Hi friends! Janine Pettit from the Girl Camper podcast here to give you a sneak peek into some of our plans for 2025. If you’ve been dreaming of embarking on memorable trips, our Girl Camper event list is exactly what you need to fuel that wanderlust.

Join Anita Keeley in South Dakota for a once-in-a-lifetime Buffalo Roundup. This thrilling event at Custer State Park isn’t just about witnessing a grand spectacle; it’s also about forging new friendships. The Buffalo Ridge campground offers diverse accommodations, from teepees to luxurious lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay as you explore the mesmerizing landscape and partake in events like the Black Hills Film Festival and Crazy Horse Volksmarch.

For those craving sea-bound adventures, consider the schooner trip hosted by Sharon Cutbirth. Sailing the bays of Maine provides an idyllic retreat into the world of traditional windjammers. With gourmet meals and intimate gatherings, it’s a golden opportunity to help with the sails or simply soak in the picturesque surroundings as you sail around on the J&E Riggin.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in Lake Michigan with Jess Nessler in a charter adventure. Catching king salmon and lake trout isn’t just about filling your freezer; it’s about the exhilaration of the catch itself. With the comfort of a guided experience, you don’t need to worry about bringing gear—just be ready for a day of camaraderie and big rewards on the open water.

Our adventures also take us to the vibrant backdrop of New England’s fall foliage. Kim Matarazzo guides a charming bus tour through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. From the quaint allure of Burlington to the historical richness of Boston, this journey is an autumn extravaganza.

So, whether it’s chasing bison in South Dakota or savoring the beauty of a New England fall, 2025 is set to be filled with adventure. Explore more on our Events Page and let your wanderlust guide you!

Special Thanks to Lippert/Curt Manufacturing for sponsoring this podcast episode. Be sure to check out their Quick Pin Coupler and the Rockerball Hitch for your towing needs.

Hey Girl Campers! In today’s spotlight, we’re featuring Bear Den Campground, part of the Spacious Skies network, nestled in North Carolina’s stunning landscape. Our latest podcast episode with Ali Rasmussen from Spacious Skies dives into why Bear Den should be on your camping list this year.

Located near the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway near Spruce Pine, Bear Den Campground offers a mix of natural beauty and modern amenities. Ideal for caravans, tents, and car campers, this destination lets you enjoy state park-like wilderness with added creature comforts like playgrounds and a great camp store. For those seeking adventure, Bear Den boasts direct access to official hiking trails and features a natural swimming pool—a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

Last year’s Hurricane Helene hit Bear Den hard, but resilience and teamwork have brought this campground back stronger. Ali shared accounts of the efforts made to restore Bear Den and the surrounding community, which heavily relies on tourism. To aid this recovery, they are donating 10% of February 2025’s reservation proceeds to local businesses and organizations to help the area’s revival.

Besides its immediate offerings, Bear Den is surrounded by attractions worth exploring. From waterfalls to rich cultural experiences, this area is an underrated gem for those seeking both peace and thrills.

Bear Den Campground is about an hour from Asheville, making it a convenient stop for a North Carolina road trip. If you’re inspired to help the community bounce back while enjoying an unforgettable camping experience, Bear Den Campground awaits!

To find more about this extraordinary place, visit the Spacious Skies website and follow them on social media. Join our Girl Camper community in planning an upcoming event at Bear Den to support this remarkable area. Stay tuned for details! Remember, Bear Den Campground at Spacious Skies offers a unique experience while helping a community in need.

Big thank you to today’s show’s sponsor:  Lippert/Curt Manufacturing.  Check out their Echo Mobile Brake Controller and their Rocker Ball Trailer Ball.

Looking for more campground reviews? Check out our America The Beautiful page.

Welcome back, Girl Campers and RV enthusiasts! This year, Janine Pettit and Lesa McDermott traveled to the Florida’s RV Super Show in Tampa to uncover the latest small camper innovations for 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, there’s something for everyone!

We kicked off our journey at NuCamp with Jill Nelson, introducing us to the impressive TAB 360 C.S. This model features an expansive galley kitchen, complete with a two-burner stove and ample storage, all while providing an airy interior. Highlighting the design are its stargazer windows and spacious twin bed setups, perfect for those who crave both comfort and natural light.

Next, Janine shared her admiration for the Forest River Ibex, a lightweight towable designed for convenience and style. With no slide-outs and a striking floor space, this unit features a cleverly laid-out kitchen and an impressive window view. Its lush queen-size bed and abundant storage make it a great pick for solo travelers or those with pets.

