Monthly Archives: May 2010

RV Vacation to Crater Lake National Park

Monty May 31, 2010
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Picture of Crater Lake in Oregon

Hoping to take a unique RV camping trip this summer? Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is sure to surprise and delight your motorhome camping crew. We mention going in summer because this picturesque park emerges from a deep blanket of snow only briefly each year, from late June to September. If you’re one of the fortunate ones to experience the mystery and majesty of Crater Lake in summertime, you won’t soon forget the trip.

One of the strongest memories you’re likely to have of this National Park is of the brilliantly blue water in Crater Lake. Impossibly deep, the lake is also home to two small islands formed by volcanic cinder cones. Park visitors who’d like to enjoy all that beauty from the comfort of their vehicles can make the Rim Drive for incredibly scenic views.

If your vacation dreams include strenuous hiking, Crater Lake National Park is your ideal destination. The rocky cliffs and slopes surrounding Crater Lake make this Park an interesting challenge for climbers and hikers. Since hiking is only allowed on established trails due to the unstable nature of volcanic terrain, get to know the trails before you go by reading this downloadable brochure (PDF format).

One of the favorite hikes is down to Cleetwood Cove on the lakeshore for a swim. Cleetwood Trail is only a little over one mile long, but hiking at an eleven percent grade isn’t for everyone. This challenging hike is the only way to reach the lakeshore, but it’s well worth the effort.

You can also take an excursion by boat around the perimeter of the volcanic crater, if you’re up to hiking the Cleetwood Trail down to the Cove. A private concessioner runs these boat tours, as well as exciting side trips to Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, that rocky outcrop that eerily resembles a ship in misty weather.

But don’t despair if you’re not up to a strenuous physical challenge! Park rangers provide fascinating glimpses into Crater Lake and the surrounding Cascade Mountains during regularly scheduled presentations throughout the Park. Visitors report that the evening programs at Mazama Campground Amphitheater are especially interesting.

And while we’re talking about campgrounds, let’s review your RV camping choices near Crater Lake National Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts currently manages lodging within the park, and half of the more than two hundred campsites at Mazama Village Campground are reservable. This beautiful campground is just seven miles from the crater rim.

Another wonderful RV campground just twenty-five miles south of Crater Lake NP is Crater Lake Resort on Fort Creek. Owners (or renters!) or smaller RVs should also take a look at Jo’s Motel and Campground, where you’ll be treated to an organic grocery and deli just six miles from the National Park.

Find out why avid RV campers can’t stay away from Crater Lake National Park. Soak up the southern Oregon sun. Climb a trail down a cinder cone and put your toes in the deep blue waters of Crater Lake. Hike through old growth forests and experience peace and quiet in big gulps. All that and more are waiting for you at Crater Lake National Park. Isn’t it time you paid a visit?

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RV Camping Trip to Timpanogos Cave – American Fork, Utah

Monty May 28, 2010
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In the mood for a little spelunking? An RV camping trip to Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork, Utah is just the ticket! Managed by the National Park Service, Timpanogos boasts not one but three beautifully decorated caverns for you and your family to explore.

The setting for these memorable caves is awesome in itself. The American Fork Canyon within Utah’s Wasatch Mountains is home to numerous hiking trails that lead along spiny mountain ridges, past waterfalls and alongside picturesque alpine springs. If your motorhome camping crew is into outdoor sports, plan extra time to explore the surrounding Uinta National Forest.

Making your way to Timpanogos National Monument is easy, if you start the journey in Salt Lake City, Utah. Head south on I-15 just twenty-five miles to American Fork Canyon Road, then east on UT-92 (American Fork Canyon Road) about ten miles.

Two notes before leaving Salt Lake City:

  1. Our El Monte RV Rentals Salt Lake City office has the perfect RV rental for your vacation, and
  2. Be sure to purchase tickets for the Timpanogos Cave Tour ahead of time to avoid being turned away

Numerous RV campgrounds are available both in nearby villages and within the Uinta National Forest adjacent to the caverns. American Campground, for example, in American Fork, Utah is less than fifteen minutes away from Timpanogos Cave.

When you’re ready to go cave exploring, a hike up a fairly steep (but paved) 1.5 mile trail is required to reach the Cave itself. Be sure to have your camera ready, as the views from the trail will have your jaw dropping.

