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Author: Freedom in a Can

  • Badlands National Park: RV Camping and Travel Guide

    Badlands National Park: RV Camping and Travel Guide

    Dramatically eroded mountains painted with colorful geologic deposits and packed with the fossils of ancient creatures, Badlands National Park offers a stunning landscape rising from the South Dakota plains! Appearing like the surface of another planet plunked down on the prairie, this park will transport you. Driving through evening light yields a spectrum of colorful hues that appear to glow in the golden hour. Along with its stark yet striking beauty, this park protects and preserves over 240,000 acres of grassland and prairie where America’s largest land mammal roams, as well as majestic big horn sheep, adorable prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets.

    So, you might ask, what’s so bad about the Badlands? The name comes from the people who lived in the area before its national park designation. For hundreds of years, the Lakota people called this area “mako sica,” literally “bad lands.” Early French fur trappers passing through this area referred to it as “les mauvaises terres a traveser” (bad lands to travel across). Since the French trappers spent time with the Lakota, it’s clear that they agreed with the local’s assessment. 

    Rain in the Badlands makes the wet clay soil slick and sticky, making it very difficult to cross. The jagged canyons and buttes that cover the landscape make it nearly impossible to navigate. With cold and windy winters, hot and dry summers, and the scarce water sources muddy and unsafe to drink, it’s no wonder the early people living near the area referred to it as bad! 

    Now, here’s the good news: The Badlands are certainly not bad to cross with an RV. Rather, they’re primed for exploration.


    Scenic Drives 

    South Unit is a beautiful part of Badlands National Park, and a drive around its perimeter offers spectacular sights. Whether you’re headed east or west, the South Unit provides access to the White River Visitor Center.

    Sage Creek Rim Road offers amazing views from a number of overlooks and pull-offs where you can park safely and enjoy the view. From east to west, the overlooks on Sage Creek Rim Road are: Hay Butte, Badlands Wilderness, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, and Sage Creek Basin. Bison, bighorn, prairie dogs and a wide variety of birds are frequently seen along this road. You can access Sage Creek Campground from this road as well. Note: This dirt/gravel road can be rough during or after storms!

    Badlands Loop Road (aka Hwy 240) is a spectacular way to see stunning overlooks and features of the North Unit. Among these are Big Badlands, Prairie Wind, White River Valley, Bigfoot Pass, Yellow Mounds, Pinnacles, Ancient Hunters, and more. In addition to being a stunning drive with easy pullouts, this road provides access to several hiking trails, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and Sage Creek Rim Road. Note: This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles, but does include several steep passes and sections with reduced speed limits. And always keep an eye out for wildlife!

     

     

    Must-Hike Trails 

    Whether you’re looking for a short, easy boardwalk trail or a more challenging trail through Badlands terrain, there is a hike in the park for everyone. In addition to developed trails, Badlands National Park has an Open Hike Policy. You are allowed to hike off-trail and explore social trails like Deer Haven, the Sage Creek Wilderness Area, or any other part of the park you can visit safely. Just know your limits and bring plenty of water!

     

    Hutch taking a moment in the shade on his hike.


    Easy and Accessible Trails

    Door Trail. An accessible quarter-mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends but hikers may continue. Distance: 0.75 miles roundtrip

    Fossil Exhibit Trail. This fully accessible boardwalk trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip)

    Window Trail. This short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of a beautiful intricately eroded canyon. Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip)

     

    Moderate to Strenuous Trails

    Castle Trail. The longest trail in the park begins at the Door and Window parking area and travels five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Relatively level, the path passes along some stunning Badlands formations. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip

    Medicine Root Loop. This rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trails. Hikers will enjoy the mixed grass prairie with long range views of the Badlands. Distance: 4 miles roundtrip

    Notch Trail. Short but considered moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights and can be treacherous during or after heavy rains. Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip

     

    Incredible hiking in the Badlands.

     

    RV Parks & Campgrounds

    Park Campgrounds

    There are just two established campgrounds within the park, located on opposite ends. Cedar Pass is very modern and located within walking distance to the visitor center, Sage Creek is very rustic and remote.

    • Cedar Pass RV & Campground offers amenities such as paved sites, accessible sites/bathrooms, flush toilets, showers, dump station, water, and a general store. The 96 sites offer scenic views of the badlands formations. Both electric and non-electric sites are available and the campground is open year-round with limited availability in the winter season. Reservations are recommended from late March through mid-late October.
    • Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve campground with 22 sites located on Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Motor homes, pull behind trailers, and other RV’s greater than 18 feet are prohibited. This limitation does not apply to horse trailers as a portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but not water. Generators are NOT permitted due to fire danger.

     

    Public and Private Campgrounds

    The greater Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grassland area offers many camping options from RV resorts to dispersed boondocking:

    • Several RV parks are located in the nearby communities of Wall (north of the park) and Interior, South Dakota (south of the park).
    • Buffalo Gap National Grassland developed campgrounds are also a great option, in addition to many dispersed camping areas just a few miles from the park.
    • Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome offers members several camping options within an hour’s drive of the park.

     

    In the top right, you can see our vintage trailer, Hamlet, boondocking on the Wall.

     

    Seasonal Advice

    Welcome to the land of extremes! Weather swings from each side of the thermometer from 116 to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in Badlands National Park are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of snowfall. During any season sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. (So, come prepared.) While summer sees the most visitors, the spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. 

    While visiting in late March 2022, we experienced some beautiful days of bright sunshine and daytime highs into the 70s. But we also hunkered down during a late season blizzard that nearly closed the interstate. The winds on I-90 can be furious. Once, during a winter storm, several RVs and tractor trailers were overturned between Wall and Rapid City. Remember that no itinerary schedule is worth having to call a tow truck. Take your time and wait it out!

     

    Unique Programs & Opportunities

    Fossil Preparation Lab

    Located in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, this working paleontological laboratory gives visitors the chance to watch paleontologists at work. Observers can also learn more about ongoing science within the park. This includes identifying species based on fossil characteristics, removing rock from fossils, and preparing and cataloguing finished specimens for display. The lab is typically open everyday from the second week in June through the third week in September. 

     

    Night Sky Viewing

    Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, the Badlands are nestled in a corner of the Great Plains where light pollution is not a large issue. On any given night, visitors will be exposed to more than 7,500 stars, along with the Milky Way Galaxy. Night sky views include not only galaxies but star clusters, nebulae, planets and moons. Join park rangers and astronomy volunteers each night in the summer after the Evening Program for a Night Sky Viewing. The time of this program is subject to change due to sunset, but the location is always the same at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. For an extra special treat in July, visit the park during the Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival. This event brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, and park visitors for a stellar experience. 

     

    Ranger-Led Programs

    From Geology Walks to Porch Talks and Fossil Walks to Night Sky Programs, there is so much to learn from Park Rangers during a visit to the Badlands! During the summer months, many different programs are offered daily. Check the schedule online or at one of the visitor centers during your visit.

     

    Sunrise and Sunsets

    Some of the most stunning times to experience the Badlands are at the beginning and end of the day. These times are when the low angle sunlight enhances the diversity of hues, creates dramatic shadows, and illuminates the area’s many moods. 

    • For sunrises try the Big Badlands Overlook, the Door Trail, the Norbeck Pass area, the Dillon Pass area, and Panorama Point, just west of Bigfoot Pass. Each of these areas provide views of the sunrise itself, along with the first rays of light that hit pinnacles facing east.
    • For sunsets try Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area, and the Norbeck Pass area. Walking the Castle Trail (west for sunrise, east for sunset) is a great way to view the changing light on the north side of the Wall. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the environment.

     

     

    Horseback Riding

    While no commercial horse rental or day rides are available in the park, Badlands offers horse owners a chance to explore the Badlands Wilderness Area. This expanse consists of 64,000 acres of eroded spires and mixed-grass prairie, or other areas of the park via horseback. Horseback riding is allowed in any area of the park outside of marked trails, roads, highways, and developed areas. 

     

    Bicycling

    Visitors planning on exploring by bicycle should be aware that bicycles are only allowed on designated paved, gravel, and dirt roads within Badlands National Park. As such, they are not allowed on hiking trails, closed roads, off-road, off-trail, or in backcountry areas. 

    *****

     

     

    We recommend at least three to five days in Badlands National Park. It also make a lot of sense to combine it with a visit to other fantastic area attractions such as Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Minutemen Missile Historic Site, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more. South Dakota is loaded with fascinating things to see and do! Come prepared for whatever nature brings your way. Also, drink plenty of water (at all times of the year), and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring this fascinating national park!

