A recently-implemented reservation system in North Carolina is making reserving campsites at the state's 38 state parks and recreation areas simpler and stress-free for many.The state started the new internet and call center-based reservation system in July. It allows campers to make reservations at any of the state's campsites 11 months in advance for stays ranging from one night to two weeks.Under the old system, people had to pay in person or by mail to reserve sites, causing a January ...

The Camping World-sponsored St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show is being called a great success by the show's manager."The response from both exhibitors and attendees was overwhelming," said Vilma Fraguada. "Show attendees were excited about the upcoming ice fishing season and that really showed. Several exhibitors reported record-breaking sales at the show and many had to make several trips to restock merchandise over the weekend."Fraguada reports a 22 percent increase in ...

MyRVAdvantage, an online business development firm that tracks online activity and generates leads for the RV industry, says that strong online trends are reinforcing the optimism heard at the National RV Trade Show earlier this month.The company has reported that both average web traffic and qualified leads generated across all its customers is up significantly compared to the same time last year. They say dealer website traffic was up between 10 percent and 54 percent in both October ...

Many campground and RV park owners say getting financing to expand or improve their businesses is almost impossible given the current economic and banking crisis. Despite the billions of dollars the banking industry has received in federal bailout money to make loans available, these small business owners say bank financing remains very difficult to obtain."Everyone we have talked to tells us that financing for RV park construction and development is non-existent at this time," said ...

Campgrounds and RV parks across the country have weathered the recession relatively unscathed, according to a recent report from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).Most American campgrounds reported business levels in line with or slightly ahead of the previous year and many park operators expect 2010 to remain stable."I'm very optimistic and very grateful for how we finished out this year," said Mark Anderson, president of Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort in Stow, ...

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park in South Carolina is one of the nation's largest and most well-known light shows and it wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of some RV volunteers.The show is a big draw for tourists and campers and features 750 separate displays and more than two million bulbs plus family-friendly activities like rides, music, Santa's Village, a walking trail and marshmallow roasting. According to the Post and Courier newspaper, ...

Tourism officials in Canada say there's a more affordable option for people who want to experience the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver. While many hotel rooms are already sold out and are going for as much as $600 per night, RVs are still available for rent and they're much more affordable.Winterized RVs that can sleep as many as six people are renting for about $200 to $300 per night, according to Go RVing Canada."RVing during the Olympics is a great and affordable way to experience ...

Camping, day-use and season pass prices are set to increase at Oregon state parks starting in January for the first time in 13 years.According to Terry Richard of OregonLive.com, nightly camping fees are set to increase from $20 per night to $24 per night for RV hookups and from $17 to $19 for tent sites. The camping increases won't go into effect until May, however.Parks that charge a fee for a day visit will have an increase from $3 to $5 per vehicle.The increases came about after a two-year ...

Many campgrounds are fostering holiday spirit among their guests with activities and entertainment ranging from caroling hayrides and potluck dinners to fireworks displays and New Year's celebrations.These activities are especially popular at campgrounds that cater to snowbirds, according to RVDailyReport.com."We're seeing more and more campgrounds, RV parks and resorts developing activities and special events to keep their guests entertained through the holidays," said Linda Profaizer, president ...

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) announced it has changed the date of its annual Advocacy Day. Instead of occurring during Committee Week in June, the day is now set for February 10 in Washington, D.C.According to RV Business, the change was made because the RVIA wants to hold Committee Week in Elkhart, Indiana, this year instead of in the nation's capitol. Instead, they will combine Advocacy Day with the Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C. in February.Advocacy ...

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Florida state park system, Governor Charlie Crist has named the upcoming year the "Year of Florida State Parks."The state's park system has grown from eight to 160 parks since 1935, and now encompasses 700,000 acres."Florida State Parks not only preserve our state's beautiful natural environment, but also contribute billions of dollars to state and local economies, and promote tourism to our great state," said Governor Charlie Crist. "During the ...

Talk about an ideal way to tailgate for college sports events of all kinds! Camping World is giving some students at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the opportunity to win either an RV or a semester of tuition.According to the Marquette Tribune, Camping World and Pepsi are each sponsoring their own versions of the tuition shot challenge during halftime at men's basketball games at the Bradley Center. In both cases, a random student gets the opportunity to shoot for the prize.In ...

Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is making a family friendly change just in time for the 2010 NASCAR race season.The speedway is improving its amenities by adding a family RV campground area. The new, 158-space campground will be situated on a four acre area of land on the northeast corner of the property. It will feature reserved spaces, around-the-clock police presence, a 10 p.m. noise curfew and a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behavior."Some of our fans with families wanted ...

Even though the weather can be downright freezing during the winter months in the Northeast, many RV enthusiasts decide against storing their vehicles for the season and opt to head out and enjoy the camping lifestyle.According to the website and blog RVing the East, winter camping on the East coast can be a great experience. The campgrounds that remain open are usually not crowded and the prices are discounted as well.Travelers need to keep a few things in mind before heading out for a weekend ...

Many large RVs have dual tires which are an adjustment for a lot of people to get used to. In addition to the added expense when it's time to buy new tires, maintaining dual tire pressure is especially important since if the pressure in one gets low, it can rub against the other and cause damage and safety issues. FulltimeRVer.com offers some suggestions on getting an accurate reading on the hard-to-reach inside tire.Valve stem extensions can make reaching the valve on the inside tire ...

Taking care of your vehicle's tires is necessary, whether you're driving a car, truck, SUV or RV. But many people don't think tires need any attention, according to the Rubber Manufacturers' Association. It estimates that 29 million U.S. drivers believe their tires require no maintenance.RV technician and author Mark Polk offers offers some RV tire safety tips with RVtechtips.com. He says one of the most important things to do is to check the tire pressure on a regular basis and to ...

A Wisconsin family that owns a Jellystone Park campground has erected a drive-through light display they're calling the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights.The Isaacson family spent about five weeks creating the display, which spans about one mile and consists of more than 1 million lights. They say they were inspired by memories of driving around to see holiday light displays when they were children."It was a lot of long days from morning to night getting it all together," Isaacson daughter ...

A key theme at the recent National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, was innovation in RV manufacturing. Manufacturers attending and exhibiting at the show say "going green" is one way for the industry to improve and appeal to a wider range of consumers.According to the SouthBendTribune.com, manufacturers are already using lighter weight composite materials for RVs. New lines of Class A and C motorhomes are using the new materials, which can significantly cut down on fuel consumption ...

While the overall outlook for the RV industry was positive at this month's annual National RV Trade Show, some are saying a turnaround hinges on the ability for consumers to get financing for their purchases.According to a special report done by WSBT-TV, some industry experts estimate more than 70 percent of potential buyers have been unable to finalize an RV purchase over the last 18 months, because banks won't lend them the money.Industry insiders say the credit approval rate is improving ...

It may be the ultimate holiday gift for RV and camping enthusiasts: the updated and improved Woodall's 2010 North American Campground Directory.The directory outlines driving directions, locator maps, site widths, overnight fees and handicap accessibility for campgrounds and RV parks across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Organized by region and then by state or province, each travel section begins with an at-a-glance chart outlining which parks welcome big rigs, pets and are internet friendly ...

Another sign that the RV industry is embracing the going green movement: consumers can now look for TRA Certification on motorhomes and other RV products.TRA Certification is a green certification company affiliated with T.R. Arnold and Associates. Buyers can look for TRA certification stickers to confirm that they are getting an environmentally friendly product."There are a lot of companies making green claims right now, sometimes on a very flimsy basis," said TRA Certification president ...

A leading economist said that the worst of the recession is over and that the recovery has begun for the nation and the RV industry in particular.New York Stock Exchange Chief Economist Emeritus William Freund recently addressed the industry at the annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Freund, who is a world-renowned expert on productivity, the markets and globalization, said that the RV industry serves as a leading indicator for the economy at-large."I need not tell you ...

For the first time ever, a large contingent of Chinese RV industry representatives attended the annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky this year, according to Steve Bibler of RV Business.Recreational Vehicle Industry Association Chairman Jim Sheldon said as many as 90 Chinese delegates visited one-on-one with major U.S. RV manufacturers at a reception during the show earlier this month."The visitors from China represented a wide swath of interest, from those who could provide ...

The recession has caused a lot of American families to pare down their holiday travel plans. Instead of flying to see family and friends, many are driving to save money. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, most holiday trips are made to visit friends and relatives with 73 percent at Christmas and 59 percent at New Year's, compared with 33 percent for the year as a whole. And, according to RV rental companies, RVs are becoming an increasingly popular way to bring the whole ...

