Monthly Archives: June 2011

Ten Ways to Spend a Week RV Camping Near Boston

Monty June 29, 2011
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Boston, Massachusetts is another place our RV rental customers love to visit. Surrounded by the beauty of Cape Cod, the rivers of Western Massachusetts and hundreds of sites with historic interest, Boston is an exciting place to spend at least a week RV camping. Pick up your Boston RV rental at our Sutton, MA El Monte RV rental location and then hit the road! By the way, if you’re planning to stay near Sutton at least one night, Kings’ Campground on pristine Lake Manchaug promises a delightful stay.

  1. The Deerfield River, two hours west of Boston, offers adventurous RVers the perfect whitewater rafting venue. Whether you’re looking for Class IV rapids or a milder, family-style float trip, the three dammed areas of the Deerfield promise beautiful scenery and plenty of rafting fun. VisitMassachusetts.com has helpful information on whitewater rafting outfitters.
  2. Hoping for a place that includes history, scenic beauty and enough variety to keep the whole RV camping crew busy? Essex National Heritage Area is a five hundred square mile area in Northeast Massachusetts that encompasses historic sites like Balch House, oldest standing house in North America, beautiful beaches like Crane Beach in Ipswich and hundreds of miles of trails such as the Bay Circuit Trail.
  3. Minute Man National Historical Park – Step back into Revolutionary War history by exploring the park celebrating the skirmish that started it all. Bike along five-mile Battle Road Trail and visit spots that played a big role in the early Revolution, like Hartwell Tavern and Concord’s North Bridge.
  4. Looking forward to magnificent views of the Connecticut River and the Berkshires? Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation in Northwestern Massachusetts has the vistas you’re hoping to find. Set up camp at White Birch Campground, just down the road in Whately, MA, and then hit the trails with camera in hand!
  5. The shark and ray touch tank are just one reason to visit the New England Aquarium on Boston’s Central Wharf. Take a catamaran whale watching tour or simply lose yourself in the beauty of this first-class aquarium’s well-planned exhibits.
  6. Old Sturbridge Village, a quick hour west of Boston, is a living history exhibit that lets your family explore 18th and 19th century New England life. Quinebaug Cove Campground on Brimfield Reservoir is minutes away from Old Sturbridge Village, and also gives RV campers the chance to fish, swim and hike a picturesque Massachusetts lake.
  7. Another fascinating peek into America’s early white settlement can be had at Plimouth Plantation, an hour from Boston. Park your RV in the spacious RV parking area and tour the fabulous Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that first brought Pilgrims here in 1620. RV travelers also report that the 17th century village and the rare animal farm keep them coming back.
  8. Just up the coast from Boston in the Northshore area, the seaside village of Salisbury, MA features sandy beaches, outdoor recreation on the Merrimack River and lots of vintage appeal. Black Bear Campground in Salisbury is close to dozens of regional attractions.
  9. Scusset Beach State Reservation makes a wonderful stop of your Boston RV camping trip! Camp at the RV campground on-site and then walk or bike along the Cape Cod Canal. Be sure to bring a camera, the sunrise is spectacular! See here for additional beaches on Cape Cod.
  10. Wells State Park offers Boston RV camping fans the chance to stretch out among the trees in a beautiful campground. Campers have access to a nice swimming beach on Walker Pond, where you can also canoe and fish. And don’t miss the view from Carpenter Rocks!
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Top Ten Outdoor Spaces Near Norco, California

Monty June 27, 2011
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Southern California’s outdoor spaces are legendary and our readers love to explore them by RV. The town of Norco, California, also known as “Horsetown USA“, is centrally located to allow you to discover the beauty of SoCal’s national parks and forests, as well as regional lakes and a delightful range of beaches. We’ve picked our top ten outdoor spaces near Norco, California. Use our list or discover your own favorites, and be sure to let us know about your Norco RV camping vacation.

