Looking for the perfect recipe to add to your camping menu? Check out this recipe from CountryLiving.com! This sausage and onion recipe with apples is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. With almost no prep work and a single skillet, it’s also an easy thing to throw together last-minute. Get the full camping recipe below.
Photo credit: CountryLiving.com
Ingredients
Recipe found on CountryLiving.com and adapted for this blog.
1 tbsp. olive oil
6 small sweet Italian sausage links
2 Pink Lady apples
1/2 red onion
1/2 head red cabbage
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 c. fresh apple cider
2 tbsp. fresh cider vinegar
Instructions
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.
Add sausage to the skillet and cook until golden brown, turning to brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Wash and dry all produce.
Halve apples and slice the cabbage and onion.
Reduce heat to medium, add the apple, and cut side down to brown them. Add onion and cabbage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples are golden brown.
Flip the apples over and return the sausage to the skillet, pushing them down into the veggies to marry the flavors.
Add cider and vinegar and simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring and turning the sausages regularly to ensure they cook through.
Serve warm with a slice of crusted bread, and enjoy!
Traveling the country in your very own RV is so much more rewarding when you can take along your favorite outdoor toys! Check out the best 2022 toy hauler fifth wheels that you can take home today and get more out of your campground adventures! See our five favorite floorplans below.
This incredible toy hauler fifth wheel is great for multi-family vacation and features 11′ of separated garage space that transforms into a second bedroom or dining area for your guests. The dual entry system gives you the option to enter the living room or garage space directly. You’ll find that the garage also offers tie-downs to help keep all your gear in place while on the move and a 60-gallon fuel tank to make it easy to refuel your toys before hitting the trails.
Snatch up this deal before it’s gone, and take home this Dutchmen Voltage 4245 toy hauler fifth wheel today! This unit offers 14′ separate garage space ensures you can haul all of your favorite toys! Enjoy having a full and a half bath in this unit so that you can have a private space for yourself and an easy-to-access half bath for your guests.
Additional Features:
14′ Separate Garage
Loft
Fireplace
Full and Half Bathroom
Master Suite
18-Cubic Foot Refrigerator
This master bedroom ensures you get a great night’s sleep.
Looking for a way to save over $27,000 on your next family RV? Right now, you can get an incredible deal on this amazing Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack 215PACK12 toy hauler fifth wheel which features an outdoor kitchen and a 21′ power awning. The ramp door converts into a spacious patio space for you.
Get a toy hauler that gives you the ability to haul your toys without taking away your living space when you select a Grand Design Momentum 376THS toy hauler fifth wheel that offers a 9′ 9″ garage located below the floor! Inside, you’ll find a separated living room with theater seating and a beautiful entertainment center.
Additional Features:
Master Suite
Separate Living Room
Theater Seating
Kitchen Island
Outside Kitchen
9′ 9″ Below-Floor Garage
The kitchen design in this beautiful fifth wheel allows you plenty of space for making meals for friends and family.
Get a home away from home whenever you travel in a Heartland Cyclone 4270 toy hauler fifth wheel, which features two patios for maximum space for entertaining. The outside trash access helps you to keep your RV clean and tidy. The 13′ garage has a loft overhead for additional storage or sleeping space for the kids.
Additional Features:
Side Patio
Outside Trash Access
13′ Garage
Loft
Bath & a Half
Kitchen Bar Top
A beautiful space for relaxing at the campground.
Find more toy haulers for sale near you and start your 2022 with a great adventure with all of your favorite outdoor toys.
If you are looking forward to a year of adventure with your family, the class C motorhomes for sale are the perfect RV to get you out to the campground. Today, we’ll look at four of the best class C motorhomes for travel in 2022. Check out these family RVs below!
Learn more about class C motorhomes that will help you get out to the campground today.
Your family of five will be set for a week at the campground in one of the Coachmen Cross Trail Transit 20CB class C motorhomes for sale near you! This RV features an over the cab bunk that can comfortably sleep two. You’ll enjoy the countertop extension that gives you plenty of space for cooking meals in the kitchen.
Additional Features:
J-Lounge with Table
Rear Corner Bath
Cabover Bunk
Countertop Extension
This kitchen has everything you need to make filling delicious meals for your crew.
Another excellent way to get your crew out to your favorite destinations is in the Entegra Coach Esteem 29V class C motorhome. This unit features a split bath that makes it easy to get ready in the morning or take a hot shower before bed. You’ll love that the swivel captain’s chairs give you additional seating space when you’re at the campground and offer a cozy place to sit while driving.
Additional Features:
Queen Bed
Split Bath
Cab-Over Bunk
Tri-Fold Sofa
Swivel Captain’s Chairs
Outside Shower
This dinette provides a great place for a game of cards with the family.
The full wall storage unit in this Forest River Forester Classic 3011DS class C motorhome ensures you have plenty of space for all your clothing and gear. You’ll find that the Ford chassis is built tough to ensure you have all the durability and power you need to get to your dream destinations.
Additional Features:
Microwave
Bunk Over Cab
Full Wall Storage
Separated Bath
Get a great night’s sleep no matter where you travel.
With sleeping for six and a large entertainment center, this Jayco Greyhawk 30Z class C motorhome is one of the best options for families with teens. You’ll love that the overhead bunk offers sleeping for two and that the tri-fold sofa gives you plenty of space for sitting and watching a movie together as a family. The 16′ electric awning with LED lighting makes it easy to enjoy an evening out around the campfire.
Additional Features:
Entertainment Center
50″ TV
Overhead Bunk with 750 lb. Capacity
Tri-Fold Sofa
Pass-Through Storage
16′ Electric Awning with LED Lights
This spacious kitchen gives you everything you need to enjoy filling, delicious meals at the campground.
Finding the perfect toy hauler for your outdoor adventures is easy when you shop the 2022 toy hauler travel trailers for sale at a dealer near you! RVing Planet makes it easy to find toy hauler travel trailers with all your favorite features for sale at a great price. Check out six of our favorite options available today!
Get everything you need to make your camping experience fun and comfortable for everyone in the Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack 23Pack15 toy hauler travel trailer. The 15′ power awning gives you ample shade no matter where you go, and the 30-gallon fueling station ensures your toys are always ready to go!
You’ll find more space for your toys in the Stealth Trailers Nomad 22FK toy hauler travel trailers available today. The 17′ garage with minimal interior features that include a half bath and a sink in the kitchen. The drop-down bed and fold-out sofas give you plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring.
If you’re looking for something that’s designed to make hauling your toys a breeze, the inTech Flyer Explore toy hauler travel trailers are just what you need. This all-aluminum cage frame makes it lightweight and durable, while the off-road tires allow you to take your adventures anywhere. The interior features plenty of tie-downs and all the basics you’ll need for your camping adventure.
You can save $23,000 on this 2022 Cruiser Stryker ST2313 toy hauler travel trailer. Take home a beautiful kitchen with all the appliances you need to make delicious dinners for your crew and a master suite that will make you feel right at home no matter where you go. The power queen bunk in the garage is great for letting the kids sleep on or hosting guests at the campground.
Additional Features:
Master Suite
Lounge Chair
8-Cu. Ft. Refrigerator
Power Queen Bunk
13′ 4″ Garage
This kitchen makes it easy to make delicious meals for your crew!
The Palomino Puma XLE Lite 29TSS toy hauler travel trailer offers everything your family needs to enjoy a week or a weekend out at the campground. The 13′ separated garage with a power ramp door offers an easy way to haul all of your favorite toys out to the campground. The U-shaped dinette lets you enjoy dinners together as a family.
Additional Features:
Private Bedroom
Walk-Through Bath
13′ Separate Garage
U-Shaped Dinette
Pantry
Learn more about this incredible toy hauler today!
If your dreams for 2022 include traveling the country with your loved one, you won’t want to miss the deals on these class B motorhomes for sale near you. We’ll take an in-depth look at four of our favorite deals ongoing now! Get your next RV for less when you shop for new class B motorhomes for sale on RVingPlanet.com.
This 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G class B motorhome on sale today is the ideal way to get to your dream destination. Inside, you’ll find a cozy bed for two that will ensure you get a great night’s sleep no matter where you go. The wet bath makes it easy to go off the grid or enjoy a hot shower before bed.
Additional Features:
All new interior styling with your choice of Bleu with Weathered Teak, Walnut or Walnut with Matte White Upper cabinetry doors atop Italian Tecnoform cabinetry
Insulated floor, with vapor barrier and new flooring, with optional complete coach mat
Lagun table with dual mounting positions
Pop up power outlets from entry pedestal with Lagun table mount
Front dinette with two automotive-style seats with 3 point safety belts in each
New positive-lock latching system for Italian Tecnoform cabinetry
Luxury and comfort is packed into this Tiffin Motorhomes Cahaba 19SC class B motorhome so that you will enjoy freedom wherever you go. The benches in the rear of the RV fold down into a bed for two, while the cargo tie-downs allow you to haul your favorite campground equipment with ease. Bring even more campground gear along when you use the exterior luggage roof rack!
Additional Features:
Benches Convert into Bed
Wet Bath
Fold-Down Table
Cargo Tie-Down Anchors
Exterior Luggage Rack
This motorhome is your ticket to luxury wherever you go.
The swivel captain’s chairs feature a table mounting system between them so that you can use them as dining chairs for eating meals together. The removable Murphy bed system ensures that you have a comfortable place to sleep while also giving you plenty of space for bringing along all of your camping gear. This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4X4 chassis is paired with a 3.0L V6 188 hp diesel engine, making getting to the campground a breeze.
Enjoy your favorite tunes at the campground, thanks to the BOSS® dual-zone radio. The convertible sofa bed gives you plenty of seating space during the day and a comfortable place to relax at night. The fully equipped kitchen provides you with everything you need to make delicious dinners for your entire family.
Are you looking for a great way to start off your new year? Today, we’ll take a look at seven unforgettable 2022 travel trailers that you’ll want to order today! Check out the deals on travel trailers for sale near you when you shop at RVingPlanet.com.
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to give up the creature comforts you love. Check out this East to West Alta 1900MMK travel trailer features that feature a spacious living room with a Murphy bed. The rear bathroom ensures you can enjoy a hot shower before climbing into bed every night of your stay.
Additional Features:
Murphy Bed
Rear Corner Bathroom
USB Charging Stations
Pass-Through Storage
This gorgeous kitchen will help you feel right at home.
