Road Trip – Campanda News

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

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

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

RVing In Badlands National Park

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

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

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

Independence Day In Interior

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

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

Exploring Notch Trail & Minuteman Missile Historic Site

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

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

RVing In The Black Hills

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

Exploring Custer State Park

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

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

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

A Visit To Crazy Horse Memorial & Mount Rushmore

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

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

A Day In Sturgis and Deadwood

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

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

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

Hiking Black Elk Peak

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

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

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

7-Day Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Black Hills Area

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

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

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

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

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

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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!

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5 RV-Friendly Cities Around The USA

Tom Sperner — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 19:37:34 +0000

By Liz Wilcox The best part about owning or renting an RV? You can go anywhere! For many people, this means searching out wide open roads or outdoor adventure, but there are plenty of very good reasons to take an RV trip to the city, too. Now, I don’t recommend trying to drive a Prevost tour bus down the streets of New York City. But you might be surprised by just how many of America’s cities are RV-friendly. For example, my good friends stayed close to the Strip in Las Vegas for several months. Another RV buddy of mine was located near Denver for a couple months this past fall. And my own family loves taking trips to Washington D.C. in our RV. So what makes a city attractive to an RVer? Usually some combination of:

Parking/campsites in or near the city
Proximity to outdoor activities (hiking, national parks, etc)
Entertainment (amusement parks, festivals, cultural attractions)
Good food!

Based on those qualities and input from my RV friends, I came up with a list of five RV-friendly cities around the country that you should visit:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s more to Las Vegas than casinos and buffets (but those are cool, too)!

You probably don’t need me to tell you that Las Vegas is an incredibly popular destination. Thousands upon thousands of tourists visit every week, including many of my close RVing friends. Week after week, I see my fellow nomads making their way across the desert to enjoy this city.

One of the best free things to do in Las Vegas? Watching the sunset!

I asked my friend Kelley about her Vegas RV experience and she told me about the Las Vegas RV Resort. Equipped with full hookups and tons of amenities, staying at this park keeps you comfortable and close to the city. She also loved this park because it was pet-friendly and had deluxe sites to accommodate their large rig. Large sites can be hard to find near a city, so this was a pretty big deal.

Things To Do In Vegas

Las Vegas has a lot to offer outdoorsy types. The red-rock deserts outside the city are great for hiking.

There’s more to Las Vegas than just casinos and buffets. Las Vegas is also located near some of America’s most amazing natural sites (Grand Canyon, anyone?). This makes it especially popular with RVers who don’t feel like choosing between a bustling city and outdoor adventure. Kelley recommended visiting the Strip, but warned me not to miss out on the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, which are just a short drive from downtown. Even closer is Red Rock National Park, a hiker’s dream. With miles of trails and the beautiful scenery of the Mojave Desert, it’s a must-see for every RVer.

2. Washington, D.C.

The National Mall on a sunny day.

Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities. I always find it hard to leave because there is so much to discover there. When my family started RVing, I knew I wanted to wanted to plan an extended trip to our nation’s capital.

Don’t miss the chance to see the Lincoln Memorial.

In the course of my research, I discovered that the Union Station parking garage — which is right in the heart of the city — has some space for oversize vehicles. You can check out the garage’s Facebook page for information like height requirement and security information. Parking at Union Station is for short stays only, which doesn’t work for an RVer like me that wants to stay more than a day or two in the city. Thankfully, I discovered Cherry Hill Park, a fan-favorite among the RVers I know. There is a shuttle that goes straight to the city, making it perfect for RVers without a car.

Things To Do In Washington D.C.

Every RVer I know likes to save money. That’s what makes this city so appealing to travelers — almost everything is free to visit! Washington D.C. is home to a seemingly endless number of must-visit museums like the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research complex. These museums can be found directly downtown.

The Smithsonian museums are must-sees.

I have two favorite places in the city. The first is the Museum of Natural History. I love being able to see the Hope Diamond, a full-skeleton dinosaur exhibit and an African elephant all in one place. It’s fascinating. I also love our National Zoo — they have pandas! The best part about Washington D.C.? The food trucks sprinkled throughout the city! It just makes an RVer feel at home seeing a mobile kitchen.

