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.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in Massachusetts:

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

Being a descendant of the Berkshire Railroad has had its ups and downs for this excursion train. In 1842, the rails were run as part of the Housatonic and Berkshire Railroads and became quite popular with passengers vacationing in the area.

Today’s train line, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, has been cobbled together from abandoned tracks, with several entities refusing to lease the right-of-way to the railroad. Hence the reason this popular railway has moved on a couple of occasions. Now they have found a home between the communities of Adams and North Adams, providing a scenic 10 mile trip on historic rails that once connected the Berkshires with New York City.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Berkshire Scenic Railway has placed several diesel locomotives in service on the line, with standard gauge rails carrying enclosed motor cars and passenger coaches.

Seating Options

All seating on the train is unassigned general admission tickets, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The railroad does suggest purchasing tickets in advance online, however, to assure a seat on the specific train you’ve chosen.

Riding Options

Train excursions are all round-trip affairs, so there are no one-way tickets or side trips available. The one-hour tour takes passengers through the beautiful rolling hills of the Berkshires.

Specialty Trains

• Cabaret Trains – Enjoy live music as you travel the countryside of Western Massachusetts. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own beverages and snacks onboard.
• Tinseliner Trains – Take a trip back to the 1950s with a vintage Christmas train ride. Passengers stop at a tree lot to select the perfect Yuletide tree for pick up later, and Santa will join in the festivities.
• Mistletoe & Martini Train – Live holiday music will accompany your Christmas train ride. Bring snacks and beverages along to make the season bright!

Length of Season

The Berkshire Scenic Railroad season runs from Memorial Day through October with weekend departures. Specialty trains have specific dates, so please check the train schedule for more information.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Continuing railroad history that dates back more than 170 years, the Cape Cod Central has big shoes to fill. Initially, trains ran to the Cape to provide freight service, but passengers were quick to discover the train as a relaxing way to travel to the beaches and communities of this vacationer’s paradise.

Today’s railway takes travelers through places not normally accessible by car, like saltwater marshes and cranberry bogs.  It’s no wonder that so many enjoy its excursion and dinner trains alike.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad operates diesel locomotives, the very same engines that ran on these rails in the 1950s. The standard gauge track is perfectly suited to carry plush table cars, a glass dome car, lounge car, kitchen car and enclosed Pullman coaches.

Seating Options

The Cape Cod Central Railroad has assigned seating tickets with classes as follows:

On Excursion Trains:

• Standard Class – Passengers travel in double decker rail cars with seats arranged in rows.
• First Class – Passengers ride at seated tables of four.
• Diamond Class – Passengers travel in a glass-enclosed dome car, seated at tables of four.

On Dinner Trains:

• Standard Class – Ticketed passengers enjoy a five-course meal, seated at a table of four in a passenger car.
• First Class – Ticketed passengers partake of a five-course meal, seated at a table of four in the glass-enclosed dome car.
• Diamond Class – Passengers are seated at a private table in a vintage club car while enjoying a five-course meal. One alcoholic beverage is included with the meal.

Riding Options

The railroad offers two types of rail adventures:

• Excursion Trains –These narrated trains venture to the Cape Cod Canal, along the coast or stop for a tour of a glass factory.
• Dinner Trains – Try a Sunday brunch, a weekday lunch or an exclusive dinner train to top off your visit to the Cape.

Specialty Trains

• Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train – Pair local brews with locally sourced appetizers for an evening adventure. Brewers are on hand to talk about their craft and answer any questions as you taste test several popular beers.
• Gourmet Wine & Dinner Train – Revel in a five-course meal as you sip four sample wines from a local vineyard.
• Christmas Train – Take the whole family on a holiday train to the North Pole, where Santa climbs on board to talk with children, hand out gifts and enjoy some Christmas fun.

Length of Season

The Cape Cod Central Railroad operates from May through October. Specialty trains are scheduled on specific dates, so please check the train calendar to see which excursion is right for you.

Lowell National Historical Park

Historically trolley cars have been a part of Lowell since the surrounding mills began to attract workers. As the town grew outside of its boundaries, the new suburbs began to require transportation. So, in 1889 Lowell got its first electric streetcar and the lines continued to expand.

