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An RVer’s Guide To Washington, D.C.

Tom Sperner — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:18:21 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Going to Washington, D.C. is an incredible experience. Traveling there in an RV can make it even more amazing — if you know how to do it right. In this article, I’ll help you choose where to stay based on your needs and give you tips and tricks on how to best enjoy our nation’s capital in an RV rental (or your own rig, if you have one).

Where To Park Your RV In Washington, D.C.

There are a few things to consider when deciding on where to stay in Washington, D.C. It’s important to consider:

- Proximity to the city — where is your campsite located?
- Proximity to activities — what kind of things do you want to do?
- What kind RV or camper do you have? How big is your RV rental or tow vehicle?

If you’re visiting the city for only a day in a small RV rental, consider parking in the city. There is an oversized parking lot located at Union Station that allows smaller RVs and vans to park overnight. It’s a simple solution that’s right in the heart of the city! For those of us with larger RVs who want to spend more than a day in the city, there really aren’t any good options inside the city limits. But don’t let that discourage you! There are plenty of options quite close to the city.

My RV Park Of Choice: Cherry Hill Park

If you’re looking for a pleasant and convenient RV park close to Washington, I recommend Cherry Hill Park. Photo credit: Cherry Hill Park

If you want to stay as close to the city as possible and spend an entire weekend exploring the downtown area, I recommend Cherry Hill Park. This is the closest campground to the city and also the largest. They accommodate many types of rigs and offer a bus shuttle to the Metro, which is how you can catch the subway into the city. Cherry Hill Park is my go-to choice, as I love the city life and but don’t want to drive through busy city streets. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a 40-foot Class A, you’ll have a hard time parking in the city — your best bet is to use public transportation like this campground offers.

More RV Campgrounds Near Washington, D.C.

Greenbelt Park is close to the city, but feels like a world away. Photo credit: NPS

Capitol KOA Capital KOA is about 30 miles outside of the city in Millersville, Maryland. If you’re thinking about visiting Baltimore or Annapolis as well, then this is the place for you. During the summer, there is a shuttle that will take you to Washington, D.C. That makes it a great option if you have a large truck or don’t want to drive into the city. Greenbelt Park Greenbelt Park is great if you’re trying to be as close as possible to the capital, but you still want a true camping experience. It’s only about 15 minutes from downtown, but has miles of hiking trails and wooded campsites to enjoy. The nearest Metro station is only about three miles away and a taxi or Uber can help you get there if you don’t feel like walking.

Getting To Washington, D.C.

As stated above, some RV campgrounds have options to help you get into the city. For those that don’t, there are a few options available to you: 1. Drive into the city. This can be stressful, so I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone. I personally love cities and enjoy the “hustle and bustle,” so navigating downtown isn’t too bad for me. I’ve driven through the best and the worst of New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Nashville. But driving yourself around a new city can be tricky and isn’t for the faint of heart. I highly recommend saving yourself the heartache and using public transportation.

Take the Metro to avoid traffic and save your legs for walking around downtown.

2. Take Public Transportation If you’re not a city dweller, it’s easy to forget how convenient public transport can be. Washington, D.C. has a large and extensive subway system — I love taking the Metro when I have the whole day to explore. There is also a bus system to help get you around. 3. Take a cab, Uber or Lyft. This is a better option than the Metro when you only have a few hours to sightsee, or when you’re just tired of walking.

Getting Around Downtown D.C.

Once you are downtown, there are four main ways to get around: 1. Walk This is my preferred method. I’m one of those tourists that just can’t stop staring at things. I explore really slowly and like to plan only a few things a day so I can really savor the experience. If you choose this option, wear proper shoes and stay hydrated. Remember that you could walk more than 5 miles in just one day of sightseeing. Whether you’re pedaling around on your own bike or rented wheels, biking is a great way to see the city. Photo credit: Capital Bikeshare 2. Bring or rent a bike Bikeshares have popped up in cities all over the country in the last few years. Instead of taking a cab or walking, consider renting a bike in the city from the Capital Bikeshare. There are literally hundreds of bike stations around the city, so finding one isn’t hard. It’s only $8 for a 24-hour pass. Of course, one of the great things about RVing is that you can bring things like bikes with you on your trip — plan ahead and bring some along to explore the city. This is a great option if you’re expecting to cover a lot of miles in the downtown area all at once. It’s going to save you time and energy, so you can get back to the campground with just enough stamina to make those nightly s’mores. 3. Take a guided tour

A guided tour is a great way to see a new city.

This option is great for RVers who don’t really have a set plan on where to go or what to do once they get downtown. When my brother visited D.C. for the first time, he only had one day and wanted to see as much as possible. He decided on a segway tour and was not disappointed. Washington D.C. has great segway and trolley tours that make it super easy to see the best of what our nation’s capital has to offer. 4. Take a taxi or rideshare Sometimes you just need to get from point A to point B without stopping for sightseeing along the way. This could be because the weather is bad or you have cranky kids in tow. Whatever the reason, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made catching a ride easier than ever. And of course, there’s always good old-fashioned taxi cabs!

Things To Do In Washington, D.C.

When you think of our capital, you probably think of the historic downtown area around the National Mall. And for good reason — there is so much to do there!

The National Mall is a top destination for a reason — it’s beautiful and packed with things to see, like the Lincoln Memorial.

Here are my top five places to visit downtown:

National Mall
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
National Zoo
The White House
National Gallery of Art

As an RVer, one of the reasons I love to travel is to experience our country’s different cultures and shared histories. And that’s why these places are my favorite in the city — it is truly amazing how much history and knowledge there is to discover! Check out this article I wrote for more details on some of my other favorite RV-friendly cities.

Things To Do In The Washington, D.C. Area

While downtown is a lot of fun, I’ve found that if you’re willing to branch out just a bit, there is so much more to explore! Here are my top three places to see just outside the capital city — and where to find good grub while you’re there:

1. The National Harbor

I love the National Harbor, especially in the summer when the ferris wheel offers amazing views of the river.

I love the National Harbor! Located on the Potomac River, it’s got everything you could want from a half-day trip. There are shops, restaurants and even a beach for kids to play. The best part about the Harbor is the Capital Wheel. It’s a giant ferris wheel that lets you see amazing views of Washington, Maryland and Virginia. It’s really my favorite thing to do when visiting the area. If you’re looking for a fun place that is sure to please everyone on your RV trip, this is it. Where To Eat: Rosa Mexicano

Photo credit: Rosa Mexicano

Rosa Mexicano is ideal if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, but still very family-friendly. I celebrated my birthday here and it was great! I loved how they made guacamole right at the table! It was such a fun dining experience. This restaurant is also known for its stunning views of the Harbor which you can enjoy from their outdoor deck.

2. Mount Vernon

George Washington loved his estate along the Potomac River — and it’s easy to see why! Mount Vernon is a must-visit for history buffs.
Photo credit: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon was the plantation home of George Washington. Being a history buff, I got teary-eyed walking through the estate. It was very moving to be standing where our first president stood and to overlook the Potomac the way he and so many other historical figures did at one point. If you love history as much as I do, Mount Vernon is a must-see. Where To Eat: Holy Cow

Photo credit: Holy Cow

This restaurant really lives up to its name. Not only are their burgers delicious, but they’re also all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free. I really like the atmosphere here, too. It’s large and spacious and there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your food! My husband swears by the “Holy Pig” burger, but my personal favorite is the “The Champ.” It has brisket on it! I like this burger paired with Garlic Style fries and a Classic Oreo shake. Yum!

3. Old Town

Photo credit: VisitAlexandria.com

Otherwise known as downtown Alexandria, this Virginia town right outside of the city is absolutely darling. The cobblestone and brick-lined streets, impressive water views and amazing eateries make this one of my favorite places to go when RVing in Washington, D.C. If you get excited about farmers markets and drinking craft beer in historic buildings, make sure to make a trip to Old Town. Where To Eat: Sweet Fire Donna’s

Photo credit: Sweet Fire Donna’s

My sister lived in D.C. for years and says Sweet Fire Donna’s is hands down the best spot for barbecue. Get there around 4:00 PM for happy hour and enjoy the Pitmaster Nachos. You can pick from five different meats to top the chips! If you’re staying for dinner, they’ve got sandwiches, platters or just platefuls of meat. And the sides are familiar but exciting. I personally love the Bourbon Pepper Jack Creamed Corn, but my sister loves the fiery macaroni and cheese.

Overall, Washington, D.C. is one my favorite places to visit and, contrary to what you might expect, it can be really fun in an RV. Not only is it packed with history and things to explore, it’s also a great base or stop on any RV trip to Virginia and Maryland. Feeling inspired and ready for a trip of your own? Rent an RV today and meet me there! Check out Campanda‘s selection of RVs to find one that’s perfect for you and your family:

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Or maybe you’ve got a rig sitting in your driveway right now? Rent out your RV during the weeks when you’re not using it and earn some extra cash. It’s simple and safe — and with Campanda, you’re in control of the whole process, from naming your price to choosing your renters.

