You know Yellowstone, Acadia, and Yosemite. You also know that those national parks—while beautiful—also come with loads of crowds. Part of the glory of visiting our revered national parks is experiencing the unbounded nature of our country.

If you’re more a nature-seeker and less a people-person—or even if you just want to see some of the most amazing parts of the country that are off the beaten path, here are eight national parks to put a thumbtack in on your map.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

You won’t be getting all the way here in your RV (unless you’ve got some kind of James Bond-level upgrades) because Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of islands nearly 70 miles west off of Key West. If you’re already planning to camp in the Keys, though, it’s a perfect day trip. Take a ferry to the park (it’s a little over two hours by boat). Once you’re there, visit Fort Jefferson—a never-completed Civil War bastion—and dive or snorkel through the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. If you feel like roughing it, you can camp in the one nearby campground, but it’s primitive and its ten first-come, first-served sites fill up fast.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Big Pine Key ResortSunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Not even 100 miles outside of Seattle sits one of the least-visited parks in the country. North Cascades National Park boasts some of America’s most picturesque views. As long as you don’t mind a few bumpy roads—many of the paths into and within the park aren’t maintained—you can camp, even in your RV. Otherwise, the hiking and backpacking, plus canoeing, kayaking, and fishing around the 12,000-acre Ross Lake are popular among travelers.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Maple Grove RV ResortTall Chief RV & Camping Resort

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Though it sounds like a rainforest, Congaree National Park sits in South Carolina and is very much a deciduous forest. In fact, the many hardwoods in the park are some of the tallest in the country—some even the tallest of their known species. A good chunk of the park is pretty swampy, but a 2.4-mile boardwalk rises over the water and lets you hike without getting your feet (or ankles) wet. Of course, if you feel like dipping a toe in, one of the best ways to take in the park is by canoe. There’s no RV camping available in Congaree, but if you like to mix your camping styles up a bit, there are three available primitive campgrounds.

The events of 2020 have affected many things in our daily lives.  One of these is the closure of our borders that separate the U.S.A. and Canada.  The freedom for residents and citizens on both sides to freely cross from one to another has been, for the time being, temporarily interrupted.  Fortunately, commercially shipped goods and authorized essential traffic has been able to maintain flow.

For the majority of the population, staying in place until it is open again is somewhat manageable.  However, for some people, like the Canadian Snowbirds, the managing may be much more difficult.  A great deal of Snowbirds have sold their traditional stick homes years ago and have opted to live in their recreational vehicles.  Many stay in their favorite RV campground in Canada from about April until October at which time they migrate to their pick of locations in the southern regions of the U.S.  This annual migration and following of the sunny warmer weather is repeated year after year.

That all changed on March 21, 2020 allowing Canadians only to cross the border back into their country.  This allowed the season of 2019/20 snowbirds to return home.  But, who would have thought this would last this long? The usual departure date for Canadian snowbirds has long past.  The border crossings are still shut and probably will remain so for a while longer.

This has stranded many Snowbirds from the eastern provinces to the Pacific shores.  Canada’s climate is not really suitable for weathering a winter in an RV with the exception of the lower British Columbia coast, Vancouver Island and the related Gulf Islands.  In addition, there are other locations in lower British Columbia and west of the Rockies that do not get as much snow and cold temperatures as one normally would expect in Canada.  Places like the Okanagan Valley, for example, may provide a winter shelter for some stranded RV full-timers.   While there are many RV parks in these areas, those that remain open for the winter accommodation are normally quite full with domestic full timers from the colder provinces.  This is resulting in many RV owners seeking any port in a storm.  Dry camping in the best Canadian winter climate location may be the best many can hope for.  It may be a long winter!

