Trip planning season is in full swing, and the RV Atlas is here to help! We like nothing more than camping on or near a lake or river with beautiful views. It also makes fishing, kayaking, SUPing, and swimming so much easier. When we can drop our kayaks or SUP's in the water right by our site we use them much more. Of course, waterfront sites (and waterfront campgrounds in general) are harder to book. So it is time to get planning!

Today's podcast is based on a blog post that I did for Go RVing this summer. Check it out right here.

Or to listen to Jeremy and Stephanie discuss these 8 awesome waterfront campgrounds click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts!

We changed up the list a bit from the Go RVing post, and we added some favorites from members of The RV Atlas group--so make sure to check out the podcast and the blog post! Here is the list that we discuss on the show!

Shelter Cove RV Resort (Odell Lake, Oregon)

 

Jedediah Smith Campground (Crescent City, California)

Holiday Park Campground (Traverse City, Michigan)

Old Highway 86 Campground (Table Rock Lake, Missouri)

Photo By Kerri Cox

Jellystone Lakes Region (Milton, New Hampshire)

photo provided by Northgate Resorts

Keuka Lake State Park (Finger Lakes, New York)

Otter Lake Camp Resort (Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania)

photo provided by Otter Lake Camp-Resort

Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA  (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina)

 

We just finished a 50 night stretch of living in our RV while the first stage of our home renovation was completed. Our Jayco Eagle HT 264BHOK was parked right on the side of our new home and served us well during this long stretch. It wasn't always easy with remote learning going on, but overall it worked well for our family.  In early September we debated between renting a house during this time, or living in the RV--and living in the RV won out. So we had a 50 amp hookup installed, and we settled into the Eagle.  This past Friday night we finally moved into the house (which is far from being done!) and it felt like a major life event.

When we bought the Eagle last year we were looking for a rig that had a lot of creature comforts. But also one that was modestly sized enough to fit into state and national park campgrounds. Our 32' 10' Eagle fit the bill nicely! We had no idea that we would end up living in it for 50 nights during a home Reno. There were certainly times during those 50 nights when we both wished that we had a larger trailer with a private bunk room for the boys--and a permanent dinette. But the Eagle served us well and we all slept comfortably each night. We did have access to our garage and one room in the house--so that helped a great deal.

Spending such a long stretch of time in the RV really got us thinking about its features and the ones that really helped us stay comfortable (and sane!) during this stretch. Here are 8 key features from our Eagle that really made a difference for us during our 50 night stay!

The Chaise Lounge

The Jayco Eagle HT 264BHOK comes with a U-Shaped Dinette---or an optional chaise lounge. We chose the chaise lounge and we are sooooo glad we did. We are not huge fans of the U-shaped dinettes because we think that are a bit hard to get in and out of--and we would rather have the open space than a permanent table. The chaise does come with a table that is easy to install. It swivels in and out and is comfortable to sit behind. Additionally, it stores right underneath the chaise, which is super convenient.

We used the chaise three different ways during our 50 night stay. Firstly, as a bed for Theo. He chose this over his bunk because he wanted a more open space. Secondly, in its natural form as a comfortable seating area that easily works for four of us at a time. And thirdly, as a work station for Max during remote schooling. It would have been nice to have a separate dining room table and couch during this time--but the chaise worked well. We just had a bit more set up and break down than during our usual camping trips.

The Furrion LED Fireplace

Man oh man do we love this electric fireplace. It has been on quite a lot these last few weeks and it heats our 32 ft. trailer very nicely. It is also a bit more quiet and subtle than listening to a furnace kick on and off during the night. The boys also like changing the colors--and so do I! The timer feature is also nice in case you want to turn it on right before bedtime and have it shut off an hour or two after everyone falls asleep. Additionally, it comes with a handy remote. So if you are relaxing on the chaise you don't have to get up and make the long walk over to the heater to turn it on or off. Joking, but not really joking!

