Antelope Canyon, located in Page, Arizona, is a mesmerizing slot canyon known for its breathtaking beauty. Carved over thousands of years by the forces of nature, this natural wonder is a popular destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.
I welcome you to my digital art gallery of Antelope Canyon!
“The Half-Pipe” – Orin YellowmanSurf’s Up!All of these pictures were taken in Lower Antelope Canyon on the Dixie Tour.
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The canyon is divided into two sections: the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon. The Upper Antelope Canyon is renowned for its famous light beams that magically illuminate the sandstone walls. The beams of sunlight create a surreal and ethereal atmosphere, attracting photographers from around the world.
The Lower Antelope Canyon, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and adventurous experience. Visitors can navigate through narrow passageways and climb ladders while being surrounded by stunning rock formations and vibrant hues. The interplay of light and shadows within the canyon creates a unique visual spectacle.
All of these pictures were taken in Lower Antelope Canyon on the Dixie Tour.
Both sections of Antelope Canyon are situated on Navajo land and can only be accessed through guided tours. The knowledgeable Navajo guides not only ensure visitors’ safety but also provide fascinating insights into the cultural and geological significance of the canyon.
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Tour Information
Lower Antelope Canyon:
The Lower Canyon terrain is quite rugged, and multiple parts of the tour involve climbing ladders with slope and maneuvering between tight rocks. Be cautious if you plan to take this tour and listen to the tour guide with you to safely navigate each obstacle.
Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours – Lower Antelope Canyon Hiking Tour, prices: $55 for visitors 13 and older, $35 for 4-12, and those 3 and younger are free, but no strollers are allowed on the tour because of the ladders and climbing obstacles. Prices do not include the required Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person. Tour times last approximately 60 minutes and cover close to a mile of distance walking.
Ken’s Tours – General Tour, prices: same as above, $55 for visitors 13 and older, $35 for 4-12, and those 3 and younger are free, but no strollers are allowed on the tour. There’s also a deluxe tour for $135/person that includes not only the tour in the canyon, but you’ll receive a free meal, and visit the local Heritage Site to learn more Diné (Navajo) culture. Prices do not include the required Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person. Tour times last 60 minutes and cover approximately one mile of distance.
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Upper Antelope Canyon:
The terrain of the Upper Canyon is more accessible, and is usually busier, due to tourists and flocks of photographers. If you would rather walk than climb multiple terraces and levels, Upper Antelope Canyon is probably your best bet.
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours – Upper Antelope Canyon Tour, prices: $108/person but cost an additional $11 if you want to visit during peak sunlight hours. Those 7 and younger are not permitted on these outings. There are a total of 21 steps going up and 112 steps going down, for those of you curious before going.
Antelope Canyon Tours – Upper Antelope Canyon Sightseeing Tour, prices: $85/person for people eight and older, $75/person for those seven and younger. On this tour, you’ll spend an additional 40 minutes round-trip of travel to get to the slot canyons from the office location.
Antelope Canyon offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the sheer beauty of nature’s artistry. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, a visit to Antelope Canyon is sure to leave you in awe.
Steps climbing through the canyon.Near the discrete entrance to Lower Antelope Canyon.The way down into Lower Antelope Canyon!Orin Yellowman, our Diné (Navajo) tour guide.
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Page, Arizona is a stunning destination filled with natural wonders and exciting attractions. It seems like you could write pages and pages about all of the adventures there are to do here in Page. But the real question many of us have is, “Just how many Pages are there in Arizona?” I know, awful dad jokes – I’ll try to refrain for the rest of this blog – no promises though…
Time to read:
6–9 minutes
Lower Antelope Canyon.Horseshoe Bend (“East-Rim of the Grand Canyon”).Bree at Lower Antelope Canyon.“This is as close as I’ll get to the edge.” -Matt.Each look at the canyon reveals another optical illusion.
In this blog, we’ll cover some of the top sights not to be missed while exploring this incredible desert-painted landscape in Page, Arizona. Remember while reading this list to check the opening hours, availability of guided tours, and any necessary permits to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit as these fluctuate often depending on the season.
Situated west of the Navajo Nation’s border, Page, Arizona, has a little bit for everyone. Does exploring one of the most photographed canyons in the world sound cool to you? How about seeing the incredible “East-Rim of the Grand Canyon” – Horseshoe Bend? What about authentic Mexican food and an ice-cold margarita? And don’t worry, Page, AZ, even has a Walmart for all the necessities you forget to pack.
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Antelope Canyon
We learned from our tour guide, Orin Yellowman, that you can take vertical panoramas with the iPhone 11 – look at this incredible picture!
Explore the captivating slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, known for its beautiful sculpted sandstone walls and breathtaking light beams. Whether you choose Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, both offer a surreal photography experience.
“The Half Pipe”Incredible waves.Bree in Lower Antelope Canyon.Wind and water work together to shape the walls of the canyon.“Just WOW!”This place is incredibly photogenic.
We explored the Lower Antelope Canyon with Dixie’s Tours and it was worth every penny. When you get there, ask for Orin Yellowman as your tour guide – if you want Diné cultural history, laughs, and a master course in how to take captivating photos – He’s the absolute man – thank you Orin!
Prices start around $35/kid and $55/adult, + the Navajo park & recreation fee (another $8/person). Don’t forget to bring a little extra spending money for any gift shop purchases and tips you wish to give your guide.
Caution: be prepared to climb ladders and very sloped surfaces for the Lower Antelope Canyon tour. The Upper Antelope Canyon tour is more accessible if you have any concerns.
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Orin Yellowman, tour guide, with Dixie Tours.Stairway down into the Lower Antelope Canyon.Parts of the tour are difficult to navigate. Be prepared for this – your tour guide can aid you if needed.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend, known as the “East-Rim of the Grand Canyon”.
Known by many as the “East-Rim of the Grand Canyon,” here you can marvel at the iconic Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Situated almost as far east as the Grand Canyon goes, these incredible rock formations are a delight to see. Enjoy a short hike to the viewpoint and witness the remarkable beauty of the massive 1,000-foot deep canyon.
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This place almost doesn’t seem real – it’s one of those hard to explain ones. You just have to see it in person to even believe it! Over time, the Colorado River has been carving Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon out chunk by chunk, very slowly.
The Sun was blinding – hence my squinty eyes.
Prices are $10/car (same price for RVs + campers) to get in the gate – there’s even a convenient RV-sized parking! With a short 0.6-mile stroll from the parking lot, you’ll arrive at the canyon overlook.
Consider joining the [gone] community!
Please consider joining the [Gone] community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
Discover the splendor of Lake Powell, a massive reservoir encompassing crystal-clear blue waters and majestic red rock formations. Indulge in water activities like kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, or simply relax along the scenic beaches. Guided tours are available.
