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Summer is starting to wind down and the RV travel season tends to go with it. RV owners look at putting their rigs in storage, emptying and winterizing the tanks, and getting ready for the flurry of holidays coming down the pipe.

This is a real shame. When summer winds down, so do the crowds, traffic, park and campground fees, hot weather, and bugs. This not only makes for a more pleasant camping experience, but it also keeps you in the RV mood, no matter what the weather.

Weather and camping conditions are just one reason to travel more in your RV. There are a few others that we want to discuss below, but before we do, we’ll talk about the elephant in the room: fuel costs.

Putting away the RV for the season will definitely save you money on gas and diesel. However, there are other things that will suffer if you quit RVing for the next six to eight months. These include your RV “muscle” memory, your rig’s systems, and even your sanity. These ten reasons go beyond just the price of fuel and cover things you may have never thought of during the RV off-season.

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What Are The Signs Of An RV Pest Infestation?

Nobody wants to share their home with pests. This is especially true if you’re in a small space like an RV. Mice, flies, and other bugs can quickly take over your RV if you’re not paying attention. If you keep your eyes open for signs of pest infestation, you can stop these vermin before they get out of control.

Some signs are subtle, while others are quite obvious. It might not always be easy to identify the source of these issues, so look around carefully if you think that pests are to blame. Sometimes it might turn out to be mold, water damage, or mechanical problems instead. All of these are serious issues that need to be fixed, but first, you need to clearly identify the problem.

Below we have some common signs of pest infestation in RVs. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it might be time to take action and/or call an exterminator. 

Bad smell

A bad smell in the RV is one of the telltale signs that something is wrong. It may not always be due to pests, but this is a common cause. If the odor comes from moist areas like the bathroom or kitchen, the culprit might be mold.

Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a land of contrasts and diversity. Located not far from the state’s border with Utah, the park includes arid landscapes, towering mountain peaks, and ancient bristlecone pines. It is a place where visitors can climb above 13,000 feet on Wheeler Peak or drop beneath the surface of the Earth in a vast network of subterranean caves.

Here, you’ll find high alpine deserts, wide-open spaces, and a mountain glacier, all within one sprawling ecosystem covering more than 77,000 acres. Best of all, you’ll also find silence and solitude.

Since the park receives about 90,000 visitors annually, it is often all but deserted. This allows adventurous travelers to explore everything that it has to offer without having to deal with large crowds, long lines, and packed trails.

Here’s what you need to know before RVing Great Basin National Park.

Why Visit Great Basin National Park in Your RV?

For adventurous travelers and avid outdoor enthusiasts, RVing Great Basin National Park has a lot to offer. Where else can you go mountain climbing and spelunking all on the same day? Visitors can wander amongst the bristlecone pines—among the oldest species of trees on the planet—and hike miles of trail with the Sierra Nevada mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop.

One of the significant benefits of the RV lifestyle is the ability to sleep in a real bed every night.  But even the largest luxury RVs can’t fit all of your friends and family should they join your next camping trip. 

That’s why all RVers need to know how to make tent camping comfortable. Even if you don’t have to use a tent for your own sleeping accommodations, there’s a lot to be said for going above and beyond as a camp host.

Here are some camping hacks to improve your tent camping experience: 

Pick a Good Tent Spot

The best camping equipment can’t make up for a poor tent spot. You might know the feeling. You thought you scoured the ground for sticks and rocks, but somehow you wound up with a tree root right in the middle of your back, ruining all chances of getting a good night’s sleep. 

The trick is balancing the “Leave No Trace” principle of always camping on durable surfaces with your desire for a carpet-like surface to set your tent on. A healthy bed of pine needles is always lovely, but you may not have that option in your specific locale. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite RVs that are built to give you the freedom to camp all year long! We’ll show you five incredible cold weather RVs for year-round camping that will help you and your family enjoy vacations whenever you want!

