Monthly Archives: October 2011

RV Camping on the Savannah River Scenic Byway

Monty October 28, 2011
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Three rivers, lush national parks and exciting RV camping is waiting for South Carolina RV campers on the Savannah River National Scenic Byway. Come along on a Southern RV journey as we explore the joys of the Savannah River Valley.

Savannah River Scenic Byway Highlights
This National Scenic Byway starts on SC-28 at Clarks Hill, SC. Journey north up the Savannah River Valley into the rolling pine forests of Hamilton Branch State Park. Make plans to camp there, on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, where fishing for crappie and striper and biking the Steven’s Creek Bike Trail are just two of the ways RV travelers enjoy this immense water playground.

When you’re ready to move on, travel north on SC-28 to the Town of McCormick, with easy access to three state parks. Play on the water, camp in the forests and hit the trails for a delightful time in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Save time to visit the historic downtown district of McCormick. You can also tour the gold mining tunnels that run beneath McCormick, as well as pan for gold, at the Heritage Gold Mine Park.

The Savannah River National Scenic Byway now swings northwest on SR-81 to Richard B Russell State Park and Lake Russell. A favorite with fishermen, this scenic lake surrounded by pristine wilderness straddles the Georgia/South Carolina line. Enjoy camping in the woods, golf at Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course or take to the water for some of the best bass fishing in the area. Here’s a tip: Calhoun Falls State Park on Lake Russell is the place for hiking, horseback riding and exploring old homesites. Another interesting side trip is on Hwy 72 west of Calhoun Falls to Abbeville, birthplace of the Confederacy.

As you continue north on SR-81 toward Lake Hartwell, enjoy the scenic river valley as well as the Southern charm of towns like Lowndesville, Iva and Starr. Another historic gem on the shores of Lake Hartwell is the City of Anderson, SC. Explore its historic districts and gorgeous plantations, and if you’re there on the weekend, be sure to take in the South’s largest flea market in Belton! Take the kids to Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel Park to learn some local history while viewing the ten-story waterfall.

Lake Hartwell is located at the north end of the Savannah River National Scenic Byway. Lake Hartwell Camping and Cabins is a wonderful place to set up camp. In addition to marinas, trails, swimming beaches and excellent fishing, RV travelers will also enjoy a trip to the town of Clemson on the lakeshore. This is your chance to visit Clemson University, as well as the antebellum home of John C. Calhoun and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. A visit to Clemson is a fitting end to your RV camping trek on this Byway.

As you plan your own RV camping trip along the Savannah River National Scenic Byway, the El Monte RV Rentals office in Atlanta is ready to serve. The beauty of the Savannah River Valley and the comfort of RV camping are a potent combination for insuring an unforgettable vacation!

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Don’t Miss Our Autumn Special – Rent for 3 Nights & Get a 4th Free!

Monty October 27, 2011
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We are running a special Autumn promotion on any RV pickup through November 18, 2011. Rent an El Monte RV motorhome for three nights and get the 4th night FREE of charge! Some restrictions apply so you want to check out our Autumn RV Rental Special page.

You need to use the discount code AUTUMN when placing your reservation.

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Ten Dublin, California RV Camping Adventures

Monty October 26, 2011
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RV travelers who have never visited Dublin are missing a great California RV camping experience. A city filled with scenic parks in the Tri-Valley Region southwest of Oakland, Dublin is a great place to base an RV camping vacation.

Picture of the View from Lands End in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

View from Lands End in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Here’s why—whether you’re in search of boutique wines or the perfect photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find it a short drive from Dublin. We’ve collected ideas for RV camping adventures near Dublin from our San Francisco RV rental clients. We hope they’re the start of your best vacation ever!

