Category: Places to Go & Things to Do

  • MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir: Camp on the Shore in a Central Washington Getaway

    Located in the heart of Central Washington, MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir is a camping destination located on the shores of its namesake body of water near Othello. This idyllic getaway perfectly blends outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it an outstanding destination for families, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the nature of Washington. MarDon Resort is the ultimate launchpad for exploring the wonders of the Columbia Basin.

    The Resort: A Home Away from Home

    MarDon Resort boasts a wide range of accommodations for travelers. Whether you prefer RV camping, tent camping, or the comfort of a cabin or condo, the resort has something for everyone.

    MarDon Resort

    Photo Credit: MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir

    The waterfront cabins provide stunning views of the reservoir, while the fully equipped condos boast modern amenities for a more luxurious stay. For those traveling with RVs, the resort features well-maintained sites with full hookups and access to clean restrooms and showers. There are 158 spaces, including 83 full-hookup sites serviced by 30- and 50-amp power. Drivers of longer vehicles can take advantage of the pull-through sites.

    Photo Credit: MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir

    The onsite amenities at MarDon Resort are designed to enhance your stay. Guests can enjoy a general store stocked with essentials, fishing gear, and snacks, as well as a full-service marina with boat rentals, moorage, and fuel. The Beach House Grill, located within the resort, serves up delicious meals, making it a convenient option after a long day of adventure. A miniature golf course onsite gives guests a fun alternative to water sports.

    Photo Credit: MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir

    Fishing and Water Activities

    Potholes Reservoir is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts, and MarDon Resort is at the center of it all. The reservoir is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, perch, and trout. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, the resort offers guided fishing tours and tips to help you reel in the catch of the day.

    Photo Credit: MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir

    Water lovers will find plenty of ways to enjoy the reservoir. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are popular activities, and the calm waters make it an excellent spot for beginners. Boaters can explore the reservoir’s many coves and islands, which are perfect for picnicking and wildlife watching. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and other bird species that call this area home.

    [6) gnc_990000280_02.jpg Photo courtesy of MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir]

    Exploring the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

    Just a short drive from MarDon Resort, the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a breathtaking escape into nature. This 30,000-acre preserve is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hiking trails wind through basalt cliffs, wetlands, and sagebrush-covered plains, dishing out stunning views of the unique geological formations created by the Missoula Floods thousands of years ago.

    Photo Credit: Andreas Weith

    Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian species that inhabit the refuge, especially during migration seasons. The refuge is home to waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and raptors, making it a prime spot for photography and quiet observation. For those who enjoy fishing, the refuge’s lakes and ponds provide additional opportunities to cast a line in a tranquil setting.

    Local Attractions in Othello and Beyond

    Othello, situated just 15 minutes from MarDon Resort, is a charming small town with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each spring, the town hosts the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival, a celebration of the annual migration of thousands of cranes through the area. The festival features guided tours, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities, drawing visitors from all over the region.

    For history buffs, a visit to the nearby Hanford Reach National Monument is a must. This protected area preserves the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River and is packed with fascinating insights into the area’s natural and cultural history. Guided tours provide a deeper understanding of the region’s role in World War II and the Manhattan Project.

    Adventurers looking for more thrills can head to the Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge or the Drumheller Channels National Natural Landmark. These areas showcase the dramatic landscapes of the channeled scablands, with opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring the region’s unique geological features.

    Tips for Visiting MarDon Resort

    To make the most of your visit, consider planning your trip during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Potholes Reservoir and its surroundings. Be sure to pack sunscreen, as the Central Washington sun can be intense, even on cooler days.

    If you’re bringing your own boat or watercraft, check the resort’s guidelines for launching and storage. Fishing enthusiasts should review Washington State’s fishing regulations to ensure a successful and compliant outing. Don’t forget your camera—the sunsets over Potholes Reservoir are nothing short of spectacular.

    For reservations, contact MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir, call 509-346-2651.

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  • West Virginia’s Pipestem RV Park and Campground: Made for Adventurers

    West Virginia is a haven for the outdoor adventure seeker. Home to Pipestem Resort State Park, Bluestone State Park, and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Mountain State has everything you could ever want in a nature getaway. Pipestem State Park is home to one of West Virginia’s most unique attractions. For starters, Splash Park and Adventure Lake features inflatable mountains, slides, and trampolines for kids and adults alike to enjoy. The fun isn’t limited to swimming, as the park hosts several other great attractions, including zipline tours, golf courses, mountain biking, guided fishing tours, and even skiing in the winter.

    Photo Credit: Pipestem RV Park and Campground

    Right up the street, Bluestone State Park has its own lake, with boat rentals from April 15 to October 15. The park also boasts more than 10 beautiful hiking trails with incredible overlooks and stargazing vistas. For your next family outing, consider renting out their picnic shelter and cookout while the kids enjoy horseshoes, a basketball court, and a playground.

    Photo Credit: Janeson Keeley

    Gorgeous Gorge

    Just north of Pipestem RV Park and Campground lies New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. This area is a historical gold mine: you can learn about the stories of John Henry and the construction of the C&O Railroad, the West Virginia mine wars, and the ghost town of Thurmond, just to name a few. The New River weaves through deep canyons and attracts plants and wildlife, including river otters, 10 species of bats, rhododendrons, and peregrine falcons, to name a few. The local history combined with the beautiful Appalachian Mountains’ diverse habitat creates a unique combination of outdoor experience and quiet getaway that is too often overlooked.