Inside Timpanogos Cave, the splendor of thousands of ancient rock formations will amaze you. Everywhere you turn, you’ll observe brilliant colors and amazing shapes. For the truly adventurous, ask in advance about an Introduction to Caving Tour, where you’ll go off the beaten path and crawl, climb and skedaddle over cool stone to mysterious Hansen Cave Lake, deep within the caverns.

Doesn’t spending an afternoon climbing the trail and exploring the wonders of Timpanogos Cave sound delightful? It’s truly a unique experience, and one made even better with the comfort of an RV waiting at the end of the tour. Reserve your cave tour, and your RV rental, today and plan to spend a marvelous time in Utah’s scenic Timpanogos Cave National Monument!

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The Top Reasons People Choose a Motorhome Vacation

Monty May 27, 2010
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At El Monte RV we regularly survey our customers to see what they are thinking. We thought we would share the top reasons people give for choosing a motorhome vacation:

  • Freedom
  • Flexibility
  • Not having to pack and unpack
  • Try something different

For more on this topic see: Love, Good Times, Good Company, Good Beer, and Other Interesting Customer Feedback

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RV Camping to the Cape Cod National Seashore

Monty May 26, 2010
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Picture of Nauset Light

Nauset Light, Near Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore

If you don’t plan another RV camping trip this year, treat yourself to the splendor of the Cape Cod National Seashore. More than 40,000 acres of shoreline, inland attractions and historic sites are encompassed in this ecologically diverse marvel. Find out for yourself why the National Park Service has preserved the windswept beauty of Cape Cod for the past fifty years. Once you do, you’ll yearn to return to Cape Cod!

Just in case you’re geographically challenged, the Cape Cod National Seashore is located along Massachusetts’ Atlantic Coast. Roughly two hours’ drive from Boston to the farthest point out on the Cape, traveling to the National Seashore by RV is easy. If you’d like to rent a motorhome locally, our El Monte RV Rentals Sutton, MA location is ready to serve your vacation needs.

Once you’ve arrived on the Cape, your next move should be to visit one of the NPS Visitor Centers. The largest is Salt Pond, a well-planned center with enough information available to plan your entire visit to Cape Cod. You’ll also find useful information, as well as stunning views of dunes, beaches and an historic lifesaving station, at Province Lands Visitor Center.

With information in hand, you may then choose to hike or bike one of the many scenic trails within the National Seashore boundaries. Winding through swamp, forest and seashore, these trails will give you a taste of the diverse ecosystems thriving within this National Seashore.

And don’t forget the beaches! The Atlantic Ocean can be a unique experience for travelers used to sunny California beaches. Experience both rugged and easily accessible beaches, and be sure to listen to local legends of shipwrecks, ghostly visitors and epic storms.

We’ve only touched on a few of the abundant outdoor activities to experience on your RV camping sojourn at Cape Cod National Seashore. Bird watching, wildlife photography, and whale watching excursions are all readily available at this popular tourist destination.

You’ll also be thrilled by the picturesque seaside villages and the fascinating history of the Cape. Take time for a festive seaside clambake offered by area concessionaires or treat yourself to dozens of other local seafood specialties. With the money you’ve saved by RV camping, you can visit famous area restaurants such as Bishop’s Terrace in West Harwich, MA and The Daniel Webster Inn in Sandwich.

It’s time, though, that we talked about where to set up camp while you’re there. Although RV camping isn’t allowed within National Park Service boundaries, there are abundant RV camping venues throughout the region. Here’s a comprehensive listing of Cape Cod RV campgrounds. We’d like to highlight Dune’s Edge Campground, within walking distance of all the Provincetown attractions, as well as Sweetwater Forest Campground on Snow’s Pond.

Start planning your RV camping trip to Cape Cod National Seashore now, so you can reserve the campsites you desire. This is one vacation that, with a little planning, can be even better than you imagined!

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Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort – Fun Is Just A Short Ride Away

Monty May 24, 2010
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Florida Emerald Coast BeachThis post was provided to us by our friends at Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort.

