WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Life is better at the lake! It’s true. The Midwest is home to hundreds of thousands of them, and this year, we should all make an effort to go lake camping. Four of the five Great Lakes are in middle America including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron.

Whether you want to relax at the beach, go fishing, stand up paddleboarding, or cruise around on a pontoon boat, you can enjoy more time on the lake while camping at affordable Good Sam Campgrounds. Good Sam Club members save 10 percent off the nightly RV site rate at over 2,000 campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada.

Here are six small-town midwestern lake trips you need to make in 2022. 

1. Cooper Creek Resort & Campground – Branson, Missouri

Cooper Creek Resort & Campground (Image: Good Sam)

Enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks at Cooper Creek Resort and Campground. Cooper Creek is the best of the woods and water with 14 acres of forest surrounded by beautiful Lake Taneycomo. Branson, Missouri is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World with its live theater shows and theme park, but it’s also a nature lover’s paradise.

Cooper Creek Resort is home to 22 cabins and 72 full hook-up campsites. While camping, you’ll undoubtedly want to check out Lake Taneycomo, a reservoir on the White River in the Ozark Mountains. It’s a diverse multi-species lake. Hire one of their fishing guides and cast your line for rainbow and brown trout as well as crappie and bass. If you’re up for a sunset cruise around the lake, check out the different boat rentals or bring your own boat and rent a slip.

Whenever you’re planning a getaway, you’ll want to do so without worrying that your campers are going to feel crowded. Traveling with one of these mid-bunk RV floorplans will help you to make your dreams of RV adventures with your entire crew come true. Learn more about the top seven mid-bunkhouse RVs below.

Find more luxury fifth wheels at RVingPlanet.com.

Crossroads Cameo CE3961MB

Multi-family vacations are a great way to spend time away from home with the ones you love. When you travel in a CrossRoads Cameo CE3961MB fifth wheel, you’ll have all the space you need to give your friends and family the space they need. This floorplan offers two bedrooms and a loft so that you can sleep up to eight comfortably.

Additional Features:

Two BedroomsKitchen IslandLoftRear Living AreaOutside KitchenExternal Docking StationThis entertainment center is excellent for family movie nights.

Dutchmen Astoria 3553MBP

Today, save over $39,000 on this Dutchmen Astoria 3553MBP fifth wheel with a loft bed and a mid-bunkhouse. This floor plan offers dual opposing slides in the living room with a kitchen island and stainless steel appliances. You’ll find that the multi-purpose room is ideal for giving your family plenty of space during your stay.

Additional Features:

Recently, the RV lifestyle has seen an increase of people jumping at the opportunity to hit the road and become part of the RV community. With RVs now offering more of the comforts of home than ever before, it’s not a surprise to see so many taking the path less traveled in the spirit of adventure.

Among the comforts included in RVs these days are RV washers and dryers. While it may be tempting to leave the laundry until you get home, the ability to do a load or two during your journey is a lifesaver.

Plus, with the RV washers and dryers available today, the chore isn’t nearly as cumbersome as it sounds! Here’s everything you wanted to know about RV washers and dryers.

RV Washer & Dryer Types

Image: Shutterstock

While there are alternatives to doing laundry in your RV, like campground facilities and laundromats, nothing beats the convenience of having your own washer and dryer. You can fit laundry into your lifestyle instead of planning your excursions around the necessity of spending half a day at a laundromat.

When it comes to RV washers and dryers, there are three types: portable, stackable, and combo models. Depending on the type and class of your RV, one of these options will suit your needs.

RV life is much more comfortable when your RV air conditioner works efficiently. A functional AC unit is also essential for keeping the temperature inside your RV safe for pets and humans, especially in hot and humid climates.

Like all RV appliances, your AC unit requires you, the RV owner or renter, to operate and maintain it properly. This guide will teach you the basics of air conditioner use and maintenance by answering the most commonly asked questions about RV air conditioners. 

How to Use an RV Air Conditioner

Photo by Camping World

The basics of safe AC operation begin with ensuring you have ample power supply to run your air conditioner. Before moving on, let’s answer a few questions: 

Can You Run an RV Air Conditioner on 30-amp Power?