3. Orlando, Florida

Disney World attracts millions of visitors every year — including many RVers! I’m waiting to take my daughter until she’s a little older. We had plenty of fun exploring other parts of Orlando instead!

Orlando thrives on its tourism industry and RVers are a huge part of that. If there was ever a city made for us, this is it! Home to some of the largest RV dealerships and parks in the world, RVers are bound to feel welcome. This year was my first as an RVer in Orlando. My family stayed at Sherwood Forest RV Resort. The moment we arrived, I felt like I was home. There were RVers from every walk of life: Full-time families, retired couples and weekend warriors were all there at the park. I told my Facebook friends where I was, and within minutes I had people texting me, saying they were very close.

My family had a great time at the Sherwood Forest RV Resort.

It was clear: Orlando is a very popular city for RV trips! And I loved Sherwood Forest. Despite being almost full, everyone was taken care of and the place felt personal. With three pools on site, I never felt cramped while swimming. My daughter and I also attended a Super Bowl potluck and made lots of new friends. When talking to my other RV friends in the area, they said they loved Orlando for the same reasons — lots of things to do with fellow RVers!

Things To Do In Orlando

The Tibet-Butler Nature Trail is great for a relaxing nature walk away from the crowds. Photo credit: AllTrails

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Orlando’s booming entertainment industry. Home to more than a dozen theme parks, the amount and variety of entertainment to be found in this city is limitless. I saw a ton of RVers in our park with Mickey Mouse decorations and stickers that said “Passholder” or “Disney Vacation Club.” Feeling thrifty, I opted out of the parks. Instead, I took my daughter to Disney Springs, a free outdoor mall. We spent the day walking around, looking at all the cool stuff. I loved the Coca Cola store. Who knew you could have three floors of Coke products?

Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is a beautiful place to see the city and a bit of wildlife.

Just like there’s more to Vegas than slot machines, Orlando offers more than just theme parks. Wandering around, I discovered Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. It’s a 440-acre preserve with great trails that showcase Florida’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a downtown atmosphere, head to Lake Eola. You can take a paddleboat around the heart of the city! There are stunning views of Orlando’s skyline and you’ll get to enjoy the landscaped grounds and wild birds.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Tonto National Forest is located north of Phoenix.

RVers love Arizona. The weather is great in the colder months and there is plenty of space to park your rig. This winter, most of my RV friends headed to Arizona. Some of them opted for desert living, but others chose to stay in Phoenix and Mesa. This metropolitan area is full of RV resorts, RV parks and camping areas.

I’ve heard great things about the Desert Shadows RV Resort near Phoenix.
Photo: Desert Shadows

I heard a lot of people chatting about Desert Shadows RV Resort. Located in North Phoenix, Desert Shadows is where RVers go to relax. And they do a great job of catering to their guests — according to one friend, this place is “equipped with all the amenities you could ever need.” But I think the real reason so many people like this place is the full-time activities director they have onsite. RVing doesn’t always lend itself to social situations, so it’s nice to have organized events to meet other people.

Things To Do In Phoenix

Hot air balloons are a common sight in Arizona.

Arizona loves hot air balloons. Every year, RVers make their way to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival in droves. Not to be outdone, Phoenix also offers an array of hot air balloon rides. It’s a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. I personally can’t wait to get out there to experience a sunrise or sunset of my own over the Phoenix valley. Another must-see attraction in Phoenix is the Musical Instrument Museum. From what I’ve heard, this place is unlike any other museum you’ve ever been to. Upon arrival, you’ll be given headphones to wear; as you wander through the museum, they tune you in to all the videos and music playing at different exhibits. It’s a unique way to experience different cultures and eras.

5. Denver, Colorado

Denver is such a cool city with so much to offer, from breweries to mountains and everything in between.

I have several RV friends from Denver. Despite their ability to travel full-time, they spend a considerable amount of time in the area (which is a pretty solid recommendation, if you ask me). I asked my friend Lindsay about the ins and outs of RVing in this city.

