Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
Is your RV on the list? A manufacturer recall can create a safety risk if not repaired.
Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall, creating a safety risk for you and your passengers. Safety defects must be repaired by a certified dealer at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.
Thousands of RVs are affected by the latest RV recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Before you head out for summer camping, check the latest roundup of NHTSA recalls to see if your RV is affected.
What is a recall?
It’s always important to keep up with the latest recalls, no matter how small the issue may appear to be. Each week, NHTSA publishes the latest information on recalls from minor to major defects. NHTSA releases its most recent list of recalls each Monday.
When a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a recreational vehicle or item of RV equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.
Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
It should be noted that RV recalls are related to vehicle safety and not product quality. NHTSA has no interest in an air conditioner failing to cool or slide out failing to extend or retract—unless they can be directly attributed to product safety.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Sabre fifth wheels. The emergency exit window was not installed on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Dealers will install an emergency exit window, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-2100. Forest River’s number for this recall is 62-1785.
Forest River
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Puma travel trailers. The amber side marker light may not have been installed on one side of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
Dealers will install intermediate amber clearance lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact customer service at 1-574-642-0488. Forest River’s number for this recall is 425-1787.
Forest River
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024 Forest River Rainier, Stealth Evo, Salem, Vibe, and Wildwood travel trailers. The tire may contact the vehicle body due to insufficient clearance, which can cause tire damage.
Dealers will install taller shackles and equalizers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-503-831-5410. Forest River’s number for this recall is 22-1789.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2004-2024 Cedar Creek and 2006-2024 Puma fifth wheels trailers. The overcurrent protection from the trailer battery may have been incorrectly routed, allowing the wires to be pulled out of the junction box.
Dealers will reroute the wires to the protected side of the mini-beaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 14, 2024. Owners may contact Puma customer service at 1-574-642-0588 or Cedar Creek customer service at 260-593-4000. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1786.
Thor Motor Coach
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2025 Thor Tranquility and Sanctuary motorhomes. A 50 AMP circuit breaker was incorrectly installed when a 20 AMP breaker is required, which can result in overheated wiring.
Dealers will install a 20 AMP circuit breaker, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 6, 2024. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000305.
Thor Motor Coach
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Indigo and Luminate motorhomes. The heat shield that protects the propane tank from engine exhaust may be too short, which can cause the propane tank to become overheated.
Dealers will install an overlapping heat shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 6, 2024. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000306.
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Omni and Magnitude motorcoaches. The emergency exit window could be blocked while outside griddle is in use.
Dealers will relocate the emergency exit window, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to begin August 14, 2024. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Grand Design
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2023 Solitude fifth wheels. Loose or missing fasteners on the refrigerator cooling unit can allow excessive movement of the unit, possibly causing the propane line to crack and leak.
Dealers will inspect the refrigerator, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 12, 2024. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is 910043.
Host
HOST INDUSTRIES (Host) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Host Mammoth, Yukon, Cascade, Tahoe, and Everest trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Dealers will cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, or remove the LED backlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Host customer service at 1-541-330-2328 ext. 5.
Foretravel
Foretravel, Inc. (Foretravel) is recalling certain 2020 IC-37 vehicles equipped with a Multiplex G9 circuit unit used for controlling equipment and accessories in the motorhome. Excessive voltage may cause the components on the circuit board to become damaged.
Dealers will add a circuit protection module to the existing component board, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 15, 2024. Owners may contact Foretravel customer service at 1-800-955-6226.
Eveland’s Inc. (Eveland’s) is recalling certain 2024 Scamp trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat.
Dealers will cut the circuit powering the LED backlights and terminate the wiring, or remove the LED backlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2024. Owners may contact Eveland’s customer service at 1-218-947-4932.
Airstream
Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling certain 2024 Interstate motorhomes. The 12-volt in-line fuse that provides back-up power to the water heater/furnace system was not installed.
Dealers will install a 12-volt fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to begin August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at support@airstream.com, 1-877-596-6505 or 1-937-596-611 ext. 7401.
Jayco
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2024 Jay Feather travel trailers. A14-inch spare tire was mistakenly installed when the tire placard information is based on a 15-inch tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”
Dealers will replace the spare tire, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901609.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in July camping across America
Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.
Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.
I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.
Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in July: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!
RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in June. Also check out my recommendations from July 2023 and August 2023.
Did you know there’s an RV park that will provide you with a high-definition digital TV? You’ll find it near the Grand Canyon, in Williams, Arizona. The park also comes with free Wi-Fi, access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, as well as shower facilities.
Leave Fido at the on-site pet resort while you’re exploring the Grand Canyon, and enjoy basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes, and a picnic area. This RV park would make a great stop on the ultimate American road trip.
Toutle River RV Resort is a 5-star resort built in 2009. Toutle River has some standard features such as a general store, clubhouse, and heated swimming pool as well as unique, exciting amenities you won’t find in other places. They have red cedar barrel saunas, a disc golf course, a jumbo-sized croquet court, and a karaoke pavilion. There’s also a free do-it-yourself smokehouse for jerky and fish as well as an orchard on site with apples, pears, cherries, and plums that guests are welcome to pick.
The park offers 306 full hookup RV sites many offering 6,000 sq ft or more and up to 100 feet long. Masonry fire pits and BBQs are located throughout the park and all premium sites feature a fire pit, BBQ, and park style picnic tables. These are truly beautiful sites. Conveniently located near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Toutle River RV Resort is located off I-5 at Exit 52, easy-on, easy-off.
New in 2002, Jack’s Landing RV Resort offers 54 RV sites adjacent to Interstate 5 (Exit 58). The nicely landscaped park has paved roads and concrete parking pads. Jack’s Landing is big rig friendly with pull-through sites in the 70-75 foot range (also back-in sites) and conveniently located 30/50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections, and cable TV. Paved sites and fairly wide paved streets. Pleasingly landscaped and treed. The main office has restrooms, showers, a laundry, gym, and small ball court. Only negative is freeway noise.
The farm that inspired the imagery in Stephen Foster’s famous song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” is Kentucky’s most famous and beloved historic site. Built between 1812 and 1818, the three-story house was originally named “Federal Hill” by its first owner Judge John Rowan. Located near Bardstown, the mansion and farm was the home of the Rowan family for three generations, spanning a period of 120 years.
Tour the historic mansion, enjoy a round of golf, camp at the campground, stroll the grounds and explore the interpretive panels, and see the Stephen Foster Story in the summer months. Admire the beautiful grounds of My Old Kentucky Home State Park in the 39-site campground. Convenience is guaranteed with utility hookups, a central service building housing showers and rest rooms, and a dump station.
Countryside RV Park is a great place to stay for a night or a week. It’s a well-maintained park with long strips of green grass in-between sites. The park is easy to navigate with lots of room between sites. Pull through and back in sites for easy access and is big rig friendly. The hook ups were well maintained and right where they should be for easy connections. The owner was very welcoming and told us they had just purchased the park in June (2023) and had cleaned up the park and removed all the fulltime residents. I can’t say enough about the owner.
Dillon is a cute little town and worthy of a visit. Plenty of fishing locally and a beautiful scenic drive to the mountains on Highway 278 close to the park entrance.
Downtown Fort Langley is only a short walk across the Fraser River Bridge from Fort Camping, part of Pathfinder Camp Resorts. With over 155 short term RV sites as well as tent cabins, Fort Camping is located in the heart of a fast growing and popular tourist town which offers endless activities onsite as well as fine dining and shopping experiences nearby. Pathfinder Camp Resorts operate Fort Camping under license granted by Metro Vancouver Regional district.
Jamaica Beach RV Resort is across the street from the beach on Galveston Island with wide open views of the Gulf. The park offers 181 pull-through sites with full hookups, concrete pads, picnic table at every sites, and all-inclusive amenities like a 700-foot-long lazy river. Other park amenities include a relaxing beach pool, family pool, indoor infinity hot tub, outdoor hot tub, splash pad, 3 laundry facilities, 3 shower houses, and pickleball courts.
Explore the island destination Galveston at Jamaica Beach RV Resort. Enjoy a luxurious stay at an RV site or cottage only a five-minute walk from the beach. Spend your stay enjoying the extensive amenities available like the 700-foot lazy river, pickleball courts, infinity spa, outdoor theater, and more. In Galveston, enjoy bird watching, biking, hiking, and fishing.
A fantastic RV Park! Rollin’ Home is a newer park (opened in 2023) located just off I-15 with wonderful view of Mt. Nebo. The park is well laid out with ample space between sites, long paved sites, nice patch of grass, picnic table, and the services conveniently located with dual septic ports. Excellent Wi-Fi.