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What I Love About My Tiffin Allegro 32-SA (And What I Don’t)

Tom Sperner — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:27:03 +0000

By Camille Attell

Shopping for an RV is fun — until you make a decision to actually buy one. Then the panic sets in because it’s really happening. When we bought our first RV, I nearly broke out in a full-body sweat because we had fallen in love with a model that was over our budget. But after traveling in it for over a year and a half, we still feel like we made a really good decision — and that the extra money really was worth it.

(By the way, if you’re in the market for an RV, be sure to go into as many as you can or even rent an RV or two so that you can get a feel for different floor plans. Click here to read more about buying an RV.)

A Review Of Our Tiffin Allegro Coach

After touring what felt like hundreds of RVs and almost buying a different model, we ended up with our motorhome— a Tiffin Allegro 32-SA Class A gas coach. It’s got a big windshield, two slide outs and it comes in at 34 feet (which is a good size for camping at most state and national parks)!

While it was a bit more money than we budgeted for, we feel like it was worth the investment. Tiffin is a great company and both the length and features that came with our coach are perfect for our travel style. It helps that we negotiated the price down, too.

Tiffin Allegro: The Pros

High Quality

Tiffin has a reputation for making high-quality RVs. I can back that up as we’ve put about 20,000 miles on ours and it’s still holding up well.

The level of quality in the Tiffin Allegro really stood out and ultimately sold us on this model over cheaper RVs.

The quality is what sold us on our purchase. We had been spending time in an RV with a similar floor plan from a different brand. While we liked it, the minute we walked into the Tiffin, everything felt sturdier — solid cupboards, comfortable sofa and supportive dinette booth seats.

The Floor Plan

We love the floor plan. The kitchen faces the door, which makes me feel safer because I can see outside while I’m cooking. The layout allows us to move around comfortably and there’s plenty of storage. In fact, we didn’t even learn about the storage drawers under the dinette seats until after we’d bought the coach — a happy surprise!

This is a floor plan from this year’s model. We like the fact that the layout gives us plenty of room to move around.

Little Luxuries

There are two features that I didn’t really care about in the beginning but have come to love: the fireplace and bedroom fan. That’s right, we even have a fireplace, which comes in handy on chilly days. Imagine sipping hot coffee by the fire on a chilly morning while gazing at a misty meadow. It’s a dream come true!

And the ceiling fan in the bedroom actually does lower the temperature — it wasn’t just a “decorative” fan.

Smooth Driving

Lastly, Tiffin RVs drive really well. Typically, diesel coaches are more powerful than gas coaches, which can make for smoother driving. But our Allegro was built on a longer chassis with a foil cushion, making for a pretty smooth drive. You can read about my husband’s first time driving the coach here.

Tiffin Allegro: The Cons

Wasted Space & Energy

It’s difficult to find fault with our rig, but there are a few quirks. One of the pros can be a con in a boondocking situation (camping without electrical, water and sewer hookups): the residential fridge. It is huge and convenient, but sucks up a lot of battery power.

The large, residential-size fridge is both a pro and a con. It sucks up quite a lot of energy when you’re boondocking, for instance.

And although the bathroom is roomy, there’s actually a lot of wasted space. There isn’t enough storage, so we’ve improvised by placing a wire stand to store more items. Tiffin could have installed a small shelf unit to add more storage space. But considering how well-thought-out the rest of the rig is, I’m sure they had their reasons for not offering that feature.

The Dinette

The biggest con is the size of the dinette table. It’s slightly too narrow and when my husband and I are both sitting there, it’s a bit crowded. Sure, one of us could sit in the passenger seat and use the pull-out shelf, but it’s not as comfortable. But given all the other features, the dinette wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.

The dinette is just a bit too small for two people to work at comfortably.

The Size

I mentioned that 34 feet is a great size, but I’ve actually been longing for a smaller, more nimble vehicle so we can stop spontaneously and take photos or explore on road trips. That’s hard to do with a 34-foot rig — plus the 10-foot car we tow behind it.

At 34 feet, our rig is by no means the largest Class A out there. But it is just a bit too large for truly spontaneous travel — trips require more planning than they would in a nimble Class C.

Overall, we really like our Tiffin Allegro. And unlike many of our friends who are buying their second or third rig, we’re quite happy with ours and plan to keep it for the foreseeable future. The layout, quality and features make for a comfortable and enjoyable RV experience.

If you’re in the market for a new RV and the Allegro is within your budget, I highly recommend heading down to your local dealer and scoping it out. Even better — rent one like it on Campanda and find out if it’s a good fit for you.

Click the link below to rent an RV in your area:

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Already own an RV? It could be earning you money. Rent your underused RV on Campanda — you can name your price, choose your renters and select your dates. It’s your RV, rent it out on your terms.

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Easy RV Recipes To Make With The Kids

Tom Sperner — Mon, 21 May 2018 15:33:38 +0000

By Liz Wilcox People sometimes don’t realize how rewarding it can be for kids to participate in daily tasks. I think that’s one of the reasons children enjoy camping so much — they get to help out!

These recipes have been tried and tested by my own little family. They’re both kid- and parent-approved!

I love walking around a campground and seeing families working together to get things done. Camping is a real bonding experience for everyone involved — and cooking around your RV site should be no exception. Here are six simple recipes you can make with your kids during your next RV trip, whether you’re RVing in your own rig or an RV rental from Campanda. They’ll get to eat something that they made with their own hands, and you’ll get wholesome family memories to carry you through the teenage years to come!

Breakfast

Bacon & Egg In A Bag

The fact that the paper bag could go up in flames makes this recipe extra exciting for kids. (Photo credit)

Making bacon and eggs in a paper bag may be a little unconventional, but it’s a great way to get the kids involved in breakfast! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 paper bag per person
2 pieces of bacon and 1 egg per person (the fattier the bacon, the better)
Long, strong sticks
Campfire

Here’s what you do: Cut or tear your bacon pieces in half. This can be really fun for the kids! Have them line the pieces of bacon on the bottom of the paper bag. Then crack the egg and empty it into the bag. If your child is anything like mine, they will find this both gross and delightful. Next, the kids can fold the top of the bag down. Do this two or three times. Then you or your older kids poke a hole through the folded (thick) part with your stick. Now comes the cookin’! Have your kids hold the bag over the fire. With younger kids, you may want to help them hold the stick or take turns, as it can take a few minutes to cook the egg thoroughly. Remind them not to stick the bag into the fire or their breakfast will literally be burnt to a crisp. When the bacon and egg is done cooking, you’re able to eat right out of the bag! The bottom of the bag will be hot and greasy, so put it on a plate or set it on the picnic table when you’re ready to eat!

Blueberry and Orange Muffins

This RV recipe is so fun and simple. And you get to make a muffin in an orange! I mean, who doesn’t want to try that?

The hint of orange takes these blueberry muffins next level. (Photo credit)

Here’s what you’ll need:

Blueberry muffin mix and the ingredients listed on the box (likely eggs, milk, water, oil)
Oranges (at least 1 per person)
Aluminum foil
Bowl
Campfire

Here’s what you do: Gather the kids together to make the blueberry muffin mix. This can be done outside for minimum clean up and stress. Let your kids help gather ingredients, pour and stir. See? Everyone can be involved, and if you’re doing this outside you don’t have to worry about too many elbows rubbing. Next, cut all your oranges in half. If you have an older child, you can have them do this while you and the others make the blueberry mix. When oranges are cut, scoop all the fruit into a bowl. Take the orange shells and fill one empty half with blueberry muffin mix (you can hold the orange while your child scoops, or vice versa). Then take the other half and put the orange back together.

Once you’ve wrapped them in foil, just toss these babies in the fire! (Photo credit)

Next, cover the orange with three layers of aluminum foil. Yes, three. This helps prevent burning while cooking. Let your kids help you with this. It could get messy, but remember these RV recipes are supposed to be fun, not Food Network worthy! When you’ve successfully covered the oranges, just (gently) toss them in the fire. Turn the balls over every 60 to 90 seconds (I’d suggest helping younger kids with this using long tongs or a skewer). This process usually takes 10 minutes. When the time is up, unwrap and enjoy! (I recommend eating this with a spoon.) Bonus: You can use the orange you scooped out to make fresh juice. It’s the perfect pairing!

Lunch

When you’re RVing with kids, it can be really hard to wrangle them up for a meal during the middle of the day. After all, there is dirt to play in and trees to climb! I highly recommend keeping things simple. Here is an easy RV recipe that will satisfy big appetites.

Walking Tacos

Like I said, it’s hard to get kids to settle down for lunch. But nothing will rally your little troops better than chips and a taco bar. Here’s what you’ll need:

Individual sized bags of Fritos Corn Chips (one per person)
Hamburger or turkey meat
Toppings for tacos (tomato, lettuce, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, etc.)

Here’s what you do:

Tacos in a bag — what could be easier? (Photo credit)

This recipe takes just a little preparation. You can do this by yourself or with any interested kids around camp. Just like regular tacos, cook your meat and season it to taste. Your kids can help chop and stir the meat (this is easiest done in the RV kitchen rather than outside). Next, prep your toppings. Cut the tomato, get out the sour cream, etc. Place everything outside on the picnic table. Last, get the Fritos chips and holler out for the kids! Give each a bag and tell them to crunch up the chips with the bag still closed. Once they’re done breaking up the chips, let them choose their toppings from the taco bar. Then have them close up their bag tightly and shake. Voila! Walking taco. Hand those hungry kids a fork and let them eat!

