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Unusual RV Destinations In Southern California

Tom Sperner — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 18:32:34 +0000

By Camille Attell California has so much to offer: beaches, redwood forests, Hollywood, Disneyland. These attractions are popular, exciting and generally family-friendly. They can also be crowded and expensive. Not to mention the fact that if you’re an RVer from California (like me), you’ve probably explored many of these popular destinations already. Maybe you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation. Or perhaps you’re looking to get off the the beaten path anyway. If a more economical and unique experience sounds right up your alley, then check out this interesting area of California that is often underestimated but equally worth visiting.

How To Go Off The Beaten Track In Southern California’s Inland Desert

Southern California’s inland low desert may not be a classic “bucket list destination,” but it is an interesting region that offers a range of activities and attractions — from hiking and camping to sightseeing and fascinating culture. I’ve focused on three specific areas that you can visit within three to four days. Some are beautiful, others are strange; all are totally worth a visit for the RV adventurer who’s “been there, done that.” Enjoy!

Anza Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs
The Salton Sea
Salvation Mountain and Slab City

Some Travel Advice:

If you own or rent a small RV (like a Class B van), you can easily drive to each location. If you’re driving a large RV, you may want to tow a second vehicle to get around once you arrive in the area. Camping sites — both free and paid camping — are available in Anza-Borrego State Park and the surrounding area (you can find detailed information about camping in the area here). Some friends and I boondocked in this area over New Years Eve. For advice on how to find free camping and boondocking sites, check out my article “How To Find Free And Inexpensive RV Camping.” This area of California can get hot and dry in the summer months, so I highly advise that you plan your trip for the winter or spring. In the spring you might even get to experience some lovely wildflowers!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County with portions extending east into Imperial Valley and north into Riverside County. It’s the largest state park in California and the second largest state park in the country. The park is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including wildflowers, palm trees and various cacti. You might catch a glimpse of a road runner (like we did) foxes or eagles. If you’re really lucky you could even spot some bighorn sheep! (Fun fact: Borrego is actually the Spanish name for bighorn sheep.) The village of Borrego Springs is nearby. You can go to the visitor center for information and eat lunch at one of the local restaurants. One of my favorites is called The Red Ocotillo, which offers traditional Mexican and American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another surprise delight of this area are the more than 100 metal structures dotting the desert. These massive structures — which include wild horses, mammoths and even a dragon — were created by Mexican artist Ricardo Breceda. They are a must-see if you are in the area. Take a drive around Borrego Valley and marvel at the beauty of the sculptures against the backdrop of the vast desert and bright blue sky. There is so much to see and do here, I recommend taking two full days to explore everything if you can.

The Salton Sea

Image credit: William Trinkle

If you Google the Salton Sea, you’ll probably see headlines like “From Relaxing Resort to Skeleton-Filled Wasteland.” Not the most alluring description, to be sure. So why am I recommending the area as a destination? For one thing, there is real beauty hidden amid the desolation. Case in point: the amazing photo (above) that my friend and travel photographer William Trinkle took when he brought me out for a photography lesson. Another reason to go: adventure. This article is about going off the beaten path, remember? The surrounding areas are desolate and downtrodden, yes. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. It’s a real adventure — which I believe are the ones worth taking. For example, the town of Bombay Beach is economically disadvantaged and eerily quiet, yet it has a storied history. The Ski Inn is the one restaurant in town and is worth checking out — I had one of the best ortega burgers I’ve ever eaten there.

Salvation Mountain And Slab City

Of all the places in the area to visit, I think that Salvation Mountain and Slab City in Niland are by far the most unique. You’ll like this area if you’re into art, odd creations and alternative housing. Salvation Mountain was created by visionary and artist Leonard Night after a childhood dream and a spiritual awakening. It is made mostly of “junk” and latex paint, which sounds weird but is really something to behold (and hey, I told you some of these destinations were strange!). Nearby is a community called Slab City. If you’re used to destinations like Disneyland, beware: This is no theme park. Also called “The Slabs,” the community is built on the site of the former World War II Marine Corp barracks of Camp Dunlap. The slabs of concrete were left behind, which is how “Slab City” got its name. This may be the last truly “free living” community in the United States. There is no charge for camping, but there are also no services. While some inhabitants are snowbirds who come to the area in the winter because it’s free, there are a few hundred permanent residents who live there due to financial hardships. Some of the RVs have been there for years, and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between an old and abandoned RV. But look beyond the surface, because what you’ll also find is art, creativity and beauty. The people who live in Slab City have created unique sites out of very little — like the fantastic display of found objects and junk art in the community called “East Jesus.” There are a few good restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite after a day of “sightseeing.” We ate at Archie’s Place, a Mexican restaurant in nearby Calipatria. I’m a sucker for a good chile relleno and they did not disappoint!

Summary

I recommended a few places that might surprise you. Why would you consider taking time off and spending your hard-earned money on off-the-beaten path places in the low desert of California? Because, in short, it’s a cost-effective way to see some really unique places, inject a healthy dose of strangeness into your travels and have a truly memorable experience. These destinations may also expand your thinking about the state of California, which is thought of as a wealthy state “where all the rich people live”. That isn’t the case everywhere. No, it isn’t Disneyland. But in this area of California, you’ll experience some stunning landscapes, diverse nature, art, history and people who have created communities that are equally deserving of your time.

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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:

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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.

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