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An RVer’s Guide To Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My RV Park Of Choice: Cherry Hill Park

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

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

More RV Campgrounds Near Washington, D.C.

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

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

Getting To Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

Getting Around Downtown D.C.

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

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

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

Things To Do In Washington, D.C.

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

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

Here are my top five places to visit downtown:

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

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

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

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

1. The National Harbor

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

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

Photo credit: Rosa Mexicano

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

2. Mount Vernon

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

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

Photo credit: Holy Cow

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

3. Old Town

Photo credit: VisitAlexandria.com

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

Photo credit: Sweet Fire Donna’s

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

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

Click Here To Rent An RV

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

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

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

By Camille Attell

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

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

A Review Of Our Tiffin Allegro Coach

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

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

Tiffin Allegro: The Pros

High Quality

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

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

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

The Floor Plan

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

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

Little Luxuries

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

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

Smooth Driving

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

Tiffin Allegro: The Cons

Wasted Space & Energy

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

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

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

The Dinette

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

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

The Size

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Guide To Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

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

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

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

What To Know Before Choosing An RV Campsite

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

1. Budget

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

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

2. Length Of Stay

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

3. Proximity To Planned Activities

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

4. Your Camping Style

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

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

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

Understand Your RV Camping Options

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

Campgrounds

Campground accommodations are usually pleasant but basic.

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

RV Parks

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

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

RV Resorts

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

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

Free Camping

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

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

Resources For Finding The Perfect RV Campsite

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

RV Websites

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

Campendium

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

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

Good Sam

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

Casino Camper

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

RV Apps

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

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

Allstays

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

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

RV Clubs

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

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

Passport America

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

Harvest Hosts

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

RVer Facebook Groups

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

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

Where’d You Stay RV

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

Camping Is Our Life

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

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

Tips For Snagging The Best RV Campsite

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

1. Read reviews.

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

2. Call ahead.

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

3. Make your reservation ASAP.

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

4. Ask about the refund policy.

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

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

Click Here To Rent An RV

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

Click Here To List Your RV

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

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

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

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

RVing In Hartford, Connecticut

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

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

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

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

Must-Eats In Hartford

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

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

Where To Stay In The Hartford Area

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

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

RVing In Salem, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Eats In Salem

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Salem

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

RVing In The Finger Lakes, New York

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

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

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

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

Must-Eats In The Finger Lakes

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

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

Where To Stay In The Finger Lakes

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

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

RVing In The Thousand Islands, New York

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

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

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

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

Must-Eats In The Thousand Islands

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

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

Where To Stay In The Thousand Islands

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

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

RVing In Mystic, Connecticut

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must-Eats In Mystic

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Mystic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RVing In Badlands National Park

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

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

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

Independence Day In Interior

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

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

Exploring Notch Trail & Minuteman Missile Historic Site

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

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

RVing In The Black Hills

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

Exploring Custer State Park

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

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

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

A Visit To Crazy Horse Memorial & Mount Rushmore

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

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

A Day In Sturgis and Deadwood

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

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

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

Hiking Black Elk Peak

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

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

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

7-Day Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Black Hills Area

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

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

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

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

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

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RVing Will Make You More Creative

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

By Camille Attell

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

Tomatoes at a farmers market in Florence, OR.

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

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

RVing Exposes You To New Things

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

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

Jemez Pueblo, NM

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

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

RVing Leads To Creative Thinking And Problem Solving

Bryce trying to fix bedroom slide.

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

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

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

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

Hugo Lake, OK

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

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

RVing Allows You To Express Your Creativity

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

My un-retouched photo of Sparks Lake, Oregon.

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

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

Meet Garvey, the RV Elf!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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50 National Parks You Have To Visit In Your Lifetime

Tom Sperner — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 23:47:10 +0000

“National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” — Wallace Stegner, 1983

There are over 417 areas in the National Parks System, covering more than 131,000 square miles, an astonishing array of ecosystems and millions of years of history. It’s been said that national parks are the best idea America ever had. And after a few days in a place like the Grand Canyon or a hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Bryce Canyon, it’s hard to disagree.

National Park Week runs from April 21st to April 29th this year. To celebrate, the National Parks Service has declared the 21st as a “fee-free” day for all 417 parks. Many parks are free to enter all year-round, but 118 waive their fees on select days only. It’s a great opportunity to visit an old favorite or explore a new park that’s been on your list.

We’ve put together a list of 50 incredible national parks that deserve a spot on your itinerary this April and beyond. Check out the awesome map we made, too! (All of the numbers on this list correspond to a park on the map.)

(Click the image to see full size.)

Keep reading to discover your next destination, whether you’re a backcountry camper, an RV owner or are planning to rent an RV on Campanda:

Contents (Click To Jump Ahead)

National Parks On The West Coast
National Parks In The Rockies
National Parks In The Southwest
National Parks In The Midwest
National Parks In The South
National Parks In The Northeast
National Parks In Alaska & Hawaii
Different Types Of National Parks

Note: Be sure to consult the NPS website for further information before planning your trip. Unless otherwise stated, the RV camping information below refers to NPS-operated campgrounds. You can visit Recreation.gov to make reservations where available.

National Parks On The West Coast

1. Olympic National Park | Washington

The Sol Duc Falls trail boasts old growth forests, wooden footbridges and waterfalls.

Nearly a million acres of stunning diversity and natural beauty make this sprawling park in northwestern Washington a must-visit for nature lovers.

Olympic National Park contains several distinct ecosystems, including rugged coastline, glacier-capped mountain peaks and lush temperate rainforests.

RV Camping In Olympic National Park:
Mostly first-come, first-served. Most campgrounds have sites for RVs under 21 feet; limited spaces for RVs up to 35 feet.