New in 2008, Jackson Rancheria RV Resort is part of a casino complex. Big rig friendly 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located. Wide, paved interior roads with wide concrete sites. Back-in sites over 55 feet with pull-through sites in the 70-75 foot range. Amenities include walking trails and dog park, heated pool and spa, and laundry facilities. We would return in a heartbeat. Reservations over a weekend are required well in advance. Jackson Rancheria is conveniently located in the heart of Gold Country.
Ambassador RV Resort is a 5-star resort that is easy-on, easy off (I-84 at Exit 29) with 188 full-service sites, pool, spa, sauna, and 5,000 square foot recreation hall. Features 30-foot x 85-foot short term pull-through sites, 35-foot x 75-foot long term pull through sites, 45-foot x 60-foot back-in sites and wide-paved streets. Pets are welcome if friendly and owner is well trained.
Located near Idaho’s wine country and convenient to the Boise metro area, the Ambassador is the perfect home base for all your activities.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in July
I think you travel to search and come back home to find yourself there.
—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Venturing into the world is often seen as a rite of passage whether it’s leaving the family home or moving to a different continent. For MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie leaving her home country of Nigeria to live in the United States and traveling around the world to promote her books began a journey to find herself.
Whether a sense of wanderlust is inherent in us or not, exploring beyond the life we know filled with familiar people is one path to discovering who we really are—which elements of our cultural identity fit and which we prefer to leave behind.
As Adichie observed, it’s the journey that helps us find who we are, and discover where home really is.
’Tis the season for mosquito spray, sunscreen, and summer heat. As you’re making travel plans don’t forget to double-check that your A/C and fridge are working properly. And while you’re at it, it can’t hurt to check your batteries, too,
Are you planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in May and June. Also check out my recommendations from July 2023 and August 2023.
South Dakota is home to Badlands National Park which boasts exciting fossil beds and unique geologic formations. You can see things like sod tables and clastic dikes during the day then stay to take advantage of their dark night skies.
The Badlands Astronomy Festival partners with the NASA South Dakota Grant Consortium. Their festival typically includes guest speakers, telescopes, sky viewing, and a guided walk through a scaled solar system model!
Spotted Lake is a geological wonder located in Osoyoos, the southernmost town in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. The lakewater holds a wealth of minerals—including calcium, sodium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate—and as the summer heats up, the lake’s water gradually evaporates. What’s left is a mesmerizing sight: vibrant dots of mineral pools scattered like a mosaic and creating an otherworldly landscape.
The mirage-like effect is more than just a popular sight—it’s considered sacred to the Syilx people, the Indigenous First Nations of the Okanagan region. For centuries, the Syilx have revered this site utilizing its mud and therapeutic waters for various medicinal and healing purposes. Due to the lake’s cultural and ecological significance, access to the lake itself is restricted. Visitors can instead observe the landscape from the highway or from a designated viewing area.
Fancy coming face-to-face with an extraterrestrial? Roswell, New Mexico’s claim to fame is a mysterious UFO crash that allegedly occurred here in 1947. Known as the Roswell Incident locals claimed that the debris found near the crash site was from a flying saucer and that the U.S. government covered it up.
Roswell’s location in the middle of the New Mexico desert means that visitors can enjoy not only UFO watch towers and the International UFO Museum but also scenic wilderness areas. Fanatics can attend the annual UFO Festival held every year in early July (July 5-7, 2024). Get your picture with the famous welcome sign to prove to skeptical friends that you really did visit the Alien Capital of the World.
4. Savannah’s Waterfront Independence Day Celebration
Savannah’s Waterfront is hosting its annual Independence Day Celebration on Tuesday, July 4, 2024. The event is free and open to the public.
The annual Independence Day Fireworks Show begins at 9:30 pm. and is expected to last about 20 minutes. Spectators on the waterfront can bring chairs and blankets; however, coolers are discouraged. The show takes place from a barge in the Savannah River in front of the Savannah Convention Center. River Street and the ramps will close at 6:30 pm. and cars parked on the ramps and parking lots will need to remain there until the street opens to vehicular traffic after the show.
Established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system, lies the allure of Banff. Even the name sounds like an adventure waiting to happen. Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is a mix of awe-inspiring landscapes from majestic mountains to pristine turquoise lakes.
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise have been coined the crown jewels of this park with their stunning clear waters and gorgeous backdrops. Banff is home to the historic Banff Springs Hotel which looks like a castle straight out of a fairy tale. Let’s not forget about the impressive Chateau Lake Louise where you can hike or canoe to your heart’s content. Whether you’re hiking or simply relaxing and taking it all in at one of its world-renowned hotels, Banff’s beauty and magnetism are unparalleled.
It’s certainly no secret why Banff National Park has been attracting visitors from around the world for decades. If you haven’t yet, I hope you can join those lucky visitors this summer!
Jasper is Banff’s laid-back cousin. While it’s certainly less crowded, it’s equally as stunning offering a charming, serene and untouched wilderness experience. Jasper National Park is vast and is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Its quaint community welcomes travelers from all over the world and boasts the world’s largest dark sky preserve where no artificial lighting is visible. The prestine park features glaciers, lakes, incredible falls, hot springs, wildlife, and some of the most scenic drives in the world including the Icefields Parkway.
This 71,000-acre state park is so good it would be easy to mistake it for a national park. Home to 1,400 bison—not to mention elk, pronghorn antelope, black bears, and a herd of wild burros—this is definitely a destination for wildlife lovers. Custer State Park also offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in a wilderness that is remote, rugged, and beautiful. At night, the park is no less enthralling, offering some of the best stargazing in the country. Here, a sense of adventure is a prerequisite to entry.
A short drive from the cosmopolitan hubs of Austin and San Antonio lies the Texas Hill Country. Amongst this plethora of hamlets and hills, Fredericksburg reigns supreme. Here, you’ll find more than 60 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the area as well as over 700 historically significant structures—most notably, Sunday Houses. These types of small homes built by German settlers were used on Sundays when families would head from their rural homesteads into town to get supplies, do business, and go to church services.
Those German settlers—who first arrived in 1846—have a lasting legacy in eateries like Otto’s German Bistro and lodging like Behr Haus Bed & Breakfast. Visitors can learn about the region’s German history on a trolley excursion with Fredericksburg Tours.
Other worthy stops here include The National Museum of the Pacific War, a tribute to service members in the Pacific during World War II (including native son, U.S. Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz) and Enchanted Rock, the second-largest granite dome in the United States and a Dark Sky International designated park.
With opulent Gilded Age mansions and beautiful beaches, Newport is a lovely summer destination. Visitors and residents alike stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, bike along Ocean Drive, browse farmers markets, and picnic on the beach. Every Saturday throughout the summer, visitors can watch exciting polo matches with competitors from around the world, and tennis fans will want to catch the annual International Hall of Fame Open from July 14-21, 2024.
The 55th Annual Newport Classical Music Festival is set for July 4-21, 2024. For a quintessential Newport day experience the historic mansions and enjoy fresh seafood at one of Newport’s many waterfront restaurants.
Summers in Texas can be hot and humid but the cool waters of the Gulf of Mexico are inviting all year long. Galveston features 32 miles of beaches for those looking to relax in the sun. But the barrier island is also home to historic architecture, a vibrant art scene, excellent seafood restaurants, and fun, quirky shops. Join a walking tour to learn more about the local history, jump on a boat to spot dolphins in the gulf, or go fishing from a pier.
Worth Pondering…
If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.
Be careful what (and how) you post to social media while away from home
While it’s tempting to post pictures on social media of your cool campsite either in a campground or in the middle of nowhere it lets people know (possibly criminals too) your current location and more importantly that your home is vacant.
The advent of social media has put everyone in a rat race of sharing—from sharing their pictures, important milestones, and even location on social media and the internet. People have become very fond of this practice to update their friends and followers about their daily activities. While doing so they turn their location on to check-in to different places with their friends. That is where the risk factor comes into play.
It’s easy to share information with your online contacts. Platforms like social media make it simple for you to broadcast to your family and friends (and even to strangers, depending on your privacy settings) what you’re up to and where you are.
Apps like Facebook and Instagram allow you to tag your photos with the place they were taken and Facebook allows you to tag your statuses with your location. Meanwhile, Snapchat allows you to share your current location as you stream live alerting your followers (and the public, depending on your privacy settings) to your whereabouts.