The popularity of social networking has prompted a marketing communications firm to create an informative website on these outlets specifically for RV dealers.According to RV Business, RVSocialMedia.com was built by HuebnerPetersen Marketing Communications to help RV dealers better understand and navigate through social media marketing.The site was prompted after dealers began asking for help on how to use social networking to boost business."As dealers hear more and more about social media ...

The 47th annual National RV Trade Show kicked off on December 1 in Louisville, Kentucky, with some positive reviews offering hope to the industry.According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, this year's day one attendance was up 1.2 percent over last year to 7,508 people.Although individual dealer registrations were down 2.8 percent, some that were there said that consumer traffic and sentiment seem to be up and that it could signal a turnaround for the industry."Last year, ...

The winner of NBC's "Great American Road Trip" reality progam entertained attendees at a presentation at the National RV Trade Show with stories of his family's adventures and his newfound love of RVing.Silvio DiSalvatore from Yonkers, New York, said driving cross-country in a motorhome with his family this summer brought them closer together."I spent 32 days traveling nine states with my family in an RV," he said. "My kids' eyes were wide open the whole time. And let me tell you, the ...

The RV industry has been able to keep a positive image despite a particularly gloomy economic environment, according to a presentation at the 47th annual National RV Trade Show.The presentation titled "Keeping Our Image Bright" was delivered by Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson and Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary LaBella.LaBella said public relations efforts helped keep the image of RVing untarnished. "We told ...

Slide-outs can add a lot of living space to an RV, but they're not completely hassle-free. There are some things to keep in mind if your vehicle has one or even two that will make them easier to use and fold away.According to TheFunTimesGuide.com, you should always check around your vehicle before opening up a slide-out. Trees and utility posts could block the device from opening completely and could also damage the RV.RVTravel.com adds that it's important to check the floor for dirt, sand ...

After what's being called the worst year ever for the RV industry, there are signs that the tide is changing for the industry and the nation's economic outlook in general.RV sales have increased in the past few months. And, according to roamingtimes.com, shipments of RVs are expected to increase by 27 percent next year.Recreational Vehicle Industry Association Vice President Mac Bryan said the industry is "cautiously optimistic" about a recovery. He said that a number of factors that will ...

A new policy will allow the nation's National Parks to share in the profits from research and work done on the more than 84 million acres of the system.According to the Washington Examiner, the policy is expected to go into effect early next year. It was developed after many years of concern and a lawsuit regarding "bioprospecting" in Yellowstone National Park. In that case, scientists who collected bacteria in Yellowstone invented a process called the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which ...

If you've seen something that resembles a waterbed strapped to the top of a car or truck you might be relieved to know that it's just an alternative way to carry potable drinking water.These containers make it possible to refill your RV's fresh water tank without taking it to a water station. According to RVBoondockingNews.com, these bladders are especially useful for boondockers and those without access to refill fresh water tanks.Here's how it works: the bladder is filled and strapped to ...

Using solar power to power your RV electrical system may be easier than you think. In addition to avoiding the noise associated with traditional generators, the sun is an environmentally sound and surprisingly affordable option for many.According to writer Richard Chapo on NewRVer.com, "Unlike homes, RVs run on direct current electricity. This makes them perfect for solar electricity since solar systems produce direct current electricity instead of alternating current. Put another way, there ...

Encountering problems on the road is inevitable. Whether it’s a flat tire, an empty gas tank or a more complex mechanical issue, being prepared is the best advice for when an issue arises.If you breakdown, make sure to pull your vehicle off the road as far as possible in a safe place. RVTravel.com suggests carrying items like emergency flares and triangles in storage compartments on the curb side of your RV to make finding them safer.You should also make sure to carry a charged ...

For many RVers and camping enthusiasts, preparing a meal outdoors on a portable grill is preferred over being in a kitchen. And, for many serious barbeque masters, grilling on charcoal is the only option, since it provides more flavor and more heat.There are many different types of portable grills available and they all make great gifts for outdoor lovers this holiday season.The Weber Char Q and Charcoal Tabletop grill, which are among the more popular portable charcoal units, are both ...

One of the great joys of camping or RVing is enjoying the outdoors, especially at meal time. A portable gas grill can be a great holiday gift for outdoor lovers as well as "foodies" who are short on space.Portable gas grills are available for tabletop use or are free-standing like a conventional barbeque. Keep in mind that most use small portable gas canisters, but can be hooked up to a traditional propane tank with extra hoses bought separately.They range in price from about $30 to over ...