2. Mount Rainier National Park | Washington

Tipsoo Lake is a photogenic alpine lake near the summit of Chinook Pass.

It’s no surprise that Mount Rainier was one of the first national parks created. Reaching over 14,000 feet above sea level, the mountain (which is actually an active volcano) is an iconic part of the landscape.

Glaciated peaks, rivers, wildflower meadows, ancient forests and abundant wildlife await visitors.

RV Camping In Mount Rainier National Park:
Reservations available at some sites during season dates. RV limitations vary by campground, from 27 to 35 feet for motorhomes and 18 to 27 feet for trailers.

3. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument | Oregon

The colorful Painted Hills of the John Day River basin contain millions of years of plant and animal history.

Over 40 million years of plant and animal evolution are preserved in the colorful rock formations of the John Day Fossil Beds.

There are three geographically distinct areas of the monument with rivers, semi-desert shrublands and towering cliffs. But the rainbow-colored Painted Hills are real stars of the show and the main draw for many visitors.

RV Camping In John Day Fossil Beds National Monument:
Camping of any kind is not permitted within the boundaries of the monument. But there are plenty of nearby campgrounds, some with accommodations for RVs up to 72 feet!

4. Crater Lake National Park | Oregon

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and is fed entirely by rain and snow.

Crater Lake is simply awe-inspiring. Situated in the caldera of a destroyed volcano, it’s the deepest lake in the United States and is remarkably pristine.

The deep blue water is beautiful all year round, but is especially dramatic against the snow.

RV Camping In Crater Lake National Park:
There is an RV-friendly campground within the park that takes reservations (except in June) for RVs up to 50 feet. Dispersed camping (aka boondocking) is permitted with certain restrictions.

5. Yosemite National Park | California

Yosemite Valley is surrounded by enormous granite monoliths like Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

Sequoias, waterfalls and towering granite cliffs — Yosemite is home to some of America’s most iconic and recognizable landscapes.

Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, Yosemite is just over three hours from San Francisco, making it ideal for weekend warriors looking for a dose of fresh air and inspiring wilderness.

RV Camping In Yosemite National Park:
There are 10 campgrounds in the park that offer RV camping for vehicles and trailers of varying size (up to 40 feet for motorhomes and 35 feet for trailers, though these spaces are limited). Reservations are recommended.

6. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | California

Sequoia National Park is home to General Sherman, the largest living tree in the world.

These two adjacent parks have been managed jointly since the 1940s and together are home to mountains, caves deep canyons, diverse wildlife and some of the world’s tallest trees. In fact, the largest tree in the world — named General Sherman — resides within Sequoia National Park and is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

RV Camping In Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
There are 14 campgrounds within the parks, offering a mix of reservation-based and first-come, first-served accommodations. There are no RV hook-ups in the parks and due to road conditions, vehicles over 22 feet are not allowed on certain routes.

7. Death Valley National Park | California & Nevada

Barren but beautiful, Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states.

The largest national park outside of Alaska, Death Valley is a 3.3-million-acre land of extremes. Within the park’s boundaries lie rolling badlands, mountains, salt flats, sand dunes and Badwater Basin — the lowest point in United States and the second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.

Despite its name, the park supports a diverse range of desert wildlife.

RV Camping In Death Valley National Park:
The are a number campgrounds within the parks offering a mix of reservation-based and first-come, first-served accommodations. Sites with hook-ups are extremely limited, so book ahead. Some campgrounds do not accept RVs over 25 feet.

8. Joshua Tree National Park | California

Joshua Tree is famous for its spectacular sunsets and starry skies.

Named for the trees native to the park, Joshua Tree preserves two distinct desert ecosystems — the Mojave and Colorado.

Visitors will find unique landscapes, diverse wildlife and incredible stargazing. Hiking, birdwatching, slack-lining and horseback riding are among the activities available in the park.

RV Camping In Joshua Tree National Park:
There are both first-come, first-served and reserved campsites available. Due to the park’s proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego, campgrounds can fill up quickly on weekends, so booking ahead is recommended. Most campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.

National Parks In The Rockies

9. Glacier National Park | Montana

Located in Glacier National Park, Cracker Lake gets its opaque turquoise color from glacial silt.

Glacier National Park lies along the Canadian border and is home to a remarkably well-preserved ecosystem that includes grizzlies, moose, mountain goats and wolverines.

Glacier is the headwater for waters that flow through vast parts of the United States, earning it the title of “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.”

RV Camping In Glacier National Park:
Camping is only permitted in designated campsites, most of which are first-come, first-served. Note that hook-ups are not available and spaces for RVs over 21 feet are extremely limited.

10. Yellowstone National Park | Idaho, Montana & Wyoming

There are over 10,000 thermal features in Yellowstone, including 300 geysers.

The first national park in the United States (and by most accounts, the world) is a nature lover’s paradise.

The park welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to experience the park’s famous geysers, forests, waterfalls and wildlife.

RV Camping In Yellowstone National Park:
There are over 2,000 campsites in the park, spread across 12 campgrounds. Most campgrounds offer RV accommodations, with size restrictions varying from 25 to 50 feet.

11. Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming

The T.A. Moulton Barn is one of the most photographed barns in America thanks to the looming peaks of Teton Range in the background.

Lying just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton is a park made for outdoor adventurers, whether you’re looking to go kayaking, fishing or wildlife watching.

The alpine terrain makes for fantastic hiking and there are over two hundred miles of trails to explore.

RV Camping In Grand Teton National Park:
There are five RV-friendly campgrounds in Grand Teton, including two designated RV villages with full hook-ups. Vehicle length restrictions vary from 30 to 45 feet. Reservations are recommended.

12. Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado

The scenic trailhead at Bear Lake is a popular starting point for many hikes.

Less than two hours from Denver, Rocky Mountain is home to 415 square miles of beautiful alpine wilderness.

Activities range from snowshoeing and sledding in the winter, to hiking and wildlife spotting in the summer.

RV Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park:
There are four campgrounds that accept RVs (no hook-ups) with length limits from 30 to 40 feet.

13. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Colorado

The sand dunes can reach heights of 750 feet, making them the tallest dunes in North America. Photo credit: NPS, Debra Miller

Great Sand Dunes is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, as well as a diverse landscape that includes alpine lakes, forests and wetlands.

The snow-capped Rocky Mountains loom in the background, a stark contrast to the park’s desert-like dunes.

RV Camping In Great Sand Dunes Park:
There are spaces for RVs up to 35 feet. During the busy season (May through September), sites must be reserved at least four days in advance. There are no hook-ups at the NPS site, though some area campgrounds offer more amenities.

14. Mesa Verde National Park | Colorado

The park’s cliff dwellings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people around the same time as the Middle Ages in Europe.

Mesa Verde, which means “green table” in Spanish, preserves nearly 5,000 archeological sites, making it the largest archeological preserve in the United States.

The lands that now lie within the park were inhabited for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers; the layers of history that are preserved within the park’s boundaries are sure to fascinate history buffs and children alike.

RV Camping In Mesa Verde National Park:
There is only one campground within the park — but with 267 sites, it rarely fills up. Both dry camping and full hook-up sites are available, though the latter are limited and require reservations. RVs must be under 46 feet long.

15. Arches National Park | Utah

Arches has some of the darkest night skies in the country — perfect for stargazing!

Located just north of Moab, Arches is home to an otherworldly landscape of over 2,000 sandstone arches, as well as fascinating geological features like naturally eroded hoodoos, gargoyles and balanced rocks.

RV Camping In Arches National Park:
Camping is permitted only in designated sites. Spaces fill up quickly during the busy season (March through October) and are usually booked months ahead of time. There are no hook-ups in the park and all RVs must be under 40 feet.

16. Capitol Reef National Park | Utah

Once a working ranch, the Gifford Homestead is now a museum and gift shop.

Capitol Reef lies in the very heart of red rock country.

The park preserves towering monoliths, ridges and buttes, as well as surprisingly green and fertile valleys that support historic orchards with over 2,700 fruit trees.

RV Camping In Capitol Reef National Park:
The Fruita campground has 64 developed RV sites that can accommodate virtually any RV length (up to 52 feet). There are also 11 remote undeveloped campsites deeper in the park that operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

17. Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah

Bryce Canyon is home to the largest collection of hoodoos (spire-like rock pillars) in the world.

Bryce Canyon is a truly unique and awe-inspiring place that has to be seen to be believed.

Whether you go for a hike among the hoodoos, snowshoe along the rim in winter or simply take in the views with a scenic drive through the park, you’re sure to be wowwed by the landscape.

RV Camping In Bryce Canyon National Park:
There are two campgrounds in the park. During the busy season (April to October), RV parking is restricted to certain areas and vehicles are limited to under 25 feet.

18. Zion National Park | Utah

Utah’s first national park is a hiker’s dream.

Steep red cliffs, forest trails, waterfalls, riverside hikes, hanging gardens — Zion is filled with inspiring landscapes and natural diversity.

Follow in the footsteps of ancient peoples and pioneers as you explore places like Weeping Rock, the Temple of Sinawava, Emerald Pools and Angels Landing.

RV Camping In Zion National Park:
There are three campgrounds within the park. There are both first-come, first-served and reservable sites available. Many sites have height restrictions of 12’5″.

National Parks In The Southwest

19. Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is located about four miles southwest of Page, Arizona and can be viewed from a steep lookout cliff.

The Grand Canyon is famous for a reason. Up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long and up to a mile deep, it’s overwhelming in its scale and beauty.

Go rafting through the rapids of the Colorado River, walk 4,000 feet above the canyon floor on the glass Skywalk or go hiking along the rim for unparalleled views. However you experience the Grand Canyon, it’s sure to awe and inspire.

RV Camping In Grand Canyon National Park:
Two of the three NPS campgrounds accept reservations. None of these three campgrounds have hook-ups, but there is a privately operated RV park within Grand Canyon Village that does and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long.

20. Canyon De Chelly National Monument | Arizona

Spider Rock is a sandstone spire that rises 750 from the canyon floor and is an important part of Najavo mythology.

This national monument lies within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Managed in cooperation with the Navajo, the park protects one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America.

Its long history, archeological ruins and distinctive geologic structures make Canyon de Chelly a unique and inspiring experience.

RV Camping In Canyon De Chelly National Monument:
The Navajo Nation manages an RV-friendly park within the monument that accepts RVs up to 40 feet on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that there are no hook-ups and limited facilities.

21. Saguaro National Park | Arizona

The desert around Tucson is home to giant saguaro, an enduring symbol of the American west.

When you think of cacti, you probably picture saguaro. Found only in a small part of the country, the giant saguaro is an iconic symbol of the American west.

Made up of two parts on either side of Tucson, Saguaro National Park preserves Rincon Mountain and Sonoran Desert landscapes, unique wildlife and (of course) the large, tree-like saguaro cacti.

RV Camping In Saguaro National Park:
RV parking is not permitted within the boundaries of the park.

22. White Sands National Monument | New Mexico

The sand is made of gypsum crystals, which give the dunes their unique, snow-white color.

White Sands is a true natural wonder. Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, it is home to the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes.

