Category Archives: The Great Outdoors

The Best National Parks To Visit In The Fall

06 Wednesday Nov 2024

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Looking for some amazing fall destinations to visit in your RV? Why not pay a visit to some of our country’s national parks? There are several national parks that are ideal during the fall months, making them absolutely perfect fall camping destinations.

Here are the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Acadia National Park

Acadia is amazing in summer, but when the leaves start to turn in September, it becomes absolutely magical. The colors that cover the entire park are stunning, and the hikes up into the mountains give you some amazing views of the colorful trees set against the bright blue ocean. The weather is a bit chilly but just perfect for brisk hikes during the day and crackling campfires at night.

Congaree National Park

Thanks to its southern location, fall hits Congaree National Park a bit later. Usually in October, you’ll see the leaves change to beautiful oranges and yellows that are reflected in the waters that run throughout the park, making for some bright, beautiful strolls. To top it all off, the humidity that fills the air in this park during this summer is cut by crisp, cool weather that I absolutely love.

Cuyahoga National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in an amazing location right between Cleveland and Akron, making it easy to reach if you happen to live in one of these cities. Fall hits the park in late September, and by October the whole place is a rainbow of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. I recommend hiking and bicycling during your fall visit to Cuyahoga, as these activities allow you to immerse yourself in the colors.

Grand Canyon National Park

To be perfectly honest, I adore the Grand Canyon all year round. That said, fall is my favorite time of year to be there. During this time, the crowds thin a bit and the temperatures drop, making hiking more manageable. The park doesn’t play host to a whole lot of trees, but there is still a shift in the color palette of the place, creating an extra spectacular experience.

Note: This park has amazing Ranger programs. Make sure to attend one!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another of the best national parks to visit in the fall. Thanks to the 100+ species of trees that call the park home, the color variety in the area during the fall months is nothing short of spectacular. Hiking through the park is one great way to take in the fall colors, but we also recommend driving some of the Blue Ridge Parkway for amazing views.

Shenandoah National Park

Set at the other end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park is another wonderful spot for autumn leaf peeping. In fact, this one can be a great addition to your Great Smoky Mountains trip if you want to drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.

Once again you’ll see some amazing colors, but I also recommend hiking to a waterfall for an extra special view. While you’re there, watch out for animals, which tend to be out during the fall months.

Zion National Park

Finally, I must mention Zion National Park. This isn’t exactly a leaf-peeping park, but it is lovely during the fall, and the trees that are in the park do change to nice colors in late October.

Usually packed during the summer, this park sees fewer visitors during autumn, meaning the crowds are much more manageable. The weather is also much more pleasant, meaning you can tackle more of the park’s trails.

There you have it, my absolute favorite national parks to visit in the fall! Which one will you check out this year?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Debra B. ~ ” You are awesome! My towing bill was paid for before I even got out of the truck! Absolutely hands down the best in customer service, caring, professionalism, and kindness.”

What To Do In The Smoky Mountains With Kids

04 Wednesday Sep 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Our family’s most recent camping adventure saw us visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve been to this park three times now, and I’m sure we’ll visit again. This is just one of those magical natural areas that calls you back again and again.

One of my favorite things about this area is that there are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. This means we can all get outside and enjoy nature together, no matter how young our youngest family member happens to be at the time.

Wondering what to do in the Smoky Mountains as a family? Here are my top picks.

Start in a Visitor Center

I always recommend starting any visit to a national park in a visitor center. For this most recent visit, we chose to check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It housed several exhibits about the animals found in the park, which the kids enjoyed.

It was also home to a gift shop where you could pick up Junior Ranger books. We did have to pay a small fee for a Junior Ranger book here, which is unusual, but it was one book for the whole family and was of higher quality than usual, so I was okay with it.

There are plenty of other visitor centers in the park, and all are worth checking out.

Take a Hike

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. There is one trail behind the aforementioned visitor center that is just perfect for families. It’s called the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to Cataract Falls, and it winds through the trees, over a creek, past a cool historic cabin, and all the way to a pretty little waterfall.

Other trails that we have enjoyed in the park include the Little Brier Gap Trail to the old schoolhouse, and if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls.

Hop in the Water

Hot humid weather is the norm in Tennessee in the summer. For this reason, we spent a good chunk of time in the water during our last visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

All of our swimming this time was done in the river from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area, where we also saw a few people tubing down the river. That said, there are also some cool swimming holes in the park, including Midnight Hole, which features a waterfall!

