Monthly Archives: March 2011

Top Ten List of Places to See in Orlando, Florida

The City of Orlando, Florida is certainly a favorite among RV campers, thanks to its wide range of theme park entertainment. But did you know there’s a lot more to see in Orlando? Follow along as we list not only the most popular theme parks, but other fascinating attractions to fill out our top ten list of places to see in Orlando, Florida.

  1. Celebration, Florida: Don’t miss a stop at Disney’s vision for a town that’s always a celebration. The architecture, parks and non-stop special events make this town just thirty minutes from downtown Orlando the perfect side trip.
  2. Disney Theme Parks: Disney offers a stunning four theme parks and two water parks under the umbrella of Orlando-area Walt Disney World. Classic Magic Kingdom, innovative Epcot Center, wild and wooly Animal Kingdom and ever-changing Hollywood Studios will keep the family busy for weeks, not to mention stops at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach!
  3. Downtown Orlando Historic District (PDF): Take a walking tour of Orlando’s picturesque downtown district for the chance to see eight distinctive architectural styles. Since the 1880s, Orlando’s downtown district has been home to the historic churches, night clubs and other commercial concerns that helped make Orlando a southern mecca. A great opportunity to see the impact African Americans had in restoring the South’s fortunes after the Civil War.
  4. GatorLand: The quintessential South Florida experience, with more than a hundred acres of ‘gators, crocs and live animal shows.
  5. Lake Eola Park: Orlando boasts an amazing eighteen lakes within its parks system, and Lake Eola is one of the most beloved. Right in the heart of the downtown historic district, you’ll be within walking distance of shopping and dining venues while surrounded by beautiful parkland. Tip: save enough time for a swan boat ride!
  6. Leu House Museum and Gardens: Early Orlando entrepreneur, world traveler and philanthropist Harry Leu built a fabulous house on the shores of Lake Rowena in 1936. He later bequeathed it to the City of Orlando with the stipulation this National Historic Landmark home and the botanical gardens surrounding it would always be open for public tours.
  7. Loch Haven Park: Not only is this scenic green space easy on the eyes, it’s also home to four museums, two theaters and a community center! Art, science and history are on the agenda at this one-stop cultural oasis.
  8. Ripley’s Believe It or Not: From the oddly-tilting museum building to the world-class collection of the strange and wonderful, Ripley’s “Odditorium” will amaze you from start to finish.
  9. SeaWorld Orlando: Watch the amazing live shows, ride thrilling rides and hop over to SeaWorld’s Aquatica Water Park. Two-park ticket packages make these parks two of Orlando’s most visited attractions.
  10. Universal Orlando: The Universal theme parks in Orlando have something for everyone. Universal Studios Park, Islands of Adventure Park and Wet and Wild Waterpark offer your family non-stop adventure, so be sure to check for ticket packages that fit your fancy.
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Fishing and RV Camping at Texas’ Lake o’ the Pines

The fishing is almost always good in the Pineywoods Region of Texas, making it a much-loved destination for RV camping anglers. One spot in this lake-rich area that stands out is Lake o’ the Pines near the Texas/Louisiana border. Multiple RV-friendly campgrounds and a lake filled with crappie and bass should put this East Texas lake on your camping and fishing itinerary.

RV Campgrounds at Lake o’ the Pines
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does an impressive job of maintaining four RV-friendly campgrounds at Lake o’ the Pines. Alley Creek Campground on the lake’s north side, for example, offers campsites with electricity near two boat launches. Johnson Creek Campground is located along a nice pine-shaded cove with boat launches and two designated RV areas.

You’ll also find easy boat access and a courtesy dock at Brushy Creek Campground and along the coves at Buckhorn Creek Campground. All four campgrounds get high marks from fishing fans who camp here often.

Fishing at Lake o’ the Pines
As soon as you see this lake’s wide open stretches and quiet coves, you’ll want to unhook your boat from the back of the RV and get out on the water. Local fishing guides can lead you to the best angling spots, or here’s a good rundown of current Lake o’ the Pines fishing conditions from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

As mentioned earlier, this East Texas fishing hotspot is well-known for its bass and crappie possibilities. White and largemouth bass offer satisfying sport to anglers, as well as three species of crappie, channel cats and sunfish. Big Cypress Creek was dammed to create this lake, and fishing below the dam is a favorite with locals. Big Cypress Bayou, part of the largest cypress forest in the world, runs south from this lake to Lake Caddo, providing a whole new set of fishing adventures.

