Monthly Archives: December 2009

More Colorado Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Monty December 30, 2009
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This is a follow up to a previous post – Colorado Freshwater Fishing Destinations.

Rio Grande River: The legendary Rio Grande River flows through the San Juan Mountain Range and Rio Grande National Forest, boasting enormous brown trout just waiting for cagey fly fishermen. Near the towns of South Fork and Del Norte, in particular, you’ll find government leases on private land that allow you easy access to the Rio Grande. This website offers a nice assortment of links to Del Norte area motorhome campgrounds.

North Delaney Butte: Three bodies of water boasting great trout fishing can be found near Walden in Northern Colorado. North Delaney Butte Lake, East Delaney and South Delaney Butte Lakes form a fisherman’s paradise that will tempt you to stay for weeks. North Delaney is actually one of a handful of “Gold Medal” rated trout lakes in the state. By the way, the North Platte River winds through the canyons in this area and also offers tremendous trout fishing possibilities.

There are areas for wakeless boat fishing on these lakes, and those willing to do a little hiking can also find quiet bank or bellyboat fishing areas. Plan to fish primarily for brown trout here, but also be on the lookout for rainbow and cutthroats. A nice RV campground, Lake John Resort, is available on the shores of nearby Lake John, also known for its trophy trout fishing.

There are hundreds of great freshwater fishing destinations in Colorado, and most of them have comfortable RV campsites nearby. As you’re putting your vacation plans together this year, why not schedule a trip to the Rockies for some serious fishing action? To keep your trip very affordable, gather a few of your fishing buddies and split the cost of RV rental, food and campground fees.

You’re not going to want to come in off the water once you’ve learned the joys of fishing in Colorado. Why not find out why thousands of RV campers drop a hook in the Centennial State each year?

Posted in Colorado RV Camping, Dolorado RV Vacation, Fishing, Fishing Vacation | Leave a comment

Colorado Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Monty December 28, 2009
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You may be traveling to Colorado for the mountain views, but did you know there’s a wealth of fishing to be found there, as well? Colorado freshwater fishing is the perfect activity for RV camping fans, because it blends the thrill of “catching the big one” with an unforgettable mountain camping experience. Follow these tips to find the best Colorado freshwater fishing destination for your next RV trip.

Red Feather Lakes: North of Fort Collins, trout fishing enthusiasts will find a wonderful collection of small lakes well worth fishing. The Red Feather Lakes area is famous for easy access to lake trout, and was the site of the 2007 National Fly Fishing Championships.

Get ready to experience Dowdy, Parvin, Bellaire and West Lakes, all open to the public. Trout fishing at each offers unique thrills and challenges in a gorgeous mountain setting. Here’s a listing of popular RV campgrounds in the area to help you plan your trip.

Lake Pueblo: With sixty miles of shoreline and a mild climate, Lake Pueblo offers almost everyone the chance to fish for trout, bass, channel cat, bluegill, and walleye. Well-known as an angler’s paradise, this South Central Colorado lake is sure to please the most demanding lake-fishing diehards. There are numerous RV campgrounds operated there by the State Parks Department. Use this Colorado State Parks webpage to make RV campground reservations.

Blue River: Flowing above and below Lake Dillon about sixty miles west of Denver, the Blue River will thrill fly fishing enthusiasts with trophy-size rainbow trout. If fly fishing is your sport, you definitely deserve a trip to the Blue River. This is your chance to fish for rainbow, brown and brook trout while surrounded by some of the prettiest mountain views possible. Tiger Run RV Resort is one highly-recommended RV campground in the area.

If you need to rent an RV for your Colorado fishing adventure, check out our Denver RV Rentals location.

Posted in Colorado RV Camping, Dolorado RV Vacation, Fishing, Fishing Vacation | 1 Comment

BCS National Championship by RV

Monty December 23, 2009
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What could be better than having the Rose Bowl this year in Pasadena? Having the Citi BCS National Championship at the same stadium six days later! Rose Bowl Stadium will host this year’s January 7th battle between the BCS first and second ranked teams. Why not plan to camp (and tailgate!) in a luxurious RV at this year’s game?