Make your trips to the campground easy with the Dutchmen Aspen Trail 17BH travel trailer that offers sleeping for up to five in a 3001lbs. travel trailer that’s perfect for your family. The bunks are a great place for the kids to rest while you can enjoy the front queen bed. The fully equipped kitchen gives you a two-burner stove, sink, refrigerator, and microwave.
Additional Features:
Front Queen Bed
Bunk Beds
Rear Corner Bathroom
Pass-Through Storage
Give the kids a place of their own at the campground.
Save over $12,000 on this CrossRoads Cruiser Aire CR22BBH travel trailer. The heated pass-through storage is great for cold-weather camping, and the outdoor kitchen allows you to make delicious dinners without missing a moment of the actions. You’ll find sleeping for up to eight inside, with a set of double bunks in the rear.
Order one of the Airstream Bambi 16RB travel trailers, and you’ll get an easy-to-tow travel trailer with plenty of space for your family of four. The pillowtop mattress ensures you always get a great night’s sleep. Additionally, you’ll find the fully equipped kitchen is perfect for keeping your family fueled and ready for the day.
Give your whole family the comfort they need when you travel in one of the Forest River Aurora 16BHS travel trailers on sale today. This floorplan features a set of double-sized bunks with plenty of space sleeping up to eight throughout the RV. The Murphy bed system gives you plenty of living space without sacrificing the comfort of a great night’s sleep.
Additional Features:
Double Size Bunks
U-Shaped Dinette
Murphy Bed
Pass-Through Storage
The outdoor kitchen makes it easy to cook around the campfire.
Get luxury with every turn inside the Heartland North Trail 21RBSS travel trailer that offers a king bed for you and your loved one. The 12′ electric awning ensures you always have plenty of shade no matter how sunny your campsite may be. The residential furniture will ensure you have a great space to kick back and relax after a day of hiking, boating, or making the most of your time off.
Additional Features:
Sofa Slide
King-Size Bed
12′ Electric Awning
Under-Bed Storage
Pass-Through Storage
This kitchen features everything you need to make delicious campground dinners.
If you’re looking for something durable and easy-to-tow, the Winnebago Industries Towables Hike 170S travel trailer is an excellent option for you. This couple’s coach features off-roading tires to help you get to the campsites you love more and a spacious multi-use storage space. Order yours today!
One of our ongoing goals for years is to live a healthier life. Like many folks, we are always working to take steps to improve our health and hopefully gain active years of life together. In this episode, we share some of the things we do to become healthier and how RVing fits into the plan...
If full-time RVing has taught us anything, it's to be okay with change. Our plans change ALL the time. In this episode, we talk about some of those changes and why embracing change is part of the adventure for RVers...
We see a lot of RV parks that call themselves resorts with very little to show for it. Reunion Lake RV Resort in Louisiana lives up to the resort title. This is a park you need to know about. We quickly extended our stay...
Full tour and behind the scenes of building our custom 48 volt solar and lithium battery system! This extreme RV solar and lithium system allows us to run both of our roof air conditioners for more than 30 hours off of our batteries! And that's just the beginning...
Next up in our series of videos showing you around our new RV, Tom gives you a tour of the outside of our Newmar New Aire. We show you the basement storage bays, exterior features, and more on our Class A diesel motorhome...
Tour inside our 2021 Newmar New Aire 3343. There are a lot of great features packed into this 33-foot Class A diesel pusher motorhome! In this post, we take you on a full interior tour of our new home on wheels...
Grape Creek RV Park | San Angelo Tx | RV Parks San Angelo Tx
In 2016, journalist Greg Gerber wrote a series of articles called RV Industry Death Spiral. This 63-page editorial outlined several serious issues with the RV industry, as Gerber saw it. …
A new federal regulation recently went into effect, allowing 18-year-old old teens to drive semi-trucks across state lines. The trucking industry is in a pinch these days. News reports over …
Some destinations intrigue travelers because of their absence of anything. Nothing, Arizona, is one of those places. When you select locations to visit, you probably choose spots with things to …
What does RV living look like today and is it still a way for people to find freedom? More people than ever before are buying RVs. This means it’s harder …
You can be the best driver in the world and still hit a deer. While State Farm says West Virginia and Montana are the states where you’re most likely to …
A tiny rock can do a massive amount of damage. What started out as a small chip can turn into a huge crack across your entire windshield. If you’re hoping …
Check out these amazing Arkansas State Park camping spots. Photo: Shutterstock
The Best Arkansas State Park Camping For RVers
Arkansas State Parks provide the perfect setting for a wide range of activities. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, camping, or fishing or kayaking on the water, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
Below are some of the best Arkansas State Park camping spots for RVers. You can find more destinations with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your trip with RV Trip Wizard.
1. Lake Ouachita State Park
Visitors can enjoy nature in all its beauty at this Arkansas State Park camping spot. Located near Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest lake, this park offers 40,000 acres of clear water surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. The campground has 93 campsites with 58 Class AAA full hook-up sites, 23 Class D with no hook-ups, and 12 walk-in tent sites. Some sites are on the water.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open water or in one of the many quiet coves.
A marina with boat and kayak rentals, bait, and supplies is on site. Enjoy exhibits, a gift shop, and interpretive programs such as guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours at the visitor center.
Nature lovers, photographers, and geologists will enjoy Caddo Bend Trail. Wildflowers, boulder gardens, scenic views, and an observation deck overlooking the lake are some of the attractions on this trail.
Dogwood Trail, which features interpretative signs with unique wildlife, is great for a casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest.
The Mid-America Science Museum is a great place to take the kids if you are looking for an afternoon away from the park or a rainy day trip. As Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian Affiliate, this side trip offers more than 100 hands-on exhibits.
The Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater provides educational programming for those interested in space exploration. Teachers and students can view the night sky and tour the solar system using top digital planetarium software.
2. Mississippi River State Park
At the newest of Arkansas State Parks, visitors can enjoy seven nearby bodies of water for fishing, kayaking, and boating, all within the Saint Francis National Forest.
Watching for wildlife and exploring the many hiking trails should certainly be on your list of things to do. Campsites range from primitive to full hook-up sites for larger rigs.
The St. Francis River National Forest, at more than 20,000 acres, is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, and features a variety of hardwoods that makes this area alive with color in the fall.
Crowley’s Ridge and Great River Road Scenic Byway run through the forest. Horner Neck Lake is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
The nearby L’Anguille River begins in Poinsett County and flows southward in a meandering pattern towards Marianna, where it joins the St. Francis River. It also borders parts of the St. Francis National Forest. Fishing and waterfowl hunting are popular on this river.
Be sure and check out the Arkansas Delta Music Trail: Sounds from the Soil and Soul. The marker honors the old Plantation Inn where many blues musicians got their start. At the time it opened in 1943, the Plantation Inn had the largest dance floor in the south.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is the oldest state park in Arkansas. Its natural beauty and historic significance has welcomed travelers for decades.
Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of this Arkansas State Park camping area and the state park system. The rustic-style, native log and stone facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. The CCC also built trails, roads, bridges, cabins, and the Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon.
Just upstream from Cedar Creek is a CCC rock dam, which formed the 100-acre Lake Bailey. Visitors enjoy fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. The nearby boathouse offers a snack bar, boat rentals, and supplies. Campsites include 35 Class AAA and 90 Class B. The park also has an airport.
Amenities in the park include two swimming pools, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a boat launch, tennis and basketball courts, and an amphitheater. Nearby hiking trails take visitors through forests and meadows, over canyons and along streams. See the 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other natural formations. Join an interpreter for programs and special events.
“Stunningly beautiful park, we fell instantly in love with this place and are already planning a return trip when it’s a bit warmer. The sites are spacious, some have great views over the lake, good fire pit and picnic table. The scenery, we couldn’t get down to the falls because the bridge was out after a storm, but we got to see it from the overlooks either side. We did many of the walks to bear cave, along the river to the falls, took the drive to the ridge. So much to do. I’ve seen poor reviews of the lodge dining, both food and staff wise, we had 2 meals there, both were really good, the staff were really friendly, I suppose it may just depend how you treat them!” Nethers195 from Campground Reviews
Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park.
4. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Arkansas State Park camping makes for a truly amazing getaway at Lake Dardanelle State Park. This 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River has two areas where camping is available.
The main site is in Russellville, where visitors can find the Sport Fishing Weigh-In Pavilion, a fishing pier, boardwalk, trail, and visitor center with five aquariums. It’s also a National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears water route.
Programs and tours are available through park interpreters. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park with 16 Class AAA (50 amp full hook-up sites), 14 Class AA (30 amp sites with water and sewer), and 27 Class B (water and 30 amp service). There are 18 Class B sites in the Dardanelle area of the park.
Things to do nearby include the Arkansas River Visitor’s Center, Arkansas Candle Factory Outlet, and the Confederate Mothers Memorial Park, to name a few. The Confederate Mothers Memorial Park overlooks Russellville and the Arkansas River. See the monument dedicated to the memory of Mothers of Confederate soldiers. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and has natural walking trails throughout.
The Ouita Coal Company Trail provides bicyclists with rolling hills along the north side of Lake Dardanelle. Named for a local mining company in the area during the late 1800s, the trail offers beautiful views of the Illinois Bayou section of Lake Dardanelle.
5. Moro Bay State Park
Enjoy fishing year-round in this beautiful Arkansas State Park campground. Dip your pole where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake join the Ouachita River and catch largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, or just relax near the water.
The park has 23 Class AAA campsites, trails, picnic sites, a pavilion, playground, and the Moro Bay Ferry exhibit, including the ferry boat. Take advantage of the nearby marina with boat and slip rentals, gas, and a store.
Moro Bay is located 23 miles from El Dorado and 29 miles southwest of Warren in south central Arkansas.
If you feel the need for speed, check out the million dollar facility for go-kart and stock car racing, or watch stock car races at Warren Speedway.
Newton House Museum is a restored historic home from 1849 furnished with period antiques. It was built before the Civil War and is the only house open to the public in El Dorado. Tours are available by appointment as well as receptions, weddings, dinners, and other special occasions.
6. Bull Shoals – White River State Park
Bull Shoals – White River State Park lies along the shores of both Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. Visit the 15,744 sq. ft. visitor center which sits high above the Bull Shoals Dam. Its state-of-the-art visitor exhibit hall and theater share the history of the area and related fishing stories.
Visitors can utilize any of 113 campsites, 63 Class AAA, 30 Class B, and 20 tent sites. You can use the rig in one of three Rent-An-RV sites.
The riverside marina and store offer boat rentals, bait, tackle, and supplies. This park is the state’s premier place for trout fishing; it also offers great hiking and mountain biking. Interpretive programs include campfire cooking demonstrations, trout fishing workshops, and nature walks.
