Bankston Motor Homes Blog

Three Georgia RV Parks for RV Travelers

October 28, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

With State Parks and National Parks bursting at full capacity, what is an RVer to do? Check out all the cool RV Parks available, of course! And for those that are looking for a good fall destination that has lots of options, Georgia is a great choice!

In 2018 Georgia welcomed a record 111.7 million visitors into the state. We understand a lot of travelers are still being cautious, which is why RV travel has become so popular. But why Georgia?

If you visit the state’s Explore Georgia website, you will soon see why.

Georgia visitors can satisfy a slew of interests like arts & culture, history, shopping, music, and events or festivals. Which means that even if you are traveling with a small group of friends, or family, everyone can find something they will enjoy during their stay.

For Arts & Culture fans, Georgia has become the home of some unique and fun street art in various neighborhoods. In addition to the street art possibility, there is a Folk-Art Garden in Calhoun that includes miniature castles, homes, and more. For more on Georgia Arts & Culture check out that section of the Visit Georgia website.

For other unique options, the Georgia Aquarium is a good one. It’s the largest aquarium in the U.S. and has been featured on the Animal Planet show “The Aquarium”. For History fans, the Booth Museum in Cartersville has a gallery with a letter from every U.S. President plus their portrait. Again, it’s the only museum like it in the U.S.

There are so many attractions in Georgia, it’s really hard to compile a complete list in just one blog post.

The next big question becomes where to stay? Well of course that will depend on what you want to see while in Georgia. However, we have 3 suggestions to get you started.

Toccoa Valley Campground in in Blue Ridge, GA. It made the list because it has 5 stars on Trip Advisor and also gets good reviews elsewhere on-line. There are 30 spaces with full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups. TVC is located in the Aska Adventure Area where you can hike or bike over 17 miles of beautiful mountain trails just minutes away. It is also just a short drive to the neighboring towns of Ellijay, Blairsville, Hiwassee, Jasper, Young Harris, Morganton, and more.
Fair Harbor RV Park is also a top-rated Georgia RV campground. Located just 1/4-mile West of Interstate 75, off Exit 135 across from the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia this park is near Macon, Warner Robbins, and Atlanta. Fishing in the lake is free (no license needed) which has Bass, Bream, and Catfish. Tuesday nights they host Bingo, and they offer coffee & sausage on Saturday mornings if you want to socialize.
Twin Oaks RV Park is found 2/10 mile east off of I-75 at mile marker exit 127, nine miles south of downtown Perry. This Park is near many area attractions such as the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, the Warner Robins Air Museum, Andersonville Civil War Site & Museum, Home of Jimmy Carter, and much more. This Park has 68 spots with free wi-fi for all. When you check out the park map, you will see there are plenty of options for electrical connections and all the spots have hook-ups for electrical and water.

Georgia is a large, gorgeous state with many attractions and outdoor fun opportunities for travelers. If you have not been, you owe it to yourself to check out Georgia’s many unique sights. And now that you have 3 places you could park your RV while you have fun, we hope you check it out!

Best New Hampshire State Parks for Fall

September 30, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

With pumpkin spice in the air, fall color in full bloom, and cooler temperatures on the way, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to visit one of the seventy-five New Hampshire state parks! Twenty-three of the state parks have facilities for campers, so we thought we’d share a few that are worth adding to your fall RV trip!

Wondering why you should visit New Hampshire State Parks? This state is well-loved by many tourists because of the wide variety the state offers travelers. It has ocean access, lakes, and gorgeous mountain drives that offer plenty of leaf peeping opportunities! And with fall upon us, there are plenty of scenic drives that offer fantastic fall foliage for tourists to enjoy!

White Lake State Park has 202 campsites along with many fun activities for the family. This park is part of the NH state park system, so reservations can be made on-line through the Reserve America system.

This park has so many amenities it will be hard to decide on just one! Guests can choose between swimming, boating, kayaking, walking trails, and much more. There is a lovely beach area in the warmer months, and in the winter the park offers both snow-shoeing and snowmobiling for fun. With a park store, playground, picnic areas, plus a picnic pavilion, White Lake State Park can accommodate family vacations as well as extended family gatherings.

Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg, NH is also an excellent choice for RVers. Lake Francis campground provides 45 sites including 9 sites with water/electric (20amp) hook-ups for guests and is home to The spectacular Lake Francis which spans 2000 acres (809 hectares). For those that enjoy being out on the water, there are canoe and kayak rentals on-site plus a boat ramp! Other activities and facilities like walking trails, picnic areas, playground, etc. make the Lake Francis State Park a favorite among locals and visitors alike. For those that are looking for bike and ATV access, this park can accommodate those activities as well.

Ellacoya State Park has 37 RV campsites and is located in Gilford on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake. This park gets great reviews for the water views as well as the abundance of water activities like swimming, canoeing, Kayaking, etc. There is even a boat ramp. This park has a playground too, along with picnic grounds and picnic pavilion.

Reservations are recommended for all the New Hampshire state parks, which use the Reserve America system and be sure to check on-line to see if there are any spots available before you go! We know fall is a glorious time to enjoy New Hampshire and all the beautiful colors. So get out there and make some colorful memories this fall!

Planning Your Trip: Six Top RV Destinations You Need to Know

August 30, 2021August 31, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

Whether you’ve just bought your first RV or have been RVing for a while now, check out this list of the best RV destinations to help you plan your next trip. Whether you’re looking to travel near or far, these RV destinations will keep you and your family entertained. Read on to explore these different top destinations and add them to your bucket list!

1. Minot, North Dakota

One of the top RV destinations is Minot, North Dakota. This city was founded in 1886 as a winter camp and quickly sprung up ‘like magic’ over night…which earned it the nickname “Magic City”. Enjoy the forestland and Scandinavian heritage in this area. The Dakota Territory Air Museum and Scandinavian Heritage park are both popular attractions. Many stay at the family-owned park known as the Roughrider RV Resort where there are plenty of hook-ups to choose from, as well as back-in and pull-through spots.

2. Key West, Florida

One of the best destinations for RVers is Key West, Florida. This popular spot boasts an aquarium, haunted walking tours, bicycle tours, dolphin experiences, as well as the home of Ernest Hemmingway, and much more!

You and your family will get to enjoy the beach and pool area as well as free wireless internet, a marina, and more at Boyd’s Key West Campground which is only a few miles from downtown Key West.

Keep in mind that this campground does get crowded so you will want to check ahead for availability.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks Alaska has a lot to offer RVers with a taste for adventure. Pioneer Park, Aurora Ice Museum, Running Reindeer Ranch, and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum are all excellent opportunities to see new and unusual sights. And there are so many other cool things to see in Fairbanks, this is just a few options to get you started.

You can park your RV at the River’s Edge RV Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. What’s nice about this park is that there’s plenty of room for you and your family to spread out. There are biking and walking trails to enjoy when you are in the park. RVers can also enjoy hot meals right at the resort’s restaurant, Chena’s.

4. Yosemite, California

Enjoy Yosemite National Park which became a national park on October 1, 1890. One of the best RV camping destinations is at the Yosemite Pines RV Park in Yosemite, California. While you can stay within Yosemite National Park, there aren’t any hookups.

The Yosemite Pines RV Park is only 22 miles from the park and you’ll get to enjoy back-in sites and pull-through spots. It’s very family-friendly and your family can enjoy panning for gold and petting alpacas too.

5. Helen, Georgia

If you enjoy the mountains then you’ll love Helen, Georgia. Plus the Bavarian feel of the downtown area in this northeastern town makes it truly unique.

There is an abundance of walking trails around the waterfront along with many dining options. The Yonah Mountain Camping Resort is a great option for a place to stay. It’s family-friendly as well with a clubhouse, swimming pool, and picnic pavilion. Yonah Mountain Campground also won the 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2011 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Campground from the White County News!

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States, so head there in July for the cherry festival! The surrounding area is also well known for it’s grape & wine production. In addition to these types of attractions, nature lovers will also fine plenty of trails and parks to enjoy right on the waterfront. You can jet ski, kayak, or boat during the summer months. In 2009, TripAdvisor named Traverse City the number two small town travel destination in the United States. Traverse City State Park offers campsites for RV travelers using the Campnab system. This on-line search & reservation tool enables RV owners to search for sites based on the length they need for their RV.

