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A tour of America’s national parks is on many RV bucket lists, but bringing your pup to these destinations can be a challenge. It’s important to know pet restrictions in the national parks you’re hoping to visit in order to minimize your impact on these sensitive environments. But an easier alternative is to target the most dog-friendly national parks in the US. Some of these parks offer miles of pet-friendly hiking trails, as well as boarding services if you plan a hike to a location where your pups can’t go. 

So let’s check them out!

Acadia National Park

The most northeastern park in the United States offers nearly 120 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. The park’s multi-use carriage roads, which are popular for horse-drawn carriage rides and biking, also are open to dogs. 

The only exceptions include technical trails that require ascending iron rungs or ladders, as well as several public areas in the park. Those exceptions include Duck Harbor Campground and the Wild Gardens of Acadia year-round, as well as Echo Lake and Sand Beach from mid-May through mid-September, the park’s busy season. 

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the world. On that day, Grant signed the eloquently written “Yellowstone National Park Protection Act,” which stated that a huge corner of Wyoming and narrow slivers of Idaho and Montana would be “hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

“What an audacious idea it was,” said Ryan Hauck executive director of Cody Yellowstone. “The very thought of setting aside 2.2 million acres of natural resource-rich land must have seemed outrageous. But a few visionaries convinced Congress and President Grant that it was the right thing to do. And the entire world is fortunate they did.”

Cody Yellowstone is the marketing arm for Park County, Wyoming, which includes the Yellowstone gateway communities of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell, the Shoshone National Forest to the east and a large swath of Yellowstone National Park.

“Yellowstone was preserved to be a ‘pleasuring ground’ for everyone, and 150 years later, it still is,” said Hauck. “I’d call that a huge success and a testament to the scores of people who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that we continue to respect and promote the vision of the park’s founders.”

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Sponsored by Jackery

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Loaded With Updates, Improvements, and Power

Having reviewed the Jackery 1500 over a year ago in this article, I initially passed on the opportunity to review the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. In my mind I thought, well…bigger and more powerful, what else is there to say? Turns out I was quite wrong. The Explorer 2000 is both of those things, but with a host of refinements that make it clear Jackery has listened to their customers, and they convinced me to check out the latest model.

The naming conventions that Jackery uses are interesting. By itself, the 2000 Pro is called the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station. However, when paired with the SolarSaga 200W solar panels, it becomes the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro. Either result is a powerful alternative to gasoline-powered small generators.

The use cases for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro are all over the map. For those that are tent camping or have small travel trailers, this power unit packs the same punch as the ever popular Honda EU2000 gasoline generator, offering the same 2200-watt power. The obvious difference here is that you will charge up the Jackery 2000 via its AC/DC/solar sources for use, rather than carrying and using gasoline. For those with larger RVs, the 2000 is a great supplemental power source.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro – By the numbers

The power

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro provides 2160Wh (43.2V 50Ah) through its lithium-ion powered battery, monitored and managed by a 2-chip battery management system. As mentioned, it sports 2200W (4400W Peak) of power AC power at 120V. The two USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 ports offer 18W Max, while the two USB-C ports offer their standard fare of 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A). A 12V, 10A car output (think cigarette lighter, if you remember those) is available as well.

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If you love camping, then you know that nature can be unpredictable. Storms, floods, wild animals, and natural disasters can strike at any time, so it’s important to be ready for anything. Dust storms (also known as sand storms or haboobs) are not super common in the US, but it’s still good to know some dust storm safety tips. 

Dust storms tend to move through an area fairly quickly. They usually pass in 30 minutes or less. However, they can do some serious damage during this time. The sand particles can damage your skin, eyes, nose, and lungs if you’re not protected. High winds can also blow away loose items and damage structures. 

Whether you’re in the car or in your campsite, dust storm safety is important. There are several things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones if you act quickly. Read below to learn more. 

What to do if you’re driving in a dust storm

Stay calm

Dust storms can easily overtake you, even if you’re driving at highway speeds. They can appear suddenly and limit your visibility. The winds can also rock your car and make it harder to stay on course.

