Monthly Archives: August 2012

Take the Mississippi Blues Highway on a Festive RV Vacation

Monty August 31, 2012
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Take a musical journey on a stretch of highway made famous for the Mississippi Delta music that has filled the air along this byway. The Mississippi Blues Highway will take you from Memphis, TN and through Mississippi and the historic towns that were written about by many memorable blues artists. You will experience the thrill of the legendary junction of Highways 61 and 49 where a blues master sold his soul. Allow enough time to stop at the blues spots and enjoy many incredible performances along the way.

While in Memphis, you should stop by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to marvel at the more than 2,000 exhibits, including photos, instruments and costumes for stage performances. When you want the real thing, you can take a tour of the Memphis nightclubs in the evening and a trip down the delta during the day. Hit the famous Beale Street and don’t forget to try some of the amazing barbecue in town.

Travel south on Highway 61 until you reach Tunica. Go to the visitor center to find out all available for you here, because there is a lot to do and see. Tour the Blues Markers for a feel for all the musical endeavors that went down in the area. Visit the Tunica Museum for more history of a bit different nature. Admission is free, and who can pass that up?

Clarksdale, a bit further down the road, offers more live music. Plenty of blues joints to visit, and a historic cotton farm to see – the Hopson Plantation. It is a pleasure to sample some of Mississippi hospitality here, and visit with other like-minded souls. The delta has its own flavor and culture which gives you a wider view of our world today.

While in Clarksdale, be sure to visit the famous nightclub Ground Zero Blues Club, owned by actor Morgan Freeman. Next door you can stop by the Delta Blues Museum for another taste of history and to explore our musical heritage. Stay a while and park your RV at Coahoma County Expo Center – reasonable rates and great amenities.

Taking Highway 49 south from Clarksdale, you will reach Greenwood with its wide variety of blues culture. There are three museums that display many historical artifacts. The Museum of the Mississippi Delta may not focus on the blues, but you can see many original paintings, drawings and a collection of items on the animals, antiques and agriculture of the Mississippi Delta. If you are in the area during October, don’t miss the Cotton Capital Blues Festival, a must for any blues lover.

Whether you take 49 or go back to Highway 61, the rest of your trip is a pleasant one, until you get to Vicksburg, when it takes on new meaning. This is a town of importance on the Mississippi Blues Highway, but also for its part in the Civil War. You can visit Vicksburg National Military Park to discover the past. Blues clubs are abundant and you can still find a lot of toe-tapping music, as well as plenty of festivals and events that happen all year long. What an RV vacation! You will have to do this again!

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Take an RV Vacation to Beautiful Hocking Hills, Ohio

Monty August 28, 2012
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Picture of Conkles Hollow

Conkles Hollow

Attractions and events in Ohio bring many to these lovely landscapes. And for sure, Hocking Hills, Ohio is the perfect place for a scenic RV journey. Outdoor recreation is a favorite of residents and visitors alike, with many State Parks, lakes and forests nearby. Outdoor events offer a diverse choice that will match your interests. You can’t beat an RV vacation in Hocking Hills.

RV travel is such a wonderful way to see the country. Hocking Hills KOA RV camping is just a hop, skip and a jump away from all the places you will be visiting. Happy Hills Family Campground is another great place to make your home base for your Hocking Hills adventures. Relax after a long day of exploration in your very own home away from home.

Once you get settled in, you can enjoy a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway to view a number of sights. You will see a pioneer village at Robbins Crossing which gives you a taste of what it was like here in early days. Make your way to Hocking State Forest and you will be in close proximity to plenty of outdoor fun.

Right next door to the State Forest is the lovely Hocking Hills State Park. Be sure to get a fishing license because you’ll want to throw in a line at least once into Rose Lake. Picnic here in one of the five picnic areas. While here be sure to visit Old Man’s Cave where hiking is perfect. Part of the famous Ohio Buckeye Trail offers a wonderful trek for those up to it. This cave has quite a history connected to it. It was the home for Richard Rowe, a hermit who fell in love with the area and decided to live his life out in this very spot. He is buried right below the ledge to the main recess of the cave.

Ash Cave is another spectacular spot to explore. This is the largest cave in the state, reached by hiking through a narrow gorge lined with gorgeous trees and wildflowers. At Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve you will be witness to a number of cascading waterfalls, with more trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy.

Travel to the northern part of Hocking Hills to discover Cantwell Cliffs. This is a wonderful spot to get in more hiking and sightseeing. You can follow the valley floor trail or hike along the rim for incredible views. At lookout point, you can rest and just savor the breathtaking panoramas.

