Motorhome Safety Tips

A wonderful motorhome trip can turn into a tragedy in the blink of an eye if certain precautions are not taken. SellMyRVToday.com provides the following safety tips to keep in mind when traveling.

  • The most fundamental rule is for all passengers to buckle their seat bests. This one practice can make the difference between being uninjured in a crash or sustaining serious injuries.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your motorhome, as tourists are popular targets for thieves. Remember to lock your vehicle at night.
  • Exercise precautions to avoid a fire. If you smoke, it’s best to do it outside. If you build a campfire, keep the door and windows of your vehicle closed, so that embers can’t drift inside.
  • Be sure you know exactly how much overhead clearance your motorhome has. Exercise extra care when driving under bridges, gas station canopies, tree branches and fast food drive-through lanes.
  • Be aware of swing clearance as well so you won’t run into anything when you turn.
  • Get help when backing up. Regardless of how experienced you are, it’s a good idea to have someone guide you by standing at the driver side rear corner.

Don’t fall victim to the common belief that an accident or mishap can’t happen to you. Slow down and be extra careful when driving under structures or backing up.

Visit our Access Camping website regularly for camping tips.

Source:

http://rvdailyreport.com/News/ctl/ArticleView/mid/427/articleId/28208/SellMyRVTodaycom-releases-list-of-motorhome-safety-tips.aspx

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Helpful Camping Gadgets

Gear is always coming out on the market that can make your camping experience more convenient, pleasant and comfortable. Whether or not the items are worth the price depends on your particular needs and how much time you spend camping. In any case, it’s always interesting to see what is available. Here are some suggestions by the Idaho Statesman.

S’mores Grilling Set

This may be handy for those who travel with several children or grandchildren, as it can mass produce s’mores and be used on a charcoal or gas grill.

Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Cot

This makes an instant bunk cot bed, a nicety that can be helpful if space is limited.

Coghlan Tent Peg Mallet

Use this instead of a rock to pound tent stakes into the ground. The $5 cost is worth the investment.

Camp Chef Griddle Stove

This combination stove, griddle and grill can handle any cooking need, ranging from boiling water to making pancakes to grilling a steak.

Trash Ease

Attach this portable trash bag holder to a picnic table or similar surface to have a stable trash receptacle.

Cabela’s Bunkhouse

This is a camp apartment that sleeps nine people.

Check our Access Camping website often for the latest in camping news.

Source:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/05/16/2577904/gadgets-and-gear-you-need-to-check.html

 

 

 

 

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RVers Find Benefits in Social Networking

Social networking is a hot topic these days, with the concept infiltrating many segments of our society. Now, it appears that RVers have hopped onboard the social networking bandwagon and are enjoying its manifold benefits. When they join recreational vehicle groups, they learn more about the RV lifestyle as well as meet people with similar interests.

While RV networking is a nice idea for any camper, it is especially advantageous for widows and widowers who can join RV caravans traveling to various locations. Not only is there more safety in numbers, but camping trips are made immeasurably more enjoyable through the friendships that form during these excursions.

Aside from making trips with others, RVers can join the cyberworld camping communities of forums. When they logon, they can exchange ideas about many things and before long, a tightly knit group has formed that feels like a family.

RVers can also join camping clubs that offer members a monthly magazine and discounts on motorhome insurance, along with other benefits like mail forwarding and trip routing. The yearly membership fee is in all likelihood well worth the investment.

Visit our Access Camping website regularly to get the latest camping news.

Source:

http://www.aberdeennews.com/farmforum/life/wheels/aan-ff-05-03-13-wheelsrvarticle-20130503,0,5047028.story

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Spring 2013 Camping Club News

Recently, Good Sam announced that it plans to launch an auto buying program, giving its members savings on automobiles, boats and ATVs. The plan will feature haggle-free pre-arranged pricing on different vehicles through relationships with more than 2,000 dealerships. Members of the service can choose their vehicle and get a discounted price that is guaranteed, eliminating the hassle of negotiating. Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Good Sam, feels the program will complement the RV lifestyle of the members. Scheduled to launch on July 1, the service is already generating much interest.

KOA announced a partnership with Hungry Jack for a summer program. During the three holiday weekends during this time, Hungry Jack will give KOA campers a free sample carton of hashbrowns. Also, campers will be offered online information on creative cooking ideas that address the challenges of preparing meals when camping, such as a lack of refrigeration and limited supplies.

Families who stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Resorts during Mother’s Day Weekend will be treated to some special activities to celebrate the holiday. Additionally, in some parks mothers will receive a little pampering with spa-like events.

Check our Access Camping website regularly for camping club news.

Sources:

http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/04/lsi-parks-announce-mothers-day-activities/

http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/05/koa-partnering-with-hungry-jack-on-holidays/

http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/04/good-sam-to-launch-auto-buying-program/

 

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Tips for Choosing a Family Campsite

School will be out soon, so many families will be planning summer camping trips. In choosing where to stay, here are a few tips provided by Out & About Live to keep in mind that will enhance your family’s enjoyment of the camping experience.

  • Look for places that have spaces to play ball games as well as hiking and biking trails.
  • Since kids love water activities, find a park that has a lake, pond or some kind of swimming area.
  • Check to see if the park permits campfires, so the family can have the pleasure of roasting marshmallows.
  • See if the park has rainy day option like an onsite recreation room.
  • Choose a park that has organized activities, as they can be fun for the entire family.
  • Make sure the site is a safe distance from the road to prevent traffic concerns.
  • If you are bringing a baby along, check and see if the park’s restroom has a baby-change area.
  • In addition to looking for kid-friendly campsites, find a park with a beautiful view the adults will enjoy.

Visit our Access Camping website often for camping tips.

