Planning Your Trip – Campanda News

How To Find Your Next Great Hike

Tom Sperner — Mon, 14 May 2018 17:04:37 +0000

Hiking On RV Trips

Hiking is one of the best activities you can do with your family while on an RV trip. There’s something really special about getting out and being in nature. It brings the family together, cleanses the soul and provides a sense of well-being and accomplishment.

Here I am at 2,915 feet on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The internet has made it a lot easier to find information on great local hikes, but sometimes finding the information you want (or need — not always the same thing!) requires a bit of digging around. Fortunately, I’ve spent a lot of time doing exactly that kind of research and am happy to share these resources with you so you can find your own perfect hike. These resources are tried and true: My wife Camille and I are full-time RVers and hiking enthusiasts. We’ve visited 29 states in two years and have used the resources described in this article to find amazing hikes everywhere we’ve been. (Click here to read Camille’s article on Campanda Magazine about our five favorite hikes.)

Hiking: How It Used To Be

Remember paper trail maps? There was a time when you’d literally have been lost without one!

I’ve been camping and hiking with my family and friends ever since I can remember. Before Camille and I started our RV journey, we lived in California where I spent every summer backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The resources used to find great hiking trails have changed dramatically over the years. Before the internet, mobile phones and social media, I used to buy guidebooks and maps to find good hikes. Then I’d call U.S. Forest Service or National Park ranger stations to check on permit requirements and current conditions. Once I’d chosen a hike, I would go to a local outdoor store to find a topographical trail map of the area. The maps usually cost around $10 but were a great insurance policy against getting lost in the wilderness. And off we would go with our backpacks, tents and a roll of film in our cameras on a grand adventure!

A Brave New World

Ironically, there are now so many free online resources available that you can spend more time researching hikes than actually hiking! But if you know where to look, these resources can make the process a lot simpler than it used to be. For example, we were in Atlanta for the first time and didn’t know anything about hiking there — so I jumped on the laptop and mobile phone and got to work.

Internet Resources For Hikers

Google (or the search engine of your choice) is a great starting point for discovering nearby trails.

One of the things we like to do is hike to the highest point in each state we visit. When we were in Atlanta, I simply typed “highest point in Georgia” into an internet search engine and it returned literally millions of web links including a Wikipedia article on Brasstown Bald — Georgia’s highest point at 4,784 feet above sea level. That’s almost a mile high! Not bad for being east of the Rockies (remember, I’ve been spoiled by all the high peaks in California). A related link at the bottom of the search results page was “Brasstown Bald hiking.” It included a link to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website.

National park and forest websites are excellent resources — sort of like online visitor centers!

If the hike that you’re investigating is located on National Park Service or National Forest land, these websites are great places to find information about driving directions, trail conditions, alerts, closures and any fees. Through the National Forest website, I quickly learned that there were four ways to hike to the top of Brasstown Bald. Two of the trails were longer than I wanted (12 miles or more) and one was too short (1.2 miles). But the Jack’s Knob Trail — six miles round trip and 1,800 feet of elevation gain — was just right.

Some other great internet resources I regularly use are:

- www.summitpost.org | A user-driven website with information on many mountain hikes including descriptions, maps, directions, photos, trip reports and a climber’s log.

www.outdoorproject.com | A website of curated outdoor activities searchable by location. Reports include hike overviews, photos, current weather, driving directions and field guide printables.

Mobile Phone Apps For Hikers

At the summit of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

Once I knew where I wanted to go, I used the mapping app on my phone (Google Maps) to map my driving route to the trailhead — 101 miles in just over two hours. There were many fantastic hikes closer but I had summit fever! There are quite a few specially designed trail apps, but I end up using Google Maps a lot out of habit and because its maps also include many hiking trails and natural points of interest. I also use the Google Earth app to preview most of my hikes. Amazingly, you can often see the trails when you zoom in on the satellite views. In this case, I used it to check for parking availability at the Jack’s Knob trailhead. As I said, there are a number of excellent free hiking apps (for iPhone and Android) that you can use to find your next great hike. The information is often much more detailed than generic map apps like Google Maps, so I often use the two together for best results.

Here are some hiking apps I really like:

- AllTrails – a user-driven free app with over 50,000 trails curated by over 4 million users. Use your phone’s location to find hikes near you (there were 250 trails near me). Each hike includes topo maps, elevation profiles, photos, reviews and comments. A premium paid edition provides additional features.

AllTrails is an indispensable app for hikers.

- Hiking Project – a user-driven free app from outdoor retailer REI Co-Op. It includes over 37,000 trails. You can input your location to find hikes near you. Each hike includes topo maps, elevation profiles, step-by-step trail gradients, photos, reviews, comments and nearby trails.REI also has a companion app for hiking within national parks and monuments, REI National Parks, with over 5,000 hikes.

ViewRanger – a free app which uses maps from major outdoor brands, tourism agencies and users. It includes many of the same features as the above apps. What makes this app unique is that it has an augmented reality feature called Skyline that uses your camera phone to label geographic features while on your hike. Very cool!

Pinterest For Hikers

Pinterest isn’t just for cupcake recipes and crafts anymore!

Still looking for resources? Pinterest is good for more than just DIY party decorations. It can also be a valuable search tool for local hikes. A search on ‘hiking near Brasstown Bald’ on Pinterest returned hundreds of pins with related information. Two of my favorite pins led me to local hiking blogs where I found great reviews of fantastic hikes in the area. I even figured out my next hike (Stone Mountain) and it was only two miles away!

Twitter & Instagram For Hikers

You can also use social media applications to find information on hikes. A search using hashtags on Twitter will return tweets with links to useful information. And if you’re a visual person who needs an amazing photo to convince you that the hike you’re planning will be great, you can search Instagram using hashtags as well.

Youtube For Hikers

A video can really help you get a feel for a prospective hike.

If you’re more into videos, Youtube is a great place to find hiking-related content. I searched on ‘Brasstown Bald’ and found thousands of videos including some incredible drone footage. A word of caution: the content is so great on Youtube that if you watch too many videos, you may feel like you’ve already been there. Personally, the videos I’ve watched have never spoiled a hike for me as nothing compares to hiking it yourself and seeing it with your own eyes.

