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Easy RV Recipes To Make With The Kids

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

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

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

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

Breakfast

Bacon & Egg In A Bag

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

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

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

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

Blueberry and Orange Muffins

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

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

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

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

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

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

Lunch

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

Walking Tacos

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

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

Here’s what you do:

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

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

Dinner

Campfire Pizza

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

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

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

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

Messless Camp Burgers

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

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

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

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

Snacks

Fruit Kebob

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

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

Here’s what you’ll need:

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

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

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

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

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The post Easy RV Recipes To Make With The Kids appeared first on Campanda News.

Best RV Trips For School Breaks & Long Weekends

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

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

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

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

Spring Break RV Destinations

1. Florida Caverns State Park | Marianna, Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Break RV Destinations

3. Orlando, Florida

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

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

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

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

4. Atlanta, Georgia

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

Atlanta has something for everybody.

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

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

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

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

Summer Vacation RV Destinations

5. Bar Harbor, Maine

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

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

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

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

Acadia National Park is famous for its rugged coastal beauty.

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

The Gulf of Maine is home to many whale species.

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here To Rent An RV

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

Click Here To List Your RV

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8 Rainy Day RV Camping Activities

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

By Liz Wilcox

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

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

Rainy Day Activities Inside The RV

1. Marshmallow Crafts And Games

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

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

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

2. Craft A Story

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

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

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

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

3. Make Movie Watching Into An Event

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

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

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

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

Rainy Day Activities Outside

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

4. Have A Puddle Contest

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

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

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

5. Take A Wet-Weather Hike

Photo credit: Joe Hendricks

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

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

6. Make Paper Boats

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

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

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

Rainy Day Activities In And Around The RV Park

7. Utilize The Clubhouse

Photo credit: Joe Hendricks

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

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

8. Visit Local Libraries, Museums And Attractions

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

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

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

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

Click Here To Rent An RV

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

Click Here To List Your RV

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How To RV With Your Kids (Without Going Crazy)

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

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

1. Choose the right RV park or campground.

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

2. Map out your stops beforehand.

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

3. Plan for rainy days.

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

4. Use the space you’re in.

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

5. Set a cleaning schedule.

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

6. Remember to have fun!

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

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

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

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How To Make Your RV Rental More Appealing To Families

Tom Sperner — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:42:55 +0000

By Liz Wilcox

You’ve listed your RV on Campanda and now you’re eager to start earning! One of the best ways to do this is to think about your renters — who they are and what they want from an RV rental — and then assess your rig and make a few small improvements to meet their needs.

Families are some of the most pleasant (and profitable!) renters out there. Optimizing your RV for family rentals is a great way to get your camper out of storage and onto the road.

Here is a list of tips to make your RV rental more appealing to families — and make you more money!

1. Start with a little RV makeover.

At the risk of stating the obvious, thoroughly clean your RV. Anything that you don’t intend for your renters’ use should be taken out of the RV. While it’s totally up to you how much you leave in your rig, you may want to consider leaving at least some amenities inside when renting to families. You can always offer these things as add-ons for an extra fee.

Linens
Towels
Pillows
Blankets
Kitchen supplies

Adding family-oriented items will also help make your listing successful:

Board games
Playing cards
Extra blankets
DVD player and a few movies
Outdoor camping games (think Ladderball or Cornhole)
Small grill
Camping chairs

These small steps will not only make your listing more appealing, but will allow you to charge a bit more as well. Win-win!

2. Describe your RV the right way.

Highlight the features of your RV that are important to a family.

Another feature families love is a separate sleeping area for the adults. Mention any doors that close off the master bedroom from the rest of the rig.

When you’re writing your description, imagine that you’re talking to a parent. What would you say to someone trying to take their kids to the campground for the first time?

Does your rig have an outdoor shower? Picture all the ways a family can use that feature: They can rinse the kids off after running around outside. It can also be great fun on a hot day. Be sure to include it in your description.

Can you think of any uncommon features in your unit? A lot of them were made with families in mind! A bathtub is a true asset to a family and should be included in your description if you have one. An outdoor kitchen is also highly valued, as are large slide outs or big storage areas.

3. Take the right photos.

Families are more likely to rent your RV if they can picture themselves living in it.

Nothing kills a rental listing faster than bad photos. Take a few good photos and give a beautiful visual of your RV and you should see great return on your investment.

Most articles out there will tell you to put everything away for photos. While this is great advice, it can be a good idea to add certain family-oriented items to your pictures.

For example, when taking a picture of kids’ sleeping areas, put one or two stuffed animals on the bed. This small act gives your rental listing a personal touch and makes it more appealing.

For families, go the extra mile and take a second picture. Put the awning out and set up any camping furniture included in your rental. Don’t forget to incorporate the outdoor games, too!

The kitchen is an important place for families to gather. Make sure you get a clear and wide shot of this area (taking the photo from a low angle can result in a better picture). Don’t forget to take a picture of the dining area as well.

The exterior photo is perhaps the most important image for any RV listing. It’s the first photo your renters will see, so make it a good one!

Get your RV into nature and set up a lovely shot. Turn the camera to ensure a landscape (horizontal) photo and step back as far as needed to get the entire RV in the shot. Remove any leaves and debris from the scene for a clean look.

4. Sweeten the deal.

There are some things that will make your listing irresistible to families.

