Activities and Sports. Knockhill racing. Cycling. Fishing. Swimming. Showers. Skateboarding

http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/index.shtml.
Boat ride nearby from South Queensferry
Also "Forth Tours cruises".
http://www.forthtours.com/

Did you know you can camp at this rustic campsite and a mile or two up the road you can get showers at the Duloch leisure centre - http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=E0FD2C7C-A6CA-CABA-F43039EB5039506B

showers from £1.25 Jnr low season - £1.85 - £2.60 Adult high season.
Duloch leisure centre, just behind Duloch Tesco.
Also at Dalgety Bay Leisure centre.

Carnegie baths/Turkish/aerotone/needlespray, etc. in Dunfermline.
Check opening times as it's currently being refurbished until late 2011.

See alternatives to Carnegie Leisure Centre http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/roundup/articles/2011/01/28/409595-carnegie-leisure-centre-to-be-hit-by-further-delays/


Please visit http://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/ for information on alternative venues within Fife i.e.

Boat launch http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/minisites/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&pageid=AB4593CF-65BF-00F7-DCBACEF3BE68E97C
http://www.blogger.com/www.fifee.org.ukisurleKnockhill racing
calendar for 2011 http://www.whatson-scotland.co.uk/venue-listing/1763

Cycling -cycle path approx. 100 metres from here. See fuller info on post "Cycle..."
Fishing here and see suggestions below. You can then search the internet for more detail.





Lochore Meadows, windsurfing, fishing and more. Activities nearby:- http://www.knockhill.com/ racing.

Swimming bath with flumes - Burntisland Beacon leisure centre. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Fife/article/7622/burntisland-s-beacon-centre-to-close-for-repairs.html


http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,SPF58921Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html 10 miles east. Swimming pool with outside feature - Perth. Swimming baths & gym Cowdenbeath, 5 miles north. Sports centre Dalgety Bay.

Local taxi 01383 410088

http://www.fifefishingguide.co.uk/
http://www.fifefishingguide.co.uk/swsalt.php
Fishing ( a local fisherman recommends
Stenhouse Loch, Loch Leven but not re-stocking.)
Also Kirkcaldy Raith Lake and Lochore.

North Queensferry sea fishing.

Dysart pier fishing.
Coastal fishing- Maggies croft Cumbernauld.
Orchil. Deanswood Livingston.

Horse riding Falconry
Boat trips. Loch Leven. Maid of the Forth.
Fife Leisure park, bowling, crazy golf, cinema, several eating places, Pizza, mexican, etc. lots of walks.

Skateboarding Burntisland, Dalgety Bay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXHhGQ7vaZ8

Woodland camping Fife near Edinburgh Scotland Love camping

10 miles north of Edinburgh
No charge for  bicycles.

Good touring Historic places, Lochs and Glens.

24 hour Tesco. M and Spencer outlet within 2 miles.
Ask if you want details of local pubs/restaurants, etc.
Local taxi 01383 410088.
Visit our advert also at http://www.lovecamping.co.uk/

15 acres of woodland in Scotland, natural, rustic, in harmony with nature.
Cold water, recycling and sawdust toilet. Designated campfires.
Nearby activities for children and all the family.

http://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/fife_leisure_park.htm

Pitch description and suitability

Rustic camping - Duloch hamlet ( Gimme Shelter)

Relaxing; natural atmosphere.

This site will appeal to those who love the countryside, nature, wild flowers, animals, listening to the birds. Also appealing to a couple, a single person, a family, a cyclist.

Because it has rustic charm and is a "one off" out of the ordinary, individual place, it also appeals to people with a wide variety of hobbies:-

photographers, vintage car owners, artists, potters, whittlers, seamstress, cyclists http://www.jeniferyoung.co.uk/ , cloth jewellry makers, writers,

actors http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/whatson/alhambra/articles/2009/10/01/392464-west-end-stars-camp-it-up-in-west-fife/

inventors practicing bushcraft or metal craft as below.

People preparing for Duke of Edinburgh award. Mandolin players; other gentle musicians.

The kind of people who like recycled shacks, sheds, dens and unusual things.

It is not suitable for parties or antisocial behaviour.

If anyone slips through the "suitability net" and causes disturbance or danger,

please report it to us. 01383 417681.

