There are many amazing states out west, and one of them is New Mexico. This state is home to many national monuments and national parks and nature preserves, but it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking state parks in the whole country.
If you’re an RVer, then you have to spend at least a little time in this state. I suggest doing so in the fall or winter months, as the summers can be quite brutal. When you visit, make sure to hit at least one of these amazing state parks.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Image from Getty
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a fantastic place for camping, hiking, boating, fishing and more. The location is home to a large reservoir, miles of hiking trails, plenty of wildlife and many campsites to stay at. It’s a perfect place for an RVer to take a lakeside vacation.
Boating is popular and so is fishing. You can even take a guided fishing tour if you would like. This is a surefire way to catch some big fish. There are over 173 developed campsites at the campground in the park. This makes it a popular place to go, so you’ll want to try to make
Cerrillos Hills State Park
Cerrillos Hills State Park is another beautiful and unique place to take your RV for a camping trip. This state park is a day-use park that offers wonderful hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding opportunities. It’s not as large as some other parks out there, but it’s a fantastic place to spend a day.
You can’t camp in the park, but there are campsites nearby. You can check out any number of campgrounds that are in or outside of the city of Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Skies RV Park is one of the closest.
City of Rocks State Park
Image from Getty
As you might expect, the City of Rocks State Park is an area of land dominated by interesting rocky masses. These volcanic rock formations cover about one square mile of space. Some of the rock formations reach as high as 40 feet tall.
The park is an excellent place for hiking and taking photographs. Camping is allowed in the park, but campsites are limited, so think about calling ahead to make a reservation. There are also a few campsites that cannot be reserved so if you just show up you might get lucky. However, I recommend having a backup plan. There are other campgrounds nearby and if all else fails, you can go to Temperate Zone RV Park outside of the town of Deming.
What other New Mexico State Parks do you think should be on this list? Where have you traveled to in the state? Leave a comment below!
Camping is a great activity that you can enjoy for a couple of days or for weeks or even months on end. While I know several people who spend long periods of time in their RV camping at various campgrounds around the country, I also know plenty of others who only camp on the weekend.
These weekend warriors need gear just like the camper who spend large periods of time hanging out at campgrounds. If you have someone in your life who loves to spend their Saturdays and Sundays camping, then this is the list for you.
Perma Chill 50 Quart Cooler
Made in the USA! This 12.5 gallon cooler is rated for 7 days of ice retention, making it perfect for backwoods camping and long fishing trips. The Perma Chill’s freezer-grade gasket, lockable lid, and tie-down slots make it easy and safe to haul to your campsite’s location.
The cooler features an integrated bottle opener, inch ruler for measuring your catch of the day, and comes in five colors.
Protect your entire campsite from mosquitoes with this awesome device. This TheraCELL is a must-have for campers, particularly those with sensitive skin or small children. This DEET-free, scent-free device provides 110 square feet of protection from mosquitoes (without having to apply yucky chemicals!).
Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to six hours and has the added bonus of being usable while charging. This ThermaCELL comes with an automatic timer-mode for better performance. A single refill lasts about 40 hours and is sold separately. It comes with a USB battery charger and a 12-hour refill. No assembly required.
This mosquito net is the perfect gift for bug-free lounging, reading, napping, and stargazing. The pyramid shape provides a good amount of space for activities and play, and its durable black polyester mesh will not tear easily. The shelter features color-coded corners for easy-setup and packs down to 6” for storage and travel. Simply fold under your sleeping mat and enjoy it.
This stainless steel grill is sure to be your new favorite outdoor cooking device. 12,000 BTUs of cooking power combine to grill some of the most delicious meals you’ve ever had. Its chrome-plated warming rack will keep food warm and ready to serve throughout the day.
The grill features a double-layer stainless steel lid with built-in temperature gauge, durable stainless steel firebox, stainless steel wire grates, a lockable lid, and built-in handle for easy hauling. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, and neighborhood BBQs!
You never know when -or where- your cell phone or GPS signal will disappear. This book is your backup plan. This definitive guide to camping across the United States provides a map and park locator chart for each state, an overview of each state’s park system, information about reservations and fees, plus contact information with phone numbers and web addresses.
The details for each park feature directions, GPS coordinates, number and type of hookups, the season of operation, RV length limit, and availability of showers, dump station, Wi-Fi, and more.
If you don’t have an electronic collar for your doggo, please do yourself a favor and get this one. This collar will provide the off-leash peace of mind you and your dog deserve. Its three-quarter-mile range will allow you to get your pup’s attention from longer distances, and its various modes give you the ability to apply the right amount of correction.