  1. Angeles National Forest – More than half a million acres, dozens of developed campgrounds and outdoor recreation galore keep millions coming back to this urban forest. Park the RV at a forest campsite and then hike, fish for rainbow trout at oases like Pyramid Lake, photograph endlessly splendid views and play at developed areas like Table Mountain and Mount Baldy.
  2. Bolsa Chica State Beach – Love surf fishing, or maybe biking past ocean vistas? Bolsa Chica State Beach is a quick jaunt southwest from Norco at Huntington Beach, a perfect day trip for your RV camping family. Don’t forget the picnic basket!
  3. Cleveland National Forest – Why not take your camping crew to a place where they’ll discover forest, desert and wildflower-filled meadows, all on the same hike? Cleveland National Forest, a couple of hours south of Norco, promises extraordinary views from the Sunrise Scenic Byway and an amazingly diverse section of the continent-spanning Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
  4. Joshua Tree National Park – The first time you climb through a boulder field and spy a stand of tall, spiky Joshua Trees, you’ll know you’ve come to a special place. The vast beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is revealed in layers as you and your family journey through more than 800,000 acres of Colorado Desert, slices of six mountain ranges and the awe-inspiring rock mounds peculiar to the area. Use the link above to check campground amenities and regulations, and by all means plan to spend time getting to know this spectacular landscape.
  5. Lake Elsinore – What could be more refreshing than the bright blue of a California mountain lake? Lake Elsinore welcomes motorhome camping fans with great campgrounds, swimming beaches, trails and fishing opportunities, so why not come stay a few days while visiting Norco?
  6. Lake Skinner – An hour south of Norco in Temecula’s Wine Country, Lake Skinner is a lovely place to set up camp. Take a stroll through the deep green forests as your favorite anglers try their hand at catching bass. The convenient amenities and peaceful outdoor setting makes this SoCal lake another favorite with our readers.
  7. Mojave National Preserve – Turn your RV northeast from Norco about one hundred fifty miles to find a desert wonderland unlike any other in America. The Mojave National Preserve is very popular with our Norco RV rental clients. The Kelso “Singing” Dunes alone are worth the journey. Also plan to see the Cinder Cones National Natural Landmark, the Kelso Depot and the awesome towers of the Granite Mountains. Camping here is easy, so plan to see it all!
  8. Newport Municipal Beach and Pier – Hoping for time in surf and sand while RV camping in California? Your whole family will love this stretch of beach on the Balboa Peninsula. Walk the boardwalk, learn to surf, let the young ones take a spin at an area skatepark. There’s so much to do and see at Newport Beach, you’ll want to stay until the sun sets over the Pacific!
  9. San Bernardino National Forest – Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and the San Jacinto Mountains; these legendary outdoor playgrounds and more lie within the vast San Bernardino National Forest. A half dozen beautifully-forested recreation areas host campgrounds close to a variety of hiking, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.
  10. San Onofre Beach – An hour south of Norco, CA at Oceanside, San Onofre State Beach is a wonderful place to stretch out and enjoy the sun. Three thousand acres of sandstone cliffs, scenic Pacific beach front and beach-access RV campsites at the San Mateo camping area will hold the interest of any RV camper. Sit and listen to the surf or hike the trails up the bluffs. Any surfers in your group? The waves here are first class!
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Top 10 State & National Parks near Villa Park, IL

Monty June 24, 2011
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The Chicago suburb of Villa Park not only boasts an El Monte RV Rentals location, it’s also within easy driving distance of many state and national parks. Here are our top ten favorites:

  1. Apple River Canyon State Park – Fish for trout in this scenic canyon about three hours west of Villa Park. With campgrounds in the forest, five easy to moderately challenging trails and plenty of wildlife watching opportunities, it’s a great place to play with the kids and grand kids!
  2. Chain ‘O Lakes State Park – An hour north of Chicago at the Wisconsin border you’ll discover a camping and boating paradise. Lakes Marie, Grass and Nippersink have shoreline within the park and the Fox River also runs within its boundaries. Plan to take advantage of the Class A-Premium campsites and the park’s hiking and equestrian trails.
  3. Illinois Beach State Park – Six and a half miles of Lake Michigan beach front showcase an outdoor wonderland just an hour north of Villa Park. Swim, explore the dunes, hike the trails, fish in the inland ponds or Lake Michigan and be sure to reserve a campsite at the large on-site campground.
  4. Kankakee River State Park – Travel an hour south of Villa Park to Bourbonnais, Illinois to experience Kankakee River State Park. Fish the clean waters here for smallmouth bass, or paddle the eleven mile stretch of the Kankakee within the park’s boundaries. Take advantage of the nicely-maintained campgrounds while you’re here, and don’t forget to pack the mountain bikes!
  5. Lincoln Home National Historic Park – Prior to becoming President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and his family lived in Springfield, Illinois. Visit this charming home and neighborhood where interpretive centers, National Park Service rangers and innovations such as cell phone tours help make history fascinating for you and your family. Less than two hundred miles south of Villa Park!
  6. Mississippi Palisades State Park – Where the Mighty Mississippi flows into Spring Lake on the Iowa border is a place highly-rated by rock climbers. Camp in nicely-wooded campsites and spend your time here hiking the rugged trails, climbing limestone bluffs or catching catfish on the Mississippi River.
  7. Rock Cut State Park – Two lakes within this gorgeous green space near the Wisconsin border mean more than enough recreation for your RV camping crew. Rent a boat and discover the joys of Pierce Lake or go for a swim at Olson Lake. You’ll also find forty miles of trails waiting to stretch your legs.
  8. Shawnee National Forest – Southwest of St. Louis, MO in the southern tip of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest unwinds between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Campgrounds abound in this southern Illinois national forest; consider staying at more than one on your trip. Take a hike on the River-to-River Trail or ride your horse beside the picturesque lakes tucked among dunes and forests.
  9. Weldon Springs State Park – With plenty of short, easily hiked trails, a hands-on historic interpretive center and a campground named one of America’s best by Family Circle Magazine, Weldon Springs is the perfect site for your family RV vacation.
  10. White Pines Forest State Park – Go west about two hours from Villa Park to find pristine white pine forests and high limestone bluffs through which lively streams crisscross. Fish or hike, enjoy RV camping in the forest and explore the lands once treasured by the Blackhawk Native American tribe.
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Top Ten Reasons to Camp in Kingston, PA

Monty June 22, 2011
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On the banks of Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River sits the Borough of Kingston, first settled in 1771. Just across the river from Wilkes-Barre, it can be the starting point of a great Northeastern Pennsylvania RV vacation.

There are dozens of great reasons to go RV camping near Kingston, Pennsylvania. We’d like to share our Top Ten.

Number One – Susquehanna River Recreation
Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are just three of the ways RV travelers can explore the Mighty Susquehanna. The Susquehanna River Trail presents so much more than a day on the water to paddlers. A string of scenic islands, picturesque bridges and a fascinating collection of wildlife make this waterway one of the most popular in the Northeast.

Number Two – Pocono Downs Harness Racing & Casino
Just fifteen minutes from downtown Kingston, RV campers can experience both the excitement of live harness racing and top-notch casino gaming. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, across the river in Wilkes-Barre, offers harness racing March through November, four days each week. There’s also a first-rate casino on-site with more than two thousand slots and virtual table games.

Number Three – Pocono International Raceway
Did you know the average NASCAR Sprint Cup fan drives three hundred miles to a race? Why not, instead, fly into Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, pick up your ready-to-roll El Monte RV Rental in Kingston (just fourteen miles away) and drive only forty-five minutes to Pocono Raceway? There are campsites available right in the infield, so be sure to make your reservations for an unforgettable NASCAR experience!

Number Four – Frances Slocum State Park
Hoping for a quiet campsite near a lake where the fishing’s fine? Frances Slocum State Park, a quick ten minutes from Kingston, has a full-service campground near the water where crappie, bluegill, trout and bass are waiting.