  • Mobile Dorm: The RV Life Enrolls College Students

    Mobile Dorm: The RV Life Enrolls College Students

    Oh, the things we wish we had known earlier in life! For example, if I’d known how happy I could be living in an RV, I could have saved so much money on rent/mortgage over my lifetime. But until I tested the idea for myself, and found out just what I really needed, it remained a joke in the back of my head. (Kinda like Chris Farley’s character on Saturday Night Live who was “living in a van, down by the river!”) Once we made the switch, it made me wonder: How much earlier could we have done it? My wife and I were formerly education professionals. Could the RV life work for college students?

    Turns out, we’re not the only ones who’ve thought of a mobile dorm. Although the RV life is not a larger trend, some college students are already doing it. And there’s a reason why.

     

    The Main Problem the RV Solves for College Students: Money

    The rising cost of affordable housing in college towns is common problem on campuses across the country. And that is not a new problem. Institutions of higher learning have always struggled with where and how to accommodate their students when they aren’t in class. There are never enough beds. And they are always too expensive. While some resourceful students are converting vans and delivery vehicles to make their education housing less expensive, often the challenges can overwhelm the willing. Who wants the stress of having to move their home night after night especially when cramming for finals week?

    But for the creative and resourceful, living in an RV can help contribute to educational goals of college students in the following ways:

    1. Spend less money on housing than a traditional apartment or residence hall room.
    2. Facilitate living independently, while still being a part of the community.
    3. Teach a vital lesson between needs vs. wants — super important for the good life!
    4. Build creativity and resourcefulness — which employer doesn’t want these skills?

     

    What We’re Hearing About RVs on Campuses

    Shari and I were in higher education for nearly two decades before entering our current nomadic phase of life.  Since then we’ve kept one ear to the ground with trends at colleges and universities and stayed in touch with friends in the field. Recently, we reached out to them to see if this was a growing trend or just an anecdote. Most of our sources have heard of a few students managing life this way, but didn’t believe that it was a growing trend. While more and more campuses are attempting to address students’ “basic needs” with a knowing eye to the bottom line, housing is one of the primary concerns. 

    Dorm, from the Latin dormitorium, or “sleeping place” means many different things to different generations of students, from unheated bunk rooms to comfortable condos with every kind of modern convenience. It should always be a safe space where most of those basic needs can be met — sleeping, studying, and eating among them. 

     

    Strategies for Using an RV at College

    Many RV owners only use their RV for weekend camping trips in the summer. So, during the school year, it sits on their property (or worse) in expensive rented storage. Anyone with a kid in college could be using that RV in a different way. Primarily, though, you need to tackle to big obstacles.

    Parking

    Challenges: Even more precious than beds are parking spots near classrooms.  Campuses, especially those in/near a city, guard these jealously. Often rules coming either from the campus directly or the municipality forbid people from sleeping in vehicles (Don’t get me started on home football game days!)

    Solutions:

    • Local RV parks. These often have seasonal or year-round sites that would be only too happy to have a site making money during the off-season. When compared to prices during the summer months especially, these longer term sites can offer a huge savings. 
    • Work-Trade. Does a local farm or family need a few hours of work per week in exchange for a place to park your rig on their property? It could a great solution.
    • Public transpo. Many schools have free or low cost public transportation to lessen the campus parking nightmare.  

     

    Hygiene and Laundry

    Challenge: Personal hygiene and laundry are big, even for college students. (I’m kidding!). In seriousness, many college students are handling things like laundry for the very first time.

    Solutions: 

    • A modern RV model. Modern RVs have modern facilities, and RV parks often offer full bathrooms and laundry, in addition to water refill and dump stations – or even full hook-ups.
    • Rec centers and laundromats. Showering at the campus recreation center and doing laundry at the local laundromat is always an option. Lots of other students use these that aren’t even living in RVs.

     

    So, How Much Money Can Be Saved? 

    A quick search yielded that college housing in 2025 can be anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000 per year. In contrast, a similar search for year-round RV sites yielded between $6,000 and $14,000 in the US. So, there is money to save, but to get a true idea, you’ll need to localize the costs. (You know, university housing costs vs. local campground fees.)

    Even so, that might not tell the whole story. Here are a few additional considerations:

    • Can you take the RV home for winter break and/or summer to save some cash during the school year down time?
    • Is there a way to volunteer or work for some of the expenses while staying at the RV park?  It’s a strong possibility the RV park or campground is hiring!
    • Are there other places in the nearby community where you could park your rig legally and ethically that are less expensive than a traditional RV spot?

     

    A Proposal for Universities: Create Quick and Inexpensive Housing Options

    I know it’s a long shot — and that most readers are more likely parents than university officials — but in the off chance that a college administrator is listening in, hear this out.

    When compared to a traditional residence hall, taking years and millions of dollars to build, a small college owned and run campground could be a quick and inexpensive way to help take some pressure off the housing crunch.

    Imagine turning some nearby property into a lovely RV park which could not only offer places for students to live, but also a source of additional revenue for the school.  Which RV owner do you know who would rather bring their rig to campus for graduation or parent’s weekend, rather than have to stay in a hotel an hour’s drive away? The possibilities are endless! Think about it.

  • Heading to the Hershey RV Show? Here’s Some Q&A

    Heading to the Hershey RV Show? Here’s Some Q&A

    Don’t know where to begin RV shopping? Head to Hershey and dive headfirst into the heart of the RV universe this September! Now in its fifty-sixth year, America’s Largest RV Show is an enormous, five-day RV show held in the heart of Pennsylvania. Drawing folks from all over the nation, this annual RV show is not to be missed. This year, the event offers over 1,500 RVs from 40 manufacturers.

    Quite simply, the Hershey RV show is THE place to shop, compare and buy new RVs, find the latest accessories, upgrades, campgrounds, vacation destinations, and related products.  And, more than 20 fantastic RV lifestyle and technical seminars are offered all day, every day. (Shameless self-promotion: This will be our fifth year presenting at this show. So, come see us in the Champions Club Room every afternoon!)

    Now, if this is your first time attending, we know you have some questions. Fortunately, we have answers — including a rollup of the show info in the Key Info section below.

     

    A Little Q&A Before the 2025 Hershey RV Show 

    “How long should I plan to stay?”

    If you are new to RV shows, plan to spend three days shopping at this show. The show uses both the inside and outside space of the Giant Center. As you can imagine, there is so much to explore. (You’ll definitely get your steps and heart points!) Also, no worries if you have difficulties walking or standing for long periods of time. The event has free golf cart escorts buzzing around all day long.

     

    “Do I need a place to stay?”

    No matter what brings you to Hershey, there are several places to stay overnight in your RV within five to 30 minutes of central Hershey. Options range from resort-style accommodations to basic off-grid camping to Harvest Hosts locations. If you are coming to purchase your first RV, the family-friendly Hershey Lodge and classy Hershey Hotel are both in the immediate area, as well as several other hotel chains.

     

    “What do I need if I’m planning to buy my first RV?”

    Frankly, with all the RVs, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the options. Unless you’ve traveled in an RV before, how do you know what you will need and use? Like any other major purchase research project, diving in can lead to a black hole of websites, YouTube videos, and blogs into which you disappear and lose yourself entirely. To make the most of the show, check out these expert tips!

     

    “Is the event just for adults?”

    Absolutely not. Bring the whole family! There’s so much fun for kids of all ages, both at the show and around town. You’ll find a world-renowned chocolate factory, a full-scale amusement and waterpark, an antique car museum, great restaurants, abundant outdoor activities, local limestone caverns, as well as fantastic vineyards and wineries in the surrounding area.  

     

    “What will the weather be like in September?”

    We’ve been to this show for the past four years, and every year the weather has been a bit different. Likely, it will be in the 70s to 80s during the day, but it could range from cold and raining to very hot and humid during a couple of the days. Come prepared for a bit of everything!

    Got More Questions?  The show website is filled with FAQs and helpful answers.

     

    Key Info for the 2025 Hershey RV Show

    • Dates: September 10-14, 2025
    • Location: Giant Center in Hershey, PA
    • Show Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to  7:00 p.m.; Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Purchasing Tickets: Show tickets MUST be purchased online BEFORE the event. The prices run as follow: 3-Day Pass, $25; General Admission: $8-$12 (least expensive on Sunday); Special Discount Day Passes for Senior, Veterans, and Health Care Workers, $7
    • Type of RVs Available: Forty manufacturers offer a wide variety of rigs — from large Class A motorhomes to small pull behind travel trailers, as well as Class B vans and truck campers and more. 
    • Vendors: Over 175 vendors with a wide variety of RV, travel, and camping related products and services — both inside and outside.
    • Educational Seminars Offered:  Over 20 RV lifestyle expert seminars are offered during all five days. (All included with your show admission.)
    • Opportunities to Meet Influencers: Follow an influencer on social media?  Maybe they’ll be there? Over 15 industry influencers will be available for a meet and greet throughout the show.
    • Show App:  This helpful app will help you navigate your way around the Giant Center to find manufacturers, exhibitors, and educational seminars. You can even purchase tickets through the app itself!