You’ve probably heard this before. “If you don’t post about it, you haven’t done it” and in addition to activities (like attending music festivals) it also refers to your travels. If you’re on Instagram, you might feel compelled to post pictures or stories to let your followers know where you are.
It makes sense—it’s a social media platform and that’s one of its uses. However, it might become risky for your own personal safety if you don’t take some important privacy issues into account.
I’m talking about sharing your location. In short, you shouldn’t do it unless you take some precautions. Sharing your real-time location can jeopardize your safety as it means broadcasting your whereabouts to many people—and some of them might not have good intentions.
This isn’t something new. Celebrities have long been affected by this same issue including Kim Kardashian who in 2016 was the victim of a robbery in Paris. She shared the location details of the hotel she was staying in and the robbers didn’t think twice about orchestrating the attack.
Social media exposure can impact you even if you aren’t a celebrity. When you let the internet know you’re on vacation somewhere you also let everyone know you’re not at home.
Information about your absence can be exploited in various ways from impersonating you to accessing your personal accounts or even attempting to scam friends and family who might be unaware of your travel plans. To protect yourself it is best to avoid posting your holiday plans and specific travel dates on social media. If you want to share your experiences wait until you return home.
The same goes for your location. You can still get the most out of your social media experience without sharing where you are while you’re there. If sharing where you are is important to you consider waiting to tag the location until you leave. By delaying your posts, you can still share your experiences without compromising your safety.
Your location is only one of the many sensitive data you might be sharing online so while it is important to try your best to protect those location-specific details, it is also essential to holistically protect yourself when online. The golden rule to succeed is straightforward: Share the least amount of information possible.
What you choose to share on social media is always your decision but what others choose to do with your information may not always be in your control. Consider taking the following personal safety precautions with these social media safety tips:
Know how to report, block, and filter content: Social media privacy and safety tools update constantly. The best place to learn about how to enact features is on each social media platform.
For example, Facebook has few options for filtering sensitive content. They operate by a system of individual users reporting posts or by messaging the poster and asking them to remove harmful posts.
Personalize your privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings on the site to your comfort level and select options that limit who can view your information. Think about non-traditional social media as well such as your public transactions on Venmo or music activity on Spotify.
Pause before you post: Before you post, ask yourself if you are comfortable sharing this information with everyone who might see it. Content that contains personal information or your whereabouts could pose a safety risk. Even content that is deleted can sometimes be accessed by the website or through screenshots of the original post and could be used maliciously.
Use a private internet connection: Avoid public Wi-Fi connections like those offered at coffee shops when using a website that asks for a password. Limit your social media usage to personal or private Wi-Fi networks while using cellular data on your phone or under the protection of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advise you to do so as well. “Limit the amount of personal information you post—do not post information that would make you vulnerable such as your address or information about your schedule or routine. If your connections post information about you, make sure the combined information is not more than you would be comfortable with strangers knowing. Also be considerate when posting information, including photos, about your connections.”
Sharing your location on social media has many perils—not only for you but for your friends and family as well. Today’s trends of social media tagging have made it all the more easy for hackers to steal valuable information. So, it is always best to keep yourself on the safe side. Try avoiding sharing your location on social media platforms.
Worth Pondering…
I am a nonparticipant of social media. I’m not much attracted to anything that involves the willing forfeiture of privacy and the foregrounding of insignificance.
Glacier walks and mountain hikes, scenic cruises and epic road trips, Jasper is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and it’s got the diversity of wildlife, wild views, and adventures to prove it
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of nature. This expansive wilderness designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a plethora of wonders from rich biodiversity to awe-inspiring landscapes. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the magic that makes Jasper a must-visit destination.
Jasper is a haven for nature enthusiasts housing a diverse range of plant and animal life. From elusive wildlife like bears and wolves to rare alpine flowers, the park offers a glimpse into thriving ecosystems.
Flora
Subalpine wildflowers: In the subalpine meadows, vibrant wildflowers bloom during the summer months. Look for species like Indian paintbrush, alpine aster, and yellow columbine creating a colorful tapestry against the backdrop of the Rockies.
Coniferous forests: Dense coniferous forests dominate certain areas of Jasper. Engage with towering spruce, fir, and pine trees providing habitat for various wildlife and contributing to the park’s lush greenery.
Lichens and mosses: Jasper’s ecosystems are adorned with lichens and mosses adding an enchanting touch to rocks and trees. These small but crucial organisms play a role in the park’s overall biodiversity.
Aquatic plants: Lakes and rivers within Jasper host a variety of aquatic plants. Submerged species contribute to the health of freshwater ecosystems and provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Elk: One of the iconic species in Jasper, elk are often spotted in Jasper Townsite and throughout the park. During the mating season known as the rut, the bugling calls of male elk echo through the valleys.
Bighorn sheep: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep especially in the rugged mountainous terrain. These majestic creatures navigate steep cliffs with ease, showcasing their adaptability to the park’s challenging landscapes.
Mountain goats: Adapted to the rocky terrain, mountain goats find suitable habitats in the park’s higher elevations. Their presence adds to the alpine character of certain areas within the park.
Grizzly bears: Jasper is home to grizzly bears, a powerful symbol of the untamed wilderness. These apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park.
Mountain caribou: The elusive mountain caribou inhabit the alpine regions of Jasper. Adapted to harsh environments these caribou are uniquely adapted to life in the high-altitude wilderness.
Mule deer: Mule deer are a common sight especially in the lower elevations of Jasper. Their distinctive large ears and graceful movements make them a delight to observe.
Wolves: Wolves, though elusive, are part of Jasper’s predator-prey dynamics. Their presence is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem by controlling populations of herbivores.
Coyotes: Coyotes are adaptable canines that thrive in various habitats within Jasper. Their nocturnal calls add to the park’s soundscape creating an atmospheric experience for visitors.
Birds of prey: Jasper hosts a variety of birds of prey including bald eagles, golden eagles, and owls. These majestic birds contribute to the park’s avian diversity and are a delight for birdwatchers.
Delve deeper into the park’s ecology discovering unique habitats like subalpine meadows and dense coniferous forests. Each ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of Jasper’s natural environment.
Peaks and glaciers
The park’s skyline is dominated by towering mountain ranges and impressive glaciers creating a mesmerizing panorama. Explore the rugged beauty of the Athabasca Glacier and the sublime elegance of Mount Edith Cavell.
Peaks
Mount Edith Cavell: Standing tall at 11,033 feet, Mount Edith Cavell is an iconic peak named after a heroic World War I nurse. The Angel Glacier graces its northeastern face adding to its breathtaking splendor. The glacier’s name is a reference to its white wings of ice.
Mount Athabasca: Dominating the skyline, Mount Athabasca is a prominent peak in Jasper. Its challenging North Face attracts alpinists seeking a formidable ascent while the Athabasca Glacier lies at its base.
Whistlers Mountain: Accessible by the Jasper SkyTram, Whistlers Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It stands as a sentinel overlooking the town of Jasper.
Pyramid Mountain: With a distinctive pyramidal shape, Pyramid Mountain is a recognizable landmark in Jasper National Park. The Pyramid Lake at its base reflects its grandeur making it a favorite subject for photographers.
Mount Robson: While not within Jasper National Park, Mount Robson, located just outside the park boundary is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet.
Athabasca Glacier: The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in North America. Flowing from the Columbia Icefield, visitors can take guided tours to walk on the glacier and witness its crevasses and seracs.
Angel Glacier: Adorning the northern face of Mount Edith Cavell, the Angel Glacier is a striking feature that captivates onlookers with its sweeping wingspan. It’s a testament to the dynamic forces shaping the landscape. The hike from the parking lot itself is quite fascinating as the paved trail takes you through a lunar, rocky moraine.
Dome Glacier: Nestled in the Tonquin Valley, the Dome Glacier is surrounded by rugged peaks and pristine alpine scenery. This remote glacier offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring escape for those willing to explore off the beaten path.
Tonquin Valley Glaciers: The Tonquin Valley is home to several glaciers including the Eremite, Maccarib, and Vulture Glaciers. These glaciers contribute to the dramatic beauty of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Columbia Icefield: While not exclusively within Jasper, the Columbia Icefield spanning the border of Jasper and Banff National Parks is a vast expanse of ice feeding multiple glaciers including the Athabasca Glacier.
Jasper’s iconic lakes such as Maligne Lake and Pyramid Lake mirror the surrounding peaks offering postcard-worthy views. Discover the thundering Athabasca Falls, a testament to the park’s raw, natural power.
