Located in Southeast Nebraska, Homestead National Monument of America commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862 and the far-reaching effects it had upon the landscape and people.The Homestead Act was one of the most significant and enduring events in the westward expansion of the United States. By granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, it allowed nearly any man or woman a "fair chance."Individuals visiting the monument have a wide variety of activities to choose from. A visit ...

RV expert and author Mark Polk recently offered some tips to avoid being the target of thieves while RVing on RVTravel.com.Polk says that RVs can be the targeted by criminals since they often contain several expensive items all in one place, such as laptop computers, GPS units, jewelry and cameras.He says rest stops, gas stations and convenience stores may leave RV owners vulnerable to crime. Owners should make sure to stop during daylight hours when possible and try to take turns ...

State parks in two separate regions of Texas have kicked off new geocaching challenges. Parks in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth area now have 23 brand new caches hidden to test peoples' determination and scavenger-hunting skills in the outdoors for the next four months.Participating parks in Houston include Sheldon Lake, Huntsville, San Jacinto Battleground SHS, Galveston Island, Brazos Bend, Lake Texana, Lake Livingston, Village Creek, Martin Dies Jr. and Stephen F. Austin.Participating ...

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has added a text messaging option to ways the public can report hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational vehicle and environmental violations. DNR is launching tip411, an internet-based tool that enables the public to text message an anonymous tip to the department. Hotline operators respond back creating a two way anonymous "chat.""People in Wisconsin have a deeply ingrained conservation ethic," said chief conservation ...

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has announced its president and CEO Linda Profaizer plans to retire at the end of this year, concluding a 40-year career in the campground business."There comes a time in everyone's career when it's time to step down and move on," said Profaizer. "The campground business has been a huge part of my life for 40 years - I love it and the people in it. Maybe now I'll get to enjoy visiting RV parks and campgrounds ...

After enduring the biggest downturn in the history of the park trailer business, several park trailer manufacturers are reporting increased sales and renewed interest in their products, which are used by consumers as vacation cottages and by campgrounds as rental accommodations."Several park trailer manufacturers are saying their orders are up at least 10 to 15 percent from where they were a year ago," said William Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry ...

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has appointed 12 new members to the National Park System Advisory Board.The Board, first authorized in 1935, advises the Secretary and the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) on matters relating to the Service's work."The members of the board are highly accomplished men and women whose creativity and wisdom will help us prepare for the challenges of the National Parks Service's second hundred years," said Secretary Salazar.Eight ...

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has endorsed an RV cookbook as an official publication to celebrate the industry's 100th anniversary.The RV Centennial Cookbook: Celebrating 100 Years of RVing will be published by TSTC Publishing later this year. Author Evada Cooper says it will feature recipes that are easy and quick to prepare, especially for avid RVers."It's all about family, friends and food." Cooper said. "We would love to have recipes from every ...

Boise State football player Kyle Wilson is headed to the National Football League (NFL), thanks in part to a grassroots marketing plan hatched by his family.The New York Times reports that Wilson's older brothers, Vincent and Gerry, were discouraged that Kyle wasn't receiving a lot of attention in the professional recruiting process. So, they devised a plan that included a special RV decorated in Boise State's colors and emblazoned with three pictures of Kyle."We needed an extra ...

Fleetwood RV has announced key supplier support for its upcoming "Drive Your Toys to Illinois" national rally in Du Quoin, Illinois from June 26 through June 30.Sony is sponsoring musical entertainment from Blue Suede Crew and New Odyssey, Spartan Chassis and Vomela are sponsoring breakfast at the rally and Farm and City Insurance Services are sponsoring the ice cream social.In addition, more than 30 suppliers have signed up to provide service support and conduct ...

Mercy Medical Airlift (MMA), the parent organization of the Angel Flight program, in which private pilots volunteer to use their airplanes to transport medical patients to facilities for surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis, and other treatments is looking for volunteers for the Angel Bus project.According to Nick Russell on RV.net, organizers are working to develop a network of volunteer motorhome owners who will provide transportation to those with medical needs and no easy way to get to a treatment ...