Once automobiles became popular, however, the need for trolleys dried up. When the Lowell National Historical Park was designated here, visitors required transportation around the park and into downtown Lowell, so trolley cars were put back into operation, rejuvenating the historic vehicles.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Lowell National Historical Park runs two open air electric trolley cars and one enclosed electric trolley car on the tracks of the old Boston Main Railroad. The cars are powered by overhead lines carrying 600 volts of electricity.

Seating Options

There is no charge to ride the trolley, so all seating is open with no assigned seats. Passengers can get on or off the trolley at any of the designated stops.

Riding Options

Catch a trolley ride from the park into downtown Lowell, then ride it back to Lowell National Historical Park for more tours with a ranger, on a boat or through a mill. Passengers can catch a trolley throughout the park during their operating hours at no charge.

Specialty Trains

The trolley itself is considered a specialty train and a part of transportation history. Most trolleys were utilized in medium-sized cities, where electric lines were readily available, and residents needed to travel greater distances than what had been done by walking in earlier years.

Length of Season

The trolleys at Lowell National Historical Park run from March through November, taking passengers to downtown Lowell and bringing them back to the national park.

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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.

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As the world’s first cave to be named a national park, Wind Cave is an outstanding addition to the National Park Service. It is the world’s longest and most complex cave system, with 149 miles of explored passages, containing intricate boxwork and frostwork formations.

Many miss its allure by only noticing the undulating prairie that lies above this geologic anomaly. In fact, the cave’s discovery by white Americans came from two brothers peering into a 10” x 14” hole as the wind whistled out of it. By knocking the hat off the boys’ heads, Wind Cave acquired a name and a reputation.

History of Wind Cave National Park

The Lakota Sioux nation has revered Wind Cave as the underground birthplace of its people for thousands of years. It wasn’t until 1881 that white settlers in the area discovered the subterranean caverns when the Bingham brothers lost their hats by that small hole leading to the cave.

Eventually, a local family was hired by a mining company to explore the area for mineral deposits, and 16-year-old Alvin McDonald crawled through the passageways. When no valuable minerals were found, the McDonald family decided to open the cave for tours in 1892.

Just eleven years later, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as Wind Cave National Park, making it the first cave in the world to be protected as a national park. Today with room names like Lincoln’s Fireplace and Petrified Clouds, and rare calcite formations like boxwood and cave popcorn, Wind Cave entices visitors from around the globe to view its underground treasures and its abundant wildlife, both above and below the surface.

Why Visit Wind Cave National Park in Your RV?

Wind Cave is an excellent destination for RVers who enjoy hidden gems underground and the rolling hills and ranchland above. The park has one campground with plenty of space for motorhomes and travel trailers, and after hiking over scenic trails, then cooling off in the cave, RVers realize that Wind Cave National Park has even more going for it.

The park lies in the midst of many other nationally recognized attractions.  In fact, its northern border abuts popular Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial are also in close proximity. Using Wind Cave as a base camp offers great accessibility and a quieter, more relaxing camping experience away from the crowds of these other venues.

Places to Go

There are plenty of places and spots to visit at the park. You’ll have plenty to see and do.

Visitor Center

Located at the entrance to the park, the visitor center offers a movie about the cave’s formation and discovery, a bookstore, exhibits and cave tours. Rangers are available to answer questions and disperse backcountry permits.

Sanson Ranch

A 5,000-acre historic ranch and homestead include a 1,000-year-old buffalo jump, where Native Americans hunted bison, forcing them off low cliffs. There are also remnants of old tipi rings showcasing hundreds of years of habitation in the area.

Things to Do

In addition to there being plenty of spots to visit and things to see, you also will have plenty of activities to do.

