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 and may create 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 winter 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.
NHTSA announced 3 recall notices during January 2025. These recalls involved 2 recreational vehicle manufacturers—Forest River (2 recalls) and Winnebago (1 recall).
Forest River
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 Shasta Oasis and Spirit travel trailers equipped with InVision Three Burner Cooktops. The aluminum burner tube may crack and cause a gas leak.
Owners are advised not to use the cooktop until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the internal gas line, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 22, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-821-1311. Forest River’s number for this recall is 53-1883.
Forest River
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 East to West Ahara fifth wheel trailers. The water heater exhaust is ventilated directly under the slideroom, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Owners are advised not to use the water heater until the remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the water heater, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 26, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 503-1887.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2025 Minnie Winnie and Spirit motorhomes. The spare tire carrier mounting bolts may loosen, allowing the carrier to detach.
Dealers will inspect, replace, and correctly torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 13, 2025. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 194.
Background
In late October, Product Safety was notified of two separate claims involving partial detachment of the spare tire carrier with one claim on a unit that was enroute to a dealership for delivery. An investigation was subsequently opened. During the investigation, an audit of eight units on campus found four with incorrect installation which led to an internal hold notice being initiated. It was discovered production had not installed the spare tire carrier correctly.
How did the Winnebago tire carrier recall come about? States Winnebago’s report to NHTSA: “Production did not follow print instructions when the spare tire carrier was installed offline.”
Explore the guide to find some of the best in February 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 February: 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 January. Also check out my recommendations from February 2024 and March 2024.
1. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, South Carolina
Edisto Beach State Park offers access to the Atlantic Ocean and beach. It also provides access to the saltwater marsh and creeks. An environmental education center highlights the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin.
The trails wind through Edisto Island’s maritime forest of live oak, hanging Spanish moss, and palmetto trees. During your walk you may see white-tailed deer, osprey, or alligators.
112 RV and tent camping sites with water and 20/30/50 amp electrical service is available ocean-side and near the salt marsh. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for park guests near the office area and in the Wi-Fi room located adjacent to the office.
This southern Georgia state park is known for being one of the primary entrances to the legendary Okefenokee Swamp. The camping is great and comfortable here and the paddling and photographic opportunities are top notch. Add to that the fact that the fishing in the lake is excellent for warmouth, bluegill, catfish, and chain pickerel.
Choose from 65 campsites with electricity, nine cottages, a lodge, or pioneer camp and be ready for a really cool experience.
3. Indian Waters RV Resort and Cottages, Indio, California
Indian Waters RV Resort is located in the Coachella Valley City of Indio, an area that includes the desert cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta. Recently renovated, this beautiful property has added cottages, a second pool, lighted pickleball courts, 50 amp electric and city sewer service to all sites, resurfacing of roads and sites, enhanced Wi-Fi, and a complete make-over for the clubhouse.
Today, Indian Waters with its desirable location and numerous amenities, is one of the best and most affordable, five star, state-of-the-art RV resorts in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area. With 274 full service sites, Indian Waters RV Resort offers two distinct landscaping themes for its concrete level sites: grass and desert landscape. The typical RV site is approximately 35 feet wide and 60 feet deep with two concrete pads, one for your RV and one for your toad/tow vehicle.
Located at the cross roads of I-75 and I-10, Lake City is a 24-acre RV park with 67 pull-through sites. A pleasant campground with most sites under the live oak and Spanish moss, Lake City is big-rig friendly with sites in the 75-foot range and utilities centrally located. Amenities include complimentary cable TV and Wi-Fi, 24-hour laundry facility, large clubhouse with commercial kitchen, and dog run. Due to low hanging limbs and the draping Spanish moss not all sites are suitable for high profile rigs.
Choose from nearly 500 RV sites with full hookups and paved pads at Gulf State Park, with options to set up lakefront or in the woods. It’s ideal for hikers who can access the 25-mile Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail at several points throughout the campground where park naturalists are available to offer guided nature walks. (If you’re a hiking enthusiast or new to hiking, here are some of the best hiking trails to check out.)
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort features citrus trees throughout the park and offers pull-through RV Sites with full 30/50-amp hookups, grassy luxury sites, and new RV sites with a patio and fireplace. Whether you want to relax by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tubs, play a round on the nine-hole putting green, or join in the activities, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Two solar shade structures allow guests to camp under a patented structure that produces solar energy. The structures shade more than two acres of the campground giving visitors room to park RVs on 30 covered sites.
Lazydays, a full-service RV dealership with a service department is located next door. Other campground amenities include a bar and grill, meeting rooms, fitness center, three off-leash dog parks, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Recently expanded, A+ Motel and RV Park offers 134 all-concrete RV sites and 35 motel rooms. Amenities include 30 and 50 amp dual hookups, cable and Wi-Fi, water and sewer, stocked fishing pond with fountain, family swimming pool, adult swimming pool with self serve bar, 2 laundry facilities, ½-mile walking area, and dog run area.
A+ is centrally located near Calcasieu “Big” Lake and other fishing destinations, Creole Nature Trail All American Road, the Boudin Trail, and Lake Charles. The park is located 2 miles south of I-10 (Exit 21).
8. Hollywood Casino RV Park, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Hollywood Casino RV Park offers tranquil beauty of the outdoors with waterfront views and on-site shuttle service to the casino with three restaurants. The park is big-rig friendly featuring 80 back-in sites and 14 back-to-back pull-through sites.
Our site backs to a treed area on a bayou and is in the 55-60 foot range with 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV. All interior roads and sites are concrete. Site amenities include metal picnic table and BBQ grill on concrete slab and garbage canister.
Wake up to sunshine, sea breezes, natural beauty, and a panoramic view of the Corpus Christi Bayfront at Sea Breeze RV Community/Resort. Sea Breeze RV is a clean and quiet resort that features 50/30-amp electric service, water, and sewer. Interior roads and sites are gravel. Phone service is available. There are bay view sites and a private lighted fishing pier. The pool is heated and complete with a waterfall and a beautiful view of the Corpus Christi skyline.
There is a large laundry room with exercise equipment, TV Lounge, bathrooms, and showers. A large fully equipped clubhouse is used for planned seasonal activities. Wi-Fi is available. From our long 75-foot pull-through site we enjoyed a panoramic view of Corpus Christi Bay with the causeway and city skyline and amazing sunrise and sunset!
The resort is RV sites in one area and park models in another. The RV resort is well laid out and well maintained. The sites are spacious with long concrete pads and patio with crushed gravel to park your toad. The amenities are great! Four pools, a fitness center, baseball field, and many tennis and pickle ball courts.
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 February
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
—Helen Keller
As you step into a new month, consider what doors have opened and closed in your life and reflect (without judgment) on the ways in which those changes have affected you. Being mindful in this manner can help you take ownership of your day-to-day narrative, allowing you to write the story you want to tell.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in January. Also check out my recommendations from February 2024 and March 2024.
The Rio Grande, which marks the border between Texas and Mexico is a core feature of the Big Bend Country landscape. With 196 miles of free-flowing Wild and Scenic River, the Rio Grande makes for a relaxing multi-day paddling trip. Hop into a canoe or kayak and follow the river as it winds through limestone canyons with walls up to 1,500 feet high.
For a beginner-friendly journey, try the Boquillas Canyon float. Starting from the Rio Grande Village put-in, this stretch covers 33 river miles with up to Class II rapids. Most paddlers complete the trip in two to four days depending on flows and headwinds. If you only have time for a day trip, paddle upstream from the Santa Elena Trailhead into the canyon then float back. When you need to cool off, eddy out and take a dip in a swimming hole along the river or in the quiet waters of Terlingua Creek which flows into the Rio Grande near the same trailhead.
Saguaro National Park on Tucson‘s outskirts attracts visitors with its iconic enormous cactus and spectacular desert landscape. With entry prices ranging from $15 to $25 it’s an affordable alternative to Arizona’s most popular national park, the Grand Canyon. Far from the crowds of the Grand Canyon and although it is one of Arizona’s most underrated and overlooked national parks, it is well worth visiting for anyone seeking serenity and adventure.
Saguaro has two districts each offering an array of scenic drives, hiking trails, and chances to see a wide variety of species in the stunning Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park has something to offer everyone whether one wants to enjoy lush mountain scenery or the iconic sight of cacti dotting the desert landscape.
Now is the perfect time to explore the breathtaking beauty of Picacho Peak State Park. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert just off of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, this iconic park offers expansive desert views, great winter and spring weather, and countless opportunities to connect with nature.
Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking adrenaline and a challenge or prefer a more laid back outdoor experience, Picacho Peak has something for everyone. The trails here range from beginner-friendly paths to steep climbs that reward experienced hikers with panoramic views of the desert’s rugged beauty.
