The RV Atlas Podcast

On this week’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road back on the show to talk about her big summer RV trip to Quebec.  Her family stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and enjoyed several days in the most European of Canada’s great cities. To listen to Jeremy interview Gretchen please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Or read on below for a guest post from Gretchen. People often tout Montreal as “the most European of North American cities,” and indeed a walk along the cobblestone in the older parts of the city can make you feel like you’ve been transported both across the ocean and back in time. But Montreal also feels vibrantly modern and distinctly Canadian, and its location means it’s within easy driving distance for people in much of the US and Canada. Our family spent a few days in Montreal this past summer as part of a longer Canadian road trip, and we all left loving Montreal and wishing we could stay longer. We stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and it was a very good basecamp for our Canadian adventure. The Montreal South KOA Journey The Montreal South KOA Journey is 15 miles from the city and bills itself as the closest campground to Montreal. It’s big rig-friendly and easy to access from the highway. As first-time visitors to Quebec (and non-French speakers), we appreciated the friendly and helpful bilingual staff.  The sites are mostly a grid of standard gravel pull-throughs, but there are a good number of trees for shade and decent separation between the sites. Everything at this KOA is beautifully done and well-maintained: the bathrooms are nicely decorated and sparkling clean, there’s a small but lovely pool at the front of the campground, and the huge patio sites are probably the nicest I’ve ever seen. Sites start at around $70CAD for a basic pull-through and go up to over $100 for those patio sites.  The biggest thing to think about with urban RVing, though, is always how to actually get into the city to see the sites. The drive into Montreal from the KOA can be less than 30 minutes, depending on when you go. We did make the drive once, but we found both parking and traffic to be big challenges, so we did most of our travel via Montreal’s excellent public transportation system. There are a few different subway and rail stations within easy striking distance of the KOA; we made the 20 minute drive to the REM Brossard Station and took the new light rail from there into the city. There’s plenty of surface parking at this station, the trains are clean and comfortable, and, as a bonus, you get wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal’s skyline as you approach the city.    Fun Things to do in Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica This impressive neo-gothic cathedral in the heart of Old Montreal dates to 1824 and is a must see for first time visitors to the city. It’s open to visitors for self-guided tours during the day and at night becomes a canvas for “the AURA Experience” light and music show. Our attempt to attend the nighttime show was thwarted by a power outage in the area, but we very much enjoyed gawking at the impressive art and architecture by day. The entire area is worth spending time exploring; Old Montreal is the part of the city that feels the most European, with its old buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s always busy, and there’s always something going on; we found public art and live music everywhere we turned.  Pointe-a-calliere Pointe-a-calliere, Montreal’s museum of archaeology and history, might just be the coolest museum I’ve ever been to. It’s built on the site where the city’s first European settlers lived in the 17th Century, and the museum’s first level allows you to actually walk through the preserved archaeological remnants of the old city and see evidence of how it changed throughout its early history. Another exhibit preserves the remains of Fort Ville-Marie, the actual spot where the city was founded as a Catholic mission, under a glass floor that visitors can walk across. There’s an excellent multi-media show (in French and English) about the history of Montreal. Our eleven year old loved the immersive, hands-on “Pirates or Privateers” exhibit. And make sure to end your visit by going to the top of the museum’s tower for awesome views of the city.  Montreal Botanical Garden Montreal has a world-class botanical garden with twenty themed gardens to explore. We especially enjoyed the bonsai collection and koi pond in the Japanese Garden and the highly Instagrammable lake with bridges and a waterfall in the Chinese Garden.  The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Montreal’s maze-like art museum sprawls across a few different buildings, some connected via underground hallways. It’s Canada’s largest art museum and a great place to spend a few hours. We definitely didn’t get to all of it, but we saw a special exhibit on Flemish masterworks as well as checking out the extensive collection of Canadian art and a fun pop art gallery.  Where to Eat in Montreal One could devote an entire vacation to exploring Montreal’s food scene, and sadly we didn’t get to sample as much as we’d have liked, but we did enjoy brunch one day at Maggie Oakes in the Old Port area. They have a great patio overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier, perfect for people-watching (and the food was good, too!) And then, just around the corner from the Museum of Fine Arts, we stopped in at Burger Bar Crescent, where the menu features some creative burger, poutine, and mac and cheese choices. Not as much people watching here, but it does have a great view of a giant painting of Montreal’s own Leonard Cohen on the side of the nearby building. This is part one of a two part series about RVing in Quebec with Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road. To listen to part two about Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday please click here or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows The post RVing in Quebec Part 1 (Montreal and The Montreal South KOA Journey) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