2 miles north of Forth bridges

Campfires every pitch.

Pitches:-

Our pitches are set in individual clearings, scattered about on 15 acres of mixed woodland and meadow land with all sorts of wild flowers and fruit, trees, birds and butterflies.

( 12 pitches on lower woodland site ) (9 pitches on top meadow site )

Each pitch or clearing has a name, with a meaning - history/pitch identity/song/book/travel,etc. i.e. Strawberry Field (wild strawberries), J Way, Mellow, Aero, Bobtail, Catkin, Coppice, Burn, Hoot, Rosebank, Burro, Tilt and so on.

"Rising Sun" pitch

Good tip from this regular :- Put a piece of carpet inside your tent flap.

It all keeps the groundsheets cleaner.

"Sweet Meadow" pitch

View from "Hoot" pitch. Just imagine your tent here & a twistie beer. You can actually see the Forth estuary from this pitch.

Although it is a 5 minute walk from your parked car.

We have a few sibling pitches which means that they are attatched to the main pitch with a campfire.
They can be used as an overflow for those in your party if the main pitch isn't big enough.

See gallery Camp shop blog
For items available

Fridge freezer

Wi-Fi in the lane/ at the gallery.

Ask for range details when you book if you want to use this facility.

There is a little table and chairs for adults to sit and e mail or read the guide and reference books or have a coffee or snack.

Tub trugs

Campfire starter kit contains:- logs, kindling, paper, firelighter, piece of peat.

Every one has a campfire.

Please leave any  dead wood which is lying on the ground or still attatched to a tree.

( garages also sell logs but they seem to be a lot dearer for much smaller bags but it's your choice).

Reception hours:-

Mon - Friday 9.30a.m. - 6.30p.m.

Saturday - Midday to 6.30p.m
Sunday - 3.30 - 6.30p.m.

or phone 01383 417681

or 07957 264 805

Toasties, fried egg sandwich, that kind of thing, usually available at short notice.

Meals by request ( warm up on your fire pit pan, etc. )

Gallery fridge freezer items, dry packet goods.

If you fancy being out in the woods in a tent then this place might be  just the place for you.
Small family run, semi-wild/rural camp site in clearings cut into meadow and woodland.
Log seats and tables. (Please leave them on the pitches they have been placed on. )

Limited facilities of cold water(you can also bring some as the supply can sometimes be slow)

& environmentally friendly composting sawdust toilet.

Rubbish recycling. 2 small herb gardens.

Compost heap for your veg peelings ( you might be able to harvest a root of potatoes from it!

No showers or flushing toilets.

Rainy day games shelf - you can borrow an item.

Woodland sawdust toilet
see blog post "Toilet".
Many become regulars, some won't tell anybody as they want to keep it all to themselves.

Sorry no pets.

Loads of wild animals come and go, badgers, buzzards and roe deer are resident, peregrine falcons nested this year and we saw bullfinch.

It's wildish  but we're available if you need help, at least at the end of a phone.

Just e mail chris.barley@virgin.net to enquire/book or register interest.

Pitches are allocated for size of tent/group:

but ask at time of booking
if you have a preference for woodland pitches or meadow,
(sometimes, we can re-arrange the weekly pitch plan,
as we do for regulars who ask for their favourite pitches).

Give us a few details of your dates, expected time of arrival and departure.

Also group number, tents, car registrations and visitors.
We will then email  you more information.

Depending on weather and pitch conditions,
we will try to match you up to the best site for your booking.
Please don't move pitch without asking, as it may be booked for a certain time.

Appreciation goes to all those campers who leave the pitch tidy,

free of litter, wood splinters on the grass (grass cutting).

We also value those who leave the rustic tables and chairs

as they found them on the pitches they were intended for.

The legs/stumps of tables and seats, pitch signs might light your fire but not ours!

What we also value are those of you who let us know if you have to cancel your booking.

Holidays take top billing, even yearlong in some parks

While Thanksgiving is upon us, a time when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received, watch football on TV and devise a strategy for the day after Thanksgiving shopping spree, thoughts begin to turn toward the Christmas season. So, it’s only fitting that we look at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, named the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds’ (ARVC) Park of the Year in the large park category (251-499 sites) for 2008-09.

