7 RV Parks to Check Out in Michigan

November 16, 2020November 16, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

With over 58,000 square miles of land and over 38,000 square miles of Great Lakes water, Michigan is a beautiful destination to explore. RV travel offers you the flexibility and freedom that will allow you to discover the adventures that a state like Michigan has to offer.

Don’t know where to start on your Michigan adventure? Check out these seven RV parks you won’t want to miss!

1. Platte River Campground – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are as old as the last Ice Age. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches and bluffs that tower 450′ above Michigan. Views across the lake are amazing from the tall dunes.

The Platte River Campground offers year-round access. There are back-in and pull-through campsites available with electrical hookups. You’ll enjoy the amazing views that can be taken in through this campground.

2. Lake Macatawa Campground – Holland State Park

One of the popular destinations for camping in Michigan, Holland State Park, offers sandy beaches perfect for watersports, suntanning, and swimming. You won’t want to miss the Big Red Lighthouse either. Plus there are two play structures for campers, a sand volleyball court and a horseshoe area.

Stay at the Lake Macatawa Campground to stay within a short walking distance from the beaches. There are 211 campsites and lots of camping options.

3. Bay Furnace Campground – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Visit America’s very first National Lakeshore for great beaches, hiking, and beautiful forest and water views. There are year-round activities for those traveling with friends and family. Even in the winter, you can try their fun winter sports like skiing or ice fishing.

Bay Furnace Campground offers scenic views of Lake Superior with amazing sunsets and sunrises. You might even catch the northern lights.

4. Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA – Mackinac Island

This National Historic Landmark covers just 3.8 square miles in Lake Huron. No vehicles are allowed on the island, making it a sight to see in the modern age. Ferry boats and Victorian architecture make this island great.

You won’t be able to camp on the island because there are no cars allowed. However, you can stay close by at the Manicaw City/Mackinaw Island KOA. They offer free shuttles and ferries to the island.

5. River Road RV Park – Lake of the Clouds

Located near the Porcupine Mountains, the Lake of the Clouds is one of the most amazing natural beauties of the state. Visit in the fall to see the amazing colors of the surrounding trees and the sky mirrored in the lake’s calm waters.

A beautiful place to visit in your RV, stay at the River Road RV Park for year-round access and full RV hookups. You won’t be feeling too out of your element with Wi-Fi and other modern amenities.

6. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground – Isle Royale National Park

Find yourself immersed in nature at the Isle Royale National Park near the Canadian border. You can hike the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail at this park, or enjoy the beautiful water.

This island is also not accessible by vehicle. Therefore, you’ll want to park your RV at the nearby Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground. Campers can rent canoes, row boats, & kayaks for a half or full day to explore more on the water.

7. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

At this historic area on the Keweenaw Peninsula, you can find an 1844 military outpost, outdoor activities, a lighthouse, and more! During the warmer months, you can enjoy a glimpse into the 1800s with a living history experience.

You’ll be right in the action with the state park’s 159 RV sites and three campgrounds!

Enjoy Your Michigan Adventure With These RV Parks

There’s nothing like the wild outdoors and the freedom of RV travel. These RV parks in Michigan will provide plenty of opportunities for fun! You’ll want to include a few when planning your next RV trip.

Need help finding the right RV for your next adventure? Contact us today!

The Best State Parks in Colorado to Visit in Your RV

October 20, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

As an RV owner, you’ve probably always got the travel bug. Adventure is your middle name. You’re packed and ready to get out of town at a moment’s notice.

But where should you go next?

Colorado is a fantastic option for any RV owner. With 42 state parks throughout the state, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for scenic hiking trails, water sports, or primo skiing options, we’ve found some of the best state parks in Colorado to visit in your RV.

The parks we’ve picked out have everything from high desert to snowy mountains to calm lakes to rushing rivers. Where you choose to camp will depend on the scenery and activities you’re most interested in.

And with your RV, you’re ready to camp in any setting. Read on to find your ideal RV camping destination.

Cherry Creek State Park

If you’re someone who likes to combine your camping with easy city access, then Cherry Creek State Park is the place for you. This park is right outside Denver so it’s ideal for those who like to split their time between nature and urban environments.

It also offers an 800-acre reservoir for swimming and boating and 35 miles of hiking trails. This is absolutely the best RV park near Denver, Colorado so you will want to make reservations early.

