Buying a used RV can be a great way to get on the road for less. But once you move past first impressions, it becomes critical to know the questions to ask when buying a used RV. In Part 2 of this Girl Camper Podcast series, co-host Lesa McDermott continues her candid conversation with Mike Harlan from North Trail RV Center, focusing on inspections, pricing, and what “as-is” really means for buyers.

This episode helps buyers understand what they should confirm before signing any paperwork.

Many used RVs are sold “as-is,” but buyers often misunderstand that term. An as-is sale means the RV is being sold in its current condition, with no warranty unless an extended warranty is purchased separately.

Because of this, buyers should never assume that everything works properly. Asking to see systems operate before purchase is essential.

One of the most important questions to ask when buying a used RV is whether you can have it inspected. Mike strongly recommends inspections before signing any contract.

Buyers should ask to see:

These items are often overlooked, but they are critical for safety and peace of mind.

Many buyers assume lemon laws apply to all RVs. That is not the case. Mike explains that most travel trailers are not covered under lemon laws, and protections vary widely by state.

This makes it especially important to research your state laws before purchasing a used RV.

Pricing a used RV is based on market value, not emotion. Mike explains how JD Power pricing guides work and why trade-in values are often lower than owners expect.

Upgrades and personal improvements rarely increase resale value. Buyers should focus on condition, demand, and realistic pricing.

This episode reinforces why knowing the questions to ask when buying a used RV can save buyers thousands of dollars and prevent costly surprises.

Be sure to also check out Part 1 of this series for early red flags and preparation tips, and Part 3 for guidance on dealers, fees, and financing.

🎧 Catch Part 2 of Questions to Ask When Buying a Used RV on the Girl Camper Podcast, available on your favorite podcast platform and on our YouTube channel.

Special thanks to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode. For all your insurance needs, check out Progressive Insurance.

Buying a used RV can be a smart and affordable way to get on the road. But before you step onto a dealer lot, it’s important to know the questions to ask when buying a used RV. Asking the right questions early can help you avoid costly mistakes and buyer’s remorse.

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, co-host Lesa McDermott kicks off a three-part series with Mike Harlan from North Trail RV Center. The goal of this series is simple: help buyers feel informed, confident, and prepared.

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is shopping before doing any research. Many people fall in love with how an RV looks and forget to ask practical questions. Mike explains why slowing down and gathering information first can save thousands of dollars later.

Another common mistake is assuming a used RV will be problem-free. Every used RV has a history. Understanding that history matters.

These steps help narrow choices and prevent impulse decisions.

Even with a used RV, tow ratings and weight limits are critical. Mike explains why exceeding limits can create safety issues and damage vehicles. Floorplans also deserve careful thought. Buyers should consider daily use, storage needs, and bad-weather days.

Mike shares early warning signs buyers should never ignore. These include strong odors, visible water damage, worn tires, and missing maintenance records. Asking direct questions about these issues is essential when buying a used RV.

This episode lays the foundation for the entire series. If you’re considering a used RV, learning the questions to ask when buying a used RV will help you shop smarter and with more confidence.

👉 Be sure to also listen to Part 2 and Part 3 of this series to get the full picture before you buy.

For tips on buying a New RV, check out Episode 1 of that 3 part series we also did.

Special thanks to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode. Check Progressive out for all your insurance needs.

Cooking in a small camper kitchen doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, creativity, or enjoyment. With the right gear, pantry staples, and mindset, it’s possible to make satisfying meals in even the smallest of spaces.

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast and our On the Road with Girl Camper series with nuCamp RV, Lesa sits down with Allana Bykes, a professionally trained chef and nuCamp T@B 320 owner, to talk about how she cooks real meals while camping in a small camper.

Instead of focusing on trendy gadgets, Allana shared what truly earns a place in her camper kitchen—and why.

Allana approaches camper cooking with intention. Every piece of gear and every pantry item has a purpose.

Her philosophy is simple:

This approach allows her to cook confidently without overcrowding her limited space.

Rather than filling cabinets with single-use tools, Allana focuses on a streamlined setup. Her small camper kitchen essentials include:

Each item earns its place by being versatile and easy to store.

A well-planned pantry makes all the difference when cooking in a small camper. Allana relies on ingredients that are shelf-stable, compact, and flexible.

Her go-to camper pantry staples include:

With these basics on hand, she can create a wide variety of meals without overpacking.

🍳 Recipe Call-Out: Easy Dirty Rice for Camp Cooking
One of Allana’s favorite camper meals is dirty rice—a one-pan dish that’s simple, filling, and easy to adapt.