Dinner

Campfire Pizza

Pizza and a bonfire. What could be better? I love making these because it makes dinner the easiest meal of the day.

The kids don’t get to play with fire for this recipe, but they do get to eat pizza!

Here’s what you’ll need:

English muffins
Pizza sauce
Shredded cheese
Toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc)
Aluminum foil
Campfire with grill or BBQ grill

Here’s what you do: Each kid (and parent) gets their own English muffin. Have the kids split them in half and spread the sauce on both halves. A spoon is easiest to scoop and spread. Then of course comes the cheese and toppings. Put the foil down on the grill and place each kids’ pizzas atop. Cook until golden brown — or until your kids (who will likely be watching these cook like hungry hawks) inform you that dinner is ready!

Messless Camp Burgers

This RV recipe is a bit like the orange blueberry muffins above.

You can put these on a grill, but it’s more fun to just toss ’em in the fire.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Hamburger (or ground turkey)
Seasonings
Favorite burger toppings and condiments
Campfire

Here’s what you do: The aluminum foil makes these easy burgers wonderfully mess-free. Place the patties on the foil, wrap it up and unwrap to eat! First, make your patties like you normally would, but on the tinfoil. You can give each kid their own ball of meat and let them season as they’d like. The kids will love this! Place veggies like onion or peppers on the meat. Encourage your kids to have fun. Maybe they want to smother the burger in barbecue sauce. Go for it, kid. Just make sure it all stays in the foil! When everyone is done, wrap the patties tightly. Make sure they completely covered. You might want to put an extra layer of foil over the first. Then just place your burgers right in the fire. (Yep, just like the muffins.) Cook the patties for about 10 minutes for medium, longer for well-done. Then, unwrap the burger and eat straight from the foil with a fork! Or dress it up with a bun and extra toppings if desired.

Snacks

Fruit Kebob

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The best part about this “recipe”? It’ll keep the kiddos entertained leading up to snack time!

Let the kids help pick out the fruit to get them even more engaged.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Skewers
Assorted fruit (apples, pineapples, grapes, strawberries, and melon are great!)

Here’s what you do: With or without the kids, dice the fruit. If the kids are around but you don’t want them anywhere near the cutting board, have them put the cut up fruit into separate bowls and line them up. Then, hand the kids the skewers and let them have at it! The kids can pick out which fruit combinations they like the best. You might even suggest they try to make a rainbow or other pattern.

Feeling hungry and ready to head to camp to try out one of these RV recipes yourself? Click below to search for RV rentals in your area.

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If your RV is parked in the driveway more than you’d like, consider renting it out on Campanda! You can choose your own dates, pick your renters and name your price. The money you earn could even fund your next big RV trip!

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A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

Tom Sperner — Wed, 09 May 2018 14:11:22 +0000

By Liz Wilcox You’ve rented an RV on Campanda. You’ve planned your route. Everyone is thrilled to hit the open road. But what about where you’re actually going to camp? How do you find RV parks and campgrounds that are perfect for you and your rig? Finding the perfect RV campsite can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As a full-time RVer, I’ve learned some tips and tricks — and I want to share them with you. And no, I’m not just going to tell you to Google “RV parks near ___.” Keep reading or skip ahead to:

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite
Understand Your RV Camping Options
Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite
Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite

The very first thing you need to do before you start searching for a great place to park your RV is to understand your options and requirements. Not all trips are created equal. It’s important to consider the following:

1. Budget

What does your budget look like? How much can you spend per night? Figure this number out and commit to it — having a clear budget will help you tremendously when you’re looking at parks.

Consider proximity to activities carefully. Aim to strike a balance between comfort and convenience.

2. Length Of Stay

You may stop at a few places on your RV trip. Some may be one-night stops, in which case you might want to consider if there are free or cheap places to park your rig and sleep for the night. If you’re planning to spend a few days in one spot, you may want to consider a place with more amenities.

3. Proximity To Planned Activities

You’re probably traveling for a reason, whether that’s a specific theme park or just some peace and quiet in the woods. Really consider the activities you have planned and how close they are to where you want to stay. You don’t want to pick an RV park that’s 45 minutes from Disney World if you bought a four-day pass.

4. Your Camping Style

If you don’t know your camping style, you can’t pick the perfect RV campsite. If you’re renting an RV for the first time, you should take some time to think about what your ideal camping trip looks like.

I don’t mind roughing it … but I do love a good RVer-friendly pool.

Do you like lots of amenities or prefer open space with room to run? Are you a social butterfly or a lone wolf? Check out campgrounds that fit your style. For example, I love RV parks with lots of people. I like to mingle and love when they have activities to attend. I recently attended an ice cream social and literally ran to the activity center so I wouldn’t miss it! On the other hand, a lot of my RV friends enjoy parking at slower, less accessible state parks to enjoy the solitude. Take your camping style — and that of your travel companions — into consideration when you search for the perfect RV spot!

Understand Your RV Camping Options

Many new RVers get confused by all the different RV camping options: Why is one place called a campground and the other an RV park? What is the difference between an RV park and an RV resort? How can one place be a campground, RV park and resort?! What does it all mean? Never fear, fellow camper! I’ve broken down all the different RV camping options for you:

Campgrounds

Campground accommodations are usually pleasant but basic.

If you’re into nature and are looking for a simple place to park, this is the option for you. National and state parks will usually have campgrounds with an electric hookup as well as water. Other times, a campground can simply mean a flat(ish) place to park with a fire pit. Dump sites, water fill stations and bathrooms are usually on the property, but may not be available at individual sites.

RV Parks

RV parks will usually have kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds.

RV parks typically have fewer trees and more parking sites than campgrounds. There may even be amenities like a clubhouse, cable TV hookups and a playground for kids. You’ll also have a sewer connection. RV parks can vary. When planning your trip, it’s important to review pictures and read reviews to get a good feel for what the park offers.

RV Resorts

Luxury RV resorts usually offer lush landscaping and premium amenities. Photo credit: Desert Shores Resort

RV resorts are great! They will be very well-maintained, have lots of amenities and be close to “civilization”. If you are renting an RV and want to ease into camping, this is definitely a fun option for you! Unfortunately, there is no industry standard for the term “resort.” That means that some resorts are much better than others. Price is usually a good indication of the quality of resort. You get what you pay for, basically. Another good rule of thumb is that a place that is billed as an “RV park and resort” is probably not as luxurious as a place that simply calls itself an RV resort. You can check out this article, which showcases some of the best luxury RV resorts around the country. They’re not cheap, but boy are they pretty!

Free Camping

If you plan ahead, boondocking can be a perfectly comfortable way to spend a night or two en route to your main destination.

Sometimes it’s late and you just want to park overnight, get some rest and head out in the morning. Many RVers opt out of paid camping on such occasions. Of course, this almost always means that you will have no hookups or water — in other words, you’ll be boondocking. But it really is a great option to keep your average nightly cost down while traveling to your main destination. The easiest places to park for free are casinos, businesses with large parking lots like Walmart and even Camping World. However, not all businesses allow boondocking so make sure you call ahead and ask for permission. My fellow Campanda Ambassador wrote an article about how to find free RV camping, which you can read here.

Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

Alright, now that you’ve given your camping style some thought and have brushed up on your RV camping options, you’re ready to start searching! There are plenty of resources for finding the perfect RV campsite. These are my favorite:

RV Websites

Google is amazing. It’s turned our entire way of learning upside down. But when it comes to finding a place to park your RV, it doesn’t reign supreme. Try these sites instead:

Campendium

Campendium is a free site with thousands of search results. Just type in your desired location and boom! You’ll have a list of camping spots with information on price, hookups and amenities — plus peer reviews. This is a favorite among every RVer I know. Bonus: Campendium even tells you whether or not a spot has good wifi.

Good Sam is the world’s largest organization of RV owners. You have to pay to be a member, but their online directory of campsites is free.

Good Sam

Good Sam is an RV organization that has a large database of RV parks, resorts and campgrounds around North America. While you must pay to be a member, anyone can look online to search for places to stay in their RV. The best part about searching through Good Sam? They have a rating system and each campsite they list is carefully reviewed and scored every single year! This makes it easy to judge the campgrounds because they are all rated on the same system, not just someone’s opinion online.

Casino Camper

While Casino Camper may not be on every RVer’s list, it’s definitely on mine! This is a great resource for finding free or inexpensive places to park. You can search by state and you’re likely to find a nicer overnight stay than a Walmart parking lot.

RV Apps

It seems like a new RV app pops up every week. Most aren’t very good, to be honest. So forget the gimmicky apps and keep it simple. Just about every RVer I know uses these two apps to find RV sites to park:

The Allstays app costs $10 to download but trust me, it’s well worth it!

Allstays

This is a great app if you have an iPhone. And while it costs $10 to download, it’s well worth the small investment. Not only will it show you the different RV campsites in a given area, it’s also an interactive map. This means you’ll be able to find gas stations, rest areas and stores!