     

    Enjoy the Hershey RV Show

    Once you go, you’ll see why it’s no wonder that travelers from all corners of the continent come to attend this incredible show in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  If you love RVs, there are 1,500 models. If you want to learn, there’s more than 20 educational seminars. But best of all, you’ll get to be around a warm and welcoming community who is celebrating the RV lifestyle! Hope to see you there this year.

  • Headed to Hershey: The Best Campgrounds to Book

    Headed to Hershey: The Best Campgrounds to Book

    There are few small towns that can brag like Hershey, Pennsylvania. It boasts a world-renowned chocolate factory and a full-scale amusement and waterpark. It has an antique car museum and a pro hockey team. Further, it is lined with great restaurants, overflowing with outdoor activities, combed with local limestone caverns, full of fantastic vineyards and wineries — and on top of everything else, it is home to America’s Largest RV Show every September! No wonder that travelers from all corners of the continent come to attend this incredible show where over 1,500 RV models and more than 25 educational seminars celebrate the RV lifestyle! So, if you love RVs, Hershey is clearly the play to be in September. But for anyone going to Hershey, the question is: What are the best campgrounds in the area?

    Well, you’re going to like what you hear. No matter what brings you to Hershey, there are several places to stay overnight in your RV — no matter your camping style. From resort-style accommodations to basic off-grid camping and Harvest Hosts locations, here are a few good options. All within five to thirty minutes of central Hershey, these campgrounds and resorts put you right in the middle of the party.


    Hersheypark Camping Resort: Near the Epicenter

    The land where the Hersheypark Camping Resort sits began in 1823 as the Landis Family Farm. (Currently, the original barn and home have been transformed into modern spaces for campers to enjoy.) This camping resort is family and pet-friendly, all within two to three miles of Hersheypark, the GIANT Center, and many other local activities.

    • Campsite Options. Able to accommodate everything from very large RVs to tents offering full, and partial hook-ups. Cabins and newly built tiny homes on-site as well.
    • Amenities. Volleyball, basketball, and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, multiple playgrounds, game room, two swimming pools, a kiddie pool, multiple bathhouses.  Has various camp and play packages available.
    • Benefits. Easy access to the RV show and Hersheypark — plus all the services you could want are right there!
    • Drawbacks. Very busy! There are multiple trains that run next to the campground throughout the night. Unfortunately, you will hear them unless you camp next to the creek.
    • Courtesy Shuttle. Free, takes you directly to the RV show and/or Hersheypark.
    • Availability. Open all year.
    • How to Book. Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance. Prices range based on type of campsite.

     

    Hershey Road Campground: A Close-But-Quiet Retreat

    A twenty-acre, family-owned, family and pet-oriented destination park near Hershey, the Hershey Road Campground is still in a more rural setting. Loaded with amenities and a completely remodeled campground, it is located about 10 miles from most Hershey destinations.

    • Campsite Options. Accommodates large RVs and everything else down to pop-up campers. Has full and partial hook-ups and newly built cabins onsite as well.
    • Amenities. Pool, splash pad, playground, arcade, camp store, fishing pond, miniature golf course, small dog park, laundry, and remodeled bathhouse.  
    • Benefits. Close to the RV show and Hersheypark with less nearby traffic.
    • Drawbacks. A bit further out, so plan on more driving time to local activities.
    • Courtesy Shuttle. None.
    • Availability. Open all year with fully-winterized sites.
    • How to Book Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance. Prices range based on type of campsite.

     

    Hershey Entertainment & Resorts: Dry Camping the Show

    Hershey Entertainment & Resorts provides overnight dry camping in the field across from the Giant Center and Hersheypark in an effort to accommodate the huge number of RVers seeking to camp during the RV show each September. 

    • Camping Options:  Flat, open, grassy field. No electrical hook-ups, dump, or water.  Generators are allowed, but solar gain is great!
    • Amenities. 24-hour security.
    • Benefits. Quick and easy access to the RV show and Hersheypark. No major planning or reservations required. A huge community of campers return every year.
    • Drawbacks. Camping field is right along Hersheypark Drive. So, there’s lots of traffic noise all day.
    • Courtesy Shuttle. Free, takes you directly to the show.
    • Availability. Based on the dates of America’s Largest RV Show. For 2025, dry camping is available from September 8–15.
    • How to Book:  First-come, first-served. No reservations required, perfect for last minute travelers! It is $60 per night + $10 (a one-time charge) for vehicles towed behind a motorhome. Credit cards are accepted for payment, collected at the gate between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

     

    Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday: The While-You’re-In-PA Spot

    Located a bit further out from Hershey locations, but more central to places like Gettysburg, Lancaster, the Susquehanna River, and Amish country, the Elizabethtown KOA offers a convenient point from which to explore southeastern Pennsylvania and — of course — also attend the RV show and enjoy Hersheypark.

    • Campsite Options. Hosts RVs of all sizes down to tent campers. The KOA offers full and partial hook-ups. There are also cabins and lodges onsite.
    • Amenities. Pool, fishing, mini golf, laundry, horseshoe pits, snack bar, camp store, pet areas, playgrounds, recreation hall, volleyball and basketball courts, multiple bathhouses.
    • Benefits. Centrally located to a variety of Pennsylvania recreation areas and sightseeing activities.
    • Drawbacks. A bit further out, so plan on more driving time to Hershey-related activities.
    • Courtesy Shuttle. None.
    • Availability. Mid-April to late October.
    • How to Book. Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance.  Prices range based on type of campsite.

     

    Harvest Hosts: A Short, Members-Only Stay

    In addition to campgrounds in the local area, there are several fantastic Harvest Hosts within 30 minutes of Hershey — including farms, wineries, breweries, and golf courses. While most only offer a one night stay, the Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey offers up to four nights! Members can book right through the app.

     

    Soak In America’s Largest RV Show

    No matter which of the many Hershey campgrounds you choose, enjoy the heck outta America’s largest RV show — and be sure to come find us at the RV Show in the Champions Club Room in the Giant Center.  We offer two different RV Lifestyle Seminars per day during the five-day show!

  • RV Pantry Staples that Always Make the Cut

    RV Pantry Staples that Always Make the Cut

    A few years ago, we met up with some friends at a rented vacation house. And, naturally, as full-time RVers, we came in our rig. During our stay there, it so happened that one of our friends was preparing dinner. And while she was, she was searching through the huge rental kitchen, saying “Darn it, I wish I’d brought the zester!” So, wanting to help (and knowing our little RV pantry stocked the staples), I answered, “We’ve got one. I’ll be right back.”

    Then the relay continued. “Soy Sauce?” Yep! “Baking Soda?” Hold on a sec! “Chili Crisp?” Oh, 100 percent! (Yeah, she was testing us now.) When she finally realized that she couldn’t stump us, she asked, “How could you possibly have all this stuff in that little camper?” We told her the truth: It’s never about size; it’s always about imagination — and how you use it. And that’s especially true when it comes to stocking your RV pantry with the staples!

     

     

    Personally, our kitchen and storage area may be small, but it’s mighty. We love to cook up gourmet feasts wherever we’re camping! So, if you’re looking at an empty RV kitchen and wondering where to begin, you’ve come to the right place for advice.

    Now, let’s talk about what it takes to stock you RV pantry with staples you will always need.

     

    A Little Tip for Meal Planning and Pantry Stocking

    When planning what you’ll eat and how you’ll prepare it on an RV trip, focus on how long you’ll be away from home. A few days or weeks? Months or years? Listing the house on the market?  Your answer will lead you down some different paths.  

    If you’re just going on a short trip, consider planning out a menu for each meal. Bring just what you need, including preprepared spices. (Nothing extra, no leftovers, and nothing left in the RV that might encourage pests when you return home.) Any trip longer than a week, and you’ll likely need to resupply. So, consider having a few planned meals (especially something quick and easy for longer travel days) and some basic pantry items that will help you feel at home (and able to whip up some regular favorite recipes while on the road). 

    Pro-Tip!  When grocery shopping in a small town, be sure to scout out the parking situation on the satellite view of your favorite mapping app. It will help you determine if there’s enough room for your rig and reduce parking stress by tenfold.

     

    Nonperishable Food Items

    No matter the length of your travel itinerary, having what you need is always a good feeling. In addition to some quality cookware properly stored in the RV (clean and ready), here are just a few things that always make the cut for us. 