Panama City Beach, Florida. What better place to spend the summer? Beautiful white beaches, wild dolphins playing just off shore, deep sea fishing, fantastic shopping at Piers Park, and a great RV park (Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort) next door to Zoo World. That means you get to sit outside, close your eyes and imagine that you have your RV parked somewhere on the veldt.

You can take a boat out to shell island and spend time walking up and down the beach. The day we were there, skate (a fish that looks a lot like a manta ray) were gobbling up smaller fish at the edge of the surf. It was fascinating to watch them. Later, we were entertained watching dolphins just off of the beach. Since we were on a sight-seeing boat, we were able to get an up close and personal look at them. Somehow, they just seemed to ignore us totally.

A lot has been implied through the media reports, however, the oil spill isn’t close to Panama City Beach. That means that a lot of tourists have been needlessly canceling their reservations leaving the beaches relatively deserted. It’s kind of nice to be able to take a walk along the beach without having to dodge the kids, the volleyballs and the body boards.

As if that isn’t enough, the park is planning some great things this year. How about a class on cooking your freshly caught fish? Or an off shore fishing expedition? Be sure to check out our Resort Activities page for things happening at the RV Park, and our Area Attractions page for other great things to do.

The things to see and do around here are too numerous to mention, you just have to check it out yourself. Give us a call, set up your reservation and get ready to have the time of your life!

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RV Camping Trip – Grand Teton National Park

Monty May 21, 2010
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Grand Teton National ParkTake an RV camping trip this summer to experience Grand Teton National Park. Why? Because no one should miss the chance to wake up to crisp mountain air in the Tetons. Come along as we tour the possibilities of an RV camping trip to Northwestern Wyoming.

About six hours northeast of Salt Lake City and due south of Yellowstone, this National Park encompasses popular getaways like Jackson Hole and Teton Village, Wyoming. Not only will you find spectacular scenery at every turn, you’ll also find two RV campgrounds with all the modern conveniences within easy driving distance of Park attractions.

Flagg Ranch Campground is situated near the boundary between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Colter Bay Campground is near Jackson Lake, north of Moose, Wyoming. There are several other campgrounds with RV dump stations only, if you’d like a more remote setting. A private RV campground to consider is Grand Teton RV Resort, situated between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

No matter what outdoor activity you choose to pursue once your RV is parked among the Tetons, you’ll find a place to do it! Mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, boating and horseback riding are just a sampling of the things Park visitors indulge in every summer.

A number of commercial outfitters lead excursions of all kinds, so be sure to check the NPS website for current listings. You’ll also find well-staffed visitor centers throughout the Park to enhance your education and serve as home base for Ranged-guided tours.

Be sure to make plans to spend time on the water once you settle in. An endlessly blue sky is reflected in the pure mountain lakes of Grand Teton, inviting RV campers to launch a canoe, paddle a kayak or fish for trout. Elk, otter and beaver are just three of the abundant species of wildlife that share watering holes with the trout.

And we haven’t even talked about the scenic drives that await your viewing pleasure! Climb to the top of Signal Mountain Summit Road for a panoramic view of the Park. Loop around through extraordinary scenery on Jenny Lake Road, keeping a close watch for bison, elk and moose along the way. Teton Park Road winds through the Park at the base of the Teton Range, offering unforgettable views of those jagged peaks.

Come on, this is the year to take that dream vacation to Grand Teton National Park! Let us know if we can help with an RV rental. We have a great staff in our Salt Lake City RV rentals location just waiting to assist. The Teton Range is like no other mountain range in America. Don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself.

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RV Camping in Search of Family Friendly Campgrounds!

Monty May 19, 2010
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As RV-camping families launch this year’s vacation plans, they’re anxious to find family-friendly places to stay. A bonus is scoring one of those campgrounds that are also close to plenty of ways to keep the kids busy. To help get those plans on the road, we’ve collected our top ten family-friendly campgrounds that feature plenty of nearby activities for the kids.

