Issue 2595
Today’s thought
“It is better, I think, to grab at the stars than to sit flustered because you know you cannot reach them.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tartar Sauce Day!
On this day in history: 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell is granted a patent for an invention he calls the “telephone.”
Tip of the day
An interesting way to find boondocking spots in the Southwest
By Bob (BoondockBob) Difley
Most of the land in the Southwestern deserts, if not occupied with cities and towns, is part of the 245 million acres – about one-tenth of the nation’s entire land mass – managed by the federal government’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
You can boondock for free, or very cheap, on BLM land. Even though most boondockers seldom camp outside of designated camping areas, such as the Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) or defined dispersed camping areas, that leaves millions of acres where you can camp for free. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Why are there so many different sized queen beds in RVs?
Dear Dave,
Why are there so many different sizes of king and queen beds in RVs? Aren’t there any standards? —Many curious RVers Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of RV water pump maintenance
By Dustin Simpson
Let this post serve as a reminder to clean your water pump filter. The filter is there to help catch particles and prevent damage to your water pump. The following pictures show a lot of shavings that came from production. Sometimes it can take a number of uses for them to get into the filter. Continue reading and see the photos.
Video of the day
The truth about workcamping in 2025: Is it still worth it?
By Cheri Sicard
Remember the “golden age” of workcamping? Back when the world was dealing with lockdowns, campgrounds were packed. Owners were desperate for help. It was easy to find gigs where you got a free site, full pay for every hour you worked, and all your utilities covered. Cable, power, water—you name it! You could literally live for free and get paid on top of that. Well, when it comes to workcamping in 2025, things have changed.
Featured article
RVers discuss: Should you pay less for fewer/unavailable campground amenities?
By Gail Marsh
You may have experienced it yourself. You diligently research campground rates, and consider the amenities offered and the available camping dates. Then, when you arrive at your chosen campground, you discover a surprise: You’ll pay the same price for fewer RV amenities! … Should one expect to pay the same price for using fewer RV park amenities? Read more, then join in the discussion here.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Court confirms Camping World unlawful practices. RV buyers to get big refunds
- RV inspector says some RV brands trying to do too much
- RVtravel.com in 2025: A year to celebrate, a year of the unknown
- 700 Park Service workers cash in on “quit now, get paid until later” deal
- RVer says this is the number one question you should ask before buying RV
Reader poll
Do you currently have a National Park Service America the Beautiful Pass?
Quick tip
Protect your glassware – Sock it to ’em!
“A suggestion was made about using glass cozies to protect glassware; however, we’ve found it cheaper to use inexpensive kids’ socks (from Costco) to slip over the glassware. They’ve had several thousand miles without breakage.” Thanks for the tip, Dave B.!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Ignore these two RV tasks upon campsite arrival and departure and you’ll be sorry!
- Ask Dave: My RV’s rear heater is extremely hot. What temperature should it be?
- RV review: Think differently—The SylvanSport GO All-Terrain is more than a camp trailer
- Video: 20 things we wish we knew before RVing to Alaska
Website of the day
Pinterest: Road Trip Ideas
Don’t blame us if you spend three hours exploring here… there is ENDLESS information! This Pinterest page leads you to hundreds of blogs and websites with so many wonderful, inspiring travel ideas.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We appreciate anything that saves us time, and this definitely saves us time in the morning (and saves us cleaning too!).
Recipes of the day
Delicious seafood recipes made even better with tartar sauce
Since it’s National Tartar Sauce Day, we thought we’d help you celebrate. It will surely feel like a summer evening with these delicious seafood recipes. Think: crab cake sandwiches, salmon croquettes, fried fish (of course), fried shrimp, and more. Check these out.
Trivia
Wearing any gold jewelry right now? If so, there’s a good chance it came from South Africa. Almost 50 percent of all the gold ever extracted by humans has come from the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa, the most gold-rich location on planet Earth. Since the discovery of gold there in 1886, more than 50,000 tons of gold have been extracted.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Navidad, Teilen, and Ash (14, 9, 3). All three were/are rescues. It took me a few stops to figure out the best system for loading into the truck. Old age finally took Navidad this past Sept. I adopted him at 8 1/2 weeks old. He almost made it to 15 years old, and was a longtime cross-country traveling companion. Teilen has been with me for two years and Ash for one year, and both have adapted well to life on the road and in a truck camper.” —Charlie Romine
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Waiting in line. Let’s go!
Pinterest site very busy and after selecting an option I encountered another busy page of unlimited options. I quit then.
Navidad, Teilen, and Ash are all beautiful. Thank you so much for rescuing. Sorry for your loss with the oldest who looks to have had a wonderful life with you. Keep on camping!
LHWAL: I find today’s funny, very funny, 🤣😂
Does the egg cooker come with eggs?
Hi, Mel. Unfortunately, that would probably put the price out of reach for most folks.🤣 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
The “famous or infamous” McGovern sense of humor is showing. Always appreciated.
Thanks, Jesse. Yeah, I think I qualify for infamous, actually. But in that instance I think I was just stating a (sad) fact.🙄🤣 Have a good evening/night.🤗 –Diane
Just love the America the Beautiful pass! We invested in the lifetime version and have never regretted it!!
I find dawn dish soap better for pre soaking stains then anything else. IMO not yours
BTW if you are a veteran you can get an America the Beautiful Pass for free. At least my husband did.
Mystery Product Egg Cooker: It is cheaper than the 6 eggs that it can cook.
Very sorry for your loss, Charlie. 🙁 I am sure that you still miss Navidad after all the years you were together. I hope that you are cheered by many trips and many miles with Teilen and Ash. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekend and safe travels!