ancestry. Today, these cultures live on in Cajun and Creole culture, and the lively characteristics of this heritage are what bring visitors to Louisiana year after year. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a spicy crawfish boil sprawled over a picnic table. Or, the sound of Zydeco music drifting down cobblestoned streets.

Bayou country is full of sites, sounds, and flavors. To truly experience it, you’ll need several days to sink into the culture and scenery. The best way to get comfortable? In an RV. Park it under the shade of a live oak draped in Spanish moss and set out to explore the best of Bayou country.

Airboat tour
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5 Must See RV Destinations in the American South

In honor of American diversity, travel down to the South to immerse yourself in the cultural melting pot that offers so much heritage and history. The beauty of a road trip not only lies in the destination, but also the journey. In this list, we’ve included beautiful drives to 5 must-see RV destinations in the American South.

Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

Seven Mile bridge of Overseas Highway between Florida Keys. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Tashka

Down the Overseas Highway, you can revel in the marine monuments like shipwrecks, coral and limestone islands, and seascapes sequestered by palm trees and mangroves under the setting sun.

For a more tropical travel trip, the Overseas Highway will take you to your dream destination, which is rivaled only by the drive to get there, with a stunning 113-mile series of roads and bridges connecting the mainland to the southernmost point, Key West.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, Key West. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Braden Egli

Sailboat at sunset at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, Key West
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Cherokee Casino Changes the Game on Grand Lake in Oklahoma

Cherokee Casino Grove is the number one choice for Grand Lake NIGHTLIFE. Nestled near Tom Cat Corner and Shangri-La Golf Club Resort & Marina at Monkey Island, Cherokee Casino Grove is the only place better than the lake!

Our 39,000-square-foot, lakeside casino sits on a 24-acre site and offers a beautiful lodge-style feel. We house more than 390 electronic games, a full-service restaurant complete with a bar featuring live music and a great dance floor.

Whether you LOVE GAMING or this will be your FIRST GAMING EXPERIENCE, Cherokee Casino has everything you need to LIVE YOUR LIFE GRAND.

Photo Courtesy: Cherokee Casino

Guests who walk in our doors have come to expect EXCELLENCE. We opened our doors in January 2017 and offer a clean, new and exciting place to play. Our gaming floor features many of the MOST POPULAR GAMES IN THE INDUSTRY. Some of our fan-favorites include our theme-based options, such as “Walking Dead,” Red Ruby and Harley Davidson’s Cycles. Anyone can play with game denominations from a penny up to $25.

We have earned a place as a favorite with the local lake crowd because of our wide array of dining options at Grove Springs Restaurant and their favorite specially crafted drinks from 1897 Bar.

Inviting lounge area inside active casino
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Top 5 Bunkhouse Class A Motorhomes

If your family is ready for something that will make vacations together more luxurious and accessible than ever, you won’t want to miss the bunkhouse class A motorhomes for sale today. Many families choose class A motorhomes for their RV because they are easy to drive, park, and provide high-quality interiors that help you feel right at home. Learn more about five of our favorite family-friendly class A motorhomes below.

2021 Forest River RV Berkshire XL 40C Motor Home Class A

This Forest River Berkshire XL 40C class A diesel motorhome is on sale today, and you could save over $98,000 on your purchase! Take home luxury at your fingertips with the bath and a half design that makes it easy for everyone to get ready in the morning. The bunk beds are equipped with Teddy-Bear mattresses and feature 22″ LED TVs!

Additional Features:

Bath and a HalfBunk BedsFireplaceHide-A-Bed-SofaStainless Steel DishwasherDresser Base with Full WardrobeFireplaceStackable Washer/DryerThree 15K BTU A/CTire Pressure Monitoring System

There is plenty of space for entertaining your guests at the campground.

