A tour of America’s national parks is on many RV bucket lists, but bringing your pup to these destinations can be a challenge. It’s important to know pet restrictions in the national parks you’re hoping to visit in order to minimize your impact on these sensitive environments. But an easier alternative is to target the most dog-friendly national parks in the US. Some of these parks offer miles of pet-friendly hiking trails, as well as boarding services if you plan a hike to a location where your pups can’t go. 

So let’s check them out!

Acadia National Park

The most northeastern park in the United States offers nearly 120 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. The park’s multi-use carriage roads, which are popular for horse-drawn carriage rides and biking, also are open to dogs. 

The only exceptions include technical trails that require ascending iron rungs or ladders, as well as several public areas in the park. Those exceptions include Duck Harbor Campground and the Wild Gardens of Acadia year-round, as well as Echo Lake and Sand Beach from mid-May through mid-September, the park’s busy season. 

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the world. On that day, Grant signed the eloquently written “Yellowstone National Park Protection Act,” which stated that a huge corner of Wyoming and narrow slivers of Idaho and Montana would be “hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

“What an audacious idea it was,” said Ryan Hauck executive director of Cody Yellowstone. “The very thought of setting aside 2.2 million acres of natural resource-rich land must have seemed outrageous. But a few visionaries convinced Congress and President Grant that it was the right thing to do. And the entire world is fortunate they did.”

Cody Yellowstone is the marketing arm for Park County, Wyoming, which includes the Yellowstone gateway communities of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell, the Shoshone National Forest to the east and a large swath of Yellowstone National Park.

“Yellowstone was preserved to be a ‘pleasuring ground’ for everyone, and 150 years later, it still is,” said Hauck. “I’d call that a huge success and a testament to the scores of people who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that we continue to respect and promote the vision of the park’s founders.”

RV travel has increased in popularity over the past few years! More young couples and families are chasing adventures than ever before. RVing allows you to explore so many new locations from the comfort of your own place.

While RVing appeals to many, it isn’t for everyone. Purchasing your own RV is a commitment. If you’re interested in taking the road less traveled and chasing adventures in an RV, we recommend you rent one first through an RV rental service, like Good Sam RV Rentals.

Why You Should Rent an RV

As RVing grows in popularity, you may start to wonder if RVing is a good choice for you. Renting an RV is a tried and true method to get a glimpse into the RV world. The ability to rent hasn’t always been around, but it’s a good thing it is now! Keep reading to find out the steps to choosing the right RV and what you should do on your rental trip.

Choosing Your RV

Image: Camping World

When it comes to your rental trip, you will want to choose an RV that fits your needs. Some things to consider are the type, size, and layout of the RV. If you’re thinking about buying, we recommend renting one similar to the kind you’d like to buy someday. Think of this trip as a test run. The good news is if you don’t like it, you aren’t stuck with it permanently. There are always other classes and layouts to try.

Choose an RV Class

There are so many different classes of RVs with each having its own pros and cons. RVs vary from drivable motorhomes like Class A, Class B, and Class C to towable campers like travel trailers and fifth wheels. Are you planning on driving your RV or do you already have a truck and want to tow it? These are some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself to help you choose the right class of RV.

We’ve been full-time RVing for four years and we couldn’t imagine doing it without our RV’s outdoor kitchen. Having this feature helps us spend more time outside, gain additional storage, keep our interior clean and cool, and makes it easier to entertain.

RV Outdoor Kitchen Features

Although it’s referred to as an “outdoor kitchen,” that’s usually all it is. Many outdoor kitchen spaces double as an entertainment center too. Since all outdoor kitchens are different, this is where you get to customize what is most important to you.

Do you want an outdoor TV and entertainment center or extra storage cabinets? Other customizable options include sinks, stove top burners, griddles, and more! Can’t decide what features you love the most? Some RVs have all of the above.