  1. A trip to Bay Area lighthouses guarantees vacation photos you’ll want to frame. The great lights at Oakland Harbor, Alcatraz and the Carquinez Strait are just three of the sites lighthouse lovers will want to visit. Here’s a terrific map of Bay Area lighthouses from LighthouseFriends.com.
  2. A Bay Area Cruise can introduce you to the regional attractions in an unforgettable way. Bay cruise companies will take you under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz and right to the historic piers at Fisherman’s Wharf. Definitely a must-do for first time visitors!
  3. Del Valle Regional Park near Livermore features a picturesque lake, swimming beaches and a peaceful valley setting with plenty of hiking trails. Consider camping at the lake and hiking the awesome Ohlone Wilderness Trail.
  4. No visit to the Bay Area is complete without a visit to Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Views that will leave you breathless can be seen from the beaches, historic forts and rocky points all along this sixty-mile stretch of coastline. Treat yourself by spending at least one day of your RV camping trip to Dublin exploring the Presidio, the Cliff House and Muir Woods National Monument. These and so many more outstanding attractions can be found within Golden Gate NRA.
  5. To experience splendid wines in lush surroundings, travel Livermore Valley Wine Country just west of Dublin. More than three dozen wineries grace the valley, offering unique experiences over every vine-laden hill. From the Singing Winemaker to the Big White House, there’s a taste adventure waiting for RV travelers in the Livermore Valley.
  6. Have an extra day to play while in Dublin? Drive south to Monterey Bay and discover dozens more exciting attractions. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row waterfront district and Fisherman’s Wharf are just three ways to play in this legendary city by the sea.
  7. Oakland attractions are more than enough reason to stay in nearby Dublin. Stretching along San Francisco Bay, Oakland offers RV camping visitors some pretty wonderful ways to spend their time. Local favorites like kayaking on Lake Merritt, attending an Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball game or enjoying an evening at Jack London Square will make you glad you made the short drive to Oakland.
  8. Downtown Pleasanton, an historic shopping and entertainment district in Dublin’s neighboring city, makes a delightful day trip for Dublin RV travelers. Pleasanton invites visitors to take its Historic Walking Tour and pick out prime examples of California’s architectural evolution.
  9. Picture of the Point Reyes National Seashore Headlands
    Point Reyes National Seashore Headlands

    Point Reyes National Seashore is wild, mysterious and just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. No hot, sandy Southern California beaches here—the rocky cliffs, thrilling trails and opportunities to spot whales and elephant seals along the way make this a wonderful excursion while RV camping in Dublin.

  10. Looking for secret delights close to the city? Redwood Regional Park, just minutes from Downtown Oakland, is a quiet grove of fifteen-story Sequoias. Come hike by a stream, stand in awe of the redwoods and watch for wildlife in a remarkable setting.

Before we go, here’s a tip on a great campground near Dublin. The Fair RV Park in Pleasanton, only twelve minutes from Dublin, is centrally located to all Tri Valley attractions. It’s also located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, so check the website for car shows, fairs or festivals happening during your stay.

When you’re ready to start your RV camping vacation, our El Monte RV Rental Dublin office is ready to make it affordable. Give us a call and let us know how we can help!

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Creole Nature Trail All American Road by RV

Monty October 24, 2011
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Picture of the Creole Nature Trail SignCoastal Louisiana is filled with wildlife, rich cultural influence and long stretches of road uninterrupted by civilization. The Creole Nature Trail All American Road sprawls across nature preserves and along the Gulf Coast, providing chances to see an incredible variety of wildlife. Here are just a few of the ways Louisiana RV travelers have enjoyed the Creole Nature Trail.

Let’s start by recognizing the abundance of RV campgrounds near this All American Road. Although much of the Creole Nature Trail is in uninhabited areas, you’ll find excellent RV parks near Sulphur, Lake Charles and the area’s nature preserves. Consider these possibilities as you plan your trip:

  • Intracoastal Park in Sulphur, LA can be your first stop along the Creole Nature Trail. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s a fisherman’s paradise, so plan time to fish as you enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.
  • Myers Landing & RV Park on the east leg of the Creole Nature Trail near Lacassine Refuge, is right on the Mermentau River. Bring the boat along and fish the day away, or just relax in the shade of a live oak.
  • Jellystone Park Lake Charles is a fun place with events and activities for the whole family. Come in from the wild and camp in comfort at the eastern end of the Creole Nature Trail.

