What Makes An RV Comfortable For A Long Stay?

Above, Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I read a new article in RV Life on long stays in an RV, I was trying to think of what campground or RV park I stayed at was the longest. 

I thought maybe it was Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas back in 2016. I had to stay there as I blew out two tires and their replacements cost me, and with Veterans Day coming up on the following Monday, I had little cash to proceed on the road. I had to wait until Tuesday to make a bank transfer and withdraw cash. 

It turned out to be only three nights. It was, and still is, the nicest RV park I ever stayed at and under $40/night. I have never stayed in the motorhome for a long period, four nights at most, I think.

The article on maintaining comfort during extended stays in a recreational vehicle begins with:

An RV that works perfectly for a few weekends a year can feel very different after a month or two of everyday use. Storage fills up. Counter space matters more. The seat that seemed comfortable during a walkthrough becomes your lumpy living-room chair. Climate control, battery capacity, water systems, and Internet access stop being conveniences and become part of the daily routine.

For RVers planning to spend a month or longer on the road, Jack Albert, Northeast Market Director for Service and Parts for Blue Compass RV, recommends looking beyond floorplan appeal and focusing on the systems and features that will be used every day. 

 To read more, go here.

Santa Fe Skies RV Park

Above, my campsite during my 2020 stay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A couple of weeks ago, RV Life posted an article on an RV park I stayed at. It was Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas.

They've done it again, they posted about another RV park I've stayed at, Santa Fe Skies RV Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

I stayed there back in January 2020 when I attended the Second Amendment Rally at the state capitol. I enjoyed my stay.

They begin their article with:

New Mexico is indeed a popular destination for snowbirds, but the Land of Enchantment has plenty to appreciate during the other seasons of the year as well. Some of the biggest attractions include the unique cities, historical sites, and vibrant festivals. So, if you’re planning for the upcoming season and looking for a base camp that will put you close to all this and more, try Santa Fe Skies RV Park.

As the name suggests, this park is on the outskirts of Santa Fe, but it’s also about an hour away from Albuquerque. Both of these are hotspots for visitors, so you’ll find plenty to see and do during your stay. The campground is also very well-reviewed and comes with several amenities that will make you want to return again and again.

When the cold weather starts to get you down or you’re in need of a change of scenery, pack your bags and head south. Santa Fe Skies RV Park is waiting for you. Read on to learn more about this campground and some of the reasons why it should be on your must-visit list.

To read more, go here. 

Kansas Comfort at Deer Creek Valley RV Park

Above, at Deer Creek Valley RV Park near Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eight years ago, I had a mishap with my motorhome that required me to buy two new tires. This happened in St. Louis, Missouri.

As the cost of the tires set me back financially on the trip, I had to spend several days at a Topeka, Kansas RV park due to it being a weekend and the Monday was Veterans Day. So I had to wait until Tuesday when the bank opened to do money transfers so I could get back on the road. Luckily, I had enough cash to last me until I could make the transfers.

Above, at Deer Creek Valley RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The RV park I stayed at was Deer Creek Valley RV Park. It has to be one of this nicest (to this day) RV parks I've stayed at. 

Since the temperatures in the area went down into the 20s, I went to a Walmart (conveniently close to the RV park) to pick up a space heater to save on propane. I still use it.

RV Life has posted an article on Deer Creek Valley RV Park.

They begin it with:

Many RVers are drawn to the US coasts, but there are countless hidden gems scattered across the Midwest as well. Most might see Kansas as a drive-through state, but it can actually be the perfect destination for peaceful prairie camping. And there’s no better place to stay than Deer Creek Valley RV Park.

This campground is one of the best-rated options in the state (if not the entire country!) And when you look a little closer, it’s easy to see why. For starters, it’s close to Topeka, but it’s also in the heart of the Great Plains. This creates a location that’s just the right mix of urban and rural.

The park itself is also meticulously organized and maintained. Every camper has access to everything they need and then some! A few resort-level amenities are included in your stay as well, so you won’t have to rough it here. There are several other factors that set this park apart from the rest, so read on to learn about this lovely getaway.

To read the full article, go here. 

Consider An Electric Heater For An RV

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Six years ago, I was camping at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas where the nighttime temperatures dropped to the 20s. 

I noticed that the built-in propane heater was eating up my supply of propane. As there was a Walmart nearby, I went there and bought a ceramic electric space heater. That did the trick. Instead of using the propane heater, I used the electric heater and saved on my propane. The heater was around $20.