Easy Camper Dirty Rice (Chef-Style)
Why it works at camp:
✔ One pan
✔ Minimal cleanup
✔ Flexible ingredients
✔ Great for small camper kitchens

Ingredients (ratio-based):
1 part cooked sausage (or protein of choice)
1 part sautéed vegetables (onion, pepper, celery)
1 part rice
2 parts liquid (water or broth)
Garlic, herbs, and seasoning to taste

How to Make It:
Warm cooked sausage and vegetables in a pan with a little oil.
Add garlic, herbs, and tomato paste if desired.
Stir in rice and toast briefly.
Add liquid gradually, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked.
Adjust seasoning and serve.
This technique-based recipe makes it easy to swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand—perfect for camping.

Whether you’re new to RVing or downsizing your setup, a small camper kitchen can feel limiting. This episode proves that thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

You don’t need:

You do need:

You can listen to the full conversation on the Girl Camper Podcast or watch the video as part of our On the Road with Girl Camper series.

Be sure to check out nuCamp RV and their thoughtfully designed campers, including the T@B 320 featured in this episode.

And if you’re looking for connection, confidence, and community on the road, we’d love for you to join Girl Camper and come along on one of our many adventures.

Because there’s no wrong way to camp like a girl.

Do you ever find yourself standing in front of a breathtaking sunset or a majestic mountain range, only to have your photo look like a flat, blurry version of the real thing? You aren’t alone! Many campers struggle to capture the magic of their adventures, especially when relying on a smartphone.

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott sits down with professional landscape photographer Mandy Lea from Mandy Lea Photo. Mandy shares her “photographer mindset” and practical secrets to help you level up your photography game without needing a heavy DSLR camera.

Mandy explains that the biggest difference between a “tourist” and a “photographer” is intentionality. A tourist hops out of the car, snaps a photo, and leaves. A photographer slows down.

Pro Tip: Before you click the shutter, do an “edge check.” Look at the corners of your frame. Is there a stray branch or a trash can distracting from your subject? Reposition yourself to keep your composition clean and focused.

Most of us carry a powerful camera right in our pockets. Here is how to use it like a pro:

One of the most common questions Mandy gets is: “How do I stop the moon from looking like a white blob?” The secret is exposure. Because the moon is a bright light source in a dark sky, your phone tries to brighten the whole image, which overexposes the moon. To fix this, tap the moon on your screen and drag the exposure slider all the way down until you see the craters and detail. For the best results, use a tripod to keep the phone steady!

You don’t need expensive software to make your photos shine. Mandy recommends Snapseed, a free app by Google. It allows you to selectively brighten areas, fix colors, and add professional touches in seconds.

Want to dive deeper into photography or join an outdoor workshop? Mandy and her partner Kendrick offer incredible backpacking and photography trips, including excursions to the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Ready to hit the road? Check out our upcoming Girl Camper Events and put these new photography skills to the test!

Every winter, something incredible happens in the Arizona desert. A tiny town of just a few thousand people transforms into one of the largest gatherings of RVers in the world. If you’ve ever wondered what the big deal is about Quartzsite, Arizona, you’re not alone — and this Girl Camper Podcast episode dives into all the reasons this destination has become a bucket-list experience for RV travelers.

Lesa sat down with longtime Quartzsite regulars Tony & Peggy Barthel of StressLess Camping to get their insider tips, best advice for first-timers, and a real sense of what makes this place unlike anywhere else.

Quartzsite is a small desert town just off I-10 near the California border. For most of the year, it’s quiet and hot… but from late fall through early spring, it becomes a full-blown RV metropolis. Hundreds of thousands of campers — snowbirds, boondockers, full-timers, vanlifers, and everyone in between — gather to enjoy sunshine, community, and one enormous RV show.

If you’re imagining wall-to-wall RVs across open desert, quirky vendors, campfire meetups, and a vibe that feels part festival, part flea market, part family reunion — you’re right.

The Quartzsite Arizona RV show is the centerpiece of the season. This giant white tent (we’re talking up to 70,000 square feet) is packed with:

It runs for nine days every January and — here’s the best part — admission is completely free.

If you’re shopping for RV gear, curious about solar, or just love exploring new gadgets, set aside a whole day to wander the Big Tent.

Absolutely. Quartzsite is surrounded by miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, giving RVers endless space to spread out and camp. Options include:

Stay up to 14 days with no cost. Great for short visits or first-timers who want to try boondocking.