This one might seem a little odd, but stay with me. In the last five years, Pinterest has evolved into an incredible visual search engine, and bloggers like me are using it to get their content out there. And this content is full of campground reviews! Use the Pinterest app to search instead of Google and you just may find the perfect place to stay on your next RV road trip. If you hate apps, don’t worry — there’s a website, too. For more RV apps worth the space on your phone, check out this list of 30 must-have apps.

RV Clubs

Even if you’re just renting an RV, joining an RV club may be the perfect solution to finding the best, most affordable campsite for you! Here are some inexpensive RV clubs you can join to find crazy discounts and great parks:

A Passport America membership really does pay for itself in just a couple nights.

Passport America

At just $44 for an entire year, this club is hard to say no to. With half-off discounts for over 2,000 parks, it really pays for itself in a couple of nights. We use our Passport America membership as much as possible. There is an app you can use, and it’s always the first thing we pull up when route planning. Honestly, we would not be able to travel full-time without this amazing club. And yes, I’m willing to admit that not all the parks are ah-mazing. But I’ve never been to a park that made me feel unwelcome! Anywhere we’ve stayed has been super friendly and accommodating. These discounted parks are perfect for overnight stays on your way to a specific destination.

Harvest Hosts

If your idea of a perfect RV campsite involves great views, an intimate setting and wine, Harvest Hosts is for you! Just like Campanda introduces RV owners to people looking to rent an RV, this unique membership club brings RVers and landowners together to allow RVers to park overnight at certain wineries, vineyards, breweries and the like — all for free. Buy this membership ($40 for a year) if you’re looking for a truly unique and remarkable experience on your RV road trip. Like Passport America, it pays for itself in just a few nights.

RVer Facebook Groups

This resource is still untapped by the majority of RVers. With Facebook groups, you are able to talk to real people in real time about your route and campgrounds along the way.

Facebook groups like “Camping Is Our Life” are fantastic, underused resources for RVers.

Where’d You Stay RV

Like the name states, this group is for sharing where you stayed on your RV trips! Members post pictures and personal reviews. Feel free to ask questions about a specific area or RV park or use the group search option to see if it’s already been discussed.

Camping Is Our Life

Even if camping isn’t your life, this group is a great resource. This Facebook group was made for showing pictures and videos of members’ camping trips, so it’s perfect for asking questions about any type of RVing — whether you’re looking for campgrounds, parks or resorts.

A good old-fashioned phone call is often the best way to ensure that you’re given the best possible site for your RV.

Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

Online resources are amazing. But to truly find the best RV campsite time after time, you’ve got to know some “tricks of the trade.”

1. Read reviews.

Whether you’re looking on Google or another site, read the reviews! Look at pictures. Use that Pinterest app to search a blog post about the campground you’re considering. All the research is well worth it when you arrive at a campground and fall in love immediately!

2. Call ahead.

Think you’ve found a park you’ll really enjoy? Call ahead and talk with the desk about your rig. Discuss your needs and wants. Make sure they can accommodate you. Taking the extra time to call and chat will ensure that they put you in the best spot available.

3. Make your reservation ASAP.

If you’re traveling to a popular destination during the busy season, your chances of driving up and simply finding a vacant spot are slim to none. Call as soon as possible to guarantee a spot close to where you’d like to be.

4. Ask about the refund policy.

Sometimes you arrive at a site and just don’t like it. Make sure to ask about a refund policy before they take your payment! Some parks — especially those in popular, high-demand areas — have a “no refund” policy. But don’t let that scare you off! If you’ve followed my advice and done your research, you’re sure to find the perfect park for you and your RV!

Now that you’ve got a good grasp on how to find the perfect campsite for you, it’s time to rent your RV! Click below to search for listings in your area on Campanda!

Click Here To Rent An RV

If you own an RV but can’t use it all the time, consider renting it out on Campanda. You could earn a LOT of money by renting your rig out on your own terms. Click below to find out more:

Click Here To List Your RV

The post A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite appeared first on Campanda News.

Driving A Class A Motorhome For The First Time

Tom Sperner — Wed, 02 May 2018 19:45:12 +0000

By Bryce Cripe

Driving a large motorhome for the first time can seem challenging — or even stressful. But there are a few things you can do to make your first RV driving experience a positive one as you head off on your well-earned vacation.

The First Drive

When my wife Camille and I started test driving Class A motorhomes, I had barely been in an RV, let alone driven one! We test drove several motorhomes over two months before buying our RV — a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA gas-powered motorcoach. (Read this article to find out how to choose the right RV for you.)

Our RV: A 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA gas-powered motorcoach.

Less than a month before hitting the road to travel full time, we took a 250-mile weekend test trip from our home in Orange County, California to an RV resort on the Colorado River near Parker, Arizona. We had a lot thrown at us on our first drive and were fortunate to learn many valuable lessons that have served us well ever since.

Freeway Driving In An RV

As we set off on that first drive, I felt the absence of my safety net — our RV salesperson calmly guiding and reassuring me during our test drives. We were on our own now! The first miles passed easily along wide, suburban boulevards with courteous drivers and a nearly deserted toll road. And then we merged onto one of Southern California’s notorious freeways.

The most difficult kind of traffic for an RV driver — especially a new one — is what I call fast-and-busy traffic. We were immediately dropped into it. Nearly everyone was driving at least 70 miles per hour, making sharp lane changes and following too closely. I was used to this kind of driving in my car, but not comfortable yet in a 34-foot RV.

I took a couple of deep breaths and tried to settle in. After thirty minutes of white-knuckle driving, I actually got more comfortable. I had already learned some valuable lessons:

Lesson 1: Stay Calm And Drive On

At first, I had felt like nobody saw me. Drivers cut me off or wouldn’t allow me to change lanes. I wanted to yell out, “Don’t you see me? I’m bigger than you!” Then it dawned on me: they did see me, perhaps even feared me and were moving quickly to get out of my way. I learned to accept that traffic would “buzz” all around me but wasn’t interested in bumping into me.

Driving a large RV through heavy traffic was scary at first, but I soon got the hang of it.

I also discovered that motorhomes require more reaction time and stopping distance than a normal passenger vehicle. I quickly learned to give myself at least twice as much following distance as I did in my car. I drove at a steady and predictable speed when possible. And I focused most of my attention on the road ahead scanning for traffic patterns, merging vehicles and brake lights instead of fiddling with the radio.

I had to unlearn some habits from years of driving a car. Learning to rely on my side mirrors and rear camera was a big adjustment. I caught myself looking over my shoulder to check my blindspot as I do in my car when making lane changes. Well, that doesn’t work in a Class A motorhome. The side mirrors and the rear and side view cameras were put there for a reason — and I was going to have to use them!

After a few lane changes, I learned to trust that I could actually see everything. The mirrors and cameras quickly became my friends.

After about an hour and a half on the road, traffic began to thin out as we left the Southern California metropolitan area and got out into the desert. While I welcomed the change, I was already feeling more comfortable in fast, heavy traffic. And on the drive back at the end of the weekend, I was not nearly as stressed.

Lesson 2: RV Miles Are Different Than Car Miles

Driving an RV requires a lot more energy and focus than driving a car. Plan for frequent stops to make your trip enjoyable.

We passed the Palm Springs area and after over 100 miles of driving, I began to feel fatigued. My arms and shoulders were starting to ache from the road vibrations and my tight, two-handed grip on the steering wheel. I also needed a mental break from the hours of intense focus.

Camille found a truck stop for us to take a lunch break. During our hour-long rest, we took stock of our trip: We were three and a half hours in and had traveled almost 150 miles. When I had mapped the trip before on my phone app, it calculated the trip would take just over four hours. The math wasn’t adding up.

I discovered that most map apps estimate trip durations for car travel — not RV travel. Car drivers tend to drive faster than RV drivers and take fewer and shorter breaks. My estimated driving time did not include any breaks.

What I Learned About Drive Day

Since that initial lunch break discovery, I’ve learned quite a bit about the “drive day” experience:

Your RV journey will take longer than you expect. We’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the drive.
RV travel is more demanding, so you’ll want to take more breaks. I try to take a break every 75 to 100 miles to get out for some fresh air and to stretch my legs.
Our preferred travel distance is around 250 miles — and never more than 300 miles.

Lesson 3: Get Centered

Like everything else about RV driving, narrow roads took some getting used to — but turned out fine in the end.

Feeling rested from our break, we headed back down the federal interstate freeway before turning onto a two-lane state highway across the desert. The pavement turned rough, the lanes looked narrow and there wasn’t much of a road shoulder. I had to adjust again to different driving conditions.

After a few miles, I learned that a narrow or non-existent shoulder can make your lane feel more narrow than it really is. And even though the lane was wide enough for our vehicle, I had less margin for error.

Thankfully, traffic was very light and I got a better feel for where I was within my lane. On our test drives, the salespeople said it would feel like you’re closer to the center line than you are. I looked in my side mirrors and realized I could get over further and be better centered in my lane.

You feel very wide in a motorhome, but you’re probably not more than one to two feet wider than you would be in a car. I like to drive about a foot off the center line and then yield a little more space to oncoming traffic, if needed (especially for big rigs).