You’ll find more fishing information and a good bait selection at the following marinas along Lake o’ the Pines:

Just in case your RV camping crew includes non-fishermen, it’s good to know there are plenty of outdoor occupations to keep them busy. Wildlife watching and photography can keep non-anglers busy while you’re out on the water, with sightings of bald eagles, great blue herons and osprey quite common around the lake.

Hiking trails such as the Lake o’ the Pines Loop Trail lead through the area’s famous “pineywoods”, over rolling hills and along the lake’s scenic shoreline. If that’s not enough to keep them busy, the nearby river town of Jefferson, TX offers exceptional shopping and fascinating historic sites.

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Top Ten List of Places to See in San Bernardino

Hoping for a place to camp this year with plenty of attractions close by? San Bernardino, California, jewel of the “Inland Empire” thrills RV travelers with its fascinating past and access to nearby mountain resorts. Here are just ten of the reasons campers come to San Bernardino.

  1. California Theatre of the Performing Arts – This revitalized 1920s movie palace is a sight to behold, and that’s not where the fun ends. Check their schedule before you go and include a musical review, silent movie or concert in your vacation agenda.
  2. Court Street Square – A lovely green space in the center of town, Court Street Square is home to concerts, a farmers market and lively community events that will add spice to your stay in San Bernardino.
  3. Fullerton Museum of Art – Cal State San Bernardino – Looking for a bit of culture on your RV camping vacation? Visit the campus of Cal State San Bernardino, where the Fullerton Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of Egyptian art as well as diverse temporary exhibitions.
  4. Inland Empire 66ers Single-A Minor League Baseball Team – While RV camping in San Bernardino, don’t miss the chance to see great baseball at Arrowhead Credit Union Park. The “66ers” deliver exciting baseball action in their beautiful new stadium, so plan to see a game on your trip.
  5. Mountain Skies Astronomy Village – Visit a world-class observatory and enjoy fascinating astronomy exhibits while surrounded by the beauty of Lake Arrowhead. Check their schedule to make sure they’re open before you go; you won’t want to miss Mountain Skies.
  6. Pioneer Memorial Cemetery – Travel back in time at Pioneer Cemetery on 9th Street in San Bernardino, where graves dating back to California’s earliest settlers offer clues into the past.
  7. San Bernardino National Forest – Eight hundred thousand acres of mountains, lakes and spectacular views are waiting to entice you into an extended stay. Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Rim of the World Scenic Highway are just three of the awe-inspiring reasons to spend time in the forest.
  8. San Gorgonio Wilderness – Hit the trails in this wilderness for an unforgettable vacation experience. Go all the way to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain or hike through mountain meadows, along remote lakeshores and within the peaceful sanctuary of pine and aspen forests.
  9. Seccombe Lake Park – An urban oasis that’s the perfect place to picnic with the family, without ever leaving the city!
  10. Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous – Celebrate legendary Route 66 and the classic cars that traveled it from coast to coast at San Bernardino’s annual Rendezvous. Four fall days, thousands of classic cars and activities for the whole family throughout downtown San Bernardino.
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Visiting Great Falls of the Potomac by RV

Planning an RV trip to the Washington, DC area this summer? There’s a place just a few minutes away that will thrill the heart of any nature lover. That scenic spot is the Great Falls of the Potomac, one of the most popular attractions along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Formed by granite outcroppings in the Potomac River, the Great Falls provide outstanding views and recreation opportunities.

The Potomac River is the boundary between Northern Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. Thanks to the foresight of the National Park Service, it’s easy to view the falls and explore the Great Falls area. On the Virginia side of the Falls you’ll find Great Falls Park, complete with three scenic overlooks and a visitor center. All three overlooks are a short walk from the visitor center and two of them are equipped for wheelchair access.

A system of trails helps hikers explore the historic Potomac Canal and view the Falls from unique vantage points. If you’re pulling a horse trailer behind that RV, you’ll appreciate that a section of the trails is open to horseback riding enthusiasts. You can also ride your bike five miles along the swiftly-flowing Potomac, and bird watching fans can spy dozens of species near the Great Falls.

Fishermen will find great sport in the Great Falls area, but please note that no one is allowed to wade or swim in the Potomac River due to dangerous currents. Experienced paddlers may want to test their skills in the Class VI rapids that lure the best kayakers in the country each year.

RV travelers may be wondering where to camp when visiting the Great Falls of the Potomac. There are no campgrounds within Great Falls Park, but plenty of campsites are available nearby. One family-friendly option is Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia, just fifteen minutes from the Falls. This park offers full-service campsites plus The Water Mine water park, great lake fishing and picturesque picnic areas.

