The RV Atlas Podcast

Northern California and Oregon are home to some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes and amazing campgrounds. With all of the options, how do you decide where to stay? Recently, Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ planned his first long RV journey and chose this beautiful section of the Pacific Coast as his focus. His 17-day journey includes 8 great campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon. We are so glad he shared all of his tips and reviews with us! Thanks to Jeremy for sharing his family photos for this post!  We know Jeremy Wayland as “CampWestBBQ” online where he shares great BBQ content using his Traeger grills, with so many recipes and tips that are perfect for your camping adventures. He has been a weekend warrior, taking short trips with his family for over five years. This year, he planned his very first extended trip for his family of five (including three kids and the family dog!) in their 26-foot Coleman Lantern 263BH. Their 17-day journey took them from Elk Grove, CA, along the Northern California coast, the Oregon coast, to Salem, and back through Bend, OR, and Mt. Shasta. They hit eight campgrounds along the way—and we are so excited to hear all about them! Along with these reviews of 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon, Jeremy Wayland shared his thoughts on the shift from being a weekend warrior to a road-tripping pro, including how he went about planning such an extensive trip with his family and tips for first-time road trippers. We had such a great conversation that it is spread across two podcast episodes! To hear more about Jeremy’s journey and tips, click play on the media player above to find Part 1 of his interview or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Make sure to check out Part 2 of the podcast, as well, to hear more. Campground Reviews: Northern California Shelter Cove RV Campground (Shelter Cove, CA) If you want to visit the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and have incredible coastal views, check out Shelter Cove RV Campground. The campground offers full hookups. You won’t find a ton of resort amenities in the park, but you won’t miss them because there’s so much to explore in the area. Every evening, you can enjoy sweeping views of the sun setting over the ocean. Here’s a fantastic insider tip: Jeremy  recommends grabbing a shrimp po’boy at the campground deli. While this area isn’t good for swimming, the beaches are rich with tide pools. Jeremy’s family loved that they could walk to them right from their campsite to find sea urchins, sea stars, anemones, and crabs. A short drive away, you’ll find the Black Sands Beach, which has a stretch of black sand created from volcanic minerals and rocks.  Lighthouse Cove RV Park (Crescent City, CA) The Lighthouse Cove RV Park gives you great access to both the beach and the redwoods. It’s situated right on the coast near the Redwood National and State Parks.  This city-run campground has some full hookup sites. The best feature is that you can walk right to the water, where there’s a nice shallow harbor to play in.  Nearby, Jeremy’s family enjoyed visiting Battery Point Lighthouse (heads up: It’s only accessible for tours during low tide) and the Ocean World aquarium, which has a 45-minute tour with a touch-and-feel tide pool experience. It gives kids a chance to pet a shark, and a see a sea lion show. His kids loved it! Jeremy also recommends checking out SeaQuake Brewing for delicious beer, kombuchas, brick oven pizza, and locally caught fish dishes. Mount Shasta KOA Holiday (Mt Shasta, CA) Mount Shasta KOA Holiday served as a rest spot for Jeremy’s family on their way back home from Oregon, but the campground still deserves a shout out. It’s a smaller campground, but it has some great views of Mt. Shasta and a lot of kid-friendly amenities, with a pool, a park, and a game room. Remember, you can hear Jeremy’s full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon and more tips for planning your first long roadtrip by clicking play on the podcast player above or looking for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Check out both Part 1 and Part 2! Campground Reviews: Oregon Sunset Bay State Park (Coos Bay, OR) Not only was Sunset Bay State Park Jeremy’s favorite campground of his trip, it just might have earned the title of best campground of all time. This state park has the huge, private sites you might associate with a state park, combined with full hookups, making it the best of both worlds. He described it as having “Jurassic Park vibes” due to the lush surroundings. This is a great area for hiking and biking, with trails accessible right from the campground. He especially recommends the Sunset Bay to Cape Argo trail for beautiful sweeping views of the ocean and cliff side. This brought back so many memories of our own great visit to the Oregon Coast in 2017. South Beach State Park (Newport, OR) While Jeremy’s family was sad to leave Sunset Bay State Park, the South Beach State Park ended up offering the best beach experience out of all of the campgrounds. There are extensive bike paths and trails that make it easy to reach the beach. The sites weren’t quite as private here, but the amenities were all well maintained. Jeremy’s recommends checking out the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which is spread across 23 acres with indoor and outdoor attractions. It is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, with over 15,000 animals and 300 different species. His family especially enjoyed the Washed Ashore exhibit, which features sculptures made from debris found in oceans. Roam America Tillamook (Garibaldi, OR) Roam America’s Tillamook RV Resort puts you close to the Tillamook Creamery, a must-see on any tour of the Oregon Coast. Jeremy W. was so impressed with the campground, especially the views from the 400 Loop and the excellent facilities. Even the bathrooms earned 5 stars! There’s a lot to do in the campground itself, including a new club house with a sauna and an elevated obstacle/ropes course designed for kids.  A bonus highlight here was that you could take a train ride to Rockaway Beach with a train station right at the front of the campground. Rockaway Beach is a great spot to stroll the shops, find food, and access the beach. Then, of course, there is the Tillamook Creamery, which was fantastic, with a guided tour, ice cream and cheese tastings, an awesome gift shop, and lunch. Premiere RV Resort (Salem, OR) From there, Jeremy’s family headed inland a bit more to Salem, where they stayed at Premiere RV Resort. This was the nicest campground they stayed in overall, with beautifully maintained grounds. The park offers a cool recreation room for kids, basketball courts, a pool, hiking trails, and more.  Downtown Salem is just a 10-minute drive, and Jeremy’s family enjoyed checking out the Oregon State Capitol and Riverfront City Park, which has a carousel and hosts city events. This was a nice chance for everyone to recharge their batteries, without staying quite as busy as they had on the coast. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver (Bend, OR) Next up was the popular town of Bend. The Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver was a great base camp for exploring the area, with beautiful, tree-filled sites and an excellent pool area. The site they had was water/electric only.  Though the campground is around 20 minutes outside of Bend, they also enjoyed checking out the village of Sunriver, which has cute local shops, bookstores, coffee shops, breweries. Even in the midst of all the great things they experienced on this trip, one of Jeremy’s favorite memories was seeing his kids sit down to read right after buying new books in Sunriver. In Bend, Deschutes Brewing Company is a classic! He also recommends checking out Lone Crow Bungalow to find a great selection of gifts. Final Thoughts on This RV Journey to CA and OR As you can imagine, this was an epic adventure for Jeremy and his family! Make sure to find him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as CampWestBBQ! In addition to his camping adventures, you can find a lot of great food tips and recipes! We really want to thank Jeremy for giving us all of these details and recommendations! Make sure to click play on the media play or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app to find both segments of our full discussion, as Jeremy shared full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon along with so many great reflections on the trip planning and family experience of being on the road! If you are planning your first long RV road trip, he has some amazing tips. You can also find more great Oregon recommendations here.     The post 8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Since 2020, New River Gorge has held the title of the nation’s newest national park. Travelers are just discovering the magic of this fantastic slice of West Virginia. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, we have a special guest here to help you decide where to stay and what to do. There’s so much more to this region than its iconic bridge. Allie Kreuz is a special member of our RV Atlas Facebook group who has been so helpful in sharing tips and advice with our community, so when she reached out to share all of her trip details for New River Gorge National Park, we were excited to welcome her on the show. We last talked about New River Gorge in 2021, so it was time for an update. Allie has such great recommendations! Allie traveled to New River Gorge with her husband and three girls who camp in their Jayco 224BH. Their family likes to visit national parks, especially ones that are pretty easy to reach from the Midwest. Allie is going to tell us about two campgrounds, Adventures on the Gorge and Battle Run COE Campground. Plus, she has some great tips for what to do and where to eat during your stay. Allie shares a lot of great tips for planning a trip New River Gorge National Park adventures on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks to Allie for providing photos for this post! Adventures on the Gorge Resort Adventures on the Gorge comes highly recommended as a base camp for visiting New River Gorge National Park. Allie describes it as the perfect blend of a beautiful state park combined with a resort with great amenities. We all know how hard it is to find this combo! One tip Allie shared is that the gravel sites are not super level, like you might find at state parks, so take your levelers, especially if you have a longer rig. The campsites are not huge but they are wooded, giving them some privacy. You just might have a perfect spot to hang a hammock since the sites are all tucked into the trees. If you don’t have an RV, you will also find a large variety of cabins, as well as tent spots. Everything has a woodsy vibe that Allie describes as being like a “90s summer camp.” The pool rivals what you might find at resorts like Margaritaville at Pigeon Forge. with multiple areas for both kids and adults. But, the best part is that the pool deck has gorgeous views of the New River Gorge. There’s a sunbathing deck that has better views than the park’s visitor center. We all love when you can take the kids to a national park for outdoor adventures by day and then return to the campground for their fun and relaxation n the evening. Allie also gives a special shoutout to the food onsite at Adventures on the Gorge. Not only was it convenient, it was actually good! The park has multiple dining spots, including a pub, restaurants, and a poolside snack bar. The virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris were a huge hit with her girls, who might come to expect this at every campground. Even if you aren’t staying at the campground, Allie recommends coming for a meal. Also, you don’t have to leave the campground to truly experience the beauty of the New River Gorge. The pool isn’t the only spot to take in views. You’ll also find walking trails, scenic overlooks, and restaurants with a view. This is such a unique amenity to find in the campground and really adds to the experience! Planning an RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park Allie recommends starting your trip at a visitor center. The rangers can give you great trail recommendations, you can pick up your junior ranger booklets, and you can learn all about the park. There’s a great observation deck right at the visitor center. Plus, you can pick up all your merch and maps. Inside the park, Allie recommends Stone Cliff Trail for a fun hike (it’s more of a walk). This 2.7-mile trail follows an old road along the New River, so along your walk, you will see the rafters going by. It’s a fun way to get excited about a rafting trip. Plus, you can take a break and put your feet in the water. For a more adventurous hike, check out the Bridge Trail, which is more strenuous since it takes you to the bridge itself for up-close views. You really get a sense of the size of the bridge as you get close to it. This one includes some fun rock scrambles. Did you know New River Gorge National Park has a ghost town? You can tour the town of Thurmond. It has a visitor center inside an old train station. This was a bustling coal town in the early 1900s, but now, it has a population of two. You will have to drive there, but the drive itself is also fun, as it takes you over a one-lane bridge. You can peek in the windows of the downtown buildings and imagine what life was like a century ago. Rafting in the New River Gorge While the park is known for its views from above, one of the best ways to experience the park is in the deep river valley with a rafting trip. Allie recommends doing your visit in the summer, so you can get the full rafting experience. You can find whitewater options for more the more adventurous and calmer sections for rafting with kids and others who may want a calmer experience. Allie booked her rafting trip directly through Adventures on the Gorge. They could walk to the meeting spot right from their campsite, which was a major benefit. If you want to plan your own epic family RV trip to New River Gorge in West Virginia–consider rafting a must! Allie’s family thoroughly loved the rafting trip, from the bus ride to the rapids! Though she was initially nervous, the trip was calm enough to relieve those nerves but fun enough to be an adventure. She does recommend taking dramamine if you get motion sickness. After having a taste of tackling the rapids, her family hopes to return someday to do the Lower New River for bigger rapids! Allie booked a rafting trip that included lunch, and she was surprised by how good the spread was. Plus, at the end of the day, you can join the group to watch a video replay of your adventures. She thoroughly recommends Adventures on the Gorge for planning your raft trip. Allie shares a lot more great tips for planning your rafting trip on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Summersville Lake You could use Summersville Lake as a base camp for your visit to New River Gorge, or you can make it a day trip. Either way, it’s another great place to enjoy the landscapes of West Virginia. This is a 300-foot-deep crystal clear lake surrounded by sandstone cliffs. While you can stay busy exploring New River Gorge, Summersville Lake adds that relaxing summer element, where you can hang out in hammocks and enjoy the views and activities. On the lake, you can go paddling or boating. It’s a great spot for swimming, scuba diving, and even rock climbing (with fun drops into the lake). While Allie didn’t rent a boat this time, if she would return, she absolutely would do so on the next time to explore more of the 3,000-acre lake. There’s also newer state park right on the lake, which offers camping, hiking, and other activities. Battle Run Corps of Engineers Campground If you want to stay on Summersville Lake, Battle Run is a great Corps of Engineers campground. Allie gives two excellent tips for staying here: It’s hard to get a reservation, so consider setting up a cancellation alert in Reserve America if you miss out on booking a spot. Allie booked a last-minute stay at a gorgeous waterfront site. Make sure to note dogs are NOT allowed in the campground, which is kind of rare. As awesome as Adventures on the Gorge was, Battle Run was just as awesome in its own way. Allie recommends pairing the two parks for your stay. Doing Adventures on the Gorge first gets the excitement of rafting checked off the list, allowing your family to really relax by ending your RV trip to New River Gorge National Park at Battle Run. This park has 110 campsites, many are waterfront and electric only. Not only was the campground beautiful, it provides great access to the waters. Allie’s family had fun exploring an island just offshore. You can kayak and swim right from your campsites. The park has a terrific newly updated playground, as well as a fishing dock and boat launch. Final Thoughts on this RV trip to New River Gorge National Park We can’t wrap up this great post about planning a trip to New River Gorge without talking food. Allie recommends Pies and Pints. Fayetteville, West Virginia, is home to the original location of what has now become a small chain. Allie says it’s some of the best specialty pizza she’s ever had! Not only are the pies and pints truly great, the atmosphere is the perfect place to relax, with indoor and outdoor seating and a playground. We want to thank Allie for sharing all of these great recommendations with us! She’s already considering a return trip since New River Gorge truly stole their hearts. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, you have everything you need right here to start your reservations and itinerary! The post An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz appeared first on The RV Atlas.