Hiking

There are 30 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, moving through meadows, prairies, and forest environments. It is conceivable that hikers will encounter wildlife like bison, elk and mountain lions, so be aware of surroundings and regulations. Each trail is designated by level of difficulty:

Easy Trails:

• Elk Mountain
• Prairie Vista
• Rankin Ridge
• Wind Cave Canyon

Moderate Trails:

• Cold Brook Canyon
• Lookout Point

Strenuous Trails:

• Sanctuary
• East Bison Flats
• Centennial
• Highland Creek
• Boland Ridge

Camping

Wind Cave National Park has one organized campground and also allows backcountry camping in the northwest section of the park. A free permit is required, and off-trail hiking is allowed.

Guided Cave Tours

Ranger-led tours come in two different varieties.

     Regular Walking Tours consist of:

• Garden of Eden Tour
• Natural Entrance Tour
• Fairgrounds Tour

     Specialty Tours available are:

• Candlelight Tour
• Wild Cave Tour

All tours are limited in the number of participants and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The tours have different levels of difficulty, so be sure to read the descriptions of each, as some involve crawling through tight places, off-trail hiking, and numerous stairs.

When to Visit Wind Cave National Park

The park is accessible year-round, with its visitor center closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Cave tours continue all year but have a limited schedule during winter months.

Winter storms can sometimes close roads within Wind Cave National Park, so check online for closures if planning an off-season visit. If coming to enjoy the varied wildlife here, keep in mind that most animals are more active in cool temperatures.

Where RVers Can Stay

Wind Cave offers the perfect setting for RV vacations, with one campground within park boundaries. The Elk Mountain Campground lies on the edge of the prairie, with 25 pull-through sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Flush toilets and running water are available in summer, but there are no hookups or showers.

If you would prefer to camp outside the park, here are a few of the many private campgrounds in the area:

• Fort Welikit Campground near Custer, SD
• Hot Springs Black Hills KOA – Hot Springs, SD
• Allen Ranch Campground – Hot Springs, SD

Getting to and Around Wind Cave National Park

From Hot Springs, South Dakota travel 6 miles north on US Highway 385 to the park entrance. If coming from the town of Custer, travel 20 miles south on US Highway 385.

Once in the park, visitors travel on the two paved roads, US Highway 385 or South Dakota Highway 87. The visitor center lies just inside the park entrance on Highway 385, where cave tours begin, but both roads have pullouts and scenic views throughout the park.

There are also two gravel roads that take travelers to less developed areas of the park. They are suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, but are narrow and may have wildlife around which to navigate.

Whistle a Tune

Matching barometric pressure with the outside world, Wind Cave whistles its own tune as visitors enjoy its unusual attributes. Boxwood formations rarely found anywhere else display a delicate pattern on the ceilings as cavers navigate both tight tunnels and vast rooms in the complex.

Outside, one can envision what prairie life was like 150 years ago, with bison roaming the hills of this mixed-grass savanna and historic homesteads attempt to tame the rural landscape. Wind Cave National Park seems to encapsulate a bygone era full of natural beauty and endless vistas both above ground and below.

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Have you ever been to Wind Cave National Park?  What were your experiences there?

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Foil packet meals are a camper’s best friend. They’re simple to throw together, involve minimal cleanup, and can be cooked on the grill or over a campfire. Today’s recipe is a healthy and easy favorite, where salmon and asparagus are cooked together in a flavorful packet with lemon, garlic, and butter toppings that melt together to create a tasty sauce.

• Makes 4 servings/packets

Ingredients:

• 4 six-ounce salmon filets
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 3 lemons, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 TBSP butter, divided (1 TBSP for each packet)
  Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Aluminum foil – 4 rectangles about 12-14 inches long

Directions:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The packets will be cooked over indirect heat, so if you’re grilling on a gas grill, leave a few of the burners off. If you’re grilling over charcoal, add the briquettes all on one side of the grill.

Prep work: Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper. Wash and trim the ends off the asparagus, thinly slice the lemons, and mince the garlic. You’ll want to divide the garlic, asparagus, and lemon slices into four groups (one for each packet).

When it comes to the packets, layering is key. For each packet, lay three to four lemon slices in a row down the middle of one of the tinfoil sheets. Place a salmon filet on top of the lemon slices. Add a few stalks of asparagus to each side of the salmon. Sprinkle some minced garlic on top of everything.