Visitors can see Mountain Village 1890, a historical re-creation of an Ozark settlement from the 1800s. See the 9 main historic structures brought in from various sites in the Ozark mountain region.
As you tour the village, you will see a historical representation of life in the Ozarks in the late 1800s with tools, furnishings, and farm equipment. The church at Mountain Village 1890 is available for private wedding ceremonies by appointment only. Tours are self-guided. There is also a gift shop, gemstone panning, and guided Bull Shoals Cavern tours available.
7. Withrow Springs State Park
Withrow Springs State Park features 29 Class AAA and 10 walk-in campsites as well as three hiking trails. There are also tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, picnic areas, a pavilion, and a gift shop.
The park serves as a put-in point for the Class 1 stream, War Eagle Creek. You can float from March to mid-June depending on rainfall, and the park is an outfitter and shuttle service for the creek. The park also features the rare and unique Ozark trillium, which grows nearby.
Don’t miss the Ozark Natural Science Center with 8 miles of hiking trails, an event center, and programs that can be scheduled for a group. The center is a unique residential environmental education facility, conference, and retreat center.
The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is a unique big cat sanctuary. On 459 acres in the Ozark Mountains, this refuge is home to a variety of exotic and native animals. Enjoy educational daily tours or experience Africa in the Ozarks. Don’t miss the popular annual events like the unique “Art with Altitude” kite festival in March and fun Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular in October.
8. Davidson Historic State Park
There is much to enjoy at Davidson Historic State Park. A newly renovated campground has AAA sites, Class A, and Class D tent sites. Visitors can also enjoy trails, picnic areas, plenty of fishing on the Black River and a fishing lake, as well as pedal boats for rent.
Nearby Davidsonville was once home to Arkansas’s first post office and one of the earliest courthouses. Much of Davidsonville’s existence is evident below ground. Archeological excavations still uncover streets, foundations, and artifacts. The visitor center features a replica 1820s hunter-trapper flatboat, audio tour, and a display of historic finds from the archeological digs.
Don’t miss the Civil War River Walk Memorial Trail with historic markers and themed benches highlighting this walking trail along the Black River at Overlook Park. The markers tell the story of the Civil War in Randolph County. Pocahontas served as headquarters for all Confederate troops west of the Mississippi River.
The Randolph County Heritage Museum, located on the historic Pocahontas Court Square, tells the story of the Randolph County area from its earliest history to present day with permanent and traveling exhibits, special presentations, interactive exhibits, and informational programs. In 1838, portions of what is now Arkansas 166 was the route the Trail of Tears took into Arkansas and across Randolph County.
Find more Arkansas State Park camping spots
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
Over 48% of US citizens took at least one prescription medication in the past 30 days, and prescription drugs of all types comprise over 16% of total health care expenses. We all know that a large number of people rely on medications to treat chronic and acute conditions and to sustain their health and quality of life.
Full-time RVers are just a subset of the general population, and they too rely on a plethora of medications to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anxiety, pain, or a number of other physical and psychological conditions. But how are full-time RVers supposed to get their prescriptions drugs while they are traveling in an RV?
Prescription drugs
To be clear, and as a cautionary side note, all prescription drugs are controlled substances, and taking any of them outside of the physician’s specific directions could be construed as abuse of a controlled substance, which is illegal. This includes:
driving a vehicle when the prescription warns against it,
not taking the number of pills denoted on the prescription for as long as directed,
taking them beyond the expiration date,
sharing them with others,
transferring them to another container, including a weekly or monthly pill box, and
potentially transporting them from state to state.
I mention this because most people don’t think about the possibility of running afoul of the law by simply using and managing their prescriptions, like they did when they were still living at a fixed address.
The ubiquitous use of weekly/monthly pill organizers might create the biggest challenge and liability for RVers. The law requires prescriptions to be kept in their original containers. The containers have traceable prescription numbers, descriptive information about the strength of the medication, the dose, duration, and restrictions of the prescription (such as no driving), the name of the person to whom they are prescribed, and a clear description of what each pill looks like so it can be identified.
Medical ID Info
If you happen to be involved in an accident or have a medical emergency, your weekly pill dispenser would be of no use to someone trying to attend to your physical needs, but the actual prescription pill bottles would provide all the information to the emergency personnel.
Additionally, if possible, your prescription bottles (if located in your RV) could be transported along with you to the hospital; your weekly pill box would not be sent to the hospital by first responders.
While we’re down this rabbit hole, I might as well go all in and strongly encourage you to fill out the Medical ID information page on your smartphone. If you are unable to advocate for yourself, first responders will attempt to gather information from your phone. They need to know all the meds you use, any allergies, drug reactions, medical conditions, or other pertinent medical history.
Furthermore, you can use this vital communication tool to clearly describe where in your RV you keep your prescription drugs. Then, if possible, emergency personnel might be able to retrieve your meds and send them with you to the hospital.
If you have an iPhone, you can find this page in Settings>Health>Medical ID.
Be diligent. Taking the time now to do this might someday save your life.
How can full-time RVers get their medications?
Now regarding the question, “How can full-time RVers get their medications?” It all starts with your doctor. Additionally, now with COVID restricting in-person doctor consultations, you can easily access medical professionals through “Telehealth” Zoom calls or other secure video conferencing apps. This works especially well for full-time travelers.
However, if you are reluctant to use Telehealth resources, and you still want to sit face-to-face with your primary care physician, and the state in which you live is not centrally located within the US, you might benefit from changing your domicile location to a state that is more in the center of the country.
South Dakota is very popular with full-time RVers. If you change your domicile state, you’ll need to find a new doctor in that state and let your insurance provider know you’ve changed your residency. You’ll also need to license your vehicles and obtain a driver’s license from your domicile state, so before going full-time, plan to go there to take care of these details.
Domicile in your current state
If you decide to retain your current state of residency, you won’t need to find a new doctor, but you most certainly should schedule an appointment with your doctor (in person or via video) to discuss your plans to embark on a nomadic lifestyle.
Your doctor might be able to write prescriptions for bulk medications (a 90-day supply) and possibly write extra prescriptions to be filled on designated future dates while you are traveling. This may not be possible in every state or with Schedule 2 drugs.
Schedule 2 Drugs
Typically, prescriptions for Schedule 2 drugs can only be written for 30 days. The actual physical prescription must be given to the pharmacist (not called or faxed in by the doctor’s office), and it may be illegal for your doctor to write extra prescriptions for Schedule 2 drugs with future dates.
Schedule 2 drugs are the most tightly controlled prescriptions because they have the potential to be physically and/or psychologically addicting, so they are carefully monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Schedule 2 drugs are often loosely referred to as controlled substances, but in reality, all prescriptions drugs fall under that definition in the law, not just Schedule 2 drugs.
Even Viagra, Warfarin, and antibiotics are controlled substances. Every state medical board sets the policies that govern and restrict physicians in that state. Therefore, you must know what drugs you need, what laws govern them, and if you will be able to obtain them while you travel.
How to find drop-in clinics
In the worst case scenario, if you depend on Schedule 2 pharmaceuticals and you are only able to secure a month’s supply of these drugs, you may need to visit emergency clinics during your travels to see new doctors and obtain new prescriptions, or you can travel in an area close enough to your domicile state that you can circle back around every month and pick up a new prescription. You’d be surprised how far you can travel in a month.
We left Central Florida on November 20, 2019 and arrived in Palm Desert California on December 16, 2019 after spending extra time in Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona.
If you have to “go home” every month, you can still enjoy your full-time RV journey. We traveled in the Northwest for over 20 years in an RV. We couldn’t leave the Northwest because we had a business to run and couldn’t spent too long away from the business, but after 20 years in one region, we still had hundreds of places to visit that we hadn’t seen, plus all the places we fell in love with along the way that we wanted to revisit repeatedly.
What I’m trying to say is this limitation does not need to throttle back your excitement about your new full-time adventure.
Use National Chain Pharmacies
Most people’s prescriptions drugs are not Schedule 2 drugs. They can be purchased in bulk from national chains like CVS, Walmart, or Walgreens, and your prescription records will be in their national database, so your prescriptions can be accessed from wherever.
The refills script can typically be called in or faxed to the pharmacy by your doctor, and if you plan ahead, you can easily get your refills long before you run out. Another way to obtain your prescriptions is to use a mail order pharmacy and have your meds sent to your domicile address, then forwarded to your current location by your mail forwarding service.
How to get medication while traveling abroad
There is one caveat to this discourse. If you are traveling internationally (US citizens in Canada or Canadian citizens in the US), refilling your prescriptions may be more challenging.
Many pharmacies are not able to fill the prescriptions of international physicians. Some pharmacies in Texas and Arizona said under the right circumstances with the right drugs, they could fill the prescriptions, while California pharmacies said they absolutely could not.
You’ll need to really plan ahead with your doctor, pharmacist, and maybe even customs. If you are Canadian snowbirders headed to the US sunbelt for 6 months, you might be able to obtain a 6-month supply of medication from your Canadian pharmacy, but will not be able to bring that quantity of that drug across the border.
Every state, every jurisdiction, and every country has laws that could impact your decisions and your plans. If you haven’t started on your full-time journey yet, then now is the time to talk with your doctor, your insurance provider, customs (if you plan to cross the border), and state or provincial officials in the state(s) or province(s) in which you plan to travel.
Not only do you need to take time to plan your travels and destinations, but be sure your plan also includes all the steps needed for procuring essential and life-sustaining drugs. Whatever you do, don’t get stressed about all this. You will find a way to fulfill your dream of being a full-time RVer.
Who knows, you might also discover that the full-time RV lifestyle is liberating. It will give you plenty of fresh air and time for outdoor exercise, where you can soak up sun-supplied vitamin D, and this new leisurely lifestyle might actually improve your health, even eliminating your need for some medications.
Most RVs can withstand some chilly weather, but once the temperature dips below freezing, you can run into some problems. If your holding tanks, hookups, or pipes end up freezing, this has the potential to cause some serious damage to your RV. This is why everyone needs to know how to thaw a frozen RV tank safely.
Holding tanks are one of the most exposed parts of an RV, and they can take a long time to thaw naturally. If they’re out of commission, you may have a hard time getting running water in your RV, which is a pain in the neck for everyone.
There are ways to speed up the thawing process and prevent freezes from happening in the first place. We’ll cover some of the best options below.
