Go Camping America Blog

Take your deer camp in the road

2009-10-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Take your deer camp in the road
Parks cater to hunters

Many of us enjoy fall camping – finding that perfect, peaceful spot to watch squirrels scurry through fallen leaves gathering their winter supply of food, or strolling through nature’s beautiful color palette. But there are others among us campers, who use fall camping time to experience deer hunting in other areas of the country – deer camp on wheels.

Now, I grew up in northern Michigan, so deer season was always like an extra holiday for us. Opening day of gun season was a school holiday when I was kid, although that’s changed a little now and it’s an excused absence with a copy of a deer license. It also meant family coming in to hunt, eat, tell stories and hunt some more. My grandma and mom may have liked it more if these hunters had considered taking their hunt to the road with their campers.

Today, there are several parks that welcome the fall hunters. And for those non-hunters who enjoy the fall season and camping out in the brisk weather, there’s still plenty to do at the campground or RV park while the hunters are out.

Here are a few ideas from which to choose:

McCaslin Mountain Campground, Silver Cliff, Wis. – The 300-acre campground borders the Ncolet National Forest in northeastern, Wis., making it an idea spot for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Trout streams and the nearby Governor Thompson State Park also make it an outdoor haven. In addition, there are nearby ATV and snowmobile trails, as well as hiking and biking trails. And hunters can find guide service for guided deer, bear and turkey hunts. For the times when you are not out and about or hunting during season, the park also offers a game room and mini golf course. The campground offers 80 primitive sites, both wooded and open, and 48 water and electric hookup sites.
Four Seasons RV Park, Herrin, Ill. – This park offers peaceful, spacious shaded sites, with full hookups. With an abundance of wildlife, the family-owned park welcomes hunters and fishermen. For those times you are back at camp, there is WiFi access available and laundry for the 30 sites.
Moosehead Family Campground, Greenville, Maine – Located in the heart of Maine’s north woods and just minutes from Moosehead Lake, this campground welcomes hunters, as well as nature lovers who can watch the deer and moose walk freely. Just minutes from Greenville with its golf, public beaches, restaurants and shopping, the campground is nestled in a stand of apple, spruce, fir and pine trees. With 20, 30 and 50-amp sites, RVers are also offered a game room, playground and modem hookup at the camp store.

So, whether you enjoy hunting or enjoy watching the wildlife, get out in your camper before the snow flies and enjoy the third season for camping!

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping

2009-10-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping
What happened to those first-come, first-serve days for procrastinators like me?

Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, has come and gone. But it wasn’t unnoticed. Although AAA reported fewer people would be traveling for the holiday weekend, the roads we traveled were filled with RVs and campers.

The weather was wonderful for camping, but sometimes if you leave the planning to someone else, it doesn’t get done and then you’re scrambling at the last minute. Earlier this year, we had planned to be in Tennessee camping and partaking in a family reunion. However, a death in the family that brought everyone from around the country together earlier, kept them from making the same trip in September. So, we were going to change our plans.

The problem is, we didn’t get the changes made in time. And, as often as I remind everyone here to make reservations early – we didn’t get ours made. And calling around just days before the holiday weekend left my husband and myself looking at each other knowing that for the first time in years, we had no camp site for Labor Day weekend.

We frantically called around to private and public parks, only to get the same message – no open sites. Finally, we found one, but there was a problem, the only open site couldn’t accommodate our 29-foot travel trailer.

So, you guessed it; we had no place to go. There used to be a time when reservations were considered odd in the RVing and camping sector of the industry. People got out of work on Friday and took off to the nearest or most desirable campground and put up camp. For the most part, those days are gone.

It makes sense that campground owners and operators want to know they have a full park for any weekend, but especially the holiday weekends. But planning too far in advance takes the thrill out of the open road and finding a destination by chance. While that can be done, for the most part, on other weekends throughout the summer, don’t leave the holiday weekends to chance. Learn from my lesson – MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY!

Now here are some campgrounds that take reservations and would love to open their sites to you:

River Trail Crossing RV Park, Butler, Ohio, is on the Clear Fork Mohican River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campground offers 44 total sites, from primitive tent sites to full hookup sites with 50-amp service for “big rigs.” Amenities include fishing, biking and hiking, a playground and even the chance to pan for gold in the river.
My Brother's Place Campground, Houlton, Maine, is just two miles from New Brunswick, Canada. With 80 total sites, guests can stay in tents or RVs, or rent a cabin or 5th-Wheel Travel Trailer. WiFi is also available in the park, along with fishing, hiking and biking trails and nature trails, and swimming in a lake, pond or the ocean.
Pioneer Trails RV Resort & Campground in Anacortes, Wash., is located among tall evergreens and including an adult spa, sports courts and 60 campsites. There are also six cabins and 24 RV rentals. WiFi is available throughout the resort, as well as a playground, basketball courts, regulation horseshoe pit and covered picnic areas.
Indian Point RV Resort, Gautier, Miss., is surrounded by the Sioux Bayou that leads to the Escatawpa and Pascagoula rivers, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. There are 100 total sites and 16 cabins for guests without RVs. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access in the park, fishing, mini-golf, a playground and a swimming pool.

Camping is exciting with nearby thrill parks

2009-08-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

If your family is like mine, you love the rides of thrill parks. And for others who like a tamer type of entertainment, there are parks that offer that as well. There’s no better way to enjoy these parks than by taking your RV along for the trip and stay onsite.

Whether it’s roller coasters, wild swings, carousels or a lazy paddleboat excursion, there are parks that offer these and give you a place to park your home on wheels. We love taking these types of trips because even though the parks themselves aren’t the cheapest vacation, a full day of activity for one price isn’t bad in today’s economy. And if you have the option to go back to your campsite for a rest and food, saving you from exhaustions and saves money.

Our favorite spot is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and its Camper Village. Although we spend very little time at our site or in our RV, and the campground offers minimal amenities, it’s nice to eat at home once in awhile. And it gives us a chance to do two days in the park, running from roller coaster to roller coaster.

The best part of staying onsite is the early and late access to the parks, while other guests are leaving or haven’t yet arrived, you can enjoy the park! So, here are some suggestions, including our favorite spot, and their offerings. Book one before the summer is over and scream with your kids. It’s a great way to spend your day!

Camper Village, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio – Located on Lake Erie peninsula, you can walk right into Cedar Point Amusement Park from your RV. The park offers 209 total sites and 60 cabins. Pets are welcome and there are cable TV and laundry facilities. In addition to the amusement park, there is an outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, shuffleboard court and game room.
Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, Santa Claus, Ind. – The 2008-09 National RV Park of the year and is located next to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Theme Parks. The resort offers free shuttle to the theme parks. In addition to location to the theme parks, the resort offers WiFi at most sites, a pool, golf car rentals, playgrounds, paddleboats and fishing. The 232 sites include 200 full hookup sites. In addition, there are cabin and RV rentals. For those who enjoy more than theme parks, the resort is just minutes from the Lincoln Boyhood National memorial, Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Amphitheatre.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Buena Vista, Fla. – Part of the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Fla. Resort, Fort Wilderness sits on 740 acres of woodlands and the Walt Disney World Resort, the campground offers 784 sites, as well as cabins. Staying at the resort allows guests easy access to all of the Disney resort with free transportation to theme parks and other parts of the resort. In addition, there are pools, horseback riding, tennis, boat, canoe and kayak rentals, as well as hiking trails. There is also a seasonal Mickey’s Backyard BBQ where characters participate in the hoedown. There is also a restaurant and snack bars, laundry facilities, babysitting, a kennel and high-speed wireless Internet access available.
Highmeadow Campground, Hershey, PA – Offering 299 sites and 22 cabins, this campground is part of Hershey Resorts with direct access to Hersheypark and Dutch Wonderland, In addition to the theme parks; the campground offers Internet access, cable TV and laundry service. There’s also a swimming pool and an arcade/game room.

Take me to the campground, and the beach

2009-08-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

What’s better than going to the beach in the middle of the summer – how about going to the campground and the beach?! If you’re like my family, you love camping and everything that goes with it, and in the summer that means water and lots of it.

Paddling around in a two-man raft is relaxing, especially when followed by grilling out and sitting around the fire. Fast forward to the next day – more of the same!

