Monthly Archives: November 2011

Two Central Florida Scenic Byways by RV

Monty November 30, 2011
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Are you and your favorite RV camping buddy itching to discover the beauty of Central Florida? You’re in luck! Central Florida’s scenic byways are sure to reveal the kind of unforgettable vistas for which the Sunshine State is famous. We’ve picked two short jaunts lined with scenic spots you’ll want to slow down and enjoy. Here’s our plan for an RV camping tour of two Central Florida scenic byways.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway by RV
An hour and a half south of Palm Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Palma Sola Bay is the scene of our first scenic highway. Stretching out in splendid ‘Old Florida’ style between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, the ten mile long scenic highway crosses the bay on SR-64 and comes to an end in the city of Holmes Beach. As you cross to the island, keep your eyes open for brightly-colored waterfowl and playful sea manatees.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway by RV
An hour and a half south of Palm Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Palma Sola Bay is the scene of our first scenic highway. Stretching out in splendid ‘Old Florida’ style between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, the ten mile long scenic highway crosses the bay on SR-64 and comes to an end in the city of Holmes Beach. As you cross to the island, keep your eyes open for brightly-colored waterfowl and playful sea manatees.

This ten mile byway is filled with opportunities for RVers to experience the peace and quiet that is Central Florida. On this leg of your RV camping vacation, plan plenty of time to play at the beach, because the white sands and aquamarine waters along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway are wonderfully tempting.

Anna Maria Island’s three cities, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, each boasts miles of white sand beach and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. A bonus for RVers – two mile long Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway leads south through the city of Bradenton Beach to the southern tip of the island. It’s an oceanside drive you won’t want to miss!

Boating, fishing from the piers, strolling the beach at sunset and, of course, eating as much freshly-caught seafood as possible are prime activities for RV campers who cross Palma Sola Scenic Highway to the island.

The Ridge Scenic Highway by RV
If you drew a line across the center of Florida from Tampa to Palm Bay, you’d intersect an area rich in early Florida farming history. Citrus orchards, historic towns and lush nature sanctuaries fed by the area’s many lakes line the Lake Wales Ridge that gives the Ridge Scenic Highway its name.

To follow this picturesque route go north on SR-17 from just south of the town of Frostproof. At the south end of the byway, Lake Arbuckle Park has an RV campground and is conveniently located to hiking trails in the state forest that skirts the lake.

The sandy, rolling hills of the Lake Wales Ridge offer views of countryside not seen elsewhere in Florida. You’ll notice many unusual plants and animals if you stop to take advantage of trails like the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail that winds through Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. This ‘Florida Scrub’ preserve was created to protect numerous endangered plant and animal species.

Speaking of Lake Wales (PDF), the charming town of that name has several notable historic attractions. A stop at Spook Hill will teach you about local Native American lore while leaving you scratching your head at an interesting local phenomenon. A step back into Florida as it once was is as simple as a stop at the Historic Bok Sanctuary or Chalet Suzanne. The downtown district, though diminished, will also bring to mind another time.

There’s plenty for you and your RV camping buddy to see and do as you continue north on the Ridge Scenic Highway. Not only will you pass through the highest elevations in the State of Florida, you’ll also have a chance to visit such Central Florida classics as Davidson of Dundee Groves and Citrus Candy Factory.

Although only about an hour north of the Orlando tourist attractions, the towns along this route move at a less hectic pace. To put the final flourish on your RV camping tour of Central Florida, campgrounds like Oak Harbor RV Campground on Lake Lowery allow one more glimpse at life in this historic region.

We’ve got your Florida RV rental ready and waiting; get ready for a different taste of Florida!

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Ten First-Rate Spots for RV Camping and Fishing in Winter

Monty November 28, 2011
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When cold weather comes, you may think your fishing fever is on hold until spring. Here’s some good news for RV camping and fishing fans-there are plenty of places to do both in winter. Come along on our tour of ten first-rate spots for RV camping and fishing in wintertime.

  1. Caddo Lake – This immense, mysterious body of water stretches from Karnack, TX to Mooringsport, LA, giving winter fishermen plenty of room to explore its bayous. Fish for crappie as you take a leisurely boat ride through Caddo Lake’s impressive cypress groves. Potters Point at Jefferson, TX offers full-hookup RV campsites, a boat launch and other services.
  2. Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, GA – The “Hooch” runs through the middle of Atlanta, and local anglers know that forty-eight miles of it are designated trout water. The easiest way to enjoy a great Atlanta RV camping and fishing trip is to hire a local guide. River Through Atlanta comes highly-recommended!
  3. Dauphin Island, Mobile, AL – If you haven’t tried your hand at winter surf fishing for black drum and flounder, scenic Dauphin Island at the mouth of Mobile Bay is the place to start. You can also fish the public or private fishing piers for a different experience. Here’s a helpful guide to saltwater fishing on Dauphin Island (PDF) to help you plan your trip. Also good to know-the Dauphin Island Campground has seaside campsites within walking distance of great fishing.
  4. Diamond Valley Reservoir, Hemet, California – An hour and a half south of Los Angeles near Hemet, CA is a gem of a fishing hole renowned for its record-breaking black bass. Diamond Valley Reservoir is legendary for producing the big bass year after year. There’s no campground yet at the lake, but Wilderness Lakes RV Resort, five miles away in Menifee, makes a good base camp for your Hemet, California RV camping and fishing expedition.
  5. Lake Hartwell, South Carolina/Georgia Border – Twenty miles east of the South Carolina/Georgia Border and just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Lake Hartwell State Park lures striper fishing fans every winter. When the striped bass start biting in cooler weather, RV camping anglers park their motorhomes at this lake’s excellent campground and start fishing. Here’s a link to the latest fishing reports at Lake Hartwell.
  6. Lake Okeechobee, South Central Florida – Hoping to combine a Florida winter RV camping trip with a bass fishing bonanza? The waters of Lake Okeechobee yield trophy-size largemouth bass, and Florida’s mild winter weather makes fishing there a treat. Another bonus is the abundance of RV campgrounds around the lake, so reserve your Lake Okeechobee campsite and plan to have an outstanding time fishing in South Central Florida.
  7. Lower Otay Reservoir, San Diego County, California – How would it feel to reel in an one-hundred pound catfish? Definitely promises some world-class vacation photos, doesn’t it? Lower Otay Reservoir, twenty five miles south of San Diego, was the site of California’s record breaking catfish catch – a one-hundred pound behemoth! Eleven hundred acres of prime bass and catfish habitat make Lower Otay Reservoir the perfect place for your camping and fishing vacation.
  8. Newport Beach, California – South of Long Beach and well-known for its excellent surf-fishing opportunities, Newport Beach tempts anglers to try something new. Kayak fishing is just one of the ways fishing fans get close to the action in Newport Harbor. Reel in spotted bay bass and enjoy the beautiful Newport Beach shoreline before going home to the comfort of your RV at Newport Dunes Beach Waterfront Resort.
  9. Pickwick Lake – Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama – This impressive body of water formed from the Tennessee River winds across the northwest corner of Alabama, shares a shore with Mississippi and extends up into Southern Tennessee. It also yields some of the nicest smallmouth bass around. Once you’ve fished Pickwick Lake, you’ll pick your favorite spots and return for many more RV-based fishing expeditions. Here’s a camping tip – try the well-groomed campground on the Tennessee side at Pickwick Landing.
  10. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Texas/Louisiana Border – Four and a half hours east of Dallas on the Texas/Louisiana border, winter fishing aficionados will find the bass fishing is fine at Toledo Bend Reservoir. Even with the serious drought situation in Texas, Toledo Bend still offers great black bass and crappie fishing. RV campsites are plentiful, thanks to campgrounds like Tranquility Bay Resort.
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Ten Outstanding RV Campgrounds near San Francisco

Monty November 25, 2011
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We’ve shared a lot with our readers about the joys of visiting the San Francisco area, so we thought we’d help your planning even more by adding a list of outstanding San Francisco area RV campgrounds. Knowing you’ll find great amenities, friendly staff and easy access to Bay Area attractions can make all the difference on your San Francisco RV camping vacation. Here’s our list!

  • Ranked among the best RV parks in the Bay Area by Woodall’s, Coyote Valley RV Resort in San Jose has something for everyone. A short drive takes you to San Francisco, great area golf courses and beautiful Monterey. While at the resort, enjoy the salt water pool, free WiFi and satellite TV, an outdoor games area and a nicely-equipped clubhouse.
  • Across the Bay and an easy drive west of San Francisco, the charming city of Pleasanton is home to Fair Park RV. Situated on the Alameda County Fairgrounds, this park gives campers the chance to easily visit San Francisco or branch out into Livermore Wine Country. The scenic mountain setting and affordable amenities make this park a hit with our RV rental customers.
  • Hoping to camp at the closest RV park to Golden Gate National Recreation Area? Golden Gate Trailer Park is just a few minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, so pull that big rig to a halt in one of their campsites and get ready to enjoy everything San Francisco has to offer.
  • Looking for a picturesque setting outside the clamor of the city? Maple Leaf RV Park in Morgan Hill is located an hour south of the Bay Area and fits that description perfectly. Get ready to be charmed by the beauty of this large park close enough to area attractions but pleasantly away from it all.
  • North of San Francisco in Novato, Novato RV Park is highly-rated by our San Francisco RV rental customers. Camp sites that accommodate the big rigs, nice seasonal discounts and the easy drive to San Francisco attractions are just three reasons to park your RV in Novato.
  • An hour north of San Francisco and surrounded by stunningly gorgeous scenery, Olema RV Resort and Campground is the kind of place RVers return to frequently. While traveling to San Francisco is easy from this RV park, you’ll also find yourselves next door to Point Reyes National Seashore! Plan extra time to enjoy the wonders of this coastal RV campground.
  • San Francisco RV Resort – Pacifica: Ocean views just a short drive from the city; what could be better while on vacation? With many pull-thru sites, full hookups including 50 amp service and free WiFi, this park will become your comfortable home-away-from-home.
  • San Francisco/North Petaluma KOA is another area campground that receives high marks from our customers. Convenient to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Francisco and the vineyards of Napa Valley, this campground allows you to fully enjoy the region. Come home from exploring and play a game of bocce ball as you sip a glass of Napa Valley wine. Heaven!
  • Tradewinds RV Park of Vallejo keeps you close to both Napa Valley and the high-speed San Francisco Ferry that will carry you across San Pablo Bay and on to the San Francisco Bay area. Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, the lighthouses and Alcatraz and then ferry back to your luxurious RV rental for a well-deserved rest.
  • Another highly-rated park in the lovely town of Morgan Hill, Uvas Pines RV Park features shady campsites and friendly hosts with a quiet setting. Enjoy the convenience of camping close to Hwy 101 and come home to a peaceful night’s sleep outside the bustle of the Bay Area.
Posted in CA RV Camping, CA RV Vacation, CA Vacation, California, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Get Ready for RV and Ski Season!

Monty November 23, 2011
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Every winter, the El Monte RV Rentals locations near ski resorts are inundated with requests for motorhome rentals. We thought we’d help you avoid this year’s crush by giving you plenty of notice that RV and ski season will soon be upon us!

We’ve gathered information on ten popular ski resorts with RV facilities on-site or year-round RV campgrounds nearby. We hope our handy list will help RV camping and skiing families plan their winter ski vacations in advance. Let us know when you’re ready to rent that comfy, affordable ski chalet on wheels!

Ten US RV and Ski Locations

  1. Combine Big Bear Mountain’s two ski resorts and the friendly welcome you’ll find at Pine Tree RV Park two miles away in Fawnskin, California and you’ve got the perfect family RV and ski vacation. No matter whether you’re looking for the classic alpine ski experience or some wild and chilly fun on a snowboard, Big Bear Mountain should be on your California winter camping itinerary.
  2. The alpine village of Breckenridge, Colorado is a treat no active family should miss. Five rugged peaks, a terrain park and the convenience of Tiger Run RV Resort minutes from the slopes makes this one of our most-suggested RV and ski locations.
  3. Pennsylvania’s got what it takes to entertain ski-crazy RV campers, too. Camelback Ski Resort in the Poconos is an unforgettable experience, with black diamond to novice trails and plenty of room for tubing. Add in Otter Lake Camp Resort, less than thirty minutes from the slopes in Marshalls Creek, PA, and you’ll enjoy the comforts of home along with a first-class skiing experience.
  4. Canaan Valley Ski Resort, just three hours from Washington, DC in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, looks forward to hosting your family’s winter RV adventure. This legendary ski area has full-service campsites at an amazing discount during ski season.
  5. Gunstock Mountain Resort near Gilford, NH welcomes winter RV vacationers by renting sites with electricity and the use of their heated bathhouse and offering campers discounts on lift tickets. Ski the slopes of the Belknap Mountain Range and warm up in RV comfort at the end of the day!
  6. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California’s Eastern Sierra attracts avid skiers with well-groomed trails and a variety of winter recreation experiences. Ski Mammoth and then spend the night surrounded by the beauty of Mammoth Lake RV Park.
  7. Mount Bachelor Ski Resort in Bend, Oregon caters to RV travelers by providing a special parking area at the foot of the mountain for boondockers. Although there’s no water or dump station on-site, both are available nearby, so ask your El Monte RV Rentals staff in Federal Way, WA how to prepare for self-contained, winter camping on your ski vacation.
  8. Rather than limit your New Mexico RV camping and skiing options, we decided to share this outstanding resource with our readers. Click the link to find information on seven ski areas in The Land of Enchantment, as well as links to nearby RV campgrounds. Who knows? Your family may decide to stay awhile in New Mexico and experience the fun of RV camping near all of these exciting alpine adventures.
  9. Ski Park City, Utah and you’ll learn why America’s best skiers return to Utah often. Three excellent ski areas surround Park City, and camping at Park City RV Resort gives you easy access to them all.
  10. Sunrise Park Resort, four hours east of Phoenix, AZ near the New Mexico border, welcomes ski-happy families with plenty of winter fun. Not only are there two affordable RV camping areas on-site, you’ll also find a children’s ski area, a terrain park for snowboarders and challenging trails for downhill skiers in Arizona’s wonderfully scenic White Mountains.
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Corpus Christi, Texas by RV

Monty November 21, 2011
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Corpus Christi, a gem of a place on the Texas Gulf Coast, has so many activities to enjoy you’ll leave ready to book your return trip. RV campers, in particular, find Corpus Christi easy to love, thanks to the comfort of motorhome camping and the abundance of excellent RV parks. But once you’ve set up camp in Corpus, where to go? Here’s a quick list of attractions by area of interest to help you plan your Corpus Christi RV camping vacation.

Corpus Christi Natural Attractions
A perennial favorite with Texas RV travelers is Padre Island National Seashore. Enjoy surf fishing or beach combing along the “longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world”, according to the National Park Service website.

Up for a little cardio activity? Bring your bikes and ride the beach for miles! Grab a camping permit from one of the kiosks and park your RV beach side at one of five Padre Island campgrounds. And by all means, bring your cameras! The sunsets alone are worth the drive. Whether you come to swim in the Gulf or photograph hatching sea turtles, Padre Island is a star attraction for Corpus Christi RV visitors.

Here’s another way to play outdoors in Corpus Christi; Bob Hall Pier, located at the north end of Padre Island, is an excellent spot to try your hand at Gulf fishing. If you’re up for a hike or a pleasant bike ride, take the eight-mile Bay Trail (PDF) to enjoy the city’s scenic waterfront.

Corpus Christi Family Attractions
With the Gulf as your playground, it’s never difficult to find family-friendly attractions in Corpus Christi. RV camping families will love the Dolphin Connection in Ingleside, where small boat cruises or rented kayaks take you out into Corpus Christi Bay to watch the dolphins play.

Traveling with kids who love miniature golf? Corpus Christi is fortunate to have two great mini golf courses to entertain the troops. Treasure Island Golf and Games on Padre and Fun Trackers Amusement Park in Corpus are excellent ways to burn off excess energy.

Need one more kid-friendly place on your itinerary? Rehabilitated raptors, a below-the-surface dolphin viewing room and a Paleo Park where kids can dig for fossils are all part of the appeal at the Texas State Aquarium. Plan a full day of your Corpus Christi RV vacation to visit this excellent Gulf Coast attraction.

Corpus Christi Historic Attractions
There’s no shortage of history on display in Corpus. The USS Lexington, for example, is a World War II aircraft carrier where visitors can explore below decks and experience the flight simulator and MEGA theater presentations. Out in Corpus Christi Bay near downtown, the Lexington will fascinate military history fans.

Hoping to channel a little “Old West Texas” on your camping trip? A visit to the legendary King Ranch, an hour from Corpus in Kingsville, is definitely in order. The museum, grounds and living history at this enormous ranch tell the story of a steamboat captain who founded a remarkable ranching dynasty.

One more fascinating way to learn what lies of the heart of Corpus Christi is to visit the city’s Heritage Park (PDF), a collection of twelve nicely-restored Victorian dwellings. Touring these homes and hearing of hurricanes and other threats to Corpus as it grew will give a new appreciation for stamina of the culturally diverse population of this Gulf Coast city.

Traveling by RV to Corpus Christi allows visitors to camp in luxury and enjoy all the conveniences of home. With a rich offering of natural, historical and family-centered activities, the city appeals to almost every stripe of RV traveler. While planning this year’s RV camping itinerary, why not give Texas’ Gulf Coast a special spot on your schedule?

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Alabama’s Coastal Connection Byway by RV

Monty November 18, 2011
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Picture of Shrimp Boats in Bayou La Batre

Shrimp Boats in Bayou La Batre

Mobile Bay, on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, is an extraordinary setting for an extended RV vacation. One special route, Alabama’s Coastal Connection Byway, takes travelers through the history, cultural attractions and natural beauty of the Bay. Start your journey four hours south of El Monte RV Rentals in Birmingham in the city of Spanish Fort and you’ll soon know why RV travelers flock to Mobile Bay.

Coastal Connection Byway Highlights
Begin your RV trip along Alabama’s Coastal Connection Byway with a stop at Blakeley State Park, where you’ll find a preserved Civil War battlefield, an on-site RV campground and miles of trails to hike or bike. The park is located in Spanish Fort, at the north end of Mobile Bay, and was the scene of the last major Civil War battle.

While at the park, you can also learn about the plants and animals that live within the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta by taking a ride on the Delta Explorer. Another exciting way to experience life along Mobile Bay is by hiking all or a part of the Eastern Shore National Recreation Trail. Stretching past some of the Bay’s finest attractions, this foot or bike trail runs from Spanish Fort to Point Clear.

South of Point Clear, US-98 (also known as the Coastal Connection Byway) turns inland to Weeks Bay. This is a great place for young travelers to learn why estuaries are crucial to Gulf Coast life. The Weeks Bay Reserve Interpretive Center (PDF) features trails, gardens and displays that highlight life within coastal wetlands.

Our route continues its rush to the beach, with excellent views of the Bay as we go. West of Weeks Bay, between Foley and Elberta, you can choose to head south on the Foley Beach Expressway to reach Orange Beach or visit Elberta first before turning south on County Road 83 and merging with the Expressway.

Orange Beach, located on the Gulf, is an ideal stop for enjoying sun and sand. Just west of Orange Beach, Gulf State Park offers not only white sand beach front but also a fishing pier, nature trails, a lake and a popular RV campground. With miles of beach beckoning, you may decide to linger here before picking up the trail again.

When you’re ready to continue along the Byway, go west on Hwy 182/180 through the seaside town of Gulf Shores to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Experience the dunes, the coastal forest trails and the abundance of wildlife before continuing west on the peninsula to another fascinating spot, Fort Morgan State Historic Site. There’s plenty to discover at this nineteenth century brick fortress that served our nation through four wars. Did we mention the photo opportunities alone are worth the trip?

From Fort Morgan, the mode of transportation is a real treat! The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island, a pleasant barrier island that’s home to an Audubon Bird Sanctuary. If you love birds, this is the premier coastal birding spot! Walk the boardwalks through tupelo swamp and around the lake to spot dozens of migratory bird species, including the Alabama Osprey. Another interesting stop on Dauphin Island is Fort Gaines, significant in the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay.

You’re going to want to plan time to savor the flavors of the Gulf in Alabama’s fishing capital, Bayou La Batre. Follow Hwy 180 into this quaint fishing village, and by all means, enjoy some great seafood, but take a side trip to Theodore, AL for a visit to Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Open to the public since the 1930s, it’s a favorite spot year-round for gardeners and history buffs.

And so we end our trip back on Hwy 180 in the town of Grand Bay, a lush southern oasis just south of I-10. Breathe in the scent of magnolia and pine and spend the night at Grand Bay RV Park before ending your Alabama Coastal Connection Byway tour.

Southern charm and coastal beauty combine to make this byway a favorite with our Alabama RV rental customers. Come south for the winter! There’s nothing quite like an RV vacation on Mobile Bay.

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Ten Interesting Irvine RV Camping Ideas

Monty November 16, 2011
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Picture of Crystal Cove State Park Beach

Crystal Cove State Park Beach

Irvine, California, is the perfect location for your winter RV camping adventure and here’s why – you’re a short drive from legendary beach towns, first – class regional parks and plenty of other Orange County attractions. Let’s take a look at ten reasons why our Irvine RV rental customers return year after year.

  1. Balboa Island charms visitors year-round with its quaint streets, great shopping and dining and easy island atmosphere. Cross the bridge over Beacon Bay from the north or take the Balboa Island Ferry from the south to find an island filled with amusements, events and attractions no matter when you visit. Here’s a link to more information on Balboa Island.
  2. Caspers Wilderness Park is eight thousand acres of canyon trails, forests and streams that invite RV campers to stay and hike. This park’s campground offers full hookups and is actually quite close to services and amenities, despite “back to the wild” surroundings. There are plenty of trails to investigate while camping at Caspers Wilderness Park, just thirty minutes from Irvine.
  3. Chino Hills State Park, just north of Irvine near Riverside, boasts more than sixty miles of trails to tempt outdoor adventurers. Discover why the Santa Ana canyon lures nature lovers year-round as you camp at Chino Hills. It’s also a great place for RV camping equestrians, with corrals and multi-use trails available.
  4. Crystal Cove State Park near Laguna Beach is also a short drive from Irvine and the perfect spot for hiking, biking, swimming and scuba diving. There’s actually a designated “underwater park” for those who like their fun below the surface. You’ll also find miles of wilderness canyons worth discovering and excellent bird watching and surf fishing, too.
  5. Disneyland, the king of Southern California attractions, is just thirty minutes from Irvine in Anaheim. Whether you spend the day at the classic attraction, Disneyland Park, or next door at Disneyland California Adventure Park (or both!) you’ll soon understand why millions discover the magic of Disney each year. To find the campground closest to Disneyland, use our campground reservation tool at ElMonteRV.com.
  6. A stay at Featherly Regional Park should start with a campsite at Canyon RV Park, within the park’s boundaries along the Santa Ana River. Be sure to pack your bikes, because the Santa Ana River Trail runs from the park all the way to the Pacific. Plenty of wilderness to hike, as well, as you enjoy RV camping at Featherly Regional Park.
  7. Hoping to watch for whales, hike along a scenic seaside cliff and enjoy sunny, SoCal beaches while vacationing near Irvine? Laguna Beach is the place to play! Surrounded by ocean cliffs and breathtaking wilderness, this picturesque artists’ colony has become a favorite stop for RV travelers. Shop, swim and, by all means, celebrate nature as you get to know the attractions of Laguna Beach.
  8. Laguna Niguel Lake and Regional Park draws avid fishermen each year from November to April as the lake is stocked with record-breaking trout. Only two hundred acres in size, Laguna Niguel Regional Park packs plenty of lakeside charm year-round. For more information on fishing Laguna Niguel Lake, click here.
  9. The town of Newport Beach encompasses exciting nightlife, beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions for the entire family. Whether you plan a hike on Upper Newport Bay, a day at Corona del Mar State Beach or an afternoon of shopping at the Newport Pier Boardwalk, RV travelers to Newport Beach won’t want to leave this attractive seaside city.
  10. We’ll finish our ten interesting Irvine RV camping ideas with a trip to San Juan Capistrano, where historic districts and a legendary mission make this seaside town a must-see. The oldest city in Orange County, San Juan Capistrano reveals the area’s Spanish influence in unforgettable ways. Take time to walk the streets of the Los Rios District to view the adobe dwellings within California’s oldest neighborhood. It’s well worth your time to slow down and learn more about the state’s early history as you enjoy the beauty of San Juan Capistrano.

Planning to come to Southern California for this winter’s RV camping vacation? Start your trip in Irvine, where natural wonders, historic seaside cities and plenty of outdoor adventure are waiting just down the road.

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RV Camping to Seattle’s Green Lake Neighborhood

Monty November 14, 2011
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Hoping to visit the Seattle area, but aren’t crazy about the crowds? The Green Lake neighborhood in North Seattle has all the ingredients for a memorable RV vacation. Outdoor recreation, historic streets and plenty of places to shop and play – those are the treasures of Green Lake. Blend those attractions with scenic RV campsites close by and Green Lake just might become your favorite Seattle area playground.

Green Lake Outdoors

At the heart of this lakeside neighborhood is, of course, the lake which lends the area its name. The three hundred acre lake and the deliciously welcoming green space around it form Green Lake Park, a popular Seattle outdoor playground. RV camping fans will find they can play a dozen different ways in and around the lake. Bike, jog or skate around the lake on the 2.8 mile Green Lake Path. Seattle Parks and Recreation has done a nice job of dividing the path for multi-sport use.

Beaches on both sides of the lake allow swimmers to enjoy Green Lake from the water. There’s also an indoor pool to enjoy. Prefer to hit the water in a boat? Green Lake Boat Rental on the northeast shore can outfit your crew with stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and row boats. You might also want to try your hand at fishing Green Lake, where rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually.

If you’re simply hoping for a beautiful place to relax, bring your blanket, your camera and your picnic basket. The gorgeous vistas and the sound of songbirds can erase months of pre-vacation stress.

Green Lake’s Historic Charm

Another reason RV campers will enjoy Green Lake is the historic charm throughout the neighborhood. Take, for example, the Bath House Theater. On the shores of Green Lake, this vintage bathhouse is now home to a lively theater company, so make plans to attend a production while you’re here.

Rent a bike from Gregg’s Green Lake Cycles and spend the day riding through restored neighborhoods, past the 1910 Carnegie Library and then plan stops to enjoy Green Lake’s interesting collection of bistros, coffee houses and ethnic restaurants. From Thai to seafood, there’s an eatery ready to delight in Green Lake.

Slow things down on your next Seattle RV camping vacation. Spend your days in Green Lake, where an urban oasis with historic charm will enchant the most jaded traveler.

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An RV Trip to Visit Illinois Wineries

Monty November 11, 2011
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Here’s a delightful combination for an autumn RV vacation – Illinois’ fertile, scenic vineyards and friendly, affordable RV campgrounds! Why not take full advantage of Illinois’ gorgeous autumn vistas with an RV trip to the state’s award-winning wineries?

Here’s a sampling of Illinois RV itineraries to the state’s wine regions:

Northern Illinois Wineries include August Hill Winery at Utica, Famous Fossil Vineyard in Freeport and Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in Galena. These are only three of the picturesque vineyards located west of Chicago. As you plan which wineries you’ll visit, why not book a campsite at Illinois’ oldest campground, the Palace Campground in Galena? It’s within two hours of Northern Illinois’ entire collection of award-winning vineyards.

Shawnee National Forest isn’t the only attraction in the southernmost tip of Illinois! There’s also a marvelous selection of wines awaiting your palate. Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, IL is just one of the delights of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, highlighting twelve distinctively American wineries. Taste not only the wines but also the unique grapevine-smoked barbeque at Von Jakob Vineyard in Pomona. Enjoy a delicious boutique wine in the beauty of StarView Vineyards. And when you’re ready to step off the Wine Trail for the night, watch the sun set over the lake at Little Grassy Lake Campground near Makanda, just minutes from these Southern Illinois wineries.

Just up the road in South Central and Southeastern Illinois are nearly two dozen vineyards ready to tempt your tastebuds. Lasata Wines near Westport is a member of the Wabash Valley Wine Trail, a collection of five lush vineyards in a thirty-mile span. Orchard View Winery on a century-old farm near Alma offers a day of relaxation in the country. To continue your back-to-nature experience, enjoy a night or two camping at Stephen A. Forbes Recreation Area near Kinmundy, IL.

One more highly-suggested journey for wine lovers is an autumn jaunt through Central Illinois’ wine country. Plan your trip to coincide with Harvest Fest at Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford. Sip wines with names like “Jasmine’s Moonlight” and “Edelweiss” at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard near Mackinaw. Because you’ll find so many wineries throughout this area, you’ll want to plan several days in Central Illinois. RV campgrounds like Evening Star Camping Resort near Havana make the trip comfortable and affordable. By the way, IllinoisWine.com offers a complete itinerary of Central Illinois wineries, as well as information on all other wine regions in the state.

Are you ready to discover the wines that are making Illinois famous? Map your autumn trip to Illinois wineries for a journey into great wines, amazing scenery and some of the friendliest RV campgrounds anywhere.

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Two Unforgettable Colorado RV Itineraries

Monty November 9, 2011
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As we have mentioned in the past, we write for other blogs and sites too trying to get out the word about the wonderful world of RV camping. Check out our post “Two Unforgettable Colorado RV Itineraries” in the Colorado Springs Vacation Insider site.

Posted in Colorado RV Camping, Dolorado RV Vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged | Leave a comment