Hair dryer/heat gun
One of the most effective ways to thaw a frozen RV tank is to apply heat directly to it. A standard hair dryer will get the job done, but heat guns will be quicker. This method works, but you’ll need to be very careful when you do it! Holding tanks are vulnerable to changes in temperature and you could end up melting the outer layer of the tank if you’re not careful.
Lots of holding tanks are made from ABS and polyethylene, and these are the ones you’ll need to be cautious with. For the best results, start at the top of the tank and work your way to the bottom. Keep the hairdryer/heat gun in constant motion so that you’re never applying direct heat to one area for too long.
Eventually, you should be able to open the termination valve. You’ll be able to heat the contents of the tank moving around at this point. This is the sign that the tank has thawed!
Install a 100-watt bulb inside the RV underbelly
If you want to go for a slow and steady thawing method, you can opt for the 100-watt bulb strategy. This bulb can provide a steady amount of heat that will help warm up the holding tank. You won’t have to worry about extreme temperature shifts because a 100-watt bulb can’t produce too much heat on its own.
This method works best if you have holding tanks that are in an enclosed RV underbelly but are not set up with any kind of heater device. If you install a 100-watt bulb in the underbelly, this will help warm up the space in a gradual and gentle way.
You’ll have to be patient if you choose this method, but it involves less risk compared to a hair dryer or heat gun. It’s also faster than just waiting for the tank to thaw naturally.
Wait for the tank to thaw naturally
If you have no other option and would just like to wait it out, you can also just let your tanks thaw on their own. As long as the weather outside is above freezing, your tanks should be able to melt on their own. This could take multiple hours, so it’s not the best course of action for anyone who’s in a hurry.
You can try running the heater in your RV and/or adding some insulated blankets around the tanks to speed up the process. Letting the tanks thaw at their own speed will help prevent any cracks or damage to the exterior that other methods could cause.
How to prevent your tanks from freezing
Learning how to thaw a frozen RV tank is a good thing to do. However, it’s best if you never have to deal with this situation at all! There are ways to protect your holding tanks so they don’t freeze in the first place. Even in frigid weather, you can take steps to keep your tanks unfrozen.
Use RV antifreeze
This is an easy step that will make it harder for the fluid in your holding tanks to freeze. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of a liquid, meaning that it can withstand icy temperatures better than pure water can. RV antifreeze or windshield washing fluid can both help stabilize the temperature in your holding tanks. Just flush some of these down your toilet if you’re expecting a cold night.
Insulate RV underbelly
One of the best ways to protect your holding tank is to insulate the underbelly of your RV. Some campers already have enclosed underbellies, but a little extra protection never hurts! Wrapping the tanks in blankets, towels, or reflective foil coverings will help keep the heat inside.
Use RV skirting
RV skirting is another good way to keep the cold out. Skirting can provide extra insulation and will prevent snow and wind from chilling your underbelly. There are lots of options you can choose when it comes to selecting a skirting material.
Tarps, vinyl, plywood, foam, or even dirt and straw can be used as skirting! You can also use an inflatable AirSkirt to provide full protection for the underbelly. Something is always better than nothing. Snow is a fairly good insulator, so you can even pile up snow around your RV if you’re desperate.
Use a pipe heating cable or heated tape
Pipe heating cables or heated tape can keep your holding tanks warm overnight. They can also help thaw a frozen RV tank if necessary, but it’s better if they are used before the situation arises. This Heat Cable for Pipe Freeze Protectionis a popular option that will protect your holding tanks and the pipes that lead to them.
Some of these products are designed to turn on automatically once the temperature dips to a certain point. You can also buy them in varying lengths so you can select the option that’s best for your RV.
Drip faucets overnight
Moving water is much harder to freeze compared to stagnant water. If you keep your faucets and showerheads dripping overnight, your holding tanks are less likely to freeze.
Of course, this mainly applies to your freshwater tank and won’t help the black or grey tanks as much. Still, any bit helps! You will want to make sure that your freshwater tanks are in good shape because these are the ones you’ll need for cooking and cleaning in the RV.
If you do all (or at least some) of these tips, you will probably never need to thaw a frozen RV tank. In this case, the best solutions are preventative. Even if your tank is frozen solid though, you have plenty of ways to fix the problem.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as Maintain My RV from RV LIFE. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
We are all aware of the importance of an RV oil change. Your RV engine oil is its lifeline. It allows for smooth operation and must be monitored for optimal performance.
Engine oils perform a very important role in lubricating moving engine components. Low oil levels or dirty or contaminated oil can lead to eventual or even immediate engine failure!
All manufacturers will have a recommended schedule and oil type, and it’s important to follow a regular RV oil change schedule.
When do you need to get an RV oil change?
The frequency of oil changes will depend on a few different factors. This includes the number of miles traveled combined with engine run time (think idling time for various reasons), the driving environment including towing vehicles, mountainous roads, or extreme temperatures, and engine age and condition.
The average suggested time between oil changes under normal circumstances is no more than 5,000 miles for traditional oils, and can be up to 15,000 miles for full synthetic oils.
Again, this won’t apply to everyone due to the factors mentioned above. If you tow with your RV or travel in areas that require your engine to work harder, more frequent oil changes are required.
Oil breaks down over time as it is heated and circulated through an engine. The harder an engine is working, the faster it will break down.
Older worn engines often don’t run as clean and efficient, which will limit the life of your oil as well. Engine oil will darken as it is exposed to sludge and impurities. This can be seen by checking the level on your dipstick. Dirty oil is better than no oil, but it should be changed.
If any of the above factors are present in your RV, consider shorter oil change intervals. Perhaps you will be doing a change every 2,500 miles if needed. Oil changes are cheap insurance, so more frequent is always better.
Additional things to consider
When checking your oil level, also look at the color and condition of the oil. Dark oil is dirty, and this may shorten your time between changes. Be especially concerned about oil with a milky appearance as this signals engine coolant is likely contaminating your oil and should be dealt with immediately.
Keep in mind if your oil level is consistently low, oil changes won’t help this. It is important to keep levels topped up, but simply adding more new oil won’t fix this problem. Further issues are causing this drop in oil and should be taken care of.
If your RV is only used periodically each year and mileage stays below the suggested schedule, it is still a good idea to change your oil out. Moisture accumulates in sitting engines and this can also be problematic for engine oil.
An RV oil change twice a year is recommended regardless of mileage, just to be safe.
Should you use synthetic oil?
Synthetic oils are considerably more expensive than traditional oil, but are they worth it?
For many years, millions of vehicles operated with traditional oil without issue. Today, engines are more complex, and some manufacturers recommend synthetic. For warranty reasons, it is important to adhere to these recommendations.
If you travel a lot of miles, tow a vehicle, or are in extreme temperatures or hilly areas, synthetic is probably worth considering. The cost per change is higher, but fewer RV oil changes will be required.
Should you do your RV oil change yourself?
Oil changes are a pretty simple project in most cases. If you choose to do it yourself, here are a few things to consider.
You will need some specific tools and items to perform an RV oil change yourself.
The job can be a little messy, so consider what oily hands or some oil in your driveway is worth to you.
A big factor to consider is where you will dispose of the used oil. Once drained, you will need to have a large drum or container to transfer the oil to, or fill your now empty oil jugs.
Proper disposal of engine oil is needed. Before starting, check your area for locations you can take used oil to for discarding.
The cost of an RV oil change is pretty reasonable, so consider the value of your time. The cost of the oil and filter are there whether you do it yourself or not, so consider your time in the cost.
In the case of Class A diesel motorhomes, oil changes can be pricey, but many are afraid to try it themselves. The steps are basically the same, so if you do want to save some money, it is doable for most RVers.
Track your RV maintenance
Oil changes are the most important maintenance you will do on your RV. Track your RV mileage and monitor your driving conditions to ensure you are keeping your engine oil in top condition.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as Maintain My RV from RV LIFE. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds due to the lush greenery, warm beaches, and beautiful sunny weather! If you’re looking for a good place to escape the cold and snow, this tropical state is a good place to go.
There are tons of great places to visit in Florida, but many people are looking for the best Miami RV resorts because of how popular and beautiful this city is. There are over 1,100 RV resorts in the state of Florida and many of these are within striking distance of Miami. That’s a lot of places to choose from, and it can be overwhelming if you’re trying to narrow down your options.
To help you out, we’ve compiled some details about a few of the best Miami RV resorts to head to this winter. You can read more about these Miami RV resorts and find more great destinations with a quick search on RV LIFE Campground Reviews.
1. Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial RV Park & Campground
If you’re looking for a simple and laid-back place to visit, the Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial RV Park & Campground is a great option about 40 minutes south of Miami. This is a fairly basic RV park, but it has all the essentials you’ll need during your visit. Both RVers and tent campers are welcome here, and there is a grand total of 240 sites.
The RV sites feature full hookups, and there is a decent amount of space between each site. You won’t be crowded when you stay here! This is one of the Miami RV resorts that also includes an on-site beach area and park. You won’t have to drive far away to enjoy some sand and sun. Amenities like showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, and a public pool are also included when you stay here.
This RV park has an excellent 8.5 average rating and customers have generally been very satisfied with their experience. It’s also just a short drive away from the trails and attractions in Everglades National Park.
2. C.B. Smith Park
C.B. Smith Park is a highly reviewed RV resort about 40 minutes north of Miami. Visitors have complimented the beautiful views and scenery of the area. You are guaranteed to be surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida when you spend some time here. There are only 83 sites, so this is a bit smaller than some other RV resorts in the area.
Each site is designed to be a pull-thru, and they all have concrete pads and full hookups. It’s also a pet-friendly park that includes bathrooms and laundry facilities. There’s a lake on-site, and many Florida beaches are just a short drive away. Lots of dining and entertainment options are also within a close distance. Overall, it’s been described as a beautiful and spacious public park.
C.B. Smith Park has scored a 9.0 on RV LIFE Campground Reviews. This makes it one of the most highly rated resorts in the area!
3. Miami Everglades RV Resort
Lots of Miami RV resorts are actually located in nearby towns instead of Miami itself. This is why the Miami Everglades RV Resort stands out from the rest! This park is actually located in the city itself, so you’ll be in the middle of the action if you stay here. All the entertainment, food, and shopping options you want will be nearby.
Because it’s located in the city, the park is a bit crowded and there isn’t as much room between sites as some other resorts. There are plenty of trees and plants around as well, so you can enjoy some shade on hot days.
There are resort essentials like full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. But there are also recreation and entertainment options provided as well when you stay here. The Miami Everglades RV Resort has a shuffleboard court, miniature golf, bingo, pickleball, and plenty of walking paths for guests who want to stretch their legs or walk their dogs.