Storage

Image: Chase & Lindsay

Tiny living causes you to make the most of your space. Any chance you get to have additional storage — you should take it! Bonus points for any items that can be multi-purpose. For us, that’s exactly what an outdoor kitchen is!

Shelves and Cabinets

Most outdoor kitchens have either a shelf or cabinets. You can use it to stow items for cooking and dishware. Or you can use it for extra storage. The choice is yours. Either way, the more storage you have in your RV, the better!

Do you want to be the coolest camper at the campsite this season? Sure, you do. Who doesn’t? One of the easiest ways to do that is to have a reliable cooler with you when you pitch the tent, spark up the campfire, and set up your favorite camping chair. Not sure which cooler is the coolest? No worries! We’ve narrowed down ten coolers made for campers that are guaranteed to not only keep your beverages cool but your reputation as well.

Igloo Tag-Along Too Cooler

Igloo Tag-Along Too Cooler

Sometimes you need your hands to remain free. Whether you’re holding a beverage already or the hand of your favorite person, there are times when you simply can’t afford to have a cooler in your grasp. I understand that and so does the Igloo Tag-Along Too Cooler. Designed with a stylish, adjustable crossbody shoulder strap, this 11-quart cooler has a leakproof lid and can hold sports drinks and bottles upright while keeping them chilled for up to two days. The name says it all, this cooler is the perfect tag-along.

Coleman Space Blue 28-Can Soft Cooler Backpack

Coleman Space Blue 28-Can Soft Cooler Backpack

If you want to up the drink capacity without sacrificing the hands-free convenience, then the Coleman Space Blue 28-Can Soft Cooler Backpack is perfect. Whether you’re camping out at the beach, tailgating, or hitting that trail you’ve been meaning to hike, the foam insulation of this cooler will keep drinks and snacks cold up to 42 hours. As a bonus, there’s an integrated bottle opener on the front for easy access. Two adjustable padded straps ensure maximum comfort, and the top hatch opens for quick entry.

Igloo MaxCold Playmate Elite 16-Quart Cooler

Igloo MaxCold Playmate Elite 16-Quart Cooler

This one is tried and true and proof that if it isn’t broken, there’s really no need to fix it. The design of the Igloo MaxCold Playmate Elite 16-Quart Cooler is a classic for a reason. Easy to use and carry thanks to its trademark tent-top design that swings open to either side and push-button lid for convenient one-handed operation. It can hold up to 30 cans, unless you’re me, then it holds 29 because I can’t help but grab one before heading out. Sorry not sorry.

Perma Chill 20-Quart Cooler

Perma Chill 20-Quart Cooler

With five gallons of space and weighing in at only 15 pounds, the Perma Chill 20-Quart Cooler is ideal for any day trip including a visit to the campsite. Ice retention for three days? Check. Freezer-grade gasket for a tight lasting seal? Check. Lockable lid? Tie-down slots? Integrated bottle opener? Check. Check. Check. Oh, and there’s a ruler on the lid to quickly measure your catch of the day. Trust me, you’re definitely going to want to check this one out.

For the past six years, my husband and I have RVed all over the country. We’ve also owned four different RVs in that time. But, I can honestly say that we’ve never considered renting any of those RVs out…until recently.

We had heard about other RVers who were making extra money on their campers while they weren’t using them by renting them out. While we thought it was a brilliant idea, the main reason we didn’t rent any of our RVs was because we were using them so much. In fact, we lived and traveled full-time in our first two RVs for over two years. Even after full-timing, we continued to spend more months out of the year on the road than at home, so our RVs rarely sat in storage for much longer than a couple weeks.

Recently though, after starting a family, we downsized to a travel trailer and now prefer to enjoy taking shorter camping trips close to home when the Colorado weather allows. So after planning out our camping adventures for this summer and fall, we saw several weeks on the calendar where our camper would just be sitting on our property.