For those wanting to stay weeks or months. These areas offer:

If you’re new to boondocking, Tony and Peggy recommend scouting during daylight and observing how far other rigs space themselves — it’s a great way to learn the etiquette.

Quartzsite is warm by winter standards — often in the 60s or low 70s — but don’t be fooled:

Pack layers, tie down awnings, and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.

Short answer: don’t count on it.
Long answer: bring Starlink if you absolutely need reliable connectivity.

Quartzsite’s population explosion overwhelms local towers, and while temporary towers are sometimes brought in, they don’t reach everyone. Many attendees rely on Starlink or simply unplug for the week.

Contrary to rumors, Quartzsite is not a food desert.

You’ll find:

For a bigger grocery run, Blythe, CA and Parker, AZ are each about an hour away.

One of the biggest reasons RVers return year after year? The people.

Quartzsite forms countless temporary communities including:

If you’re going alone, don’t worry — Quartzsite is one of the easiest places to meet fellow campers. There’s truly a “camp for everyone.”

Still, most visitors agree the experience is worth it — you simply have to go once to understand the magic.

Tony and Peggy share even more tips — including how to save your campsite when dumping tanks, favorite food spots, and what first-timers always get wrong.

Listen or watch now on the Girl Camper Podcast!

And for more from our guests, visit StressLess Camping:
https://www.stresslesscamping.com

Learn more about the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show:
https://www.quartzsitervshow.com

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance, supporting RVers nationwide.
https://www.progressive.com/GirlCamper/

Looking for more great places to camp? Check out our America The Beautiful page.

Looking for meaningful, budget-friendly homemade holiday gifts for campers this year? On the latest episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine shares five handmade gift ideas that are easy to create, fun to personalize, and perfect for your favorite camping friends. These gifts are thoughtful, practical, and infused with that Girl Camper spirit of creativity and community.

Whether you’re looking for something cozy for the campsite or a heartfelt gift that doesn’t break the bank, these projects are simple, beautiful, and totally doable.

A gorgeous (and useful!) fire starter made from a simple lunch bag, twine, and a bit of petroleum jelly. Perfect for campfires and backyard firepits.

Turn a thrift store thermos into a charming bedside lamp using a battery-operated LED puck light and a clip-on shade. Stunning on a camper nightstand!

Layer dehydrated oranges, apples, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon for a fragrant stovetop simmer that smells like the holidays.

Combine freeze-dried vegetables, quick-cook pasta, and bouillon to create an easy soup mix your friends can take on the road. Perfect for a chilly camping night.

Hand-folded origami cubes placed over a strand of LED lights—simple, soothing, and beautiful in any RV or tiny space.

All items are from the supply list used in the episode:

Extra Large Double Sided Tape

Origami Paper

Freeze-Dried Mixed Vegetables

Battery Operated Wireless LED Light Bulb

Lamp Shade Light Bulb Clip Adapter

Dried Blood Orange Slices

Whole Cloves

Star Anise

Looking for more DIY projects? Check out our article on more ideas on how to make nature inspired fire starters.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Girl Camper may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work and helping us keep the Girl Camper community thriving!

If you’re dreaming about your next camping adventure but want to keep travel costs down, this week’s Travel Tuesday episode is packed with practical tips to help you save money while still exploring more. From discounted campsites to smart travel apps, membership perks, and seasonal deals, these strategies make it easier than ever to plan affordable camping trips.

Below is a quick summary of the top ways to find the best camping and travel deals so you can make the most of every adventure.

One of the easiest ways to save money on camping is knowing when to book. Campsites and RV rentals are almost always cheaper during the shoulder season, mid-week, and outside major holidays. Many state and national parks reduce fees after Labor Day, and mid-week pricing (Tuesday–Thursday) often brings the best rates.

Travel apps can help you track price drops, find cancellations, and compare campsite availability.
Top pick tools from Travel Tuesday include:

These tools do the hunting for you so you can book at the right moment.

Certain memberships offer huge value for frequent travelers and campers. Programs like Good Sam, Passport America, Harvest Hosts, and state park annual passes can save you money with just a few trips.

Girl Camper members also get exclusive Travel Tuesday discounts on bucket-list TrovaTrips, including Yellowstone, Peru, and Costa Rica—making big adventures more affordable.

If you’re renting an RV, campervan, or cabin, try booking mid-week or during non-peak months for dramatically lower prices. Some rental companies even offer relocation deals for $1 per day—a great way to plan a one-way road trip on a budget.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Plan simple meals, shop in local grocery stores instead of tourist towns, and pack easy camping staples. Fuel savings apps like GasBuddy and Upside help cut driving costs.