Exploring Six Top RV Destinations

After checking out this guide, you now have a list of some of the top RV destinations that you will want to add to your travel list. Ready to explore this beautiful country of ours from the comfort of your very own RV?

The Top 9 State Parks for RV Owners to Visit in California

July 29, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

Ready to pack up the RV and take a trip through the beautiful state of California? As the most biodiverse state in the US, California has a near-infinite number of sights to see when you visit. Let’s take a look at the top 9 state parks for RV owners to visit in California.

1. Crystal Cove State Park

Starting off the list in Orange County, Crystal Cove is a Southern California treasure. Moro campground offers rugged beachside views, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of caves to explore. Being down the road from the famed Newport Beach doesn’t hurt either.

2. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Home of the tallest and longest-lasting trees in the world, Humboldt Redwoods will inspire awe in any camper. A mix of old and new growth, this state park is home to the most ancient redwoods on Earth and absolutely deserves a spot on this list.

3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parks

The Pfeiffer Big Sur campground is an incredible staging point to see attractions like McWay Falls and the Big Sur River. There are 189 campsites and it’s a very popular park, so you will want to check Reserve California to make a reservation. Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit and a picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are located throughout the campground.

4. McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park

The waterfalls this park is named after are well worth the drive to McArthur Burney Falls. Right around the corner from lake Britton, this park offers incredible hiking, fishing, and camping in the northernmost areas of California.

5. Mount Tamalpais State Park

Visiting San Francisco?

Mount Tamalpais belongs on your agenda. Just past the north end of San Francisco Bay, Mt. Tamalpais offers gorgeous views over the bay year-round with a hike to the top of the mountain, all while being just a short drive from the Golden gate Bridge. Again, you can make a reservation through Reserve California online.

6. Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay is a coastal state park and lagoon on the Central Coast. Best known for the huge Morro Rock, the state park also offers fishing, hiking, sailing, and much more! The park also features an 18 hole public golf course and marina along with a museum of natural history that you’ll want to check out!

7. Portola Redwoods State Park

Located south of the San Francisco Bay, Portola is a hidden treasure of a state park. A very relaxed atmosphere way stop, the towering trees keep gentle watch over you and your family as you enjoy the abundant hiking, swimming, and picnic opportunities within. The park boasts over 18 miles of trails, as well as waterfalls on Fall and Pescadero Creeks. Be advised there is no cell phone service within this park and the surrounding area, so ride sharing services are discouraged. If unplugging is on your list of things to do- this park is for you!

8. Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch state park might be California’s best-kept secret. Nestled on the coast in the far northern reaches of the state, this park offers incredible views of the coast, forests, and wildlife that call the area home. If you want to experience everything that Russian Gulch has to offer, make sure you visit in the summer because the park closes in the cold months.

9. Emerald Bay State Park

Last on the list is the gem of California’s state parks. Nestled into the southwest corner of blue Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay state park truly offers some of the most fantastic scenery to be found in the entire state. You will want to check their website to plan your visit based on the most current information.

The park even includes a massive castle named Vikingsholm. Finished in the 1920s, this monolith is a must-see for any tourists passing through the park. However, the walk down to the castle is incredibly steep and there are no rides back up. The park advises that visitors with medical conditions or mobility issues avoid the steep 1 mile hike.

Get on the Road

Whether you’re ready to take your family on a road trip to the west, or if you have more questions, please check out our blog for all the information you need to plan your trips!

Top Rhode Island State Parks for RVers

June 30, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

Temperatures are rising and flowers are blooming. That means summer is here! Now is the best time to visit these top Rhode Island state parks for RV owners.

From beaches to hiking trails, there is a Rhode Island state park for everyone. Though the state is only a little over 1,000 square miles, it has plenty of excellent state parks to explore.

Here are a few state parks to add to your list of places to visit this summer.

