Blog

By Jane Kenny
Camping on public lands is a long-standing American tradition. Huge portions of public lands, managed by a variety of government agencies, are available to the general public for recreational use.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages more than 12 million acres of land and water, provides over 30 percent of all recreation on federal lands. And, it is the largest provider of water-based recreation, with over 25 million individuals visiting a Corps project at least once a year.

Traveling seniors will find their best buy at Corps-managed campgrounds. Individuals age 62 and older may purchase the new federal “America the Beautiful” lifetime pass for $10, and it gives them 50% off the camping fees at all Corps-managed campgrounds. As of January 1, 2007, the “America the Beautiful” pass replaced the Golden Age Passport. However, existing Golden Age Passports can remain valid for the lifetime of the passholder.

No matter where you are in the U.S., there’s a Corps of Engineers lake nearby. The Corps operates more than 2,500 recreation areas at 463 projects, mostly lakes. Hundreds of attractive campgrounds have been developed by the Corps at its projects and they are popular destinations for RVers. Corps campgrounds generally feature wide and comfortable sites suitable for any size RV…even modern big rigs with multiple slideouts. Corps of Engineers-managed campgrounds are noted for their tidy, spacious sites, lovely lakeside settings and excellent fishing spots.

The newly-released book, RVers Guide To Corps of Engineers Campgrounds, lists over 600 Corps-managed campgrounds across the nation that have sites suitable for RV camping. The user-friendly guide is organized alphabetically by state, with a state locator map at the beginning of each section, and accurate directions to each campground

The RVers Guide To Corps of Engineers Campgrounds is available on the Travel Books website.

While Mardi Gras conjures up images of celebrations on the streets of New Orleans, but The Daily Advertiser features a story on how RVers are coming to Lafayette, Louisiana in their RVs for Fat Tuesday celebrations.

RV owners are parking across from Cajun Field in Lafayette for Mardi Gras celebrations and Cajun music till Fat Tuesday.

While RV space might cost up to $300 per vehicle, the competition for a place at the party is strong. RVers like the convenience of being able to celebrate with their families and being close to the party.

While RVs have become more like a home, offering comforts like full kitchens and entertainment systems, traveling on the road is more than just having enough luxury.

Living on the road is the dream of many so-to-be retired RV owners, but do you have the personality that is compatible with full-time travel?

An article on FullTimeRver.com examines the demands of long-term RV travel and the difficulties some RVers might encounter.

RVers might find the constant travel and change to be stressful, switching from the routine living in a regular neighborhood. Constant travel often brings separation from family and friends for long periods of time.

Are you a full-time RVer? Did you have any difficulties getting used to your new lifestyle? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

WRAL.com in North Carolina features a story on Rep. Charles Thomas, who lives in an RV while the North Carolina State Legislature in session.

Instead of buying a house or renting a hotel room to stay in Raleigh, Rep. Thomas uses an RV.

While some see the RV as a statement on the salaries of state lawmakers, who make $13,000 a year, Thomas says the RV is just a cost-effective way to get his job done. Thomas also says his kids love it.

Gainsville.com features a story on gathering of the Tin Can Tourists, RV enthusiasts who travel in vintage RVs. Members of the Tin Can Tourists own RVs that have seen a lot of roadtime, some have been in use since the 1940s.

Long-time RVers have seen the industry go through cycles, from the low-points during the gas-crisis of the late 70s, to the current RV resurgence.

Some statistics from The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association are featured in the article.

According to the RVIA….

• Between 2001 and 2005, RV ownership increased by 15 percent to a point where nearly 8 million households own an RV.
  
• One in every 12 U.S. households owns some kind of vehicle also owns an RV.
  
• RV manufacturing was at its highest level last year since 1978.

You can find a vintage RV, like the 1959 Airstream pictured above, on RV Trader Online.

Do you own an vintage RV? Leave a comment below and tell us about it.

Here are some photos of RVs on display at the Tidewater Recreational Vehicle Show, held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on January 26 – 27, 2007

With gas prices on the mind of many RV buyers, smaller trailers are popular with buyers.

Bigger RVs and trailers are still popular, especially for full-time RVers who need the space.

The Fleetwood Nitrous was a popular model at the show, designed for RV buyers who want take their dirt bikes and other toys on the road.

RV buyers are demanding more variety in models. Class C RVs (above) and Pop-Up campers (below) offer the adventure of RVing to more consumers than ever.

While campgrounds and parks are popular spots to visit, some RVers prefer city destinations.

BlogTo.com reports on concerns in the city of Toronto, Canada and the lack of RV space for urban campers.

A City Councilor in Toronto says that Toronto is missing out on RVers as tourists because it is too difficult to park. While stores like WalMart let RVers park in their lots overnight, downtown areas are not so accommodating.

Have you used your RV as a place to stay while visiting a big city? How hard is it to find a place to park downtown with an RV? Leave a comment and share your story.

The Dayton Business Journal reports on a prototype vehicle produced by Airstream and Ford Motor Corporation, offering a glimpse into what the sleek RVs of the future might look like.

Unlike current hybrid cars which run off of an electric or gas power, the RV prototype would be driven by a hydrogen and electric fuel cell.

There is no word if the prototype vehicle will be mass produced, but the sleek design was an attention-getter at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ford is carefully paying attention to the reaction of consumers.

The Northwest Mississippi Daily Journal features a story on the 23rd annual Mississippi Boat, Camper and RV Sale. According to the article, sales of RVs have been brisk despite concerns over fuel costs.

RV buyers who are concerned about fuel costs might be buying smaller campers, but are still determined to hit the road. Rebates and financing by dealers are also helping sales.

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, more RVs were shipped in the first nine months of 2006 than any year since 1974, an increase of 8% in 2006 over the first nine months of the previous year.

Your RV needs regular checkup for water leaks. Leaks can cause costly damage to your RV before you discover them.

RVTravel.com features a useful article with tips and a checklist to protect your RV from water damage.

The articles recommends that you check your RV for leaks twice a year, during the fall and spring. Every place where there is a sealant or an opening in your RV has to be checked throughly.