Lakes
Maligne Lake: Renowned for its vivid blue waters, Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in Jasper. Boasting a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it offers boat cruises to Spirit Island providing a quintessential Jasper experience.
Pyramid Lake: Nestled at the base of Pyramid Mountain, Pyramid Lake is known for its tranquil setting and scenic views. A causeway provides access to the island in the middle of the lake offering panoramic vistas.
Medicine Lake: This unique lake seems to disappear in the winter earning it the nickname disappearing lake. A geological phenomenon, Medicine Lake is a captivating sight surrounded by forests and mountains.
Beauvert Lake: Adjacent to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Beauvert Lake is a serene and picturesque lake surrounded by lush forest. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding mountain scenery creating a peaceful ambiance.
Annette Lake: Annette Lake is a smaller yet charming lake located near Jasper town. It’s a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and leisurely walks along its shores.
Athabasca Falls: A powerful and breathtaking waterfall, Athabasca Falls is a must-see attraction in Jasper. Carving through a narrow canyon, the falls create a dramatic spectacle as the Athabasca River rushes through the rocky terrain.
Sunwapta Falls: Divided into two distinct drops, Upper and Lower Sunwapta Falls showcase the force of the Sunwapta River as it descends through rugged mountain landscapes. The viewpoints provide excellent vantage points for photography.
Tangle Falls: Located along the Icefields Parkway, Tangle Falls is a roadside attraction known for its picturesque setting. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it’s an easily accessible waterfall for those exploring the park by car.
Stanley Falls: Found near the town of Jasper, Stanley Falls offers a more secluded waterfall experience. A short hike through the forest leads to this hidden gem where the pristine waters cascade over rock formations.
Horseshoe Lake Falls: Accessible by a hike around Horseshoe Lake, this waterfall provides a serene and secluded escape. The journey to the falls offers glimpses of the surrounding landscapes and the pristine beauty of Horseshoe Lake.
Jasper is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with an extensive network of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. Dive into the backcountry for a more intimate encounter with the park’s untamed wilderness.
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Wildlife abounds in Jasper, providing ample opportunities for spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and the elusive mountain caribou. A camera and a keen eye are your best companions on these thrilling wildlife excursions.
Seasons in Jasper
While summer invites hiking, camping, and wildlife adventures, winter transforms Jasper into a snowy wonderland. Explore the seasonal delights that make Jasper a year-round destination.
Valley of the Five Lakes: Embark on a picturesque hike through the Valley of the Five Lakes where vibrant turquoise lakes await. The loop trail is family-friendly and showcases the beauty of Jasper’s alpine scenery.
Cavell Meadows: Enjoy a moderate hike to Cavell Meadows offering stunning views of Angel Glacier and the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers carpet the meadows during the summer, creating a vibrant tapestry.
Opal Hills: For more seasoned hikers, the Opal Hills trail provides challenging terrain and rewarding panoramic views of Jasper’s landscapes including Maligne Lake and the surrounding peaks.
Wildlife viewing
Maligne Valley Wildlife Excursion: Join guided wildlife excursions in Maligne Valley to spot iconic species like bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. Experienced guides share insights into the park’s diverse fauna and their natural habitats.
Miette Hot Springs: Relax in the Miette Hot Springs, the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by mountain scenery the pools offer a soothing experience after a day of exploration.
Icefields Parkway: Take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most stunning roadways in the world. Marvel at glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks as you traverse this picturesque route.
Pyramid Lake Road: Explore the Pyramid Lake Road, offering stunning views of Pyramid Mountain and access to Pyramid Lake. The drive provides opportunities for wildlife sightings and serene moments by the water.
Outdoor adventure
White-water rafting: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Athabasca River. Guided tours cater to various skill levels providing an exhilarating adventure against the backdrop of Jasper’s landscapes.
Mountain biking: Traverse mountain trails on a mountain biking adventure. Jasper offers a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels providing an active way to explore the park.
Boat tours and kayaking
Maligne Lake Boat Tour: Cruise on Maligne Lake and admire the stunning scenery including the iconic Spirit Island. Boat tours offer a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the glacial lake.
Pyramid Lake kayaking:
Rent a kayak and paddle on Pyramid Lake surrounded by mountain vistas. It’s a tranquil way to explore the lake at your own pace.
Jasper Heritage Rodeo: Immerse yourself in the cowboy culture at the Jasper Heritage Rodeo. Experience rodeo events, live music, and a lively atmosphere celebrating the region’s western heritage.
Jasper Planetarium: Explore the cosmos at the Jasper Planetarium where stargazing sessions and educational programs provide insights into the wonders of the night sky.
Camping options
Whistlers Campground: Whistlers Campground is the largest campground in Jasper National Park with close to 800 sites. It is closest to town and has all services including water, sewage, electricity, playgrounds, running water and flush toilets, shower facilities, and interpretive programs. You can also access the bike trails to get to and from Jasper townsite without having to bike/walk on the roads.The Municipality of Jasper operates a municipal public transit bus that makes stops at Whistlers Campground making it easy to get into town and not need to worry about parking when you arrive in town. Currently, Whistlers is the only campground in Jasper with full hook-up sites. Whistlers also have a number of pull-through spots for large units.
Wapiti Campground: Also close to town, Wapiti is the second largest campground with just over 350 sites. Wapiti is about a 6 minute drive from Jasper townsite down the Icefields Parkway and is also accessible by gravel and dirt walking/bike trail. Wapiti campground is also included in the new Jasper Public Transit route meaning you can catch a ride into town on the bus and avoid the hassle of paying for and finding parking in Jasper town.
Wabasso Campground: Wabasso Campground is further from town (about a 25 minute drive from the town of Jasper) and can be less busy at times. They have some electric hook ups, water taps, new bathroom buildings with hot water and flush toilets, and there’s a playground. Wabasso is situated along the Athabasca River and has a lovely trail along the water as well as large sandy beach areas along the river when the water levels are lower.
Miette Campground: Formally named Pocahontas, Miette Campground is close to Jasper National Park’s eastern gate (about a 40 minute drive to the town of Jasper). There are no services here but they do have flush toilets. There is no cell reception but you are close to the Miette Lodge, hotel, and restaurant which may have a phone for use if needed.
Plan your visit with ease by understanding the various services and amenities available. From visitor centers to recreational facilities, Jasper caters to the needs of every traveler.
Jasper Information Centre: The Information Centre provides valuable resources for visitors, including maps, brochures, and information on park activities. Knowledgeable staff can assist with trip planning and offer insights into park attractions.
Shuttle services: Shuttle services operate within the park providing convenient transportation to popular attractions and trailheads. These services enhance accessibility for visitors without personal vehicles.
Jasper National Park visitor app: Stay informed with the Jasper National Park visitor app offering real-time information on trail conditions, weather updates, and park activities. It’s a handy tool for planning your day and staying connected.
Whether arriving by car or RV, Jasper is accessible from various points. Navigate the routes and modes of transportation to plan a seamless journey to this natural wonder.
From Edmonton: Take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) west towards Jasper. The scenic drive offers picturesque views and takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Jasper from Edmonton.
From Calgary: Travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Banff and then take the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) north to Jasper. The drive from Calgary to Jasper takes around 5-6 hours.
From Vancouver: Drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and then take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) east towards Jasper. The drive from Vancouver to Jasper typically takes around 8-9 hours.
Tips for planning a visit
Park entry fees
Park daily entry fee: $11; seniors, $9.50
Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $75.25; seniors, $64.50
Dark Sky Preserve: Jasper National Park is the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world. This designation ensures minimal light pollution providing unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and observing the northern lights.
Parks Canada’s Centennial: Jasper National Park was established in 1907 making it one of the oldest national parks in Canada.
Maligne Lake’s depth: Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacier-fed lake in the world is also one of the deepest lakes in the Canadian Rockies reaching depths of approximately 318 feet.
Athabasca Glacier movement: The Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield is constantly moving. Its rate of flow is about an inch per day making it a dynamic and ever-changing natural phenomenon.
Tonquin Valley’s remote beauty: Tonquin Valley located north of Jasper is a stunning and remote wilderness area accessible only by hiking or horseback riding. It offers pristine landscapes and is a haven for those seeking solitude.
The Jasper Tramway: The Jasper SkyTram, one of the highest and longest aerial tramways in Canada takes visitors to an elevation 7,472 feet for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
UNESCO designation: Jasper National Park along with other Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing its outstanding natural beauty, geological features, and ecological significance.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota is a fitting tribute to the bully pulpit president who helped birth America’s conservation movement through sheer force of will: It protects an imposing landscape that is simultaneously both desolate and full of life.