Furrion Flat Screen TV

We don't watch a ton of TV when we go on RV trips, but we aren't luddites either. If we play all day, sometimes we love to watch a movie (or old Andy Griffith episodes) at night. But during our 50 night stay in the RV we really gave our Furrion LED TV a workout. The boys and I watched baseball every night and we really appreciated the positioning and easy functionality of our entertainment center. Frankly, this is the first RV we have owned where the positioning of the TV is really front and center.

We have been dreaming of returning to the Pacific Northwest ever since we came back from our monthlong trip a few years back. There was so much we didn't get to see. Thankfully, our Pacific Northwest correspondent, Neil Potter is taking us back there on one of this week's podcasts. Neil loves Boardman Marina & RV Park, which is located right on the backs of the Columbia River in Boardman, Oregon. So we asked him to come back on The RV Atlas podcast and give us a review!

Neil's last review for The RV Atlas podcast was on the Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA. He works for Columbia Sportswear and is the founder and creator of Potter Woodworks, a small batch woodworking studio in Beaverton, Oregon. His handiwork is beautiful and we hope you take a second to check it out!

To listen to Neil's review of Boardman Marina & RV Park click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your shows! Or read below to find out more!

Location of Boardman Marina & RV Park 

photo by Neil Potter

Boardman Marina & RV Park is a bit of a "sleeper" in Neil's opinion and something of an under-the-radar gem. It is located 3 hrs from Portland. So it is drivable for a quick weekend getaway, but far enough away to feel like a real escape. You wouldn't really think there is a campground in this location at all. But there is, and it's a good one. It would also be a great place to stop on your way into Portland from Montana, Yellowstone, or coming up from Moab on 84.

Sunsets and Kayaking at Boardman Marina

photo by Neil Potter

The main attraction at Boardman Marina & RV Park is its waterfront location and its direct access to the Columbia River. Neil and his family loves the "crazy sunsets" and launching their kayaks directly from their site. He described the waters as being gentle and family friendly. Additionally, his kids also loved the little "tucked away" beaches with pretty pebbles and river rocks.

Size of the Campground and Site Details

photo by Neil Potter

Boardman Marina & RV Park is a relatively small campground with only 63 sites. 20 of them are right on the water. Neil loved his site, and all of the sites in general. They are large, paved, and have full-hookups. There is also good space in-between the sites the roads are a bit curved which gives the sites extra privacy. The campground's strategically placed privacy fences between sites were also on point and appreciated by Neil. So many other campgrounds would benefit from implementing fencing like this.

Price Range, Ease of Booking, and other Amenities

Neil found the prices here to be fair and less expensive than campgrounds that are closer to Portland. Booking sites here also seems to be pretty easy. The amenities at the campground are also very clean and user friendly. Boardman Marina & RV Park has clean restrooms, a state of the art play structure, and plenty of doggy rest stations that were loaded up with waste sacks.  There is also a three mile walking trail and a basketball court, play numerous play structures, horseshoes, sandlot volleyball, a swimming area, and reservable pavilions and gazebos.

Wifi and cell service was also solid.

Oregon is an incredible state for RV travel and it is filled with off the beaten track gems like Boardman Marina & RV Park. We are hoping to return to the Beaver State, and booking a quiet site along the river here is at the top of our list!

See You at the Campground!!

--Jeremy and Stephanie

 

 

 

 

Most of us have probably camped or picnicked at a CCC built facility and not even realized it. So what was the CCC? And why does it matter to us today? Our guest on today's podcast is longtime RV Atlas contributor Casita Dean May. Click on the media player above to listen to Jeremy and Dean's conversation about the history of the CCC and its lasting contributions to the great outdoors in America. Or simply continue reading Dean's guest blog post below to learn more!

If you have visited or camped in a national park, national forest, or state park in the United States, you have seen and benefitted from the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)! The CCC was created in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (FDR) New Deal Programs to combat the ravages of the Great Depression that included an unemployment rate of over 25% and a stock market that had lost nearly 90% of its value. There were also significant environmental challenges stemming from decades of neglect and abuse of the land, poor agricultural practices, and timber overharvesting as well as droughts leading to the Dust Bowls of 1932-33. The idea behind the CCC was to use human resources to improve natural resources.  