A recreational paradise, Lake Logan State Park is definitely a must to put on your Hocking Hills itinerary. Lake Logan is really the spot for fishermen to make a trophy catch. You will find bluegill, northern pike, catfish, bass, crappie and more in its waters. Take the paths through the woods and savor the fresh air and quiet peacefulness. Wildlife here is abundant and you may spot wild turkey, white-tailed deer, skunk, opossum, and box turtles crawling slowly over the paths. Love birding? Get your binoculars and view a pileated woodpecker, tufted titmouse or a beautiful scarlet tanager.

Further to the East you will find Zaleski State Forest which is the second-largest state forest in the state. This is the place to go when you are a backpacker. The Backpack Trail gives you some scenic wonders of this beautiful forested area. Take a day hike on the ten-mile loop trail or use the main trail for a 23.5-mile loop. If you bring a horse along, you will find a horse camp and a whole network of bridle trails.

Experience the beauty of Lake Hope State Park which is within Zaleski State Forest. Nature lovers come here to enjoy the solitude and quiet. Hikers love to explore the trails, and photographers get some truly marvelous shots. You will see gorgeous wildflowers such as yellow lady’s slipper, blue-eyed Mary and wild geranium. Explore and come upon a beaver dam. You may even catch a glimpse of the occupants.

If you need a refreshing dip in the heat of summer, you can also go swimming in Lake Hope State Park. There are fifteen miles of hiking trails to keep you out and about in the forest landscapes, too. Be sure to enjoy yourself to the max before heading home. Hocking Hills has so much to offer and you don’t want to miss out on one bit of it! An RV vacation is the ideal way to experience the beauty of this Ohio countryside. With plenty of places to camp and the convenience of a great place to spend your evenings, RV travel just can’t be beat, particularly in Hocking Hills, Ohio.

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

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Navigate California’s Mist-Covered Coast on an RV Trip

Monty August 27, 2012
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Picture of Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, California

Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, California

A trip up the rugged coastline through Mendocino County offers amazing vistas of the ocean’s mighty powers, stretches of sandy beaches and the opportunity to watch migrating whales. You will be able to enjoy some of the best wines in this wine country and witness some of the most beautiful redwoods you’ve ever seen. Start your trip in Santa Rosa, California. Here you can feel the flavor of the art and culture before beginning your 130-mile drive up the coast.

Before you reach Bodega Bay, stop at Doran Park, a spot to stand on a cliff to see the fabulous views of the Pacific. Take a nature walk or picnic in one of the lovely picnic areas. Go clamming or surfing. The opportunities are virtually endless. Move on to Bodega Bay and pull over into any one of the outlooks to see the crashing waves against the rocky coast. RV camping in Bodega Bay puts you in close reach of the ocean. Try Bodega Bay RV Park for the ideal place to make a home base for a while.

Sonoma Coast State Beach gives you the chance to get out and stretch those tired muscles. Get in some beachcombing. You can even fish from the shore. There are dozens of places along Highway 1 to get to the beach. Even if it is slightly foggy, it won’t last long. It should burn off by the middle of the day.

Need your history fix? The Fort Ross State Historic Park will give you that. Tour the historic structures from the 1800s, including the stockade, a Russian chapel and blockhouses. Continue your journey then to The Sea Ranch. The structures here are among the most creative in California. Coastal access is easy at numerous points. There are many trails leading to the beaches.

Further up the coast, you will find Anchor Bay which also has RV camping if you want to stay here for a day or so. At Anchor Bay Campground you’ll find amazing spots right on a bluff above the beach. Next stop? Manchester State Park. You can fish in either of the two streams in the park, or you can hunt for driftwood. There is a lot of it because of the way the beach curves to form a sort of “catch basin.”

Greenwood State Beach is a real pleasure when you wish some lovely views of the ocean. This spot was a lumber town in the late 1800s. Stop by the Visitor Center to see what life was like in those days. Pick up a few mementos before continuing your trip. When you reach Highway 128, it is highly recommended to take a short detour to visit Navarro River Redwoods State Park. You will discover an eleven-mile tunnel of redwoods where you can pull off and have a picnic or swim in the Navarro River.

Keep going for more wonderful sights. Stop at Cabrillo Point to see the lighthouse and take the self-guided nature trail at Jug Handle State Reserve. Your trip is coming to an end, but there is more to see in Fort Bragg, California. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers a quiet place to recall the favorite parts of your trip and prepare yourself for heading home.