We are back from the 2024 Hershey RV Show, and we have some trends, favorite RVs, and other show highlights to share! First, we want to say thank you! We appreciated the many people who stopped our table who read the blog, listen to the podcast, or own our books. You are all so great! We love this little community. It was also great to meet so many new people! We also had fun sharing our “Where Should We Camp Next?” books and debuting our RV Atlas Coffee Company! Soon, you’ll have a chance to buy your very own bag of one of four special blends (Black Tank Blend, Camp Mojo, Morning Campfire, and Boondocker’s Delight). Check back in early October! To hear more about the Hershey RV show, click play on the media player above–or look for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast app! 5 Trends from the 2024 Hershey RV Show There is a LOT to see at the Hershey RV Show, and we tried to take it all in! Here are a few trends we noticed from the show: Small, European-style motorhomes are becoming more popular. Of course, we may have noticed more of these because we fell in love with this style of travel on our Iceland trip. Either way, we really liked many of the petite Class Cs we saw at Hershey and the new features and floorplans. Grand Design’s new Lineage is a great example of this! We also swoon over Leisure Travel Vans. More manufacturers are doing off-site events in conjunction with the Hershey RV show. Space is tight at Hershey, and some manufacturers either can’t get a space or can’t get enough space, so why not take the party elsewhere? Some manufacturers offered treats and special deals to lure visitors to their off-site events. If you go in future years, look into these options, especially if you are looking for models, manufacturers, and dealers who won’t be at the show. Pop-up, hybrid, and truck campers are not going away. Rumors have long been that these small segments of the RV market will die out, but they simply aren’t. They are small but mighty. We saw a lot of variety across these segments! Whether these are for the first timers or someone who wants to camp in something that feels like “camping,” these units still have a solid market. Independent custom van builders are on the rise. While there were only a few at Hershey, we’ve noticed this trend across the U.S. These people take popular Class B van chassis and build them out with custom interiors and amenities. There is a boisterous market for these independent upstarts who are doing really cool things! People love their RVs and love RVing! It was so great to hear from so many people who were truly happy with their rigs. While the industry has faced some complaints about quality, especially in recent years, the majority of people who own RVs love them and keep buying them. Our Top RV Picks from the 2024 Hershey RV Show We saw so many great RVs at Hershey! While there weren’t a ton of new things that really stood out as innovative, manufacturers are continuing to improve on the tried and true, while adding awesome new features and designs. Here are just a few of our favorites: Flagstaff Shamrock 233S Each time we step in this three-bed hybrid model, we think, “We should have bought this!” The Flagstaff Shamrock 233S is an older floorplan that never ceases to impress us! It’s also available as the Rockwood Roo 233S. It’s impossible to find three queen beds in a 25-foot trailer…but that’s the magic of a hybrid! The 233S has three flip-out queen beds, giving you an unbelievable amount of sleeping space in a fairly short RV. It feels like a 32-foot model thanks to all of the space! Plus, the hybrid beds still give you the connection to the outdoors that so many of us enjoy while camping! If you’re a family looking for a hybrid, check this one out! Alliance Delta 321BH The Alliance Delta 321BH really impresses in so many ways! The layout is great, the bunkhouse is great, the kitchen setup is great, and the decor is really appealing. It is on the longer side, at nearly 37 feet in length. If you’re tired of the gray and white interiors, make sure to check out Alliance trailers! They have a mix of dark woods and lighter flooring and walls, which feels light and fresh. Winnebago Echo and Jayco Granite We spent a ton of time looking at the smaller Class Bs, as we mentioned above. Along with the Grand Design Lineage, the Winnebago EKKO series and the new Jayco Granite Ridge really hit the mark! The rear twin beds are a game changer in a small space! You can add a cushion to the middle to make a king, or enjoy the ease of entry into the twins, with no need to climb over each other. These “adventure” Class Bs are designed for off-grid camping and come with a lot of impressive amenities to make those stays comfortable! inTech Black Wing  The inTech Black Wing toy hauler made its debut at the Hershey RV