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Saturday, May 27, 2023
Members edition
Featured articles
KOA’s new king-sized campsite perks include a “fire experience”
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has announced a new premium site class, the KOA Signature Site. The spacious campsites will further expand KOA’s move toward the profitable glamping world. Each Signature Site will include an expanded KOA Patio with a covered seating area such as a Skydeck or gazebo, expanded grilling elements, and a “fire experience.” (No, not a campfire pit, a “fire experience,” which you can interpret as you wish.) Continue reading.
National Parks rate low in places to work, survey says
By Randall Brink
Those RVers who frequently camp in national parks might view the role of a park ranger as a dream job. Park rangers and other national park employees spend their workdays outdoors in a stunning setting and interact with people having fun outdoors—what’s not to like? However, a recent survey conducted by the Partnership for Public Service reveals that the National Park Service (NPS) is near the bottom of the list in job satisfaction among government employees. Learn why here.
Keystone RV perk affords camping on sprawling private lands, ranches
This summer Keystone RV owners have the opportunity to book a stay at more than 75 private properties in Montana and Idaho. Keystone has partnered with LandTrust, a Bozeman-based company that connects outdoor enthusiasts (it caters heavily to hunters) to more than one million acres of private land throughout the western United States. LandTrust has gathered a collection of often-vast RV-friendly ranches, farms and other properties to make them available exclusively to Keystone owners and their friends and family. Continue reading.
RV shipments continue to drop, down about half from last year
After years of record sales of RVs, manufacturers’ champagne bottles are still packed away as shipments to retailers continue their slide over 2022. Results for the RV Industry Association’s April 2023 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 31,216 units, a decrease of 45.4% from the 57,192 units shipped in April 2022. Learn more.
Vultures attacking vehicles at state parks
The black vulture, the gray-headed cousin of the turkey vulture, is causing damage to vehicles—often trucks and SUVs—parked at boat ramps at some state parks. Windshield wipers, sunroof seals, and rubber or vinyl parts are at particular risk. Most often, perching black vultures do little or no damage. However, in some cases the destruction can be extensive. Continue reading.
Starlink: The latest news updates for RVers
By Randall Brink
News flows daily from the wellspring of SpaceX and its Starlink Roam (formerly known as “RV”) subsidiary. Often it has to do with the rapid increase in the Starlink and Starlink Roam subscriber bases. The overall Starlink satellite broadband user base is 1.5 million, with Starlink Roam surpassing 300,000 users. Catch up on the latest Starlink news here.
IT WAS LIKE A MIRACLE: Last Monday, something happened at RVtravel.com that we never could dream of in a million years. Even now, nearly a week later, it’s hard to believe it happened. We’ll have a report tomorrow.
Campground Crowding
Military campgrounds more accessible, changed rules
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon shares emails from our readers including Carol S., a retired RV park manager, who explains some of the profound changes in campgrounds and RV parks in the past decade. More RVers offer tips to avoid or at least deal with crowded campgrounds and high prices. And Stephen W. updates us on new DOD access rules regarding DOD/Military facilities.
DID YOU MISS THIS WEEK’S FULL-TIME RVer NEWSLETTER? If so, it is right here.
RV Video Tour
Amazing 2023 Newmar King Aire 4596 Luxury Motorhome debuts new, impressive floor plan
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Andrew Steele of RVing with Andrew Steele takes us on a tour of the Newmar 2023 King Aire 4596 model, featuring a new floor plan that, in Andrew’s opinion, makes it the nicest Newmar King Aire ever built! As Andrew specializes in high-end luxury RVs, that’s saying a lot.
That was the RV week that was
May 20–26, 2023
Gas prices are rising slightly compared to previous months, but they were still well below last year’s levels heading into Memorial Day weekend and the travel-heavy summer season. Nationally, the average price per gallon of regular gasoline has been $3.53 throughout May 2023, compared to $4.60 a year ago. At the state level, gas prices are highest in California, Hawaii and Arizona, while they’re lowest in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana.
Campground Views has released the 1,100th Campground Virtual Tour. “The industry standard for virtual tour experiences now includes state park campgrounds in Washington and Oregon,” notes a news release. “In addition, the Campground Virtual Tours have been loaded more than 100,000 times over the last 30 days with campers requesting virtual tours for over 5,000 different campgrounds during that same time period.” Learn more.
