Californian National Parks in an RV!

Yosemite Valley
By sjs61 - Flickr

Explore the beautiful Californian National parks this summer in an RV.  Explore the magnificent Yosemite Valley, Death Valley and other lovely forests while driving the 395 north.

Pick up an RV in Los Angeles and head north(ish) to the national parks.  The first state park you'll come across is Red Rock Canyon State Park.  Explore the scenic desert features and spectacular rock formations then veer off to the left in the direction of Isabella Lake.  It's surrounded by the lovely Sequoia National Forest amid the Kern River Valley.

• Stay at the Lake Isabella RV Resort

Death Valley
By www.bazpics. com - Flickr

Get back on the main road and join the road through Death Valley National Park.  Take a cruise through this arid basin and largest national park in the lower 48 states.  It will be hot and dry so be prepared!

Get back on the main road and cruise past the mostly dry Owens Lake in Sierra Nevada. 

Pull off the 395, park up the RV and stay for a while at Diaz Lake Recreation Area.  Camping spaces are large enough for RV's and you have free regn to fish, swim, picnic.  The kids have a play area and the camp grounds are well-shaded around the shore. 

• Diaz Lake Recreation Area.

The town of Lone Pines follows , the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US.  Feel the euphoria as you reach the summit of Mt. Whitney, if you can manage the climb.  It's an incredible vantage point with Death Valley almost in view.  

June Lake
By Jay 0110 - Flickr

As you near Yosemite National Park and leave the more desert scenery behind, come to June Lake.  June Lake is a beautiful lake with plenty of recreational activities to choose from.  Swim in the calm waters, try your hand at some fishing,  Jump in a kayak or canoe and go for a paddle or take a hike on one of the many national park trails.  A seasonal farmer's market provides you with fresh healthy food, so pack a picnic and sit lakeside all day.   

Stay at:

• Oh Ridge Campground
• June Lake RV Park
• Pine Cliff RV Resort
• Silver Lake Campground and RV Park
• Silver Lake Resort RV Park

You'll come to Lee Vining and Mono Lake if you keep on the 395.  You'll be greeted by small-town hospitality, restaurants, markets, churches and visitor services.  Mono Lake is hauntingly beautiful with it's shimmering blue waters... a natural wonderland.  

Yosemit Valley - River View
By got2feeldablues - Flickr

Continue the journey into Yosemite National Park.  This sensational Park will have everyone inspired by it's waterfalls, soaring cliffs and tree and meadow filled valley floors.  Walk amongst the giant sequoia groves and follow clear streams  as you hike or bike along the trails.  

Stay at:

• Yosemite Pines RV Resort
• High Sierra RV & Mobile Park

End on a high in Yosemite Valley before returning your RV in San Francisco or driving back down the coast to LA.  

Sound like a good trip? Get yourself an RV and make it a reality for you!! Find some RV specials at RV Rental Sale Finder. 

Salt Lake City to Utah's Beautiful National Parks!

Moab sunset
By Lee909 - Flickr Creative Commons

It will be hot in summer, but that makes a perfect desert setting for this RV vacation.  Travel on  a family road trip  from salt Lake City, south to Utah's incredibly breathtaking National Parks and back up again to Salt Lake City.   It could take you between 7 and 10 nights depending on how long you want to stay in each place, travelling 650 miles, give or take.  Just make sure you make the most of the fascinating scenery.  Have a lookie at the route planned:

View Larger Map

Salt Lake city - National Parks and back up to Salt Lake City

Lets get this road trip underway...


Day 1 - Salt Lake City:

Arrive in Salt Lake City and pick up your booked RV!  Depending on what time you arrive in Salt Lake City, spend the night in an RV park or take to the road heading to Arches National Park, Moab. This journey takes about 5 hours so you could break it up with a night on the road.  Unita National Forest out of Salt Lake City has 29 developed camp grounds and offers uncrowded forest experiences, a plethora of recreational activities and pretty campsites.  Take a hike through the wilderness areas or a paddle on the fir lined lake.  Enjoy a semi-wilderness camping experience... but with all the facilities of your RV. 