Show. We always love inTech’s designs. This one has a cool triangular front cap with two layers of storage, which you can see here: While the layout is relatively standard to what you’d expect in a toy hauler, inTech has some cool features, including the 40-gallon fuel station. We really liked the interior, as it felt quite “lux” with sleek, gold hardware, glossy cabinetry, and more. This is a unique toy hauler because it puts those rugged off-grid components in such a sleek package! Brinkley Model G Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler There’s a lot of hype around the Brinkley brand, and you really have to walk in one to fully get it! Wow. These do live up to their reputation. The Brinkley Model G is definitely impressive. The kitchens are made for people who truly love to cook. If you’re a foodie who wants a REAL kitchen, check out this manufacturer! There’s no space wasted, and there are a ton of cool innovations you won’t find elsewhere, like flip-up countertops. One cool feature is that the garage of this toy hauler is really outfitted to be used in so many ways. It could be a work space, a party room (with a wet bar and wine fridge!), and/or a garage. Airstream Trade Wind 25FB You really can’t go wrong with an Airstream. We really loved the Trade Wind 25FB‘s rear cargo door, which really makes us swoon! It lets in so much light and has a screen, so you can get a fresh breeze. We seriously spent a lot of time hanging out here since we loved this rear door! We also love the front twin beds! Final Thoughts on the Hershey RV Show We saw many more great models than we’ve shared here! Head to our Instagram to find some model walkthrough videos on Reels. And look for us on TikTok, where we share more great RVing tips and tricks. Then, if you couldn’t make it to the Hershey RV Show, check out one near you, and let us know what rigs you loved!   The post 2024 Hershey RV Show: Trends, Favorite Rigs & Show Highlights appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Welcome to another Q&A episode of The RV Atlas podcast. With summer winding down and fall camping season on the horizon, we took a deep dive into our RV Atlas Facebook group to answer some of the most engaging questions posed by fellow campers. Whether you’re curious about campfire equipment, RV toilet paper, or unique camping destinations, this episode covers it all.  We chat about some of the hottest camping gear—like Yeti’s new cast iron skillets—and discuss whether high-end cookware is worth the investment for your camping setup. We also dive into the age-old debate of Solo Stove vs. Breeo and cover important topics like roadside assistance, paddle boarding at Assateague Island, and campgrounds near airports for those who love watching planes take off. So, pull up a chair and join us around the digital campfire. Should You Buy Yeti’s New Cast Iron Skillet? Question: Yeti has a new line of cast iron skillets priced between $150-$250. Would you buy one for your camp cooking setup, or is it not even an option at that price point? Answer: When Yeti released their new line of cast iron skillets, the RV Atlas Facebook group had mixed reactions. While Yeti is known for its high-end outdoor gear, the consensus in our community was that the price point is steep, especially when beloved and reliable brands like Lodge offer durable cast iron for a fraction of the cost. Many group members, joked about the burdens of maintaining multiple cast iron pans. Ultimately, the general sentiment was that while Yeti’s skillets might be beautiful, most campers would rather stick with more affordable and equally functional options. Takeaway: If you’re passionate about quality and have the budget, Yeti’s skillet could be a fun addition to your gear. But for most, sticking with a trusted and less expensive brand like Lodge seems to be the way to go. Solo Stove vs. Brio: Which is Better? Question: Which is better for campfires and cooking, Solo Stove or Breeo? Answer: Both the Solo Stove and Breeo have become popular choices for campers, and after using both extensively, we can confidently say that each has its strengths. The Solo Stove, which is made overseas, is lighter, heats up faster, and becomes smokeless more quickly—perfect for those who want an easy-to-transport option. On the other hand, Breeo, which is made in Lancaster, PA, is built like a tank. It’s heavier and takes longer to heat up, but it’s an incredibly durable choice for those who want a more permanent setup at home. If you’re planning on bringing your fire pit on camping trips, the Solo Stove might be the better option due to its portability. Takeaway: Solo Stove is ideal for portability and quick heating, while Breeo offers more durability and a robust build for those who prefer a sturdy option for home use. Can You Go Paddle boarding at Assateague? Question: Can you paddle board at Assateague Island? Answer: Assateague Island in Maryland is a popular camping destination known for its wild ponies and beautiful beaches. Paddle boarding is absolutely an option, but you’ll want to head to the national seashore’s bayside area for the best experience. While the state park offers stunning beachfront camping, the ocean tides can be unpredictable, making it less ideal for paddle boarding. The bayside, on the other hand, offers calm waters perfect for paddling, and there are even concessions for renting equipment if you don’t have your own. Takeaway: Yes, you can paddle board at Assateague, but the bayside of the national seashore