Quite simply, South Carolina has it all, y’all—and the state has delivered to visiting RVers with a friendly southern drawl. From the Upcountry mountains through the vibrant Midlands and to the Lowcountry coast, the Palmetto State beckons with a wave that signals everyone’s welcome—come on down!   South Carolina offers enough variety to keep visitors busy for weeks. That should be just long enough to start speaking with at least a little bit of a southern accent. ...

There’s just something about the water—and the beach. From the endless views to the sounds of waves, waterfront camping on or overlooking a beach just can’t be beat. With thousands of miles of beaches along the Atlantic, the Gulf, the Pacific, and the Great Lakes, it’s easy to find world-class waterfront camping right in the United States!   THE NORTHEAST ATLANTIC The Atlantic Ocean and the northeast coast is so different from beaches to the south, with rough ...

There's an important seasonal road closure RVers, campers and tourists need to know about. According to the Associated Press, the Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 67, the roadway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in early December. It will remain closed until May.Most North Rim facilities closed on October 15, but scenic roadways and overlooks, as well as gas stations, camping and gift and book stores have remained open in order to provide basic ...

There may be a surprise in store for RVers looking to spend some time at a few popular northwestern Arizona campgrounds.According to the Mohave Daily News, three local campgrounds - the Burro Creek Campground, the Wild Cow Springs Campground and the Windy Point Campground - have recently had their site fees increased by the Bureau of Land Management."Increasing camping fees is one of the least popular things we do. But, cutting services such as supplying running water, garbage pickup, and ...

Exceptional customer service resulted in a New York state campground winning the KOA Kampground of the year award at the company's annual convention.The Herkimer Diamond campground is known for its outstanding accommodations and for the fact that it's located near an old quartz crystal mine. In addition to swimming, disc golf and other activities, visitors at the resort can go prospecting for "Herkimer Diamonds" in the mine.For a minimal fee, campers get a mining kit and watch an instructional ...

Whether you're a new RVer or you've been doing it for years, being reminded about RV park and campground etiquette can never hurt. The website your-rv-lifestyle.com offers some important tips for following the rules while travelling with your RV.First of all, follow the rules! It sounds simple enough, but sometimes you can be unsure of what's acceptable and what isn't. Most parks will usually give you a written list of guidelines and rules when you arrive. These can include everything from ...

While most RVers have their priorities for keeping busy on the road, some aren't aware of all the different options for activities that are common with the lifestyle.Obviously, travelling, exploring and sightseeing are all big parts of being an RVer. There are new places to explore with every trip and every destination.But if you think beyond these things there are many other options, both indoors and out, for people who travel in RVs.According to your-rv-lifestyle.com, outdoor activities ...

If you're an RV enthusiast who has never attended a rally, many say to put it on your to-do list.Rallies come in all shapes and sizes and can be organized or informal. According to NewRVer.com, an RV rally is a planned gathering of a group of RVers, usually with something in common. They occur year-round and are a great way to meet other RVers and obtain information about your vehicle, travel locations, accessories and even have warranty service or out-of-warranty service performed.RV clubs ...

RV enthusiasts looking to buy a new RV or motorhome need to act fast in order to take advantage of the federal tax credit.In February, President Obama signed the $789 billion federal economic stimulus package signed into law. It includes a tax provision for motorhomes that is now set to expire at the end of the year.The package allows for sales and excise tax deductions for new purchases of qualified motor vehicles, including motorhomes. The deductions are attributable to taxes applying to ...

Many RVers depend on their computers to keep up with their daily lives. They email family and friends to stay in touch, pay bills online and even research and map their trips with their laptops while on the road. Traditionally, they've taken advantage of the free wireless internet access, or Wi-Fi, everywhere from restaurants and cafes to airports and retail stores. But now RV resorts and campgrounds are becoming a hot spot for this modern convenience as well.Many computer-savvy RVers even ...

Thirty-one campgrounds and resorts have received top honors in a national customer satisfaction survey of independent parks.Nearly 17,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at 1,840 independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.The second annual survey was conducted by GuestRated.com and is the nation's original ongoing guest satisfaction rating program covering all independent, ...

RV snowbirds are starting to arrive at campgrounds in Florida, Arizona and other warm places for the winter. This year, though, their arrival is more anticipated than in previous years since they provide a much-needed boost to local economies.The Orlando Sentinel reports snowbirds spend an estimated $4 billion in Florida each winter. The recession has caused many of them to wait longer before committing to a trip. "They're waiting for deals. That always seems to happen when you have a downturn ...

The 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver are less than three months away and officials are making a push to get campers to book RV sites for the games.According to The Province newspaper, only 80 of the 350 available sites have been booked so far. And, for the Vancouver Parks Department to break even for the games, at least 150 need to be used."We've been getting a ton of inquiries and it's really ramping up. It's the million-dollar view for less than $100 a night," said parks ...