For the most part recreational vehicles are not targeted by criminal events such as break and enter, component, or entire vehicle theft.  Any of this type of criminal activity is nearly unheard of during the camping season.  This is in part probably due to the vehicles being in use or even on and off throughout the season.  While during the off season, when stored for the winter, some break-ins and theft unfortunately do occur.  However, these are not that common, perhaps due to the low resulted revenue obtained.  After all, they only get maybe a TV and an in-dash radio. all of which may bring a hundred and fifty dollars at best when fenced.  RV wheels, tires, and related components are not targeted as they are from too much a niche market.

Well, all that was back then.  Today bigger dollar bounty has changed all that.  Ever climbing gas prices and large catalytic converters are the spoils that are attracting criminals to RVs.

When it comes to gasoline theft, to the perpetrator a motor home or a twin tank tow vehicle is like a fuel tanker with capacities of 75 to 200 gallons.  At today’s prices hundreds of dollars worth could be stolen in a short time.

The other item that has attracted people to turn thief is the catalytic converter.  These are found on pretty well all automobiles and trucks since their introduction and becoming mandatory in the early seventies.  Due to their containing a small quantity of precious metals in the form of palladium and platinum, theft of these has grown.  They are part of the exhaust system found between the engine and the muffler.  They can be cut off from beneath the vehicle in a matter of minutes.  These can bring hundreds of dollars and often a thousand or more, depending on the size and model.  Larger truck engines may have five times the valuable metals quantity, which of course elevates the price.

Before you hit the road, it’s best to ensure your RV, truck, and boat batteries are in good working order. Otherwise, you risk waiting for a tow truck to get you jump-started. To power an energy-hungry home away from home, RV batteries must reliably perform several jobs.

They not only have to start the engine, but they also run lights, water pumps, heat, appliances, and more. Given this tall order, installing the right batteries and maintaining them properly is imperative to problem-free RV excursions.

Basic RV Battery Terminology

Photo by Camping World

RV, truck, and boat batteries are typically broken into two main uses: starting batteries and house batteries. 

Starting Batteries

The battery used to start and run the engine is referred to as a starting battery. Starting batteries deliver high bursts of power over short periods of time. 

These batteries are rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). CCA is the number of amps the battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts. The power level you need depends on the cranking requirements of your engine. 

The reality of trailer life is that you won’t always have access to shore power. That means you’ll either need a solar panel setup or a portable generator to keep your batteries charged. That’s not all portable generators do though. They also allow you to run larger appliances, like your AC unit. 

When you’re camping in a travel trailer, whether it’s a new travel trailer or a used camper, having a portable generator makes a big difference. That’s because many travel trailers don’t come with built-in generators, as you’ll find on most Class A Diesel RVs. 

Why Choose a Portable Inverter Generator?

An inverter generator provides electrical power you can use in your RV so you can utilize your RV air conditioner and other important features. You can buy non-inverter generators, but the power isn’t the kind you want for RV appliances and household electronics. Make sure you’re looking at an inverter generator and you’ll be good.

What Size Portable Generator Do I Need?

Before purchasing your generator, you should think about the power output you’ll need. If you get by without many electronics, you can probably buy a smaller portable generator. These are generally less expensive and have a lower power output. 

If you have a somewhat high power demand, you’ll need to get a generator that offers a moderate to high power output. These are usually larger in size and come with a higher price tag.

As summer temperatures rise, it’s always a good idea to stay close to cool bodies of water. The following trips keep you close to some of the most beautiful rivers, lakes and streams in North America.

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

Iowa

In Western Iowa, a pair of waterways give boaters and anglers opportunities for fun.

Ride and Fish the Rivers

Explore the Mississippi River from the port city of Davenport in eastern Iowa. Hop on a Channel Cat Water Taxi and ride the river to compelling sights along the banks. On the Illinois side of the river, board the elegant Celebration Belle and sail the Big Muddy in style on a four-hour lunch cruise. There’s also a Broadway and Movie Theme cruise as well as narrated voyages.

As travelers with dogs who are part of our family, we would like to think that all campgrounds welcome dogs. But the fact is, many campgrounds do not welcome our family members with fur.  