St. Augustine has a fascinating and storied history stretching back over four centuries. It was first discovered in 1513 by explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in his search for the Fountain of Youth.

The first settlement was established on September 8, 1565, by conquistador Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. He named it “San Agustín” because his ships first sighted the Florida coast eleven days earlier on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine.

This means that St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in America, as it was founded 42 years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

Isn’t that amazing?! That’s why there are so many interesting things to do in St. Augustine. There is great RV camping nearby, too.

Continue reading 10 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Florida (2022) at RV Lifestyle.

RV travel has increased in popularity over the past few years! More young couples and families are chasing adventures than ever before. RVing allows you to explore so many new locations from the comfort of your own place.

While RVing appeals to many, it isn’t for everyone. Purchasing your own RV is a commitment. If you’re interested in taking the road less traveled and chasing adventures in an RV, we recommend you rent one first through an RV rental service, like Good Sam RV Rentals.

Why You Should Rent an RV

As RVing grows in popularity, you may start to wonder if RVing is a good choice for you. Renting an RV is a tried and true method to get a glimpse into the RV world. The ability to rent hasn’t always been around, but it’s a good thing it is now! Keep reading to find out the steps to choosing the right RV and what you should do on your rental trip.

Choosing Your RV

When it comes to your rental trip, you will want to choose an RV that fits your needs. Some things to consider are the type, size, and layout of the RV. If you’re thinking about buying, we recommend renting one similar to the kind you’d like to buy someday. Think of this trip as a test run. The good news is if you don’t like it, you aren’t stuck with it permanently. There are always other classes and layouts to try.

Choose an RV Class

There are so many different classes of RVs with each having its own pros and cons. RVs vary from drivable motorhomes like Class A, Class B, and Class C to towable campers like travel trailers and fifth wheels. Are you planning on driving your RV or do you already have a truck and want to tow it? These are some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself to help you choose the right class of RV.

Across the RV industry these days, the question on everyone’s mind is has the RV boom ended?

The recent economic downturn is claiming lots of victims and the RV industry is no exception The industry is still very strong and no one is panicking – yet – but the indications are that sales, production, RV travel, and consumer demand are all starting to slide.

That’s the main topic of this week’s Episode 403 of the RV Podcast, along with the RV News of the week, RV questions, tips, and audience feedback.

Continue reading Has the RV Boom Ended? at RV Lifestyle.

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Do you want to be the coolest camper at the campsite this season? Sure, you do. Who doesn’t? One of the easiest ways to do that is to have a reliable cooler with you when you pitch the tent, spark up the campfire, and set up your favorite camping chair. Not sure which cooler is the coolest? No worries! We’ve narrowed down ten coolers made for campers that are guaranteed to not only keep your beverages cool but your reputation as well.

Igloo Tag-Along Too Cooler

Sometimes you need your hands to remain free. Whether you’re holding a beverage already or the hand of your favorite person, there are times when you simply can’t afford to have a cooler in your grasp. I understand that and so does the Igloo Tag-Along Too Cooler. Designed with a stylish, adjustable crossbody shoulder strap, this 11-quart cooler has a leakproof lid and can hold sports drinks and bottles upright while keeping them chilled for up to two days. The name says it all, this cooler is the perfect tag-along.

Coleman Space Blue 28-Can Soft Cooler Backpack

If you want to up the drink capacity without sacrificing the hands-free convenience, then the Coleman Space Blue 28-Can Soft Cooler Backpack is perfect. Whether you’re camping out at the beach, tailgating, or hitting that trail you’ve been meaning to hike, the foam insulation of this cooler will keep drinks and snacks cold up to 42 hours. As a bonus, there’s an integrated bottle opener on the front for easy access. Two adjustable padded straps ensure maximum comfort, and the top hatch opens for quick entry.

