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  • RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More

    Another week has come and gone, and as usual, there has been a lot of news from the RV and camping industries. So, before you head off into the weekend, here are a few stories you may want to know about.

    SylvanSport Vast

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • The SylvanSport Vast Wins an Award for Great Design: North Carolina-based SylvanSport received some major recognition this week when it took home the Good Design Award in Transportation from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The company’s Vast travel trailer earned that honor for being “the epitome of design and product excellence.” The camper was lauded for its tall ceilings, comfortable queen-size bed, composite construction, and other features and functionality. We felt very much the same about it when we reviewed RV, which you can read here.
    • Tickets are Now Available for Hershey RV Show: The self-proclaimed “America’s Largest RV Show” is set to return on September 10-14 in Hershey, PA. Starting this week, those wishing to attend can now purchase tickets for the event, which promises to be an interesting one once again this year. If you’re planning on buying an RV this year, it may be worth it for you to plan a visit to Hershey in September. The discounts available at the show are always outstanding and well worth the price of admission.
    Keystone RV rebrand

    Photo Credit: Keystone RV

    • Keystone RV Announces Brand Refresh: Expect Keystone RVs to have a little different look in the coming months, as this week the company announced a brand refresh. That starts with embracing the tagline “Proven in the Wild,” which embraces Keystone’s long history of making RVs built for camping, while also leaning into the growing popularity of off-grid, remote adventures. The company will also have a redesigned logo, which includes a wedge-shape designed to evoke the Keystone namesake. Finally, the company is inviting fans and outdoor enthusiasts to share their stories of outdoor adventure using the hashtag: #ProveninTheWild.
    • Hipcamp Names Its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America: Looking for some new places to camp this summer? Hipcamp may have you covered. The campsite discovery site and app has announced its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America, with a great mix of well-known and hidden gem locations to stay. To create the list, Hipcamp staff analyzed the data from over 500,000 campsites in every state and found the best places to stay on private lands, public parks, and RV campgrounds. Check it out here.
    rv rallies and meetups

    Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty

    • Love’s Travel Expands Offerings for RVers: Love’s Travel Stops have always been RV-friendly, but over the past few years, they have taken steps to further embrace the community. To that end, a number of their locations have gotten upgrades recently in an effort to appeal to more RV travelers. Those upgrades include everything from newly remodeled showers, larger restrooms, onsite laundry facilities, and more diverse food options. Some stores have even installed full RV hookups, making them an enticing place to stay on longer trips. RV Pro has a full rundown of which Love’s stores have recently been upgraded. For a full list of Love’s locations that are RV-ready, click here.
    • Thousand Trails Kicks Off “100 Days of Camping” Campaign: Thousand Trails—a website that specializes in finding RV campgrounds, cabins, and other campsites— is inviting travelers to take part in the 100 Days of Camping this summer. There are roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the annual ad campaign—which has run for ten years—encourages people to get outside. Of course, Thousand Trails would prefer it if you stayed at one of their affiliated sites, and to help you do that, it’s offering discounts throughout the summer, as well as prize giveaways. The company is also holding a contest with campers encouraged to share photos of their summer travels with the hashtag: #100DaysofCamping. Find out more here.
    remote national parks

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Would Cut 5,500 National Park Service Employees: If passed as is, President Trump’s proposed 2026 Federal budget would cut more than 5,500 jobs from the National Park Service. According to National Parks Traveler, the fine print on the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” indicates that NPS staffing would be reduced from 13,648 people now to just 8,130 people in the coming year. This would put the Park Service—and by association the national parks themselves—at risk. That large of a drop in staff would likely lead to a further backlog of maintenance and construction, reduced working hours, longer lines at the entrance, and more. Fewer park rangers would also mean less safe environments in general, with fewer people around to offer assistance or conduct a search and rescue operation. Read more about the cuts here.
    • Aluminum and Steel Tariffs Double to 50%: Staying on the subject of President Trump’s policies, this week he announced the doubling of tariffs on aluminum and steel imported to the US. Those metals will now be subject to a 50% tax from all countries, except the UK, which still sits at a 25% levy. Considering aluminum and steel are used in the construction of many RVs, the impact on this industry could be big. Expect pricing to go up on a wide variety of goods in the wake of these new taxes.

    That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another round-up of the latest RV news.

    The post RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RVing Through Yellowstone: A One-Day Sightseeing Adventure

    Buckle up — Yellowstone National Park is the ultimate destination for encountering some of America’s most iconic wonders. If you’re short on time but big on adventure, the freedom and flexibility of an RV expedition allow you to explore the best of Yellowstone at your own pace. This one-day itinerary will help you pack in as much sightseeing as possible between sunrise and sunset.

    Hit the (Beartooth) Highway

    Start your day early by driving the scenic Chief Joseph and Beartooth Highways, the perfect scenic route for RV travelers. The winding roads offer stunning look-offs, ideal for quick roadside stops or photo ops. Beartooth Highway provides incredible views of Beartooth Mountain and Pilot Peak, making the journey to Yellowstone almost as breathtaking as the destination. You’ll enter the park via the Northeast Gate, ready to explore.

    Bison along a river.

    Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone.

    Watch Wildlife in the Lamar Valley

    Your first stop in Yellowstone National Park is the Lamar Valley, affectionately known as the American Serengeti. This nickname is a testament to the abundance of wildlife that call the valley home. This is a prime destination for wildlife watchers, with plenty of spots to pull over and observe safely. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot bears, pronghorns, eagles, bison, and even wolves roaming the open plains.

    Lone individual gazes at a hot spring.

    Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone.

    Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

    Not far from the Lamar Valley, you’ll arrive in a landscape that looks out of this world. This sprawling complex of terraces was formed over thousands of years as hot water, rich in minerals, seeped to the surface. As the water cooled, it deposited calcium carbonate, creating the distinctive formations we see today. Take some time to stretch your legs on the boardwalks and marvel at this ever-evolving landscape.

    Aerial shot of multi-hued spring.

    A boardwalk leads to views of the Grand Prismatic Spring. Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone.

    Go South to the Grand Prismatic Spring

    Drive south from Mammoth past rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and wondrous terrain before reaching the Grand Prismatic Spring. This chromatic wonder, boasting vibrant rings of deep blue, emerald green, shimmering gold, and fiery orange, is a highlight of any Yellowstone RV trip. While the boardwalk offers an up-close view, consider taking the short hike to Fairy Falls Trail for a panoramic perspective.

    A crowd gathers in front of a steaming geyser.

    Photo Courtesy of Cody Yellowstone.

    Watch Old Faithful Erupt

    Not far from Grand Prismatic Spring is the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Its predictable eruptions, shooting towering water columns into the sky, have captivated visitors for generations. Old Faithful typically erupts every 90 minutes, but the interval can range from 35 minutes to two hours. Traveling by RV means you can easily adjust your schedule to catch this spectacular show, arriving at your convenience before cruising to your final stop.

    Waterfall spilling into a valley.

    Artist Point in Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Photo Ben Wilkins.

    Take in the Grand Canyon From Artist’s Point

    Cap off your epic RV journey at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, your final destination for the day. As the sun begins to set, witness the canyon’s vibrant palette transform from deep reds to golden yellows. Pull out your camp chairs and enjoy a picturesque picnic dinner at Artist Point, where the views have inspired creative people for countless years.

    Inspired to hit the road and discover Yellowstone’s natural grandeur? Start planning your RV expedition today. Request your free 2024 Cody Yellowstone Vacation Guide, visit CodyYellowstone.org, or call 800-393-CODY today.

    The post RVing Through Yellowstone: A One-Day Sightseeing Adventure appeared first on RV.com.

  • The New Tiffin Class C Open Trail: Get Ready for Something Wild

    Tiffin Motorhomes is known for Luxury. Refinement. The good things in life. It’s a well-deserved reputation.

    Then they came out with the GH1, as tough and rugged a Class B Van as you’ll find anywhere, but built to Tiffin’s exacting standards. We’ve been overjoyed to be able to bring these wild machines to you. And at they rate they drive off the lot, that hasn’t been easy.

    When we were told by out Tiffin Rep that they have a new Class C in the works — something even tougher, even wilder – we didn’t even wait for the spiel.  

    So please allow us to introduce:

    The Tiffin Class C Open Trail

    At the unveiling of the Open Trail, there were comments like, “I think it was made for the zombie apocalypse,” and, “It’s bad to the bone.” One look and you can easily see yourself churning through the most rugged terrain in the wildest adventure of your life.

    In a Class C!

    Built on a Mercedes-Benz® 3500XD AWD dual wheel cutaway chassis, powered by the Mercedes-Benz® 2.0 Liter I4 Turbo Diesel High Output 208 HP Diesel Engine, and equipped with the SumoSprings Ride Assist System, the Open Trail provides the smooth ride you expect with the off-road capabilities you crave.

    The Open Trail is supercharged with an optional on-board solar panel and prepped for Starlink Pro (Starlink Mini pre-installed), always keeping you connected. 52 gallon fresh and grey tanks will keep you in the wilds longer.

    To keep you ready off the road, the Open Trail comes with fully custom black aluminum Tiffin adventure wheels, a rugged off-road front bumper, and a 12,000 lb. winch with front and rear recovery points, for when the road gets real.

    Picture yourself coming in to rescue your fellow traveler. Nice, huh.

    The Interior

    Inside is a clean design, with everything you need for a comfortable trip, plus storage everywhere you look. You’ll have room for extended supplies and gear with the Open Trail’s 90 cubic feet of storage. That under-bed garage can hold all your sports equipment, supplies and more!