Popular activities include horseback riding, picnicking and sand sledding!

RV Camping In White Sands National Monument:
There is no RV camping within the monument, but there are many public and private campgrounds within an hour’s drive.

23. Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Texas

El Capitan is the 10th-highest peak in Texas and is famous for its unique shape.

Located in the far-west corner of Texas, Guadalupe Mountains is home to the highest peaks in the state, as well as excellent stargazing and wildlife spotting.

It’s also one of the lesser-visited parks in the National Parks System, meaning you’re likely to have rugged hiking and horseback riding trails all to yourself!

Bonus: Guadalupe Mountains is just 30 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, which is home to more than 119 fascinating caves. It’s like a national park two-for-one deal!

RV Camping In Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
There are two campgrounds within the park that offer RV accommodations on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hook-ups or dump stations.

24. Big Bend National Park | Texas

The Rio Grande winds its way through Big Bend. The river has cut deep canyons through the limestone cliffs, making for some truly spectacular views.

Everything’s bigger in Texas! Big Bend boasts towering limestone cliffs, enormous night skies and, of course, the Rio Grande (“Big River” in Spanish). It’s one of the largest — and least visited! — national parks in the lower 48 states.

The park contains the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the country. Despite the harsh climate, Big Bend is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life — almost 2,000 species (plus about 3,600 species of insects). It’s night skies are internationally recognized for their darkness — on many nights you can even see the Milky Way.

RV Camping In Big Bend National Park:
Big Bend is quite RV-friendly. There are plenty of sites with full hook-ups and campgrounds offer a mix of reservation-based and first-come, first-served sites. Some campsites are not recommended for RVs over 24 feet due to road conditions.

National Parks In The Midwest

25. Scotts Bluff National Monument | Nebraska

Scotts Bluff was an essential landmark for travelers of the Oregon and Mormon Trails.

Scotts Bluff towers 800 feet above the plains, and is most famous as a landmark for the emigrants who traveled west along the Oregon and Mormon Trails.

Long before it helped European travelers navigate across the plains, the rock formation was known as Me-a-pa-te by local Native Americans — meaning “the hill that is hard to go around.”

RV Camping In Scotts Bluff National Monument:
There is no camping within the monument boundaries. However, there are several RV campgrounds nearby; Robidoux RV Park offers 42 RV pads with hook-ups and views of the monument.

26. Badlands National Park | South Dakota

Badlands is an otherworldly wonderland of eroded gorges, pinnacles and buttes, as well as one of the world’s richest fossil beds.

There’s nothing bad about these lands! (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves.) Sharply eroded pinnacles, spites and buttes rise above the one of the largest undisturbed grass prairies in the United States.

Badlands is home a range of wildlife — both ancient and modern. The park contains one of the world’s riches fossil beds, which preserves the remains of animals like sabertooth cats. Today, it’s home to animals like bison, porcupines, coyotes and prairie dogs.

RV Camping In Badlands National Park:
There are two campgrounds within the park. One offers developed camping (some sites with hook-ups) and accepts reservations. The other is more remote (bison often wander through) and offers free primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

27. Theodore Roosevelt National Park | North Dakota

Herds of bison roam through the park. Most visitors see them as they drive along the park’s roads.

It may seem contradictory, but U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was an avid hunter of the very bison that his eponymous park now protects. The rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife of North Dakota’s badlands inspired Roosevelt as a young man. When he became president, he made lasting contributions to the conservation of America’s natural beauty and resources.

Visitors to the park can learn all about the Roosevelt connection, or simply enjoy the park’s sprawling badlands and rich wildlife — including feral horses, bobcats, coyote and bison.

RV Camping In Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
There are three campgrounds within the park that can accommodate RVs of various sizes (no hook-ups). Reservations required for some sites, others first-come, first-served.

28. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | Wisconsin

When conditions are right, waterfalls freeze over and create enormous ice sculptures in the red stone caves.

Apostle Islands consists of 21 islands and nearly 70,000 acres of shoreline along Lake Superior.

Popular with kayakers, hikers and lighthouse fanatics alike, the national park attracts visitors year-round. In warmer months, you can kayak from island to island or hike along 50 miles of mainland trails. And when winter conditions are just right, it is possible to tread across the lake to view the spectacular ice caves that form along the lakeshore.

RV Camping Along Apostle Islands National Lakeshore:
The NPS campgrounds are for tenters only, but there are plenty of RV-friendly campgrounds around the park. Facilities and policies vary.

29. Isle Royale National Park | Michigan

There are a handful of lighthouses in the park that were built to guide ships through the rocky waters in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, these hints of civilization are unmanned.

Accessible by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale is known for its rugged shores, northwoods forest and wildlife. Thanks to its remote location in Lake Superior, it’s also one of the least-visited national parks.

The park is not RV-friendly (or even car-friendly, for that matter), but we just had to include it. Few corners of the country remain so unspoiled and uncrowded — it’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers looking to really get away from it all.

RV Camping In Isle Royale National Park:
Isle Royale is a car-free wilderness. You’ll have to leave your camper or trailer onshore to visit.

30. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Michigan

Miner’s Castle is a rock formation jutting out into the colorful waters of Lake Superior.

Located on the south shore of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks gets its name from its multicolored sandstone cliffs and rock formations.

Visitors will find beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls and scenic forest hiking trails, as well as plenty of outdoor activities all year round.

RV Camping Along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Campgrounds are strictly first-come, first-served and arriving early is recommended. RVs over 36 feet and car/trailer combos over 42 feet are not advised.

31. Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley has many forested trails and picturesque waterfalls, like Blue Hen Falls seen here.

