America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1254
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Today’s thought
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” —Oscar Wilde
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Something On A Stick Day! (Like a corn dog! Or grilled skewers! Or roasted marshmallows for s’mores! Or a popsicle!) To celebrate, we’ve put together a whole list of recipes for you.
On this day in history: 1910 – Henri Fabre becomes the first person to fly a seaplane, the Fabre Hydravion, an aircraft he designed and built, after taking off from a water runway near Martigues, France.
Featured news
AAA reported on March 26 that the national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline was up 10 cents from the previous week and one dollar from last month. The graph shows the steep rise from $2.98 on February 26 to $3.98 on March 26. Crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict nears the 4-week mark. The national average could reach $4 a gallon in the coming days for the first time since August 2022. Here are the numbers (gulp).
Amazon’s Starlink rival is suddenly accelerating—and RVers are hearing about it now for a reason. The company has more than 80 rocket launches lined up as it races to meet a federal deadline requiring it to deploy a large share of its satellites by the middle of this year. So should you be excited? Well, um, maybe not quite yet…
Two massive RV parks tied to the AI boom could soon reshape Abilene, Texas, where traditional housing is hard to come by. The first park is the $15 million Cottages at the Frontier with about 945 RV sites on 109 acres. The project is designed specifically to house workers for a nearby $25 billion data center campus, one of the largest in the country, expected to employ thousands. The park would include paved roads, walkways, and amenities such as a gym, dog park, pickleball courts, and green space. But wait… there’s more!
Speaking of AI data centers… Data centers near national parks are moving closer, and that could change what you hear, see, and experience when you stay. A new report warns that more than 70 National Park Service sites could be affected by rapid data center growth. Demand for cloud computing, streaming, and AI has exploded. And all that digital activity has to live somewhere—in the form of large, power-hungry facilities built on real land. Your campsite might soon be a lot louder…
You’re sitting outside the rig, maybe early morning, maybe late afternoon. Coffee in hand. Quiet. Then—crack. Gunfire. In a national park? Yep. Volunteer hunters are being enlisted to help manage wildlife in national parks. It’s the kind of thing that would make most RVers sit up straight and wonder what just went wrong. But in some places, what you’re hearing may be part of one of those controlled efforts.
The big Amazon spring RV gear sale is underway and runs through Tuesday, March 31. If you’ve been putting off replacing worn-out gear, this may be the time to take a look. We sifted through pages of lookalike items and found a handful that line up with what RVers actually use every trip—water, waste, setup, and safety gear. Check out our best picks.
If you’ve noticed more retirees in campgrounds—and not many lining up for glamping tents—you’re not imagining it. The older campers’ glamping trend is going in the opposite direction of the hype: Older campers are traveling more, but they’re choosing RVs over luxury camping by a wide margin. New survey data from a 2026 camping report backs that up.
If you have been waiting for a good excuse to plan your next RV trip, National Park Week 2026 just handed you one. The National Park Service recently announced that this year’s celebration will run from August 22-30, 2026. This year’s celebration dates have been changed from their usual April timing around Earth Day, and the NPS has stretched the event across two weekends and made a few other changes, too.
RV shipments continued their slide for the year 2026 in February. Results for the RV Industry Association’s February 2026 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 29,206 units, an 11.1% decrease from the 32,871 units shipped in February 2025. For the year, shipments were off 10.9%. Continue reading.
A quiet blueberry barren in Northport, Maine, has turned into the center of a heated debate over a proposed RV park—and now a possible 180-day moratorium on new campgrounds. Town officials want time to review rules as residents clash over development versus preserving open space. For RVers, it’s another sign that new camping options may face growing resistance in scenic areas. Here’s the story.
Lorelei Scott had lived in her RV in British Columbia for four years. Strange noises under the rig weren’t unusual. She’d come to expect the occasional nighttime visitor—usually raccoons. So when she heard a loud rustling and what she described as “angry cats,” her first instinct was to go outside and take a look. But something stopped her, and that hesitation may have been the smartest move she made all day. Yikes!! (Hint: It was NOT raccoons!)
DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEWS: Did you know you can receive a daily roundup of the latest news for RVers? Delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, we’ll send you the biggest headlines. Stay up to date, learn about important closures, recalls, and much more. Click here and subscribe to “Breaking RV News.”