The park is in the heart of Christmas, literally with its home in Santa Claus, Ind., and neighbors Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, a theme park that features rides and fun in the Christmas spirit year-round.

While parts of the Midwest are under snow and the rest is just cold, it may not seem like time to think about camping, but that isn’t true for those at Lake Rudolph. The RVer is top of the list for staff, so while the park is closed, plans are already working for next camping season. It’s that attitude that helped the park earn the award based on national directory ratings, operations excellence and community service, among other areas.
“We are honored to receive this award from our peers in the campground and RV park industry,” said Philip Koch, owner and president of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. “My father, Bill Koch, opened Lake Rudolph in 1958. Receiving this award during our 50th anniversary year makes it even more meaningful. I want to thank our tremendous staff for their outstanding efforts, and I especially thank our guests for helping us create the great family atmosphere we have at Lake Rudolph.”
Although sites won’t open to campers until April for weekends and daily starting on May 1, reservations are being accepted now. The season runs through October, and then the first two weekends of November are added before the park closes for the season. The park also runs special HalloWeekends in September and October. For seven weekends, the park is host to families for hay rides, ghost stories, scary movies, a kids carnival, trick or treating from sites, site decorating contests, HallTEEN games and an outdoor dance.

Nearly half of the sites are rentals, so the park can open up the RV experience to numerous visitors who don’t own RVs. Of the park’s 456 sites, it has 19 park model cabins and 197 park trailers permanently located on sites. All of the rentals sleep up to eight and have full kitchens, bathrooms and are equipped with air conditioning. And key to the rental is the care and maintenance that are given to them, complete with housekeeping, said Dave Lovell, marketing director.

And add the pool, mini golf, golf care rentals and free WiFi, and nearly any desires of RVers are met. Lake Rudolph also provides free shuttle service to and from the theme parks.

It’s about customer service. With 100 seasonal workers and an experience management team with Certified Park Operator certification, keying in on the needs of the customer is everyone’s job, Lovell said.

Meeting those needs also means improving the campground. Improvements and expansion have been done every year of the past 11 years. Improvements includes adding and improving WiFi to the entire 160-acre campground, adding a food service facility, custom designed RV rentals, a new shuttle bus and shelters and improvements to the camp store and game room.

All of this is geared at bringing in guests – both RVers and those who have never experienced them before. The rental operations open up the world of RVing to more people each year. They won’t likely forget where that experience came from. So, if you like the idea of trying RVing, think about visiting Rudolph Lake next camping season.

The park allows up to eight people per site, which is also a great deal, and most amenities are included with the site rental. The only exceptions are golf car rentals and paddleboat rentals. And, the park offers discounted tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

So, whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Lake Rudolph opens its gates to RVers beginning in April and would love to have you visit.

Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas

Winter Camping not just for warm weather areas

Snowbird is a term that isn’t new to anyone in the RV and camping world. But there are literal Snowbirds out and about during the winter months – camping in the areas that typically close for the season and enjoying the cold weather in their RVs.

While most RVers either winterize their rigs for the cold winter months or head to warmer climates to enjoy their RV without the cold winds of the north, there are those that embrace colder weather and winter snow while in their RVs. And, there are parks that are willing to accommodate those hardy campers.

The number of campgrounds open for the winter may dim in comparison to those awaiting RVers during the spring, summer and even fall. But those who do open their parks to the winter RVers offer their guests sites and access to wilderness that give them experiences that may be different than in other times of the year.

Riverview RV Park and Campground in Loveland, Colo., is set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the Thompson River. The campground sits at 5,100 feet in elevation and is just 30 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. RVers can enjoy the splendor of nature and park their RV before ascending higher in the mountains.

AtRivers Edge RV Resort in Brookings, Ore., also opens its sites to RVers during the winter months. Located on the southern Oregon coast, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, AtRivers Edge is on the banks of the Chetco River. In addition to being near the water, the park also is near the Kalmiopsis wilderness area.

But wherever you decide to take your RV for the winter, seasoned RVers recommend that you have a generator as part of your necessary gear. And, be sure to read all the information about operating the generator in the winter. There are also options to consider for the plumbing system, such as tank heaters.