Facebook For Hikers

Facebook can be a great resource if you know how to use it.

Lastly, the social media giant Facebook can be a helpful resource. A search on a hike you’re interested in will likely return pages, links, videos, photos and even posts from your friends with valuable information. There is even a new and growing Facebook group — RVers Who Hike — that you can join to ask questions, share ideas and get first hand information.

As you can see, there is so much information out there to help you find and plan your hikes. The next time you’re traveling in an RV and looking for that next great hike, I hope you find these resources helpful in getting you out on a new trail. Happy hiking!

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How To Use Pinterest To Plan Your RV Trip

Tom Sperner — Wed, 09 May 2018 17:04:25 +0000

By Camille Attell

RV trip planning can be fun and exciting. It can also be overwhelming. What should you pack, where should you go, what route should you take? Questions like these are just the beginning of what can feel like a daunting set of tasks. Luckily it’s Pinterest to the rescue!

Keep reading to find out how Pinterest could make your next RV rental even better.

What is Pinterest?

A good “pin” will have a well-crafted description explaining the image.

When Pinterest came onto the scene back in 2010, people used it to search for and save (“pin”) things like recipes and wedding dresses. If you loved scrapbooking then you were guaranteed to love Pinterest even more. It’s like a massive, online vision board with infinite possibilities of ideas.

If you haven’t logged in to Pinterest in a while (or ever) then you might be puzzled when I say that it’s also an amazing tool to plan road trips and vacations. It’s not just for cupcakes anymore!

When you click on a pin it will take you to the source of the content, like a website, where you can get more information.

Why Pinterest Is A Great Tool

Over the years Pinterest has evolved into a search engine. A search engine helps you locate information on the internet. Google is what everyone thinks of as the go-to search engine. But Pinterest is a powerful search engine too, which surprises people because they think it’s a social media platform like Facebook. It isn’t, and that distinction is important for a couple for reasons.

Although it’s a social platform, Pinterest functions like a search engine. That means you can use it to look up information and tips.

For consumers (aka RVers browsing the internet), it’s a place where you can search and find information. For example, let’s say you want to travel to Utah and see national parks. If you type “Utah National Parks,” you’ll to find a wealth of information.

For content creators (bloggers, companies, etc.) it’s a useful platform to share your content and drive traffic back to your site. Let’s say you’re a travel blogger who writes articles about national parks: If you write one about Utah and make a great visual pin, there’s a good chance that your pin (and therefore your article) could be found in a search.

How To Use Pinterest To Plan An RV Trip

So how exactly do you use Pinterest to plan a vacation? To get started, you’ll need set up a profile on Pinterest. This will enable you to set up “boards” where you can organize all the pins you collect. Think of boards like file folders or different pages in a scrapbook, each with its own category.

You can use Pinterest to search for travel inspiration and discover amazing destinations.

Here’s how a board works: Using the Utah national parks example, you would create a board called “Utah Travel Board.” Then, you’d search for terms that fit the type of trip you’re planning, such as:

Utah National Parks
Utah driving routes
Hiking in Utah
Utah RV Parks

After you’ve collected a bunch of images and resources about your destination, you can then search for other helpful information. For example, if you want ideas about what to pack, you could search for terms like “RV travel checklist,” “hiking gear” or “packing for RVing.”

You can find tons of RV resources on Pinterest, like helpful checklists and packing tips.

You can even look for awesome camping recipes by searching terms like “RV recipes,” “camping recipes,” “food for camping” and so on.

As you discover new pins, you can keep adding them to your board. Over time you’ll collect a wide range of pins that you can refer to as you plan — all in one place!

(As a side note, Utah has some truly awesome National Parks. Check out this article for my favorite hikes while RVing, including Bryce Canyon in Utah.)

Using Pinterest Long-Term

You can also create multiple boards for different categories. For example, if you plan to take multiple trips, you could categorize your boards. This could mean one for each destination, or you could set up boards like this:

North America Travel
Route Planning
RV Parks
RV Gear
RV Cooking & Recipes

This way, whenever you plan a new trip, you can consult your boards and look at the pins that relate to that trip. You can check out how I’ve organized my own RV Pinterest boards here.

Think of boards as folders. These can be organized however you want, and one pin can be put in multiple folders for cross-categorization.

Over time you’ll build a great resource for trip planning. Your account becomes like a resource library and you become a part of the Pinterest information-sharing community (you can also set your boards to “private” if you’re feeling secretive about your travel plans).

In short, Pinterest is a wonderful way to plan an RV trip. It’s easy to use and fun too! The next time you plan a trip, consider using Pinterest as a source of helpful information.

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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!

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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:

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Best RV Trips For School Breaks & Long Weekends

Tom Sperner — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 16:16:42 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Anyone who has had a full-time job knows how precious long weekends are. They offer a much-needed extra day of relaxation — or the perfect opportunity to take a mini-vacation without cutting into your annual allowance. If you have kids, long weekends offer the chance to spend extra time with your family. But when a long weekend stretches into a full-blown vacation, the pressure is on for parents to keep the children entertained. Many parents plan family getaways during school breaks. But these can often be complicated and expensive — negating much of the fun for the adults involved. That’s where RVing comes in. Owning or renting an RV just makes things easier. You can go more places. You don’t have expensive hotel fees. And best of all, no lost luggage! The freedom is great. But with all that freedom, how do you narrow down where to go? And how do you know your chosen destination is going to be RV-friendly? Based on personal experience and some help from fellow RV parents, I’ve put together a list of destinations that are perfect for RVers looking to travel during school breaks and long weekends. (And no, you don’t need to have young children to enjoy these destinations. Every place on this list is also great for kid-free vacationing.) All of the following places have:

Parking/campsites in or near the destination.
Proximity to outdoor activities (hiking, national parks, etc).
Entertainment (amusement parks, festivals, cultural attractions).

