Category: Articles

There are so many places in this beautiful country to go and see that it can be hard to choose sometimes. One of the things that I have never regretted doing is going to some of our country’s national seashores.

These protected areas are so amazingly beautiful that you’ll have a hard time leaving, at least that was the case in my experience.

While many of these areas you can’t take an RV, you can leave your RV at a park nearby and visit them. I highly recommend doing so. You will not regret it. Here are the national seashores I recommend.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout National Seashore often get overlooked by people heading to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that’s a little to the northeast. However, that’s their loss because this place is amazing.

The lighthouse has a distinctive black and white pattern on it and you can easily get tickets to go up in the structure. The seashore features several beautiful areas where you can watch the wildlife, sink your toes in the sand and relax completely. If you want, you can also check out Porstmouth Village, which is a ghost town on a nearby island.

Gulf Islands Naitonal Seashore – Florida and Mississippi

The Gulf Islands Naitonal Seashore is in both Florida and Mississippi and is the largest national seashore out there. It encompasses several barrier islands. You can see beautiful and historic forts from the 1800s, amazing wildlife, and so much more.

It’s a place you can hang out on the beach, kayak the waters, take a ferry to a super remote island, or  get a history lesson from guides. You can spend a long time exploring down herre, so plan you trip ahead of time and take your time, too.

Point Reyes Naitonal Seashore – California

 

Cape Cod National Seashore – Massachusetts

The name Cape Cod brings up ideas of lighthouses, boating, swimming and so much more. The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to so many wonderful Atlantic surprises. The seashore features a 40-mile long beach, and many areas of this seashore are famous for various reasons including Coast Guard Beach which is a simming area favored by local and was once a place Henry David Thoreau spent a lot of time.

The lighthouses are great places to visit, there’s also dunes, 11 different nature trails, and over 1,000 shipwrecks you can view here. It’s a place that has a rich American history, and you should make a point to take all in that you can.

Assateague Island Naitonal Seashore – Maryland and Virginia

Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia is one of those places on most people’s bucket lists. Why? It’s one of the best places to see wild horses.This 37-mile-ling barrier island goes all the way from Ocean City Maryland to the northern portion of Virginia.

Horses aren’t the only thing you can see here. You can spend plenty of time riding a bicycle or boating. The wildlife is wonderful to view and the beaches are beautiful and extremely peaceful. There’s a rich and long history to learn about while you’re here to. It’s one of those places that reminds you how diverse and amazing the U.S. really is.

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What national seashores have you been to? What would you add to this list? Leave a comment below.

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Football season is in full-swing and tailgating is still an important part of game day. For many, this means getting their RV out to the stadium for some fun.

While having a heck of a time at the game is really more about the game itself and the people who are there with you, having the right gear and accessories for your rig will help you make the most of ever second at the game. Here are some things you need to have for tailgating success.

An Exterior TV

The TV inside your RV is important, but let’s face it, a lot of us want to spend time outdoors. That’s where an external TV comes in. Some RVs come equipped with this exterior TV already. If you have one of these, then more power to you. Get the game on!

If, however, your RV lacks the exterior TV, consider getting one. TVs for RVs are realatively affordable, and even if you don’t have an exterior outlet on your RV, you can always run an extension cord or attach a mount.

Then all you need are some good seats and the rest of the items on this list and you’ll be ready for tailgating bliss.

A Tailgating Grill

Get the grill that is suited to handle your tailgating needs. When people watch the game, they want to eat and you need a grill that’s ready to handle the job. Sometimes this means a small grill. Other times, you’ll need something a lot bigger.

I like the Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion Portable Propane Grill for smaller parties. It folds up small and is easy to use. It’s perfect for a few friends who want to tailgate together. If you want something larger, then you should go with something like the the Portable RV Barbeque Grill that mounts to the side of your RV or sits on a table. It’s a little more to handle, but if you have a lot of mouths to feed, it’s the better option.

An Awning or Canopy

An awning is a must have for any tailgate. It keeps the sun out of your eyes, keeps you from getting sunburnt and will even keep the rain or other precipitation off of you if needed. I know you’ll probably be in the RV if the weather gets too bad, but the awning can help keep you outside a little longer. If you don’t have an awning, you should consider getting one.

If an awning doesn’t really seem right for you, consider a canopy or a outdoor screen room. These are affordable alternatives and can be a fantastic addition. They provide protection from the sun and give many of the same benefits of an awning. If you want to go all-out, you can set up both.

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What else do you like to have at the game? Leave a comment below! Also, do you have a tailgater in your life? Check out our tailgating holiday gift guide.

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RVing with kids can be one of the best experiences you can have. It can also be a challenge. Kids …



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Are you the kind of person who loves to travel south for the winter and beat the cold? If so, you fit into a very large population of people often called snowbirds. While not all snowbirds head south in an RV, quite a few people do.

If you’re living the snowbird lifestyle and not in an RV, then you might be interested in buying an RV, but what type of RV do you get?