Igloo MaxCold Playmate Elite 16-Quart Cooler

This one is tried and true and proof that if it isn’t broken, there’s really no need to fix it. The design of the Igloo MaxCold Playmate Elite 16-Quart Cooler is a classic for a reason. Easy to use and carry thanks to its trademark tent-top design that swings open to either side and push-button lid for convenient one-handed operation. It can hold up to 30 cans, unless you’re me, then it holds 29 because I can’t help but grab one before heading out. Sorry not sorry.

Perma Chill 20-Quart Cooler

With five gallons of space and weighing in at only 15 pounds, the Perma Chill 20-Quart Cooler is ideal for any day trip including a visit to the campsite. Ice retention for three days? Check. Freezer-grade gasket for a tight lasting seal? Check. Lockable lid? Tie-down slots? Integrated bottle opener? Check. Check. Check. Oh, and there’s a ruler on the lid to quickly measure your catch of the day. Trust me, you’re definitely going to want to check this one out.

We’ve been full-time RVing for four years and we couldn’t imagine doing it without our RV’s outdoor kitchen. Having this feature helps us spend more time outside, gain additional storage, keep our interior clean and cool, and makes it easier to entertain.

RV Outdoor Kitchen Features

Although it’s referred to as an “outdoor kitchen,” that’s usually all it is. Many outdoor kitchen spaces double as an entertainment center too. Since all outdoor kitchens are different, this is where you get to customize what is most important to you.

Do you want an outdoor TV and entertainment center or extra storage cabinets? Other customizable options include sinks, stove top burners, griddles, and more! Can’t decide what features you love the most? Some RVs have all of the above.

Storage

Tiny living causes you to make the most of your space. Any chance you get to have additional storage — you should take it! Bonus points for any items that can be multi-purpose. For us, that’s exactly what an outdoor kitchen is!

Shelves and Cabinets

Most outdoor kitchens have either a shelf or cabinets. You can use it to stow items for cooking and dishware. Or you can use it for extra storage. The choice is yours. Either way, the more storage you have in your RV, the better!

Our RV Lifestyle community was asked about “must-haves for every RV owner” and our members responded in droves. Here’s what real-life RVers say every RVer needs. Our RV Lifestyle Facebook group is an incredibly useful resource. Our members span everything from brand new RVers to experienced full-timers, from motorhome users to travel trailers, and from young to… less young. Best of all, they’re all happy to share their advice and experiences with each other.

Continue reading Must-Haves for Every RV Owner (According to REAL RVers) at RV Lifestyle.

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"It was a dark and stormy night. A one-armed man had just escaped from prison..." Here's how to tell a good campfire story your friends and family will remember... What is camping without a good campfire story? For many folks, sitting around a warm fire telling tales is the best part of their day.

It brings families and friends together, creating shared memories that last a lifetime. Jennifer and I have many good memories that started with old (and new) friends sitting around a fire.

But how can you make your story really good? After all, you don’t want to bore your audience.

With a little bit of effort and practice, you can take your storytelling skills to an expert level and be the “go-to” storyteller on all your trips!

The following are ways to help you hone your campfire story craft! I start out with tips for making your campfire tale great. Then, I give you an easy five-step outline to tell your own story!

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I remember when I was a kid running around and enjoying the Fourth of July celebrations. I was mainly enjoying it because I was out of school, but I also was having a great time because I didn’t think about how hot it was at all. As I get older, I’m a little more intolerant of 100+ degree weather. Well, I’ll be honest…getting over 85 degrees F is sometimes pushing it. I have a lot of tips and tricks I use to stay at a comfortable temperature in my everyday activities. Try some of these ideas.

1. Plan your meals ahead of time.

You are going to want all your fun traditional foods you share with family and friends for the holiday. If you have items you bake yourself, prepare them ahead of time at your brick-and-mortar. If you full-time or will be at the campground a while before your celebration meals, make them later at night or in the morning so you don’t heat up the RV during the hottest time of the day.  This is usually around 3-6 p.m. 

Better yet, fire up the grill and cook outside so you are at least leaving the RV cool inside.  You can always go out and enjoy a meal at a restaurant and you don’t have to heat up the RV at all. Shoot for a late lunch so you can utilize a venue’s air conditioning. Be sure to add lots of water and cool drinks at every meal to help keep you cool too.