If that sounds like a great idea to you, or you’ve got tickets but can’t find lodging, here’s our BCS National Championship pre-game checklist:

  1. Gather the Gang to Go: Bring the whole family to the game, or gather a group of friends to make the whole experience nicer. An added benefit to sharing the BCS Championship experience—share costs on RV rental, campsite fees and tailgating food.
  2. Buy Game Tickets: Just in case you don’t have tickets, here’s your best bet for finding them now: Fan2Fan Ticket Exchange by RazorGator.
  3. Reserve the Right RV: Contact our Santa Fe Springs/Los Angeles RV Rentals office to reserve the RV that will fit your lodging and tailgating needs. Less than thirty miles from Rose Bowl Stadium, this location makes it simple to pick up your RV.
  4. Plan for RV Campsites: You can park your RV near the stadium prior to game day, if you make reservations. Here is a link to motorhome camping near Rose Bowl Stadium: BCS Championship Parking Information.
  5. Plan the Perfect Tailgate Party: Think portable, quick to cook and delicious when planning your tailgating menu. RV kitchens make it easy to prep, cook and clean. After all, who wants to be stuck cooking when everyone else is out exploring other tailgate parties?

There, now you have the essential ingredients for a great Citi BCS National Championship experience. When top-ranked Alabama’s Crimson Tide faces off against the number two Texas Longhorns, you’re going to want to be there. Use these tips to plan your trip to Pasadena, and be sure to share your memories with us!

Posted in CA RV Camping, CA RV Vacation, College Football Tailgating, rv vacation ideas | Leave a comment

Attention RV Campers: Are You Headed for the Rose Bowl?

Monty December 21, 2009
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It’s that time of year again, RV camping fans, when we indulge our love of college football in our beloved motorhomes! Our favorite way of doing so is to travel by RV to Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl, each New Year’s Day. This year’s game pits the Oregon Ducks against Ohio State’s Buckeyes, and it promises to be exciting! Just in case you hadn’t thought of heading to the big game by RV, here are our top four tips for an unforgettable trip to the Rose Bowl.

Tip #1: Buy Your Tickets Now!
Believe it or not, there are still tickets available (as of this posting date) for the Rose Bowl. Use this link to RazorGator on the official Tournament of Roses site to find available tickets. There may also be tickets available through sites like StubHub and TicketsNow.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead!
RV campers absolutely love the Rose Bowl, so parking can be a problem if you don’t plan ahead. There are specially-designated places where RV parking is allowed near Rose Bowl Stadium, and arriving early is a must.

If you plan to arrive as early as December 28, you can rent space at Brookside Park (no hookups). On game day, RVs are allowed through a designated entrance into the West Drive parking area. A fee is charged for parking in this lot, as well. For complete details, go here and scroll down to “Motor Home Parking.”

By the way, if you plan to also attend the Tournament of Roses Parade at 8 a.m. on January 1, you’ll need to purchase grandstand seating tickets from Sharp Seating. They may also be able to help you find a place to park your RV near the parade route.

Tip #3: Reserve Your Rental RV!
What’s next? The perfect RV for your Rose Bowl experience, of course! There’s nothing quite like the convenience of cooking great food on game day in a self-contained RV kitchen. The other big plus to camping in an RV before the game is that you’re close to the action and you’re not scrambling to find a hotel room.

Our talented staff at El Monte RV Rentals in our Santa Fe Springs/Los Angeles RV rentals location is ready and waiting to help you choose your RV. Let them know how long you’ll be staying in Pasadena, how many football fans will be onboard and how big a kitchen you’ll require for your tailgate party. It’s that simple!

Tip #4: Plan Your Tailgate Party!
Bake it, microwave it, or cook it outside on the grill, it’s a whole lot easier with a kitchen at your fingertips. Tailgating before the big game is a passion with many RV’ers, and it might just become one of yours, too.