Number Five – Poconos Lakes Region
A little over an hour east of Kingston is the lushly-green Poconos Lakes Region, where mountain lakes like Wallenpaupack cater to outdoors enthusiasts. At Lake Wallenpaupack, owned by Pennsylvania Power & Light, five developed campgrounds offer comfortable RV camping in a Poconos Mountains setting. You’ll also find boat tours, boat and watercraft rentals and miles of scenic hiking trails.

Number Six – Northeastern Pennsylvania Golfing
Love to golf while on your RV camping trips? Northeastern Pennsylvania has a nice variety of championship 18-hole and 9-hole courses open to the public. Try Homestead Golf Course in Carbondale, PA, Red Maples 9-hole public course in South Canaan or Pine Hills Golf Course near Scranton for a challenging day of golf within an hour of Kingston.

Number Seven – Bushkill Falls
Reward yourself for taking a hike with breathtaking views of eight waterfalls within this gorgeous nature preserve. An hour and a half southeast of Kingston, adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill Falls is worth spending the day getting lost in the beauty of nature.

Number Eight – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Looking for a place to spend several days near Kingston? Delaware Water Gap NRA is a splendid outdoor playground an hour and a half away. Follow the Delaware River for forty miles on the Appalachian Trail and other top-ranked hiking and biking paths. Explore the Water Gap’s scenic drives. Paddle your way through outrageously beautiful waterways. And plan to camp at one of nearly two dozen campgrounds near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PDF).

Number Nine – Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Imagine traveling below ground in a mine car three hundred feet to the depths of a Pennsylvania “deep mine” to learn how coal miners excavated anthracite for one hundred years. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and adjacent Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton are a fascinating way to spend an afternoon.

Number Ten – Poconos Antique Shopping!
Fabulous antiques finds abound in the Poconos, especially in Wayne, Pike and Sullivan Counties. The Antiques Dealers Association for those counties has created a very helpful guide to finding the treasures you’ll want to take home from your Pennsylvania RV camping trip.

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An RV Camping Vacation to Johnson Space Center

Monty June 20, 2011
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A perennial favorite with visitors to Houston is Johnson Space Center, where astronauts are trained and space travel explained in fascinating ways. On your next RV camping trip to Houston, be sure to book time for a visit to this exciting space-centered attraction.

What to See at Johnson Space Center
There’s something to please everyone in your group when you visit Johnson Space Center, thanks to ever-changing exhibits, exciting behind-the-scenes tours and innovative theaters where enormous screens bring to life the thrill of space exploration

Here’s a quick list of the top attractions you’ll find at Johnson Space Center:

  • Astronaut Gallery – See the suits that kept space travelers safe and a complete collection of photos of every US space mission crew member.
  • NASA Tram Tour – Space aficionados will love traveling into NASA’s inner workings as this guided tram tour travels to Mission Control, Rocket Park and other fascinating centers of space travel activity.
  • The Feel of Space – Land the space shuttle and learn to eat in space by trying your hand at each of the space training modules in this light-hearted exhibit.
  • Space Center Theaters – Three uniquely different theaters offer an exhilarating experience. Be sure to visit Starship Gallery, Space Center Theater and Blast Off Theater to get the full effect.

There’s also a whimsical Kids Space Place, where science and fun blend in kid-friendly interactive exhibits.

Where to Camp Near Johnson Space Center
South Houston and its suburbs are ready and waiting to welcome RV travelers. The large number of tourists, workers on long-term assignments and “snow birds” coming to Houston have created an explosion of comfortable, affordable RV campgrounds. Space Center RV Park in League City, for example, is five minutes from the Space Center and offers discount tour tickets, a fitness center and room for the biggest rigs.

Twenty minutes down the road in Dickinson, Texas, parks like Green Caye RV Park are also an affordable option close to the Space Center. One more highly-rated campground in the area is Marina Bay RV Resort in Kemah, TX, on the shores of Clear Lake.