If you’d like to see more RV camping possibilities in the area, use this guide to plan your trip.

Now that we’ve settled your RV campground itinerary, let’s talk about the sights you’ll see along the Creole Nature Trail All American Road. We have it on good authority that you’ll be perfectly equipped to see those sights, thanks to the conveniences of RV travel. There are long stretches of road with no amenities, so be sure to fill your motorhome’s water tanks and visit the nearest RV dump station before you hit the Trail. Also make it a point to buy your Louisiana fishing license if you plan to get in some angling action.

Starting at the Trail’s eastern terminus, Sulphur, LA on I-10 (or come in on LA-108 from Vinton) head south toward Holly Beach on LA-27. Enjoy the view as you cross the Intercoastal Waterway and watch for signs you’re viewing the seafood-rich waters of Cameron Parish.

You’ll soon approach Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, an amazing coastal marsh where thousands of birds and waterfowl migrate and an alligator or two just might appear. Be sure to enjoy the hiking trails as well as the scenic wonders of Calcasieu (Cal-ka-shu) Lake.

As you continue south on the Creole Nature Trail, you’ll soon learn firsthand how hurricanes have impacted Coastal Louisiana. Holly Beach, once hailed as the “Cajun Riviera” was completely destroyed by Hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike. But the Gulf Coast beauty of the area’s beaches will lure you to stop and play awhile before moving on.

At Holly Beach, the Trail turns East toward the towns of Cameron and Oak Grove (although an interesting side trip lies to the West along the Gulf Coast Highway to the Texas border). You’ll enjoy a ferry ride across the Calcasieu Ship Channel before reaching Cameron. Again, you’ll see much evidence of hurricane damage here, but Cameron Parish continues to survive. You’ll also see the importance of offshore oil exploration and shipping as you drive along the Gulf.

If you haven’t had enough of the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, continue east toward Oak Grove. But for this blog post, we’re heading north on the Trail to visit two more wildlife sanctuaries. The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge includes not only freshwater marshes but a coastal prairie completely different than the land we’ve covered. Watch for birds and waterfowl overhead, since this refuge is a major migratory stop-off. Be sure to stop and fish on the road to the refuge for a unique Southwest Louisiana experience.

Farther north on the Trail, RV travelers will soon see signs of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, an immense freshwater marsh where alligators, black bears and bald eagles make their home. Things get a bit wilder here, but there are still ways to enjoy the habitat, thanks to hiking trails and an observation tower.

The Creole Nature Trail now heads north to the exciting city of Lake Charles, a lakeside community with plenty of outdoor charm. Charter a fishing boat on the lake or launch your boat at the marina. Take the kids to play at Adventure Cove Park and be sure to spend some time on the white sand beach along Lakeshore Drive.

Fascinating, isn’t it? There’s simply no way to know what you’ll find on the Creole Nature Trail until you visit. To prepare for that visit, listen to the excellent audio tours at CreoleNatureTrail.org. And remember, whether you’re starting your journey to Louisiana in Dallas, Birmingham or Palm Harbor, Florida, we’re here to help make your Louisiana RV camping trip a great one.

Picture credits: The picture of the Creole Trail sign is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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Ten Ways RV Campers Can Enjoy State College, Pennsylvania

Monty October 21, 2011
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State College, Pennsylvania, right in the center of the Keystone State, is ringed by wilderness and an easy drive from a wealth of historic attractions. Pennsylvania RV campers will want to plan plenty of time to learn the joys of State College on vacation. Here are ten ideas to get your State College RV vacation in gear.

