This week on The RV Atlas podcast, we cover three topics that have recently been asked about in our private Facebook group: exploring Northern California with your RV, practical tips for RVing with teenagers, and advice on how to store and protect your RV during the winter months. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, navigating the complexities of camping with teens, or preparing your rig for off-season storage–or doing all three at the same time–this podcast is packed with helpful insights from our own experience and advice from the larger RV Atlas community.

To listen–click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!

Northern California is a dream destination for many RVers, offering stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. When planning a trip to this region, the Redwoods National and State Parks should be at the top of your list. This combined system of parks is home to some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth and offers incredible hiking, wildlife viewing, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Side Note: We have a whole chapter dedicated to this region in Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks, so check it out for more detailed recommendations. We also have podcast episodes about the Redwoods–click here to listen.

When traveling with kids or teenagers, balance is key. Nature lovers will marvel at the grandeur of the redwoods, but after a few hikes, variety is essential to keep everyone engaged. Combine your visit with urban stops like San Francisco, where activities like attending a baseball game or exploring the city’s history can cater to a wide range of interests.

For adventure-seekers, activities like ATV riding, big-wave surfing observation, or ranger-led educational programs can create memorable experiences. We also suggest leveraging “set-jetting” opportunities—like visiting filming locations from Return of the Jedi—to connect kids with the destination in a fun and engaging way.

RVing with teenagers comes with unique challenges and rewards. Their busy schedules and evolving interests can make trip planning more complicated, but a few strategies can help you navigate this phase of family travel.

Remember, this phase of family life is fleeting. Keeping flexibility and humor is key to survival when RVing with teenagers.

Proper winter storage is essential to protect your RV from harsh weather and extend its lifespan. While covering your RV can offer many benefits, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

If you plan to use your RV periodically during the winter—for camping or as a guest house—it might be more practical to skip the cover. However, be aware that this exposes your rig to the elements, which can accelerate wear and tear on exposed areas like the front cap. We personally use our RV extensively throughout the winter, so we don’t cover it. And the additional wear and tear is definitely worth the trade off for our family. 

For large RVs, covering can be labor-intensive and requires proper storage for the cover when not in use. Weigh the effort and costs against the benefits to decide what works best for your situation.

Join the Conversation!  Have more tips for RVing in Northern California, RVing with teenagers, or storing your rig? Share your thoughts in The RV Atlas Facebook group! Don’t forget to tune in to the full podcast episode for more in-depth advice and insights from our discussions.

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