Enjoy a Firefly Show

Our most recent visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park just happened to be during peak firefly season. This was awesome because it meant fireflies were absolutely everywhere in the park as soon as the sun started to set.

It also meant the synchronous fireflies were putting on a show in certain parts of the park. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the lottery to see the synchronous fireflies during “peak week,” but we did go to the viewing area the day after this peak time when tickets were no longer required, and we ended up seeing a spectacular show.

Note: If you choose to do this, arrive early. We got there a good two hours before sunset and still ended up in the very last available parking spot.

Take a Driving Tour

Finally, I highly recommend taking at least one scenic drive during your visit. My favorite one is the loop through Cades Cove, which usually allows you to see a ton of wildlife as well as some cool historic buildings, the Cades Cove Visitor Center, and an old grist mill.

We’ve seen several bears in Cades Cove in the past, but this last time, we got to see one on a hiking trail. It was so close we actually had to stop and back up in order to maintain a safe distance. It hung around for several minutes, and it was so cool to see it sniffing around and climbing a tree.

There you have it, 5 awesome things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. Now you never have to wonder what to do in the Smoky Mountains again. Instead, simply pick something from this list, head outside, and have an amazing time reconnecting with nature and with one another!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Karl P. UT ~  “Kurt from Quality Tire was exceptional. He came and pulled both sets of back tires. The inside tires on both sides of our motor home had 0 pressure. Both Valve stems had been damaged for some reason. He replaced the valve stems on both tires, checked and filled all 6 tires to correct pressure. He was a pleasant and pleasurable person to work with. We were called by Coach-Net several times to make sure everything went as it was supposed to. Thank you to all the Coach-Net Representatives and to Kurt from Quality tire. It took something that was a pain and made it a pleasure.”

What We Learned While Camping In Washington

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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My family was lucky enough to get to spend a couple of months camping in Washington during the summer of 2023. We had a magical time in the gorgeous state and wouldn’t hesitate to return again.

Planning to go camping in Washington yourself? Here’s what we learned during our travels.

When to Go

First, it’s important to note that camping in Washington is very much a seasonal activity. Sure, you could take your RV up there in December, but I guarantee you’d be freezing your tail off, and your RV water system would almost certainly see some damage from the trip. Instead, it is best to wait until the state thaws out a bit before you head there.

We visited during the months of June and July, and for the most part, the weather was beautiful. Even in July it was a bit chilly in northern Washington, so that is something to be aware of. Additionally, the state sees a lot of rain. Make sure your RV is well sealed before you head out!

I’d say June through August are probably the best months to spend time in this northern state unless you like colder weather.

Where to Stay

You’ll also find it worthwhile to explore the many Washington State Parks campgrounds. Camping fees at these parks are relatively affordable and the parks themselves are gorgeous.

  • Little Diamond
  • Mount Vernon
  • Oceana
  • Paradise
  • Birch Bay
  • Chehalis

What to Do

Once you figure out where to stay while camping in Washington, you’ll want to consider what to do during your visit. Fortunately, you won’t have any trouble at all finding fun and interesting ways to fill your time.

Here are some of our favorites.

National Parks

Washington is home to three incredible national parks that absolutely must not be missed. These include Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park.

Olympic is easily one of my favorite national parks out of the 40+ that we have visited, and North Cascades is so underrated it isn’t even funny. Take the time to visit these parks and give yourself at least a couple of days in each. Go on a hike, do some wildlife watching, and have the kids earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

Mount St. Helen’s

Mount St. Helen’s was an absolutely fantastic road schooling experience for the entire family. Our visit included a museum, a visitor center, Junior Ranger Badges, and a completely unguided and unlit hike through the Ape Cave lava tube (a totally cool experience, by the way).

This place is not only beautiful, it’s also an amazing place to learn about the science behind volcanoes, the astounding way nature recovers from huge events such as eruptions, and the importance of being prepared and responding quickly in the face of a natural disaster.

Seattle Attractions

We’ve visited Seattle a handful of times during our travels and we enjoy our time in the city every time (though I am always happy to return to the peace of our campsite outside of the city at the end of the day). The city is home to all kinds of museums, yummy food, and lovely parks.