    With a sleeping capacity of 2-4, your trips can be a family adventure, or a group of buddies cutting loose. So pick a spot on the map, and take on the Open Trail!

    The post The New Tiffin Class C Open Trail: Get Ready for Something Wild appeared first on Poulsbo RV.

  • The Camper Van Plan

    Call them “Class B,” or call the whole thing “Van Life.” By any name, the coolest camper vans can take you places. Discover the brands, models, gear, and history that turned the humble camper van into a modern adventure machine.

    Mitsubishi Delica

    Photo Credit: Different_Brian/Getty

    The Van’s Long Trip

    When and where did it begin, this dream of a van cruising the American road, well-equipped, beautifully designed and bound for parts unknown? What ignited the 21st century social media explosion of exquisite sunset photos framed by rear cargo doors, all those pics of pandemic puppies doing downward dog in the snow? How did a tricked-out Sprinter become a campground status symbol?

    You could argue today’s van-living vogue goes all the way back to the wagon trains. Certainly, today’s four-wheeled dreams wouldn’t be possible without the Interstates, seeded by legislation in 1956, and the Volkswagen Westfalia, introduced to the U.S. that very same year. America’s national parks and highway system set the backdrop for van culture. “If we look at this constant undercurrent of westward recreation,” says automotive historian Casey Maxton, “that is what we consider the real starting point for van life.”

    The vehicles have improved in a steady parade. In the ‘60s, Ford unveiled its T-Series, a precursor to the ultra-capable Transit. Mercedes debuted the earliest Sprinter exactly 30 years ago. Other flagship vehicles—the Mitsubishi Delica, Dodge A-100, Chevy G20, the Ford Econoline—broadened the scope of what a van could do.

    But the van’s cultural niche evolved as well, in ways perhaps less predictable. Early on, a freewheeling breed of travelers and outdoors folk gravitated to vehicles that could double as a base camp; travel icons on both sides of the Atlantic appropriated these work vehicles to build lives on the road. In 1968, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, along with the late Doug Tompkins of The North Face, drove a beefy Econoline from California to Chile on a six-month climbing expedition. In 1974, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, founders of Lonely Planet, navigated 9,000 miles from England to Afghanistan in a used Morris Minivan.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Mason Trinca

    “By the ‘70s, we saw the van customization craze take hold, with murals, bubble windows and shag carpeting,” Maxon says. “That brought more people in—and American automakers also began to respond by partnering with external customizers to offer lift kits,
    making vans into something you could live in.”

    This possibility stirred some mixed perceptions. In 1993, Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley’s character Matt Foley used van life as more of a punchline than an aspiration: the immortal “I LIVE IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!” But by the turn of the 21st century, this mode of living was poised for a cultural makeover. Social media would beckon, and before long a new generation would inject fresh life into an American tradition.

    Working as a designer in New York City in the aughts, Foster Huntington heard the highway’s call. So, in 2011 at age 23, he bought a Vanagon Syncro and headed for the West Coast. “I was not cut out for the urban, corporate lifestyle,” Huntington says. “That was not going to be the next fifty years of my life.”

    Huntington made his move at a fortuitous time. Instagram had just launched. The iPhone was four years old, and anyone armed with a smartphone could find an audience—and dollars—online. YouTube was awash in content from travelers not just highlighting their adventures, but also tutorials for how to customize vans for maximum comfort. Influencer culture was beginning to percolate, and Huntington, who spent his days surfing and shooting photos, leaned in. He used Kickstarter to fund a photo book titled Home Is Where You Park It before fatefully coining the hashtag “vanlife” (#vanlife). The term and tag became a bona fide phenomenon.

    “I meant it as a joke,” says Huntington, who has since settled outside of Portland, Oregon, and now favors a Ford F-350. “Tupac had thug life, and I was like: ‘We have van life.’”

    Joke or not, Huntington’s term captured something of the times—maybe even an elemental thread of Americana. Living in Seattle working at Microsoft, Harley Sitner was chasing the counterculture vibe of his rambling youth when he bought a vintage Volkswagen camper van. With that purchase he also inherited the issues accrued by its previous owner. Struggling to find a reliable mechanic, in 2013 Sitner bought an old VW garage called Peace Vans. Today his crew is swimming in repair and restoration work, as well as electric conversions, and customization not just of VW Vanagons, but also Mercedes Sprinters, assorted Class B and smaller RVs.

    “There’s just something in American life about road trips,” Sitner reflects. “And van life is just another version that connects us to the founding myths of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. A big part of it is also the expression of rugged individualism.”

    Even so, since the start of the 21st century, van life—and #vanlife—has exploded in a manner that makes clear life on the road for today’s adherents is more than a nostalgia kick. Starting with the arrival of highly customizable Mercedes Sprinters, followed by the Ford Transit Custom in 2012, the notion of a combined mobile living room and workspace hit the mainstream. Legacy van makers, as well as a growing number of custom shops, found eager customers among digital nomads and millennial overlanders.

    “Before it was cool and trendy, all it was essentially was people putting RV and boat parts into vans,” says Kurt Bradler, owner of Contravans in Denver, Colorado, an all-in-one shop for adventure van build-outs and repairs. “It’s gone from a fad to a full-blown industry.”

    Of course, the pandemic played its role. Lock down amplified the reach of social media; remote work brought masses to the road, and a new wave of creatives in the outdoors gave rise to an entire ecosystem of GPS-enhanced vagabonds. Pairing a digitally connected society with a relaxed sense of professional etiquette, it became easy to follow inspiration wherever it led.

    “The soul of van life really is about the meaning and not the miles,” says Jen Young, co-founder of Outdoorsy, a global rental company based in Austin, Texas, which has connected van and RV owners with travelers worldwide since 2015. “There’s no question the pandemic fundamentally reshaped how people think about travel, and van life became one of the most liberating responses to that shift.”

    boondocking campsites

    Photo Credit: oksanaphoto/Getty

    Among those that made this shift was Johanna Flashman, a roaming SEO consultant, freelance writer and editor who opted for mobile living three years ago. Author of Beer Hiking Southern California, published in 2024, Flashman purchased a used Ram Promaster with 13,000 miles on it. Having added 30,000 miles to the odometer, she has dealt with a variety of challenges, including leaky ceiling fans and faulty electrical fuses. And while her Instagram features stunning landscapes, swimming holes and trail runs, Flashman doesn’t consider herself an influence—she often shows the harder side of van living. “The person who thinks that van life is just going to be smooth sailing,” she says, “is in for a very rude awakening.”

    Countless travelers have endured the challenges and expanded the movement. Consider the new VW all-electric ID. Buzz, which can be given a bespoke camper treatment by Peace Vans, bringing the original hippie microbus into the 21st century. Or the seemingly endless list of conversion shops building off the Sprinter chassis today. Vans are rolling into the future. One day, Jen Young suggests, self-driving vans may deliver hikers to the trailhead. Or maybe van lifers will find themselves looking for vehicles that do less, says Alan Macey, who worked for Ford, Volkswagen and BMW before joining the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, where he teaches automotive design.

    “I spend time trying to talk my students out of doing everything inside the vehicle,” he says. “You’re going to want to stop and get outside every couple of hours, so is giving up that space for an indoor bathroom really a good idea?” The man who first coined #vanlife, Foster Huntington, remains philosophical: “I very much still see people living in vans, or traveling in vans. The beauty of road trips is that they’re so simple to do, and it’s just a great way to get outside.”

    The vehicles may change. So may the destinations and travelers. But the road trip will almost certainly endure as it has for decades. From Jack Kerouac’s On the Road to Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” to viral hashtags, Americans have proven their zeal for the open road will not be tempered—not anytime soon, at least. And as long as the open road calls, vans will almost certainly venture down it.

    Milestones

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft

    1950

    Volkswagen introduces the “Type 2” van, which through its various iterations will epitomize van life for nearly 40 years.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft

    1956

    The first VW Westfalia campers are exported to the United States.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Advertising Archive/Courtesy Everett Collection

    1957

    UK-based Bedford starts producing the CA Dormobile, a prototype RV easily converted into a camper van.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Ford Motor

    1965

    Ford introduces the Transit, or T-Series, as a cargo van in the European market. Nearly 50 years later, the fourth generation T-Series becomes the base for many camper van conversions.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: AP Photo

    1969

    The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair brings nearly half a million people to Bethel, New York, for three days of peace, music, and revelry. The Volkswagen van becomes synonymous with hippie culture.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft

    1980

    Volkswagen brings the first Vanagon to the United States and introduces the Syncro model with AWD in 1986.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: NBC Universal

    1993

    Chris Farley introduces Saturday Night Live audiences to motivational speaker Matt Foley, who lives in a “van down by the river.”

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Mercedes Benz Classic

    1995

    After decades of producing utilitarian vans for commercial purposes, Mercedes unveils the Sprinter, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle lauded for its comfort. In 2006, the company allowed for further model customization, setting the bar for luxury Class B RVs and the stage for later off-road options.

    2010

    Instagram goes live, making it (theoretically) possible for roaming influencers to make money off images of #vanlife.

    Ford Transit Trail

    Photo Credit: Ford

    2020

    Ford introduces its all-wheel-drive T-series with a 10-speed automatic overdrive transmission, setting a new bar for power and affordability in the camper van segment.

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Elisabeth Jurenka

    2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic hits, leading to a boom in remote work. By some accounts, between 2020 and 2022 new adherents of van life increase by more than 60 percent, with approximately 3 million Americans living full-time on the road.