Well, let’s take a look at the different types of RVs and hopefully we can help you find the type of RV that’s right for you.

Types of RVs

The types of RVs are generally divided up into two distinct categories. There are motorhomes and towable RVs. The difference is probably pretty obvious. Motorhomes are an RV that has a motor and can be driven. Towable RVs are trailers that require a separate tow vehicle. Let’s take a look at the different types of motorhomes and towables.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes generally fit into three classes: Class A, Class C, and Class B. Class A is the biggest, Class C is the second larges, and Class B is the smallest.

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are built on large bus or truck chassis. They offer a lot of space and many are luxurious models with all the luxuries of home. This makes them an enticing package for anyone who plans to spend long periods of time traveling.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are built on commercial truck and van chassis and feature a sleeping area the sits over the cab of the vehicle. These can vary considerably in length but usually aren’t quite as large as Class A motorhomes. They’re also usually a bit less expensive and less luxurious. They’re still a great option for snowbirds who need plenty of space.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are essentially regular full-size vans that have been converted or transformed by an up fitter or RV manufacturer to offer all the comforts of a camper. Their small size makes them easily maneuverable and a good choice for someone who likes to camp off the beaten path or move from campsite to campsite often.

Towables

When it comes to towables, there are more options. There are fifth-wheels, travel trailers, expandable trailers, pop-ups, and small campers, like teardrop campers.

Fifth-Wheels

Fifth-wheel RVs are one of the larger styles of towable RVs. They are defined by their unique hitch which attaches to the tow vehicle (a large pickup truck) to a meachnism in the bed of the truck. This makes them very stable when towing down the road. Fifth-wheels offer a wide variety of floorplans and plenty of space.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are simply an RV in a trailer form that attaches to a tow vehicle via a standard tow hitch. Travel trailers can vary widely in length and weight. This means you can often find a travel trailer that can be pulled by the vehicle you already own. This makes them enticing to some snowbirds.

Expandable Trailers

The expandable trailer design blends the idea of a pop-up with a travel trailer. Basically, you get a travel trailer with expandable areas that feature tent-like roof and walls. These areas are commonly used for sleeping. This design allows for a compact unit when towing that cam be expanded out once you get to your destination.

Pop-Ups

You probably know about pop-up campers. Pop-ups offer a little more protection than a tent and some of the amenities of a travel trailer in a small and affordable package. They’re perfect for weekend camping and shorter trips but lack many of the amenities and features that other options have.

Small Campers

Last but not least, there are small campers. These come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve probably seen teardrop campers, and other small campers before. Some of them are better suited to snowbirds than others. Their common feature is their light weight and small overall size. This means you can tow them with almost any vehicle.

What Kind of Snowbird Will You Be?

Finding the right type of RV from the ones listed above all comes down to the type of snowbird you will be. If you’re of the mind to just find someplace warm to park next to some friends or family, then something like a Class A motorhome might be perfect for you.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to go out and explore the area you’re staying in, a towable RV with a separate vehicle that you can drive around might be the right choice.

Sit down and really think about how you plan to spend the winter months. If you’re the kind of person who wants to live the RV resort life and stay at the campground and partake in all that the facilities have to offer then get an RV that you know will have more space and let you have the comforts of home.

If you’re going to be moving a lot and taking frequent trips, something smaller, more manuverable, and easier to handle on the road might be a better choice. You can also be in the middle. It’s all up to you. The best part about being a snowbird is that you get to decide which lifestyle is right for you and then live it.

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Have any questions or concerns? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. 

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While we focus a lot on camping in an RV, most people’s introduction to camping was in a tent and thousands of people take tent camping trips each and every year. It’s still sometimes the preferable way to camp. If you’re camping way out in the wilderness or just want to really reconnect with nature, a tent is the way to go. If you have a tent camper in your life or are a tent camper yourself, we have the gift guide for you. Here’s some fantastic gear to own.

Venture Forward Wilderness 6-Person Tent

If you’re camping in a tent, then you need a tent, and this Venture Forward Wilderness 6-Person Tent is perfect for the whole family. The 10 foot by 10 foot floor gives you plenty of room for everyone to lay down a sleeping pad and sleeping bag and get a good night’s rest. Pair that with four large zippered windows with mesh windows and you have a great tent for any camping trip.

Check it out at Camping World

If the tent above is a little too big, then a three-person one will be perfect. I like a good three-person tent because it works for a solo camper or for a couple and their gear really well. This particular tent features a D-style door, two side windows, a gooped fly front, an easy to set-up pole and pocket system. It all collapses down and is easy to move from place to place, too.

Check it out at Camping World

Stanley 10-Piece Adventure Prep & Cook Set

A camper’s got to eat. That’s where this Stanley 10-Piece Adventure Prep and Cook Set comes into play. When camping you can’t just bring along you’re typical kitchen cookware. Stanely’s cook set offers all you need, including a 1.58 quart pot, a vented pot lid, floding cutting board, two 20 ounce bowls, two bowl lids, a spatula with an extending handle and a ladel with an extending handle. The best part is that this all folds up into a single package for travel.