Or, what about splashing through the water, burying a “loved one” in the sand and building sand castles? And after you’re done, walking back to your camper, having a burger and then S’mores over the campfire? There’s no better way to go to the beach than to finish the day at the campsite and not in the traffic jam heading away from the lake.

There’s also fishing, a relaxing outing in itself. And, if you’re at the campground that means fresh fish for supper!

This summer hasn’t been as warm as many of those I remember, but we’ve found our way to Lake Michigan and then some smaller inland lakes to enjoy the water. Just a word of advice, when you go to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, be prepared for some COLD water. But if you’re a northern girl, you love it!

Here are some great places to enjoy the water this summer, along with your RV!

Lakeshore Park, St. Ignace, Mich., gives campers an opportunity to enjoy the Upper Peninsula with a view of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. With 75 sites, the park is open from May 1-Oct. 15, offering RVers access to Lake Michigan and is just an hour from the Soo Locks. The park also offers free Wi-Fi.
Pirateland Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., offers 1,500 sites and 88 RV rentals. On the beach of the Atlantic Ocean, the park offers visitors a swimming pool in addition to the ocean. It also has a 510-foot Lazy River where floaters can relax. With numerous amenities, the park also has organized activities. The park also offers Internet access.
Edgewater Resort & RV Park, Kelseyville, Calif., is on the 100-mile shoreline of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California. The park offers 60 sites and eight cabins. There is boat trailer parking, launching and docking facilities and a beach area. Watercraft is also available for rent nearby.
Sylvan Lake Beach Park Inc., Hopewell Junction, N.Y., is on 65-wooded acres and on a 120-acre spring-fed lake just 60 miles from New York City. Offering 75 sites, a sandy beach, fishing and boating. There are also lots of family activities and a playground.

New campground doing well in spite of economy

2009-08-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

While RV companies have been hit hard by the recession, it seems that RVers are still getting out on the road and to the parks. And even a new park in northeast Indiana is having a good seasons, despite the faltering economy.

The Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA in Bluffton, Ind., about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne, opened to its customers this spring, and is having a pretty good year, so far, said owner Ann Marie Crismore, who owns and operates the park with her husband, Ryan.

The couple spent two years planning and constructing the park that will eventually have 124 sites, including five cabins, plus eight tent sites, when all is completed. Sites will be water and electric and full hookup, and the majority are pull-thru sites.

There’s also a fishing pond and in-ground pool and nearby is the Wabash Heritage Trail and Ouabache State park if hiking is something you enjoy. Little Turtle State Recreation is also nearby for fishing.

While the actual work has been ongoing for two years, emotionally the couple worked on the park for 10 years, Crismore said. So, there was no turning back this spring when things looked bleak.

However, guests to the park have come from near and far. “We’re getting RVers from all over, some who are staying near home to enjoy their RV and others who are traveling cross country,” she said.

Guests have come from Bluffton and all over Indiana, as well as Texas, California and Canada, Crismore said. “Last night, we had a tent camper come in from Montreal, Canada, and this morning we had a rig come in from California,” she said in late June.

For those who have not visited the Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA yet, pets are allowed for a small deposit, and an activity director on site is keeping kids busy. So far, they’ve had a scavenger hunt, charades and an ice cream social. More is planned for the summer, Crismore said.

“We’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” she added, saying she and her husband used to be RVers and now tell their friends to come to the park so they can sit at the fire with them.

Independence Day weekend is fast approaching; make your reservations now, if you haven’t already. Parks fill up quick for the long holiday weekends. Enjoy the sun, the fire pits and the weekend neighbors at the park you visit. Break out the hotdogs, its time to go camping!

Here are other new RV parks to enjoy around the country:

The Bainbridge/Flint River KOA is just off of the Highway 84 and 27 Bypass in Bainbridge, Ga., and is open all year. Access to the Flint River and Lake Seminole is just across the street. The park offers RV and tent sites, as well as an 18-hole miniature golf and a community fire pit. There’s also Wi-Fi and a washer/dryer facility.
Located in the Tucannon Valley, the Dayton/Pomeroy KOA is on the edge of the Wooten Wildlife area and Umatilla National Forest; this KOA has 70-foot pull-thru sites, as well as cabins and tent sites. It’s open from March 1-Nov. 30. Breakfast is served most weekends and ice cream socials and movies under the stars at the outdoor theater on weekends and holidays during the summer.
The Salem KOA is just two miles south of Salem in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and only 100 yards from the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. Open from Feb. 15-Nov. 1, the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Hood are both within driving distance. RV sites and cabins are available. And there’s even a doggy play area. Wi-Fi is available and the swimming pool is open from May 15-Sept. 15.
Shoreline RV Park, Eureka, Calif., is on the coast of California, 280 miles north of San Francisco is in the heart of northern California's coastal redwoods. Visitors can hike, bike and boat. The park offers 58 sites, a dog park, on-site security, Wi-Fi and is near a public boat launch, marina and beach.
Deer Haven Campground is located in Lisbon, Conn., and has 78 sites, including 50 full hookup sites and five tent sites. Amenities in the park include hiking and biking trails, swimming in a pond, lake or the ocean, and planned recreation.

You don’t have to camp on public land to enjoy it

2009-08-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

As someone who loves the outdoors – hiking, biking, swimming, whatever it may be – not everyone can or want to haul their RV or tents to a state or national park to enjoy the wonders on a warm weekend. But there are other options. Several campgrounds and RV parks are nestled near these wonderful outdoor attractions – and often offer amenities not found in the public campgrounds – such as cable TV or Wi-Fi.

Like many, Memorial weekend was our first camping trip of the summer. We went just an hour from home in northern Indiana, enjoying the nearby state park and its natural attractions. And while the state park was full of campers, so were the surrounding private parks, which also offered their guests the options of water and sewage hookups, cable TV and Wi-Fi. And those who chose to stay at the private parks also were just minutes from the state parks vast biking, hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as the beach.

But because you aren’t the only one who wants to get away for the holiday – make your reservations early. The wonderful weather was an added boost to the unofficial opening summer holiday weekend and there were NO camping sites to be found! So, if you’re considering an RV park near a state or national park for the next holiday weekend, call NOW!

We made our reservations, along with other family, months in advance, so we just pulled in and set up. How nice that for once we were the closest to home. But I discovered that’s not always an advantage.

We were the last to arrive because of work that I could not do before 6:30 p.m. Friday. In addition, we knew we would be gone for several hours on Saturday because we had a wedding to attend. Still not a problem since we had the long weekend, and a wedding is a very important event!

However, Sunday brought sad news to my family and another trip home for me. My eldest – who decided to stay home – called me Sunday morning to let me know my dog had died sometime during the night. Now this is a dog who was 14 ½ years old and I could see him physically aging tremendously in the past few months, but you’re just never ready for it when it happens. And the fact that I wasn’t there when it happened has left me riddled with guilt.

My dog used to love camping and was a very good camper. He was a Keeshond and loved people. But the older he got, the more trouble he was having moving around, so camping wasn’t the top of his list any longer. Part of me wished we had taken him this trip and part of me is thankful he was home when he died. But hundreds of tears later, neither thought makes it any easier. I will miss my camping mate, my fuzzy buddy and my friend when no one else seemed to understand me.

Please tell me about your camping buddies. And, in honor of my buddy and for all of you who camp and travel with pets, here are a few parks that invite them in with you and are close to nearby public parks for outdoor recreation:

In northern Indiana, just a few miles from Pokagon State Park is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake, Fremont, Ind. The park itself is located on a 100-acre lake with a pool and splash playground, waterslides, mini golf, boat rentals and five playgrounds. With 540 sites and 18 cabins, it can accommodate nearly any camper/RVer. Pets are welcome.
In northern Georgia, Lake Nottely RV Park, Blairsville, Ga., is a relaxing stay and near the Appalachian Trail for hiking and sightseeing, in addition to numerous other area stops. The park has lake-view sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi and boat ramps and docks. It also has swimming in the lake, pond or ocean, along with hiking and biking trails. Pets are welcome.
In St. George, Utah is McArthur’s Temple View RV Resort, where guests can enjoy Utah’s Color Country. Near Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, the park offers 270 sites, some with full hookups. There’s also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, exercise room and Internet connections. Pets are invited.
Ardmore, Okla., is home to Hidden Lake RV Inc., where, in addition to large sites, Wi-Fi, cable and RV repair and service, you’re just minutes away from Lake Murray, Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park. The park has a 5,700 acre lake with hiking and horseback riding. In addition, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, with its mineral spring and wildlife is also nearby. Hidden Lake welcomes pets.