The state of New Hampshire is asking for help in maintaining about half of its 71 state parks, because the state can't afford their upkeep.The state has the only self-funded park system in the country and is currently operating with a loss of about $1 million dollars, according to the Associated Press.State representative Jeffrey St. Cyr has filed legislation that would create a formal process for volunteers to take over maintenance and upkeep of some of the state's smaller, unprofitable ...

Whether you decide to spend an overnight in a parking lot or on a deserted country road there are some basic things to remember about staying safe.RVBoondockingNews.com reminds RVers to never open your door to a stranger after dark. Speaking through a closed door or window is fine, and if someone is in trouble you can offer to use your phone and make a call for them. Better safe, than sorry!Boondocking often means being secluded without the added safety of other vehicles and campers close ...

The NASCAR racing season is gearing up for the Ford 400 on November 21 and 22 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.The track is located southwest of Miami in Homestead, Florida. It opened in 1995 and now has a seating capacity of 80,000. Fans love the track for its great sightlines of the track as well as its top-notch concessions.The campground reserved RV lot offers spaces for the race weekend at a rate of $450. The space comes with daily newspaper delivery, two shower coupons, a driver's ...

If you're new to RVing, or if you're thinking about making the switch to become a full-time RVer, you may be wondering what to do about your mail while you're on the road. Using the postal service isn't as essential as it once was since you can keep in touch with friends and family with cell phones and email, pay bills via the internet and take advantage of direct deposit for any checks you might receive. However, you do still need the U.S. Postal Service, even when you no longer have a ...

With their RVs winterized and stored for the season, many RV and camping enthusiasts are already at work planning their adventures for when spring arrives. Some have created theme trips centered around a certain interest, hobby or historical event as a way to spice up their travels.A theme trip can be about anything. A baseball-loving family may decide to devote their summer camping season to visiting as many major league baseball parks as possible. A history buff may want to explore Revolutionary ...

If you're a die-hard sports fan who wouldn't think of cheering on your team without wearing its colors, there's a new product for you and your RV, car or truck.San Diego-based company Skinit now offers NFL and college football licensed tailgate packs that include special team logo stickers to use on your vehicle.The kits come in three sizes – for a car, light truck or SUV and RV. The company's CEO, Paul Buss, tells The Detroit News that some fans are purchasing the RV-sized kit and ...

Many people contemplating the money they could potentially save by giving up their home and making their RV a main residence wonder if they'll really save any money making the change. While some RVs rival any traditional home, they can come with a hefty price tag. But, there are things you can do that will make a big difference in the amount of money you spend in your new home on wheels, according to Jaimie Hall Bruzenak of everything-about-rving.com.In general, RVs cost less than houses ...

For some, selling their home and downsizing to an RV is a life-long dream, but the recession, housing crisis and high unemployment rates have given many people reason to choose living in an RV much sooner than in retirement.The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports that as many as 400,000 Americans live in their RVs full-time.It's a phenomenon similar to the one that started in California's Silicon Valley during the mid- to late-1990s, according to The Washington Post. Dot-com ...

It's a job that's near perfect for many full-time RVers. A campground host is a volunteer who works at a campground or at a state or national park, forest or beach in exchange for a free campsite.Hosts usually work about four hours each day doing anything from general maintenance and cleaning of the grounds and facilities to selling firewood, manning the information booth and giving tours.John and Sheryl Cain, retirees from Oregon, have been hosting at Fort Stevens State Park for four ...

There are so many RV products on the market these days that it can be difficult to figure out which ones are useful and which ones are a waste of money. Consumer product expert Jim Johnson offers some tips on appliances, equipment and accessories that are worth the investment and can help to make your family's RVing experiences more fun.Johnson says a satellite dish hookup can help make entertainment accessible anywhere on the road. Using one is as easy as cranking up the dish wherever ...

Celebrities are often considered to be on the cutting edge of everything from fashion and cosmetics to travel and electronics. And, now some well-known celebrities are sharing their love of RVing as well.The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association offers some stars' thoughts on RVs on their website, www.RVIA.org.Country music superstar Dolly Parton says she and her husband love using their RV.Actor Matthew McConaughey says, "There's nothing not to like about it. The freedom of being able ...

People throw showers for everything from weddings and new babies to housewarmings. Since an RV is essentially a house on wheels, some have started a new tradition: RV showers.Adrienne Kristine of NewRVer.com has some suggestions on how to have a shower for yourself or someone else buying their first RV or upgrading to a new one.Set up a registry at Camping World or make suggestions on what you need to make gift-giving easier. Kristine suggests that presents be wrapped in paper that will burn ...