The location is the real star of this resort, but most visitors have had a comfortable stay. You can view more details and customer reviews about this resort here.
4. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park
This next RV resort sits within a massive park. This means there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy when you stay here! There are lots of trees to provide shade, a lake, accessible walking trails, and spacious sites for visitors to stretch out. Due to the spread-out distribution of this resort, there are fewer sites available. There are only 61 total RV sites, so you’ll want to get your reservations in early.
The Topeekeegee Yugnee Park is a good place to stay if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is conveniently located less than 40 minutes north of Miami in nearby Hollywood, Florida.
This park can be tricky to navigate if you have a particularly tall RV. There are some low-hanging tree branches that might make parking difficult in certain spots.
If you choose to stay at this park, you can enjoy the on-site showers, bathrooms, pool, water park, and trails for biking and walking. This nature-focused layout makes it perfect for outdoorsy types and pet owners.
5. Keys Palms RV Resort
While all of the Miami RV resorts we mentioned are great, we saved one of the best for last! The Keys Palms RV Resort is one of the most highly-rated resorts in Florida and it’s easy to see why.
The resort is located just an hour south of Miami in beautiful Key Largo. Full hookups are available at each site and there are several waterfront sites. There are also hedges between each site to give shade and privacy.
Keys Palms RV Resort has a saltwater pool that sits next to the waterfront. There are lots of dining and entertainment options nearby as well. This resort only has 30 sites, and a popular location in the Florida Keys, so you’ll want to make sure you have a reservation before you go. It’s smaller and more expensive than many other parks, but the quality is well worth it.
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
RVs are quite expensive and even the most high-quality models find ways to save money in the build process. Unfortunately, one area that often takes a hit in the comfort department is the RV bed!
The standard mattresses that come in most RVs are suitable, but not really built for long-lasting comfort. They are sometimes a bit thin and tend to lead to sore backs after you sleep on them for a while.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, especially when you plan on traveling quite a bit. So to help make your RV bed a bit more comfortable, check out some of the tips below. Some are quick fixes while others might require more time and money to implement. But when it comes to getting great sleep, it’s best to know what your options are!
Buy an upgraded RV mattress
Of course, one of the most effective ways to improve your RV bed is to buy a brand new mattress. This is also the most expensive option though, so it makes sense to explore the other possibilities before you commit.
Lots of standard RV mattresses don’t offer enough support and tend to break down fairly quickly. Some of them are even treated with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Generally, they are just a bit thin and uncomfortable and many people prefer to just get rid of them entirely.
Because this is a common problem in the RV industry, there are lots of solutions available. Just make sure you buy a new RV mattress that fits the size of your bedframe/bedroom. The typical mattress height is between 8 and 12 inches, and the width will vary depending on the size you’re looking for.
Some great brands to consider include Plush Beds and Dynasty RV Mattresses. These are both top names in the world of RV beds and you can select your personal preferences when it comes to the firmness level. If you want to get to the root of your sleep troubles, a new mattress is usually the fastest way to go.
Use a memory foam topper
If you don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress after you just bought an RV, we don’t blame you! That’s an expensive purchase and there are other ways to improve an RV bed without replacing it entirely.
Mattress toppers are another popular way to improve your quality of sleep. These can just be laid over the top of an existing mattress and covered with your standard sheets. They provide extra support to your body and cushion your body if the mattress below is a bit thin.
Memory foam is the most popular material to use for toppers, and there are a few different types you might want to consider.
Open cell
Open cell memory foam is a less dense type of memory foam. Because the cell walls have been broken, there is more room for air to flow and disperse. This means that it’s easier to cool down if you sleep on an open cell topper. This type of memory foam is particularly soft and will have a lot of give to it. If you love a soft sleep surface, an open cell memory foam topper would be perfect.
Closed cell
Closed cell memory foam is denser and more tightly packed. If you’re looking for a firmer sleep surface, this is the way to go. This type of topper tends to absorb and retain heat. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. If you are often cold at night, this could help you stay warm. But if you get too hot at night, it’s tough to cool down with a closed cell topper.
Cooling gel
This type of topper is less common, but cooling gel memory foam toppers are helpful for people who get too hot at night. In addition to the memory foam, these toppers use a layer of gel or gel beads that absorb heat. This will keep you nice and cool, while still providing the extra support you need for a good night’s sleep.
Pad the RV bed frame
In some cases, it’s the bed frame itself that needs work, not the mattress. If the mattress isn’t getting proper support, then you’ll feel uncomfortable, regardless of how high-quality the material is. Lots of RV bed frames are made out of plywood, which doesn’t provide the most stable base.
To help make your bed more comfortable, consider adding some padding to the bed frame. You can use simple items like folded blankets to do this or invest in a foam pad to place on the base. Anything that can provide a level layer of padding can help!
Add a second mattress
Another way to give yourself a more comfortable sleep surface is to use 2 mattresses instead of 1! Stacking your mattresses creates a softer bed and it gives you much more padding. Of course, this also means your bed can end up being quite tall, so you’ll want to use mattresses that fit within your allotted bedroom space.
Air mattresses are a common choice among people who want to stack their mattresses. It can either be used as a top or bottom layer, but usually it works better when it’s placed on top. An air mattress is also cheaper than a traditional mattress, so this is a budget-friendly option.
Invest in good pillows
Pillows are another essential element to creating a good RV bed. If you have poor neck support, this can lead to back and body pains. Maybe it’s not the mattress’s fault that you ache in the morning. It could be your pillow that’s to blame!
Luckily there are tons of great pillows on the market and there’s something for everyone. Some people prefer a firm pillow, while others want one that’s squishy. Overly-stuffed and soft pillows have their place too! You may even want to buy a few pillows of varying firmness so you can swap them out depending on your needs each night.
When it comes to high-quality pillow design, it’s hard to beat the lineup from Malouf. Many of these pillows are built with cooling technology that prevents you from getting too sweaty at night. They also have a variety of sizes and firmness levels that can accommodate anyone’s sleep needs.
Try a weighted blanket
Finally, don’t overlook the blankets you’re using. A good comforter can go a long way when you’re settling in for the night. One item that can promote better sleep is a weighted blanket. These provide an even layer of pressure over your body and help you sink into the bed.
For those who get cold at night, a weighted blanket can also help you retain heat and avoid moving around too much. Restless sleepers have found that this is a great solution that helps them settle down for the night. They’ve even been shown to reduce stress!
Hopefully the tips above will help as you look for ways to make your RV bed more comfortable. You don’t have to throw the whole bed away because there are many ways to make it perfectly suited to your sleep needs.
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.
Check out these amazing Arkansas State Park camping spots. Photo: Shutterstock
The Best Arkansas State Park Camping For RVers
Arkansas State Parks provide the perfect setting for a wide range of activities. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, camping, or fishing or kayaking on the water, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
Below are some of the best Arkansas State Park camping spots for RVers. You can find more destinations with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your trip with RV Trip Wizard.
1. Lake Ouachita State Park
Visitors can enjoy nature in all its beauty at this Arkansas State Park camping spot. Located near Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest lake, this park offers 40,000 acres of clear water surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. The campground has 93 campsites with 58 Class AAA full hook-up sites, 23 Class D with no hook-ups, and 12 walk-in tent sites. Some sites are on the water.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open water or in one of the many quiet coves.
A marina with boat and kayak rentals, bait, and supplies is on site. Enjoy exhibits, a gift shop, and interpretive programs such as guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours at the visitor center.
Nature lovers, photographers, and geologists will enjoy Caddo Bend Trail. Wildflowers, boulder gardens, scenic views, and an observation deck overlooking the lake are some of the attractions on this trail.
Dogwood Trail, which features interpretative signs with unique wildlife, is great for a casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest.
The Mid-America Science Museum is a great place to take the kids if you are looking for an afternoon away from the park or a rainy day trip. As Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian Affiliate, this side trip offers more than 100 hands-on exhibits.
The Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater provides educational programming for those interested in space exploration. Teachers and students can view the night sky and tour the solar system using top digital planetarium software.
2. Mississippi River State Park
At the newest of Arkansas State Parks, visitors can enjoy seven nearby bodies of water for fishing, kayaking, and boating, all within the Saint Francis National Forest.
Watching for wildlife and exploring the many hiking trails should certainly be on your list of things to do. Campsites range from primitive to full hook-up sites for larger rigs.
The St. Francis River National Forest, at more than 20,000 acres, is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, and features a variety of hardwoods that makes this area alive with color in the fall.
Crowley’s Ridge and Great River Road Scenic Byway run through the forest. Horner Neck Lake is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
The nearby L’Anguille River begins in Poinsett County and flows southward in a meandering pattern towards Marianna, where it joins the St. Francis River. It also borders parts of the St. Francis National Forest. Fishing and waterfowl hunting are popular on this river.
Be sure and check out the Arkansas Delta Music Trail: Sounds from the Soil and Soul. The marker honors the old Plantation Inn where many blues musicians got their start. At the time it opened in 1943, the Plantation Inn had the largest dance floor in the south.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is the oldest state park in Arkansas. Its natural beauty and historic significance has welcomed travelers for decades.
Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of this Arkansas State Park camping area and the state park system. The rustic-style, native log and stone facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. The CCC also built trails, roads, bridges, cabins, and the Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon.
Just upstream from Cedar Creek is a CCC rock dam, which formed the 100-acre Lake Bailey. Visitors enjoy fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. The nearby boathouse offers a snack bar, boat rentals, and supplies. Campsites include 35 Class AAA and 90 Class B. The park also has an airport.
Amenities in the park include two swimming pools, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a boat launch, tennis and basketball courts, and an amphitheater. Nearby hiking trails take visitors through forests and meadows, over canyons and along streams. See the 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other natural formations. Join an interpreter for programs and special events.
“Stunningly beautiful park, we fell instantly in love with this place and are already planning a return trip when it’s a bit warmer. The sites are spacious, some have great views over the lake, good fire pit and picnic table. The scenery, we couldn’t get down to the falls because the bridge was out after a storm, but we got to see it from the overlooks either side. We did many of the walks to bear cave, along the river to the falls, took the drive to the ridge. So much to do. I’ve seen poor reviews of the lodge dining, both food and staff wise, we had 2 meals there, both were really good, the staff were really friendly, I suppose it may just depend how you treat them!” Nethers195 from Campground Reviews
Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park.
4. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Arkansas State Park camping makes for a truly amazing getaway at Lake Dardanelle State Park. This 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River has two areas where camping is available.