The spacious campground makes it easy to extend your adventure and experience all that Picacho Peak has to offer. Winter and spring provide ideal conditions for birding enthusiasts with a variety of species to spot among the saguaros and palo verde trees. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls the park home. Grey foxes, javelina, and desert mule deer are just a few of the fascinating animals you might encounter during your visit.
The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival has something for everyone. There will be free clinics, demos, and tours. Events may be subject to change due to snow and weather conditions but the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival will be held regardless of snow conditions. The 2025 Festival will be held on February 15, 16, and 17.
Activities will include cross country ski tours, snowshoe tours, crafts for kids, cookie decorating, photography clinics, watercolor painting, snowshoe/walk tours, wildlife tracking, and making leather journals.
Las Cruces is located in the southern region of New Mexico, just 41 miles north of the Mexico/US border. With more than 110,000 residents, Las Cruces is New Mexico’s third most populated city. With this many people, Las Cruces provides a diverse variety of services and activities in one place. You’ll find the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces, shopping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching.
Visit nearby Hatch, the Chile Capital of the World where farmers grow some of the best peppers on Earth.
Explore historic Mesilla, 5 minutes south of Las Cruces. Mesilla was once the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona during the Civil War. Today, you’ll find historic buildings and museums as well as unique shopping and delectable restaurants.
This 120-acre preserve comes equipped with nine cottages and more than fifty campsites providing guests with an opportunity to marvel at the constellations in the dead of night—but in terms of daytime activities, it’s tough to beat a guided kayak tour. Led by a local ranger, this idyllic activity provides an opportunity for visitors to spot fascinating fauna like the black bear, barred owl, and American alligator with more than 10,000 of the latter residing within park limits.
Florida’s Space Coast which includes Cape Canaveral and Titusville among other towns sits right along the Atlantic Flyway and is a haven for winter birding with roughly 40 great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites to explore.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge here support more threatened and endangered species than any other refuges in the continental US and are home to such species as bald eagles, wood storks, warblers, songbirds, roseate spoonbills, and so much more.
To date, 358 bird species have been identified at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where the 7-mile-long, self-drive Black Point Wildlife Drive makes it easy to journey deep into the refuge. Stop and get out of your car at lookout points along the way to see birds, alligators, and other wildlife, or wander along one of six hiking trails popular with winter birders.
Alabama is not known for many high tourism areas but the 60 miles of Gulf Coast is probably the most popular in the state. Although there are a few towns that occupy this small piece of coast, the entire stretch is often commonly referred to as Gulf Shores.
Visitors come to Gulf Shores for a lot of reasons from lying on the white sand beaches to adrenaline pumping adventure sports from historic forts and naval vessels to a coastal wildlife reserve. But only in the know travelers visit for good eating. Gulf Shores is the best place in the world to eat Royal Red Shrimp and they are certainly a bucket list item!
Royal Red shrimp are a rare deep water shrimp that are typically found 40 to 60 miles offshore. The waters off of Alabama are known to be the sweet spot for the delicious delicacy.
Royal Reds are large, and as the name suggests, a deep crimson color. They are known for their exceptional tenderness and their rich, salty-sweet flavor.
The legacy and history of San Antonio began with a simple ceremony when, in 1718, Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The mission’s purpose was to acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
Four Spanish frontier missions part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish Southwest in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries are preserved here. They include Missions San José, San Juan, Espada, and Concepción. The park containing many cultural sites and natural areas was established in 1978.
Gulf State Park is a wonderful destination for experiencing nature and enjoying the beach. You can engage in a wide range of activities such as saltwater fishing, sunbathing on the beach, hiking and biking on the fantastic trails, and learning about the environment at the nature center. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or education, this state park has something for everyone.
This park is perfect for anglers as it offers various fishing options. You can enjoy saltwater fishing off the pier or freshwater fishing from Lake Shelby. The park has several fish species including bass, bream, catfish, croaker, king mackerel, speckled trout, and redfish. Fishing is an excellent activity for those who want to experience the park’s natural beauty, view the wildlife, and even catch dinner.
This state park has more than 29 miles of paved trails and boardwalks. These trails exhibit the park’s several unique ecosystems. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system connects Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and several trails are part of this system.
Worth Pondering…
May the joy of today, bring forth happiness for tomorrow—and may the cold Alberta air stay up north!
A ruggedly beautiful, remote desert landscape along the Rio Grande in West Texas
At first glance, the spiky, cacti-studded expanses of Big Bend National Park might seem barren and desolate. But look closely at the life that grows in this harsh but picturesque environment, dip a toe in the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande, hike into a steep-walled canyon or wander a mountain ridge, and you’ll discover beauty far beyond that prickly exterior.
This vast and remote park which gets its name from the bend created by the river’s dramatic switch from a southeastern flow to a northeastern one covers a sprawling 801,163 acres in far West Texas along the Mexican border. Here, explore the Chihuahuan Desert where the native vegetation seems intent on stabbing you in the shin or climb into the forested sky islands of the Chisos Mountains for panoramic views much like peering out an airplane window. It’s a rugged terrain in which black bears, deer, mountain lions, and tarantulas all scratch out a hardscrabble existence.
All this ruggedness may sound a bit intimidating but don’t let that deter you from visiting this sparsely populated corner of Texas. Be among the nearly 500,000 people who visit the park annually and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Old West when you see the vistas with layers of mountains and rock formations including one called Mule Ears whose twin peaks look like a pair of long, furry equine ears.
It takes some determination to get to Big Bend National Park which lies 220 miles southwest of Midland/Odessa. Most visitors drive here usually heading about 300 miles southeast from El Paso or about 400 miles west from San Antonio.
Park admission is $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass (free with the National Park Service’s annual Senior Pass). Access is from one of two entrances—Persimmon Gap on the north side via U.S. Highway 385 from Marathon or Maverick Junction on the west via Texas State Highway 118 through Study Butte.
Five visitor’s centers are scattered throughout the park. If you’re a first-timer stop at park headquarters at Panther Junction in the center of the roughly wedge-shaped park for an orientation movie that gives a good overview of what you might see during your visit. Get the lay of the land by studying a three-dimensional model of the park’s geographic features and pick up helpful guidebooks and history books at the bookstore.
A 50-yard, wheelchair-accessible nature path just outside the center identifies plants such as prickly pear you’ll see in the Chihuahuan Desert. Keep an eye out for a desert cottontail rabbit or roadrunner as you stroll the path.
Additional exhibits are found at the Chisos Basin Visitors Center where you can check a board to pinpoint the latest bear and mountain lion sightings. (Visitors most often spot black bears in the park’s higher elevations and they occasionally see mountain lions which generally avoid humans along park roadways after dusk.)
In 2019 a fire swept through the collection of historic structures in the old farming community and military outpost of Castolon near Santa Elena Canyon on the park’s west side forcing park officials to relocate the visitors center there to temporary quarters. Still, it’s worth stopping here to see an exhibit detailing rural life in the park a century ago.
It gets hot in this corner of Texas—daytime temperatures can hover around 100 degrees from May to September (with nightly lows in the 60s and 70s). Avoid the searing heat by visiting between November and April; there might be an occasional snowfall in the mountains but more often it’s sunny and mild with high temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day and nighttime temperatures mainly in the 30s and 40s.
Peak crowds arrive over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Spring Break when campgrounds fill and lodge reservations are hard to come by. With so much room to roam though it doesn’t feel crowded except in high traffic areas such as the Chisos Mountain Basin in the park’s center and on popular hiking routes including the Lost Mines and Window View trails.
Make sure you pack plenty of water before you head out and if you go hiking, wear comfortable footwear with soles that will grip slippery rock and gravel. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing but you’ll want a jacket for cool winter evenings.
Restrooms are located at visitor’s centers and campgrounds; vault toilets are available at Boquillas Canyon, Dugout Wells, the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, the Hot Springs area, and Santa Elena Canyon. Cell phone service is spotty but free Wi-Fi is available at the Panther Junction Visitor Center, the Chisos Mountain Lodge, and the Rio Grande Village store.
Staying in Big Bend National Park will save you driving time in this vast, spread-out region and put you next to trailheads for some of the park’s best hikes but you won’t be basking in luxury.
Book well in advance at the park’s only hotel, the Chisos Mountain Lodge in the basin. Basic best describes its 66 rooms (some wheelchair-accessible) though certainly not the stunning views.
In the evening you’ll want to relax outside your room watching the sun shift over Casa Grande, a flat-top mountain rising more than 7,000 feet above sea level and set beneath the Window, a V-shaped notch in the surrounding mountains. As you do, you may see one of the bristly, piglike javelinas that roam the area.
For accommodations with a little more character, settle into one of the lodge’s five stone cottages—built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941—nestled among the juniper, oak and pinon trees, and cacti. From your back porch, take in picture-perfect views of the Window. You might spot a kangaroo rat or two hopping by, too.