Look for free activities such as ranger-led hikes, scenic drives, farmers markets, and brewery or winery tastings (a win for Harvest Hosts members!).

Gear deals are best in the fall and winter, when retailers clear out their seasonal stock. REI Used Gear, outdoor swap meets, Marketplace groups, and Girl Camper community sales are all great places to find tents, chairs, cookware, and clothing at a fraction of the price.

If you camp in an RV, look for:

These small strategies create big savings over a season.

Finding great travel and camping deals doesn’t require complicated tricks—just timing, tools, and a little insider knowledge. With these Travel Tuesday tips, you can take more trips, explore farther, and save more while doing it.

Because there’s truly no wrong way to camp like a girl, especially when you’re getting a great deal along the way.

Thank you to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode! Need an insurance quote? Check Progressive out!

Looking for more tips on how to save money for your camping budget? Check out our article Tips To Make Camping Affordable.

f you love camping — or you’re shopping for someone who does — this podcast episode was packed with fun, practical, and road-tested ideas. In our latest Girl Camper Podcast, Janine and Lesa sat down to share the camping gear, cozy comforts, kitchen gadgets, and campsite treats they either use themselves, recently discovered, or added to their own holiday wish lists.

This blog post recaps the episode and highlights the items we talked about most. Whether you’re stuffing stockings, shopping for your camping bestie, or making a list for Santa, these holiday gift ideas for campers are thoughtful, budget-friendly, and Girl Camper-approved.

One of Janine’s newest favorite finds, this waterproof, rechargeable cooler light solves the age-old problem of digging through a dark cooler at night. It drops right inside and illuminates everything — no fumbling with your phone flashlight. Bonus: it works as an emergency beacon, hangs from a loop, and features multiple light modes.

It’s inexpensive, clever, and perfect for the camper who already has everything.

Lesa’s go-to cooking companion, the Nomad slow cooker is designed specifically for travel. With its locking lid, carry handle, spoon slot, and easy-clean design, it’s perfect for campsite meals. Toss everything in during the morning and come home to a warm, delicious dinner.

Great for RVers, van campers, potlucks, and winter camping.

Janine fell in love with the Coolie Coffee system — a plastic-free, biodegradable pour-over option perfect for campers trying to reduce waste. Paired with their stainless steel coffee pot that heats water without touching plastic, it’s an eco-friendly, great-tasting upgrade for your morning camping ritual.

You can also buy empty filters and fill them with your favorite coffee — a wonderful option for hazelnut lovers like Janine.

These durable, comfortable inflatable couches were a standout at Overland Expo and immediately landed on Lesa’s wishlist. They’re sturdy enough for outdoor use, pack down small, inflate quickly, and comfortably fit two people.

Ideal for sunset watching, outdoor concerts, or lounging at camp.

One of the surprise hits from last year is still going strong. These small cordless table lamps are lightweight, bright, and last 40+ hours. They’re great for RVs, tents, picnic tables — and Lesa discovered they fit perfectly into a camp chair cupholder to illuminate your plate at night.

Affordable, charming, and endlessly useful.

Recommended by several Girl Campers, these cozy, quilted slip-ons are perfect for chilly mornings, late-night bathroom runs, or everyday campsite walking. With collapsible heels, grippy soles, and recyclable materials, they combine comfort with practicality.

A great mid-priced gift option.

This simple gift has turned into a cold-weather game changer. An electric lap blanket keeps you warm in the camper without constantly running a space heater — especially important given the risk of overloaded RV wiring. Lightweight, cozy, and easy to use indoors or outdoors, it’s perfect for winter camping.

Tony and Peggy from Stressless Camping recommended this small but mighty projector, and now it’s on Lesa’s wishlist. Stream from your phone and project movies on your camper wall, a sheet, or the side of an RV. Great for rainy nights, van camping, or outdoor movie gatherings.

A fun gift for families, couples, and solo campers alike.

During the episode, we also talked about Sun Outdoors’ biggest sale of the year. If you’re planning 2025 or 2026 trips, this is a great time to lock in discounted campground reservations and start planning next year’s adventures. Do it now as the sale only lasts till December 3, 2025.

These holiday gift ideas for campers aren’t part of an official Girl Camper Gift Guide — they’re simply the real items we use, love, or hope to try soon. Camping is all about comfort, joy, and making memories, and each of these gifts brings a little more ease and fun to outdoor adventures.

If you listened to the episode, tell us:
Which item are you adding to your own wishlist?