Bison roam the grassy plains and elk wander along juniper-filled draws. Prairie dogs squeak from mounds leading to their underground dens and mule deer bed down on the sides of clay buttes. There are antelope and coyotes, wild horses, and bighorn sheep and you can spot them all with a little patience.
When the sun goes down the layers of sedimentary rock come alive in the softer light: black veins of lignite, blue-gray layers of bentonite and rust-colored deposits of scoria. Stand atop a butte during the golden hour and the park takes on a whole new hue—and temperament. Perhaps no national park has such a split personality from afternoon to evening.
In 1884, Roosevelt himself retreated to this wide-open country after his wife, Alice Lee, and his mother, Mittie, died only hours apart. The Bad Lands he wrote of the area, “grade all the way from those that are almost rolling in character to those that are so fantastically broken in form and so bizarre in color as to seem hardly properly to belong to this earth.”
In later years, he credited this landscape as having soothed him after his personal tragedies and set him back on course. “I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota,” he once noted.
The North Dakota Badlands not to be confused with South Dakota’s Badlands National Park have been cut over eons by the muddy Little Missouri River as it flows north and the national park comprises three separate units totaling more than 70,447 acres.
The South Unit lies along Interstate 94 adjacent to the tiny gateway town of Medora (just 112 full-time residents) and serves as the main recreational focus for most visitors with its scenic driving loop and two dozen trails.
The North Unit lies 70 miles away (an 80-minute drive) and while it has services such as a visitor center and a road through the badlands, it receives far fewer visitors.
The Elkhorn Ranch Unit—the homesite of Teddy’s Roosevelt 1880s cattle ranch—lies in between. It has no services and most visitors make it a quick stop.
Visiting them all is manageable over two or three days.
Summer is peak season for the park’s 700,000 annual visitors but even then you’ll be all alone on hiking trails in the park’s far corners pondering with the same awe what Lewis and Clark must have experienced when they stumbled on these badlands during their 1805 journey across the continent.
With numerous activities outside park boundaries, easy drives inside it, and plenty of trails—ranging in length from 0.1 miles to 96—Theodore Roosevelt National Park appeals to those ages 50 and over whether they’ve just completed an Ironman triathlon or are simply looking for a paved stroll.
The largest nearby city is two hours east (137 miles) in Bismarck, the state capital.
Many visitors drive up from South Dakota’s Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore 260 miles to the south (more than four hours by RV). That may seem like a haul but the route north along U.S. Route 85 offers some of the best stretches of the unbounded openness of the Great Plains. You’ll see views that extend so far off into the rolling distance that it often feels as if you can see the Earth’s curvature.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s entrance fee is $30 per vehicle with the pass valid for all three units of the park for seven consecutive days. (A $20 annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass for those 62 or older gives holders access to all national parks and many federally managed recreational lands.)
Restroom and visitor facilities spread throughout the main drives make pit stops easy. The surrounding area’s recent oil-shale boom spurred the expansion of cell networks meaning good coverage for such a sparsely populated area (although you may experience the occasional dead zone depending on your carrier). Only the main visitor centers offer Wi-Fi, however.
Shoulder seasons when visitor numbers drop and animals roam more freely are the best times to visit. Summers are hot with average temperatures in the high 80s and the occasional thunderstorm. Spring rain showers often transform the hillsides to a bright green interspersed with the red scoria rock underneath. In fall, leaves of the giant cottonwood trees along the Little Missouri River turn golden and there may be no better time to camp in the park. Winter, when temperatures can plunge to single digits is much slower in terms of visitation and many side roads are closed but fresh snow on the badlands may be one of the most remarkable sights of all.
There are no hotel options inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park but it does have two campgrounds for RVs and tents although no hookups. Both are locate in towering cottonwood groves near the Little Missouri River with views to the bluffs beyond. Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit has 72 sites; Juniper Campground in the North Unit, 48.
Sites are spread out enough that you have some privacy and each has a fire grill and a picnic table. The camps have potable water and flush toilets in summer but no showers.
There are no restaurants or stores in the park to buy food, water, firewood, or other supplies so bring everything you need. Despite the lack of amenities there’s always the thrill of waking up in the morning with wild horses or a bison walking through the cottonwood trees.
You can reserve a campsite up to six months in advance at recreation.gov although half the sites are first come, first served. Permits are $14 per night ($7 for seniors) in summer and $7 ($3.50 for seniors) from October through April.
For lodging, restaurants, and stores near the park, Medora is your best option (see the Gateway towns section).
Theodore Roosevelt National Park may be one of the West’s most unheralded national parks but those who have experienced its charms know it’s all about the bewitching badland views. It’s also one of the region’s most accessible national parks for a quick tour: Both the South and North units have scenic driving loops on which you can take in the majority of sites from the comfort of your car and many of the most remarkable features—the South Unit’s prairie dog town near Skyline Vista, for example—have paved walking trails adjacent to parking areas making them wheelchair accessible.
Drive
You can see a whole lot from your car without having to get out and do extensive hiking like up to an edge of a glacier or something. The bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs—you can see them all just as easily from your front seat as after a three-mile hike.
The South Unit’s 36-mile loop begins and ends at the visitor center in Medora and it’s easy to complete in two hours (that includes time to snap photos of bison or prairie dogs). On the drive, don’t miss the Skyline Vista an ideal vantage point for viewing the sunset, Badlands Overlook which in the morning light reveals all of the contours of sheer bluffs and ravines, and Cottonwood Campground for a picnic under the tall trees.
For another easily accessible point in the South Unit including for those using wheelchairs the Painted Canyon Visitor Center—accessed from outside the park on Exit 32 of I-94—offers an iconic view of the Badlands. From the overlook the park stretches off toward the north with juniper draws, scoria-topped buttes, and grazing buffalo dotting the landscape.
The 28-mile round-trip road in the North Unit impresses with similar stellar views including two Little Missouri River overlooks, the Oxbow and Riverbend overlooks. Both will wow you but Oxbow delivers the more impressive view of the river below and the Achenbach Hills which stretch to the horizon across the muddy water.
Elkhorn Ranch is undeveloped—meaning no visitor services—but the drive to it parallels the river valley and once there you can walk next to the stone foundations that once supported Roosevelt’s cabin.
Exploring the park on foot is the best way to get up close with the terrain and wildlife and you’ll find more than 100 miles of trails. The hikes are mostly short (under a mile or two) and flat as the highest buttes only rise a few hundred vertical feet. But be mindful of the summer heat: Average highs climb to the mid-80s and it often feels hotter and drier so bring plenty of water.
The hiking can range from moderately difficult down to easy depending on the time of year and where you’re going. It can be more intense especially during a hot summer day but we’re not talking huge elevation gains.
In the South Unit two can’t-miss short hikes are the Wind Canyon Trail, a 20-minute (0.4 miles) stroll through a wind-sculpted canyon with stunning river views and the Coal Vein Trail, a 40-minute hike (0.8 miles) that is the perfect way to learn about badlands geology. For example, you’ll see and better understand the layers of ancient history: gray bentonite clay from distant volcanoes, black coal from plants and animals that once lived in the humid swamps that covered the area, and brick-colored clinker that formed from burning coal lit by wildfires or lightning strikes.
In the North Unit, a good hour-long option is the 1.5-mile portion of the Achenbach Trail to Sperati Point which courses through prairie grassland to a lookout over the valley below.
Biking
Cycling, an increasingly popular park activity offers a novel way to explore the main roads at a slower pace although you’ll be competing with cars on busy summer days.
Average road cyclists can complete the South loop in three or four hours. Dakota Cyclery in Medora rents bikes.
The only town associated with the park is Medora and it more or less revolves around its status as Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s gateway. It plays up its history as an old railroad junction and does its best Old West impression: wooden boardwalks, hitching posts in front of hotels, chuckwagon diners, and plenty of cowboy boots and hats. It all can feel overdone at times but discovering the town’s charm only happens when you fully embrace the kitsch.
Medora’s many lodging options are mostly middle-of-the-road motels and basic kitchenette cabins. The best place to book: the 76-room Rough Riders Hotel in the heart of town named for the volunteer cavalry unit Teddy Roosevelt commanded in the 1890s (it’s rumored the 26th president gave a speech from one its balconies). It’s a mix of Old West charm—tin ceilings, for example—and modern conveniences such as walk-in showers.
For dining, start your morning at Farmhouse Café which does everything well from pancakes to steak and eggs. Come lunchtime, its salads and sandwiches.