    2021

    Nomadland, a film exploring the complexities of RV living in tough times, sweeps the Oscars.

    Volkswagen ID. Buzz

    Image Courtesy of Volkswagen

    2024

    A hint at the next phase of van culture: all-electric Sprinters and VWs roll out.

    The Platforms

    Since its international debut 30 years ago, no camper van chassis has become more ubiquitous than the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It’s the one most often built upon by custom shops and legacy RV manufacturers—and for good reason. The turbo-diesel engine is powerful and fuel efficient, the all-wheel-drive system is industry leading, and the clearance can accommodate off-road adventures. The downside? It’s expensive.

    In recent years, the Ford Transit and Dodge Ram ProMaster have emerged as popular—and budget-friendly—alternatives. In
    2020, when Ford unveiled an all-wheel-drive model of the Transit, it became a realistic option for van lifers who wanted to explore deep in the backcountry. And with one of the tallest roofs available, the Transit offers a palatial base for a van conversion.

    The Promaster, too, is roomy—its body is wide and features a low floor, making it easy to load gear, pets, or children. And while it’s not yet available in all-wheel-drive, its fuel economy is attracting more van lifers every year.

    The Models

    Winnebago Revel Sport

    Photo Credit: Winnebago

    Winnebago Revel

    One of the most advanced vans on the market, the 2025 Revel combines off-road capability, interior luxury and innovative power solutions all of which are integrated in a vehicle length under 20 feet. Built atop an AWD Mercedes Sprinter chassis, the Revel uses a turbo-diesel engine that delivers 330 foot-pounds of torque, making even the most remote campsite accessible. Plus, with the van’s custom insulation and the Winnebago Power Max System, campers will have the heat—and the juice—to stay off-grid even in the coldest months. Starting at $254,076

    camper vans

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    Airstream Interstate 19

    Though it’s undoubtedly a van, there’s a reason Airstream calls its Class B Interstate a “touring coach.” It can fit seven, and its elegant interior (with two TVs) resembles a hotel suite more than a campsite. But it’s also equipped for a crowd, as the cockpit can become a second sleeping area, and for those looking to go off-grid, an upgraded heating system makes the Interstate among the most effcient rigs on the market. Starting at $231,400

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Coachmen

    Coachmen Galleria

    The 2025 Galleria uses an extended Mercedes Sprinter chassis, making it one of the bigger camper vans on the market: more than 24 feet long. That extra room isn’t wasted. With several seating areas and an uncommonly large dinette, the Galleria packs more into its interior—including a rear sofa and a 24-inch television—than the typical van. Starting at $270,366

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Entegra

    Entegra Ethos

    Utilizing a RAM Promaster 3500 chassis, the all-new Entegra Ethos is nearly 21-feet long and comes in four customizable floor plans. Build options are abundant, including a lithium power package for venturing off-grid sans generator, as well as a pop-top sleeping area for travelers who need a bed for guests. A suite of driver-assist features keep van lifers safe on the road. Starting at $182,550

    best RVs for solo camping

    Photo Credit: Jayco

    Jayco Terrain

    Designed for road warriors bringing a few toys along, the 2025 Terrain offers ample storage capacity without sacrificing the interior amenities that make van life, well, liveable. Built on an AWD Mercedes Sprinter 2500 chassis, the Terrain is equipped with (yes) all-terrain tires and can explore deep down unpaved roads. With a roomy rear garage and a sleeping space that descends from the ceiling, the rig was built for adventure. Starting at $209,993

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Grant Hindsley

    Beautiful Build-Outs

    Storyteller Overland

    Location: Birmingham, Alabama
    Specialty: Camper van and expedition trucks
    Storyteller has been building rugged vehicles— like its flagship MODE vans and its GXV trucks—and stoking adventure-minded travelers along the way since 2019. Its new CREW MODE van, which can sleep up to five, is designed specifically with families in mind. storytelleroverland.com

    Leisure Travel Vans

    Location: Winkler, Manitoba, Canada
    Specialty: Class C Motorhomes
    With its origins dating back 60 years, the Canadian company builds Class C RVs on Sprinter and Transit chassis. Its Unity class is highly customizable— it has six floor plans—and can even be outfitted with a Murphy bed. leisurevans.com

    Outside Van

    Location: Portland, Oregon
    Specialty: Sprinter van conversions
    Since Outside Van launched in 2007, it’s become one of the most prolific conversion shops in the country, annually producing more than 100 custom builds using the Mercedes Sprinter chassis. The company encourages their customers to choose every interior detail, ensuring each build is unique. outsidevan.com

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Will Matsuda

    Pleasure-Way

    Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
    Speciality: Class B Motorhomes
    Specializing in vans and small motorhomes since 1986, Pleasure-Way builds six distinct vehicles—utilizing Sprinter and Transit chassis—and sells them through dealerships across Canada and the United States. The Plateau XLTS features a wide body to maximize interior amenities. pleasureway.com

    Benchmark Vehicles

    Location: Portland, Oregon
    Speciality: Sprinter van build-outs
    Benchmark builds exclusively on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, but aside from that detail, everything else is up to its customers. Launched in 2014 by a woodworker-turned-van-converter, each vehicle is built specifically to the buyer’s preference. benchmarkvehicles.com

    Peace Vans

    Location: Seattle, Washington
    Specialty: Volkswagen and Mercedes van restoration and conversion
    Since 2013, Peace Vans has offered Vanagon repair, restoration and build-out services for road-loving folk infatuated with vintage rides. These days, the shop is working with Volkswagen to create camper van concepts for the all-electric ID. Buzz. peacevans.com

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Grant Hindsley

    Campovans

    Location: Santa Barbara, California
    Specialty: Camper van build-outs
    If you show up in Santa Barbara with a van—whether it’s a Sprinter, Transit, Promaster, or Astro —the team at CampoVans will build it to your custom specs. One of the oldest conversion shops in the business, they’ve been innovating since 2008. campovans.com

    Quigley 4×4

    Location: Manchester, Pennsylvania
    Specialty: Four-wheel-drive conversions
    Quigley started customizing and mechanically converting vans to 4×4 back in the 1970s, and since then they’ve taken thousands of Ford, Chevy and Nissan vans and made them off-road capable. Today, they’re the only shop approved by Ford to make the Transit four-wheel drive. quigley4x4.com

    The Gear

    Yakima RoadShower

    Photo Credit: Yakima

    With the limited space in a van, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t prioritize a shower in your custom build-out. But the Yakima RoadShower, which attaches to the outside of your rig and boasts pressurized 10-gallon tanks, is ideal for scrubbing down at the end of a long day. $669

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Viair

    When the pavement ends and the gravel begins, you’ll want to air down your tires. And when it’s time to reinflate, the Viair 89P RVS Portable Compressor, designed specifically for Class Bs, can fill tires from 80 to 90 PSI in under two minutes. $79.95

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Goal Zero

    Equal parts cooler, fridge, and freezer, the Goal Zero Alta 50 has more than 50 liters of capacity (that’s 75 cans worth of space). Thanks to insulated design, it’s more than capable as a cooler; plug it in and it will chill perishables down to -4 degrees. $799

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Hydrapak

    Plastic water jugs take up precious space in a van when not in use—plus, they’re prone to failure in cold temps. With a collapsible and easy-to-transport water bag like the Hydrapak Seeker 4L, you can stuff your van with other precious belongings. $31

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: Nemo Equipment

    Even the most well-equipped camper van might not have an ideal area to prepare food and/or eat. Something you can set up outside—like the dual-height Moonlander Table from Nemo Equipment—will transform mealtime. $159.95

    Starlink Mini

    Photo Credit: Starlink

    Why go searching for Wi-Fi if you don’t have to? With a Starlink Mini, vanlifers can connect to reliable internet in seconds, no matter how far flung their travels may be. Plans start at $50/month

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: HMD

    There’s nothing like leaving cell service behind. That is, until something goes wrong. A trusted satellite messenger should be part of every van lifer’s kit, and the HMD Offgrid—easy to use and equipped with an SOS button— offers cheaper plans than most competitors. $199.99

    best camping blankets

    Photo Credit: Rumpl

    A good comforter or sleeping bag is essential for van life. So, too, is a blanket you can deploy outside on chilly evenings. The Original Puffy from Rumpl is just that: It’ll keep you cozy while also handling the rigors of campsite living (you can even get one with a National Park-inspired design). Starting at $99

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: JetBoil

    Whether you’re heating water for morning coff ee or steaming vegetables for dinner, the JetBoil Sumo offers a nearly two-liter cooking cup that can be paired with skillets and cooking pots. Weighing only one pound and packing up to 5 x 8 inches, it stows away easily on the road. $179.99, jetboil.com

    Camper Vans

    Photo Credit: EcoFlow

    The age of noisy gas generators is coming to an end thanks to power stations like the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max. With a max output of 3400 watts, this solar generator can run nearly every appliance in your rig, supporting long expeditions off grid. $949, ecoflow.com

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post The Camper Van Plan appeared first on RV.com.

  • The Complete Guide to Full-Time Family RVing

    Bryanna here from Crazy Family Adventure! We lived, worked, and traveled full-time in our RV for over 8 years with our family and two dogs. During that time, we learned a few things about full-time family RVing and wanted to pass that knowledge on to you to help you hit the road with your family. 

    We’ll cover preparing to get on the road, homeschooling, picking your RV, budgeting, memberships, and how to choose the campgrounds you want to stay at. 