Here are five excellent RV destinations to visit when school is out. I’ve broken them down by the major school breaks, but you can obviously take shorter trips over long weekends if you live nearby:

Spring Break RV Destinations

1. Florida Caverns State Park | Marianna, Florida

You probably don’t need me to tell you Florida is a popular spot for spring break. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the peninsula to hang out on the beach and soak up the sun. But what if I told you Florida had more to offer Spring Breakers than bayous and beaches?

Florida Caverns is the only state park in Florida that offers cave tours.
Photo credit: Margaret Hester, Florida State Parks

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is truly one-of-a-kind. The dry caves are some of the only in the state and this state park is the only place you’ll be able to tour them. I’m a Florida native and I’ll never forget the first time I saw the incredible formations of limestone stalactites and stalagmites. I was in awe that my home state could be so diverse. In addition to the exclusive guided cave tours, the park is also popular for camping. It offers fishing opportunities and canoe and kayak rentals. There is even an onsite restaurant and a playground for those RVing with kids. My favorite thing to do in this park is to explore the nature trails. There are beautiful rocky bluffs above the river floodplain. Pay close attention to the plants — many rare species run alongside the trail. The hikes are mildly strenuous, but most members of the family will be able to complete them.

If you just can’t imagine a Florida RV trip without the beach, Panama City is about an hour’s drive from Florida Caverns.

The park’s RV camping accessibility makes this a great RV spring break destination. There are electric and water hookups in the park and they accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long! If you’ve been RVing for any amount of time, you know that most state parks have a 30-foot limit, so this is amazing! There are also campgrounds near the park if you cannot find space on-site. If you need a little more incentive, one of the most popular spring break destinations in the country — Panama City Beach — is a mere 60 miles away.

2. White Sands National Monument | Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument may just be the most amazing national park that you’ve never heard of!

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like New Mexico is America’s best kept secret. Before RVing, I had no clue why anyone would want to go there. It’s just a hot desert, right?

Nope, that’s not snow. It’s sand! It’s made of gypsum, which gives it its snow-white color.

Oh, how quickly my RVing buddies let me know how wrong I was. They introduced me to all kinds of hidden gems in this great state! White Sands National Monument is a great example. I discovered this amazing desert through a newsletter from one of my favorite RV blogs, Tiny Shiny Home. This place looks like the landscape is full of snowdrifts, but it’s 75 degrees outside! One of the most popular things to do at White Sands is to sled down the dunes. Sleds are even available in the gift shop. There is also a local KOA for lodging that has great amenities for everyone in your group.

Winter Break RV Destinations

3. Orlando, Florida

Disney World is a bucket-list trip for children and adults alike. It’s also expensive! RVing can help families cut costs by reducing lodging and dining expenses.

I know, I know. Everyone puts Orlando on this sort of list. But it really is the perfect winter break destination for any RVer. In fact, my family just spent a few weeks down there ourselves. Endless campgrounds, entertainment and sunshine — Orlando has everything you need to have a good time on your winter vacation. One of the most popular spots in the city is Walt Disney World. But you probably already knew that. What you might not know about is the incredible Fort Wilderness Resort.

I’ve heard only good things about Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, which can accommodate rigs of any size.
Photo credit: Fort Wilderness Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort is Disney’s RV park and I’ve never met an RVer who said it was a waste of money. The park covers 750 acres and accommodates RVs and campers of any size. Amenities include a waterslide pool, canoeing and even archery and horseback riding. (Yes, all at the RV park.) My friend Julie recently wintered there and said that she especially loved the free shuttle to the amusement parks and other areas of Walt Disney World. But Mickey and the gang aren’t the only things to see in Orlando! Check out my article on RV-friendly cities if you want to discover a different (and more frugal side) to the area.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is packed with history, shopping, dining and family-friendly attractions. And there’s tons of nature just a short drive from the city.

Atlanta has something for everybody.

At 6.3 million gallons, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the world.

When visiting this southern city, I love to explore the downtown area. There are just so many tourist sights to see! Take the Georgia Aquarium, for instance: It’s the world’s largest aquarium and home to some of our planet’s cutest and most unique water animals. They even have puffins! The World of Coca-Cola is a pretty cool spot as well. It’s essentially an interactive soda museum and you’ll get a taste of Coke’s history and future all in the same place.

In addition to its famous mountain peak, Stone Mountain Park offers scenic hiking trails and lovely sights — like this old mill.

Even if you’re not into the city life, Atlanta can still be a great winter break destination. In fact, one of Georgia’s most-visited attractions is Stone Mountain Park and it’s located less than 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. I have fond memories here — Stone Mountain is where I had my very first RVer meetup and decided that full-timing was right for me! Stone Mountain is also the best place to park your rig. With over 3200 acres of scenery to explore, it only makes sense to use Stone Mountain’s amazing campground as well. Equipped to accommodate just about any RV, you’ll also find swimming pools, playgrounds and walking trails just outside your RV door! Don’t forget to stretch your legs and go for a hike along the mile-long trail up Stone Mountain. This is something I haven’t actually gotten to do yet, but it’s on my bucket list for 2018!

Summer Vacation RV Destinations

5. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the quintessential New England coastal town, complete with shingled houses, painted buoys and plenty of freshly caught lobster!

Last summer while I was living in Alabama, all my RVing friends were in Bar Harbor. At one point in August, I felt like the only person on Facebook who wasn’t in Maine!

Bar Habor is home to many small museums and charming local businesses.

Bar Harbor is an ideal summer destination, whether you want to travel for food, entertainment or culture. This coastal town has some amazing museums and galleries. You can learn about the Gilded Age of Bar Harbor or its Native American roots, while also enjoying artistic works by historic and contemporary local artists. My friends tell me the museums are small but plentiful. It’s fun to wander in and out of them and the town even offers walking tours. Look for signs around town that say “Museum in the Streets” for even more information on Bar Harbor and its rich history.

Acadia National Park is famous for its rugged coastal beauty.