If your RV requires 30-amp service, that will be enough to run your RV air conditioner. If your RV has multiple AC units, you’ll likely need 50-amp service to run both (or all) units. If your RV requires a 50-amp service, you may be able to use a 30-amp adapter to run a single air conditioning unit, but not multiple.

Your best bet for safely running your RV’s air conditioner is connecting to the electrical service your RV is designed for.

Tiny but mighty! Smaller RVs are becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts as tiny living continues to trend upwards. Whether you’re in the market for your first RV or want to downsize from your current one, there are several RVs that marry the RV lifestyle and tiny living — good things really do come in smaller packages.

What is a Small RV?

A small RV is typically less than 30 feet in length. There are both drivable and towable RVs that fall into the small RV category, so you have plenty of options. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean they lack amenities. In fact, many of the features like bathrooms, sleeping spaces, and kitchens can still be found inside a smaller RV.

Demetrius and family outside a Coleman RV, camping in the Finger Lakes.

Small Class A RVs

Starting with the largest of the small, Class A RVs often dominate when it comes to size. However, if you want to go smaller without changing class, check out these small Class A motorhomes.

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS (Image: Coachmen)

Packed with all the features expected from larger RVs, the Pursuit 27XPS is the perfect RV if you’re looking to downsize a little, but not all at once.

Pursuit 27XPS Specifications

RVing with my dog makes every day more fun. But if she got sick in a campground or on the road, we’ve got problems. Staffing shortages in the veterinary field are making it harder than ever to get pets into a clinic—especially when you’re visiting unfamiliar areas. This doesn’t mean you need to leave your adventure pets home. But you should know what to expect if your cat or dog needs care on the road, and how to avoid urgent care visits in the first place.

RVing Pets and Current Vet Care Obstacles

Like many industries, veterinary clinics have a huge staffing shortage problem right now. As a result, most practices are not taking new patients. If they do, it often means waiting for weeks to see a vet for non-urgent matters. And when things do get serious, emergency clinics manage clients by queuing them up in the clinic parking lot. Waits can be seven or eight hours just to get a pet into the clinic.

This is a huge traveling pets health care issue that didn’t hit home with me until July, when we adopted Nellie. She is our first dog since 2020, and she came to us with some health issues that needed attention. As full-time RVers since 2007, we thought we knew how to get great vet care on the road.

Getting Vet Care for RVing Pets is Totally Different Today

Before the pandemic, the biggest challenge was to locate a high quality, accredited veterinary clinic near us. Sometimes we traveled directly to a veterinary teaching hospital for serious pet health issues. We almost always got an appointment when we wanted, where we wanted.

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Glamping is the name of the game at Yosemite Pines in Groveland, California. Bring your own RV or rent a luxurious Conestoga wagon, enjoy a cabin, chill in a yurt or opt for a retro trailer as your preferred choice for a unique adventure. Grab the family or friends and make a reservation in August, taking advantage of one of our Specials at Yosemite Pines!

A television reporter with a Sacramento ABC affiliate recently enjoyed camping in a Conestoga wagon at the campground and he shared his experiences here.

Yosemite National Park’s west entrance is approximately a 22-mile scenic drive away! Fill your days with hiking, strolling, biking, paddling, fishing or just enjoying those breathtaking, awe-inspiring views throughout the park. Make your park entry reservation at www.recreation.gov; it is good for three consecutive days beginning with the day of arrival reserved and includes one vehicle and all occupants. Remember, this year, a reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park.

Upgrading your sleeping space is an excellent way to make camping a better experience for everyone. If you are looking for RVs with king beds, we’re here to show you six of our favorite floorplans on sale today. See all the ins and outs of these incredible options and pick the best fit for your needs today!

Find more luxury fifth wheels for sale near you!

Dutchmen Yukon 321FL

The dual opposing slides throughout this Dutchmen Yukon 321FL fifth wheel ensure you have plenty of living space to enjoy. You’ll find that the walk-through bathroom makes the best use of your space, giving you a large bathroom to get ready in the mornings. There are two fireplaces throughout the RV to ensure you can stay cozy no matter when you go camping.

