A Historical RV Excursion to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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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Planning Your Best-Ever Spring Break RV Camping Trip!

Many US schools will observe Spring Break this year during March, so it’s high time you planned your family’s best-ever Spring Break RV Camping Trip! We’ve done the research for you on some favorite Spring Break camping destinations. All that’s left to do is make your campground reservations and pull the cover off your RV (or make your RV rental reservation.)

To make things even easier for you, we’ve sorted our findings by region. Consider these exciting Spring Break destinations for your family RV trip:

Northeastern US RV Camping Destinations:
March and April may be chilly in the Northeastern States, but a “ski and RV” vacation could still be perfect for your Spring Break plans. These northeastern ski resorts offer all the amenities RV campers need to enjoy an exhilarating day at the slopes AND comfortable RV camping:

  • Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is perfectly located for a Spring Break ski vacation. This first-class RV resort is minutes away from King Pine Ski Area, where skiers and snowboarders are enjoying this winter’s excellent snow base.
  • StoneyBrook Campground in Lehighton, PA is a short drive from Blue Mountain Ski Area in the legendary Poconos. There’s plenty of snow this year, so come enjoy this resort’s thirty-plus trails or the family-friendly tubing runs. The kids will love you for it!

Southeastern US RV Camping Destinations:

  • If your RV camping family is begging for a stay near the beach this Spring Break, why not book a campsite at North Jacksonville/Kingsland KOA in Kingsland, Georgia? Located on the Florida/Georgia border, your campground will be close to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fernandina Beach and the charming Victorian town of Fernandina, FL.
  • Here’s another fantastic idea for a family Spring Break RV trip – plan your visit around Florida’s Grapefruit League Spring Training Schedule. MLB games at towns like Bradenton, Fort Myers and Kissimmee offer the chance to see top-ranked players at smaller, family-priced venues.

Southwestern US RV Camping Destinations:

  • Speaking of Major League Baseball Spring Training, why not spend Spring Break catching Cactus League games in Arizona? Follow the Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and a dozen other MLB teams at Spring Training games in the Phoenix Metro Area. Plan to camp at Desert’s Edge RV Park on Black Canyon Hwy. or Apache Palms RV Park in Tempe for luxury, comfort and affordability.

West Coast US RV Camping Destinations:

  • Come to California for Spring Break and you’ll still be talking about your trip next year! Here are three beautiful spots to visit for exciting California Spring Break family memories:
    • San Diego has plenty of outdoor fun in store for families. Visit the Mission Beach Boardwalk, Belmont Park and the awesome San Diego Zoo. Beautiful weather and top-rated campgrounds like Campland on the Bay complete a picture-perfect Spring Break RV trip to San Diego.
    • Want to surprise the kids with gorgeous mountain views and the chance to fish for bass, bluegill and crappie on a sparkling freshwater lake? Bring along the boat on your RV Spring Break trip to Southern California and enjoy the amenities at Lake Elsinore Marina and RV Resort. Settled against the Ortega Mountains, California’s largest freshwater lake offers enough outdoor recreation to keep your active family occupied.
    • You can’t go wrong with the myriad attractions of San Francisco for Spring Break! Camp at Marin RV Park in Greenbrae and take advantage of Bay Area transit buses and ferries to get you where you want to go. Golden Gate National Recreation Area has an incredible variety of national treasures for your family to explore – Muir Woods National Monument, Point Bonita Lighthouse and Alcatraz Island, just to name a few. The City of San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods also host thrilling shops, restaurants and attractions waiting to be discovered by Spring Break visitors.

Now aren’t you glad you stopped by this blog to get tips for your family’s Spring Break RV camping trip? America’s outdoor wonderlands, cultural treasures and exciting urban areas are waiting to make this year’s Spring Break RV trip unforgettable.

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Ten Ways RV Campers Can Enjoy State College, Pennsylvania