Travelers on Interstate 15 in Utah should expect delays for much of the upcoming summer and through December for bridge maintenance and pavement repair projects. Learn more here.
A recent survey of America’s leisure travelers found that 44 million Americans plan to go RVing this summer, including 12 million over Memorial Day weekend. The survey was reported by the RVIA and also showed that 32% of leisure travelers would like to buy an RV in the next 12 months.
Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers are asking the public for information about an incident that occurred on the evening of May 20th between the unidentified man above and a newborn bison calf which resulted in the animal’s death. Do you know him? Read more including who to contact if you do. For more information about similar incidents (not this one in particular), read A Response To The Yellowstone Bison Incident From An Actual Wildlife Biologist from theoutbound.com.
As of May 26, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state is transitioning to a fully cashless fee system and will accept only electronic card payments for entrance fees and campgrounds. Read more.
REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Fleetwood Bounder, Holiday Rambler Vacationer and 2020-2023 Fleetwood Southwind motorhomes. The tow hitch may become damaged due to stress or vehicle overloading which can cause the tow vehicle to separate from the motorhome. A tow vehicle that separates from the motorhome can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Learn more.
It could soon cost a lot more to fuel up in Connecticut. SB1145 would require the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations by 2025 to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050. Critics say the bill could result in diesel prices increasing by more than 80 cents per gallon and gas prices increasing by more than 70 cents. The bill is now in the Senate.
Iowa residents can fish without a license on June 2, 3 and 4 courtesy of the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Utah’s Red Fleet State Park will close on June 1 for renovations and improvements, with plans to reopen for the 2024 season. The closure of the park northeast of Vernal will allow for extensive construction and renovation of the day-use areas, as well as a complete redesign and reconstruction of the campground.
The 33rd annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held Saturday, June 10, through Saturday, June 17, 2023, on both the South and North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. Learn more.
Tennessee’s Warriors’ Path State Park recently opened a newly renovated Moody Bluff Campground with 40 deluxe campsites with fire rings and full hookups. Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 75 feet. Nine sites are pull-throughs.
A bill halfway through the Texas statehouse would create a vehicle mileage tax for cars and trucks. If passed by the House and Senate, the bill would assess a user fee on Texas vehicle owners based on the number of miles traveled in the state. As is, Texas now collects a 20-cent-per-gallon tax rate on gas or diesel purchases. House lawmakers approved HB3418 after removing a specification that the program apply to commercial vehicles, which opens the door to the inclusion of personal vehicles as well.
KOA’s May Research Report shows that there are almost 1.5 million additional households camping in April compared to the previous year. As peak season approaches, more than half of campers (56%) are likely to take at least one camping trip in the next 30 days.
The Elk calving season has begun in Yellowstone National Park. Cow elk are much more aggressive towards people during the calving season and may run towards you or kick. Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots: cow elk may bed their calves near buildings and under cars. If an elk runs toward you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible. Good luck!
Camping World has opened a new store in Branson, Missouri, its 191st location. “It’s our goal to increase our store count by 50% over the next five years,” said Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis.
The road overlay project at Louisiana’s Palmetto Island State Park has been completed ahead of schedule and the campground is now open and all campsites upgraded to full hookups.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kemmerer (Wyoming) Field Office and Pinedale Field Office have opened the Fontenelle Creek and Warren Bridge Campgrounds for the 2023 summer season. Drinking water is available and fees are being charged at both locations. Campsites are $7 a night.
Campers at city parks in Storm Lake, Iowa, will now have access to free Wi-Fi. Several new Wi-Fi public access points have been added to popular park and recreation areas around the lakeside community.
Roundabout Publications has issued a new book, Van and RV Camping in State Forests. The directory profiles 585 camping areas at 298 locations in 25 states, many not found in similar guidebooks. Last week we told you about its other new title, Van and RV Camping at State Recreation Areas.
Death Valley’s Badwater Road reopened on May 25 after National Park Service employees moved dirt and rocks off the road and filled in unsafe drop-offs on road edges. The road was closed May 20 due to safety concerns after flash flooding.
