New Hampshire’s White Mountains Call RVers A “journey” was once the equivalent of one-day’s travel, but a trip to the White Mountains is so much more.

Early colonists came to [...]]]> New Hampshire’s White Mountains Call RVers
A “journey” was once the equivalent of one-day’s travel, but a trip to the White Mountains is so much more
By Carolyn Ross Tomlin

New Hampshire’s White Mountains Call RVers
A “journey” was once the equivalent of one-day’s travel, but a trip to the White Mountains is so much more.

Early colonists came to New England seeking a better way of life. For some, this meant owning their own home and land. For others, religious freedom. And for some, political reasons helped realize dreams.

Today, visitors travel to this area and New Hampshire’s White Mountains for many reasons. But all will agree: It’s not the destination, but the journey that’s important.

With so many attractions in close proximity, RVers can choose to stay and view the spectacular scenery a while or experience several events within a few days’ time.

A Lesson in History

The White Mountains Region offers a leisurely lesson in history – much like a rich tapestry that weaves a story of early settlers, hardships and harsh winter weather. However, for most, it’s the magnificent scenery that draws people to the area.

At Franconia you’ll see Robert Frost Place, the home of one of America’s most famous poets. Take time to view the 20-minute video to learn of his life and accomplishments. As you visit the grounds, imagine the poet walking the trails and allowing his mind to put thoughts into words, words into poems. Frost often wrote of the simple life, his love for the land and the beauty of his beloved White Mountains.

Here, you’ll understand how generation upon generation made their living off the land. One quote stands out: “I choose to be a plain New Hampshire farmer with an income in cash, of say a thousand.”

While in Franconia, stop by the only iron furnace still standing in New Hampshire. Located across the Gale River, the Interpretive Center offers a scale model and exhibits.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, communities provided for their residents. As towns grew, they included a general store, church or meeting house, school and a place to grind corn into meal, wheat into flour.

Today, history comes alive at the Littleton Grist Mill. Built in 1798, the site is open to the public as a working museum. You’ll see an authentic 18th-century grist mill which uses 48-inch mill stones driven by a 20-foot water wheel and wooden gearing. Be sure to pick up a package of stone-ground products – waffle and pancake mixes and flours are sold at the specialty shop and throughout the northeast.

Summer Cottages

The Gilded Age brought wealthy northern residents, in search of rest and relaxation, to New England during the summer months. Their “cottages” were actually grand estates.

One example of this affluence in the White Mountains was Lucknow, known as the historic “Castle in the Clouds.” Built by Tom and Olive Plant in 1913-1914, this 5,400-acre mountainside estate is set high in the Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.

Plant made his fortune in shoe manufacturing and retired as a millionaire. He then set his focus on creating this New Hampshire estate – eventually covering 6,300 acres. Today, guests may hike more than 85 miles of private trails, picnic or dine at the Carriage House while viewing spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee. The estate is a frequent site for weddings, motor coach tours, group travel and corporate events.

Water, Rides and Family Fun

Second and third generations of families who have visited the White Mountains return again and again. Why? Because there’s something new every year. And these families know they can capture memories to last a lifetime. Here, you can choose from a wide selection of activities. With a short drive between each site, you’ll find adventure to please each member of your group – hiking, climbing, mountain biking or spelunking for serious outdoors fans; or picnics, golf and a waterslide. Take a nostalgic train ride, a gondola or carriage ride. The kids will love to visit a fantasy theme park. There is something for everyone.

Fall’s Spectacular Scenery

It’s a known fact that Cannon Mountain is home to some of the best, most exciting skiing in the northeast during the long winter.

But listen to the natives of New Hampshire as they brag about the neverending palette of autumn colors viewed from the top of Cannon Mountain. “On a clear day, you can see forever.” Well … almost. The view on the 80-passenger aerial train takes in parts of four states and Canada.

In September and October, the world travels to New Hampshire’s doorstep to witness the leaves turn their brilliant colors. Scientists tell us this change is due to a unique blend of fall weather, variety of tree species and rugged terrain that makes for the spectacular “leaf peeping.” With cooler, shorter days, the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. Therefore, the brown, yellow and orange become the prominent colors of poplar, oak, beech and birch leaves. Sugar trapped in the leaf as a result of warm days and cool nights produces reds and purples in maple trees.

And when, you ask, is the peak color season? No one can guess what only Mother Nature knows, but usually from the end of September through the second week in October. However, unusual weather may extend the prime color through the month of October. During this time, be sure to make reservations early. Columbus Day weekend usually brings a high volume of tourists.

Shop ’til You Drop

Passionate shoppers need look no further than the White Mountains area, where purchases are tax-free. Approximately 200 shops and stores reach across the valley to include brand-name factory outlets, and well-known stores along with high-end boutiques.