The CCC was designed as a temporary program to employ young men to improve our nation’s infrastructure. During its years of operation, 1933 to 1942, the CCC employed three million young men primarily between the ages of 18 to 25. These young men lived in camps receiving “three hots and cot” in exchange for their labor. They earned $30 per month with $25 going home to their families and the remaining $5 being using to cover their sundries. The “Boys of the CCC” were from families that benefitted greatly from this income during the Great Depression. The typical CCC worker was one of six children and was 18 to 19 years old. The majority of these young men, 70%, were malnourished upon entering the CCC. The average worker gained eight to fourteen pounds during his CCC enlistment. Only 11% of these young men had high school diplomas. In addition to food and shelter, the CCC worker received clothing (denim work clothes and surplus military uniforms) and health care.   

During the nine-year existence of the CCC, 4,500 camps were formed across the United States. The heaviest concentrations of these camps were along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Midwest, and the South. At any given time, each camp included 100 to 300 workers. The young men were housed in large Army tents with 50 workers per tent. In addition to the tents for sleeping quarters, the camps would include office quarters, a recreation tent, a mess tent for meals, as well as a tent for water and waste disposal. Given the CCC existed prior to desegregation, African American CCC workers had separate camps while Native American CCC workers were only allowed in camps on reservations.

The work done by the CCC was extensive. In addition to “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” planting three billion trees, they built dams, 125,000 miles of roads and bridges, and wired 89,000 miles of telephone lines. Many CCC projects focused on erosion control, stream bank protection, range re-vegetation, mosquito control, and fire management. CCC workers constructing campgrounds, lodges, cabins, fire towers, bridle trails, and 13,000 miles of hiking trails transformed our national parks, national forests, and state parks. Many repairs of historic structures and military forts were completed by the CCC making them more accessible to the public.  CCC projects often focused on building structures in the parks that blended with the natural features of the park. The CCC had significant impact on the landscape and culture of America’s national parks, national forests, and state parks. 

The CCC was one of the most popular of FDR’s many successful New Deal Programs and the leg...

RVing has definitely changed our lives for the better. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that purchasing an RV was transformational for our family. Stephanie and I did not grow up camping in a consistent way. So looking back it seems like a miracle that we became RV owners.

What Inspired Us To Become RV Owners?

I give the Go RVing national media campaign much of the credit for inspiring us to buy our first pop up camper over a decade ago. Their emotional and cinematic television commercials tugged on my heartstrings and made me want to hit the open road with our children. Those commercials also sent me over to Go RVing's website for more information and education about selecting the right RV for our family. Additionally, I also spent a lot of time reading posts from their great blog, which was called The Scenic Route at that time.

I am so honored to now be a regular contributor to the website that inspired me all of those years ago. And it still amazes me to think that our family was featured in one of Go RVing's national television campaigns. 

Go RVing Launches New Website

Still shot from our Go RVing commercial.

Over the years the Go RVing website became a bit outdated. It was not fully able to integrate all of the amazing content that was being created by their team. So when they announced the launch of a brand new, content rich, highly interactive website, we knew we needed to call them up and have someone on the podcast to walk us through all of its new features. We also wanted to chat about Go RVing's latest national media campaign. Thankfully Sarah Neely, Go Rving's Senior Manager for Strategic Marketing & Data Analytics, was up for the task!

To listen to our interview with Sarah click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts! All images in this post were provided by Go RVing.

Go RVing's new website is jam packed with great content and user friendly tools worth using. So here are six of the most compelling new features you should check out:

Content Journeys

Keith Sims Tailgating

Go RVing's "content journeys" tell the stories of real RV owners in their own voices. The new website is packed with great blog posts, tips and tricks, and videos. Each piece of content will inspire you to start your own RV adventures. Additionally, content journeys are incredibly diverse and tell the stories of RVers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you want to travel with young kids, or have solo adventures, or sell your house and go full-time, there is great content here for you!