Just a short distance from Akron and Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio’s only national park. It preserves the lush rural landscape around the Cuyahoga River.

Forests, rolling hills and farmland support wildlife like raccoons, foxes, beavers, falcons and great blue herons.

RV Camping In Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
Overnight RV parking is not permitted in the park. RVs can be parked at designated areas during the day.

32. Ozark National Scenic Riverways | Missouri

The park’s rivers are cool, clear and spring-fed, making them some of the best floating streams in the country.

This national park was established to protect a river system — the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Both spring-fed rivers are popular for canoeing, swimming and fishing.

There are also hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, historic sites and hiking trails throughout the park,.

RV Camping Along Ozark National Scenic Riversways:
There are tons of camping options in the park, ranging from primitive backcountry camping to developed campgrounds with full hookups. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available.

National Parks In The South

33. Buffalo National River | Arkansas

Massive stone bluffs surround the scenic river’s peaceful pools and rushing rapids.

The Buffalo River flows uninterrupted through this national park for 135 miles; it’s one of the last remaining undammed rivers in the contiguous United States.

In addition to river-based activities like canoeing, visitors will find hiking and horseback riding trails, historic homesteads and starry skies.

RV Camping Along Buffalo National River:
There are a number of campgrounds throughout the park offering the full range of amenities from primitive to full hook-up. Camping is permitted in designated spots only.

34. Chickasaw National Recreation Area | Oklahoma

Take a relaxing soak in one of Chickasaw’s mineral springs (like the one pictured here).

Located at the foot of Oklahoma’s Arbuckle Mountains, Chickasaw is a water lover’s paradise. Known for its mineral springs, streams and lakes, the park is perfect for swimmers, water-skiers, boaters, anglers — and just about anyone looking to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

RV Camping In Chickasaw National Recreation Area:
There are six public campgrounds within the park, including some with full hook-ups and spaces for RVs up to 40 feet. Reservation policies and recommendations vary.

35. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park And Preserve | Louisiana

The Barataria Preserve protects Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta ecosystem. Keep an eye out for snakes, turtles and alligators!

Did you know there was a national park just outside New Orleans? Jean Lafitte, named after the famous French pirate who helped defend New Orleans against the British in 1815, is comprised of six sites that preserve the region’s unique natural and cultural landscape.

Its proximity to major cities makes it a great day trip, whether you’re looking to canoe through Louisiana’s famous bayous and swamplands, learn about Cajun culture or visit the site of the Battle of New Orleans.

RV Camping In Jean Lafitte National Historical Park:
There is no RV camping within the park’s boundaries, but you can find camping at nearby state parks as well as private campgrounds.

36. Everglades National Park | Florida

Everglades is the third-largest national park outside of Alaska and the largest wilderness of any kind in the eastern United States.

The Everglades isn’t just the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi — it’s also a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance.

So what makes it so special? As the largest tropical wilderness in the country, it preserves a huge network of wetlands and forests that form the basis of a rich but fragile ecosystem. There are nine distinct ecosystems within the park and dozens of endangered species call the Everglades home.

Popular activities include canoeing, hiking, boating, biking and bird-watching.

RV Camping In Everglades National Park:
There are two drive-in campgrounds in the park that can accommodate a limited number of RVs (no hook-ups). During the busy winter months, reservations are highly recommended.

37. Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve | Florida

Located just outside of Jacksonville, Timucuan protects an important slice of northern Florida’s history and ecology.
Photo credit: Will Dickey

The Florida national park that you never knew existed, Timucuan is a historically and ecologically rich 42,000-acre preserve that protects thousands of years of human history, plus one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the East Coast.

In addition to its natural beauty, Timucuan includes the remains of a short-lived sixteenth-century French colony, a nineteenth-century plantation and a formerly segregated beach for African Americans — all fascinating and sobering reminders of a complicated national history.

RV Camping In Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve:
There are no NPS-operated campgrounds in the park. However, there are two state and local campgrounds located within the boundaries of the preserve with varying accommodations for RVs.

38. Cumberland Island National Seashore | Georgia

Rich in both history and natural beauty, Cumberland Island is a peaceful coastal retreat with over 50 miles of meandering hiking trails and roads.

Georgia’s largest barrier island is home to pristine forests, marshes and 18 miles of undeveloped beaches where feral horses roam freely and loggerhead turtles make their nests.

In addition to Cumberland Island’s natural beauty — think ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss and windswept white beaches — visitors will also find the impressive ruins of two Gilded Age mansions.

RV Camping Along Cumberland Island National Seashore:
The park itself is undeveloped and only accessible by the NPS ferry system. However, there are a number of RV campgrounds on the mainland close to the ferry landing.

39. Congaree National Park | South Carolina

The Boardwalk Loop is a 2.4-mile elevated walkway that protects delicate plant life — and visitors’ shoes from the swampy ground.

Congaree preserves the largest area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest — forests that grow in swampy floodplains — on the East Coast.

The forest supports a diverse ecosystem, including otters, bobcats, armadillos, deer and some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.

RV Camping In Congaree National Park:
RV camping is not permitted in the park, but there are several RV campgrounds within driving distance. Amenities and regulations vary.

40. Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee-North Carolina

Black bears, fireflies, waterfalls, colorful fall foliage — what’s not to love about America’s most-visited national park?

Did you know that Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most-visited national park?

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, this 816-square-mile park has some of the most iconic mountain views in the country — not to mention abundant wildlife, spectacular hiking trails and a rich history.

RV Camping In Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
There are nine RV-friendly NPS campgrounds within the park. Maximum length limits vary from under 12 feet to no limit at all. Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first served.