If you travel with dogs, like us, you know the unique joy and excitement that our dogs bring to any trip. So finding a dog-friendly campground that our dogs will be happy with is of utmost importance to us. Not only do we do our research ahead of time when planning a trip in an area, but we do our research on the campground we choose.

Finding dog-friendly campgrounds is possible if you know what tools to use.

What Does Your Dog Want in a Campground?

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Just like people, all dogs are different. What one dog is comfortable with and enjoys is different from another dog. This is a serious question to consider before searching for that first dog-friendly campground: What does your dog want in a campground? 

Our dogs Brickle and Digby were certainly different. Brickle likes his space and is protective. A campsite that is more private with adequate space and not noisy is a must for Brickle. Digby enjoyed howling at all times of the day, but especially at dinnertime. A campsite away from others worked best for us. Many campgrounds have quiet hours, so try your best to keep barking to a minimum.

When planning an RV trip, it’s natural to focus on the destination. But many RV enthusiasts often find the journey to be far more exciting. The trick is making the journey exciting for the RIGHT reasons instead of due to unexpected issues.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a weekend warrior, or just bought a new travel trailer, your journey will be smoother once you master hitching and towing. Fortunately, Camping World has everything you need to hitch and tow your RV so you can soak in each mile as you travel toward your dream destination.

Hitch Receivers

Uriah Products Aluma-Tow HD 8″ Drop Ball Mount for 2-1/2″ Receiver

A must-have for anyone towing an RV behind their vehicle, a quality hitch receiver is the connection point between your tow vehicle and your towable RV. Hitch receivers are typically bolted or welded to your tow vehicle and they provide a way to attach the ball mount or other hitch accessories needed to tow.

Choosing the right hitch receiver requires an understanding of RV weight ratings. Hitch receivers are separated into five main categories depending on how much they are rated to tow safely. There are also several types of hitch receivers, but two of the most common are bumper-mounted hitches and gooseneck hitches (common for 5th wheel towing).

You might also find our Towing Calculator useful when selecting the right hitch receiver.

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

There are many scenarios where RV drivers need a spotter’s help. Whether you’re backing up a trailer or navigating a Class A RV in a crowded parking lot, your spotter needs to know how to guide an RV effectively. 

Without a spotter, you risk running into obstacles, denting your RV, or damaging critical components like your AC unit because you couldn’t see overhanging branches or other unforgiving items in your way. 

Spotters and drivers yelling back and forth in any campground can be a daily occurrence. Effective communication is critical when navigating your RV and goes a long way toward protecting your investment. 

So let’s discuss some tips to help spotters more effectively guide both motorized and towable RVs. 

On the banks of the Arkansas River in the heart of the Sunflower State, the city now known as Wichita has served as a crossroads for travelers ranging from Native Americans to high-powered aviation pioneers. Today, the largest town in Kansas celebrates trailblazers, with restaurants, museums and art galleries that express the town’s dynamic sense of adventure and accomplishment. Walking and biking trails are plentiful throughout the city and the waterfront, and sports fans can cheer for everything from a professional Double-A baseball team to minor league hockey to a flat track roller derby league. But Wichita hasn’t lost touch with its trading post roots, lovingly preserving its rough-and-tumble past.

Come Fly with Me

Discover how Wichita, “Air Capital of the World,” helped end World War II. This was where nearly 1,650 Boeing Superfortress bombers were built — the most B-29s manufactured during WWII. A restored B-29 can be seen at the Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center at Eisenhower National Airport. “Doc” is one of only two B-29s still airworthy and visitors can pay for the ride of a lifetime in this rare warbird. Once you’ve touched down, soar into the Kansas Aviation Museum with three floors of aerial displays and learn why Kansas manufactured 67% of all general aviation aircraft in the world.

Located within the Historic Airport Terminal, the museum also devotes exhibits to Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart, the dashing aviator heroes of the 20s and 30s who set records and frequently landed in Wichita.