RVers will find many shopping opportunities tucked away in the region’s small towns and villages. Check out downtown Littleton – you’ll find a plethora of unique and eclectic boutiques. Bethlehem caters to antique lovers. Franconia and Sugar Hill tempt visitors with shops featuring the talented work of local artisans and craftsmen.

White Mountain Tours

Pack your camera and be ready for outstanding photo opportunities as you motor along The White Mountain Trail – a National Scenic and Cultural Byway that covers a 100-mile route.

Begin your tour at the White Mountains Attraction Visitor Center in North Woodstock, where you can pick up a calendar of events for special activities, free brochures, maps and more. Purchase a White Mountain Value Pass and you can save more than 50% on admission to 17 area attractions.

With so much to see, it’s difficult to keep your eyes on the road. Along the route, you’ll discover magnificent overlooks of picturesque valleys and mountains, covered bridges, river gorges, mysterious caves and waterfalls that cascade down hillsides.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway – the nation’s first mountain-climbing cog railway – takes passengers to the top of the Northeast’s loftiest peak. Climb aboard one of the seven authentic coal-fired steam trains for a three-hour round trip.

The New Cog Railway Ski Trains offer skiers and non-skiers alike a memorable winter adventure. You can ride up to the summit of 6,288 feet. While you’re there, check out the Old Pepperass, the world’s first mountain-climbing locomotive which huffed and puffed its way to the peak on July 3, 1869.

A visit to the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire is sure to bring families together and make memories to treasure for years to come.

Believe it or not, Old Faithful isn’t the only reason to go to Yellowstone National Park. America’s first national park is also home to one of nation’s best places for biking, hiking, boating, camping, and fishing.

Yellowstone stretches across nearly 3,500 square miles and spans through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. If [...]]]> Yellowstone is an RV Enthusiast’s Paradise

Believe it or not, Old Faithful isn’t the only reason to go to Yellowstone National Park. America’s first national park is also home to one of nation’s best places for biking, hiking, boating, camping, and fishing.

Yellowstone stretches across nearly 3,500 square miles and spans through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. If you’re thinking about planning a visit, you’ll definitely want to do your homework. Start by determining what attractions you’d like to visit or what activities you and your family will want to do. There are various campgrounds scattered throughout the massive park that are closer to certain attractions and offer a number of different things to do. Some are very far apart so you’ll have to investigate which one is the best for you in order to avoid a lot of driving within the park.

One of the largest RV parks in Yellowstone is the Fishing Bridge RV Park. A lot of the basic amenities can be found here, including a general store, electric, sewer, water, hook-ups, and more. Coin laundry facilities and pay showers are also available. Fishing Bridge is located at the north end of Yellowstone Lake and offers a very large variety of activities for the entire family. A number of biking and hiking trails branch out of the camping area and can accommodate excursions of any length. Some of the most popular trails offer stunning views of the lakes and other surrounding water features. For those looking to get out on the water, there is a boat launch very nearby. You can also rent canoes and other watercraft and enjoy the area at a much slower pace.

If you’re looking for a camping area with a woodsier feel, head over to Grant Campground at the southern edge of Yellowstone Lake. While there are no utility hook-ups available, a laundry facility, restaurants, pay showers, and a sanitary dump station are all located very nearby. The campground is located in a rather heavily wooded area and offers a bit of privacy that the larger RV parks cannot offer. With lake access nearby, you can also enjoy many of the same activities you’d find at the Fishing Bridge RV Park.

For the true wilderness experience, visit one of the more remote camping areas, such as the Pebble Creek Campground. There are definitely no utility hook-ups or nearby amenities. Water must be hand pumped and only vault toilets are available. The nearest pay phone is approximately 9 miles away and you should expect to receive no cell phone service. Quite a few large pull through RV spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. If you’re looking for a bit more rough terrain and some more diverse trail offerings, this is the spot for you.

No matter where you choose to go in Yellowstone National Park, you can expect to have a good time experiencing the best America has to offer.

Source E. B. Chuong writes articles about recreational vehicles, and outdoor activities. Are you intrigued by the edgy look of Icon helmets?

Get an RV park and campground directory (you will find some on this site on the right side). You’ll also find them at book and RV accessory stores. The directories list the RV parks and campgrounds by area. You simply open the book to the area where you want to [...]]]> Locating an RV Park or Campground

Get an RV park and campground directory (you will find some on this site on the right side). You’ll also find them at book and RV accessory stores. The directories list the RV parks and campgrounds by area. You simply open the book to the area where you want to stay to find the campgrounds available.

Each individual listing will include information about the campground, its facilities and fees. Owners of large rigs should pay particular attention to the campground’s size limitations.