At dinner, get a good taste of Texas classics—chicken-fried steak with cream gravy, ribeye steaks and the like—in the lodge’s restaurant. From its perch atop a hill, peer out a wall of windows at the surrounding rocky mountains and scrub-covered slopes. The restaurant also serves a full breakfast and packs to-go picnic lunches for park explorers.
The nearby Basin Convenience Store also stocks picnic staples. For the nearest restaurants outside the park you’ll need to drive to Terlingua, 26 miles west of park headquarters.
Camping in the park will get you even more in touch with the Chihuahuan Desert which covers more than 200,000 square miles and stretches into nearby Mexico. Choose from three developed campgrounds for tents and campers.
Rio Grande Village, not far from the river on the park’s east side lies in a grove of acacia and cottonwood trees. It has campsites with full hookups—the only ones in the park—and 75 sites for tents and campers without hookups.
The 60 spots at the Chisos Basin Campground are tucked into the Chisos Mountains a short hike from the park lodge and the convenience store which sells camping essentials.
In the park’s southwest corner close to Santa Elena Canyon you’ll find 24 sites at the first-come, first-served Cottonwood Campground which sits in the shade of the facility’s namesake trees.
All three campgrounds have restrooms, flush toilets, and drinking water but the only shower and laundry facilities are located at the Rio Grande Village store next to the Rio Grande Village campground.
Hard-core outdoors lovers might favor drive-to primitive camping amid cacti and canyons in the desert.
Campground permits cost $16 per night ($8 with a senior or access pass); backcountry permits are $10 ($5 with a senior or access pass). Make campground reservations in advance at recreation.gov.
Big Bend National Park awes visitors with a wide range of exhilarating activities. Here are six not-to-miss experiences that showcase this untamed park’s beauty and appeal.
Hit the trails
Hiking is the park’s premier activity with about 200 miles of trails varying from easy to quad-busting.
Make sure you squeeze in an hour one evening to watch the sun sink in the sky from one of the park’s most iconic spots. The 0.3-mile, wheelchair-accessible Window View Trail in the Chisos Mountain Basin serves up gaudy sunset views through a notch in the mountains. It’s a spectacular view and there’s also some good birding there.
On the park’s east side, a 2-mile gravel road leads to the trailhead at the Hot Springs Historic District. From there, it’s an easy walk to the ruins of an old bathhouse and rough pictographs painted on a cliff wall behind a crumbling old resort where travelers relaxed in the early 1900s.
Walk another quarter-mile to a pool of hot spring–fed water on the Rio Grande’s edge for a dip in the 105-degree tub—assuming you don’t mind muddy water.
For more hiking after your soak venture along a 1-mile loop up a rocky bluff before making your way back to the parking area.
On the park’s west side, the 1.7-mile Santa Elena Canyon Trail leads across Terlingua Creek, up a series of paved steps, along a rocky ledge and back down to the Rio Grande where massive cliffs on both sides of the river give the impression of a huge theater curtain about to sweep shut. The towering stone walls make a good sounding board if you’re into echoes.
More challenging trails await back at the Chisos Mountain Basin. For an all-day adventure get an early start and head up the South Rim Trail, a 12-mile route with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. If you’re feeling superambitious add the 1-mile spur up to Emory Peak, the park’s highest point.
Be prepared: For the last 100 feet you’ll be scrambling over rocks and exposed to sheer drop-offs.
If hiking’s not for you, go for a scenic spin in your car. Paved roads connect the park’s major attractions—Santa Elena Canyon, the Chisos Mountain Basin, and Rio Grande Village. Unimproved dirt roads lead to other points of interest; a high clearance vehicle is helpful but not necessary.
One of the best routes to take to get a feel for the park is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. You can fill a day just driving along it, stopping at overlooks, and going down to Santa Elena Canyon and back.
Along the 30-mile route which twists and turns from a point 10 miles west of park headquarters to the canyon you’ll be pulling off plenty to take in the sites and geology. Two stops you’re sure to like: At the old Sam Nail Ranch, sit quietly on a bench near a windmill that still pumps water and observe the abundant birdlife it attracts from green-tailed towhees to painted buntings.
At Tuff Canyon, marvel at a gorge carved out of soft volcanic rock from two easy-to-access viewing platforms. If you’re game, walk down into the narrow canyon admiring its chalky walls and gnarled rock formations on an easy 1-mile hike.
Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Big Bend Overland Tours offers four- to eight-hour excursions that deliver park highlights and hidden vistas. Just you and your party, no others, are shuttled around in the comfort of an air-conditioned, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
More than 450 bird species have been seen in Big Bend National Park’s forested canyons, open desert, river corridor, and woodlands. A good viewing spot: The 0.75-mile nature trail at Rio Grande Village winds along a marsh with such river dwellers as egrets and herons. The park is known for having a lot of different species because its in an area of overlapping ranges of western and eastern bird species of North America and the northern range of birds from the tropics.
Get a history lesson
Learn about the park’s prehistory at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit on the Persimmon Gap Entrance Road which outlines the last 130 million years of the Big Bend region, dinosaurs and all. Big Bend has been the site of a lot of big fossil finds—really big species that include Tyrannosaurus rex and Alamosaurus, a long-necked sauropod.
The open-air facility features replicas of the large flying dinosaur called Quetzalcoatlus and Deinosuchus, a prehistoric alligator with a body as long as a school bus. Kids (overgrown ones, too) can’t resist sticking their heads inside the replica’s jaws.
Big Bend National Park gets its name from the Rio Grande and some visitors are eager to raft or paddle the river. Fun-packed canoe, kayak, and rafting tours suitable even for novices get you out on its café au lait-colored waters. For an easy daytrip, float through Santa Elena Canyon where the 1,500-foot cliff walls seem to stretch to the sky. Book river outings with Big Bend River Tours, Desert Sports, or Far Flung Outdoor Center.
Get a bird’s-eye view
Take in Big Bend’s canyons and splintered mountains from high in the sky and you’ll get a good sense of the powerful geologic forces that molded this region. Rio Aviation’s airborne tours carry up to four sightseers in a single-engine Cessna. A former park ranger founded the company and pilots the plane sharing his firsthand knowledge of the region.
Gateway towns
The nearest towns to Big Bend National Park are the quirky little sister communities of Study Butte and Terlingua, 26 miles west of park headquarters. Crews mined quicksilver here in the early 1900s and today you can wander the ruins of the adobe buildings where the miners once lived in Terlingua’s ghost town. Expect the unexpected—you might meet a cowboy on a horse at an outdoor bar, see a metal sculpture of a giant wasp, or stumble upon an impromptu Hula-Hoop competition.
Even if you’re not staying in Terlingua or Study Butte, spend an evening in Terlingua. Locals gather nightly to sing and strum guitars on the porch of the Terlingua Trading Company & Book Store which sells a well-curated selection of Texas-themed books. The neighboring Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon where miners once whiled away West Texas nights watching movies serves up some of that famous Terlingua chili as well as tequila-marinated quail and chicken-fried wild boar along with live music.
The lodging options are unique. La Posada Milagro rents comfortable rooms built from crumbling ghost town ruins and serves tacos and java at its popular coffee shop. At Basecamp Terlingua, you can stay in a luxury tepee outfitted with lights and an evaporative cooler.
Some choose to visit the park from Marathon, an easy 68 miles north of park headquarters. You won’t find so much as a single traffic light but you can hang your hat at the 93-year-old Gage Hotel. Prolific West Texas architect Henry Trost designed this hotel and three more in other railroad towns in the region between 1927 and 1930. Listen to the chugging of passing trains as you sip a margarita under the mounted head of a rare white buffalo in the hotel’s bar or stroll among native cacti in the gardens across the street.
For a good introduction to West Texas, stop at the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, 99 miles north of park headquarters. You’ll get good insights to life in the Big Bend region through exhibits that detail Big Bend National Park’s creation and recount the important roles the mining and railroad industries played in the area through the years.
If you’re traveling through the artsy enclave of Marfa, 124 miles northwest of park headquarters, stop to contemplate larger-than-life installations by minimalist artist Donald Judd, a New Yorker drawn here in the 1970s by the desert landscape and, frankly, the lack of other people. Judd’s large aluminum sculptures populate artillery sheds at the old Fort D.A. Russell; huge concrete works are visible outside the windows.
From Marfa, drive 60 miles south to Presidio, then head southeast on Farm to Market Road 170 toward Terlingua. Known to locals as the River Road, this 62-mile stretch of scenic highway with pullouts and overlooks down to the glinting Rio Grande will make you think you’re motoring alongside a slightly smaller version of Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Big Bend 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.
Here are a few more articles to help you do just that:
RV recalls can take months to reach you. Be informed sooner! Register your RV with NHTSA so you don’t end up on the side of the road.
Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall, creating a safety risk for you and your passengers. A certified dealer must repair Safety defects at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.
RV recalls can be a serious issue. If your vehicle is on the recall list, it needs to be fixed immediately to ensure your safety while traveling.
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, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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 safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.
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.
Have you ever experienced a vehicle recall? If so, you know it can take months to filter from the manufacturer to you, the vehicle owner.
The danger in this lag time is that something can go wrong before you even know there is a problem. But there is something you can do about it!
RVingwithrex.com posts RV-related recalls on a monthly basis, usually the last calendar day of the month. And if you wish to check on past months these are also available on rvingwithrex.com going back to 2019.
The first thing you want to do is check your RV for any current safety issues or recalls. You can get this information immediately through the NHTSA website.
Click this NHTSA link, then enter your RV’s VIN. Or, you can click on the Vehicle tab and search by year, make, and model.
This search tool will then show you if it’s an unrepaired vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 years. If a safety recall has been repaired it won’t show in the results.
Unfortunately, this VIN search tool doesn’t show all manufacturers. So, its usefulness may be hit or miss depending on the make of RV you have. Small or highly-specialized manufacturers may not have results.
But even if you can’t get immediate information, you can sign up for recall alerts.
How to get recall alerts from NHTSA
Technically, there are two ways to get recall alerts from NHTSA. The first is through their app SaferCar and the second is through email notifications. But only one really works.
Does SaferCar app work?
No, NHTSA’s SaferCar app is poorly rated and has not been updated since 2021. So, my advice is not to even bother with it.
If anything, it will give you false assurance when you don’t receive any alerts when, in fact, the app just might not be working properly.
You’re better off with the old school method of email notifications.
Opt for email alerts instead
Since the app is unreliable, I recommend you register with NHTSA’s Recall Notification Email System. By entering your email address, you can then set up, modify, or delete your recall notification subscription.
While this system seems to be much more reliable than the SaferCar app I wouldn’t rely on it entirely. A good practice would be to check the Safety & Recall Search Tool that I talked about in the very beginning every 6 months.
Each year, thousands of RVs are recalled because of safety concerns.
There are three main types of RV recalls. Those issued by the RV manufacturer, the motorhome chassis maker, and third-party suppliers.
RV manufacturers, such as Forest River Inc., REV Group, Thor Industries, and Winnebago Industries are the most common recalls.
RV manufacturer recalls can be for various reasons such as a problem with the structure of the RV, an issue with the electrical system, or a problem with the plumbing.
The motorhome chassis manufacturer such as Ford, Freightliner, or Mercedes issues the second most common type of recall typically because of a problem with the vehicle components of the motorhome.
The third type of recall is issued by a third-party supplier for various reasons, such as a problem with water heaters, appliances, and other non-OEM components.
Regardless of the type of recall, it’s vital to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your RV.
As mentioned above there is a broad range of issues that can result in a recall. Some of the most common types of recalls in the RV industry include:
Structural issues: Recalls related to structural components such as frames, roofs, floors, or sidewalls that may be prone to defects or failure
Appliance and equipment recalls: Issues with appliances and other equipment that may pose safety hazards
Electric system recalls: Problems with the electrical systems including wiring, circuit breakers, inverters, or generators which could lead to electrical fires or other safety hazards
Propane system recalls: Issues with propane tanks, regulators, or lines that could result in leaks, explosions, or fire hazards
Tire recalls: Recalls related to tires installed on RVs such as defects in manufacturing, tread separation, or other issues that could increase the risk of accidents or blowouts
In addition to receiving these recalls notices, I suggest reading:
It’s important for RV owners to stay informed about recalls affecting their vehicles and address any safety issues promptly to ensure safe operation on the road.
The duration of a vehicle recall process can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of the issue, the number of vehicles affected, the availability of replacement parts, and the responsiveness of the manufacturer.
The typical steps involved in a recall process include:
Identification of the issue
Investigation and analysis
Notification of affected vehicle owners
Remedy development
Distribution of replacement parts
Vehicle repairs
Completion of recall
Overall, the duration of a vehicle recall can range from several months to several years.
Should you check for recalls before going on a road trip?
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, checking for recalls on your RV before setting out is always a good idea. Though most recalls are issued for minor defects, some can be pretty serious and it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Remember, the manufacturer, not the consumer, pays for RV recalls. So, if there’s a recall on your RV, get it fixed before going on vacation. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road because of a missed recall.
Not only are you putting yourself in danger but also everyone else on the road. By getting your RV recall fixed, you ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying your vacation.
Check for information on used RV recalls
When you’re in the market for a used RV it’s important to do your homework and check for any outstanding recalls.
Use the NHTSA’s website recall lookup tool to see if the manufacturer or chassis builder has issued any recalls for the RV you’re looking to buy.
While most dealers and private sellers are conscientious about maintaining their vehicles, there’s always the possibility that some repairs may have been overlooked. By checking for recalls, you can be sure you’re getting a safe and reliable RV.
If there are any outstanding recalls, ask the dealer or seller how they plan to address them. In most cases, they should be able to provide you with documentation showing they have made the repairs.
By taking a little time to do your research, you’re getting a used motorhome or travel trailer that’s recall free, safe, and roadworthy.
Even the best-built RVs can have issues and sometimes those issues can be severe enough to warrant a recall. If your RV is recalled, it’s crucial to take action immediately and get the problem fixed.
The first step is to determine if your RV is affected by checking the recall list. The listing will give you information on who to contact, the recall identification number, and other essential data.
Once you confirm your RV is in the recall, the next step is to contact the manufacturer who will inform you where to take your RV to get the problem fixed.
It’s important to note not all service centers can perform recall work, so call ahead and confirm before making the trip. In addition, not all service centers for some brands have the capability of repairing RVs. Motorhomes require different lifts, tools, and certified service technicians that have the background to do the job correctly.
Certified mobile service technicians may be able to complete the recall work if the nearest service center is too far away or has a long waiting list. So when you shop around for mobile RV service techs, one of your first questions should be if they can accept RV recall work.
The critical point you need to look for is that they can file the necessary paperwork and get paid by the manufacturer instead of you.
Once you’ve taken your RV in for the repair, monitor the issue to prevent any additional problems.
What NHTSA?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency within the United States federal government operating under the Department of Transportation. Its primary goal is to prevent injuries and save lives related to vehicles.
Additionally, the NHTSA aims to reduce traffic-related healthcare costs and other economic burdens.
NHTSA has several main functions. I’ll briefly cover each.
1. Sets safety standards
NHTSA establishes and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, ensuring crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and fuel economy are met.
2. Investigates safety defects
The agency investigates safety-related defects in motor vehicles and equipment and manages recalls when necessary to address safety issues. Through vehicle performance monitoring and research, NHTSA collaborates with manufacturers to promptly address safety concerns.
3. Consumer information and education
NHTSA provides consumers with information on vehicle safety ratings, recalls, and other safety-related topics. It conducts public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving behaviors and prevent accidents. They even have their own YouTube Channel.
4. Research and development
The agency conducts research on various aspects of traffic safety, including vehicle technologies, driver behavior, and road infrastructure. This research informs the development of new safety standards and strategies to reduce accidents and fatalities on the nation’s roads.
5. Enforcement of safety regulations
The NHTSA enforces compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations. It conducts investigations, inspections, and audits to ensure manufacturers, dealers, and other stakeholders meet safety requirements.
Planning an RV trip can be an exciting adventure but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some top tips to help you plan your RV trip in 2025.
A new year is here and that means a whole new year of fun RV adventures awaits! Many people use these colder months to start their RV trip planning for the spring and summer. Why not join them in getting excited for warmer weather, outdoor adventures, and time spent around the campfire?
Not sure how to begin your RV trip planning? No worries, I’m here to help. Below, I will give you my top tips for planning amazing RV travels for the upcoming camping season.
First things first, you have to decide where you want to go. If you aren’t the type to stick around your home and stay in the campground for the entire trip, this can be a bit overwhelming. There is so much out there to explore and picking just a few options can feel nearly impossible. Here are some ways to narrow down your options.
Plan around your bucket list
Do you have an ongoing list of things you’d like to do and places you’d like to see? Use this list to guide your travels. Pick the options that matter most to you and do your best to work toward those trips. If your top picks simply aren’t feasible right now, you can also choose a few that are within the realm of possibility and start planning those trips.
The three most expensive line items for an RV road trip are fuel, camping fees, and food. All three of these can vary dramatically depending on the type of road trip you plan. Knowing your RV or tow vehicle MPG will help you plan a route that doesn’t break the bank. Remember, you don’t have to drive across the country to have an amazing adventure.
Evaluate your financial resources and determine how much you can comfortably allocate towards transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, and other expenses. Research the cost of living in your chosen destination and factor in any currency exchange rates.