If you’ve never planned a tailgate party, there’s a wealth of information available. Check JohnnyRoadTrip.com, FoodNetwork.com and SouthernTailgater.com for the great recipes to feed your football-frenzied crowd.

We hope you’ll consider an RV road trip to Pasadena for the 2010 Rose Bowl Game. RV comfort, great football and one big, crazy tailgate party in the parking lots – doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to spend your New Year’s Day?

Posted in CA RV Camping, CA RV Vacation, College Football Tailgating, rv vacation ideas | Leave a comment

RV Camping Trip to the Grand Canyon – South Rim

Monty December 18, 2009
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No matter how many times we visit Grand Canyon National Park by RV, we find something different to enjoy. To experience the full range of what the Grand Canyon has to offer, try camping at a different RV campground each time. Let’s focus on the magnificent South Rim area this time, and look at the sights, activities and camping possibilities there.

What You’ll See on the South Rim
Here are some of our clients’ favorite South Rim experiences. Pick a few for this visit and really start getting to know the South Rim.

  1. Desert View Drive: This winding twenty-five mile drive along the South Rim from Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower has enough photographic potential to fill your camera’s memory card. Developed overlooks and primitive turnouts can be viewed from your vehicle or one of the Park’s commercial tour busses.
  2. Hermit Road: You won’t be able to drive a vehicle on this super-scenic drive along the South Rim, but if you head west from Grand Canyon Village on foot, by bike or on one of the free shuttle busses, you’ll see more scenery than you could ever imagine. Nine overlooks highlight famous views such as Maricopa Point, Hopi Point and Mohave Point.
  3. Take the Mule Train! RV campers hoping for a more in-depth view of the South Rim should definitely take a mule trip or horseback ride into the Canyon. A private vendor manages these enjoyable trips into the wild, and you can make your reservations here.
  4. Take a Hike! Trailheads leading to scenic day hikes abound on the South Rim. Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and the Rim Trail are just a few of the hikes you might want to try when you’re here. Read the materials provided here by the National Park Service to plan a safe hike appropriate for your fitness level.

There are plenty of other activities we haven’t mentioned that will fill your days on the South Rim, but let’s look at some of the great camping areas for motorhome campers. Both private and National Parks Service campgrounds are available in the area. Here are just a few:

  • Desert View and Mather Campgrounds are both within the Park boundaries and can accommodate RVs. Neither has hookups, but can provide a pleasant “dry camping” experience in unforgettable scenery.
  • Trailer Village, next door to Mather Campground, has full services available and is run by a private vendor. It’s a very popular area, so make your reservations early.
  • Ten-X Campground: The Kaibab National Forest, adjacent to the South Rim, is run by the US Forest Service. Less than five miles from the entrance to the Grand Canyon, Ten-X may not have hookups for RVs, but it does have beautiful scenery from its pine-filled campsites.
  • Grand Canyon Railway RV Park: Park your RV in this wonderful park in the mountain village of Williams, Arizona, and take the Grand Canyon Railway to Canyon attractions. It’s a wonderful way to the see the South Rim! You’ll love this full-service RV campground’s amenities and convenient location.

Even if you’ve traveled by RV to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, we’re willing to bet you haven’t seen all it has to offer. Contact our Las Vegas RV Rentals or Phoenix RV Rentals office for the right motorhome for your trip. We can’t wait to hear what you discover this year on the South Rim!

Posted in National Parks | 3 Comments

Whitewater Rafting RV Vacation Ideas

Monty December 16, 2009
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We get so many requests for ideas for RV camping at whitewater rafting destinations that we decided to pull together ideas from across the US. Whitewater rafting excitement is something adventurous RV campers will definitely enjoy. No matter whether you’re RV camping with ‘tweens and teens or a group of friends in search of adventure, there’s a whitewater rafting trip in your future. Here are some great rafting destinations to turn your RV toward.