Find My RV Quiz

The "Find My RV Quiz" will help RV newbies get started. Because choosing your first RV can be complicated. There really is a steep learning curve. This tool will help you make a smart decision by asking you a series of relevant questions about your camping style. After you answer them the tool will recommend an RV that is right for you.

Compare RV's

If you find yourself stuck between a fifth wheel or a conventional travel trailer, then the "Compare RV's" tab will help immensely. You can place key facts and figures side by side and compare price, length, features, and more. Researching your big purchase is so important, and this tool gets a lot of the legwork done for you in advance.

Testimonials

Go RVing's website is packed with testimonials from real RV owners. The testimonials are inspiring and filled with good advice. If they can do it, why can't you? There are even a few quotes from Stephanie and I on the new website. So go and see if you can find them!

Look Inside

The "look inside" feature on the new website allows you to click on pictures of an RV and take a look inside of it. Many first time shoppers are amazed at how comfortable and luxurious modern RV's can be.

We have always loved tiny trailers here at the RV Atlas. Stephanie and I have been covering them on the podcast since the beginning! Our family camping unit includes 2 adults, 3 kids, and our sweet dog Maggie. So a tiny trailer is not a really a good option for our crew. But they are still a temptation and something of a forbidden fruit for us. I think we both look forward to having a smaller RV after the boys head off to college. Or maybe even buying a second tiny trailer if it ever makes sense for us financially. We have also always loved trailers that are built for going off the grid. Or at the very least--dry camping adventures.

Our last two rigs have been equipped with solar and large tanks (and our new Eagle even has a generator) so that we can camp without hookups for days on end. So to put it mildly--the combination of tiny trailers that are also built for off-grid adventures really hits a sweet spot for both of us.

Stephanie's Picks!

Stephanie recently penned an article for Togo RV about the "6 Best RV's for Going Off the Grid" and after reading it, I knew we had to have her on the show to talk about her picks. Click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts to listen to our discussion of important features for off-grid RV's--and Stephanie's review of the following 6 rigs!

inTech RV Flyer

Lance Truck Camper

Airstream Basecamp

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 

Winnebago Hike 

Rockwood Geo Pro 

Will we finally get a tiny trailer of our own? One that is built for outdoor adventure and dry camping at our favorite state parks like Assateague? I think we will. And when we do I think it will be one of these six!

Do you travel in your RV with a beloved family dog, or dogs? If you do you are not alone! According to studies by the RVIA and KOA More than 50% percent of RV owners go RVing with dogs. The RV lifestyle is perfect for dog owners. We have never encountered a campground that DID NOT allow pets and the vast majority of campgrounds are very dog-friendly.

To get some tips and tricks about RVing with dogs click here!

But some campgrounds take it even further. They are not just dog friendly, they are dog-centered. What I mean by "dog-centered" is that the design of the campground pays particular attention to the wants and needs of RV dogs and their people. These campground offer much more than just a fenced in dog walk area with poop bags. Instead some offer dog park FACILITIES and dog parks in stunning locations on water. Kenneling services and doggy wash stations are also an option at some of these top notch campgrounds--as are agility contests and dog-specific hiking trails.

Today's podcast episode " RVing With Dogs ! 8 Campgrounds With Awesome Puppy Parks"  can be listened to by clicking on the media player above.  The podcast is based on a blog post that Jeremy did for Go RVing this past summer. To find out more about these campgrounds click on the media player above to listen to the show, or head over to Go RVing's blog to read the original post. 

Go RVing Post:

https://www.gorving.com/tips-inspiration/trip-planning/rving-dogs-8-campgrounds-awesome-puppy-parks

Here are the campgrounds featured in the Go RVing post and on the podcast!

Lake George RV Park (Lake George, New York)

Normandy Farms Campground (Foxboro, Massachusetts)

Massey’s Landing (Millsboro, Delaware)

Fancy Gap / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Fancy Gap, Virginia)

4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat (Rutherfordton, North Carolina)

The Campground at James Island County Park (Charleston, South Carolina)

WIlliams/Exit 167/ Circle Pines KOA (Williams, Arizona)

Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)

 

 

We have been obsessed with camping and hiking gear since day one here at The RV Atlas headquarters. Testing and reviewing camping gear and RV gadgets is baked into the DNA of our podcast, and our website. In fact, right now, as I write these words our new two-car garage (at our new home) is being renovated. Thick installation and new sheetrock are being installed so that our garage will be more clean and comfortable for every day use. I plan on being out there testing gear all winter long.