Visit the impressive Glen Canyon Dam, the marvel of engineering that created Lake Powell. Take a guided tour to learn about the dam’s construction, its role in generating hydroelectric power, and the history of the area.
Prices: It’s free to get in and park, whether you want to see the Visitor Center, walk along the dam, or learn some local history about the lake. You can’t beat the price of admission here!
You can also visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center to learn more from the staff there. Everything from the history of the dam, exhibits displaying damage that has happened over the years, and interactive learning opportunities for all ages. Children can even earn junior badges as this property is part of the National Park Service.
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge, from Adam Birken.
The only way to see this amazing arch is by scenic boat tour or a long hike to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is an incredible sight to behold and holds great cultural significance for Native American tribes in the region.
See a barren, yet-alive landscape encompassing 1.25 million acres ready for exploration. Hundreds of miles can be hiked, biked, kayaked, explored, trekked, climbed, or simply walked. You are the deciding factor. How will you adventure in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area?
We Can’t Have a Blog Without FOOD!
I’m a foodie, so whenever I can get my hands on something new and tasty I.am.in. You don’t even have to ask – the answer is, YES!
Fiesta Mexicana with my love, Bree. I ordered a Super Burrito and Dos Equis Amber, and she had a Steak Fajita Burrito and a Fiesta Margarita. Both were amazing, and their “hot” salsa was bomb as a free appetizer!
Fiesta Mexicana claims to have the best margaritas in town, and although they’re good, we didn’t try any other margaritas in town. So, the verdict is out on that one. I can say they weren’t the best we’ve ever had but there burritos certainly were in top five!
Big John’s Texas BBQ has a Navajo and rustic theme. We didn’t have the time to try this one, but I can say it looked like good BBQ. Reviews say it’s fantastic. Reasonably priced menu with great side options, fruit cobbler and ice cream for dessert – yum!
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Another one we didn’t get to try that looked appetizing was BirdHouse, where the local Arizona folk claim the best chicken around is served up daily.
Whatever you pick you can’t go wrong in this small town of Page, Arizona. There is heart and charm located all over the downtown area.
Campground Recommendation
Roam America – Horseshoe Bend.Sunrise at Roam America.Catching an epic sunrise!
Roam America – Horseshoe Bend was a fantastic stay (you may also find this one called “The Canyons RV Resort and Cabins” on Google – they just changed their name). This is the future of RV Glamping – move over KOA!
Brand new washers/dryers.Bathrooms ares suite-style rooms.Fancy tech allows you to pay digitally with a card.The waiting area of each bath hous+ laundry buildings looks something like this. There’s at least 4-5 of these comfort station buildings on site.
We HIGHLY recommend this campground as we had a phenomenal stay here. For the price of $50-$75/night for a RV site, you get full hook-ups, brand-new clean restrooms and shower suites, a dog park, pool, splash pad, camper store, digital laundry, WIFI, and more. This campground is conveniently located near all of the “Just WOW” sights on this list!
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The Adventure Continues
Let us know your travel plans! Are you passing through Page, Arizona to get to the Grand Canyon, see Arches National Park, or coming to see the iconic “East-rim of the Grand Canyon” – Horseshoe Bend? We’d love to hear about your travels – tag us @noplacelike.gone on Instagram + Facebook! You can find us quickly with the links below.
Wildwood is located off of Highway 20 just before reaching the oceanside town of Fort Bragg, California when coming from Willits and Ukiah in the east. Northern California is known for its breath taking redwood trees and this campground is immersed deep within an old growth forest.
A word of caution: Highway 20 is VERY curvy coming from the east. As in, hairpin turns at 20 mph max around every corner. For the seasoned driver these can be tackled easily with a bit of patience and fínese but if you’ve got a large rig or are not 100% comfortable driving your RV yet, I would avoid coming in on highway 20.
After driving the windy mountain road pulling into the campground and meeting Jessica at the office was a welcomed relief – she greeted us with a warm smile & checked us in. Because the campground only requires a reservation deposit at booking, she processed the remainder of our campground fees and gave us a guide to the local area – “101 Things To Do in Mendocino County.” She gave some local recommendations includingprincess seafood market, Glass Beach, and the sea glass museum, she then radioed for Travis & Casey.
Travis and Casey greeted us on a gator golf cart and escorted us to our site. The communicated via walkie talkie and helped us back into our spot – number 67. We were able to join the “parked it on the first try club” & were congratulated with a fist bump from Travis. He then showed us our utility locations and helped us get plugged in.
The gravel site was mostly level but we did use a few leveling blocks on the rear to make it perfect. Some sites had a pretty significant slope so it is probably a good idea to pack extra leveling blocks, even if you have auto levelers.
We settled into our spot easily and took a walk around the campground. It was built in the 1970s and has all the vintage charm of the era. Yellow hand painted signs made of redwood slices number the sites and point out hiking trails as well as the restrooms. There are coin operated showers in the bathhouse so be sure to bring spare quarters if you plan on using the facilities.
Around the corner from the bathhouse is a stage and communal fire pit. We were treated to campground karaoke during the holiday weekend – Disney songs were a hit with the families camping.
We enjoyed cool days under the redwoods as temperatures nearby broke 100* F. We took advantage of the on-site hiking trails a few times during our stay. There is a pond with a family of otters on the property and if you’re lucky you might get to see them.
If you’re really lucky you’ll be able to meet “Spirit” the three legged tabby cat. We didn’t ask what happened to his leg – that seemed rude – but he stopped by a few times to ask us for pets and head scratches – we gladly obliged.
Everyone was SO friendly – the staff and the fellow campers. We enjoyed s’mores one night with our neighbors across the way & spoke to many of our neighbors in passing. There are several permanent residents on the west side of the park, they have a separate entrance and are separate from the short term campground area. Trash is picked up right from your site, just set the provided can at the end of your site and the guys pick it up each evening for you – this makes sure no hungry critters get in during the night. Beware this is bear country!
Travis, who we later learned is the new owner & manager, stopped by several times throughout our stay to check on us, even bringing us firewood directly to our site in the gator golf cart. Fire wood is $15 for a whole cord of wood and your first bundle is free! Our bundle was stacked & waiting for us next to the fire ring when we arrived. We learned Travis, the owner, even personally drove a family up to town when they were having car issues late in the evening and Uber wasn’t available. The customer service, willingness to help, and attention to detail here is unmatched.
Speaking of Uber, don’t depend on ride-share or cell signal here. Cell signal is not available for most carriers. There is 4G reception with Verizon ONLY. Our verizon phone hotspots worked surprising well and we were able to get on Zoom calls and such but there was definitely no star link coverage with the large tree canopies filling the sky.