Some of our favorite things to do in Seattle include:

  • Browsing Pike Place Market
  • Grabbing coffee from one of the numerous (and all excellent) local coffee shops
  • Visiting Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
  • Playing at the “Artists at Play” playground with a view of the Space Needle

Many people also love MoPop, but we have yet to visit this well-known attraction.

Numerous Museums

Speaking of museums, Washington is full of them. We highly recommend snagging a reciprocal museum membership from Kern County Museum before you visit so you can visit ASTC and NARM museums without paying an admission fee.

In some places, it is also possible to get a visitor library card and then snag a free museum pass through the library. We did this in Bellingham in order to visit both the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Mindport Exhibits.

Canada

When we ended up in northern Washington for a few weeks, we knew we had to drive over to Canada. We did it once, had a blast, and ended up driving over the border several more times before our visit was done.

Some of our favorite things to do just across the border included:

Espresso Stands

Last but not least, I must mention the coffee stands found in even the tiniest of Washington towns. These espresso shacks may not look like much, but everyone we visited served outstanding espresso. As an avid coffee fanatic, this was an incredible discovery, and my husband and I made a point of visiting as many espresso stands as we could. If you are a fellow lover of coffee, I suggest you do the same.

There you have it, my top tips for camping in Washington. I hope these suggestions help as you plan your own fantastic adventure to this spectacular place!

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

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The 4 Best Florida State Parks

08 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations, We Love It. We Live It.

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One of my favorite things to do while traveling in my RV is to visit the various state parks across the country. Last winter, we spent several months in Florida, and thanks to an annual state park pass, we spent much of that time exploring the state parks. Guys, these parks are some of the best our family has found! 

Here are our favorites!

Homosassa Spring State Park 

This pretty park is a wonderful place to learn about Florida’s amazing animals. It was once a privately owned zoo-like tourist attraction that changed hands multiple times before becoming a state park in 1989. At that point, the park switched focus, providing habitats for injured and disabled animals native to Florida. The exception? Lu, the beloved hippo, is not a Florida native but still calls the park home.  

I absolutely loved the manatee talk offered at this park and highly recommend arriving in time to hear it. It was the perfect addition to our road schooling day, and our whole family learned some new things about these magnificent creatures.  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is another privately owned attraction later bought by the Florida State Park System. This one features super fun mermaid shows performed within the spring itself. An underwater viewing theater allows guests to watch the mermaids as they swim and dance in the spring.  

We visited this park with friends. The kids in our group appreciated the mermaid show, and my youngest loved the mermaid meet-and-greet. As a road school mama, I thought the ranger’s talk about reptiles was an excellent addition, and the whole group had fun on the boat tour. 

Note: This park is also home to a small water park. Unfortunately, this part wasn’t open when we visited, but it looked worth checking out, mainly if you see it in the summer.  

Honeymoon Island State Park 

Unfortunately, much of our winter time on the west coast of Florida was chilly. Nevertheless, we loved visiting Honeymoon Island State Park and even went multiple times to see as much as possible.  

Of course, the beach here is absolutely gorgeous. Our four-year-old loved playing on these huge mounds of sand, and watching the sunset over the water was a treat. In addition to the beach, we enjoyed the playground and the many walking trails in the park. 

Our favorite part? We saw owls high up in the trees! 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park 

Our final favorite state park is in the Florida Keys (actually, we liked a lot of the state parks in the Keys). Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park was probably our favorite place when we went to Key West. This park is home to an old fort with quite the story behind it. Wandering the fort and reading the signage are great additions to any roadschooling curriculum. 

After we explored the fort, we went to the beach area. This beach is a bit rocky, so I recommend water shoes, but on a calm day, there is decent snorkeling out by the big rocks in the water. Additionally, watching the cruise ships leave the port from the beach is pretty magical. 

Note: Other state parks in the Keys are also well worth visiting. Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, and John Pennekamp are particularly excellent! 

If you plan on heading to Florida at any point in your RV travels, I 100% recommend visiting these state parks and any others you may come across. If you will be in the state for a while, the annual state park pass is definitely a worthwhile purchase, but even if you pay to visit a few spots individually, these parks offer incredible value.  

Which one will you check out first? 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the fantastic opportunity to participate in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area to visit the Disney parks. Still, they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

James O. ~ “All the agents were very friendly and followed up with phone calls to check the service provider’s arrival. This is our third request regarding our coverage, and we have been very pleased with the service!!”