For some people new to the RV lifestyle, the actual driving of the vehicle can cause a lot of fear. Let's face it, RVs are big and they don't handle like a sports car or even a family sedan. With a little bit of preparation and practice, new RV drivers can learn how to safely take the wheel of their new toy, according to NewRVer.com.RVs are taller, longer and heavier than regular automobiles, making driving them a challenge for some people. It's a good idea to know how tall your vehicle is ...

RVing isn't just for men, couples or families anymore. In fact, a social and recreational group dedicated to women who are interested in RVing has grown to nearly 2,500 members in 17 states in the past few years.RVing Women was started in 1991 when two women travelling together noticed that many activities for RVers were geared towards couples even though they had seen many women travelling alone.The group is dedicated to providing opportunities for networking, building friendships and sharing ...

Football season is here and for many people, going to a game isn't just about watching a great match-up and cheering on your team, it's about the tailgate. For some, RVs are the ultimate tailgating vehicle, offering a full-service kitchen you can park almost anywhere and have a great party. But there are some things you should keep in mind to make your RV tailgate the best possible.Tailgaing necessities include team paraphernalia and decorations, televisions and radios to keep track of ...

Despite the recession, it seems that many RV enthusiasts continue to have an enthusiastic outlook and even say now is a good time to buy a new RV. According to a recent Recreational Vehicle Industry Association survey, 45 percent of owners surveyed say they're considering another purchase. In addition, 24 percent said they are looking to buy in the next year; with another 48 percent saying they'll make a purchase within two years.The RVIA survey also found that 68 percent of RVers said they ...

It's known as boondocking and basically it's RVing for free, without any water, sewer or power hookups. RVBasics.com says it's more accurate to call it over-nighting since many RVers resort to boondocking when they simply need a place to stay on their way to another location.There are some popular boondocking hot spots, like Walmart parking lots, highway rest areas, truck stops, casinos, church parking lots, quiet side roads and wild life refuges. Camping World also allows over-nighting if ...

The Department of the Interior has announced it will waive the entrance fees at all areas managed by the department on Veteran's Day.The free admission applies to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. In addition, the Department of Agriculture has announced that it will waive fees for national forests on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.Officials say visitors are invited to take a day ...

For many men, nothing could be better than having their own space complete with loads of extras to maximize their eating, playing , television-watching and "guy" time. For men who love RVs, the dream "man cave" just got a whole lot better with the introduction of a motorhome specially designed for them.A prototype of the "man cave on wheels" RV recently debuted at an RV show in Germany. Its designers say it's the ideal rig for men, complete with large screen televisions, a poker table, a ...

More people than ever visited state parks in Florida during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The Florida Park Service has announced that more than 21.4 million people visited a state park during the past year. That's an increase of approximately 700,000 people or 3.5 percent from the previous year."These record-setting visitor numbers illustrate the demand for recreational and educational experiences that are affordable, close to home and protective of Florida's valuable natural resources," said ...

It's a way of thanking the men and women of our country's armed services this Veteran's Day. Carefree RV Resorts has announced that active, retired and veteran military servicemen and women and their families are entitled to a 50 percent discount at some of the company's locations.The offer is good at 35 Carefree parks in Florida, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina and California until the end of the year."We think this is a great way to show our appreciation for the contributions of our Armed ...

A recent University of Michigan study found that most RVers only use their vehicles for three weeks each year. But there is a solution for those who want the convenience of having their own RV without the financial and time commitments that go along with full-time ownership. It's called fractional ownership.Basically, fractional ownership is like an RV timeshare. Individuals buy a portion, or share, of the vehicle that entitles them to a certain amount of use each year. For example, if ...

Relaxing in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn and a good movie isn't just a luxury at home anymore. A new concept in DVD rentals is making it easier than ever for RV enthusiasts to enjoy some quality entertainment on the road.Red Box movie rentals use an online website and electronic kiosks all over the country. There are more than 17,000 Red Box locations in the U.S., in places like grocery stores, Walmart stores and even McDonald's restaurants.You can sign up online and reserve a ...

RV enthusiasts know that taking the trip can be just as exciting as reaching the final destination. But there are some things that can help make your travels safer and more memorable, according to HGTV.com.The key to a successful trip is to plan ahead. Know where you're going, how to get there and where you'll set up camp before you leave home. The internet provides a wealth of information on everything from directions and tourist attractions to RV campgrounds and weather conditions. Travel ...

Although crime isn't common in RV parks, it's important to take steps to keep you, your loved ones and your investment safe and secure while travelling.The KOA website suggests getting into the habit of locking your vehicle when you're going out. This includes securing exterior storage compartments and windows as well as putting any outdoor furniture, accessories and sports gear away.Take advantage of the sense of community that's common in RV parks everywhere. Get to know your neighbors ...