Navajo State Park

If you love water then Navajo State Park is a must-visit. It’s Colorado’s version of Lake Powell (Utah) and boasts 15,000 surface-acres of water, making it ideal for boating, water skiing, or tubing if you enjoy a more relaxing on the water experience.

It also features hiking and mountain biking trails. And because this park caters to boating, it has a robust RV camping culture.

Eleven Mile State Park

If you’re looking for a great winter camping option, then Eleven Mile State Park is the place to be. It has ice fishing, winter boating, snowshoeing, and hunting options. Witchers Cove is a popular campsite for RVs due to its close proximity to both the lake and hiking trails.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Colorado is famous for its mountains, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park features more than 35 miles of hiking trails up slopes that reach an elevation of 10,200 feet. You can also hunt throughout the fall and winter months. Like Navajo State Park, it’s ideal for camping and offers a multitude of options such as RV camping, tents, and even yurts.

For all of these parks, camping reservations are mandatory so you will want to plan accordingly.

Ready to Go to the Best State Parks in Colorado for RV Camping?

Now that you know the best state parks in Colorado for RV camping, we’re sure you’re ready to hit the road. And we’re here to get you started on your journey. Are you still hunting for the perfect RV?

Then contact us today to find the right RV for your travel lifestyle.

Top 4 RV Parks in Arkansas to Visit This Fall

September 18, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

If the thought of flannel shirts, crisp chilly days, and pumpkin spice make your heart sing, your season is right around the corner. It’s never too early to plan a fall vacation! Why not enjoy camping in Arkansas?

Nearly every town with a wealth of fall fun has a campground nearby.

We’ve made it easy to find a place to park your rig and lay your head. Read on and explore the top four RV parks in Arkansas.

1. Eureka Springs KOA

You can’t go wrong when you set up camp at a KOA campground.

Fall is the ideal time to visit the Ozarks. Leaves begin their color change in early October and peak from late October to early November.

If you’re into taking vacations with family, Eureka Springs KOA offers a full menu of family-friendly activities. On Halloween weekend, the park celebrates in style with RV decorating, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating. A short ten-minute drive to Eureka Springs lets you shop to your heart’s content.

This is a big rig friendly RV park, and all sites include cable TV, fire pits and grills, and Wi-Fi. Traveling with a furry friend? There’s even a fenced-in dog park!

2. Catherine’s Landing RV Resort

If you’ve never visited Hot Springs in the fall, you’re in for a treat! The Spa City features Hot Springs National Park, where shutterbugs will love the many opportunities to capture the fall colors on film.

Catherine’s Landing offers RV sites with full hookups, including 30, 50, and 100 amp service. Depending on where you park your rig, you can enjoy lake or mountain views. Some sites offer both!

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re young at heart, you’ll discover a wealth of fun in the Hot Springs area. Why not master ziplining or enjoy a horseback ride through the Ouachita National Forest?

3. Tom Sawyer’s RV Park

Another popular destination for RVs is the Mississippi River area. If you love watching boats and the rolling waters, you won’t want to miss this RV park, located in West Memphis, Arkansas.

The park features pull-thru sites with full hookups and 30- or 50-amp electric service. For campers with fifth wheels, don’t miss out on the special riverfront section where your rear picture window will thrill you with views of the river.

If you’ve always wanted to visit Memphis, you’ll only have 10 miles to travel. Graceland is 20 miles away.

4. Downtown Riverside RV Park

For a fun-packed fall vacation, you can’t beat Little Rock, Arkansas. The Downtown Riverside RV Park puts you right in the center of the excitement!

Enjoy the fall views of the river from the Arkansas River Trail. Then, take some time to explore the capital city. For a bit of history, visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Then head over to the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.

The RV park features water, sewer, and 50-amp power. There’s also a convenient dump station.

Campers love the on-site management, free Wi-Fi, and the clubhouse where they can take care of laundry.

Ready to Visit the Top RV Parks in Arkansas?

We hope our sampling of some of the best RV parks in Arkansas to visit during the fall season inspires you to get out and see the many attractions in Arkansas.

For more articles on RV destinations, packing for family RV trips, or other topics of interest for RVers, check out the archives here on the blog!