There’s no better way to save on your family vacations than snatching up this incredible deal on this used 2019 Jayco RedHawk 24B class C motorhome! You’ll love that this comfortable RV offers sleeping for four and makes the perfect couple’s coach for fall weekends! You’ll love the large pantry and the over-the-cab bunk that provides sleeping for the kids or additional storage space.

Additional Features:

Another fantastic couple’s coach that you’ll love for all-season camping is the Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 261RK fifth wheel. This unit offers a private master bedroom with a closet with washer/dryer prep and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. In the living room, you’ll find a fireplace, a free-standing table, and chairs, and a large rear kitchen to make cooking fun!

Additional Features:

One of the best parts about owning an RV  is the ability to travel with the comforts of home. Your home probably has a few products that make your life easier and more enjoyable. RVing too can be improved with some handy items that enrich your outdoor experience. It’s these little things that make a big difference.

We’re talking about the things that put the “fun,” in functional — the gadgets! Gadgets to an RV enthusiast are like toys to a kid, you can never have too many and they get cooler every year.

We asked you what your favorite RV gadgets were, and you didn’t hesitate to answer! Check out RVers favorite camping gadgets. We’ve rounded up where to find these items below.

Grills & Griddles

From tailgating parties to weekend getaways, everyone loves eating tasty meals when they’re on the road. Whether you’re cooking up dinner for the family or appetizers at the campsite, a quality grill or griddle is always a favorite way to fire up the tastebuds.

“Our Blackstone griddle… my husband and daughter have made fried rice and then added chicken. They have done burgers. The nice thing is you can have dinner cooking all at once.” -Alice D.

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It’s safe to say there are few people who like going camping in crowded campgrounds. Most of us camp to get away from the noise and hubbub of day-to-day life.

The problem is that camping is more popular than ever because more people have discovered RV camping in recent years. It seems everyone wants to get away in their RV these days. This is leading to more competition than ever to get a campsite. 

We’re also seeing crowded campgrounds full of the very hustle and bustle we are trying to escape. Luckily, we’ve found five ways to avoid crowded campgrounds so you really get away from it all in your RV. 

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Are You Doing These RV Maintenance Tasks Correctly?

We all know RV maintenance tasks are part of RV ownership. But are you doing them the right way?

Despite how easy RV maintenance tasks can be, it’s easy for RVers to do these three jobs incorrectly:

With the weather finally starting to cool off, it’s easy to lean into the upcoming holidays and the laidback lifestyle that typically comes with them this time of year. But don’t start hibernating just yet! There is still plenty of camping to do. Arguably, fall is the best time to pack up the RV and hit the open road. So, before the summer comes to an end completely, check out five of our favorite campgrounds to visit this fall!

1. Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area & Campground — North Carolina

Swim, fish, and relax at the beautiful Carolina Hemlocks! Located in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest, the campgrounds also offer challenging trails and hiking for the adventurer that never quits. Some campgrounds even offer stunning river views to maximize the time you’re spending in nature. Imagine those views in fall in North Carolina — have your camera ready.

You can expect moderate temperatures and miles of North Carolina’s breathtaking scenery during the day while being lulled to sleep by the South Toe River at night. Just a short drive away from Mount Mitchell State Park, campground amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, fresh drinking water, and memories to last a lifetime.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

2. Ocean Pond Campground — Florida

With over 60 campsites and access to the gorgeous 1,760-acre lake, Ocean Pond is an RVers paradise! The hunting, long trails, and swimming make this a great spot to park the RV and get in touch with your wild side. The Great Florida Birding Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail pass through this campground making it a backpacker’s dream destination.

Located in the Osceola National Forest, the area is rich with early American history and has played host to the largest battle fought on Florida soil during the Civil War. History enthusiasts are welcome to venture into the Olustee Battlefield State Park and relive the past during the annual civil war reenactment. A campground that marries the past and the present? Sign us up.

Winegard entered the television reception industry at the dawn of the television era back in 1954. Since becoming a Camping World vendor in 1973, they’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to adapting to evolving technological advancements and customer needs.