  • Space Center RV Park – League City, TX: Need someplace to camp with the kids that will literally have them begging to stay? This campground near NASA in Houston is centrally-located to visit the Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island and Six Flags Astroworld.
  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Bremen, GA: One of dozens of Jellystone Park locations in the US, this campground is within an hour of eight major family-centered attractions. It’s also a wonderland in itself, with rides, a large pool and putt-putt golf in addition to planned kid-friendly activities.
  • Peter’s Pond RV Resort – Sandwich, MA: Active kids who love fishing, boating and hiking will thank you for a trip to this Massachusetts campground. It’s also well-equipped for most summer sports, with baseball, bocce, volleyball, badminton and a host of other sports venues located on-site.
  • Coachland RV Park – Truckee, CA: Not only can your family experience the gorgeous Sierras where this campground is located, this RV park offers family-friendly sports like tobogganing on their property. Meet rafting outfitters adjacent to the park for a family day rafting the Truckee River.
  • Mesa Verde RV Park – Mancos, CA: Right across the road from Mesa Verde National Monument, this park boasts an 18-hole miniature golf course. It’s centrally-located for visiting all the attractions in Durango, Silverton, Telluride and the Four Corners area.
  • Boomtown USA RV Resort – Beaumont, TX: A waterpark, a miniature golf course and a 100-acre lake for fishing and swimming; doesn’t that sound like a great way to entertain your kids this summer?
  • Texan RV Ranch – Mansfield, TX: Planning a trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to visit Six Flags, Hawaiian Falls and the Dallas Zoo? This park is located in the Dallas suburb of Mansfield and offers down-home Texas hospitality.
  • Knoebel’s Amusement Resort – Elysburg, PA: Camping on the grounds of a family amusement park? What could be better? Ride the rides, splash at the waterpark and then camp right next door at Knoebel’s RV campground.
  • Frontier Town/Fort Whaley RV Campgrounds – Ocean City, MD: These frontier-themed campgrounds are fifteen minutes apart and both are right next door to the excitement of Ocean City, MD.
  • Pony Express RV Resort – Salt Lake City, UT: Take the family on a horseback ride through the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Travel into downtown Salt Lake City to visit the dozens of attractions available there. Or simply hike the nearby nature trails and relax in the beauty of nature as your kids learn to relax.

And don’t forget that most amusement resorts like Disneyworld and Stone Mountain Park have on-site RV campgrounds to make your family’s visit more enjoyable! Anyway you plan it, you’re going to enjoy your family vacation more by RV.

El Monte RV Rentals has more than fifty rental locations, so we’re well-equipped to get your family on the road. Let us know if you’ve found a family-friendly, activity-adjacent campground that’s not on our list. We’re already planning a second installment for our readers!

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Meteor Shower Viewing is Great When Camping

Monty May 18, 2010
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Meteor in the Night SkyOn of the joys of camping is getting away from the bright lights and noise of urban and suburban environments. Getting away from all of the lights on during the night also makes it a pleasure to view the sky full of stars, planets, and the occasional meteor. There is no better place to view meteors than the quiet, dark serenity of the great outdoors.

The best time to look for meteors is during a meteor shower. There are still several that will occur during 2010, including:

  • Perseids on the night of night of August 12. The moon will set around 10 p.m. The Perseids are considered to be a strong meteor shower with an hourly rate of about 90.
  • Orionids on night of October 21. The moon will be full. The Orionids are considered to be a strong meteor show with an hourly rate of about 20.
  • Leonids on night of November 17. The moon sets around 4 a.m. The Leonids are considered to be an irregular meteor shower with a variable hourly rate.
  • Geminids on night of December 13. The moon sets around midnight. The Geminids are considered to be a strong meteor show with an hourly rate of about 120.

For more information see these resources:

Photo credits:

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In Search of America’s Best Seafood Towns – New England States

Monty May 17, 2010
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One of the nicest perks of traveling by RV is saving enough cash to experience the “extras” along the way. Sampling each region’s best seafood is definitely high on our list of vacation extras. This week, we go in search of the very best seafood towns on America’s Northeast coastline. Jump in, the seafood sampling is scrumptious!

Boston and Points North
If we say “Boston”, do you say “clam chowder?” Beantown is a treasured destination for seafood loving RV campers. Insiders tell us that Legal Seafoods, with several Boston locations, has primo Northeastern Clam Chowder. Skipjack’s is also another excellent seafood restaurant. A couple of other traditional Boston seafood “haunts” include the No Name Restaurant and the Union Oyster House which bills itself as America’s oldest restaurant (since 1826). By the way, beautiful Ellis Haven Campground in Plymouth is just 30 minutes south of Boston.