is the safer and more convenient option. Do You Really Need RV-Specific Toilet Paper? Question: Do I need RV-specific toilet paper, or can I use regular septic-friendly toilet paper in my 2009 RV? Answer: Ah, the great toilet paper debate! While many experienced RVers will tell you that septic-friendly toilet paper works just as well as RV-specific brands, we’ve always used RV toilet paper and never had a clog. For peace of mind, RV-specific toilet paper is designed to break down quickly, reducing the risk of blockages in your system. While it may be a bit more expensive, it’s worth the extra cost for worry-free camping. Takeaway: You don’t have to use RV-specific toilet paper, but it’s a safe bet if you want to avoid any plumbing mishaps. Should I Get AAA or Another Roadside Assistance Plan for My RV? Question: Do I need AAA, or can I rely on my current car insurance for roadside assistance? Answer: We’ve always relied on roadside assistance through our car and RV insurance providers, like Geico and Progressive, and they’ve come through for us in many situations. Roadside assistance programs vary widely, so it’s crucial to ask detailed questions about coverage, especially if you have a towable RV. Some programs might only cover your tow vehicle, leaving your RV stranded in the event of a breakdown. Triple-check your policy to make sure both your RV and vehicle are covered in case of emergency. Takeaway: Look closely at your insurance provider’s roadside assistance offerings before deciding whether you need an additional plan like AAA. Thanks for joining us for this Q&A episode of The RV Atlas. We love hearing from our community and answering your questions, whether they’re about camping gear, destinations, or the ins and outs of RV life. If you want to be part of the conversation, head over to The RV Atlas Facebook group, where nearly 20,000 members share tips, advice, and stories about life on the road and at the campground. Got a question of your own? Ask it in the group, and maybe we’ll answer it on the next episode. See you at the campground!   The post The RV Atlas Q&A: RV Toilet Paper, Smokeless Fire Pits, Roadside Assistance and More! appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas we have several big announcements about our table at the 2024 Hershey RV Show–and we are revisiting “The Future of RVing” podcast that we did ten years ago to see what we got right and what we got wrong. We will be back for the entire run of the 2024 Hersey RV show selling and signing all four of our “Where Should We Camp Next?” including the original, National Parks, Camping 101, and our latest–Budget Camping. We will also have “Where Should We Camp Next? mugs and a limited number of stickers–and our first book “RV Vacations.” But that’s not all folks! We are also debuting a new adventure! The RV Atlas Coffee Company will be making its debut at Hershey with a limited sample run of our first four blends (Black Tank Blend, Camp Mojo, Morning Campfire, and Boondocker’s Delight). These are our favorite coffees in the world and we drink them at home and at the campground on every single trip. On this week’s episode we also head back ten years to review a podcast that we did about “The Future of RVing” and we talk about what we got wrong (The Retro Revival!) and what we got right (more winter camping!) and we make bold predictions for the next ten years of RV life. Listen to the show using the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows! The future of RVing looks bright and we hope to see you in it. And as always we hope to see you at the campground! Jeremy & Stephanie The post Back to “The Future of RVing” and Hershey RV Show Announcements! appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast we are welcoming guest correspondents Dan and Jess Steck for a terrific review of Jellystone Park Petoskey in Michigan. The Stecks recently returned from an epic RV trip to Michigan with their two daughters Penny and Molly, and their two lovable dogs. To listen to our interview with Dan and Jess please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for their guest blog post about Jellystone Park Petoskey.  Jellystone Park Petoskey Location and Overview If you are looking for a family-friendly RV resort in Northern Michigan, look no further than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan.  With spacious RV sites and an impressive array of cabins, this campground hits the sweet spot as both a full service RV resort and an excellent basecamp for exploring the area. Keep reading to find out what makes this park the perfect destination for balancing relaxation and exploration.  Jellystone Park Petoskey is situated only a few minutes drive from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Northwestern Michigan. Bring your tent or RV of any size (this campground is very big rig friendly!) and enjoy spacious sites surrounded by tall pines and birch trees.  There is a large variety of camping cabins available from one room rustic cabins to camping lodges featuring roof top decks or outdoor TVs and fireplaces!  These diverse accommodations make this a wonderful pick if you are traveling with a family who may not be bringing an RV along with them. Jellystone Park Petoskey: Attractions, Amenities, and Overall Vibe The grounds of Jellystone Park Petoskey are impeccably cared for and quite lovely. Flower boxes and flowerbeds overflow with colorful blooms and the campground staff can be seen caring for the property throughout the day.  