Top with 1 TBSP butter per packet (we recommend cutting each TBSP into a few pieces to evenly spread out the butter) and finish with a few more lemon slices. Repeat for the other three packets. Any extra lemon slices can be saved and used to squeeze over the top of the cooked fish.

Time to close up the packets. Bring the two long sides of the foil together and fold them over a few times. Fold in the ends to make a sealed packet. Make sure there’s a bit of room inside the packets to allow for air to flow and steam the salmon.

Place the packets on the grill. Cook over indirect heat with the grill lid closed until salmon is light pink and flakes with a fork. The cooking time will depend on how thick the salmon filets are. For thinner or smaller filets, 12-16 minutes should be fine. A very thick piece of salmon could take 18-20 minutes on the grill. Note: the FDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so we recommend using a food thermometer to confirm that the salmon is completely cooked.

Take one of the packets off the grill and carefully open (watch out for hot steam escaping!) to check for doneness. Throw it back on the grill for a few more minutes if it’s not quite ready. Once off the grill, let rest for five minutes. The fish will continue to cook while resting.

Then enjoy! You can eat them directly out of the packets or transfer the meal to a plate. The foil packets make clean up easy, which is always a bonus when camping. Why dirty some of our plates when you don’t really need to? If you’re worried about having a single layer of tin foil as your plate, consider layering some tin foil sheets.

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Do you have any questions or concerns? Leave a comment below!

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Stargazing and camping go hand in hand, but can you believe only ten percent of Americans have seen a truly dark sky? It’s time to correct that by enjoying an evening under the stars at these Dark Sky locations where you can revel in the beauty of the universe from just outside your RV.

What is a Dark Sky Designation?

The International Dark Sky Association conservation program promotes stewardship of the night sky. It designates areas that commit to reducing light pollution following a very rigorous application process into different categories such as communities, parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park

One of the largest swaths of dark sky in the US is the combined area of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The parks are named for the “Big Bend” of the Rio Grande River, which marks the boundary between Mexico and the state of Texas. This area is known for its remote location and a feeling of being in the wilderness. It is their distance from major urban centers that truly make the skies among the darkest in North America.

Located right outside the parks’ boundaries, Maverick Ranch RV Resort in Lajitas, Texas is the perfect place to enjoy full hook-up camping visiting the area. The campground recognizes dark sky policies and as a result, guests can view the Milky Way from their picnic table!

Cosmic Campground, New Mexico

One of only ten International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, Cosmic Campground is a truly special place. This remote 3.5-acre portion of the Gila National Forest in western New Mexico. You’ll need to be fully self-contained for this primitive campground.

The only amenities are a pit toilet and four concrete telescope/observation pads, but the views from your site will more than makeup for it.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Utah should be nicknamed the Dark Sky State for its nine Dark Sky Parks. Bryce Canyon is the ultimate place to enjoy the splendor of the night sky while learning more about the stars and planets you’ll see. They even have an educational and entertaining Astronomy Rangers program.

In addition to the regular program events throughout the year, they also hold an annual Astronomy Festival each summer. Although they have two campgrounds, it is a popular park so be sure to plan ahead for this one of a kind experience.

Anza-Borrego, California

The southern California Desert is host to the Borrego Springs International Dark Sky Community. The nearby town is committed to preserving the night sky and reducing light pollution.

The Springs at Borrego RV Park has their own Astronomy Park offering guests the opportunity to view the night sky with their own telescopes or to take part in one of our special scheduled star parties. Spend your days poolside and your evenings under the stars for an unforgettable experience.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

One of six dark sky areas in the state of Michigan, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is the cream of the crop. Spend lazy summer days on the Lake Michigan shoreline in this 600-acre, wooded preserve near Mackinaw City. Join the stargazers and amateur astronomers that flock to catch a glimpse of a night sky free of light pollution. You may even get lucky and see the park’s most elusive nighttime sight, the Northern Lights.