So, if you truly love RVing and camping and you don’t want to put your rig away for the winter, consider your options. Look for campgrounds that allow winter camping and then make sure you’re prepared. You may have to dig a little snow out of the way for the campfire, but what’s better than a fire in the middle of winter?

Winding Down

It’s that time of year again, time to begin thinking about putting away the camper – that is, unless you’re one of the thousands of Snowbirders who are getting ready to go to warmer climates for the winter. But if you’re not one of those who are living the winter in their RV, and you are in cold weather, then yes, it is that time.

But before you start winterizing your unit, think about a few last weekend trips to some of your favorite places. Even though the nights may be cooler, that doesn’t mean that adding a sweatshirt and sitting around the bonfire is out of the question. And, just think, the fall colors will be there to greet you each morning of your stay.

So, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your RV winterized. Instead, slow down and enjoy the sights from your home on wheels. Here are a few parks to consider for prime fall viewing:

Michigan may be cold in its northern edges, but the leaves are beautiful when they’re blazing in reds, oranges and yellows.

Head north to Cheboygan where you can experience fall in its splendor at Waterways Campground, www.waterwayscampground.com. The campground is on the Inland Waterways of Cheboygan where you can pull in your rig or even tent and you’re your boat out from the dock at the park.

The campground offers a store and allows pets and is equestrian friendly. Hiking and biking trails are available to view the fall colors, as well as fishing.

Maine is always considered prime fall viewing, so consider Riverbend Campground in Leeds, Maine. The park offers partially wooded or riverfront sites and is prime for fall foliage.

There’s a camp store and fishing available, as well as kayaking and canoeing for the adventurous. Pets are welcome.

Minnesota is home to more than lakes, but don’t forget to fish those, too. Take some time to enjoy autumn.

The Vagabond Village Campground in Park Rapids, Minn. offers campers beautiful Birch and Pine trees overlooking Potato Lake. Don’t forget your fishing gear. A boat launch is available and those who enjoy boating and kayaking or canoeing can rent them on site. Pets are also welcome here.

If you don’t want to travel that far north, consider West Virginia. It’s country landscape and fall colors are exquisite.

Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins in Summersville, W.Va. is near the marina. Enjoy fishing and hiking and biking on the trails. Pets are welcome.
So, remember, just because the days are shorter and brisker, there’s still time to enjoy camping and RVing around the country, but don’t wait too long. Many campgrounds close in October and you’ll be stuck waiting for next year.

Plan for your RV trip, don’t leave it to chance or the last minute

I’ve said it many times, don’t wait for the last minute to plan your camping trip, and don’t wait to make reservations because RV parks and campgrounds book quickly, especially for those holiday weekends. Well, I didn’t take my own advice – really I wasn’t given enough time, but either way you look at it, it didn’t work out well for my family.

We have a wedding on Labor Day weekend. I know, before you say it, a wedding on Labor Day weekend is unheard of, people just don’t get married on the last weekend of the summer and they don’t ask others to give up a grand and glorious long weekend. But it happened to us, so we tried to make the best of it and combine our wedding plans with the last long weekend of the summer and haul our RV to northern Michigan.

That plan, not such a good idea. Northern Michigan, a destination for thousands during the summer, is not an easy place to get an RV site for the weekend, any weekend, much less Labor Day weekend. I called all of them in the area we would be and I got the same answer from all of the park owners – “Sorry, we have no openings.”

I did have a glimmer of hope for a fleeting second. One park owner said she would know on Friday morning if she would have an open site. A young man was calling back to tell her for sure if he would take the sites he reserved. So, I hoped. But then she told me the “but.” The sites had no electricity. I, unfortunately, have not yet invested in a generator, so no electricity would not do. I kindly said thank you, but no thank you.

So, I wondered is this the way it is everywhere. I know in my own state of Indiana sites are difficult to come by, but we’ve found some. After making some calls, I find that it is typical; many park owners are having good seasons.

It seems there are many reasons, but people are still going camping, even though we’ve seen the numerous stories of RV manufacturers struggling, and some even closing their doors. But even though there may be fewer people buying new RVs, those of us who are using them do not seem to be dwindling. And let’s face it; it’s still a good idea.