After nearly two decades of RV ownership, we’ve experienced our fair share of dealership service appointments—some smooth, some challenging, and some outright frustrating. Getting your RV serviced can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we’re sharing practical, tested tips based on our personal experiences to help you have a smoother, less stressful experience when getting your RV serviced at a dealership. You can listen to us discuss these 6 tips for getting your rv serviced in detail on The RV Atlas podcast, wherever you listen.  Build a Relationship With Your RV Dealership One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of building a solid, long-term relationship with a trusted RV dealership. Unlike cars, RVs often require specialized expertise and unique maintenance considerations. If possible, try to establish a relationship with the dealership where you purchased your RV. Service departments often prioritize customers who bought their RV onsite, so sticking with your dealer for routine maintenance can improve your experience significantly. We’ve found dealerships are more accommodating and quicker to respond to issues when there’s an established history and relationship. Plan Your Service Appointments Strategically Timing is crucial when scheduling your RV for service. Dealerships typically experience seasonal surges in spring and summer. Planning maintenance during off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter, can drastically reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency. We learned the hard way that booking a maintenance appointment in April can lead to extensive wait times or rushed service due to high demand. Make sure to book appointments well in advance, ideally months ahead if possible. Avoid emergency repairs by proactively scheduling annual inspections and regular preventative maintenance. Bundle Non-Emergency Repairs to Minimize Downtime One of our favorite tips for managing RV service appointments is bundling non-emergency repairs together. This approach helps prevent unnecessary downtime and prolonged stays at the dealership. Rather than taking your RV in each time a minor issue arises, consider maintaining a running list of smaller concerns that don’t require immediate attention. A faulty cabinet latch or a broken handle, can often wait until scheduled annual maintenance or a more significant service visit. Doing so prevents repeated trips and the inconvenience of your RV sitting idle at the dealership awaiting minor repairs. This method also simplifies your RV maintenance schedule, making it easier and more efficient to plan your travels and maximize RV usage. Clearly Document Your RV’s Issues One significant mistake many RVers make, ourselves included in earlier years, is failing to clearly document and communicate their RV’s issues. When dropping your RV off, provide the dealership with a written list of specific issues you want addressed. Clearly documented concerns help technicians accurately diagnose and fix problems, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth. We’ve learned to take photos and even brief videos of the issues we’re experiencing. This helps to clearly illustrate problems, especially intermittent ones, allowing the technicians to address them efficiently and effectively. Understand Your Warranty Coverage Thoroughly A common pitfall for many RV owners, especially new ones, is misunderstanding warranty coverage. Before you go in for service, thoroughly review your RV’s warranty documents. Understand exactly what’s covered, including the terms, mileage or time limits, and procedures for filing warranty claims. This proactive approach has saved us from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and frustrations during the service process. We also suggest clearly communicating to your dealership your intention to utilize your warranty. Provide documentation when necessary to streamline the approval and service process. Prepare for Extended Service Times Another mistake we made early in our RV ownership was underestimating how long service appointments could take. RV servicing can often involve waiting on specialized parts or manufacturer approvals, making the process lengthier than standard automotive service. Always inquire about expected timelines. Plan accordingly by making alternative accommodation arrangements, especially if your RV is your full-time home or if a scheduled trip is approaching. You can significantly reduce service time by communicating thoroughly with your dealership in advance of the appointment. Those pictures and videos that you send can help the service center order parts in advance so everything is ready to go when you drop your RV off to be fixed. Conduct a Thorough Post-Service Inspection Never leave the dealership without conducting a careful inspection of your RV to confirm all requested work was performed and done properly. It’s easy to overlook this step, but we’ve learned from experience that this is essential. Test appliances, systems, and repairs while you’re still onsite. This can save you unnecessary return trips and frustration later. Recommended Camp Cookbooks for Kids (and adults!) Someone asked for camp cookbook recommendations for kids. You can see read more about our favorites here, but this is a brief rundown of the ones we discuss on the podcast: “Out There: A Camper Cookbook” by Lee Kalpakis This engaging cookbook emphasizes creative, delicious, and approachable recipes tailored specifically for camping adventures. It’s ideal for campers looking to expand their culinary skills with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Cookbooks by Linda Ly Linda Ly, a two-time guest on The RV Atlas, offers exceptional recipes designed with campers in mind, combining fresh ingredients and practical cooking techniques: “The National Parks Cookbook: Recipes from Acadia to Zion” features recipes inspired by iconic U.S. National Parks, connecting campers with the culinary spirit of these beloved outdoor destinations. “The New Camp Cookbook” is a modern approach to campground cooking, filled with fresh, tasty recipes perfect for outdoor adventures. “The Route 66 Cookbook” provides nostalgic and delicious recipes inspired by the iconic American highway, ideal for road-trippers and campers seeking culinary adventures. Cookbooks by Emily Vikre Emily Vikre brings a creative twist to outdoor cooking and drink preparation with: “The Family Camp Cookbook”: Family-friendly and fun recipes perfect for camping meals that adults and kids will equally enjoy. “Camp Cocktails”: Delicious and creative drink recipes designed specifically for enjoying in the great outdoors. “Fireside Warmers”: Cozy, warming drink recipes ideal for chilly evenings around the campfire. “Outdoor Cooking with Edye Featuring the Omnia” by Edye Beans Specifically designed for Omnia Oven users, this cookbook offers versatile recipes that significantly elevate your camp cooking experience. It’s ideal for RVers who want to explore the full potential of this unique and practical cooking tool. “The Outdoor Adventure Cookbook” by Coleman Created by the iconic camping brand Coleman, this cookbook provides simple yet flavorful recipes optimized for outdoor cooking. It’s an excellent resource for campers looking for easy-to-follow meals. “The Outdoor Cook” by America’s Test Kitchen This authoritative cookbook offers thoroughly tested recipes, ensuring foolproof and delicious results at the campground. It’s particularly suitable for campers who appreciate detailed instructions and reliable outcomes. “Camp Cooking” by the National Museum of Forest Service History A cookbook rich in tradition, providing historic and nostalgic recipes inspired by America’s National Forests. Ideal for campers interested in culinary history and heritage recipes. “The Best of Lodge Cookbook” Perfect for fans of cast iron cooking, this collection from Lodge includes exceptional recipes designed specifically for use with cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles, enhancing the campfire cooking experience. “Project Griddle” by Stephen Raichlen From the renowned author of the BBQ Bible, this cookbook delivers innovative recipes specifically tailored for griddle cooking. It’s a must-have for campers who use a griddle regularly and want to take their outdoor meals to the next level. Don’t Miss It: The New Season of 6 Things I Love about My RV is LIVE! You can find the episodes here on Go RVing’s YouTube channel. See you at the campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post 6 Tips for Getting Your RV Serviced, Best Camping Cookbooks, 6 Things I Love About My RV appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Located in the bustling outdoor playground of Grand Junction, Colorado, Camp Eddy offers a camping experience that seamlessly combines modern amenities, river access, and proximity to the vibrant downtown area. This unique campground, situated alongside the Colorado River, captures the best of both natural tranquility and urban convenience.  You can listen to our complete campground review wherever you get your podcasts! Camp Eddy Overview and Location Camp Eddy is beautifully situated on the banks of the Colorado River, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Grand Junction. The campground combines the rustic charm of riverside camping with close proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. It’s an ideal spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and travelers looking for comfortable amenities. Campsite and Accommodation Options Camp Eddy offers a range of lodging options for visitors. We stayed in an RV rental while we were there, since we flew into the Denver airport.  