Broken Arch, Arches National Park
By daveynin - Flickr Creative Commons

Day 3 - Arches National Park:

Arches National Park is a striking natural environment combining colors, textures, and some fascinating natural stone arches.  Explore the interesting desert formations and panoramic views. It IS incredible.  Take a guided tour through the sandstone arches, towers and fins on a slightly challenging hike.  Learn some of the geological reasons behind the formations on the tour.  

Moab is the best place to stay to access all the national parks and return you RV at night to your campsite.  

However, Arches National Park has one camping option in the park.  See the light on the arches as the sun goes down and then wake up to the  arches with the sunrise light.   

Campsites:

• Arch View Resort
• Moab KOA
• Ron's Pack Creek Campground and RV Park

Canyonlands National Park
By Manchmod - Flickr Creative Commons

Day 4 & 5 - Canyonlands :

If you've spent enough time in Arches National Park, spend the following day in Canyonlands National Park.  Canyonlands is a wonderland of outdoor recreational activities amongst unusual rock formations and incredible colors.  

Take a jet boat ride through the best part of the Colorado River that runs through Canyonlands National Park.  Pass remote canyons of exquisite beauty, fossilized sea beds, Indian ruins and many spectacular rock forms.  

Choose from many more activities in Canyonlands such as biking, horseback riding fishing, four wheeling, taking magnificent photos or gazing through the clear skies to the stars. 

There are two campgrounds in Canyonlands Park:

• Squaw Flat Campground
• Willow Flat Campground

By Bryan Chang - Flickr Creative Commons

Day 6 - Dead Horse Point: 

Fulfill your days in Canyonlands National Park and then head over to Dead Horse Point State Park.  The name may not sound too appealing but rest assured the park is one of wondrous beauty.   Stroll along the Rim walk.  It towers 2,000 feet above the Colorado River obviously proving awe-inspiring views of canyon country, pinnacles and buttes.  The park is open till 10pm daily and the visitor centre till 6pm.  Enjoy some refreshments at the  Pony Expresso Coffee shop.  

There is a camping ground in the Park:

• Kayenta Campground

If you can't get a campsite for your RV in either of the on site RV parks, try out some in Moab.

4 Wheel driving from Moab
By L. N. Batides - Flickr Creative Commons

Day 7 - Moab:

Moab has plenty of activities on offer, often out in the National Parks.  Find tours for scenic raft trips, the perfect way to explore the parks from the flowing river, go on a hummer tour, an ATV tour, a horseback tour or a bike tour,  try your skills at Canyoneering or rent a Jeep for the day.  There is so much to be explored and many fun ways to do it. 

If you don't want to take the same route back to Salt Lake City as you came in on then jump on highway 50 for a longer more scenic route of roads you haven't seen a few days previously.  You could stay at an RV park in Manti-La Sal Forest, near Santaquin or near Nephi.  The road is yours to do what you will.  


Arrive back in Salt Lake City and stay a night or more there or return the RV and head home to tell of all the fantastic memories. 


Right, let's book that RV, the prefect way to traipse your family across country. You're sure to find some specials at RV Rental Sale Finder! Book away and have a fantastic journey!! 

Calgary Stampede Centennial

By laszlo-photo - Flickr

It's been 100 years since "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" begun, the annual rodeo festival, the parades, shows and concerts.... The Calgary Stampede.

From the 6th to 15th July this year, Calgary will be in festive mode for the huge event.  Being the centennial year, the city will be even more festive than usual.  If there's a Stampede not to be missed, it'll be this one.  The festival is stretching out it's celebrations for many more days and will be bigger, better and flasher than usual.  Dress up in your western boots, cowboy hats and bandanas and get amongst the fun and entertainment. 

By Anna-Webber - Flickr

Why not rent yourself an RV and make a vacation of it.  Pick up an RV and drive to Calgary or get one in Calgary and stay in one of the fantastic RV parks.

RV'S are perfect vehicles for the family to have a fantastic vacation.  Have  a family road trip to get to calgary pull up in an RV park, explore the scenery  then head over to the Stampede.  If you need a day out you can take the RV into the country somewhere for the night.

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival featuring music shows, animal shows, rides and games, parades, competitions and marching bands. It is fun for the whole family, so don some western gear and get on down. 