Class A motorhome main
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Rest Area Overnight Parking For RVs, Cars and Trucks

Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas? The answer depends on the state you are traveling through. Some states allow overnight parking at rest areas ... Read more

8 Irresistible West Coast Wildflower Hikes

From late February to September, you’ll find spectacular wildflower displays up and down the West Coast. The wildflower season begins in late winter throughout the Southern California desert and works its way up to the PNW when the snow melts and gives way to flowers in the Cascade’s higher elevations. One of the best ways to experience this explosion of color is by taking a hike, so put the pedal to the metal and plan a road trip to some of the best wildflower destinations on the West Coast.

Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap, Washington

The hike to Washington’s Sheep Lake is kid-friendly. @CateBattles

For those visiting Mount Rainier with pets, the hike to Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap is a fantastic Fido-friendly alternative since it’s situated just outside of the park boundary along Chinook Pass. The 6-mile roundtrip out-and-back trail presents breathtaking views of the Cascades, giving hikers a glimpse of Mt Rainier and the nearby Naches Peak. The picturesque Sheep Lake is nestled in a sub-alpine area that showcases a dazzling display of wildflowers in July and August. After passing the lake, the trail slowly climbs for about a mile until you reach Sourdough Gap, a small saddle in a rocky ridge that provides spectacular aerial views of Sheep Lake and the Crystal Lake Basin.

Stay: Rainier Wings Packwood RV Park in Packwood puts guests close to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Lower Table Rock, Medford, Oregon

Wildflowers blanket the ground on top of Medford’s Lower Table Rock. @Catebattles

A field covered with blue blossoms with a mountain looming in the background.
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The Father’s Day Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Dads

Fathers Day in June follows closely behind Mother’s Day, and this year we celebrate father figures on June 20, 2021.

Dads can be some of the trickiest people to shop for. After all, fathers seem to be folks of simple pleasures. What do you get the man who doesn’t need much and claims to have it all?

This Fathers Day, treat dad to a gift that will spark his taste for trying new things, animate his inner child, or reignite his fondness for getting his hands dirty outdoors.

Use these gift ideas to inspire your own surprises for dad. Though it doesn’t take much to put a smile on dad’s face, a dad glowing with pride is like nothing else. So whether you treat dad to something small, or you go in on something big, remember to celebrate the father figures in your life on Sunday. Treat them to something they wouldn’t get for themselves.

Hunting Knives and Tools

There’s nothing like having the right tool to get the job done. A specialty knife is a thing of beauty and a source of pride. Add to dad’s collection with a knife he’ll use and treasure for years. For hunting dads, look at Gander’s hunting knife collection. For explorer dads, a machete or hatchet will come in handy for clearing new paths. For angler dads, a sharp gutting filet knife is never a bad idea. If dad has a full collection of knives already, consider a knife sharpener.

fish finder and depth sounder
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Take an RV Trip Through the Stunning Landscape of Bryce Canyon Country

Load up the RV and venture to a land of serene and breathtaking beauty. Beautiful Bryce Canyon Country in Garfield County s an adventurers paradise filled with two national parks, one national monument, one national forest and three state parks. Encounter the towering Ponderosa pines, be impressed by the majestic red-rock hoodoos or experience the magnificent colors of a sunset resting across the sky.

As you plan your summer trip, make time to venture through Bryce Canyon Country. Families of all ages, young travelers and anyone itching for adventure and unforgettable memories will enjoy this destination.

Here’s how anyone can make their time in Bryce Canyon Country unforgettable:

The Adventurers

Jay Dash Photography

With hundreds of beautiful sights scattered across beautiful Bryce Canyon Country, you’ll never run out of things to do. Hike through the spectacular hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park or ride the mountain bike trails of Red Canyon. Discover the excavated prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan village at Anasazi State Park or sit under the night sky of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and see the red, yellow, white and black petrified wood. Venture out to Grand Staircase-Escalante and hike to incredible rock formations like Grosvenor Arch or beautiful waterfalls like Calf Creek Falls.

A blue school bus converted to a food truck.
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