Is it camping or RVing? Are they the same?

2009-04-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

With the spring camping and RVing season just around the corner I’m getting a little antsy for our first trip. I’m not sure what early trips we’ll make, but we’re already booked for Memorial weekend with a short trip joining family at a park in northern Indiana.

But I think about our camping trips and how they’ve changed – mostly because of the change in equipment. I’m one of those people who like to discuss things – sometimes to the dire end. So, we have this discussion – are we still camping even though we’re going in our travel trailer?

I remember our early days in the tent with all of the comforts of the outdoors – the outdoor cook stove, lanterns, a “camping” coffee pot, grill, sleeping bags and bug spray. Then my husband needed to add a fan and TV to the list, as well as an air mattress. Apparently, the ground was getting harder that it had been in the past.

Then we went to the popup camper – it got him off the ground and gave me that outdoor feel that still let me believe I was camping out. I enjoyed the popup, and it gave us a few more conveniences. But after some years of this, my husband again tired of the setting up of camp. If we arrived late, it was dark and more difficult to get everything ready – and beds always had to be made.

So, came the day that we went “camper” shopping, i.e. travel trailer. My husband so wanted a trailer that could be backed into a site, and with less effort, ready for the weekend in mere minutes. I went into this a little less enthusiastic. We settled on our 29-foot Jayco, and I must say, it is very nice. But I still ask, are we still camping?

It’s not that we are indoors more when we’re at campgrounds, but it’s not the same having the wind blow through the wide open screens of a tent or even a popup camper. And, let’s be real, we use the AC now. Yes, there’s TV with surround sound, a microwave and the kitchen is all indoors now. While I don’t mind this when bad weather moves in, I still wonder if we’ve lost something.

My husband says absolutely not – this is heaven. He loves camping – you can find him at the campfire almost the entire time we’re out! And he loves his travel trailer. It’s perfect, or near perfect, he says. But then I wonder why he is looking at a fifth-wheel travel trailer and even at some of the smaller motorhomes.

I don’t think our conversion is complete yet, but I’m holding him back a little. I’m not ready for a “camper” with a sauna yet.

So, tell me what do you think? Is it still camping? And please, share some of your favorite camping/RVing experiences with us! Happy camping, I can almost smell the campfire!

RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!

2009-02-02T15:02:00.001-08:00

RVs abundant at the shows; buy one and then go here!

The economy is the discussion of the moment, and most households are tightening their belts, reconsidering purchases and discretionary spending. When considering your own spending, one thing to think about is how an RV can save you money in the long run – on vacation costs.

According to a study by PKF Consulting, when comparing vacation costs, a typical RV family vacation is less expensive than other types of vacations studied.

Consider this, PKF found that for a 10-day vacation from Phoenix, Ariz., to Napa Calif.; vacationing with an RV saves money from a car and hotel trip, and a trip by airline and hotel stays. For a family of four taking the trip in a SUV with a towable lightweight RV costs $2,536, staying in an RV park and preparing all meals in the RV or at the campsite, the study found. The cost of traveling by car, staying at hotels and eating in restaurants raised the cost to $4,575, and for those traveling by air, renting a car and eating in restaurants the cost rose to $5,706, according to PKF. The study also showed that shorter trips were more economical in RVs than other vacation options.

And with the economy impacting the RV industry, this may also be the perfect time to purchase an RV. So, where do you go in the dead of winter to find your dream RV? To the RV/camping shows. Now is the time for RV/camping shows across the country – from the East Coast to the West, there are shows scheduled through the winter months. The shows allow you an opportunity to see the amenities and options that work best for your family.

A couple of shows you may want to attend are the Kansas City Mid-America RV Show Feb. 13-15, 20-22 at the Kansas City Convention Center; and the Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show Feb. 5-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

And when it comes to spring and time to take that new purchase out on the road – to the RV park, consider these options:

• Gwynn’s Island Camping Resort, Gwynn, Va. The park is located on Chesapeake Bay and offers 120 total camp/RV sites and 125 electric and water sites. There is lake, pond and ocean fishing, a playground and direct beach access.
• Roughrider Campground, Minot, N.D. This quiet park offers fishing and golf facilities, as well as hiking and biking trails. There are 76 sites, 33 full hookups, 24 electric and water and nine electric. Wi-Fi also is available.
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Mansfield, Bellville, Ohio. The park offers activities throughout the season, including fishing, a boat launch, golf facilities and the park is equestrian friendly. There are 150 sites, 49 are pull-thru and 142 are full hookup.

Finding your way to campgrounds

2009-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Finding your way to campgrounds and parks easier with GPS

Although the news was full of doom and gloom for retailers this Christmas season, it did seem like the GPS was the big electronic item of the season. At least it seemed like it with specials on GPS beginning on Black Friday.

For RVers and campers, the GPS can be quite handy, and I for one and happy to have been the recipient of one such device this Christmas. Having an assistant of sorts, letting me know when to turn is even better than mapping it out on MapQuest.

And for those of you who like to find the park that is tucked away for a weekend visit or longer vacation, the GPS can help you get there without the, “Oops, I missed my turn,” with a 30-plus foot travel trailer following behind your truck.

So, if you were taking off to Crowder Point Family Campground in Crowder, Okla., you could use the GPS and have your directions given to you turn by turn. And if you accidentally missed a turn, some of the GPS units will automatically re-route you, eliminating the need to find the next exit or a large enough turn around.

Even though the park is near Highway 69, sometime even the best navigator forgets or misses a turn. And while you’re at Crowder Point, get ready for some fishing on Lake Eufaula or plan a visit to Arrowhead State Park or some of the other area attractions.

Head further west to Reno, Nev., and you can find Bonanza Terrace RV Park, just a couple of miles from downtown Reno off Highway 395. Although it may sound easy, using today’s technology can get you there, turn by turn.

Bask in the sun and enjoy the area attractions while you’re at Bonanza Terrace. The park offers long-term rates, too.

However you get there, get there. But for those of you who aren’t excited by GPS – as I am – the parks websites offer directions and maps at the click of a mouse. And if you call, they’ll be kind enough to give you directions.

Get the RV on the road and enjoy 2009. Happy New Year and Happy camping!

Holidays take top billing, even yearlong in some parks

2008-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

While Thanksgiving is upon us, a time when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received, watch football on TV and devise a strategy for the day after Thanksgiving shopping spree, thoughts begin to turn toward the Christmas season. So, it’s only fitting that we look at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, named the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds’ (ARVC) Park of the Year in the large park category (251-499 sites) for 2008-09.

The park is in the heart of Christmas, literally with its home in Santa Claus, Ind., and neighbors Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, a theme park that features rides and fun in the Christmas spirit year-round.

While parts of the Midwest are under snow and the rest is just cold, it may not seem like time to think about camping, but that isn’t true for those at Lake Rudolph. The RVer is top of the list for staff, so while the park is closed, plans are already working for next camping season. It’s that attitude that helped the park earn the award based on national directory ratings, operations excellence and community service, among other areas.
“We are honored to receive this award from our peers in the campground and RV park industry,” said Philip Koch, owner and president of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. “My father, Bill Koch, opened Lake Rudolph in 1958. Receiving this award during our 50th anniversary year makes it even more meaningful. I want to thank our tremendous staff for their outstanding efforts, and I especially thank our guests for helping us create the great family atmosphere we have at Lake Rudolph.”
Although sites won’t open to campers until April for weekends and daily starting on May 1, reservations are being accepted now. The season runs through October, and then the first two weekends of November are added before the park closes for the season. The park also runs special HalloWeekends in September and October. For seven weekends, the park is host to families for hay rides, ghost stories, scary movies, a kids carnival, trick or treating from sites, site decorating contests, HallTEEN games and an outdoor dance.