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Tailgating in an RV is one of the best way to enjoy the sports or racing seasons. Whether it’s a home game or away, we can all agree that RVs have a tendency to take things to the next level!

Three Cheers for the Home-Away-From-Home Team — RVs

Fans tailgating at NHR in Concord, NC. (Image: Camping World)

Tailgating in an RV means you have all the amenities and comforts of home. Here are a few features of an RV to use to amp up your next tailgating event.

The RV Kitchen

Pack up the coolers, utensils and condiments and start dreaming up the ultimate tailgating menu. You can grill outside or bake inside — your meal and your preparation options are nearly endless thanks to your RV’s indoor and outdoor kitchen setups.

Image: Camping World

The RV Bathroom

If you’ve tailgated before then you know how valuable having a personal RV bathroom nearby is. No more missing out on the fun while standing in line for 30 minutes at the port-a-potties. You won’t miss a minute of the action or the fun. But beware of others wanting to use your RV bathroom too. If you plan to allow it, have hand sanitizer available and a patio mat or rug so people don’t track mud, sand, or dirt on your RV flooring.

RV Tailgating at Country Jam Music Festival (Image: Camping World)

The RV as Shelter

You can bring the party inside when inclement weather crashes the parking lot party. Inside the RV, you’ll have a TV that allows you to watch other games before the big game starts. Many people even decide to the game from their RV versus buying expensive stadium tickets.

Traveling with our pets adds to the experience of any destination. We can see the world through their eyes and our pets can teach us many lessons about travel. They teach us to slow down and notice the little things. They teach us to take it all in. They teach us that life is meant to be lived to the fullest every day!

But traveling with pets adds an extra layer of responsibility while on the road. We have to ensure their safety at all times, and that includes the temperature inside our RV. The reality is that pets can suffer from overheating and heat stroke. But with a little preparation and planning, we can have peace of mind that we are doing all we can to ensure a safe and comfortable RV temperature.

Regulating the Temperature Inside Your RV

Image: Camping World

One of the biggest dangers to our pets that travel with us in an RV is overheating due to high temperatures, or the dangers of freezing temperatures due to cold weather. None of us would leave our pets alone in the sun during summer or in the snow during winter. Although your RV is a home on wheels with a completely different environment than a regular house, it is still a home that your pets will live in.

As pet parents, we must protect our pets at all costs. But how do we know what RV temperatures are safe for our pets? How can we make preparations to ensure their safety? After over six years on the road with our dogs, we have learned many lessons. Some lessons we have learned from mistakes, but when it comes to RV temperatures, there isn’t any room for mistakes — one mistake can be fatal. 

Protecting Your Pets on the Road

Image: Camping World

On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car or RV can soar to 100 degrees in minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes. Pets cannot sweat like we do, they can only rely on panting to cool themselves. 

Camping in an RV presents endless opportunities for people to have unique journeys around the globe. There are different levels of camping and adventures, but each requires a baseline of essentials to ensure that you and your group are always safe. Having critical camping gear or a camping “kit” is the best way to go!

Having emergency / essential supplies provides peace of mind and security to any travel environment. Most adventures require you to rely on yourself in some capacity, so having these essentials empowers you to take control of your situation and survive no matter what.

Some essentials can be carried with you, while others are tools, systems, or components that work with your RV. There are survival levels, so it is important to be ready for all of them, even if it is just fixing an AC on a hot day. Essential is essential.

Tools of the (Camping) Trade

Image: Samantha Baderschneider

Critical gear starts with ensuring your equipment works or can be fixed. A toolbox composed of electrical tape, wrenches, screwdrivers, superglue, self-tapping screws, tinsnips/wire cutters, white lithium or lubricant, and a carpenters knife will cover most jobs that may arise.