Just north of Boston be sure to check out Woodman’s. Don’t let its rustic appearance fool you, you will find some of the best lobster anywhere at Woodman’s.

Go two hours north to Portland, Maine for more mouth-wateringly fresh seafood. Definitely plan a stop at the legendary Harbor Fish Market. The selection of right-off-the-boat seafood will bedazzle creative RV cooks. And did we mention that halfway between Boston and Portland is a chance to experience authentic Maine clambakes? Foster’s Downeast Clambake on Maine’s York Harbor features fabulous seafood in a lively clambake atmosphere.

Pinehurst RV Resort in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, is fifteen minutes south of Portland, centrally located for your Maine leg of this RV seafood expedition. And if you’re game to drive farther north into Maine, follow the coastline and be sure to sample the region’s quintessential crab shacks. Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is a fine example of Maine’s legendary roadside carry outs.

Boston and Points South
Start your “Boston south” RV seafood search by taking a short drive from Boston to historic Falmouth Village, Massachusetts. Falmouth is where you’ll find the Quarterdeck seafood restaurant, home of the region’s largest lobster salad sandwich! It’s also splendidly scenic, situated right on Vineyard Sound.

Meander along the southern Massachusetts coastline, enjoying seafood bisque at Lindsey’s Family Restaurant in Wareham on Cape Cod or the house specials at Mattapoisett Chowder House.

Continue your search for great fish, shrimp and lobster in Rhode Island. Towns such as Portsmouth abound with seafood shops like Stonebridge Shellfish, so be sure to pick up salmon, clams or scallops to cook in your handy RV kitchen.

Finish your RV camping and seafood feasting tour in Connecticut, with seafood experiences at villages like Noank. The Fisherman’s Restaurant in that town offers a fantastic menu and unforgettable views of Palmer’s Cove. Oh, and speaking of views, don’t miss the view of Long Island Sound from Dock & Dine in Old Saybrook, CT.

There’s still more seafood to be experienced on America’s Atlantic shoreline, but we’ll save that for another post. We hope this quick tour in search of America’s best Northeastern seafood whets your appetite for yet another RV camping adventure!

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RV Camping to Martial Arts Tournaments

Monty May 14, 2010
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Whether your family’s sport is taekwondo, karate’ or mixed martial arts, you’ve probably been involved in a tournament or two. Many families spend weekends on the road, sitting through long days at tournament venues, eating from concession stands and then dropping into hotel rooms for a short night’s sleep. Want to know a better way to enjoy your favorite martial art? Rent an RV, cook healthy meals to share and get a great night’s sleep in a comfy RV bed.

Before we look at some of the major US martial arts tournaments our RV camping friends have enjoyed, let’s talk about two more reasons RV camping to martial arts tournaments makes sense.

  1. RVs are Perfect for Carrying Martial Arts Equipment!Ever notice how much equipment you pack on the way to a tournament? Sparring gear, uniforms, weapons, and mats can fill a trunk quickly. A spacious motorhome has plenty of room to stow away your martial arts gear for the journey. Even if you’re sharing an RV on the way to an event, there should be lots of storage space for everyone’s equipment.
  2. RVs Make the Perfect “Command Post” for Your Martial Arts TeamInstead of changing in and out of uniforms in venue restrooms, why not turn your RV into a roomy, private dressing room for the team? A motorhome is also the perfect break room for tired younger siblings and tournament participants in need of a rest.

Major US Martial Arts Tournaments
Nearly every school, dojo or gym is part of a larger organization, and that means plenty of tournament possibilities. We recommend traveling to every out-of-town tournament by RV, for the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

There are also major US martial arts tournaments that stretch over several days and may be several states away. Here are some of the top picks RV camping fans may want to attend this year, either as a participant or a spectator.

That’s just a handful of the hundreds of martial arts competitions taking place across America this year. Here’s what you need to know if you don’t own an RV to take you to the tournament: El Monte RV Rentals has more than fifty RV rental locations waiting to serve you. Locate the competitions you plan to attend, and then click on our handy locator map to find the nearest El Monte RV Rentals location. We’re ready to help make your martial arts tournament season memorable./

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