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

  1. Central Pennsylvania Cave Tours draw RV campers from all over, so why not schedule at least one on your vacation? Penn’s Cave, just east of State College, has been open for boat tours since 1885! Awesome limestone formations will thrill your family as you float the underground river that formed the cavern. You’ll also find a 90-acre wildlife park on-site and the quaint 19th century Penn’s Cave Hotel. Another very popular underground attraction in the area is Woodward Cave, with its own RV campground and an exciting walking tour through five underground caverns.
  2. Central PA Fly Fishing is reason enough to load your motorhome and head for State College. Trout fishing hotspots such as Spring Creek in Bellefonte, Lick Run at Bald Eagle State Park and Fishing Creek at Tylersville State Fish Hatchery promise excellent fly fishing sport. Dozens more creeks, rivers and streams filled with fishing adventures dot the landscape within two hours’ drive of State College. Check this map at PAFlyFish.com while planning your State College RV camping and fly fishing trip.
  3. Fort Roberdeau in Altoona, PA is about an hour southwest of State College and well worth the trip. This Revolutionary War fort comes to life with reenactments, festivals and permanent exhibits meant to teach visitors about life on the 1770′s Pennsylvania frontier. Come to the Sinking Valley and learn why Fort Roberdeau’s lead mines played a crucial role in the birth of our nation.
  4. Historic Boalsburg, Pennsylvania has something for everyone and it’s just minutes from the Penn State campus. Boalsburg boasts three museums, a lively arts community and picturesque streets to wander. Take time to visit the Boal Mansion and Columbus Chapel, the Pennsylvania Military Museum and 28th Division Shrine and the Boalsburg Heritage Museum in the Sara Sweet House.
  5. NASCAR Racing is within three hours’ drive from State College at two legendary tracks – New York’s Watkins Glen International and Pocono Raceway at Long Pond, PA. Pick up your State College RV rental and then head for either track for unforgettable NASCAR racing action. (Don’t forget to check on infield camping and be sure to pack your favorite foods for NASCAR RV tailgating!)
  6. Pennsylvania State University, with its main “University Park” campus in State College, is another star attraction for RV travelers. Take in a Penn State Nittany Lions football game in the fall to round out your State College vacation experience. Be sure to tour the University Park campus at the base of Mount Nittany, too.
  7. Pennsylvania Whitewater Rafting can be an unforgettable RV vacation memory, thanks to the extraordinary opportunities with a couple hours of State College. The Susquehanna River near Holtwood is a favorite stretch for Class III rapids. You’ll also find Class III and IV whitewater action on the Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
  8. Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail – Pennsylvania motorhome campers who love great wines won’t be disappointed when visiting the ten wineries on this Central PA wine trail. From Boalsburg to Sunbury, the offerings of these wonderfully scenic vineyards will please the most discerning palate. Your senses will be dazzled by the sights, tastes and scents of Central Pennsylvania’s wine country.
  9. Victorian Bellefonte, PA The eighteenth century borough of Bellefonte, PA is definitely a treasure worth mining. Fabulous Victorian homes, businesses and public buildings tell the story of Centre County, Pennsylvania’s history. If you like to shop, stroll and learn in a charming setting, put Bellefonte on your State College RV camping itinerary.
  10. Wilderness Areas Near State College, PA – We mentioned this Central Pennsylvania town is surrounded by wilderness, but did you know there are more than a dozen state parks and forests within three hours’ drive? Black Moshannon Lake State Park features a lovely, spring-fed lake perfect for trout fishing and is looped with miles of scenic trails. Susquehannock State Forest, in the Allegheny Mountains of Northcentral PA, offers a quarter-million-acre wilderness setting for your RV camping adventures. With five hundred miles of wilderness trails and the headwaters of two rivers within the forest, this is prime real estate for outdoors-oriented folks to explore. Ready to find your place in Central Pennsylvania’s forests? There’s an excellent PA state park guide at StateCollegeCentral.com.
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RV Journey on the Historic National Road

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

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

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

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

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Top Ten Reasons to Camp in Kingston, PA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In Search of RV Camping and Fitness Resorts

If you’re one of those RV camping fans who enjoys getting (or staying) fit while on vacation, here’s some good news! A growing trend in RV campground amenities is the addition of fitness classes, expanded fitness facilities and healthy dining options on-site.

We know our readers are always looking for innovative RV travel ideas, so we’ve done a little research on some amazing RV camping and fitness resorts. Here are just four of the campgrounds we’ve discovered:

U.S. RV Camping and Fitness Resorts

  • Nevada Treasure RV Resort in Pahrump, NV is an amazing place focused on fitness for their guests. Stay active at the bowling center, nicely-equipped fitness center, and two pools, all free to resort guests.
  • Caribbean Cowboy RV Resort in Tarpley, TX is definitely interested in helping RVers get fit! This park features:
    • Personal trainers,
    • Group fitness classes,
    • Water aerobics in the indoor pool,
    • Fitness center,
    • Therapeutic massage and
    • Nutritious meals
  • Spring Gulch Resort Campground in New Holland, PA has a full range of fitness amenities for RV campers, including an on-site day spa, fitness center, mini golf course, hiking trails, two pools and a swimming lake.
  • Sun ‘n Fun RV Resort in Sarasota, FL is nationally-known for the amazing range of activities available for guests. Besides the fitness center, multi-sport courts give RV campers the chance to play a little volleyball, basketball, or tennis. If you’re still feeling the need for activity, stop by the Olympic-size pool for a water aerobics class!

This adds a whole new dimension to your RV camping possibilities, doesn’t it? Reserve a campsite at one of these campgrounds, or ask your favorite camping spot what fitness activities they offer. Staying active while RV camping is simple, you just need to know where to camp!