Many RV enthusiasts spend a lot of time on their computers. They map out trips and get directions before travelling, use email to keep in touch with friends and family while on the road, pay bills electronically and download and store the pictures from their latest adventures. But how can you ensure your computer and your information are safe while you're on the road? FulltimeRVer.com offers some helpful suggestions.First of all, don't leave a laptop or desktop computer out in the open for ...

Making the decision to become a full-time RVer isn't always an easy one. For many struggling with the decision, finances become a big consideration.Many retired people still need to supplement their pension or social security in order to get by every month. Others find that they still want to work after retirement. There are a lot of resources for people in these situations but the most popular is probably the website Workamper.com.A workamper is an RVer who works on the road. According to ...

Are you an RVer who loves gadgets and everything high-tech? There's a new sport that may be perfect for your next RV adventure: geocaching.Geocaching is becoming very common among outdoor-lovers and RV enthusiasts alike. Using a handheld GPS unit, players program a mystery position into the unit and set off on an adventure to uncover the treasure left by a fellow geocacher. It's a virtual treasure hunt, essentially.The only cost involved is the GPS unit, which usually runs around $100. ...

For some RV owners, winterizing means making a call and bringing your vehicle to a local dealer to prepare and store it for the colder months. But many others choose to take care of this necessary part of RV ownership on their own. From plumbing to pest control, there are a few things to keep in mind when calling it a season for your RV.One of the most important things to do is drain the entire water system so water does not freeze in any of the water lines or tanks. You should fully back ...

The kitchens in many of today's RVs are anything but modest. Granite countertops, high-end appliances and even dishwashers are the norm on the road for some. No matter what your RV's kitchen is like, there are some helpful tips for cooking while on the road.Planning ahead is key. Make casseroles, sauces, meatballs and side dishes ahead of time and freeze them. It can be especially helpful after a long day of driving to be able to put little effort into getting dinner on the table.Marinate ...

Cleaning the outside of your RV is a must-do part of owning a recreational vehicle. There are some tips for keeping your home away from home clean without extreme work or expensive products.Dirt, road tar and bugs can damage the finish if left untended. Consult your owner's manual for your manufacturer's suggestions on which cleaner is best, but whenever possible choose one that will help preserve the finish of your RV.RV experts say start with the roof and work your way down to avoid streaking. ...

Just because winter is just around the corner doesn't mean you have to wait until the spring to enjoy your RV again. The Michigan Association of Recreational Vehicles and Campgrounds has some ideas for RVing in the colder months that can be used across the country.This autumn, enjoy the beauty of the season while travelling in your RV. Visit harvest festivals and pick fresh fruit at farms nationwide. It's also a great time to visit a vineyard for a tour or some wine-tasting.When the temperatures ...

Getting the best possible gas mileage is a major goal for many RV owners. Experts say the way the RV is driven can affect fuel efficiency as can many other factors.FamilyCamping.us suggests reducing idling time as a way to increase fuel efficiency. Today's RVs don't need a lot of warm-up time - about three minutes should be enough.Reduce idling time by planning your trip around times when traffic is worst or change your route to avoid running the engine without moving. You may add a few ...

In 1910, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America's passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born. One hundred years later, the industry is preparing to celebrate its centennial anniversary with a series of events that showcase today's innovations and new products while emphasizing America's century-long love affair with RVs."Think about how far we’ve come in the past 100 years in terms in ...

Camping isn't just a warm weather sport. Whether you're enjoying the fall foliage in New England or the early snow out west, keeping warm while camping in cooler temperatures has never been easier.Dressing appropriately is paramount when planning a cold-weather outdoor trip or activity. But a new, portable heater promises to warm you up when the temperatures drop.The HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure offers an efficient, safe source of heat that doubles as a stove when ...

Buying an RV is a major investment, after all it's your home away from home and must be right for you. There are few things to think about before buying to make sure you make the right choice.First of all, set your budget and do your homework! HGTV.com suggests figuring out what type of RV is best for you before you start shopping. If you're planning to travel cross-country a motorized RV will most likely be best, while if you'll most likely be taking shorter trips, a towable RV will work ...

For many people, pets are part of the family. In fact, Campground.com reports that 30 million Americans each year take their pets with them while camping. A little bit of planning ahead can help ensure your next camping trip will be a good one for both you and your dog.Before you leave, make sure your animal is healthy and their vaccinations are up to date. You'll need proof that your dog's been vaccinated to stay at some campgrounds. And if your pet needs any medications, you'll need to make ...

The extras are the first to go for many who are tightening their belts during the recession. That means no tropical vacations or even budget-friendly vacation rentals for many Americans worried about stretching their dollars amid the economic uncertainty. What hasn't been affected, according to a new report, is enjoying a great, family-friendly outdoor vacation at one of the thousands of campsites around the country.The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds reports that the country's ...