Additional Features:

Walk-Through BathShower with a SeatKitchen IslandTwo FireplacesKing BedSolid-Surface CountertopsThe fireplace helps to eliminate that bit of chill on cold nights.

Coachmen Mirada 315KS

Long-distance adventures just got easier with the Coachmen Mirada 315KS class A motorhome. This unit is easy to drive; you’ll look forward to how comfortable the cock pit is, thanks to the captain’s chairs, touchscreen controls, and more. The living space in this RV provides you with a spacious kitchen, plenty of seating, and a TV on a lift so that it stores neatly away when not in use.

Additional Features:

Learning how to work on your RV has many benefits, including saving you time when you’d otherwise be waiting to schedule an appointment at an RV service center. Of course, there are certain maintenance tasks you should know how to do yourself and others that require more expertise. 

Figuring out how to install an RV roof vent isn’t rocket science. But it also needs to be done correctly to prevent roof leaks and water damage to your RV’s interior. Here’s everything you need to know about RV roof vents. 

What is an RV Roof Vent?

Photo by Camping World

An RV roof vent is essentially a hole in your RV’s roof. Don’t be alarmed when you do an RV roof inspection, however, as this hole is intentional. RV roof vents are typically square and the opening is protected by a screen and a vent cover. Some also have a fan component between the lid and the screen. 

Why Have an RV Roof Vent?

Photo by Camping World

Airflow is important for comfortable RV living. In addition to your AC unit, roof vents promote healthy airflow throughout your RV’s living space. Good airflow prevents mold and mildew in hot, humid climates, assists with temperature control, and keeps undesirable bathroom and kitchen odors from lingering. 

RV roof vents also let natural light into your RV’s interior. While they aren’t as effective as the skylight in most RV bathrooms, they’re still useful in lighting up your space during the day. Of course, there are roof vent shade accessories you can install if you want to reduce that allowance of natural light. 

National parks get a lot of love in the United States. They also get a lot of crowds and a lot of expensive entry fees. State parks, on the other hand, offer a glimpse into a state’s own, personal views of beauty and nature. Here are ten that you should put on your list as you’re planning your next getaway.

Lime Kiln Point State Park, Washington

In the upper, can’t-really-get-much-farther-northwest corner of Washington State, there sit the San Juan Islands. They’re known as a great vacation spot for the beauty that comes with the Pacific Northwest. Lime Kiln Point State Park, a daytime-use park, is a favorite spot among travelers to catch a view of Orcas, Gray Whales, sea lions, porpoises, and other sea life. Best of all, ferries can take your RV (with size restrictions, obviously) across the water to the island.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Burnaby Cariboo RV ParkLa Conner Marina & RV ParkBirch Bay Resort – Thousand Trails

Adirondack Park, New York

Perhaps more forest preserve than state park, Adirondack Park is unique in that a bulk of the land is privately held—albeit strictly controlled by the Adirondack Park Agency. That said, the park contains multiple towns and villages. It’s particularly well known for its stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, especially in the fall. Plus, there’s a significant chance you catch sight of a moose, black bear, or a number of other critters that call the area home.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Lake George Riverview CampgroundKing Phillips CampgroundLedgeview RV Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Some state parks do get their share of love, and one of those is Fall Creek Falls State Park. In the heart of Tennessee, it’s got a total of six waterfalls across its 26,000 acres, including one that’s so spectacular (it drops 256 feet) they named the park after it. This park is somewhat of a resort, and also offers golfing, a pool, and tennis courts, in addition to amazing hiking and fishing. Plus, you can go for a nice, cool dip in some of the many swimming holes.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Whispering Falls RV ParkSpacious Skies Belle RidgeBigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground

Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Ever wish you could walk across the Mississippi River? Crazy though it seems, it’s possible. You just have to go up north to Itasca State Park in Minnesota, where shallow water begins its journey down to the Gulf of Mexico. Itasca is the country’s second-oldest state park and draws thousands of visitors every year to wade roughly 30 feet across the headwaters. After you’ve done that, you can hike or ride a bike through the rest of the 32,000-acre park.