We’ve made so many special memories throughout our years of RVing and are always encouraging others to get out there and adventure as well. However, we know that not everyone can justify the cost of buying and owning an RV if they only use it once or twice a summer. For those people, renting is an excellent option and we figured it would be a win-win for us to make some extra money while allowing other people to experience the joy of RVing!

Of course, we had our fears about renting out our camper. What if the renters destroy it? How will the insurance work? Can you really trust strangers to take good care of your camper?

Wyoming is home to two of the most visually striking national parks in the US: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. While Yellowstone encompasses much of the state’s northwestern corner, Grand Teton National Park to the south is equally breathtaking. 

The striking mountains of the Teton Range rise from the Wyoming plains to staggering heights. Grand Teton Mountain, the park’s highest peak, reaches an elevation of 13,775 feet, which is also the second-highest peak in Wyoming, behind Gannett Peak. 

Why Visit Grand Teton National Park in an RV?

Photo by Sean Xu via Shutterstock

The Grand Teton is an icon in the American mountaineering landscape, but there’s more to do than climb tall mountains in this wonderful park. There are lakes for kayaking and boating, the Snake River for floating and whitewater adventures, and much more. 

To truly experience what the Tetons have to offer, renting an RV or taking yours on a road trip to Wyoming is the way to go. There are RV-friendly campgrounds in the park, as well as nearby. And the proximity to Yellowstone National Park allows you to hit two of the most popular parks in the country in a single adventure. 

Or, if Yellowstone is too busy, the Tetons are one of the best alternatives to Yellowstone. From casual scenic drives to rock climbing and mountaineering, there’s truly something for everyone in the Tetons. 

When it comes to exploring the outdoors, the sky’s the limit in Big Sky Country. Montana is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking, pristine, and multi-faceted regions in the country. Being the largest landlocked state in the US, the Treasure State’s landscape encompasses desert, badlands, prairie, snow-capped mountains, and more than 8 million acres of national forest. From panoramic vistas, wild and scenic rivers, abundant wildlife, and Old West history, Montana’s offerings are endless. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its ancient glaciers and canyons, old-growth forests and nearly 100 different mountain ranges. Throughout the state, enjoy world-class fishing, Native American cultural sites, ghost towns, and dozens of hot springs. Despite its global visitation, you’ll still find more cows than people in Montana— making it the ideal spot to plan an escape.

This spring, many parts of Montana received record rainfall, and places like North Yellowstone and Red Lodge suffered catastrophic flooding with a 1-in-500-year meteorological event. With that being said, now is the perfect time to plan your 2023 trip to the impacted areas or explore other parts of Montana in 2022.

Libby and the Kootenai River

Founded in the 1880s, Libby Montana can be found in the Northwestern corner of the state along the Idaho panhandle border. Situated along the Kootenai River and flanked by the Cabinet Mountains, the town is in the heart of 2.2 million acres of national forest. Libby is home to over 140 lakes, 3 major rivers, and over 1,400 miles of trails- leaving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. While exploring this remote part of Montana, head to the famed Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge. Follow the 1.6mile out-and-back trail to the suspension bridge, spanning 220 feet across Kootenai Gorge. Continue on to Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Extending the entire length of the river, the vibrant turquoise falls dramatically cascade down the craggy rocks as it heads towards the gorge. If this scene looks familiar, that’s because it’s been a popular Hollywood filming sight, including credits in The Revenant and The River Wild.

James and I have been RVing for about 12 years now. We’re outdoor lovers, and RVing has been the catalyst for getting us closer to nature anywhere we want to go — which, like most RVers, is everywhere. Being able to easily get to giant outdoor playgrounds around the country has been absolutely wonderful.

What’s even more wonderful is when we can do it responsibly. I’m by no means perfect, but I do recognize the importance of being mindful of the impact we’re having on nature when out RVing. Over the course of our 12 years, we’ve come a long way in our sustainable RVing practices.