It's a high-tech treasure hunt that's perfect for outdoor lovers. Geocaching is gaining popularity all over the world, with as many as 765,000 caches hidden in parks, paths, historic sites and other places.Here's how it works: the geocacher goes online to find the coordinates of where a "treasure" is hidden. Then they use a hand-held GPS unit to help them find it. Once they've discovered it, they mark their name in a log and leave something for the next adventurer.The Minnesota State Park ...

Just in time for the holiday shopping rush, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering gift cards for use in any of the state's 72 state parks and recreation areas.The cards, which are available in any amount from $10 to $1,000, can be purchased online at www.stayatmnparks.com, by calling 1-866-85-PARKS or by visiting any state parks during their office hours.The gift cards feature a picture of the High Falls at Grand Portage State Park, the state's highest waterfall. They ...

Outdoor chairs make a great gift for anyone on your list who loves to be outdoors. Whether they love camping, RVing, going to the beach or just sitting outside, a great chair is something most anyone can use for years.There are many different types of chairs available so before buying one you should think about what it will be used for. A very active person who will be taking their chair with them to a lot of different events or places may appreciate a traditional fold-up camping chair that ...

Despite the economic downturn plaguing the nation, North Dakota has seen increases in tourism over the past three years and camping is one of the reasons behind it.A recent study commissioned by the state's tourism board has found that state park visitation is up 21 percent this year alone.According to the Grand Forks Herald, visitors from Canada are helping to fuel the boost. Other U.S. visitors are also flocking to the state, according to Grahams Island State Park manager Henry Duray. "Lower ...

A new website aims to make it easier for individuals and families to enjoy the great outdoors.Venturepax.com is an outdoor recreation portal intended to help people plan their next adventure. Families can search a database of ideas for an outdoor family activity, find things to do in a certain location and even read up on details about trips ranging in duration from 30-minute jaunts to day trips and weeklong journeys.The interactive website also allows people to share their own experiences ...

Economists and industry experts say the federal tax cut on new RV purchases has contributed to the industry's recovery and now lawmakers are looking to extend the benefit.According to RV Business, U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly, a democrat from Indiana, has introduced legislation to extend the expiring tax deduction for state and local sales or excise taxes on the purchase of new motorhomes."A strong recreational vehicle industry is crucial to north central Indiana, and especially ...

A 30-minute weekly television series devoted to RVers will debut in the spring. The show named "Rollin-On" has been in the works for a while but the economic slowdown delayed production, according to MotorHome Magazine."For the past few months RV sales are picking up and I think people are just looking for ways to get out and enjoy family activities again - and RVing is surely a relatively inexpensive way to do that," said the show's creator, Jose Moniz, tells the magazine.He says the show will ...

Travelers planning on crossing over the border back in the U.S. during the holiday season are encouraged to expedite their trip by having the proper documents, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).A new initiative - the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - implemented earlier this year requires U.S. and Canadian citizens over the age of 16 to present a valid, acceptable travel document when entering the U.S. by land or sea. Approved documents include a passport, enhanced ...

Despite the recession, campgrounds and RV resorts across the country remained busy last summer with many owners reporting a better-than-anticipated season. And while some RVers said finding a space during the summer of 2009 was difficult, a new industry report suggests the summer of 2010 may be even more challenging.According to a report in the RV industry magazine Campground and RV Park eNews, many popular resorts are already booking up for next year."Parks from the Northeast to the Pacific ...

The recession has hit some state governments hard with many making cuts across the board. That's the case in Georgia, where deep budget cuts threatened to close many of the state's 48 state parks. But volunteers - like campground hosts and historic site hosts - have been able to pitch in and help keep the parks maintained and operating despite the financial cuts."There's no telling how much it saves us," the manager of Georgia's Hofwyl-Broadfield state park told Jacksonville.com. "We try ...

Besides your RV itself, motorhomes are packed with all types of appliances and gadgets that have owner's manuals. While it's a good idea to keep these important documents stored together in case you need them, they do tend to get misplaced or even lost.There are several ways to get copies of the manuals you need, however. The easiest is to do a simple online search of the item's model number using a popular search engine like Google or Yahoo.RV Tech Tips suggests using a website called ...

Like in your home, water damage in a motorhome can cause big problems and be very expensive to repair. Even worse, sometimes owners don't even know there's a problem until it's too late.RV author, technician and repair expert Mark Polk says the most important thing you can do to prevent water damage in your vehicle is to thoroughly inspect it at least twice a year for potential leaks. According to RVTravel.com, Polk says it's especially important to look for water damage before storing ...