Category Archives: Travel Destinations

More Popular US Campgrounds

26 Thursday Sep 2013

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When it’s time to start planning a camping itinerary and the destination can be anywhere in the US, it can be a daunting task to choose from so many top-notch campgrounds. From coast to coast, there are literally thousands of campgrounds across America, but there are a few parks that lead the pack.

Clay’s Park Resort located near Cleveland, Ohio, offers full hook-up amenities along its 20-acre lake. Take a kayak or canoe out for a day of boating or fishing, hike the trails, or visit the new Adventure Waterpark, which includes activities such as zip lines, water volleyball, a 10-acre lake with a sand bottom for swimming, and water slides with 150-foot drops.

Crystal Lake RV Resort in Naples offers excellent amenities to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Sites are fully equipped with plenty of room for slide outs. You’ll have everything you’ll need, including cable, laundry, and self-service RV wash and dump stations. The recreational options include a heated pool, spa, dock, rec hall, lake, game room, exercise room, tennis, and more.

Mountain Valley RV Resort in Utah will keep you busy with onsite activities, including an exercise room, playground for kids, heated pool, spa, and pavilion. This cozy resort accommodates 127 sites with full hook-ups with 30-50 amp coverage on paved and shaded sites. Visit nearby parks including Wasatch Mountain State Park, Deer Creek State Recreational Area, and Jordanelle State Park.

Nevada Treasure RV Resort in Pahrump, Nevada, puts you within an hour’s drive of Vegas and the beautiful outdoors of Death Valley National Park, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and Aliante Nature Discovery Park. The resort is open year-round with 202 available spaces, 167 with full hook-ups. After a day of sightseeing; relax at the heated pool, unwind in the spa or sauna, or workout in the exercise room.

We at Coach-Net, would love to hear about your favorite campgrounds- let us know by comments, Facebook, or Twitter. We would love to know where you travel in confidence!

Four Great U.S. Campgrounds

06 Friday Sep 2013

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State Park Waterfall
Photo Courtesy of Jason Nelms via Flickr Creative Commons

Over-the-road traveling provides endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and exploration whether you’re traveling in an RV or towing a travel trailer, and at Coach-Net, we want you to have the best possible vacation. With that being said here are a few of our favorite campgrounds around the U.S., that we think you’ll love!

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort

Yogi Bear Jellystone Park is a perennial favorite for families looking for a good time. With locations in 32 states and Canada, these waterparks features water slides, splash parks, and much more, including boat rides and miniature golf.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Located in Ashland, Nebraska, alongside the Platte River, there’s plenty to do year round. During the summer, enjoy water sports and activities at the Family Aquatic Center. During the winter, go snow skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.

Rock Island State Park

Located in Rock Island, Tennessee, you have the best of everything year round. During the warm months, enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. One of the most popular activities is canoeing down the Caney Fork River, which passes through a gorge and past Great Falls. Try your hand at fishing in the deep pools, and then cook your catch over a campfire. During the fall, enjoy hiking, area attractions, and observing the changing of the leaves. If you’re ready for an adventure, try cliff jumping!

Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

Taking in the breathtaking vistas, magnificent views, and stunning landscape of Yosemite is to be expected when staying at this resort located in Groveland, California. Guests enjoy the many amenities of the park, which include a refreshing swimming pool and an on-site gold mine where you can learn the history of gold and how it shaped the history of the area.

Let us know some of your favorite campgrounds, and we may include them in future campground blogs! Leave a comment below, tweet us, or message us on Facebook!

Destination Highlight- Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

08 Monday Jul 2013

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Lake Winnebago

At 30 miles long by 10 miles wide, Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin is the largest lake in the Badger State. It is perhaps Wisconsin’s centerpiece of outdoor recreational activities and offers some exceptional opportunities for the RV’er.

Basic Information

Lake Winnebago is located in East Central Wisconsin, and has 88 miles of shoreline. It is one of the largest inland lakes in the country, and has two large tributaries, The Fox and The Wolf Rivers. It is a shallow lake, with an average depth of about 15 feet. It is a natural, not a man-made lake, although a couple of dams on opposite sides of Doty Island control the lake level.

Public Parks

In spite of its size, there is only one State Park along Lake Winnebago. Located along the lake’s northeast corner, High Cliff State Park offers camping and incredible views of the lake. Calumet County Park and Columbia County Park also offer camping and recreational activities.