But the unfortunate truth of it is, there’s going to be some impact. RVing requires driving, after all, and until all-electric RVs become the norm, there’s just no way around us creating greenhouse gas emissions. The good news though is that there are ways to mitigate that, as well as many other RV lifestyle practices that weigh heavy on our planet.

Here are some of the changes we’ve made to be better environmental stewards on our RV trips. Perhaps some of these can work for you, too.

Be More Fuel Efficient

Image: Stef from The Fit RV

According to Natural Resources Canada, efficient driving can lower your vehicle’s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25%. We all know the common sense ways to be more efficient — using cruise control when you can, keeping your speeds down, and avoiding idling. But did you know your vehicle’s air conditioning can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 20%? It’s good to get in the habit of using the A/C sparingly when you can.

Whether you love to plan movie nights at the campground or you just enjoy kicking back after a long day, these RVs with theater seats will help you do just that. Find spacious interiors, luxury amenities, and so much more when you shop the new RVs for sale with theater seats. Check out our top five picks for these incredible floorplans!

Find more fifth wheels for sale near you!

Jayco Pinnacle 36SSWS

Find luxury in every inch of this Jayco Pinnacle 36SSWS fifth wheel. This fifth wheel features a master suite with a fireplace, a king bed, a wardrobe, and a bench. The living room offers dual opposing slides with a kitchen island and entertainment center to make the space feel homey and inviting. You’ll love that the theater seats are set into the slide-out to give you a great space to relax in the evening.

Additional Features:

Slide-in-a-SlideDual-Sink VanityMaster Suite with Front Windshield36″ FireplaceResidential Stove with 3.4 Cu. Ft. OvenShoe GarageWalk-In ShowerThe four-burner range ensures you can always make delicious meals for your crew.

Forest River Cardinal Limited 377MBLE

If you love adventuring with your family, the Forest River Cardinal Limited 377MBLE fifth wheel is an excellent option. This floorplan features a mid-bunkhouse for the kids with a loft overhead. You can easily sleep up to nine in this RV, and the pass-through storage provides ample space for all your camping equipment.

Additional Features:

One of the top questions people ask when starting their RV journey is: should I buy a new or used RV? 

While there are some definite advantages to buying new, buying a used RV is a great option for your family, especially if you’ve never owned a family RV before. There’s a lot to learn when you’re just starting out. 

Here are a few ways a used RV can ease your learning curve:

Save Money

The biggest benefit of buying a used RV is financial savings. Used RVs are often 30-40% cheaper than a comparable new RV. In this case, comparable refers to a similar length, features, and type of RV.

That lower purchase price may also come with lower insurance costs, less money toward interest payments (if you’re financing), and, in some cases, lower in-state registration fees.

There is a lot of jargon in the RV world. One term you’ll come across, but might not be familiar with, is “fifth wheel” or “5th wheel.” Fifth wheels are a type of towable RV that require a large pickup truck to tow because of the type of hitch they use.

But why are fifth wheel trailers called that? Let’s explore that question, and a few other fifth wheel basics, to help you decide if this is the right type of recreational vehicle for you.

How They Got Their Name – The Fifth Wheel Hitch

Fifth wheels use a U-shaped hitch coupling that’s bolted or welded to the frame of your tow vehicle—usually a pickup truck—through the truck bed. The connection point, also known as a pin box, places the trailer’s weight directly over your tow vehicle’s rear axle.

While hitch technology has come a long way, this basic design is responsible for the fifth wheel name. Old carriages in the 1800s had a horizontal ‘5th wheel’ that allowed the front axle to pivot. The name’s use was continued with the modern-day design for the 5th wheel truck hitch.

It’s similar to the type of hitch used on semi-trucks, which means it’s safe, sturdy, and rated for heavy loads. At the front of the 5th wheel, there’s a “king pin” that locks into the U-shaped pin box in the bed of your truck, allowing you to safely pull the trailer.