2. Try wearable coolants. 

Take your Fourth of July celebration to the next level with wearable items that will also keep you cool. Nothing keeps me cooler than a bandana with ice wrapped inside. 

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What Are The Benefits Of Permanent Campsites?

Whether you’re a weekend camper or full-time RVer, you’ve probably been to at least a few campgrounds that offer permanent campsites. Maybe you didn’t think anything of those sites, or they left you wondering, “Are permanent campsites a better choice?”

The answer to this question isn’t an easy one, as there are many factors that come into play. That said, we will say that depending on your situation, it might makes sense to consider a permanent campsite. You see, while a permanent site does tie you to one place for a while, these long-term campsites come with a whole host of benefits. 

Let’s explore this topic further, discussing who might benefit from a long-term campsite, what they should consider, as well as what kinds of benefits they should expect. 

Why choose a permanent RV site?

First, let’s discuss when you might benefit from choosing a permanent campsite. These long-term campsites are ideal for those who:

What is better than RVing? RVing and wine tasting! Here are some of the best places to go RV camping in wine country across the U.S. Did you know that there are many different wineries that now allow you to stay overnight on their property? Some offer tent and RV camping, while others offer “glamping” where you don't bring your own set-up. Many of these places can be found using Harvest Hosts, which is a very unique camping club. In fact, Jennifer and I love using Harvest Hosts and have written about it and discussed it on podcasts many times! 

Continue reading Best RV Camping in Wine Country Across the U.S. at RV Lifestyle.

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For the past six years, my husband and I have RVed all over the country. We’ve also owned four different RVs in that time. But, I can honestly say that we’ve never considered renting any of those RVs out…until recently.

We had heard about other RVers who were making extra money on their campers while they weren’t using them by renting them out. While we thought it was a brilliant idea, the main reason we didn’t rent any of our RVs was because we were using them so much. In fact, we lived and traveled full-time in our first two RVs for over two years. Even after full-timing, we continued to spend more months out of the year on the road than at home, so our RVs rarely sat in storage for much longer than a couple weeks.

Recently though, after starting a family, we downsized to a travel trailer and now prefer to enjoy taking shorter camping trips close to home when the Colorado weather allows. So after planning out our camping adventures for this summer and fall, we saw several weeks on the calendar where our camper would just be sitting on our property.

We’ve made so many special memories throughout our years of RVing and are always encouraging others to get out there and adventure as well. However, we know that not everyone can justify the cost of buying and owning an RV if they only use it once or twice a summer. For those people, renting is an excellent option and we figured it would be a win-win for us to make some extra money while allowing other people to experience the joy of RVing!

Of course, we had our fears about renting out our camper. What if the renters destroy it? How will the insurance work? Can you really trust strangers to take good care of your camper?

Wyoming is home to two of the most visually striking national parks in the US: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. While Yellowstone encompasses much of the state’s northwestern corner, Grand Teton National Park to the south is equally breathtaking. 

The striking mountains of the Teton Range rise from the Wyoming plains to staggering heights. Grand Teton Mountain, the park’s highest peak, reaches an elevation of 13,775 feet, which is also the second-highest peak in Wyoming, behind Gannett Peak. 

Why Visit Grand Teton National Park in an RV?

The Grand Teton is an icon in the American mountaineering landscape, but there’s more to do than climb tall mountains in this wonderful park. There are lakes for kayaking and boating, the Snake River for floating and whitewater adventures, and much more. 

To truly experience what the Tetons have to offer, renting an RV or taking yours on a road trip to Wyoming is the way to go. There are RV-friendly campgrounds in the park, as well as nearby. And the proximity to Yellowstone National Park allows you to hit two of the most popular parks in the country in a single adventure. 

Or, if Yellowstone is too busy, the Tetons are one of the best alternatives to Yellowstone. From casual scenic drives to rock climbing and mountaineering, there’s truly something for everyone in the Tetons.