Lesson 4: Don’t Fight The Steering Wheel

Just as I was getting two-lane highway driving down, I noticed the weather worsening. What started out as a sunny, summer day turned dark and threatening. August and September is monsoon season in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts and a thunderstorm was bearing down on us. What luck!

First, the winds picked up and started blowing our twelve-foot-high motorhome around. They were not only strong 40 mile per hour winds, but also unpredictably gusty. Once again, the drive had my full attention. My wife and I discussed pulling over and waiting out the storm. I got very close to doing that a couple of times, but I felt in control and we pressed on.

I quickly learned that it is important not to overreact when driving in heavy wind and rain.

As we were being pushed around, I learned not to fight the steering wheel. When the wind pushed me, I let it. I then made small steering corrections to get us back on course.

Making corrections for wind is similar to the steering adjustments needed when being passed by a big rig, or driving on ice or rough pavement. Don’t overreact. Instead, let the coach go where it wants to go, and then make the steering corrections.

A downpour of rain came after the winds. We got to “test out” our windshield wipers, which thankfully worked great and were able to push large volumes of water off our windshield — at no time was our visibility compromised despite the heavy rains. Our coach also felt solid on the wet roads and we had no trouble with our tire traction. After about 30 minutes, the storm passed and it was a calmer last hour to our destination.

Lesson 5: Watch Out For Donkeys

Coming across this family of burros on the roadside felt like an appropriate end to an eventful day.

We were just a few miles to our destination when one last test was thrown our way. On a curvy, two-lane stretch, we came around a corner and were “greeted” by a pack of wild burros along the roadside. At first I was startled, but after easily avoiding them, I broke out in laughter. We had seen it all on our first drive.

We pulled into our resort destination along the banks of the Colorado River. It was about six in the evening and we had been on the road for close to seven hours. Our eventful drive was filled with many lessons learned, and I felt much more confident and prepared for all the driving to come. And I even had fun!

Feeling accomplished and satisfied, it was time for a well-earned beer at the resort’s pool bar. Cheers to your own first drive!

Rent an RV on Campanda for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for a Class A or a smaller motorhome (which are easier to drive!), you’re sure to find the perfect RV for your vacation.

Click Here To Rent An RV

If you already own an RV but aren’t using it right now, consider renting it out on Campanda. You can name your price, pick your dates and even choose your renters.

Click Here To List Your RV

The post Driving A Class A Motorhome For The First Time appeared first on Campanda News.

How I Found Remote Work While RVing

Tom Sperner — Wed, 02 May 2018 18:06:25 +0000

By Camille Attell My husband and I walked away from the best jobs we ever had to RV full time. I had worked for years to secure a position with a really good company, good pay and great benefits. But after eleven years and a lack of creative freedom, it was time to move on. We didn’t walk away for bigger and better career opportunities. We walked away for the freedom and flexibility that a desk job would never provide. Ditching that level of security was really scary, but not walking away and wondering what life could be like felt even scarier. So we took a calculated risk to leave it all behind and go RVing.

Working Remotely From Our RV: How We Planned It All

Bryce giving a thumbs up for being on track with our transition plan.

We are planners by nature, so we built a comprehensive project plan to guide us through the process. The plan contained everything from RV shopping, finances to employment decisions. The hardest part was picturing what remote work looked like. We had worked in cubicles out whole lives and it was hard to imagine what the options were. So we planned to use some of our savings to bridge the gap between leaving our jobs and finding remote work, along with offsetting costs by boondocking (which you can learn more about here) and using camping memberships. But I lasted four months before I panicked and started looking for remote work.

How I Found Remote Work While RVing

I have a storm to thank for my first remote gig.

Our first remote job was a fluke. While in Florence, Oregon, a storm rolled through that grounded us for several days. I decided that I would look for a local job since we couldn’t do much else. I searched on Craigslist, which is a great resource to find short-term, local jobs. I found four job possibilities and landed a one-hour acting job that paid $100. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it helped me build confidence — I knew that when I put my mind to it I could find employment. After that, I started networking in Facebook Groups, specifically groups like the RV Entrepreneur where business owners interact and sometimes hire for contract work. I have partnered with many entrepreneurs to create blog content and courses. Now I’m generating income through our blog and contract work, and recently I launched a course called Remote Work 101: Work, Live, and Travel Where You Want to help other people learn how to navigate working remotely. And of course, I’m a Campanda contributor, along with my husband Bryce.

Tips For Finding Remote Work As An RVer

Boondocking (and working) on fairgrounds in Kentucky.

Navigating the transition from traditional employment to remote work is different for everyone. However here are some of my top tips for people who are curious about the process.

- Start with a budget and decide how much money you need to make. If you’re traveling, research ways to offset your costs — offsetting costs should be part of your overall income strategy.

- Pick a date and try to work towards that as a goal, otherwise you may never leave your current employment.

- If you would prefer to keep your current job, approach your boss about a short-term experimental remote work period. Try a few days a month and slowly work up to a full-time remote role if possible. Prove to your company that a remote role will not negatively impact your contribution to the team.

- Do a skills assessment to see what job types you’re qualified for. Don’t get stuck on a work “identity” like computer coder as it will narrow your perception about what’s possible.

Put yourself out there. Tell people what you are good at, show that you’re willing to learn and offer to work on a trial basis. This works well for freelance roles.

Tips For Setting Up An RV Office

Bryce and I use our dinette as for work. It isn’t ideal, but it gets the job done!

Ideally you’d have a dedicated space in your RV for an office. But not all RVs will have that available. Some people have converted closets or even second bathrooms into offices. My husband and I use our dinette, which isn’t perfect but is totally workable. Additionally, the passenger seat offers a pull out surface that we use as a desk sometimes. Internet is a hot topic in the working RVer community. You’ll want to choose a main carrier and a backup carrier in case cell service is limited. In some cases even a cell booster comes in handy, especially if you need to upload or download documents. The bottom line is that you need to be prepared with plan A and B and even C — which sometimes might include hitting up a local Starbucks for Wi-Fi.

Resources For Finding Remote Work

I mentioned earlier that I network in Facebook Groups and have found jobs on Craigslist. But there are so many more great places to look for remote jobs. Here are a few websites to start your search:

Escapees | A total support network for RVers services including a job board for employers and job seekers of mobile and flexible work.
Facebook | The world’s preeminent social networking site allows users to make connections and share job opportunities and income ideas.
FlexJobs | An innovative, professional subscription-based job service to find telecommuting and part-time jobs and freelance work.
Indeed | The world’s top job search site with job opportunities aggregated from thousands of websites.
Upwork | Another innovative, professional subscription-based job service to find telecommuting and part-time jobs and freelance work.

For a more comprehensive list, check out this article on my blog.

Transitioning to remote work can feel intimidating at first, but it’s so rewarding in the end.

It’s important to remember that the journey to remote work isn’t always linear. It takes a bit of adjustment and adaptability as you try out different roles and options. If you keep an open mind, put yourself out there and are willing to learn new skills, then remote work is a real possibility and can enable you to live a more flexible lifestyle. Oh, and remember when I said that Bryce and I made a transition plan? We made that plan available to our More Than A Wheelin’ readers here.

Find out if the digital nomad life is right for you. Rent an RV on Campanda and give working remotely a trial run — or just have an amazing vacation!

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Own an RV but only use it occasionally? It could be earning you money. Find out to turn your underused vehicle into a second income by renting it on Campanda:

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The American Dream: A Retro-Inspired Trailer With A Rowboat Roof

Tom Sperner — Tue, 01 May 2018 17:56:07 +0000

The American Dream Trailer

Sure, there are plenty of trailers out there for campers looking to haul their boats and watercraft into the wild. But if you’ve been ogling vintage RVs on the internet, the aesthetics of most modern toy haulers probably felt a bit wide of the mid-century mark. Until now, that is: Feast your eyes on the American Dream Trailer, a retro-styled camper trailer with a detachable rowboat roof!

The American Dream trailer was inspired by a vintage 1961 model.

Designed with simplicity in mind, this 4×8, 650-pound fiberglass trailer/boat combo sleeps two people and includes a cooking and storage galley in the rear (like your average teardrop trailer). The rowboat roof is secured by five hood latches to keep it secure while you’re on the road — and makes for easy removal once you reach the lake!

The detachable (secondary) fiberglass roof doubles as a rowboat!

The design is completely customizable and comes in a variety of punchy, vintage-inspired colors. The roof/boat can carry up to three people (500 pounds) and has a motor mount that can handle up to two horsepower.

Authentic Retro Design

Created by a Portland-based husband-and-wife team, the American Dream Trailer feels exciting and novel. But the idea of a camper trailer with an integrated rowboat roof isn’t actually a new one. The American Dream trailer is actually an updated replica of a 1961 fiberglass teardrop-inspired trailer: the aptly named Trailerboat.

The Trailerboat didn’t really catch on — but it sure looked good!
Photo credit: Steven Katkowsky

The Trailerboat (which was, in turn, inspired by the earlier Kom-Pak Sportsman trailer) was only manufactured for a few years in the early 1960s and it is believed that only a few hundred models were ever sold. But the Trailerboat’s design lives on in the American Dream Trailer — the couple behind the modern replica went through great lengths to ensure quality and authenticity. The company partnered with a local metalsmith and fiberglass company to manufacture the mid-century-styled chassis, molds and windows.