Charlestown Breachway State Park

Charlestown Breachway is the perfect Rhode Island beach getaway. The campground has 75 RV spots and scenic beach views all around.

This state part is great for swimmers, fishermen, and all-around water lovers. If you are also traveling with a boat, there is a convenient boat launch located in the park.

Charlestown Breachway’s beautiful beaches are great for the whole family. Whether you are wanting a relaxing day laying on the sand or can’t wait to dip your toes in the water, you can’t lose with a beach day at this state park. Not to mention, the breachway offers some of the best saltwater fishing and shell fishing in the area.

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, just off Route 108. With gorgeous patches of trimmed grass and an array of outdoor activities, this park seems like the ideal seaside village.

This park is great for active groups. There are tennis and basketball courts in the park, as well as a playground for younger travelers.

Another great perk of Fishermen’s Memorial State Park is its proximity to many of Rhode Island’s beaches. The park is not too far from the Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, and Salty Brine state beaches.

Burlingame State Park

Just off Route 1 in Charlestown, RI lays a woodland playground full of fun for the whole family. Burlingame State Park spans over 3,100 acres of land with hundreds of campsites that can accommodate RVs.

There is plenty to do while in the tree-lined Burlingame State Park. One of the main attractions is the various hiking trails nearby. There’s even a 9-mile-long trail in the park for hikers that want a challenge. Plus this park boasts about 80 different species of birds for birdwatching fans to check out.

And you can’t miss out on the freshwater beach on site. The beach is perfect for swimming and other summer water activities like canoeing (you can even rent a canoe at the park).

Plan a Great Summer Trip with these Top Rhode Island State Parks for RVers!

Get ready to pack your bags and set off on another great summer getaway in your RV! Whether you are already in the New England area, or Rhode Island is just one stop of many during a long road trip, at least one of these State Parks is worth checking out.

For other RV tips and travel guides, please check out the rest of our blog. No matter where you’re planning to travel this summer, we got you covered!

4 Best State Parks in Montana for RV Owners to Visit

May 27, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

If you haven’t checked out Montana yet, here are the four best state parks in Montana for RV Owners to visit. In this guide, we’ll share some information on which state parks in Montana you’ll want to add to your travel plans for summer.

1. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

This is one of the first state parks, and is also one of the most well-known. You can go camping and cave exploring at this state park. There are a ton of natural rock sculptures in the cave, and June 6th through 12th is actually Cave Week with special activities available. Cave tours are only available by guides and are typically given May 28th through September 30th.

At this campground, reservations can be booked online. Plus they have amenities like showers, a playground, and a dump station (May-September only), along with back-in and pull-through RV spots.

2. Big Arm State Park

Big Arm State Park is home to one of the biggest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States.

Flathead Lake is a natural lake that’s 15 miles wide and 28 miles long. The campsite is at around a 3000-foot elevation covering 217 acres. There are 70 campsites.

The Big Arm Bay stretches along the lake and is a well-loved spot for sunbathing and swimming. If you love to go fishing, make sure you get a tribal/joint state fishing license.

If you’re a photographer, you’ll be able to capture some unique shots of wildlife. You can also go boating, biking, hiking, scuba diving, and more.

Make sure you also check out Wild Horse Island State Park. The island’s over 2100 acres wide and off the west shore of the lake. You’ll see bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and wild horses. Access to this this island is only by boat.

3. Salmon Lake State Park

Also consider checking out Salmon Lake campground, which sits on 42 acres of land. There are 20 campsites for visitors to consider. Salmon Lake’s park is located between the Swan and Mission mountain ranges.

Activities include fishing, hiking, bird watching, and water sports. If you’re a bird lover, you may see red-necked grebes, bald eagles, loons, or osprey.

You can find cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, or northern pike fish in the lake, and many others. Hikers will enjoy the stunning views of western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir trees.

4. Placid Lake State Park

Placid Lake is a popular location for families. Placid Lake Park is 31 acres, and there are 40 campsites to consider.

If your group is into watersports, this park has plenty of options. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and swimming are all available. For fishing enthusiasts, there are a variety of species in the lake. You could catch perch, bull trout, whitefish, or kokanee salmon.