The town also hosts music festivals and there are plenty of laid-back clubs and restaurants with live music. My RVer friends said that eating fresh lobster and smelling the salt air with a bit of music in the background was one of the best experiences of their lives! And of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all the outdoor activities available in the Bar Harbor area: The nearby Acadia National Park is home to beautiful hiking trails and over 45 miles of carriage trails for cyclists. It’s also famous for the highest headlands of the Atlantic coastline. This makes it ideal for nature lovers of all ages.

The Gulf of Maine is home to many whale species.

But the number one thing on my Bar Harbor to-do list is to go whale-watching. There are many boats that leave each day, making this once-in-a-lifetime experience surprisingly easy to access. I just can’t wait to see those gentle giants in real life!

Just A Reminder: 2018/2019 School Vacations & Long Weekends

Many schools observe local state holidays as well as federal holidays. Spring and winter breaks vary from district to district, but usually occur in December, January, February and/or March. The dates for the federal holidays this year are:

January 1: New Year’s Day
January 21: MLK Jr. Day
February 18: Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)
May 27: Memorial Day
July 4: Independence Day
September 2: Labor Day
October 14: Columbus Day
November 11: Veterans Day
November 28: Thanksgiving
December 25: Christmas Day

Love the idea of taking an RV trip with your family this year? Browse Campanda‘s selection of RV rentals to find the perfect vehicle for your next vacation:

Click Here To Rent An RV

If you’re an RV owner who doesn’t use your RV 24/7, you could be earning money by renting out your vehicle to local families. Click the link below to learn more:

Click Here To List Your RV

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8 Rainy Day RV Camping Activities

Tom Sperner — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:35:01 +0000

By Liz Wilcox

No matter how much you plan ahead, you simply can’t control the weather. Sometimes it rains on your RV trip, and that’s just the way it goes. But with proper planning and a little creativity, you can turn these potentially dreadful days into some of the most memorable of your trip!

Here are eight rainy day camping activities to try the next time the skies darken on your RV trip, whether you’re renting an RV on Campanda or hitting the road in a rig of your own!

Rainy Day Activities Inside The RV

1. Marshmallow Crafts And Games

If there’s one unspoken rule of RVing, it’s that you must have marshmallows on hand at all times.

And while s’mores are off the menu on a rainy day (unless you go the microwave route), you can still get some use out of them! Get creative and play tic-tac-toe with marshmallows and chocolate. The winner gets to eat the pieces!

Marshmallows are great for crafts, too. They’re sticky, which makes them perfect for building towers. On rainy days, my husband and I like to compete to see who can get their tower the highest. We up the ante by placing weight on top. Whoever wins gets out of dish duty for the day — needless to say, things can get pretty intense.

2. Craft A Story

When you’re stuck inside an RV, there’s going to be a lot of chatter. Make it fun and light by telling stories!

People don’t seem to read aloud much these days, which is a shame. Revive old traditions by reading the books that you have on hand to each other. Or find new and interesting stories online to share with your RV crew.

One of my family’s favorite things to do is play a game called “Pass The Story.” This is an interactive storytelling game where one person starts telling a story, then passes a ball to another to keep the story going.

I love this particular game the most because it’s great for just about any age and gets everyone involved flexing their creative muscles. The key is to say a few sentences and pass the ball at a cliffhanger. This can really liven up the story!

3. Make Movie Watching Into An Event

Okay, so maybe watching a movie inside the RV isn’t such a novel idea.

But simply popping in a DVD isn’t going to entertain you and the other campers in your RV for very long. That’s why you should turn it into an event!

Make popcorn. Bake cookies. If you don’t have either of those things, get creative and make some finger foods from what’s in your pantry. We don’t normally use our oven, so in lieu of cookies we make peanut butter tortillas. They’re easy to make and cut into bite-size portions. I like to put them on a small tray and serve them to my family. It’s just that little bit of fun you need on a rainy day at camp.

It can also be fun to build a fort and watch movies in there. String a blanket over the dinette and across to the couch. Snuggle up with all your pillows and put an old favorite on your laptop or TV.

Rainy Day Activities Outside

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not go outside? Some of my favorite RV memories are playing in the rain.

4. Have A Puddle Contest

If there’s one guarantee in life, it’s that a campground is going to have puddles when it rains. Take advantage of this and have a contest.

Explore the park looking for the biggest puddle. Give everyone a turn to splash to determine the winner.

Bonus points if you can splash over someone’s head!

5. Take A Wet-Weather Hike

Photo credit: Joe Hendricks

Things look different in the rain. Go outside and explore! See what kinds of animals and bugs you can find. My daughter loves going out in the rain to point out all the frogs and worms (why do kids love worms so much?). I like to point out the animals that are hiding, like the birds and squirrels. It’s a great learning opportunity for everyone to consider why certain animals are out and others have found shelter.

I’m not afraid of a little dirt, and my daughter and I also like to make mud pies during our rainy hikes. Another activity you can do in the rain is a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things you think you can find and see who can spot the most!

6. Make Paper Boats

Okay, so technically you do the first half of this activity inside, but you still need to go out to see it through.

Gather around the dinette of your RV and make paper boats. Try a few different styles and then head outside to see which one floats best in the puddles.

Tip: Don’t try this one when it’s pouring rain. The boats will hold up better in a drizzle.

Rainy Day Activities In And Around The RV Park

7. Utilize The Clubhouse

Photo credit: Joe Hendricks

Many RV parks and campgrounds have clubhouses or activity centers. Check the schedule to see if the park you’re in has any scheduled events that you can take advantage of during your rainy stay.

This year we stayed at an RV park that had Valentine’s Day activities, which was great because the rain was relentless but we were still able to have fun with Candy Bar Bingo and a potluck. It also gave us the opportunity to get to know our neighbors — which would otherwise have been impossible in the rain!

8. Visit Local Libraries, Museums And Attractions

Do a quick online search to find a library or museum near you. Spend the day inside getting to know the local area and discover what it has to offer.

In December, we brought our RV to Connecticut. We took advantage of the amazing local science center and children’s museums around the state. We even hit up the mall to get some “urban hiking” in when it was too cold to be outside.