Leisure Days RV Group, Canada’s largest RV dealership group, has obtained its first U.S. location after buying Wana Engine Center in Shipshewana, Indiana. The company now has 34 RV stores in North America.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services issued an unusual reminder for residents taking advantage of the state’s new digital driver’s licenses and IDs: “Please take pictures with your clothes on.” The department reminded applicants about “keeping things classy” when snapping selfies for their digital licenses and IDs, which allow Apple Wallet users to leave their physical copies in their wallet when passing through TSA checkpoints.
Assateague Island National Seashore is proposing new camping fees to take effect October 1st at the Maryland park. The cost of a regular campsite in the Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds would go from $30 to $40.
California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active and reserve military members by offering free admission to 130 participating state park units Monday on Memorial Day – Monday, May 29, 2023. The list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2023.
A significant portion of RV dealers that also rent believe they will do more business this year compared to 2022, which was a high-demand year for RV rentals. So says a survey conducted this spring by the RV Rental Association (RVRA).
Next weekend, June 3 and 4, you don’t need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That’s no license, no tag, no endorsement.
A Minnesota inventor who gained a following for his unusual vehicles unveiled his latest creation: a beer-powered motorcycle. Ky Michaelson, whose previous inventions include a rocket-powered toilet and a jet-powered coffee pot, said the beer-powered motorcycle has a 14-gallon keg with a heating coil instead of a gas-powered engine. Michaelson estimated the bike could reach speeds of up to 150 mph.
Police in The Village, Okla., were called out to assist a driver when a snake slithered out from under the hood of her car and onto her windshield while she was driving. Nobody was hurt, and the snake was relocated and released.
Glacier National Park reminds visitors that vehicle reservations are required May 26 through September 10 for those entering the park by vehicle or motorcycle from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at west side entrances including North Fork, Camas and West. On the east side, reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St. Mary (at Rising Sun) entrances until July 1. Visitors with lodging, camping or commercial activity reservations do not need a vehicle reservation.
A 59-year-old man died last Sunday when the trailer he was attempting to level fell on him at Sunset Park Campground in Hampstead, New Hampshire. Police said it appeared the man was working beneath the RV when one of the concrete blocks that supported it collapsed, killing him instantly.
Northern Lite is offering a $1,000 consumer rebate on new 2023 Northern Lite 10-2EX, 9-6 and 8-11EX truck campers purchased now through May 31st. More information.
Tennessee State Parks unveils two new campgrounds: a deluxe RV campground at Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport and a backcountry campground at Little Cove in South Cumberland State Park. Warriors’ Path State Park introduces the newly-renovated Moody Bluff Campground with 40 deluxe campsites, accommodating RVs up to 75 feet and featuring two new bathhouses.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win this just-published directory Van and RV Camping in State Forests? It will guide you to 585 camping areas in various state agencies in 25 states.
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (May 27, 2023) by 7 p.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email via RVcontests@gmail.com that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.
Reader poll
Would you buy an RV made in China if the quality was equal to one made in the USA, but cost significantly less?
Curious minds want to know. Please leave a comment.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of May 22, 2023:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.53
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Down $1.06.
Diesel: $3.88
Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Down $1.69.
For fuel prices for specific states, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain Teaser
Without a bridle or a saddle, across a thing I ride a-straddle. And those I ride, by help of me, though almost blind, are made to see. What am I?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
Upcoming RV shows
Click here for a directory of upcoming shows.
Recipe of the Day
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
by Kristin D. from Clearfield, UT
If you love Philly cheesesteaks but are watching your carbs, this dinner will be perfect for you. The meat is super tender. Using your favorite steak seasoning gives the steak the right amount of flavor. Once baked, the peppers are cooked but a little crunchy. On top is ooey gooey cheese. So good!
Trivia
Where is the largest working musical instrument in the world located? If you guessed Philadelphia, you’re right! Inside the Macy’s Department Store on Market Street, you’ll find the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ (named after the original store). The instrument with its 28,604 pipes is so big it reaches multiple floors. There is only one dedicated organ master who is allowed to play the Wanamaker – go figure! BTW, the organ is a National Historic Landmark and valued in excess of $79 million.