Family RV Packing List: Essential Items to Pack for Family RV Trips

August 24, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

Going on a family RV trip is one of the best ways to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Once you arrive at your camping location, everyone can get out, stretch their legs, and enjoy the great outdoors with one another. Taking an RV trip alone or with adults only can much different than traveling with little ones.

If you’ve never taken a family RV trip, then you’ll want to do some research on what should be included in your RV packing list. To ensure the kids are kept entertained throughout the drive and the camp experience itself, you’ll want to continue reading for some solid advice on how to prepare.

Here’s a few things you’ll want to add to your RV camping list when traveling with children!

1. Favorite Items

Everyone can become homesick at times, but a trip away from home might be even more difficult for your little ones. If you pack a few favorite items from home, it’ll help make your children feel more comfortable. Plus it helps them make their ‘space’ their own!

Do they have a favorite stuffed animal that they sleep with at night? Is there a favorite blanket they like to use or a favorite toy they always play with? You may also want to take along a small battery-operated lantern to help them feel more cozy in their bunk, or tucked away on the sleeper-sofa?

Give your children the option of choosing their own favorite toy to bring along with them to make them feel close to home while away.

2. Board Games and Card Games

Board games and card games will come in handy during the road trip. Select a few different board games and a few different card games. This will give kids plenty of options while on the road.

If you have some games that normally take a long time to finish, then this would be the perfect time to play them. If you don’t have many of these games at home, then be sure to pick some up on the way.

3. A Variety of Electronics

Electronics can come in handy while on the road as well. You might not want them to bring out the electronics once arriving at the campgrounds, but you may want to have then available to use during the drive.

Laptops, portable DVD players, tablets, cell phones, and other electronics are all great ways to stay busy and distracted during long road trips. And for those parents trying to limit screen time, audio books are always a great option too! You can find audio books on-line to download before the trip, so spotty internet connections won’t be an issue. And for teenagers, make sure they download their tunes before you leave your internet behind. You’ll also want to be sure there’s a device for each child to eliminate arguing.

4. Water Toys and Outdoor Activities

If the campgrounds have a lake, a river, or a swimming pool, you’ll want to have plenty of water toys for the kids to play with. Be sure to add all your pool floats, water blasters, swim floaties, and more to your RV packing checklist as well!

Walkie talkies, binoculars, games of horseshoe, and other outdoor activities should be brought along as well. You’ll want your children to enjoy as much time outdoors as possible and bringing these kinds of toys along will provide a variety of options.

5. First Aid Kit

While we certainly hope you don’t need a first aid kit, it’s better to be prepared! When you have little ones along for the trip, you don’t want a scraped knee or a pesky mosquito bite to hamper your fun. Having a basic first aid kit stowed on-board your RV is always advisable. And there’s no need to go buy one- you probably have everything you need at home to make a suitable kit to take with you. First, make sure you get a bag that is big enough to hold all your supplies- and label it accordingly. Next, make sure everyone in the family knows where it is & what’s inside to minimize frustration if someone is asked to go get it. Third, stock it with the basics you feel best suit your family. If you’re not sure what to include, check out this list from trip savvy.

What’s on Your Family RV Packing List?

What family essentials will you include on your own RV packing list? Be sure to grab the items listed above in our guide above and you will have a head-start on your next family RV trip!

Looking for a new RV to safely transport you and your family?

Check out our new RVs available right now!

What Are the RV Length Restrictions in National Parks?

July 31, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

Remember Robin Williams’ mid-2000s family road trip comedy flick, RV? What a great movie that was to watch! In it, the Munro clan (with a dad played by Robin Williams – RIP) hits the open road in a rented RV.

It’s 2020, and RVs are now bigger and better than ever. So before you visit the national parks of your choice, make sure your RV falls within the RV length guidelines at the parks you’re going to.

What’s the Ideal Length of an RV for Visiting National Parks?

If you’re not sure of the ideal length for national parks, you’ll want to choose an RV between 25 and 30 feet long. Most national parks will accommodate RVs between those lengths. Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

How to Measure the Length of Your RV?

If your RV’s on the shorter side, you might want to take the manufacturer’s measurement of its length and add a few feet to that number. That way, you play it safe and give your vehicle some extra maneuvering space. And while we would like to say the number in the manufacturer’s model number is always 100% accurate, it is not. For example take the Puma 23-RBFQ . This model number seems to read: “23-foot Rear Bunk (or bath) Front Queen.” However, this RV actually is 28 feet long so the 23 doesn’t make much sense, but you could also think of it as a way to “sort” the product line from smallest to biggest with length as an approximation. In other words – if you want to know the exterior length of your RV (for sure) get a tape measure out and measure it yourself. The same goes for the height of your RV. And be sure when you measure the height of your RV you consider any vents on the roof, or possibly the air conditioner, as those might not be visible from the side or the cab.