    Our Story

    We are a family of 6. Craig and Bryanna are the parents (we are high school sweethearts). Then there is our oldest Carson, the twins Melia and Cannon and our youngest Knox.

    We started off having the typical life – Mom stays home with the kids and the husband goes to work. We had a big house (on a 1/2 acre with a swimming pool, swing set, sandbox, big deck) and a LOT of toys and stuff! 

    We then decided to sell EVERYTHING and move into an RV! This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging. It has also led us to guide others to this lifestyle with tips, tricks, and fun itineraries.

    On our site, we share tips for full-time RVing, our top road trip destinations and all about National Parks – one of our favorite places to visit!

    P.S. We literally wrote the book on full-time family RVing 😀Check it out here. 

    How to Prepare for Full-Time RV Living With Kids

    Multi-generational family camping

    Image source: Getty Images

    Preparing to take your family on the road includes a lot of internal reflection on whether this is the right choice for you and your family. We never had a moment where we were 100% sure it was the right choice. But what we did know was we wanted to go for it. We didn’t want to look back and have regrets. 

    Once we knew we were going to become a full-time RVing family, it was time to start preparing to hit the road. It isn’t easy to take a 2700 square foot house filled with years of things and downsize it to fit into an RV. But it is possible!

    Good Sam Membership

    Getting Started

    Getting ready to hit the road is not for the faint of heart! It takes a lot of effort, decisions and time to downsize all of your possessions to fit into an RV. But it is a very freeing feeling and well worth it! 

    Our best advice when downsizing is to just get started, take one room at a time and just keep moving forward. Also, plan on going through multiple phases to downsize.

    • Phase 1 – Will be easy. This is when you get rid of all of the things you have wanted to get rid of but haven’t yet. 
    • Phase 2 – This one will be harder because you have to start making some tough decisions about what you really need. 
    • Phase 3 – You might shed a few tears during this phase when you have to let go of things that you have never considered letting go of. 

    But in the end, it is all worth it and feels very freeing to downsize your possessions so you can spend more time focusing on your family and adventuring! 

    Roadschooling family

    Image source: Getty Images

    Homeschooling and Roadschooling Options

    If you plan to full-time RV with school-age kids, you will need to explore homeschooling options. The good thing is that there are numerous options available. 

    One of the joys of going on the road full-time with your kids is that you get to be part of their learning. You won’t be sending them off for 8 hours a day to be taught by someone else. Instead, you will be there every step of the way. 

    I love that this helps you to learn more about your kid, how they learn, what they love and what they are into. It also allows you to give the time and energy to the things they are passionate about – not just what the school system says they can do! 

    Our Choice: Unschooling!

    When it comes to how you want to homeschool on the road, you will have to do your own research on what will work for your family. Almost every family we met did things differently, and there was no universal theme for homeschooling. 

    We chose to unschool our kids, which worked well for us. Other options include online schools like Power Homeschool or Acellus. You can also look to buy a curriculum. This in itself can be a whole blog post, but it is also a very personal decision that will take research and trial and error to determine what will work for you and your family. 

    The nice thing about it being your choice means you can change your mind! If halfway through the year, what you are doing doesn’t feel right for you or your kids, you can change it. 

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    Legal Considerations for Homeschooling

    The first step is to look into the rules for your state. If you plan to change your domicile (the state you “live” in), make sure you understand the homeschool rules for that state.

    We never changed our domicile while on the road and stayed with the state of Wisconsin. For Wisconsin, we simply need to fill out a form each year, stating that we will be homeschooling our children, their grades, and our commitment to providing them with the required yearly hours of school time. 

    Here is a great place to find the rules for each state.

    Mother and son in a camper

    Image source: Getty Images

    Handling Healthcare for Full-Time Families

    Having health insurance while on the road was important to us, especially with four little kids. You never know what is going to happen! Luckily, when we first got on the road, my husband was working his 9 to 5 job remotely and still had insurance. 

    Once we became self-employed, we had to look for other options and chose healthcare.gov. We have used this option for years and still do! Just be sure you have an option that offers emergency care across the US, not just in your home state. 

    Here are a few other options you could look into:

    Doctor’s Visits

    With little kids, we were bound to end up at the doctor and dentist at some point on the road. This presents challenges since you can’t just call your pediatrician from your hometown. Instead, you will have to find a doctor locally or go to urgent care. We had to do this multiple times, including unexpected dental visits, but it always worked out. 

    It just took more effort to find the doctor, explain our background and history when needed, etc. However, it is doable. I would recommend always requesting a printout of any tests or X-rays they perform so you can have these at the ready for your next doctor.

    We also scheduled our yearly well visits in our hometown, ensuring the kids were all up to date on their visits. We would sometimes spread these out to 18 months instead of 12 months, but we always made sure to see their primary pediatrician when we returned to our hometown. 

    Like most things about living this unconventional life, you will be able to figure out how to make it work – it just takes more work to make it happen!

    Staying Connected: Internet Solutions for Families

    Family on a computer at a camp table

    Image source: Getty Images

    Having internet was essential for us since we worked remotely. Additionally, we have kids who enjoy being online, so we needed a substantial amount of data. We were lucky enough when we hit the road to get a grandfathered-in Verizon unlimited plan. We had a hot spot, and it worked well for us all around the US. 

    Unlimited plans like that are hard to come by these days – but cellular hot spots can still work well.

    Starklink is one of the best internet options for RVers these days, offering high-speed coverage almost anywhere you roam. Just be sure to place the dish away from tree coverage (a long cable is provided). Starlink doesn’t work well when trees block the signal. We learned that when we RV’d to Alaska and ended up in campgrounds with a lot of trees!

    Outside of that, when it comes to Internet solutions, your best all-in-one resource for information is the Mobile Internet Resource Center. 

    The Best Types of RVs for Full-Time Family Living

    Picking an RV you are going to live in is very different from picking an RV you are going to use on the weekends or take out a couple of trips a year! 

    Over our 8 years on the road, we had five different RVs:

    • 29-foot Class A Motorhome
    • 23-foot Class B
    • 21-foot Travel Trailer
    • 30-foot Travel Trailer
    • 36-foot 5th Wheel

    When it comes to picking the best RV for full-time family living, there are a few things you should consider:

    1 – How fast will you be moving?

    Are you planning to stay in one spot for several weeks or even months? Or will you be on the move, spending just 3–5 nights in each location?

    If you’ll be staying in one place for extended periods, a larger rig might be a better choice. The extra space can make a significant difference, allowing you to settle in and enjoy a setup that feels more like a cozy, compact apartment.

    On the other hand, if you’ll be traveling frequently or using your RV just for vacations, a smaller rig with a more straightforward setup and fewer components might be more practical and easier to manage.

    2 – What season will you travel in?

    Do you plan to travel only in warm weather? If so, you could consider a smaller RV, as you will be spending more time outside. If not, you will want a larger RV with more interior living space. 

    3 – Where will you stay?

    Do you plan to stay at RV resorts, where the size of your rig doesn’t matter? Or do you want to visit more off-the-beaten-path places, such as national parks, state parks, boondocking, etc., where it can be more complicated to get in with a bigger rig? 

    4 – Work/homeschooling schedule.

    Will someone in the family be working a 9 to 5 and need a quiet space? Will your kids be doing an online-based homeschool curriculum and need room to sit and work on the computer? These are things to consider when thinking about which rig makes the most  sense for your family. 

    When it comes to must-have features, that is 100% a family’s choice, as each family can be so different in what they “need” to have. For us, when we bought our 5th Full-time RVing rig for our family of 6, we wanted:

    • A big fridge
    • Plenty of cargo capacity (4000+ lbs) 
    • A kids’ room area
    • Kids’ beds. 

    Good Sam Membership

    RV Floorplans Ideal For Families

    In our opinion, there is not one ideal RV floorplan for full-time RVing with kids. Instead, there are ideal floor plans for each family depending on their situation and travel plans. We have had a 39-foot motorhome, a 21-foot travel trailer and a 37-foot 5th wheel.

    The best approach is to take your time walking through different RV floor plans, considering the above questions, and selecting an RV that meets the needs of how your family plans to live full-time in their RV. 

    Here is an article we wrote with all the details on picking the right RV for your family for full-time RVing.

    Family at campervan kitchen table

    image source: Getty Images

    Budgeting for Full-Time Family RV Life

    We often get questions about the cost of full-time family RVing. Like so many things in this lifestyle, it depends. We have met people with unlimited budgets who treat each stop on their travels like a vacation. We have also met families that are very budget-conscious and only look for free things to do while traveling. 

    You will also have to pay for internet, cell phones, insurance, food, activities, etc. – all the basic things you do while living in a house that aren’t related to owning a home. All of these options can be priced differently based on your budget. 

    Full-time RV living is not automatically a cheaper way of life unless you are good at budgeting and can avoid the desire to go out and try new restaurants, breweries, and things to do at the locations you visit! 

    This article gives the full play-by-play of how we managed our full-time RVing budget.

    Family camping outside campervan

    Image source: Getty Images

    Choosing the Right Campgrounds and RV Parks for Families

    While living on the road, you are going to have to pick where you stay every night of the year! That is a lot of decision-making. Here’s what to consider:

    Are you looking for an RV park that is close to what you want to do in the area, and you don’t plan to be in the RV park much?

    • In this situation, your choice won’t be based on amenities and things to do, but instead on location. On multiple occasions over the years, we have stayed in RV parks that were little more than parking lots with no amenities. But they got us super close to the things we wanted to do, so it worked out well! 