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Springfield, Illinois RV Adventures for the Whole Family

Monty August 24, 2012
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Travel to the Land of Lincoln on an exciting Springfield, Illinois RV vacation! This is the perfect way to understand some of the historical aspects of the founding of our great land, as well as enjoy the sights and outdoor activities available. You can discover the true America by exploring Route 66 and visit the neighborhoods that made this country what it is today. And of course, there are many RV campgrounds around Springfield where you can stay. You may really enjoy the Double J Campground & RV Park just outside of town.

First stop is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum where you can see collections all about this most famous President. An audio-visual collection is one that will truly lend a realistic feel to the history you will absorb. There are over 400,000 photos which visually portray life through the decades. An experience you shouldn’t pass up.

Another spot where you can find the past becoming a thing of the present, the Clayville Historic Site. The Clayville Trader General Store will fascinate young and old. If you are visiting in May, the Clayville Spring Festival will show you what the pioneer experience is all about. At the Lincoln Home National Historic Site you will want to tour the Lincoln Home, explore the exhibits in the historic neighborhood of the Lincoln era, and see the film which highlights Abraham Lincoln’s life and home.

Visit the final resting place of our great past President at the Lincoln Tomb. His wife and three of his sons are also buried there. This tomb is 117 feet tall and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a marvelous memorial to a great man.

No visitor to Springfield can pass up an opportunity to see the Illinois State Capital, or stop in across the street at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center. Grab some brochures of other sights to take in around the city, and perhaps have a picnic at one of the picnic tables available to the public.

Now it is time to get outside and really soak up some of that summer sun. Walk the trails at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see the beautiful wooded home to many small animals and a wide variety of birds. This was once a farm now abandoned to nature. Make a trip to Henson Robinson Zoo to see an amazing variety of native and exotic animals.

Of course, the Washington Park Botanical Garden is a must-see for all nature lovers. In this lovely oasis, you will find incredible displays of color. Stroll through the gardens to enjoy the tranquility. Once leaving here, you can get over to Lake Springfield for some boating. If you haven’t brought your own boat, you can always rent one. You can also enjoy windsurfing or water skiing. Try your luck at fishing in the sparkling waters.

A Springfield RV vacation provides many adventures, from historical events to outdoor fun. It is a place you will want to return to again and again for a special getaway.

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Birmingham, Alabama is the Destination for a Dynamic RV Vacation

Monty August 22, 2012
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Birmingham, Alabama is in the very heart of the South, a lovely city in Jones Valley. This metropolitan area became the focus of national and even international attention when the civil rights struggle for African-Americans began. Now you can experience the feel of days gone by, as well as take part in great family activities when you come here on an RV getaway. There are spots for RV camping near Birmingham where you can settle in before beginning your adventures.

A must-see, of course, is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute where the special events and numerous children’s activities make it a great place to go. This museum expresses the truth of the civil rights movement in a way that is healing and educational. Every American should visit this facility which memorializes our civil rights history.

Getting outdoors and soaking up the sun is an important part of a visit to Birmingham. Be sure to stop at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and stroll through acres of unique gardens and original sculptures. There is free admission! Look up all those hard-to-find facts about your garden at home in the largest horticultural library in the United States. See the traditional tea house in the Japanese Gardens.

If anyone in your family is a science buff, the McWane Science Center is a must to put on your itinerary. Even if you aren’t a true fan of science, you will be by the time you finish touring here. There are numerous interactive exhibits as well as an aquarium, playgrounds for the kids and dinosaur fossils to examine. Don’t neglect to see a film at the IMAX theater.

At Birmingham Museum of Art you will discover one of the finest collections of art around. See a diverse representation from many different cultures, including African, Asian, American, European and Native American. For a change of pace, make your way to the Vulcan Park and Museum. This is the home of the world’s largest cast iron statue and Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti created it from local iron way back in 1904.

For an animal encounter, nothing can beat the Birmingham Zoo! See the sea lions put on a famous show, explore the Trails of Africa to see giraffes, zebras and bull elephants. Do you love those crazy ole rhinos? Experience their antics at the Rhino Encounter. Young and old love to visit the zoo, and the animals will love it if you do!

Tour downtown to make some lasting memories of your trip to Birmingham. Buy some hot peanuts, just like residents did over 100 years ago on these very streets. You will visit sites on your walking tour that hold a place in the hearts of all those who fought for civil rights. The next place to go is the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. More history of a different kind awaits you here. Learn more about Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole. Find out how boogie woogie began.