You will also want to call the park you’re visiting to confirm availability of the sites’ lengths, widths, and other information directly from someone who’s current on the park’s situation. For example, many parks have a limited number of ‘pull through’ sites, so if you’re a novice RVer and prefer pull-through parking you’ll want to call ahead.

Which National Parks Should You Visit?

Why not take in the stunning views of the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has breathtaking, bucket list-scenery. It draws visitors the world over, and it can fit RVs up to 30 feet at two campgrounds (30 feet including your vehicle and RV at one of the campgrounds). One campground can even accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long.

Yosemite National Park, another world-famous destination, allows RVs at nine campgrounds. One campground permits rigs as long as 40 feet. Other campgrounds can handle RVs up to 35 feet long, and one campground only takes RVs with a maximum of 27-feet.

Or consider touring the picturesque Acadia National Park in Maine. This spotless park has no restrictions whatsoever on RV length at any of its campgrounds, so have at it.

Another world-renowned destination is Yellowstone National Park, which spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Home of the iconic Old Faithful geyser, bears, bison, and wolves (oh my!), Yellowstone is a national treasure. It’s great for your RV, too, with many of its campgrounds making space for 40- and 50-foot-long recreational vehicles.

What Are the RV Length Restrictions at Other National Parks?

Check out the maximum RV lengths permitted at some of America’s other most well-known national parks:

Denali National Park (AK): 40 feet
Everglades National Park (FL): 45 feet
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN): 40 feet for RVs, 35 feet for trailers
Mount Rainier National Park (WA): 35 feet for RVs, 27 feet for trailers
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO): 40 feet

How Do You Decide to Rent or Purchase an RV?

Now that you know all about RV length restrictions, you’re ready to get one of your own to go enjoy all the beautiful natural scenery that America has to offer.

Consult our “Why Renting an RV is a Smart Choice” blog to figure out if renting or buying is better for your family. Or browse our vast selection of RVs to find the RV that’s the right length (and price) for you and your family.

5 Family Friendly RV Parks to Visit

July 17, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

With summer well under way, we know that many RVers are still looking for more great family friendly rv parks to take the family! Whether you are looking for kid-friendly parks, or pet-friendly parks, we have a few options on this list that are sure to please. So if you are craving natural beauty & hiking paths, we have a park for that. If you are looking for a lake and fishing, we have a park for that. Or maybe you are tired of State Parks and want to try an RV park for a change, we understand that too. For those of you that are itching to make the most of these next few weeks of summer- read on and discover five family friendly RV parks to make some fantastic memories!

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center RV Park

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center RV Park is often a top pick for families because it’s right next door to the Space & Rocket center in Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to offering awesome traveling exhibits every summer, the Space & Rocket Center is also home to Space Camp! So for parents that want to be nearby while their kid is exploring the astronaut world, this RV Park is a great way to be on-location. Beyond the space experience, there is a large, open, grassy field nearby that is great for a game of kickball or frisbee. With plenty of local attractions nearby, like the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Art Museum, and Early Works Children’s Museum, this RV Park is a fun-filled stop for families with kids of all ages.

Website: https://rocketcenter.com/RVPark

Address: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805

Contact number: 1-800-637-7223

Green River Oaks RV Park & Campground

The all-inclusive Green River Oaks RV park offers themed weeks throughout the summer. That means visitors can expect a unique experience each time they stay at this family RV campground. Relax in the two heated swimming pools, go fishing in Lake St. George, rent a kayak, or borrow a campground bike. There are not any additional charges for campground activities, like the camp-wide hayride. Reviewers say the playgrounds here are fabulous, and they love the fact this campground is centrally located to top golf courses.