    Are you looking for a place to stay for a couple of weeks and relax? 

    • If this is the case, you will want to look for amenities that your family enjoys, such as a pool for swimming, a playground, a fishing pond, or open grass for the kids to run around. Thousand Trails parks are generally good for this, and you will most likely run into other families as well!

    Are you looking to splurge on a vacation spot? 

    • In this case, you will want to look for RV resorts that offer many amenities and fun things to do, but come with a higher price tag. 

    Are you looking to get out in nature, away from all the amenities, internet, etc? 

    • State Parks and National Parks are good options, or consider boondocking! Any chance we get, we stay in a State or National Park. We loved the vibe at these parks and enjoyed being there. However, note that they are usually not full hookups, and internet coverage can be spotty. 
    • Boondocking isn’t easy everywhere in the country. But when we got out west, we always looked for boondocking opportunities. We stayed in some pretty epic places for free!! If you want to learn more about this, check out our post: How To Camp For Free Or Close To It In The US.

    Picking the best RV campground or park for your family comes down to what you want to do when you are staying there. No matter what, you should always check to ensure kids are allowed—some campgrounds do not. 

    Click here to check out 15 of our favorite campsites!

    Good Sam Rewards

    Camping Memberships

    Various camping membership sites offer savings on nightly rates. We belong to:

    • Fulltime Families – all about families traveling full-time in their RV. Lots of great resources, rallies and savings info! 
    • Thousand Trails – as mentioned above. Great for inexpensive camping (once you buy the membership) and for meeting other full-time traveling families.
    • Good Sam offers discounts on thousands of campgrounds nationwide, fuel savings, deals on camping gear, and much more. 
    • Overnight Stays is another Good Sam offering that features free single-night RV stays at unique locations. 
    Father and daughter at campground

    Image source: Getty Images

    Pros and Cons of Full-Time RV Living With a Family

    There are so many amazing things about full-time RV living with a family, but there are downsides too. 

    What we love:

    The freedom

    We have the freedom to come and go as we please. If there’s somewhere we want to go, we schedule it and go.

    Community

    There is a great community of people who travel full-time, and it’s great to connect with so many like-minded individuals!

    Minimalism

    It’s a great feeling to have fewer things. Fewer things mean less to worry about and less to take care of. It’s liberating!

    Family

    There is nothing like loading the family up in the RV and taking off on our adventure. We all get to know each other so much better, spend more time together, and explore this amazing country!

    What We Don’t Love:

    Leaving Family And Friends

    This is always challenging and something we dislike about this lifestyle.

    Not Having Your Own Yard

    This is a good thing since you don’t have to maintain or clean it. But it’s a bad thing because the kids can’t dig a hole in the campground “yard”. Since it isn’t your space, you are always following someone else’s rules when you stay at campgrounds. 

    Father and son

    Image source: Getty Images

    FAQ: Full-Time Family RVing

    Q: Is full-time RV living legal for families with kids?
     A: Yes, it’s legal. You must comply with homeschooling laws, residency requirements, and health/insurance regulations.

    Q: How much does it cost to live in an RV full time with a family?
     A: On average, between $2,000–$10,000 per month depending on travel frequency, campground choices, fuel, family size, and travel style.

    Q: What is the best RV for full-time family living?
     A: Large fifth wheels, bunkhouse travel trailers, and Class A motorhomes with bunk beds are among the most popular but I would not say the best. The best RV depends on how you want to travel. One of my favorite setups for us was a 12 passenger van with a 21 foot travel trailer that we took down to Baja, Mexico. 

    Q: How do kids go to school while full-time RVing?
     A: Most families homeschool, roadschool, or use online public school programs.

    Q: Is RV living safe for children?
     A: Yes, with proper RV maintenance, safety planning, and supervision. Many RVs have safety features designed for families.

    Q: How do families make money while RVing full-time?
     A: Remote jobs, freelance work, seasonal employment, YouTube/blogging, and online businesses are common.

    Q: Can you still have a social life while full-time RVing with kids?
     A: Absolutely. Many families join full-time RV communities, attend rallies, and connect via social media or travel networks.

    Good Sam Membership

    Top RVs for Full-Time Families

    Here are some of the best RVs commonly chosen by full-time RVing families:

    Closing Thoughts

    In conclusion, we 100% think taking your family on the road to travel full-time is worth it. It is not all rainbows and sunshine, and it will have its challenges, but it is worth it! 

    Before going on the road, you will never have all your ducks in a row and be prepared for every situation. But that is all part of the adventure of going on the road full-time with your family. You learn how to figure things out and how to get through situations together as a family. 

    If this is a dream you have, go for it! You will figure everything out along the way! 

    Good Sam Membership

     

    The post The Complete Guide to Full-Time Family RVing appeared first on RV.com.

  • Father’s Day 2025: 25 Gifts for RVing and Outdoorsy Dads

    Wondering what you should get your dad for Father’s Day this year? If he’s into RVs, camping, and the outdoors in general, we’re here to help. Here are a few suggestions for gifts that he not only wants and needs but might actually love, too.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Mountain Khakis

    Mountain Khakis Pants

    Stylish, comfortable, and built for the outdoors, Mountain Khakis are a great gift for dad. These pants come in a variety of styles and colors and have great features like hidden pockets, breathable stretch fabrics, and high-quality zippers. They also happen to look great, too, easily transitioning from the trail to an upscale restaurant without missing a beat. Prices start at $60.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Eddie Bauer

    Eddie Bauer Solarfoil Pro Hoodie

    Versatile, comfortable, and quick-drying, the Solarfoil Pro Hoodie from Eddie Bauer is a versatile pullover for warm weather use. The garment’s lightweight fabrics provide UPF 50+ protection from the sun while a relaxed fit and moisture-wicking properties ensure comfort on the trail, on the water, or just roaming around town. Available in four colors, the Pro Hoodie sells for $70.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: The North Face

    The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules

    Every dad loves a comfy pair of slippers, but what sets the ThermoBall Traction Mules from The North Face apart is that they’re perfect for indoor and outdoor use. TNF combined a cozy insulated upper with a high-traction rubber outsole to create the perfect footwear for the campsite. Priced at $59 and available in multiple colors, these are the best kicks for just relaxing at home or in the RV.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Yeti

    Yeti Rambler French Press Coffee Maker

    Is your dad the kind of guy who needs a fresh cup of coffee, even when camping at a remote location? The new Yeti Rambler French Press delivers an outstanding brew anytime and anywhere. Made with the brand’s legendary build quality, the carafe features a twist-to-lock lid and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep its contents piping hot, even in cool outdoor conditions. Available in a variety of colors and in 34 oz. and 64 oz. sizes, the Rambler French Press is a revelation for coffee lovers. MSRP: $110 (34 oz.)/$130 (64 oz.)

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: High Camp Flasks

    High Camp Flasks

    For drinks of a decidedly different sort, check out what High Camp Flasks has to offer. The company makes high-quality stainless steel tumblers for carrying dad’s other favorite beverage wherever he chooses to wander. The Firelight Flask 750 has a 750 ml carrying capacity, two built-in cups, and is capable of keeping a drink hot or cold for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, the compact Torch Flask features a similar design but in a smaller, more compact 6 oz. model. The two containers are priced at $129 and $99, respectively.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: BougeRV

    BougeRV Rocky Portable Refrigerator

    Keeping your favorite beverages and food cold while camping, tailgating, or traveling just got a lot easier, thanks to BougeRV’s new line of Rocky portable refrigerators. These units come in 41-, 55-, 69-, and 81-quart sizes and feature dual temperature zones that can range from -4ºF to 68ºF. An optional battery pack provides up to four hours of runtime without an external power source, while a rugged stainless steel exterior resists corrosion and the weather. Other nice features include a built-in bottle opener, an LED display, and remote control via a smartphone app. Prices start at $417.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Gerber

    A Custom Pocket Knife From Gerber

    Gerber makes some of the best everyday-carry pocket knives on the market, but did you know you can also get one custom-made for your dad? The company offers several of its knives and multitools—including the Assert, Fastball, and Center-Drive—in customizable formats, allowing you to create the ultimate personalized gift. Select from a variety of blades and handles, and even choose a pattern or image to engrave on the grip. Pricing starts at $200.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Coast

    Coast XP40R Rechargeable Flashlight

    Every dad needs a rugged and reliable flashlight, and they don’t come much more rugged and reliable than the Coast XP40R. This essential piece of gear includes a built-in rechargeable battery that offers up to 36 hours of use on a single charge. Its bright LED bulb can produce an astounding 8000 lumens on its brightest setting and easily switches between a narrow spot or wider flood beam as needed. The XP40R is IP54 dust and water-resistant, has five modes of operation, and includes a real-time display of its current battery level. Its integrated USB-C port can even be used to recharge other small devices, making this a very handy flashlight indeed. MSRP is $89.99.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Black Diamond

    Black Diamond Moji Charging Station

    This handy little camp lantern produces 250 lumens of light and has a burn time of up to 50 hours. Better still, it can be used to recharge small devices like a smartphone or headphones. Compact and lightweight, the Moji Charging Station slips nicely into a backpack but also comes in handy in and out of the RV. MSRP is $79.95.

