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Tag: camping

  • Must-Have Camping and RV Gadgets

    Must-Have Camping and RV Gadgets

    RVing is all about getting back to the basics – but just because that’s why we love it – doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of the latest and greatest camping and RV gadgets. So if you’re going to step up your accessory game, here are our top 10 must-have gadgets:

    LifeStraw

    Amazon.com

    If you happen to run out of water on a hike, the LifeStraw gadget is a lifesaver. Obviously, it’s not a good idea to drink directly from streams or lakes you might run across – but Lifestraw removes 99.9% of bacteria and parasites, making any water source available to you. And as an added bonus, for every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. We’re all about helping out a good cause.

    Promising Review: “I am going to keep this one simple. Recently I got stranded in the back woods of the Adirondack Mountains. I had ran out of water earlier on the first day and used this until I was rescued on the morning of day three. THIS WORKS, this helped save my life. If you hike YOU NEED THIS PRODUCT.” —Richard Maxwell

    Instant Pot

    The Instant Pot is a newer kitchen gadget that is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer. You name it, the Instant Pot can do it. This tool is ideal for RVers because although it’s just one appliance, it takes the place of many others – saving you coveted counter and cabinet space in your RV. You won’t regret buying one – trust us.

    Promising Review: “My wife kept telling me we should get this. For months I resisted. We had a crock pot, so why bother? We finally got this on sale on black Friday, and I LOVE IT. Quicker than a crock pot and better end results. You can season your protien and cook it with veggies (which take on the flavor as well). After using this, anything you cook in a crock pot seems like a warm, swampy product. Anything you cook in this is moist, flavorful, tender excellence in just a fraction of the time. Do not hesitate to buy this product – you will thank yourself for meals to come.” –Jon

    Solar Powered Charger

    Amazon.com

    Using solar energy can save you money and time while out on the road, especially if you’re boondocking. Nowadays there are solar options to power just about anything – but we definitely recommend picking up a solar-powered phone charger. This is a great gadget to have when you’re out hiking, ensuring you have enough power to call for help if needed.

    Promising Review: “I recently returned from a 6 day adventure to a commercial Salmon fishing operation on Uganik island , Alaska. Uganik is near Kodiak island and is home to the famous Kodiak Brown Bear. We got too close to one on a beach, but caught lots of fish. I overestimated what I would need and I took both my SPC12K and my new SPC16K. I never even used the 12K. Didn’t need it. I kept my cell phone going for photography and my rented Sat. Phone topped off with the 16K. The solar charging rate impressed me. When I left to meet the seaplane I had 3/4 available charge on my 16K. Note: The TSA requires that all “spare batteries” be in your carry on bag. So I say you only need one spare, the SPC16K.” —Robert E. Wilson

    High-Tech Watch

    If you’re an RVer, we’re betting there’s more than a chance you love the great outdoors. Any outdoor lover needs a high-tech watch and we recommend the Suunto Traverse for all of you hikers out there. This smartwatch does it all from tracking weather to showing hiking routes through GPS software to following your progress with distance and altitude statistics.

    Promising Review: “If you’re looking for a watch to connect to your phone and notify you when you get a text or email this is not the watch for you…

    “That being said, this is an outdoorsman watch. It does everything I need it to do. The compass, GPS, altimeter and barometer are very accurate for a wrist-top device. The battery life is excellent and charge time is minimal. As for the movescount app, I have not had any issues. The app can be used to add points of interest, view hikes/runs and also a supplementary way to modify the settings of the watch itself; although You can change it on the watch itself. For those of you that need MGRS, You are able to use MGRS format locating on just the watch alone via a scroll type menu which you can go up or down from your current 10 digit grid. The longer you hold the up or down button, the faster it will adjust. Not the best method of input but for the price, reliability and battery life; you cannot go wrong…

    “I would definitely recommend this to everyone looking for this type of watch. Like I said in the beginning. If you want to have a phone on your wrist, get an apple watch. If you want to navigate through rugged terrain, go for a run and be able to record your hikes from start to finish and back track while navigating, this is the watch for you!” —Roberto Rozco

    Smokeless Portable Fire Pit

    https://www.solostove.com

    You read that right. The Solo Stove is coined as the world’s most unique Portable Fire Pit because it gives off minimal to no smoke or ashes. This fire pit is easy to set up and great to take with you out on the road and to top it off, you won’t leave the campground smelling like smoke.