Today, the Winegard Company is the leading television reception products provider in the RV industry. With a diverse line of Winegard TV antennas and a proven track record of quality, they have earned the distinction of being a preferred satellite provider. 

A Smart Satellite TV Antenna Choice

Winegard Company, located in the heart of the Midwest in Burlington, Iowa, takes great pride in designing and manufacturing its antennas in the US. Winegard is committed to providing top-quality products by putting all of its RV antennas and antenna accessories through stringent environmental testing procedures to ensure they can survive the harshest weather conditions.

Furthermore, all automatic antennas are live tested before leaving the facility. With a Winegard antenna, you can be confident you are getting a top-quality product, and their antennas are backed by a limited warranty that covers parts for two years and labor for one year.

Shop Camping World’s complete selection of Winegard TV antennas.

Located an hour and a half from Washington, D.C., RVing in Shenandoah National Park offers the “back to nature” option for city dwellers and a hiker’s wonderland. From numerous waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, and unending mountain vistas, this park has everything you need to put the brakes on life’s non-stop carousel of craziness.

A visit to Shenandoah is guaranteed to teach travelers how to stop, look, and listen to the quieter side of existence. Here’s what you need to know about the park before visiting.

Why Visit Shenandoah National Park in Your RV?

Shenandoah National Park offers the perfect opportunity for RVers to escape the city crowds of Washington, D.C., and enter the bucolic meadows, mountains, and forests. The park is a gift of tranquility amid chaos. Its rolling mountain landscapes remind us that time continues on here, but at a slower, more meaningful pace.

When we encounter the staggering beauty of a crashing waterfall in the forest, we realize that the sound of Mother Nature can be loud but magnetic, drawing us closer as if to vocalize her secrets to us. That’s when it hits us: sharing her confidences makes us an accessory, a witness to the mysterious splendor that lies just outside the city on this lovely slice of Virginia real estate.

Skyline Drive is a curving scenic byway that can be traversed in a motorhome, and the park has five campgrounds with hundreds of campsites available for motorhomes and travel trailers. It is an ideal spot to rest and relax or take your activity up a notch with some challenging hikes.

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You’ll Love Your Stay At The Columbia Sun Resort

Columbia Sun RV Resort is a spectacular place to set up base camp while visiting Washington’s Tri-Cities area. Its proximity to the interstate makes getting out and exploring incredibly easy. 

The resort features almost 150 RV sites spread across 25 beautifully manicured acres. They have 70 sites dedicated to big rigs and can accommodate RVs up to 100 feet in length.

All sites are outfitted with a patio and picnic table and offer full hookups including 20/30/50 amp electric and many DirecTV satellite channels. There are a dozen private restrooms with showers, two public restrooms and showers, and two onsite laundry facilities. 

The resort’s hosts work hard to make sure every guest has a memorable experience that makes them want to return year after year. They are close to a large number of activities and attractions but offer plenty of onsite activities as well. The resort has a heated pool that is open seasonally, a children’s game room, and an adult fitness center.

One of the easiest ways to make your RV feel more like home is to remodel it. While manufacturers are becoming more and more aware of what RV enthusiasts are looking for when it comes to design, there’s no denying the mileage you get from adding your own personal touch.

Whether it’s a little change here and there or a full interior remodel, we wanted to know if you could remodel your RV what one thing would you change. So, we asked, and you answered!

Replace the Flooring

It should come as no surprise that a remodel often starts from the ground up. The flooring in your RV may be outdated, damaged, or simply not your taste, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it that way. Updating your RV flooring is an easy fix that quickly provides a new foundation for all your remodeling desires.

“No carpet on the stairs or slide-outs!!!! It’s so much easier to care for and keep clean [without carpet].” -Kim P.

Not sure which flooring to choose? No worries. There are pros and cons to all RV flooring types including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl. One thing to keep in mind is how your flooring choice will tie into the rest of your design decisions.