     

    Main Ingredients and Snacks

    • Canned and jarred goods. A variety of beans, sauces, vegetables, and your favorite proteins (fish or poultry). 
    • Pasta, rice, quinoa. From spaghetti to salads to burritos, these staples are versatile, inexpensive, and popular.  
    • Snacks. Cover the gamut from healthy to indulgent to easy for taking along on those hikes — nuts, pretzels, crackers, chips and salsa are all easy go-to appetizers after an active day outdoors.  
    • Breakfast items. Cereal, granola, bagels, etc. 
    • Extra carbs.  Bread, tortillas, pita, etc.
    • Shelf-stable fruits and vegetables. Apples, oranges, lemons, limes, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage can last for days if the fridge space is tight. 
    • Other staples. Peanut butter, jelly, honey, agave.
    • Coffee and tea. You know what you need in the morning, or even in the afternoon! 

     

    Spices and Supplies

    • Baking supplies. Flour(s), sugar, salt, baking soda/powder, oats, and other essentials. We always have the dry ingredients for our homemade pancake recipe for an easy, indulgent morning.  
    • Condiments and salad dressing. You know your favorites (hot sauce, I’m looking at you!), but it’s also good to branch out and try something new to spice up your meals! 
    • Spices and seasonings. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian spice mix, cayenne, your favorite herbs.  We have a small kit of spices and seasonings that literally goes with us everywhere, even when we’re away from the camper.  
    • Cooking oil and spray. A good quality olive oil is super versatile, along with a spray for baking or cooking eggs.

     

     

    Pantry Organization and Storage

    • Food storage containers. Bring a variety of airtight containers to keep food fresh and organized. 
    • Ziploc bags. Useful for storing leftovers, snacks, and other items, washing these out along with the dishes saves plastic from the landfill. 
    • Pantry organizers. Consider organizers to maximize space and keep things tidy, always try to make use of the inside of doors to hang things or create a vertical rack. Pack cupboards in four dimensions. (Time, i.e., how often you use, is that fourth dimension.)

    Pro Tip!  When setting up your kitchen, think about the pots and pans that do many things in one. Our stainless steel pasta pot steamer insert, pulls extra duty as a colander and grill basket for veggies or (baked potatoes) over the campfire. It even works as a salad spinner (outside only of course)!

     

    Cookware Essentials

    • Pots and pans. Solid, quality cookware that does more than one thing, including a Dutch oven if you want to try baking or cooking over a campfire. Don’t forget a lighter or two!
    • Cooking utensils. Spatula, tongs, rubber scrapers, spoons, immersion blender, grater, and other essential utensils.
    • Mixing bowls. Bring small and large bowls that can double large salad bowls.
    • Measuring cups and spoons. Essential for accurate cooking.
    • Cutting boards. One large, one small cutting board is all you need.
    • Knives. A good chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife.
    • Can opener. The one in your kitchen drawer that actually works!
    • Colander. For draining pasta or rinsing vegetables.
    • Dish bins. Most RV sinks are too small for useful washing. We use 3 stackable bins as portable sinks — one hot soapy water and one warm rinse.  If using lake/river water while boondocking, we have another with cold water and a dash of bleach for sanitizing.
    • Cleaning supplies. Biodegradable dish soap, bleach spray, cleaning wipes and sprays, and any other cleaning supplies for the bathroom and kitchen.

     

     

    Perfecting Your RV Pantry Staples

    If you’ve been out on the road for several weeks or several trips during the summer, go through your pantry. And be real. What haven’t you used? What have you replenished? Figure out how you use your RV kitchen and lean into that. Get rid of things that you don’t use and pair down the clutter to the real RV pantry staples. Bon appetite! 

  • Yellowstone National Park: RV Camping and Travel Guide

    Yellowstone National Park: RV Camping and Travel Guide

    When describing Yellowstone National Park, certain words always come to mind. Words like “stunning” and “otherworldly” and “immense.” This national park teems with spectacular wildlife, spans three state boundaries, and draws over 4.5 million people annually. Visitors come to watch the explosive geysers, gaze into geothermal pools, and see awe-inspiring waterfalls. Quite simply, it’s a place like no other. Which is precisely why Yellowstone National Park was designated as the very first national park in the world. (Yes, in the WORLD, y’all!)

    In 1872, Yellowstone was given this special designation by the U.S. federal government to preserve and protect it from development — forevermore. This designation still provides not only a safe haven for some of our country’s most charismatic megafauna (bison, grizzly and black bears, wolves, and more) it also protects fascinating indigenous cultural resources. Uniquely, it is a place where visitors can truly immerse themselves in unparalleled natural wonders — like the science of thermophilic archaea, eukarya, viruses, and bacteria. What?! (Our point exactly!)  

    Yellowstone also happens to be the largest volcanic system in North America. (On top of being one of the largest known volcanoes in the world.) This special place is estimated as an over two-million-year-old, intraplate hot spot fueled by an underground magma chamber. It is constantly changing, shifting, and erupting. Which is causing it to find its way into the news quite a bit lately. (Raging rivers taking out portions of roads … unexpected hydrothermal explosions … and new hydrothermal pools emerging through the surface all occurred the last couple of years.)

    So, if you’re wondering if Yellowstone is really that cool — if it’s really worth that big RV trip — all we can say is this: Come and see. And when you do, here are few tips to get the most out of your RV trip.

     

    Scenic Drives

    Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming. (Three percent of the park is in Montana, and one percent is in Idaho as well.) The park has five entrance stations, with several closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances. (This place is massive.) So, be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive. You can also check traveler information websites maintained by Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

     

     

    Traffic is not only influenced by the number of visitors, but also by the roaming wildlife who also share the roads. So, never be in a rush. Prepare to give yourself lots of time.  There are plenty of gas stations inside the park, as well as at the north and west entrances. 

    While every single road in the park is stunning, here are three of our favorite drives.

     

    Remember: Bison are traffic too.

     

    Grant Village to Canyon Village

    This section of the park links together three visitor and education centers that can bring much of the park to life. So, be sure to set some time aside for these stops. Stop along the shores of Yellowstone Lake for a super cold-water dip or lakeside picnic. Watch mud bubble in their earthen pots at the Mud Volcano boardwalk area. This spot offers views of some of the most acidic pools in the park. While not as colorful as some other geothermal areas, they do help you appreciate the spectrum of what Yellowstone offers. 

    Don’t miss the view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone, the biggest falls in the park and nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls! The trail to the viewing platform is a short walk from the parking lot. However, the other trails there offer longer range views where you can take in the whole canyon.  

     

     

    North Entrance to Old Faithful

    While this drive can be done in a day, we’d recommend at least two to take in all the sights and stops. (Always factor in some cushion for traffic.) The entrance into the park from Gardiner, Montana offers the classic Yellowstone sign and gate. As might expect, traffic can be heavy here. (Everyone wants a photo.)  

    The drive leads you first into Mammoth Hot Springs. This location is worth the walk in any weather, and the village maintains services and lodging. Plan for stops at the Obsidian Cliffs and Roaring Mountain, with its fumaroles and steaming vents. Then arrive in Norris Geyser Basin — one of the park’s highlights that will introduce you to many geothermal pools and boardwalk trails. 

    Further, this drive leads you to the most famous geyser basin of them all: Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Here, some of the more active geysers can be experienced in a single afternoon. Frankly, no visit to the park is complete without a stop at this visitor center.  The iconic lodge was the first of its kind and influenced all national park architecture throughout the land.  

     

     

    West Entrance to South Entrance

    This might be the most popular drive through the park. So, plan ahead, be patient, and give yourself some time. (With Grand Teton National Park to the south, many tourists consider this visit a twofer.) The West Yellowstone Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit, while also getting any last minute items in town before entering the park. 

    The 14-mile drive to the Madison intersection leads you along the Madison River, with a short hiking loop trail at Two Ribbons. Take the short loop road to Firehole Falls. Rejoin the main road, and turn south to enter the most popular section of the park: Midway and Upper Geyser Basins (Old Faithful). The road winds through the continental divide and offers plenty of walks, hikes, and informative stops along the way.  Be sure to take in Lewis Lake as well as Lewis Falls on your way out of the park.

     

     

    Must Hike Trails

    Before heading out for a hike, make sure you have your bear spray. (And most importantly, learn how to use it!)

     

    Easy Walks: Geyser, Fumaroles, and Hot Springs 

    • Upper Geyser Basin to Bisquit Basin Loop. This route will take you on a network of well-marked trails, which include boardwalks and gravel or dirt trail surfaces. So, be sure to bring your map to follow along. While it is the best place to see erupting geysers, it is also the most popular. 
    • Excelsior Geyser Crater. Boardwalk trail winds through some of the most stunning and largest hot springs in the park including the Grand Prismatic Springs — but hold onto your hat because the wind takes many away from their owners. 
    • Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. Include this trail in your visit for a different perspective on this scene. It also leads to the Fairy Falls Trail.  
    • Mudpot Volcano Trail. For a different perspective, this short walk winds through some of the best mudpots and fumaroles in the park.  