Your Guide To Camping In The Everglades

18 Monday Dec 2023

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Winter is here, meaning those of us who prefer to camp year-round are heading south so we can keep warm. One of the options? Camping in the Everglades!

Located in southern Florida, the Everglades offer a lovely, warm escape from winter snow and ice, as well as some seriously beautiful plants and animals. Here you can enjoy the great outdoors without even breaking out a coat, and you won’t have to worry one bit about winterizing your RV.

Not sure how to begin planning your trip to go camping in the Everglades? Here’s what you need to know.

Best Spots for Camping in the Everglades

First, let’s talk about the best places to stay while camping in the Everglades. These campgrounds are perfect for RVers and offer easy access to all of the amazing things the Everglades have to offer, as well as plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable.

Long Pine Key Campground

Offering both reserved sites and first-come, first-served sites, Long Pine Key Campground is located in Everglades National Park, meaning you’ll be able to reach all the park has to offer quickly and easily. The sites here do not include any kind of hookups, but there is potable water, a dump station, and a restroom with showers.

Flamingo Campground

Want to have hookups while staying in the national park? Flamingo Campground is the perfect place for that. This campground has 27/4 campsites and 41 of those offer electric hookups. There are also dump stations, solar-heated showers, and potable water available onsite. Just be sure you make a reservation in advance!

Midway Campground

If you don’t mind staying outside of the park, Midway Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is another good option. This campground is about 30 minutes away from Everglades National Park and offers electric hookups, potable water, a dump station, restrooms, and easy access to all the area has to offer.

Our Favorite Things to Do in the Everglades

Now that you know where to stay, the next question is what to do while camping in the Everglades. Luckily there are plenty of options, and it would be really hard to get bored while visiting this amazing place.

Explore the Visitor Centers

I always recommend visiting visitor centers when visiting national parks, and this is just as true in Everglades National Park as it is anywhere else. In my opinion it’s best to start at a visitor center, as this will introduce you to the park and all it has to offer. If you can, visit more than one center, as each one has unique exhibits and different information to offer.

The visitor centers in the park include:

  • Gulf Coast Visitor Center
  • Shark Valley Visitor Center
  • Ernest Coe Visitor Center
  • Royal Palm Visitor Center
  • Flamingo Visitor Center

Take a Hike (or a Stroll)

The best way to really connect with the Florida Everglades? Go on a hike or a walk. This allows you to get up close and personal with the amazing plants and animals that call the park home. We especially love the Anhinga Trail, which puts you on a boardwalk through the wetlands. There are a wide variety of birds found along the path at any given time, and often you will find alligators sunbathing along the way as well.

Attend Ranger Programs

Ranger programs are always a good way to learn more about any given national park. In Everglades National Park, we really like the nighttime ranger walk along the Anhinga Trail. Because it takes place at night, this walk often allows guests to see alligators in their most active state, something you certainly won’t soon forget.

Hop on an Airboat

No trip to the Everglades is complete without a ride in an airboat. Yes, these boats are loud, but the airboat tours offered in the Everglades give you the opportunity to go where visitors cannot normally go while seeing all kinds of awesome animals in the beautiful wetlands.

…or Opt for a Tram (or a Bike)

Don’t want to ride an airboat? You could hop on the Shark Valley tram instead. This tram takes you on a tour of the park, so you can see lots of awesome scenery in a short amount of time.

Alternatively, you can ride a bike along the Shark Valley Tram Road to see the same awesome scenery at your own pace while getting some exercise.

As you can see, camping in the Everglades is an awesome experience that every RVer should have at least once. Why not start planning your trip today?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Dickie N. ~ “You had us on the road within two hours on Christmas day! The follow-up by Coach-Net to assure we were taken care of was great! Thank you!”

8 Tips For RVing In The Desert

01 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by in RV Safety, The Great Outdoors

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It may still be hot summer weather right now, but winter will be here before you know it, and it’ll be time to take your RV to warmer places. And one of the best options for this? Camping in the desert!

Yes, camping in the desert is a wonderful thing when the weather in most of the rest of the country is chilly and gray. That said, there are some things you should know before you go. If you’re planning a desert camping trip this winter season, be sure to keep the tips below in mind.