Commercial directories don’t always list the government campgrounds. Try to obtain listings or directories of the National, State, County and City campgrounds in the areas you are visiting.

Reservations at campgrounds and RV parks should be made according to the location and time of year just as you would at a hotel or motel. If you want to stay on a holiday or summer weekend, reservations might be wise. If you will arrive during the middle of the week or during the off season, reservations may not be necessary.

Many RVers prefer to travel without the constraints of an itinerary. They don’t make reservations because they don’t know where they will be on any given day. Others, with a particular destination and time frame in mind, will secure their campsite by making reservations. RVing offers this freedom of choice.

Before stopping for the night, refer to your campground directory. Select a couple of RV parks or campgrounds that fit your needs and budget. It’s not a bad idea to personally check the facilities, especially the restroom and laundry, before registering. This can be important if you plan to use the showers or wash a load of clothes.

Government campgrounds frequently let you drive through, select an empty site and then return to register. Camping fees are generally the same for all the sites.

RV parks and commercial campgrounds will generally register you and assign you to a campsite immediately upon your arrival. Camping fees will vary according to the hookup facilities you request and, on occasion, the size and location of the site.

Most RV parks and campgrounds post their campsite rates on a board behind the registration desk. Typically, there is a basic overnight fee with additional charges for each hookup service. There may also be additional charges for more than two persons, pets, additional vehicles and use of air conditioners or electric heaters.

Many RVers want full hookups every night and are willing to pay for them, others may only request electric and water hookups. They will use the campground’s disposal station when they leave in the morning. Some RVers will ask for just a “dry” campsite.

A lot of RV parks and campgrounds offer discounts to members of RV clubs. Some offer weekly and monthly rates. Inquire about discounts and rates before registering.

Ask for:

A site that will accommodate your slide-out room(s).
A pull-through site if you have a long rig.
Hookup connections on the left (driver’s) side of the campsite.
A shady site in the summer.
A sunny site when it’s cold.
A site close to the recreational facilities if you won’t mind the noise.
A site convenient to the restroom if you won’t mind the foot traffic.
A site near the laundry room if you are going to use it.
Look over the literature you are given when you register. It may tell you what channels have which TV networks, what churches, restaurants and stores are in the neighborhood and other local items of interest. Patronize the advertisers on the campground literature, they clearly want your business.

Here are some ways you can reduce the cost of overnight camping:

Use your campground directory(s) to compare the prices of campgrounds in the area you wish to spend the night.
Take advantage of your RV or other club discounts.
Select and only pay for the utility hookups you need.
Ask about weekly or monthly rates.
Don’t overlook the sometimes less expensive campgrounds in National, State, County and City parks.
And our favorite, cultivate lots of friends with long driveways.

Enjoy The Journey!
by Joe and Vicki Kieva (From the book “RVing Made Easy”)

Travel along with popular RV television host Stew Olsen as he explores the Grand Tetons in Idaho in this segment taken from the 2006 archives of the RV Today show.

With beautiful video footage of the Rocky Mountain landscape, scenic trails, and seemingly endless fishing streams, this is an entertaining and [...]]]> Grand Tetons Idaho With Your RV

Travel along with popular RV television host Stew Olsen as he explores the Grand Tetons in Idaho in this segment taken from the 2006 archives of the RV Today show.

With beautiful video footage of the Rocky Mountain landscape, scenic trails, and seemingly endless fishing streams, this is an entertaining and visually stimulating RV trek through the Grand Tetons

And of course, Stew covers a multitude of RVing opportunities, including three scenic places to stay in the Teton valley. One campground, located in the Targee Ski Resort area, has been adding multiple RV sites as RVing grows in popularity.

Another campground, in Heise Hot Springs (Southeast Idaho), features a river, a nearby golf course, and of course, hot springs! Heise Hot Springs also has an evening dinner show beginning with a wild west shootout, followed by a wagon ride to dinner in a beautiful meadow setting. The show by the Mountain River Ranch players features plenty of audience participation.

Finally, Stew and the crew visit the glorious Mesa Falls on Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in eastern Idaho.

The state of Idaho has more than 16,000 miles of streams, and one of the most famous in the world for fly-fishing, the Snake River. If you like to fish, there is a perfect spot to set up camp and drop a line just a short drive from Mesa Falls at the Red Rock RV and Campground

The Castle Rock RV Park & Campground near metro Denver is developing a new section to accommodate 200 recreational park trailers, also called park models.

The cabin-style trailers — [...]]]> Castle Rock RV Park & Campground CO. Colorado Rocky Mountains Camping

In a woodland setting, flowering shrubs and situated on the prestigious Hilton Head Island, this Motorcoach-only resort was designed for enjoyment. A lovely lake, large swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and close proximity to beautiful ocean beaches, paved streets and pads, full hook-up amenities and unique wooded sites offer simply the finest [...]]]> Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort.