Yes, the point of an RV trip is spend a lot of time outside. But when the skies don’t cooperate with your plans, there are still plenty of things you can do to enjoy your RV trip no matter what the weather. Don’t be afraid to get creative, slow down your schedule to share some stories — and maybe even get a little wet!

Ready to try RVing, rain or shine? Click below to see Campanda’s selection of RV rentals in your area.

Click Here To Rent An RV

Have an RV sitting in your driveway? Rent it out during the times you can’t use it. Help other families create lasting memories — and earn a pretty penny in the process!

Click Here To List Your RV

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RV Checklists: 6 Printable Packing Lists

Tom Sperner — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:05:17 +0000

If you’re the type of person who always thinks “I know I’m forgetting something” when you leave the house, then you need (yes, need) a good checklist to help you pack for your RV trip. Because trust us, there’s nothing like arriving at camp and realizing you forgot the s’mores materials — or worse, disposable gloves for the dumping station! — to put a damper on your RV vacation. Luckily for you, we made some handy printable checklists to help you prepare for your next RV rental or family vacation. Click on the links below to download and print them at home. Happy travels!

RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist
RV Camping Essentials Checklist
RV Kitchen Checklist
RV Grocery Checklist
RV Bed & Bath Checklist
Make Your Own RV Checklist
Download All RV Checklists

RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist

Download RV Maintenance & Safety Checklist

RV Camping Essentials Checklist

Download RV Camping Essentials Checklist

RV Kitchen Checklist

Download RV Kitchen Checklist

RV Grocery Checklist

Download RV Grocery Checklist

RV Bed & Bath Checklist

Download RV Bed & Bath Checklist

Make Your Own RV Checklist

Download Blank RV Checklist

All RV Checklists

Click the links below to download PDFs of all Campanda’s RV checklists!

RV owners: You could be earning money from the RV in your driveway. Name your price, choose your renters and set your own schedule with Campanda. (Pro tip: Many renters don’t travel their own kitchen utensils, RV toilet paper or comforters. You can offer these items as add-ons to your RV for extra money — it’s a win-win!)

Click Here To List Your RV

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How To Find Free & Inexpensive RV Camping

Tom Sperner — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:00:09 +0000

By Camille Attell Finding free and inexpensive camping is both an art and a science. There are so many resources to help you find great camping spots, but sometimes all the technology in the world can’t predict how you’ll “feel” about a place. Always do your research in advance to ensure that you choose the best camping option to suit your style. This article will provide you with both practical tips for finding free and inexpensive camping, as well as tips for feeling a place out.

Boondocking

Free camping usually means that you’ll be going off the grid, or at least without electrical, water and sewage hookups. This type of camping is called “boondocking”, “dry camping” or “dispersed camping” and involves camping outside of established campgrounds. My husband and I didn’t even know this type of RV camping existed until we started RVing and learning the tricks of the trade.

Here’s a spot we found at American Girl Mine in California, which you can easily locate on Google Maps.

Our first time dry camping wasn’t free, but it was inexpensive for the area we were in. We stayed at O’Neill Park in Orange County, California for $22 a night, which by comparison is much cheaper than anywhere else you’ll find in that area. It was a great experience! But we had to learn how to boondock within the first week of owning our rig. It wasn’t hard once we figured out what we were doing. Here are the basic steps you should take to prepare for this type of RV camping:

Fill up your tank with water, and bring extra drinking water.
Make sure you have a generator or solar panels to stay powered.
Empty your black and gray tanks in advance (trust me on this one).
If you’re going far off the grid, ensure you have plenty of food and first aid supplies.

These are the essential preparations (consider them must-dos) for any free camping experience. For some more creative ideas, you can check out Pinterest and type “boondocking” in the search. You’ll get all kinds of great tips!

How do you find free and inexpensive campsites?

The following websites and apps helped us locate some great cheap RV campsites.

1. Campendium

With Campendium you can search for various camping options, including land owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), national forests and traditional campsites. You will find reviews and evaluations of important features like cell coverage. You may not find comprehensive information on every location, since reviews are left by fellow campers. In other words, the more popular the location, the more reviews there will be. Be sure to leave a review of your experience so that others can plan a trip based on information that you provide!

Here’s a great spot we found on Campendium called Upper Teton View in Wyoming. It’s a hilly road, but we managed to get our RV up there and saw larger fifth wheels too!

2. AllStays

Allstays is a paid app that offers information on free campsites including truck stops, casinos, Walmarts (all places you can camp for free) and even RV stores in case you need to pick a few items on your way. Once you buy the app, you basically own it forever (no monthly subscription), and it’s a comprehensive, one-stop resource that many RVers say is well worth the $10 price tag.

For inexpensive camping options, check out Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. Each offers a different type of experience for a low annual membership fee.

3. Boondockers Welcome

This site lists individuals who have offered up land on their property for boondockers. These are usually one- or two-night stays and you can even find some sites to camp for free in the city. Click here to read my article about camping near big cities.

4. Harvest Hosts

We had a lovely stay at the Jaxon Keys winery.

You can find some great camping sites on Harvest Hosts. These are typically wineries, ranches or even museums where you can stay overnight in exchange for buying your host’s products or services. (While you don’t have to buy their products, it’s nice to support local businesses and good hospitality when you can!) We stayed at the Jaxon Keys winery in Hopland, California using Harvest Hosts. We camped just behind their vineyards and had a lovely wine tasting too!

5. Google Maps

Finding your own camping locations is another option. Free and legal camping is available on BLM land and in many national forests. With Google Maps, you can look for places in advance and scope out a site. This is when the “feel” of a campsite comes into play: Search for the site on Google Maps in advance and then arrive early to scope out the terrain. It’s good to have a backup plan, since you might find that you need to navigate challenging roads or someone might beat you to the site. Pay attention to how you feel in a location. Generally speaking, free camping on open land is safe, but be aware of your surroundings and ensure you have a good exit strategy if something like a storm comes through.

Free RV Camping Is Easier Than You Think

This style of camping might not be for everyone, but I believe that what holds many people back is a lack of information. A little planning, a few online resources and feeling a place out can lead to some truly memorable experiences!

