Monthly Archives: September 2010

An RV Vacation to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Monty September 29, 2010
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Bighorn Canyon NRADo you enjoy boating as well as camping on your RV vacations? If you do, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, located in both Wyoming and Montana, is the perfect place to do both. Few places offer the chance to glide through pristine blue waters surrounded by rock cliffs hundreds of feet high. Add that to scenic RV campgrounds, and an RV vacation to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is one you’ll want to repeat.

What’s so special about the lake that gives this vast protected area its name? For one thing, the waters of Bighorn Lake are prime trout fishing territory, drawing thousands of fishermen hoping to land the big one each year. There’s also nothing quite like the view at Bighorn Lake – rugged, multi-colored canyons, sudden bursts of pine trees interrupted by tall rock spires, and dozens of interesting coves to explore by kayak or canoe. Whether you’re there to water ski, paddle or drop a line in the water, experiencing the Bighorn by boat will give you plenty of stories to tell back home.

And the camping! On the Montana side, near Fort Smith, RV campers will enjoy the shaded campsites at Afterbay Campground. If you’re planning to stay in Wyoming, the Horseshoe Bend Campground and Marina is nicely shaded with both water and mountain views from the campsites. You should know in advance that campsites at Bighorn NRA are almost all free of charge, and on a first-come-first-served basis, so plan your schedule to arrive near the check out times posted on the NPS site.

But what about RV campers who don’t plan to boat or fish? There’s still a vacation-full of activities available to you! The NRA’s scenic drives, historic ranches and visitor centers alone will have you wondering how many pictures your camera will hold.

Park favorites: Devil Canyon Overlook on the Wyoming side, with a dizzying view of the lake down the sides of the canyon, and Yellow Tail Dam Visitor Center near Fort Smith, MT, with its fascinating exhibits about local Native American history, ancient geology and the construction of the lake. If you prefer getting out into nature a bit more, there are twenty-five miles of hiking trails through desert canyon habitat, with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area this year! There are things for every member of your RV camping party to enjoy, whether they like their outdoor exploration from the water, on the trails or in an air conditioned visitor center. Visit the National Park Service site soon for more information on planning your own RV trip.

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Football RV Tailgating

Monty September 27, 2010
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From Pop Warner to NFL, football is one sport that inspires obsession in its fans. They’ll travel long distances, sit through freezing temperatures and dress in outrageous costumes, just to show loyalty for their favorite teams. One thing they really go all out for is RV tailgating. You won’t believe some of the things that football fans cook when they’ve got an assist from a well-equipped RV.

RV Tailgating Recipes
The things hardcore tailgating fans eat before the big game usually have their roots in the region’s culture. In the Southeast, for example, football stadium parking lots may be the place to find outstanding seafood on the grill or a pot of jambalaya heating up. Travel to the West Coast, and you might share fish tacos or stuffed jalapennos with your fellow RV tailgating fans.

The possibilities for tailgate party cuisine are endless, especially with the convenience of an RV kitchen. With today’s first-rate RV appliances, you can prep, bake and boil to your heart’s content while the tailgaters in the next parking space struggle to light their grill.

Here are some perennial favorites to prepare on game day, but feel free to add your own special touches. Make note of what makes your football fans cheer, so you’ll be ready for next season.

  • Create a burger bar grill side and add condiments and sides that express your culinary flair (think goat cheese crumbles, homemade pickles and Vidalia onion rings).
  • Thrill seafood fans by boiling shrimp, grilling salmon or pan frying catfish nuggets. Add your signature seafood sauce and big pans of hushpuppies and slaw, and you’ve got a touchdown on your hands.
  • Beat the heat at warm weather games with cool pasta, fruit and vegetable salads. Marinate steaks overnight in a teriyaki, green onion and garlic mixture and throw them on the grill just before you’re ready to serve.
  • Hollow the centers of portabellos and fill them with chopped crabmeat, goat cheese and diced red pepper. A few minutes grilled on a piece of foil and you’ve got a side dish your friends will line up for.
  • Create a sausage smorgasbord by grilling brats, Italian sausages and kielbasa. Add grilled green pepper and onion slices, sauerkraut and several varieties of mustard to an assortment of hearty rolls for an unforgettable RV tailgating party.
  • Don’t forget the desserts! Cookies, brownies, fruit kabobs or hot apple turnovers…there’s no limit to the sweet endings you can create for your tailgate parties. Just remember to keep them easy-to-eat and be sure to make plenty to share.