Allowing pets is a great way to attract more renters.

Many families have a furry companion. If you are comfortable with it, allow for pets. In a renter’s mind, one of the greatest benefits of RVing is that they can bring Fido or Mittens along. Charge a small additional security deposit and cleaning fee to maximize your unit’s potential to make money while also appealing to many more renters.

You can also boast extra services. Offer to deliver a unit to a campground, especially if it is a travel trailer or 5th wheel. Many families prefer these units because they offer more space and storage, but have no way of transporting them. A delivery service will stand out from the crowd and allow you to add a simple flat fee to your rental.

It’s important to remember that families have a lot of working parts. While most owners require their renters to dump tanks and clean before returning, you can turn this into a profitable service. By giving the option to return the unit “as is” for a fee, you will turn a potential negative into a positive, making your RV listing unique and noteworthy.

Families are great customers. And every year, more and more families are looking towards the RV industry for their travel needs. Appealing to families is a great way to not only get your RV noticed, but to get it rented out again and again.

Now that you know how to make your RV more appealing to family renters, why not spruce up your RV rental listing on Campanda?

Click the link below to start or continue your RV listing.

Click Here To Rent Your RV

The post How To Make Your RV Rental More Appealing To Families appeared first on Campanda News.

5 Reasons To Take Your Kids RVing, Even If They’d Rather Play Video Games

Tom Sperner — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:34:35 +0000

By Liz Wilcox

For over a year now, my family has been living in an RV full time. I’ve watched my child grow in so many ways, some expected and some not. RVing with kids is fun, exciting, messy, loud, frustrating — and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Your kids will fall in love with the great outdoors.

When you’re at a campground, the air is fresh, the animals are near, and the possibilities are endless. I love to see kids running around the lake, climbing trees and hiking trails. One of my own fondest childhood memories took place at a campground: During a game of tag, I discovered a creek with beautiful pebbles on its bank. I stopped running for a moment to grab a pebble for each of my siblings and myself.

Twenty years later, we still have these pebbles.

Nighttime presents its own opportunities for children to fall in love with nature. Now that my daughter Chelsea is getting older, we are teaching her to build a fire. She is learning to gather natural materials from around camp to create warmth — and a place to gather for s’mores.

She is also learning that different animals come out at night. She loves listening for their calls and laughs with delight when she identifies an owl in the dark.

Watching my daughter fall in love with her natural surroundings is one of the greatest joys of living in an RV. It brings peace to my heart to see her so happy from simply being in nature.

RVing brings your family closer together.

As a full-time RVer, I can testify that nothing will bring your family closer than RVing. Some reasons are more obvious than others.

You’re in a smaller space so you are literally closer together: Being together in this small space can be challenging, but it also brings you closer. You notice when someone else isn’t happy pretty quickly, and you work together to solve the issue.

You have to make a lot of decisions: Making decisions as a family is something you get better at with practice. Consider your RV trip a crash course!

You learn to work together: When you hit the road in an RV, the way a family functions can change. Suddenly, responsibilities outside of the RV do not matter as much. You’re in a small space, making decisions and working as a team.

RVing takes you out of your comfort zone.

RVing is fun, but it doesn’t come without its challenges.

A rig can be hard to maneuver through traffic. Electricity isn’t unlimited (say goodbye to running a hair dryer, PlayStation and microwave all at once). Bugs consider themselves welcomed guests. Learning the sewage system can be tricky, to say the least. Kids may be bored for the first day or two of camping.

But if you’re like me, you think of that type of stuff as “healthy stress.” You know, the kind of stress that allows a person to grow.

And that’s important when you have kids.

When you take your kids RVing, you are opening them up to a world of new experiences. Sure, they may be bored for a bit without their electronics, but this allows them the opportunity to get creative, learn new things — and both succeed and fail.

Living in an RV full-time has given my daughter so many experiences she might otherwise not have had — like building a bonfire or making friends at the park with such ease. She is so young but I see so much curiosity, tenacity and determination in her already.

I’ve also grown tremendously as a parent. Not only do we spend more time outside than on the couch, but my daughter and I spend more time having fun together than I ever could have dreamed.

RVing teaches children to value experiences, not stuff.

In a world of fast fashion and Facebook ads, it can be hard to grab your kids’ attention. Honestly, how can you be expected to compete with hoverboards and smartphones?

But you want to compete. You know there is more to life than gadgets and you want your children to know this truth as well. Nothing teaches children about the value of new experiences better than a road trip!

You’ll traverse miles of open road, make fascinating acquaintances and discover new places as a family. These experiences are priceless and someday, they’ll be cherished memories.

For instance, every summer my mom drove the family out to Montana to visit our grandmother. We would camp in the mountains, meet new friends and try all sorts of food.

Did we buy souvenirs on these trips? Sure.

Do I still have them? No way.

Instead, I have held onto the amazing experiences that grew me as a person. I have memories of laughing and loving and fighting with my family, all at the same time. These memories hold so much more value to me than the souvenirs I lost long ago.

Your kids will only be kids for so long.

It’s a simple but sad truth for us parents. Kids grow up. Parents are only cool for so long.

Do yourself and your children a favor. Take them RVing before they flee the coop, even if they protest at first. Trust me, they’ll thank you later.

What are you waiting for? Find the perfect rental for your family on Campanda.

Click Here To Rent An RV

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