RV Sites: Camp Eddy features level, tidy back-in sites and pull-throughs with full hookups—electric, water, and sewer. The sites do not offer shade, so be aware if visiting in the summer.  Airstream Rentals: Camp Eddy also provides fully furnished Airstream rentals, ideal for those visiting without their personal RV. We found these accommodations very well outfitted, with toiletries, towels, and linens provided. Tiny Homes: Tiny homes offer compact, upscale luxury and a unique lodging experience with great views of the river and mountains. Campground Amenities The amenities at Camp Eddy are the star of the show, creating a hip, fun camping environment that mirrors the vibe of the surrounding region. Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: The bathhouses are clean, well-maintained, and modern, offering private, individual bathroom suites—a significant upgrade from typical communal campground bathrooms. Additionally, laundry facilities onsite add convenience for longer stays.  Outdoor Space and River Access: A beautiful outdoor area featuring Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and hammocks along the riverbank provides a relaxing communal space for guests to enjoy nature and unwind. Camp Eddy’s prime riverfront location makes it ideal for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing riverside.  Onsite Food Trucks and Snack Shop: The campground includes a convenient snack shop, ideal for grabbing quick items without leaving the premises. Additionally, during the peak season, onsite food trucks are scheduled for evening festivities. Outdoor Adventures and Activities Near Camp Eddy One of the greatest advantages of staying at Camp Eddy is the excellent variety of outdoor adventures available nearby. With its central location in Grand Junction, the campground offers quick access to exciting activities like river rafting, hiking, scenic exploration, and more. River Adventures with Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) Directly onsite, Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) makes exploring the Colorado River exceptionally easy. Visitors can rent equipment such as paddleboards, kayaks, and tubes without leaving the campground. GJA offers excellent guided float trips, including a particularly enjoyable route from nearby Palisade back down to Camp Eddy. This relaxing float provides scenic views and is highly recommended for a leisurely adventure suitable for all skill levels. Exploring Colorado National Monument Only about 15 minutes from Camp Eddy, Colorado National Monument is a must-see for campers. This remarkable national park features stunning red-rock canyons, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations, often compared to those found in Utah’s famous parks. A drive along Rim Rock Drive is a highlight, offering spectacular viewpoints like Grand View and Coke Ovens. Early morning visits provide excellent photography opportunities and cooler temperatures. Popular trails within the monument include the Canyon Rim Trail and the short Otto’s Trail, which offer breathtaking overlooks accessible for most visitors. Hiking Near Grand Junction Grand Junction offers ample hiking opportunities close to Camp Eddy. Devil’s Kitchen Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile round trip, leads hikers through beautiful red rock formations. Additionally, Monument Canyon Trail is notable for stunning rock formations such as Independence Monument, ideal for hikers seeking slightly longer routes with impressive views. ATV Tours (OHV/Off-Roading Adventures) For thrill-seekers looking for off-road excitement, adrenaline-pumping ATV tours are available in the Grand Junction area. These guided tours provide opportunities to explore more remote terrain, discovering breathtaking overlooks and rugged backcountry areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. Tours typically range from easy scenic rides suitable for beginners to more challenging adventures for experienced riders. Companies such as Adrenaline Driven Adventure Company (ADAC) provide reliable guided tours that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Mountain Biking Grand Junction is also popular as a mountain biking destination. Nearby trails offer everything from beginner-friendly paths to challenging expert terrain. Popular trail systems include the Lunch Loops area and the Kokopelli trails, providing a range of options to satisfy all skill levels. These trails offer stunning desert scenery and technical rides for those seeking adrenaline-fueled experiences. Exploring Downtown Grand Junction and Surrounding Areas Downtown Grand Junction is a quick drive from Camp Eddy and offers numerous attractions. The charming downtown district features boutique shopping, art galleries, and local cafes. The area is perfect for window shopping, enjoying local food joints, and exploring galleries. Visitors may also want to make time for a day trip to nearby Palisade, known for its orchards, vineyards, and wineries, perfect for wine-tasting excursions. Palisade offers unique opportunities to explore Colorado’s thriving wine country with numerous tasting rooms and vineyard tours. Dining Recommendations in Grand Junction Grand Junction offers exceptional dining options within easy reach of Camp Eddy, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment of the visit: Trail Life Brewing: Perfect place for a burger and beer after hiking in Colorado National Monument or rafting down the Colorado River. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the shareables–think pretzel bites and hummus platters–were a big hit with our kids. Devil’s Kitchen: Situated atop the Hotel Maverick, Devil’s Kitchen features expansive views overlooking the Colorado Mesa University campus and surrounding mountains. Known for dishes such as Wagyu steak and mushroom toast, this restaurant offers an creative dining experience ideal for special occasions or memorable dinners. The Hog and the Hen: Excellent for grabbing high-quality sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Their offerings are perfect for enjoying a picnic or as takeaway options to enjoy at your campsite. Tacoparty: A fun and casual spot serving creative tacos and unique side dishes. It’s a local favorite for casual meals. Tips for Visiting Camp Eddy Site Selection: When booking, be aware that sites are closely spaced and somewhat minimalist. RVers accustomed to grassy and spacious campgrounds should set appropriate expectations. However, the location amenities more than compensate for this.  Reservations: Book early, particularly during the summer and shoulder seasons, as the campground fills quickly due to its excellent location and popularity.  Connectivity: Camp Eddy offers strong Wi-Fi, a notable advantage for remote workers or anyone requiring reliable connectivity during their stay.  Seasonal Considerations: Summer is ideal for river activities, while spring and fall provide milder weather perfect for hiking and biking nearby trails.  Camp Eddy and Grand Junction Camp Eddy was a delightful place for us to kick off our Colorado and Utah summer adventure. Its unique urban riverfront location provides unmatched convenience to downtown Grand Junction, local dining, and outdoor adventures. The campground offers modern amenities, unique lodging options, and thoughtful design that appeals to a wide range of campers—from adventurous couples to families or groups of friends. For those prioritizing both outdoor experiences and urban amenities, Camp Eddy delivers the perfect combination, creating a memorable and enjoyable camping experience that reflects the best of what Grand Junction has to offer. The post Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado appeared first on The RV Atlas.

The Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi, is generating considerable buzz among RVers, and for good reason. Recently opened, this upscale RV resort fills a valuable niche in North Central Mississippi, offering a luxury camping experience that’s perfect for families, football fans, and snowbirds alike. Situated conveniently close to Oxford—home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”)—this brand-new resort has become an immediate standout. Dean May, affectionately known around these parts as “Casita Dean,” recently reviewed the new resort on The RV Atlas podcast. You can listen to the entire episode wherever you get your podcasts or by clicking on the media player above. Prime Location in Oxford, Mississippi Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort is located near Oxford, Mississippi, approximately 70 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. Easily accessible via Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 278, the resort provides convenient city access without the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area.  