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.

Ready to take your RV adventures up a notch? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, host Lesa McDermott chats with Angie Skinner, SiriusXM Speedway host, Skinner Roundup, and wife of retired NASCAR driver Mike Skinner, and Hannah Woolery from Buzz Bikes about how e-bikes are transforming the way campers explore.

Angie and Mike travel the country part-time in their motorhome, and they never hit the road without their Buzz Centris e-bikes. From cruising the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota to rolling through the Blue Ridge Mountains, their e-bikes have made it easy to explore new places, meet fellow travelers, and stay active while camping.

They share how e-bikes replaced their old golf cart setup, made exploring more spontaneous, and even helped them avoid traffic at popular destinations like Zion National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Whether you’re an RVer, weekend camper, or digital nomad, e-bikes open up a new level of freedom. Angie and Hannah share a few helpful insights for riders of all ages:

Hannah from Buzz Bikes breaks down what makes the Centris e-bike a perfect fit for travelers — it’s foldable, sturdy, and designed for portability. With a range of up to 40 miles and fat tires for stability, it’s ideal for everything from campground cruising to exploring town trails.

Angie and Mike’s story proves that e-bikes aren’t just for hardcore cyclists — they’re for anyone who wants to add a little more fun and flexibility to their travels.

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring scenic trails, national parks, or small towns at your own pace, this episode will inspire you to take your next camping trip on two wheels.

🚴‍♀️ Learn more about Buzz Bikes: BuzzBicycles.com and use promo code GIRLCAMPER for a discount.

Needs some tips for keeping your bike in good condition? Check out this article: Preparing For Biking Season

If you’ve ever dreamed of a river adventure that blends wild beauty with pampered comfort, this is the trip for you. In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, host Janine Pettit chats with Linnea Hodgkiss of Mackay Wilderness River Trips about an unforgettable Salmon River rafting trip coming in July 2026.

This isn’t just another rafting experience — it’s a chance to explore one of the most remote and breathtaking regions in the country: Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness, home to the legendary River of No Return.

The Salmon River rafting trip winds through 87 miles of pristine wilderness that only a small fraction of travelers ever see. With crystal-clear water, abundant wildlife, and lush canyon walls, it’s a world away from city life.

Janine recalls spotting bald eagles and bighorn sheep, soaking in natural hot springs, and falling asleep under a blanket of stars. Every night brought another gourmet meal by the river and the kind of peace that can only be found far from Wi-Fi and crowded campgrounds.

Linnea shares how she became a river guide and why she loves helping guests experience the Salmon River. Working with Mackay Wilderness River Trips, her team handles everything — from setting up tents and cooking three incredible meals a day to ensuring every camper feels safe and cared for.

Whether you’re an experienced outdoorswoman or new to camping, this Salmon River rafting trip makes it easy to relax, connect, and let the guides do the work.

The 2026 Girl Camper Salmon River trip runs July 21–26, and it’s a six-day, five-night journey through Idaho’s stunning wilderness.

Here’s what’s included:

The trip normally costs $3,600, but Girl Camper guests receive an exclusive $400 discount, making it just $3,200. A $750 deposit holds your spot, with the balance due March 31, 2026.

This adventure is about more than rafting. It’s about friendship, laughter, and the magic that happens when women unplug and reconnect with nature — and themselves. As Janine says, “You really do have to go to some trouble to get yourself to a place where you can experience something like this.”

Whether you want to check a river trip off your bucket list or simply escape into Idaho’s wild beauty, this experience will stay with you forever.

Spaces for the 2026 Salmon River rafting trip are limited.
👉 Visit the Girl Camper events page to learn more and book your adventure today.

This episode is sponsored by Fresh Cab from EarthKind — the natural, plant-based rodent repellent that keeps your RV mouse-free. Visit EarthKind.com to learn more.

The world of camping looks a lot different than it did just a few years ago. From luxury RV resorts with Wi-Fi and EV charging to classic family campgrounds that keep traditions alive, there’s never been more variety—or more demand.

In a recent episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa sat down with Jeff Crider, journalist, PR professional, and Go RVing brand ambassador, to talk about the state of campgrounds in the U.S. and what’s changing across the outdoor hospitality industry.

Jeff says the good news is that there are more campgrounds and better amenities than ever before. The pandemic brought a wave of new campers into the lifestyle, and that surge pushed campground owners and developers to expand and upgrade their properties.

While new RV sales have cooled since 2020, camping itself remains incredibly popular. Families, digital nomads, and retirees continue to hit the road in record numbers, keeping demand for campsites strong.

However, Jeff points out that if you want to visit a popular destination in peak season—like summer weekends near national parks—you’ll still need to book early. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand.

Whatever your camping style, there’s a park for you—it just depends on whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, a family adventure, or a resort experience.

The top campground amenity in 2025? Reliable, high-speed internet.

With more RVers working remotely, Wi-Fi is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Campgrounds are investing heavily in better connectivity, as well as new features like EV charging stations, solar power, glamping accommodations, and community gathering spaces that encourage connection.

Sustainability is another growing focus. More parks are adopting eco-friendly practices like native landscaping, recycling programs, and water conservation efforts.

Jeff shared one inspiring story about the Ventura Ranch KOA in California. The campground not only offers fun attractions like a 12-station zip line but also partners with rehabilitation centers to help guests battling depression and anxiety. Experiences like zip-lining and team activities help build confidence and a sense of connection—a reminder that campgrounds can be about much more than just camping.

Beyond the campground industry, Jeff’s humanitarian work with Med Access International—a volunteer medical mission organization—has taken him around the world. His belief that travel and service go hand in hand resonates deeply with the Girl Camper spirit: adventure, community, and giving back.

Wondering where you should camp next? Check out our America The Beautiful page on our website for ideas.

✨ Go RVing – Discover the joy of RV travel and start planning your next great adventure at GoRVing.com.

🌿 Fresh Cab from EarthKind – Keep mice out of your camper naturally! Fresh Cab uses plant-based ingredients to repel rodents without harmful chemicals. Learn more at EarthKind.com.

https://youtu.be/t2791P1kU-4