  1. Central Pennsylvania Cave Tours draw RV campers from all over, so why not schedule at least one on your vacation? Penn’s Cave, just east of State College, has been open for boat tours since 1885! Awesome limestone formations will thrill your family as you float the underground river that formed the cavern. You’ll also find a 90-acre wildlife park on-site and the quaint 19th century Penn’s Cave Hotel. Another very popular underground attraction in the area is Woodward Cave, with its own RV campground and an exciting walking tour through five underground caverns.

  2. Central PA Fly Fishing is reason enough to load your motorhome and head for State College. Trout fishing hotspots such as Spring Creek in Bellefonte, Lick Run at Bald Eagle State Park and Fishing Creek at Tylersville State Fish Hatchery promise excellent fly fishing sport. Dozens more creeks, rivers and streams filled with fishing adventures dot the landscape within two hours’ drive of State College. Check this map at PAFlyFish.com while planning your State College RV camping and fly fishing trip.

  3. Fort Roberdeau in Altoona, PA is about an hour southwest of State College and well worth the trip. This Revolutionary War fort comes to life with reenactments, festivals and permanent exhibits meant to teach visitors about life on the 1770′s Pennsylvania frontier. Come to the Sinking Valley and learn why Fort Roberdeau’s lead mines played a crucial role in the birth of our nation.

  4. Historic Boalsburg, Pennsylvania has something for everyone and it’s just minutes from the Penn State campus. Boalsburg boasts three museums, a lively arts community and picturesque streets to wander. Take time to visit the Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel, the Pennsylvania Military Museum and 28th Division Shrine and the Boalsburg Heritage Museum in the Sara Sweet House.

  5. NASCAR Racing is within three hours’ drive from State College at two legendary tracks – New York’s Watkins Glen International and Pocono Raceway at Long Pond, PA. Pick up your State College RV rental and then head for either track for unforgettable NASCAR racing action. (Don’t forget to check on infield camping and be sure to pack your favorite foods for NASCAR RV tailgating!)

  6. Pennsylvania State University, with its main “University Park” campus in State College, is another star attraction for RV travelers. Take in a Penn State Nittany Lions football game in the fall to round out your State College vacation experience. Be sure to tour the University Park campus at the base of Mount Nittany, too.

  7. Pennsylvania Whitewater Rafting can be an unforgettable RV vacation memory, thanks to the extraordinary opportunities with a couple hours of State College. The Susquehanna River near Holtwood is a favorite stretch for Class III rapids. You’ll also find Class III and IV whitewater action on the Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

  8. Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail – Pennsylvania motorhome campers who love great wines won’t be disappointed when visiting the ten wineries on this Central PA wine trail. From Boalsburg to Sunbury, the offerings of these wonderfully scenic vineyards will please the most discerning palate. Your senses will be dazzled by the sights, tastes and scents of Central Pennsylvania’s wine country.

  9. Victorian Bellefonte, PA The eighteenth century borough of Bellefonte, PA is definitely a treasure worth mining. Fabulous Victorian homes, businesses and public buildings tell the story of Centre County, Pennsylvania’s history. If you like to shop, stroll and learn in a charming setting, put Bellefonte on your State College RV camping itinerary.

  10. Wilderness Areas Near State College, PA – We mentioned this Central Pennsylvania town is surrounded by wilderness, but did you know there are more than a dozen state parks and forests within three hours’ drive? Black Moshannon Lake State Park features a lovely, spring-fed lake perfect for trout fishing and is looped with miles of scenic trails. Susquehannock State Forest, in the Allegheny Mountains of Northcentral PA, offers a quarter-million-acre wilderness setting for your RV camping adventures. With five hundred miles of wilderness trails and the headwaters of two rivers within the forest, this is prime real estate for outdoors-oriented folks to explore. Ready to find your place in Central Pennsylvania’s forests? There’s an excellent PA state park guide at StateCollegeCentral.com.
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RV Road Trip to New Mexico’s White Sands

Monty October 19, 2011
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Picture of the White Sands National Monument Main EntranceHere’s a trip idea for RV travelers who love the wide open spaces of New Mexico. White Sands National Monument, stretching out for more than two hundred fifty square miles along I-70 just west of Alamogordo, is an extraordinary natural attraction. White gypsum sand dunes rule the landscape, revealing an amazing variety of desert plants and animals to those willing to get a little closer. And all around the Monument are equally fascinating attractions to entertain and educate.