And we haven’t even talked about special tailgating beverages. Depending on your preferences (and your favorite stadium’s policies) you can prepare crowd-pleasing drinks with or without alcohol. Share a washtub full of cold beers with your crowd, mix up a pitcher of sweet tea or brew a big pot of coffee to fend off the chill of a snowy day. Find a drink to match your menu and you’ll soon have your own cheering section!

There’s plenty of time to plan next season’s RV tailgating menus. Check websites like JohnnyRoadtrip.com and TailGatingRecipes.org for even more recipe ideas. Test drive new recipes to make sure they’re winners before you roll up to the stadium. With a little practice, you’ll soon have your fan club cheering you on each time you start game day with your RV tailgating specialties

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California – The Place to Be If you Love the Outdoors

Monty September 24, 2010
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We at El Monte RV Rentals have been doing a lot of research on public land, public campgrounds, and private campgrounds. One thing that has become clear, California is the undisputed heavy-weight champion when it comes to getting up close and personal with Mother Nature. We created an information graphic to highlight this which we thought we would share with you:

Infographic About Public Land in California

Some interesting stat’s for California:

  • California has over 1,000 public sites operate by California State Parks or the Federal Government
  • Over 85% of the public properties have camping – that’s nearly 1,000 public campgrounds
  • There are over 300 private campgrounds
  • California’s 8 National Parks are the most of any state
  • California is home to the hottest, lowest, driest place in the U.S. – Death Valley National Park
  • California is home to one of the largest lava dome volcanoes on earth that last erupted less than 100 years ago

Activities that one can do on public land in California include:

  • Biking
  • Boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing
  • Fishing
  • Going to the beach
  • Hiking
  • Horse back riding
  • Hunting
  • Off-roading / off-highway vehicles
  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Windsurfing

If you like the infographic and would like to promote California as an outdoor destination you are free to use it with link-back attribution. See: California is the Place for Outdoor Fun for more details… Or use the HTML code below:

<a href="http://blog.elmonterv.com/wordpress/photo-gallery/index.php/2010/09/23/california-is-the-place-for-outdoor-fun/" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.elmonterv.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CA-infographic-updated-20101012.jpg" border="0" alt="California Public Land Infographic courtesy of El Monte RV Rentals" width="451" height="603" /></a><br><small>Infographic courtesy <a href="http://www.elmonterv.com/" target="_blank">El Monte RV Rentals</a></small>

http://blog.elmonterv.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CA-infographic-updated-20101012.jpg
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RV Vacation to Visit Lake Superior Lighthouses

Monty September 22, 2010
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Did you know that Lake Superior, largest of the five Great Lakes, is home to nearly three dozen lighthouses? That should be enough to get your RV out of storage and headed north to explore beauty and maritime history on an RV vacation to visit Lake Superior lighthouses!

Michigan Upper Peninsula Lighthouses
One of the most scenic spots on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is also the place to see a well-restored lighthouse built in 1871. Point Iroquois Light near Brimley features the original lighthouse tower and a picturesque two-story keeper’s dwelling. Just west down the shoreline, you can visit the site where the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald was lost. Skeleton-style Whitefish Point Lighthouse stands tall above the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum housed in the keeper’s quarters.

An additional thirteen lights have kept the shores of the Upper Peninsula safe over the years. Of special interest are Crisp Point Lighthouse, Au Sable Light Station on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, also home to an excellent maritime museum. When you need a rest from lighthouse viewing, Whitefish Hill RV Park near Rapid River comes well-recommended.