    Promising Review: “We had our first Solo stove fire on Saturday night. It was so much easy to use and kept us toasty on this chilly May evening in the the Northeast. Love my Bonfire!” —Luann Orcutt

    Portable Mosquito Repeller

    Mosquitos really know how to ruin a good time while camping, but you don’t have to worry about those annoying pests with the Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller. This device is lightweight and conveniently sized and repels mosquitoes away in a 15-ft zone for up to 12 hours. Definitely, a must-have in our book.

    Promising Review: “Hate mosquitos? This is the device for you. I just used it on a weeklong camping trip and it kept me bite free when in use. Be aware that it takes a good 5 minutes to become effective, but I watched mosquitoes come near and then fly away when it hit the barrier. The pad smells a little like cinnamon and does work for 4 hours. I would say the butane works for a little longer than advertised, but who could complain about that? I would recommend this product.” —Andrew W. Huppert

    Packable Kayak

    https://pakayak.com

    Unless you have a toy hauler, you might have to leave your kayak at home just because it takes up so much space. Not anymore! PAKAYAK is a portable nesting kayak that breaks apart into 5 pieces and can be stored in a convenient travel bag. When you want to use the kayak, you simply put the pieces together and you’re ready to hit the water.

    Promising Review: “Just took this for a spin at Sand Key, Florida. A very well thought out design. A smooth kayak to paddle with great tracking!” —Dave Surplus

    Multi-Tool Key

    The 20-in-1 Multi-Tool Key is small but mighty. It can be used as four different types of screwdrivers, a bottle opener, box cutter, wire stripper – the list goes on and on; and the best part is it’s the size of a regular house key. No more lugging around large tools while you’re on the road.

    Promising Review: “Got my key and have been using it for a few weeks. Have had no problems using it to cut open boxes, adjust things on the trail, and open bottles. I’ve used it a lot more than I thought.” —Hector

    Pocket Chainsaw

    Why buy firewood when you can cut your own? This Pocket Chainsaw is so small it can fit in your pocket, hence the name. You won’t need to gas this chainsaw up as it’s powered by… you. This convenient and portable pocket chainsaw is great for cutting small branches and trees so you can get the s’mores roasting in no time.

    Promising Review: “I decided to try one of these out for camping after struggling to gather firewood, that was big enough to burn longer than a few minutes, with folding handsaw. After taking this to the Boundary Waters my buddies and I will be buying another one! It comes with a small carrying pouch that is easy to stuff in a bag and doesn’t take up much space. We found that it’s easiest to use as a two man team and rather than pulling straight up (on a log laying down) it worked best to pull up at about 45* to avoid getting jammed up. This angle also made it easier for each of us to get a foot on the log to hold it in place while we cut through it. We were able to cut through a log with a 10″ diameter with relative ease!” —Michael R.

    Hammock

    https://www.tentsile.com

    After a long day of adventure, there’s nothing like laying in a TRILLIUM Hammock and admiring the scenery. This giant three-person hammock is ideal for camping and the whole family. The Trillium hammock uses an innovative three-point anchor system and is made of your choice of quick-drying mesh or tough and rip-stop nylon.

    Promising Review: “This bad boy is a champ. Once i found the right trees, it took me 5 minutes to set up my first try. It can hold about twelve 8 year olds comfortably, and keep them distracted for over an hour.” —Pepper

    Which of these RV and camping gadgets do you have on your list? Do you have any camping gadgets you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!

     

  • Top Dog-Friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds

    Top Dog-Friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds

    If you’re anything like us, we can’t imagine leaving home for our next adventure without our dogs. Our four-legged friends are considered part of the family and we often ask ourselves, “what did we do to deserve dogs?” With SO many RVers out there, we know we aren’t alone. So to make sure you never have to leave home without little Fido in tow, RV Trader has compiled a list of top dog-friendly RV parks and campgrounds that will be sure to be a tail-wagging good time for both you and your pet!

    1. Four Paws Kingdom

    Four Paws Kingdom is located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina and, as its name suggests, is truly a kingdom for dogs. This campground is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the first and only campground in the U.S. dedicated to dogs. Four Paws Kingdom includes a fenced in swimming pond, multiple dog parks, trails, a dog bathhouse, and even a grooming salon! There are also tons of benefits for you dog owners out there like RV hook up sites, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and so much more.

    2. Normandy Farms

    Normandy Farms is located in Foxboro, Massachusetts and is a luxurious campground located deep in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod. This resort takes dog friendliness to the next level by providing a 1.5-acre dog park, agility equipment, a dog washing station, dog walking services, and they even provide kennels services for your furry friends. They do have a few pet specific restrictions, but overall this campground is extremely dog friendly if you meet those requirements. Normandy Farms is stunning and hosts a variety of activities for guests. The grounds and facilities are top-notch and have plenty of room for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes.