Website: https://www.greenriveroaks.com/

Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Amboy, IL 61310

Contact Number: (815) 638-2088

Campground at James Island County Park

South Carolina’s 643-acre Campground at James Island County Park features miles of hiking, skating, and biking trails. The 16-acre lake is a great place to go fishing. Please be advised that, due to construction, the Fishing Dock at James Island County Park will be temporarily closed starting June 15, 2020. Construction is expected to last into the summer. An inexpensive shuttle makes going to activities in Charleston easy. Reviewers say they love this campground for its water park and its dog park. The park also boasts a climbing wall that is scheduled for a phased reopening, and the waterpark is also open at this time. There are 116 spaces with full hook-ups and the campsite is open year-round. This park is rated 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor with 294 reviews, and a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor.

Website: https://charlestoncountyparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CHST&parkId=1240020&tti=Campsite

Address: 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 2941

Contact number: (843)795-4386

Whispering Pines Campground

Nestled within Douthat State Park in Virginia, this campground has something for everyone! Amid some of Virginia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors can explore four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, along with tent and trailer camping. There are 23 spaces with electric & water hook ups (no sewer, the campground has dump stations) and can take RVs up to 50’ long with parking for tow or towed vehicles on-site. This park is rated 4.5/5 on trip advisor with 192 reviews.

Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat

Address: 4239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460

Contact Number: (540) 862-8100

Devil’s Garden Campground

Located within Utah’s Arches National Park, Devils Garden Campground is shaded by juniper and pinyon pines. Roads nearby allow visitors to see many of the 2,500 unusual natural rock formations. Numerous hiking trails run right through this campground. Devil’s Garden offers breathtaking views, camping, backpacking, stargazing, and hiking for all skill levels. Many families also love to go mountain biking here. There is truly something for everyone in this popular area of the park.

Devil’s Garden is located at the very end of the park road, 18 miles north of Arches Visitor Center. Reviewers have noted that the ‘road’ to the park is actually a dirt road and can be a bit bumpy. In addition, parking lots can be very busy during peak season and during holiday weekends. Devil’s Garden Campground is available by reservation from March through October and in the winter months on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, please check the park website for updates as the NPS has been working on a phased re-opening for the 2020 season.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/devils-garden.htm

Address: Arches Entrance Rd, Moab, UT 84532

Contact Number: (435) 719-2299

These parks are just a handful of the options available to RVers this summer. We hope you find this short list helpful, and encourage you to stay safe and have fun!

RV Bucket List Destinations: The 5 Best RV Parks in the USA

June 30, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

More than 10 million US households own an RV and more people are opting to live in them full-time. If you’re trying to figure out the best RV parks to enjoy your RV, you’re in luck. We are going to help you plan out your next trip.

Continue reading this article to learn about some of the best RV parks in the US, and some that will give you the most bang for your buck.

1. Bella Terra RV Resort – Alabama

If you’re looking for a super upscale RV resort, then Bella Terra RV resort in Alabama is the place for you. You’ll be just minutes from sugar-white sands and plenty of good eats. If you don’t want to leave the RV park, there is plenty to do there as well.

You’ll have access to a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, a dry sauna, big dog parks for your furry friends, and much more.

2. Yosemite Pines RV Resort – California

If you’re ready to see Yosemite National Park, but you don’t want to stay within the national park, then Yosemite Pines RV resort is the perfect spot for you.

It’s only 22 miles from the entrance of the park and it offers amazing views. You can enjoy the normal amenities you’ll see at most RV parks (like a swimming pool), but you’ll also find a petting zoo and a gold panning site.

3. Tiger Run RV Resort – Colorado

Head over to Tiger Run RV Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado if you want to enjoy beautiful views at any time of the year. This is actually one of the few places in the mountains of Colorado that stay open year round.

No matter when you visit, you’ll find there is plenty to do. If you’re there in the winter, you’re not far from the slopes. If you’re there in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy trails, mountains, and some of the most amazing views.

4. Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake – Arkansas

Another beautiful luxury resort is Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake. Just 30 minutes from Branson, this resort is perfect for explorers and tourists. Branson has plenty of museums, amusement parks, and live music entertainment if you decide you want to leave the resort.

You’ll have gorgeous views and plenty to do if you decide to stick around the RV resort instead of going out to explore. With amenities like lighted pickle-ball courts, lighted tennis courts, and a nine-hole par 3 golf course on the lake shore-line you will have plenty of in-park options!

5. Boyd’s Key West Campground – Florida

Head down to the southernmost part of Florida and say hello to some of the most insanely beautiful sunsets at Boyd’s Key West Campground. Once you visit, you won’t want to go anywhere else when you’re in the Keys.