There is no camping allowed at the park, but the Mackinaw KOA is only five miles down the road. This full-service campground is adjacent to the North Western State Trail leading into Mackinaw City, where you can explore Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Another potential location to view the Aurora Borealis is Cherry Springs State Park in North Central Pennsylvania. Named for its large stands of black cherry trees, the 82-acre state park is known as one of the best locations for astronomical viewing on the eastern seaboard. The park can attribute its dark night skies to its location on the Allegheny Plateau set amidst thousands of acres of the Susquehannock State Forest.

If your RV is too large for the 26 small, primitive sites at the state park, or you just want full hook-ups, stay at Alleghany River Campground. From tubing on the river to mini gold, this campground has activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida

The east coast isn’t normally noted for its dark skies, but there is one exception. About 100 miles south of Orlando, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is Florida’s prime destination for stargazing. In fact, it is the first Florida state park to build paved astronomy pads dedicated to observing stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. You can book a pad there and get detailed stargazing advice on no less than nine separate observing locations.

For only $16 a night, campers get power, water, and a chance to spot the milky way without using a telescope. The campground also offers a bathhouse and equestrian sites. During the day, visitors can take an elevated buggy tour guided tour of the largest remaining stretch of wild prairie in Florida.

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Looking for another place to see amazing skies? See where the remaining dark sky places are located on this interactive map.

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So, you and your significant other want to travel, see amazing sights, and camp in beautiful and remote locations? I have a recommendation for you. Check out Class B motorhomes. A Class B motorhome is built on a standard van chassis and offers some of the most versatility you can find in an RV.

Class B campers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re comfortable with your significant other and don’t mind less space, you’ll find these tiny homes of the road to be an extremely lovely way to travel and camp.

2020 Winnebago Travato 59G

The 2020 Winnebago Travato 59G features a bench seat up front next to a small table with another bench seat. There’s a large 46-inch by 77-inch bed at the rear of the unit next to a wet bath. Between the front of the RV and the rear of the RV is the kitchen.

The Travato comes built on a Dodge ProMaster van chassis with a V6 engine that puts out 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The unit can sleep up to four people and measures 21 feet in overall length.

Check out our inventory

2019 Roadtrek Zion

If the Travato doesn’t quite do it for you, then maybe you’ll find the 2019 Roadtrek Zion a little more appealing. The Zion features swivel chairs and a small table at the front of the unit, a small wet bath on the driver’s side, most of the kitchen on the passenger side, a small wardrobe next to the kitchen and two large bench seats that can be made into a bed at the rear of the unit.

The Zion sleeps two people, so it’s perfect for a couple and it comes built on the same Dodge Promaster chassis as the Travato, so it has the same engine. The RV measures 20.75 feet overall.

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2019 Winnebago Era 170X

The Winnebago Era 170X offers a unique floorplan that includes a wet bath along the camp side of the RV, a kitchen on the driver’s side of the RV, a sofa bed in the rear of the unit, and a movable pedestal table with four swivel chairs at the front of the unit.

Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the RV comes with a six-cylinder diesel engine that makes 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This model sleeps two people comfortably and measures a slightly longer 24.25 feet long.

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2019 American Coach Patriot MD2-Lounge

Another great option is the American Coach Patriot MD2-Lounge. This unit features an optional pedestal table at the front of the RV next to a wardrobe and a small refrigerator. There’s a small wet bath on the driver’s side of the RV, a pantry behind that and some lounge seating/sleeping area at the very rear of the RV. On the camp side, is the small kitchen.

Like the Winnebago mentioned above, this unit is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s chassis. It features a V6 diesel engine that makes 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The model sleeps two people and measures 24.25 feet in length.

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2019 Airstream Interstate Grand Tour EXT

Last on this list, but certainly, not least is the Airstream Interstate Grand Tour EXT. This unique model features a wonderful layout including a small pedestal table at the front next to some seating, storage space and the refrigerator on the driver’s side. Also on that side is the small wet bat. On the camp side of the unit is the kitchen and there’s additional seating at the rear that doubles as the sleeping area.

The the Interstate Grand Tour EXT is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and features the same diesel V6 engine as the other models built on this chassis. It sleeps two people comfortably and measures 24.42 feet in length.

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What models would you add to this list? Leave a comment below.

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