Consider using travel apps or online resources to get an estimate of the overall cost. It’s essential to be realistic about your budget to avoid overspending and unnecessary financial stress during your trip.
If you need to keep things inexpensive staying relatively close to home might be your best bet. You can also consider trying boondocking to save on camping fees or pick destinations with lots of free things to do and see. If you have a senior national parks pass, national parks can be an incredibly affordable camping destination.
Book campsites far in advance of your departure date if possible
The current state of available campsites is a hard pill to swallow for many RVers. Some people dream of hitting the road and letting the wind blow them where it may. Unfortunately, the best state and national park campsites are often booked months in advance so making reservations is highly recommended.
Carefully read online reviews to ensure the campground is a good fit. Make sure the campground has the amenities that you need whether that’s a pool and hot tub or just sparkling clean bathhouses. Also note any cancellation policies and record them in your smartphone calendar along with the reservation information. You are then prepared if you need to change your plans.
Follow friends
Have friends who enjoy RVing as well? If you really can’t decide what to do, you might ask them what their plans are. Camping is always more fun with friends and planning a few trips with your RV friends will remove the need to choose a destination and it helps ensure you have an amazing time no matter where you end up going.
Mind the weather
Weather is an important factor when planning an RV trip. Staying in an RV when it is extremely hot or cold outside simply isn’t comfortable and not being able to get outside because of constant rain can leave you feeling cooped up. I recommend looking for destinations that, if possible, will offer sunny weather with very little rain and no extreme temperatures.
Many experienced roadtrippers love exploring the backroads and scenic byways when traveling from point A to point B. You will have to approach route planning differently when taking an RV road trip. Look for any low clearances and propane restrictions for bridges and tunnels. Think about gas stops that won’t land you in a parking lot pickle. Be aware of steep grades or switchbacks that may be tricky to navigate in an RV.
Adjust your estimated time of arrival
One of the most common mistakes new RV roadtrippers make is expecting to move at the same pace as when traveling by car. That’s not going to happen so it’s important to have reasonable expectations when planning your itinerary. An easy rule of thumb is to plan an average route speed of 50 miles per hour. This accounts for generally slower speeds but also longer and perhaps more frequent fuel stops.
Driving an RV takes a lot more focus than a car and first-time RVers are often surprised that they are tired after a shorter time behind the wheel. For this reason, some RVers follow the 330 Rule: Drive no more than 330 miles in a single day and arrive at your destination no later than 3:30 p.m.
Put tools to use
There are tools that can help you choose an RV-friendly route. RV Trip Wizard is one such tool and it does an excellent job of showing safe routes using the info you give on the size of your RV. It can also suggest places to camp, get fuel, and stop for sightseeing along the way.
I do recommend cross-checking any route your road trip app suggests against a Trucker’s Atlas to ensure it truly is a good route for big rigs.
If you’re driving a long way to reach your destination, it just makes sense to add in some stops to see and do things along the way. RV Trip Wizard can help you find fun stops as can Roadtrippers.
Google Maps can also be helpful if you have an idea of what sort of attraction you’re looking for. Just type it in and see what pops up along your route on the map.
Leave lots of wiggle room
Alright, this piece of advice might drive you hardcore planner types a bit batty but one of the best parts of RVing is having the option to turn down that strange-looking road or decide to stay an extra day (or leave a day early!) at the last minute. If you make all your reservations ahead of time, you won’t have as much flexibility to do that—at least not without wasting lots of cash.
That said, during the summer and other busy travel seasons, foregoing reservations can sometimes leave you in a bit of a lurch. If you’re planning to travel to a popular destination like a National Park, you’ll most likely want to book in advance as sites fill up quickly during peak times.
It’s all about finding a happy medium that keeps you moving, happy, stress-free, and still enjoying lots of roadside serendipity.
Once you know where you’re going and the route you want to take, you’ll need to ensure you’re 100 percent ready to hit the road. Here’s what you need to do to get ready now so you can hit the road as soon as the warm weather rolls in.
Make key purchases
You might need to make some purchases before you hit the road. If you plan to do more boondocking than usual, a solar setup or generator might be needed. Certain outdoor adventures will require gear like kayaks, hiking boots, and so on. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your RV roadside assistance is up to date and that you’re still comfortable with your insurance plan.
Get the RV ready
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure all of your RV maintenance is done so your rig is in tip-top shape and ready to hit the road. Reseal the roof and side seams, check the slide seals, take a look at the tires replace any that need to, and make sure all of your appliances are in good working order. This will help ensure your first trip out goes off without a hitch and you can fully enjoy your entire camping season.
There you go! Everything you need to know to start your RV trip planning for 2025. Now start planning and getting excited so you can jump into the camping season feet-first when the warmer weather rolls in!
Still strapped for ideas? Here are some really cool road trip itineraries and themed camping options to check out—these could make your RV planning project a whole lot simpler!
Looking to do an epic cross-country road trip along a beloved American roadway? Check out my guide to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 (see photo above)or the Creole Nature Trail (see photo above) in Louisiana.
Maybe you’re a history buff or a foodie? You could plan your camping trip around either of those themes—and many more, to boot. Here are some of my best road trip ideas for patriots, wildlife lovers, and haunted house enthusiasts. Or a food-driven tour of Texas or New Mexico or a breathtaking trip around the Grand Circle!
You could also consider making a trip to explore your home state—after all, there may be some wonderful gems right in your own backyard. For instance, if you call Texas, Arizona, or California home, chances are you’ve barely seen the tip of the iceberg… though even if you live in New Hampshire, I’m sure there’s something new and wonderful to discover!
Whether you’re looking to take on an epic cross-country road trip or just travel around your region exploring state parks, road trip planning is all about maintaining flexibility and open-mindedness while putting in just enough effort to get yourself excited and on the road. As I said above, don’t forget that this blog is a great resource, too! Whether you’re camping out at a national park or looking for the best campgrounds and RV parks always turn to Rex talks RVing for quality reference content to help you make your road trip great.
The good thing is, you can’t lose no matter where you go, especially if you’ve brought great company. It may be cliche, but it’s true—when you’re RVing, it’s really all about the journey. Enjoy it!
Worth Pondering…
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
Just beyond Las Vegas stands an otherworldly landscape of epic proportions. Some gaze into the rock formations and see fire. Filmmakers see Mars. Whatever the truth may be, Valley of Fire State Park is a place for the adventurer at heart.
Born from Aztec sandstone and other geological finds, this park is one of southern Nevada’s native treasures with Native American art, natural arches, and more. Since opening in 1934, Valley of Fire has grown to more than 46,000 acres and hosted thousands of outdoor escapades.
White Domes Road (also called Mouse’s Tank Road) is a picturesque road that winds through the main part of the canyon. It’s a lovely drive that you take on the way to the Fire Wave and it’s also one of those spots where everyone wants to take an Instagram shot. You can climb up a rock and just looking down the road where you can just see a narrow strip of asphalt surrounded by warm orange rocks for what looks like forever.
There are two main viewpoints that you can capture. One is at the Rainbow Vista trailhead and the other one is at a small makeshift parking space right before you reach the Rainbow Vista.
Rainbow Vista
The other best capture point (and the more well-known one) is at the Rainbow Vista trailhead. You can’t miss it — it’s a massive steep rock slope that plenty of people will be climbing. Despite its height, it’s not particularly precarious and you get a lovely angled view of Mouse’s Tank Road below!
For the best light I would recommend either coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you don’t want the lighting to be as harsh.
The Rainbow Vista trail is a relatively short out-and-back hike that’ll take you to a small canyon. It can get pretty sandy and the canyon is hard to capture on camera but it’s a decently fun hike and easy for everyone. I wouldn’t prioritize it if you have limited time in Valley of Fire but it’s a great hike if you’re looking to take kids or people who are less athletic.
The Fire Wave is one of the most popular hikes in the Valley of Fire State Park. This trail is easy but also extremely rewarding. It’s similar to the famous Wave in Arizona but unlike the Wave which requires fighting hordes of people you can hike the Fire Wave at any time of day. The beautiful swirled rock patterns alternate in red and white and glow in the sun. If you come in the late afternoon around golden hour the entire curved rock is lit up pink!
Elephant Rock
This picturesque rock formation is not located on the same scenic road as Rainbow Vista and the Fire Wave trails. It’s actually located right inside of the east park entrance, right off the Valley of Fire Road. Since parking is limited on Valley of Fire Road, it is best to park in the nearby parking lot and take the trail to reach the formation.
Whether you think that it looks like an elephant or not, it’s extremely recognizable and a good quick stop. You’re no longer allowed to climb on the rock itself and you’ll see signs posted asking to not climb on Elephant Rock to preserve it for future generations.
If you want a light-colored glow, you’ll want to come in the morning.