RV Park Suggestions:

• Calgary West Campground 25 minutes from the Stampede grounds. 
• Mountain View Camping   25 minutes from Stampede grounds
• Nature Hideaway Family Campground 45 minutes from Stampede grounds

Have a look at RV Rental Sale Finder Canada and find a deal on an RV for your trip.

Have fun!!

Oregon Coast in an RV!

Oregon Coast
By Damian D. - Flickr creative commons

The Oregon coast welcomes all RV'ers this summer.  What better way to spend a summer vacation than walking the beaches, body boarding or kayaking, eating seafood or touring vineyards.  The amazing thing about RV's is you're set right from go.   No lugging suitcases into hotels where you'll only spend a night, but take your beds and "life" with you.  Pull up into an RV park or roadside, get out the deck chairs and bask in all your RV's glory as well as the sun.

Day 1 : Portland

Begin the vacation in Portland.  Pick up an RV and you'll be on your way.  Before leaving Portland be sure to check out some of the micro breweries and the city's art and culture

Day 2: Astoria and Clatsop State Forest.  

Drive through the lovely  State Forest on your way to Astoria.  In Astoria visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive center at Cape Disappointment.  Don't mind the name, the museum won't be a disappointment.  If you're up for a hike there are many pretty trails around this area or check out the Cape disappointment Lighthouse.  Of course there's always the beach to go for a lovely walk on.

Haystack Rock
By shalabh - Flickr creative commons

Day 3: Cannon Beach

Head down the coast towards Cannon Beach,  a rugged but spectacular stretch of coast.  Stroll the beach to the beautiful Haystack Rock.  Taste Mo's seafood at Cannon beach or try your luck at catching your own crabs at the jetty, a bit of fun for the kids.

Day 4:Newport

Cruise further down the coast, ensuring you stop for swims and boogie board jaunts when possible.  Newport is the next stop.  The Harbor in Yaquina Bay is lovely for a squizz and so is the Yaquia Bay State Park. Another lighthouse graces the coast, lovely for pictures and a stroll to. Catch Salmon or halibut off the coast or try your hand at clamming! 

In the summer months, whales take up residency between Lincoln city and Newport, so...  go for a whale watching tour!

Oregon Dunes
By Rebecca Kenison - Flickr Creative Commons

Day 5: Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area

The sand dunes are waiting for your exploration.  Hike through the blossoming vegetation, walk the beach or dunes for miles and then stop for a picnic and swim.  The dunes stretch for approximately 40 miles, their unique form  created by windswept sand along the coast.  

Day 6 : Heading back

Head back to Portland when you're ready but don't let the journey be over yet.  In McMinnville (on the road back) there is an aviation museum where you can check Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose or head the other way and dine and tour some local vineyards.  Wineries are dotted around the area and in many you can sample the wines in the tasting rooms.

End your tour in Portland or... the road is your oyster, keep RVing on! 

Book your RV through RV Rental Sale Finder, and take a memorable journey!

RV through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks!

Grand Teton National Park
By jeffgunn - Flickr

Summer is on it's way in the US which means time for a summer holiday.  Experience the magnificent Mountainous west of the USA in an RV.  The scenic wonderland in Wyoming is the perfect place to be free and explore amongst mountains, lakes and crazy land forms!  RV's give you freedom to explore and sleep where you want and when you want.  Sit on the side of the road on your RV couches and gaze out the huge windows at the magnificent vistas.

Day 1: Jackson

Pick up an RV in Salt Lake City or Denver ( the closest cities- but you can find one in many more places. Take a look here) and drive on up to the western town of Jackson, Wyoming.  It sits at the foot of incredible mountains and lush landscapes.  This small town gives you a taste of western cowboy culture blended with more contemporary shopping and galleries, museum and dining.  It's cullinary delights are to be rivaled anywhere. Or, cook up a storm in your dinky RV kitchen .

Stay the night at:

• Jackson Hole Campground

Jackson
By Seth Mazow - Flickr

Day 2: Jackson 

Take a raft trip on the Snake River. Begin scenically then get a bit more pace in the whitewater!  Look out for any wild life along the way! Jackson lies near a river perfect to learn the art of fly fishing! Fishing amongst the wildlife and mountains... perfect. 

Hot pools
By jeffgunn - Flickr

 Day 3+: Yellowstone National Park (stay longer!)