Laugh of the Week
This is an old one, but it makes us laugh every time! Thanks for sending, “Lil John.”
Today in History
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade and Paul Lacitinola. Moderator: Gary Gilmore. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Artificial (AI) contributors: Johnny Robot and Milly MacWilly. Canine Mascots: Archie and Astor “the Disaster”
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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This newsletter is copyright 2023 by RV Travel LLC.
Article on Military campground mentioned if you have a DD-214 you can use campground. This is incorrect.
an active duty military member or the spouse of an active duty military membera military retiree or spousea National Guard or Reservist a 100% service-connected disabled veteran.a surviving family member of service members killed in action who have access to other benefits like healthcarea medical retiree or immediate family member
My husband served 8 years and has a DD-214 but is not eligible. He is not retired military or disabled.
If you go on line and fill out all required documents with a copy of your DD 214 applying for your veterans card it should allow him access I believe.
He has a VA card, but he is not retired from military or disabled.
https://youtu.be/MHCkZPt0ZyQ
This video will give you info on how to apply for a VA ID card.
He HAS a VA ID card. However, he is not retired from military and not disabled so it’s a no go.
Motorcyclists use caution
LOOSE GRAVEL
Loose gravel in it’s natural state.
I read the article relating to the baby bison titled “A Response To The Yellowstone Bison Incident From An Actual Wildlife Biologist”. It’s a whole different take on what might have happened. Interesting stuff.
After reading your response Tommy, I went back and read the accompanying article, and I completly agree with you. Interesting stuff..
I agree, Tom.
Hi, Tommy. The article from the wildlife biologist that I linked in that news item in the newsletter was actually referring to a similar incident several years ago. I didn’t catch that when I added the link very late last night, but the information still pertains in this case. I’ve just reworded the reference to that link to clarify that point. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thankyou all for today’s edition, great reading.
I concur Bill, especially on the “And Now The News” was a great read today.
From the sad story of the young Bison to a new Texas mileage tax and Connecticut legislation that will raise diesel 80 cents. NOAA giving an exact coin toss climate prediction on hurricanes this year being more or less. It was all informative and a good read.
What happened to fuel prices from California
Hi, Somuch2see. Rather than singling out any state in particular, since there are several states with prices quite a bit higher than the average, there’s now a link provided to the website which lists fuel prices for all of the states. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Washington to be exact.
Yep. Just filled up my ’97 T-bird yesterday (in Washington). OY!😲 Glad I don’t have to commute to downtown Seattle anymore, like I did for 45 years! Have a good night, Ken. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
My wife and I are perplexed at why the baby Bison was put down when there are Bison ranchers (and animal rescues) who would have bottle fed the calf and when weened introduced it into a herd.
Hi, Calvin. It’s very sad. But if you read the linked article from the wildlife biologist, it helps to explain the situation. But it’s still sad. Take care. 🙂 –Diane at RVtravel.com
So.., the state bill in Connecticut is designed to raise the price of fuels, to discourage the consumption of fuels? Does this make any sense? Just think about how many people this will hurt.
That’s the goal. Change behaviors through pain. Want less of something, make it hurt. Ideas so good they must be enforced using pain.
Like you never spanked your kids???
We need to get off fossil fuels. Before we destroy our standard of living for future generations. (Well, unless we stop income inequality, they will never live as good as our generations have.)
Jeff, you’re not thinking critically. You are thinking conceptually. A family budget already teetering on bankruptcy, broken by another dollar per gallon of gas, making it unaffordable for their 30 to 40 minute commute to and from work. That’s just one example of the consequences, there are many more. And in the name of greenhouse gas reduction?
So your saying that the government is the parent and the citizens are the children? “Bad child”. “Bad boys and girls”, “sit down and shut up”. A real “let them eat cake” attitude. Have you not read our constitution? You should, it will be truly enlightening. BTW: Oil used in electric vehicles as follows, carpeting, dashboard, steering wheel, upholstery, seat belts, head liner, electrical wiring, paint, switches, vents, pedals, computers, belts, tires, windows, sunroof, head rest, cupholder, wiper blades, your polyester shirt and undies, etc. So yeah, what could go wrong giving up on oil?