     

     

    Easy to Moderate Hiking Trails 

    • Fairy Falls Trail. A very popular hike with views of the Grand Prismatic spring and the plunging Fairy Falls. Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
    • South Rim Trail to Artist Point. Stunning and relatively level walking from the lower falls on the Yellowstone to the iconic overlook and viewpoint. Many other trails can be reached from this trail to turn it into a day trip. Distance: less than one mile roundtrip
    • Pelican Valley Trail. To get away from the crowds, head to the east area of the park and the Pelican Valley area. This trail leads to several other backcountry trails, allowing you to choose your own adventure, with views of Pelican Creek, and Yellowstone Lake, this trail offers a different experience in the park. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip (and definitely more challenging due to length)Note: Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping outside of the developed campgrounds. 

     

    RV Parks & Campgrounds 

    No matter the season, this park is one of the world’s natural wonders and camping inside Yellowstone National Park is one of the best ways to experience this awe-inspiring place!  Together, the NPS and Yellowstone National Park Lodges manage ten campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites. All ten campgrounds within the park are accessible to RVs, each varying in size, amenities, and opening/closing dates.

    If you are planning a visit in the shoulder season or off-season, be aware that only a few campgrounds are open. This chart below, found on the NPS page, is one of the most helpful campground charts we’ve seen for planning and reserving your campsites within a national park!

    All campgrounds require reservations during the high season. Mammoth Campground is the only first-come, first-serve campground open from October 15 in the fall to April 1 in the spring. 

    It’s important to note that Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground in the park that offers full hook-ups. However, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Grant Village, and Madison Campgrounds do offer dump services, although no hook-ups. Bring your solar panels, and you’ll be all set!

     

     

    Taking the Two-Campground Approach

    If you are planning more than a couple of days in this park, we recommend splitting your time between two campgrounds. This will help reduce your time behind the wheel by exploring the immediate area around each campground. (Thereby easing the traffic jams within the very popular areas of the park.)

    Beyond federal campgrounds maintained by the park, the greater Yellowstone area offers an abundance of camping options from RV resorts to dispersed camping:

    • Several RV parks and resorts are located in West Yellowstone, just a few minutes from the western entrance to the park.
    • National forest campgrounds near the park are a great option when the federal campgrounds are packed and you want an authentic camping experience. There are some good options all around the park. We use The Dyrt PRO app to find them.
    • Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome offers members several camping options on the eastern side of the park.
    • Dispersed camping is also scattered throughout the mountains, with some good options along Grassy Lake Road to the south.  If you are equipped with solar power and interested in off-grid camping or boondocking, check out the iOverlander app for some good overnight options where you will find fewer trees. 

     

    Seasonal Advice 

    June through September is the best — but also the busiest — time, to visit the park. The shoulder season (a couple of months before and after) can offer unique and much less-crowded opportunities.

    If you must visit during the summer, our best advice is to get out early and stay out late to avoid crowds in the most popular areas of the park. Go to lesser visited areas in the middle of the day (10am to 3pm), and more popular areas in the morning and evening. A few things to keep in mind:

    • Parking is limited. During summer, parking lots often fill by early morning.
    • During extreme congestion, access to whole areas may be temporarily restricted to allow for emergency vehicles.
    • Traffic moves very slowly on the park roads, mostly due to bison herds crossing or walking along with motor vehicles. 
    • Summer fire season is a reality. Be ready to change your plans on a moment’s notice.

    With the four Ps (patience, preparation, planning, and persistence), you can make your dream Yellowstone National Park trip a reality! We suggest spending at least seven to ten days to make the most of your visit to this spectacular park. And be sure to add a trip to Grand Tetons National Park too. (It’s located just to the south!)

     

    Late spring visit to Yellowstone National Park.

     

    Unique Programs & Opportunities

    Geysers and Hot Springs

    One of the otherworldly experiences in Yellowstone is witnessing first-hand the geologic wonder of its hydrothermal features — from hot springs to mudpots and fumaroles to geysers.  Over 10,000 different hydrothermal features are active within the park, including over half of the world’s active geysers! Hydrothermal features are extremely dynamic, changing throughout the day, across seasons, and over the years, making multiple visits to this park  both enticing and intriguing!

     

     

    Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center

    Created by a partnership between the National Park Service and Yellowstone Forever, indigenous artists, scholars, and presenters from the 27 tribes associated with the park teach visitors through formal and informal education. During the 2025 season, learn about photography, beadwork, moccasin making, dancing, storytelling, sign language, flintknapping, and more!

     

    Photography and Wildlife Watching

    From exploding geysers to stunning sunsets to awe-inspiring wildlife, this ever-changing place is a photographer’s wonderland. As a photographer myself, I’ve been known to take thousands of images during a single visit. So, bring those back-up batteries and power banks. You might ask where to start in such an immense landscape. Fortunately, the park has put together a commprehensive list of must-sees for both the budding shutter bug and the professional photographer.

     

     

    Ranger Programs

    Whether it’s guided canyon rim walks or geyser talks that intrigues you, their expert-led programs will further enhance your park visit. Learn about the history, geology, culture, flora and fauna — from the dynamic drama below ground that is changing the landscape to the fascinating creatures which walk, slither, and crawl on top.

     

    Cycling

    During the summer months, mountain/road bikes, as well as e-bikes are permitted on established public roads and designated routes in Yellowstone National Park. In the spring and fall, they are permitted on roads closed to regular vehicles, if weather conditions allow. Be advised: Bikes are NOT allowed on backcountry trails, boardwalks, and oversnow routes. 

     

    Boating

    Exploring Yellowstone’s lakes by boat offers a great way to see the park from a completely different perspective. However, understanding the risk is paramount before launching your boat or paddle board. Despite all of the thermal pools around, lake water temperatures are extremely cold in June (in the 40s Fahrenheit) and may only reach the 60s by late August. Also, sudden strong winds can produce three- to five-foot waves, making open-water crossings very dangerous. All watercraft launched within Yellowstone National Park MUST be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to launching.  

     

    Winter Sports

    If cooler temperatures (and no crowds) are more in line with your interests, try a winter visit to the park and enjoy abundant opportunities for getting out into the snow. Once enough snow accumulates (usually by mid-December), most roads stay open to “oversnow” travel only.  From the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, you can access the Mammoth, Tower, and Northeast ski trails.

    In West Yellowstone, Montana, a variety of trails are available for skiing.  Although only a few trails are groomed, all unplowed roads and trails in Yellowstone are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Whether you’re skiing a groomed trail in a developed area or exploring the backcountry, remember that you’ll be traveling in the wilderness with all its associated hazards — assessing the risks and taking safety precautions is paramount!  Noted below are the campgrounds that are open during the winter months.

    Note: The only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations during winter is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach, or through the Noncommercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. You can apply for a noncommercially guided snowmobile access permit. Four noncommercially guided groups are allowed to enter the park daily — one at each oversnow entrance.

  • Where to Park Your RV in a Jam!

    Where to Park Your RV in a Jam!

    Look, nobody is perfect. It could even be possible that you — wonderful as you are — are nevertheless the king or queen of excuses. (To be sure, we’d have to ask your favorite passenger.) Even so, none of the “what ifs” in life should stop you from enjoying a dream RV trip across the country. (Or, dare we dream big, the continent!) Sure, as you imagine a big trip, it’s also easy to imagine an emergency where you’re caught on the wrong side of the country. And now, you’re scrambling to find a place where to park your RV so you can fly back fast. (Just thinking about it is already stressful.)

    The reality is that what ifs do happen. You could be on a cross-country road trip and get THAT dreaded call. Or suddenly, you could find out that your best friend’s daughter’s wedding lands smack dab in the middle of a preplanned, three-month trip to Alaska. You may even need to have an urgent medical procedure with a preferred doctor near home.

    What do you do — cancel your trip, or fly back for a few days, or weeks? And where on earth can you find a place to park your RV for the duration? (And no, Crack Barrel is not a long-term solution.)

    Take a breath. We have good news. Whatever jam you find yourself in while traveling in your RV, you have many options! So, let’s stop worrying and talk about them.

     

    Temporary RV Storage Options in an Emergency

    Search for RV storage with your smart phone.

    Look up “rv storage near me” on your preferred smart phone map app. It will bring up a variety of options wherever you are. Some storage facilities offer inside climate-controlled options. Some are covered. And some are just outside in an empty (though usually fenced-in) lot.  This could be a quick and safe option if you need it — usually up to several months if they have available space .

     

    Talk to nearby hotels and airports.