In a woodland setting, flowering shrubs and situated on the prestigious Hilton Head Island, this Motorcoach-only resort was designed for enjoyment. A lovely lake, large swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and close proximity to beautiful ocean beaches, paved streets and pads, full hook-up amenities and unique wooded sites offer simply the finest in Motorcoach living.

Restrictions: Class A and Class C Motorhomes only. Minimum RV Length of 18′

* 401 sites with full hookups
* 24-hour security
* Swimming pool with whirlpool
* 6 lighted tennis courts
* Shuffleboard courts
* Health spa with exercise room and saunas
* Two-level lodge
* Game room with snack bar
* Children’s playground

Beautiful Atlantic beaches
Miles of bicycle paths
Salt marsh creeks perfect for Kayaking
Boating & fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway
Wildlife preserve
Golf
Tennis
Live theatre
Fine dining
Boat trips to Historic Savannah
Shopping

Address:
Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort
133 Arrow Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone:
Toll Free: 800.722.2365
Local: 843.785.7699

Website:
www.hiltonheadmotorcoachresort.com

We have two catch and release fishing ponds [...]]]> Mt. Airy North Carolina RV Park. Mayberry RFD NC RV Resort

Centrally located to Mayberry RFD, Pilot Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway! Within miles of the Worlds Largest Open Face Granite Quarry. Mount Airy is also the home place of Donna Fargo, one of country music’s greatest singers.

We have two catch and release fishing ponds that are over forty years old. We are located at the home place of the descendants of Eng and Chang Bunker, the Siamese Twins. Eventually you will be able to walk and enjoy a peaceful stroll on the walking trail that will lead to The White Plains Church where Eng and Chang Bunker are buried. We have a bathhouse on site. We will have a general store on site, our campground offers full hook ups.

We are planning on building playgrounds for the children, horseshoe game area, volleyball, campfire pits. We are very excited about our future plans. Our campground is going to be somewhere you can come camp with us and never leave the grounds, everything you need will be right here! We will have a general store with all the basic necessities, propane, firewood, etc. We are planning on building a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi. If you want to sit back and relax, then you need to come to Mayberry Campground to visit.

We are centrally located near several places to sightsee, such as: Pilot Knob State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Hanging Rock, and many more! Come and enjoy your stay with us.

Within two miles of fast food restaurants, fine dining and entertainment.

Enjoy Mayberry while you are here:

Floyd’s Barber Shop
Snappy Lunch
Old Mayberry Jail
Barney’s Cafe
Mount Airy Museum
Leon’s Burger Express
Main Oak Emporium
Bluebird Diner
Andy Griffith Squad Car Tours
Andy Griffith Playhouse
Downtown Cinema
Opie’s Candy Store
Andy’s Home place
Wally’s Service Station
Mayberry Square
Pandowdy’s

We also have several wineries in our area:

Shelton Vineyards
Black Wolf Winery
Old North State Winery
Round Peak Vineyards
Stony Knoll Vineyards
Rag Apple Lassie
Chateau Morrissette
Richard Childress Vineyards
Buck Shoals Winery
Raffadeni Winery
Brushy Mountain Winery
Chateau Laurinda
Elkin Creek Vineyard and Winery
Hanover Park Vineyard

Mayberry RV Park
114 Byron Bunker Lane
P.O. Box 496
Mount Airy, NC 27030
1-336-789-6199

CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311 or 1-866-GEYSERLAND (439-7375), or by writing: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, PO Box 165, Yellowstone National [...]]]> Yellowstone National Park. Campgrounds in Yellowstone

CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311 or 1-866-GEYSERLAND (439-7375), or by writing: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, PO Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups, and it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers are allowed).

Please make your reservations early and/or plan to secure your campsite as early in the day as possible. Campgrounds may fill by early morning, especially during peak season (early July—late August).

It is recommended that people driving recreational vehicles over 30′ make a reservation since there are a limited number of campsites over 30′ available in Yellowstone. Large RV sites are located at Flagg Ranch, Fishing Bridge RV Park, West Yellowstone and Gardiner.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY & RESERVATIONS

Availability is first-come, first serve at the following seven campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. Campgrounds may be filled by 11 a.m.; arrive early to obatin a site. Overnight camping of any type (tent, vehicle, or RV) outside designated campgrounds is not permitted.

CAMPFIRES

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in locations with fire grates. Special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when the danger of wildland fires is great. If you plan to light a fire in the park, please ask about current fire restrictions at the entrance station when you arrive or email our Visitor Services Office immediately prior to your visit.