"The Rally," which is the largest RV event of the year, has scheduled several events to celebrate the RV industry's 100th anniversary.RV historian Al Hesselbart is organizing a display of vintage RVs called "Vintage Village." It will include nearly 20 old RVs from the 1930s through the 1970s.There will also be an "Oldest RV at the Rally" contest. Individuals can sign up online or in person at the registration area. The winner will be announced at the Saturday ...

An RV fire can not only potentially cause a loss of life and property, but it may spark a wildfire that could affect many people. Protecting against fires in an RV, motorhome or camper is imperative and according to Woodall's, there are a few things owners can do to keep themselves and those around them safe.Like a brick-and-mortar home, RVs need to be equipped with working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries should be changed frequently and devices should be tested to ...

A new policy that bans alcoholic beverages at state forests in Maryland may be affecting tourism.According to the Cumberland Times-News, the director of the Allegany County Office of Tourism said that multiple large-group reservations have been canceled due to the ban.The Maryland Department of Natural Resources enacted the ban last November without holding a public hearing on the issue. State officials have said the ban was implemented to make a safer, more enjoyable experience for campers ...

RV vacations have been found to be as much as 61 percent less expensive than traditional vacations, according to international travel and tourism research firm PKF Consulting. But there are ways to cut costs even further. NewRVer.com recently offered some tips to save money with various discount programs.Individuals more than 62 years of age are eligible for the "America the Beautiful Senior Pass." This pass costs $10 and is good for life. It entitles senior citizens a 50 percent ...

A long-time volunteer and campground host is being honored as the National Park Service's national "Outstanding Volunteer."Tony Valois has been volunteering at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area since 2002. He devised an online wildflower identification database that helped him win the honor.According to the National Parks Traveler, Valois' database is accessible for free on the internet, and allows the public to easily identify wildflowers in the Santa Monica ...

Camping at several parks and campgrounds in Tennessee has been affected by the devastating floods that have hit the region.The Nashville Camping Examiner reports that the Nashville KOA is temporarily closed due to the flooding. Campers are urged to check back at their website for information about when they will reopen.About 30 campsites at Nashville's Jellystone Park are flooded although the majority of sites there remain undamaged and open for visitors.Writer Kevin Holder reports that Bledsoe ...

Located in Mesa County, Colorado, the Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West with 32 square miles of canyons and mesas.The monument is home to one of the grandest scenic drives in the American West. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers redrock canyons, crisp blue skies, and glorious views along the way for motorists and bicyclists.In addition, visitors to the monument can take part in a variety of activities, including hiking, nature walks, horseback ...

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has announced that the Herkimer Diamond location has become the world’s first campground with a 100 percent off-the-power-grid, solar powered camping lodge.The KOA Solar 1 Lodge uses solar panels on its roof to harness energy as well as a propane backup generator that "kicks on" to recharge power batteries during cloudy weather. These features allow the lodge to run completely independent of outside energy sources."The new lodge lets people ...

Toutle River RV Resort, located in Castle Rock, Washington, has announced that it will offer free camping for all active military personnel all thru 2010."It is a very small way of saying 'thank you' for all of the hard work and sacrifices men and women in the military make," said Toutle River RV Resort owner Charlie Curry. "I personally encourage all RV parks and campgrounds in America to consider offering free or discounted camping for active military in 2010! This is not ...

Thirteen Arizona state parks slated to close due to extreme budget cuts will remain open thanks to a combination of public and private partnerships.The Arizona Republic reports that counties, cities, friends of state parks groups and private donors have all contributed to keep the parks opened, despite the state legislature's cut of $71.7 million from the state parks budget during the 2009 through 2011 fiscal years.The State Parks Board is expected to approve the plan to keep the parks ...

A new website claims to have the largest detailed inventory of recreation sites in the country.The FindRecreation website (FindRecreation.parks.ca.gov) allows users to search for state parks as well as other parks and recreation sites throughout the state of California."We designed FindRecreation to enable people to find parks near home," said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks. "We hope Californians will discover the natural wonders of this state, have fun, ...