For dinner, the Boots Bar and Grill features tasty pub food and Theodore’s Dining Room serves a bison osso bucco. At the Pitchfork Steak Fondue restaurant, chefs load steaks onto, yes, pitchforks and plunge them into hot oil to cook. Enjoy your meat fest al fresco with tables on a bluff overlooking town—and the setting sun.
Medora has three main attractions. The Medora Musical bills itself as the West’s rootin’-tootinest, boot-scootinest show. For two hours nightly there’s singing and dancing and live horses on stage—all in an outdoor amphitheater with sunset views.
The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, a museum devoted to Western cultures and Native Americans gives you a glimpse into the area’s ranching and rodeo history.
Saddle up yourself at the Medora Riding Stables on the edge of town for hour-long rides up buttes and into canyons.
Just outside Medora, the 26-room Chateau de Mores State Historic Site is the former summer home of a wealthy cattle baron. Constructed in 1883, it’s now a museum delivering an authentic look into what life in the badlands might have been like back then.
Being the park’s gateway, Medora fills up with visitors during the peak months of June, July, and August so you’ll need reservations for lodging and many of its activities.
Driving west from Bismark take the worthwhile detour at Exit 72 on I-94 to see North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway, seven oversize metal sculptures spread along a 32-mile stretch of two-lane highway. The first art installation, Geese in Flight claims a Guinness World Record for largest scrap-metal sculpture (110 feet high and 154 feet wide).
If you’re driving north from Rapid City, South Dakota—the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore—keep your eyes peeled as you drive out of the town of Bowman for a cheeky art installation on the western side of Highway 85: a kitchen stove sitting alongside a ditch with its door open. A sign reads Open Range. It’s more of a comment piece than real artwork but it makes its point regardless.
Driving northeast from Billings, Montana stop at Makoshika State Park outside the city of Glendive for a taste of the geologic badland formations to come at Theodore Roosevelt National Park plus view the fossil remains of dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex. A triceratops skull in the new visitor center is worthy of the natural history museums in Chicago and New York.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. I hope this guide helps you plan your adventure and that you’ll soon discover the magic of this park.
If you’ve been around enough RVers, you’ve probably heard the term toad once or twice. It’s not a special pet that motorhome owners have. You won’t find one in an aquarium or zoo. So what is an RV toad and why do you need one if you own a motorhome?
Motorhomes are awesome: they bring the home along with you no matter where you go. But on the other hand, they can be pretty unwieldy for smaller trips—like that moment when you remember you forgot to bring Pringles and realize that running to the store to get them would mean breaking down camp, packing everything up, and then driving your hulking 40-foot beast to the grocery store.
While many different types of vehicles can be towed (often referred to as toad) behind a motorhome, there’s one important caveat: only certain vehicles can be flat towed or towed with their four wheels on the asphalt.
No, I am not talking about taking an amphibious creature RVing with us. In the RV world, the word toad is slang for a towed vehicle. It’s a silly wordplay that brings a smile to RVers’ faces much like a stinky slinky and other RV terminology. A towed vehicle is also often called a dinghy like on a ship.
But I digress. This article is about the most popular toad vehicles that RVers tow behind their rigs.
When your home-on-wheels is a large motorhome like ours you need a more nimble way to get around. No one wants to break camp and prepare the RV for travel mode just to go to a trailhead, or a restaurant, or for a quick trip to the nearest market.
You don’t want to fire up the Class A (or even a Class C for that matter) to explore a small town or nearby natural wonder or to navigate tight city streets. And if you did where would you park the big thing when you get there?
First, let’s take a quick look at how you can tow a vehicle behind a motorhome.
There are three primary ways to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome. You can flat tow (4 wheels down), tow on a dolly (front wheels up), or pull a trailer carrying the entire vehicle (either open or enclosed). You’ll want to do some research based on your motorhome and tow capacity and be sure to prioritize safety.
Flat towing
With flat towing, the vehicle you’re towing behind your motorhome has all four wheels on the ground.
The front of the tow vehicle attaches to the motorhome’s hitch receiver with a tow bar. This also requires that the front of your car has a tow package installed including a base plate.
This is the way we’ve been towing during the entire time we’ve been on the road (going on three decades!) and we think it’s the simplest, easiest way to bring a car along. But not all vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. You’ll want to consult a dinghy towing guide for a list of cars that are capable of safely being flat-towed.
Dolly towing
Dolly towing is when the two front tires of your towed vehicle are on a two-wheel dolly and the back tires are on the road. The dolly attaches to your motorhome’s hitch like a trailer and you secure the car’s front wheels with straps.
More time is required to hook up your vehicle this way and you’ll need to have space in your campsite for it. But dolly towing provides additional options for the types of vehicles you can safely tow. And it works well if you have more than one car that you want to be able to bring with you (one at a time, of course) since it doesn’t require anything to be permanently installed in the car like with flat towing. It’s also usually less expensive than a tow bar and baseplate and the installation required to install it.
With trailer towing, you drive your tow vehicle onto, or into an open or enclosed cargo trailer, strap it down, and pull the trailer behind your RV. This makes it possible to bring virtually ANY vehicle along, assuming (1) it fits in/on the trailer and (2) the weight of it and the trailer don’t exceed your towing capacity or take your rig above its maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
Similar to dolly towing, even more consideration needs to be taken for where you’ll store the trailer when it’s not in use. Most campsites won’t have enough space for your RV, your towed car, AND a trailer. And some may not allow it or charge extra even if there IS space.
What to look for in a tow-behind vehicle to maximize exploration
Bringing a toad along is all about maximizing convenience and opportunities for exploration. This could be anything from off-roading in the desert to driving a scenic byway or simply having a smaller car to run errands after parking your motorhome and setting up camp. Knowing what kinds of adventures you and your family enjoy will help to steer you toward the best vehicle to tow behind your motorhome.
The first step in looking for a vehicle is determining how you want to tow. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and low-maintenance towing method, flat towing is ideal. Depending on your tow bar system, it will likely take you no more than a few minutes to connect or disconnect your vehicle.
For some people, the biggest drawback to flat-towing may be the limitations it places on car choice since most cars can’t be flat-towed without damaging their driveline. But if you’re happy with a vehicle that can be flat-towed, that drawback is eliminated.
As previously noted, dolly towing can be a little more time-consuming than flat towing. Getting the front of the vehicle onto the dolly may take practice. Having a dolly also means caring for two more tires (the ones on the dolly itself). You may also need a place to store your dolly when it’s not in use. Keep this in mind when booking a campsite to make sure you have enough room for your RV, tow vehicle, and dolly.
Trailer towing gives you the most flexibility in terms of the vehicles you can bring along. For example, if you’re planning to travel with both a car and a motorcycle, trailer towing may a great option, especially if it’s enclosed which offers the added benefit of both security and complete protection from the elements. The downside is that it can potentially double the tow weight. Be sure you know how much weight your RV and trailer hitch can handle.
Off-roading
If you’re off-roading, choose a vehicle that maximizes your ability to seek adventure as well as your motorhome’s towing ability. Jeeps are the most common tow vehicles for off-roaders.
Carrying your gear
You can utilize your tow vehicle for carrying gear that doesn’t fit in your motorhome and you’ll also want to consider what types of items you’re likely to carry regularly. For example, our Chevrolet Equinox is perfect for large grocery runs to keep our fridge, pantry, and cupboards well stocked.
Besides gear, there’s of course the consideration for how many people normally or occasionally travel with you. A family of five will have considerably different needs than a couple. Even though there are only two of us, one of the primary reasons we chose our Equinox is because it’s capable of carrying five people, plus cargo. That way, when we’re traveling with friends we can sight-see together wirhout having to take separate vehicles.
Know your weight limits for towing and carrying gear in your tow vehicle, though. A small or midsize SUV means more cargo capacity which means you could exceed the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) for your motorhome and/or the capacity of the hitch receiver on the back of your motorhome.
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if your vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome. There used to be many cars that were flat towable but today that list has shrunk to just a handful.
There are many vehicles from previous years that are flat-towable. One of the easiest ways to determine this for your vehicle is to check the Owner’s Manual. Go to the Index and look under ‘R’ for the Recreational Towing section (if you don’t see a Recreational Towing section, then your vehicle cannot be flat-towed). Once you’ve located that section, read through the instructions and warnings outlined by the manufacturer. Somewhere in those instructions, they’ll very clearly say whether or not you should tow your vehicle with four wheels down.
Does my vehicle need to be modified to be flat towed?