MotorBiscuit posted an article with four reasons to consider buying an electric heater for the RV. One of them, per above, was to save propane.

They begin with:  

As temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, it’s time to start thinking about keeping warm this winter, especially if you plan to take the RV out for a cold-weather camping trip.

Winter camping offers relief from mosquitoes and an air conditioner that runs non-stop with enjoyable brisk hikes, sledding, and plenty of other outdoor activities. But, once the sun starts to set, you will want a warm place to return to after playing outside. Sure, a campfire or cozy blanket can do the trick, but when it gets too cold inside the RV, an electric heater could be the answer to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose.

Here are four reasons you may want to consider an electric heater for an RV this winter season.

To read more, go here. 

Best Electric Heaters For RV Camping

Above, the temperatures got down into the 20s at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka,
 Kansas, prompting me to purchase an electric space heater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I camped for a few days in Topeka, Kansas while waiting for a money transfer at my bank. While there, the nighttime temperatures dropped down into the 20s. I was using my built-in propane heater in my motorhome, but that wasn't cost effective. I needed an electric heater to help save propane.

Luckily, a Walmart was nearby and I went over there to pick up an electric space heater. I bought a ceramic electric space heater and it fit my needs perfectly. I still use it to this day.

Above, the electric space heater I bought in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The topic of what is the best electric heater for RV camping has been posted at Do It Yourself RV. 

They start it off with:

“What is the best electric heater for RV camping?” This is a question many RVers ask when cold weather rolls around each year. After all, why spend money on propane to operate your propane furnace if you have shore power (120 VAC) available to operate an electric heater?

If you search online for “best electric heater for RV” you will find a nearly endless list of comparisons, reviews, and debates on electric heaters. The problem is, you don’t need to know the absolutely best electric heater for RV use, you need to know the best choice of electric heater for the way you use your RV.

Let’s look at the different types of electric heaters and features to determine which ones fit your needs.

To read more, go here. 

What's In Store For RVers In 2022?

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2021 has been a mixed bag of a year.

In regards to the pandemic, it seems that each time we take two steps forward, we end up one step back when it comes to personal freedoms. While some politicians love to not let a good crisis go to waste, there has been blowback from people telling them enough is enough.

What does 2022 have in store? That's anyone's guess. But on the RVing front, Mike Gast at RV Travel looked into his crystal ball and makes some predictions.

He starts off with:

I know we’ve just arrived in December 2021, but with the weirdness of the past 12 months, it’s not too early to roll out the crystal ball and try to start making educated guesses as to what may be in store for RVers in 2022.

What got me thinking along those lines was the grand opening of a new RV park in Avila, California. It looks like a beautiful place, especially its spectacular ocean views. But we heard from at least one RVTravel.com reader who wasn’t too happy with the rates the new park was charging. There are, of course, a lot of factors in their rates, but they appear to be in the $98- to $135-a-night range. That doesn’t seem out of line with the rest of the parks in that region, but it sure seemed high to at least one reader.

The new 115-site Flying Flags Avila Beach RV Resort is just one of the first of what will likely soon be a flood of new and expanded RV parks in coming years. New campgrounds and new park owners will likely bring new rate structures along for the ride.

But rates are only part of the picture as we approach 2022. Here’s a look at a few things to consider for the future. It’s likely not a totally comprehensive list, and my predictions could be way off base. I’d like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to give us your thoughts in the comments section at the end of the story.

To read more, go here. 

The Best RV Parks In Every State

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you happen to be a full-time RVer and plan to visit as many states as you can or plan on visiting just a few states during the summer, the website of Reader's Digest has a listing of the best RV parks in every state.

They begin with:

Park yourself and your vehicle at these best RV parks in every state for travelers who like to see the world from the comfort of their home on wheels, and you'll surely be a happy camper!

One of the RV parks mentioned, Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas, was given the nod for the state of Kansas. I stayed there two years ago and it is, indeed, a very fine RV park.

To see what the other best RV parks are, go here. 

RV Maintenance Tips

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are an RVer and take a trip somewhere and after setting up camp, you find that something doesn't work or is sticking, it means that proper maintenance wasn't done.

The Mountain Grove News-Journal has posted three tips on RV maintenance. I regularly do all three on a monthly basis.

They begin with:

(NAPSI)—In order to truly enjoy the great outdoors, routine RV maintenance is essential. These three tasks will help extend the life of your RV, quiet squeaking parts and prevent breakdowns. Check your owner's manual because timing and instructions vary by vehicle.