Eastern US Whitewater Rafting
We found a great Eastern US whitewater rafting spot that’s custom-made for RV camping. North Country Rivers Outfitters in Maine offers whitewater adventures on the Kennebec River. Not only can you experience a thirteen mile ride on dam-controlled whitewater, you can also stay at their full-service RV campground. These rapids are rated Class II or III.

Rated Class III and IV, the rapids on the Ocoee River in Tennessee are sure to thrill your RV-camping rafters. By negotiating with Tennessee Valley Authority to release water back into the Ocoee, local whitewater enthusiasts and outfitters have helped create a full season of thrilling whitewater rafting. Chattanooga North KOA Kampground in Cleveland, TN is minutes away from the whitewater action.

Central US Whitewater Rafting
If you love the Colorado Rockies as a motorhome camping destination, you’re going to go wild over whitewater rafting in beautiful Glenwood Canyon! Whitewater Rafting LLC is one of the area’s most popular outfitters for raft trips through Class III and IV rapids. They can also help arrange tubing and float trips, if you prefer your excursions less white-knuckle. Glenwood Canyon Resort has fabulous full-service RV sites along the Colorado River, so be sure to call them early for reservations.

Kokopelli Rafting Adventures outfits Class IV rafting excursions on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The gorgeous mountain surroundings make for spectacular scenery, no matter which river you conquer. Plan to camp among the piñon pines at Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground, a highly-recommended full-service resort.

Western US Whitewater Rafting
Did we mention that the Western US has some of the best whitewater rafting available? Start your adventure in California, where All Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting outfits trips down ten rivers in the Golden State. Some of their most popular trips? The Tom Sawyer float trip on the South Fork American River near Sacramento is great for families with kids five and up. RV camping groups looking for true white-knuckle rafting will love the steep, technical Class IV+ rapids of the Tuolumne River.

Washington State is also the scene of some breathtaking whitewater possibilities. Experienced paddlers should definitely shoot the rapids on the Wind River. You’ll find steep ledge drops, boulder gardens and incredible scenery to keep things interesting along the way. The Bridge RV Campground in the Columbia River Gorge is a wonderfully scenic place to make your base camp.

No matter where you like to put a paddle in the water, there are great RV campgrounds nearby. Let us help you find the best El Monte RV Rentals location to serve your needs. It’s definitely not too soon to start planning your next great whitewater rafting RV vacation.

Posted in rv vacation ideas, whitewater rafting | 1 Comment

RV Camping Adventures in Utah’s National Parks

Monty December 14, 2009
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Did you know there are more than a dozen sites run by the National Parks Service just waiting for you to discover in Utah? If you love RV camping as well as the beauty of America’s National Parks, a trip to Utah should be on your “To-Do List.” Hope this brief list whets your appetite for an RV road trip to Utah soon.

Bryce Canyon National Park: The mystical redrock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park are just the beginning of what your camera will want to capture. Craggy pines point to the sky from deep, brilliantly colored canyons that speak of an ancient ice and wind. Plan to stay in one of the park’s tree-lined campsites and be sure to look up to the night sky to see the more than seven thousand stars visible in this astronomer’s paradise.

Zion National Park: Covering three counties, Zion National Park offers RV campers the chance to see spectacular sandstone cliffs rising up ten thousand feet above the desert floor. Plan to spend time hiking trails that climb from canyon floors up through snug passages between massive cliffs. If you’re into even more strenuous sport, rock climbers love these cliffs for the challenge they offer. RV camping is allowed in three RV campgrounds at Zion, so set up your base camp within the Park and get ready for some seriously photographable scenery!

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Plan plenty of time to visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, because with more than one million acres, it’s not a place to rush through. Rent a boat and cruise the magnificent sandstone coves and canyons of Lake Powell, or keep your feet on dry land and hike to lush hanging gardens high above the desert floor. Another “must see” at Glen Canyon is Horseshoe Bend and the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. RV camping within the NRA is limited, but Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas operates several comfortable lakeside campgrounds right in the middle of the action.