Nearly half of the sites are rentals, so the park can open up the RV experience to numerous visitors who don’t own RVs. Of the park’s 456 sites, it has 19 park model cabins and 197 park trailers permanently located on sites. All of the rentals sleep up to eight and have full kitchens, bathrooms and are equipped with air conditioning. And key to the rental is the care and maintenance that are given to them, complete with housekeeping, said Dave Lovell, marketing director.

And add the pool, mini golf, golf care rentals and free WiFi, and nearly any desires of RVers are met. Lake Rudolph also provides free shuttle service to and from the theme parks.

It’s about customer service. With 100 seasonal workers and an experience management team with Certified Park Operator certification, keying in on the needs of the customer is everyone’s job, Lovell said.

Meeting those needs also means improving the campground. Improvements and expansion have been done every year of the past 11 years. Improvements includes adding and improving WiFi to the entire 160-acre campground, adding a food service facility, custom designed RV rentals, a new shuttle bus and shelters and improvements to the camp store and game room.

All of this is geared at bringing in guests – both RVers and those who have never experienced them before. The rental operations open up the world of RVing to more people each year. They won’t likely forget where that experience came from. So, if you like the idea of trying RVing, think about visiting Rudolph Lake next camping season.

The park allows up to eight people per site, which is also a great deal, and most amenities are included with the site rental. The only exceptions are golf car rentals and paddleboat rentals. And, the park offers discounted tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

So, whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Lake Rudolph opens its gates to RVers beginning in April and would love to have you visit.

Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas

2008-11-24T12:19:00.001-08:00

Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas

Snowbird is a term that isn’t new to anyone in the RV and camping world. But there are literal Snowbirds out and about during the winter months – camping in the areas that typically close for the season and enjoying the cold weather in their RVs.

While most RVers either winterize their rigs for the cold winter months or head to warmer climates to enjoy their RV without the cold winds of the north, there are those that embrace colder weather and winter snow while in their RVs. And, there are parks that are willing to accommodate those hardy campers.

The number of campgrounds open for the winter may dim in comparison to those awaiting RVers during the spring, summer and even fall. But those who do open their parks to the winter RVers offer their guests sites and access to wilderness that give them experiences that may be different than in other times of the year.

Riverview RV Park and Campground in Loveland, Colo., is set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the Thompson River. The campground sits at 5,100 feet in elevation and is just 30 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. RVers can enjoy the splendor of nature and park their RV before ascending higher in the mountains.

AtRivers Edge RV Resort in Brookings, Ore., also opens its sites to RVers during the winter months. Located on the southern Oregon coast, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, AtRivers Edge is on the banks of the Chetco River. In addition to being near the water, the park also is near the Kalmiopsis wilderness area.

But wherever you decide to take your RV for the winter, seasoned RVers recommend that you have a generator as part of your necessary gear. And, be sure to read all the information about operating the generator in the winter. There are also options to consider for the plumbing system, such as tank heaters.

So, if you truly love RVing and camping and you don’t want to put your rig away for the winter, consider your options. Look for campgrounds that allow winter camping and then make sure you’re prepared. You may have to dig a little snow out of the way for the campfire, but what’s better than a fire in the middle of winter?

Winding Down

2008-10-01T15:37:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of year again, time to begin thinking about putting away the camper – that is, unless you’re one of the thousands of Snowbirders who are getting ready to go to warmer climates for the winter. But if you’re not one of those who are living the winter in their RV, and you are in cold weather, then yes, it is that time.

But before you start winterizing your unit, think about a few last weekend trips to some of your favorite places. Even though the nights may be cooler, that doesn’t mean that adding a sweatshirt and sitting around the bonfire is out of the question. And, just think, the fall colors will be there to greet you each morning of your stay.

So, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your RV winterized. Instead, slow down and enjoy the sights from your home on wheels. Here are a few parks to consider for prime fall viewing:

Michigan may be cold in its northern edges, but the leaves are beautiful when they’re blazing in reds, oranges and yellows.

Head north to Cheboygan where you can experience fall in its splendor at Waterways Campground, www.waterwayscampground.com. The campground is on the Inland Waterways of Cheboygan where you can pull in your rig or even tent and you’re your boat out from the dock at the park.

The campground offers a store and allows pets and is equestrian friendly. Hiking and biking trails are available to view the fall colors, as well as fishing.

Maine is always considered prime fall viewing, so consider Riverbend Campground in Leeds, Maine. The park offers partially wooded or riverfront sites and is prime for fall foliage.

There’s a camp store and fishing available, as well as kayaking and canoeing for the adventurous. Pets are welcome.

Minnesota is home to more than lakes, but don’t forget to fish those, too. Take some time to enjoy autumn.

The Vagabond Village Campground in Park Rapids, Minn. offers campers beautiful Birch and Pine trees overlooking Potato Lake. Don’t forget your fishing gear. A boat launch is available and those who enjoy boating and kayaking or canoeing can rent them on site. Pets are also welcome here.

If you don’t want to travel that far north, consider West Virginia. It’s country landscape and fall colors are exquisite.

Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins in Summersville, W.Va. is near the marina. Enjoy fishing and hiking and biking on the trails. Pets are welcome.
So, remember, just because the days are shorter and brisker, there’s still time to enjoy camping and RVing around the country, but don’t wait too long. Many campgrounds close in October and you’ll be stuck waiting for next year.

Plan for your RV trip, don’t leave it to chance or the last minute

2008-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve said it many times, don’t wait for the last minute to plan your camping trip, and don’t wait to make reservations because RV parks and campgrounds book quickly, especially for those holiday weekends. Well, I didn’t take my own advice – really I wasn’t given enough time, but either way you look at it, it didn’t work out well for my family.

We have a wedding on Labor Day weekend. I know, before you say it, a wedding on Labor Day weekend is unheard of, people just don’t get married on the last weekend of the summer and they don’t ask others to give up a grand and glorious long weekend. But it happened to us, so we tried to make the best of it and combine our wedding plans with the last long weekend of the summer and haul our RV to northern Michigan.

That plan, not such a good idea. Northern Michigan, a destination for thousands during the summer, is not an easy place to get an RV site for the weekend, any weekend, much less Labor Day weekend. I called all of them in the area we would be and I got the same answer from all of the park owners – “Sorry, we have no openings.”

I did have a glimmer of hope for a fleeting second. One park owner said she would know on Friday morning if she would have an open site. A young man was calling back to tell her for sure if he would take the sites he reserved. So, I hoped. But then she told me the “but.” The sites had no electricity. I, unfortunately, have not yet invested in a generator, so no electricity would not do. I kindly said thank you, but no thank you.

So, I wondered is this the way it is everywhere. I know in my own state of Indiana sites are difficult to come by, but we’ve found some. After making some calls, I find that it is typical; many park owners are having good seasons.

It seems there are many reasons, but people are still going camping, even though we’ve seen the numerous stories of RV manufacturers struggling, and some even closing their doors. But even though there may be fewer people buying new RVs, those of us who are using them do not seem to be dwindling. And let’s face it; it’s still a good idea.

To compare, even though our gas mileage when hauling our RV drops from an average of 16-17 mpg to 7-10 mpg, we take our own food and we rent a site for somewhere between $25-$45 a night. And, our fun is right there. We may do some activities around the campground, sightseeing and spending money, but we’ve really saved on our accommodations. We had to get a hotel room for our wedding excursion, and at a rate of $95, plus taxes and fees, and then eating out, we spent much more than the $250 in gas it would have taken us to go the distance and back.

Others have done the math and it seems that park owners are benefiting from that mathematical calculation. Talking to Klaas Bakker, owner of Lake in the Wood Campground in Narvan, Pa., he said his park has experienced a great summer.

“We’ve been full every weekend and we’re booked through Nov. 1,” he said Nov. 1 is the park’s last weekend of the season.

Bakker said his guests have come from all over the country and the world, with guests from Europe, as well. But he has run local ads about staying close to home and that has helped, as well. “People are more destination oriented,” he said. “We have lots of activities and are family oriented.”

Lake in the Wood added a theme this year and printed Gnome money for the park, and also has its Gnome Café. “We just made it fun,” Bakker said.