Ready for your own off-grid adventure? Rent an RV on Campanda to get started:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Do you already own an RV? Don’t let it sit idle! List it on Campanda to share the RV life (and earn some extra money)!

Click Here To List Your RV

The post How To Find Free & Inexpensive RV Camping appeared first on Campanda News.

How To RV With Your Kids (Without Going Crazy)

Tom Sperner — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:11:26 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Rent an RV for your next family vacation. Seriously, just do it. RVing with kids is a great way for your family to tour the country without the hassle of airport lines, hotel fees and luggage fiascos. Your kids will love the feeling of driving down the road with their “house.” And you’ll love the chance to show your family all the amazing things this nation has to offer. In some ways, RVing with kids is like a family road trip. In other ways, it’s totally different. There are advantages and disadvantages (as there are with any travel option). This article will help you reduce the chance of stressful or unexpected situations, have a great family vacation and make the most out of your Campanda RV rental! Here are some tips on how to make the most of your RV family vacation:

1. Choose the right RV park or campground.

Not all RV parks, resorts and campgrounds are created equal. And with kids in tow, it’s especially important to find the right one that will accommodate your family. Consider your family’s camping style (or what you think it might be): Do you like to go on hikes and spend a lot of time outdoors? Or would your family be more comfortable with scheduled activities or amenities? Different parks cater to different types of families. Do your research. You can use sites like Campendium, myCampsiteReviews.com or Good Sam to look up RV parks online and search through reviews. You should also call around. A campground can be a very diverse place and not all camping sites are created equal. Ask what site would be best for a family of your size. Also, be sure to find out how the kids can play safely in the area. The best spot for your family is going to give your kids room to run around and have fun. Being close to any on-site facilities and activities is always a bonus.

2. Map out your stops beforehand.

RVs are big. Even a small RV rental can feel huge in a tiny parking lot. Research easy-to-reach places to stop and eat. Truck stop gas stations are a great place to pull over and quickly whip up something for the kids to snack on. If you are looking for a place where your children can get out and play, many McDonalds’ have RV parking and play areas. Call ahead to see which stops would be best for your family. Rest areas are another great place to stop for a break. Many have small walking trails or grassy areas. They are also typically equipped to accommodate any size RV. It is a good idea to plan at least one “activity stop” per day to let the kids get out and stretch their legs. This is especially true when traveling for a long period of time. The best stops to make are usually just off the highway — think scenic overlooks, roadside attractions or children’s museums.

3. Plan for rainy days.

No matter how efficiently you plan your RV family adventure, you can’t control the weather. But fortunately, you can plan for that, too! Bring along a variety of board games or even video games. If you’re renting an RV on Campanda, look for an RV rental that comes with a multiplayer game console or board game collection. You’ll thank yourself for this extra bit of planning on those rainy days when you are stuck inside with the kids!

4. Use the space you’re in.

Picture this: You’re getting ready for the campground pool. You have your clothes scattered all over the bed of your RV rental, trying desperately to find your husband’s swim trunks. Your 4-year-old is on the brink of a meltdown over her Mickey Mouse sandals. And you just can’t seem to find the sunscreen. You think to yourself: “How can I not find anything in such a small space?” Avoid this disaster. Don’t just shove luggage in cabinets or on the side of the bed. You rented an RV for a week — use it! Bring hangers on your trip and hang up your clothes. Use the drawers to put away pants and shorts. Designate a cabinet to your children and put their stuff away. Then store all your luggage in an outside compartment. Many RVs will have more storage than you expect. Don’t think of your RV rental as a car. Think of it as a home and use it accordingly.

5. Set a cleaning schedule.

Sure, an RV is much easier and quicker to clean than a 2,000-square-foot home. But what most people don’t realize is that the small space gets dirty really quickly. This means you have to clean it way more often. Do yourself a favor and set a cleaning schedule. A simple and easy-to-remember method is to just clean up after every meal. Toys, dishes, the bathroom — it all needs to be cleaned at these times. Once things are picked up and looking fresh, head outside for some campground fun.

6. Remember to have fun!

Just like at home, sometimes things simply don’t go according to plan. You might have more rainy days than you planned for and the kids are sick of playing Monopoly. Or you forgot to stick to your cleaning schedule and now clothes are scattered around the RV like a teenager’s bedroom floor. Remember, you are on a trip with your loved ones. Make the most of it by keeping things light and letting go of the need for perfection. Be flexible, adaptable and creative about how you spend your time. And let yourself stop and really appreciate how rare it is to spend so much time together as a family. After all, isn’t that what family vacations are all about?

Don’t have an RV of your own? Rent one on Campanda!

Click Here To Rent An RV

Are you an RV owner? Don’t let your vehicle sit idle. Rent your RV on Campanda and help another family experience the joys of RV camping.

Click Here To Rent Your RV

The post How To RV With Your Kids (Without Going Crazy) appeared first on Campanda News.

30 Must-Have Apps For RVers

Tom Sperner — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:49:49 +0000

The Best (Mostly Free) RV Apps To Download Now

Whether you own an RV or are planning to rent one on Campanda, download these 30 (mostly free) apps to make your next RV trip even better! Keep reading or click the links below to discover the best apps for:

Planning An RV Trip
Navigating
Using On The Road
Finding RV Campgrounds & Parking
Finding Good Grub
Outdoor Adventurers
Nature Lovers
Stargazing
Predicting The Weather
Staying Safe

Best Apps For Planning An RV Trip

The Roadtrippers app will help you plan the perfect road trip.

1. Roadtrippers This highly rated app will help you discover new destinations and organize your road trip itineraries. A must-have for RVers. iOS | Android 2. Roadside America Discover all the weird and wonderful things that the United States has to offer with this fun app that helps you find oddball attractions across the country. iOS | (Not yet available for Android) 3. Google Trips Not just for RVers, Google Trips is an all-around great trip planning app that keeps all your plans in one place. Good for planning day trips and exploring new cities along your route. iOS | Android

Best Navigation Apps For RVers

CoPilot is a GPS app that will help you navigate with confidence.