Check it out at Camping World

Aussie Crushable Hat

If you’re camping when the sun is out, sunscreen is important but a nice sun hat can do wonders to keep you from having your head, neck, tops of your ears, and face from getting burned. Also, it can help keep you more comfortable and shield your eyes. This hat will do just that. It’s also a mesh hat, which allows for air to move more freely through the hat, helping you stay cool and comfortable.

Check it out at Camping World

Ultimate Terrain Men’s The Hagen Beanie

If it’s a little bit chilly out there then a beanie is going to be the right choice in terms of a hat. This simple yet sophisticated designed hat is exactly what you need. It offers a textured 100-percent acrylic kit shell, fleece inner band for added warmth and one-size-fits-most adults sizing.

Check it out at Camping World

Venture Forward Swing Chair

Yeah, you can get by without a camping chair, but you’re likely to find that having a chair of some kind makes life a lot easier, and a small foldable camping chair is generally the way to go when it comes to tent camping. This Venture Forward Swing Chair is a fantastic addition. It folds up small, offers a small carrying bag, and offers a 300-pound weight capacity.

Check it out at Camping World

This Cascade 5 Sleeping Bag is a very good all-around sleeping bag to have available. While you should really pick the sleeping bag depending on the specific trip and temperatures you’ll encounter. If you just need a good general-purpose sleeping bag, this is the one to go with.

The sleeping bag weighs just five pounds, offers a polyester exterior, nylon flannel liner, and self-repairing zipper. Are there better sleeping bags out there? Probably, but if you want something good for a very reasonable price, then you’d better take a good hard look at this one.

Silverton Self Inflating Camp Pad with Carrying Bag

You can always lay your sleeping bag right on the floor of the tent, but when you get up in the morning you’ll likely feel stiff and sore from essentially sleeping on the ground. A sleeping pad will help keep you more comfortable inside your tent. This particular sleeping pad is a blow-up version that comes with its own carrying case, making it easy to take with you. It also features a weather-resistant durable shell and polyurethane foam.

Check it out at Camping World

Carhartt Men’s Shoreline Jacket

There’s nothing like having the wrong jacket on a tent camping trip. It’s horrible. That’s why you need to get this Carhartt Men’s Shoreline Jacket. The jacket is designed for a life spent in the outdoors.

It features a fully seam-taped design that will seal out moisture, Storm Defender waterproof membrane, mesh-lined interior, snap-on hood, and internal rib-knit storm cuffs to keep water from getting up the sleeves. The jacket is warm and comfortable. It’s the perfect companion on any camping trip.

Check it out at Camping World

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Not seeing what you’re looking for here? Head over to Camping World to find anything and everything you could need for a camping trip. 

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Talking about toilets isn’t the most glamorous thing in the world, but it is practical. As RVers, we all have to deal with the result of flushing the toilet in our RV.

While most of us are used to the typical gray and black tanks for waste water, there’s another type of toilet out there that is popular overseas and available to you. It’s called the cassette toilet, and its a different way of making the bathroom in your RV work.

What Is a Cassette Toilet?

The cassette toilet is really pretty simple. It’s a permanent toilet in your RV with a portable black tank. 

Portable black tank? Who would want to take that with them? Well, there are some advantages. Caassette toilets offer a portable tank that you can remove from your RV. It’s usually about the size of a suitcase and often comes with rollers.

This portable black tank can be emptied virtually anywhere—public restrooms, dump stations, etc. This opens up some new possibilities.

Cassette toilets are primarily found in camper vans and Class B motorhomes. The portable black tank isn’t very large and that makes transporting and emptying it very easy.

How to Determine If It’s Right for You

Don’t get me wrong. Cassette toilets are not better. They’re just different. They give you some options when it comes to disposing of your sewage waste. 

If you’re the kind of person who loves to camp anywhere and you don’t always have access to a dump station (vanlifers come to mind), then a cassette toilet’s versatility might be right for you.

If you camp in campgrounds and have no issues finding a dump station, then you might be better off with a toilet with a more traditional black tank.

Either way you have to deal with the waste. Either you get out your hoses and you empty your tanks or you pull out your black tank and go about emptying it at a public restroom or dump station.

Before you jump on the cassette toilet bandwagon, really think about if you want to deal with the portable tank. Some people have no problem doing that, but others find it far easier to go the traditional route. Personally, I see the benefits of a cassette toilet, but I would only really be interested in that solution if it was just me and my wife camping. If we had friends or family members along, I’d much rather have the traditional toilet system due to the larger black tank.

The choice is yours, just make sure to think about it ahead of time and discuss it with the person or people who will be camping with you.

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If a cassette toilet sounds right for you, consider checking out a Class B motorhome. Camping World has a full selection!

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