Join the conversation in our Girl Camper Facebook groups or on Instagram @girlcamper!

Be sure to check out our complete Holiday Gift Guide for 2025!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Girl Camper may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use, love, or truly believe in.

Every fall, thousands of RVers head south in search of sunshine, warmer weather, and a slower pace. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend a month or an entire season at a long-term RV site, you’re not alone. Seasonal RV camping is more popular than ever—and for good reason.

In a recent Girl Camper video podcast, Lesa sat down with Heather Taylor and Rebecca Durham, Regional Vice Presidents at Sun Outdoors, to talk about what snowbirds need to know before settling into a seasonal site. Their insights offer a helpful, real-world look at this growing RV lifestyle.

Seasonal RV camping gives travelers the ability to settle in and stay awhile—without the constant packing, towing, and site-hopping. Many RVers love being able to leave their camper set up for weeks or months at a time. It’s convenient, affordable, and allows you to truly get to know the area you’re staying in.

Snowbirds especially enjoy escaping snowy weather in favor of sunny days, community-centered campgrounds, and the flexibility to build winter routines that feel like home.

While rates vary by location, Heather and Rebecca explain that long-term RV stays are often more cost-effective than booking nightly or weekly sites. RV resorts frequently offer discounted monthly or seasonal rates, making winter camping significantly more affordable.

Booking early—especially in popular destinations like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and the Gulf Coast—can help ensure better availability and pricing.

Choosing the perfect seasonal RV site involves more than simply picking a warm destination. Consider:

✔ Amenities such as laundry, WiFi packages, fitness centers, pools, and dog wash stations
✔ Location and access to beaches, bike paths, small towns, and medical care
✔ Walkability if you rely on your RV as your only vehicle
✔ Local culture and activities
✔ Occupancy rules, pet policies, and RV age requirements
✔ Utility billing—some parks bill electric separately or directly through the utility company

These details can significantly impact your stay, especially during a multi-month winter visit.

Seasonal RV camping gives you the chance to create a personalized outdoor living space. Guests often decorate their sites with:

Heather and Rebecca emphasize checking each park’s rules first, especially regarding permanent structures or décor.

One of the biggest perks of seasonal RV camping is the vibrant community. Long-term guests enjoy:

Many guests say these friendships and traditions are what keep them returning year after year.

If you’re new to seasonal RV camping, Heather and Rebecca recommend:

Being prepared helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable winter stay.

If you’re unsure about committing to a full season, try:

This is a great way to see how you like the community, climate, and layout of a resort before diving in completely.

Seasonal RV camping offers sunshine, stability, and a built-in community that many travelers fall in love with. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, mountain views, or a friendly resort filled with activities, this lifestyle might be the perfect winter escape.

To hear the full conversation with Heather and Rebecca—and explore even more seasonal RV camping tips—watch the complete video podcast on Girl Camper’s YouTube channel.

Special thanks to Go RVing for sponsoring this episode. Check Go RVing out for great tips for finding the right RV for you.

Wanting to try Winter Camping? Check out our article Tips For Winter RV Camping.

Podcast with Janine Pettit

“You don’t need a fancy camper or the perfect gear. Just show up and find your place in the circle — there’s no wrong way to camp like a girl.”
— Janine Pettit, Founder of Girl Camper

At Girl Camper, we say it often — there’s no wrong way to camp like a girl! Whether you love the comfort of an RV or the simplicity of a tent, every woman can find her way to enjoy the outdoors.

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, founder Janine Pettit shares all the different ways women camp: car camping, cabin rentals, hammock hanging, tent camping, and RV life. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t require perfection — just a willingness to go.

Janine shares stories of women who found creative ways to join in — from first-timers renting a cabin to seasoned campers who’ve traded pop-ups for motorhomes. Each story is a testament to the spirit of adventure, courage, and community that defines Girl Camper.

She also offers practical advice for anyone who’s been thinking, “Maybe someday…”
You’ll learn how to:

Not sure where to begin? Janine’s message is clear — just start. The magic of Girl Camper is in showing up, meeting new friends, and finding your place around the campfire.

“You don’t need to wait for perfect. Grab what you have, borrow what you can, and come camp with us.”

Have you joined Girl Camper yet??? It’s the best way to find adventure, friendship and community! Come join us!! Here’s a link!

Explore protected with Progressive, a leader in RV insurance.
Get your quote at Progressive.com/GirlCamper

Want to try camping but don’t want to shell out a lot of money to get started? Check out REI’s article on “How To Buy Used Outdoor Gear & Clothing” for some advice.