Ensure that your tools fit the bolts or screws in your RV, and you will be ready to tackle most jobs. Come to expect minor repairs. For example, lights fall, jackets rip, and leaf springs rattle loose. Good preventative maintenance is one of your best defenses against a crisis or significant problem.

Dealing with RV waste isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. If you haven’t learned how to empty your RV’s holding tanks, start there. But if you’re comfortable with how RV waste systems work, you may want to know what an RV tote tank is and why you might need one. 

What is an RV Tote Tank?

Photo by Camping World

An RV tote tank is a portable waste tank. It allows you to empty the contents of your RV’s holding tanks to the nearest dump station without transporting your entire RV. It’s a popular option for full-time RVers who aren’t always at campgrounds with full hookups, especially campers that tow travel trailers and fifth wheels. 

RV tote tanks come in varying sizes, but most are smaller than your RV holding tanks. That means you may need to make multiple trips to completely empty your tanks. Tote tanks are useful for extending your trip a few more days before it’s time to move your recreational vehicle. 

What are the Pros and Cons of RV Tote Tanks?

Photo by Camping World

There are definite benefits to the ability to dispose of your black and grey water without moving your RV, but there are also some considerations. Let’s look at them closely:

Advantages of RV Tote Tanks

Tote tanks expand your campground options to parks without full hookups.Tote tanks save you money by providing the option to boondock or camp at sites with fewer amenities.Tote tanks help dispose of holding tank waste without hitching up and moving your RV.Tote tanks can extend your stays when camping off-grid.

Disadvantages of an RV Portable Waste Tank

Tote tanks need storage space when it’s not in useTote tanks may need multiple trips to the dump site because the capacity is less than your RV’s holding tanks.

Why You Might Need an RV Tote Tank?

Photo by Camping World

RV tote tanks are great for many reasons. First off, always finding RV parks with full hookups isn’t a reality of RV life for everyone. If you’re a weekend warrior, you probably don’t need an RV tote tank because you’re either camping at full hookup sites or staying for such a short amount of time that hitting a dump station on the way home isn’t too much trouble. 

Get all the space you need and more when you take home a Highland Ridge travel trailer with 4 slides! These incredible travel trailers are packed full of amenities and features that will keep you and your entire family comfortable no matter how long you plan to stay! Learn more about four of our favorite floorplans below.

You’ll love traveling with this RV in tow!

2022 Highland Ridge Mesa Ridge MR330BHS

You won’t want to pass up this deal going on right now! You can save over $20,000 on this Highland Ridge Mesa Ride MR330BHS travel trailer that features a bunkhouse and a private master bedroom. Additionally, the interior gives you ample floor space because of the four slides outs!

Additional Features:

Front Private BedroomRear Private BunkhouseKitchen IslandDual Entry BathroomOutside KitchenCheck out this massive seating area!

2022 Highland Ridge Open Range OT338BHS

Sleeping for seven and two outdoor awnings are just a couple of the features you’re going to love about the Highland Ridge Open Range OT338BHS travel trailer. There’s a full and a half bath on board to ensure everyone has space to get ready for the day, and you’ll love that the outdoor kitchen makes it easy to cook around the campfire! Plan your next multi-family vacation in this amazing travel trailer!

Additional Features:

So, you want to buy your family an RV? Awesome! RV ownership and all that comes with it can be one of the most rewarding things you can do.

By buying an RV you’ll learn new skills, travel to breathtaking locations, and show your family all that this great country has to offer. There are state parks, national parks, lakefront campsites, and so much more.

Before you hit the open road though, you’ll need to purchase your RV. Where do you start when shopping for an RV? I thought you’d never ask.

1. Start at the Kitchen Table

Image from Getty

It might sound kind of odd, but you should really start at your kitchen table. You need to sit down with your family, specifically your spouse or significant other, to go over your finances and potential budget to determine what you can afford. Snacks are optional, but one thing should be mandatory: don’t go into the RV buying process without knowing what you can easily afford.