Another nearby RV camping option is across the Potomac from Great Falls Park at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Three campgrounds there allow RV camping and this fascinating historical park gives visitors another chance to learn about the Great Falls region.

Not yet persuaded to visit Great Falls Park in Virginia? Here are three ways RV campers can enjoy the park even more:

  1. Ranger-led Falls Walks and Ranger Rendezvous events allow visitors to explore this scenic region with a well-trained guide.
  2. A section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, an epic collection of DC-area trails and byways, runs through Great Falls Park.
  3. The remains of the Potomac Canal system, first planned by George Washington, are within the national park boundaries, giving a glimpse into commerce after the Revolutionary War.

Nature-loving RV travelers should definitely plan time to visit the Great Falls of the Potomac while in Northern Virginia. The beauty of the area and the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities promise to keep your campers completely engaged.

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Mississippi RV Vacation Destination – Stennis Space Center

Here at El Monte RV Rentals, we’re always on the lookout for places our readers can visit within easy reach of top-notch RV campgrounds. The Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi definitely fills the bill. Use these tips to plan your own trip to this premier Gulf Coast destination.

What to Do at Stennis Space Center
One thing Hancock County, MS and the folks at Stennis Space Center do well is offering visitors a gracious welcome. The tour bus to the Space Center actually begins at the Hancock County Welcome Center (PDF)on I-10. This gives visitors a chance to learn more about Bay St Louis area attractions, as well as giving them a guide-hosted ride to Stennis Space Center.

What you’ll find once your tour bus arrives is an amazing complex of space shuttle engine testing areas and the StenniSphere Visitors Center. Inside the StenniSphere, there’s a wide array of exhibits explaining past NASA missions, a fascinating collection of space exploration memorabilia and exhibits that teach visitors about the Gulf Coast.

Plan to spend several hours touring the StenniSphere—there’s even a “RocKeTeria” serving meals to hungry visitors! The kids will love the hands-on exhibits that let them test rocket engines and simulate space travel. RV travelers tells us the outdoor exhibits are equally engaging, giving an up-close view of rockets, space shuttle engines and aircraft used by the NASA.

Once you’ve visited Stennis Space Center, be sure to visit historic Bay St. Louis, a beach-front town that’s weathered the storms and still offers a charming experience to its visitors. A helpful guide to the city’s many attractions can be found at MSWestCoast.org.

Where to Camp in Bay St. Louis
Top-rated campgrounds close to Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis include these award winners:

There’s really no “bad” place to camp in Bay St. Louis, with ocean-front camping and quiet, tree-lined campgrounds throughout the area.

Stretch your minds with mind-boggling scientific exhibits celebrating our nation’s space exploration, and then stretch out on a beach or in a lawn chair under the trees. That’s what you can look forward to on a trip to Stennis Space Center and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures!

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RV Vacation Ideas in Southern Idaho

Need ideas for an exciting RV camping vacation within three hours of Salt Lake City? Southern Idaho has an amazing array of top vacation spots. Ancient volcanoes, hundreds of freshwater springs and a wild and scenic river set the stage for days filled with outdoor adventure. Take a trip to Southern Idaho this summer; it’s a place we recommend all RV campers visit at least once.

So what’s so special about Southern Idaho? That’s a big topic, so let’s break it down into three popular RV vacation styles.

Sight-seeing RV Vacation in Southern Idaho

You’re going to find breathtaking scenery no matter where you drive in Southern Idaho, but here are two of the most memorable scenic drives in the region:

  • Thousand Springs Scenic Byway: Witness the awesome sight of hundreds of freshwater springs emerging from the rocky sides of the Snake River Canyon. Highway 30 from Bliss, ID to Twin Falls follows this rugged canyon for almost seventy miles through historic western towns, the Thousand Springs State Park Complex and dozens of fascinating attractions. Here’s an excellent brochure on Thousand Springs Scenic Byway (PDF) to help plan your trip.
  • City of Rocks Back Country Byway: Wind your way through Western history as you explore the Albion Mountains from Albion, ID to Oakley. Starkly beautiful City of Rocks National Reserve is worth a long stop, as are historic Oakley, ID and Lake Cleveland Recreation Area.

Family RV Camping Trip to Southern Idaho
Not only does Southern Idaho promise plenty of room for the kids to climb, hike and explore, there are also many attractions with built-in lessons in history and geology. Imagine, for example, letting the family loose to learn about ancient volcanoes at Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Or picture your family’s RV parked at Anderson Camp in Twin Falls, just a short drive from Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, home to a million steelhead annually. And don’t miss the chance to see an Oregon Trail trading post at Rock Creek Station and Stricker Homesite.