Fishing and RVing go hand-in-hand, at least it does for our family. It’s hard to beat a campsite next to a pristine lake surrounded by the wilderness or the salty air and open ocean while being just a few steps away from a favorite fishing spot.

My husband and I have our own styles of fishing. He prefers trolling for big fish while I enjoy the slow but exciting moments brought by bobber fishing.  But we do have something in common in our shared hobby: we like our fishing gear somewhat organized, especially when we are RVing. Between the two of us, our 3-year-old son, 1-year-old daughter, and little Yorkshire terrier, there’s a lot of stuff to pack for each outing (including the kids’ fishing gear). It feels like we are packing up the entire house anytime we travel.

Image: Jenny Anderson

Getting our fishing gear packed in an organized fashion is essential, especially with limited RV space. Plus, fishing rods are fragile. The goal is to avoid tangled and damaged rods during transport and make sure hooks and any sharp objects stay secure. It saves us time and headaches. Organized gear means more time fishing and less time rummaging around for fishing gear.

To pack fishing gear swiftly and securely in an RV, here are some simple tips seasoned anglers and casual fishing folks can live by.

Store Fishing Rods and Reels in a Carrying Case

Lucky for anglers who are always traveling, there are plenty of rod carrying cases made specifically for fishing rods. These cases protect your fishing gear and are easy to grab and go, whether you’re packing up the RV or taking out your gear to head to the next fishing hotspot. Rod carrying cases usually come with compartments made to fit multiple rods and reels, are easy to store, and are very portable. You can find durable fabric cases as well as sturdy waterproof hard cases. Rod carrying cases can easily be stored inside your RV or pass-through storage.

There’s more to July than fireworks on the Fourth. This is the month to really celebrate your travel independence, and that means going where your desires take you in some of America’s most beautiful landscapes.

See our Regional Travel Calendar for more year-round destinations.

Idaho

Southeast Idaho is a treasure trove of adventures. Roam otherworldly landscapes then go for a relaxing soaked in soothing hot springs.

Explore and Soak

Close to Fort Hall, the American Falls Reservoir offers 87 square miles of almost every imaginable type of water recreation. Go boating, waterskiing and windsurfing on the water, or explore the 100 miles of shoreline. Anglers will fill their fishing nets with cutthroat trout, crappie yellow perch and channel catfish.

The adventure of owning an RV never ends, with new and exciting turns along the journey. After a few trips, it’s natural to assess how you can add to your experience and upgrade your RV’s interior to better suit your camping style. 

Don’t stress! An upgrade to your RV experience doesn’t require an entirely new unit or a full overhaul. You can easily upgrade your entire space with advice from the specialists at a Camping World’s Design Center.

Why An RV Interior Upgrade Might Be Right For You

If there are parts of your RV that you’re “living with,” don’t be shy about making changes. Here are a few reasons to consider RV renovations:

Your Enjoyment and Comfort are a Priority

Photo by Camping World

Your RV is your home on wheels and should be comfortable, useful, and inviting. After all, the lifestyle is what’s enjoyable. So why not take your travel space and make it your own?

RV floor plans and interiors are designed to support a variety of lifestyles, functions, and activities. With tweaks between product lines and models, manufacturers do their best to accommodate as many different aspects as possible within the space.

One of the things that excite me the most as a bass angler is walking up to a flooded lake loaded with vegetation. As I stare out over the lake, I can’t help but think about all the opportunities for catching bass that lie beneath. 

The problem is getting a lure into the water without getting hung up on every cast. Having to dodge lily pads, low-hanging trees and standing timber is a serious challenge for a lot of anglers, but it’s even more challenging when there isn’t a lot of open water. 

These are the types of ponds I really enjoy so I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on this type of fishing, what lures to use, how to cast and how to pull the lunkers out of their hiding spots. 

Here are some of my biggest tips for finding bass in heavy cover. 

Back Off 

If you’re fishing from a boat, most people think you need to get right on top of the cover to prevent a miscast and getting hung up on something. This is where perfecting your cast really comes into play. 