I dare say we are talking about a Fort WIlderness level of cleanliness here.  Throughout our stay we were continually impressed by the cleanliness of the campground. The campground boasts one of the most lovely seasonal sections we have ever seen. We recognized several campground staff with RVs in this section and you can see that the care they put into the campground is mirrored in the beauty of their seasonal sites.  You will be hard-pressed to find yourself or your kids saying “I’m bored” during your stay here. Kids young and old have access to a great array of activities.  Available to you all day are jumping pads, a playground, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and everyone’s new favorite hobby–pickleball! On a hot day take a dip at the Swimming Hole.  The pool, though not huge, is perfect for cooling off and splashing around with the family.  On a mid-Saturday afternoon it was certainly busy at the pool but on Tuesday at 1 pm we nearly had the pool to ourselves. For more swimming adventures head just a few minutes down the road to Lake Michigan.  Like every Jellystone, the scheduled activities and amenities for kids are always a star of the show. There is a nice sized arcade and game room within the activity center that are open for you to come and go all day long.  Fun events like candy-bar bingo, HEY! Rides, tie-dye, character visits and movie nights are always a crowd pleaser.  Did you ask for gem mining? Of course! It’s not camping unless you are going home with a bag of gems When we asked our daughters, ages 3 and 5, what their favorite part of vacation was, they both yelled “the bike parade!” They both thought biking (and scooting) all the way around the campground with the activity director and big kids was out of this world. And we as parents will certainly never forget watching that joy! If kicking back and relaxing is on your vacation agenda then Jellystone Park Petoskey is a great spot!  Despite all of the fun activities the campground is overall very calm and peaceful.  The nicely paved roads throughout the campground are great for walking the dog or a family bike ride.  There is even a Little Free Library on-site that had a great selection of kids and adult books.  The majority of the campground was well shaded which is perfect for an afternoon nap in your zero gravity chair.  Things to do near Jellystone Petoskey Even though you could spend an entire vacation right at the campground, one of the biggest amenities of this Jellystone is the location! From the campground you are less than a 10 minute drive from Petoskey State Park – a lovely 1 mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.  Also only a 10 minute drive from the campground you will find yourself wandering the streets of CHARMING downtown Petoskey.  WIth tons of shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lake you will find yourself scanning Zillow and looking at home prices in the area. Stop at Mudicks Fudge and Ice cream for the ultimate afternoon treat!  A few minutes walk from the shops and dining of Petoskey you will find Bayfront park. What an awesome place to spend the day. There is an excellent playground, a history museum, the Petoskey Breakwater and Lighthouse, and a very unique stone beach where you can hunt for the world famous Petoskey Stones. While these stones can be found along most of the western coast of Michigan, they are in large supply here. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, you can collect up to 25 lbs of stones from the shores of lake Michigan per year (unless you are within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore). I am quite sure our 3 year old collected about 15 lbs herself.   On an afternoon drive we stumbled upon Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery and Rudbeckia Winery.  Approximately 20 minutes from the campground this was a great find.  The scenery was beautiful and there was a full menu of wine and craft beers in addition to lots of great snacks. This location also doubles as a Harvest Host Location and you can also book a site on campspot. Looking for a day trip? We had the most amazing time taking a drive on Michigan’s route 119 (M-119) through the tunnel of trees along the northwestern coast. This 40-ish minute scenic drive will land you in Wilderness State Park.  The state park offers 26 miles of shore line including a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach. For us, Wilderness state park holds the current title of most beautiful sunsets that we have ever seen. If you are stargazers like we are you will want to visit Headlands International Dark Sky Park located only 9 miles from Wilderness State Park. What a wonder! 2 miles of undeveloped shoreline at the northwest point of Michigan lower peninsula. The skies here are undiluted by light pollution and the nighttime sky is breathtaking.  We sat under the dark sky taking in the milky way and that is a memory we will hold forever.  This area of Michigan is not unfamiliar to seeing the Northern Lights.  While we were not lucky enough to see it here we hope you are! Overall we had an unforgettable time at Jellystone Park Petoskey.  If you are looking for a wonderful campground to serve as your basecamp for exploring the area of Northwestern Michigan-this is it! If you are looking for a campground to relax and unwind- this is it! What a sweet spot in the camping world. The post Campground Review! Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan appeared first on The RV Atlas.