To compare, even though our gas mileage when hauling our RV drops from an average of 16-17 mpg to 7-10 mpg, we take our own food and we rent a site for somewhere between $25-$45 a night. And, our fun is right there. We may do some activities around the campground, sightseeing and spending money, but we’ve really saved on our accommodations. We had to get a hotel room for our wedding excursion, and at a rate of $95, plus taxes and fees, and then eating out, we spent much more than the $250 in gas it would have taken us to go the distance and back.

Others have done the math and it seems that park owners are benefiting from that mathematical calculation. Talking to Klaas Bakker, owner of Lake in the Wood Campground in Narvan, Pa., he said his park has experienced a great summer.

“We’ve been full every weekend and we’re booked through Nov. 1,” he said Nov. 1 is the park’s last weekend of the season.

Bakker said his guests have come from all over the country and the world, with guests from Europe, as well. But he has run local ads about staying close to home and that has helped, as well. “People are more destination oriented,” he said. “We have lots of activities and are family oriented.”

Lake in the Wood added a theme this year and printed Gnome money for the park, and also has its Gnome Café. “We just made it fun,” Bakker said.

And that seems to be the consensus for the summer. Fun was in and campers and RVers were filling the parks in many areas of the country. While I wasn’t one of them for the last holiday weekend of the summer, I’m not done. My family loves late summer and fall camping and we’ll haul the rig a few more times, enjoying the crisp mornings that lead to hiking that sometimes doesn’t get done in the heat of summer, and cool nights with huge bonfires that seem more enjoyable when thwarting off the cold.

Enjoy!

Try RVing even before you purchase your own rig

During the Independence Day Weekend – known as the 4th of July to most – we camped in northern Michigan on the Manistee River, near my hometown. It was there that I saw a few young campers, reminding me of my husband and I when we started camping in tents. Some of them had tents, some popup campers and some with nothing at all. But they weren’t left out in the cold, they were in a cabin.

Like many RV parks and campgrounds, this park offers campers without the accessories – a popup camper, travel trailer, motorhome or even tent – to spend the weekend with their camping friends or on their own, enjoying the RV lifestyle with out the investment. The camping cabins or even RV rentals at many parks are rented to the user who then brings his own items for the weekend.

Some, like Sherwood Forest Camping & RV Park in the Wisconsin Dells, rent the camping cabin basic, leaving it up to the new “RVers” to bring all their needs for the weekend, week or even longer vacation. The camping cabin provides them with a place to sleep, relax, hold their bonfires and even watch TV or use their laptop computers, if they so desire. The weekend campers use the same restrooms and showers that are available to other RVers, but they don’t haul in their own RV or tent.

Others, like Camp Bell Campground in Campbell, NY, near Finger Lakes, offer a camping cabins or travel trailer rentals. Campers can really get an idea of what RVing is like, and dip their toe in the water so to speak, before buying an RV or their own.

And for those who truly enjoy pampering of sorts, Compton Ridge Campground in Branson, Mo., offers three types of camping cabins, including its luxury cabins that include a full kitchen with appliances, a bathroom with a shower, a screened porch, a fireplace and cable TV. They also offer two other cabins for those who prefer to “rough it” just a little more.

And whether they ever do buy an RV, the weekend rentals allow you to have a great RV vacation without buying the RV. It’s a nice way to introduce newcomers, or even those who make it one trip a year and don’t want to buy an RV, to enjoy the lifestyle.

RVing a good way to vacation even in the current economy.

While the daily news continues to discuss the lagging economy and we’ve seen RV companies being impacted by slow sales, using the RV to travel is still a good deal, even with high gas prices.

With gas prices well over $4 a gallon around the country, hauling an RV gives you a moment to consider another means of travel. But once you start adding in your meals on the road, hotel rooms and airfare if you’re flying, taking your RV is still an economical and practical means for travel.

According to the biannual Campfire Canvass survey conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) found that despite high fuel prices, 82 percent of RV owners say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations and they still plan to use their RVs.

According to the latest survey, 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs at least as much this spring and summer as last year, but some changes were noted. Fifty-eight percent of those who said their travel plans would be affected said they would travel closer to home and 35 percent said they’d travel fewer miles. Another 34 percent of RVers said they’d stay longer in one destination.

