Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Camping is all about being engaged in your surroundings — soaking in all that mother nature has to offer by way of breathtaking views and dreamy weather. However, being one with the environment doesn’t have to mean subjecting yourself to unfavorable weather.

How do you achieve this? How do you enjoy the benefits of nature without suffering the consequences of its bad days? With a canopy tent, that’s how. Canopy tents allow you to be in, around, and one with nature without being overheated, drenched, bitten, or stung by it.

Not sure how to choose the best canopy tent for you? No worries. We’ve got you covered. (See what we did there?)

What to Look for in a Canopy Tent

The first thing to note is that canopy tents go by several different names. Why settle for one thing when you can be many, right?

Canopy tents are also known as portable shelters, screen houses, outdoor tent canopies, pop-up canopies, canopy shade tents, and other monikers.

Make the most out of the waning days of summer and early fall. These legendary Midwest locations will treat you to thrills in the heartland.

Go from big city to small town in the Land of Lincoln, and check out some natural attractions along the way.

Walk Chicago’s Magic Mile

Known as the Windy City, Chicago’s skyline dominates the shoreline of Lake Michigan, and many visitors put the Magnificent Mile at the top of their lists. Just a few blocks from the lake’s shoreline, this stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, museums, and fancy hotels. If you prefer fresh air, hang out at Millennium Park near the lake and gawk at your reflection on the giant Bean sculpture.

Loving the Lakes

North of Peoria, Spring Bay offers a homey Midwestern getaway. At 200-acres, Sankoty Lakes treats visitors to three clear blue lakes, each more than 60 feet deep, along with a mile-long trout stream. Visitors also can go kayaking and canoeing on the water or hop on a Spirit of Peoria Cruise to explore the Illinois River.

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Once you decide to hit the road full-time, you’ll want to consider all the items you’ll need for RV living. Having the right tools, home items, and accessories with you can make all the difference between misery and comfort. Especially if you like to boondock or are in the middle of nowhere.

Everyone’s RV camping style is different. But most people will find this list of full-time RV living accessories helpful for both short and long road trip adventures.

A tragic robbery-gone-wrong murder in an Alabama national forest last week, many wonder: Are off-grid robbers hiding out on public lands? You can hear this story for yourself in Episode 410 of the RV Podcast, in which we also report a grisly mystery has rangers at Yellowstone National Park wondering about a human foot - in a shoe - found floating in a dangerous hot spring at the park. Also this week, we preview of the upcoming Hershey RV Show – known as America's Largest RV Show - with an interview with the show director. This is a must-attended event if you’re looking for a new RV. Plus, we answer your RV Lifestyle questions and share RV tips. 

Continue reading Are Off Grid Robbers Hiding Out on Public Lands? at RV Lifestyle.

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Top-Rated Campgrounds In Bar Harbor, Maine

For the most part, you don’t have to worry about camping in Bar Harbor, Maine when it’s hot. Although it sometimes gets into the upper 80s here, the nights cool down into the 60s. You might even need to pack a few sweatshirts. 

If you camp in Bar Harbor, you will find many things to do for adults and kids. Even your dogs are welcome on most Acadia National Park trails and in many water areas.

Check out my list below of the 10 best places to RV in Bar Harbor. I also included some bonus things to do. You can find more great places to go camping in Bar Harbor, Maine on RV LIFE Campground Reviews or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Pro. 

Dreaming of a warm weather winter destination with numerous opportunities to enjoy nature, be on the water, in the sun, and be a part of a thriving RV community? Whether you’re a family seeking a place to enjoy all winter long, or a couple looking for a winter getaway, then the Florida Keys might be the right winter destination for you!

Make the Keys the end, or beginning, of your RV road trip through Florida. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Florida in an RV. And a few of the The Best Campgrounds on the Beach in Florida. Are you in the tropical mood yet? 

RVing the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are divided into 3 regions: Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys. Together, the keys make up 800 keys in total and stretch over 180 miles into the ocean off the southern tip of Florida. You might’ve heard of Key West or Key Largo, but explore some of the Lesser Known Florida Keys for RV Camping too.

The Upper Keys offers delicious restaurants and tourist attractions and is your last closest stop to mainland Florida. Key Largo is at the tippy top of the Keys and is the beginning of the Florida Keys experience. It’s just across the bridge from the southern Florida mainland and is home to the first Florida State Park in the Florida Keys.

John Pennekamp State Park

John Pennekamp offers 39 full hook-up RV spots that are within walking distance of the state park beach and kayak/boat launch. The best thing about visiting this State Park is the maze of mangrove kayak trails! These trails will accommodate any small boat such as kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards and you’re sure to see a ton of Florida wildlife!