And we haven’t even mentioned the amazing collection of lights on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula! Many of these are on private property or in the process of restoration, and are best seen from the water via local charters. Two you can tour on land are Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and the Jacobsville/Portage River Light.

The truly intrepid RV traveler can park the RV for a bit and take a five-hour cruise from Houghton or Copper Harbor to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park. This rugged park, known for its backcountry hiking, boating and wildlife viewing, includes views of four historic lighthouses.

Wisconsin Lake Superior Lighthouses
Where the waters of Lake Superior wash against the Wisconsin shoreline, you’ll find a collection of lighthouses standing guard over Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Nine great lights stand in varying degrees of operation, restoration or restored glory and some are open to guided tours. On shore, you can also see Ashland Breakwater Light standing out in Chequamegon Bay. An important RV camping tip: the City of Ashland offers very affordable RV camping at Kreher Park.

Minnesota Lake Superior Lighthouses
In the Duluth, Minnesota area on Superior Bay, six lighthouses are clearly visible. From Canal Park Drive in Duluth, you’ll be able to see Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light, Duluth North Inner Breakwater Light, Duluth South Breakwater Outer Lighthouse and the ruins of Minnesota Point Light on the grounds of Sky Harbor Airport. As if that weren’t enough for lighthouse lovers, a short drive north to Two Harbors yields view of two more historic lights – Two Harbors Breakwater Light and the picturesque red brick Two Harbors Lighthouse.

As you continue your lighthouse tour of Minnesota’s “North Shore,” plan time for a stay at Lamb’s Resort in Schroeder, MN, right on the shores of Lake Superior. That positions you perfectly for a visit to breathtakingly scenic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. You can then venture a little farther north to visit Grand Marais Lighthouse before turning back for home.

Three states, three dozen lighthouses and many excellent RV camping adventures… it’s the perfect formula for some serious travel fever! An RV vacation to visit at least some of Lake Superior’s lighthouses should be on the agenda of every maritime-history-loving RV camper.

Posted in Lighthouse RV Vacation, Michigan RV Camping, Michigan RV Vacation, Minnesota RV Vacation, Wisconsin RV Camping, Wisconsin RV Vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment

RV Vacation: Visiting the Covered Bridges of New England

Monty September 20, 2010
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Picture of a Covered BridgeFor a picture postcard perfect RV vacation this Autumn, why not enjoy both the Fall foliage and the covered bridges of New England? A journey to the historic bridges of one (or all) of the New England States gets a big boost of color in Autumn. Pack your bags as we journey East on an RV vacation to visit the covered bridges of New England.

Where Exactly is “New England?”
Unless you’re from the region, you may be confusing which Eastern states make up “New England.” This wonderfully scenic region consists of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. It also encompasses some of the most scenic backroads in America, and that’s where you’ll find the fabled covered bridges of New England.

Where Will I Find New England’s Covered Bridges?

Connecticut’s Covered Bridges: This state has a nice collection of covered bridges waiting to be viewed, photographed and remembered by RV travelers. Here are some of the most popular you’ll want to be sure to visit:

  • Bulls Bridge over the Housatonic River near Kent
  • Comstock Bridge near Colchester, over the Salmon River
  • Huckleberry Hill Bridge in Avon, CT
  • Kent Falls Covered Bridge in Kent Falls State Park (especially good place for leaf peeping!)
  • West Cornwall Covered Bridge, also over the Housatonic River

Maine’s Covered Bridges: Get ready to burn up those camera batteries! Maine has an amazing variety of historic covered bridges—here are some favorites of RV travelers:

  • Artist’s Bridge near New Bethel
  • Hemlock Bridge near Fryeburg, ME
  • Lowes Bridge south of Guilford Village
  • Robyville Bridge, Robyville Village, Corinth
  • Watson Settlement Bridge over Meduxnekeag Stream near Littleton, ME

For more information on Maine’s picturesque covered wooden bridges, go to Maine’s DOT website.