Lakeside Park is a 400-acre recreational area that offers a variety of outdoor fun. Lakeside has bumper boats, picnic areas, a boat ramp, a carrousel, and even a petting zoo. Menominee Park in Oshkosh has trails, piers for fishing, a zoo and a small amusement park.

RV Opportunities

Besides High Cliff State Park, Calumet County Park and Columbia County Park, Lake Winnebago offers multiple other opportunities for the RV owner. Lakeview Campground along the eastern shore is about a 50-acre campground with facilities for RVs. Kalbus’ Country Harbor has been privately owned since the 1940’s and offers the lake’s only opportunity for lakeside camping. Boerger’s Lakeview Campground is a 50-acre private campground near Chilton, Wisconsin, and has nice wooded sites, a heated pool and more. The Fond Du Lac KOA is also privately owned and is close to the Ice the National Scenic Trail. It has a pool, hot tub and bike rentals.

Recreational Activities

Besides the amenities available at the campgrounds, Lake Winnebago offers plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing. A variety of watercraft rental facilities are available, and fishing, particularly for walleye, is extremely popular. There are also a variety of annual events scheduled throughout the summer around the lake to keep even the most active camper entertained.

Perhaps the best part of Lake Winnebago is its relative seclusion. It is just two hours from Chicago but you get a sense civilization is much further away! After all, isn’t that one of the best parts about owning an RV?

July Family Fun In Nashville

05 Friday Jul 2013

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Nashville Map

Once you get past all of the festivities of the 4th of July you may not think there are many family-friendly activities in July for those in the Nashville area. Well, they may not be as obvious as the parades, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations of Independence Day but Nashville still has a lot to offer you and your family in July. Head out in your RV, find a nearby campsite, and get away to one of these great events!

July 13 – Tennessee State Museum “Tunes, Tales & Treasures”

Learn more about the Civil War here in Tennessee with a special Discovery Day at the Tennessee State Museum. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday July 13th, the special event will feature a one-person play about Harriet Beecher Stowe, there will be Civil War-era music performed by Granville Automatic and a separate performance by the The 1861 Project. There will also be information available about researching Civil War ancestors, and other related activities. It is free to attend and an opportunity for the whole family to learn more about this important part of Tennessee and U.S. history.

July 21 – The Grease Sing-A-Long

You know the movie, you love the music and you can sing the words. Be a part of “Grease” at the Franklin Theater in full-screen Technicolor. Subtitles will even be provided so the whole gang can sing along. It all starts with a little vocal warm-up that will be led by Nashville Opera singers. The group will take the audience through a complimentary ‘magic moments pack’, which contains some fun props that the crowd will use at specific points during the film. You are encouraged to add to the fun by dressing up as Sandy, Danny, the Pink Ladies or any of your favorite characters from the film. You are also welcomed to come as you are! There will be prizes awarded though for the best costumes! The Grease Sing A Long is Sunday, July 21st at 1:30 pm with the doors opening at 1:00 PM

July 24th – The Monkees
Hey, hey, they’re the Monkees and they are following up on their sold out 2012 fall tour. Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork return to the stage this summer as the Ryman Theater plays host to a reprise from last year due to an overwhelming demand from fans. The Monkees are at it again and the whole family will enjoy this fun concert.

July 26th – The DCI Tour of Champions Series

If you have never seen a drum and bugle corps presentation in person be prepared to be blown away. Precision drumming, blaring brass and remarkable marching are all part of the Drum Corps International Tour. The event takes place at Johnny “Red” Floyd stadium at Middle Tennessee State University on
Friday, July 26th. The DCI Tour of Champions event series is a format featuring the top eight corps from last year, assuring you are seeing the best of the best. The show will give fans the chance to enjoy the drum corps experience and a finale that will impress.

Are you going to be in the Nashville area in July? If so, we would love to hear about any additional activities you are planning or have heard about. Have a safe, memorable time in your RV this July!

Take A Trip To Washington D.C.

20 Thursday Jun 2013

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Heading to the nation’s capital for a little RV R and R this summer? Join the patriotic masses as you venture into one of the most inviting urban camping locales in the Northeast. With hundreds of free museums, a wonderful web of public transportation and a melting pot of different cultures, it’s no wonder that D.C. scores at the top of the list for spots to go RVing as noted by Coach-Net. Here are some highlights and tips for making the most of your time in the U.S. capital.

The Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

There are presidential monuments galore, but you shouldn’t leave D.C. without seeing a few of the most widely recognized statues of our nation’s greatest leaders. The Lincoln Memorial should be your first stop. It features a 19-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln that overlooks the Reflecting Pool, which has been a monumental part of U.S. History. This structure is located within steps of the Washington Monument.

The Washington Monument

Take a peak at this fabulous 555-foot tall marble obelisk.

Museums Abound

Washington D.C. offers a wealth of opportunities for touring museums. Choose your picks according to interest, or by location if you are short on time. Some suggestions include:

  • Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.
  • International Spy Museum
  • Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
  • Folger Shakespeare Library
  • The Civil War in America
  • The National Air and Space Museum
  • The National Building Museum
  • The National Children’s Museum
  • The National Museum of American History

Where to Park Your RV

An issue with most RV owners is where to park your gear when you have arrived in an urban area. While you could stay outside of the city of D.C. in traditional campgrounds located 30 miles away in Virginia, you certainly don’t have to. Consider staying at historical Union Station in Downtown D.C. There is a parking garage that is most frequently used by tourist buses. However, you are more than welcome to park your RV in this garage.

You will not be allowed to camp in your RV. However, this is a short-term solution for staying and parking your rig in the city. With 24-hour security at the garage and free Wi-Fi, public bathrooms and coffee within walking distance at Union Station, you can make the most of a safe and secure parking situation. Additionally, Union Station is in the center of the city, so you are in the prime place for catching the Metro for a day trip.

If you have visited Washington D.C. please share a story from your trip, your favorite Museum/ attraction, your favorite D.C. restaurant, or anything else you would like to share with our readers! We enjoy hearing about your travels!




 

Take A Drive On Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road

20 Thursday Jun 2013

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As America’s first national park, Yellowstone is a destination that should be on the avid traveler’s bucket list. The great news about Yellowstone is that the park is RV-friendly. With multiple parks just outside of its borders as well as campgrounds within Yellowstone that have pull-throughs and one with hookups, you’ll find everything you need here.

Waterfall Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has over two million acres of land to explore, so it’s a destination you will need to re-visit from time to time in order to fully appreciate the beauty. On your first visit, give yourself a thorough introduction to the park’s most popular features by taking a drive along Grand Loop Road.

As you travel along this popular route, you will first come to Firehole River. Get out of your RV for a while to listen to the sound of water pouring through an 800-foot canyon and thundering down Firehole Falls. Then, jump back in and continue down the path to Fountain Paint Pot, where molten mud in a range of colors bubbles up through the ground offering unique photographic opportunities.

As you continue on this road, stop and take some photographs of Midway Basin. This 370-feet in diameter natural hot spring offers a spectacular array of colors. Make sure you see it from overhead using the boardwalk.

The colorful attractions along this route include Rainbow Pool, another large hot spring with a deep blue center. Algae growth along the pool’s cooler edges create a display of colors that you have to see to believe!

Finally, you are ready to see Old Faithful in the Upper Basin, in the heart of Yellowstone. After seeing the geyser erupt, your visit is far from over. You’ve only seen a mere fraction of the park. To truly experience it and have the opportunity to see American bison and other wildlife in their natural habitats, you will need to park your RV, get out and take a hike. Trust us, you will be glad you did!




Visit Arlington, Virginia This Summer

13 Thursday Jun 2013

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One of the best things about traveling by road, rather than by air, is that you’re not at the mercy of flight schedules and can just pick up and go at your own leisure wherever you want. One of the best things about hitting the road in your RV is that you’re basically taking a road trip in your living room. Accommodations are comfortable, roomy and economical in the sense that you can camp instead of springing for that pricey hotel.

US Marines Corps Memorial

With that being said, one of the many places that should be on your list of places to visit is Arlington, Virginia. It’s a history lover’s heaven and is close enough to the nation’s capital that it can easily be combined in a trip to Washington D.C. for more American history and tradition. The RV parks are plentiful in the northern Virginia area, and so are the sights to see.