Oxford, a vibrant college town with a population around 27,000, offers an fun cultural scene, great dining, and ample shopping, all enhanced by the presence of the University of Mississippi. Campsite Options and Details The resort features approximately 150 RV sites, all equipped with full hookups including 50, 30, and 20 amp service. Impressively, about 80% of these sites are pull-through, ideal for larger rigs, with the remaining 33 back-in sites. Each site is paved, level, and spacious, providing room for campers to spread out comfortably. Dean highlighted the absence of shade due to the resort’s recent opening but pointed out strategic site choices such as back-in sites along Chillin’ Way (especially sites 117-124), which offer morning shade and additional privacy due to their location near a retaining wall and hillside. The resort also includes 20 luxurious cottages available for rent, each fully furnished and well-appointed, including amenities like a full kitchen, comfortable beds, and plenty of living space. Exceptional Resort Amenities Roundabout Oxford goes above and beyond typical campground amenities, offering a truly resort-level experience: Welcome Center The Welcome Center greets visitors with offices, a business center, restrooms, golf cart rentals, and bike racks. Guests can also enjoy morning coffee and a patio overlooking the newly completed mini-golf course. Grand Lodge The Grand Lodge serves as the resort’s central hub. Here, campers find a well-stocked camp store, community room with a full kitchen and bar, arcade room, sports TV lounge, and the casual dining restaurant called “The Canteen.” Covered balconies with rocking chairs and ample entertainment options create a relaxing atmosphere for families. Water Resort Spanning approximately 2.5 acres, the water resort is a highlight, featuring two impressive water slides, family pools, hot tubs, a lively kiddie pool complete with playground and water cannons, and a 912-foot lazy river. An adults-only pool area and a swim-up bar (“Hoka Hut”) further enhance the experience, offering refreshments accessible directly from the lazy river and the adult pool. Food and Drink Options Guests have numerous convenient dining choices onsite, including The Canteen for casual meals, the Hoka Hut swim-up bar, the Molly Barr Bar concession, and the Beach Bar serving tasty cocktails. The camp store also provides snacks, ice cream, and camping essentials. Family Fun and Recreational Activities The resort boasts pickleball courts, cornhole areas, a Gaga ball court, classic board games, an arcade, basketball courts, and two playgrounds designed for varying age groups. Plans for beach volleyball and fishing opportunities are in development, further enhancing family entertainment. Additional Amenities A fitness center, yoga pavilion, two dog parks catering separately to large and small dogs, large communal fire rings, and storm shelters enhance guest comfort and safety. These thoughtful additions reflect the resort’s commitment to guest satisfaction. Pricing and Reservations Rates at Roundabout Oxford are impressively reasonable, considering the quality and amenities: Back-in sites start at $69/night. Pull-through sites start at $79/night. Luxury pull-through sites are $89/night. Buddy sites with expansive common patios start at $199/night. Luxury cottages begin at $225/night, designed to accommodate up to six guests comfortably. A unique “Park and Play” day-use option allows visitors to enjoy amenities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., priced at $129 for four people, available Monday through Thursday. Reservations are straightforward via their online booking site, though planning in advance is advisable, especially around popular Ole Miss football weekends. Exceptional Customer Service The resort’s commitment to customer service stands out prominently. Dean May highlighted an incident involving a minor electrical issue at a campsite. General Manager Jason Elliott immediately handled the situation with remarkable responsiveness, providing guests with a luxury cottage overnight, a golf cart, and regular check-ins to ensure comfort. Staff friendliness and availability further underscored the resort’s dedication to excellent guest experiences. Exploring Oxford and Local Highlights While the resort offers plenty of onsite activities, Oxford itself provides additional attractions and dining opportunities. Recommendations include: Casa Mexicana of Oxford: Excellent Mexican cuisine. The Blind Pig: A local favorite featuring quality burgers and craft beer. Oxford Creamery: Delicious ice cream and surprisingly good coffee. Fergndan’s Wood Fired Pizza: Highly recommended local pizza destination. Booth’s BBQ and Yard: Known for excellent barbecue. Oxford is known for its vibrant atmosphere, delightful small-town charm, and variety of dining and shopping options, making it a compelling place to explore when staying at the resort. Ideal Time to Visit Although summers can be quite hot, making the water resort especially appealing, the ideal times to visit Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort are likely the milder spring and fall seasons. These times offer comfortable weather perfect for fully enjoying both the resort’s outdoor amenities and nearby Oxford attractions. An Outstanding New RV Resort Has Arrived Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort is positioned to become a highly popular destination. With thoughtful attention to detail, outstanding amenities, exceptional customer service, and an ideal location near Oxford and Ole Miss, it caters to a wide array of visitors, including families, football fans, RV enthusiasts, and snowbirds. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or a relaxing retreat, Roundabout Oxford offers everything needed for an enjoyable, memorable RV vacation. For more campground reviews and RV travel inspiration, visit The RV Atlas podcast and join our friendly private RV Atlas Facebook group.  See you at the campground! The post Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi with Casita Dean May appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Discover delicious, easy camping recipes perfect for your Omnia Oven! This episode of The RV Atlas podcast features cookbook authors Stu and Edye Beans, who share practical tips, tasty meals, and their favorite Omnia Oven accessories for amazing campsite cooking. Click on the media player above or subscribe using your favorite podcasting app! Cooking outdoors is one of our favorite things about RVing, and the Omnia Stovetop Oven has become a favorite piece of camp cooking gear for our family over the last couple of years. On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we’re excited to share an interview with Stu and Edye Beans, creators of the popular YouTube channel “Little House of Beans” and authors of the cookbook “Outdoor Cooking with Edye featuring the Omnia Oven.” Stu and Edye joined us to discuss their RV lifestyle, their passion for cooking, and their tips and recipes for the Omnia Oven. Check out their YouTube channel and cookbook for compete recipes! And thanks to Stu and Edye for the great photos! Meet Stu and Edye Beans Stu and Edye Beans are seasoned RVers from Florida who have been adventuring together around the globe for the past 15 years, sharing experiences such as scuba diving, road-tripping, and camping. Today, they travel in a 20-foot, all-aluminum 2016 Livin’ Lite camper. Their travel schedule typically runs from Halloween through mid-April, focusing heavily on Florida State Parks and State Forests, including favorites like Wekiwa Springs State Park and Anastasia State Park. Their cooking passion was influenced significantly by Edye’s mother, who was a skilled cook capable of making delicious, hearty meals from basic ingredients. Edye inherited this talent, placing cooking at the heart of their camping adventures. Discovering the Omnia Oven Stu and Edye discovered the Omnia Oven during a search for camping cooking gear after a campsite theft left Stu without his griddle. The Omnia Oven, a three-piece cooking device consisting of a stainless base, a two-liter pan, and a lid, became an instant favorite. The heat from a propane stove circulates through the Omnia, mimicking a traditional oven’s capabilities on a much smaller scale. It allowed the Beans to dramatically diversify their camping menu beyond burgers and hot dogs, which transformed their campsite culinary experience. Stu began filming their cooking sessions as a project during the early stages of the COVID pandemic, primarily as a way to learn video editing. This hobby quickly turned into their popular YouTube channel, “Little House of Beans,” which now features over 166 recipes specifically designed for the Omnia Oven. About the Cookbook: Outdoor Cooking with Edye “Outdoor Cooking with Edye” compiles their best recipes and includes unique features such as QR codes linking directly to instructional YouTube videos, beer and wine pairings for each recipe, and Stu’s special cocktail recipes called “Stutinis.” With 100 approachable recipes split between savory and sweet categories, the cookbook offers something for everyone and is perfectly suited for the Omnia Oven. Six Delicious and Simple Omnia Oven Recipes to Try at the Campground Below are six standout recipes from the book, specifically highlighted in our conversation: 1. Lazy Lasagna (Baked Ravioli Casserole) Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti sauce, cheese ravioli, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese. Why it’s perfect for camping: This recipe requires only five easily packed ingredients. It’s simple, satisfying, and especially kid-friendly. The ingredients can all be conveniently purchased frozen or prepared, saving valuable time and space at the campsite. 2. Monkey Bread Pizza with Pepperoni Ingredients: Refrigerated biscuit dough, cheese, pepperoni, garlic. pizza sauce Why it’s perfect for camping: This pull-apart pizza is easy to prepare and fun to eat. The monkey bread style is playful and ideal for group camping trips or quick family dinners. 3. Spinach Ricotta Wheel Ingredients: Puff pastry sheets, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, sesame seeds. Why it’s perfect for camping: The use of puff pastry sheets makes this dish quick and versatile. Rolled into a wheel shape, it bakes beautifully in the Omnia Oven, offering an impressive and delicious meal suitable for brunch or dinner. 4. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake Ingredients: Box cake mix, pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, condensed milk, nuts. Why it’s perfect for camping: Easy, five-ingredient recipe perfect for camping breakfasts or dessert. Box cake mix is an affordable and convenient camping staple, easily transformed into something special with the addition of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips. 5. Nutella Banana Peanut Butter Danish Ring Ingredients: Pillsbury crescent dough sheets, cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, Nutella. Why it’s perfect for camping: This indulgent yet straightforward dessert is easy to assemble and incredibly flavorful. The crescent dough sheets ensure quick preparation, ideal for campground cooking. 6. Tortilla Enchilada Casserole Ingredients: Shredded chicken, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, enchilada sauce (red or green). Why it’s perfect for camping: A hearty meal option that’s easily customizable. It’s a perfect choice for campers who want a filling and satisfying meal without extensive prep. Using precooked ingredients simplifies the process greatly. Omnia Oven Accessory Recommendations from Stu and Edye To enhance the Omnia Oven experience, Stu and Edye highlighted a few favorite accessories: Thermometer (Edye’s favorite): Essential for precise cooking without lifting the lid frequently. Perforated Baking Tray (Stu’s favorite): Ideal for crisping foods such as fries, chicken tenders, and more, bringing variety and convenience to campground meals. Their preferred lid colors? Edye’s favorite is yellow for its cheerful brightness, while Stu loves pink for its distinctive look and conversation-starting quality at the campground. Connecting with the Omnia Community Stu and Edye also run the Facebook group “Omnia Stovetop Oven Fans,” which has grown significantly and become a vibrant community. Members share recipes, photos, tips, and engage with fellow Omnia Oven enthusiasts worldwide, including North America, the UK, Finland, Sweden, and South Africa. The group is a welcoming space for all types of campers, whether tent campers or RV enthusiasts. Diving Deeper into Omnia Oven Cooking Stu and Edye’s journey with the Omnia Oven emphasizes creativity, practicality, and community. The Omnia Oven allows campers to expand their cooking repertoire, enhancing the outdoor adventure through delicious and diverse meals. Their cookbook, “Outdoor Cooking with Edye,” further supports campers in discovering the full potential of Omnia cooking. For more information, delicious recipes, and further Omnia inspiration, visit their YouTube channel “Little House of Beans,” check out their cookbook “Outdoor Cooking with Edye,” and join their Facebook community, “Omnia Stovetop Oven Fans.” If you’re feeling inspired by Stu and Edye’s incredible Omnia Oven recipes and want to upgrade your own camp cooking experience, be sure to check out our curated Omnia Oven collection at the RV Atlas Campstore.  We’ve carefully selected the best Omnia ovens and accessories, offering discounted prices and free shipping to make your outdoor culinary adventures easier and more enjoyable. Visit our RV Atlas Campstore Omnia Collection to start cooking delicious, camper-approved meals today! The post Outdoor Cooking with Stu and Edye Beans: Omnia Oven Recipes and Tips appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Outfitting a tiny trailer is a unique experience. After years of stocking larger RVs, downsizing to a nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S presented us with unique challenges. The transition required us to rethink our gear choices, optimize our space, and develop some creative strategies to mix comfort and convenience. Over the last few months, we’ve created a tiny space that feels almost perfectly equipped for both of us, whether we are traveling individually or together. In this episode of The RV Atlas, we share the gear that made the cut for our nuCamp Tab 320 CS-S, and offer some of our recommendations for downsizing from a larger RV to a tiny trailer.       Bedding Choices: Comfortable and Compact   Bedding in a tiny trailer isn’t as simple as just picking out the fluffiest comforter. We chose the Hest Single Down Comforters (approximately $349 each) because they struck an ideal balance between comfort and compactness. We initially considered a double comforter but found two singles were easier to manage and provided individual comfort.  We especially appreciate the two-bag storage system that comes with these comforters—a tight compression bag for traveling and a looser bag for long term storage. These comforters turned out to be some of our favorite items because they’re warm yet compact enough to pack away easily, making converting the bed into seating a quick and easy process. Streamlined Bathroom Essentials The bathroom storage in the nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S is small, so we didn’t want to pack it full of clutter. We selected Camco TST Drop-Ins because they take up minimal space, are spill-proof, and eliminate odor worries.  We added tiny bottles of Dr. Bronner’s shampoos conserve space, and are using travel-sized bottles (and refilling them at home) instead of bringing full-sized products. A small Johnson & Johnson first aid kit from Walgreens, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a compact emergency radio rounded out our bathroom essentials—everything sized for limited storage. Favorite Small-Space Solutions One item has become an early favorite: the Fanttik Slim V8 Apex Car Vacuum recommended by YouTuber DSW Adventures. Jeremy loves this rechargeable vacuum because it’s cordless, powerful, and ideal for tidying up the trailer quickly—especially important in small living quarters. We also included ONE Nebo Slyde King flashlight (if you are a long-time listener, you know how hard this choice was) and a reliable headlamp, crucial for campsite setups and late night adventures. Kitchen Essentials: Minimal and Multi-Purpose Food and Drink Prep Inside the nüCamp 320 CS-S The nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S small kitchen forced us to be very intentional about gear choices. Without a cooking station inside, an electric kettle is indispensable for morning coffee and oatmeal. Instead of a bulky coffee maker, we opted for a simple pour-over setup—compact and easy to clean. We discovered and love the Silwy Magnetic System—including magnetic coffee tumblers and coat hooks—ideal for keeping the tiny space tidy and preventing spills or misplaced items. Instant oatmeal, instant coffee, and instant ramen are stored in a small organizer that can sit on the counter or be tucked away in the cabinet for travel days. The Outdoor Clamshell Kitchen in the NüCamp Tab 320 CS-S We are head over heels in love with the versatile Gerber Gear Complete Cook Set, a nesting system providing pans, bowls, plates, and pots in one compact bundle. Alongside the Gerber set, the Omnia stovetop oven (in its sturdy EVA case) allows for baking muffins and casseroles without taking significant space. The Yeti 10-inch skillet fits neatly within the dishwashing system from OXO, which we love for campsite cleanups. The Blackstone Camping Griddle thankfully fits perfectly under the sink. {add details about blackstone product that you want to] We also recommend the compact Camco 12-Volt Fridge. Though small, it has worked well on all of our trips so far, and seems to use minimal power which was a concern for us at first. For spice storage and quick access, the Silwy Magnetic Spice Holders are another early favorite, keeping essentials easily accessible. And you can’t forget the accessories! Our yellow Barebones Forest Lantern matches the yellow lid of our Omnia oven—a small detail that adds a bit of cheerful color to the outdoor kitchen.  Front Storage Organization: Practical and Accessible The front storage area presented a unique challenge. We included the Camco EvoFlex hoses, especially the 50-foot version paired with quick-connect fittings. Additionally, the Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector continues to earn its keep, offering reliability and peace of mind, despite being large for a tiny trailer. Of course, our favorite RV SnapPads, purchased at Colonial Airstream, got installed immediately for stabilizing the trailer at the campsite. Tiny Trailer Organization Throughout the outfitting process, we reminded ourselves of the importance of leaving space open rather than overfilling it. Small RV living demands careful selection and purposeful placement of every item. We found packing cubes far superior to duffle bags, improving both storage and accessibility. The importance of consciously choosing items that are compact, multifunctional, and highly useful became clear as we evaluated our gear selection. We also realized the benefits of reevaluating gear choices after a few camping trips. Some of our kitchen items proved redundant, leading us to make some edits within the first few months of ownership. Some Tips for Outfitting a Tiny RV: Choose gear that nests, packs down, or stores compactly. Avoid excess and embrace minimalism; each item must justify its place. Select gear that serves multiple purposes—less gear, more functionality. Reevaluate regularly to remove unnecessary items. Outfitting our nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S has required a bit of creativity and adaptability, but the result has been incredibly rewarding. We feel like we’ve landed on a very functional yet comfortable tiny space that suits all of our RV travel needs. Not outfitting a tiny trailer? Check out our favorite gear we’ve used in our larger RVs, like our Jayco Eagle and Grand Design bunkhouse. Or ask for recommendations from other RVers in our friendly private Facebook group where no cranks are allowed.  See you at the campground! The post Outfitting our nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S: Best Gear + Organization Tips for Tiny Trailer Living appeared first on The RV Atlas.