    3. Lake George RV Park

    Lake George RV Park is located in Lake George, New York and is thrilled to welcome pets on their grounds. The park includes a two-acre off-leash dog park for dogs to run freely and get out any pent up energy after long days of travel. The “Bark Park” also includes a pet vending machine stocked with toys and treats – this is what doggie dreams are made of. Wait there’s more! The park also includes a dog splash pad to cool off on hot days and agility/turf areas for play. Dogs are also allowed in the indoor areas of the park including their main lodge, general store, and cafe. You won’t have to leave your dog anywhere when you visit this RV park!

    4. Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is truly camping at its best. You’ll have to pick your jaw off of the floor when you take in the surrounding views. But how does this park cater to your pups? Glad you asked. Garden of the Gods RV Resort is a pet-friendly park that includes an off-leash Bark Park for your dogs to run wild in. They’ll be able to interact with other dogs and get out all of their energy. This resort has plenty of RV campsites and offers standard, deluxe, and premium sites for RVers. This resort sounds like a win-win for both you and your pet.

    5. Escondido RV Resort

    Located 30 miles away from sunny San Diego, California, Escondido RV Resort boasts resort-style amenities for you and your dog to enjoy. The 10-acre RV park features scenic views, over 100 full-hookup sites, and a fenced dog park. Let your pet stretch their legs and run around this one-third-acre park. On a hot day, your pet can cool down and make a splash in the fire hydrant water feature. There are even dog toys and training tools available on-site.

    6. KOA

    There are hundreds of KOA campground locations across the country and they are all pet-friendly! KOAs have special KampK9 areas of their grounds where dogs can roam around off-leash, and they often include washing stations. Many KOAs also have dedicated areas for large and small dogs so your dog can play safely.

    There you have it! Our list of top pet-friendly RV parks and campgrounds. With these options, you’ll never have to leave your precious pooch at home. Bring Fido is another great resource to check out so you can see nearby pet-friendly locations.

    For more tips on traveling with your dog, visit RV Trader’s Pet Resource Page. And, if you’re shopping for a camper with room for your four-legged friend, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used RVs for sale on RVTrader.com.

  • Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    There’s nothing we love more than a good hack. Usually, they are so simple, but so smart that they make us jealous we didn’t think of them first. But – let me tell you – the list of hacks we’ve compiled below has us green with envy – these truly are the best of the best.

    Doritos make the best fire starters

    As surprising as it may sound – there really isn’t a better fire starter out there than a good old bag of Doritos – and the best part? There’s literally nothing to it! Pick up your favorite – or maybe least favorite – bag at the grocery store, light one corner on fire, and watch it burn. But there’s a catch – it’s actually necessary to get the Doritos brand. Apparently it has something to do with their fat content. This is one of our favorites – but definitely slightly concerning if you’re a Doritos lover because once you see how long these burn, you might lose your appetite.

    Make a zipline for your dog

    We, like many RVers, are big time dog people – so we’re all about anything we can do to make our pup’s trip more comfortable. And making them a zipline, instead of tying them out, gives them way more freedom to enjoy their interesting, new surroundings. And, like the Doritos, this is another super easy trick. You just need a piece of rope and some carabiners to attach their leashes to it. From there – find some trees a decent distance apart to tie the rope to and hitch Fido on up. He’ll be much happier being able to wander back and forth freely – but you’ll still have peace of mind knowing he’s not going to take off on you.

    Sage bundles repel mosquitos

    We hate mosquitos. They are the fastest way we can think of to drive even the most tolerant RVer back inside. So this hack is definitely worth a try. This particular article says that you can also throw some lavender and mint in there – but the majority of reading we did specifically called out the sage – so if you add nothing else, make sure to have that. You can hang these outside of your camper or put them in your fire – either way, they seem like an essential way to keep the ultimate pest away.

    Turn an acorn cap into a whistle

    This is a great hack – and this link shows you exactly how to do it, step by step. Thankfully, there are plenty of acorns to practice on out in the woods – so even if it takes you a few tries to get it right, this is sure to come in handy – and hopefully, you will only need to use this for fun.

    Ok – so tell us the truth. Had you heard of these before? We hope there were at least a few that surprised you and will make their way into your bag of tricks as you head out on your next great adventure.