Make sure you get a Montana fishing license beforehand. Get the fishing regulation booklet from the staff at the park.

With plenty of wildlife in the park, young campers could easily spot red necked grebes, waterfowl, osprey and common loons.

Three Amazing Georgia State Parks To Visit

April 28, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

With the summer season fast approaching, we know plenty of travelers are itching to get out there and see more sights and satisfy their wanderlust. Keeping that in mind, we’d like to recommend the Peach State since Georgia has plenty of gorgeous state parks to choose from.

Here are Three Amazing Georgia State Parks:

1. Crooked River State Park

Located in St. Mary’s Georgia, this state park has campsites nestled in palmetto pines & Spanish moss draped oaks for a truly southern experience. Campers can enjoy hiking, biking, and much more in this state park that is located a few miles from I-95 along Georgia’s Colonial Coast. For those that like to fish, there is a boat ramp for easy access to the river. And the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore is just a few miles down the road. Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its secluded beaches and wild horses. The Crooked River State Park has a nature center of its own, as well as nature paths for explorers to see the wildlife up close & personal.

The Park lists 63 electric RV sites for travelers to choose from. With so many fun outdoor options and amenities, this park will quickly become a family favorite.

2. Don Carter State Park

The Chattahoochee River meets Lake Lanier at the lovely state park. Please be aware that the water is tested frequently so travelers are urged to check the park website for status updates on swimming availability. Don Carter is the state’s newest state park, plus it’s the first one on Lake Lanier’s 38,000 acres.

With boat ramps, docks, fish cleaning stations, and a sandy beach with a playground, this newest addition to the Georgia State Parks system will quickly become a popular choice. The park boasts 14.5 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of paddling trails, and even horse back riding (fees may apply).

With 46 RV spots available to book on-line, this state park is worth checking out!

3. Florence Marina State Park

This park sits on the north end of Lake Eufaula (also called Lake Walter F. George), and is a great place for those that love water sports. It is adjacent to a natural deep-water marina with an accessible fishing pier, boat slips and boat ramp.

For nature lovers, there is an abundance of birds to be seen in the park such as Heron, Egrets, and Bald Eagles. Plus the Kirbo Interpretive Center showcases all sorts of local wildlife, plants, as well as local history. Eight miles away is Providence Canyon State Park, also known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.

Boasting 41 electric RV sites, this state park will be sure to please as well.

For those planning to visit Georgia in the near future, the Georgia State Park’s website is a wealth of information and provides RVers a great way to make their reservations on-line. Summer is peak season for a lot of State & National Parks, so please make sure you book far enough in advance to secure the kind of spot you prefer.

As always, we wish you the best while you take advantage of all the gorgeous scenery & sites!

Explore the Beaver State: 7 Great Oregon RV Parks

March 31, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

Oregon is a highly underrated state, and the RV parks are some of the best and most relaxing in the country. There are over 98,000 square miles of coast, forests, and waterfalls to explore in the Beaver State.

Are you planning an RV trip to the Pacific Northwest? Searching for Oregon RV Parks can be time-consuming, so check out this handy list of the top 7 parks in the state.

1. Crater Lake RV Park

A trip to Oregon should have Crater Lake on the to-do list! This RV park is the gateway to Crater Lake National Park and is brimming with activities like a great social experience with other campers, horseback riding, rafting, swimming, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicle trails.

This park is also known as Prospect Park & is the ultimate forest camping experience since it resides on 10 acres of forest land, and well-behaved dogs are welcome, too!

2. Sea and Sand RV Park

One of the best whale-watching spots on the Pacific Coast is Depoe Bay, Oregon. Sea and Sand RV Park provide that perfect oceanside opportunity for catching a glimpse of the variety of whales, mainly blue and humpback. Thirty of the one-hundred fourteen spots are ocean view, plus they are a pet-friendly park.

There are basic activities at this Oregon Coast RV park, but local activities include specialty boutique store shopping, playing at the casino, and enjoying the view and beach.