Just because your vehicle can be towed behind an RV doesn’t mean that you can simply hook it up and go. There are many vehicles that require additional accessories in order to be towable.
As a general rule of thumb, most vehicles made in the last 10 years will typically need either a battery charger or a battery disconnect. To find out if you need either one of those products, double check the Recreational Towing section of your Owner’s Manual again. If the manufacturer says to disconnect your battery then you don’t need a battery charger. If the manufacturer doesn’t specify or if they specifically state not to disconnect the battery then you’ll likely need some kind of battery charger.
However, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach—some vehicles don’t need either of those products while others require things like third-party 12v outlets to power a braking system.
Family RVing Magazine publishes a yearly list of vehicles that can be flat towed. For 2023-2024, they list the following vehicles as being flat towable:
Blazer (Chevy)
Bronco (Ford)
Canyon (GMC)
Colorado (Chevy)
Corsair Grand Touring Hybrid (Lincoln)
Edge (Ford)
Encore (Buick)
Equinox (Chevy)
Escalade (Cadillac)
Escape Hybrid (Ford)
Expedition (Ford)
F-150, 250, 350, & 450 (Ford)
Gladiator (Jeep)
Grand Cherokee (Jeep)
Maverick (Ford)
Nautilus Hybrid (Lincoln)
Navigator (Lincoln)
RAM 1500, 2500, & 3500 (Dodge/RAM)
Sierra 1500, 2500 & 3500 (GMC)
Silverado 1500, 2500, & 3500 (Chevy)
Suburban (Chevy)
Tahoe (Chevy)
Trailblazer (Chevy)
Trax (Chevy)
Versa S (Nissan)
Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (Jeep)
Wrangler (Jeep)
Yukon (GMC)
Z (Nissan)
While this may feel like a decent number of choices many popular vehicles from years past (such as the Honda CR-V) no longer come in flat-towable models. (It’s worth noting, however, that older models of these cars can still be flat-towed.) As many auto manufacturers continue to simplify their product offerings, it’s likely that this list will continue to shrink in coming years.
This answer is a bit more complex and difficult to answer with a one-size-fits-all solution here. The best thing to do is to consult your Owner’s Manual as I mentioned previously.
Pro tip: If you no longer have your original Owner’s Manual (or don’t have access to it now), try searching for it on the manufacturer’s website. Almost all vehicle manufacturers have online copies of their manuals.
However, as a general rule of thumb the primary thing you’ll do is put your transfer case in neutral so that your wheels can freely rotate as you move (this is a bit more complicated than simply putting your transmission to Neutral and your Recreational Towing section will lay out an exact, step-by-step process for how to do this on your vehicle).
Another very common thing you may need to do is unlock your steering column. In most cases where this is necessary, you’ll have to disconnect your vehicle’s battery. There are some cases, though, where the steering column can be unlocked by leaving the key in a certain position, pulling a fuse, etc. Again, make sure to consult your Owner’s Manual for this part.
How to choose a toad for your motorhome
Choosing a good vehicle to tow behind your motorhome requires careful consideration to ensure that the vehicle is safe, reliable, and easy to tow. Here’s an outline of the steps you should take when choosing a vehicle to tow behind your RV:
Determine your motorhome’s towing capacity: The first step in choosing a good vehicle to tow behind your motorhome is to determine its towing capacity. This will help you determine how much weight you can safely tow.
Consider the weight of the vehicle: The weight of the vehicle you choose to tow is crucial. You want to make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed your motorhome’s towing capacity. Additionally, you want to choose a vehicle that is light enough to be easily towed by your motorhome.
Look for vehicles with flat tow capability: Some vehicles are designed for flat towing which means they can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. This is typically the easiest and most convenient way to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome.
Choose a vehicle with a neutral gear option: If the vehicle you choose does not have flat tow capability, make sure it has a neutral gear option. This will allow you to tow the vehicle with two wheels on the ground using a tow dolly. (Though, a flat-tow car is best.)
Consider the braking system: Most states require a supplemental braking system for vehicles being towed behind a motorhome. Make sure the vehicle you choose can accommodate a braking system.
Check the towing setup compatibility: Make sure the towing setup you have on your motorhome is compatible with the vehicle you choose. To ensure compatibility, you may need to purchase additional equipment such as a baseplate or tow bar.
Consider the ease of setup and hookup: Finally, consider how easy the vehicle is to set up and hook up to your motorhome. You want to choose a vehicle that is easy to prepare for towing and doesn’t require a lot of time and effort to hook up to your motorhome.
Manual vs. automatic transmissions for towed vehicles
When choosing a vehicle to tow behind an RV, the type of transmission you choose can impact your towing experience. Here are some considerations when deciding between manual and automatic transmissions for vehicles you tow behind a motorhome.
Manual transmission
Generally, manual transmissions are easier to tow than automatic transmissions because they do not require any special equipment to disengage the transmission from the engine.
However, some manual transmissions require periodic running to lubricate the transmission gears which can be inconvenient while on a road trip.
Manual transmissions are also becoming less common in new vehicles so finding a vehicle with a manual transmission to tow may be more difficult.
Auto transmission
Automatic transmissions require a transmission pump to lubricate the transmission while being towed. This pump is powered by the vehicle’s battery which can drain the battery over time if the vehicle is towed for long distances without being started.
However, many newer vehicles with automatic transmissions are designed to be flat-towed which means that they can be towed without any special equipment to disengage the transmission from the engine.
Automatic transmissions are generally more convenient and easy to drive which can be an advantage if you use the towed vehicle daily during your travels.
Both manual and automatic transmissions can be suitable for towing behind a motorhome and the best vehicle depends on your preferences and the specific vehicle you plan to tow. It’s important to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for towing the vehicle to ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
Worth Pondering…
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.
Road trip! Arguably the two sweetest words in the English language, right?
If the United States is good at one thing when it comes to infrastructure planning, it’s probably the highway system. Originally founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the U.S. Highway system is the backbone for domestic trade and travel and has almost become a cultural phenomenon for the country.
Van life, car culture, and road trips aren’t uniquely American but they are easily folded into the highway-centric lifestyle of most Americans. In fact, taking road trips isn’t even for the destination; it’s for the travel itself!
Today, we are all about celebrating the journey over the destination and a road trip is the epitome of that. Let’s take a look at some of the most scenic road trips in the U.S. plus some of the best stops along the way.
There are a ton of roads and scenic highways in the U.S. and it isn’t possible to include them on every list. Here’s my take on some of the most notable (in no special order), doing my best to spread them across the country in a way that includes the major regions. Let’s get started!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous drives in all of the United States, potentially the world. In fact, it’s more than just a road; it’s a journey through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina and is absolutely gorgeous. From north to south, it’s America’s longest linear park and one of the most popular destinations for campers, hikers, and day trippers.
Tip: Take the trip during peak season in the fall for some of the best views of your life.
The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It is at a high elevation most of the way and passes along rocky ridges, stunning valleys, and through some of the best forest land and farms along the east coast.
On top of the scenery, it’s a fantastic way to learn about the culture of Appalachia since there are countless towns, parks, museums, and attractions it takes you through or near on the journey. The Parkway spans 469 miles and can be driven in about 12 hours, but you’ll want to take your time and explore some of the best stops along the way.
Route 66 is pretty much THE symbol of America’s spirit of adventure and freedom. It was one of the first national highways for motor vehicles in the United States, established in 1926, and it ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California covering a total of 2,448 miles.
It crossed eight states and three time zones, all the while passing through some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. It also connected some smaller towns and rural communities that otherwise would have been isolated from the rest of the nation.
Route 66 became an icon in American popular culture. It had nicknames like the Mother Road and the Main Street of America. Many people drove along Route 66 during the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II when a huge country-wide migration to the west began. Later, it became a popular destination for tourists, bikers, and road trippers who wanted to experience authentic Americana along the way.
Route 66 was gradually replaced by the Interstate Highway System, however, and the last section of Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. That being said, many parts of the original route still exist and are preserved as historic landmarks or designated as scenic byways. While the stops along the highway are mostly icons now, the drive itself is incredible unique and showcases tons of landscapes only found in those portions of America.
During the drive, you get incredible views of red rock formations, canyons, mountains, forests, deserts, and rivers. It takes about three hours to drive without stopping, but you’ll want to stop often. Many people even spend a week or two and take the time to hike and camp all around the parks nearby.
Zion National Park is moving to ban RVs and other large vehicles from traveling the historic highway that snakes through the park’s iconic red-and-white sandstone landscape
Starting in mid-2026, Zion National Park will no longer allow large RVs and other oversized vehicles to travel the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, the scenic byway that bisects southern Utah’s top tourist draw.