Know When to Go

First, it’s important to note that the time of year you go camping in the desert is key. As mentioned above, the desert is a wonderful place to be in the winter, when it is sunny and wonderfully warm compared to the vast majority of other places. On the flip side, the hot summer months are far from comfortable, and camping in the desert during that time of year could even be downright dangerous.

For this reason, we highly recommend planning your trip for wintertime. If you must visit in summer, make sure you book a site with electrical hookups so you can run your A/C.

Drink Lots of Water

Even in the winter, the desert is a very dry place. This, coupled with the warmer weather, can easily lead to dehydration.

Since nobody wants to feel the effects of dehydrating while trying to enjoy an RV getaway, we suggest always carrying a bottle of water and keeping a way to refill your bottle close at hand. Sipping water throughout the day (rather than drinking it only when you’re thirsty) is absolutely the way to go.

Wear Sunscreen

Camping in the desert during the cooler winter months does not mean you’re safe from the sun’s rays. These rays are especially powerful in the desert where shade is hard to find and the terrain often reflects the light back up at you.

For this reason, sunscreen and sunglasses are desert camping essentials that you should wear every single day you’re there.

Bring the Right Clothing

The right clothing can also make all the difference in the world. Lightweight, light-colored clothing is best. A good hat with a wide brim will provide you with shade when there is no natural shade to be found, and dressing in layers will ensure you stay warm when the temperature drops suddenly as soon as the sun goes down.

Protect Those Feet

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a huge percentage of your time barefoot. It’s supposed to be healthy for your feet and it certainly is more comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit hazardous when you’re camping in the desert.

This is because the desert is home to all kinds of prickly plants as well as plenty of snakes and other critters. Stepping on these plants and animals at all wouldn’t be good, but doing so without shoes on is even worse.

Be Aware of Critters

Speaking of snakes, it’s important that you are aware of what kinds of animals you might find while camping in the desert so you can be properly prepared.

For instance, the desert is home to rattlesnakes. Generally speaking, these snakes will leave you alone as long as you don’t bother them, but you definitely want to watch your step so you don’t disturb them. Coyotes, cougars, and scorpions are other creatures you’ll want to watch out for.

Pack a Source of Shade

As mentioned above, shade is hard to come by in the desert. Therefore, we recommend packing your own source of shade so you can enjoy the outdoors without sitting in full sun. Your RV awning should work nicely for this, but if you don’t have an awning on your RV, a stand-alone canopy can do the same job.

Prepare for Dust

Last but not least, we must mention the dust. The desert is probably the dustiest place you will ever camp, and that dust likes to get into everything.

Put your electronics into cases to protect them. You’ll also want to put out an outdoor rug—as well as a tub of water for rinsing your feet before entering the RV—to try to reduce the amount of dust that gets tracked inside. When you’re finished with your desert camping adventure, make sure to replace the air filters on your vehicle(s) and your generator, as well as your air conditioner filter.

Hopefully, these tips for camping in the desert help you have a safe and wonderful time exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the USA. Now pack up the camper and get ready to make some great memories!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

~Ralph Playdon ~ “This is my first time using your services and I am blown away.”

Pros & Cons Of RVing In National Parks

03 Tuesday Oct 2023

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks, Travel Destinations

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RV camping is great no matter where you do it, but in our opinion, camping in national parks is one of the very best RV camping options out there. There are a number of benefits to camping in national parks that make the in-park campgrounds really desirable. That said, there are also some drawbacks to staying in these campgrounds.

If you’re thinking about camping in national parks, we encourage you to go for it, but we also think it’s a good idea to do a bit of research before diving in. That’s where this article comes into play. Below, we will tell you everything you need to know before you stay in a national park.

The Benefits of Camping in National Parks

First let’s talk about the pros of camping in national parks—the reasons we love it and recommend it to all RV campers out there. Once you read through these benefits, we’re guessing you’ll be itching to get out there and try it yourself.

Ideal Locations

Clearly, the best part about national park camping is the fact that you are camping right in the middle of the action. This makes it easy to get to whatever it is you want to see or do in the park. It also makes it easier to attend early-morning or late-night events and talks.

Awesome Wildlife

Pretty much every national park plays host to local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see these critters as you hike and explore. That said, it’s even better when those animals wander right through your yard. When you’re camping in national parks, this happens often.