Valley of Fire Arch Rock has formed over many millennia by strong winds and rain slowly washing away the materials holding its sand grains together. The rock weakened over time allowing the natural arch that you see today to form. Eventually, it will grow too large for its support and will collapse. No climbing on this beautiful, fragile structure is allowed. Arch Rock is a must see and a great photo opportunity.
There is also a 2-mile scenic loop that has views of some of the most interesting rock formations including Arch Rock and Piano Rock.
Atlatl Rock
An atlatl (at’-lat-l) is a device used for launching a spear; usually a short cord wound around the spear so that when thrown into the air the weapon will rotate. The ancient Indians used these weapons and they are depicted in the petroglyphs (rock carvings) located at Atlatl Rock. This area has outstanding petroglyphs that should not be missed.
The Atlatl Campground has 43 campsites. Some haves water and power hookups and others are more primitive.
Beehives
The Beehives are sandstone formations that not only demonstrate the unique design that can be created by nature but are also an excellent representation of geologic cross bedding. Those are the grooved lines going in different directions. The layers or beds represent different layers of silt that were deposited at different times. The beds indicate the angle of the wind or water was moving at the time the material was deposited. Cross bedding is very common in sand dunes, beach deposits, and river sediments. A short path winds through rocky dunes with hills of the Muddy Mountains visible in the distance.
Not only is the park eye-watering beautiful with its fire-like radiance, it is also home to ancient petrified trees and petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are believed to date back to over 2,000 years. The petroglyphs carved into the red sandstone rock formations are a remnant from the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the region around 2,500 years ago. They were farmers in the nearby fertile lands of the Moapa Valley and lived in the valley roughly between 300 BC and 1150 AD.
It is thought that a limitation of water would have limited their visits to the Valley of Fire but today their legacy remains etched into the rock. In the valley, one can find many examples of fine rock art scattered around several sites in the park.
While petroglyphs can be found throughout the park, popular places with particularly numerous petroglyphs include Mouse’s Tank and Atlatl Rock. Both of these places also have the advantage of being fairly accessible.
Silica Dome
In this region, forces within the earth have been powerful enough to cause thousands of feet of surface rock to fold, break, and in some areas push several miles from their original location. Today, erosion has worn away the top of one great fold exposing the sharply angled layer of rock and creating numerous canyons.
The sandstone formations that are so prominent in the Valley of Fire are made of sand grains that are almost pure silica. Silica Dome is the finest example in the area of such a deposit. The change from white to red at the base of the dome occurs where small quantities of iron in the rock produces a rust-like stain.
White Domes are sandstone formations with brilliant contrasting colors and a one-mile hike. The White Domes Trail is a moderate loop that combines sweeping desert vistas, a slot canyon, colors galore, windows, caves and a historic movie site.
The White Domes area was the location for the 1966 movie The Professionals. This western, starring Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, and Claudia Cardinale was typical of the 1960s western genre. It was also responsible for the development of the road and access to this remarkable area. The remains of the site include a small portion of the wall of the hacienda.
Seven Sisters at Valley of Fire State Park is a group of seven tall, red, eroded boulders surrounded by the sandy desert. Once part of the nearby red formations these rock towers are all that remain after the relentless forces or erosion stripped away the surrounding sandstone deposits. Numerous “blow holes” forecast the eventual destruction of the towers that will take place many hundreds of years in the future.
Majestic natural rock formations aren’t the only things to see in this park. The Desert Bighorn Sheep also roam freely and visitors with a keen eye may be lucky to spot several. They are easy to distinguish from other wildlife as they have C-shaped horns.
Even with mountains, rocks, and harsh climates dominating the park, these animals thrive effortlessly something that makes them more admirable. Remember to keep a distance as the sheep get defensive when provoked.
There are campsites at the Valley of Fire State Park and they are an excellent way to really enjoy the stunning outdoor world of the Nevadan desert.
The Valley of Fire State Park has two campgrounds and a combined total of 72 units. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. A dump station and showers are available. RV sites with power and water hookups are available.
Visitors may make reservations from 3 days to 11 months in advance on reservenevada.com. Inventory opens up at 8 a.m. Pacific Time and is on a rolling 11 month booking window.
All reservable campsites not reserved may be paid for on a first come, first served basis for 1 night at a time. First come, first served visitors may extend their stay by reaching out to park staff.
Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Conveniently, it is an easy day trip from Las Vegas. It is only around 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas and is adjacent to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Elevation: Between 1,320 and 3,009 feet
Size: 46,000 Acres
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; 24-hour access to campgrounds
Visitor center hours: Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Day-use admission: $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles
Camping fees: $20 per night for Nevada residents and $25 per night for out-of-state vehicles; campsites with utility hookups an extra $10 per night
Annual trail closures: For the safety of guests, staff, and local rescue services, many of the park’s trails are closed annually during the warmer months (May-September). Tthe trails are typically closed May 15-September 30. The Trails include: White Domes Loop, Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Loop/Pastel Canyon/Pink Canyon, Pinnacles Loop, Propect Trail, Arrowhead Trail, Natural Arch Trail (excluding Arch Rock), and Charlie’s Spring. These trails have a history of frequent medical calls, search and rescue missions, and fatalities during this time of year. Unfortunately, the demand is more than we are able to safely manage.
Hiking in high heat is dangerous even on shorter trails. Staying hydrated and replacing electrolytes is extremely important. Prepare for the heat and for unexpected mishaps. Please note that due to the terrain and weather, trails at Valley of Fire often feel much longer than listed.
I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.
From Galveston Island State Park in Texas to Shenandoah River State Park in Virginia, hikers, campers, and outdoor adventurers will want to add these 7 state parks in the South to their outdoor adventure list
If the great outdoors is calling your name, set out for an adventure in one of the South’s best state parks. These state parks are some of my favorite destinations for getting outside and exploring in nature. They span the region and represent an exciting array of landscapes.
Find your way to these outdoor destinations and you’ll be met with mountains, gorges, beaches, rivers, swinging bridges, marshes, hiking trails, campgrounds, and plenty of fresh air. Some are more remote and offer a real escape from the bustle of everyday life while others are just a stone’s throw from cities and small towns, making them easy weekend getaways.
Whether you’re looking for picturesque hiking routes, dramatic waterfalls, secluded camping site, or sandy spots to settle in and see the sunset, there’s a park here that’s destined for your bucket list. Explore the great Southern outdoors this year and make new memories in the South’s best state parks.
Lush natural setting of moss-draped oaks, marshlands, and the Gulf of Mexico
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this park is filled with giant moss-draped oaks and critter-filled marshlands. It got its name because French Buccaneer Jean Lafitte smuggled and pirated along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the late 1700s.
Buccaneer State Park has 206 premium campsites with full amenities including sewer. In addition to the premium sites, Buccaneer has an additional 70 campsites that are set on a grassy
Wander among the pines at Laura S. Walker, the first state park named for a woman, an oasis that shares many features with the unique Okefenokee Swamp
Wander among the pines at Laura S. Walker, the first state park named for a woman, an oasis that shares many features with the unique Okefenokee Swamp. This park is home to fascinating creatures and plants including alligators and carnivorous pitcher plants. Walking along the lake’s edge and nature trail, visitors may spot the shy gopher tortoise, saw palmettos, yellow-shafted flickers, warblers, owls, and great blue herons.
The park’s lake offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating, and kayaks and bicycles are available for rent. The Lakes 18-hole golf course features a clubhouse, golf pro, and junior/senior rates.
1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River
Just 15 minutes from the town of Front Royal awaits a state park that can only be described as lovely. This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access, and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers, and canoeists. With more than 24 miles of trails, the park has plenty of options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and adventure.
Step into the days of the antebellum South as costumed guides escort you through the stately mansion and formal gardens
The farm that inspired the imagery in Stephen Collins 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 originally named, “Federal Hill,” by its first owner Judge John Rowan became Kentucky’s first historic shrine on July 4th, 1923.
Located near Bardstown the mansion and farm had been the home of the Rowan family for three generations spanning 120 years. In 1922 Madge Rowan Frost, the last Rowan family descendant sold her ancestral home and 235 acres to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Enjoy a day on Kentucky’s rolling bluegrass as you test your golfing skills on the Kenny Rapier Golf Course, an 18-hole regulation golf course. A fully equipped pro shop caters to the golfer’s every need with rental clubs, pull carts, and riding carts. The complete redesign and reconstruction of the front nine holes plus extensive irrigation and turf improvements on the back nine holes are finished and 18 holes are open for play. The golf course is open year-round.
Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves or come to the island to fish or look for coastal birds
Just an hour’s drive from Houston, but “an island apart,” Galveston Island State Park offers a welcome refuge from busy city life and activities for every visitor. Back-in RV camping sites are on the bayside of the park, with a communal pavilion and shared fire rings. Electric hook-ups are available at every site, with water and bathhouses nearby.