Here’s a look at some must-sees for Arlington area:

  • Arlington National Cemetery: If there’s only one place you visit while you’re in Arlington, it should be the Arlington National Cemetery. This military cemetery is one of America’s most sacred grounds, having been established at the Arlington House during the Civil War. It’s meticulously cared for and consists of 624 acres of land. While it was established during the Civil War, soldiers from each war America has been involved in have been buried there.
  • Arlington House – Robert E. Lee Memorial: This was the former residence of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, which still stands today. It majestically overlooks the Potomac River as well as the 624 acres of Arlington National Cemetery. If you’re planning on heading to the historic national military cemetery, you may want to check out this house as well.
  • Tomb of the Unknowns: Another cemetery – but this one is the burial spot that honors unidentified soldiers that perished during the Korean and two World Wars. A neat interest point about the Tomb of the Unknowns is that it’s guarded 24/7 by the Army’s third infantry.
  • Mount Vernon Trail: This biking and walking path is ideal for taking a stroll along the water as the monuments of Arlington and the Washington D.C. area are seen in the background.
  • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial: We’ve all seen the historical flag raising photo from Iwo Jima. This awe-inspiring replica exists in Arlington to give tourists a look at the statue of the historic World War II photo.
  • The Pentagon: The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Have you made a trip to Arlington, Virginia in your RV? Comment below and let us know what sights you enjoyed the most and other attractions that you would suggest visiting. Happy camping!




 

 

Destination Highlight- Bryce Canyon, National Park

29 Friday Mar 2013

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Inspiring. Surreal. Breathtaking. These are just some of the words that people have used to describe Bryce Canyon, Utah. Bryce Canyon is a National Park that encompasses almost 36,000 acres of Southwestern Utah.

History

Historians have indicated that people have lived in the Bryce Canyon area for over 10,000 years. The Paiute Indians are credited with calling the stone formations so prominent in the park “hoodoos,” or pinnacles. They are also credited with creating much of the mythology surrounding these hoodoos. These stories include the story of Coyote, being somewhat of a trickster, who turned the Legend People into these hoodoos.

When the Mormons came to Utah in the 1850’s, they eventually sent Ebenezer Bryce to the area. It was here he built a road, a canal and he began to raise cattle. When other settlers followed him, they began to refer to the area as “Bryce’s canyon”, which eventually became known as Bryce Canyon. Drought, flooding, and the ultimate over-grazing of the area led to those early settlers leaving the area along with the remaining Paiute Indians. Congress made the area a national park in 1928.

The real story though is its history of 5 million years of erosion that has that has created, and continues to create, a stunning display of natural formations.

What You Can Expect to See

Bryce Canyon offers visitors unforgettable views of natural rock formations that seem to rise out of the ground. Many who visit are spiritually moved by witnessing such creations, which seem to be around every corner.

There is so much to see here you will want to carefully plan your adventure. Bryce Amphitheater alone is worth taking a day to see. Formations here include:

  • Thor’s Hammer
  • Aquarias Plateau
  • Grotoes
  • Silent City
  • The Alligator

While you can see much of Bryce Canyon’s amazing beauty from strategically placed parking areas in the park, there are some incredible views that can be best seen by hiking through a variety of trails. This will give you a close up sense of the size and significance of each of these formations.

RV Camping

While there are multiple private RV camping options around the Bryce Canyon area, there are two within the park itself. There is the North Campground and the Sunset Campground. Both are close to the visitor center and to the Bryce Amphitheater. The North Campground has 13 RV sites available by reservation and another 86 RV and Tent Sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Sunset Campground does not have any RV sites that can be reserved in advance but it does have RV and Tent Sites that available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the summer these sites fill up by early afternoon.

Without bright lights or fanfare, Bryce Canyon offers up its natural beauty in impressive fashion. Sunsets can be extraordinary. It is an RV trip you and your family won’t soon forget.

Keep your RV adventures on track. Towable or motorized, make sure you have RV-specific roadside assistance with Coach-Net. Our Technical and Roadside Assistance Plans can cover all of your personal vehicles, including motorcycles, and provide coverage on any vehicle you own, rent, borrow or lease.

Destination Highlight- Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

26 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Towable RV

Planning a trip to Florida where one of the most well-known theme parks in the world exists is an exciting adventure with plenty of fun activities for everyone of all ages. With your RV packed and your itinerary mapped out, heading to Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Lake Buena Vista is an adventure of its own.

Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort offers its own magic in its extraordinary wilderness environment of stately cypress and pine forest that encompasses 750 acres. It’s like stepping back in time when travelers made their way through serene natural habitats filled with animals and birds with plenty of peace and quiet.

The resort offers not only scenic camping locations but numerous woodland trails for hiking, bird watching and resident animal observation. Guests can relax at the refreshing pools and kids can enjoy making a big splash going down the corkscrew waterslide.