3. Sweetbrier Train and RV Park

Guaranteed you have never stayed at an RV park like this one because there is actually a train that takes you through the park- built by the owner! Sweetbrier is a privately owned family-friendly park, and they are happy to host your event as well as campers. This is one of the best RV parks near Portland.

4. Crown Villa RV Resort

In the high desert of Central Oregon is a great little town called Bend that is the outdoor lover’s dream. Are you into hiking, biking, or whitewater rafting in the summer? There’s plenty to do in the winter, too!

At this RV resort enjoy a resort feeling with a hot tub, fitness center, and tennis courts! Pet friendly and plenty of social activities are planned so that you can meet your neighbors if you choose.

5. Umpqua Riverfront RV Park

They boast a “tranquil camping experience” at the Umpqua Riverfront RV Park, as they are in a wooded oasis on the Umpqua River. Great for those in retirement, or just looking for peace and quiet this small park has 20 spaces only. Be sure to check their map for directions, since they mention GPS can be a bit tricky in their area.

6. Maple Lane RV Park and Marina

This big rig friendly park is located on the Suislaw River in western Oregon. and is famous for their fishing experiences. Local fun includes checking out the sea lion caves, lighthouses, Oregon dunes, and the historic town of Florence. Maple Lane loves to put on events for their campers like yoga by the river, community BBQs, and holiday celebrations.

7. Silver Spur RV Park

Tucked away in Northeast Oregon is this warm welcoming RV park. On-site fun includes a lodge with fireplace, game room, pool & hot tub, and a fishing pond. Silver Spur wants you and your family to feel at home here while you are on your road trip. They get high ratings from their campers, and they even have teepee and cabin rentals available if you want to switch it up for a night.

Explore Oregon RV Parks

As you can see, there is something for everyone with Oregon RV parks. It is tough to choose just one, so extend your stay in the state, and choose a few to visit! Bankston Motorhome has a whole slew of travel blog topics that you might want to check out before you plan your next trip.

How to Make the Most of an RV Show

February 24, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

With RV show season in full swing, we thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips on how to make the most of your RV show visit. One of the big benefits of attending a show is that all the RVs are inside, in an air-conditioned, walkable space. This indoor arena means bringing even the littlest travelers to check out the home-on-wheels you are considering is a lot easier. It also makes it easier for older campers to see all the models they are considering in one day. This convenience means that being prepared to make the most of your visit is worth a little extra effort.

Below are our top six tips to make the most of your RV Show days.

Wear shoes for a full day: While there is carpet down many of the aisles at the show, the shows are often in convention centers and arenas with concrete floors. Have you walked on concrete for 5-8 hours lately? If not, be aware that you (and everyone in your group) will want to wear tennis shoes, or walking shoes, or some kind of shoes made for a full day of walking on concrete and up and down RV stairs.

Plan your snacks: The dealers at the show, and the show promoter, want you to stay and enjoy the show. However, they often have little control over the food provided at the event. This means that you may be limited on what you can buy (like hot dogs, corn dogs, popcorn, etc.). If you, or anyone in your group, is on a special diet you will want to pack snacks. So your gluten-free shoppers will need go stash some gluten-free goodies in their purse or backpack. Or parents might want to bring a few low-sugar juice boxes or refillable sippy cups for water.

Assess your parking options: For couples and young adults, the walk from a parking garage at the convention center may not be an issue. However, for those with strollers, or canes, be sure to consider parking near an elevator that will help provide access to the exhibition hall. Looking on-line to make sure you and your group know how to best get to the exhibition hall can save loads of extra walking and problems getting a stroller up and down stairs.

Plan what you want to look at: There are SO many RVs at these shows that it is extremely easy to get distracted and off track. And we understand that is half the fun! However, it is also a rare opportunity to walk through multiple floor plans without having to navigate acres on an outdoor lot in the afternoon sun. So make yourself a list of what you want to see while you are there. For example, if you have narrowed your search down to travel trailers of a certain weight, be sure to ask the dealer at the show where those are grouped in their display. The dealer will often have them grouped together within a specific area, whenever space permits. And don’t be afraid to ask the dealer’s salespeople to help you find what you want to see. The dealership invests a lot of resources in the shows to make it easier for customers to compare several units and shop with ease.