Downtown Denver is home to tons of fantastic breweries and eateries.

She told me that while there aren’t a ton of parks located within city limits, she loves to stay at Clear Creek RV Park in Golden, CO, which puts her about 30 minutes from downtown Denver. She says Clear Creek’s perfect rating on TripAdvisor is accurate and well earned. And its location gives her the chance to hike in the morning and sample the local brews in the evening.

Things To Do In Denver

Denver’s proximity to gorgeous mountain landscapes makes it popular with RVers.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Denver is the awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. But Lindsay tells me there is plenty more see. She recommends checking out the local state parks — Cherry Creek and Chatfield. Both are on big reservoirs and have a lot of natural beauty and outdoor activities to offer. After a long day in this active city, most RVers I know stop by one of Denver’s amazing breweries. I’ve heard great things about the “LoDo Walking Tour,” a three-stop tour in the Lower Downtown district. The tour includes a drink at the oldest craft brewery in the city, another at one of the top tap houses, and a final stop at a famous steakhouse. Cheers to that!

If you had never considered an RV city trip before, I hope this article has opened your eyes to the possibility. As for me, I can’t wait to visit these RV-friendly cities in 2018! Don’t have an RV to call your own? Consider an RV rental from Campanda to get started on your city road trip today!

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RV Romance: Finding Love On The Road

Tom Sperner — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 18:42:43 +0000

Looking For Love In All The Right Places

By Liz Wilcox RVing and adventure go hand in hand. No matter age or lifestyle, people are flocking in droves to hit the open road in campervans, motorhomes and trailers. It seems they are all looking for a bit of excitement, freedom and … romance? Okay, so maybe romance is not the first thing people think of when planning the perfect road trip. And it’s true that spending 24/7 with someone can put a strain on romance. But as a full-time RVer myself, I can tell you that RVing can actually make it easier to find special moments with your partner — if you know where to look. Whether you’ve been on a thousand road trips in your own rig, or you’re renting an RV on Campanda, try these simple but surprisingly effective things to find a little romance on your next RV trip.

Romantic RV Road Trip Games For Couples

Long drives are an inescapable part of RV travel, for better and for worse. And while it is tempting to get out your phone and play games while your partner is driving, don’t! You’ll be missing out on ample time to bond with your partner. Take this time to learn more about your partner and have some fun. Play road trip games and answer questions about each other from pre-prepped questions or surveys. Some of these are great ways to find out deep truths about your loved one; others are just for fun:

21 Questions

One partner asks questions and the other partner answers. Having trouble coming up with questions? I like using this website when I’m stumped for inspiration. This is a great game to play while getting to know each other. It is also a classic for long-term couples wanting to dig deeper.

Storyteller

When you notice an interesting vehicle, point it out and start making up a story about its passengers. Be as detailed and silly (or outrageous) as possible. Let your partner help you with the story. Is it an old couple in love on their way to winter in Florida? What are they carrying in their trunk? What did they leave behind? Or is it a young family on their way to buy an RV? Will they live in it full-time or just enjoy it on the weekends? What RV will they get? This is a really fun way to see your partner’s creative side and to collaborate on something creative together.

Actors & Movies

One person starts by naming an actor (or actress). Then the other names a movie that person is in. The starter of the game retorts with a second actor in that movie. And so on. For example:

Men In Black Tommy Lee Jones The Fugitive Harrison Ford Star Wars When one person is stumped begin again with a new starter of the game.

Make Dinner Together Over The Campfire

There’s just something about making dinner in the fresh air that brings people together. Cooking inside the RV can be stressful. The space is small and there is usually barely enough room for one chef, let alone two. Turn this time into something romantic instead. Gather all your ingredients and head out to the picnic table. Work together on building the campfire. Talk about the day slowly ending and all the great times you’ve had so far (and all the good times you plan to have) on this amazing RV trip. Be flirtatious and light-hearted. Laugh at the mess you’re making or when the fire goes out for the third time. Remember, you’re doing this to have fun and experience new things together!