Massachusetts Covered Bridges: You’ll definitely want to take a journey to Massachusetts when the leaves are turning, because they’ll form the most splendid backdrop imaginable for your covered bridge photos. The view is spectacular at Bissell Bridge near Charlemont, MA, Pumping Station Bridge over the Green River in Franklin County and the Upper Sheffield Bridge over the Housatonic in Berkshire County. You’ll also want to schedule time on your RV trip to see the Old Slab Bridge in Bristol County and the Sylacin Trust Bridge in Danvers. These are just a few of the picturesque spans in Massachusetts. For a complete listing by county, see DaleJ.Travis.com.

New Hampshire Covered Bridges: Because New Hampshire has so many covered bridges, it’s easiest to tell you where to find information for the areas you’d like to visit! NHLiving.com offers comprehensive information about New Hampshire covered bridges by region. Just a taste—the White Mountains Region is home to more than a dozen historic bridges, like the Swiftwater Bridge over the Wild Ammonoosuc River and the Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge in Woodsville. In the state’s Great North Woods Region, you’ll find beautifully restored bridges such as the Happy Corners Bridge near Pittsburg Village. No matter which areas you choose to visit in New Hampshire, you’re sure to find charming covered bridges to explore.

Rhode Island Covered Bridges: There’s a fascinating story behind Rhode Island’s only covered bridge! The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge in Foster, RI was built (twice!) by volunteers in homage to the state’s dismantled covered bridges. Be sure to stop by this bridge and learn about the dedication and generosity of Rhode Island residents hoping to build a monument to history.

Vermont’s Covered Bridges: Did you know there’s a single county in Vermont that’s home to five historic covered bridges? From the Silk Bridge, built around 1840, to West Arlington Bridge, found near a popular Inn, Bennington County, VT is a must-see on your RV vacation to visit New England’s covered bridges. FoliageVermont.com has a full listing of covered bridges and leaf-peeping tours in the Green Mountain State.

RV Camping Along the Way
So, we’ve made it through our tour of New England, armed with some new information about where to find the area’s covered bridges. Now, how to find the best RV camping? Here’s are some links to New England campground directories.

Some Other Helpful Resources

Dont miss some of our own covered bridge pictures in Monty’s RV Camping Pictures.

Plan your route and hit the back roads of New England this Autumn for some unforgettable leaf peeping and the chance to visit many memorable covered bridges on one trip.

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Top 10 National Park Service Parks for Fall Foliage

Monty September 17, 2010
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Picture of Colorful Fall LeavesIn 2009 the National Park Foundation published a list of the 10 best parks for Fall Foliage that we thought we would share with you as you start to plan your fall foliage excursions…

  1. Acadia National Park, ME
  2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
  3. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA
  4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
  5. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
  6. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, MN
  7. Mount Rainier National Park, WA
  8. New River Gorge National River, WV
  9. Saratoga National Historic Park, NY
  10. Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA

See the original at: National Park Foundation: Top Ten Parks For Fall Foliage ’09

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New Page on El Monte RV Web Sites Helps to Plan Fall Foliage Trips

Monty September 17, 2010
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In most parts of the country the leaves are just beginning to “think” about turning so there is still time to plan your fall foliage get-away.

We have put a new page on our website with a lot of wonderful links to help you plan a fall foliage excursion. Be sure to check it out: Fall Foliage Trips.

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An RV Vacation to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Monty September 15, 2010
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Picture of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation AreaAn excellent way to experience the sky-blue waters of Colorado is with an RV vacation to Curecanti National Recreation Area. No less than three reservoirs there offer RV campers the chance to really get their feet wet learning the joys of western Colorado.

What’s the Attraction at Curecanti NRA?
Located between Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado, Curecanti is home to Morrow Point, Blue Mesa and Crystal Reservoirs, formed by dams along the Gunnison River. Those picturesque bodies of water, as well as the rugged surrounding countryside, draw outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts.