The first of the three tasks is to check for squeaks and sticking:

Here's a good way to tell your rig's slide-outs, windows and doors aren't getting the care they need—they squeak and stick! Avoid wear and tear by regularly lubricating your rig's moving parts to prevent costly repairs. 

Restore quiet to the campground by using the new 3-IN-ONE RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube to lubricate, waterproof and protect against rust, corrosion and squeaks! The 3-IN-ONE RVcare Window & Track Dry Lube leaves a clear, protective film that reduces friction without attracting dirt and debris, which can clog tracks over time. Both products are safe to use on metal, wood, vinyl and most plastics.

To see what the other two maintenance tasks are, go here. 

Deer Creek Valley RV Park

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, I prefer more rustic campgrounds that have a feel and look of being in the wilderness.

Last year, my daughter Amber and I went to Yellowstone National Park and we took a couple of tours with a tour company based in West Yellowstone, Montana. We were the first to be picked up at the KOA we stayed at. So we got an additional tour when we stopped at other campgrounds and hotels to pick up other tour members.

One of the campgrounds had nicely manicured lawns and concrete pads. This prompted Amber to say that it looked "like camping on a golf course" and that she preferred the KOA.

I stayed at one campground/RV park on my recent trip to Metropolis that could fit her description. It was the Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. As I said, while I prefer more rustic campgrounds, this one was nice and I enjoyed my three night stay there as I waited for my bank to transfer funds. If I had to be "stuck" somewhere, it may as well be in a nice place. This had to have been the most immaculate campground/RV park I've ever stayed at. It was also great that the campsites were spacious, without having the feeling of being in a parking lot.

It was reasonably close to the interstate, but far enough away so that there was no noise. It was also close to a Walmart, which was handy. Plus, they had good Wi-Fi.

For such a campground/RV park, I thought the $38/night charge was reasonable with my AAA discount applied (they also are a Good Sam RV park).

I gave the park five stars at RV Parks Review.

I took several photos of the RV park and some are below.

Above, a view from my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the neighbors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Sierra didn't care where we were at as long as she had a box to play in. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, my set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a mid-day shot of The Beast. One of the Wi-Fi towers is in the background.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Beast Is Getting Usage

Above, The Beast at the Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought The Beast back in February 2015, I have taken it to 12 states and 28 RV parks and campgrounds (not counting camping with E Clampus Vitus).

For each of the campgrounds or RV, I have posted reviews on them at RV Park Reviews for my (and anyone else's) future reference.

Here's what my map at RV Park Reviews looks like today:

RV Park Reviews Posts More

RV Park Reviews has posted nine more of my campground/RV park reviews from my recent cross-country trip that lasted exactly three weeks.

I spent one night "boondocking" at a Missouri rest area off of Interstate 70 to save some cash after spending nearly $500 for two new tires. I don't think that warrants a review.  I stayed at twelve campgrounds in all during this trip. But here's nine campgrounds reviewed that were added.

They are:

Fort Massac/Ohio River State Park Campground (Metropolis, Illinois).

Graceland RV Park & Campground (Memphis, Tennessee).

Double J RV Park & Campground (Chatham, Illinois).

Deer Creek Valley RV Park (Topeka, Kansas).

Covered Wagon Campground (Abilene, Kansas).

Durango Year Round RV Park (Durango, Colorado).

Goulding's Lodge and Campground (Monument Valley, Utah).

Limon KOA (Limon, Colorado).

Needles KOA (Needles, California).

Home Again!

Above, with the Noel Neill statue in Metropolis, Illinois.

After exactly three weeks since I left, I am back home from the longest roadtrip (or any kind of travel) ever for me. Sierra is happy to be back at home, I'm sure. She has become a good traveling cat.

I initially planned this as a two to two and a half week trip. But, the little problem in St. Louis that necessitated the purchase of two tires changed all that.

Above, with Kansas State Senator Greg Smith in the State Capitol.

Despite that, it was a great trip. I got to see and experience many things. I was able to meet Kansas State Senator Greg Smith in person at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. It almost seemed like we've known each other for years.

Above, Meteor Crater, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first attraction stop was Meteor Crater in Arizona. I've wanted to see it and this was a great opportunity to do so. I wasn't disappointed.

It was pretty much an entertainment and political trip. I went to attend the celebration of life services for Noel Neill in Metropolis, Illinois and a visit to the Super Museum. Then, a jaunt down to Memphis, Tennessee to visit Graceland (my second time) and the Sun Studio.