Discovering the Wonders of White Sands
There are so many ways to explore White Sands, one for every type of motorhome traveler. Some visitors love to hike the fragile dunes, hoping to discover the secrets of life in the desert. Others prefer to drive into the heart of the monument, stopping along the way to photograph the majestic views available year-round. Or perhaps you hope to learn more about the dunes from park rangers and fascinating multimedia exhibits. There’s an experience that will suit your style waiting for you at White Sands.

To experience the awesome expanses of White Sands National Monument from your RV, take the sixteen-mile Dunes Drive. This paved road leads into the heart of the dunes as well as near the trailheads of several hiking trails. Start at the park’s visitor center just off I-70 and follow the road to Alkali Flat before looping back. You’ll want to plan time for stopping to learn more about the dunes at roadside exhibits and the photo opportunities are endless.

If you’re hoping to hit the trails while at White Sands, there are routes for every level hiker inside the Monument. Hikers up to a seven-mile jaunt across an ancient dry lakebed will find the Alkali Flat Trail fascinating. The Interdune Boardwalk, on the other hand, is a fully-accessible four-plus mile trail over the dunes with places to learn along the way. Several other trails wind their way through the park, so pick one that suits your style of hiking.

One more way to immerse yourself in the mystery of this massive collection of dunes is through a ranger-led hike. These interpretive programs might take you into the desert by moonlight, searching for rare plants in an ancient lakebed or in search of the perfect photo of the sun setting over the dunes.

Attractions near White Sands National Monument
Just east of Alamogordo in the Capitan Mountains, Lincoln National Forest offers New Mexico RV camping fans a wealth of outdoor activities. Scenic mountain gems like the Sitting Bull Falls recreation area, the National Recreation Rim Trail that begins in the alpine village of Cloudcroft and Bluff Springs will delight visitors willing to take a hike.

Adjacent to the National Forest, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park sits against the Sacramento Mountain Range south of Alamogordo. Plan to camp in the RV campground so that you can spend time getting to know high desert life in Dog Canyon. The variety of plant life, the historic exhibits at the Lee Ranch Headquarters and the spectacular sunsets will make this park one of your RV camping favorites.

Here’s one more tip for expanding your understanding of the White Sands area on your RV road trip, make a side trip to the White Sands Missile Range Museum, on the grounds of the 2.2 million acre missile range. Enter at the Las Cruces gate of WSMR to reach the museum. You’ll find a missile park with examples of the missiles tested at White Sands, plus educational exhibits that tell the story of this legendary missile testing installation.

White Sands National Monument is a place nature lovers won’t tire of visiting. Let our Albuquerque El Monte RV Rentals office know if we can provide an RV for the trip. There’s so much to see and do at White Sands!

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Motorhome Camping Adventures in San Diego

Monty October 17, 2011
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Want to go RV camping in a place where travelers are always welcome and there’s no lack of things to do? The San Diego area is an RV traveler’s dream, with attractions on both land and water. As you plan your Southern California motorhome camping trip, be sure to include San Diego in your itinerary.

Places to Explore Near San Diego
An excellent way to get to know San Diego’s shoreline is with a visit to Mission Bay Park. Eight swimming beaches stretch along twenty-plus miles of shoreline, as well as bike paths, sports areas and boat launches.

The protected coves in which Mission Bay Park is located are also home to two more venerable San Diego attractions. Historic Belmont Park is home to thrill rides, arcades and a whole host of family-friendly amusements. Another legendary amusement, SeaWorld, is just a mile from Belmont Park.