    Rocky Talkies two-way radios

    Photo Credit: Rocky Talkies

    Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios

    Let’s face it: cell service isn’t always great when you’re camping off-grid, and two-way radios remain a reliable way to communicate. The Mountain Radio from Rocky Talkie is an excellent option for communicating between vehicles or staying in touch in the backcountry. Rugged, powerful, and remarkably lightweight, these devices provide a four-day battery life and a line-of-sight range of up to 35 miles. They also come with a handy carabiner to hang them from a backpack and a headset connector for hands-free use on the trail. MSRP is $110 each.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Ignik

    Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit

    Whether you’re at home in the backyard or at a remote campsite, there is nothing better than gathering around the fire. Lightweight, compact, and versatile, the Ignik FireCan is a safe and easy way to enjoy a campfire. This portable fire pit connects to a propane canister to get a warm blaze going in seconds, while its foldable legs and removable lid add convenience and style. At $179.95, the standard FireCan makes an excellent gift, while the FireCan Elite ($249.95) is lighter, more powerful, and offers more control. Or, just go all-in with the FireCan Deluxe, which comes with a grill insert for making delicious meals anywhere you go.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: GoalZero

    GoalZero Skylight

    If additional light is needed at the campsite, the GoalZero Skylight just might do the trick. Designed to illuminate a large area, this device offers 6000 lumens of brightness and covers up to 300 feet. When not in use, it collapses to a surprisingly small size, making it easy to carry and store. A built-in internal battery allows it to run independently of an outside power source for up to eight hours, making it a great option for backyard BBQs, after-dark tailgating, and boondocking at remote locations. The Skylight sells for $399.95.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: DJI

    DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station

    DJI is best known for making excellent drones, action cameras, and other products aimed at professional and amateur videographers and photographers. Recently, the company released a line of portable power stations to help keep their gadgets working in the field, but they work equally well at running small appliances, laptops, and mobile devices at the campsite. The Power 1000 model offers a max output of up to 2200W and includes an array of 120V AC outlets and USB ports. Best of all, the power station recharges extremely quickly, and at just 23dB, it is much quieter than a gas-powered generator. MSRP is $999, but it is currently on sale for $699.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Lego

    Lego Land Rover Defender

    You may not be able to afford to give dad a full-size version of the iconic Land Rover Defender, but one made from Legos will still make his day. The toy company offers kits that include the classic Defender and its newly revised modern edition, each rendered in stunning detail. Both are sophisticated and fun, requiring several hours to assemble. He’ll want to display it proudly on a bookshelf or mantle. The modern version costs $320, while the old-school model will set you back $239.99.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Apple

    Apple AirTags

    Apple AirTags are tiny GPS tracking devices with a wide variety of uses. Stick one in a vehicle to track its location, or add one to your luggage to make sure it never gets lost. They can even be attached to a keychain or a dog collar to track your pet’s movements, with alerts sent to an iPhone should they wander outside a geofenced zone. AirTags not only protect valuables but also provide good peace of mind, which is something any dad can appreciate. Pricing starts at $29 for one AirTag or $99 for a pack of four.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Soli

    Soli Air Canopy

    If your dad enjoys spending time outdoors in the summer but isn’t a big fan of the hot sun, the Soli Air Canopy just might be the best gift you can get him. This ingenious product comes with a mini air compressor capable of inflating the structure in under two minutes, creating a personal shelter from the sun, wind, and rain. Tipping the scales at just 17 lbs., the canopy is extremely portable and comes with a backpack that makes carrying to the beach, campsite, or other location extremely easy. MSRP is $349.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Oru

    Oru Camp PopLounge Chair and SwitchTable

    Oru is best known for its origami-inspired folding kayaks, which are lightweight, fun to paddle, and easy to store. Now, it has taken that same design aesthetic and applied it to camp furniture, creating a line of products that are highly functional, but don’t take up much room in a closet, car, or RV storage compartment. One of our favorites is the PopLounge chair ($87), which is surprisingly stable and comfortable, and even features a hidden storage area under the seat. Pair it with the SwitchTable ($119) for a convenient, go-anywhere option for enjoying meals at the beach, campground, park, or while tailgating. The possibilities are nearly endless.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Helinox

    Helinox Savanna Chair

    For a more traditional take on the camp chair, consider the Helinox Savanna Chair. With its wide seat and tall back, this model offers exceptional support and comfort. Mesh cup holders on both sides provide a place to hold beverages and snacks, while a padded headrest further enhances relaxation. And at the end of the day, the entire chair breaks down to a surprisingly small size that makes storing it an an RV, car, or closet a breeze. MSRP is $219.95.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Nocs Provisions

    Nocs Provisions Field Tube

    Binoculars are great for birdwatching and spotting wildlife, but they can also be somewhat bulky and heavy to carry in a daypack. Nocs Provisions solves those problems with its lightweight and compact Field Tube, a monocular that offers best-in-class optics, an easy-to-use focus wheel, and a 32mm lens coupled with a 10x zoom. Despite being rugged and water/fog proof, the Field Tube weighs a mere 8 oz., making it easy to carry on any outdoor adventure. It is nicely priced at $125.

    Overland Expo 2024

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    Lectric XP Lite 2.0 E-Bike

    E-bikes are all the rage these days, as they have become more affordable and approachable for a wider audience. The latest model from Lectric is the XP Lite 2.0, which brings some compelling features that will definitely appeal to RVers. Most notably, this bike only weighs 49 pounds and has a folding frame, making it easy to store and transport. The standard version costs $799 and has a range of up to 45 miles, while the long-range model doubles that output for just $200 more. Other new features include hydraulic disc brakes a backlit color LCD display, and a quieter motor.

    TireMinder RV Air Compressor

    Photo Credit: TireMinder

    TireMinder Portable RV Air Compressor

    If your dad is into RVing, ATVing, off-roading, overlanding, or some combination of all of those activities, he’ll appreciate getting a high-quality portable air compressor. The TireMinder RV Air Compressor weighs just 14 pounds, runs off 12V power, and is capable of taking a Class A motorhome tire from completely flat to 100 PSI in less than 12 minutes. The unit features built-in overheating protection and can operate continuously for up to an hour at a time. And at 60 decibels, it isn’t overly loud either. MSRP is $369.

    Jayco Redhawk review

    Photo Credit: Zack Wittman

    Adventure Genie Pro Plan Subscription

    Tech-loving dads will get a kick out of AdventureGenie, a subscription service that uses AI to help plan RV trips. The system’s database has access to more than 25,000 campgrounds and 500,000 points of interest across North America, using that information to craft custom itineraries tailored to the individual user’s needs and interests. A basic AdventureGenie plan is free, but the Pro Plan costs $40/year and adds a suite of essential features like saving trips, selecting specific dates for the journey, and printing out a full itinerary.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Good Sam

    2025 Good Sam North American Campground Guide

    With over 12,000 RV campground listings, the Good Sam North American Campground Guide helps dad discover new places to explore and park his rig. This definitive collection of the best places for RV camping across North America now comes with unique insights from travel writers at Wildsam, offering suggestions on where to go and what to see. The guide also includes coupons with more than $1,500 in savings for use at Camping World, RVs.com, and other outlets. All of that for the bargain price of just $13.95.

    A Good Sam Membership

    Speaking of Good Sam, a membership to that organization is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. Benefits include discounts on over 2,000 campgrounds and RV parks across the country, as well as savings and free shipping on purchases at Camping World. Dad will also save money at the pump when filling up at Pilot Flying J travel centers and will receive special rates and savings from other outlets that are only available to Good Sam members. Prices start at just $29/year.

    father's day gifts

    Photo Credit: Wildsam

    A Subscription to Wildsam
 Magazine

    Wildsam is our love letter to road trips, RV travel, camping, and the open road. The magazine is published eight times a year and features high-quality photos and writing, gear recommendations, RV accessories, destination guides, and so much more. Printed on high-quality paper, the publication feels like a throwback to a bygone era when dreamy imagery and top-notch prose inspired the adventurer in all of us. A one-year subscription costs just $19.97, but your dad will think you paid a lot more.

    Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

    The post Father’s Day 2025: 25 Gifts for RVing and Outdoorsy Dads appeared first on RV.com.

  • Shop Talk: Gateway Bronco Restores the Luster

    Seth Burgett’s infatuation with cars started long before he could drive. He remembers first being fascinated by vehicle mechanics as a kid, sitting on an engine piston in his neighbor’s woodshed in central Illinois. By the age of 10, he was installing trailer brakes on a pickup truck.

    “It was wired in me from the very beginning,” he says. No surprise, then, he studied engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, with stints at Stanford and MIT and business school at Washington University in St. Louis. He worked for aerospace icon McDonnell Douglas, and later in the medical robotics field, inventing a system for performing heart surgery with a joystick. All the while, cars remained on his mind.

    Gateway Bronco

    One of Gateway Bronco’s latest rides gets ready to roll home. (Photo Credit: Bryan Birks)

    That passion finally became a career after a 5,000-mile road trip across the country in an old Ford Bronco with his then-17-year-old daughter. Burgett launched Gateway Bronco, which transforms vintage Broncos into custom vehicles with an emphasis on modern performance. As CEO and president, Burgett now leads a team of 40 employees who have restored around 200 vehicles over the past nine years.

    Using the original frame of a Ford Bronco, Gateway essentially brings the vehicle down to its foundation and rebuilds everything, customizing for collectors and aficionados around the world. We visited with Burgett in the Gateway factory in Hamel, Illinois, a hamlet 32 miles northeast of St. Louis.

    Gateway Bronco

    Waiting Broncos (Photo Credit: Bryan Birks)

    Shop: Gateway BroncoLocation: Hamel, IllinoisFounded: 2016Specialty: Custom restored vintage Ford Broncos

    Q: When did you first realize that restoring Broncos could be a business?