Dinosaur National Monument: Located on the Colorado/Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is the perfect spot for a family RV camping vacation. Although the Quarry and Museum were closed at the time this article was written, a half mile hike will lead you to wonderful fossils in rock faces within a rugged canyon. For RV campers who love whitewater rafting, the Green River boasts Level III and IV rapids, with calmer waters downstream for less experienced rafters. There are campgrounds on both sides of the state line, with a range of services available.

Arches National Park: Two thousand stone arches carved by wind and water lead visitors to Arches National Park near Moab, Utah into a geological wonderland. An awe-inspiring combination of arches, cliffs and stone spires dot the landscape at this Park. For physically active RV campers, the Fiery Furnace ranger-guided tour will take you up, over and in between hundreds of rock formations for an unforgettable experience. Less strenuous trails abound at Arches as well, so be sure to bring your hiking shoes. Campgrounds within the Park and those operated by the Bureau of Land Management in the Moab area easily accommodate the needs of motorhome campers.

Believe it or not, there are even more U.S. National Parks sites to be explored in Utah! Go to the National Parks Service website for more information about all there is to see in this stunning Western State.

Be sure to pick up your RV rental for a Utah National Parks RV vacation adventure at our Salt Lake City RV Rentals location.

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RV Camping to Everglades National Park

Monty December 11, 2009
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Hoping to find a place you can take your entire family on vacation this year? We want to put in our bid for an RV camping trip to Everglades National Park. The world-famous “Sea of Grass” covers more than a million acres and it promises fascinating activities for everyone in your group.

When you visit South Florida’s Everglades, you’ll find them home to an incredible array of plant and wildlife species. Frogs, toads, salamanders and, of course, alligators, are just a few of the species to be seen on a tour through this Park. Nature lovers will also find subtropical species of plants everywhere they look, side-by-side with ancient stands of cypress trees and pine forests.

Whether your family likes boating, hiking, biking or just plain sightseeing, you can’t go wrong visiting the Everglades. Hundreds of miles of trails wind through widely-varied habitats that will definitely keep your cameras clicking.

Here are our top picks for ways to experience the Everglades:

  • Airboat Ride: Numerous airboat tour vendors up and down the Everglades offer thrilling airboat tours. Skip across grass and water and get to know Everglades wildlife up close and personal.
  • Canoe/Kayak Tour: Boat rental concessions within the Park can supply a canoe or kayak to adventurous RV campers. One note: navigating through the Everglades in this way is best left to experienced boaters. EcoMariner.com also offers an online course in eco-friendly boating while in the Everglades.
  • Tram Tour: If you’d like to let someone else drive as you explore the Everglades, Shark Valley Tram Tours is a great choice. Not only do they provide comfortable transportation, they also stop along the route to allow you time to experience nature for yourself.
  • Bike Trails: Well-marked bike trails throughout the Everglades allow active visitors a chance to enjoy the Park even more. One favorite trail reported by our customers is the fifteen-mile loop near the Shark Valley Observation Tower.

RV Camping Inside the Park
Inside Everglades National Park are two campgrounds that can accommodate RV campers. Long Pine Key Campground is a large first-come, first-served campground adjacent to hiking and biking trails. Flamingo Campground isn’t full service, but does have campsites near the water. If you’re planning to camp here, be sure to use the link to make reservations.

RV Camping Outside the Park
Miami Everglades Campground is a wonderful place to come home to after a day spent in the Everglades. Ten miles from Everglades National Park, this campground offers a large swimming pool, hiking and biking trails and full-service RV campsites that help keep your stay comfortable.

The kids will also love camping among the palm trees at Everglades Holiday Park. This campground offers comfortable campsites on Fort Lauderdale’s west side, just minutes away from the Everglades.

One more fascinating possibility is Chokoloskee Island Park, three miles from Everglades City. Right in the heart of Everglades life, this is the perfect RV camping spot for avid fishermen. Whether you plan to kayak, fish or bike your way through the Everglades, this park is an ideal starting point.