And that seems to be the consensus for the summer. Fun was in and campers and RVers were filling the parks in many areas of the country. While I wasn’t one of them for the last holiday weekend of the summer, I’m not done. My family loves late summer and fall camping and we’ll haul the rig a few more times, enjoying the crisp mornings that lead to hiking that sometimes doesn’t get done in the heat of summer, and cool nights with huge bonfires that seem more enjoyable when thwarting off the cold.

Enjoy!

Try RVing even before you purchase your own rig

2008-07-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

During the Independence Day Weekend – known as the 4th of July to most – we camped in northern Michigan on the Manistee River, near my hometown. It was there that I saw a few young campers, reminding me of my husband and I when we started camping in tents. Some of them had tents, some popup campers and some with nothing at all. But they weren’t left out in the cold, they were in a cabin.

Like many RV parks and campgrounds, this park offers campers without the accessories – a popup camper, travel trailer, motorhome or even tent – to spend the weekend with their camping friends or on their own, enjoying the RV lifestyle with out the investment. The camping cabins or even RV rentals at many parks are rented to the user who then brings his own items for the weekend.

Some, like Sherwood Forest Camping & RV Park in the Wisconsin Dells, rent the camping cabin basic, leaving it up to the new “RVers” to bring all their needs for the weekend, week or even longer vacation. The camping cabin provides them with a place to sleep, relax, hold their bonfires and even watch TV or use their laptop computers, if they so desire. The weekend campers use the same restrooms and showers that are available to other RVers, but they don’t haul in their own RV or tent.

Others, like Camp Bell Campground in Campbell, NY, near Finger Lakes, offer a camping cabins or travel trailer rentals. Campers can really get an idea of what RVing is like, and dip their toe in the water so to speak, before buying an RV or their own.

And for those who truly enjoy pampering of sorts, Compton Ridge Campground in Branson, Mo., offers three types of camping cabins, including its luxury cabins that include a full kitchen with appliances, a bathroom with a shower, a screened porch, a fireplace and cable TV. They also offer two other cabins for those who prefer to “rough it” just a little more.

And whether they ever do buy an RV, the weekend rentals allow you to have a great RV vacation without buying the RV. It’s a nice way to introduce newcomers, or even those who make it one trip a year and don’t want to buy an RV, to enjoy the lifestyle.

RVing a good way to vacation even in the current economy.

2008-07-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

While the daily news continues to discuss the lagging economy and we’ve seen RV companies being impacted by slow sales, using the RV to travel is still a good deal, even with high gas prices.

With gas prices well over $4 a gallon around the country, hauling an RV gives you a moment to consider another means of travel. But once you start adding in your meals on the road, hotel rooms and airfare if you’re flying, taking your RV is still an economical and practical means for travel.

According to the biannual Campfire Canvass survey conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) found that despite high fuel prices, 82 percent of RV owners say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations and they still plan to use their RVs.

According to the latest survey, 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs at least as much this spring and summer as last year, but some changes were noted. Fifty-eight percent of those who said their travel plans would be affected said they would travel closer to home and 35 percent said they’d travel fewer miles. Another 34 percent of RVers said they’d stay longer in one destination.

My family is following suit. We are staying closer to home this summer and we are staying in one place longer. But we aren’t suffering for the choices. We still get to travel and still enjoy family time, just maybe closer to home. But it gives us a chance to discover things we may not have otherwise paid attention to in our own “backyard.”

However, there are those who aren’t changing plans. The study found that one-third of RV owners say fuel costs won't affect their travel plans. We also fit this group for our one long vacation. We’re still planning a trip to West Virginia to white water raft in August – before our oldest heads out to college. We’re looking forward to the adventure, but I’m not sure we would do it if we didn’t have our travel trailer.

Eating “at home” in the RV saves money, and renting a space for about $35 a night beats the price of a hotel room, which when I checked were around $110 a night. Even at the 10 to 12 mpg we get in the truck while hauling the camper, we’re saving money. And if gas prices are really a concern, there are always popup campers, which because of the light weight don’t have as great of an impact on the gas mileage.

So, if you’ve considered an RV, but think now’s not the time, you might want to think again. This might be just the right time to make your best deal since some RV companies are giving incentives for those in the market for a new RV in today’s economy.

And while the immediate picture may not be bright, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association believes that the appeal for RVs will continue since “the basic demand for RVs is deeply rooted in family values, the enduring appeal of the natural environment and people’s desire to instill in the next generation their cherished traditions.”

May Blog

2008-06-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

May Blog

The summer kicked off with Memorial Day weekend, the time when RVers hit the road for the first camping trip of the season for many people and families. But this year that holiday weekend and unofficial summer kickoff was met with gas prices hovering the $4 mark and diesel even higher. And guess what, many people still went camping.

Now, official numbers haven’t yet been released, and I did personally see many campers, travel trailers and motorhomes sitting in driveways. But I was looking. I wondered how gas would impact our camping and RV travel. I don’t know if it did or not, but AAA estimated that the number of Americans who would travel during the Memorial Day holiday would drop, with 37.87 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million. .

As I told you earlier, my family didn’t go out this year because our son was graduating from high school on June 1 and we had an open house and graduation to prepare for. That’s the only thing that kept us home. In fact, as gas prices creep up, we bought a new tow vehicle for our 29-foot Jayco. While many people are downsizing, we needed a travel vehicle to tow our travel trailer, and we’re not about to stop camping!

So, with a new truck in the driveway, we’re already looking ahead for the next opportunity to hitch up the camper and go. And we will go. We may make cuts other places, but camping is something the whole family enjoys. And our son is leaving in August for college, so there’s only so much time to still have the whole family together.

We have a few open houses left and a nephew’s wedding in mid-June, but after those are past, we’re heading out on the open road, even with more money going to gas. We’ll cut back other places and make adjustments, but camping with the family is a treat and a wonderful time for us to spend together with few outside interruptions. And we’re not alone.

The Campfire Canvass survey by RVIA found that 93 percent of RV owners intend to use their RV as often or more frequently this summer as last. And, more than one-third said fuel costs would not affect their travel plans. Others, however, said they will adjust their travel plans to conserve fuel by staying closer to home and spending more time in one place.

In addition, 83 percent of the nation’s campgrounds reported that summer reservations are the same or better than they were in 2005, according to a recent survey by Michigan State University and published by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

So, if there’s a will, there’s a way. And we’ll find ours on the open road leading to a camping destination. Make room at the campfire, we’re coming in.

ARVC March Blog

2008-03-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

ARVC March Blog

Is a seasonal camping space right for you, or should you take your camper on the road and experience several camping locations?

These are questions that campers may ask themselves at different times in their lives. Whether it’s when they get their first travel trailer or their third motorhome, different times in life bring different camping needs and desires.

Having a seasonal site - a destination that you can take advantage of each weekend or vacation that you can get away - makes sense to many people who see their RV or motorhome as a second home or vacation home. However, for others, the experience of finding someplace new to enjoy makes more sense, so they enjoy hitting the road each weekend or vacation time they can manage to get away.

But whether you choose to hit the same spot each time, knowing that your home on wheels with some possible amenities you won’t receive at a weekend only getaway - such as a permanent deck off your RV or knowing your weekend neighbors - or your choose the freshness of something new - visiting new parks with new experiences and activities, you can find many places to enjoy your RV. And with spring here and warmer days on the horizon, now is the time to make your choice - permanent or transient.

One way to decide is to try a park that offers seasonal sites during the summer and see what you think. Talk to the seasonal park users and see if they seem to have the same expectations from their destination as you.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself to determine what is best for you:

Do I want to haul my camper once this season, or would I rather drive it regularly to my destination?

Do I want to visit the same place each weekend, or each time I can get away, or do I want fresh experiences?

Do I want to leave things where they are, and just bring what we’ll need for the weekend or week, whatever the length of visit?

Do I have the time to make reservations for each weekend or vacation?

Would I rather make my reservation once - in the spring?

Will I use my camper enough to cover the cost of the seasonal site?

Will I use my camper more if I have it readily available for spontaneous trips?

Will I tire of the same place?

Do I see my RV as a second home?

Do I see my RV as a home on wheels that can take me to new places?

Whatever your answers to these questions, here are some parks you may want to try. They offer both weekend and seasonal sites.

* Honcho Rest Campground, Elk Rapids, Mich. Opened May 1-Oct. 7 with 58 sites.