Take the people you plan to travel with to the show: This is important because you will want to see how everyone fits in the space at the same time! For example, you will want to experience how the kitchen feels if you imagine cooking with your partner while you travel. You will also want to experience how the passing in the hallway feels when the slides are out, which you can do at the show. Not sure how your kid will feel sleeping up high in a bunk over the cabin? Going to the show lets your kids see how high the loft is & determine if it feels cozy to them or not.

Decide if you want to learn more about a certain brand before you go: Some RVers have decided on a brand but are struggling with which model to choose. RV shows are a great way to meet & speak with the manufacturer’s representatives. These reps often have very deep knowledge about their specific brand and/or a line within that brand. For RVers with specific concerns, these reps are a gold mine! For example, if you are a huge fan of Lance travel trailers and are having a hard time narrowing down which model, the Lance rep can help you with that. Or maybe you love Wildwoods- but wonder how the murphy beds hold up over time. The Wildwood rep would be good to speak with about the construction of the murphy bed feature and how Wildwood has engineered the features for durability. Unfortunately, not every manufacturer will have a rep at every show. This means it’s important to ask one of the dealership’s team members if they have a rep on-site for the brand you’re interested in.

In closing, you and your fellow travelers will want to pace yourselves. There is so much fun to be had at the shows! It can really be a great day for the whole family to see the wide range of RVs! And with a little advanced preparation, everyone can have a good time & learn which RVs seem like they would be the best way for your group to travel together in comfort & convenience.

Best Parks in New Mexico to Visit in the Winter

January 28, 2021bankstonmotorhomes

While you won’t escape the frigid temperatures, you’ll get to hike and camp to your heart’s content in some of the best parks in New Mexico.

Why not take your RV out on an adventure?

There are plenty of options. New Mexico is a beautiful state with nature all around. We have a few favorite New Mexico parks for you to take a look at for your next New Mexico RV trip.

Get out your map and get ready to take notes!

City of Rocks State Park

City of Rocks state park is in Silver City, NM. It’s the site of a 35-million-year-old volcano eruption, so you’re sure to see stones and formations that show you how lava settled in the past.

There are plenty of fun things to do in this park. You can explore plenty of trails, go hiking, go biking, or check out the Chihuahuan Desert botanical gardens. The park offers a visitors’ center for you to warm up and you can reserve a camping spot ahead of time.

Cimarron Canyon State Park

If you travel out to Eagles Nest, you’ll find Cimarron Canyon state park. This park is in a beautiful area and there’s a lot to explore.

While now isn’t the time to be sticking your toes in its small waterfalls or creek, it’s a great time to hike around and look at all of the unique flora and fauna that make New Mexico beautiful.

There are plenty of places to camp and overnight visitors have the option to use on-site bathrooms if they need them.

Hyde Memorial State Park

Do you want to take a quick trip to Santa Fe and still want to see beautiful landscapes? Look no further than Hyde Memorial state park.

This was the first State Park in New Mexico, so it’s a historical landmark. You can do things like snowshoe and sled which are sure to warm you right up on a cold winter day. Check out this winter wonderland when you’re on your next New Mexico RV trip.

White Sands National Monument

Are you interested in a landscape that you won’t see anywhere else in the United States? Check out the White Sands National Monument in the Chihuahuan Desert area.

It’s famous for the Trinity site, or the area where the first atomic bomb took place. You get an important piece of history alongside your camping adventure.

As expected, walking through sand doesn’t make for the most fun hiking experience, but the views are worth it. After a long day on the sand, you can see an unbeatable sunset and retire to one of the developed campsites in the nearby recreation area. You will also want to check the park updates page, since White Sands Missile Range conducts tests that can require park closures.

These Are the Best Parks In New Mexico for Campers

When it’s time to take your RV out for some winter recreation, visit some of the best parks in New Mexico to see unique landscapes and historical places. You can’t outrun the cold, but you can enjoy it with fun recreational activities and beautiful sights.

Are you in need of a new RV for your next adventure? Check out our new RVs. Regardless of what features you’re looking for; we have something for every RV traveler.