The 1900S also features fully waterproof construction and a non-stimulating high-performance pager. It fully charges in two hours. Manufacturer two-year limited lifetime warranty. Works with Lithium polymer batteries.
This aluminum table provides a safe, heat-resistant surface for your grill and cooking tools. Its fold-out side tables offer ample room for cookware, sauces, food, and other small appliances. A paper towel rack and utensil hooks are the perfect additions to this table.
Its high strength steel frame is rust-resistant and durable. Overall dimensions: 57-3/4 inches wide by 19 inches deep and 32 inches high.
Those of us who love motorhomes generally don’t look at affordability on the basis of what’s the final agreed-upon price—even though we all wait for a big sale because why not, right?
That being said, with good credit and a solid down payment you can buy a lot for not-so-much in terms of monthly payment. Let’s take a look at all three of the surprisingly affordable Newmar Class A gas motorhomes.
Newmar Bay Star Sport
The ‘baby’ of the Newmar Class A family, the Bay Star Sport comes in eight different floorplans in lengths from 28 feet up to 34 feet. All of them have their queen bed on a slide to create nice walk-around space, and each has multiple slides to open up the living area.
One of the floorplans, the Bay Star Sport 3315, is a bunkhouse model and can comfortably sleep up to six tired campers.
As far as camp-cozy aspects, it’s hard to resist features such as Samsung LED TVs with a DVD player, polished solid surface countertops, and a large shower with skylight. Optional features include a king bed and a refrigerator with an ice maker.
Longer and more in-depth than the Bay Star Sport, the Bay Star comes in eleven different floorplans ranging from 30 feet all the way up to 36 feet. Most are front living models with the exception of the Bay Star 3609 with its rear bath and a half bath adjoining the living area, and the Bay Star 3616 which has the same rear bath and half bath but adds a set of stacked twin bunks. Most of them have a king bed standard, and a few of them come equipped with room for a stacked washer-dryer combo.
Luxurious touches in the kitchen include glazed maple mitered cabinet doors with concealed hinges, polished solid surface kitchen countertop with stainless steel sink, 30-inch stainless steel microwave, and pull-out pantry shelves. Other nice assets include leather sofa and front seats, plush pillow top mattress, a pair of Samsung LED TVs each with a Blu-Ray player, and large residential showers with skylights.
Options include an ice maker in the standard 10 cubic foot fridge (or a larger Norcold or Whirlpool fridge with or without ice maker), living area fireplace, and Bose sound system.
The big daddy of the Newmar gas engine line, the Canyon Star takes luxurious motorhome living to another level. Purely in size, the Canyon Star’s nine floorplans are large class A gas motorhomes. They range in length from 35 feet up to 39 feet. A pair of them are very unique: the Canyon Star 3927 is a toy hauler with an enclosed garage space of 10 feet, and the Canyon Star 3929 has a private bunkroom in the rear with its own half bath.
As far as luxurious appointments, you’ll find every Canyon Star loaded with items such as custom-made wall sconces, luxury vinyl tile flooring, polished surface countertops in kitchen and bathroom areas, and Samsung LED TVs with Sony Blu-Ray player and Bose soundbar.
The Canyon Star cockpit has six-way power captain’s chairs plus a Sony audio system with JBL speakers. The Canyon Star kitchen includes glazed maple mitered cabinet doors with concealed hinges, under-mounted stainless steel sink, 30-inch stainless steel microwave, and pull-out pantry shelves.
Canyon Star options include a drop-down bunk bed, power theatre seating, central vacuum system, stacked washer and dryer, a residential-style dishwasher, and a fireplace.
So that’s it for the gas-engine line of Newmar motorhomes. One more thing though that may make a Newmar Class A gas motorhome even more affordable: with any motorized RV – be it class A, A-Diesel, B or C – the interest on your payment could be tax-deductible. It’s highly recommended you consult your tax professional for further information.
Have any questions about Newmar RVs? Visit your local Camping World to talk with one of our knowledgable representatives.
You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so you might as well enjoy it. While there are all sorts of beds designed for regular homes, you’ll find RV beds can be very comfortable, too. If you have a bed in your RV that’s not wildly comfortable, then you should consider upgrading.
New Mattress
Image from Camping World
How old is the mattress in your RV? You don’t know? How old is your RV? If your RV is more than eight years old, there’s a good chance your mattress is, too. If you know for sure it is not, then do your best to find out how old it is. The rule of thumb for mattresses is that you should get a new one every seven to 10 years. If you’re mattress is older than that, it’s time to upgrade.