Swim, fish, bird watch, hike, bike, study nature at the nature center, or relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings! Stroll over dunes and marshes on the boardwalks, or bring a canoe or kayak and paddle one of the many paddling trails. There’s something here for every outdoor lover to enjoy!
An abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting
Located off Interstate 20, Roosevelt State Park surrounds 150-acre Shadow Lake at the western edge of Bienville National Forest, between Jackson and Meridian. The campground consists of very spread out sites that surround the lake within the state park. There is a variety of sites including cabins, standard sites, and electric hookups. Amenities include a boat launch, cable TV, laundry facilities, showers, and drinking water.
Situated on the second-largest delta region of the US
This 1,327-acre park is situated in the wetlands of north Mobile Bay and is a day-use, picnicking, and scenic park with modern camping hook-ups for overnight visitors. Meaher’s boat ramp and fishing pier will appeal to every fisherman and a self-guided walk on our boardwalk will give you an up-close view of the beautiful Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta consists of approximately 20,323 acres of water, is the second largest delta in the contiguous US and Meaher State Park is the perfect access point to this massive natural wonder. Formed by the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a complex network of tidally influenced rivers, creeks, bays, lakes, wetlands, and bayous.
Since the Delta empties into Mobile Bay it is a productive estuary with numerous species of fresh and saltwater fish which makes Meaher State Park an angler’s dream. If you’re lucky, you might also see an alligator or two.
Meaher State Park has it all: a boardwalk for tourists to walk along, a 300-foot fishing pier, boating opportunities, picnic tables, and even 56 campsites.
Entrance fee: $3 per person
Worth Pondering…
However one reaches the parks, the main thing is to slow down and absorb the natural wonders at leisure.
Experience the majestic beauty of saguaro cacti at these locations in Arizona
Visitors journey from far and wide to the deserts of Arizona to marvel at one of America’s most incredible plants: the giant saguaro cactus. Growing up to 50 feet in height and living for up to 200 years, these cacti are a hallmark icon of the Southwest as a whole. Even though they only grow in parts of the Sonoran Desert, these towering plants have come to represent America’s arid desert regions as a whole.
For many travelers, the go-to place to witness these incredible cacti is Saguaro National Park in Arizona. At the same time, this park can feel pricey and crowded. Luckily for visitors, there are numerous other more affordable and less-crowded parks in the American Southwest to visit as alternative places to catch breathtaking views of saguaro cacti.
Cacti to see: Saguaros, Organ pipe cacti, senitas, chain fruit chollas, teddy bear chollas, prickly pears, Arizona barrel cacti, and pincushion cacti
Out of all the national monuments and parks in the Southwest, perhaps the best place to see cacti outside of Saguaro National Park is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. While Saguaro National Park was created to preserve the eponymous saguaros, this national monument is dedicated to the preservation of another incredible cactus, the organ pipe.
This many-limbed cactus is a vital part of the local ecosystem serving as a food source for the long-nosed bat and the white-winged dove. These incredible 5-foot-tall cacti can also live for over 150 years, like the saguaro.
Of course, saguaro cacti are also found here in abundance, too. Other cacti species include senita, chain fruit cholla, teddy bear cholla, prickly pear, Arizona barrel, and pincushion. Visitors who are lucky enough to see local fauna at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument might spot long-nosed bats, javelinas, kangaroo rats, cactus wrens, chuckwallas, deer, and the endangered Sonoran pronghorn.
Location: Arizona State Route 85, south of Ajo
Cacti: Organ pipe cacti, senitas, chain fruit chollas, teddy bear chollas, prickly pears, Arizona barrel cacti, pincushion cacti
Other flora and fauna: Long-nosed bats, javelinas, kangaroo rats, cactus wrens, chuckwallas, Sonoran pronghorn, deer
2. Tonto National Monument
Cacti to see: Saguaro cacti, hedgehog cacti, pincushion cacti, prickly pear cacti, and agave
The Tonto Forest isn’t just home to one of Arizona’s strangest national park sites. It’s also home to saguaro cacti. At the Tonto National Monument, visitors will get to see these incredible cacti as they wander through historic ruins, along winding trails, and through desert hills.
While here, not only will visitors catch views of saguaros but will also get to see flora like hedgehog cacti, pincushion cacti, prickly pear cacti, and agave. Fauna like kestrels, gila woodpeckers (that live alongside the saguaros), toads, gila monsters, coati, rock cats, spotted skunks, and desert shrews are also found here.
Location: Arizona State Route 188, northwest of Globe-Miami
Cacti to see: Saguaros, chollas, prickly pears, barrel cacti, agave, ocotillo, and yucca
Amid the craggy mountains and valleys of the Superstition Wilderness Area grows a bounty of towering saguaro cacti. Even though the Superstition Wilderness is considered by many to be one of the creepiest national park sites in the US (because of local ghost stories), many visitors still flock to this national wilderness area to see not only the saguaro but also stunning vistas of the desert.
While hiking in this area, look out for desert creatures such as desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, red-tailed hawks, mule deer, and mountain lions. Cacti and other plants like chollas, prickly pears, barrel cacti, ocotillo, agave, and yucca are all found here, too.
Location: Arizona State Route 88, north of Apache Junction
Cacti to see: Saguaros, cholla cacti, prickly pears, hedgehog cacti, and barrel cacti
Saguaros abound at the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Across the 496,000 acres of this vast protected swath of desert, you truly get a feel for the splendor of the Sonoran Desert. Mountains, open deserts, and forests all make up this incredible park. The Sonoran Desert is an icon of the Wild West so visitors will feel like they’re in a historic epic Western adventure.
Hikers are practically guaranteed to see saguaros. Succulents and cacti are bountiful here with cholla cacti, prickly pears, hedgehog cacti, and barrel cacti found in abundance. Hikers and campers might even catch a glimpse of animals like desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mule deer, bats, and javelin.
Location: Maricopa Couny Route 238, between Gila Bend and Maricopa
Cacti to see: Saguaros, barrel cacti, prickly pear, senilis cacti, and hedgehog cacti
At Casa Grande Ruins National Monument you can not only see some of the country’s best-preserved Hohokam ruins but you’ll also get to see stunning saguaro cacti in their natural environment. Once a home to Hohokam farmers for over 1,000 years, villagers lived in adobe houses and created beautiful pottery.
While admiring the ruins of this historic village you’ll notice the many plants that grow amid the ancient houses. Saguaro cacti are plentiful here so you can learn about the historic human inhabitants of this park and the giant towering cacti that have stood here for millennia.
Barrel cacti, prickly pear, senilis cacti, and hedgehog cacti are also found here. Commonly seen mammals include round tail squirrels, bats, rabbits, and foxes.
Cacti to see: Saguaros, organ pipe cacti, cholla cacti, and ocotillo
Located along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, this national wildlife refuge is truly a hidden gem for visitors who want adventures in the natural world. Cabeza Pieta National Wildlife Refuge is a desert haven for those who want to experience the desert in all its pristine glory.
This area, situated in the Yuma Desert region of the greater Sonoran Desert, is home to more than 275 fauna species and 400 plant species, making it an incredibly diverse part of the country. As the third-largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states of the U.S., Cabeza Pieta National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places in Arizona to see wildlife.
Out of all the species found here, the saguaro cactus is truly one of the crown jewels of this park. Other cacti include organ pipe cacti, cholla cacti, and ocotillo. Fauna found here includes kangaroo rats, owls, scorpions, gila woodpeckers, gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and the endangered Sonoran pronghorns.
Note: In order to visit the refuge, visitors must first obtain a permit. Permits are free and can be obtained online.
Location: Arizona State Route 85, Ajo
Cacti: Saguaros, organ pipe cacti, cholla cacti, ocotillo
Other flora and fauna: Kangaroo rats, owls, scorpions, Gila woodpeckers, gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats, Sonoran pronghorn
7. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Cacti to see: Saguaros, prickly pears, ocotillos, teddy bear chollas, and buckhorn chollas
A harsh arid landscape dotted with brilliant red rocks and saguaro cacti awaits those who head to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Originally created to protect desert bighorn sheep, this area is great for hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, and birding.
Visitors can see incredible saguaro cacti as well as prickly pears, ocotillos, teddy bear chollas, and buckhorn chollas. visitors should watch closely at dawn and dusk for animals like cactus wrens, phainopeplas, cougars, desert tortoises, white winged doves, kestrels, and, of course, desert bighorn sheep.
Location: US Highway 85, between Yuma and Quartzsite
Cacti to see: Saguaros, hedgehog, fishhook, buckhorn cholla, teddy bear cholla, chain fruit cholla, and prickly pear
Tucson Mountain Park is one of the largest city preserves in the US around 30,000 acres in area containing most of the southern half of the Tucson Mountains; the northern portion where the peaks are generally higher in elevation is protected as the west section of Saguaro National Park. The two parks are adjacent sharing a 6 mile border and have similar scenery, typical of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson Mountain Park is free to enter.