Beautiful Views

Another thing that goes hand in hand with national parks? Beautiful views, of course! Camping in national park campgrounds means you will be treated to amazing scenery right outside your window. You can enjoy mountain views while drinking your coffee, and gorgeous sunsets while cooking dinner.

No Day-Use Reservations

A few national parks require day-use visitors to make reservations. Sometimes, these can be very difficult to snag. When you’re camping in a national park, you no longer need day-use reservations to visit. That said, you might still need a reservation to enjoy certain activities within the park.

Discounted Stays for Some

National park campgrounds are generally pretty affordable. They are even more budget-friendly if you happen to have a national parks access pass or senior pass. People with these special cards can camp for half-price in any national park campground (as well as a number of other government-run campgrounds).

The Cons of Camping in National Parks

Of course, there are also a few cons you’ll want to keep in mind when deciding whether camping in national parks is right for you. Below, we’ve listed the two major drawbacks to national park campgrounds so you can be prepared before you head out.

Rig Size Matters

In many cases, national park campgrounds cannot accommodate big rigs. Instead, these campgrounds are made with shorter sites and often require campers to drive on narrow and/or winding roads. Therefore, you should consider purchasing a small trailer or van rather than a large fifth wheel if you plan to do a slot of camping in national parks.

Limited Amenities

On top of the small sites, many national park campgrounds also have very limited amenities. Rarely will you find a campground in a national park with any electric hookups at the sites, and sewer connections are nearly unheard of.

That said, there are a number of national campgrounds that provide potable water, dump stations, and restrooms with flush toilets.

Booking Your National Park Campsite

Ready to book a national park campsite? All you have to do is head to the recreation.gov website and reserve the campground you think will work best for you. Generally speaking, reservations open six months in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific Time, and we recommend booking as soon as your window opens up, as many of the more popular campgrounds do fill up.

Some national park campgrounds are first-come, first-served only. Other campgrounds have some sites that are similarly on FCFS basis but do have a separate set of sites that can be reserved. We recommend making reservations whenever possible.

If you do decide to try for an FCFS site, we recommend arriving about an hour before check-in time on a weekday in order to give yourself the best chance of snagging a spot. Of course, going during off season is also helpful!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

JACQUELINE J. ~ “I absolutely love Coach-Net, and the call center is so amazing! We have used the service twice now, and in both cases, the issue was resolved or the next action was recommended. We are very satisfied with our overall experience!”

An RVers Guide To Camping In The Mountains

03 Tuesday Oct 2023

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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An RV adventure in the mountains is an absolutely amazing thing! There’s nothing quite like fresh mountain air, and the altitude allows you to escape the summer heat. Additionally, the scenery up on a mountain really can’t be beat.

Yes, if you’re considering camping in the mountains, we highly recommend it. That said, we also recommend you do a bit of research and preparations beforehand.

Here’s what you need to know before you go RV camping in the mountains.

Know Your Rig’s Abilities

First, it’s important that you make sure your RV can safely make it up the mountain you intend to climb (and back down again). Generally, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you have an older gas truck or weighed-down motorhome that struggles even on flat roads, taking it up a steep mountain road may not be your best bet.

Time It Right

Higher-elevation campsites are extremely cold and snowy during the winter months and can even stay cold well into the spring. For this reason, we think summer is the very best time to go camping in the mountains. The nights will still be chilly even in July, but you’ll have beautiful daytime temperatures and we find the weather is perfect for dry camping.

Download a Map

Because cell service can be spotty when in the mountains, you’ll also want to download your GPS map for the entire area to avoid getting lost as you wind your way down the mountain roads. It doesn’t hurt to carry an old-fashioned road map as well, just in case the GPS somehow fails you. Being lost in a rural area is no joke and something you will absolutely want to avoid.

Go In with Tools

Ensuring you have adequate directions to your campsite is one way to prepare for camping in the mountains, but it’s far from the only step you should take. We also recommend packing plenty of tools in case of a breakdown or broken parts. Carrying extra parts can be helpful if you know acquiring those parts will be difficult in the area you plan to visit.

We also recommend taking a book of matches, as lighters do not always want to cooperate at higher elevations.

Get Roadside Assistance

While it isn’t likely that you go in prepared, it is still possible that you will experience vehicle issues you can’t deal with on your own while camping in the mountains. In these cases, Coach-Net roadside assistance is incredibly valuable. Be sure you sign up for the program before you hit the road so you can travel with ease of mind.