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RV Camping to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

Looking for another great Pennsylvania camping destination? RV camping to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania delivers scenic views, abundant campsites and a whole new impression of the Keystone State.

This scenic marvel in the area known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds” is blessed with well-planned state parks on both rims. Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim offers more than five hundred acres of outdoor recreation possibilities. Campgrounds in and around this park make it the perfect place for an RV camping adventure. Colton Point State Park on the west rim consists of four hundred rustic acres crisscrossed with challenging hiking trails.

The Canyon itself (also known as Pine Creek Gorge) is a thickly-forested wonderland popular not just with hikers but also wildlife watchers, nature photographers and fishing buffs willing to hike a bit to find the good spots. Springtime canoe trips through the Canyon along Pine Creek are another perennial hit. At forty-seven miles long with a view fourteen hundred and fifty feet down at its deepest point, it goes without saying the gorge’s scenery is spectacular!

An abundance of hardwood trees in the area makes it a very popular destination for fall “leafpeepers”. Book a campsite for late September or early October and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettably colorful vistas. And you needn’t be capable of strenuous hiking to enjoy the scenery. Overlooks at both state parks supply a panoramic view of an eight-hundred feet deep section of the gorge.

How to get to this North Central Pennsylvania attraction? It’s an easy two hour drive from State College via I-80/US220, then PA state roads. It’s also about a two hour trip from Kingston, PA in the Wilkes-Barre area.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll want to find your campground and make it your home base for your outdoor adventures. Here are just three of the many RV campgrounds in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania area:

Why not visit North Central Pennsylvania this year and find out why RV campers rate it high for return vacations? Tioga County has created a colorful tourism website packed with photos, helpful links and plenty of information about the area. Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon is a wonderful place to experience the state’s scenic beauty. Add it to your “must-see” list as you plan your future RV camping adventures.

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A Pennsylvania Revolutionary War RV Vacation Itinerary

Our 3rd itinerary for exploring the history of the American Revolution is set in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The state of Pennsylvania is also another wise choice for Revolutionary War buffs to visit by RV. Be sure to see Brandywine Battlefield west of Philadelphia, scene of the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War. And what says “American Revolution” better than Valley Forge National Historic Park? One more must – see for RV campers looking for American Revolution history – Historic Philadelphia. Within one square mile of the Old City, travelers will find Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and dozens more places of historic significance to visit.

Be sure to check out:

These are just a small sample of the rich Revolutionary War history to be seen on your next RV camping vacation. Choose your favorites, or check this collection of sites from the National Parks Service to plan your next trip. No matter which state you visit, there are lessons to be learned from the patriots whose dreams brought our nation to life.

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Northeast Fall Foliage RV Road Trip

Here’s a secret we’ve learned from avid RV campers – some of the most beautiful fall foliage in America can be found along the country roads and highways of the Northeast states. Just thinking about all those photo ops makes me want to take a Northeast fall foliage RV road trip! What about you? If you’re ready to roll, use these ideas to plan your trip.

The Pleasures of the Poconos! Any RV camper who’s never visited the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania has missed a fantastic road trip. The Poconos are home to dozens of picturesque villages and scenic byways. The area west of Scranton, in particular, is a favorite destination for foliage viewing.

While you’re in the Poconos, why not park your RV at Keen Lake RV Resort? The Keen Sisters run a beautiful RV campground on the shores of a ninety-acre lake. You won’t want to go home!

New York’s Fall Foliage Extravagance! Two scenic mountain ranges in New York have enough gorgeous fall foliage for a month-long RV camping trip. The Adirondacks in Upstate New York offer fantastic mountain lakes and hundreds of miles of autumn scenery. Check out Adirondack Adventure RV Resorts for two great RV campgrounds in the area.

In southern New York, the Catskills have their own distinct charm. Maple, oak and hickory leaves burst into brilliant color every year around quaint villages like Cooperstown and Utica. To make your RV camping vacation perfect, Blue Mountain RV Campground in Saugerties has full-service campsites nestled in the trees.

Don’t Miss Massachusetts! What could be more picturesque than Boston in autumn? But don’t miss the Berkshires! These mountains in western Massachusetts offer one foliage-filled mile after another. And don’t leave the state without taking in the fall beauty of Cape Cod.

The Northeast United States is a region we hope all our RV camping friends get to visit. We can help you find the right RV rental for your Northeast Fall Foliage RV Road Trip at our El Monte RV Rentals Boston location, or our other locations: State College RV Rentals, Kingston PA RV Rentals, or Linden, NJ RV Rentals. Give us a call today and let us help make your trip to the Northeast perfect.

Also be sure to check out our post: New England Fall Foliage RV Road Trip!

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