Our exploration took a retro turn with Gulf Stream’s Vintage Cruiser, partnered with Laura Ashley. Bright and cheerful interiors, vibrant blue plaid, and timeless design make this trailer a nod to vintage charm. Its spacious booth, large refrigerator, and hidden sliding bathroom door add both style and functionality.

Finally, Lesa explored the NoBo 18.2 series by Forest River, showcasing its adventurous spirit with off-road tires and vibrant interior. The enormous window frame and smart storage solutions offer a unique retreat for on-the-go explorers and overlanders.

Headlines from the show emphasize the cutting-edge and functional designs making waves in the RV world. We encourage you to check out these models firsthand at RV show happening this winter/spring or at your local RV dealer.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast, YouTube channel and newsletter to catch a future episode featuring the grand behemoth RVs of 2025 and stay connected through our Girl Camper website and social media. Until then, happy camping!

Big thank you to this podcast episode’s sponsors:  Progressive Insurance and Curt Manufacturing.  Check out Curt’s Quick Pin Coupler to make towing easier. And get a quote from Progressive Insurance for all your insurance needs.

Are you new to camping and have a fear of towing? Then check out this article by Janine: Tips For Overcoming Your Fear Of Towing

Welcome to the latest edition of the Girl Camper podcast! This time, we dive into the exciting world of solo travel with special guest Pamela Holt, executive producer and host of “Me, Myself, and the World.” Streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and GoTraveler, Pamela’s show takes viewers on a journey of discovery, exploring the art of solo travel.

Pamela inspires us with her personal stories, from childhood travel experiences in Asia to a life-changing car accident leading to her ambitious promise: visiting 80 countries by age 50. Pamela’s journey teaches us to push boundaries and turn challenges into life-enriching adventures.

Pamela emphasizes the importance of solo travel, which is not just for singles. It’s about personal discovery and empowerment, regardless of relationship status. As Pamela and Lesa discuss, solo travel can mean going out alone or joining a group, like a Girl Camper event. There are countless ways to explore the world based on your preferences.

For those considering taking the plunge into solo travel, Pamela shares valuable tips. Start small and gradually venture further. Whether joining a cooking class or participating in a local event, these experiences enrich travel by connecting you with cultures. Additionally, Pamela offers practical advice for safety, such as using tracking apps, carrying emergency cash, and trusting your instincts.

Pamela’s passion for travel and the magic of meeting unexpected friends on her journeys reminds us to keep exploring and finding new opportunities. Her message to solo travelers: seek out life’s opportunities and embrace them fully.

Join us at Girl Camper, where the spirit of adventure thrives! Whether you’re embarking on a global trek or a local meet-and-greet, it’s time to pack your smile and step out of your comfort zone. Follow Pamela’s adventurous footsteps and connect with our community for exciting Girl Camper events.

Take the first step today and catch us by the campfire next week!

Looking to insure your RV?  Be sure to check out Progressive Insurance.  Sponsor of this episode of the Girl Camper podcast.

Looking to score travel deals in 2025? Check out our podcast episode on Finding the Best Camping Deals.

RV enthusiasts, welcome back to the Girl Camper podcast! I’m Lesa McDermott, your co-host, and today we’re diving into the world of RV power systems, specifically focusing on lithium batteries. Joining us is Eva Mitic from Go Power Solar, who shares her extensive knowledge about lithium batteries in RVs.

In RVs, there are mainly three types of batteries: Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium. Lead Acid is the oldest, requiring maintenance and being the heaviest. AGM offers slight improvements with no maintenance, but Lithium is the real game-changer. Lighter and more efficient, a single lithium battery can replace multiple lead acid batteries, providing more power and a longer lifespan.

Lithium batteries are compact and can have an impressive lifespan of 12 years, courtesy of their 3000 cycles. They charge faster than lead acid batteries and are far more efficient. Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term savings are substantial. Moreover, lithium batteries require minimal maintenance, and Eva assures us that storing them fully charged is ideal.

If your RV was built before 2019, you might need to upgrade the battery charger to accommodate lithium batteries. Newer RVs should have lithium-compatible systems, making installation straightforward. Another perk of lithium is its safety; these batteries are sealed and can even be installed inside your RV, freeing up space and adding security.

Lithium batteries not only enhance performance but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste compared to traditional batteries.

Are you on the fence about switching to lithium? Consider your camping style and power needs. Whether you’re off-grid for a few days or a few weeks, lithium batteries enhance your experience. For RVers looking for reliability and efficiency, lithium is the way to go. For additional resources and guidance, visit Go Power’s website and explore their interactive tools for your RV.