Carry Water

It’s easy to become dehydrated when at higher altitudes. To avoid this problem, be sure you take plenty of drinking water when you head out, especially if you’ll be dry camping, as you may not have easy access to potable water. Carrying a water bottle as you drive through the mountains—and when you go hiking or enjoy other outdoor adventures—is also recommended.

Take Alternatives to Appliances

We mentioned above that lighters have a tough time lighting at higher elevations. The same is true for propane appliances. Therefore, those who will be boondocking and plan on using their RV fridge in propane mode might want to grab a cooler in case the fridge decides not to work properly.

It’s also a good idea to take an alternative way to cook in case the stove and oven won’t light. A charcoal grill is good for this, as is cooking over an open fire. Just know you might have a harder time keeping the campfire going.

Go Easy on Yourself

Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can make it really difficult to participate in strenuous outdoor activities. Top that off with a bout of altitude sickness and you won’t be able to do anything for a couple of days.

For this reason, we recommend avoiding making plans for the first couple of days of your trip into the mountains in case you need to rest and let your body adjust. While resting, be sure to drink plenty of water and take acetaminophen and anti-nausea medicine as needed.

Despite the challenges it brings, we truly do believe camping in the mountains is a worthwhile adventure. Simply heed the advice above and you should be able to enjoy a safe and wonderful trip into the beautiful mountains of North America.

May include affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Debra R. ~ “I wouldn’t be back on the road without Coach-Net!”

How To Go Beach Camping The Right Way

12 Tuesday Sep 2023

Posted by in RV Safety, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Want to give beach camping a try? We can’t say we blame you. Who wouldn’t want to listen to waves lapping the sand from their bedroom, or hitting the sand as soon as you wake up each morning?

All that said, there are some things you should know before you go beach camping. In this article, we will give you our top tips.

Find a Camping Area

The first thing you need to do is find a place to go beach camping. Fortunately, this should be easy enough to do. There are beach campgrounds in pretty much every state that has a coastline, and many of these offer sites with ocean views to boot. If you choose to go this route, your trip will be similar to other RV camping trips, and many of the tips below will not apply.

On a budget? It’s also possible to find free beach camping in certain parts of the US. Texas has a number of dispersed camping areas on the beach, and many national seashores offer free boondocking by the water. That said, you will want to be very cautious if you do choose free camping on the beach, as camping in the wrong place could result in being stuck in sand—or worse, being caught in water at high tide. The tips below will help you avoid these problems.

No matter which kind of beach camping you prefer, you can use Campendium to find awesome spots along the coasts.

Invest in Roadside Assistance

We always recommend getting Coach-Net roadside assistance before any trip. However, we think it’s even more important than usual if you happen to be going beach camping. This is because roadside assistance can help you if you do find yourself stuck in the sand.

Grab Some Solar Panels

Because most beaches don’t have trees, they are perfect for soaking up the sun’s energy. For this reason, we highly recommend installing some solar panels and a good battery bank before you try boondocking on the beach. Don’t want to install an entire solar system on your RV? Even a solar generator will do the job!

Create a Rinsing Station

The amount of sand that can make its way into an RV while you’re beach camping is astounding. To avoid this, set up a rinsing station outside your door with a small tub of water and a portable shower. If you happen to have an outdoor shower near the front door, that will work even better.

Know How to Drive on Sand

One of the most important things to know before beach camping directly on the sand? How to drive on that sand. When you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be very, very easy to get yourself stuck in the beach sand.

To avoid this, let a small amount of air out of your tires before you hit the beach (and carry an air compressor to air them back up after). Before you drive onto the sand, walk the path you plan to take to ensure there are no soft areas.

If you do get stuck, don’t spin your tires. Instead, get out, dig your tires out as much as possible, pour water on the sand around the tires, pack it down a bit, and use traction boards to give yourself something to drive onto. If this doesn’t work, a tow-out might be your only option.

Look Out for High Tide

The other important thing to keep in mind when beach camping? The tide. You definitely don’t want to get caught in the way of the tide, so be sure to ask a lifeguard, ranger, or other person in the know where you can park safely, even when the tide is in. Parking near other RVs is typically a safe bet.

If the tide starts to get close to your rig, get out as soon as possible. The water moves in quickly, so you won’t have a lot of time.