Area Attractions Near Johnson Space Center
Johnson Space Center is definitely a star attraction in Houston, but there are plenty of other exciting ways to spend the rest of your vacation. Kemah Boardwalk, for instance, is a day’s worth of oceanside fun where eateries, shops, thrilling rides and live entertainment will delight and amuse.

Another popular Houston getaway is hauntingly beautiful Armand Bayou Nature Center. Take a pontoon boat tour through the bayou and learn about animal and marine life at captivating exhibits. Be sure to hike the Center’s trails and spend time photographing the bison herd from the observation deck for an authentic coastal Texas experience.

One more tip for rounding out your RV camping trip to visit Houston’s Johnson Space Center: you’ll be only half an hour away from picturesque Galveston Island. Make this day trip a part of your Houston itinerary for an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s beauty and history.

Johnson Space Center earns high marks from seasoned RV travelers, so why not head south to Houston on your next RV camping trip? Once you’re there, there will be plenty to keep your entire party busy and great coastal RV camping to be enjoyed.

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RV Camping the Mountains to Sound Greenway

Monty June 17, 2011
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Itching to go on an epic RV camping journey where lakes, mountains and national forests are your playgrounds? Washington’s I-90 passes east from Seattle through the Mountains to Sound Greenway, revealing superb scenery, dozens of outdoor recreation venues and historic towns that celebrate Washington’s past.

Before you discount this route’s 100-mile length as a day trip, consider that this is a byway to be savored. Bring your hiking shoes, fishing gear and mountain bikes. Camp along the way in one or more national forests and spend your nights in serene settings. Plan at least a day to explore the wonders of Seattle and Puget Sound. It’s all there on the Mountains to Sound Greenway, waiting for RVers to discover it.

Start your journey in Seattle at the Log House Museum, just off historic Alki Beach Park. The museum unfolds Seattle’s earliest history, and Alki Beach offers marvelous views of both Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Another exciting way to spend an afternoon is to rent a kayak and explore Union Bay Natural Area or Lake Washington.

And then it’s east on I-90, through the Mount Baker Tunnel and across the floating bridge to Mercer Island. Skirt across the northern end of the Island and over the East Channel Bridge to Bellevue, WA. If you’re ready for more outdoor recreation, don’t leave Bellevue without paddling Mercer Slough.

From there it’s a short trip east to the heart of the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Plan plenty of time to make stops at such scenic sites as Lake Sammamish State Park, where boating, swimming and blue heron watching are popular activities. Active RV campers are also going to want some time on the Issaquah-Preston Trail at the south end of the lake.

As you continue east along I-90, you’ll be surrounded by memorable mountain scenery. Choose a side trip to Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, a hike along Rattlesnake Ridge in the “Issaquah Alps” or spend the night at Tinkham Campground in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

One of the highlights of this drive is crossing over three-thousand-foot Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascades. All around you’ll be blessed with views of a vast wilderness in which you’ll find trailheads to some of the best trails in the Pacific Northwest. Consider hiking a section of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail or take the hike up Granite Mountain just west of the Pass.

You might also want to paddle the Snoqualmie River and stay to fish for salmon. The Middle Fork National Recreation Area, just off the Greenway, offers abundant hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and sitting-back-and-relaxing-in-nature possibilities.

And did we mention the charming towns at the east end of the Mountains to Sound Greenway? Thorp, WA, well-known for its fruit stands, is also home to Thorp Mill, an interpretive center that tells the history of the Kittitas Valley. To learn even more about Eastern Washington history while experiencing nature at its best, travel the five mile Coal Mines Trail through historic mining towns Cle Elun, Roslyn and Ronald.

There are outdoor adventures everywhere along Washington’s Mountains to Sound Greenway. Why not take your family into the wilderness on this year’s RV camping journey?

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Driving the Dinosaur Diamond by RV

Monty June 15, 2011
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Where else but Western Colorado and Eastern Utah do RV travelers have the chance to explore prehistoric America while enjoying outstanding outdoor recreation? The Dinosaur Diamond, five hundred miles of scenery, ancient history and outdoor play, is a fantastic family RV vacation destination.