Looking for an urban oasis on your RV vacation to San Diego? Balboa Park, a twelve-hundred-acre green space in the heart of the city, offers visitors two dozen museums, the San Diego Zoo and more than sixty miles of hiking trails. And as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find lawn bowling, golf, botanical gardens and performing arts venues within Balboa.

If someone in your RV camping crew hopes to shop, dine and unwind while in San Diego, another seaside treasure is the resort community of La Jolla. Rocky cliffs give excellent views along La Jolla’s shoreline and culture-seeking visitors will find galleries, shops and restaurants in a beautiful setting. Minutes from San Diego’s center, this well-heeled town also boasts sparkling La Jolla Cove.

Before we leave the beauty of San Diego’s shoreline, we can’t fail to mention the Embarcadero, a picturesque boardwalk that connects a multitude of attractions. At one end, the Star of India, a nineteenth century sailing ship, is the crown jewel of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Take your time learning about seafaring history, and then stroll down the Embarcadero to dozens of interesting sites. Visit the Seaport Village shopping and entertainment district, several attractive oceanside parks and the USS Midway Museum, just to name a few.

When you’re ready to move outside the San Diego metro area, head for the forest. Half-million acre Cleveland National Forest is a vacation in itself, with mountain meadows to traverse, an observatory and three wilderness areas, all within a couple of hours of San Diego. The night sky from Palomar Mountain Observatory is a not-to-be-missed marvel while in the Cleveland. No-hookups RV camping is allowed in numerous campgrounds throughout the forest.

The glories of seaside San Diego draw millions of visitors each year, so why not add this gleaming Southern California gem to your next RV camping journey?

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Ten Sites to See Near Santa Fe Springs

Monty October 13, 2011
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Picture of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest

San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest

When planning to come to Southern California by RV, consider making Santa Fe Springs your starting point. A busy, industrial center near Los Angeles, this city is also within a couple hours’ drive of all sorts of outdoor attractions. From national forest to windswept beaches, you’ll find plenty to do on your RV camping trip to Santa Fe Springs.

  1. Angeles National Forest – It’s hard to believe a vast wilderness lies just beyond the boundaries of Los Angeles! The Angeles National Forest is the perfect place to relax in the beauty of nature, thanks to three RV campgrounds and hundreds of miles of trails. Snow-capped peaks, pine forests and sheer rock canyons offer Santa Fe Springs motorhome campers a wide range of outdoor activities.
  2. Channel Islands National Park, off the coast east of Los Angeles, is a spectacular chain of pristine islands accessible only by boat. A day trip to Channel Islands NP is definitely in order for RV travelers visiting Los Angeles. Favorite Channel Islands experiences:
    • Visit Anacapa Light Station
    • Watch sea lions on San Miguel Island
    • Go snorkeling or sea kayaking off Santa Barbara Island
  3. Huntington Beach Pier – A timeless attraction in Huntington Beach, a SoCal city where surfing and laid back living rule, is an eighteen-hundred-foot pier perfect for strolling, fishing or people watching. Huntington Beach Pier is the center of activity along this city’s eight plus miles of beach, so bring the family and plan to spend the day. Active RVers will also want to know that the Huntington Beach Bike Trail runs eight and one half miles along the ocean and links at each end to longer trails.
  4. Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway (Hwy 33) is located almost entirely in Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. From dense forests to breathtaking cliffs, the view is never the same from mile to mile, making it a favorite with our Los Angeles RV rental customers. While you’re visiting the National Forest, plan time to explore its ten wilderness areas where mountain biking, hiking and nature photography are popular activities.
  5. Jalama Beach County Park in Lompoc not only lets motorhome campers enjoy a day at the beach, it also offers year-round RV campsites. Surf fishing and whale watching are just two of the outdoor activities that draw visitors to Jalama Beach.
  6. Joshua Tree National Park, a fascinating desert habitat about three hours east of Santa Fe Springs, is an excellent place to study desert wildlife. Hike the trails and take in the ranger presentations to learn how the rock-strewn canyons of the park play host to an amazing number of species. Campgrounds are available throughout the eight-hundred-thousand acre park, which means you can hike the rugged terrain and still come home to RV luxury in the evening.
  7. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, just four hours northeast of Santa Fe Springs, are the places to visit for splendid views and memorable RV camping. Side-by-side, the two parks showcase the craggy mountain vistas south of Yosemite as well as the enormous trees for which Sequoia National Park is named. What to do while you’re there?
  8. Six Flags Magic Mountain is a thrilling way for your family to spend the day near Los Angeles. Less than an hour from Santa Fe Springs in Valencia, this amusement park is famous for its enormous themed roller coasters.
  9. University of Southern California Trojans Football is a great way to spend an autumn afternoon. Schedule your Los Angeles RV trip so that you can sit in the stands and cheer the Trojans on to victory (and don’t forget the RV tailgating action before the game!)
  10. Whitewater Rafting – Kern and Kaweah Rivers – This is your chance to experience the wild and scenic rivers near Los Angeles on a whitewater rafting excursion. Los Angeles whitewater rafting outfitters can arrange a trip on the forks of the Kern River near Bakersfield or the Kaweah River near Fresno. An exciting, scenery-rich trip can be had by all, whether you prefer quiet ripples or boiling Class IV rapids.