Speaking of the trees, that was the best part! We were able to camp right under the enormous redwood trees and take in their beauty right from our campsite. Many afternoons were spent by the fire watching birds flit around the redwood trees. If you’re in to the more unique creatures – banana slugs were frequent visitors; slimy but harmless – and kinda cool to watch as they slowly make their way around. These slugs are native only to the redwood forests on the west coast and are bright yellow, sometimes with spots.
Overall, we give this campground a 10/10! The over the top customer service was soooo appreciated and was a huge contrast to other places we’ve camped. The redwoods provided a picturesque & relaxing backdrop, I even broke out my hammock. This is the only campground in the redwoods in close proximity to Fort Bragg & Glass Beach which is less than a 10 minute drive away. We enjoyed hunting for sea glass at this famous beach!
Travis & Kay have big plans for the future of the park including adding live music events on the weekend & opening a camp store. If you’re ever in the area, please check this place out and tell Travis & Kay we said hi!
Nature has a unique way of making us feel refreshed and alive. Spending time in the great outdoors can have numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Being in nature, we are able to unplug and reconnect with a more primal & simplistic state of being. Today, we’re going to talk about Ecopsychology and some of the top benefits of spending time in nature outside. Continue reading to learn how the great outdoors can be more effective than many of your prescription medications.
Ecopsychology is a word for “the study of nature and how it affects the human mind.” We’ve learned in the last 10+ months while full-time traveling in a RV that there’s nothing that even comes close to comparing with nature. You can take prescription meds, read self-help books, go to therapy, practice gratitude daily, etc. and then adding in time with nature will make you feel even better.
Research done by Yale University, showed that time in nature — as long as people felt safe in their environment — was an antidote for stress. Spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
There’s a reason tree roots look like the nerves in the brain.
In other studies done by the American Psychological Association it was discovered that a simple stroll through a city park or a day spent hiking in the wilderness can be extremely beneficial. Their studies showed that exposure to nature was linked to improved attention, lower stress hormones, overall better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.
So why is this the case? What about nature encourages our mind and bodies to breathe slower, reduce anxiety, and function better holistically? Ecopsychology is a growing field that studies how nature and our environment affects our mental health, stress, mood, physical activity, oxygen levels, and more. We originally thought nature freaks were the only ones who thought this way – but numerous studies have shown that the hippies were right all along and modern science is actually on their side.
Nature Can Do Many Things, So Let’s Explore its Benefits:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Nature has a calming effect on our minds and bodies. Being surrounded by plants, trees, and fresh air can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
Stress is a major talking point for everyone – you hear it in the news, at work meetings, and even in casual conversations. Everyone is “so busy” and stressed. The stress may look different person to person but there’s one thing that remains consistent – stress will completly fill any space you allow it to have.
There’s many times when we get stressed from overworking, being too busy, not having enough free time, or even just not sleeping properly. Getting out into nature is a free, easy way to get out and feel better – instantly. You don’t have to call the doctor to get a prescription and wait for it to kick it, you don’t have to sit in a therapy session for an hour, you don’t have to wait another day – just grab your shoes and hit the road, Jack.
Improves Physical Health
Nature is a great place to engage in physical activity. Hiking, walking, and biking are just a few examples of outdoor activities that can improve your cardiovascular health, reduce your risk of obesity, and lower your blood pressure.
It’s well known that we all need to work out, eat healthier, have less sugar and caffeine, and many, many other things that doctors tell us at every annual visit. However, just going out on a walk is enough to help – Rome wasn’t built in a day. While you are out exploring you get to create your own adventure. Do you want to hike 1 mile or 5 miles? The world is your oyster. The key is that you are outdoors doing something, and something is better than nothing.
Did you know that walking, hiking, running, or doing any form of exercise outdoors is the healthiest way for your body to produce “natural caffeine?” There’s no drawbacks to taking a walk. Unlike grabbing a sugar filled caffeinated beverage, you won’t have a sugar crash at the end of that walk either.
Boosts Immune System
Being in nature can also help boost your immune system. Trees and plants release phytoncides, which are chemicals that help protect them from germs and insects. When we breathe in these natural chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell that fights infection and even cancer.
“A growing body of evidence suggests that various forms of being exposed to nature, such as living close to, frequenting or even looking at environments dominated by living material, are able to provide salutogenic effects on human health. They range from beneficial psychological to physiological outcomes such as attention restoration, improved mood, lowered anxiety and decrease in depressive symptoms, improved cardiovascular, metabolic, oncogenic, respiratory and endocrine function as well as faster healing after surgery and longer life-expectancy. Often, these benefits are attributed to indirect effects of nature exposure, such as increased physical activity, social interactions, positive mental effects and exposure to sunlight, but recent findings have also highlighted direct physiological mechanisms that are triggered by exposure to natural environments. This review focuses on direct mechanisms by which nature can affect human health, more specifically on air-borne compounds emitted by natural environments that have the potential to modulate immunological responses when inhaled, such as biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), terpenes, essential oils, charged ions, pollen, fungi and bacteria.”
Did you know that your immune system could be enhanced by being out in nature? Because studies are finding out that it absoutely can be.
Enhances Creativity
Nature has been found to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. In a study conducted by the University of Utah, participants who went on a nature walk prior to testing performed better on a creativity test than those who went on an urban walk.
Provides Mental Clarity
Nature can also help clear our minds and improve our focus. Stepping away from our daily routines and technology can help us recharge and refocus our thoughts.
Have you ever been sitting at work for a few hours and just felt like you can’t focus anymore? There’s too many phones ringing, emails buzzing, your boss wants to have a meeting, and the intern has 500 questions for you today. It’s all happening at once, and the reality is that our brains and bodies were not made to handle this much stimulation at once.
Stress, depression, and other mental illnesses often follow when we are subjected long term to doing something that we can’t sustain. Your mind and body both can not keep up with the constant pinging of the world – so give them a break.
By going outside in nature, you allow yourself to see the trees, plants, animals, and the simplicity of the world. We have stepped away from a simple life in exchange for our digital world of notifications. At any time, you can decide to put down your phone and walk outside. Even turn it off, so that it won’t bother you the rest of the day. We are allowed to rest, and none of us are robots – even if our employers think we are or want us to be. We have to take breaks and reconnect with ourselves.
Wrapping Up:
Spending time in nature can have numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s through hiking, camping, or even just taking a walk in the park, make sure to incorporate nature into your life to reap the (many) benefits it has to offer.
We appreciate you reading this far!
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Summer is quickly approaching and it’s time to be outside – cooking up the best meals on the best camping grills. Nothing beats the convenience of having a portable grill. Whether you’re cooking up some burgers, hot dogs, or even a full meal, a portable camping grill is an essential piece of equipment for any camping trip. But with so many options on the market, which one should you choose? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best camping grills.