Lay Under The Stars Together

So romantic it’s almost cliched, laying under the stars with your loved one is a must-do while RVing. Park your RV a bit outside the city, grab a blanket and snuggle up. Use an app like Star Chart to learn new constellations together. Or take advantage of the darkness to be vulnerable and discuss serious topics. There’s nothing like a blanket of stars to help you open up, share and grow closer together.

Learn Each Other’s Camping Style

Not all campers are created equal. Some people like to live in their RVs full-time, while others prefer to be weekend warriors. There are RVers that like the luxuries of RV parks and those that stray as far off the beaten path as possible. Learning your partner’s style is essential for a successful romantic getaway. If they like the finer things in life, find a park with lots of amenities. There are many resort-style campgrounds that will cater to your every need — think massages, hot tubs, restaurants and wine racks. If your partner is the more introverted type, find a secluded spot in a state park or go boondocking (camping for free on designated land). Bring supplies with you for a worry-free weekend. Cook your meals together, play cards and cuddle up with their favorite movies and music. Whatever their style, you’re in for a great time if you get it right.

Don’t have an RV of your own? Or maybe you’re in the mood for something cozier?

Rent an RV on Campanda! There are tons of options, from luxurious Class A’s to cozy camper vans.

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Top 10 Rookie RV Mistakes — And How To Avoid Them

Tom Sperner — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:01:08 +0000

By Liz Wilcox Sure, everyone makes mistakes. But no one wants to look like a rookie on the road. Feeling like you don’t have a clue is stressful and embarrassing. And when it comes to RVing, being clueless can also be dangerous and costly. Luckily, the worst mistakes can be avoided by doing a bit of homework and planning ahead. Here are some of the most common RV rookie mistakes — and how you can avoid them.

Before Your RV Trip

1. Not packing enough food (or packing too much!)

You can really work up an appetite setting up a campsite. There’s nothing worse than putting in time and hard work only to realize that you only brought enough graham crackers and chocolate for 2 nights of s’mores on your 4-night stay (so tragic!). Conversely, it’s important not to overpack. Unless you’re headed to the middle of nowhere, you probably don’t need a three months’ supply of canned goods. (See this article on 5 Things To Leave At Home On Your Next RV Trip for more things you probably don’t need to haul around.) Avoid both mistakes by meal planning beforehand. Don’t underestimate the power of pen and paper. Write down all the meals you need for your trip — think simple, one-pot recipes — and make a grocery list. Take your list to the store and ensure you’ve marked every thing off the list before checkout.

2. Not making reservations

While a pro may know the ins and outs of every campground within a 500-mile radius, the novice RVer probably does not. After a long day of driving, you don’t want to pull up to the RV park of your dreams only to find out they don’t have a spot for you. There are several reasons a park may not be able to accommodate you:

Some campgrounds only allow motorhomes and trailers less than 10 years of age
A campground may not have campsites long enough for your generously sized Class A vehicle.
If RVing with kids, RV parks may charge a child tax that you aren’t willing to pay.
Some RV parks are only for seniors
And of course, an RV park may simply be full by the time you get there.

It is best to do your research, call prospective campgrounds and make reservations before you head out on your adventure.

3. Not planning your route

Maybe you love the feeling of driving in a car, unconcerned with routes or plans. But the fact is, getting lost in an RV is not like getting lost in a car. It’s really stressful!. Where can I turn around safely? Are they any low bridges I need to worry about if I continue down this road? Am I legally allowed to make this turn? Can I cross this intersection without causing a traffic jam? Planning your route in advance can help you avoid any blunders. The Rand McNally Atlas and Trucker’s Atlas list low-clearance roads, truck stops, and more. Online tools like the Good Sam Club trip planner or Roadtrippers.com are also great for planning the perfect RV road trip route.

At the RV Park Or Campground

4. Not following camp etiquette

No matter how much you feel at home there, a campground is not your backyard. There are certain rules that should be followed to ensure every RVer has a good time.