Get a taste of Germany in America’s Midwest. Located in the heart of the Wolverine State, Frankenmuth celebrates its ties to the old country in a big way; in fact, the town’s nickname is Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Looking for great Oktoberfest celebrations? You’ve come to the right place, but don’t limit yourself to the fall Teutonic celebration. Every season gives you a reason to visit Frankenmuth.

German Origins

The area’s German roots are apparent just about everywhere you look in Frankenmuth. Shop for European goods in the Bavarian Inn Castle, learn how to roll an authentic Bavarian pretzel at a local bakery and sample hops from the many breweries in town. The Frankenmuth Brewery is a great place to start; it opened in 1862, making it the oldest brewery in Michigan, and it continues serving tall steins of golden goodness. You can view the town from a pedal-powered trolley or take a walking tour to see the sights.

Cruising the Cass

Launch a kayak or canoe for a trip down the Cass River, close to town. You might even be able to paddle under the Holz Brucke (German for “wooden bridge”) Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Michigan and a prime example of Bavarian craftsmanship and design. For an old-timey sample of Bavarian charms from the water, step aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. The authentic stern-driven paddlewheeler operates one-hour historical tours on the bucolic waterway.

It’s a thought that every RV enthusiast has at some point — to sell or not to sell. If you’re asking yourself that question and have decided that the time has come to sell your RV, don’t panic. You’re in good company. Selling can be an adventure, often just as exciting as the adventures you’ve been on in that exact RV you want to sell.

Many RV owners decide to go through a dealer when selling their RV, using a process called RV consignment. It’s a process that has become popular since the RV owner doesn’t have to handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork that often come along with selling an RV. Waiting for the ideal buyer to come along can be a time-consuming and somewhat stressful experience.

With consignment, all of those boxes are checked on your behalf!

The Camping World Consignment Process

Image: Shutterstock

Camping World’s consignment program involves a professional sales team that partners with a vast national dealer network, together they take the initiative to sell your RV as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The goal? To get you the most cash as possible for your RV. By marketing the RV through the most heavily trafficked RV marketplaces in the world, you can rest assured that your RV is in good hands.

The consignment process is easy, straightforward, and hassle-free! In fact, it can be explained in six easy steps:

Is there anything more rewarding after a day of adventures than a nice meal around the table? Maybe a shower, but that’s a different conversation. Returning to the campsite to share good food and great memories around a comfortable camping table is one of the best parts of camping.

Many RV enthusiasts overlook the benefits of a folding camping table. Fortunately, it’s an easily avoidable mistake. Hopping from campsite to campsite doesn’t require forgoing the luxury of dining at a table with your favorite people.

Here are the best reasons to pack a folding camping table in your RV.

Folding Camping Tables are Convenient

Image: Camping World

The ease of setting your folding camping table up anywhere is one of its biggest perks, but there are other reasons why these tables are super convenient.

Whether you need a surface for family game night, extra space for prepping meals, room to spread out crafts, or any other reason where a table comes in handy, a folding table makes camping easier. Simply unfold and set up and you have an instant flat surface for all your needs.

When our family started to travel in an RV with our pets, we had no idea the fun that was in store for us. The RV life changed us for the better and, we hope, made us better dog parents. But along the way, and in every state and probably on every highway, we have made many mistakes.

Some mistakes you just have to learn for yourself, but other mistakes can be avoided when it comes to RVing with your dog. Preparation, flexibility, and a sense of humor have to be packed just like the snacks! Yes, please don’t forget the snacks when RVing with your dog. Lesson learned. But there are many more mistakes we have made in over six years of RV life with our dogs.

Don’t make these mistakes like we did!

Not Checking a Campground’s Dog Policies 

Image: Rachael Johnson

I did not realize that there are some campgrounds that simply do not allow dogs. In addition, many campgrounds have breed restrictions, weight restrictions, and the number of pets allowed in your RV. Read the small print, and if in doubt, ask.

After driving all day, it is a horrible feeling to know you are not welcome once you arrive and have to leave. We have found that state parks, national parks, and county parks are more accommodating for dogs. If you are staying at a private park, it is extremely important that you are aware of their dog policies.

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Learn other ways to get the most out of your RV by subscribing to our Camping World YouTube channel.