No detail was overlooked — the interior is decorated with retro-inspired fabrics and a checkerboard floor.

Want to own your own American Dream Trailer? Prices start at $12,180 for the “retro” package. Due to the bespoke nature of the trailer, the entire building process takes around five to six weeks.

Spontaneous travel has never been so easy. Hitch up, hit the road and start rowing!

If you’re feeling impatient and want to hit the road like, yesterday, check out Campanda‘s selection of RVs and travel trailers:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Already own an RV (modern or vintage)? If you’re not using it right now, it could be earning you money. Click the link below to learn more about renting out your RV:

Click Here To List Your RV

Photo credit: The American Dream Trailer Company

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RVing In The Northeast: Waterfalls And Whales And Witches, Oh My!

Tom Sperner — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 18:53:33 +0000

By Liz Wilcox In any other part of the United States, you might have to travel far and wide to see both mountain ranges and ocean views. But not in the Northeast. In this area of the country, you’re likely to experience high altitudes and salt water all on the same trip. And if that’s not enough to entice you to head north for vacation, its rich history might! I lived in the Northeast for two years before becoming a full-time RVer, and I was continually amazed by how much this small corner of our country has to offer. These days, I make a point to visit whenever I can. Keep reading to discover my top five Northeast destinations (for RVers and road trippers alike) and find out why I think you’ll love them just as much as I do:

RVing In Hartford, Connecticut

The Soldiers and Sailors Arch in Bushnell Park commemorates the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Civil War.

The Northeast map is speckled with major cities. Each year, millions of people from around the world flock to New York, Boston and Philadelphia for their famed sights and rich histories. The pull of these major cities means that a lot of smaller metropolises get overlooked by visitors. But trust me, they’re just as worthy of your attention and are the perfect size for exploring. Plus, they usually have far fewer tourists! Hartford, Connecticut is one of those cities. Packed with history, it’s a great city for RVer looking to get an authentic look at this region.

Bookworms will love taking a tour of Mark Twain’s house.
Photo credit: Mark Twain House

Hartford is home to a wide variety of interesting and historical sights. If you’re interested in literature, you can tour the homes of both Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. For the artistically inclined, the Wadsworth Atheneum is the nation’s oldest public museum and is said to be one of America’s finest art collections — it houses more than 50,000 works of art! If you’ve got kids in tow, check out Bushnell Park. Noted as America’s first public park, it’s a great place for the whole family. I used to love taking my daughter Chelsea there to listen to the musicians playing. She loved riding the carousel in the park — for just a dollar, anyone can ride the vintage 1914 carousel! Close to the park is the Bushnell Performing Arts Center. I took Chelsea there to see “Riverdance” when she was about 12 months old. Even at that age, she was captivated throughout the entire show! Be sure to check out what’s coming to the center when you visit Hartford for a truly great performance. Because Hartford is centrally location in the state, it’s easy to get outside the city limits and into nature. About 30 minutes west of the city is Nepaug State Forest. This is a great area to go hiking, biking and birding. I love taking the whole family out there (including our dog!) for some gorgeous views of Yellow Mountain and the Nepaug Valley.

Must-Eats In Hartford

City Steam Brewery serves up hearty American fare in a historic brownstone.
Photo credit: City Steam Brewery

If you’re in need of something savory and home-cooked (and not deep-fried!), consider Pho 501 located in East Hartford. It’s a really tasty Vietnamese option that won’t break the bank. Can’t get enough history? Eat at City Steam Brewery. The restaurant is located in a historic nineteenth-century brownstone. Go here for a fun and unique meal with options for the whole family. Or do like the locals do and stop by a hot dog stand on the side of the road. It sounds weird, but it’s totally normal in Hartford. There are even different types of hotdogs to buy. Who knew?!

Where To Stay In The Hartford Area

Wilderness Lake has a beautiful campground. Photo credit: Wilderness Lake

Connecticut is a small state and camping spaces are more limited than out West, but there are several options relatively close to Hartford. I’ve heard good things about Wilderness Lake Campground and Resort, located about 30 minutes outside of the city. Set in over 100 acres of countryside, the resort is family- and big-rig-friendly, making it perfect for just about any RV owner or renter.

RVing In Salem, Massachusetts

The House of Seven Gables was built in 1668 and was made famous by Nathanial Hawthorne’s novel.

Salem is just fun! It was on my absolute must-go list and it should be on yours, too. It’s my favorite place in the Northeast, by far.

My daughter Chelsea
sporting a pumpkin costume outside the Witch House.

From the moment I parked and started walking the streets, I knew this was the place for me. Salem is the perfect destination whether you want to travel for food, entertainment or culture. More than just a seaport, this town has a seriously unique history! Salem is infamous for its 17th century witch trials, and the city has really owned its troubled but fascinating history. You’ll find tons of witch-themed museums and shops around town. You can learn all about Salem’s sordid history at the Witch House. Owned by the town, it’s the only structure with direct ties to the witch trials. Another interesting stop should be Burying Point Cemetery, the second-oldest burying ground in the United States. And if that’s not witchy enough for you, be sure to check out the statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, the actress who played in Bewitched. Apparently the townspeople hate it, but I think you’ll like it!

The Peabody Essex Museum is probably one of the best museums you’ve never heard of!

Salem isn’t all witches though. I loved the House of Seven Gables, which was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. And the Peabody Essex Museum is truly amazing. In addition to an impressive collection of East Asian art and artifacts (Salem was one of the country’s biggest international trading ports in the 1800s), the museum also has some really cool rotating exhibits and a great museum gift shop. If it’s a nice day out, Salem’s cobblestone streets are great for a stroll. Walking downtown in the fall, we came across an open marketplace with lots to see and do, including a dress-up Frankenstein. Quirky, right?

Must-Eats In Salem

The Witches Brew Cafe is guaranteed to please with its American food and fun atmosphere. And it’s located right next to the House of Seven Gables! I tried the buffalo wings and they were fantastic for lunch.

Sea Level serves classic New England seafood in a fun, waterside setting.
Photo credit: Sea Level Oyster Bar

If you’re looking for a casual atmosphere with a water view, I’d definitely recommend Sea Level Oyster Bar. The restaurant is fun and modern-looking, but everything on the menu is absolutely classic. Seriously, if you’re looking to try some New England seafood, this is the place, my friend. And beer lovers will enjoy Gulu Gulu Cafe. It has a great selection of imported and craft beers, plus a tasty food menu. (Bonus for nerds: Just across the street is an extensive comic book store, complete with dusty figurines and collectibles.)

Where To Stay In Salem

Winter Island Park is the place to be! Not only is this park located directly in Salem, it’s right on the beach! You’re just a short walk to the water. And because this beach is next to the campground, it’s not crowded like many other areas of the coast.

RVing In The Finger Lakes, New York

The waterfalls and stone bridges in Watkins Glen State Park are like something out of a storybook.

Weird name, awesome destination. When visiting this region of the Northeast, I love to explore all the state parks. They are all just so beautiful. Take Watkins Glen State Park, for example: It’s the area’s most popular park, and for good reason. It’s voted third in the nation for best state park and is famous for its Olympic-sized natural pool. When you’re done swimming, you can hike and see any of the 19 waterfalls located in the park. It’s really an incredible place to visit!

This part of New York is known for its wines and there are several “wine trails” to choose from.

The mountain bike and hiking trails in the area are also pretty cool. Be warned though, many of them are not for the inexperienced. This area is just below the Adirondack Mountains and is home to some killer trails! Take it from me — I ran a marathon in this region and it took me seven hours, tons of sweat, tears and one toenail to finish! Need a break from all that outdoor activity? The area is quickly becoming known for its wine. Go on a wine tour, check out a brewery or shop at a farmer’s market for a more relaxed trip.

Must-Eats In The Finger Lakes

Curly’s has been a fixture in the area for over 60 years. Photo credit: Curly’s Family Restaurant

I really recommend trying Curly’s Family Restaurant. It’s been a family-owned business since the 1950s, making it a real staple of the area. They have a really big breakfast menu with lots of goodies, including waffles. My personal favorite is the steak and eggs, though. It comes with home fries (yum!) and toast. It’s the perfect way to load up on carbs before a long day of hiking trails and swimming. If you’re traveling in your RV with a large group, you should check out Jerlando’s Pizza. The pizza is tasty and they offer coupons. Need I say more?

Where To Stay In The Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes Jellystone is a great family-friendly campground in a beautiful setting.

My friends Heath and Alyssa stayed at Finger Lakes Jellystone while visiting the area last summer. And holy moly! I can’t wait to stay there, too. With more than enough amenities for the whole family and an unbeatable lake view, this is the spot to be! (Just watch this video and you’ll see for yourself.)

RVing In The Thousand Islands, New York

It’s easy to see why Boldt Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the area!

Located along the border with Ontario, Canada, this destination perfect if you’re looking for a super relaxed and romantic destination. In fact, my husband and I used to go here often when we lived in Upstate New York. Beautiful scenery, cute beach town, a castle — this region of New York has everything you’re looking for in a Northeast destination, just without the crowds.