Even if your mattress isn’t that old, you can still upgrade to a new one. Having the right mattress in your RV can make a world of difference. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to mattresses, and you need to find one that works for you. Don’t settle for what’s already in your RV.
Mattress Topper
Like your mattress but don’t love it? You can add a topper to it so that it feels a little bit more comfortable. A topper is a simple addition to your RV’s bed and a lot cheaper than getting a whole new mattress.
I love having a topper on a bed. It can literally transform a reasonably comfortable bed into a seriously comfortable place to lay your head at night. I highly recommend them, and Camping World offers plenty to choose from.
High Thread Count Sheets
Image from Camping World
The sheets you sleep on are an important part of staying comfortable too. Low thread count sheets will be less comfortable, and some feel downright scratchy. A set or two of higher-quality sheets will not only be more comfortable but likely last longer, and that means that you’ll be able to enjoy your comfy sheets for years to come.
You should also think about the actual material of the sheets. I have a set of soft flannel sheets for the colder months. They do wonders to make the bed more comfortable. Sometimes I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning to make coffee and start my day!
Thick Comforter
This one is really only important if you plan on camping when it’s not hot out. During the hot months, a thick comforter isn’t going to do you any good, but in the fall and winter it can make all the difference.
There’s nothing better than settling into your bed with a thick comforter and a cup of hot cocoa on a brisk fall or winter night. Camping World has all sorts of comforters on sale, and you can find the right one for your rig. The comforter can also add a favorable visual element to your bedroom if you pick the right pattern or design.
Pillows and More Pillows
Image from Getty
Many beds in RVs are positioned up against a wall. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rolled over in the night and bonked my head on the wall. What’s a good way to keep that from happening? Extra pillows.
Even if your bed is situated in the middle of the room, some extra pillows can do wonders to make you more comfortable. I often watch TV or write in bed, and some extra pillows to prop me up help make me feel comfortable. Don’t go overboard with the pillows, but find the right number for you. Everyone is different.
Every RVer needs to have a plan in the event of a flat tire or a blowout. Often this means a spare tire that you can put on your RV when it’s needed. But is your RV’s spare ready for action? When was the last time you looked at it? Do you have a spare tire cover for it?
If the answer to these questions is a mystery to you, then you need to take some time to check on your RV’s spare. Make sure it’s in good condition, properly inflated, and covered with a spare tire cover. A cover may seem like a small or unneeded thing, but it’s actually quite important. Here’s why.
Tire Covers Protect from Harmful UV Rays
Image by Johannes Plenio from Pexels
We all know that the sun’s UV rays can be harmful to our skin, but those same rays can wreak havoc on the condition of your spare tire (or really any of your tires) over long periods of time. Tire compositions can dry out. This happens most often when tires are exposed to prolonged sunlight.
A dried out, cracked, or dry rotted spare tire isn’t going to be very useful. It may get you where you need to go, but it may fail you before you get there. Putting a tire cover on your spare will help ensure it doesn’t get damaged too much by UV rays.
Tire Covers Protect from Road Debris
Even if you’re not worried about UV rays, it’s smart to put a tire cover on your spare. Why? Road debris. When you’re out driving around, there’s a lot of dirt, grime, and other debris flying around.
It’s very unlikely that any of this stuff will do immediate damage to your tire, but prolonged exposure to these conditions can have a negative impact on the condition of your spare. A cover will hide your spare from all this nastiness and give you a clean and ready-to-go tire when you need it most.
Tire Covers Protect from Weather
Image from Pixabay
Tires are pretty resilient, but a lot of inclement weather over time can have a negative impact on the condition of the tire. A spare tire cover will protect your RV’s spare from many of the negative effects of rough weather.
Rain, sleet, snow, hail, debris kicked up by the wind and more can, over time, cause damage. Get a tire cover and you have some protection.
Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Today we will explore the most popular trains in New Hampshire:
Café Lafayette Dinner Train
Photo Credit: NHDinnerTrain.com
Get transported back in time when rail travel was celebrated, and elegant meals onboard were commonplace…well, almost! The Café Lafayette Dinner Train leaves a stunningly restored depot in Woodstock to escort passengers through a bit of the White Mountains in the late afternoon.
Along the way, five courses of exquisitely prepared food are served, with ambiance provided by Frank Sinatra drifting through the speakers and luggage racks filled with antique suitcases. It is a perfectly romantic way to spend an evening in New Hampshire!
Railway and Locomotive Types
The railroad runs with a diesel locomotive on standard gauge tracks. The rolling stock consists of a 1952 dome dining car, a 1954 dining car, along with a Pullman and an Army kitchen car.