An RV without a battery is…well, it’s still an RV, but with fewer amenities than you’d want. RV batteries keep your unit’s electrical features functioning properly, so it’s important to keep your battery in optimal condition.

So let’s highlight a few ways to safely ensure your battery is operating at capacity, from troubleshooting to charging. 

Where is Your RV Battery?

Photo by Camping World

Depending on your RV type, your battery (or batteries) will be located in different areas. Here’s a quick breakdown of general locations, but remember this may vary slightly for different makes and models: 

On RVs: Inside the engine compartment, not to be confused with your engine battery. Motorized RVs usually have two batteries (an engine battery and a house, or coach, battery). Consult your owner’s manual to differentiate the two. On Travel Trailers and Small Campers: On the tongue near the propane cylinders.  On Fifth Wheels: In a battery compartment accessible by opening a door on the side or front of the unit.

How to Test your RV Battery

Photo by Camping World

If certain electrical systems on your RV aren’t functioning as expected, you’ll need to check your battery’s voltage. To do this, you’ll need a volt meter, and you’ll need to switch it to the Volts DC setting. 

If you have a motorhome or a towable and you’ve selected your first destination, you’re officially ready to pack up for some serious fun. The biggest challenge when camping for the first time is deciding what to pack without overloading your RV with unnecessary items and camping gear you may not use.

RVs give you the freedom to bring a lot more than you could when car camping. But you need to be careful not to exceed your camper’s weight ratings. Follow these RV packing tips to save space, time, and stress when you pack for your first camping trip.

First Things First – Gear Testing and Preparation

Photo by Camping World

Before you randomly start loading things into your RV, play around with your gear in the backyard. Get comfortable with pitching your tent, explore the features of your camping cooler, and test out a meal or two on your portable grill.

By testing out your gear in your own backyard before reaching the campsite, you can maximize setup time when you arrive. Who doesn’t love saving time? Especially when there is plenty of adventure ahead on your RV trip.

During this phase, consider how your gear will fit into RV storage compartments. Loading smaller gear into storage bins or containers saves space and keeps your gear organized so you don’t have loose items moving around when you’re in transit.

RV camping is already a significant upgrade from tent camping and sleeping on the ground. But once you experience the comfort and ease of a traditional RV, it’s only natural to consider RVs with even more luxurious amenities. 

All RVs can be your home away from home, but few can turn heads like the best luxury RVs. Luxury RVs offer the chance to explore in style, with posh living spaces and unique amenities you won’t find on other campers.

If you’re looking for an RV that redefines glamping, luxury motorhomes and towables can’t be ignored. So let’s explore whether they’re the right option for you. 

What is a Luxury RV?

Photo by Camping World

Luxury RVs aren’t necessarily defined by RV types. For example, there are luxury fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, and all types of motorized RVs. Some of their common traits include: 

Spacious floorplans, usually with multiple slide-outsTop-of-the-line, plush RV furniturePremium construction materials and componentsResidential appliancesUnique amenities (rooftop lounges, fish tanks, underbelly vehicle storage, etc.)

In addition, many RVs that are built to go off-road fall into the luxury category. This is because they must feature higher-grade construction than traditional RVs, as well as include amenities like solar panels, upgraded suspension and shock absorption, and higher ground clearance. 

Biking is one of the best ways to explore once you’ve set up your RV basecamp. Whether you’re exploring trails in the national parks or biking downtown to check out the local cuisine, transporting a bike on your RV expands your travel options once you reach your destination. 

But, it can seem daunting to get your bikes loaded onto your recreational vehicle and transported safely. The good news is that RV bike racks are made for all types of RVs, and you’re in the perfect place to find which type is right for you. 

Why Get a Bike Rack for an RV?

Photo by Camping World

If you have a motorized RV, you could always secure your bikes inside while traveling between destinations. And we’ve certainly known owners of new and used travel trailers that transport bikes in the bed of their tow vehicle or on a roof rack. 

Toy haulers are perhaps the easiest because they have a garage that can be used for gear storage. But fifth wheels make it tough because the pin box takes up so much space in your truck bed, and your 5th wheel cap needs room to pivot as you go around corners. 

While there are ways to transport bikes without a rack, here are the major benefits of RV bike racks: