Monthly Archives: May 2012

Take Off Through Texas Hill Country in an RV

Monty May 30, 2012
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The Guadalupe River in Guadalupe River State Park

The Guadalupe River in Guadalupe River State Park

Texas Hill Country is in Central Texas and features rugged landscapes of colorful hills and fascinating Texas towns. Outdoor recreation is available for those who want to experience some of the best in this marvelous region. You can take an RV trip through the hill country to get away from big-city living and the stresses and strains of day-to-day life. It’s a great idea!

On this adventure, you will start in San Antonio. Stay a while in this Texas city to enjoy the many attractions. See the hippos, lions, giraffes and much more at the San Antonio Zoo. It’s a top pick, particularly if you have kids with you. Festivals abound in spring, summer and fall. In June there is the Texas Folklife Festival that shouldn’t be missed.

Next stop will be Bandera, Texas. Get some down-home country food and listen to that toe-tappin’ country music. You may not want to do any hell-raising, but Bandera is still a nice place to relax and get the feel of the Old West. Stop at the Frontier Culture Museum to see an amazing collection of artifacts, including a shrunken head! Get another home cooked meal before taking off for your next destination.

Loop around to Kerrville where you can find some live music and get some more of that down-home cooking. Like to bowl and haven’t had the opportunity for a while? Check out the family sports center in town. Move on to Fredericksburg, a spot that has a fascinating German heritage. Immigrants came here early on to purchase millions of acres, staying on with the German language being the prominent one until recently. You will discover delicious German cuisine and some wonderful beer. Don’t neglect a tour of the Admiral Nimitz Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Here you’ll see a real Japanese midget sub from the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Isn’t it about time to get some real exercise? When you reach your next stop, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, you need to get out there and do some hiking. Trek to the top of the pink granite mountain. Have a picnic and watch the wildlife that wanders near. No matter how tempting, however, please don’t feed them.

Johnson City, Texas has a lot of history, but it also has some fun attractions for all ages. If you have ever thought about going on a guided hunt, now is the time to try it. A great place to go is the Exotic Resort Zoo. This is just north of town, and contains a number of lakes and creeks and over 500 animals.

Not far away is the Hamilton Pool Preserve, with hiking, swimming and nature study the favorite activities. Drive on to Guadalupe River State Park and enjoy paddling on the river. Finally, it is New Braunfels and the end of your adventure. In this charming German community you can have an old-fashioned good time, with lots more outdoor recreation nearby. Certainly this was a wonderful time in the Texas Hill Country and we invite you to come again.

Picture credits: The picture of the The Guadalupe River in Guadalupe River State Park is by Larry D. Moore and is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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The Fun of an RV Adventure along Illinois River Road

Monty May 25, 2012
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Take off in your RV come late spring for a wonderful adventure along the Illinois River Road. You can also enjoy the trip in the fall when the trees are turning color. But no matter the time you pick, this is a wonderful trip through some of the best of Illinois landscapes.

Stop at any wineries you see along the way. The rich wine making traditions of this state will impress you with some of the finest. Your embarkation point will be in Ottawa, Illinois. Here the Illinois and Fox Rivers meet and Lincoln’s career began. Lots of natural beauty here and plenty of outdoor activities all around. You should remember that binoculars are to be included in your travel gear so you can get great views of river wildlife.

Buffalo Rock State Park is a must for your RV vacation itinerary. See two bison that make this their home, and visit the observation decks so you can look out over the river. Walk through the park on the Woodland Trail and just absorb that wonderful nature. Catlin County Park is another one not to miss. You can get out and stretch, taking in the amazing forest of hickories and maples. See if you can identify the many different species of trees and plants. Of course the wildlife is awesome, and if you love bird watching, you will be in your element here.

Princeton will be your next stop. This lovely place provides many activities for young and old. Woodlands you can visit nearby are Miller-Anderson Woods Nature Preserve and the Warnecke Woods. You’ll find RV camping at Condit’s Ranch Campground overlooking the Illinois River. Enjoy swimming, hiking and fishing at Condit’s Ranch.

If you like lakes, you’ll like Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area, with more than a dozen lakes scattered throughout the area. This is prime habitat for birds of all kinds. Hike the trails to see the wide variety of aquatic vegetation along the shores.

When you reach Peoria, stop to take in the rich beauty of this area. Outdoor lovers won’t be able to resist hiking along the river, fishing or biking along a forest trail. Go to Peoria Zoo for a relaxing visit to the animals there. One must-see is the Apple Blossom Farm. When visiting in the fall, you’ll find it open from August through December. Stock up on apple cider, jams or doughnuts. Yes, the bakery is stupendous.

Visit the home of Abraham Lincoln at New Salem State Historic Site when you come to Havana, Illinois. Again, if here in the fall months, there is nothing better than driving along Spoon River Drive to marvel at the autumn colors. Then it is time to get over to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. A paradise for bird lovers, this refuge boasts amazing numbers of species. Bald eagles come here because of the wetlands, and you’ll see everything from Great Blue Heron to songbirds and sandpipers.

Even if your journey along the Illinois River Road is done for now, this is a wonderful place to return again and again. There is always more to see and do, things you may not have had time for on this trip. So anticipate packing up that RV once again and taking off through the varied landscapes of Illinois again next year.

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RV Vacation Photo Contest

Monty May 23, 2012
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Picture of a Camera

Share Your Best RV Vacation Pictures for the Chance to Win a 3-Day Motorhome Rental

What could be easier? Take great pictures on your RV vacation… Send us a few to enter the contest… Get $25 in Monty Bucks just for entering… And the best part, if your picture receives the most likes on Facebook you win a 3-Day luxury motorhome rental!

The contest will run from June 1 through July 31, 2012. Judging (Likes) on Facebook will be between August 1 and August 31, 2012. We will announce the winner in early September.

To learn more see: WIN A THREE DAY MOTORHOME RENTAL!

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Along Newfoundland’s Shores

Monty May 21, 2012
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Picture of a Newfoundland Fishing Outport

A New Foundland Fishing Village Known Locally as an "Outport"

Who would have ever considered an RV vacation in Newfoundland? It’s true that there are so many places to go in the United States that you will never see them all in a lifetime, but it is well worth it to take the opportunity to visit Newfoundland.

On this drive along Newfoundland’s shores, you will certainly experience the best of this province. To get there is a treat in itself. You can pick up an RV rental in Boston and drive north to Labrador and a ferry ride to Nova Scotia, from there taking the Marine Atlantic ferry to the Newfoundland coast. They do transport RVs on their Super Ferry, right across the pristine blue waters.

When you reach St. John’s you will want to browse the city streets and meet many of the friendly folk. Then when ready to start your trek and all stocked up on yummy Canadian foods, you take Pitts Memorial Drive out of town and then Highway 10 south.

Discover incredible photo opportunities at Bay Bulls Big Pond. Enjoy outdoor recreation around Witless Bay. Everything from hiking to fishing can be found there, and even sea kayaking. Take a boat tour of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Here you will see hundreds of thousands of puffins and even more storm-petrels.

Walk through the woods at the La Manche Provincial Park and stop at the waterfalls to be inspired by its beauty. With more than fifty species of birds here, those who love to bird watch will want to stay a while and see how many they can identify. Continue your winding route along the shore on Route 10 and come to Cape Broyle, a place filled with history.

Sea life is abundant at the Chance Cove Provincial Park, as you take a trail leading to the coastal waters. You may spot a whale or a seal sunning on the rocks. You will most definitely see a wide array of seabirds. Further along you will encounter the Saint Vincent’s-St. Stephen’s-Peter’s River. Is this the longest name for a river you’ve ever heard? It’s possible!

Continue on Route 90 heading north now, on the western side of Newfoundland. After you pass Saint Mary’s Harbor, you will come to the Avalon Wilderness Preserve. Enjoy the forest thickets and all the wildlife that makes this their home. Hike the trails and stretch those travel-weary muscles.

Take Highway 1, through Clarenville and then take Highway 230 to Lockston Path Provincial Park, with campsites available as well as a beach so you can enjoy a swim. Next you’ll come to Bonavista, the end of your Newfoundland adventure. Don’t leave, however, until you stop at the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. The rugged coast and crashing waves allows you to dream of what it must have been like for those early mariners. And as you turn to leave to return home, you will be sorry to say goodbye to lovely Newfoundland, a distant land you never thought you’d see.

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See Wyoming from the Centennial Scenic Byway

Monty May 18, 2012
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Picture of a Winding River Along the Centennial Scenic Byway in Wymoing

Beautiful Scenery Abounds Along the Byway

The Centennial Scenic Byway crosses a stretch of 162 miles, from Dubois to Pinedale, Wyoming.

Recreational Vehicle accommodations are available in Dubois at The Longhorn Ranch, Lodge and RV Park. Make sure to call in advance – the outstanding beauty and recreational opportunities in this region can make peak season quite busy.

An ideal starting point for this part of your motorhome vacation would be the Wind River Historical Centre in Dubois. Here you can learn about the Mountain Shoshone people who were the first inhabitants of the area, the European settlers who came in the 1880s, and the Scandinavian loggers, called “Tie Hacks” who came to work and provide lumber to build the nations railroads.

Setting out on US 26, the route will take you to the Northwest past the eastern flank of the Wind River Range, up through Togwotee Pass. Be ready for the extensive wildlife viewing opportunities along the highway, as the area is heavily populated by moose, elk, and bears. Look upward, as well, as there’s a good chance there’ll be eagles and hawks hunting overhead. You’ll drive across the lush flood plains of the Buffalo Fork River on your way into Grand Teton National Park.

At Moran Junction, the Centennial Scenic Byway turns south across gently rolling terrain toward the Snake River Overlook, which affords a great opportunity to see Grand Teton, standing nearly 14,000 feet high. You’ll pass through the valley of Jackson Hole on your way to Jackson, Wyoming, a bustling town with approximately 9,500 occupants. Jackson is home to many ski resorts, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and some very interesting arches that are constructed from antlers shed by the large elk population in the region. South of Jackson, at Hoback Junction, the road bears east onto US 189. You’ll drive up the Hoback Canyon, and descend into the Green River Valley. The Wind River Range will again be in view up ahead. Take US 191 to the end of the Byway, in Pinedale Wyoming. If you’ve taken your time, the day should be just about at its end. RV Camping is available at Lakeside Lodge, on the shores of Lake Fremont. Featured activities here are swimming, boating, and fishing.

While in Pinedale, consider visiting the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about how the fur trade opened up the American west to commerce.

The Centennial Scenic Byway is open year-round, but is subject to local closure due to weather conditions. Make sure to check the status before journeying out in questionable weather. There are recreational opportunities available in all seasons, with excellent skiing at the famous resorts in the valley of Jackson Hole. Also of interest is the National Elk Refuge, also located near Jackson. Every winter it becomes home to 10,000 elk, which can be viewed by a sleigh ride taken from the refuge headquarters.

If you’re visiting Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, the Centennial Scenic Byway affords excellent opportunities for RV Campers to experience the beauty of the West. Don’t miss it!

Picture credits: The picture in this post is from the National Scenic Byways website. Use is allowed if the user displays the copyright and credits with the item. The image is copyright © 1997 The Wagner Perspective.

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Travel Maine’s Rugged Coast for the Perfect RV Adventure

Monty May 16, 2012
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Picture of the Coast of Maine

Maine's Rocky Coast

Spring to fall is the perfect time to pack your traveling gear into an RV and adventure out along Maine’s beautiful coast. This state is most popular for its rugged coastal landscapes and the charming fishing villages along the way. Begin your RV trip in Ellsworth, Maine. The town, founded in 1800, is the ideal gateway for many amazing sights. Although not a part of this particular vacation route, Acadia National Park may warrant a visit while you are in the area.

Leave Ellsworth heading north on Highway 1 until you come to Maine Highway 186, a loop that takes you on Schoodic Scenic Byway to Schoodic Point. You must not forget your camera because you will have many regrets if you don’t catch some shots of the pounding surf and rocky shores. You’ll see islands offshore, all different sizes and shapes, such as Pond and Rolling Islands.

Winter Harbor is a great place to stop and rest from driving. You can see the active fleet of lobster boats and strike up conversations with local fishermen. This classic village on Maine’s lovely coast offers amazing views from its western shore. You will see harbors where boats take refuge and trawlers wait for the right conditions to take to sea. Prospect Harbor is one of these great waterways.

Stop and wander the streets of Corea, Maine to really experience this charming fishing village. This community is well worth the time to explore. It’s on the Gouldsboro Peninsula, with quiet spots to sit and reflect on all the scenery you’ve seen so far. There is more to come. The town of Gouldsboro is a place to stop and perhaps enjoy a dinner in one of the fine restaurants. Maybe you will even be up for a kayaking tour or a nightly concert.

Columbia Falls will welcome you with open arms. Visit the Ruggles House to get a flavor of life in Columbia Falls in the mid-1800s. Amazing and intricate woodwork is one of the sights to see in this historic home. When you reach Maine Highway 187 as you continue up Highway 1, you will turn and head out on this loop along the water’s edge.

An RV trip wouldn’t be complete without some exciting new adventure. If you’ve never taken a kayak trip before, now is the time to try it out. Paddling around Head Harbor Island and Steele’s Harbor Island will have you hooked on a new hobby. You can recover from the excitement in Jonesport, the heart of Maine’s rugged coastline. This small fishing village is the ideal place to breathe the fresh Maine ocean air and enjoy the quiet and solitude.

After leaving Jonesport, you will pass Englishman Bay where photo opportunities abound. Miss getting in a swim while you’ve been enjoying the scenery? The best place to don your swim gear and take advantage of saltwater or freshwater swimming is at Roque Bluffs State Park. Now your outdoor recreation can start in earnest. Take a hike along the cliffs, beach comb along the beaches. There are plenty of coves you can explore on a canoe or kayak. Find RV camping at the Sunset Point Campground in Harrington Maine. They accommodate RVs of any size and for a reasonable price. They provide free WiFi and there’s a laundry room so you can wash your traveling clothes.

The first naval battle of the American Revolution caused Fort O’Brien to be built on these shores. It is worth your time to stop by the Fort O’Brien State Historic Site to see where we protected our country during three separate wars. Then move on to the Moosehorn National Wildlife Reserve where you will see waterfowl, game birds, wading birds and more, all protected in this Atlantic flyway.

You are getting close to the end of your trip in Calais, Maine, but it isn’t over yet. Many adventures await you in Shackford Head State Park. If you are a birder, you will love hiking the trails to see a wide variety of bird life, including bald eagles. Even if you don’t do a lot of bird watching, you’ll certainly love the views all the way to Canada.

When you reach Calais, Maine, you can stop for some shopping, and perhaps travel over the border into Canada for additional fun and to make more memories. The choice is yours. You have experienced some of the best of Maine and now can call your RV adventure at an end. There are other vacations when you can return and do it all over again.

Picture credits: The picture of the coast of Maine is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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A Drive through the Catskills with Your RV

Monty May 14, 2012
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The RV vacation of which dreams are made awaits you in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Start out your 43-mile drive in Kingston, New York, preferably in the fall, but anytime will do. The autumn colors are particularly wonderful, of course, but the gentle breezes of summer will simply dissipate the cares of the workaday world from which you came.

Route 28 will take you on your special journey. When you come to New York Route 375, you should make a side-trip to the famous town of Woodstock. Whether you were able to attend the 1969 festival of music here or not, this spot is great to browse galleries, take photos of the rural countryside or shop for anything from unique crafts to antiques or rare books.

When you return to Route 28 and continue your scenic drive, you will pass Kenozia Lake. If you are a fisherman, this is the place to go! If you haven’t cast a line in the water for years, now is the time to try again. You’ll catch largemouth or smallmouth bass, crappie, Kenozia Lake Walleye or Catfish. Fish the rocky areas and be sure to make the best of your time here.

If you stop at the Ashokan Reservoir when the water level is low, you will see the visible remnants of towns and villages buried when this body of water came into being. These are underwater ghost towns, with the names of Ashton, Olive Bridge and Glenford.

An unusual sight you won’t want to miss is the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. In Mount Tremper, this unique entertainment spot is something the whole family will enjoy. Look for the eyes painted on the huge grain silo in town. This is a wonderful place to shop for gifts to take home to family and friends. The 10-minute show itself is mind-boggling, so if you are up for a little boggling of the mind, be sure to attend.

Woodland Valley is the ideal place to find some comfortable RV camping, a home base while you get out into the forested landscapes for some hiking and fishing. Slide Mountain, the tallest in the Catskills, is the perfect place for a trek in New York’s lovely wooded areas. You will notice that as you continue to drive along Route 28, you will see portions of Esopus Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. Wildlife love this area to feed, so you should have your camera ready at all times. Discover some amazing fishing here too, with plenty of wild trout.

When you have the chance for a short detour, take Route 42 to Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Here you’ll find lots of things to do even in the summer. You can swim, play horseshoes, row a boat or hike to see panoramic mountain views.

Your special RV trip will end at Margaretville. Cross the Delaware River before turning back towards home. You have just finished a Catskills vacation, one you will remember for a long time to come.

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An Adventure to Grand Canyon in an RV

Monty May 9, 2012
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Picture of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim

Grand Canyon from the South Rim

An RV vacation to Grand Canyon turns your getaway into something special. You can visit Grand Canyon National Park many times in a lifetime and never run out of things to do and see. The breathtaking views are only the beginning of a journey of discovery.

The best way to plan your trip is to allow plenty of time, and simply arrive! You can stop at the different visitor centers to get important information on access, as well as sights you can put on your itinerary. Ensure you plan on going to both the South Rim and the North Rim so you can see all the park has to offer.

Enter the park via the East entrance, as this way you will be driving along the South Rim and have the opportunity to stop at numerous overlooks along the way. The Desert View Information Center is inside the entrance and here you can pick up a lot of information about the attractions within Grand Canyon National Park.

Three miles west of Desert View are the famous Tusayan Ruins (PDF), an inspiring spot where you can see how Pueblo Indians lived here more than 800 years ago. A ranger-led walk will provide you all the history of these ancient people. When you leave here in your RV and head for Grand Canyon Village, you will experience all the wonders available along Desert View Drive for the next 25 miles. Stop at every pullout. You will learn a lot about the canyon and see the red rock walls in all their glory.

Once you get to Grand Canyon Village, Canyon View Information Plaza on Mather Point is a great place to stop, with outdoor displays and rangers available to answer questions so you can find out more about what’s to come on your RV trip through the park.

From Grand Canyon Village, it’s easy to get to the Yavapai Observation Station where you can view the panoramic scene of the canyon from a glass-enclosed space. You will be able to pick out each layer and formation in the colorful canyon walls. Get some exercise by hiking from the point back to the visitor center then back again to get your RV. It’s an easy walk with additional views.

Just south of the Southern Entrance to the park you’ll find the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan. Pick up additional tips on where to go and what to see. Take some time to see the interactive exhibits and watch the Grand Canyon IMAX movie. From here you can also make special forays on mules, helicopter tours and much more.

Back to Grand Canyon Village and a visit to the Hopi House. Shop here for gifts to take home. You are not far from the train depot and it’s always fun to ride the train to Williams, Arizona and back again. There is always a lot happening to make it a fun trip on Grand Canyon Railway. Stay the night at Trailer Village, great RV camping right in the park. The maximum length allowed is 50 feet.

Now it’s time to take off for the North Rim. Driving to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is simple, but can only be done in the summer months when Highway 67 and the North Rim are open. When you arrive, stop by the North Rim Visitor Center for maps and more information on what to see on this high rim.

To see a stunning view from a natural arch, walk out to Angels Window. It’s only about a half-mile walk, and gives you an incredible view of the canyon. Bring your camera as you won’t find many better places for photo opportunities. Dramatic views are also available at Bright Angel Point (PDF), a paved but somewhat steep trail in places taking you out to the point.

Drive out to Point Imperial, which is the highest overlook in the Grand Canyon. You can see as far as the Painted Desert from here. Head for Cape Royal, and when you get to Vista Encantada, you should stop and have a picnic overlooking Walhalla Plateau. More views await you at Cape Royal and some nice hiking trails. Head back to the North Rim Visitor Center and you can spend the night at the North Rim Campground, a great RV park with a 40-foot limit and great amenities.

Your RV vacation doesn’t have to end here. If you’ve allowed enough time, you have a lot more to see on both the North and South Rim. It’s bound to be a vacation of a lifetime!

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

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Visit Mount Rainier on an Exciting Washington RV Trip

Monty May 7, 2012
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Picture of Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier

Washington State offers premium sights and activities to those who want to experience the best of the state. Traveling from Tacoma, Washington and circling Mount Rainier on a scenic route, you will have a wonderful RV vacation. While in Tacoma, stop for an evening of music at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and if you have kids with you, take them to tour the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. You’ll find RV camping at Holiday Park.

Taking Highway 167 out of the city and branching off on Highway 410 is the best route. This will take you by Mud Mountain Lake where you can pull out that two-wheeler and take a bike ride. You can also hike or simply relax and watch the wildlife. Another place to enjoy outdoor recreation is Federation Forest State Park, along the White River.

The wild volcanic landscapes never fail to amaze. At the Norse Peak Wilderness Area you’ll witness steep rocky terrain and narrow valleys with sparkling mountain lakes. Forests of Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pine beckon you into the backcountry.

Even in the summer, Crystal Mountain offers fun for the whole family. Take a scenic gondola ride, play a game of disc golf or go horseback riding. You will find plenty of RV camping in the area with great amenities so you can settle in for a lengthy visit.

Now to plan your visit to Mount Rainier National Park, the major attraction of this Washington RV excursion! Here you will visit what is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It can be seen dominating the horizon during your entire drive. With a multitude of outdoor fun available in the park, you will want to spend some time here. Many hiking trails throughout the park will give you the opportunity to exercise and get some of that fresh air into your lungs.

Be sure to stop at the historic Paradise Inn, the guest lodge built in 1916. Enjoy the nearby hiking trails and smell those wildflowers blooming everywhere. The Pacific Crest Scenic Trail also stretches nearby and skirts lakes between Highway 410 and White Pass. Don’t miss out on exploring the Cayuse Pass while you’re here.

Now you’ll take Highway 410 to Highway 123 south and cut over to Highway 706 heading west. You’ll shortly run into the Tatoosh Wilderness Area, an amazing spot with subalpine meadows and more lovely wildflowers. Head out to Tatoosh Lookout. Prepare yourself for a lengthy hike on the Tatoosh Trail. It’s almost 9 miles long but worth the trek in every sense.