* Adirondack Camping Village, Lake George, N.Y. Opened Mid-May-Mid-Sept. with 165 sites.

* Pinecrest RV Park Resort, Russell Springs, Ky. Opened April 1-Oct. 31 with 50-plus sites.

* Beaver Lake Campground, Custer, S.D. Opened March 1-Oct.1

Spring Break is a perfect time to begin camping

2008-03-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

While many people hit the roads and skies to find warm weather for those weeks dedicated in March and April as vacation weeks from school, whether you call it Spring Break, Easter Vacation, Spring Vacation, it’s a time when schools let out for a break from school work and parents take the opportunity, in many cases, to take a break as well and head to warmer weather for a week of sun and relaxation.

But if you have a week, why not take your camper or motorhome along for the ride? Those warm weather destinations also are home to many RV parks and campgrounds, and why not save some money along the way?

We all know it’s cheaper to cook your own food, rather than eat out, and staying in a park at park rates beats the hotel, plus you have more than just a bed – you have your own little house with a living area, kitchen and dinette area, as well as some privacy in the bedroom and sleeping areas.

And there’s no waiting on flights that are delayed.

Plus, that leaves more money for other things, like souvenirs and entertainment.

Although we aren't going to be able to take a family spring break trip this year, we have been known to haul our camper to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to relax and enjoy the sun.

A few years ago we made the trek to Myrtle Beach and partook in the hospitality of PirateLand Family Camping Resort, where my husband, kids, my parents, my brother, and myself hauled our campers to the coast and coasted for the week.

PirateLand has its own private beach on the ocean, giving us easy access to the sandy shoreline, the salty water and all of its inhabitants. We walked and jogged the beach, discovered shells, which my daughter insisted on taking home - all of them, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

PirateLand offers its guests a pool if they Atlantic temperatures are too cool for their liking, as well as its Lazy River, where floating on a tube around the "river" and its gentle bends can make a lovely day pass quietly.

So, when planning your spring vacation, don't forget that your RV isn't only for the summer camping season. Think about breaking it out early and checking out the parks near your destination, whether it's Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, whatever warm weather area might tickle your fancy.

Some other parks in those warm weather vacation areas are:

Myrtle Beach:
Apache Family Campground
Lakewood Camping Resort Inc.
Myrtle Beach KOA Kampground
Myrtle Beach Travel Park
Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Panama City Beach, Fla.:
Camper’s Inn
Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
Panama City Beach RV Resort
Park Place RV Park and Motel

Savannah, Ga.:
Savannah Oaks RV Park

Corpus Christi, Texas:
Colonia Del Ray
Greyhound RV Park
Hatch RV Park
Laguna Shore Village
Marina Village RV Park
Padre Palms Travel Park
Puerto Del Sol Resort

Go Camping, America!

I know the warm weather’s coming

2008-02-21T05:48:00.001-08:00

While we await the newest snowstorm to hit the Midwest, I’m planning summer camping trips and making reservations. And a word of advice, if you’re planning to go camping during the “first unofficial weekend of the summer” – Memorial Day – now is the time to make reservations!

While I consider our summer activities – which must be planned around our son’s high school graduation, other family graduations, my nephew’s wedding and our daughter’s sports and 4-H – I think about the cost of gas and what that may or may not do the camping and RVing industry. For us, we may stay a little closer to home than we did last year, although part of that is just the hectic summer schedule. The other part is that we need to buy a new tow vehicle and we’re trying to make the right decision.

But while I contemplate these things, I also want to let those of you who are able to spend more time in the RV to consider working at campgrounds and RV parks – known in the industry as “workamping.” This is one way to make some money while you’re on the road and let your RV work for you.

Earlier this month, Workamper® News – a publication aimed at those who want to find ways to earn money and in some cases other benefits while spending their time traveling in their RV – held two job fairs to assist those interested in workamping.

For those of you who have an interest, there are a few suggestions the publication gives, such as identifying the type of work you want and the area where you’d like to spend some time. And, make sure you understand the agreement with your new employer.

There are also other things to consider. If you’re married, do you and your spouse want to work, or just one of you? This could determine where you look for a position, considering what the park needs.

Positions can be part-time or full-time, and some positions can even be on a volunteer basis.

Whatever your needs, there are many positions at parks – from being campgrounds hosts where your site is identified as a place for other campers and RVers to get information, and even in some cases, a cup of coffee in the morning, to cleaning bathrooms and other facilities. Some might work in camp stores while others work as recreational directors. The positions vary and the pay varies. Just make sure you understand all the terms going in, so neither you nor your new employer will be disappointed. Once you’ve signed on to work at a park, just as any employer, they are counting on you fulfilling your commitment.

Summer’s coming! Enjoy!

Winter Camping isn’t just for snowbirds

2008-01-02T05:35:00.001-08:00

While camping or RVing may not top the list of many RV owners during the winter months, for those who want to take the camper out for a weekend or longer, there are options available beyond those for Snowbirds.

Whether you’re someone who lives in areas with a warm winter climate, or someone who wants to escape the cold of the north for a quick RV trip, there are parks that have their sites and arms opened to you. Winter camping isn’t just for Snowbirders anymore.

Although you may be heading to similar destinations as Snowbirds flock to, such as Texas and Florida, not all parks cater only to those retirees who make their winter homes in an RV park.

One such destination is Whispering Pines Resort & Campground in Tyler, Texas. The park has a family focus and continues activities for the entire family throughout the winter months. Recently, when a dance with a live band was held for “older” guests, a DJ and more modern music was available to the younger guests of the park.

Located in eastern Texas, the park is nestled within pine trees, offering guests 100 sites, including some pull-thrus, with a variety of hookup offers – partial to full. The park also has 20 cabins and 20 RV rentals.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, adult pool/spa, family pool, laundry facilities, a gift store and numerous planned activities.

There are nature trails, as well as hiking and biking trails, fishing and swimming in the lake, pond or ocean. The park also offers miniature golf.

Another Texas stop is Puerto del Sol RV Resort in Corpus Christi, Texas

The park is located on the bay and has numerous local attractions for guests to visit, including the USS Lexington and state aquarium.

There are 53 sites and all are pull-thru, with the option of full or partial hookups. The park also offers 10 tent sites.

There’s a store onsite, along with laundry facilities and Internet access in specific park locations.

There’s swimming in the lake, pond or ocean and a boat launch is in the park.

For those who are looking for a getaway in Florida, Lake City Campground in Lake City, Fla. is open.

The park offers shady and sunny, full hookup pull-thru sites, as well as tent sites. With 50 total sites, options range from partial to full hookups, as well as back in or pull-thru sites. There are also five rental cabins.

The park is located alongside the Osceola National Forest and just 10 miles from the Stephen Foster Folk Center. Families can take a relaxing tubing trip on the Suwannee River or head 20 miles to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park for more tubing. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s also fishing, hiking and biking trails, nature trails and a swimming pool in the park.

Lake City Campground also is home to mockingbirds, whippoorwills, owls and other warblers.

Wi-Fi and a store are also offered in the park, along with an arcade and game room that includes a pool table, board games and a TV.

Whatever your warm weather choices, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities for all winter campers. But, like all camping seasons, don’t forget to call ahead and make reservations, so that you can leave your cares behind with the cold weather and enjoy your get away in the warmer weather of the states.

2007-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Checklist for Snowbirding

It’s that time of year – the time when most RVers either revel in the memories of the summer camping season and wait for spring, or become Snowbirds and head to warmer weather for the winter.

If you’re the latter, there are some things to consider and to take care of before packing up for the winter. For those who have done this before, it’s routine, but for someone new to Snowbirding, there is a good way to do it.

First of all, Snowbirds are simply people going to warmer climates for the winter – like birds traditionally fly south for the winter. Once, the Snowbird lifestyle was considered only for the wealthy and the famous. Today, however, the Snowbird lifestyle is for anyone, and includes many RVers. Some of the most popular destinations in the United States for RVing Snowbirds are Florida, Arizona and Texas.

But before you hit the road, there are some things you should do.

First, know where you’re going. Don’t expect that just because it’s winter there won’t be many RVers. That’s just not true. In fact, according to the American Camper Profiles & Perspectives study, conducted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), 5 percent of active campers are Snowbirds, as are 11 percent of total RV owners.

