Eleven new Oregon wildfires prompt closures
Statesman Journal
The western half of the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon is closed to the public after 11 different wildfires burning in the central Cascades prompted officials to take action. In addition to the Three Sisters area, 117,139 acres in and around the Mount Jefferson Wilderness are closed as well due to the 6,569 acre Whitewater Fire. The 2,380-acre Jones Fire, burning northeast of Lowell, has closed 39,097 acres in the Fall Creek area just east of Eugene. The closures will remain in effect through the August 21 eclipse.
Younger professionals opt for RV living
FOX 17
RV living is a prime choice for young professionals as they couple together all the amenities they’ve grown accustomed to electricity, Wi-Fi, full bathrooms, and kitchens. For those looking to save on rent while living a fully functional and active lifestyle, an RV is a perfect choice. Not everyone wants picket fence or mortgage nowadays, and the versatility, affordability, and appeal of being able to bring your job with you anywhere you can get a WiFi connection is what’s ultimately bringing younger people into the RV industry.
Few rooms remain vacant for eclipse
The Observer
Crowds of visitors are projected to be traveling the La Grande, Oregon region for next week’s total solar eclipse. Eastern Oregon University is renting out campus dorms during the eclipse weekend and reported that only 5 to 8 suites of the original 60 are still available. A front-desk employee at La Grande’s Super 8 Motel nearby, said there are just a few rooms available, but all other rooms have been booked for months or even a year. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, between La Grande and Union off Highway 203, still has sites available, but not many.
Bish’s RV to give away trailer to celebrate opening
Meridian Press
Bish’s RV is giving away a $36,000 travel trailer on Saturday to celebrate its grand opening in Meridian, Idaho. The dealership recently moved from Nampa to a new facility on West Overland Road, next to Camping World and Roaring Springs. From now until Saturday, customers are invited to tour four RVs at the new store to be entered into a drawing for the trailer, a 27-foot Jayco Jay Flight 27BHS Elite. Fifteen keys will be given away and on Saturday, one key will open the Jayco.
RV blows tire, veers across highway, four die
Four people died in a multi-vehicle accident about eight miles west of Santa Rosa, New Mexico Wednesday evening, according to New Mexico State Police. State Police reported the RV was headed east on I-40 when a tire blew out. The RV then crossed the median and hit oncoming cars in the westbound lanes. No word on in which vehicles the fatalities occurred.
Airbnb for camping: HomeCamp connects tourists and tents with unused backyards
Blaney Chronicle
A new Austrailian website, Home-Camp, connects travelers with home owners offering up their backyards to tourists who want somewhere central and affordable to stay while traveling through one of the world’s most expensive cities. More than 1,000 homes and rooms in Sydney, Australia are listed on the site since the company launched in Australia in 2013. This “backyard borrowing” approach offers a benefit beyond the cash saved: the opportunity for visitors to stay in a “less touristy” spot.
Campground bookings up as much as 3,000 percent for eclipse
Forbes
Although the US has been graced by a total solar eclipse before, this is the first time in 99 years that one has spanned the entire country, leading to the high demand for lodging within the 70-mile shadow. Camping reservations in small towns in Illinois or Kentucky are up nearly 3,000 percent as a result of the eclipse and KOA’s located across the path of totality are up nearly 233% in bookings for that weekend.
Trump administration kills push to ban bottled water in national parks
SF Gate
The National Park Service announced Wednesday that, effective immediately, it will no longer allow parks to ban sales of plastic water bottles. Since 2011, as part of the Green Parks Plan adopted under former President Barack Obama, the Park Service encouraged the use of tap water and refillable bottles on federal lands, allowing parks the option to prohibit the sale of disposable water bottles in shops, hotels, and vending machines. Officials believe park visitors can best choose how to keep themselves and their family hydrated when visiting a national park.
Nearly 3 million to go towards Loud Thunder campground renovations
QC Online
On Tuesday, County forest preserve commission members took the next step in making nearly $5 million in improvements to Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois. $2.9 million will go toward upgrades to the Deer Haven and Horse Corral campgrounds, including 35 pull-through RV campsites, and 18 back-ins. Plans also include construction of four two-bedroom cabins with lake access and private docks at the Deer Haven campground and expansion of campsites at the Horse Corral campground.
Yosemite fires close campgrounds
Sierra Star
Yosemite’s blazing South Fork Fire began early Sunday and grew to 2,296 acres with 5 percent contained by Wednesday afternoon. The growing flames forced the closure of many campgrounds and golf courses in the area. The Wawona Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground and Big Trees Golf Course are currently closed. The park is still open from all entrances, however many areas may be smoky. The main base for firefighting operations is established at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.
Grand Canyon issues water treatment advisory
Grand Canyon News
Grand Canyon National Park officials advise hikers and campers they need to treat their drinking water at both the Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita Resthouse along the North Kaibab Trail just below the North Rim. To treat water, individuals should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on water filtration systems and treatment tablets, or boil water for at least one minute. Fresh water is available at the South Rim, North Rim, Mile and a Half Resthouse, Indian Garden Campground, and the Phantom Ranch Lodge.