I can't wait to unpack all of my camping and hiking gear and get it organized so its ready to be deployed for our next adventure. Stephanie tends to be more of a camping minimalist. Though she still loves the simple pleasures that a good piece of gear can bring when it is being used as it was intended to be used. I tend to be more of a gear maximalist. I want to test everything new that comes out. As the co-host of The RV Atlas podcast, I consider it to be part of my job to know what gear is worth buying. And I love sharing my top picks with you.

Camping and Hiking Gear that is Perfectly Designed.

The camping and hiking gear that we feature in this blog post and podcast, are, in my humble opinion, perfectly designed. I think that if you tried to improve upon any of their design features you might just ruin them. All of them, except one, are also reasonably priced. Are you are one of the legions of new campers that have discovered the great outdoors and the pleasures of the RV and camping lifestyle in 2020? Then this list will help you put together your own world class camping kit.

If you are a crafty veteran of the RV and camping lifestyle, then you may end up nodding your head in approval, or disagreement, with the following picks.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

--Jeremy

Camelbak CHUTE® MAG 25 OZ (.75L) BOTTLE ($14.00)

Camelbak Chute water bottles are durable, affordable, and intuitive to use. They also come in a variety of bright and attractive colors that should be easy to match with your favorite daypack or hiking outfit. According to Camelbak, "the universal cap features a magnetic top that stows securely out of the way when open, [and] is leak-proof when closed." We can attest to both parts of this claim. We also love that this bottle is dishwasher safe and BPA free. Camelbak has been refining their water bottles for years, and we think this one is as good as it gets. That's why we own four or five of them. If you are starting your camping and hiking gear collection then getting a Chute for each member of the family might be a great place to start.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet ($14.88)

 

Most of my camping and hiking gear is in storage right now, so I had to go out and buy another 10.25" Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. Thank goodness they are such a bargain. The sub $15 price point on this iconic piece of cookware is a miracle of American manufacturing. How does Lodge do it? My guess is that they sell thousands and thousands (and thousands more) of them. From a design perspective everything here is done right. The handle is comfortable, and the pour spouts are practical.  Lodge's robust pre-seasoning process also makes this easy for an amateur to use and maintain. What else can you buy for about 15 bucks that will easily last a lifetime?

 

Luci Color ($24.95)

The design team at MPOWERD Inc. makes beautiful solar lanterns. The Luci Color is my personal favorite. This INFLATABLE solar lantern has 8 different colors and can last 9 hours on a single charge. It packs up easily too, so you can bring a few of them to camp without sacrificing much space. If you have a tiny trailer, or you are tent camping and space is at a premium, then this is a perfect light for you. The Luci Color is so adorable and affordable that you mi...

The RV and camping industries have faced an incredibly tumultuous year in 2020, as have many businesses. Last spring many campgrounds and RV manufacturers had to shut down and face a mountain of uncertainty--and then in later spring and early summer their businesses started to boom like never before. Demand for RVs, outdoor equipment, and campsites reached historically high levels. It was an emotional roller coaster ride for business owners to say the least.

Here at The RV Atlas we decided to put together a mini-series of podcasts taking a closer look at how the pandemic affected business owners in several different segments of these paired industries. Our first episode took a look at how the Inn Town Campground is handling the global pandemic. For the second episode of the series we we interviewed repeat guest Josh Winters from Haylett RV about how they were handling the unexpectedly explosive sales that came their way in July and August.

In the latest episode in the series we decided to interview Kent Wilson from RV SnapPad to see how the pandemic was impacting the business of a rapidly growing RV accessory maker that was well positioned for accelerated growth in the early months of 2020.  When the coronavirus hit, RV SnapPad began to have incredibly complicated manufacturing delays that they are still working to overcome today. For a time, they even had to pause sales on their own website so that they could fulfill orders elsewhere.