With 62 miles of multiuse trails, it’s a destination for visitors and locals alike. Gates Pass Scenic Overlook offers views of the desert landscape and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. Along with its hiking opportunities, the park is also a prime spot for bird-watching.
Visitors can see a diverse group of cacti and succulents ranging from the tiny fishhook to the magic and majestic saguaro. The park contains a great variety of unusual animals some of which can only be found in southern Arizona. Roadrunners, horned lizards, Gila monsters, kangaroo rats, and javelinas are all seen regularly by visitors.
Cacti to see: Saguaros, hedgehog, barrel, buckhorn cholla, teddy bear cholla, chain fruit cholla, and prickly pear
Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons, and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching—more than 150 species of birds call the park home.
The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. Bring along your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti, and wildlife.
A variety of desert wildlife inhabits the park including more than 170 species of birds. Mammals of interest include deer, coyote, javelina, bobcat, and jackrabbit. Most desert animals are nocturnal, so early morning and late evening viewing is best. Any of the park trails offer good opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Location: Arizona State Route 77, north of Oro Valley
Cacti to see: Saguaros, hedgehog, barrel, buckhorn cholla, teddy bear cholla, chain fruit cholla, pincushion, and prickly pear
Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert at the base of the Superstition Mountains only 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron.
Depending on the year’s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring but there are plenty of beautiful desert plants to see year-round. Enjoy a weekend of camping and experience native wildlife including mule deer, coyote, javelin, and jackrabbit.
Location: Arizona State Route 88, north of Apache Junction
Other flora and fauna: Roadrunners, cactus wrens, Gila woodpeckers, phainopeplas, mule deer, jackrabbits, coyotes, javelina
Worth Pondering…
The saguaro cactus is the Sonoran Desert’s singular icon, the largest native living thing that exists here, and it appears to be a stunningly robust presence in a harsh land.
For many people, the RV season ends before the snow hits the ground. But it doesn’t have to! So long as you take the proper precautions you can safely use your travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome throughout the entire year and not just during the warmer months.
The key word here being “safely” since winter conditions will require you to take some extra steps to ensure you get back home safe and sound.
I recommend you read these articles previously posted on RVingwithrex.com and follow all of these tips if you plan on using your RV all year round.
Embracing the Cold: 15 Reasons Why You Should Try Winter RV Camping
More RVers are taking the opportunity to embrace what was once considered the offseason
Many RVers winterize their RVs and resign themselves to the indoors until the arrival of spring. However, a growing number of adventurous campers have discovered the beauty and excitement of cold weather RV camping.
Winter Woes: How to Stay Safe in an RV as Arctic Blast Hits US and Canada
Over 150 million Americans are under a winter chill advisory due to life-threatening temperatures
Winter RVing comes with its own set of challenges. Cold temperatures, snowy roads, limited daylight, and extreme weather events can all make for a more difficult and dangerous trip.
However, with proper preparation and knowledge, you can safely navigate the winter roads and enjoy all the beauty and serenity of winter camping.
In this blog post, I’ll share tips on how to prepare your RV for winter, plan your winter RV trip, and drive safely in cold weather conditions. I’ll also provide tips on staying warm and comfortable in your RV during your winter trip.
Life Threatening Winter Blast: Dumb Winter RVing Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best home on wheels can only give limited protection from cold weather. The rest is up to you. Don’t learn winter RVing mistakes the hard way. If severe weather is approaching, it’s time to get serious about keeping warm, safe, and enjoying this year-round lifestyle.
Wherever you travel in your RV, make it your goal to avoid these common cold weather blunders. Don’t learn them the hard way so that you can enjoy four seasons of fun.
While most RVers prefer camping in the warmer months, it is still possible to venture out when the temperatures plummet. RV winter living is all about one thing: preparation.
Looking to go winter camping, but don’t know where to start?
Whether you do winter RV camping by choice or by necessity, there are steps you’ll want to take to stay warm in your rig. That’s why I put together this Ultimate Guide for Cold Weather Camping.
I want you to know exactly how to use your RV in the winter—how to shield it from Mother Nature, how to winterize and store it if you want to, and even how you can make money renting your rig to others in warmer parts of the country.
The winter camping season is upon us and it’s time to get prepared for the freezing cold temperatures
Winter RV camping is more accessible than ever with improvements in RV technology. That’s why more people are seeking out winter destinations for RV getaways and living in RVs full-time during all four seasons.
If you camp in the cold you’ll need to prepare for it. If you plan on camping in cold temperatures this winter here’s what you need to know to keep your RV and yourself healthy and happy.
Layering is of the utmost importance if you want to stay warm and dry while adventuring in the cold
To ensure that your winter camping adventures are as warm and cozy as possible, I’ve put together this guide to effective wintertime layering, complete with everything you need to know to get started. Here is how to use a layering system to stay warm on your winter outdoor adventures.
National Weather Service Changes Cold Weather Alerts
National Weather Service makes changes to cold temperature and freeze watches, warnings, advisories
Just when I finally understood various weather alerts, the National Weather Service (NWS) is making changes. (Brace yourselves, fellow RVers!)
The NWS recently announced that it is changing how it issues cold weather alerts. This is part of an ongoing effort to simplify public safety communications. (Do we really need simplification?)
How to Keep Your RV Pipes from Freezing While Camping
Going on a winter camping trip? Here are some easy, affordable ways to keep your RV pipes from freezing while camping.
Camping in the snow is an entirely different experience and a great way to enjoy typical summer destinations in a whole new way.
However, RV owners must take the necessary precautions to protect their RV from the cold weather. One of the most critical issues to be aware of is the risk of frozen pipes which can cause serious damage to your RV’s plumbing system. And don’t forget about your RV holding tanks. In severe cold, these can freeze, too.
In this article, I’ll discuss the steps you can take to keep your RV pipes from freezing while camping in cold weather.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Cold: RV Winter Driving and Survival Tips
Here are ESSENTIAL RV winter driving tips and other helpful information including the link to all the road condition maps for each state
Winter RVing can be a unique and exciting experience but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Cold temperatures, snowy roads, and limited daylight can all make for a more difficult and dangerous road trip.
However, with proper preparation and knowledge, you can safely navigate the winter roads and enjoy all the beauty and serenity of winter camping.
In this blog post, I share tips on how to prepare your RV for winter months, plan your winter RV trip, and drive safely in cold weather conditions. I also provide tips on staying warm and comfortable in your RV during your winter road trip.
Winter RV Camping Must-Have: Portable Space Heater
The winter camping season is upon us and it’s time to get prepared for the freezing cold temperatures. One of the best things you can invest in for winter camping adventures is a portable space heater.
The cold hard fact is that RVs and winter weather are not ideal companions. With little insulation and plenty of opportunities for chilly air to leak in, it can be difficult to keep an RV comfortably warm when the temperatures drop. That’s where portable electric space heaters come in handy.
One of the best things you can invest in for winter camping adventures is a heated RV water hose
A heated RV water hose will give you safe drinking water even when temperatures dip below freezing. These hoses cost over $100 depending mostly on length but will save you a lot in frozen pipes and related issues.
Winter Can Be a Great Season to Explore National Parks
Don’t wait until summertime to explore these National Parks
Even the best preparations and the most insulated RV may not be enough to survive harsh winter conditions. Anything can happen and anyone hell-bent to visit a remote destination in cold weather will do well to follow a few common sense winter RV camping guidelines.
The national parks remain America’s Best Idea and something we all can—and should—enjoy, screaming kids at Old Faithful included. But winter can be the best time to go for those who wish to experience the parks with the same sense of solitude as a pronghorn. The trails are clear of obstacles. Campsites might not require a reservation. And, unlike peak season, you’ll feel like you have everything to yourself. These are the parks that are at their absolute best in the winter.
How Much RV Antifreeze Do You Need to Winterize Your RV?
It’s that time of year again! Time to winterize your RV and make sure its water pipes don’t freeze! So here’s the answer to how much RV antifreeze you need.
This article covers everything you need to know about RV antifreeze including how much you need and what to do with your leftover antifreeze. (Hint: you can store it for next year or keep it on hand to use during unexpected cold temperatures.)
Is It Better To Winterize an RV with Compressed Air or Antifreeze?
RVers who store their rigs in climates where temperatures can fall below freezing need to winterize their RVs, one way or another. Some prefer to use RV antifreeze while others prefer to blow out their RV water lines with compressed air.
So, it’s important to know how to winterize your RV water lines. There are two main methods and some controversy over which is better. I’ll discuss both methods and answer other common winterizing questions.