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has launched a program aimed at helping new campers learn the ropes.The "Let's Go Camping" program consists of overnight camping excursions at locations throughout the state. Typical activities will include ranger-led demonstrations on camping basics, group nature hikes and information on Dutch oven cooking and fire safety.Extra gear will be available for individuals who don't have all of the essentials for the campout as well.Each ...

The Continental tire company has launched a new section on its commercial website for RV tires.Responding to customer requests, the commercial tire division will now list its tire products for large recreational vehicles, as well as have an informational manual on the site, said Continental's Clif Armstrong."Recreational vehicle owners have raved to us for years about the low vibration, low maintenance and long durability of Continental tires," he said. "We ...

Located in Southeastern Colorado, Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site preserves the site and story of a famous trading post.The fort was one of the significant centers of the fur trade on the Santa Fe Trail. It was built in 1833 and served as the center of a prosperous trading empire for 16 years. Strategically located, the fort paved the way for U.S. expansion and became an agent of change that shaped the future of the West.Today, living historians recreate the sights, sounds, and smells ...

Families interested in learning more about the outdoors may consider attending the state's 13th annual "Becoming an Outdoor Family" weekend. The weekend is run by the University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Forests, Parks and Recreation to promote, address, and instill in the general public a basic understanding of environmental conservation, safety and fun in the outdoors.The ...

The U.S. Senate has adopted a resolution officially declaring June 2010 to be "RV Centennial Celebration Month.""We are so pleased that the Senate has now officially proclaimed June as RV Centennial Celebration Month, honoring the RV industry on the occasion of its 100th anniversary," said RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Dianne Farrell. "Our industry owes Senators Bayh and Lugar our thanks for leading this effort to recognize our industry."There ...

For many RVers, getting from point A to point B is the best part of travelling. Helping them find the most scenic routes with the best, most unusual attractions is made easier with the help of MadMaps.com, a company that specializes in providing travelers with scenic tour maps to enhance the process of getting to where they want to be.Mad Maps provides travel maps that feature color-coded scenic road trips, with a variety of day and overnight excursions available. The maps include turn-by-turn ...

Even though the population of the U.S. has become more diverse, it seems those enjoying the outdoors through hobbies like camping, hiking, fishing and hunting remain mostly non-hispanic white.According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspaper, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that in 2006, a total of 96 percent of hunters, 93 percent of wildlife watchers and 92 percent of anglers were white.Research done by The Outdoor Foundation found a similar trend. The foundation ...

Depending on where you live, a disaster like an earthquake, hurricane, flood or tornado can hit at any time and leave your primary home out of commission for days, weeks or even longer. Some RV owners know that if any of these were to happen, they could stay in their vehicle rather comfortably in the meantime if they do a little planning ahead.Writer and RV expert Bob Difley recently offered some emergency preparedness tips on RV.net.He suggests replacing supplies like canned foods, toilet ...

A recent post by RV expert and the proclaimed "professor of RVing" Jim Twamley on RVNow.RVTravel.com sung the praises of using baby wipes to clean up an RV.Twamley wrote that these convenient, moist wipes have a multitude of uses including mopping up spills on floors, shining up faucets, sinks and shower stalls as well as cleaning the inside of a microwave oven, leatherfurniture, ceiling fan blades, door knobs, dashboard, window frames, drawer and cabinet door pulls, stove top, ...

"Glamping" is a term that combines glamour with camping. Basically it sums up the experience of camping and enjoying the great outdoors, without any of the "roughing it" many have come to know and love.Glamping is a relatively new term but one that many RVers have enjoyed for years in their luxury motorhomes outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, appliances, furnishings and finishes. Campgrounds and resorts around the country and the world are jumping on the glamping ...

Gateway National Recreation Area encompasses more than 26,000 acres in New York and New Jersey and attracts almost 10 million visitors who enjoy year round recreational and educational programs.The area's Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a metropolitan wilderness just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of New York City. It comprises 9,155 acres of diverse habitats including salt marsh, fresh and brackish water ponds, upland field and woods, and an open expanse of bay that lends itself ...