41. New River Gorge National River | West Virginia

The New River Gorge Bridge is the fourth-longest single-span bridge in the world, as well as the third-highest vehicular bridge in the country. Pretty impressive!

The New River is actually one of the oldest rivers on the continent (what’s in a name, right?).

This scenic national park protects over 70,000 acres of land along the course of this ancient river, which is renowned for some of the best whitewater rafting in the country and its truly impressive steel bridge.

RV Camping Along New River Gorge National River:
All camping sites in the park are first-come, first-served. Camping in the park is primitive — no water or hook-ups — so come prepared.

42. Shenandoah National Park | Virginia

You don’t even need to get out of the driver’s seat to experience Shenandoah’s beauty (although we highly recommend it) — the park’s Skyline Drive offers stunning mountain vistas around every bend.

Only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of wilderness along a long and narrow stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Famous for its scenic 105-mile Skyline Drive, the park is also to waterfalls, wildlife and quiet hollows.

RV Camping In Shenandoah National Park:
Campgrounds are seasonal, opening in spring and closing in autumn. There are four campgrounds in the park with RV sites, though there are no hook-ups. Reservations are highly recommended in the high season.

National Parks In The Northeast

43. Assateague Island National Seashore | Maryland-Virginia

Legend has it that the feral horses on the island are descended from Spanish horses that were shipwrecked off the coast in the sixteenth century.

A rugged, windswept wilderness where horses roam freely and an ocean storm can reshape the land in a matter of minutes, Assateague Island is one of the East Coast’s best-preserved coastal habitats.

The land here is constantly changing as the barrier island is buffeted by Atlantic wind and waves. Only three to five hours from some of the East Coast’s largest cities, this pristine 37-mile island feels like a world away.

RV Camping Along Assateague Island National Seashore:
There are two drive-in campgrounds within the park that offer RV camping. Sites have a picnic table and fire ring, but no hookups. Reservations are required.

44. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | New Jersey & Pennsylvania

The 1000-foot-deep Water Gap was formed over millions of years as the Delaware River cut its way through a large Appalachian Mountain ridge.

No, this park isn’t in Delaware. It’s located along the Delaware River on the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border, just a short drive from New York City.

Just about every outdoor activity you could want is possible in this recreation area — including fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.

More than 100 miles of hiking trails, — including 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail — and 100 miles of scenic roadways wind through the park, making it a great choice for every fitness level.

RV Camping In Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
There are two developed campgrounds in the park with RV sites. These campgrounds are state-run or privately owned in compliance with NPS regulations. Policies and accommodations vary.

45. Cape Cod National Seashore | Massachusetts

There’s more to Cape Cod than ice cream stands and boat shoes — its salt marshes and estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on earth.

A favorite summer playground for East Coasters, Cape Cod is also home to 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, salt marshes, ponds and pine barrens — all of which support rich coastal ecosystems.

Cape Cod is ideal for families and couples looking for a relaxed getaway exploring cranberry bogs, seaside biking and hiking trails, historic buildings and (of course) the seashore’s numerous sandy swimming beaches.

RV Camping Along Cape Cod National Seashore:
There are no NPS-operated campgrounds within the park, but RV camping (up to 35 feet) is permitted at the nearby Nickerson State Park.

46. Acadia National Park | Maine

Acadia is home to rugged shorelines, humpback whales and picturesque lighthouses.

Acadia is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi and was visited by over 3.5 million people in 2017 alone.

Visitors flock to experience Acadia’s rocky headlands, woodlands and famous shoreline, which includes several small Atlantic islands.

The park is rich in natural diversity — wildlife includes moose, bobcats, black bears and many marine species — and is popular with hikers, boaters and beachcombers alike.

RV Camping In Acadia National Park:
There are a number of campgrounds, both NPS and private, that offer RV accommodations with varying restrictions. Campsites fill up quickly, so recommendations are highly recommended.

National Parks In Alaska & Hawaii

47. Denali National Park & Preserve | Alaska

At 20,310 feet, Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America, as well as the tallest land-based (totally above sea level) mountain on earth!

A single, partially paved road stretches 91 miles through six million acres of this Alaskan wilderness.

Home to tundra, glaciers, boreal forests and the tallest mountain peak in North America, Denali is an unspoiled arctic wilderness that beckons mountaineers, wildlife watchers and all manner of outdoor adventurers.

RV Camping In Denali National Park:
RV camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds. There are three campgrounds that accept RVs under 40 feet (no hook-ups), two of which are only open in summer months.

48. Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve | Alaska

Wrangell-St Elias is the world’s largest international protected wilderness.

Almost six times the size of Yellowstone, the vastness of Wrangell-St Elias has to be seen to be believed.

The park’s 13.2 million acres are home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country, some of the world’s largest glaciers and habitats that range from temperate rainforest to tundra to coastal waters.

RV Camping In Wrangell-St Elias National Park:
There is a single NPS campground in the park, as well as a number of privately owned campgrounds with varying restrictions and amenities. Due to the vastness of the park and limited facilities, always plan ahead.

49. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Alaska

The landscapes and ecosystems of Glacier Bay are threatened by rising global temperatures.

No roads run through Glacier Bay, but that didn’t stop over 500,000 people from making the boat or plane journey to this vast icy wilderness last year.

Located west of Juneau in southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay is known for its glaciers, snow-capped mountains and enigmatic wildlife — like wolves, bears, caribou and humpback whales, among others.

RV Camping In Glacier Bay National Park:
The park is inaccessible to RVs, but there is a free walk-in campground for tent camping.

50. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii

Millions of people flock to Hawaii’s Big Island to see one of the world’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes.

Fire and water meet in Hawai’i Volcanoes. This unique national park includes two active volcanoes — Kilauea, one of the world’s most active, and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth.