Seating Options
Photo Credit: NHDinnerTrain.com
All seats are assigned for table dining, meaning most are 4 person tables. There is a historian on board to share the history of the area and the railroad, and passengers can tour the other cars and talk with the chef at the end of the trip.
Riding Options
There are two classes of service available, dependent upon railcar choice:
Main Level Dining – Dinner is served in a passenger dining car.
Dome Level Dining – Dinner is served in the upper-level dome car.
Both levels offer the same choice of meals and meticulously attentive service.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: NHDinnerTrain.com
The Café Lafayette is a specialty train on its own. Passengers are treated to a two-hour train ride through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, during which an elegant five-course meal is served. It doesn’t get more “special” than that!
Length of Season
The Café Lafayette Dinner Train runs from mid-May through October, with departures Thursday through Sunday, depending upon the season. Please check the train schedule for specific dates.
Conway Scenic Railroad
Photo Credit: ConwayScenic.com
With the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad that was built in 1872, a need for a depot arose. Conway was a summer resort, so architects put great effort into designing a showcase, and the Victorian stylings of the new depot were an immediate hit.
Passenger service along the line was stellar for more than 90 years, with many riding snow trains to the ski mountains in the region. But automobile travel slowed the need for train service, and the railroad abandoned the line in 1972.
Two years later several local businessmen founded the Conway Scenic Railway, introducing excursion train service to the Mount Washington Valley, and the railway’s growth has been steady ever since!
Railway and Locomotive Types
The railroad operates one steam locomotive (the only coal-fired standard gauge engine in New Hampshire) and several diesel engines. Rolling stock consists of several commuter and first-class coaches, a dome car, open cars, and even an 1898 Pullman open-deck observation car.
Seating Options
Photo Credit: ConwayScenic.com
The Conway Scenic Railroad offers assigned seating on all of its trains. In some instances, dinner can also be included with ticket prices:
Premium Dome Seating – Enjoy the best view in the house, sitting in the upper level of the dome car.
Premium Screen Room Seating – Sit in lounge chairs with television screens in the lower level of the dome car.
First-Class Seating – Take in the scenery from padded, individual seats in an enclosed passenger car.
Coach Seating – Seats are bench-style in an enclosed passenger coach.
Riding Options
The railroad operates two different round-trip trains from their North Conway Village depot:
Notch Train – A scenic tour of Crawford Notch, with bluffs, trestles, mountain vistas, and steep ravines constitutes this six-hour ride. All classes of service are available for this excursion.
Valley Trains – These trains stay in the valley, with views of woodlands and a river crossing. There are two routes available: Conway Excursion is a short one hour ride around the valley. Bartlett Excursion is one hour and 45 minutes long.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: ConwayScenic.com
Johnny Appleseed Express – Take the Valley Train to a local orchard, where apple picking is an Autumn tradition.
Murder Mystery Train – Enjoy dinner theater while solving a crime involving an 80s rock band. Become a “groupie” on this three-hour tour!
Santa’s Holiday Express – Take a ride with Santa and his helpers on this train, where goodies abound and kids can grab Old Saint Nick’s ear to tell him about their Christmas wishes.
Length of Season
Valley trains run from mid-April through December, and Notch trains ride the rails from mid-June through October. Specialty trains have separate dates, so it’s a good idea to check the train schedule for specific times.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Photo Credit: Jyothis (CC BY 3.0)
As part of the Boston & Maine Railroad, the tracks for what is today called the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad were laid back in 1849. The lake whose shores it follows was considered remote back then, but with the growth of tourism, the train has found lasting popularity.
The railroad has two lines that it operates in the region: the one around Lake Winnipesaukee, and one that departs from Lincoln, called the Hobo Railroad.
Railway and Locomotive Types
The trains are driven by diesel locomotives on standard gauge lines, with a variety of passenger coaches and dining cars.
Seating Options
Photo Credit: Library of Congress
Passengers have an option to purchase First Class or Coach seating on the train ride, with assigned seats in each car.
Riding Options
The Hobo Railroad and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad are round-trip excursions. Passengers have the opportunity to purchase snacks and refreshments while on the train.
Specialty Trains
Photo Credit: Robert Linsdell (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Santa Express – Sit back and enjoy a one-and-one-half hour holiday train with your complimentary cocoa and cookies. Children can write letters to Santa, who appears to collect them and distribute gifts along the way.
Rail & Sail – Leaving from the Meredith Station, passengers ride the train to Lake Winnipesaukee for a two-and-one-half hour cruise, before returning to Meredith.
Length of Season
The Hobo Train runs from Memorial Day weekend through December. Please check the train schedule to make your travel plans.
Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.