Discovering the Dinosaur Diamond

The enormous area covering portions of two states can make the Dinosaur Diamond drive seem daunting. Fortunately, DinosaurDiamond.org has put together four helpful maps to keep your vacation on track. Here’s the basic route shown on those maps:

  • From the East, start your vacation at Grand Junction, CO, four hours from Denver on I-70. Then it’s time to head northwest just twelve miles to the town of Fruita, CO, where Colorado National Monument is waiting to amaze you. Even if you only have time to hike one of the many trails at the monument, the tall mesas and sweeping red rock canyons might just reveal rare wildlife such as golden eagles and carnivorous collared lizards!
  • Colorado’s Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway then turns north on Hwy 139 toward Dinosaur National Monument by way of Douglas Pass. Although the Discovery Center is closed for remodeling until September 2011, there is plenty to do at this Monument to America’s prehistoric past. Hike the half-mile Fossil Discovery Trail that leads along an exposed rock face where dinosaur bones, smaller fossils and rock layers formed over millennia tell the story of this extraordinary valley. Campgrounds on both the Utah and Colorado side of the Monument accommodate RVs, so why not spend the night and then spend the next morning river rafting through Dinosaur’s awesome canyons?
  • Have extra time in your vacation itinerary? Head north on Hwy 191 at Vernal, UT to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. RV campgrounds near Flaming Gorge ensure you’ll have a scenic home base among splendidly red and green canyons. Float, fish or hike the Green River all the way to Wyoming, if you’re so inclined; there are hundreds of thousands of beautiful acres to be explored.
  • Once you’re back on US-40, continue your scenic drive southwest through the towns of Roosevelt and Duchesne, Utah, and take time to visit Starvation State Park, where a reservoir filled with walleye and a very nice campground welcome weary RVers.
  • Ready to find more of the dinosaurs that give this scenic drive its name? The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is a working site where more than twelve thousand dinosaur bones have been recovered. Come to the visitor center to see fascinating skeletal reconstructions and scientific exhibits spanning fifty years’ excavation.
  • Once you’ve finished dinosaur hunting, swing back east on I-70 to the town of Green River, Utah in the gorgeous Gunnison Valley. Get a history lesson on Green River exploration at John Wesley Powell River History Museum, and then if you’re game for some canyon paddling, use this handy guide to the Green River to plan your trip.
  • We’re not finished finding natural treasure and we’ve saved some of the best for last! Arches National Park, that startlingly beautiful collection of windswept arches and rock towers, sits between I-70 and Moab, Utah. There’s a campground on-site at Arches for RVers, so make reservations for your trip. Hike the trails, go rock climbing or enjoy the park’s two scenic drives. Don’t miss the chance to see this natural wonder as you finish driving the Dinosaur Diamond.

There you have it, a quick sketch of the amazing variety of natural, historic and recreational attractions to be found along Colorado and Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond. Pack the RV for an epic journey; you won’t want to miss a single mile of this remarkable byway.

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An RV Journey on Lake Superior’s North Shore Drive

Monty June 13, 2011
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This is the year to stretch your boundaries – to travel by RV to the northern edge of America along the mystically beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. From Duluth, Minnesota to the remote harbor village of Grand Marais, North Shore Drive unlocks maritime history, exquisite scenery and outstanding RV camping possibilities. Come along as we map the journey!

Duluth, MN, about eight hours north of Chicago, is the launching point for our once-in-a-lifetime journey along the North Shore. Plan to drive about an hour north along North Shore Drive, otherwise known as MN-61 N, to the lakeside village of Two Harbors. All along the way, Lake Superior will be on your immediate right, enthralling you with its immense beauty.

If this is where you’ll be stopping for the night, make reservations ahead of time at Penmarallter Campsites, a Two Harbors RV park with a family feel. While in Two Harbors, make a trip to Two Harbors Light Station. This nicely-restored red brick lighthouse reveals much about the early ship trade on Lake Superior.