Thank you, Eva Mitic, for joining us and providing valuable insights. Stay connected with Girl Camper online and check out our upcoming events. Until next time, happy camping! Also be sure to check out our podcast episode where Eva talks about Solar Systems: Solar Systems Made Simple.

Hello, Girl Camper family! We’re thrilled to share an exciting update from the Fort Myers RV show where Janine Pettit, founder of Girl Camper and editor in chief of Girl Camper Magazine, teams up with RV industry veteran Mike Harlan. The event promises insights and fun for RV enthusiasts and new campers alike!

Janine welcomes Mike Harlan, the dynamic general manager of North Trail RV in Fort Myers. Mike has been a foundational supporter of Girl Camper since its inception, continually championing skills empowerment through innovative initiatives like ‘Camper College’.

Set your calendars for January 23-26, 2025, at JetBlue Park, a fresh location that offers unprecedented opportunities for exploration and learning. Featuring a diverse presentation of RVs, from compact campers to luxurious motorhomes, this show is designed to educate and inspire.

Join Janine Pettit and Lesa McDermott at the Girl Camper booth at the Fort Myers RV show for insightful talks and personalized shopping support. Whether you’re curious about RV lifestyle basics or getting into the technical details like brake controllers and lithium battery systems, this is your chance to learn and grow with fellow RV enthusiasts.

Mike Harlan shares exciting plans to open a 155-space campground adjacent to their dealership for shakedown adventures. Both seasoned RV-goers and newcomers will benefit from practical demonstrations and immersive learning experiences in a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

We invite you to join Girl Camper. Whether you’re in Florida or journeying on, discover the freedom and joy the RV lifestyle promises. Join us at the Fort Myers RV Show, engage with like-minded adventurers, and take part in the various learning sessions. Remember, every venture begins with curiosity and a touch of courage. Happy trails and see you there!

Special Thank you to this episode’s sponsor…Lippert/Curt Manufacturing. Click here to check out their echo mobile brake controller or their quick pin coupler or their rockerball hitch.

Interested in attending an RV Show with your local Girl Camper Guide? Watch our event’s page to see ones coming up in your area.

Welcome to another year with Girl Camper! In our latest podcast episode, we dive into New Year’s resolutions for 2025 with Janine Pettit, Lesa McDermott, and Girl Camper guides. For 2025, our focus is on embracing the outdoors, tackling personal challenges, and building community.

Janine opens the discussion, sharing her desire to spend more time camping locally with friends. For Janine, it’s about reconnecting with simple pleasures like spontaneous camping trips. Meanwhile, Lesa embraces a significant challenge: a 125-mile hike on the Centennial Trail, illustrating the blend of determination and camaraderie that defines Girl Camper.

Our podcast shares resolutions from guides across the nation, each bringing unique goals. Carol Thompson aspires to organize her camper, while Jess Nessler focuses on decluttering and spending more time with her dogs. Sharon Cutbirth aims to improve her physical fitness to lead more active trips. From Nebraska, Mary Byrnes plans to camp more and explore this country and others

Theresa Leppert, Girl Camper’s guide manager, shares her goal of winter camping and organizing camping gear, echoing a common theme among campers: simplicity and decluttering.

Wrapping up, Lisa Dempsey offers her unique “5 by 5 appraisal” approach, encouraging intentional reflection and setting actionable goals. An excellent tool for creating New Year resolutions for 2025.

Girl Camper’s mission is simple: to support each other in our pursuit of outdoor adventures, no matter how small or large. Whether it’s organizing gear, tackling a new hike, or camping more with friends, our 2025 New Year resolutions are about adventure and personal growth.

Join us on this journey by subscribing to our magazine and podcast and attending events. We’re excited to support you in achieving your outdoor aspirations and look forward to seeing you at our events. Happy New Year! Let’s embrace 2025 with courage and joy.

Get your Progressive Insurance Quote

Check out Curt Manufacturing’s Echo Mobile Brake Controller

Looking for more great tips on starting out the New Year right? Check out our wellness section on our website.

As we wrap up an incredible year at Girl Camper, we’re excited to share highlights from 2024 and offer a glimpse into what 2025 holds. This year was all about growth, particularly in our thriving community. We reintroduced our podcast, expanded our Facebook group to over 430,000 members, and fostered meaningful connections at 200 events nationwide.

Our adventures took us across the globe, from the Black Hills of South Dakota to Ireland, and featured unforgettable trips like the Green River, Utah journey. Whether running rivers or exploring dinosaur parks, our travels emphasized the importance of unplugging and reconnecting with nature.