The 4th of July is synonymous with grilling and camp cooking, and there’s no better time to up your outdoor culinary game. Whether you’re grilling burgers, griddling pancakes, or cooking something unique, great gear makes all the difference. This week on The RV Atlas podcast, we dive deep into our favorite grilling and griddling gear, skillet recommendations, and flavorful foods and recipes to inspire your next campground feast. Listen to this 4th of July Camp Cooking episode wherever you get your podcasts to hear more tips and tricks for camp cooking this summer.  Thanks to Eric Weber for the photos of Jeremy and the Weber Q2800n+! Grills & Griddles Weber Q2800N+ Portable Grill Price: $399 (Amazon), $450 (Weber.com) The Weber Q2800N+ builds on the iconic Weber Q series with new, enhanced features designed to take camp grilling to the next level. Featuring two burners—a primary circular burner and a secondary burner in the middle—this grill offers unmatched versatility. The dual burner system provides an exceptional temperature range from 250°F for low-and-slow cooking to a sizzling 700°F ideal for perfect searing. Notable features include removable side tables, front-access grease catch for easy cleaning, and a higher dome lid suitable for rotisserie chicken. Unlike previous models, this Weber Q connects directly to standard propane tanks rather than smaller disposable tanks. Its solid build quality and impressive cooking range make it ideal for campers who seek both durability and versatility for their 4th of July Camp Cooking. Blackstone Propane Chain System and Camping Griddles Camping Griddles: 14-inch OTG Griddle with side burner, 20-inch OTG Camping Griddle Accessories: Single Burner Camping Stove, Portable Air Fryer Blackstone introduces its innovative propane chain system allowing multiple cooking devices to connect to a single propane tank, enhancing your camping cook setup significantly. This new chain system can link a griddle to an additional appliance, like a single burner camping stove or a portable air fryer, streamlining your cooking area at the campsite. The 14-inch camping griddle, equipped with an additional side burner, or the 20-inch griddle provides flexibility and convenience. These new Blackstone OTG camping griddles have a lightweight and portable titanium ceramic nonstick cooktop, which is easy to transport and maintain, making them ideal for RVers wanting lightweight, versatile cooking solutions. Skillets and Kitchen Essentials Skillet Recommendations: Lodge Cast Iron Skillets: A classic staple for every camper. Affordable, reliable, and durable. Field Skillet: Lighter and incredibly easy to handle, making it perfect for camp cooking. Stargazer Skillet: Known for its extended handle, excellent for safely cooking over a campfire. Yeti Skillet: Premium quality skillet that has quickly become a favored addition to any campsite cooking arsenal. Smithey Skillet: Beautifully crafted and heavier, best suited for home cooking and more stationary outdoor kitchens. Opinel Knives Number 8 Stainless Steel: A versatile bestseller ideal for everyday camp kitchen tasks. Number 12 Serrated Knife: Perfect for slicing breads, tomatoes, and other foods that typically challenge regular knives. Number 10 with Corkscrew and Bottle Opener: A multifunctional knife that’s ideal for food prep and opening beverages. Gerber Gear Complete Cook Set Price: Approximately $200 A compact nesting cook set that includes a sauté pan, detachable handle, basting dome lid, stock pot, slim lid, four plates, four bowls, a mixing bowl, hot pad, and storage bag. The intuitive design ensures easy setup and cleanup, making it ideal for space-conscious campers and perfect for 4th of July Camp Cooking. OXO Dishwashing Station This three-piece dishwashing setup includes dedicated basins for washing, drying, and organizing your dishes at the campsite, streamlining cleanup and providing a tidy outdoor kitchen solution. Omnia Stovetop Oven  The Omnia oven offers a versatile way to bake or roast on your stovetop at camp. Popular accessories include the muffin insert, silicone inserts, baking rack, and EVA hard carrying case. This oven is excellent for creating unique camp dishes like French toast casseroles, muffins, and more. Favorite Foods, Seasonings, and Recipes Essential Seasonings & Condiments: Graza Olive Oil: Squeezy bottles designed for easy cooking and finishing, available in Drizzle, Sizzle, and Frizzle varieties. Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce: Delicious, versatile sauce that enhances grilled meats and vegetables. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce & Mike’s Hot Honey: An incredible combination for grilled or griddled dishes, particularly smash burgers. Blackstone Whiskey Burger Seasoning & Hungry Hussey’s Heifer Dust: Excellent blends for flavorful, easy grilling and griddling. Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: A family favorite for eggs and breakfast items. Meat Delivery Services Good Chop: We received a sample box of steak, chicken, and seafood from Good Chop and loved it. Omaha Steak & Seafood: Reliable services offering high-quality meat delivery, ensuring that campground meals are top-notch without extra grocery store trips. 4th of July Camp Cooking Recipe Favorites: Grilled Clams: Easy and delicious, simply grilled and served with melted butter. Scallops: Quick to sear on the grill, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and paprika. Tuna Steaks: Simple marinades or dry rubs make grilled ahi tuna steaks a luxurious campsite meal. Shrimp Tacos & Shrimp Boils: Family-friendly, flavorful options that are quick and easy to prepare at the campsite. Deconstructed Chicken Caesar Salad: Quick and nutritious, ideal for camping dinners. French Toast Casserole (Omnia Oven): A fantastic, easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option that has become a camp favorite. Check out Jeremy’s YouTube show Camp Griddlemore to find even more summer recipes including beef and broccoli stir fry, blueberry butterscotch pancakes, and elevated grilled cheese sandwiches. Camp Cooking Tips for Beginners Start with simple, familiar recipes and gradually expand your repertoire. Focus on dishes with 10 ingredients or fewer to keep prep manageable. Invest in quality, durable gear like cast-iron skillets and versatile camp stoves. Remember, cooking outside enhances the flavors and experience. Enjoy the simplicity and joy of camp cooking! For more 4th of July Camp Cooking inspiration, check out other campground reviews and cooking episodes on The RV Atlas podcast. Also, join our friendly community in the RV Atlas Facebook group, where RVers regularly share favorite recipes, campground recommendations, and camping tips. See you at the campground! The post 4th of July Camp Cooking Extravaganza: Grills, Griddles, Skillets, Gear, Recipes, and More! appeared first on The RV Atlas.

To buy a Class B or not to buy a Class B? That is a question many RVers have probably considered at some point. After all, #vanlife literally has its own hashtag and a sea of influencers that make it look pretty epic. However, despite the many appeals of a Class B van, they do have their drawbacks. Kerri Cox of Travels with Birdy is here to tell us all about taking the leap from a 30-foot travel trailer to a Winnebago Travato—and all of the decision making that went into the process. What are the pros and cons of buying a Class B? What else do you need to know before buying a Class B? What’s it like to transition from a family travel trailer to a Class B van? Read on to find out in this guest post. This is a guest post from Kerri Cox. To listen to Jeremy interview Kerri click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Our Journey to the Winnebago Travato 59K This spring, I fell in love with a van and bought one on a bit of a whim. I have joked that this was a mid-life crisis…and it could be! Can I blame it on turning 50 soon? However, there were a lot of real factors that led my husband and I to make the switch from our travel trailer to a Class B van sooner rather than later. I have two years left until I retire from public teaching, and we had 100% planned to keep our travel trailer until then. Then, we planned to decide what RV would be best for the huge trips we plan to take. But, sometimes, life takes you on a detour. Here’s what made us consider #vanlife now: Family trips totally ended this summer due to our young adult sons’ jobs (yes, I am sad!) I wrote a piece for Camping World about Class Bs and another about RVs with twin beds and managed to “influence” myself when I discovered the Winnebago Travato 59K, which seemed perfect for us (more on it later!) Most importantly, I found a used 59K a couple of hours away with a great price This gives us a chance to try the van before I retire Carpe diem So, even though I am a pretty practical person about almost everything in life, I decided to go a little wild and get the Class B! 5 Reasons NOT to Buy a Class B Even though I have long thought Class B vans were pretty cute, there were many reasons I thought I wouldn’t buy one, including: Class B vans and motorhomes are pricy. Both of our prior travel trailers were on the lower price range of the RV world, so we thought motorhomes were just too much money. Buying a motorhome means investing in another vehicle. Switching from a trailer to a van would meant adding another vehicle to our fleet, with another engine to repair/maintain. Class B vans and motorhomes may not be as reliable. We have some well-earned brand loyalty to Toyota and didn’t want to lose that reliability for our cross-country travels Having a Class B means you can’t leave the trailer at the campground. This was a big hangup for us, as we liked having the option to run to the store, go out exploring, or do separate activities while having a truck and a trailer. All of which we cannot do with the Class B. A Class B is small. We will give up a lot of storage and personal space by going from a 30-foot trailer with extra storage in the truck to a 21-foot Class B. 5 Reasons TO Buy a Class B Despite all of those reasons not to buy a Class B, we decided to take the plunge, anyway! And, I don’t think it was totally crazy. Here are the pros of buying a Class B: Class Bs are nimble. I had started to really dislike towing our trailer through cities and navigating gas