The main site is in Russellville, where visitors can find the Sport Fishing Weigh-In Pavilion, a fishing pier, boardwalk, trail, and visitor center with five aquariums. It’s also a National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears water route.
Programs and tours are available through park interpreters. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park with 16 Class AAA (50 amp full hook-up sites), 14 Class AA (30 amp sites with water and sewer), and 27 Class B (water and 30 amp service). There are 18 Class B sites in the Dardanelle area of the park.
Things to do nearby include the Arkansas River Visitor’s Center, Arkansas Candle Factory Outlet, and the Confederate Mothers Memorial Park, to name a few. The Confederate Mothers Memorial Park overlooks Russellville and the Arkansas River. See the monument dedicated to the memory of Mothers of Confederate soldiers. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and has natural walking trails throughout.
The Ouita Coal Company Trail provides bicyclists with rolling hills along the north side of Lake Dardanelle. Named for a local mining company in the area during the late 1800s, the trail offers beautiful views of the Illinois Bayou section of Lake Dardanelle.
5. Moro Bay State Park
Enjoy fishing year-round in this beautiful Arkansas State Park campground. Dip your pole where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake join the Ouachita River and catch largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, or just relax near the water.
The park has 23 Class AAA campsites, trails, picnic sites, a pavilion, playground, and the Moro Bay Ferry exhibit, including the ferry boat. Take advantage of the nearby marina with boat and slip rentals, gas, and a store.
Moro Bay is located 23 miles from El Dorado and 29 miles southwest of Warren in south central Arkansas.
If you feel the need for speed, check out the million dollar facility for go-kart and stock car racing, or watch stock car races at Warren Speedway.
Newton House Museum is a restored historic home from 1849 furnished with period antiques. It was built before the Civil War and is the only house open to the public in El Dorado. Tours are available by appointment as well as receptions, weddings, dinners, and other special occasions.
6. Bull Shoals – White River State Park
Bull Shoals – White River State Park lies along the shores of both Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. Visit the 15,744 sq. ft. visitor center which sits high above the Bull Shoals Dam. Its state-of-the-art visitor exhibit hall and theater share the history of the area and related fishing stories.
Visitors can utilize any of 113 campsites, 63 Class AAA, 30 Class B, and 20 tent sites. You can use the rig in one of three Rent-An-RV sites.
The riverside marina and store offer boat rentals, bait, tackle, and supplies. This park is the state’s premier place for trout fishing; it also offers great hiking and mountain biking. Interpretive programs include campfire cooking demonstrations, trout fishing workshops, and nature walks.
Visitors can see Mountain Village 1890, a historical re-creation of an Ozark settlement from the 1800s. See the 9 main historic structures brought in from various sites in the Ozark mountain region.
As you tour the village, you will see a historical representation of life in the Ozarks in the late 1800s with tools, furnishings, and farm equipment. The church at Mountain Village 1890 is available for private wedding ceremonies by appointment only. Tours are self-guided. There is also a gift shop, gemstone panning, and guided Bull Shoals Cavern tours available.
7. Withrow Springs State Park
Withrow Springs State Park features 29 Class AAA and 10 walk-in campsites as well as three hiking trails. There are also tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, picnic areas, a pavilion, and a gift shop.
The park serves as a put-in point for the Class 1 stream, War Eagle Creek. You can float from March to mid-June depending on rainfall, and the park is an outfitter and shuttle service for the creek. The park also features the rare and unique Ozark trillium, which grows nearby.
Don’t miss the Ozark Natural Science Center with 8 miles of hiking trails, an event center, and programs that can be scheduled for a group. The center is a unique residential environmental education facility, conference, and retreat center.
The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is a unique big cat sanctuary. On 459 acres in the Ozark Mountains, this refuge is home to a variety of exotic and native animals. Enjoy educational daily tours or experience Africa in the Ozarks. Don’t miss the popular annual events like the unique “Art with Altitude” kite festival in March and fun Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular in October.
8. Davidson Historic State Park
There is much to enjoy at Davidson Historic State Park. A newly renovated campground has AAA sites, Class A, and Class D tent sites. Visitors can also enjoy trails, picnic areas, plenty of fishing on the Black River and a fishing lake, as well as pedal boats for rent.
Nearby Davidsonville was once home to Arkansas’s first post office and one of the earliest courthouses. Much of Davidsonville’s existence is evident below ground. Archeological excavations still uncover streets, foundations, and artifacts. The visitor center features a replica 1820s hunter-trapper flatboat, audio tour, and a display of historic finds from the archeological digs.
Don’t miss the Civil War River Walk Memorial Trail with historic markers and themed benches highlighting this walking trail along the Black River at Overlook Park. The markers tell the story of the Civil War in Randolph County. Pocahontas served as headquarters for all Confederate troops west of the Mississippi River.
The Randolph County Heritage Museum, located on the historic Pocahontas Court Square, tells the story of the Randolph County area from its earliest history to present day with permanent and traveling exhibits, special presentations, interactive exhibits, and informational programs. In 1838, portions of what is now Arkansas 166 was the route the Trail of Tears took into Arkansas and across Randolph County.
Find more Arkansas State Park camping spots
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
Over 48% of US citizens took at least one prescription medication in the past 30 days, and prescription drugs of all types comprise over 16% of total health care expenses. We all know that a large number of people rely on medications to treat chronic and acute conditions and to sustain their health and quality of life.
Full-time RVers are just a subset of the general population, and they too rely on a plethora of medications to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anxiety, pain, or a number of other physical and psychological conditions. But how are full-time RVers supposed to get their prescriptions drugs while they are traveling in an RV?
Prescription drugs
To be clear, and as a cautionary side note, all prescription drugs are controlled substances, and taking any of them outside of the physician’s specific directions could be construed as abuse of a controlled substance, which is illegal. This includes:
driving a vehicle when the prescription warns against it,
not taking the number of pills denoted on the prescription for as long as directed,
taking them beyond the expiration date,
sharing them with others,
transferring them to another container, including a weekly or monthly pill box, and
potentially transporting them from state to state.
I mention this because most people don’t think about the possibility of running afoul of the law by simply using and managing their prescriptions, like they did when they were still living at a fixed address.
The ubiquitous use of weekly/monthly pill organizers might create the biggest challenge and liability for RVers. The law requires prescriptions to be kept in their original containers. The containers have traceable prescription numbers, descriptive information about the strength of the medication, the dose, duration, and restrictions of the prescription (such as no driving), the name of the person to whom they are prescribed, and a clear description of what each pill looks like so it can be identified.
Medical ID Info
If you happen to be involved in an accident or have a medical emergency, your weekly pill dispenser would be of no use to someone trying to attend to your physical needs, but the actual prescription pill bottles would provide all the information to the emergency personnel.
Additionally, if possible, your prescription bottles (if located in your RV) could be transported along with you to the hospital; your weekly pill box would not be sent to the hospital by first responders.
While we’re down this rabbit hole, I might as well go all in and strongly encourage you to fill out the Medical ID information page on your smartphone. If you are unable to advocate for yourself, first responders will attempt to gather information from your phone. They need to know all the meds you use, any allergies, drug reactions, medical conditions, or other pertinent medical history.
Furthermore, you can use this vital communication tool to clearly describe where in your RV you keep your prescription drugs. Then, if possible, emergency personnel might be able to retrieve your meds and send them with you to the hospital.
If you have an iPhone, you can find this page in Settings>Health>Medical ID.
Be diligent. Taking the time now to do this might someday save your life.
How can full-time RVers get their medications?
Now regarding the question, “How can full-time RVers get their medications?” It all starts with your doctor. Additionally, now with COVID restricting in-person doctor consultations, you can easily access medical professionals through “Telehealth” Zoom calls or other secure video conferencing apps. This works especially well for full-time travelers.
However, if you are reluctant to use Telehealth resources, and you still want to sit face-to-face with your primary care physician, and the state in which you live is not centrally located within the US, you might benefit from changing your domicile location to a state that is more in the center of the country.
South Dakota is very popular with full-time RVers. If you change your domicile state, you’ll need to find a new doctor in that state and let your insurance provider know you’ve changed your residency. You’ll also need to license your vehicles and obtain a driver’s license from your domicile state, so before going full-time, plan to go there to take care of these details.
Domicile in your current state
If you decide to retain your current state of residency, you won’t need to find a new doctor, but you most certainly should schedule an appointment with your doctor (in person or via video) to discuss your plans to embark on a nomadic lifestyle.
Your doctor might be able to write prescriptions for bulk medications (a 90-day supply) and possibly write extra prescriptions to be filled on designated future dates while you are traveling. This may not be possible in every state or with Schedule 2 drugs.
Schedule 2 Drugs
Typically, prescriptions for Schedule 2 drugs can only be written for 30 days. The actual physical prescription must be given to the pharmacist (not called or faxed in by the doctor’s office), and it may be illegal for your doctor to write extra prescriptions for Schedule 2 drugs with future dates.
Schedule 2 drugs are the most tightly controlled prescriptions because they have the potential to be physically and/or psychologically addicting, so they are carefully monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Schedule 2 drugs are often loosely referred to as controlled substances, but in reality, all prescriptions drugs fall under that definition in the law, not just Schedule 2 drugs.
Even Viagra, Warfarin, and antibiotics are controlled substances. Every state medical board sets the policies that govern and restrict physicians in that state. Therefore, you must know what drugs you need, what laws govern them, and if you will be able to obtain them while you travel.
How to find drop-in clinics
In the worst case scenario, if you depend on Schedule 2 pharmaceuticals and you are only able to secure a month’s supply of these drugs, you may need to visit emergency clinics during your travels to see new doctors and obtain new prescriptions, or you can travel in an area close enough to your domicile state that you can circle back around every month and pick up a new prescription. You’d be surprised how far you can travel in a month.
We left Central Florida on November 20, 2019 and arrived in Palm Desert California on December 16, 2019 after spending extra time in Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona.
If you have to “go home” every month, you can still enjoy your full-time RV journey. We traveled in the Northwest for over 20 years in an RV. We couldn’t leave the Northwest because we had a business to run and couldn’t spent too long away from the business, but after 20 years in one region, we still had hundreds of places to visit that we hadn’t seen, plus all the places we fell in love with along the way that we wanted to revisit repeatedly.
What I’m trying to say is this limitation does not need to throttle back your excitement about your new full-time adventure.
Use National Chain Pharmacies
Most people’s prescriptions drugs are not Schedule 2 drugs. They can be purchased in bulk from national chains like CVS, Walmart, or Walgreens, and your prescription records will be in their national database, so your prescriptions can be accessed from wherever.