Time to read:
3–4 minutes
Before jumping into the blog:
Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
Blackstone Tailgater, one of the best camping grill options.
The Blackstone Tailgater is a versatile grill that is perfect for camping. It has a cooking surface of 512 square inches, which is large enough to cook for a large group of people. The Tailgater also features a griddle top, which means you can cook pancakes, eggs, and more.
Weber Q120 is a compact, portable camping grill that is perfect for cooking the camping necessities for a few people.
The Weber Q1200 is a compact, portable grill that is perfect for solo camping. It has a cooking surface of 189 square inches, which is plenty of space for burgers, hot dogs, and a few more small items. The Q1200 also features a built-in thermometer, which makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your food.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a versatile portable camping grill with interchangeable cooktops – allows for different types of cooking styles in a small form-factor.
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a versatile grill that is perfect for the camper who wants flexibility. It has a cooking surface of 285 square inches, which is large enough to cook for a small group of people. The RoadTrip 285 also features interchangeable cooktops, which means you can use it as a grill, griddle, or stove.
Cuisinart CGG-180T is a small camping grill for a few people. It’s extremely portable and also the cheapest on this top camping grills list.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is a compact, tabletop grill. It has a cooking surface of 145 square inches, which is enough space to cook for a small group of people or a large meal for a solo camper. The CGG-180T also features a built-in thermometer, which makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your food.
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a rugged, portable camping grill with enough cook space for a small group of people.
The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a rugged, portable grill that is built to last. It has a cooking surface of 200 square inches, which is plenty of space to cook for a small group of people. The Grill2Go X200 also features a built-in thermometer, which makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your food.
Which camping grill do you like the most? Do you have a large family and need something larger like the Blackstone Tailgater? Or are you used to roughin’ it in the great outdoors and want the most rugged and tough camping grill?
No matter which portable camping grill you choose, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using it. Always follow safety guidelines and make sure to keep the grill away from anything that could catch fire – tents, awnings, etc. With the right portable grill, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
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Our DMs are always open on social media if you want to connect, ask any questions about RV life, or just to bounce some ideas off us before you take off on your next trip.
Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
Want to continue reading? We’ve got plenty more blogs to binge read 🙂
National Parks are incredible and almost other-worldly. If you haven’t visited one yet, make sure you add one or two to your summer plans now. We’ve been lucky enough to camp at 10 national parks so far, and every single one of them in the national park system have been incredible.
Theodore Roosevelt, often called “the conservation president,” impacted the National Park System well beyond his term in office. He doubled the number of sites within the National Park System during his time in office. Between 1901 & 1909, President Teddy Roosevelt signed legislation establishing five new national parks within the National Park System: Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota (later re-designated a game preserve); Mesa Verde, Colorado; and Platt, Oklahoma (now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area). By the end of his term the US was the proud protector of
There is nothing so American as our national parks … The fundamental idea behind the parks … is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.
Teddy Roosevelt
We’re going to show you all of the current national parks by state with images and short explanations. If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure, then this list is where to start with the national park system.
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Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
Denali National ParkGates of the Arctic National Park and PreserveGlacier Bay National ParkKatmai National ParkKenai Fjords National ParkKobuk Valley National ParkLake Clark National ParkWrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wouldn’t you love to wash up on this shore at American Samoa National?National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
Arizona
We went to the Grand Canyon in December 2022 – incredible!Grand Canyon National Park, ArizonaSagauro National ParkPetrified Forest National ParkPetrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park, ArkansasHot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
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California
Channel Islands National ParkKings Canyon National ParkMe at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, January 2023Death Valley National ParkJoshua Tree National ParkMe at the Palm Oasis, Joshua Tree, March 2023Lassen Volcanic National ParkLassen Volcanic National ParkPinnacles National ParkRV’s can’t fit through Redwood trees, LOL, Redwood National ParkRedwood National ParkEl Capitan, Yosemite National ParkGeneral Sherman Tree (the world’s largest tree) at Sequoia National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkRocky Mountain National ParkGreat Sand Dunes National ParkOur Luna at Great Sand Dunes National, November 2022Mesa Verde National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
The climate is tropical in Biscayne National ParkBiscayne National ParkEverglades National ParkMarsh swamps in Everglades National ParkDry Tortugas National Park
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park, Florida
Hawaii
Haleakala National ParkA barren landscape in Haleakala National ParkHawai’i Volcanos National ParkWaterfall and spring at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
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Idaho
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone National ParkGeysers spray hot spring water in all directions at Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Kentucky
A shot we took of former mining operations while in cave at Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Texas
Under the starts at Big Bend National ParkBig Bend National ParkGuadalupe National Park
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Utah
Arches National ParkBryce Canyon National ParkCanyonlands National ParkHorseshoe Bend at Canyonlands National ParkCapitol Reef National ParkA cave within Zion National ParkZion National Park
Virgin Islands National ParkBeautiful Palms at Virigin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
Virginia
Shenandoah National ParkSprawling hills of Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Washington
The beach at sunset at Olympic National ParkOlympic National ParkExcellent trail view at North Cascades National ParkNorth Cascades National ParkMount Rainier National Park
We have merchandise now! Everything from stickers, water bottles, RV pillows, blankets, and plenty of clothing options (t-shirts, shorts, yoga pants, sports bras, hoodies, and more!)
You can click the above green hyperlink, any of the below images, or copy and paste the link below into a new browser window. Any of these will get you to our new merch store – and we know you’ll find something awesome!
Pictured above are all of the 6x custom designs that we have. These are all sample images of the merch we currently are selling, although plenty of other colors, sizes, and products are available on our official store!
If you haven’t used a RV before, it can be a little intimidating. We’ve been there too (we all started as newbies!), so today we’re bringing you this RV guide for beginners to help make the process painless. After reading this RV guide, you’ll learn how to setup your campsite and all the needed utilities for a RV. This will get you out in the great outdoors and finding your next adventure in no time. We’re Matt & Bree with No Place Like Gone, and we’ve been living and traveling the US full-time in a RV for almost a year now, here are our tips for setting up an RV for the first time.
Time to read:
9–13 minutes
Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
If you have any questions while reading this RV guide, make sure to shoot us a DM on social media with the below links:
Below are the basic steps of RV set up, from pulling in to the campground to roasting those s’mores. Keep reading for a detailed description of each step.
Arrive at campground
Find site number
Park in site
Level
Release slides (if you have them)
Hook up your utilities
Electricity
Water
Sewer
Enjoy camping!
Arriving at the Campsite
Our RV parked in a campsite in SoCal.
Once you get to the campground you’ve decided to stay at, you’ll have to find where your campsite number is.
