America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1267
This is the FREE EDITION of this newsletter. Our donor edition does not contain ads.
Today’s thought
“When you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” —Theodore Roosevelt
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Sunglasses Day! Scroll down here and have fun with these. Wow!
On this day in history: 1914 – The Illinois Monument is dedicated at Cheatham Hill in what is now the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
LAST SUNDAY’S SONG OF THE WEEK
“I Stand By My Dumpin’ Man”
Original RVing songs are featured in every Sunday RVtravel.com newsletter. A new song is coming tomorrow: anyone who travels with an “RV co-pilot” will love it.
Featured news
The campground was “full.” So why were half the sites empty?
The campground was full—at least according to the reservation system. Yet after checking in, you notice empty campsites scattered around the campground. No RVs. No tents. Nobody is arriving after dark. California officials say those empty campsites are one reason the state is imposing tougher penalties on no-shows and last-minute cancellations beginning July 1.
Are algorithms replacing competition at the gas pump? A lawsuit says yes
Ever wondered who—or what—is setting the numbers on the gas station sign? A new California gas pricing lawsuit says the answer may increasingly be software instead of old-fashioned competition. The case doesn’t accuse every gas station of using the software, but it raises questions about whether computers are changing the way gas stations set fuel prices.
He dropped his sunglasses in a campground toilet. His rescue wasn’t funny
Campground officials have a simple message for anyone who drops something into a vault toilet: Leave it there. That’s not just good advice. It’s a lesson one California camper learned after finding himself in a situation that was, quite literally, over his head.
The campground was open. The water wasn’t. A lesson for every RVer
Many RVers assume that if a campground is open, water will be available—but that’s becoming less of a sure thing. Some Colorado campgrounds are staying open despite drought-related water shutdowns, with visitors being advised to bring their own drinking water and prepare for limited services. Before you head out, check campground conditions.
Pilot, Flying J offering Fourth of July fuel discount: 25 cents off every gallon July 1–5
Just in time for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, Pilot is giving drivers a chance to save at the pump. From July 1 through July 5, customers can receive 25 cents off every gallon of gas or auto diesel at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers across the U.S. Here are the details.
RV shipments continue steady decline for the year
Total RV shipments from manufacturers to dealers continued their year-long slide in May with 22,900 units shipped, a 18.7% decrease from the 28,150 units shipped in May 2025. For the year, shipments are down 14.4%. Here are the rest of the numbers.
Three older hikers die from heat exposure at Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park rangers and emergency personnel responded to two separate heat-related incidents on June 12 and 16 that resulted in three deaths. In both cases, the hikers were on trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109° F in the shade during midday hours. Here’s the story. (Please be safe out there!)
Bear threatens hiker in Colorado for 30 minutes, then leaves to follow other hikers
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a reported bear attack at Apex Park west of Denver. A woman said a bear grabbed her backpack, made contact with her leg, and followed her for more than 30 minutes despite her efforts to scare it away with rocks, sticks, and loud noises. Continue reading.
The easiest way to fly a flag from your RV
Recently, one of our Facebook members shared a really cool suction cup flag holder for RVs, and I couldn’t be prouder to highlight it here. This handy little accessory makes it easy to show your love for our country and support for our troops wherever you are. Sticks to any surface.
RV review
2026 Bigfoot B21FB travel trailer, now with twin beds
By Cheri Sicard
A 21-foot trailer rarely leaves room for compromise, yet the 2026 Bigfoot B21FB (twin bed) travel trailer fits in more than expected. It pairs separate beds, a full dry bath, and Bigfoot’s four-season 2500 Series shell in a layout that feels open instead of cramped. Bigfoot is known for well-built trailers that last a long time, and this floor plan gives that reputation a layout that feels fresh. Check it out.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel…
… is on vacation! Tony has been in Elkhart learning just about everything there is to know about the newest RVs, so he’s been just a bit preoccupied. He does have an excellent article coming in tomorrow’s issue, so be sure to come back and check it out.