With these tips and a bit of common sense, you should be able to safely try your hand at beach camping. Still don’t feel great about parking on the sand? Choose a beach campground instead. This will give you the beach camping experience without all the hassle.

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Micheal P. ~ “My wife and I are glad we signed up with Coach-Net. Everyone made us feel important and special! The service was outstanding all around. Thank you again for making us feel valuable, and resolving our problem with a sense of urgency.”

Arches National Park – Know Before You Go

05 Wednesday Jul 2023

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors

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Considering camping near Arches National Park? Excellent call! Arches NP and all of the surrounding areas are absolutely gorgeous, making this the perfect place to do some camping and spend time in the great outdoors.

That said, there are some things you will want to know before you go camping near Arches National Park. Below are our top tips for getting the most out of your camping trip in the Arches area.

When to Go Camping near Arches National Park

The first thing you need to decide is when to take your trip. The thing is, the weather in Arches isn’t always ideal. The winters can be quite cold, and the summers can be very, very hot. While any season is doable, if you want to spend the majority of your time outdoors—and especially if you plan to boondock while you’re there—we highly recommend visiting in the spring or fall.

The Best Places to Go Camping Near Arches National Park

We mentioned boondocking while camping near Arches National Park above. This is totally an option and is absolutely the best choice if you’re A) visiting on a budget, B) looking for an adventure, or C) just don’t love campgrounds.

That said, there are also plenty of options as far as RV parks and campgrounds go. Below are some of our favorite places to set up camp near Arches.

Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed Camping

While there are many amazing places to do some dry camping near Arches National Park, Gemini Bridges Road Dispersed Camping is our top pick. This spot puts you just a few minutes outside of Arches and Canyonlands and is just a short drive away from the amenities offered by the town of Moab. It can get crowded, but there’s almost always room for one more!

Quick Tips: A free dump station is available at the Maverick gas station in town, and fresh water can be obtained at the same station. Delicious drinking water is free at the nearby Gearheads Outdoor Store.

Devils Garden Campground

Do you prefer to camp in an established campground or to stay in the national park? Devils Garden Campground is the place for you. This is a lovely campground that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The campground does not offer hookups, but trash and flush toilets are available to campers. You will want to make sure to make reservations in advance, as this campground does fill up!

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Finally, there is Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown. This is the place to be if you want to camp in the lap of luxury. The sites here are level and have full hookups. There is a pool onsite and the park is set right in the middle of downtown Moab, meaning you can walk to nearly everything the town has to offer. Camping near Arches National Park has never been more comfortable!

What to Do When Camping near Arches National Park

Now that you’ve decided when and where to go camping near Arches National Park, let’s talk a little about what to do while you’re in the area.

Head to the Visitor Center

Obviously, you will want to spend time in Arches National Park itself, and we recommend starting your park visit at the visitor center. Here, you can explore exhibits about the park, watch the park movie, and even attend a ranger program to learn more about this amazing place.

Walk to Double Arch and the Windows

Once you’re done at the visitor center, head to The Windows area of the park. Here, you can take the short stroll to the incredible Double Arch, do the short hike to the Windows, and do some rock scrambling while you’re at it.

Hike the Sand Dune Arch Trail

The Sand Dune Arch Trail is another short and sweet trail that is absolutely worth checking out. It features a small slot canyon and plenty of scrambling opportunities and is absolutely perfect for families or those who prefer easy yet rewarding hikes.

Explore Canyonlands National Park

Arches is just down the road from Canyonlands National Park, so it only makes sense to check this park out as well. It’s actually quite lovely and well worth your time. We recommend exploring the visitor center here as well. From there, hike the Mesa Arch Trail and Grand View Point Trail.

Go Swimming at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center

Arches National Park can get hot. This makes taking a swim at the super awesome Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center extra appealing. The pool features slides and even has some inflatables up on certain days of the week. Best of all, boondockers can get a shower in while they’re there!

Note: It is possible to pay for only a shower without paying for a swim session, something that boondockers will appreciate.

Attend Community Events

One of the things we love most about Moab is the fact that it has such a thriving little community. We’ve attended family outdoor skate nights and free concerts downtown. We’ve also seen car shows, parades, and a variety of other events happening in this bustling place.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Mason H. ~ “Across the board – totally professional! Thanks, Coach-Net!”