Another nice stop to make along the route is found just thirteen miles north of Two Harbors at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Hike the trails to discover ancient lakeside lava flows, waterfalls that will make the perfect vacation photos and the rocky gorges that attempt to tame the Gooseberry River.

Twenty miles north of Two Harbors, RV travelers will find another iconic North Shore lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Visit the starkly scenic light station on its rocky promontory and then plan to hike at least a section of Gitchi-Gami State Trail that actually runs all the way to Gooseberry Falls State Park, or the highly-acclaimed five-mile Split Rock River Loop Trail. You’ll also find trails linking to the Superior Hiking Trail, where there’s never an inferior view. One more outdoor recreation possibility—fish for salmon and trout in the pristine waters of the North Shore.

As you head north again on North Shore Drive, you’ll discover two scenic inlets, Beaver Bay and Silver Bay, both with appealing views and photo opportunities. The town of Silver Bay offers RV travelers the chance to put a boat into Lake Superior at Bayside Park, or you can simply walk the cobblestone beach and hunt for agates.

Ready to stop for the night and gather your memories of the North Shore? The campsites at Tettegouche State Park, just north of Silver Bay, can accommodate RVs up to sixty feet in length.

When you resume your journey along Superior’s North Shore, you’ll notice the immense, green wonder of Superior National Forest on your left. On the way to Grand Marais, our last stop, the abandoned buildings of Taconite Harbor bear testimony to the shifts in Lake Superior’s shipping industry.

Your RV trek north will lead through Cascade River State Park, so by all means, stop and absorb the lush greenery and rugged views before moving on. And then we’ll stop in Grand Marais, a harbor village surrounded by a seemingly-endless wilderness and the rocky shores of Lake Superior. Get out and stroll past quaint harbor shops. Arrange a sea kayaking tour on the Lake with a local outfitter. Or paddle a canoe across one of the countless inland lakes close by. Spend as much time as you’d like; the Grand Marais Campground and Marina has a large RV campground right on the lakeshore.

And on the way back to Duluth along MN-61, stop and savor the sights you missed on the way north. Lake Superior’s North Shore is endlessly enticing; it’s the kind of drive RV travelers dream of, and the lucky ones visit more than once.

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Top 10 Attractions in Phoenix!

Monty June 8, 2011
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We continue our series on “Top 10 Attractions” with a look at Phoenix, Arizona. This bustling metropolis offers every sort of entertainment for RV camping fans. Come to Arizona on your next RV trip; here at El Monte RV Rentals, we think Phoenix will become a family favorite!

The Top 10 Attractions in Phoenix

  1. Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball is a “don’t miss” on your RV vacation to Phoenix! Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix is home to the “D-Backs”, so make plans to catch a game while you’re here.
  2. Civic Space Park is more than an urban greenspace, it’s a study in sustainable construction, large scale art and fun features to delight the kids. As you enjoy the attractions of Phoenix on your RV trip, be sure to come downtown to Civic Space Park.
  3. Deer Valley Rock Art Center invites visitors to learn about the ancient petroglyphs at the Hedgepeth Hills Petroglyph Site (on the National Register of Historic Places). This starkly beautiful area is maintained by Arizona State University and serves as both an educational and tourism resource.
  4. Desert Botanical Garden is an extraordinary collection of plant life and art in an historic setting. Sculpture competes with butterflies for your attention as you explore more than one hundred acres of trails and gardens.
  5. Old Town Scottsdale is the place to find the best in Phoenix nightlife. This tony town in the Phoenix metroplex not only draws visitors with its upscale shops, it also has dozens of exciting clubs and restaurants in a walkable neighborhood.
  6. Phoenix Mining History is just waiting to be unearthed by adventurous RVers! Goldfield Ghost Town and Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum are two of the many Phoenix area attractions that reveal Arizona’s fascinating history.
  7. Phoenix Casinos are a major reason RVers come to the desert. There are four gaming venues within easy driving distance of Central Phoenix. Come for the fast-moving action and stay for first-rate shows and dining options.
  8. Phoenix Golf! Ocotillo, Southern Dunes, Poston Butte… these are the courses of which vacation dreams are made! With more than one hundred golf courses in the Phoenix area, RVers can book tee times at every kind of course imaginable. Don’t forget your clubs!
  9. Phoenix International Raceway – Love NASCAR? This track always offers an exciting race schedule, so buy tickets for your trip to Phoenix and prepare to be blown away!
  10. Piestawa Peak is an urban recreation area featuring mountain trails with incredible views of the city. Bring a picnic and spend some time in the Sonoran Desert; the variety of wildlife is amazing!
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RV Camping Along the Trinity River Scenic Byway