Generally, numbering starts from smallest to largest and increases the further you drive. Go slow and pay attention to directional signs. Once you find your campsite, park in front of it but make sure you aren’t blocking the road. You’ll want to hop out to walk the perimeter of the campsite before parking.
Look for where the utilities are located in the campsite (electricity, water, sewer) but keep in mind not all campsites will have all three. Confirm where the utilities hook up on your RV or camper (typically on the driver’s side).
Check and see whether it’s easier to pull-in or back-in to the spot, typically you can tell by how the campsite is angled against the road – the utilities will also help determine this.
Park Your RV With This Guide
If you aren’t by yourself, you’re in luck (for many reasons). The person with you should hop out so that they can help guide you into the spot. Parking an RV takes teamwork! This is especially important when you are guiding your RV back into a spot. Instead of shouting throughout the campground, it’s best if you get on the phone to communicate directions with each other.
Backing up a trailer is no easy feat for a newbie – it takes practice AND patience.
Once backed into the spot, give yourself a pat on the back! If you managed to miss hitting anything, give yourself another pat on the belly … it’s dinner time! Well, first you have to hook the RV up to power, water, and all of the other things but you’ll be bbq’ing in no time.
RV Leveling Guide
You’ll want to make sure the RV is level so that you don’t trip, get hurt, or feel wobbly. There’s also other benefits behind this like water and propane flowing properly as well. If your fridge runs off of propane it is especially important to be level to prevent damage to your appliance.
If you’re renting a RV or camper, you might not have the right equipment to level. Make sure to check with who you have rented fromif to confirm they provided leveling instructions.
Auto-Levelers
One type of auto-leveler.Another type of auto-leveler.
If you have auto-levelers, you are the luckiest of all. You would know this because they are a huge deal in the world of RVs. With auto-levelers you can press a few buttons and be leveled within a minute or two. That makes things easy, right?
Jack Stands
With automatic jack stands, you can press the buttons to maneuver the jack stands down onto the ground to help you level and support your RV. If you have manual jack stands, you’ll have to use an impact drill or lever to turn the jacks to the proper height on each side.
Leveling Blocks
10-pack of Camco leveling blocks. Click the image above to be taken to the blocks we recommend on Amazon.
We use leveling blocks because we’re cheap, woo! With these, you’ll have to pull up onto the blocks and check your levels a few times until you get it right. The blocks interlock and stack just like legos, nothing fancy here, folks.
Quick Guide to Slide-Outs
Slide-outs are a great way to gain additional space in your RV’s floor plan. Many rigs have 2-3 slide-outs and there’s also some without any. We live full-time in a 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG which is a model with no slide-outs.
Our motorhome: 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG in Jacksonville, FL.
You’ll want to make sure that how you parked allows adequate room for the slide-outs on each side. This will mean that you can not be parked too close to trees or any other obstructions.
Insider tip: Typically you’ll have to leave the engine running of your motorhome to operate the slides, whereas campers and travel trailers do not have this problem.
By finding the slide-out control panel (probably located in the interior of the entrance to your RV) you can operate the slide-outs with the buttons. Make sure that you don’t hear any crazy or weird noises as they are extending out.
Insider tip: You can also open the windows so that you can watch as the slides come out. This will give you extra views to watch any trees or potential danger objects.
Utilities Guide for RVs
Electrical Hook-up
We’re going to have a crash course on RV utilities. Make sure you have all the proper RV accessories and necessities if you are new to camping so that you don’t have any issues when you get to the campsite.
For the renters: if you’re renting, you should have a water hose, sewer hose, power cord, and potentially other accessories with your RV. Make sure to check with who you’ve rented from to confirm what came with your rental.
An electrical surge protector is highly recommended. Click the image to see the one we use from Amazon.
You’ll want to hook up your electrical surge protector and flick on the 30A or 50A breaker depending on what your RV or camper is. You’ll find this out by which cord you have – it’s either 3-prongs or 4-prongs.
50A with four prongs (far left), 30A with three prongs (middle), 15/20A is a house electrical outlet (far right).
Do not hook up your RV or camper power cord yet! You should only be putting an electrical surge protector to the power pedestal (a sophisticated word for “electrical hook-up”).
Flick on the 30A or 50A depending on your cord, and check if the power is all green lights and safe to use. Otherwise, bring up any grounding issues or faulty electrical problems to the campground staff immediately.
Once your surge protector gives you an A-O-K, it’s time to move on to the power cord. Flick off the 30A or 50A breaker (depending on which one you turned on) to connect your power cord to the surge protector. After, connect the other side of the power cord to your RV electrical connection port. Now is time for the power – flick the corresponding breaker from back on.
Water Connections
A water pressure regulator is recommended to protect the plumbing in your RV. Click the image to see the one we recommend on Amazon.A water filter guarantees you’ll have cleaner water coming into your RV. You’ll want this if you plan to drink the water. Click the image to see the one we recommend on Amazon.
You’ll want to start with turning on your water spigot at the campsite to verify that it works. Let it run for 20-30 seconds to remove any sediment and water that may be settled down in the pipe. Now you can turn it back off.
It’s time to connect your water pressure regulator. One end of the water hose will then connect to the water pressure regulator, and the other end to the water connection on your rig (another word for RV). Be sure to look for the connection that says “city connection” or something similar and NOT “tank fill” – otherwise you’ll be filing your fresh water tank only!
Now you can jump for joy because all you have remaining for this section of the RV guide is to turn on the water and hope for plumbing to do its job. If you notice any leaks or spraying, turn off the water and try to tighten the connection where you saw an issue. Usually this is a simple and quick fix.
Sewer Connections
Remember, not all campsites will have all of these utility connections. Sewer is the least common to see, but many places that are more expensive do have a hook-up for this. If you want to know what van life is actually like, you may end up with poop on you at this point. Just warning you now so that you are prepared for the inevitable.
You’ll want to put one end of the sewer hose aka stinky slinky (lol, it literally is one though) to the waste connection on your RV. This will be a black plastic valve somewhere under the RV near the other utilities at the rear.
MAKE SURE THE SEWER VALVE HANDLES ARE CLOSED! There should be two of them and both should be closed or you will end up with a mess on your hands.
After connecting to your RV, place the other end of the poop slinky (I coined this term) down into the campsite sewer connection on the ground. From here you can let the tanks fill and dump once or you can let the gray drain while you’re parked. If you opt to leave the gray open (sink and shower waste) be sure temperatures won’t be dropping below freezing. Whether you dump once or leave the gray open, you have to leave the black tank (toilet and poop) valve closed and only dump it when you’re ready.
Insider tip: When you go to leave, you’ll always drain the black tank first and then the grey tank after because the sink water will help wash down the poop hose and any potential clogs.
Our new camping merch will level you up from RV beginner to RV pro.