4. CoPilot GPS Millions of RVers and truckers swear by CoPilot, which offers offline maps (essential in areas of spotty network coverage), clear directions and trip planning features. iOS | Android 5. Google Maps A must-have real-time navigation app. Many people don’t realize that you can download maps to use offline (no cell signal required!). One of our favorite things about Google Maps is the way it complements Google Trips by seamlessly mapping out the attractions and reservations that you’ve save in the trip planning app. iOS | Android 6. Waze Waze informs you about traffic, construction, crashes, police and other road blocks in real time — making it popular with Uber drivers and city commuters trying to cut down on travel time. iOS | Android

Best Apps To Use On The Road

GasBuddy could save you hundreds on RV fuel costs.

7. GasBuddy Don’t overpay at the pump! The GasBuddy app lets you search for the cheapest gas prices in your area so you can find the most affordable pit stops. iOS | Android 8. History Here This fun app provides an interactive, location-based guide to historic locations around the country. Use it to explore new places and discover hidden history along your route. iOS | Android 9. Spotify No road trip is complete without some good tunes! Get access to millions of songs with Spotify, a must-have for music lovers and RVers alike. We recommend purchasing a premium subscription so you can listen to music offline (and without the ads). iOS | Android

Best Apps For Finding RV Campgrounds & Parking

RV Parks & Campgrounds will help you find the perfect RV campsite.

10. RV Parks & Campgrounds  Find the perfect RV park. Search over 40,000 commercial RV parks across North America, sorted by rating and user reviews from other campers. iOS | Android 11. RV Parky Built by a full-timer RVer, this must-have app offers a guide to RV parks, campgrounds, rest stops, gas stations and stores, as well as low clearance warnings and a trip planner. iOS | Android 12. Camp & RV By Allstays ($) This app isn’t free, but there’s a reason thousands of RVers swear by it: With information on all kinds of RV campgrounds, parking lots (including Walmart), rest stops, etc., it may end up being the best $9.99 you ever spent. iOS | (Not yet available for Android)

Best Apps For Finding Good Grub

Foursquare uses your location to help you find the best restaurants, cafes and bars near you.

13. Yelp This trusted app puts millions of customer reviews at your fingertips to help you discover the best restaurants and businesses near you. iOS | Android 14. Foursquare Kind of like Yelp’s trendy younger cousin, Foursquare is another community review app that will help you find all the best local hangouts, hot spots and need-to-try restaurants. iOS | Android 15. Krazy Coupon Lady This popular coupon app will help you find the best deals on groceries (and pretty much anything else you might need), making dining in your RV even more affordable. Time to stock up s’mores ingredients! iOS | Android

Best Apps For Outdoor Adventurers

AllTrails is a must-have for outdoor adventurers.

16. Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder Find nearby national parks, state parks or national forests with this handy app that lets you search by location and activity (like bird watching or fishing). iOS | Android 17. AllTrails A must-have for hikers, bikers, runners and nature walkers. This app will be your guide to more than 50,000 trails, with maps, trail reviews and photos from its community of users. iOS | Android 18. REI Co-op National Parks Guide This app is your comprehensive guide to hiking and sightseeing in our National Parks — including bucket-list destinations like Acadia, Zion, Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and more! iOS | Android

Best Apps For Nature Lovers

The Merlin Bird ID app can identify birds from five simple questions — or even a photo!

19. iNaturalist This nature app will help you identify the plants and animals that you encounter on your next camping trip. Record and share your observations with a community of 400,000 scientists and naturalists. iOS | Android 20. Nature Passport Designed to help parents and teachers get kids interested and engaged with nature, this app will encourage your kids to explore their natural surroundings. iOS | Android 21. Merlin Bird ID With just five simple questions (or a photo of the bird in question), this handy app will help you identify the birds you see and hear in the wild. The simple interface makes it great for novice bird watchers. iOS | Android

Best Apps For Stargazing

Star Chart will help you see the night sky like never before.

22. Star Chart This free app uses your phone’s camera to identify stars, constellations, planets and other celestial objects in the night sky. You can even shift the view 10,000 years forward or backward in time! iOS | Android 23. Star Walk 2 ($) Star Walk 2 uses your phone’s gyroscope and location tracking to present an augmented reality view of the sky above you. You can tap on a star to see a 3D model and read more about it. It’s well worth the one-time $2.99 purchase. iOS | Android 24. Sky Safari 5 ($) This powerful astronomy app (which also comes in Plus and Pro versions) will help you explore the universe through beautiful animations, photographs, descriptions and NASA spacecraft images — no internet connection required! Another $2.99 well spent. iOS | Android

Best Weather Apps For RVers

Accuweather is a highly accurate, all-purpose weather app.

25. AccuWeather Did you know that the accuracy of weather apps varies depending on where you are? This tool will help you determine which weather forecast is most reliable for your area. Most of the time, AccuWeather is the clear frontrunner, which is why it’s our favorite all-purpose weather app. iOS | Android 26. MyRadar Quickly see what weather is headed your way with this no-frills app that displays animated weather radar for your current location. iOS | Android 27. Dark Sky ($) Dark Sky gives you hyperlocal, down-to-the-minute weather forecasts in a format that’s both attractive and easy to understand. Free for Android (with in-app purchases), or a $3.99 one-time purchase for Apple. iOS | Android

Best Apps For Staying Safe Outdoors

Designed to work without internet, the Offline Survival Manual will teach you how to survive in the wilderness.

28. Offline Survival Manual This highly rated app is puts essential survival information at your fingertips. Fully functional offline, it contains information on how to find food, build a shelter, make a fire and more. (Not yet available for iOS) | Android 29. First Aid By American Red Cross This app could save a life during an emergency situation. Developed by the American Red Cross, First Aid will teach you essential first aid skills. iOS | Android 30. Anti Mosquito Unless you’re RVing in a malaria or Zika zone, this sonic repeller app probably won’t save your life. But it will help you avoid getting nasty mosquito bites that could put a real damper on your trip! iOS | (Not yet available for Android)

Put these apps to the test on your next RV trip! Don’t have an RV or camper of your own? Rent one on Campanda!:

Click Here To Rent An RV

Already have an RV? Don’t let it sit idle. List it on Campanda to earn money when it’s not in use:

Click Here To Rent Your RV

The post 30 Must-Have Apps For RVers appeared first on Campanda News.