Read and follow the camp or RV park rules.
Don’t play your music too loudly or for too long.
Avoid walking through other RVers’ campsites. Going around to the bathhouse isn’t going to hurt you.
Let the kids have fun, but make sure they are aware of others around them and of the campground rules.
Drive slowly. If you feel like you may be going too fast, you are.
Don’t engine for more than a few minutes — it can be disturbing to your neighbors.
Pick up after your pets and keep them on a leash at all times.

5. Leaving your curtains up at night

While this mistake won’t cost you anything, it can lead to some awkward experiences. Campsites at RV parks and campgrounds are usually pretty lose together. Leaving your curtains or blinds up allows everyone to see right into your rig. Give yourself some privacy and save others from the temptation to snoop by pulling down the shades once the sun sets.

Packing Up Your RV

6. Being underprepared at the dump station

Being unprepared at the dump station with a line of people ready to hit the road behind you is a fast way to become the least popular person at camp. Research how to dump your tanks well before you drive up to the station. You can do this by reading your RV manual, watching YouTube videos or even asking people around the park. If you’re renting an RV on Campanda, be sure to ask the owner about your tanks when you pick up the vehicle. It’s important to put everything you need for this special RV experience together in one convenient place. This allows for easy access when you pull up to the dump station and easy clean up when you leave.

7. Forgetting to do the walk-around

Before you hit the road, you must walk around your RV. Check to ensure everything is put away and in its proper place for highway driving. Now do it again. Two walk-arounds may seem excessive, but trust me, spending a few extra minutes checking your RV is better than driving off with your awning still out or your sewer hose dragging behind you. (Yes, that really does happen. We RVers call these “drive off disasters.”) Save yourself the headache of trying to remember everything when you break camp by using a checklist. Be sure to:

Do a walk-around and check your antenna, lights, tow vehicle connections, windows and vents
Make sure that your storage doors are closed and locked
Check that your cupboards and fridge doors are secure
Test your turn signals, brakes and headlights for safety

On The Road

8. Moving too quickly

RVs are great for many things. Moving quickly is not one of them. Driving under pressure may lead to some bad decisions. You may pack up too quickly and forget to secure items in and outside the rig. Or you could drive too fast and put yourself and your passengers at risk, not to mention the other vehicles on the road. An RV — whether it’s a motorhome or a towed vehicle — really shouldn’t be flying down the highway. And the fact is, trying to cover too much ground in too little time is incredibly stressful. Avoid cramming too much experience into your short window of vacation time. Slow down and really enjoy the RV experience by taking it one day at a time. When you plan a trip, use Google Maps to determine how much time it will take. Then add 15 to 25 minutes to every hour. That should give you a better idea of how long it will actually take to get to your destination.

9. Ignoring sounds and signs that something is wrong

RVs have a lot of moving parts. There’s nothing like driving down the highway in an RV, listening to something beep or rattle behind you as you try to merge lanes to help you realize you’ve got something terribly wrong. While on the road, be sure to listen to your rig and check your mirrors often to be certain you are secure and safe. If you see something flapping in your rearview mirror, stop immediately to secure it. Hear a weird scraping sound? You better pull over ASAP to find the problem. Remember, an RV is a large piece of equipment. That means large problems can arise. Always err on the side of caution. Pull over as quickly as possible to investigate any abnormal sounds or signs that your rig is not 100% safe.

The Biggest Mistake

The biggest mistake an RV newbie can make?

10. Giving up on your RV dreams because you think you’re not up to the task.

The fact is, RVing can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes and ask for help from other RVers. Most slip ups are minor and can be chalked up to learning experience — and a good story to tell around your next campfire. Do your homework, pay attention and stay calm. (And seriously, do that second walk-around.)

Renting an RV is a fantastic way to get into the RV life. And with Campanda, you’re backed by a support system of some really excellent people — not to mention 24/7 roadside assistance (just in case).

Click the link below to check out the full selection of RVs, campervans and trailers.

Click Here To Rent An RV

The post Top 10 Rookie RV Mistakes — And How To Avoid Them appeared first on Campanda News.