After going through Longmire, you will soon come upon the Glacier View Wilderness Area, your last stop to take in the volcanic landscapes and astonishing views before heading home. You should stop in Ashford, Washington for dinner out before heading north on Highway 7 back to Tacoma. You’ll be happy you came and will no doubt want to come back again for a scenic Washington vacation in your RV.

Picture credits: The picture of Mount Rainier is by Walter Siegmund and is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

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Experience an RV Adventure through Northern California

Monty May 4, 2012
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Picture of Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta

Northern California offers some amazing scenery and plenty of outdoor recreation. One particular route provides the best of the best, and that is a Northern California loop taking you up to the Oregon border and back. Start out in Red Bluff on Interstate 5, north of Sacramento. While you are there, be sure to visit some of the attractions, such as the famous clock tower in downtown Red Bluff and the Coleman National Fish Hatchery a short distance north of town.

Drive your RV along Interstate 5 to Redding, another California town offering some intriguing attractions. With exhibitions, an aquarium and beautiful botanical gardens, the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding will be a sure hit with the whole family. Shop the boutiques for gifts to take home.

Outdoor lovers will want to include Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on the itinerary. A huge lake surrounded by lovely mountains inspires you to get busy with some water recreation. You can also hike the trails and see at least four waterfalls. If visiting in the heat of summer, you’ll have to stop at Castle Crags State Park for a swim in the Sacramento River. Plenty of camping around here, and about 28 miles of hiking trails.

A short side trip east will bring you to McCloud, California, an old lumber town. Have you ever wanted to learn to square dance? Well, here’s the place to do it. You can stop in at the Heritage Junction Museum to see historical exhibits as well as photographs and artifacts on display.

Still traveling north on I-5, you will come at last to one of the most important stops on your RV journey, Mount Shasta! The second highest peak in the Cascades, Mount Shasta last erupted in 1786, and could go again at any time, although no one knows exactly when. You are in Siskiyou Country and are going to find so many outdoor activities available you won’t know what to do first. We suggest fishing the McCloud River for redband trout. You will find RV camping at the Mount Shasta City KOA.

Continuing north on I-5, you will finally come to Weed, a wonderful community where you can stop at the visitor center to ensure you aren’t missing an important event in town. When ready to move on, this is where you will now veer off onto Highway 97. At Klamath National Forest, you can enjoy the views and try your hand at rock climbing or simply fish or swim in the lake. Whitewater rafting is also a real adventure.

Before you reach the Oregon border with California, and a little way past Dorris, you’ll come to Highway 161 where you will cut across the top of California and come upon the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Reserve. It doesn’t matter if you love birding or not, you might just take it up as a hobby once you see the many species of birds throughout the marshes and grasslands. You will then head south on Highway 139 and see another place of refuge for migrating fowl, the Tule Lake National Wildlife Reserve. Take your RV on a ten-mile tour at any time of year for some amazing wildlife viewing.

The things to do on this RV adventure never seem to end. Now there is the Lava Beds National Monument, where you can explore caves, visit historical sites and take part in some informative summer events. Believe it or not, there are more than 700 caves that have been explored, with 22 of those that have been developed. Dress appropriately, with boots and gloves and long-sleeved shirt and pants.

Catch 139/299 south and take a side trip to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. This is a wilderness area with plenty of trails and aqua bays to explore. As you drive south on Highway 89 and it turns into 44/89, you will come to Lassen Volcanic National Park and a wide variety of recreational activities for the whole family, including horseback riding, swimming, hiking and fishing. One more stop at Lassen National Forest on Highway 36 west as you head for the end of your Northern California loop back at Red Bluff.

What an RV trip it has been! You have experienced some of the best Northern California has to offer and all in one big entertaining loop. It may be time to head home, but you can rest assured that Northern California will be here for a long time to come and will welcome you to return once again for a summer of fun.

Picture credits: The picture of Mount Shasta is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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