Every motorhome camper should experience the mystery of Florida’s Everglades National Park at least once. With so many miles to explore and an awesome abundance of wildlife, there’s no way to stay bored once you’re there.

Our Miami, Florida El Monte RV Rentals office is standing by to help you choose a comfortable motorhome for your stay. Head for the Everglades, so you can finally hear your family say, “Let’s come back here next year!”

Posted in florida rv vacation, National Parks, rv vacation ideas | 1 Comment

RV Camping – Acadia National Park

Monty December 9, 2009
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Are you hoping to spend some time next summer exploring forest trails, photographing ocean vistas and biking up mountains? There’s one place where you can do it all! Acadia National Park, located on the US Atlantic Coast in Maine, is the perfect place to play outdoors on your next RV camping vacation.

To get your travel hunger revving, we’ve gathered lots of information about this ruggedly beautiful Park. Here are our suggestions for thoroughly enjoying an RV camping trip to Acadia National Park.

Places to See
Acadia is unique because it’s located mostly on islands in the Atlantic. Mount Desert Island, on which the town of Bar Harbor, Maine is found, offers a wide range of fascinating outdoor habitats for RV campers to explore. Easily accessible by vehicle, the Island is home to marshes, lakes, forestland and rugged granite mountains.

The tallest peak on the Island is Cadillac Mountain, a great place to catch a view of the smaller islands farther out into the Atlantic. By the way, if you love nautical history, travel to Little Cranberry Island by ferry to visit Islesford Historical Museum.

The Park Loop route will take you around the Island, with opportunities to see scenic Bar Harbor streets, ocean, lake and forest wildlife species and helpful interpretive exhibits along the twenty-mile drive.

Things to Do
One of the nicest things about this Park is the Island Explorer buses! These fare-free buses take you to all the best spots in the Park, back to your campground and even to other area attractions. Park your RV in one of the area campgrounds and plan to take the bus to get familiar with Acadia.

Once you’ve found your bearings, why not bike along part of the forty-five miles of carriage roads on Mount Desert Island? Looping around the Island’s lakes and ponds, across the many stone bridges, and up to the peak of Cadillac Mountain, the carriage roads provide an unforgettable way to see the Park’s best attractions.

Another must-do is hiking at least a few of the nature trails throughout the Park. You may never put your camera away, once you’ve experienced the awesome ocean views or captured the rugged beauty of a lighthouse.

To experience the entire range of Park plant life in one small setting, visit the Wild Gardens of Acadia at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. While at the Nature Center, learn about the area’s Native American legacy at the Abbe Museum. Also, plan to treat yourself to a slice of history by having lunch, tea or dinner at Jordan Pond House.
Where to Stay
While there are no utilities at the campgrounds inside the Park, there are two very nice campgrounds in the woods for RV campers who don’t mind dry camping. If you’d like things a little less rustic, there are several private campgrounds adjacent to Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Campground can accommodate large RVs and boasts an incredible view of the Atlantic.

Another fantastic full-service RV campground is Smuggler’s Den in the Southwest Harbor area. A heated pool, large campsites and access to beaches and hiking trails make it a wonderful home base for your trip.

Break out your hiking shoes and dust off your camera! If you’ve never experienced the rugged splendor of the northern Atlantic Coast, it’s time you did. Acadia National Park is a wonderland of outdoor recreation activities for RV campers. We’re here to help you reserve a luxurious RV and start planning your unforgettable trip to Acadia. You can pick up your RV rental at our Boston RV Rentals location and take a leisurely drive up the coast to Bar Harbor, Maine to visit the park.

Posted in Maine RV Camping, Maine RV Vacation, National Parks | Leave a comment

Are we there yet?

Monty December 7, 2009
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A phrase to terrify parents usually uttered within the first hours of leaving on any long driving trip. While a luxury motorhome has many amenities to help keep the kids occupied while traveling, sometimes you just need a little more help…

Well fret not. El Monte RV has put together a list of travel games that can be used to keep the kids amused and occupied for hours.

See: RV Travel Games

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