Road-ready gadgets that make RV life easier, especially for seniors
Gail Marsh writes, “Living the RV life should feel like freedom, but lately it’s been a bit of a struggle. My husband awaits knee replacement surgery, and I’ve been on the hunt for tips, tricks, and gadgets that can help restore his joy of RVing and also keep us comfortable (and safe) as we RV. Here’s what I’ve found.”
RV review
2026 Dynamax Isata 3 24FW— A compact Class C that doesn’t skimp on amenities
By Gail Marsh
I’ve been looking at several Class C RVs lately, and like most of what I see in the 2026 Dynamax Isata 3 24FW. In my opinion, this Class C is a good choice for couples who prefer a smaller rig but don’t want to skimp on the amenities. Dynamax builds the Isata 3 with durability in mind, and the 24FW reflects that approach. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
Campers are changing their ways as RV industry tensions rise
Campers are stepping up—more are actually showing up for reservations—but that’s just one piece of a much bigger shift happening across the RV world. From a rebounding California RV show to massive new parks, stalled developments, and growing pressure on the industry, Tony connects the dots on what it all means for your next trip.
News briefs
Another wave of scam text messages is circulating across Idaho. They claim that an outstanding traffic fine must be paid online or that a vehicle registration is overdue. “They … look official but are completely fraudulent,” said Lisa McClellan, Idaho DMV Administrator. “If the link does not end in a dot gov address, it’s a scam.” Other states are reporting the same activity.
Campgrounds at Georgia’s J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill, are reopening for the spring and summer season, with most sites available now.
Grand Canyon National Park will open its North Rim May 15 for the summer season. All paved roadways inside the park will reopen, including Highway 67, Cape Royal and Point Imperial Roads. RVs or vehicles longer than 22 feet long will not be allowed on Cape Royal and Point Imperial Roads because of tight turns, limited parking and narrow conditions.
Northwest Indiana leaders are pushing to have sections of U.S. 12, an early pre-interstate highway along Lake Michigan’s southern shore, designated first as a State Scenic Byway and ultimately a National Scenic Byway. The route passes dunes, beaches and steel mills, offering a mix of natural and industrial scenery.
Pilot Eats Express, a grab-and-go companion to Pilot Eats, is rolling out at approximately 200 Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers. It delivers artisan-style pizza, chicken wings and tenders and snackable sides made for eating on-the-go.
Despite rising gas prices, the California RV Show, held March 20-22 in Pomona, Calif., drew more than 20,000 paying visitors. It was the first major RV show in Southern California in almost six years.
Buc-ee’s will break ground April 7 on a new travel center in Forsyth, Georgia, its fourth location in the state, at 1080 Rumble Road. It will span about 74,000 square feet with 100 fuel pumps. Buc-ee’s now operates 54 locations nationwide and continues expanding across the Southeast and beyond.
Winnebago Industries reported fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $657.4 million, up about 6% from a year earlier, as higher prices and product mix offset lower unit sales. Net income improved to $4.8 million from a loss last year. Motorhome sales climbed roughly 29% while towable RV revenue declined about 9%.
George Byron Lee, 77, was killed following a camper fire that was started by a space heater in a small RV park in D’Iberville, Miss., this past week. The fire occurred overnight and burned out on its own, but not before taking Lee’s life.
The 47th Annual York RV Show was held March 20–22 at the York Expo Center in York, Pa. Paid admissions were reported at a mere 3,000.
Santa Barbara officials are exploring a plan to convert 127 waterfront parking spaces at Chase Palm Park into overnight RV sites which could generate up to $348,000 a year. The proposal could create 16 to 26 “dry camping” spaces for self-contained RVs, with no hookups or restrooms, at nightly rates around $100–$110.
The $7,000, 80×40-foot American flag along I-80 at Camping World in Roseville, Calif., is flying once again, roughly two months after thieves stole it, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the flagpole.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system beginning May 1. Entrance fees and other in-person sales will be processed using mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets.