Get to Camping!
That’s basically it … you’ve made it through this RV Setup Guide for Beginners. It wasn’t that bad, was it?
There’s plenty more to learn about this lifestyle, and we want to share it all with you. But the very best way to learn about it – go on a camping trip yourself!
And, we really want to hear about your adventure. If you’re reading this guide, that means you’re probably about to go somewhere awesome very soon. So, where are you camping? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Where Will Your Next Adventure Be After Reading Our RV Guide?
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DM us on social media (with the buttons below) if you have any questions or feedback about the blog today!
We’ve been living the RV lifestyle full-time for close to a year now. We sold the house, the cars, virtually all material possessions; all in pursuit of a lifestyle full of travel and endless adventure. Do we sound crazy for doing this? Of course. But we aren’t the only ones running away from the traditional norms of society. Plenty of people are hopping on the bandwagon (or RV-wagon), especially after COVID and in light of the current housing market trends.
Time to read:
7–10 minutes
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Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
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The [Pros] of the RV Lifestyle
Our RV parked at a beautiful desert park – pro of the RV lifestyle.Working outside with a laptop – a “pro” of the RV lifestyle.Parking your RV on the beach is really satisfying.My happy place. The beach is 100 feet out of our front door – yeh, that’s a MAJOR pro to RV lifestyle. Oh, and our pitiful puppy Luna was sad she couldn’t get in the ocean. Don’t believe a word she says …
Monthly rates at most RV parks or campgrounds can easily be cheaper than the average mortgage. Most monthly rates are around $800 (or even less). This rate includes your lot rent, water, power, and waste in most cases.
You are mobile! With a motorhome, RV, or camper, you can take off on the open road anytime you’d like. You aren’t anchored to any specific location like you are in a house. If you’re tired of your surroundings or want to seek out better weather (looking at you snow birds) then you can put the pedal to the metal and chase the sunshine.
Taxes and insurance are MUCH cheaper on a RV as compared to a home. In 2020, the average single-family home taxes in America were close to $3,700. This is also combined with paying home insurance, which is close to $1,800 per year on average. We’re talking about $5,000 per year (or more) in taxes and fees for an average home. RVs and campers have the advantage of being tremendously less expensive in this category.
If you enjoy privacy, you can have more of it – all of the time! You won’t have to deal with nosey neighbors. We all know how this can go … Instead, camp out on BLM land or on a sprawling 500 acre farm with Harvest Hosts and you’ll enjoy the freedom to roam.
Keep your mind sharp: imagine a world where your surroundings can be different every week. That’s how we currently live – your life continues to feel shaken up and exciting because you can travel freely. I personally, got bored in the same old town doing the same old things after 26 years.
Story telling … release your inner storyteller by sharing stories about your travels. We’ve found ourselves stopping to pause when telling others stories about our epic adventures when we realize we’re talking about reality – punch me! Experience life, rather than being the one hearing about others experiencing life.
Create a flexible schedule that allows for travel, experience new things, and work a lot less. We find ourselves working a whole lot less than full-time right now, because we have built a lifestyle focused on experiences instead of a paycheck.
Travel with man’s best friend, Fido! Your pets can come along on your adventures when you live in a motorhome or camper. No longer will you have to leave them back home and get someone to dog sit for the weekend. They get to come along with you now!
Unlimited adventure is outside of your window. No, literally. When we wake up in the morning, we get to sit outside while we work with our internet hotspot. Working custom hours, choosing adventure more often, and chasing a lifestyle of freedom is a feeling you’ll come back to; no more sitting at an office cubicle, that’s for sure.
Chase a new career or passion like blogging, photography, or recording podcast episodes. Creativity is amplified by travel. Can you imagine trying to write blogs about the same hometown you live in every day? The content just doesn’t scale like it can when you travel.
The [Cons] of Livin’ in a Van Down by the River (RV Lifestyle)
Stress and anxiety about getting the BEST and largest house is very real.Receiving keys to a brand new home – the opposite of RV lifestyle.A giant sprawling house with 2000 square feet is what most people dream of – definitely a “con” against RV lifestyle.
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RVs do not hold their value, as they are a depreciating asset (anything with wheels and motors is typically depreciating) The majority of homes will increase in value an average 3-4% per year, at a minimum they hold their current value.
The majority of RVs and campers are not built for all four seasons. This means that you will definitely notice hot summers and cold winters in a home on wheels – and it can be rough. However, there are RVs that are specifically made for all four seasons – Airstream is a great example of these.
RVs just aren’t built with the quality a home is. There are not nearly as many code regulations and inspectors focused on the build of RVs or campers. In a traditional home there is usually a city planning committee, plan examiners, codes that must be followed, and code inspectors that help hold a standard of quality.
You’ll get a TON more life out of a home. Sticks and bricks homes are built in a completely different way than most of your run-of-the-mill campers. Homes can last 100 years (some historic places have lasted longer!) compared to an RV which will deteriorate within 15-20 years – if you’re lucky.
Community is very hard to build while constantly traveling. We can speak first hand about this, we find ourselves feeling a little lonely sometimes while on the road. You’ll live a mostly digital lifestyle in an RV – where you interact with others on social media, blogs, and other online communities.
Finding regular health care services can be difficult while on the road, especially if traveling consistently. You’ll have to do in depth research on new cities to find available health care while you are there, and they can be weeks out when scheduling an appointment to see you.
Privacy can be seriously lacking when you stay next to others at certain RV parks. You’ll hear barking dogs, noisy neighbors banging around, and the couple next to you fighting while they try to back in. This can feel pretty reminciedt of life in a college frat dorm.
Complex budgeting can be a monthly hassle. We try to budget weekly, (at a minimum definitely once a month) so that we can stay on top of our spending and monthly budget. It will fluctuate month-to-month A LOT – especially if you are traveling frequently, so expect to spend a few hours here a month planning.
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Speaking of budgets, we have a RV Life Budget sheet that is an example budget we’ve used before, and we give you a template where you can make your own next to example budget.
Enter your email below to sign up for updates to our blog, then you’ll be able to download the RV Life Budget sheet below.
We custom created our lines with the outdoors in mind. We carry everything from stickers, water bottles, RV pillows, to blankets. And there’s plenty of clothing options too – t-shirts, shorts, yoga pants, sports bras, hoodies, socks. All of our merch is perfect for the RV lifestyle that we live and breathe.
You can click the above hyperlink, any of the below images, or copy and paste the link below into a new browser window to shop (we try to make this thing as easy as possible.) Any of these will get you to our new merch store – and we hope you’ll find something to fit your fancy while you’re there! (If you don’t, shoot us a DM and let us know what you’d like to see us add to the list.)