So, make your reservations!

And, decide what to do with home services while you are gone, including mail delivery. You can have the U.S. Post Office hold your mail, but if you have bills and other items that you need to take care of on a regular basis, you may want to consider a mail service. These services send your mail to you at your snowbird destination, and can change that destination if you’re moving from one RV location to another during the winter months. Just make sure you check out the service you’re using and get references.

Most RV clubs offer mail services to their members including the Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA), the Good Sam Club and the Escapees RV Club.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you’ll need employment while away from home and enjoying the warm-weather region.

Working RVers – known as Workampers™ - find temporary employment while on the road. These jobs can be found through newspapers, online listings, and other options, but Workamper News is a service that caters directly to RVers. Many of the listings handled by the newspaper include positions with campgrounds and RV parks, theme parks and a variety of other venues. Payment for positions varies, and sometimes may include the value of a site when working at RV parks. Make sure you understand all the terms and that the compensation is at least equal to the applicable minimum wage, according to Workamper News.

For those who aren’t seeking employment, check out your destination area to ensure you’ll be happy in your home away from home for the winter months. Talk to others who have visited your destination and ask for recommendation of things to do. And remember, many of the Snowbird destinations cater to an older crowd, so take them up on their activities and outings. Remember, they know the area and their business is keeping their winter guests happy.

Once you have all your details in place, leave your cares behind with the cold weather and enjoy the winter sun.

Next month we’ll look at whether there is a winter season for traveling RVers or families who still like to take their rigs out for the weekend.

2007-11-19T13:05:00.001-08:00

Winterizing isn’t a welcome time

For many campers and RVers, putting away the gear for winter is a chore that must be done, but not without remorse that the camping season is over.

While many Snowbirds take to the road and head to warm weather states for the winter, many of us are still tied to a job or kids in school, or both, and must put our rigs away for the next camping season. It’s almost like putting the Christmas and New Year’s decorations away after a festive holiday season.

But when it comes to winterizing your RV, there are items you shouldn’t forget.

Winterizing the RVs water system is the most important piece of winterizing your unit.

Complete steps should be in your RV owner information.

There are also suggestions for RVs not stored inside, such as wheel covers and tarps to protect it from the elements.

While instructions and suggestions for preparing your unit for winter can be found in your owner’s manual or RV papers, don’t fear, if this is something you don’t want to do yourself, or don’t feel confident. Most RV service centers offer winterizing services, and can give you suggestions for storage. Just make an appointment, hitch up your RV one more time, and take it to the pros. Once it’s done, you can take it home for winter storage.

For those of you who can still get out and enjoy the RV, there are some great winter destinations, and below are just a few of the many great parks available.

Florida:

Whispering Palms in Sebastian, Fla. caters to the 55-plus crowd with 572 sites in its RV resort and manufactured home community. Situated along Florida's Treasure Coast, Sebastian offers beaches, fishing, and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. Whispering Palms amenities include: activities, billiards, dancing, outdoor games, a lake, Internet access, tennis and pets are welcome. In addition, there is a recreation room and library. There is also nearby golfing, sailing and windsurfing and numerous fishing and sightseeing opportunities.

Whispering Palms Mobile Home and RV Community, 10305 US Hwy #1, Sebastian, Fla. 32958; (800) 414-0814, (772) 589-3481; fax: (772) 589-3477; e-mail whisperingpalms@bellsouth.net

Indian Creek RV Resort is a Florida 55+ Community with numerous amenities, including shuffleboard courts, five tennis courts, three heated pools, spas, 21 private lakes and Wi-Fi, and just a short bike ride form Ft. Myers Beach. Nearby activities are boating, fishing, shelling, golf, museums, historic homes, nature preserves, dog racing, and major league baseball spring training.

The resort offers 1,204 sites, with various options, including pull-thru sites, 50-amp service and full hookups. Other site amenities include phone service, cable TV and Internet access.

Indian Creek, 17340 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. 33931; (800) 967-0138.

Arizona:

Prospectors RV Resort is a two-season park open year-round with activities planned for each season. The 96 full hookup sites include cable TV, Internet access and phone service. Other amenities include a heated pool, spa, game room, laundry room, fitness room, and organized activities that include ice cream socials, bingo, popcorn and movie night and organized dinners and holiday events.

Prospectors RV Resort, 4750 N. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Ariz. 86404; (928) 764-2000, fax: (928) 764-2108.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge is in the White Mountains and offers a 9-hole golf course, tennis court, bocce, shuffleboard, billiards, pool, hot tub, craft rooms, entertainment, and a fishing lake. The 529 sites include 17 pull thru sites, 125 50-amp sites and 125 full hookups. There are also four Cabins and six RV rentals available.

Voyager is an adult Park.

Voyager at Juniper Ridge, 1993 Juniper Ridge Drive, Show Low, Ariz. 85901; (186) 653-4345; info@juniperridgerv.com; www.juniperridgerv.com.

Shangri-La RV Resort is family-owned and operated with a swimming pool and spa, planned activities, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball and free cable TV. The 302-site resort offers 18 pull thru sites; 302 30-amp, 302 50-amp, and 302 full hookup sites, as well as an RV rental. Additional amenities include concrete patios, a marina, planned recreation and it is equestrian friendly.

Shangri-La RV Resort, 10498 North Frontage Road, Yuma, Ariz. 85365; (928) 342-9123; info@shangrilarv.com; www.shangrilarv.com.

Texas:

Bay Colony RV Resort is located just 20 minutes outside of Houston and offers 71 full hookup sites with private patios. Amenities include: cable TV hookup, swimming, Internet access, laundry and a pool, and pets are welcome. The resort is also near the ocean, surfing, fishing, golf, shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Bay Colony RV Resort, 217 FM 517 W, Dickinson, Texas 77539; (866) 442-2978, (281) 614-5252, fax: (281) 614-1999; e-mail: bay_colony@verizon.net.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park has large pull-thru sites, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and is pet friendly. With 64 full hookup sites, 25 offer pull thru access. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access, phone service and complimentary coffee and donuts.

Amarillo Ranch RV Park, 1414 Sunrise Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79104; (806) 373-4962; info@amarillorvranch.com; www.amarillorvranch.com

Have a great winter camping season!

Summer’s coming to a close

2007-08-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

The end of summer is looming and I can neither believe it’s almost over nor am I ready for it to be over.

It seems like it was just a few days ago when we were shopping for our new camper and planning a two-week excursion in our new home on wheels. But it wasn’t just yesterday and it really is almost the end of summer – at least unofficially.

After this Labor Day holiday weekend, kids who haven’t already returned to school will do so and many families will pack away their RVs and campers until next spring.

I both love and hate this time of year. While I really love the crisp days of fall and the cool evenings, as well as my son’s high school football games, I really miss the carefree days of summer and the more frequent camping trips.

We do have some fall camping planned, but it won’t be on as regular a schedule as our summer camping. Maybe just a couple of times out, and likely near home because of late Friday night games.

But that will be for a future note. Right now I’m planning for our last big hurrah weekend of camping.

We’re going to Gordon's Camping Resort, just a few miles north of Kendallville in northern Indiana, about an hour from our home. The 75-acre campground doesn’t take reservations and has never turned a camper away, but we’re taking our camper up Thursday night just to be safe.

We have that Friday night football thing to deal with, so we didn’t want to lose out on our choice site by waiting until late Friday or early Saturday to get there.

The campground has sites for almost any preference, from open lawns, to wooded and shaded sites, and all with water, electricity and 20/30/50 AMP electrical connections.

But it’s not just the sites that have us interested. I’ve heard from people for many years that this is a nice place to go and we just haven’t made the outing, but with the list of activities, I think we’re going to have a great time.

My daughter and her friend – both nearly 13 – will have a grand time with all of the events planned, from kids Bingo, to hay rides, to a dance, the two girls should have a wonderful weekend. The heated swimming pool will be nice for the lazy afternoons, as well.

And our son, who will join us after work on Saturday, will be bringing a friend to admire the local scenery as they put it. And to get that last long weekend of doing nothing before the really intenseness of the senior year of high school sets in.

Even the weatherman is cooperating. He’s calling for sunny days and warm skies, but not the horrible heat we’ve been having. Now, if we could just get the gas stations to cooperate, but staying fairly close to home should keep our costs down.