    A; I took a year sabbatical after selling my last company. I started collecting 1967 Shelbys and Broncos. The Bronco’s popularity was growing, and I had some data showing that it was going to become something collectible—a hot market. I had the means and was able to buy 15 original-paint vehicles. In 2016, our oldest daughter wanted to do a road trip from our home in Illinois to Walden Pond in one of my old Broncos with a camper trailer. She said, “Maybe when we get there, we can just turn around and go to California.” It was life-changing. Along that journey, I put up a Facebook page about the trip and 33,000 people started following us. We knew there was something there. I got back from the trip and rented this building with first right of refusal to buy it, and sold my first truck in January 2017.

    Q: What attracted you to the Bronco, specifically, given all the other classic cars out there?

    A: My parents were schoolteachers and didn’t have any money. They couldn’t afford a four-wheel-drive vehicle. We got a lot of snow back then. We would continually get stuck in these two-wheel drive cars, so I always wanted a four-wheel drive. My daughter wanted a vintage Bronco for her first car, but it’s not super-safe for a 17-year-old girl. It became a challenge to make it a safer vehicle that was easier to drive. It’s a unique vehicle that has a cult following, and our cross-country trip proved that.

    Q: How does your build process work?

    A: It’s like restoring a house. Instead of taking it down to the studs, we take it down to the foundation. We build everything brand new. If we start with the original chassis, we’ll take it down to the raw metal, we’ll powder-coat it, fix any of the problems on it and make it like new. Everything else on the vehicle is brand new. We’re specializing in creating fully custom vehicles, so customers can add things like jewel-laced fobs if they want. In one, we’re building a locker for a champagne bottle and glasses. Anything people want, we can do it.

    Gateway Bronco

    Welder Johnny
    Boneau, on break.(Photo Credit: Bryan Birks)

    Q: What are some of the most important details in your builds?

    A: The most important details are the safety components and getting the best drive. Our mission is to create the best drive and the safest vintage Bronco in the world. We were the world’s first to have anti-lock brakes in a restored Bronco, the first to have rack-and-pinion electric steering and electronic stability controls. Making it drive the way people expect to drive a vehicle is our number one priority—always.

    Q: If you could hunt down any vintage Bronco in particular, which would it be?

    A; The one I’d be looking for is the 1971 Stroppe. The Stroppe Bronco is the Baja Bronco built by Bill Stroppe. He won the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000 off-road races with it, and then created a street version for the public. It’s orange and blue and white and just has such a cool look. Very few were made.

    Gateway Bronco

    Archival photos capture the heritage. (Photo Credit: Bryan Birks)

    Light It Up

    For a cool $465,000, customers can get into a LUXE-GT EV, Gateway’s top-of-the-line offering, which pairs high-end interior features with
    rugged suspension and a powerful electric motor. Ford Broncos historically didn’t go zero to 60 in under six seconds. They do now.

    Building Your Own

    Using a 3D configurator, Gateway customers can fully design their own Broncos online—allowing them to customize everything from the fender flares to the roll cage, wheels and dashboard. Build projects typically take about 18 months, though customers can expedite the process for a fee.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post Shop Talk: Gateway Bronco Restores the Luster appeared first on RV.com.

  • The Mental Health Benefits of Being in Nature

    Burnout is the new baseline. We’re living in a culture of constant alerts, endless tabs, and digital overload. The accompanying anxiety and emotional fatigue are enough to make even the strongest among us want to duck and cover. 

    The modern mental health crisis is not subtle. The stress of always being ‘on’ causes us an array of psychological issues. Couple that with the general chaos of modern life and you have a recipe for trouble. 

    That’s why more people are taking to the road, to nature and to camping to re-ground the human connection.

    This article explores why road trips, camping, and RVing aren’t merely recreational—they’re healing. See how nature can help if you’ve been feeling off, distracted, or drained.

    Beautiful serene woods

    Photo credit: Nachtmusiki Via Unsplash

    Why Nature is Medicine for the Mind

    Nature doesn’t just feel good. It is good — for your brain, your body, and your mental health. Research continues to show that spending time in natural settings reduces cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. 

    When you spend regular time outdoors, you’re likely to get better sleep, lower anxiety, and improved mood.

    Practices like forest bathing (or Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice of immersive time in the woods) and grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces) are known to help reset the nervous system. 

    Time in nature engages the senses in a way that calms the mind and grounds you in the present moment. Nature also has a way of putting things in perspective. When surrounded by trees older than any inbox or skyline, it becomes easier to unload whatever’s weighing you down.

    Cards, campervans, and the open road.

    Photo credit: Dominique van Olm

    Road Trips Can Improve Mental Wellness

    There’s something profoundly freeing about hitting the road with the journey as your agenda. Road trips give you space to think, room to breathe, and the chance to shift your physical environment. 

    Driving through changing landscapes and exploring new places reignites curiosity. The road is a moving meditation, a place where your mind can wander without productivity pressures. Even the act of planning a trip offers a dopamine boost by giving you something to look forward to. 

    Be sure to also plot out plenty of nature time on the road to double up on mental health benefits.

    Friends on the beach

    Photo credit: Mapodile Via Getty Images

    RVing Your Way Into Natural Healing

    The mental health benefits of nature are easy to enjoy in an RV. That’s because the RVing lifestyle is about the journey just as much as the destination. It encourages minimalism and an intentional pace of life. 

    There’s no rush hour, no endless list of errands, no mindless scrolling in line at a coffee shop.

    Instead, there’s the rhythm of quiet mornings. There’s the ability to escape into the forest whenever you wish. And there are state and national parks at your fingertips. 

    All of these ingredients combine to create a recipe for mental health. You have the freedom in an RV or campervan to choose a path that’ll help increase mental energy in your life. 

    Many who’ve adopted RV life full or part-time say it’s helped them manage anxiety, feel more present, and even reimagine the meaning of happiness.

    With fewer distractions and more time spent in natural settings, RVing creates a return to the essentials of simplicity, connection, and peace.

    Stargazing and tent camping

    Photo credit:  Bojanstory Via Getty Images

    Tent Camp To Get The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

    Escape the everyday and boost your mental well-being through tent camping. By disconnecting from digital life, you create space for fundamental mental resets. 

    The simple, hands-on tasks of camp life, like building a fire or cooking outdoors, demand your full attention, creating a specific mindfulness. 

    Good Sam Rewards

    This ‘forced’ presence is innately meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Tent camping can also help regulate your body’s sleep patterns by exposing you to natural light and darkness, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep. 

    Ditch the endless notifications and screen time for fresh air and stars above. Your mind will truly decompress, leading to improvements in your mental health.

    Mountain climbers

    Photo credit: Holly Mandarich Via Unsplash

    Nature Combats Anxiety and Depression

    There’s a strong link between time outdoors and improved mental health. Nature is proven to reduce symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Some therapists even incorporate outdoor sessions, called ecotherapy or nature therapy, into treatment plans with genuine success.

    Compared to time spent on screens, time in nature consistently yields more positive moods, greater feelings of connection, and reduced mental fatigue. And while therapy and medication are vital tools for many, the low-cost, high-impact benefits of regular nature exposure are an often-overlooked complement to traditional care.

    You don’t have to go off-grid for a month. Even a weekend in the woods, a day at the beach, or an hour-long hike can provide measurable mental relief.

    Woman on a beach

    Photo credit: PeopleImages Via Getty Images

    Tips for a Mentally Restorative Outdoor Trip

    Not all getaways are created equal. If you want your trip to bring on the mental health benefits of nature, it’s important to be somewhat strategic.

    Here are practical tips for mental restoration on your trip:

    • Select Your Location Strategically: Prioritize destinations known for their tranquility and natural beauty. Ideal choices include serene forests, uncrowded coastlines, quiet mountain lakes, or isolated desert areas.
    • Implement a Digital Detox: Disconnecting from digital devices is crucial. Hard as this may be, put your phone on airplane mode or consider leaving it home. Instead of screen time, consider bringing items that encourage offline engagement, such as a journal, a physical book, or quality walking shoes.
    • Assess Your Social Needs: Determine whether solitude or shared experiences are more beneficial for you. Some individuals find mental healing in quiet introspection, while others benefit from connection with others. Plan your trip based on what best supports your mental well-being.
    • Prioritize Unstructured Time: The purpose of this trip is not to maximize activities. Instead, focus on creating abundant unscheduled time. This allows for genuine rest, reflection, and opportunities to reconnect with nature.
    Couple from a campervan

    Image source: PIKSEL Via Getty Images

    Final Thoughts

    We all need time to disconnect in order to reconnect — with nature, with others, and with ourselves. You don’t have to quit your job or go off the grid for six months. You just have to give yourself permission to pause.

    A road trip. A night under the stars. A weekend in the woods. Whatever form it takes, the mental health benefits of being in nature are unparalleled. 

    RV on the road through a forest

    Image source: Tomas Nevesely Via Getty Images

     

     

     

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  • New at Poulsbo RV — The Tiffin Class B GT1

    We remember our reaction to the Tiffin GH1, the rugged, off-road-ready Class B made to give Tiffin quality to a van designed to ride with you into any adventure. We went all out, and we’re ready to do it again! Let us welcome Tiffin’s newest class B, the GT1.

    A Well Designed Space

    Welcome to the new Tiffin GT1, a Blass B designed to be – well – the exact opposite. This is a Class B with extra emphasis on “Class.” This is the sort of van you might take to a Film or Wine festival. This 19-foot Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter van is fully loaded with luxury features, providing tremendous comfort and flexibility.