Blue Mesa Reservoir, for example, attracts Kokanee salmon and lake trout fishing fans, thanks to its reputation as the one of best fisheries in the US for both species. Besides fishing, Curecanti attracts hikers in search of such distinctive views as the Dillon pinnacles, the sheer rock walls of the Black Canyon and panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The diversity of habitats to be found on this park’s trails is enough motivation to tempt thousands of hikers each year, in spite of challenging elevation changes and rugged terrain.

Here’s another way to spend your time at Curecanti National Recreation Area: on a Ranger-led tour. A popular attraction at Morrow Point Reservoir is the hour-and-a-half pontoon boat tour. There are also night-time hikes and wildlife watching hikes led by Rangers.

If we haven’t yet named your favorite outdoor activity, consider windsurfing on Blue Mesa Reservoir, sea kayaking at Morrow Point (be prepared to carry your boat down 232 steps!) or a late summer swim at Bay of Chickens beach. There are also plenty of prime spots for fly fishing in the NRA’s streams and rivers.

Before we leave the delights of Curecanti NRA, we should also point out the abundance of scenic drives through and over canyons, gorges and mountain meadows. Another attraction popular to RV campers is East Portal, site of the historic Gunnison Tunnel. Be sure to stop in at the three visitor centers for a more in-depth look at the NRA’s attractions.

The Essential Details on Curecanti NRA
So, how to get there and where to camp? It’s easy to reach Curecanti National Recreation Area, as US Hwy 50 runs through the park from Montrose to the west and Gunnison to the east. RV camping is also simple, thanks to abundant campgrounds in and around the NRA.

Here are three suggestions for RV camping in and near Curecanti National Recreation Area:

Awesome scenery, plentiful outdoor recreation possibilities and the chance to experience three reservoirs in one trip…only three of the dozens of reasons to be planning your own RV trip to Curecanti National Recreation Area!

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Close to Napa and More

Monty September 13, 2010
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Many thanks to the folks at the Novato RV Park and the Vineyard RV Park for making us aware of their fine RV Parks.

Picture of the Novato RV ParkNovato RV Park
The Novato RV Park in Novato, California gives you an excellent base of operations. San Francisco is easily accessible 25 miles to the south. Napa wine country is an easy 45 minute drive to the northeast. The wonderful beaches of Marin County can be reached 45 minutes to the west. Infineon Raceway is also only 25 to 30 minutes away and there are numerous golf courses in the area.

Other nearby attractions include the Muir Woods National Monument, and for the kids (and adults who still want to be kids) Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo.

The park itself features a convenience store and deli, a laundry room, free basic cable TV, Wi-Fi (for an additional charge), a seasonal pool, picnic area, and a public dump station (for a fee). The park also welcomes pets and there is a dog walk area.

Vineyard RV Park
Picture of the Vineyard RV ParkVineyard RV Park in Vacaville, California is also close to Napa wine country and situated for easy access to both San Francisco to the southwest and Sacramento to the northeast. It, too, is close to the Infineon Raceway.

Some other things to do in the area include the Jelly Belly Factory, an Anheuser-Busch brewery, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the Cache Creek Casino.

Vineyard RV Park features two 24-hour laundry facilities, wireless Internet access, a pool, two horseshoe pits, a gazebo picnic area, and a clubhouse/group meeting facility. The park also welcomes pets and there two off-leash dog walk areas.

Posted in CA RV Camping, CA RV Vacation, CA Vacation, CA Wine Country, RV Campgrounds | Tagged | 1 Comment

Time to Start Thinking Leaf Peeping

Monty September 10, 2010
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Fall Foliage on the Ellis River, Jackson, NHIt’s that time of year where in big parts of the United States evening temperatures are starting to cool off. This is the time of year for Mother Nature to start drawing the curtains on another year, and, in so doing, put on her annual fall foliage spectacular. To help get you in the mood we wanted to bring your attention to some posts that we have done on this in the past.

Also, be sure to check out the fall foliage pictures in Monty’s RV Camping Pictures.

…and check back often for new posts on great fall foliage travel ideas…

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