    Hotels with extended parking are the perfect place to park and fly. Most even offer an airport shuttle. You can almost always count on a Holiday Inn Express near an airport to provide a week of free parking with a night’s stay, but if there isn’t one near you, try the ParkSleepHotels website. 

    Also, organizations like Global Airport Parking will provide some easy parking options near airports.  Just choose the city near you on the website, and several options will pop up. You don’t necessarily need to stay at the hotel. You can just use their parking lot — and these lots are often less expensive than parking at the airport. While they don’t always have dedicated RV spots, they are generally larger than the hotel’s guest capacity. So, it’s easy to take up more than one spot. 

    Pro Tip! Look up the hotel address on your map app and use the satellite view to determine which parking lot is best for your rig.

     

    If you have a Boondockers Welcome membership, ask a host.

    Boondockers Welcome is not only an RV club that provides free overnight places to stay the night across the continent. Some BW hosts may be able to help out if they have enough room on their property to babysit your rig for a few days. These hosts are fellow RV travelers. So, they will likely understand your situation and may be able to offer you a place to park for up to a week or so.

     

    Check with local RV parks and campgrounds.

    Some RV parks may also be able to help out if they have an RV storage area on their property.  Many parks offer seasonal storage where you might be able to park your RV, so it’s always worth a call if you are near an area with several RV parks. Simply do a quick online search for what’s nearby, or use an app like The Dyrt PRO to find RV parks near you.

     

    Reach out to trusted friends nearby and the RV community.

    If you are a member of an RV Facebook group or forum, reach out to the members with your request for help.  You just might find someone in your neighborhood!

    We always recommend making friends with folks who have property and offering your services as a trade. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had folks offer their property when we’ve needed to park our rig for a week or two. One new friend in Anchorage, Alaska even offered us a ride to/from the airport!

    Depending on where you are, your rig, and your situation, there are many options to park your rig for a few days or even a few months.  But, if the situation turns out to be longer than expected and you can’t get back to your rig, consider paying someone to drive your RV back home for you. Drivers are paid to deliver RV’s all over the continent, and you can tap into that network of drivers.

     

    What to Consider When Leaving Your RV Behind

    If you must change your plans and leave your rig on a moment’s notice, you will likely be a bit stressed out. (Right?) It’s easy to forget things. So, make a checklist of what you would need to do to get your rig ready to leave behind. It’s easier to have a premade list on your phone than create one when your brain is muddled with 72 other things.

     

    Turn off  your appliances.

    Unplug and/or turn off everything electric or gas powered, including your propane tanks.  If your fridge can run on 12V and you have food you’d like to keep, use the 12-volt or “boondocking” setting.  If you have enough solar wattage on your roof, the panels will keep your house batteries topped off and the fridge running while you are away. 

    Leaving your vehicle alarm on will likely drain your starting battery. To prevent this, install a battery maintainer solar panel (usually 10-watt) to keep your starting battery topped up while you are away.

     

    Prevent theft.

    Lock everything, leave your blinds down and curtains closed, take all unreplaceable/valuable items with you, park under a bright light, and do not leave a spare key accessible on the outside. If possible, store anything hanging off your vehicle inside your vehicle (bikes, etc.) while you are away. If you can’t bring them inside, add an extra lock to make things hard to steal. For added safety, consider putting a GPS tracker detector in your vehicle. If your vehicle is stolen, you can track its location before notifying the police.

     

    Take winter into consideration.

    If you need to leave your RV behind during the winter and can’t find climate-controlled storage nearby, do these six things to safely winterize your rig.

     

    Don’t Worry About Where to Park Your RV! Live a Little

    Hopefully, knowing that there are options for where to park your RV in an emergency gives enough comfort to kick fear to the curb. Now, go enjoy your dream RV trip and stop worrying about those what ifs. (You got that!) Fact is that you only live once, and you can’t take your RV with you!

  • 3 Farmer’s Market Recipes That Are Made for the Road

    3 Farmer’s Market Recipes That Are Made for the Road

    There’s a Guy Clark song lyric that comes to mind when I think about summertime’s vegetable bounty. It goes something like this: “Only two things that money can’t buy, and that’s true love and home grown tomatoes!” Personally, while we miss being able to grow our own food, the truth is that we can get close to homegrown vegetable nirvana by visiting a local farmer’s market near our campground or along our route. Further, there are some really great farmer’s market recipes that are perfect for life on the road.

    Over the years, we’ve spent some seasons either working or volunteering in communities with amazing farmer’s markets.(Shout out to Stonington, Maine!). While there, we could get our fresh earth fix. Hutch even supplemented our purchases through busking at the market itself.  (How very Guy Clark of him.)

     

    There’s Hutch! Busking at a farmer’s market.

     

    All this to say, we’re happy to share three of the best farmer’s market recipes we’ve had. You know, the ones that really allow you to taste the land, wherever you are.

     

    Finding a Farmer’s Market to Feed Your Recipes

    This may seem simple, but it is effective. While traveling, search “farmers market near me” or “farm stand near me” on your mapping app. Pay close attention to the weekends when many local communities bring their farmers together in one space. (Or stay at a farm-based Harvest Hosts site and stock up!)

    We’ve gotten everything from the much coveted tomatoes and other fresh veggies to locally baked breads and pastries to home made soaps and crafts. It’s amazing what treasures you’ll find! As a side not (for the boondockers out there), some farmer’s market areas allow overnight parking, though typically NOT the night before the market as growers get there pretty early! Recently on our Canadian summer adventures, we stopped by the Charlottetown Farmers Market on Prince Edward Island and found a bounty of summer goodies!

    Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are three scrumptious summer farmer’s market recipes that we created from our travels.

     

     

    Glorious Gazpacho

     

    Shari set out to find the best gazpacho recipe in 2018. And since then? She has honed it to perfection. Each time she makes it, it’s a bit different. (It all depends on the nature of the fruit available.) But each time, it is summertime in a bowl — sweet, tangy, spicy, with just enough texture to give it some toothiness. It’s filling enough to make it a meal, or just serve it as an appetizer.

    The best part? Other than briefly blanching the tomatoes in boiling water, you don’t need to heat up the kitchen to prepare this cool and tasty treat! And, just like most soups, it’s even better the next day. Here’s how she does it.

     

    Soup Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
    • 1 cup zucchini, peeled and chopped
    • 1/2 cup chopped sweet Italian pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
    • 2 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
    • 1 large garlic clove, minced
    • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

     

    Toppings

    • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
    • Your favorite croutons
    • Green onions or scallions, chopped
    • Avocado slices or chunks

     

    Instructions

    Fill a three-to-four quart pot halfway full of water. Set over high heat and bring to a boil.

    Make an X with a paring knife on the bottom of the tomatoes. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 seconds, remove and transfer to an ice bath, and allow to cool until able to handle, approximately one minute. Remove and pat dry. Peel, core, and seed the tomatoes. When seeding the tomatoes, place the seeds and pulp into a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl in order to catch the juice. Press out one cup of juice.

    Place the tomatoes and juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the zucchini, red pepper, onion, jalapeno, garlic clove, olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a blender and puree for 15 to 20 seconds at high speed. Cover and chill overnight. 

    Tops with your favorite extras!  Serves four to eight hungry campers depending on whether it’s a cup or bowl of soup. 

     

    Kale, Beet, and Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese Topped with Basil, Lemon, and Dijon Dressing

     

    Kale, that wonderful green superfood which comes in at least 25 different varieties, sometimes gets scooped up at the market only to languish in the vegetable crisper. No stranger to strong opinions, this versatile green needs to be prepared right in order to reach a wider audience. Just a little hand massaging with some garlic oil is all it takes to convert the most ardent skeptic.  

     

    Salad Ingredients

    • 2-3 medium-sized beets
    • 1/2 large Spanish onion
    • 1 bunch asparagus
    • 1/2 bunch of kale (your choice of variety)
    • 1 medium red or yellow tomato
    • 1/3 cup goat cheese 
    • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted

     

    Lemon Basil Dijon Dressing

    • 4-5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove (minced)
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon agave syrup 
    • 1 pinch sea salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

     


    Mix ingredients together in a small container and shake!  

     

    Instructions

    Wash and cube the beets. (Or slice with a mandolin if you like a thinner, crispier beet.) Slice onion into small julienne pieces. Marinate beets and onions in a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for approximately 10 minutes. Saute beets on medium to high heat first, as they will take longer to cook, around five minutes. Then add onions. Stir occasionally until you reach your desired texture. (We like the onions to be slightly crispy and brown on the edges, beets should be firm but yielding when forked.) Add a little salt, pepper and other spices to taste (dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes).  Set aside to cool or refrigerate for later use.   