Picture credits: The picture of the San Gabriel Mountains is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 1.0 Generic license. The picture of the Joshua Trees is in the public domain.

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Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by RV

Monty October 11, 2011
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Picture of the Paulina Creek Falls in the Deschutes National Forest

Paulina Creek Falls in the Deschutes National Forest

Central Oregon’s million-acre Deschutes National Forest offers RV camping vacation possibilities for the weekend, week-long or we’re-going-to-be-gone-awhile RV travelers. One of the most memorable ways to experience this vast forest is on the Outback Scenic Byway, from La Pine, OR through the heart of the forest to Lakeview. It’s a little over one hundred miles from end to end, but this byway is loaded with historic and natural wonders to discover. Plan to take your time and savor the Oregon Outback by RV.

Outback Scenic Byway Itinerary
The Outback Scenic Byway (Hwy 31) explores the volcanic slopes, mountain lakes, pine forests and sagebrush desert of Central Oregon. Beginning in La Pine, OR, in the heart of Deschutes NF, this byway travels south and soon passes near a number of fascinating historic and natural attractions. Fort Rock State Natural Area, a rugged desert volcanic formation, makes for excellent hiking (be sure to seek out the immense “Hole in the Ground” while you’re there.) Nearby Christmas Valley Sand Dunes offer RVers plenty of OHV action. And to learn about the area’s early settlers, visit the Homestead Village Museum in Fort Rock, OR.

And then it’s south on the Outback Scenic Byway through the village of Silver Lake, over Picture Rock Pass, where ancient petroglyphs can be seen, and into a wonderland of alkali lakes and natural hot springs. Plan a stay at Summer Lake Hot Springs RV Resort for a unique, spa-centered experience on the byway. Another way RVers love to experience Summer Lake is by hiking the eighteen-thousand-acre wildlife refuge. By the way, anglers will find nearby Ana Reservoir RV Park is close to rainbow trout and bass fishing hotspots.

Did we mention that part of the unique appeal of the Oregon Outback is the ability to drive for miles without seeing a house or a town? This is a place where pulling off at an overlook for panoramic views can be a solitary experience. But if you need a little civilization mixed in with open spaces, quaint towns along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway fit the bill. Towns like Paisley, Christmas Valley and Fort Rock offer mercantiles, cafes and taverns, each with rugged desert charm. OregonsOutback.com has a nice listing of points of interest along the byway.

Let’s keep rolling to find the wonders of Lake Abert and the Abert Rim, about thirteen miles off the byway at Valley Falls. The lake is saline, inhabited only by brine shrimp, but that makes it the perfect place for bird watching! If you’re up to the challenge, hike to the Rim to capture magnificent photos from this quarter-mile-high rock formation above the high desert.