    The GT1 can seat five and offers a spacious seating lounge that converts into a queen-size bed and includes a well-appointed bathroom and kitchen. From the upholstery stitching to the surface finishes, the GT1 is pure, upscale Tiffin.

    High-End Features

    The GT1 comes with premium features such as a 15K BTU Gree A/C, an Aqua-Hot diesel powered furnace and hot water heater, and high-speed internet with Starlink™ Pro.

    Whether you’re going on road trips with the family, planning a gold outing, or just a shopping day in the city, the Tiffin GT1 is designed to provide a luxurious and versatile travel experience.

    To see more of the unmatched luxury of the Tiffin GT1, view the short video tour below or call us to make an appointment to see it yourself.

    The post New at Poulsbo RV — The Tiffin Class B GT1 appeared first on Poulsbo RV.

  • Road Icon: The Apache Ramada is In

    In the early 1950s, campers had to be industrious. Tent trailers were a rare commodity, so avid travelers built their own. Eugene Lewis Vesely was one of those people. While planning for a family excursion to Alaska, he built a collapsible tent atop a boat trailer. The trip never happened, but a business—Vesely Manufacturing Company—was born.

    Based in Michigan, Vesely started with soft-topped tent trailers, offering a range of styles and price points, adopting the brand name Apache. (our archival photo shows the Golden Eagle and, near as we can tell, an early version of Vesely’s Mesa.) Two years later, in 1959, his firm had grown into the world’s largest manufacturer of camping trailers. In 1970, the company released the first commercially produced “solid-state” pop-up camper. These traded canvas side walls for hard, plastic ones that were cranked up into place. (A Trailer Life article from 1971 referred to them as the “tent-trailer that isn’t.”) The Ramada was the most luxurious, and spacious, of the bunch. The debut version featured a three burner stove, an icebox, and a dinette table and couch that doubled as beds in 125 square feet of living space; a later version incorporated a hideaway toilet. The craftsmanship and size helped make the Ramada a mainstay for much of the next decade.

    Maria Sandown purchased a honey-hued 1976 edition last year. Nicknamed “Farrah,” the hard-sided trailer had served her previous owner for four decades. (Charlie’s Angels, starring Farrah Fawcett, also debuted in the Bicentennial year.) The exterior has zero chips or cracks and minimal rust. The sink, fridge, cooktop and heater still work, and the original floral upholstery is still intact.

    Apache Ramada

    Photo Credit: Vesely Manufacturing Company

    “I think that’s why people love them: They’re well-constructed, they’re well-engineered. They’re comfortable,” she says of the Ramada. “A lot of thought went into these campers.”

    Sandown can comfortably fit her family of three plus her pack of five rescue dogs in the rig, which she decorated with new curtains and throw pillows. The way the camper collapses leaves room for storing games and bedding inside, making packing up from this troupe’s adventures much easier.

    The rectangular trailer still maintains a huge following nearly four decades after Vesely went out of business; the Apache Camper Preservation Society Facebook group counts more than 13,000 members today. Sandown, who lives in Mississippi, says people constantly stop her and ask to take photos of Farrah. Many of these strangers recall camping in an Apache as a kid.

    “People are so loyal to these things,” she says. “There’s a lot of nostalgia associated with it.”

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Maine’s Rugged Coast Beckons You to Sea-Vu Campground

    Located along the scenic Route 1 corridor in Wells, Maine, Sea-Vu Campground treats visitors to the quintessential New England coastal camping experience. Open from May 9 through October 15, this family-owned campground has been welcoming travelers since 1972. Guests enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on Maine’s southern Atlantic shore.

    A Coastal Retreat with Comfort and Charm

    Sea-Vu Campground boasts more than 200 full-hookup sites, including big rig sites, with picnic tables and plenty of room for slide-outs. Amenities include a swimming pool with a poolside patio, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a large equipment playground, and basketball and bocce courts. Guests can also enjoy a recreation area with video games and a pool table. Guests can also enjoy a family entertainment room with a lending library and aerobic dance classes, and free hot showers. Pets are welcome on a leash, and free Wi-Fi is available to all guests.

    A pool forms an eight pattern and is surrounded by deck chairs near a clubhouse.

    Photo is courtesy of Sea-Vu Campground.

    Park models are also available for guests who don’t have RVs but still seek that rustic lodging experience amid sweeping Maine landscapes.

    Two park models sit on a bluff overlooking sweeping wetlands.

    Photo is courtesy of Sea-Vu Campground.

    Exploring the Surrounding Attractions

    Sea-Vu Campground’s prime location in Wells makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich array of nearby attractions.

    Beaches: Just minutes away from the campground are several Southern Maine beaches. Walk the white sands of Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, Crescent Beach, and beaches in Moody, Kennebunk, and Ogunquit. These shores offer lifeguard-protected swimming areas, boat launching facilities, and opportunities for deep-sea fishing and sailing.

    Sun bathers of all ages relax on one of Maine's south coast beaches.

    Photo is courtesy of Sea-Vu Campground.

    Nature Reserves: Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farms, both located in Wells. These reserves offer trails through woodlands and wetlands, guided walks, kayaking, and educational programs

    Cultural Attractions: The nearby Ogunquit Playhouse offers summer stock theater performances, while the Johnson Hall Museum, housed in the historic Libby’s Colonial Tea Room, showcases Americana artifacts.

    Family Fun: Families can enjoy Wonder Mountain Fun Park, featuring two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a human maze, arcade games, and go-karts.

    Outdoor Activities: For those seeking outdoor adventures, options include kayaking, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and hiking along scenic trails. Golfers can tee off at the Old Marsh Country Club, an 18-hole championship course known for its classic design.

    Dining and Shopping

    Wells is renowned as the “Antique Capital” of Maine, with numerous antique shops, flea markets, and auctions bustling along Route 1. Food lovers can indulge in a variety of dining options, from casual clam and lobster shacks and diners to gourmet seafood restaurants. Local favorites include Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant and Hobbs Harborside Restaurant, both offering fresh seafood and picturesque views.

    Community Events and Activities

    Sea-Vu Campground hosts various camp-sponsored events throughout the season, fostering a sense of community among guests. Additionally, Wells Harbor Community Park offers free live concerts on many weekends during the summer months and hosts HarborFest, an annual community celebration in August.

    For more information or to make a reservation, visit Sea-Vu Campground or call 207-646-7732.

    The post Maine’s Rugged Coast Beckons You to Sea-Vu Campground appeared first on RV.com.

  • The Ride: Forest River Wildwood Lodge 42VERANDA is Pure Luxury

    Destination trailers are having a moment right now. Larger and more spacious than the traditional towable, these RVs are designed for extended stays. Often, they remain parked at an RV resort or a private campground, and while their size makes them less nimble than other rigs, they make up for it with residential-style floor plans and posh amenities.

    And when it comes to the destination concept, Forest River is leading the way as of late. Over the past few years, the manufacturer has released a stream of models with confident styling and creative use of space. Case in point: the Wildwood Lodge 42VERANDA, which in many ways redefines the expectations for towables.

    Measuring 44 feet, 11 inches in length and with an unloaded vehicle weight of 13,754 pounds, the 42VERANDA is anything but small. You’ll need a hefty tow vehicle to get it down the road, but once underway its triple-axle, reinforced chassis ensures a smooth, controlled ride.

    The signature feature is a rear patio that’s unlike just about anything we’ve seen on an RV before. The entire deck sits on a sliding mechanism that retracts in transit and expands to provide more space at the campsite. The deck’s wooden flooring, outdoor speakers, and ceiling fan give it a sleek, modern feel. An outdoor kitchen comes complete with a gas griddle, sink, and mini-fridge.

    Forest River Wildwood Lodge 42VERANDA

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    Inside, an expansive living space includes a lounge area, a residential-style island kitchen and a large bathroom with a glass-doored shower to rival those found in many homes. The primary bedroom has a power-tilting king-size bed, built-in wardrobe and dressers, and washer and dryer hookups. The rig also features a lofted sleeping area with a queen-size bed, storage cabinets, bookshelves, a wall-mounted TV, and a sitting area with an integrated table.

    A surprising number of windows provide an abundance of natural light, giving the 42VERANDA an open, airy feel—and electric shades make it easy to adjust just how much of that light streams in. The destination trailer’s interior feels more “vacation home” than “RV,” and given its size, it’s well suited for families and couples alike.

    This winning entry makes it easy to understand why destination trailers are surging in popularity. Once a traveler spends some time in one of these, it may be hard to “camp” any other way.

    Dimensions

    GVWR: 16,200 lbs.Hitch Weight: 1,815 lbs.Overall Length: 41′ 11″Exterior Height: 13′ 3″
    Forest River Wildwood Lodge 42VERANDA

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    1. The rear patio extends the living space outdoors and retracts while in transit.
    2. An outdoor kitchen includes a large griddle, a sink, and a mini fridge.
    3. Large campside awnings feature LED lighting diffuser bars.
    4. The trailer’s main entrance comes with a stylish glass door.
    5. Numerous large windows provide natural light and great views.
    6. An enclosed and heated underbelly keeps tanks warm in cold conditions.
    7. The triple-axle chassis guarantees smooth transport to and from the campsite.
    8. Manual stabilizer jacks improve stability when parked

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post The Ride: Forest River Wildwood Lodge 42VERANDA is Pure Luxury appeared first on RV.com.