Before heading home, stop in Railroad Park and celebrate your visit to this city by attending one of the great events or concerts happening here. When you leave Birmingham, you know you will have enjoyed the best of what this southern city has to offer.

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A Historical RV Excursion to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Monty August 20, 2012
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Much of our heritage exists in beautiful Philadelphia, and to take an RV trip to the city will inspire new patriotism and love for the United States of America. When enjoying the many museums, galleries, historic sites and attractions you will find new meaning in America’s rich history.

When coming to Philadelphia, the first stop should definitely be Independence Hall National Historical Park, where you will get the main view of some of the most historical sites. Within Old City, you will be close to other spots to visit and can enjoy as much history as you can possibly take in within one or two days. You will find nearby RV Camping at the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Campground in Coatesville, PA.

There are three main sites to visit within the National Historical Park, and these are open year round. First there is Independence Hall itself, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution of the United States was signed. At the Liberty Bell Center you will see this amazing symbol of liberty up close. Get more information at Independence Visitors Center.

There is more to see close by. See how Philadelphia interprets the life of African Americans by touring the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Their culture comes alive in the four exhibition galleries. At the Betsy Ross House you will learn more about the amazing woman who stitched the country’s first Stars and Stripes. Have a learning experience at the interactive exhibits.

The Georgian architecture of Carpenters’ Hall shows a treasured spot in Philadelphia history. This building hosted the First Continental Congress. Drop by Franklin Square which is dedicated mostly to the youth – with a carousel, playgrounds and a miniature golf course.

Another place you simply must see is the Free Quaker Meeting House. Here you will learn much more about our country’s early history. The National Constitution Center is a must-see because it is the most interactive museum seeped in history. You will find the most comprehensive study of our Constitution right here within these walls.

At the Powel House you will find a mansion where Samuel Powel lived with his wife. Such notable people as John Adams, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin came here for entertainment and the hospitality of Mr. Powel. Wander through the home and see the art collection and tour the formal garden.

Last but not least, stop and tour the United States Mint. You won’t have to make a reservation but can embark on a self-guided tour to see coining operations happening right before your eyes. Enjoy the audio and video stations placed at strategic points so you can learn more about how our coins are created. You’ll also see the first coining press, the key to the first mint and a mint deed signed by President Andrew Jackson.

Yes, an RV trip to Philadelphia offers the whole family a new view of American history, giving the flavor of early United States living. It is an opportunity to show your respect for our way of life. A not-to-pass-up experience!

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Take Time to Smell the Roses (and Other Wildflowers)

Monty August 17, 2012
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If you’re looking for an ideal way to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider driving along the Newfound Gap Road, also known as US Route 441. This 33-mile road traverses the entire park, and is the only road that does so. You can drive the length of the road in one hour as part of a longer vacation, or you can stop at all of the points of interest for many hours of enjoyment. When you do this, your motorhome really comes in handy, as you can make dinner, decide to stay for the night, or just be in the comfort of your RV rental while enjoying the scenery.

Be aware that the park’s busiest season is the summer tourist season in June through August, as well as leaf peepers who come to view the spectacular fall foliage in October. However, the wildflowers are in bloom as early as mid-March, and are abundant in April making for excellent motorhome vacations while the other tourists are still scarce.

You can drive the route from either end, starting at Gatlinburg or Cherokee. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located less than one mile from Gatlinburg. The visitor center can provide you with maps of the park, displays of the park’s natural history, and well-informed park rangers that can answer any of your questions regarding the best sights to see on that particular day.

If it’s a warm day, you may spot other RVs on the pull-offs beside the road. Join them and splash in the crystal waters of the Little Pigeon River. After just a few miles, you’ll reach the best view in the entire park, the Campbell Overlook, where you can see Mt. LeConte, the third highest mountain in the Smoky Mountain range.

If you want to leave your motorhome and walk around, you can take a “quiet walkway” that lets you see the remains of a number of homesteads that used to occupy this area of the Smokies. Look at the remnants of foundations and chimneys, and imagine what it was like to live there.

Large parking areas at the trailheads allow tourists to park and either take the two mile hike to admire the ever-changing views of the Smokies, including a view of Mt. Mingus, or take the challenging five mile hike up to the LeConte Lodge and intersection with the Appalachian Trail. You can also get out and walk a short distance on the Appalachian Trail as you pass through Newfound Gap itself.