The Gateway International Raceway has announced that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the July 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.The race, which will be called the CampingWorld.com 200, will run the same weekend as the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Gateway, the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250.Mike Skinner of Randy Moss Motorsports is the defending winner of this event, earning the victory after an exciting finish that saw top NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers ...

Thousands of NASCAR fans and RVers will have started to arrive in Indianapolis for the legendary Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 30. The Marion County Health Department in Indiana is reaching out to them in advance of the race to warn them about the dangers of carbon monoxide in their vehicles.WIBC-FM reports that officials will hand out 10,000 informational handouts to RVers parked near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway warning them about the potentially deadly gas.The health department's ...

Travel blog Gadling.com reports that pet owners in the U.S. are expected to spend $47.4 billion dollars on their pets this year, with much of that money being spent on vacations with their furry, and sometimes feathered, companions.The blog cites data from the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) that found the majority of people who travel with animals (78 percent) bring their dogs along. This is compared to 15 percent who bring cats, 3 percent who bring birds and 2 percent who ...

Business at some of New York's privately-owned campgrounds may be up this season, due to the closures of some popular state parks.According to the Watertown Daily Times newspaper, several parks in the state's Thousand Islands region will remain closed for the season, unless Governor David Patterson is able to get a last-minute deal approved.The closed parks include Keewaydin, Eel Weir, Mary Island, Canoe-Picnic Point and Cedar Island state parks, as well as Sackets Harbor Battlefield State ...

Many families are turning to RVs to help them take great vacations together and save a lot of money over a traditional trip.The Fagnant family of Sandwich, Massachusetts, told the Cape Cod Times newspaper that their RV has allowed them to take several trips with their three children each year. Their Jayco travel trailer serves as a home on wheels for their outings."For the payment on a trailer, at least we can use it all year long," Jennifer Fagnant told the newspaper. "Plane ...

The National Park Service (NPS) has launched a new website to help travelers plan their summer vacations.NPS' summer planning homepage helps individuals choose the perfect park out of the nearly 400 nationwide for them.The "travel tips" section contains important information for anyone visiting a national park. Users can find a park by searching by park name, location, activity or topic.The NPS urges visitors to plan their visit ahead of time by visiting their chosen park's home ...

Many retirees are being forced to find new ways to make ends meet after the recession left them with smaller-than-planned-for 401Ks, pensions and other sources of post-work income. U.S. News & World Report reports that seniors are getting creative on making extra money and doing things like renting out a room in their homes and even "workamping."Workamping, or work-camping, allows individuals to stay at campsites for free, in exchange for some good, old-fashioned work. ...

Some businesses that depend on tourism are feeling the effects of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.WLOX-TV in Southern Mississippi reports that some hotels had cancelled reservations because of the spill, but that the losses were mitigated by contractors staying while helping with the clean-up.Campgrounds, like Biloxi's Cajun RV park, have also been affected by the spill.The park's manager, Jonathan Mikovich, told the news provider that business for the month is down 35 percent so ...

AAA reports that gas prices have increased an average of 56 cents per gallon since last Memorial Day. But higher fuel prices shouldn't stand in the way of your next RV trip, according to Carol White, co-author of the book "Live Your Road Trip Dream.""I don't like the higher prices either, but if you take a realistic look at it, it's something that most of us can deal with," she said.White says that even when gas prices are higher, they shouldn't deter a road trip. For example, ...

The producers of popular reality shows such as TLC's American Chopper, Discovery Network's Dirty Jobs and Spike's The Ultimate Fighter are looking for a team of RV customizers or converters to star in a new unscripted TV series.Pilgrim Films and Television says the right company for this show custom-builds extreme motor homes, customizes existing RVs with extravagant accessories, or converts buses into RVs, outfitting them with high-end electronics and top-of-the-line add-ons.The ...

Located in southern Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is described as a "weird and scenic landscape" of lava resulting from volcanic eruptions over the past 15,000 years.Visitors can explore the park on a ranger-guided walk or on their own.The visitor center offers informative exhibits and films as well as an opportunity to talk to staff about the best way to use your time while visiting the preserve.The seven-mile loop road provides unequaled opportunities ...