    Photo Credit: Pipestem RV Park and Campground

    Perfect Base Camp

    Nestled in the middle of these incredible parks, Pipestem RV Park & Campground is the perfect “base camp” for your West Virginia explorations. With well-shaded, full-hookup RV sites, you get privacy and practicality in one place. Not to mention the biggest RV supply shop in the area onsite, along with a carry-out style grill serving hot food made to order. The menu includes pizza, wings, burgers, and more that will keep you coming back throughout your entire stay.

    Photo Credit: Pipestem RV Park and Campground

    The market is stocked so well that it is a local fan favorite. Propane, firewood, camping accessories, fishing gear, ice, ice cream, soda, milk, beer, wine, and even tobacco are just some of the items at your fingertips. The kids aren’t forgotten either, with a basketball court and playground a short walk from your RV site. All well-behaved pets are welcome, too, so it’s truly a place to bring the whole family. It’s no surprise locals and travelers alike continue to rate Pipestem RV Park 5 stars. Book a stay to experience West Virginia’s natural playground! The post West Virginia’s Pipestem RV Park and Campground: Made for Adventurers appeared first on RV.com.
  • Mississippi Good Sam Road Trip

    Uncover Mississippi’s gems on a road trip brimming with historic riverside communities, easy-going beach towns, delectable seafood joints, and lively music. This 220-mile itinerary starts in on the banks of the Mississippi River in Vicksburg — site of a famous Civil War clash — and travels to rollicking Biloxi on the Gulf Coast. Along the way you can hear the blues in Jackson and taste succulent seafood straight off the boat in Gulfport. Click on the numbered icons below to get a glimpse of Magnolia State magic.
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  • Southern California Good Sam Road Trip

    From beaches to mountains and deserts to theme parks, this six-stop road trip lets you experience all the highlights of SoCal. Begin in San Diego, a haven of surf and sun, then journey to Julian for gold mining history and delicious apple pie. Continue to Borrego Springs for desert hikes and metal sculptures, to Palm Springs to explore its mid-century architecture and to Anaheim for Disney magic. Cap off your trip with a coastal retreat at Newport’s beautiful harbors and shores. Click on the numbered icons to explore the Golden State most treasured destinations on this 299-mile adventure.
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  • Southern Nevada Good Sam Road Trip

    Nevada is truly a land of contradictions. On one hand, it shimmers and shines with the neon nightlife of Las Vegas. On the other, it’s an ode to the quiet serenity of the desert landscape. Thankfully, you can experience the best of both worlds on this 167-mile route across the Silver State’s southern tip. Click on the numbered icons and follow the state highways and interstates through compelling landscapes. From the riverside romp that is Laughlin to the bright lights of the Strip and the wholesome outdoors adventures in Boulder City and Pahrump, there’s no shortage of nature to go with all that human-made glitz.
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  • Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025

    From fishing and diving to kayaking, hiking, and camping, the wonders of Florida’s Lower Keys never cease to amaze. These idyllic islands offer miles of pristine beaches, wonderful restaurants and campgrounds, and gorgeous weather all year long. But those who crave a more active outdoor experience won’t be disappointed either, as opportunities for adventure abound.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    Florida’s Lower Keys are an outdoor paradise stretching along Highway US 1 from the iconic Seven Mile Bridge south to historic Stock Island. In between, travelers will find plenty of things to see and do, with options for every visitor. Activities include everything from hiking and biking in the National Key Deer Refuge to playing a round of golf on the par-70 championship course at Key West Golf Club on Stock Island. Looking for an aquatic adventure? There are plenty of opportunities for sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, too.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    Bahia Honda State Park is one of the epicenters for outdoor activities in the Lower Keys. Located at mile marker 37, this fantastic destination offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best sunsets found anywhere along the gulf. Visitors can choose to simply relax along the shore with their feet in the water or take a more active approach. The park has a 3.5-mile paved walking and biking trail, while the waters just offshore are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Bahia Honda is also home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the state and has three onsite campgrounds with a total of 80 campsites for RV and tent camping.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    With its delicious restaurants, beautiful campgrounds, live music, and access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Big Pine Key rightfully receives plenty of attention. But visitors should be sure to add the eclectic and enchanting Stock Island to their must-visit list. It is not only home to a thriving commercial shrimping industry, but it is also a surprisingly great culinary destination with charming art studios and seaside bars nestled beside colorful marinas. It is also a hub for serious anglers searching for the best charter fishing captains the Keys have to offer.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    As you can see, these unique and beautiful islands have plenty to offer anyone looking for a tropical escape. From active adventures to total rest and relaxation, you’ll find it all in Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys. To start planning your visit—and learn more about this fantastic destination—click here. The post Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025 appeared first on RV.com.
  • Oklahoma Good Sam Road Trip

    It’s hard to rival the Sooner State when it comes to Native American history or cowboy culture. The following trip takes deep into the Chickasaw Nation and ends in the Deer Capital of the World. Click on the numbered icons to take a walk on the Sooner State’s wild side. Start with sky-high adventures in OKC or venture into untamed plains, lakes, and mountains.
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