Go for a stroll around Alexandria Bay and watch the boats go by — or take a boat tour yourself!

One of the most popular spots in the area is Boldt Castle. It has has amazing story: The castle is located on Heart Island which is (you guessed it) a heart-shaped island and was built by millionaire George C. Boldt as a tribute to his wife. Construction stopped abruptly when his wife suddenly passed away. Boldt was never able to finish the castle and left it to decay. Now the state of New York owns it and continues to restore it to its full glory. After a visit to the castle, I love to keep the romance alive with a stroll around Alexandria Bay. There are lots of cute shops to explore and places to sit and watch the boats roll by. A perfect way to end the evening is to watch the sunset over the islands. Can you tell I love this place? It’s perfect for any RVer or couple!

Must-Eats In The Thousand Islands

Tin Pan Galley has a lovely courtyard — and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.

Riley’s by the River is your best bet for a good meal, fast service and a fantastic view. I really like going to this restaurant after a boat tour. It’s located right next to the Main Shipping Channel where they load and unload the tour boats. They also have a large selection of craft beer and a killer buffalo chicken sandwich. Now, if you’re looking for one of the best meals of your life, go to Tin Pan Galley. No, I’m not getting paid to say that. It’s seriously that good. I’ve been there multiple times and the menu never gets old. Be warned, the dining area is packed tight in true Northeastern fashion. If you can rise early enough, do yourself a favor and go to Tin Pan Galley for breakfast. I love the pumpkin pancakes and the chicken asparagus hash. One time while I was pregnant, I went in and was surprised to find a waffle on special. The thing was topped with whipped cream and strawberries and as big as my head. I ate the whole thing.

Where To Stay In The Thousand Islands

The 1000 Islands Campground offers leafy RV lots in a central location, making it a great base for exploring. Photo credit: 1000 Islands Campground

Stay at 1000 Islands Campground, of course. It’s priced right and centrally located between Alexandria Bay and Clayton. This means you’ll be able to reach the best little towns in the area quickly! I love this park because they really cater to all types of RVers. If you’re just renting an RV and don’t feel comfortable backing into a site, they have pull-through sites available. On the other hand, if you’re an old pro camper who wants to save a buck, they’ve got a back-in, no-sewer site for you! I especially recommend this park for families. They have hay rides and two incredible playgrounds. One is in the shape of a pirate ship and the other is a castle! How cool is that?

RVing In Mystic, Connecticut

Sailboats, historic homes and plenty of seafood — Mystic exudes New England charm. Visit in the summer for the best weather.

This town just screams quintessential New England. It had to make the list! I love this town because of its history, fresh salt air and its incredible events.

The collection of historical boats at Mystic Seaport includes four National Historical Landmark vessels.
Photo credit: Mystic Seaport

One of the coolest places in town is the Mystic Seaport. At 40 acres, it’s the largest maritime museum in the country and is full of rich history and hands-on learning. There are historical shops that you can walk through and educational pirate shows. But I like the Charles W. Morgan the best — it’s the last wooden whaling ship in the world! You can hop aboard and begin to understand the whaling industry, and how society has evolved since those times. It’s incredible. After the Seaport, I like to head downtown and relax. Take an easy stroll through the shops and then sit and enjoy the breeze from the water. It’s really fun to watch all the activity on the water. I love to see all the sailboats and fishermen.

River Jam is a two-day music festival with everything from country to reggae. Photo credit: Mystic River Jam Festival

If you time your visit right, Mystic does a great job with town events. They are fun and family-friendly. My last visit was during their “Mother’s Day In Mystic” celebration. There were beautiful flowers everywhere! Many shops had incredible discounts, and a paddleboard company was even offering a free paddle! It was awesome. Some other popular events are “The River Jam Festival” and the “Mystic Half Marathon and 10K”. These are are great for people bringing an RV to the area, since they happen in the summer when the weather is nicest.

Must-Eats In Mystic

Of course, you’ve got to eat at Mystic Pizza. It’s famous! It’s also close to downtown and parking.

If you’re looking for good food, great drinks and a fun atmosphere, Margaritas has you covered! Photo credit: Margaritas

But my favorite place to eat is Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. Yep, I like to go to a Mexican restaurant in a New England coastal town famous for its seafood. Why? First of, the atmosphere is fun! It’s decorated really nicely and very well-lit. I also like that it’s not downtown, but only a short walk from it. And the best part? When you order an entree, you get up to two kids meals for free. Ah-mazing! Oh, and the food is top-notch (try the handmade guacamole).

Where To Stay In Mystic

I highly recommend Seaport — it’s got a great location and plenty of amenities. Photo credit: Seaport RV Resort & Campground

Check out Seaport RV Resort and Campground if you want to be close to all the action Mystic has to offer. This park is perfect for any type of RV —motorhome, travel trailer or teardrop. All the amenities make it a really nice place to stay onsite and just have a relaxing day. If we’re there at the same time, you can catch me at the swimming pool. I’ll be the one floating around with the crazy-haired toddler.

As you can see, the northeast region has a lot to offer in the way of history, water, food and fun. I hope to see you and your RV there soon!

Don’t have an RV of your own but love the idea of seeing the Northeast by road? Rent a camper, trailer or motorhome on Campanda!

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The Ultimate South Dakota RV Road Trip: Badlands, Bison & Black Hills

Tom Sperner — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:15:13 +0000

By Bryce Cripe My wife Camille and I have been full-time RVing since August of 2016. In less than two years, we’ve visited 29 states and seen some amazing sights along the way. Choosing just one favorite road trip is challenging, but one trip stands out from the others. Our road trip to Badlands National Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota was my personal favorite. The two areas are vastly different, despite being only 75 miles apart. There are a lot of things to do and see, so I recommend spending at least a week there, if possible. We spent about seven days in the area ourselves and saw quite a lot. Keep reading for a full account of our trip, plus a suggested itinerary for your own adventure. (If you want to take this trip but don’t have your own RV or would like to test out a different model, you can find an RV rental to suit your needs on Campanda.)

RVing In Badlands National Park

When we arrived in South Dakota, I was struck by the stark beauty and wide open spaces of the Northern Great Plains. I expected the land to be flat, but instead found rolling hills. And the skies seemed to reach down and embrace the land, like in Montana’s Big Sky Country. We started our trip at Badlands, a sprawling park with eroded buttes and spires that reminded me of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The North Unit of the park features a prominent ridge — several hundred feet high and more than 20 miles long — that is surrounded by scenic prairie grasslands that stretch to the horizon.

Badlands is home to many species of wildlife — like this bighorn sheep ram we encountered!

After a quick stop at the visitor center, we drove the 50-mile round trip scenic route along Badlands Loop Road. We made stops at several overlooks where we enjoyed and photographed the amazing views, investigated strange and interesting rock formations and even saw prairie dogs at play in large “cities”. Later that afternoon, we had an up-close encounter with a bighorn sheep ram! It was an amazing day in a unique place — and we still had three more days to go! Note: RV camping is available in the North Unit at Cedar Pass Campground from April through October, as well as at several private campgrounds just outside the park.

Independence Day In Interior

We loved seeing the ways in which Interior’s Independence Day celebrations were both unique and deeply familiar.

The next day happened to be the Fourth of July and we enjoyed the festivities in the nearest town — Interior, South Dakota. It only has a population of 104, but Interior’s Fourth of July parade packs a punch. The procession of classic cars, fire trucks and youth sports teams showered us with candies and water from squirt guns. But it was the young female trick horse rider that awed us most. It was heartwarming to see that other parts of the country celebrate our nation’s independence similarly. We then found out that some fellow RVers were workamping at a nearby guest ranch for the summer. We met up for burgers and beer, and then got a tour of the ranch. It’s not everyday that we get to bottle-feed a calf and collect fresh eggs for guests! Our day already felt complete, but we still had a rodeo performance and fireworks show to attend. It was Americana at its best.

Exploring Notch Trail & Minuteman Missile Historic Site

Camille climbing a steep ladder on our hike along Notch Trail.

Our third day in Badlands National Park ended with an evening hike of the Notch Trail, which included climbing a log ladder up a steep incline and hiking along a high ledge to an amazing view of the White River Valley. On our last day at Badlands, we stopped at the nearby Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center. We learned that many long-range nuclear missiles were housed in silos all across the Northern Great Plains. It was a very interesting and sobering experience.

RVing In The Black Hills

Another jammed-packed three days awaited us 75 miles away in the Black Hills. We stayed at an RV park in the town of Piedmont, just a short drive from Rapid City. The Black Hills are actually an isolated mountain range surrounded by the Great Plains. The range has many exposed granite peaks and dense pine forests. They were named for their dark appearance in contrast to the grasslands around them. We spent three full days exploring the Black Hills.

Exploring Custer State Park

On our first day, we drove south to Custer State Park, the first and largest state park in South Dakota. It is home to forests, sparkling lakes, grasslands, granite pinnacles and an abundance of wildlife. Its natural diversity made it feel more like a national park than a state park.

We saw a large herd of bison along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.

It’s also a great park for American history buffs: The park is named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. You can read more about our trip to the battlefield on our blog. We drove the popular 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road through the park. We spotted several pronghorn antelopes, got up close with friendly feral burros and got stuck in a “wildlife jam” of cars that were there to view the main attraction: a large herd of the park’s famous wild bison. Then we drove the scenic Needles Highway to Sylvan Lake, which features hundreds of granite pinnacles that draw rock climbers from all over the world. The twisting roads include amazing viewpoints and two very narrow tunnels — so narrow, in fact, that our RV would not have made it through.

A Visit To Crazy Horse Memorial & Mount Rushmore

Crazy Horse Memorial is an unfinished memorial to the famous Lakota leader. When completed, it will be over 500 feet high!

After stopping for refreshments at Sylvan Lake Lodge, we made the short drive from the park to Crazy Horse Memorial. The unfinished stone carving was started in 1948 to honor the Lakota leader and will stand over 500 feet high and 600 feet long when completed. It’s hard to imagine the engineering and artististry required to create such a statue. Our final stop for the day was at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. We watched an informative and patriotic program which highlighted each president’s contributions to our nation’s history. It was an impressive and moving experience that also honored the war veterans in attendance. It was a great way to end an epic day.

A Day In Sturgis and Deadwood

On our second day, we went to the legendary town of Sturgis, known for its annual motorcycle rally in August. The rally was still over a month away, but you could feel the anticipation, especially from the shopkeepers and restaurant owners awaiting the thousands of visitors that were expected over the ten-day event.

Deadwood has seen a rise in tourism thanks to the hit HBO series.
Copyright: HBO

Next, we drove to the gold mining town of Deadwood. Founded in the 1870s and known for its lawlessness, the town is now a fraction of its former size. However, tourism is now booming with the introduction of Las Vegas-style casinos and the popularity of the HBO original series, Deadwood. We had lunch in one of its historic buildings and then got a private upstairs tour of what is said to be a haunted hotel. We drove further up into the hills past a local ski area before winding down through the lush pine and fir forests of Spearfish Canyon, stopping halfway down the canyon to view Bridal Veil Falls. As evening approached, we drove out of the canyon and into the town of Spearfish just as its weekly Friday night summer street festival was getting into full swing. We stopped to enjoy food trucks, live music, shopping and great people-watching. It was a pleasant ending to another great day in the Black Hills.

Hiking Black Elk Peak

For our last day in the area, we returned to Custer State Park and hiked to the top of Black Elk Peak. At 7,242 feet, it is not only the highest point in South Dakota, but also the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.

Camille and I are big hikers and have climbed a lot of peaks — and Black Elk Peak was one of our all-time favorite hikes.

The views were spectacular, and it was great to get out of the RV for a bit and exercise in the wilderness. Click here to read more about our favorite hikes, including Black Elk Peak. As you can see, we packed a lot of things into our three days in the Black Hills. But we still missed a couple of major attractions. We hope to visit the area again soon to see Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. Even still, as we wrapped up our epic road trip to Badlands and the Black Hills, we left feeling satisfied and fulfilled. The historic sights, unique experiences, rare wildlife and incredible natural scenery made for an amazing trip — one that I highly recommend.

7-Day Trip Itinerary

If our trip to South Dakota sounds like the stuff of your RV dreams, you can follow our route using this seven-day itinerary as a guide: Badlands National Park

- Day 1 — Start at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for its interpretive exhibits and video presentation. Then spend the day touring the Badlands Loop Road scenic drive (25 miles, one-way) and its numerous overlooks.

- Day 2 — Visit nearby Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Start at the visitor center to view exhibits. Continue 5 miles to Delta-01 Launch Control Facility for a ranger-guided tour (tickets required in advance; maximum tour size six people). Continue 10 miles to Delta-09 Launch Facility for a self-guided tour.

Day 3 — Explore and have lunch in the small town of Interior near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Spend the afternoon hiking a series of short trails in the National Park — Door, Window and Notch Trails.

Black Hills Area

- Day 4 — This is a travel day. Drive approximately 75 miles to accommodations in the Rapid City area.

- Day 5 — Visit Custer State Park (30 miles from Rapid City). Drive along Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway. Visit nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, then finish the day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

- Day 6 — Visit the town of Sturgis (28 miles from Rapid City), then continue to the historic mining town of Deadwood. Drive through Spearfish Canyon and stretch your legs with short hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Stop for dinner in the town of Spearfish on the way back to Rapid City.

Day 7 — Drive to Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park (35 miles from Rapid City). Hike to summit of Black Elk Peak (allow 4 to 5 hours for the 7-mile round-trip hike).

Need an RV for your own trip? Use Campanda’s search tool to find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure:

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RVing Will Make You More Creative

Tom Sperner — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:23:02 +0000

By Camille Attell

Have you ever wondered if you’re a creative person? Or perhaps you know you could be more creative if only you had more time. I think that everyone has a talent or two, but sometimes it’s hard enough to get everything done in a day, much less indulge in artistic projects.

Tomatoes at a farmers market in Florence, OR.

RVing can open you up to creativity in ways you’d never expect. If you’re itching to get your creative juices flowing, keep reading to learn why RVing might be the perfect solution.

(You don’t have to own an RV either — Campanda makes it easy to find and rent an RV in your area, so you can start flexing your creative muscles sooner!)

RVing Exposes You To New Things

RVing enables you to travel around and see the sights. Not only will you be exposed to new landscapes, but you’ll also be exposed to new food and even cultures.

For example, in Florence, Oregon we stumbled upon a farmers market along the boardwalk. There were the most beautiful fruits and vegetables I had ever seen — so bright and vibrant — I just had to buy a giant case of Sunburst Tomatoes. I don’t get to eat those very often, so it was a real treat.

Jemez Pueblo, NM

In New Mexico, we happened upon a holiday luminaria ceremony at the Jemez Pubelo and enjoyed an evening of singing and dancing in a traditional Pueblo drumming ceremony. It was a truly magical experience.

These experiences weren’t only enjoyable in the moment. Exposure to anything new and different opens you to new ways of thinking. You feel inspired to step outside your comfort zone and try something that might have scared you before. That is one way to experience creativity.

RVing Leads To Creative Thinking And Problem Solving

Bryce trying to fix bedroom slide.

Problem solving is another way to cultivate creativity. Let’s get real for a minute: RVing is amazing and rewarding and exciting — but things go wrong sometimes.

If you keep an open mind about it, you can navigate the challenges of the road and develop better problem solving skills. For example, you can read all about how we handled our bedroom slide issue in my article “Surprising Things You Learn From RVing.” What started as a frustrating problem ended up leading to memorable experiences.

Another good example of the surprising ways RV challenges can lead to creativity happened when we drove our RV from Texas to Arkansas, failed to make a camping reservation and ended up at a Walmart in Hugo, Oklahoma.

Normally camping overnight at a Walmart would be fine, but earlier that week we had lost our cat Bianca and I was so sad that I just needed a respite away from the hustle and bustle. I started looking online for nearby parks or land that was either free or inexpensive.

Hugo Lake, OK

Thankfully, I found the perfect location: Hugo Lake! With the sun setting, we hurried over and found the perfect spot with a wonderful view of the lake. Once settled, I wrote about losing Bianca. While it was painful to put my feelings to paper, it was also a creative assignment that brought me some relief.

Sometimes RVing can challenge you physically and emotionally, but it’s exactly these experiences that lead to creative thinking and problem solving.

RVing Allows You To Express Your Creativity

Getting out on the open road, being in nature and challenging yourself makes you more creative. Painting is something my husband had never done until RVing. The feature image is his acrylic painting of Moab, Utah. It’s not too shabby if you ask me!

My un-retouched photo of Sparks Lake, Oregon.

When I first started RVing, I wasn’t all that great with photography. Sure, I could snap a reasonable photo, but I didn’t understand my way around the manual settings. Being in nature and seeing such beautiful landscapes inspired me to learn how to take better photos. I wanted to share these scenes with family and friends, and learning how to use a camera helped me bring my journey to life for them.

This photo of Sparks Lake in Oregon was taken on the manual settings — about 20 minutes after sunset — and has not been retouched.

Meet Garvey, the RV Elf!

Another great creative outlet is daily journaling. Both my husband and I write almost everyday. We record things like what we did the day before or our thoughts about a place we’ve visited. Writing is a wonderful way to develop your creative muscle. This is an important muscle too, if you’re a blogger.

Over the holidays, I had the whimsical idea to write about Garvey The RV Elf, a frustrated elf who wanted to live a more creative life. You can read about Garvey here.

Street artist Banksy said: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

My most creative endeavor while RVing has been my found object art. I gather pieces of scrap that I find on the road, along with random parts in thrift stores, and recreate them into new forms. It’s a highly creative art form because I never know what I’m going to make and I build as I go. People tell me they are delightfully strange pieces. What do you think?

I never knew how creative I was until I started RVing. Being on the road, facing new challenges and trying new hobbies has transformed me in ways that hanging out at home never could.

If you feel like you have a creative itch that you’re dying to scratch, I encourage you to go RVing and explore your creative outlets.

Feeling inspired? Rent an RV on Campanda and get in touch with your creative side!

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