For a soothing trip to one of the area’s most famous attractions, visit Miracle Hot Springs near Buhl, ID, where you can soak away your troubles in the healing waters and visit the attraction’s famous alligators! By the way, there’s an RV campground on-site.

Adventure RV Camping in Southern Idaho
The splendidly rugged geography of Southern Idaho can unlock weeks of outdoor adventure for RV camping fans. Here are five ideas for experiencing the region at its wildest:

  1. Rock climbing at City of Rocks National Reserve
  2. Snake River Whitewater Rafting
  3. Hiking and Mountain Biking Through Sawtooth National Forest
  4. Southern Idaho Trout Fishing
  5. Parasailing Over Sun Valley

Ready to roll this summer to Southern Idaho? VisitSouthIdaho.com is an excellent resource for more information about area attractions. Float the Snake River, fish for trout in a mountain stream or explore the secrets of an ancient lava bed. Whatever outdoor activity gets you on the road, Southern Idaho has a place to make it happen.

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RV Camping at Michigan’s Van Buren State Park

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren State Park is an active RV camping family’s wonderland. With a gorgeous beach, scenic hiking trails and affordable RV camping, this state park meets our seal of approval for a great vacation spot.

Just two hours’ drive from Chicago along I-90, the park is easy to reach. Once there, here’s what you can expect to enjoy at Michigan’s Van Buren State Park.

Van Buren State Park Campgrounds
Doesn’t it whet your RV camping appetite to read “220 campsites just 400 yards from Lake Michigan?” These up-to-date campsites offer electric hookups (some 50-amp), as well as clean, modern restrooms and showers just steps away.

The Van Buren State Park setting is best described as “rolling dunes, a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and beautifully-wooded recreation areas.” You can reserve your Van Buren State Park campsite here. At $22 for the most expensive site, this is definitely a bargain thrifty RV campers will appreciate.

The Van Buren Trail
One of the best reasons to travel to this Michigan state park is for the chance to travel the 14-mile Van Buren Trail. With a dirt and gravel surface suitable for biking, hiking and horseback riding, it’s a great day trip for active families. The trailhead is located just minutes away in South Haven, MI.

The trail is also very affordable, just seven dollars for a family day pass and three dollars for individuals. That pass will also give you access to the 33-mile Kal-Haven Trail from South Haven to Kalamazoo, if you’re planning to stay a little longer.

Van Buren State Park Beach and Dunes
We can’t mention a Lake Michigan campground without mentioning the beautiful beaches! Van Buren State Park’s mile-long stretch of beach is no exception. Lie on the sand beach and while away the day or splash in the waves of Lake Michigan. Photograph the area’s “high dunes” and watch for wildlife and birds through your camera lens. You decide how to spend your time on this state park’s idyllic beach front.

Area Attractions
Before you leave the South Haven, Michigan area, experience the charm of this historic resort town. Here are just a few ways to immerse yourselves in this Lake Michigan community:

The shores of Lake Michigan are a place all motorhome camping families should experience! Book your campsite at Van Buren State Park in South Haven to discover the lure this area has had for campers for more than a century.

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Bryce Canyon National Park – an RV Itinerary

Picture of Thors Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park

Thor's Hammer

There’s no better way to break the “ho-hums” of everyday life than with a trip to a natural wonderland. Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah will astonish RV travelers with its brilliantly colored vistas. We highly recommend this national park to all our RV rental customers, and we’ve gone the extra mile to gather the information you need.

To begin, let’s look at the campgrounds available in and around Bryce Canyon National Park. Inside the park, the National Park Service operates two “no hookups” campgrounds with drinking water and modern restrooms on-site. These are known as the “North Campground” near the Visitor Center and the Sunset Campground near the most popular trailheads. Check the links for reservation information and any seasonal closures.

Outside the park, you’ll find very comfortable camping at Ruby’s Inn Campground, just minutes from the park entrance (also a great place to catch the park shuttle.) Bryce Canyon Pines RV Campground is also very near the national park and features pine-tree lined campsites, a grocery store and other attractive amenities.

What You’ll See at Bryce Canyon
The brilliantly-colored rock spires known as “hoodoos” are the star attractions at Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll want to spend plenty of time taking photos at spots like the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre, Piracy Point and Thor’s Hammer. Keep an eye out for the park’s abundant prairie dogs, and a rich display of other wildlife.

But if you’re hoping to get even closer to the wonders of Bryce Canyon, take a hike on one of the park’s scenic trails. Favorites with visitors include the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points, the Peek-a-Boo Loop through the center of the amphitheater and the eight-mile Fairyland Loop. Trail rides offered by concessionaires, ranger-led talks and a special Night Sky Astronomy Program will add special memories to your trip.