There are plenty of opportunities to Kayak and see wild life. Plus this resort features it’s own fishing pier, boat ramp, and fish cleaning station.

Visiting the Best RV Parks

Now you know about some of the more of the best RV parks in America. With summer in full swing, and plenty of travelers hitting the road, be sure to check the RV parks’ websites before you go to stay up to date. Many RV parks post updates on availability and the reservation process right on the first page of their website to try and make it as easy as possible for you to plan your stay.

Do you have questions about which RV you should buy? We are more than happy to help you make your selection. Also, make sure to read our article about must-see national parks on the east coast.

How to Plan the Ultimate RV Staycation

June 16, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

With many people choosing to combine staying at home with road-trip style vacation this summer, we thought it would be good to share some tips to make the most of your ‘staycation’ if you haven’t planned this kind of vacation before. The staycation has been a staple for families that cannot take a full two or three month extended vacation for years.

Whether you own an RV for personal travel, or live in one full-time, here’s how to prepare for the ultimate RV staycation.

Treat Your Staycation Like a Vacation

The recent events have set the world on what seems like a weird on-again, off-again type of stage, forcing many to rethink their highly anticipated getaways. Though you may not live on a tropical paradise year-round, consider what you were hoping to accomplish with your vacation. Was it to relax and rejuvenate? Was it to spend more time with your family? Was it to start a new creative endeavor?

Whatever the reason, treat your staycation with similar respect. Those that work from home can have a hard time separating free time and work time. Though you are still in your hometown, start your own digital detox, unplug from the world, and treat it like you’re a million miles away.

Build anticipation by saving the date on your calendar.

Explore Your Locale during your Staycation

RVers are used to hitting the road for lush campsites by lakes or parking at the seat of soaring mountains. During the tourist season, these places become over-crowded. If you’re practicing physical distancing, explore areas in your hometown for availability. You may be able to find secluded areas that allow you to get away without leaving home.

Also, consider traveling to a campsite in the off season when tourism is low.

Your hometown could be a treasure trove of campsites , RV parks, or things to do just waiting to be discovered.

Plan Your Staycation Adventure

Sometimes, driving your RV to another location isn’t in the cards. In those cases, your backyard is your best friend. Plan your activities to center around the comfort of what your home has to offer. Staying in your RV could be a fun adventure for your family.

Activities like hiking, sleeping under the stars, and setting up for a picnic are all great for that outdoor camping feel. Delineate a ‘kickoff’ activity. One that designates the beginning of your staycation. This could be watching a movie, sharing a drink with your partner, or lighting up the fire pit.

Remember time not planned for, even leisure time, is time wasted. Creating a themed itinerary can offer a unique experience your family will remember for years to come. Consider fun themes like “Wacky Science”, or “Think like an Artist” if you have kids. It’s not hard to find loads of ‘science experiments‘ that are fun & entertaining and can be done with common household supplies. Or for the artsy types, maybe turn your RV into a ‘studio’ to allow family members to explore their artistic talents! You could feature an artist each day, and let your family try their hand at Kandinsky inspired painting one day, try Jackson Pollock the next, and so on. If you need more ideas, check out Pinterest for great projects that are inspired by famous artists.

Oh the Places You’ll Go

A vacation doesn’t have to be lavish to be rejuvenating. Choosing the right activities and making a plan can make even the simplest efforts into lasting memories you cherish with your family for years to come. Determine what is important for you and have that be the center of your focus during your ‘vacation’ time and you’ll have a wonderful “staycation”!

What makes for a great RV vacation is spending time with the people we love creating memories together.

5 Reasons You Should Plan an Alaska Road Trip

May 31, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

About 22% of all vacations in America were road trips in 2015. Many people’s dream trip is to go on an Alaska road trip and see the breathtaking sights.

If you are prepared properly, the trip will be an amazing experience. Since long stretches of the journey have spots where it is difficult to get fuel and do repairs, knowing what to expect can help you avoid some of these issues.

Continue reading this article to learn the top reasons you should take a road trip to Alaska.

1. The Midnight Sun

If you want to mess with your sleep patterns and experience something that is totally out of your normal — you’ve got to see the midnight sun. Make sure you include an eye mask when you’re making your packing list, or you’re not going to get much sleep while you’re visiting.