Pictured above are all of the 6x custom designs that we have. These are all sample images of the merch we currently are selling. There’s plenty of other colors, sizes, and products available on our official store! Click above to shop now.
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Thanks for taking the time to read our blog today. We hope you got plenty of useful tidbits and feel more confident about trying out this insane RV lifestyle (or more confident in your decision not to – ha!). If you want to keep the conversation going – shoot us a DM:
Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
<img alt="Matt with
Matt with No Place Like Gone
Hey! I’m the man behind the magic – A.K.A. the camera and blog. I’m also a purveyor of craft beer, grill master, and chief RV driver.
When most people think of California they think of sunny LA, the glitz and glam of Hollywood, or the Golden Gate Bridge. And those things are great, don’t get me wrong, but did you know that California is also home to over 1,000 dairy farms? These farms produce about 4.8 million gallons of milk each year. In fact, in 2021, California dairy farmers produced 1/5 of the entire milk supply for the US. That’s a LOT of milk. And paired with Oreos … now I’m getting off track.
At our recent farm stay through Harvest Hosts we got to meet one of the families behind a 45+ year old dairy operation in central California – the Van Foekens!
Ken & Susie Van Foeken – dairy farmers (one of their many occupations).
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Ken and Susie bought the land for their farm in Hilmar, California in 1976. Ken was just 21 years old at the time and the two had just tied the knot. Talk about an adventure! The Van Foekens have now had a successful dairy operation for over 45 years.
Some of the ladies that call the Van Foeken family dairy home.
Talking to Ken, it quickly became clear that the dairy isn’t the only legacy they’ve built over the years. Not one to ever meet a stranger, Ken greeted us with warmth and showed us around his immaculate property which includes a custom-built wood-working shop where Ken often enjoys spending his mornings wood working.
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See below for some of Ken’s recent creations:
He also restored a vintage barn on the property with his son, it has quickly become a “party barn” and community hub. The barn even hosted prom for a local high school early on in the lockdown of 2020. When we arrived, Susie and Ken were busy pruning plants and getting ready for another community party on Sunday.
The Van Foeken Party Barn.
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Susie’s BEAUTIFUL succulents in front of the Party Barn.
Our Luna girl enjoyed playing on the lawn with the Van Foeken’s Doberman, Jersey, until sunset. She’s aptly named for the jersey cows that they milk twice a day, every day.
Our Luna, tired after playing too hard.Luna enjoying the heck out of the dairy farm.Jersey, the Van Foeken’s Doberman.Luna girl is tired & happy after a long day.
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Harvest Hosts is a unique camping program that allows you to stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, and more across the US for one annual fee. If you have a fantastic host like Ken was for us, you may even get a behind-the-scenes tour of their operation & learn something new. If you use our affiliate link (click here), you can get 15% off of your Harvest Host annual membership.
Camping doesn’t always have to be woods and bonfires – sometimes it can be a window into someone else’s daily life that creates moooo-emories to last a life time. 🐄
Ken and Susie Van Foeken’s Dairy Farm was a LOVELY Harvest Host location in central California.
Hey Folks – Thanks for Reading! What Did You Think?
We’d love to hear from you! Message us on social media – we’d love to hear about your next Harvest Host stay.
Please consider joining the gone community by subscribing below & following us on social media. It’s 100% free, and well worth the price of admission. We’ll update you with the newest RV lifestyle stories, tips and tricks, mental wellness tips, and so much more. DMs are always open to chat, and we’ll answer any questions you have about this lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be scary! We also promise not to spam your inbox with junk – we don’t care for that either.
We’ve got your cure for boredom – continue reading here:
If you’ve ever bought a RV (brand new or new-to-you) then you know that not everything comes included – especially RV niceties. Expect to be searching Google for RV accessories near me a lot! Even brand new models need customizing to fit your liking. It’s similar to buying a house or renting an apartment, you’ve got to make it feel like YOUR home. Even if you LOVE everything about your RV there are a few additional things you’ll need to purchase before you hit the road.
Amazon has taken our shopping habits and injected them with steroids. We can buy literally anything from the comfort of our own homes. The Amazon fairies make it so simple to click on the app and start shopping; their engineers know the algorithm and know exactly what you want. There’s plenty of things recommended by the algorithm to buy for your RV; these range from accessories, necessities, RV niceties, and doo-dads. But with millions of options, what do you actually need?Glad you asked, here’s some of our favorite Amazon buys for RV life.
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RV Niceties, Necessities, & Accessories on the Amazon Shopping List
Here’s the link to the Amazon wishlist that I’ll be referencing throughout this blog if you’d like to see it for yourself. You can easily purchase through this link (nope, we won’t get paid if you do), or you can click any individual item below as you’re reading to add it to your Amazon cart. Let’s jump into the RV niceties!
RV Necessities:
Water Pressure Regulator: This bad boy is a must. Occasionally when camping, you will find campgrounds that have extremely high water pressure (we’ve seen 100+ psi). This is way too high for an RV. High pressure is a death sentence for your cheaper plastic and PVC piping in your RV. It is recommended to have your water pressure around 40-50 psi. A water pressure regulator reduces the pressure down to a level that is safe for your camper.
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Electrical Surge Protector: Another must-have. You can not safely hook up your camper straight to shore power. Shore power (or power pedestal, or electric box) is the in-ground power that you connect your RV to at the campground, these typically have both 30amp and 50amp hookups. If for any reason the power pedestal was to fail, that current will travel directly into your home on wheels and fry some serious bacon. Let’s not do that … okay?
Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment: RVs go hand-in-hand with poop jokes, and for good reason. If you aren’t properly treating your black tank, you will have a (brown) mess on your hands – pun intended.
Scared of having your own holding tank mishap? Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. We have heard plenty of horror stories of people going to dump and the unfortunate things that occur at the dump station including the dreaded sewer shower. Unique’s products are literally the $h**t! pun intended.
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They make everything liquid so you don’t have to worry about clogs, poop pyramids, or issues at that dump station. All you have to do is drop a pod in with some water each time after you use the dump station. Unique works its magic and you don’t have to worry.
This is a 10/10 product and works the best out of several tank treatment products we’ve tried – seriously buy some TODAY. We don’t have any affiliation with them but we would happily be a brand ambassador for them!
Sewer Hose Kit: Camco makes a LOT of great products for RVs. Make sure you keep them in mind when browsing parts because they are a reputable brand. I am in no way affiliated with them, but maybe one day they’ll hit me up too. Opting for a kit with a clear elbow will making dumping MUCH easier, allowing you to see if there are any issues and when your tank is empty. Be sure to get a second hose – sometimes the ground sewer connection is far away and sometimes your first hose may get punctured and unusable – a backup is always a good idea.