Head on up into Yellowstone National Park for a night or three. Such beautiful scenery will blow all in the RV away.  Look out for the wildlife and  be sure to pay a stop to the geysers and hot pools.

Go for a horse trek through the pretty trees and open meadows and trek alongside a canyon.

Explore the geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser.  Take a trip up to one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, take a swim or canoe on the lake.  Check out the steaming geothermal lakes, a pristine blue colour, Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces,  waterfalls, rivers and.... Bisons!  Take in the spectacular view at Vista Point , overlooking the valley

Sleep a night under the stars at:

• Yellowstone Park KOA

Jenny Lake
By Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire - Flickr

Day 4+: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is a  breath-taking region to RV through.  The dramatic mountain scape is only enhanced by the rivers and glaciers. The Teton range is a subrange of the Rocky Mountains which extends from southern Alaska to northern New Mexico.
Bike rides are on the cards in this area.  Enjoy the mountain views from two wheels, an easy ride in most places so perfect for the whole family. 
Feel a bit of adrenaline rafting the whitewater rapids or take a more serene Canoe on Jenny Lake.  Go for a peaceful scenic float on Snake River to see the Grand Teton landscape from the water.

You could spend your Grand Teton nights in:

• Grand Teton Park

This roadtrip could be completed now or, if you do Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park around the other way, you could cruise on up to Beartooth Highway, reported as one of the most beautiful drives in America. 

All you need now you've got an itinerary is an RV! Check out RV Rental Sale Finder, and you're sure to find a special on an RV.

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

Blue Ridge Parkway
By BeckyCortino - Flickr

One of America's favorite road trips and one of the most visited destinations in the National Park system, The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful 469 mile journey through outstanding scenery, natural environments and and fun recreational activities. 

The 469 mile Journey

There's plenty of places to camp along the way so get an RV and set out on an unforgttable journey through the best of Virginia and North Carolina.  The Road doesn't have many main roads off it, so an RV is the perfect way to be prepared for anything.  Stock up the food, and prepare for a journey through untouched wilderness.

Get off Highway 64 or US 250E and venture down "Blue Ridge Parkway".  There is so much beauty to be explored along the journey that to name a few highlights is hard.  However, the following should entice you in.

The Humpback Rocks
By amaz0n23 - Flickr

The Humpback Rocks, 5.8 miles in (northern end) are a scenic wonder and historic richland.  Enjoy one of many hiking trails, Picnic in nature and explore the historic farm buildings.  You could camp at the nearby Sherando Lake (off the Parkway)  or keep venturing on.  A reminder that there is plenty of RV parks along the route.

After 86 miles embrace the stunning views of the Peaks of Otter and the surrounding Jefferson National Forest.  Take a hike, go for a fish or camp under the stars at the foot of Sharp Top mountain.  

Mabry Mill
By Jason Barnette Photography -Flickr

At Mile 169, stop in at the Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill.  Enjoy a short trail around the mill and be sure to visit the Gritsmill, Sawmill and Blacksmith shop as well as taking mny pictures of the beautiful structures.  If you're there on a Sunday, stick around for the musicians and dancers that gather in the afternoon.

Partake in some bird watching at Cumberland Knob at mile 217 and keep an eye open for deer, racoons, foxes and bobcats as well as beautiful flowers at mile 240 in Doughton Park.

Moses H. Cone Park
By David Fre - Flickr

Gear up for another delicious picnic at Moses H. Cone Park at mile 294.  This family farm and memorial park invcludes a family cemetry, carriage and apple barn and for those interested in transportation- an extensive system of carriage trails.  There's also guided walks and an evening campfire. 

The Linn Cove Viaduct at mile 304 will astound as will the Craggy Gardens at mile 364.  The high summit elevations are home to a spectacular floral display of violets, blackberry, rhododendron, May-Apple and more.

The Folk Art Center at mile 382 shows travelers the best in traditional and modern arts and craft of the Appalachians.  Peruse over the book store and observe the craft demonstrations.

Waterrock Knob Sunsert
By Julie Findley jfindley8889 - Flickr

Enjoy more bird and wildlife watching at Mount Pisgah, mile 408.   The journey maybe nearing an end but one of the best places to view sunsets and sunrises is still before you.  Waterrock Knob at mile 451 is at almost a 6000 feet elevation and the perfect place to view the suns rise and descent across the rugged mountains.  Enjoy a hike to the summit and enjoy views of the summit and valleys.