  • You’ve Got to Try These RV and Camping-Friendly Recipes to Believe Them

    You’ve Got to Try These RV and Camping-Friendly Recipes to Believe Them

    Recently, we’ve received a ton of questions about the best RV-friendly recipes for roadtrips –

     

    and there were so many good options, it was hard to choose at first! Not to worry, though.
    We’ve conjured up a list of some of the top-rated recipes and how-to’s for your next adventure that are easy, fun to make and way more scrumptious than anything you could make at home.
    Check out these on-the-road go-to’s, and tell us which ones will you be trying this summer.

     

     

    Rise and shine!
    These renowned breakfast recipes will get your group up and sitting around the campfire in no time.
    Image: Key Ingredient
    Image: Betty Crocker
    Image: Almost Supermom
    Image: Cupcake Diaries
    Image: Zac.com
    Image: Chowhound
    Image: Tastes Better From Scratch
    Image: The Year in Food

     

    From campfire nachos to walking tacos, we’ve got the best of the basics to the most creative ideas ever to serve your group. Whether for lunch, dinner, or some meal in between, your traveling companions are sure to be excited by with these recipes.
    Image: Lauren Greutman
    Image: Brit.co
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: Frugal Coupon Living
    Image: Taste of Home
    Image: Gimme Some Oven
    Image: Whole and Heavenly Oven
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: To and Fro Blog
    Image: Bon Appetit
    Image: Bon Appetit

     

     

    Just need something small? No problem.

     

    These simple side dishes and scrumptious snacks are ideal for roadtrips.

     

     

    Image: Dirty Gourmet
    Image: Bon Appetit
    Image: Pinterest
    Image: RD.com
    Image: MasterCook.com
    Image: Twin Dragonfly Designs
    Image: Fantabulosity.com
    Image: Live Eat Learn
    Image: Huffington Post
    Image: Savory Pantry Blog

     

    What’s a camping vacation without a few cocktails?

     

    These are just a few of our favorite, ridiculously easy ideas for drink recipes to try this summer.

     

     

    Image: Around My Family Table
    Image: FarmWifeDrinks.com
    Image: TrekSW.com
    Image: Rare.US
    Image: PlainChicken.com
    Image: Katokula.blogspot
    Image: Huffington Post
    Not everyone likes the taste of alcohol, and the kids need some fun beverages, too!

     

    Here are a couple favorites so they can enjoy the fireside fun as well.

     

     

    Image: Culinary Hill
    Image: Onion Rings and Things
    Image: This Mama’s Life

     

    These sweet endings are the perfect way to wind down a long day of adventure and good times.

     

    The only question left: which ones will you try?

     

     

    Image: Taste of Home
    Image: AllRecipes
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: Comfy in the Kitchen
    Image: Andreas Recipes
    Image: Bon Appetit

     

    There you have it, folks: just a few of our favorite campfire and RV-friendly recipes to try on your RVcation this year. Which ones are you most stoked to try? Do you have go-to recipes you always take with you on the road? Comment and let us know – we just might feature them!

     

  • Glamping 101: Your guide to the ultimate experience

    Glamping 101: Your guide to the ultimate experience

    It’s pretty simple: 
     
    Glamorous + Camping = Glamping!
    But…what exactly does that mean? Why would anyone that wants to go camping want the experience to be glamorous? Well, we’re here to explain it to you- and also to show you some of the most incredible examples of RV glamping ever to grace the world wide web.

    According to the top-ranked “Glamping.com,” the word ‘glamping’ itself hadn’t really been used often until the early 2000s. Originating in Europe — and slowly creeping its way to the North American continent as well — the trend has taken the world by storm, in just the past 5 years. Some people seem to view the glamping movement as camping for ‘those who don’t really want to camp,’ but in reality, it’s just a different type of camping that melds a desire for thrilling outdoor escapism with the connotations of a relaxing, luxurious retreat.

    Forget traditional pop-up tents filled with sleeping bags. When it comes to glamping, you’ll find an array of different shelter types, ranging from yurts and safari tents to conestoga wagons and teepees. But the best type of glamping, in our opinion? Trailer glamping!

    Having become particularly popular in the American RV world, we’ve curated another Pinterest board of some of the most incredible glamping ideas we’ve ever seen. From fitting trailer ‘fine cooking’ recipes to creating incomparable ambiance with string-lantern lighting and flipping the sleeper section of your camper into a remodeled, relaxing retreat…glamping ideas truly don’t run low here. Take a look!


    Note: 
    if you don’t have a Pinterest account and/or can’t view the link below, 
    not to worry — click here! 



     

     


    Have you ever tried glamping? Do you want to show off your own glamping routines? Tag us in photos on Pinterest and Instagram for the chance to get featured on our page.