Source:

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Camping/Features/Handy-guides/Top-tips-for-choosing-a-family-campsite/_ch3_ft900_pg1

 

 

 

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National Park Week: Free Entrance April 20-28

The National Park Service and National Park Foundation will offer the public free entrance to all parks during the week of April 20 through 28. “Did You Know” is the theme of this year’s National Park Week, which will present a golden opportunity for Americans to discover fascinating things about the 401 parks in the system.

A full itinerary of events is planned that provides something for every taste, including bike tours and whale watching, along with concerts and living history encampments. The event is a good time to explore a park near your hometown or perhaps visit one across the country that you’ve always wanted to see.

Submit your entry to the National Park Week Giveaway Getaway so you can have a chance to win an 11-day tour of the West. The trip will feature breathtaking park landscapes and historic sites, as well as wildlife and museums, encompassing an area from Denver to Salt Lake City.

Check our Access Camping website regularly for industry news.

Sources:

http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/04/national-park-week-free-entry-april-20-26/

http://www.nationalparks.org/connect/npf-news/get-know-your-national-parks-during-national-park-week-2013

 

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4 Money-Saving Camping Tips

Unexpected expenses can hike up the cost of camping trips considerably. The key to keeping costs down on vacations in the great outdoors is careful planning.

Make a List and Check it Twice

Think carefully when you make lists of things to pack because buying essentials on the road can be expensive. Spending some time thinking about contingencies that may arise can prevent trips to a convenience store to buy batteries or aspirin.  Also consider the activities you may want to participate in, so you’ll remember to bring the clothing and equipment you will need. For example, if swimming might be on your family’s agenda, pack your bathing suits so you won’t waste money buying them on your trip. Also, planning simple but filling meals like chili can save money on meals out.

Choose Campgrounds Wisely

Parks that come with extra amenities and perks are often most costly than those that don’t. Unless the perks are especially important to you, choose the campgrounds that don’t have the frills. Check out government campgrounds because they frequently offer decent facilities at a lower cost.

Do You Really Need Fancy Camping Gear?

Instead of buying a sleeping bag, just bring blankets and pillows from home. Also, if you need cooking equipment, you can pick up a couple of cast iron skillets from the thrift store.

Cheap Entertainment is the Best Option

A finial tip is to bring board games and a deck of cards to save money on entertainment. These time-honored camping activities provide you with the simple pleasure of enjoying the company of those you love.

Keep up with all the latest camping news at our Access Camping website.

Source:

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/camping-tips-save-money-14202.html

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10th Annual Care Camp Weekend

For nine years now, KOA has designated a special weekend in May to raise money for children with cancer. The camping organization’s altruistic endeavor has been a smashing success, as the revenue gained per year has been averaging $500,000. This year’s Care Camps Big Weekend will be May 10 and 11, when campers can pay to stay on Friday night and receive Saturday night free.

Money raised during this weekend will be used to send kids with cancer to KOA Care Camps across the country. These 52 parks have the medical equipment needed to provide a summer camp experience to kids who are either being treated for cancer or are recovering from the disease.

This wonderful program means the world to these children, giving them a much needed reprieve from the horrors associated with their illness and an opportunity to have fun. When they attend these camps, instead of being the odd man out, they are no different from anyone else. The joy they get from this experience is sure to be good medicine for them.

Campers can be a part of this worthwhile fundraiser by either staying at one of the participating parks that weekend or by making a donation online. For more information, visit http://www.koacarecamps.org.

Check our Access Camping website regularly for camping industry news.

Source:

http://koa.com/national-events/care-camps-big-weekend

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Group Camping

Whether it involves a large family reunion or a get-together with a few relatives, group camping offers several advantages. This mode of lodging is very economical, and due to the abundance of campgrounds around the country, it is easy to select a park that is centrally located to all the parties in the group. Moreover, the setting is relaxing and kid-friendly, providing campers with areas to sit together and visit or play sports and games. Most of all, group camping will unquestionably foster a bonding experience, creating wonderful memories.

In planning such camping trips, keeping in mind a few tips will help. Pick a park that has group sites, so your party can set up their tents in community-like style. Preparing meals as a group is also a good idea, as everyone shares in the preparation as well as the fun. Get organized about packing, making sure you will have enough folding tables, chairs and other essentials.

Imagine sitting around a campfire in the evening, roasting hot dogs and catching up on the lives of loved ones and friends. Group camping is definitely an unbeatable way to have a reunion.

Check our Access Camping website frequently for tips and info.

Sources:

http://www.camping-tips.com/Big_Campouts.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-planning-group-camping-trip-8931639.html

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Benefits of Spring Camping

In the southernmost tier of states, early spring is one of the best times to go camping. Temperatures of March and April are mild and balmy, usually not turning excessively warm until May. Also, by this time of the year, the season is well advanced and the azaleas, wildflowers and many other blooms are in their full glory.

Camping in the more northern areas of the country can be rewarding as well during the early spring but for different reasons. After the long hibernation imposed by winter’s bitter chill, cabin fever can set in, making people long to be outdoors. It’s wonderful to hike through the wilderness, filling your lungs with fresh air and observing the very first signs of spring, which are such welcome harbingers of warmer temperatures ahead. Another advantage of camping in the northern states during this time is the privacy, solitude and blissful quietness that reign before the season is in full swing. If the nights are too chilly, you can always get comfortable inside a cabin or RV.

Other nice aspects of spring camping include bird watching and star gazing. The bird watching season is in its prime, and this period is one of the times of year when the night sky is adorned with the most stars.

Visit our Access Camping website regularly for updates and information.

Source:

http://beginnercampingtips.com/articles/fall-spring-camping-tips.html

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