An easy hike is the half mile to the observation tower on top of Clingmans Dome. From this highest point in Tennessee, you can see seven different states on a clear day. There is also a 4.2-mile round-trip hike to Andrew’s Bald, which contains truly amazing displays of flowers in June.

There are also two picnic areas in the park, although you can stop and eat in the kitchen of your RV at any of the pull-offs or parking areas.

Finally, you can stop at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center before leaving the park, and see the Mountain Farm Museum. This remarkable museum consists of buildings of the original pioneers that have been relocated from throughout the park.

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RV Vacation Fun on the Talimena National Scenic Byway

Monty August 15, 2012
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Picture of the Talimena Scenic BywayIf you’re looking for an amazing RV vacation, look no further than the Talimena National Scenic Byway – a 54-mile stretch of highway that runs along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains, located at the border between the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Don’t just limit yourself to driving along the highway for an hour or two, however. There are enough things to do along this road that you could easily spend multiple days here, coming back to visit in every season. There are different sights to see and different activities to enjoy whether you come during the winter, spring, summer, or fall.

One thing you might want to do is see the mountains the way the original settlers did. You can take a number of hikes of different lengths, or rent horses for a day ride through the mountains.

Devoted birders will want to visit “Bird Island” in Lake Ouachita. The mountains are home to a wide variety of species of birds, including many that are extremely unusual and hard to find outside of this protected area. There is also a great deal of wildlife, much of it visible from the windows of your motorhome as you drive along the scenic highway.

The Ouachita Mountains are named from an Indian word meaning “hunting trip”, and there are still plenty of hunting and fishing opportunities to be had among the mountains. On the Arkansas side of the mountains, you can hunt bear, beaver, birds, bobcats, coyotes, deer, elk, fox, opossum, otters, raccoons, quail, turkey, and waterfowl. On the Oklahoma side of the mountains, you can hunt antelope, bear, birds, deer, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl. Of course, you must obtain the correct hunting permits from the appropriate state authorities. Also important to note is that in some parks you are required to display a permit in your vehicle. Please check the local authorities.

Other exciting additions to your RV vacation are the many watersports in the lakes and rivers of the Ouachita Mountains. You can take day trips or overnight adventures through whitewater rapids, go kayaking, or go boating on the many lakes.

A short distance away in the San Bois Mountains, you’ll find the notorious Robbers Cave. This location is known to have been a hideout used by Jesse James and Belle Starr. Nowadays, it is popular with those who love exploring caves, as well as climbers and rappellers who traverse up and down the outside of the cave.

There are plenty of RV Parks in the countryside around the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Some are rustic campgrounds, some include horseback riding and trail rides, and one even includes a health spa.

While you’re here, be sure to sample the local barbecue. It’s considered a specialty. There are also a number of local artisans that sell their wares at specialty shops tucked away in remote locations. You can find antiques, novelties, and curios. Don’t worry about buying too much, because you can always store your finds in your RV!

Picture credits: The picture of the Talimena Scenic Byway is from the National Scenic Byways website. It is public domain by Dennis Adams.

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An RV Adventure Across the Continental Divide

Monty August 13, 2012
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Picture of a View of the Trail Ridge Road

View of the Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road offers RV vacations that are beyond compare. This scenic byway is the highest continuous road in the United States and takes you across the Continental Divide, past sweeping views of the Rockies. Along all 63 miles, from Estes Park to Granby, Colorado, are breathtaking views, wandering wildlife and a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

The best time to go is from late May to mid-June and from the middle of August to mid-October. Otherwise you will run into the summer crowds. Drive north to Estes Park, the gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park.

The quaint mountain town of Estes Park will invite you to stay awhile. Motorhome vacations wouldn’t be complete without thoroughly taking in everything along the way. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountain wilderness, Estes Park, Colorado is definitely a place to stop and enjoy some popular attractions. You should make it a point to visit the historic Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining. Take a ride on the Aerial Tram to the top of Prospect Mountain for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Now you are ready to embark on the exciting trip over Trail Ridge Road, through Rocky Mountain National Park. You can plan your motorhome vacation more completely when you know that this park offers four campgrounds where you can park RV rentals up to 30 to 40 feet long. These campgrounds are:

  • Aspenglen Campground – RVs up to 30 feet
  • Glacier Basin Campground – RVs up to 35 feet
  • Moraine Park Campground – RVs up to 40 feet
  • Timber Creek Campground – RVs up to 30 feet

As you follow Highway 36 into the park, you will come to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, a fascinating place to stop before turning south on Bear Lake Road. This side-trip takes you to Sprague Lake and Bear Lake, where you can fish or hike. The Bear Lake hike is one of the park’s most famous trails.