My family is following suit. We are staying closer to home this summer and we are staying in one place longer. But we aren’t suffering for the choices. We still get to travel and still enjoy family time, just maybe closer to home. But it gives us a chance to discover things we may not have otherwise paid attention to in our own “backyard.”

However, there are those who aren’t changing plans. The study found that one-third of RV owners say fuel costs won't affect their travel plans. We also fit this group for our one long vacation. We’re still planning a trip to West Virginia to white water raft in August – before our oldest heads out to college. We’re looking forward to the adventure, but I’m not sure we would do it if we didn’t have our travel trailer.

Eating “at home” in the RV saves money, and renting a space for about $35 a night beats the price of a hotel room, which when I checked were around $110 a night. Even at the 10 to 12 mpg we get in the truck while hauling the camper, we’re saving money. And if gas prices are really a concern, there are always popup campers, which because of the light weight don’t have as great of an impact on the gas mileage.

So, if you’ve considered an RV, but think now’s not the time, you might want to think again. This might be just the right time to make your best deal since some RV companies are giving incentives for those in the market for a new RV in today’s economy.

And while the immediate picture may not be bright, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association believes that the appeal for RVs will continue since “the basic demand for RVs is deeply rooted in family values, the enduring appeal of the natural environment and people’s desire to instill in the next generation their cherished traditions.”

May Blog

May Blog

The summer kicked off with Memorial Day weekend, the time when RVers hit the road for the first camping trip of the season for many people and families. But this year that holiday weekend and unofficial summer kickoff was met with gas prices hovering the $4 mark and diesel even higher. And guess what, many people still went camping.

Now, official numbers haven’t yet been released, and I did personally see many campers, travel trailers and motorhomes sitting in driveways. But I was looking. I wondered how gas would impact our camping and RV travel. I don’t know if it did or not, but AAA estimated that the number of Americans who would travel during the Memorial Day holiday would drop, with 37.87 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million. .

As I told you earlier, my family didn’t go out this year because our son was graduating from high school on June 1 and we had an open house and graduation to prepare for. That’s the only thing that kept us home. In fact, as gas prices creep up, we bought a new tow vehicle for our 29-foot Jayco. While many people are downsizing, we needed a travel vehicle to tow our travel trailer, and we’re not about to stop camping!

So, with a new truck in the driveway, we’re already looking ahead for the next opportunity to hitch up the camper and go. And we will go. We may make cuts other places, but camping is something the whole family enjoys. And our son is leaving in August for college, so there’s only so much time to still have the whole family together.

We have a few open houses left and a nephew’s wedding in mid-June, but after those are past, we’re heading out on the open road, even with more money going to gas. We’ll cut back other places and make adjustments, but camping with the family is a treat and a wonderful time for us to spend together with few outside interruptions. And we’re not alone.

The Campfire Canvass survey by RVIA found that 93 percent of RV owners intend to use their RV as often or more frequently this summer as last. And, more than one-third said fuel costs would not affect their travel plans. Others, however, said they will adjust their travel plans to conserve fuel by staying closer to home and spending more time in one place.

In addition, 83 percent of the nation’s campgrounds reported that summer reservations are the same or better than they were in 2005, according to a recent survey by Michigan State University and published by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

So, if there’s a will, there’s a way. And we’ll find ours on the open road leading to a camping destination. Make room at the campfire, we’re coming in.

ARVC March Blog

ARVC March Blog

Is a seasonal camping space right for you, or should you take your camper on the road and experience several camping locations?

These are questions that campers may ask themselves at different times in their lives. Whether it’s when they get their first travel trailer or their third motorhome, different times in life bring different camping needs and desires.

Having a seasonal site - a destination that you can take advantage of each weekend or vacation that you can get away - makes sense to many people who see their RV or motorhome as a second home or vacation home. However, for others, the experience of finding someplace new to enjoy makes more sense, so they enjoy hitting the road each weekend or vacation time they can manage to get away.

But whether you choose to hit the same spot each time, knowing that your home on wheels with some possible amenities you won’t receive at a weekend only getaway - such as a permanent deck off your RV or knowing your weekend neighbors - or your choose the freshness of something new - visiting new parks with new experiences and activities, you can find many places to enjoy your RV. And with spring here and warmer days on the horizon, now is the time to make your choice - permanent or transient.