The refills script can typically be called in or faxed to the pharmacy by your doctor, and if you plan ahead, you can easily get your refills long before you run out. Another way to obtain your prescriptions is to use a mail order pharmacy and have your meds sent to your domicile address, then forwarded to your current location by your mail forwarding service.
How to get medication while traveling abroad
There is one caveat to this discourse. If you are traveling internationally (US citizens in Canada or Canadian citizens in the US), refilling your prescriptions may be more challenging.
Many pharmacies are not able to fill the prescriptions of international physicians. Some pharmacies in Texas and Arizona said under the right circumstances with the right drugs, they could fill the prescriptions, while California pharmacies said they absolutely could not.
You’ll need to really plan ahead with your doctor, pharmacist, and maybe even customs. If you are Canadian snowbirders headed to the US sunbelt for 6 months, you might be able to obtain a 6-month supply of medication from your Canadian pharmacy, but will not be able to bring that quantity of that drug across the border.
Every state, every jurisdiction, and every country has laws that could impact your decisions and your plans. If you haven’t started on your full-time journey yet, then now is the time to talk with your doctor, your insurance provider, customs (if you plan to cross the border), and state or provincial officials in the state(s) or province(s) in which you plan to travel.
Not only do you need to take time to plan your travels and destinations, but be sure your plan also includes all the steps needed for procuring essential and life-sustaining drugs. Whatever you do, don’t get stressed about all this. You will find a way to fulfill your dream of being a full-time RVer.
Who knows, you might also discover that the full-time RV lifestyle is liberating. It will give you plenty of fresh air and time for outdoor exercise, where you can soak up sun-supplied vitamin D, and this new leisurely lifestyle might actually improve your health, even eliminating your need for some medications.
Most RVs can withstand some chilly weather, but once the temperature dips below freezing, you can run into some problems. If your holding tanks, hookups, or pipes end up freezing, this has the potential to cause some serious damage to your RV. This is why everyone needs to know how to thaw a frozen RV tank safely.
Holding tanks are one of the most exposed parts of an RV, and they can take a long time to thaw naturally. If they’re out of commission, you may have a hard time getting running water in your RV, which is a pain in the neck for everyone.
There are ways to speed up the thawing process and prevent freezes from happening in the first place. We’ll cover some of the best options below.
Hair dryer/heat gun
One of the most effective ways to thaw a frozen RV tank is to apply heat directly to it. A standard hair dryer will get the job done, but heat guns will be quicker. This method works, but you’ll need to be very careful when you do it! Holding tanks are vulnerable to changes in temperature and you could end up melting the outer layer of the tank if you’re not careful.
Lots of holding tanks are made from ABS and polyethylene, and these are the ones you’ll need to be cautious with. For the best results, start at the top of the tank and work your way to the bottom. Keep the hairdryer/heat gun in constant motion so that you’re never applying direct heat to one area for too long.
Eventually, you should be able to open the termination valve. You’ll be able to heat the contents of the tank moving around at this point. This is the sign that the tank has thawed!
Install a 100-watt bulb inside the RV underbelly
If you want to go for a slow and steady thawing method, you can opt for the 100-watt bulb strategy. This bulb can provide a steady amount of heat that will help warm up the holding tank. You won’t have to worry about extreme temperature shifts because a 100-watt bulb can’t produce too much heat on its own.
This method works best if you have holding tanks that are in an enclosed RV underbelly but are not set up with any kind of heater device. If you install a 100-watt bulb in the underbelly, this will help warm up the space in a gradual and gentle way.
You’ll have to be patient if you choose this method, but it involves less risk compared to a hair dryer or heat gun. It’s also faster than just waiting for the tank to thaw naturally.
Wait for the tank to thaw naturally
If you have no other option and would just like to wait it out, you can also just let your tanks thaw on their own. As long as the weather outside is above freezing, your tanks should be able to melt on their own. This could take multiple hours, so it’s not the best course of action for anyone who’s in a hurry.
You can try running the heater in your RV and/or adding some insulated blankets around the tanks to speed up the process. Letting the tanks thaw at their own speed will help prevent any cracks or damage to the exterior that other methods could cause.
How to prevent your tanks from freezing
Learning how to thaw a frozen RV tank is a good thing to do. However, it’s best if you never have to deal with this situation at all! There are ways to protect your holding tanks so they don’t freeze in the first place. Even in frigid weather, you can take steps to keep your tanks unfrozen.
Use RV antifreeze
This is an easy step that will make it harder for the fluid in your holding tanks to freeze. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of a liquid, meaning that it can withstand icy temperatures better than pure water can. RV antifreeze or windshield washing fluid can both help stabilize the temperature in your holding tanks. Just flush some of these down your toilet if you’re expecting a cold night.
Insulate RV underbelly
One of the best ways to protect your holding tank is to insulate the underbelly of your RV. Some campers already have enclosed underbellies, but a little extra protection never hurts! Wrapping the tanks in blankets, towels, or reflective foil coverings will help keep the heat inside.
Use RV skirting
RV skirting is another good way to keep the cold out. Skirting can provide extra insulation and will prevent snow and wind from chilling your underbelly. There are lots of options you can choose when it comes to selecting a skirting material.
Tarps, vinyl, plywood, foam, or even dirt and straw can be used as skirting! You can also use an inflatable AirSkirt to provide full protection for the underbelly. Something is always better than nothing. Snow is a fairly good insulator, so you can even pile up snow around your RV if you’re desperate.
Use a pipe heating cable or heated tape
Pipe heating cables or heated tape can keep your holding tanks warm overnight. They can also help thaw a frozen RV tank if necessary, but it’s better if they are used before the situation arises. This Heat Cable for Pipe Freeze Protectionis a popular option that will protect your holding tanks and the pipes that lead to them.
Some of these products are designed to turn on automatically once the temperature dips to a certain point. You can also buy them in varying lengths so you can select the option that’s best for your RV.
Drip faucets overnight
Moving water is much harder to freeze compared to stagnant water. If you keep your faucets and showerheads dripping overnight, your holding tanks are less likely to freeze.
Of course, this mainly applies to your freshwater tank and won’t help the black or grey tanks as much. Still, any bit helps! You will want to make sure that your freshwater tanks are in good shape because these are the ones you’ll need for cooking and cleaning in the RV.
If you do all (or at least some) of these tips, you will probably never need to thaw a frozen RV tank. In this case, the best solutions are preventative. Even if your tank is frozen solid though, you have plenty of ways to fix the problem.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as Maintain My RV from RV LIFE. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
We are all aware of the importance of an RV oil change. Your RV engine oil is its lifeline. It allows for smooth operation and must be monitored for optimal performance.
Engine oils perform a very important role in lubricating moving engine components. Low oil levels or dirty or contaminated oil can lead to eventual or even immediate engine failure!
All manufacturers will have a recommended schedule and oil type, and it’s important to follow a regular RV oil change schedule.
When do you need to get an RV oil change?
The frequency of oil changes will depend on a few different factors. This includes the number of miles traveled combined with engine run time (think idling time for various reasons), the driving environment including towing vehicles, mountainous roads, or extreme temperatures, and engine age and condition.
The average suggested time between oil changes under normal circumstances is no more than 5,000 miles for traditional oils, and can be up to 15,000 miles for full synthetic oils.
Again, this won’t apply to everyone due to the factors mentioned above. If you tow with your RV or travel in areas that require your engine to work harder, more frequent oil changes are required.
Oil breaks down over time as it is heated and circulated through an engine. The harder an engine is working, the faster it will break down.
Older worn engines often don’t run as clean and efficient, which will limit the life of your oil as well. Engine oil will darken as it is exposed to sludge and impurities. This can be seen by checking the level on your dipstick. Dirty oil is better than no oil, but it should be changed.
If any of the above factors are present in your RV, consider shorter oil change intervals. Perhaps you will be doing a change every 2,500 miles if needed. Oil changes are cheap insurance, so more frequent is always better.
Additional things to consider
When checking your oil level, also look at the color and condition of the oil. Dark oil is dirty, and this may shorten your time between changes. Be especially concerned about oil with a milky appearance as this signals engine coolant is likely contaminating your oil and should be dealt with immediately.
Keep in mind if your oil level is consistently low, oil changes won’t help this. It is important to keep levels topped up, but simply adding more new oil won’t fix this problem. Further issues are causing this drop in oil and should be taken care of.
If your RV is only used periodically each year and mileage stays below the suggested schedule, it is still a good idea to change your oil out. Moisture accumulates in sitting engines and this can also be problematic for engine oil.
An RV oil change twice a year is recommended regardless of mileage, just to be safe.
Should you use synthetic oil?
Synthetic oils are considerably more expensive than traditional oil, but are they worth it?
For many years, millions of vehicles operated with traditional oil without issue. Today, engines are more complex, and some manufacturers recommend synthetic. For warranty reasons, it is important to adhere to these recommendations.
If you travel a lot of miles, tow a vehicle, or are in extreme temperatures or hilly areas, synthetic is probably worth considering. The cost per change is higher, but fewer RV oil changes will be required.
Should you do your RV oil change yourself?
Oil changes are a pretty simple project in most cases. If you choose to do it yourself, here are a few things to consider.
You will need some specific tools and items to perform an RV oil change yourself.
The job can be a little messy, so consider what oily hands or some oil in your driveway is worth to you.
A big factor to consider is where you will dispose of the used oil. Once drained, you will need to have a large drum or container to transfer the oil to, or fill your now empty oil jugs.
Proper disposal of engine oil is needed. Before starting, check your area for locations you can take used oil to for discarding.
The cost of an RV oil change is pretty reasonable, so consider the value of your time. The cost of the oil and filter are there whether you do it yourself or not, so consider your time in the cost.
In the case of Class A diesel motorhomes, oil changes can be pricey, but many are afraid to try it themselves. The steps are basically the same, so if you do want to save some money, it is doable for most RVers.
Track your RV maintenance
Oil changes are the most important maintenance you will do on your RV. Track your RV mileage and monitor your driving conditions to ensure you are keeping your engine oil in top condition.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as Maintain My RV from RV LIFE. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds due to the lush greenery, warm beaches, and beautiful sunny weather! If you’re looking for a good place to escape the cold and snow, this tropical state is a good place to go.
There are tons of great places to visit in Florida, but many people are looking for the best Miami RV resorts because of how popular and beautiful this city is. There are over 1,100 RV resorts in the state of Florida and many of these are within striking distance of Miami. That’s a lot of places to choose from, and it can be overwhelming if you’re trying to narrow down your options.