FACTOID: The striking, colorful California Dogface Butterfly is California’s official state insect. It gets its name from the upper wings that subtly resemble the profile of a dog’s face.
News briefs
Hundreds of employees at Glacier National Park and 11 other Western national parks have voted to unionize. The newly formed union will represent about 650 non-supervisory National Park Service employees across the Intermountain Region, including staff at Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Grand Teton national parks.
Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. As of yesterday, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.
Speaking of fires… Planning to camp in Washington’s national parks this summer? Leave the firewood at home. Burn bans are now in effect at all Washington national parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic, due to dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk. The bans cover campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, and other fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills.
Idaho’s newest state park officially opens this weekend. Twin Peaks Ranch State Park, about 20 miles from Salmon, offers camping, trails, cabins, and easy access to the Salmon River and Salmon-Challis National Forest, creating a new hub for outdoor recreation in central Idaho. Learn more.
Montana Highway Patrol recently pulled over one of the state’s most unusual vehicles—a giant banana car cruising down Interstate 90 near Billings. Officers assured everyone the stop wasn’t because the ride looked too appealing; boxes on the roof were partially blocking the novelty license plate. Sometimes, even bananas have to follow the rules of the road.
A new RV park is opening July 1 in Crooked River Ranch, Oregon, next to the popular Over the Edge Taphouse. The 19-site Edge RV Park includes mostly full-hookup RV sites and a dog park. It’s near several Central Oregon attractions, including Steelhead Falls, Smith Rock State Park and Lake Billy Chinook.
A 12-year-old visitor was injured by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on June 26 near Mud Volcano, just north of Fishing Bridge. No details were given on the incident. Bison are unpredictable, can run three times faster than humans and will defend their space when threatened.
White Sands National Park wants to contact a visitor who handled a dead bat with bare hands and brought it into the park visitor center on Thursday, June 18. The visitor or their parent or guardian should contact a medical provider or local health department right away to discuss whether rabies post‑exposure treatment is recommended. They are also asked to contact White Sands National Park.
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is now fully open for the 2026 season. Visitors can drive the entire 50-mile length of the road, and access Logan Pass from both West Glacier and St. Mary entrances. Some long, tall or wide vehicles are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. Traffic into the West Entrance of the park may be busy with waits of up to 2 miles and 30 minutes to West Glacier at peak times.
After several days on the run—and plenty of hilarious fake “sightings” across Texas—Gracie the giraffe has been found safe. The towering escape artist was discovered Friday morning about four miles from her ranch near Leakey, ending one of the state’s tallest missing-animal searches in recent memory.
Gasoline and diesel prices might increase for you beginning July 1 as many states raise their fuel taxes. Some increases are only about a penny, while others climb as high as 3 cents per gallon.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Summer is the busiest time in the park, so pack your patience. Expect crowds at popular areas and lines at entrance stations, construction areas and roadside wildlife sightings.
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Extreme weather
- 🔥 Hottest this weekend: The Desert Southwest will once again be America’s furnace this weekend. Death Valley, California, is expected to soar to 116–118°F, with nearby Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City topping out around 112–115°F. Phoenix should reach 108–111°F, while Yuma is forecast to hit 107–109°F, making Southeastern California and Western Arizona the hottest part of the Lower 48.
- 🥶 Coldest this weekend: Looking for relief? The coolest weather in the Lower 48 will be found in the high country of the Northern Rockies. West Yellowstone, Montana, Yellowstone National Park, and the mountains of Central Idaho and Northwest Wyoming are expected to wake up to overnight lows in the upper 20s to mid-30s, with afternoon highs only in the upper 50s to mid-60s—perfect weather for a campfire and a hoodie while much of the country swelters.
🌲 CAMPGROUND FACT: A mature tree can cool the surrounding air by as much as 10°F through shade and evaporation—one more reason everyone hopes for a shady campsite on a hot, sunny day.