The midnight sun benefits the plants in Alaska, and some parts of Alaska are known for their giant vegetables.

2. The Northern Lights

One that will make you stand in awe is seeing the Northern Lights. This amazing sight happens because of solar activity. You do have to make your way pretty far north in Alaska to see the lights, and it can get very cold, but it will be something you will never forget.

3. Countless Roads to Explore

Alaska takes up a large part of the U.S., and there are so many roads where you can park for hours and never see another vehicle. Alaska even has several resources developed to help RVers enjoy this beautiful country. And if you are looking for some RV parks to stop at while exploring this beautiful country you will find a variety of options.

4. Monster Mountains

If you wanted to get an idea of how small we are as humans, then visiting Alaska and staring up at its monstrous mountains will definitely give you some perspective. Alaska is home to Denali, which is the tallest mountain in North America.

You don’t have to go to the tallest mountain to get an amazing mountain experience. There are plenty of other places where you can explore and enjoy nature and a good workout.

5. Skiing and Snow Sport Opportunities

Winters in Alaska offer so many unique opportunities! There is dog mushing, reindeer running, outdoor hot springs, and snow-shoeing in the back country.

Of course there is plenty of fresh powdery snow for skiers, and snowmobiling is always a fun option. And for those that want to just kick back and relax there are plenty of scenic areas for spotting wildlife in this gorgeous northern state.

Enjoying an Alaska Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like taking an Alaska road trip. The sights and sounds of this magical state will take your breath away.

Have you thought about getting an RV or upgrading your RV? There are lots of options for you to look into, and we would be glad to answer any questions you have. Take a look at our new RVs or our used inventory to see if there is anything of interest.

6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

May 11, 2020bankstonmotorhomes

Everybody and their aunt already has a Facebook album dedicated to their trip to the Grand Canyon. Not to take away from its splendor; it’s absolutely breathtaking.

However, for today, we would like to switch it up. There are many lesser-known western National Parks that are just as special to the appreciative eye.

Read ahead to learn more about some of the most beautiful national parks in the US.

Six Western National Parks You Need to See

Here are six of the best National Parks in the US that represent the west. They are great options for a visit!

Olympic National Park

A quintessential west coast national park, this gem of Washington state has it all.

There are not many places in the world, let alone the USA, where you can enjoy mountains, forests, lakes, and the ocean in one place.

You can hike in the magical Hoh Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the country.

Mesa Verde

If you know Mesa Verde is Spanish for ‘green table’, you are ready for a middle school-level Spanish class.

Jokes aside, Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is home of the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings.

These structures were essentially carved from the cliff well over 500 years ago. The cultural and anthropological importance is immeasurable. Thus, the area has National Park status and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Petrified Forest

This park offers some of the stranger curiosities for travelers. Located among the desert badlands, the Petrified Forest consists of the remains of ancient trees that underwent a process known as petrification.

This chemical process resulted in the preservation of logs that were living with the dinosaurs.

The resulting ‘stone’ is beautiful but don’t be tempted to steal a piece. This can result in legal penalties and an unbreakable curse.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of the most unique US National Parks. Road trip enthusiasts must add it to their itineraries. Located in California, it gets its name from the tall rock formations that characterize its surreal landscape.

This park features many natural rock formations that are the result of multiple volcanoes that overflowed with lava about 23 million years ago. Those lava flows slid around and became the unique structures that populate this park. This park is primarily for hikers and climbing enthusiasts with trails that will satisfy families looking for light hikes as well as adventurers that are looking for more strenuous trails. Check the park website for overnight options- since reservations are required at this time.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

This is another California national park you might not have heard of but is more than worth the trip.

It is home to at least one of each of the four types of volcanos found on Earth, making it a science buff’s dream.

You can also enjoy the lakes, bubbling mud pits, and a large trail network.

Channel Islands

It’s hard to find a more special place than the Channel Islands. Perhaps, its relative obscurity adds to its uniqueness.

It consists of an archipelago of tiny islands featuring idyllic hidden beaches sheltered by sheer cliffs. It is also home to many types of endemic wildlife and a massive underwater cave.

A Park for Every One

We believe everyone should get out there and find their favorite park! You can support these parks by visiting them, making donations, and promoting awareness.

Most importantly, we encourage you to make plans to go see these amazing natural treasures. Exploring the east? Check out our list of the Best East Coast National Parks.