Monty June 6, 2011
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Northern California always delivers on spectacular scenery, and the Trinity River Scenic Byway is a road every RV traveler should discover. This route combines scenery and history to create an unforgettable ride along California’s Wild and Scenic Trinity River.

This scenic byway is only 140 miles long, but we’re going to give you so much information about RV campgrounds, attractions and scenery that you can easily make a multi-day trip of it. Let’s get started!

Trinity River Scenic Byway for RVers:
Also known as California Route 299, the Trinity River Scenic Byway’s beginning is the city of Redding. You’ll end your journey in the coastal town of Arcata. Here’s what to see and do along the way:

  • Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Located on the Sacramento River at Redding, Turtle Bay combines art, science and entertainment for a family-pleasing attraction with a focus on nature.
  • Old Shasta State Historic Park: Just west of Redding along Route 299, this once regal queen of the northern mining country stands as a ghost town to educate its visitors. Take the time to stroll through abandoned and restored buildings from the Gold Rush days before moving along the scenic byway.
  • Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: If you’re ready to stop for the night, Whiskeytown Lake and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest present the perfect stopping place. Hike among awesome granite boulders, kayak the lake and then set up camp in the lakeside RV campground.
  • French Gulch, an 1849 mining town on the edge of Trinity National Forest warrants a walk down its streets to view the French Gulch Hotel and the town’s vintage buildings.
  • Weaverville: Plan to stay at least a day exploring the historic sites, natural wonders and cultural attractions in this idyllic mining town. Set up camp at Bigfoot Campground and then fish for salmon in the Trinity River, where you’ll also find excellent whitewater rafting. Hike or bike at least one section of the fifty-mile Weaverville Basin Trail System through the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Visit museums and galleries, and stop to enjoy quaint coffee shops and cafes. No matter how you choose to spend your time at Weaverville, it will be an experience you won’t soon forget!
  • Trinity National Forest/Wild & Scenic Trinity River: The next leg of your Northern California RV journey follows a winding Route 299 along the Wild & Scenic Trinity River, surrounded by the splendor of Trinity National Forest. Pull over when you can and soak up the splendid views.
  • Willow Creek: Here’s another historic mining town that offers days of fun and recreation to visitors. Tucked into the Six Rivers National Forest, Willow Creek has a long history as a Native American encampment. The Hupa Tribal Museum tells the story. You’ll also find a wonderfully-diverse collection of mining museums, art galleries, wineries and roadside produce stands to help immerse you in local culture. Don’t leave without experiencing the beaches, perfect rafting waters and fishing on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers.
  • Arcata, Journey’s End: Climb two scenic summits on our Scenic Byway before ending your journey in Arcata, on California’s North Coast. The Arcata Community Forest is a lovely place to spend the final days of your vacation hiking among the redwoods. One final campground suggestion: Mad River Rapids RV Park in Arcata can accommodate any size RV and features nicely-landscaped sites and convenient amenities.

Travel the Trinity River Scenic Byway by RV for a vacation you’ll talk about for years. Here at El Monte RV Rentals, we’ll make sure you have the most comfortable lodging possible along the way!

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