    Trim the asparagus bottoms and saute on medium to high heat. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and turn occasionally until desired texture is reached. Season with a bit of salt and pepper, and set aside to cool (or refrigerate).  

    Wash and tear kale leaves off the stems and into bite sized pieces. Pat dry with a towel then place in a large bowl, and drizzle with garlic and olive oil. Massage the kale leaves for about 30 seconds. The oil and hand massage help break down the tougher texture and bitterness of the greens, which is why some people object to it in the first place. Do this about 10 minutes prior to assembling the rest of the salad, and you’ll reveal the tender sweetness that can come from this remarkable plant without having to cook it.  

    Slice or cube tomato, crumble goat cheese, and add all ingredients to the kale bowl.  Top with freshly chopped walnuts, dress, and serve.  

    Add some lightly toasted bread on the side and a good olive oil dip, and enjoy!  Serves four hungry campers.

     

    Lettuce Wraps with Smoked Tofu and Thai Peanut Sauce 

     

    We found a beautiful head of green leaf lettuce that reminded us of an amazing appetizer that we’d had at a restaurant along the California coast. We had some smoked tofu in the cooler, and the ingredients for peanut sauce at the ready! While we’ve got some go-to ingredients listed here, it’s really the dealer’s choice as to what you’re going to put in these crunchy babies, so go crazy! 

     

    Filling Ingredients

    • Carrots, shredded
    • Purple cabbage, shredded
    • Green onions, chopped
    • Cucumbers, cubed
    • Smoked or baked tofu (or your favorite protein), cubed
    • Almonds or pistachios, chopped

     

    Other Suggestions

    • Bean sprouts
    • Rice or chow mein noodles, chilled
    • Red peppers, chopped
    • Cherry tomatoes, sliced
    • Avocados, chopped

     

    Thai Peanut Sauce Ingredients

    There are many recipes for peanut sauce, but this one is adapted from Jessica in the Kitchen.

    • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic chili paste)
    • 1 tablespoon agave syrup or spicy honey
    • 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
    • 3 teaspoons rice vinegar
    • 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
    • 2 teaspoon to 1/4 cup warm water (enough to make it saucy, but not runny)
    • Hot sauce to taste (sriracha is typical, but any good one will do)


    Instructions 

    Whisk all the sauce ingredients (minus the warm water) together in a bowl and stir vigorously.  Add the warm water a little at a time until it’s saucy and can be poured. This sauce can be made ahead of time or used immediately.

    Assemble all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and dress heavily with peanut sauce. Pull off several big leaves from the lettuce head, wash, and pat dry with a towel. Arrange the lettuce heads on a serving platter along with a decorative bowl of the filling, and serve.  Serves four hungry campers.

     

    Bonus Recipe: Cheddar Jalapeno Sourdough French Toast

     

    OK, you are going to have to trust us on this one. Perhaps one of the zaniest farmer’s market recipes, it’s a new twist on an old standard! Sweet and savory with just a little kick to get your day started right. We found this delicious loaf of savory and spicy bread at the farmer’s market in Charlottetown, and woke up with inspiration!  Everyone knows how to make French toast, but add this main ingredient and you get the perfect blend of morning flavors. Remember to use warmed, REAL maple syrup. It makes a tremendous difference. Add a side of your favorite breakfast meat (or meat substitute) and it’s on!

  • Campfire Safety: A Little Refresher for RVers

    Campfire Safety: A Little Refresher for RVers

    As a kid, no camping trip was complete without a nightly campfire — naturally, of course, with a sugar high from heavy doses of a toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham cracker splendor. (Anyone else prefer the complete charring of the mallow, like me?) Nowadays, even though we rarely break out s’mores anymore, we love a good campfire on a chilly evening. (And, given the number of Hershey bar wrapper corners we find in campsites, it’s obviously still a thing.) Beyond s’mores, there’s something special about a campfire. And part of that is the danger of the flames — which should be a reminder why campfire safety is so important, even if you have an RV closeby.

     

     

    You don’t have to be primitive camping to build a fire. There are lots of reasons for a fire. A little evening’s entertainment with a little extra warmth. Or, wisely, to satisfy your 10-year old during a much-needed, zero-screen time weekend in the woods. Our desire for fire lies deep within the human race. It’s primal, it’s fun, and — you guessed it — it also carries a huge responsibility along with it!

    So, since we’re going to have a fire at some point, we need to talk about campfire safety.

     

    Campfire Safety: As Relevant as Ever

    We might be showing our age a little here, but when we were growing up, there was a Smokey the Bear commercial on TV. In it, a child questions his father about putting out their campfire, to which the father responds, “Nah, it’ll just burn itself out.” Smokey isn’t exactly happy with this response, and the tear rolling out of his eye isn’t from the smoke. Cue the melodramatic music. (Smokey also produced other commercial gems like this.)

    Even today, after decades of Smokey ads, we regularly see tell-tale signs curling from fire rings where the occupants have already headed home. (Perhaps they took away the wrong message from that commercial?) Just walk the loop at any popular campground on a Sunday morning and you’ll see what I mean.  

    Anyone living to the west of the Mississippi valley may not ever remember a full summer without a burn ban. That’s because 85 percent of all wildfires are caused by humans. From discarded cigarette butts to illegal fireworks to dangling safety chains on your trailer, it’s no wonder wildfire managers have resorted to reducing campfires during the driest times of the year.    

    Having a good campfire experience is like having a good camping trip: It just takes a little forethought and preparation.  

     

    Before Building a Campfire

    • Select the right wood. Always buy your wood where you plan to burn it. Traveling with wood from home is not only illegal in many places, it also gives invasive insects a free ride into a new location increasing their spread and putting our forests in danger.

    • Research restrictions. Check for any fire restrictions or bans in the area before buying your wood.

    • Choose the safest location. Here are a few good examples of how. Nearly every campground provides a campfire ring. Please use it. Also, in dispersed camping areas (aka boondocking), it’s important not to create additional fire rings. Use what’s there, or build a Leave No Trace fire pit using a Solo stove or OTZI grill. Give yourself enough space from any vehicles, tents or tarps.

    • Be beach safe (if relevent). If building a beach fire, always build it below the high tide line. On shore breezes are stronger in the evening and beachside vegetation can easily ignite. So, keeping your fire closer to the water is always better. Also, any unburned remains of your fire will be washed away by the incoming tide. (A great Leave No Trace practice!)

    • Clear flammable debris. Remove any dry leaves, twigs, and other debris within a 10-foot radius of the fire pit.

    • Be ready to extinguish. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to extinguish the fire quickly, if needed. 

     

    Maintaining a Campfire

    • Keep it small. A smaller fire is better for cooking and roasting marshmallows.
    • Stay nearby. Never EVER leave a fire unattended.
    • Don’t fuel the fire. Avoid using aerosols or flammable liquids to start or accelerate the fire. Pro Tip: save toilet paper rolls stuffed with dryer lint from home to create instant fire starters!
    • Watch the embers. Keep a close eye on the fire and make sure embers don’t fly away and ignite surrounding materials. Soft woods with a lot of sap (like pine, spruce and fir) are great to start a fire with as they catch quickly, but they can also create more sparks that can spread fire outside of the ring.  
    • Observe the fire observers. Pay close attention to pets and children around any fire, not to mention those flaming balls of marshmallows being waved around on the end of a pointy stick. (I mean, what could go wrong?)

      This photo is not real. This is a joke, a joke, joke. But you get the idea: You don’t want this to happen.

     

    Extinguishing the Fire

    • Complete the job. Completely extinguish the fire by pouring water on it, stirring the ashes and embers, and then pouring more water. 
    • Double-check. Make sure it’s dead out!  The ashes need to be cool to the touch before leaving the area. 
    • Never bury the fire. Burying the fire can trap heat and cause it to re-ignite later!

    IF things get out of hand: Remember, in emergency situations, it’s all too easy to focus on fighting the fire, but it’s important to get people to safety first and know when to call in reinforcements.  

     

    Additional Campfire Safety Tips

    • Watch the weather. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid building a fire on windy days, as the wind can easily spread embers very quickly.
    • Instruct the next generation. Teach children and others about campfire safety to prevent accidents. 
    • Offer good advice. If your brother-in-law, Earl, ever asks you to “hold my beer” around a campfire, remember nothing good will come of it. Better to remind him that he isn’t 18 anymore and that he should just sit down and enjoy the campfire. Camping trips should never end in a trip to the E.R.!

    All of these tips and tricks seem common sense for most experienced campers, but it doesn’t take too much time to have a pleasant evening turn into a dangerous situation because of a few moments of inattention or risky behaviors. So, remember what Smokey the Bear said, “Only you …”

  • Which RV Options Are Really Worth It?

    Which RV Options Are Really Worth It?