You should have a full dollar amount that you feel comfortable paying for the RV and a monthly amount that you can easily afford. If you’re taking out a loan to buy the RV (the vast majority of buyers choose to finance an RV purchase) then you need to make sure you have a number that you can pay each month without putting needless strain on your family.

Have you recently retired (or are about to) and are ready to buy an RV so you can spend your retirement exploring the open road? If so, you’ve probably had some worries over what RV is the best fit for your lifestyle.

We’re here to help! First, there are a few questions to ask yourself to narrow down which RV is the best RV for all the adventures up ahead in your retirement.

How Will You Use the RV?

Image: Mike Wendland

This is the most important question you need to answer before buying an RV. How you use your RV determines the best type of RV for you. Here are some typical scenarios and the implications to consider when searching for the best RV:

Will you be fulltime RVers? If so, you’ll want enough room and features to truly make it your home on wheels. That means slides for extra elbow room, maybe a washer and dryer, and higher-end residential-sized appliances. An RV over 30 feet is a comfortable size here.Will you be frequent but not full-time RVers? If so, you can get by with something a bit smaller. Since you presumably will still have a sticks-and-bricks home to return to, the RV doesn’t have to be fully equipped. You will be traveling enough that slides and space are still important, but an RV between 25-30 feet should be sufficient.Will you travel mostly on holidays and weekends? In this scenario, the RV will be used to get to a destination, stay a short time, then get back home. You can go for mid-grade and mid-size. Comfortable but lightweight, maneuverable, and in the 19-25 foot range will meet your needs.

Where Will You be Staying?

Image: Mike Wendland

These are also important qualifying questions. Will your camping mostly be in…:

Campgrounds, state parks, and RV resorts? If so, you’ll almost always be plugged in for shore power. That means you can bypass expensive lithium batteries and a rooftop full of solar panels.Boondocking? Conversely, boondocking is off the grid, usually in remote and wild places. Solar power and lithium batteries will be important features to have so you can power lights and RV systems.Moochdocking? Moochdocking is sometimes called driveway camping, meaning you’re staying on the property of friends and relatives. Solar and lithium are still important but not as much as they are for off-the-grid campers.

What Can You Afford?

Image: Mike Wendland

Only you can answer that, of course. But here are two things to consider:

Make sweet vacation memories at Candy Hill Campground in Winchester, Virginia. Sitting in the Shenandoah Valley, Candy Hill serves as the perfect base camp for exploring a region known for its lush rolling hills, apple orchards and award-winning wineries. Folks who prefer to stay local can relax and enjoy the ample amenities and activities of the campground. Also, Civil War History and rugged hiking trails are on the menu in this northern Virginia destination.

History and Hiking, Above and Below

Visiting history buffs will discover a bounty of Civil War battlefields. Twenty minutes from Candy Hill Campground, the Cedar Creek Battlefield preserves the spot where Confederate forces surprised sleeping Union troops on an early October morning in 1864. In Luray Caverns to the south, visitors can walk through the cathedral-like rooms of the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Adjacent to the caverns, the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum showcases vehicles that transported people over the past century. Marvel at towering rock columns formed over the course of millions of years.

Hikers will be glad to know that Winchester is a short drive from access points to the Appalachian Trail. The Trails at the Museum of Shenandoah Valley constitutes a network of short, kid-friendly paths with some great art installations along the way. Advanced hikers will find thrilling vistas on Signal Knob, a 10.7-mile trek in the George Washington National Forest. This hike culminates on Signal Knob Overlook, once a Confederate lookout.

Candy Hill Campground also sits just 27 miles away from Shenandoah National Park. The sweeping expanse of land preserves 200,000 acres of a landscape dotted with rocky promontories, fields of wildflowers and bubbling streams. Take a hike to the rock formation known as Old Rag, which dishes out a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Ascend the 4,000-foot-tall Stony Man mountain for even more stellar vistas.