RVing In The City: How To Do It And Why You Definitely Should

Tom Sperner — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 15:28:35 +0000

by Camille Attell Think you can’t RV in the city? Think again! Keep reading for ideas and resources to help you plan your perfect RV city vacation!

Photo credit: Julie Chickery

When you think about RV travel, you probably picture driving along tree-lined highways or scenic coastal roads. Perhaps you imagine cookouts in state parks and playing catch by the river. But the beauty of RV travel is that it lets you travel to all sorts of destinations, from the countryside to the big city. While some people like to escape to a natural environment, others love traveling to cities for the diversity and excitement that they offer. City travel by RV is a great alternative to air travel, and can be a fun and cost-effective way to see the sights.

Planning Your RV Trip To The City

Like any RV adventure, you should always start with a plan. In addition to the typical questions — like how long will you travel, what activities will you do, and what meals you want to eat — there are additional considerations for RVing in cities.

Use free apps and online resources to find the best routes and parking in urban areas.

Plan your route carefully. This is true for all RV travel, but RVing in the city can be more challenging than the average city drive by car or truck. You’ll want to avoid low bridges, construction zones, and narrow streets. You can use free resources like Google Maps and free apps like Park Advisor, which will often display any road hazards. If you want to have technology do all the work, look into a GPS system like the Garmin RV 760LMT, which will map your route based on the height and weight of your RV. You should also consider the time of year you plan to visit. If you choose to travel in peak season (usually late spring to summer), then be sure to book your campsite well in advance. RV parks tend to book up fast in the high season.

How To Find RV Campsites Near The City

Urban Campgrounds

How much it costs to camp in a city depends on how close you stay to the city center and what amenities you want. As I already mentioned, RV parks in or near large cities are likely to cost you more money, but will give you easy access to public transit and must-see sights. Of course, close proximity to a city can also mean more noise and traffic congestion — something to bear in mind when choosing between campground locations.

Here are some examples of popular RV parks close to major cities:

My husband and I chose to stay close to the city center of Little Rock, AR so we could explore more easily.

Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego, CA: Surrounded by Mission Bay and just a few minutes from tons of popular attractions.
Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, NJ: The closest RV park to NYC, this RV park even has views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Greenbelt Park in Greenbelt, Maryland: 174 campsites located just 12 miles from Washington, D.C.
Jantzen Beach RV Park in Portland, OR: Located on the Columbia River with a view of Mount Hood, this park is a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland.

My husband and I typically like to camp about 20 to 30 minutes outside of a big city to reduce the cost of camping. This also allows us to explore some of the he local areas that we might not see otherwise. We have a fully equipped Class A, so additional campground amenities aren’t as important to us as they might be to someone in a less well-appointed RV. If you’re traveling with kids, it might be important to you to have perks like a swimming pool, a playground, etc. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and those amenities aren’t a priority, a state park could be an excellent alternative. Once you’ve figured out which type of RV park you want to stay at, you can search for campgrounds, research the park amenities and read reviews from other travelers on websites like Allstays and Campendium.

Photo credit: Julie Chickery

Boondocking In The City

Another option is (legal) boondocking — camping without hookups. A lot of visitor centers (like the one Savannah, GA) allow RVers to park their RVs overnight in their parking lots. So do convention centers — Less Junk, More Journey found the boondocking at McCormick Place in Chicago to be an awesome option right in the heart of the city. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm that boondocking is allowed. Also check out Boondockers Welcome, a site that lists free overnight RV parking on private property. It’s a great way to save money — and maybe even make some local friends.

Getting Around The City

It’s not a good idea to drive around the city in an RV. That might seem obvious but I see people do it all the time. RVs are often large and bulky and city streets can be narrow and congested. There are some exceptions: A Class B van or a small Class C can maneuver around city streets better than a Class A or fifth-wheel. A better option for getting around the city is to use a car or public transportation. RVer Porter Palmer and her husband William Trinkle like to take public transportation into the city. She said that they look for RV parks near train stations or ones that offer a shuttle option. Once in the city, consider taking a trolley tour. Many cities offer a “hop on, hop off” option in which you get a one-day or multi-day pass and can explore various stops at your leisure. This is a great way to see the lay of the land. My husband and I took trolley tours around Nashville, Tennessee and San Diego, California, and loved the flexibility that they provided.

Cost-Saving Ideas For Urban Campers

One perk of traveling by RV is that you can offset the expensive costs of city travel. RVing is traditionally less expensive than other forms of travel because you save money on airfare, hotels and dining out. Some RV parks offer discounts for stays of one week or more, making longer trips even more affordable in comparison.

We loved Anchorhead Coffee Company in Seattle, WA.

One of our favorite city activities is simply walking around and window shopping. Since we live in an RV full time, things isn’t a top priority for us. But exploring the local culture is. One item we’re always willing to splurge on is good, local coffee. There are other ways to save money on city travel: Ask the RV park if they have a coupon book or discounts. Sometimes they will have relationships with local tour operators and might offer a percentage off the retail price. And use coupons! Pick up a local guide or newspaper — you’ll often find coupons or discounts — or check out sites like Groupon for local deals. One of the best ways to save money is to visit a city during the low season or shoulder season (the time between peak and off-peak seasons). This is a great strategy for saving on both RV park prices and city excursions.

Don’t Skip The City

The next time you’re trying to decide between an RV vacation or a trip to the city, consider combining the two. RV travel can be a cost-effective and fun way to explore a new or favorite city. So long as you do a bit of research and be smart about driving, there’s no reason to be city-shy!

Photo Credit: William Trinkle

Want to take an RV trip to the city but don’t have a rig of your own? Campanda has an awesome selection of RVs, including compact models that can maneuver around those busy city streets. Click the link below to find an RV for rent near you.

Click Here To Rent An RV

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