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, so naturally, the sentiment stands up even in your home away from home as well. If you find that your heart isn’t skipping a beat or causing those butterflies in your belly to flutter, then it might be time for some upgrades.

Whether your kitchen needs a full renovation or a few tweaks here and there, we have ten RV kitchen remodel ideas that will take your space from dated to amazing in one weekend. I know they say if you can’t stand the heat to get out of the kitchen, but with items (and prices) this hot, there’s nowhere else you’ll want to be.

FloorPops Raven Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles

Let’s start from the bottom and work our way to the top with the FloorPops Raven Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles. The marble-inspired design gives a polished, high-end look at a fraction of the cost. Dark gray hues make a bold statement while the water-resistant vinyl remains easy to clean. Installation? A piece of cake! Simply peel and stick, trim with a utility knife when necessary, and skip the grout as it isn’t needed. What else could you ask for? Cake? Agreed.

Shop all tile flooring options.

Dometic Americana II Refrigerator

The quickest way to update the look, feel, and function of your RV kitchen is by upgrading the appliances. The Dometic American II Plus Refrigerator has a solid steel frame and convenient design features to give you the best of both performance and appearance. A flexible shelf system, adjustable door bins, and electronic controls all work together seamlessly so your kitchen is a space that stays organized and ingredients are ready when you need them to whip up your next recipe. Let me know when that is, by the way. I’m an expert taste tester.

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Is The Mount Evans Scenic Byway Safe For RVs?

If you’re an RVer, we can almost guarantee you enjoy a scenic road trip. Some of the most epic journeys are along mountain roads where you can cruise along switchbacks with sweeping views. With the foliage changing and temperature dropping as you reach higher altitudes, you can’t beat an exhilarating mountain drive.

Luckily, we’re spoiled for gorgeous mountain roads here in North America. One of our favorite sky-high passes is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. In fact, it is the highest paved road on the whole continent with an elevation of over 14,000 feet. So, you may wonder if you can make the journey in your RV. Keep reading for a short guide to taking an RV on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway!

Where is Mount Evans Scenic Byway?

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway runs up to the summit of Mount Evans, which is about 60 miles west of Denver.

To get there from I-70:

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Easy Back Exercises That You Can Do Anywhere

If you’ve ever experienced back discomfort or pain, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. Driving for long distances or just sitting for long periods of time can be hard on our backs, especially if we’ve already suffered a back injury. Even sitting in a comfortable chair for long periods of time can cause back stiffness and/or pain. 

We researched and found some of the best back exercises that can be done right in the RV. These exercises were developed by physiotherapists to help their patients avoid or alleviate back stiffness and discomfort. This article will be focused on the best back exercises that you can do to help avoid back pain.

Taking breaks is important

Whether we’re sitting behind the wheel or in a camp chair, we are subjecting our spines and hip flexors to stress. Our bodies do best when they are moving frequently. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is truly a unique mixture of city attractions and rural life, where history is preserved amid today’s hectic existence. It’s a fantastic place to go if you want to camp, and even if you have an RV and can’t camp right in the park, there are plenty of places nearby that offer camping accommodations.

With that in mind, let’s dig into what makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park so special.

Why Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in an RV?

Cuyahoga Valley is unusual in that it lies between two urban areas and is crisscrossed by metropolitan attractions and amenities. RVs make a perfect home when parked in any of the nearby campgrounds. When RVing, you can access the region by walking, biking or even riding the train. There’s plenty to do and see here, so you should take the time to make the most of it.

It’s the park’s location that makes it such a wonderful Midwestern destination to visit. Are there other fantastic places to camp in the Midwest? Yes, of course, but there’s no other place out there like this unique national park. Ohio has a real gem in this park, although it’s one that is often overlooked in favor of the other more-common national parks, you will never regret spending time at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

When to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The park is open year-round, some places close at dusk, but everything else is open 24 hours a day. As with any destination, check the operating hours before visiting to ensure you’re visiting within any fluctuating seasonal schedules.

Would you believe it if someone told you that you can find a rustic, well-appointed camping getaway near a sprawling lake just 29 miles east of downtown Los Angeles?

Welcome to Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground in San Dimas, which overlooks 250-acre Puddingstone Lake and is close to some of Southern California’s top attractions. With 504 spacious paved sites, all with full hookups and room to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors, RVers can enjoy a friendly, easy-going environment.

Guests can choose from lake-view sites to group sites, with lush tree-shaded spaces that can accommodate large gatherings. The group sites are adjacent to multiple bathrooms, showers, parking and a fishing beach. Pull-through sites are available.

Onsite, you’ll find scenic biking and pet-friendly walking trails; a fully stocked store with RV supplies; ice cold soft drinks, beer, wine, firewood and ice cream; laundry facilities; 24-hour security to keep guests safe and secure; and a fun social community. There are two pools: One for all ages and one just for adults. 