Guests also have access to fun and relaxing activities such as a leisurely canoeing excursion or you can saddle-up and take a ride along a forested trail.

Campsites

You’ll have your choice of campsites. Choose from one of the 156 full hook-up sites that offer solid pads for parking, landscaping and views of the woods, hook-ups, grill and picnic table. There are 430 premium campsites with a spacious parking and seating area surrounded by trees, a picnic table, water hose, electrical hook-up and barbeque grill. You’ll also have free WiFi access. Each camping location also allows for one additional vehicle. Air-conditioned comfort stations to do laundry, dry cleaning service, telephones, ice machines, banking and ATM’s are available at specified areas within the resort.

Entertainment

Enjoy casual dining at the Trail’s End Restaurant for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet or take in a dinner show at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ or the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Relax after a day at the theme park or visiting Orlando attractions at the resort’s Crockett’s Tavern.

Transportation

Take advantage of the complimentary bus transportation offered at the resort. The bus will take you from the campsite to the Meadow Recreation Area where you can rent bikes, canoe, play arcade games or swim. It will also take you to the Settlement for dinner shows and the beach area.

Enjoy your trip, coming and going, and don’t be left on the side of the road without RV roadside assistance. With 24/7 help from Coach-Net, you’re just a phone call away from the assistance you need.

Spring Into An RV Adventure At These 10 Top Spring Destinations

28 Thursday Feb 2013

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The last of the snow is melting and the robins have returned. Spring is here, and that makes this the perfect time to go on an RV adventure. Many people pick the spring to go to different destinations because they can enjoy the attractions without dealing with the big crowds that arrive during the summer months.

Below you will find 10 great destination ideas. Before going on your trip, pack the essentials, and look into purchasing a roadside assistance plan to ensure that help is available 24/7 should something unexpected happen on your camping trip!

Family Spring Fun

1. Austin, Texas

Blooming wildflowers draw RV travelers to this great Texas city that has everything a tourist could want. If you are looking for camping, Austin has numerous RV parks including the Lone Star RV Resort Park and the McKinney Falls State Park. Go fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and more!

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Blooming magnolia trees and southern home cooking entice people to visit this East Coast town. Stroll under the moss-covered trees or take walks along the beaches as you listen to great southern music. Park your RV at one of the many RV parks, including James Island County Park, as you enjoy camping and viewing the sights.

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Definitely skip the summer crowds and go visit this great landmark during the spring. The Grand Canyon not only has spectacular sights, it also has some of the best camping grounds for people who just want to get away from the demands of civilization. Hike along the trails, go horseback riding, or enjoy river rafting at this top vacation spot.

4. Key West, Florida

When people think of Key West, they may automatically think about college kids. But this Florida town has great places for RV travelers looking for their place in the sun. Many RV parks offer saltwater fishing, boating, and waterfront campsites so you can enjoy yourself without the summer crowds.

5. Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine is known for having harsh winters. But once the snow melts, you can enjoy some great camping along the coast. The Mt. Desert Narrows National Park offers RV camping sites so you can park and get involved with the many activities. Have fun canoeing, biking, and hiking.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

Pan for gold, go hiking, or spend some time with the alpacas. Yosemite National Park has everything an RV camper is looking for in a spring trip. Camp inside the park if you want to get away from civilization or camp in the available Yosemite Pines RV Park outside of the national park if you are looking for more camping amenities.

7. Virgin, Utah

Red sandstone cliffs line Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah. You can bike, hike, and camp in this resort town that welcomes RV campers. Take a look at the northern edge of the Grand Canyon or just explore the number of national parks in the area.

8. Mulege, Mexico

Mexico offers great camping and RV parks for people wanting to enjoy the spring weather. If you’ve never experienced clamming before, you can try it now. You can also explore caves or just watch the beautiful sunset. (Fun fact: Coach-Net provides coverage in Mexico, click here for more details).

9. Banff, Alberta, Canada

Head North and cross the northern border to seek out great hot springs, biking, hiking, and camping opportunities. Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada looks forward to RV campers after the winter snow melts. Take in the scenic views of the Canadian Rockies as you enjoy what Canada has to offer.

10. Hill City, South Dakota

Head out to where the buffalo roam as you enjoy the rustic charm that Hill City, South Dakota gives to travelers. Wild mustangs run across the countryside and you can visit the famous Mt. Rushmore Monument.