“These changes reflect months of discussions to find the best way forward to manage the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and increase driver safety,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent, in a statement. “Our goal is to protect drivers, meet modern safety standards, and ensure the integrity of the road and tunnels so that we continue to enjoy scenic drives on the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.”
Specifically, National Park Service (NPS) will reroute vehicles to roads around the park if they are:
Longer than 35 feet and 9 inches
Taller than 11 feet and 4 inches
Wider than 7 feet and 10 inches
Weigh more than 50,000 pounds
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is listed as a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed and constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, the road has tight turns, steep grades, several switchbacks, narrow lanes, and two low and slender tunnels.
As scenic as the drive is, park officials say it is increasingly crowded and unsafe. When the historic highway and accompanying tunnel were opened in 1930, a little more than 55,000 visitors toured Zion each year. The park now attracts about 5 million visitors per year. Moreover, the vehicles that traverse the park are often too large and heavy for the road.
While these design elements make the road compatible with the beloved desert landscape, they weren’t meant to accommodate a 45-foot-long motorhome. A century ago, cars were much smaller and weighed far less than they do today.
Recent studies show many vehicles on Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway exceed 50,000 pounds, the weight limit on park bridges. In addition, engineers have identified 18 locations on the road where the turning radius is too tight to accommodate long vehicles. Currently, many oversized vehicles negotiating the highway’s many switchbacks cross the center median and pose a safety risk to oncoming traffic.
Studies on the busy scenic highway highlighted the dangers of hosting large vehicles. According to the park service, engineering and traffic surveys showed that large recreational vehicles crossed the highway’s center lines in 18 locations because the road’s turning radius cannot accommodate vehicles that exceed 35 feet and 9 inches.
Because of the park’s unique terrain, wildlife and the costs associated with new construction, expanding the roadway is not an option, park officials said. They added that the decision to restrict large vehicles in Zion was the result of discussions with many stakeholders including transportation departments, neighbors, business owners, and elected officials.
Further exacerbating matters is the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel which isn’t wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic with large rigs. Vehicles taller than 13 feet 1 inch won’t fit in the tunnel while those wider than 7 feet 10 inches and taller than 11 feet 4 inches require a tunnel escort. As a result, the tunnel often functions as a one-way road as oversized vehicles are escorted through while traffic bottlenecks on the opposite end result in substantial delays.
The new rules will require visitors from Bryce Canyon National Park to access Zion’s south entrance via state Route 20 and Interstate 15 adding 63 miles to the current route through Carmel Junction and the park’s back entrance. Visitors from the Grand Canyon North Rim will have to travel State Route 59 to access Zion’s south entrance, 23 miles longer than the existing route.
Driving tourists elsewhere?
Springdale Mayor Barbara Bruno doesn’t foresee many negative impacts on the town that serves as the gateway to Zion. She said local business owners’ reaction to the upcoming change has been mixed but a majority expressed support.
“Since [the change] is based on safety, I wholeheartedly agree with the park’s decision,” Bruno said. “I also appreciate having been notified ahead of time.”
Even though they will be banned from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in two years, oversized-vehicle owners can still park their rigs in Springdale or at the main visitors center near Zion’s south entrance and take an electric shuttle to tour Zion Canyon which is closed to private vehicles most of the year.
Cathedral-like canyons and majestic sandstone cliffs create a wondrous landscape. Don’t be surprised if your first glimpse of Zion National Park with its vast red rock canyons and towering sandstone temples feels a bit like a spiritual awakening. You wouldn’t be the first person moved by its majesty.
Zion National Park brims with awe-inspiring views and outdoor adventures. I’ve been to Zion several times and managed to pick up some new spots on each visit. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best of Zion.
It is a place where a family can rest at streamside after a pleasant morning hike.
It is a vast labyrinth of narrow canyons where one can become hopelessly lost, shrinking to invisibility beneath dark, towering walls of stone.
One may feel triumph and exhilaration, or awesome smallness atop Angels Landing; thirst and fatigue, or a rewarding weariness, on the return trek from the backcountry.
Perhaps one’s view of Zion is in the eyes of the beholder.
It is no secret that with print publications under revenue pressure from digital competitors, magazines have been the hardest hit. Sad to say, but printed RV magazines are dead or dying.
It’s no secret that the magazine industry has been in decline for years. With the rise of digital media, magazines have been struggling to keep up. But does that mean that the magazine industry is dead?
Not quite. While magazines may not be as popular as they once were, there are still many people who enjoy reading them. Here’s a look at the current state of the magazine industry—with a focus on RV magazines—and what the future may hold.
Let’s face it, the internet killed magazines (or at least made them seriously ill). The internet has been both a blessing and a curse for the magazine industry. On the one hand, it’s never been easier to get your magazine in front of potential readers. A few clicks and your favorite publication is yours for the reading.
But on the other hand who needs to buy a magazine when you can find everything online for free? After all, why pay for something when you can get it for free? This attitude has led to declining print sales and advertising revenue for magazines.
Let me give a short history of magazines before I come to the future of magazines. Some accounts hold that in Germany, the first publications that resembled magazines of today came out in 1663 or 1664. Similar experiments were taking place in other countries of Europe as well.
Most of these were specialist magazines focusing on literary issues and aimed for a select, highly educated audience. There were of course some periodicals that also focused on the entertaining, the frivolous, and other stuff.
However, the term magazine would not be used until a publication calling itself the Gentleman’s Magazine started printing in 1731 in England. The early magazines were meant only for the wealthy—the cost of publishing them made them unaffordable to others. Later, as technology evolved, costs came down, and magazines reached the middle class. Advertising revenues played a big role in making magazines less expensive for buyers.
It was in the 19th century that magazines actually came into their own because of falling costs and better mass production and distribution. In the U.S. particularly, magazines started flourishing the magazine empires were created. The magazines ranged from pure fluffy entertainment and gossip publications talking about celebrities to serious scientific periodicals as well as business and general news publications.
The problems for magazines started when readers and advertisers moved online. Most magazines reacted by cutting costs, shrinking pages, and employing fewer journalists and also reducing their print orders.
Most of them also created websites but too many followed the lead of newspapers, trying to focus on breaking news in their websites instead of the kind of depth or original content that were actually the strength of magazines. Some of the websites also tried to become aggregators of news. Some tried to come up with listicles that could go viral while others tried catchy videos.
Remember the days when printed magazines filled your mailbox? Those thick, colorful publications arrived daily—some wanted, some not. Have you noticed recently most printed magazines have gone away, one by one, and the survivors have become pretty skinny.
Trailer Life Magazine, Motor Home Magazine, and RV Lifestyle Magazine are gone. Family RVing Magazine from FMCA went from monthly to bi-monthly recently due to declining membership and advertising revenue. And a dozen popular regional magazines long ago published their last issues.
As a writer for CSA News (Canadian Snowbird Association) and a former contributor to Newmar Kountry Klub Legacy and Good Sam, I understand firsthand why it has now gone digital-only and will soon give way to other shorter targeted messaging. It’s not that the publishers lost interest, it’s because things changed.
Digitization changed how we get our information, how long we spend absorbing it, and when we want it. Just like the trends that sealed the fate of newspapers, we don’t sit around the breakfast table or on the porch casually perusing pages of text. We want instant digital media with links to follow if something is interesting.
We want to receive it on our phone, tablet, or laptop. Because of that, readership of most surviving magazines is declining. The economics of printing and mailing changed; the huge machines capable of making coated magazine stock have declined over time and their paper now allotted first to premier long-term publications such as Smithsonian, Time, and National Geographic, to name a few.
The prices of paper for short run RV publications have doubled and tripled. The cost of commercial bulk and periodicals mail has also increased. Advertisers have more economical digital options that deliver their messages to more targeted media.
Online resources compete: RVers get information, reviews, and learn of resources online including blogs, forums, phone apps, social media groups, and websites like RVingwithrex.com.
RVer demographics are changing and as time goes by younger RVers have less interest in traditional print publications. And, of course, RVers don’t have mailboxes meaning that as more and more people travel full time and work remotely printed magazines no longer easily reach them.
Magazine publishing becomes a losing proposition when you have declining readership, higher production costs, and fewer advertisers willing to pay for decreasing exposure. There are a few printed magazines bucking the trend now and will be for a while but going forward you’ll need to keep your batteries charged if you want to stay informed on RV life and travel.
Worth Pondering…
Every human has four endowments—self awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom… The power to choose, to respond, to change.