RV adventures often lead to incredible experiences that teach us about new people and places. Our road trips are often remembered for the unexpected parts of the journey rather than the destination. 

You’re bound to meet fellow campers no matter where you go, but camping at a Harvest Hosts location provides unique chances to meet and learn from locals. If you’re curious about Harvest Hosts, here’s how you can maximize your camping experiences at Harvest Hosts locations. 

What is Harvest Hosts?

Harvest Hosts is a network of more than 3,000 RV camping locations in the lower 48 states, Canada, Alaska, and Baja, California – and their network of locations is still growing. They also offer a golf upgrade, which adds more than 400 options for Members to enjoy overnight stays at golf courses.

The annual membership-based platform gives Members unlimited access to overnight stays at Host locations with no added camping fees. They just ask that you support your Host, which is almost always a small, local business.

Home to the highest peak in North America, Denali National Park is a vast and untamed wilderness. The park features some of the most rugged terrain in Alaska, a state that is known for its wild landscapes. At the heart of Denali sits the 20,194-foot mountain with which the park shares its name. On a clear day, the summit of the mountain—which was formerly known as Mount McKinley—can be seen in Anchorage, which sits nearly 250 miles to the south.

Viewed up close from within the national park, Denali stands as a stone sentinel over a wilderness stuffed with wild animals, wild terrain, and wild dreams. Here’s a guide to this unforgettable destination and how to explore it from an RV.

Why Visit Denali National Park in Your RV?

Spread out across almost 5 million acres of land, Denali National Park is enormous. That leaves a lot of ground to cover on your vacation. Wouldn’t you rather camp inside the park, catching a shuttle bus every morning to a new hiking destination? Driving outside the park’s boundaries every night to stay at a motel takes time that could be used to explore Denali’s wonders. With your RV in a park campground, you may even spot some of the park’s most popular residents, like moose, marmots, and bears.

When to Visit Denali National Park

Denali is open year-round, although your experience in visiting the park will vary greatly depending on when you go. This is what you should expect during each season:

Denali National Park in Spring

Spring is slow in coming to Denali, with cold conditions and snow common all the way through April. Dress in warm layers and expect conditions to change quickly. The Park Service begins plowing the road in mid-March, with the weather slowly changing after that. By May, temperatures begin to rise and the skies clear, as it is the driest month of the year inside the park.

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

While campers love RV parks and campgrounds with an abundance of trees, that’s not always possible, especially if you’re camping in the American Southwest. That’s why RV awnings are a great addition to motorhomes and towable RVs. 

Awnings are great for providing shade and protection from light rain. They’re easy to operate, but a few important safety precautions must be considered. As a note on safety, RV awnings are NOT meant to withstand high winds and heavy rain. If the forecast calls for either, retract your awning to be safe. 

Types of RV Awnings

There are two basic types of RV awnings: manual and power. The video above contains directions for both awning types, but here are the main differences: 

Power awnings feature a motor connected to a switch inside the coach, which is used for extending and retracting the awning. 

Pool noodles are the new duct tape! Here are a bunch of pool noodle camping hacks that'll make your RV lifestyle easier and more comfortable...

1. Canopy & Awning Supports
2. Make Slideouts Safer
3. Tent Line Covers
4. Comfy Toilet Seat
5. Chair Stabilizer
6. Awning Arm
7. Windshield Wiper Covers
8. Protect Fishing Poles
9. Ladder Covers
10. Use Them in Your Fridge
11. Quiet RV Slide Toppers
12. Insulation
13. Mattress Lifter
14. RV Door Safety
15. Railing Cover

Continue reading 15 Pool Noodle Camping Hacks for RV and Camper at RV Lifestyle.

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Nothing says good old-fashioned camping like a retro-style camper. Whether you’re a fan of the adorable canned ham variety or the kind that reminds you of a vintage silver toaster, retro-style travel trailers are not only a nod to the past, but they’re here to stay.

RV manufacturers know these retro-style travel trailers offer character while also providing a comfortable way to travel or live on the road. That’s why we’re highlighting a few of the best retro-style travel trailers that keep the vintage vibes alive while rocking all of the modern conveniences of today’s RVs.

Happier Camper HC1

Be ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure with Happier Camper. While it looks retro with its clean, curved lines and fun hues, Happier Camper’s HC1 is a completely modern travel trailer that’s redefining camping with its modular Adaptiv grid system. You can customize your travel trailer based on your needs and create a layout that will work for you regardless of where you are in life.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with a growing family, or with a group of friends, you can create a smart, ergonomic layout that works for you. There are even off-the-grid options for those who want to overland. One of the best features of Happier Camper’s HC1 model is that you can tow it with most cars because it’s so lightweight.

Shop all Happier Campers RVs.