Back on Highway 36, you’ll soon be on Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road). As you travel in your motorhome rental, discover the magic of the Rockies by getting in some more time out in the fresh air. Stop at the Deer Mountain Trailhead to and hike a little ways on the trail. At Beaver Ponds, you can walk the boardwalk in the peaceful forest, and enjoy a picnic at the picnic area. Each place you stop in your RV rental, you wish you could stay there for weeks. However, there is more to see and do.

Soon you will arrive at Many Parks Curve, at an elevation of 9,624 feet. Stop here and walk the boardwalk for some spectacular views. Further along, Lava Cliffs offers more views, and soon thereafter you will be at an elevation of 12,183 feet, the highest point on Trail Ridge Road. The Alpine Visitor Center is a good place to stop for a snack, picking up some gifts and enjoying views of the tundra. You will cross the Continental Divide officially at Milner Pass.

The scenic Kawuneeche Valley has much to offer, with many chances to see wildlife roaming the meadows and forests. Here you’ll discover a historic homestead that was a dude ranch in the 1920s. Holzwarth Historic Site is a must-see and a tour will be worth your while.

As you move south on Highway 34, you’ll notice a number of trailheads. At the Coyote Valley Trailhead, you can enjoy a one-mile trail to see the lovely valley and a wide variety of wildlife, particularly moose and elk. The Green Mountain Trailhead is another hike of 3.6 miles through fir forests. No matter if you see photos of this lovely spot, they never seem to do it justice.

As you leave the park and head further south on Highway 34 towards Granby, you will drive along the shores of Shadow Mountain Lake. Stop for a picnic at Pine Beach where the north fork of the Colorado River enters the lake. This is a great canoe access to the water.

Motorhome rentals are really a home away from home. When you take an RV vacation across Trail Ridge Road, you are actually making the Rocky Mountains one of your home locations, with a wide array of activities and the incredible sights and sounds of true wilderness country.

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Traveling the Pine Ridge Country in Nebraska

Monty August 10, 2012
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Surrounding Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a unique section of country to explore in your RV. About 67 miles of highway from Gordon to Crawford, Nebraska offers a vacation like you’ve never had before. Pine Ridge Country is unique in its vistas of pines and verdant plains. This is the ideal region to enjoy an RV vacation.

Perhaps you thought that Nebraska was flat, only cornfields stretching to the horizon. However, this isn’t the case in the high country of the state. In the northwest corner, you’ll find an attractive spot to enjoy all kinds of recreation.

On the highways stretching from Gordon to Crawford, Nebraska, local farmers and ranchers gathered together to offer special activities for those traveling through. There are a number of outdoor recreation and other activities you can enjoy as you visit the area in your RV.

The most popular sport in this region is hunting. At Kickback Ranch, off Highway 385, you’ll hunt turkey, coyote, mule deer and prairie chicken. If you love to hunt pheasants, you will find plenty at Table Top Hunting Preserve, as well as have the opportunity to bag some deer and turkey. Table Top is in Chadron, Nebraska. Beaver Creek flows through the Flying Heart Ranch in Hay Springs, where you’ll find not only great hunting opportunities for Merriam turkey and whitetail deer, but can view amazing Golden eagles in flight.

Park your motorhome for a while and take off across the countryside on horseback. You can bring your own horses to the High Country Ranch Ride to experience a fully guided trail ride filled with beautiful scenery and many wildlife viewings. Some ranches in the area provide the horses for you, like the Ponderosa Ranch in Crawford. In fact here you can experience what life is like on a real cattle ranch.

When you really want to learn to be a cowboy or cowgirl, try it out at One Lazy J Ranch in Whitney. Folks here often take a break from their motorhome vacations to unwind and practice roping, cutting cattle and working alongside real cattlemen.

Fishing is catch-and-release in Pine Ridge Country, but you are likely to catch a trophy catch of brown or rainbow trout. At Antelope Creek Ranch in Harrison, you can fish any of their three stocked ponds for large rainbows that may weigh as much as seven pounds.

On an RV vacation in Pine Ridge Country, you will find other great things to do like trying out some railroad photography in Crawford or visiting the Deadhorse Creek Market a few miles west of Chadron With so many opportunities for unique adventures, an RV vacation in northwest Nebraska will be something to remember for a lifetime.

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