RV Sewer Hose Caps: You MUST have an extra one or two of these handy. If you’re in a class C like us, or any other rig with low clearance, it’s inevitable that you’ll hit a bump and crack or lose your cap in the process. It’s also possible that you lose one at the dump station.
You just never know; so, grab an extra for less than $10 and be prepared. Before we bought this one with the included tether, we lost our cap in a parking lot. We hopped out to grab it and before we could, we watched as someone krrrrunccched our cap with their car tires … lol, RV life.
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RV Accessories:
Portable Ceiling Fans: These are a life saver, especially in spring and summer. Which is probably when you want to be camping anyway, right?! So, just go ahead and order two or three right now. You can’t go wrong with these fans as they can make it feel much cooler when temperatures outside begin to climb. This brand is USB powered which is an added bonus for times when you may be running off of house power and are conserving energy – no need to crank that noisy generator! This is one of our favorite RV accessories for the summer!
Outside Patio Rugs: Do you want to track all kinds of dirt, sand, and mud into your RV? Well you won’t have to if you have a nice outdoor rug. These will help you keep the outdoors outdoors and dramatically cut down on the amount of dirt getting tracked into your RV. They will also help keep your campsite clean for those of you that like to walk barefoot outside.
This is the one we recommend because it’s the one (even the same pattern) that we use! It’s survived almost a year on the road and is showing minimal signs of use. They also make cool ones with LED lights made into the perimeter of them if you’re feeling fancy.
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Outdoor String Lights: Want your campsite to be a shining star in the night sky? Well you can with these string lights! Not only do the Edison style bulbs look awesome, but they also are outdoor and weather-rated. String these between trees at the campsite, along the ground, or from your awning to illuminate your space.
Just be sure to turn them off when you go to bed so you don’t keep anyone up with your lights. And believe me, the campground police will not be happy with you if you leave your lights on all night shining in your neighbor’s window. If you want to make sure won’t forget to turn them off, consider using a Christmas light timer like this one.
RV Vent Shades: These are great for keeping the heat out of your roof vents. In the spring and summer temperatures outside soar and you’ll feel it getting warmer inside your RV too. Block out the sun and heat coming in from your roof vents with these. They attach with velcro so they are removable and foldable if you want partial light. They are also reflective and come in a variety of colors. Grab one for each of your roof vents (we have three!) – you can’t go wrong with these RV accessories.
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Wheel Chocks: You place these under your wheels when you get parked in a new camp site so that you don’t roll away – literally. You can also use a brick, a block of wood, or a freakin’ rock if you really wanted to. PLEASE please be sure to use your chocks if you’re parked on ANY type of incline – but they’re always a good idea regardless.
X-scissor jacks: For you peeps with fifth wheels and travel trailers, you’ve probably got two wheels on each side of your trailer, or maybe even three. With a scissor jack, you can anchor two neighboring tires to each other which will not allow them to roll you away. Wowzers!
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RV Niceties:
Hydra Hide Gloves: Why do I recommend these bad boys? Because, they will keep your hands clean from any potential “brown problems” while also allowing you to get a good grip on your connections at the dump station. Some people like to use disposable gloves, like the doctor’s office uses, but you literally throw away money that way. Piling up disposable gloves in the trash is not good for the environment, is costly, and they are prone to tearing – ew. We highly recommend getting these affordable RV niceties.
Weboost for RV: Have you ever been camping and had no cell signal?Welcome to the club, most RVers have. Having no cell signal is a very “typical” camping experience – especially when staying in state or national parks. These parks can be extremely remote – protected lands don’t have cell phone towers on them. This baby is expensive, but it’s worth it. A Weboost takes what little amount of signal there may be available in the airwaves, converts it, and them amplifies it back out to your devices to be a usable signal. We have had great luck getting signal in remote places with zero bars up to 3 bars or so. Worth it!
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RV Water Filter: This is almost a necessity, but you don’t technicallyyyyy require one. Most of all, these filters ensure the water coming into your RV is clean and safe – you never know who was camping in the space before you. Hopefully it wasn’t the guy using the city water connection to flush his tanks, yum brownwater backwash. I understand that some people think all water is water, and they’re allowed to feel that way, but I don’t.
Doo-dads & RV Niceties
Stick-on Wall Hooks: These might seem dumb at first, but you’ll thank me later. These little hooks peel and stick on just about any surface and can hold decor, baskets, fans, lights, etc. We’ve used about 20 throughout our RV and they are easily removed without causing damage. Imagine what you can hang with these RV niceties.
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Fuse Assortment: RVs have complex electrical systems that include fuses and breakers. RVs have traditional house-style breakers, but they also have car-style breakers aka fuses. You never know when a 10 amp fuse will blow. Sometimes a fix is as simple as swamping out a fuse for your lights or water pump.
Sewer Hose Seal: You can place this little doo-dad down into the ground sewer connection before you hook up. Then, you place your elbow or waste connection inside this fitting. Basically, it is a cone shape that tapers down so that you guarantee your sewer hose will fit any ground connection and will stay secure. Not all ground connections are universal, this allows you to adapt to multiple sizes.
Leveling Blocks: These are must-have RV accessories. There’s a billion different colors and sizes of these things, but what matters is that you get a ton of them. We have 40 blocks total for when parked on major inclines. Since our RV doesn’t have a leveling system or jack stands we rely heavily on these. Those with leveling systems or stabilizing jacks will not require nearly as many.
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Cabinet Tension Rods: After you drive down a windy road to a campsite, park, and open your cabinet doors – what happens? Everything falls out in an avalanche because it was shaken up during the drive. These tension rods can be inserted into smaller (medicine-sized cabinets) to hold everything in place from falling out. They also make large sizes for bigger cabinets.
BONUS Section!
Want to see a few bonus RV niceties for your rig? Keep reading!
Other Camping & Unique RV Accessories:
Clear Storage Bins: You’ll learn that keeping a small fridge clean is quite a task. Organizing the fridge is the best start, so grab some clear storage bins on Amazon with this link or at your local TJ Maxx. These also go great in cabinets and other small spaces.
Dish Drying Rack: In such a small place, it’s hard to find a place to dry your dishes. After washing, plop them down on this drying rack suspended over your sink to dry.
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Extension Cord: You’ll need extra outlets, there’s not nearly enough within your small space. You’ll need to charge phones, laptops, video game consoles, cameras, etc.
Outlet Extender: These things are quite handy … they basically take your two normal outlets and convert them into 5 outlets + USB + LED light on there.
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What Did We Miss?
Did we miss your favorite RV accessories, doo-dad or thing-a-ma-bob? If it didn’t make the list, please write our PR team and complain. Kidding, please don’t do that. I am the PR team. What other tips and tricks do you have? Please drop a comment below so we can talk about it!
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No Place Like Gone 