The park encompasses a range of habitats, including lush tropical rainforests and barren desert. Popular activities include hiking, biking, driving tours and, of course, lava viewing.

RV Camping In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park:
There are two drive-in campgrounds operated by the park that can accommodate small RVs and campervans. No hook-ups are available.

What’s the difference between a National Park and a National Monument?

There are 19 main categories of NPS designations (plus 11 “other” sites) that include everything from national monuments to national battlefields to national seashores.

Some designations are self-explanatory while others are a little more complicated. But at the end of the day, they’re all national parks. To make things a little less confusing, we’ve broken down the different kinds of national parks that are included in this list:

National Parks are typically vast areas of land protected for their scenic, inspirational, educational and/or recreational value. They are given the greatest level of protection with the aim of preserving their resources for the enjoyment of future generations.
National Monuments are usually smaller than national parks and are intended to protect sites of historical, cultural and/or scientific interest. They are only required to have one item of interest (unlike national parks, which must have a variety of attractions).
National Preserves protect certain resources. Activities like hunting or mining may be allowed if they do not “jeopardize the natural values” of the park.
National Seashores & National Lakeshores preserve natural and scenic resources along shoreline areas and offshore islands while also providing water-based recreation.
National Rivers & National Scenic Riverways protect rivers and their immediate environments. These areas also provide water-based and outdoor recreation.
National Historical Parks protect areas of significant historical and cultural value. They are typically larger and more diverse than other national historic sites.
National Recreation Areas were originally given to areas surrounding reservoirs (like Lake Mead), but now include a variety of areas set aside for recreational use like kayaking, hiking, fishing and camping.

Psst! Did you miss out on April’s fee-free day? Never fear — there are two more coming up this year: September 22 (Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day) are also fee-free in 2018.

Feeling inspired? Rent an RV on Campanda and start discovering our country’s amazing natural diversity and landscapes for yourself!

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Have an RV sitting in the driveway? Help fellow outdoor enthusiasts explore America’s national parks — rent your RV on Campanda! You’ll earn extra cash for your next adventure, too!

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Surprising Things You Learn From RVing

Tom Sperner — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:18:33 +0000

By Camille Attell

For much of my adult life, I lived in a traditional suburban home and worked in a standard office cubicle. I drove the same route to work every day, followed the same work routines, returned home, ate dinner and settled in for some TV watching. I went to a few weekend social outings and took the occasional vacation.

It was a pleasant life actually, and was relatively safe and secure. Were there any new life lessons? Not really. Was every day new and exciting? No. Did it need to be? Yes, ultimately it did.

After many years of “sameness” my husband and I decided to ditch the 9-to-5, the house and most of our belongings to hit the open road in an RV. You can read that full story here.

Things are quite different now. Every day is unique and often exciting (not always in a good way) and the life lessons we’ve learned on the road have been invaluable. Here are a few lessons we’ve learned from our life on the road.

Life Lesson 1: Go With The Flow

The thing about RVs is that they move. Unlike a traditional home, a house on wheels is meant to move (or at least you have the option). If you’re new to RVing, the “shake, rattle and roll,” might catch you off guard at first and make you a little nervous. When things move and shake, you learn to flow with them. Trust me it’s just easier.

My first test drive in an RV — even as a passenger — was frightening. It was a 30-foot Class A gas coach with a large glass window and what felt like an extra wide body. I think we took up all the lanes and created a line of cars on every turn. It takes some getting used to.

Me, trying to fix our bedroom slide.

Over time, that feeling gets easier, then normal and finally really enjoyable. You learn to go with the flow, and not only in regards to driving.

Things can break (like our bedroom slide in the photo), weather can change, and plans can fly out the window. No really, one of our itineraries literally flew out the window on the Loneliest Road in America in Nevada. While these things might be inconveniences, life is much easier when you approach it as all part of the experience.

Cry. Laugh. Then Laugh some more. Embrace the challenge, because these moments provide surprising opportunities if you keep your mind open.

Life Lesson 2: Be Resourceful

Being resourceful is the second lesson from life on the road. It’s connected to the first, in that going with the flow often creates a resourceful mindset.

The bedroom slide issue that I mentioned prevented us from accessing our clothes drawers. We had to wear the same clothes for days. Since our rig was at a dealer and we couldn’t leave town, I decided to look for a job on Craigslist and lucked out with a 1-hour gig that produced a crisp $100. You can read that full story here.

My ability to go with the flow allowed me to think of other ideas and ways to experience this journey.

Even the little things like finding inexpensive camping or grocery stores that carry your favorite foods require a bit of resourcefulness. These could either be annoyances or opportunities to develop new skills.

If you can stay open-minded, your confidence increases and your ability to deal with adversity becomes stronger. (You’re totally allowed to write “stays calm in stressful situations” on your resume, by the way.)

Life Lesson 3: Build And Maintain Relationships

The day is finally here! You get to go on your dream RV vacation or hit the open road for an extended trip and leave it all behind. But RVing, as wonderful as it is, can impact your relationships.

Here’s Liz Wilcox (another Campanda Ambassador) and I jumping for joy on top of Enchanted Rock in Texas.

While you’ll see beautiful sights and experience new places, the road can get lonely too. People sometimes talk about missing their family and friends. RVers say that finding a community on the road can be difficult when you’re always moving. Even in RV parks where RVers are everywhere doesn’t guarantee that relationships will be formed. For more information on how to build friendships on the road, click here.

Making friends might not be easy, but its well worth the effort. It’s one of the greatest joys as an RVer.

The road can change your relationship with yourself, too. Long stretches of highway give you time to think and reflect on things. Instead of pondering the past, maybe let your mind wander to the future — or better yet, to the present.