stops. Plus, parking is a pain. A Class B is so much easier to drive and park. And, we can pull off at scenic overlooks on a whim! Class Bs are easier for solo travel. I am not ashamed to admit, but I simply didn’t want to tow our 30-foot trailer. It made me too nervous. And, I definitely couldn’t do it alone. A Class B opens us up for much easier solo travel. Class Bs require less setup. There’s really not much involved in setting up camp other than plugging in the electricity and water. Yes, we need to level, but it’s easier to level the van than our long trailer. Class Bs have everything you need. It kind of amazing that manufacturers can pack in everything they do in a 21-foot van! The price may not be too much more than owning a truck and trailer. Because we bought a used Class B and because of how several other elements worked out, the Class B payment is the same per month as our truck and trailer, though we have added a few years (yes, we have financed this, which I know some people disapprove of, but I try to find the intersection between fiscal responsibility and the YOLO philosophy because I want to live a fun life, albeit carefully). Also, if you look at the MSRP for a 2025 Winnebago Travato 59K, you’ll see it listed as a breathtaking $220,903. I want to people to know we paid nowhere near that price! A Few Extra Considerations for Buying Used from a Private Seller We saved a lot of money by buying a used RV from a private seller, but the process was a lot more complicated. Here’s what you need to know: Very few lenders finance used motorhomes from private sellers. It’s even more difficult than financing a trailer. You should get an inspection from a certified RV technician….but we didn’t. There are more complications and risks when buying from a private seller instead of a dealer. Buying from an out-of-state buyer with a lien on the vehicle while getting your own financing adds even more complications. But, if you are determined, do your due diligence, and research everything you can, it can be done! This is a guest post from Kerri Cox. To hear more about Kerri’s experience with buying a Class B, click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Are We Happy With Our Decision to Buy a Class B?? After considering all of the pros, cons, and special considerations, are we happy with our decision to buy a Class B? YES, absolutely! Here’s what we love about the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59K: Open interior Comfy twin beds Screens on the side and rear doors to let in air and view Solar power and a generator for off-grid possibilities Enough storage (surprisingly!) Great driving experience — even for me while solo! Front seats and tables create great workspace Bike rack for our e-bike and scooter Easy access to interior while on the road Convection oven — no wasted space for oven we’d never light Surprisingly functional wet bath Helpful Facebook group for Travato Owners and Wannabees Fairy lights & cute interior Literally pull in and plug in and done Everyone loves the van and wants to know more about it There have been a few drawbacks. We did need to order a whole new awning and are nervous about a weird Travato quirk where the awning deploys itself, even while driving (fingers crossed for this problem to skip us!). And, we still have a lot to learn in order to operate all of the systems. Even though we have a decade of RV experience, this van has a lot of things that are totally new to us. Have I convinced myself you that this was a reasonable purchase? Even though it was a bit of a whim, we didn’t take the decision lightly. And, while there was a lot involved in both the sale and the transition, it has all been worthwhile! The Travato 59K seems to be the perfect rig for this stage of our life, and we are excited to get out on a long road trip. We just need to add a bird sticker to make Birdy 3.0 official! If you are thinking about buying a Class B, I hope sharing my experiences has been helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have questions, you can find me on Instagram and Facebook as Travels with Birdy or in the RV Atlas Facebook group!     The post Downsizing from a Family RV to a Winnebago Class B with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy appeared first on The RV Atlas.

The Finger Lakes region has long been a favorite destination for New Yorkers seeking picturesque vineyards, stunning lakes, and charming small towns. And while the area offers many beautiful state park camping options, private campgrounds and RV resorts are less abundant. Recently opened, Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, New York, has stepped in to fill this gap, offering RVers an appealing new option with spacious full hook up sites and a prime location near Seneca Lake. This resort is a welcome addition to the Finger Lakes camping scene, and Jeremy thoroughly enjoyed his recent stay. Finger Lakes RV Resort is located on the eastern side of Seneca Lake, close to the southern half of the lake. It’s about 10 minutes north of Watkins Glen and approximately 30 minutes west of Ithaca. Its prime location places visitors within a short drive of hiking trails, wineries, dining, and shopping opportunities, making it perfect for both short and extended RV vacations. Upon arrival, guests receive a warm welcome, which includes freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as part of the check-in experience—a thoughtful and charming touch. Campsite Options and Campground Amenities Sites at Finger Lakes RV Resort are notably large, offering abundant space comparable to many state park campsites. Back-in sites are particularly spacious and comfortable, typically providing more room than pull-through options. Sites have ample grassy areas around and behind each paved parking pad, creating a comfortable environment with plenty of space to stretch your legs. The campground provides several amenities for guests: Bathhouse Facilities: Exceptionally clean and modern with attention to detail, featuring fun decorative elements like whimsical shower curtains. Community Areas: A communal fire pit area is available, offering opportunities for socializing. Additional seating areas are scattered throughout the grounds. Camp Store: A cute camp store sells basic supplies, snacks, campground merchandise, propane, and firewood, and also includes laundry facilities. Clubhouse: Currently under development, this space is set to include recreational amenities such as a pool table, gym, and additional restroom and shower facilities. However, despite the use of the term “resort,” the campground lacks some common resort amenities such as a pool or hot tub. The addition of these features, along with other recreational activities such as pickleball or cornhole, could further elevate the campground’s appeal and fully justify its resort designation. Nightly rates hover around $106, which we consider fair given the generous site sizes, excellent cleanliness, overall quality, and ideal location. Unique Advantage: Nearby Wineries Within Walking Distance One standout feature of Finger Lakes RV Resort is its easy walking access to local wineries. Visitors can directly walk to: Red Newt Cellars: Known for excellent wines, especially the EFT Cabernet blend. Hector Wine Company: Offers both fine wines, including a notable Cabernet-Syrah blend, and gourmet market items such as local cheeses and meats perfect for campsite dining. This unique perk significantly enhances the campground experience, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts or casual tasters alike. Things to Do Around Finger Lakes RV Resort The region surrounding Finger Lakes RV Resort offers many attractions suitable for various interests. From excellent dining to picturesque outdoor excursions, there are abundant options for enjoyment: Dining and Food Highlights Scale House Brewery: Noted for delicious pizzas, particularly the “Ouchy” pizza with pepperoni and hot honey, as well as excellent Caesar salads and craft beers. Toby’s Donut Shop (Watkins Glen): Known for fresh, tasty donuts and quality coffee, particularly the old-fashioned glazed donuts. Glen Dairy: Popular spot for ice cream in Watkins Glen. The Yellow Deli (Ithaca): A charming eatery with European-inspired ambiance serving quality sandwiches, including highly recommended Reubens. Shopping and Local Attractions Famous Brands Outlet: Ideal for purchasing outdoor apparel and gear such as Darn Tough socks, Yeti coolers, and other camping essentials. Outdoor Adventures and Natural Beauty Watkins Glen State Park: Renowned for its dramatic gorge trail with numerous waterfalls, it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds. Finger Lakes National Forest: Offers dispersed camping, trails, and natural exploration opportunities. Visitors may enjoy stopping at the visitor center to gain insight into the area’s natural resources. A Day Trip to Ithaca The nearby town of Ithaca offers additional experiences worth exploring: Gimme Coffee: Independent coffee shop highly praised for its quality craft-roasted beverages. Buffalo Street Books: A charming independent bookstore ideal for browsing and discovering unique finds. Local shopping: Ithaca is famous for local merchandise such as the classic “Ithaca is Gorges” stickers. General Recommendations and Visitor Insights Finger Lakes RV Resort serves as an excellent hub for a range of visitors, from romantic couples and wine enthusiasts to families with younger children. The peaceful atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and high-quality campground amenities combine to create a relaxing yet engaging experience. However, teenagers might find this area less than thrilling. The region’s primary attractions cater more toward leisurely explorations like wine-tasting, scenic hikes, and local dining rather than adrenaline-packed entertainment. Despite this, the quiet charm, abundant natural beauty, and developing culinary scene make the Finger Lakes region perfect for those seeking a restful escape paired with cultural and natural explorations. For more campground reviews and destination inspiration, check out these episodes of The RV Atlas podcast or join the conversation over in the private RV Atlas Facebook group.  See you at the campground! The post Campground Review: Finger Lakes RV Resort & Things to Do Near Seneca Lake, NY appeared first on The RV Atlas.