One way to decide is to try a park that offers seasonal sites during the summer and see what you think. Talk to the seasonal park users and see if they seem to have the same expectations from their destination as you.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself to determine what is best for you:

Do I want to haul my camper once this season, or would I rather drive it regularly to my destination?

Do I want to visit the same place each weekend, or each time I can get away, or do I want fresh experiences?

Do I want to leave things where they are, and just bring what we’ll need for the weekend or week, whatever the length of visit?

Do I have the time to make reservations for each weekend or vacation?

Would I rather make my reservation once - in the spring?

Will I use my camper enough to cover the cost of the seasonal site?

Will I use my camper more if I have it readily available for spontaneous trips?

Will I tire of the same place?

Do I see my RV as a second home?

Do I see my RV as a home on wheels that can take me to new places?

Whatever your answers to these questions, here are some parks you may want to try. They offer both weekend and seasonal sites.

* Honcho Rest Campground, Elk Rapids, Mich. Opened May 1-Oct. 7 with 58 sites.

* Adirondack Camping Village, Lake George, N.Y. Opened Mid-May-Mid-Sept. with 165 sites.

* Pinecrest RV Park Resort, Russell Springs, Ky. Opened April 1-Oct. 31 with 50-plus sites.

* Beaver Lake Campground, Custer, S.D. Opened March 1-Oct.1

Spring Break is a perfect time to begin camping

While many people hit the roads and skies to find warm weather for those weeks dedicated in March and April as vacation weeks from school, whether you call it Spring Break, Easter Vacation, Spring Vacation, it’s a time when schools let out for a break from school work and parents take the opportunity, in many cases, to take a break as well and head to warmer weather for a week of sun and relaxation.

But if you have a week, why not take your camper or motorhome along for the ride? Those warm weather destinations also are home to many RV parks and campgrounds, and why not save some money along the way?

We all know it’s cheaper to cook your own food, rather than eat out, and staying in a park at park rates beats the hotel, plus you have more than just a bed – you have your own little house with a living area, kitchen and dinette area, as well as some privacy in the bedroom and sleeping areas.

And there’s no waiting on flights that are delayed.

Plus, that leaves more money for other things, like souvenirs and entertainment.

Although we aren't going to be able to take a family spring break trip this year, we have been known to haul our camper to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to relax and enjoy the sun.

A few years ago we made the trek to Myrtle Beach and partook in the hospitality of PirateLand Family Camping Resort, where my husband, kids, my parents, my brother, and myself hauled our campers to the coast and coasted for the week.

PirateLand has its own private beach on the ocean, giving us easy access to the sandy shoreline, the salty water and all of its inhabitants. We walked and jogged the beach, discovered shells, which my daughter insisted on taking home - all of them, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

PirateLand offers its guests a pool if they Atlantic temperatures are too cool for their liking, as well as its Lazy River, where floating on a tube around the "river" and its gentle bends can make a lovely day pass quietly.

So, when planning your spring vacation, don't forget that your RV isn't only for the summer camping season. Think about breaking it out early and checking out the parks near your destination, whether it's Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, whatever warm weather area might tickle your fancy.

Some other parks in those warm weather vacation areas are:

Myrtle Beach:
Apache Family Campground
Lakewood Camping Resort Inc.
Myrtle Beach KOA Kampground
Myrtle Beach Travel Park
Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Panama City Beach, Fla.:
Camper’s Inn
Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
Panama City Beach RV Resort
Park Place RV Park and Motel

Savannah, Ga.:
Savannah Oaks RV Park

Corpus Christi, Texas:
Colonia Del Ray
Greyhound RV Park
Hatch RV Park
Laguna Shore Village
Marina Village RV Park
Padre Palms Travel Park
Puerto Del Sol Resort

Go Camping, America!

I know the warm weather’s coming

While we await the newest snowstorm to hit the Midwest, I’m planning summer camping trips and making reservations. And a word of advice, if you’re planning to go camping during the “first unofficial weekend of the summer” – Memorial Day – now is the time to make reservations!