I travel full-time with my two dogs, and because we’re gluttons for adventure, we frequently find ourselves boondocking or dry camping. We don’t like to disturb other campers, so we rely on our solar setup more than our generator. And, as northern portions of our country start to experience warmer summers, the dream of escaping the Texas summers we know becomes more of a challenge.

This has led us to get exceptionally creative about how we stay cool while camping in the heat.

We have altered schedules – we only go on walks/hikes/adventures in the mornings and evenings when the sun is a little more bearable, we get out of the rig and seek shade or waterfront parking spots at the hottest portion of the day and we, of course, pack up and leave when temperatures get into the high 90s/triple digits.

Image: Jupiter Moon

Keeping pets cool in the summer is especially important considering that pets don’t generally have sweat glands in the same way that humans do, and are more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating. Plus, no one enjoys marinating in the summer heat wearing a fur coat.

If you travel with pets, it feels like a given that you love them like family and want the best for them. That includes keeping them safe and comfortable as they accompany you on your adventures. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for six of my pups’ favorite summer must-haves for making travel bearable during the warmest months of the year.

Every camper will tell you that there’s never a dull moment when you’re camping. Whether you’re visiting a campsite for the first time or reclaiming your beloved spot at the campground you visit every fall, camping is full of adventure.

We wanted to hear your stories, so we asked and you answered! Spark up the campfire, have a seat in your favorite camp chair, grab a beverage, and check out the coolest and craziest things real campers have seen while camping.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

Image: Shutterstock

Lions, tigers, and bears — oh, wait. There aren’t any lion or tiger encounters to share, but there are plenty about bears. It seems one of the most common wildlife animals to run into while camping is none other than a bear.

From thieving bears who steal food, backpacks, and clothing to a mama bear watching over her cubs, these close encounters are just a reminder that we aren’t always camping alone. Of course, practice smart bear safety when camping to keep you and the wildlife safe and unharmed.

“While backpacking in Sequoia [National Park], I came across a mama bear and four cubs. I was about 30-feet away from them but separated by a large log. I watched the cubs play like kittens chasing each other up and down the tree. I sat and watched them for about 30 minutes while mama bear made sure I did not come any closer. It was a real National Geographic moment.” -Bill W.

If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don’t want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably.

Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you’ll find, and they offer a lot for the money. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a tent or want a good beginner RV, a pop-up is a smart way to go.

Shop new and used Pop Up RVs online from Camping World, or read on to learn some advantages of pop-up campers.

1. Pop-Up Campers are Affordable

Of all the RVs out there, the pop-up is by far the most affordable option. This is even true of brand new models, but the used market is an excellent option too. You can often find a used pop-up in good condition for less than $10,000 if you don’t mind a camper with minimal features.

The simplicity of a pop-up camper is what keeps their price tags low, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without amenities. Most pop-ups feature a nice kitchen area with a sink, a dinette, and two queen beds for ample sleeping space.

The smallest of the motorized RV types is the Class B RV. Lately, they’ve surged in popularity among RVers.

Class B Motorhomes are built on cargo van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, or even the Ram ProMaster. They don’t often have slides, so they’re lighter, and they’re typically less than 30 feet long. This makes driving a Class B easier than driving a Class A or Class C RV for some people.

Class B RVs are popular with those who wish to focus on spending more time outside their RV rather than inside, prefer a quick travel pace, or those that adventure out of it rather than live in it full-time. They’re also popular with solo RVers as well as couples who are looking to switch into a rig that may be more comfortably driven by both partners.

As popular as Class B RVs have become, they’re not right for everyone. Motorized RV owners of all ages, might prefer Class As or Class Cs, and RVing with a toad.

So how do you know if a Class B RV is the one to buy? We take a look at the pros and cons of a Class B RV as well as a compromise to help you decide which RV is the one for you.