Use the media player above (or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts) to take a listen to our interview with Kent to hear about RV SnapPad's wild and crazy summer and to learn more about this family's background as innovators in the RV accessory space. 

So What is an RV SnapPad?

https://youtu.be/X83fARawyZc

RV SnapPads are made out of recycled tires and they are the world's only permanent jack pad. They are also easy to install and "snap" into place using a little bit of dish soap around the lip of the pad. We love them because they are one of the few RV accessories that actually reduce the time and work it takes to get set up at the campground. I used to crawl around under the RV on my hands and knees (or have the boys do it!) to put my jack pads in place before auto leveling the camper.

Now that annoying process is eliminated and I can set up camp a bit quicker and easier. We love the SnapPads and would never own a rig without them. They are also relatively affordable and you can't lose them or accidentally leave them at the campground when packing up camp.

To hear about RV SnapPad's complete lineup of products click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts!

Or click here to check out their website and order a set for your rig today!

Is Southern Indiana on your RV Bucket List?

RVing and enjoying the great outdoors has never been more popular than it is right now--and many of the country's most popular campgrounds and state and national parks have been crowded throughout the summer and fall. This has left many campers frustrated. Particularly those who want to find some elbow room for social distancing. We wish that this pandemic would hurry up and end, but since that is not the case, we think its a great time to explore some of the best off-the-beaten path RV destinations. Yellowstone and Yosemite may be on your bucket list, but maybe its time to plan an RV trip to southern Indiana, or a number of other great underrated locations that might be less crowded, and just as fun to explore.

Huge thanks to Casita Dean May for providing supporting text and photos for this post--and for another great appearance on The RV Atlas podcast!

Exploring Underrated Camping Destinations with the RV Atlas

The RV Atlas podcast and blog has put together a series about underrated states for RV travel. States that have tons of natural beauty, and plenty of great campgrounds to choose from. On previous shows in this series we have explored New York State, Virginia, Arkansas, and Michigan. On today's episode of The RV Atlas we are talking about RVing in Southern Indiana with one of our favorite correspondents, the legendary Casita Dean May. Click on the media player above to listen, or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcasting app.

Dean has a deep love for all things southern Indiana and he knows the landscape well. On the show he dispels the common misconception that all of Indiana is flat. In fact, the region is filled with steep hills known as "knobs." The Ohio River and the hills of southern Indiana were created by glacial period that left northern Indiana flat. Major American cities formed along the Ohio River, and Dean reminded us that a day trip into Louisville, Kentucky is easy make while you are exploring southern Indiana in your RV.

Here are lists and links for Dean's favorite things to do and see in southern Indiana, all of which he talks about on today's podcast!

Casita Dean May's Favorite Small Towns

Schnitz Brewery & Pub in Jasper, INDean also loves many of the "cool little towns" in southern Indiana for their food and culture. His favorites that he mentions in the show are:

French Lick

Nashville

Paoli

Corydon

Jasper

State Parks in Southern Indiana

Brown County State Park

This region is also packed with great state parks and all of the ones mentioned below (that Dean discusses on the show) also have great campgrounds!

Brown County State Park 

Charlestown State Park

Clifty Falls State Park 

Lincoln State Park

Spring Mill State Park

National and State Forests, and Large Lakes in Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana also boasts numerous national and state forests and large lakes galore, making it an amazing region for fishing, hiking, camping, and all things great outdoors. Here are some of Dean's favorite places to explore in southern Indiana.

Hoosier National Forest

Clark State Forest

Yellowwood State Forest

Monroe Lake

Patoka Lake

Caves and Caverns in Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana also has plenty of options for exploring UNDERGROUND. Here are several options for great cave tours for those with adventurous spirits.

Blue Spring Caverns

Indiana Caverns

Margeno Cave U.S. National Landmark

Squire Boone Caverns

Wyandotte Caves (temporarily closed due to COVID-19)

Dean's Favorite Campgrounds 

Sycamore Springs Campground