While I consider our summer activities – which must be planned around our son’s high school graduation, other family graduations, my nephew’s wedding and our daughter’s sports and 4-H – I think about the cost of gas and what that may or may not do the camping and RVing industry. For us, we may stay a little closer to home than we did last year, although part of that is just the hectic summer schedule. The other part is that we need to buy a new tow vehicle and we’re trying to make the right decision.

But while I contemplate these things, I also want to let those of you who are able to spend more time in the RV to consider working at campgrounds and RV parks – known in the industry as “workamping.” This is one way to make some money while you’re on the road and let your RV work for you.

Earlier this month, Workamper® News – a publication aimed at those who want to find ways to earn money and in some cases other benefits while spending their time traveling in their RV – held two job fairs to assist those interested in workamping.

For those of you who have an interest, there are a few suggestions the publication gives, such as identifying the type of work you want and the area where you’d like to spend some time. And, make sure you understand the agreement with your new employer.

There are also other things to consider. If you’re married, do you and your spouse want to work, or just one of you? This could determine where you look for a position, considering what the park needs.

Positions can be part-time or full-time, and some positions can even be on a volunteer basis.

Whatever your needs, there are many positions at parks – from being campgrounds hosts where your site is identified as a place for other campers and RVers to get information, and even in some cases, a cup of coffee in the morning, to cleaning bathrooms and other facilities. Some might work in camp stores while others work as recreational directors. The positions vary and the pay varies. Just make sure you understand all the terms going in, so neither you nor your new employer will be disappointed. Once you’ve signed on to work at a park, just as any employer, they are counting on you fulfilling your commitment.

Summer’s coming! Enjoy!

Winter Camping isn’t just for snowbirds

While camping or RVing may not top the list of many RV owners during the winter months, for those who want to take the camper out for a weekend or longer, there are options available beyond those for Snowbirds.

Whether you’re someone who lives in areas with a warm winter climate, or someone who wants to escape the cold of the north for a quick RV trip, there are parks that have their sites and arms opened to you. Winter camping isn’t just for Snowbirders anymore.

Although you may be heading to similar destinations as Snowbirds flock to, such as Texas and Florida, not all parks cater only to those retirees who make their winter homes in an RV park.

One such destination is Whispering Pines Resort & Campground in Tyler, Texas. The park has a family focus and continues activities for the entire family throughout the winter months. Recently, when a dance with a live band was held for “older” guests, a DJ and more modern music was available to the younger guests of the park.

Located in eastern Texas, the park is nestled within pine trees, offering guests 100 sites, including some pull-thrus, with a variety of hookup offers – partial to full. The park also has 20 cabins and 20 RV rentals.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, adult pool/spa, family pool, laundry facilities, a gift store and numerous planned activities.

There are nature trails, as well as hiking and biking trails, fishing and swimming in the lake, pond or ocean. The park also offers miniature golf.

Another Texas stop is Puerto del Sol RV Resort in Corpus Christi, Texas

The park is located on the bay and has numerous local attractions for guests to visit, including the USS Lexington and state aquarium.

There are 53 sites and all are pull-thru, with the option of full or partial hookups. The park also offers 10 tent sites.

There’s a store onsite, along with laundry facilities and Internet access in specific park locations.

There’s swimming in the lake, pond or ocean and a boat launch is in the park.

For those who are looking for a getaway in Florida, Lake City Campground in Lake City, Fla. is open.

The park offers shady and sunny, full hookup pull-thru sites, as well as tent sites. With 50 total sites, options range from partial to full hookups, as well as back in or pull-thru sites. There are also five rental cabins.

The park is located alongside the Osceola National Forest and just 10 miles from the Stephen Foster Folk Center. Families can take a relaxing tubing trip on the Suwannee River or head 20 miles to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park for more tubing. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s also fishing, hiking and biking trails, nature trails and a swimming pool in the park.

Lake City Campground also is home to mockingbirds, whippoorwills, owls and other warblers.

Wi-Fi and a store are also offered in the park, along with an arcade and game room that includes a pool table, board games and a TV.

Whatever your warm weather choices, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities for all winter campers. But, like all camping seasons, don’t forget to call ahead and make reservations, so that you can leave your cares behind with the cold weather and enjoy your get away in the warmer weather of the states.