Girl Camper’s backbone is our dedicated guides who organize events that connect women with the outdoors. As a micro-business, our guides empower others while enriching themselves with joy derived from mentoring. This year, we introduced new guides in Oregon and Minnesota, while also bidding farewell to some who have been instrumental in our success.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without our valued partners, including but not limited to Lippert, GoRVing, and Progressive Insurance. Their continued support allows us to inspire and equip women for their outdoor adventures. We also welcome new partners such as Sun RV Outdoors, enhancing our ability to offer diverse camping experiences.

In 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new membership program with special benefits and expand our event offerings. For Janine, she’ll be soaking up local camping experiences, while Lesa prepares for an epic 125-mile hike through the Black Hills.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or testing the waters, Girl Camper invites you to be part of our community. Subscribe to our magazine, listen to our podcast, and connect with us on social media. Here’s to a year of adventure, connection, and growth as we continue to inspire women to go places and do things. Happy New Year and happy trails!

Special THANKS to this episodes sponsors! Progressive Insurance and Lippert/Curt Manufacturing.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing cherished traditions? On this special episode of the Girl Camper podcast, Janine Pettit joins forces with Lesa McDermott as they invite guides from across the country to share their unique holiday customs.

Janine and her family embrace the joy of Christmas by gifting ornaments that capture the essence of each passing year, alongside cozy Christmas pajamas for the kids. Lesa, meanwhile, shares her tradition of thoughtful gift-giving, focusing on needs like “something to read” and “something to wear.”

From Wisconsin, Jess Nessler brings the whimsical tradition of hiding a Christmas pickle on the tree, offering a small gift to those who find it. Meanwhile, Shari Sullivan from Alabama can’t imagine Christmas without watching “White Christmas,” a movie that weaves magic into her holiday.

Theresa Leppert from Iowa recounts the clever effort parents go through to keep Santa’s mystery alive, while Carol Thompson traditions of opening pajamas on Christmas Eve always ensure picture-perfect mornings.

Traditions extend beyond family gatherings. Tracey Stieb from Michigan, embodies the spirit of giving by participating in Operation Good Cheer, delivering smiles to children in foster care. Then there’s Mary Byrnes from Nebraska, whose humor shines with a new twist: “Squatch on the Watch.”

Food plays a huge role in the holidays for Lisa Dempsey of Southeast Texas. She cherishes the legacy of delectable See’s chocolates. Larie Dowdy of Arizona wraps up with a summer tradition of Christmas in July, hiding a Sasquatch ornament in her tree.

Whether it’s hiding a pickle, unwrapping pajamas, or savoring sweet treats, it’s these traditions that warm our hearts and homes. From all of us at Girl Camper, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s make 2025 just as memorable—with campfires, holiday cheer, and shared traditions carried forward.

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Go RVing & Curt Manufacturing.

Looking to stay warm over the holidays? Check out tips from someone we dearly miss at Girl Camper, Catherine Goggia: Staying Dry & Warm In The New Year

Hey Girl Campers! If you want to try a new outdoor adventure, tune in to this episode of the Girl Camper podcast. Host Janine Pettit talks with Amy Arnold, the Marketing Director of Roam America Campgrounds. Roam America is changing the camping experience by offering modern amenities at beautiful locations.

First, let’s explore Roam America’s Campground near Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. This campground is surrounded by stunning mesas, making it a perfect desert getaway. It has clean bathhouses, a refreshing pool, and welcomes pets. It’s a great base for visiting nearby attractions like Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. Plus, local tour partners can help you plan your adventures easily.

Next, we visit Echo Island in Colville, Utah. This campground is family-friendly and offers many activities. You can play pickleball, try a ropes course, or enjoy fishing in the pond. Located near Salt Lake City and Park City, Echo Island is perfect for families and solo travelers looking for fun and exploration.  It’s also open all year round, making it a great spot for winter campers who love to ski.

Also, keep an eye out for the upcoming Roam Tillamook in Garibaldi, Oregon. This campground will feature a sauna and an event lodge. You can take a ride on the nearby coastal train for beautiful views along the Oregon coastline.

Join us on the Girl Camper podcast to learn more about Roam America Campground’s exciting offerings. Whether you’re new to camping or have years of experience, Roam provides a refreshing and enjoyable experience that balances the charm of camping with modern comforts. Get ready to make great memories! Happy camping!

Looking for more campground reviews?  Be sure to check out our America The Beautiful page as we are adding new reviews and things to do on it all the time. 

Special Thank You to this episode’s sponsor:  Curt Manufacturing.  Check out Curt’s line of towing accessories, including its quick pin coupler and rockerball hitch.