Reader poll
Would you support stricter penalties for campers who don’t cancel reservations?
Help find this stolen RV
Have you seen this Monaco Diplomat? It was stolen from Wilson County, Texas, last month and may have been driven to Michigan. It has Washington state license plate BYK4472. If you have information about it, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. A $200 reward is offered.
RV and RV-related recalls
- Airxcel is recalling certain Maxxair N-Series Maxxfan rooftop ventilation fans. The printed circuit board may fail during certain operations and overheat. Info: 1-316-832-3400.
- Forest River is recalling 1,824 model year 2025-2026 NOBO, Ibex, and 2025-2027 r-pod travel trailers. The 110V circuits on the distribution panel may be mislabeled, which can result in electrical shock. Recall number: 47-2072. Info: (574) 825-0856
- Airstream is recalling certain 2026 Classic travel trailers and 2025-2027 Interstate travel vehicles, equipped with certain Maxxair N-Series Maxxfan rooftop ventilation fans. The printed circuit board may fail during certain operations and overheat. Info: (877) 596-6505 or (937) 596-6111, ext. 7401 or 7411.
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We searched for “funny” and this was the second item that popped up. Sure, it’s funny, but it’s also really, really, reallllllllly cute! Should we admit we kinda want it?
Trivia
Octopuses may be even smarter than we thought. Researchers at Dartmouth found that octopuses can learn to use mirrors to locate food hidden behind them—a skill previously seen only in vertebrates like mammals and birds. After training, the animals correctly identified the food’s location about 73% of the time, showing they could use a mirror as a tool rather than simply reacting to a reflection.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Laugh of the week
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
- Traffic violation QR code texts: This is the newest twist on the toll-text scam. Drivers receive a fake notice claiming they owe a traffic or parking fine and are told to scan a QR code to pay. The code leads to a phishing site that steals payment information.
- Fake campground customer service: After posting questions on social media about campsite availability or reservations, some campers are being contacted by scammers posing as campground staff. They ask for deposits through payment apps, but no reservation is ever made.
- Marketplace RV gear scams: Fake online stores and social media ads continue to advertise steep discounts on generators, portable power stations, solar panels, and other popular RV accessories. The products either never arrive or are cheap knockoffs.
Miss The Perfect Scam? Listen to the most recent episode here.
Today in history
SUMMER ESSENTIALS? Say no more! As usual, Amazon has a whole category for that, and soooo many items are on sale.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All Star Staff
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Thanks for a non polarizing newsletter this week!
No, Dave. No need to thank us. It may appear from your perspective that this newsletter was non polarizing, but I guarantee that some others will disagree. We can write that yellow is one of the colors of the rainbow, and I guarantee some readers will accuse us of stirring up trouble. Never in the last decade of publishing this newsletter did we not offend someone in any particular issue. It’s not intentional, it’s just the way it is. But glad you found the issue acceptable. — Chuck W./publisher
Sorry to hear the NP workers out west unionizing but not surprised since no good ideas have come from the West in a long time. No one but the union leaders will benefit and no Americans will benefit from this.
Uncle Swags, You write that “no good ideas have come from the West in a long time”. As a life-long Westerner, I beg to differ. How are you qualified to make such a statement?
Just his attempt to polarize.
Fyi: I clicked on one of the ads in your blog, and it turned into a scam.
Don’t try to order a tiny camera for less than $20!
Sorry, Tom. Some of those ads are put in automatically and we don’t see them. If someone sends us the URL or name of the “offensive” ad, we can contact the company that puts those ads in so they don’t put them on our site anymore. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
A fisherman dropped his jacket in a port-a-potty. He was trying to “fish” it out using his fishing pole when another fisherman came along and asked,”You’re not going to keep that jacket, are ya’?” “Oh no”, the unlucky fisherman answered, “but my sandwich is in the pocket.”
🤣🤣 Thanks, Marty. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com