    The reasons we go RVing are as varied as the places we take our rigs. Perhaps it’s human nature itself that drives us, but the pull of beauty and the longing to explore manifests differently in each camper —from the deep woods to the big-city skyline, from the wide-open desert to the seaside park. And as we evaluate an RV purchase, we’re often left wondering which RV options really matter for in our perfect model?

     

    Your RV lifestyle makes all the difference.

    The fact is that the RV options that are important to specific buyers are as unique as the 11.2 million households in the U.S. who own RVs. So, diving deeper, we turned to our Facebook and Instagram audiences to see what they thought. Not surprisingly, responses were all over the map. From Class A owners valuing more space to small pop-up campers wanting to fit into the garage (and not offend HOA rules), the RV features that folks can’t live without, reflect how they use their RVs.  

    While most RVs don’t have space for features like a built-in washer and dryer, if you’re going to live full-time at a resort or private RV park with water, electricity, and sewer hookups, it might make sense. On the other hand, simply type “laundromats near me” into your mapping app and get your many loads of laundry done in less than 90 minutes while you make lunch in the parking lot or go grocery shopping. It’s your choice. Each has its pros and cons.  

     

    RV Features and Options We Heard Strong Opinions About

    • Usable storage
    • Full-time bed and separate dinette area
    • Counter space and functional kitchens 
    • Dry bathrooms
    • Solar capabilities and other boondocking packages with higher clearance or upgraded suspension, low power fridges, etc. 
    • Extras features like gas fireplaces, washer and dryers, reclining chairs vs. sofa loungers, insulated windows and heated spaces below their rigs for winter comfort.    

    Now, whether you want these features depends upon how you want to use your RV, and where you intend to take it. Let’s take a deeper look.

     

    Storage: Now, where did you pack those jumper cables?

    Smart storage is important in making a small space feel comfortable. (Regardless of how long you’ll be out.) If you’re going full-time, you’ll need storage for not only this season’s clothes and gear, but for all the other seasons too. And speaking of boots, how many do you actually need?

    Ask Yourself …

    • How much food can you reasonably store without looking like you’re setting up a concession stand? 
    • How long do you intend to spend away from a grocery store, or other essential services?  
    • What type of extra equipment, outdoor toys, musical instruments, games or hobbies do you plan to bring with you?  

    Pro Tips!

    Just as storage space is important, so is how you pack it — you’ll need the things you use most often most accessible. Think of your RV like a Swiss Army knife: Everything must have multiple functions, from clothing to cookware. If it’s only got one use (and it’s bigger than a pocket knife), you’d better have a good reason for bringing it. Example: Hutch’s guitar is big, bulky, and you can’t cook on it. But he can’t imagine living without it. So, what’s your guitar?  

     

    Full-time bed/secret dinette: Can sleeping and eating share a single solution?

    Converting the dinette to the bed makes the space more efficient, but it also adds a daily chore.

     

    Nothing beats being able to simply pull over after a long travel day, and collapse into your own comfortable bed. Needing to convert the space from suppertown to snoozeville can be one of those tediously repetitive steps that might have you reconsidering your full-time dreams. But for your short RV vacation, this nightly novel ritual could provide the perfect distraction from the routine of daily life. Perhaps that tiny, “cuter-than-cute” RV is what you’ve been looking for after all!

    Ask Yourself …

    • Are you planning on working from the road out of your RV?
    • What do you need to accomplish your work in terms of space, power and equipment?
    • Will you have visitors, how frequently? How many other sleeping areas will you need?
    • Will you bring pets? What are their space needs? How can you keep them comfortable if you leave them for some time alone in the RV?

    Pro Tips: Invest in a quality mattress, regardless of how you set up your bed, quality sleep is priceless. In addition to serving as a dinner table, prep area, and where we have our “serious conversations,” our dinette serves as a computer workspace. We’ve invested in quality laptops that both do their job as well as quickly fold away to convert from office to breakfast nook. 

     

    Counter space in a functional kitchen: Is there enough room for all the cooks in the kitchen?

    For some RV owners with a lot of people to feed, counter space is a big consideration.

     

    In our kitchen we have two stations, the chef at the stove. And the sous chef sitting at the dinette. If you think about your counter space the same way as your cookware, with every surface having multiple purposes, you can prepare any dish in just about any sized kitchen.  

    Ask Yourself …

    • How many people will you regularly cook for?
    • What season will you be traveling? 
    • How often will you use an outdoor kitchen? Would a portable camping stove suffice for those times that you want to cook outside?
    • Do you want to focus on an outdoor kitchen as opposed to the inside one? 
    • Do you really need that huge kitchen sink or will stackable tubs do the job just as well?

    Pro Tips!

    Focus less on space and more on quality, versatile cookware. Invest in good quality cookware and kitchen tools that can do their job on the inside stove, on camping stove, or on a campfire.  Find creative recipes that will make you excited to prepare food that’ll rival your scenic locations.  Look for inspiration everywhere to make your meals more of an event.

     

    Dry bathroom: So you shower where you sh…sit?

     

    Dry bathrooms provide a separate space for the toilet and shower. In a wet bath setup, the two move in together, saving space, but  there are disadvantages. (Like a higher risk of soaking the toilet paper.)

    How you camp and where you camp will determine your toilet-shower space needs. If you’re going to be at campgrounds with toilets and showers, do you really need a larger bathroom at all?  Many of the folks who camp this way tell us that they rarely even use their toilet beyond nighttime necessity, and have never actually used their shower except as a storage area.

    Ask Yourself …

    • Is the convenience of going closer to home more important to you than the requisite dumping and cleaning of holding tanks?
    • Will you be camping in private RV parks that offer full-hook ups, including sewer?
    • Will you be boondocking for weeks at a time? Hint: You may not even use your built-in toilet.

    Pro Tips!

    If only all small American towns were like those found in Alaska where many gas stations and laundromats offer clean showers for a small fee. Be honest: Are your vacation hygiene standards the same as your 9-to-5 life? If you’re taking a short trip, you’ll probably find that a shower every couple of days will be sufficient.  

    Most of our full-timing friends, even those working full-time jobs, find that they don’t prepare for their day in the same way that they did when going into an office. I’m not saying that we’ve all let ourselves go, but thinking that you’ll carry-on bathing as you have in your house or apartment is probably unrealistic.  

    A 24-hour gym membership to a nationwide chain can also be a great showering option for folks taking longer trips in their RV’s. Also, local recreation centers and community pools have a daily membership fee where you can grab a hot shower – don’t forget your flip flops!

     

    Solar capabilities: Am I really, really going off-grid?

    If you can DIY your solar install, you could save a lot of money.

     

    Solar has become so popular with RVs that many manufacturers now offer a solar package or solar-ready models.  This might mean that there is some solar capacity already built-into your model or can be installed as an additional package. (Buyer beware: The price might be four times more than if you do it yourself!)

    Even if you’re planning on parking it at an RV resort offering electrical service, you might need a night or two off-grid when traveling. That’s when even a small solar powered system can be a bridge between plug-ins. If you intend to do any boondocking, installing an appropriately-sized solar system will provide you with years of free electricity!

    Whether you purchase the solar package (or install your own system like many other RVers) might depend upon your skill set, timeline, and comfort with basic math and a crimping tool.

    Ask Yourself…

    • How long do you want to be away from an electrical outlet?
    • Can your current battery capacity provide enough to sustain during that time?
    • How comfortable are you working with electrical wiring? 
    • Do you have an interest in learning how solar works?

    Pro Tips!

    In 2010 when we first got our RV, we had no idea how to install solar power. We just knew that it worked. Since then, we’ve become solar ambassadors and educators. Solar curious? Take our Solar DIY Quiz to see if you have the necessary skills to plan your own solar installation.


    Extra fancy features: Am I going to use it enough to make it worth it?

     

    Decisions about RV features all go back to how and where you intend to RV. Many of these extras are associated with colder weather camping – gas fireplaces, extra insulation, heated underbelly, etc. If you don’t see yourself taking advantage of late season camping in the autumn or even boondocking in the winter, then perhaps these aren’t worth the extra cost.  However, if you love the idea of being curled up with your favorite throw blanket, a piping mug of tea in your hands, watching the leaves fall from your cozy camper with its quiet gas fireplace, then maybe it’s worth it. Just remember that these winter options have both upfront and secondary costs. 

    Same goes for laundry machine options and living area furnishings — convertible sofa or theater seats? It’s all about how you actually want to live in your RV.

    Just remember that the bigger your RV is, the more you need to plan out your route, your stops, and your campsite reservations. Perhaps the extra space, comforts and features are worth the extra hassle. Or, perhaps you want to go lightweight and fit into any open campsite from sea to shining sea.  Most of us will land somewhere in the middle with a combination of space and features that feel just right — just right for us!