So, how to get to this marvelous vacation mecca? First, check with Salt Lake City or Las Vegas El Monte RV Rentals if you need to rent an RV for your trip. Once you’re on the road, Bryce Canyon National Park is about an hour east of I-15 (Cedar City, UT) on Utah Hwy 14 through the Dixie National Forest (a gorgeous place, itself!) It’s located about four hours’ drive from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

Wake up your sleeping senses soon with an RV camping trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. Beautiful scenery, fascinating wildlife and great campgrounds make it a favorite place for RV travelers to break out of the doldrums.

The picture of Thor’s Hammer is by Martyn Jones from Wikipedia. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

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Hit the New England Trails

How about hitting a trail for New England Vacation fun? New England offers many different types of trails for many different types of vacation experiences. Following are the major trails that you can hit for New England vacation fun and adventure.

Outdoor Trails

If you like your trails rugged and outdoors then New England has some great challenges for you:

  • Appalachian Trail – If hiking is your thing there are 733.9 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Maine part of the trail is generally considered to be the most difficult in the entire trail.
  • Long Trail – If the Appalachian Trail is not enough hiking for you, how about tackling America’s oldest long distance trail, the Long Trail. This trail is 273 miles long running the entire north to south distance of Vermont. There are also 175 miles of side trails.
  • Northern Forest Canoe Trail – Not to leave paddlers out of the picture, New England is home to nearly 80% of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a 740 mile long canoe and kayak trail that runs from New York to Maine.

Driving Trails

If you prefer more of a highways and byways type of trail, New England still does no disappoint. In New England you will find:

Winter Trail

While probably not as much interest to an RVing crowd, we would be remiss if we did not mention another trail that really shines in the winter time. That would be the Catamount Trail. The Catamount Trail is North America’s longest back country cross country ski trail running 300 miles – the entire north to south distance of Vermont.

So there you have it. If you want to hit a trail for a New England Vacation, the above should keep you busy for a long time.

This blog post was kindly provided to us by Travel New England. See their website for additional New England Vacation ideas.

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RV Camping Trek to Capulin Volcano National Monument

Picture of Capulin Volcano National Monument, New MexicoWhat would the kids think of an RV camping trek this year that includes hiking into a volcano? Northeast New Mexico’s Capulin Volcano National Monument gets our “thumbs up” for spectacular scenery and the chance to explore ancient geological mysteries.

To arrive at this seven-thousand foot wonder, travel I-25 south across the Colorado border to Raton, NM (four hours from Denver) and then thirty-three miles east on US Hwy 64/87. You can also travel I-25 north from Albuquerque (about four hours).

What can you expect to see once you’ve arrived? This is no inaccessible volcanic cone meant to be photographed from a distance! There’s a twisty, windy two-mile paved road best navigated in your tow vehicle (no trailers on Volcano Road) that runs all the way to the top of the cone.

From there you can see miles and miles of ancient volcanic field. All around are views that are the stuff of legendary vacation photos, so pack plenty of film or batteries!

But that’s not where the funs stops. There’s also a one-mile paved Crater Rim Hiking Trail that promises a 360-degree view of the crater. In addition, there’s a paved Crater Vent Hiking Trail that leads all the way to the bottom of the crater.

Other unpaved hiking trails lead through the lava flows at the base of the volcano. Here’s a tip RV camping families will appreciate—strollers and pets aren’t allowed on the trails, so be sure to plan ahead. Plan enough time on your trip to Capulin Volcano to attend ranger-led excursions that explain not only the crater’s geological significance but also the role it played along two historic trails!

RV Campgrounds Near Capulin Volcano
It’s good to know where the best motorhome camping can be found before you go, so we’ve collected a list of campgrounds near Capulin Volcano National Monument.

  • Capulin RV Park offers a “horse hotel”, wifi and a country store, just three miles from the national monument.
  • Cedar Rail RV Park works well if you’re coming from Colorado. It’s just 30 miles west of the volcano, at the top of Raton Pass.
  • Raton KOA Kampground is conveniently located near I-25 and close to all Northern New Mexico attractions.
  • Sugarite Canyon State Park, a ruggedly beautiful area with historic significance of its own, has forty developed campsites near Raton.

Camping in an RV near Capulin Volcano National Monument allows you to savor the beauty of sage-covered mountains while enjoying the amenities that make a trip comfortable. If you’re looking for a place to entertain the family in a wondrous natural environment, we highly recommend an RV camping trek to Capulin Volcano National Monument.

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