AAA is calling for a flat holiday weekend with travel growing only .02 percent, even with the average fuel price at around $2.79 per gallon – lower than last year. AAA estimates that 34.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, almost the exact same number that traveled last Labor Day. According to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), travelers' perception of higher costs for fuel, lodging and airfares have resulted in the small growth in Labor Day travelers from 2006.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get out in the RV. While the gas may cost you, the lodging is reasonable and so is the entertainment. Firewood is inexpensive, and you have to eat even if you are at home.

So, pull up a camp chair, grab a hotdog stick and let’s go camping!

The Campground Can Break an Outing

2007-08-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Camping with family and friends just doesn’t get any better than when you find the perfect campsite and have wonderful weather. However, the weather will be what it will be, so make sure the site works for you.

On a recent camping excursion we caught up with my dad and mom, sister and her family, brother and his family, and two grown nephews and their fiancé/girlfriend to do some camping at a state park in northern Michigan. Since this is near where I grew up and this is a state park my grandma took me to for many day trips as a kid – and we’ve camped there in the past, quite a while ago and several popup campers ago – I thought this would be great. Things sure change over time!

The state park camping facilities, like many state parks, need some updating attention. With trees in the way and very uneven sites, it isn’t easy maneuvering into a site, especially from the narrow roads. While we don’t have a mammoth trailer, at 29 feet, it does use up it’s own space.

Finally, we were in our space and since my family was there and the weather was decent, we could claim a successful trip. But wait, that was before we visited the lake and beach area that I grew up loving!

No longer is there a lifeguard on duty and the beach is not what I remember. And what happened to the HUGE swing set and merry-go-round? And what, no cotton candy or snow cones in the concession? Apparently, a new concessionaire has taken over and decided to trim down the offerings, both in food and in the souvenir shop. There’s nothing worse than realizing you can’t go back!

But wait, there’s more. I took my 3-year-old twin nieces to the lake to swim. They were catching minnows, splashing around and having fun, and because I’ve never been bothered before, we ignored the swimmer’s itch sign and went in anyway. I’ve still never had a reaction, but one of my nieces did and she suffered tremendously from the itching!

Maybe that’s why the once crowded beach had room for any visitor, and then some.

Now, just so you don’t think I’m condemning this place, I have many happy memories here from my childhood. But I think there used to be more care given to the facilities and the operations.

This is the campground where we got squirrels to run up our legs and take peanuts from our hands when I was probably 10. This is also the park where I spent long days swimming, playing and running with newfound friends as my grandma lounged in the shaded area when we took that special day off from the farm to spend a day at the beach. So, I have not ill feelings about the park. And I’ve stayed in beautiful state parks, so I don’t dislike them.

Now fast-forward a couple of weeks later to a private park just 20 minutes from there, just a few miles from my family’s farm in Mesick, and there you have a park that offers large, roomy sites for bigger campers and easy access roads.

While the attractions are still mainly the natural waterways and outdoor recreation, there is more attention to detail here.

This is also a park that brings back memories. I grew up swimming at the beach and few choice spots with swinging ropes at this Manistee River backwaters. I also spent some camping trips here with just my sister and me and my parent’s popup camper when we were teenagers. Yes, we were good – my dad could show up any time, and he did.

My family’s also camped here several times in the past 15 years. This was my daughter’s favorite place to make “dirt angels” when she was 3.

Since it’s early years, it has had groomed hiking trails added, which are great for runners or hikers. I’ve jogged the trails many times, and even searched them for my daughter once when she went too far with a puppy.

Northern Exposure Campground for this trek was one of relaxation. With sites right on the water, and large enough to easily accommodate our 29-foot trailer and it’s small slide, things were already much better.

The weather also seemed to cooperate more this weekend. No rain in sight!

Being able to easily back in the camper and set it up is the best way to start a weekend – that is if no pull-thru sites are available. My husband is much happier when he doesn’t have to make strategic maneuvers to make the camper fit. And since I didn’t think we bought that big of a camper, I’m always amazed when it can’t be accommodated, and that’s often at public campgrounds, state parks and even national parks.

So, listening to the frogs and crickets is made so much nicer when you didn’t have to work up a sweat to set up camp.

And visiting with neighbors who had just as easy a time is also good.

My dad did his usual talking with neighbors, which did help give us vital information about a new tow vehicle. We’re looking at a heavy-duty truck and now will likely go with the diesel after my dad’s conversation with an engineer from GM. We’re GM people anyway, but now we’ve done our homework and talked to the pros.

My husband is so happy – a new camper and now a new truck – life is good!

Now, sit back and relax!

Vacation Recap

2007-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I’m back from our first long vacation in our new RV. It was wonderful! Two weeks in the RV with the family – no work or sports.
We made a deal that no one was working on this vacation and except for one minor emergency business call, we kept that promise. It’s been a long time since we really got away and I can say that the long-awaited trip was worth every day that I stressed about not bringing work with me!
We visited northeast Tennessee and southeast Kentucky to hike, camp and go whitewater rafting. We had a great time discovering the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls and River.
We were amazed by the sandstone arches after about a 1 1/2 mile hike. We couldn’t believe the massive beauties and the access we had to climb atop of the arch and walk across it! We also rafted the Cumberland River, beginning at the falls – no we didn’t go over them, but paddled up to the falls and then went from there. We also hiked to the Yahoo Falls, which you can walk behind. However, with the lack of rain, it was only a drip, but still a remarkable drip!
We also discovered a town called Rugby, Tenn., which is on the National Registry and was incredible! A one-time utopia project in the works, the town was left behind, but later rediscovered and restored, as much as possible.
Then, when we were done with the outside wonders, we headed north to Cedar Point, you know, the roller coaster capital of the world! There, we experienced some of the most incredible man-made sights and rides. The Maverick is everything you heard – fantastic!
All in all we had a great time, and the time we spent in the national park campgrounds and private campgrounds was as relaxing and interesting as the rest of the trip.
While on the Tennessee side of the Big South Fork, we stayed in the campground in the park that took us down and up and up and down 13% grades and near u-turn turns, an interesting ride with the new camper. But once we arrived at the park that offered lots of space, horse barns for horse campers and numerous trails, we were happy with our choice.
The sites are set up in circles with easy back-in access and roomy spaces so we could stretch and let Bert, the Jack Russell Terrier of the family get out a little. We were warned about the bears and the Copperheads, but didn’t see any – that’s probably a good thing, although I was looking forward to some photos.
The campground hosts were very efficient here, although they weren’t as busy as the retired couple we encountered on the Kentucky side of the Big South Fork. There the couple from Ohio handled the trash and some of the clean up. They also watched a bear mosey in to camp from their breakfast table – probably not part of the deal.
We also spent some time at a Corbin KOA in Corbin, Ky., near the Cumberland Falls, that was very nice and gave us a chance to swim in a pool and have cable, which our 16-year-old son was grateful for about four days without anything but two stations. We don’t yet have a dish on our rig. He thinks we need one!
The sites were roomy and we had everything we needed, including a laundry room in the office/store. The owners and "workampers" were very helpful, giving us information on the sites of the area and offering assistance. They even had to let us out of our camper when we had a small mishap with a loose lock!
Thank goodness they were there. They even had had the same issue with their camper on a trip, so knew exactly what was wrong and how to fix it! The campground was very CLEAN and inviting and we met some interesting folks from Pennsylvania and other parts of Kentucky.
They offered sites with several different types of hookups. We took the full package, which gave us electric, water, sewer, cable and free W-Fi. Oh yeah, they wouldn’t let me bring my computer!
When we visited Cedar Point we stayed at their Camper Village, which we had stayed in before with our popup camper. This is a campground that isn’t cheap, but also doesn’t offer a lot of frills. You pay for the park access, but that’s what we wanted. Those that stay in the campground or one of the other Cedar Point facilities get early entry into the park, which this summer meant getting on the Maverick before the lines were two-hours long!
A tip for those who might go here, fill up your water tank, there are no full hookups here, only electric. However, the sites are big enough and they do offer pull-thru sites – but tell them how big your RV is, so they put in the right place!
The staff does keep a nice clean facility and the bathhouses were clean with adequate supplies of hot water!