Open Road, Open Mind

I bet you thought that when you set off on your RV adventure it would be a light, fun trip to the river. Maybe that’s still true. But while an RV trip can be as simple as a visit to an awesome national park, it can also be as transformative as any other major life change. Be prepared for either scenario. And as long as you have an open mind on the open road, you’re sure to end up with your own list of life lessons.

Ready for your own RV adventure but don’t have a vehicle to call your own? Rent one on Campanda!

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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:

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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:

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Top 5 RV Campouts, Convergences & Rallies To Attend This Year

Tom Sperner — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 18:04:04 +0000

By Camille Attell RVing is a great way to travel to remote places, far away from the crowds and the bustle of everyday life. But what if you want to experience RV travel and still be with friends? Does it always have to be about being alone or with your family in nature? No, it doesn’t! In fact, one of the the best ways to experience RVing is to attend an RV event. Many people love traveling with others and like to attend events where they can reconnect with old friends and create new relationships. (You can read all about making friends on the road here.) Here are some great RV events to consider adding to your travel calendar:

Escapade Rally | May – June, 2018

The Escapees RV club has been serving the needs of the RV community since 1978. They offer resources and information about all things RVing. In addition to the wonderful services they provide, they also host events. The 58th annual Escapade rally is a week-long event filled with activities, education and fun hosted by the Escapees RV club. There you can socialize, attend learning sessions and even go to RV “bootcamp” where you can learn everything you need to know about RVing. With over 80 seminars, classes and workshops, you will be fully prepared to hit the open road with confidence. This year they have partnered with an organization called Fulltime Families to offer the “Kidscapade” — so the kiddos can have fun and learn about RVing while you get to attend workshops and socialize with the adults. (Check out Escapees.com for more information.)

Xscapers Convergences | Multiple Events Throughout The Year

Xscapers is a community within Escapees that caters to RVers who love an active lifestyle. Many of them work from their rigs too! They host convergences throughout the year and kick things off every January at the “Annual Bash”. It’s a free event (if you’re an Escapees member) where everyone boondocks — there are no hookups like electric, water or sewer. In addition to all the social events, hiking and day trips, you can also attend learning sessions with topics ranging from boondocking to renovating your RV. I actually stumbled on the Xscapers Annual Bash by accident. I was scrolling through the Escapees.com website looking up information when I saw a post for an upcoming event. Luckily, my husband and I had already planned to be near the area and decided to modify our plans to attend. This was our very first event, and it was a game changer for us. We met so many like-minded people and made wonderful connections that will last a lifetime.

IndieRV Campout | September 6 – 9, 2018

There is a new kid on the RV rally/campout scene. IndieRV is a community based on the simple desire to travel and explore. IndieRV compiles all the best places to go and coolest things to see. It also provides bucket lists, itineraries and adventure guides for its members — so you can spend more time traveling and less time trip planning! IndieRV is having its first Campout in Hershey, Pennsylvania this September. This event will be a mix of potlucks, sightseeing and tours at Hershey’s Chocolate World. The event costs $10 per person and is just one of the many campouts, meet-ups and retreats that IndieRV plans to host each year.

Fulltime Families | Multiple Events Throughout The Year

Fulltime Families caters to families living, working and/or schooling from the road. I have never attended a Fulltime Families event, but felt it was worth sharing because I have heard great things and I think it’s a wonderful resource for families. And you don’t have to be a fulltime RVer to attend — so as long as love RVing, you are welcome! To get more information about Fulltime Families, I reached out to fellow RVer Michelle Abraham. Here’s what she said: “We Rallied for [four] days with 40 other families adding up to be about 100 kids in attendance! Each day was jam-packed with kids activities, business learning, RV lifestyle sharing, a talent show, scavenger hunt, kid’s market, home tours, service projects, potlucks and campfires. Some families came a few days or a week before the Rally and some rallied on for a month after! It was a truly memorable welcoming into a new community and road family. We look forward to attending another one soon and have met some of our closest friends at this event.”

Full-Time Freedom Week | November 2018

Not all RV events have to be in person. There are some really great online events where you can learn and connect with other people.

The ladies of Full-Time Freedom week. From left: Lindsay McKenzie, Julie Chickery, Camille Attell (me), Liz Wilcox.
(Photo Credit: Joe Hendricks)

Full-Time Freedom Week is a week-long event featuring expert RVers sharing their wealth of RV knowledge. You can learn everything from what to look for when you buy an RV to tips for traveling with a family, solo RVing, Workamping opportunities and more. At this free event, you can interact online with speakers and other RV enthusiasts. I was one of the organizers and speakers at the event last year. I made some awesome new connections and learned a lot too!

RV Entrepreneur Summit | February 2019

This event is quite unique: It’s a specialized event that caters to people who work and build businesses from their RVs. It’s hosted by married entrepreneurs Heath and Alyssa Padgett.

Here are some RV friends. That’s me on the far right.
Photo credit: Joe Hendricks

You can attend presentations, workshops and attendee-led meet-ups. You can also collaborate with others in a coworking space, hang out in hammocks and eat some awesome BBQ! I have attended the Summit twice and this year was I invited to facilitate an attendee-led meetup with some RV colleagues about how to turn your blog into a business.

RV Events Are Everywhere!

The nature of RVing means that you are moving around a lot. That itinerant lifestyle is great fun, but it can make it hard to build and maintain relationships. I have met more friends at these events than any other type of RV experience. Hopefully I’ve introduced you to some RV events that you want to check out yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Feeling inspired? Rent an RV on Campanda to join the fun! Click the link below to check out the selection near you:

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