Just south of Lake Abert, RV camping rockhounds will find an Oregon Outback treasure, the Sunstone Gem Collection Area, where you can hunt for the state’s official gem. Once you’ve hunted for flashing stones in the desert, it’s time to head south again.

As you make the final run of this itinerary to the mountain town of Lakeview, plan to stay and play awhile. Settled at the base of the Warner Mountains, the area surrounding Lakeview is a wonderful place to hike, bike and fish. Keep your eyes to the sky and you may see hang-gliders launching from area bluffs. Junipers Reservoir RV Resort, located on a working cattle ranch, offers access to a wealth of outdoor recreation.

Want some memorable wildlife photos to take home from vacation? Visit Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, surrounded by a picturesque chain of lakes east of Lakeview. It’s likely you’ll also spy bighorn sheep, elk and deer along the way.

Ready for an Oregon RV camping adventure? The Oregon Outback is waiting for RV camping fans to come discover its rugged desert charm. We’ll help you find the perfect RV rental for your trip, and then it’s off to follow your imagination along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.

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RV Journey on the Historic National Road

Monty October 7, 2011
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Did you know the U.S. government started building highways way back in 1811? The National Road, meant to encourage settlement in the West, is also a great route for an RV camping vacation. Filled with historic sites, scenic vistas and friendly RV campgrounds, this route’s custom-made for RV travelers who want to know more about American history.

Today’s post covers the Historic National Road’s farthest eastern leg, through Maryland and Pennsylvania. Let’s start our journey in Baltimore, where the Bank Road was completed in 1820 to connect the National Road with the port at Baltimore. Maryland RV camping fans already know that Baltimore is filled with places of interest to the whole family, but let’s focus on area attractions along this important trade route.

  • New Market Maryland has been a trade center since the 1700s, and is now known as the antiques capital of the state. Stop by the New Market General Store, first opened in 1881 to serve westward travelers on the “National Pike” and plan time to enjoy the surrounding antiques district, too. From Baltimore, follow Rte-144 (Old National Pike) west to New Market.
  • Frederick County, Maryland just west of New Market on US-40 (part of the Historic National Road) is home to dozens of historic sites and glorious Catoctin Mountain scenery. Slow down the pace and travel north twenty minutes on the Catoctin Mountain Highway to explore 18th and 19th century history at the Utica Mills Covered Bridge and Catoctin Furnace/Cunningham Falls State Park.
  • Addison, the first National Road village in Pennsylvania, will delight history lovers with its early 19th century homes, shops and a nicely-preserved 1835 toll house. Follow US-40/Baltimore Pike west from Frederick, MD to reach historic Addison.
  • Fort Necessity Battlefield is just one of nearly two dozen historic sites along the National Road in Pennsylvania. Scene of the first battle of the French and Indian War, the battlefield park offers RV travelers 900 acres of historic interest, including an interpretive center, a fort and tavern, and plenty of interesting trails to explore.
  • Ohiopyle State Park beckons travelers ready to relax in the great outdoors. A twenty-thousand-acre Pennsylvania wonderland, this state park on the National Road is home to stunningly beautiful Youghiogheny River Gorge, a favorite with whitewater rafters. Plan time to explore the Ferncliff Peninsula, where the variety of wildlife and plant species will keep your cameras clicking.
  • Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s longest cave, will delight the entire family with cave tours, “kavernputt” mini-golf and excellent views from atop Chestnut Ridge. You’ll find this popular attraction just south of the National Road near Uniontown. A bonus site near Uniontown-Hopwood, PA, where historic homes and taverns give a feel for how life would have been lived when the National Road first opened.

Our sample here doesn’t scratch the surface of the attractions to be found while RV camping along the Historic National Road in Maryland and Pennsylvania. With a little planning, your own RV trip along the road that opened the West will become part of your family’s treasured history.

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