To help you out, we’ve compiled some details about a few of the best Miami RV resorts to head to this winter. You can read more about these Miami RV resorts and find more great destinations with a quick search on RV LIFE Campground Reviews.
1. Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial RV Park & Campground
If you’re looking for a simple and laid-back place to visit, the Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial RV Park & Campground is a great option about 40 minutes south of Miami. This is a fairly basic RV park, but it has all the essentials you’ll need during your visit. Both RVers and tent campers are welcome here, and there is a grand total of 240 sites.
The RV sites feature full hookups, and there is a decent amount of space between each site. You won’t be crowded when you stay here! This is one of the Miami RV resorts that also includes an on-site beach area and park. You won’t have to drive far away to enjoy some sand and sun. Amenities like showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, and a public pool are also included when you stay here.
This RV park has an excellent 8.5 average rating and customers have generally been very satisfied with their experience. It’s also just a short drive away from the trails and attractions in Everglades National Park.
2. C.B. Smith Park
C.B. Smith Park is a highly reviewed RV resort about 40 minutes north of Miami. Visitors have complimented the beautiful views and scenery of the area. You are guaranteed to be surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida when you spend some time here. There are only 83 sites, so this is a bit smaller than some other RV resorts in the area.
Each site is designed to be a pull-thru, and they all have concrete pads and full hookups. It’s also a pet-friendly park that includes bathrooms and laundry facilities. There’s a lake on-site, and many Florida beaches are just a short drive away. Lots of dining and entertainment options are also within a close distance. Overall, it’s been described as a beautiful and spacious public park.
C.B. Smith Park has scored a 9.0 on RV LIFE Campground Reviews. This makes it one of the most highly rated resorts in the area!
3. Miami Everglades RV Resort
Lots of Miami RV resorts are actually located in nearby towns instead of Miami itself. This is why the Miami Everglades RV Resort stands out from the rest! This park is actually located in the city itself, so you’ll be in the middle of the action if you stay here. All the entertainment, food, and shopping options you want will be nearby.
Because it’s located in the city, the park is a bit crowded and there isn’t as much room between sites as some other resorts. There are plenty of trees and plants around as well, so you can enjoy some shade on hot days.
There are resort essentials like full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. But there are also recreation and entertainment options provided as well when you stay here. The Miami Everglades RV Resort has a shuffleboard court, miniature golf, bingo, pickleball, and plenty of walking paths for guests who want to stretch their legs or walk their dogs.
The location is the real star of this resort, but most visitors have had a comfortable stay. You can view more details and customer reviews about this resort here.
4. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park
This next RV resort sits within a massive park. This means there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy when you stay here! There are lots of trees to provide shade, a lake, accessible walking trails, and spacious sites for visitors to stretch out. Due to the spread-out distribution of this resort, there are fewer sites available. There are only 61 total RV sites, so you’ll want to get your reservations in early.
The Topeekeegee Yugnee Park is a good place to stay if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is conveniently located less than 40 minutes north of Miami in nearby Hollywood, Florida.
This park can be tricky to navigate if you have a particularly tall RV. There are some low-hanging tree branches that might make parking difficult in certain spots.
If you choose to stay at this park, you can enjoy the on-site showers, bathrooms, pool, water park, and trails for biking and walking. This nature-focused layout makes it perfect for outdoorsy types and pet owners.
5. Keys Palms RV Resort
While all of the Miami RV resorts we mentioned are great, we saved one of the best for last! The Keys Palms RV Resort is one of the most highly-rated resorts in Florida and it’s easy to see why.
The resort is located just an hour south of Miami in beautiful Key Largo. Full hookups are available at each site and there are several waterfront sites. There are also hedges between each site to give shade and privacy.
Keys Palms RV Resort has a saltwater pool that sits next to the waterfront. There are lots of dining and entertainment options nearby as well. This resort only has 30 sites, and a popular location in the Florida Keys, so you’ll want to make sure you have a reservation before you go. It’s smaller and more expensive than many other parks, but the quality is well worth it.
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
RVs are quite expensive and even the most high-quality models find ways to save money in the build process. Unfortunately, one area that often takes a hit in the comfort department is the RV bed!
The standard mattresses that come in most RVs are suitable, but not really built for long-lasting comfort. They are sometimes a bit thin and tend to lead to sore backs after you sleep on them for a while.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, especially when you plan on traveling quite a bit. So to help make your RV bed a bit more comfortable, check out some of the tips below. Some are quick fixes while others might require more time and money to implement. But when it comes to getting great sleep, it’s best to know what your options are!
Buy an upgraded RV mattress
Of course, one of the most effective ways to improve your RV bed is to buy a brand new mattress. This is also the most expensive option though, so it makes sense to explore the other possibilities before you commit.
Lots of standard RV mattresses don’t offer enough support and tend to break down fairly quickly. Some of them are even treated with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Generally, they are just a bit thin and uncomfortable and many people prefer to just get rid of them entirely.
Because this is a common problem in the RV industry, there are lots of solutions available. Just make sure you buy a new RV mattress that fits the size of your bedframe/bedroom. The typical mattress height is between 8 and 12 inches, and the width will vary depending on the size you’re looking for.
Some great brands to consider include Plush Beds and Dynasty RV Mattresses. These are both top names in the world of RV beds and you can select your personal preferences when it comes to the firmness level. If you want to get to the root of your sleep troubles, a new mattress is usually the fastest way to go.
Use a memory foam topper
If you don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress after you just bought an RV, we don’t blame you! That’s an expensive purchase and there are other ways to improve an RV bed without replacing it entirely.
Mattress toppers are another popular way to improve your quality of sleep. These can just be laid over the top of an existing mattress and covered with your standard sheets. They provide extra support to your body and cushion your body if the mattress below is a bit thin.
Memory foam is the most popular material to use for toppers, and there are a few different types you might want to consider.
Open cell
Open cell memory foam is a less dense type of memory foam. Because the cell walls have been broken, there is more room for air to flow and disperse. This means that it’s easier to cool down if you sleep on an open cell topper. This type of memory foam is particularly soft and will have a lot of give to it. If you love a soft sleep surface, an open cell memory foam topper would be perfect.
Closed cell
Closed cell memory foam is denser and more tightly packed. If you’re looking for a firmer sleep surface, this is the way to go. This type of topper tends to absorb and retain heat. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. If you are often cold at night, this could help you stay warm. But if you get too hot at night, it’s tough to cool down with a closed cell topper.
Cooling gel
This type of topper is less common, but cooling gel memory foam toppers are helpful for people who get too hot at night. In addition to the memory foam, these toppers use a layer of gel or gel beads that absorb heat. This will keep you nice and cool, while still providing the extra support you need for a good night’s sleep.
Pad the RV bed frame
In some cases, it’s the bed frame itself that needs work, not the mattress. If the mattress isn’t getting proper support, then you’ll feel uncomfortable, regardless of how high-quality the material is. Lots of RV bed frames are made out of plywood, which doesn’t provide the most stable base.
To help make your bed more comfortable, consider adding some padding to the bed frame. You can use simple items like folded blankets to do this or invest in a foam pad to place on the base. Anything that can provide a level layer of padding can help!
Add a second mattress
Another way to give yourself a more comfortable sleep surface is to use 2 mattresses instead of 1! Stacking your mattresses creates a softer bed and it gives you much more padding. Of course, this also means your bed can end up being quite tall, so you’ll want to use mattresses that fit within your allotted bedroom space.
Air mattresses are a common choice among people who want to stack their mattresses. It can either be used as a top or bottom layer, but usually it works better when it’s placed on top. An air mattress is also cheaper than a traditional mattress, so this is a budget-friendly option.
Invest in good pillows
Pillows are another essential element to creating a good RV bed. If you have poor neck support, this can lead to back and body pains. Maybe it’s not the mattress’s fault that you ache in the morning. It could be your pillow that’s to blame!
Luckily there are tons of great pillows on the market and there’s something for everyone. Some people prefer a firm pillow, while others want one that’s squishy. Overly-stuffed and soft pillows have their place too! You may even want to buy a few pillows of varying firmness so you can swap them out depending on your needs each night.
When it comes to high-quality pillow design, it’s hard to beat the lineup from Malouf. Many of these pillows are built with cooling technology that prevents you from getting too sweaty at night. They also have a variety of sizes and firmness levels that can accommodate anyone’s sleep needs.
Try a weighted blanket
Finally, don’t overlook the blankets you’re using. A good comforter can go a long way when you’re settling in for the night. One item that can promote better sleep is a weighted blanket. These provide an even layer of pressure over your body and help you sink into the bed.
For those who get cold at night, a weighted blanket can also help you retain heat and avoid moving around too much. Restless sleepers have found that this is a great solution that helps them settle down for the night. They’ve even been shown to reduce stress!
Hopefully the tips above will help as you look for ways to make your RV bed more comfortable. You don’t have to throw the whole bed away because there are many ways to make it perfectly suited to your sleep needs.
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.
This past weekend I conducted seminars at an RV show in Charlotte, North Carolina. I returned home expecting a little “calm” after the frenetic pace of the show. Instead, I ended up in a “dunk tank!” Read on. I will explain. It usually takes a few days for me to “come down” from the emotional high […]
Wow, we never knew there was such a thing as ring etiquette, but according to this article from afashionblog.com, there is! According to them (although, we’re not saying they’re the most credible…), there’s no such thing as “too many rings.” However, at the risk of over-accessorizing, three is a good number to stick with as […]
They aren’t a luxury anymore. No, microfiber cloths have become cleaning staples in many RVs today. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding them to your arsenal of cleaning supplies. Advantages of using microfiber cloths Versatility. Forget paper towels. Almost anything a paper towel can do, a microfiber cloth can do better. Plus, […]
If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send a photo for comparison), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific time today, January 26, 2022. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate. If this isn’t your RV, send us a photo of your RV here (if you haven’t already) for a […]
AirSkirts®, the world’s first innovative inflatable RV skirting system, announced a seed funding round to accelerate the growth of their innovative lineup of inflatable RV skirt kits. Unlike traditional skirting methods that require drilling dozens of holes into your RV or messy DIY solutions, AirSkirts is the first-ever inflatable RV skirt system to insulate your […]
The RV Industry Association made it official Tuesday. The overall RV factory shipments for 2021 did in fact set a record of 600,240 units. That passed the previous record set in 2017 of 504,599, an increase of 19%. “For decades, the RV industry has been growing with more and more people turning to RVs as […]