The Family RV Association (formerly FMCA), reports that it had a successful International Convention March 18-21 in Perry, Georgia. Although 1,005 member RVs were registered, some cancelled last-minute for various reasons. In its heyday in the late ’90s, more than 7,000 RVs would be on hand for the annual event.
500 campgrounds worth the drive
In this comprehensive sequel to National Geographic’s best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you’ll discover the 500 best camping destinations across the United States and Canada. You’ll find 10 featured campgrounds in every state, plus tips on what to do, where to eat, and must-see attractions nearby—from national parks to local gems. Learn more or order.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
FACTOID: American frontier pioneers were sometimes so desperate for a cure for their ailments that they turned to a “quacksalver, or quack, for short. Quacks claimed to have miracle cures for all sorts of illnesses, some of which contained unhealthy or even dangerous ingredients. Today we call a doctor with questionable credentials a quack.
RV and RV-related recalls
- Winnebago recalls some motorhomes for inadequate lights
- Grand Design recall: Steps may open unexpectedly
- Keystone is recalling certain 2026 Montana fifth wheel trailers. The 12-volt and 120-volt wiring may be improperly secured so the wires may be pinched and damaged when the bedroom slide-out moves. More info: 866-425-4369 regarding recall 26-480.
The countdown is on:
- There are 2-6 more days until the Washington, D.C., cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom.
- There are 33 days until the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff event.
- There are 84 days until the Summer Solstice.
- There are 98 days until the United States turns 250 on July 4, 2026.
- There are 147 days until the start of National Park Week 2026.
Reader poll
Have you ever had a problem with an RV slideout that delayed your travel?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
There are many, many fun designs of these… but these might be the strangest ones we’ve seen. Who would want this? And why? (Oh, but check out all the other options, there are some really great ones!)
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
**If you’re near Las Vegas, NV, be sure to see Dave Solberg at his always educational and entertaining seminars at the Las Vegas RV Show through tomorrow, March 29.
Trivia
According to botanists (those who study plants), a fruit is the part of the plant that develops from a flower. It’s also the section of the plant that contains the seeds. The other parts of plants are considered vegetables. These include the stems, leaves and roots—and even the flower bud.
Laugh of the week
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Scammers are getting smarter as travel season picks up—and RVers are squarely in their sights. Here are three scams making the rounds right now:
• “Campground reservation” phishing texts: Messages claiming there’s an issue with your upcoming reservation, urging you to click a link to “confirm” or “pay a balance.” The link leads to a fake booking site designed to steal your info or payment.
• Fuel pump card skimmers (still surging): Skimmers are popping up again at busy travel stops. If the pump looks tampered with or won’t accept tap-to-pay, move on—and consider paying inside.
• Fake RV parts and service deals online: Deep discounts on hard-to-find parts or mobile RV repair services advertised on social media. Payment is requested upfront, then the seller disappears—or sends junk.
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Visit the current National Radar Weather Map
RVtravel.com All Star Team
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Today’s Tanner Toons must be for the Tourons. It certainly isn’t funny when the consequences are considered. Unfortunately we see people every year that think the wild park animals are cuddly smiling friends and the Park rules don’t apply to them.
Your readers might appreciate knowing that the Theodore Roosevelt presidential library is set to open July 4th in Medora, ND. This is the town at the entrance to the national park, named after Roosevelt.
As for tap and pay? I am being told not to use it if in a busy place or if the place looks sketchy. I do not use tap and go and still use the insert card mode. I am done with hackers and scammers. As for the US 12 route? From Chicago to Michigan continue onward all the way up the Lake Michigan coastline. Very beautiful drive. I did with family until I moved out of Michigan. There are a lot of little towns that need your business.
My understanding is that Tap-to-pay is more secure than swipe methods.
Please reach out to a trusted source (local police, consumer groups, state agencies) to confirm.
Neither payment methods are secure. Scammers have ways to capture all of the information they need to bankrupt you. CASH is the only payment method that is completely SAFE.
The traffic ticket scam is not just appearing in Idaho. We live in Washington and both of us received texts warning us about traffic fines incurred in Oregon—where we seldom go. They are always urgent: final notice, terrible consequences, PAY TODAY. The ones I really hate, though, are the toll road threats that came after an east coast trip a couple of years ago. I knew I’d paid everything, but still—