The road comes to an end shortly.  Hopefully you've made the most of the hikes, visitors centres and magnificent vistas. 

Take advantage of this beautiful journey and take an RV to explore.  Find a special on one at RV Rental Sale Finder choose your pick up location and you're away.

Enjoy!!

Hunger Games Filming Locations Tour

If North Carolina didn't seem like the ideal place for a Motorhome roadtrip before, how about now? The movie that has taken the world by a storm has turned North Carolina into a tourist and Hunger Games fans destination.  The whole film was shot at various locations across the state. 

If you or your kids are totally in love with the Hunger Games, this is a perfect opportunity to go on a family vacation in a motorhome.  If you're a bit older than a kid and think RV's are for oldies, think again... they're not.  RV's are the perfect way to explore and adventure around these film locations. 

Begin the journey to the games in Charlotte.  Pretend you're Effie leaving the grandeur of urban life in the capitol behind.  In your RV head northwest to Henry River Mill Village, Hildebran.  The mill burnt down many years but left in it's place the perfect setting for district 12 -home of Katniss, Peeta and Gale.  Take a look at the Mellark bakery building, and the shanty that housed Katniss, Prim and their mother.  Get on the road again as the property is private ( although under negotiations to let people through).

• Stay in Hickory , (2miles from Henry River Mile Village) at Indian Springs Campground

Thestars bar - Lexington Avenue Brewery
By stevekc - Flickr

Live for a little bit like one of the epic's stars.  Asheville, 110 km away was the town that made the stars feel at home while enjoying lunch at Lexington Avenue Brewery or the Laughing Seed Café, two of the places the actors loved.

Craggy Pinnacle Trail
By Ken Lund - Wikimedia

You can spend the next day or two being a little adventurous and stepping in the tributes footsteps. The Craggy Pinnacle Hike, is home to the North Fork Reservoir where the Cornucopia scenes were filmed.  That area is off limits but can be glimpsed from the Craggy Pinnacle Trail.   Next Hike, The Lower Douglas Falls Hike. In and around this area was where the filmmakers shot pregames shots of Katniss and Gale.  Take the Navitat Canopy adventure and feel like Rue racing around in the treetops.

If If you feel ill equipped to fight in the Hunger Games, learn some survival skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, approximately an hour from Asheville.

• You could stay in Asheville Bear creek RV Park, Rutledge Lake RV Park or many others in the area.

DuPont State Forest
By ms

Head on south to DuPont State Recreational Forest.  This is a nature lovers paradise and possible the tribute lovers paradise... The park is full of Waterfalls, dramatic scenery, lakes and see if you can spot Katniss' pond and the place where Peeta camouflages himself. 

So many quaint and pretty towns grace the surrounding area so be sure to pull over the RV and stop for a coffee or local shop somewhere.  Brevard and  Hendersonville are great examples of towns with historic charm, quaint downtowns, excellent restaurants and cultural and recreational activities. 

80 miles from Brevard is a town called Shelby that inspired Suzanne Collins' "hob".   The Hob and Reaping scenes were filmed in private Warehouses but anyone walking along LaFayette street will be able to direct you to the locations.   Buy some "hob" type treats along LaFayette or have a bite to eat in the casts' favourites; Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille or NiFen Wine and Tapas.  

Return to the Capitol (Charlotte) at your own pace and check out the North Davidson Street neighbourhood. The arty district was popular with the stars. 

Find an RV Park for the night and pamper yourself to be presentable for the capitol the following day.  Capitol filming locations included the Knight Theater and Charlotte Convention center. 

• Perhaps stay at Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA 

If you visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame it'll get you as close as you could be to seats similar to the Hovercrafts that dropped Katniss into The Games. 

Before leaving the Capitol and heading back to your district, test your survival skills and at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, get a glimpse of YOUR capabilities.  

What an experience! Hopefully you've felt like you've been a part of the Hunger Games epic.  Get an RV from RV Rental Sale Finder and you'll definitely end up with a great special!  

Asheville Film Locations

Henry River Mill ( District 12)