Above, Sun Studio in Memphis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Memphis, it was back up to Springfield, Illinois to see Lincoln's tomb, home and the Lincoln Museum. It was fun to catch the Election Night news coverage while at camp in Springfield.

Above, Lincoln's Tomb. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I headed west to visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. From there, I headed to Colorado. I stopped in Durango to ride the train, but they weren't running as they were switching to their winter schedule. At least I didn't go out of my way to go there. I was disappointed that Durango had grown three-fold since I was last there. It was almost like driving in Los Angeles. It is no longer the small town I remembered.

Above, Election Night coverage in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer..

Then, I left Durango to go to Monument Valley in Utah, the location for many John Wayne movies. The drive got interesting as I stopped for fuel in Cortez, Colorado and was hit by a brief blizzard.

Monument Valley was enjoyable, even though it was windy and frigid. But the tour made it all worthwhile.

Above, "The Mittens" at Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following Monument Valley, I drove into Arizona to see Grand Canyon National Park. I wasn't planning to stay long. Good thing I didn't, the place was getting crowded with people. It had been about 24 years since I was last there and there were many changes. One, was the Visitor Center, an the other was Tusayan, the town south of the national park. It has grown considerably and is crowded with people. A lot of hotels have sprung up there.

I was debating whether to stay in Williams, Arizona or Kingman, Arizona for the last night of the trip. I eventually decided on neither and pressed ahead to Needles, California to make today's drive much shorter.

I was surprised that it was so cold in many places I visited. It seemed like autumn was skipped over and we're already into winter. At one point, while in Topeka, I bought a ceramic heater at a local Walmart. I'm glad I did. Although The Beast has a house heater, it eats up propane quite a bit.

Above, the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of The Beast, it ran flawlessly. No problems with it. The tire matter was due to "pilot error".

All in all, it was a fun time and three weeks went by pretty fast. I visited some states for the first time. The states on this trip included Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and Utah.

It was no surprise to me that Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. I saw VERY few Clinton signs, but Trump signs were everywhere.

I stayed at several campgrounds/RV parks on this trip. The best one has to be the Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. It has to be the most immaculate RV park I've ever seen.

I'm glad I made the trip.

Tomorrow...

Above, barbecuing chicken at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a couple of things I am looking forward to tomorrow.

First, it will be the day (hopefully) that my money transfer will go through so I can proceed on to Abilene, Kansas to see the Eisenhower Presidential Library and then, from there, go on into Colorado and be back in the western part of the United States.

Above, Sen. Greg Smith.

Second, if all works out, I will meet with Kansas State Senator Greg Smith. Most likely, this will take place after he completes a committee meeting in the state capitol. Thank goodness that I brought along a business suit (for the Noel Neill memorial service) so I won't be going there all grubby.

Depending upon when my money transfer takes place, I will either remain in Topeka (it is Kansas capital city) another night or proceed on to Abilene after meeting with Sen. Smith.

Thanks goodness I went to the Springfield, Illinois Walmart and did some grocery shopping. I have enough food and other necessities to last me a week while waiting for the money transfer. The transfer was made necessary after I shredded two tires on a sharp-edged curb of a traffic island in St. Louis, Missouri and I had to pay almost $500 for two new tires.

But, I can thank my lucky stars that that's all it was. No damage to The Beast itself. I do have to replace a wheel cover (the rear one) that got mangled. The driver's side front wheel cover got banged up, but is usable. I wait until I get home to deal with them.

In the meantime, I am barbecuing chicken tonight for dinner!

It's Cold!

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Frigid cold temperatures greeted me when I woke up this morning at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas.

I knew it would be cold, but I didn't expect 30° temperatures. Thank goodness I have a heater in The Beast and, to keep the holding tanks from freezing, a holding tank heating system.

Unfortunately, using the RV heater eats up propane. Since there's a Walmart nearby, and I have go there anyway, I will pick up a little electric heater for use on these occasions.

Brrr!

Deer Creek Valley RV Park

Above, The Beast at Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite the inconvenience in having to spend money to buy two tires, which left me with not much left (not enough to get myself home), at least I found a great RV park to wait for my money transfer to go through. One couldn't find a better place to relax at.

Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas has to be the most immaculate campground I have ever stayed at. The sites are also spacious. It has beautifully landscaping with trimmed grassy yards for each site with a level concrete pad. The Wi-Fi works great and the bathrooms are also immaculate.

The staff is friendly and helpful and there's a pool and playground.

Also, there's a security gate to keep out riff-raff.

With my AAA discount, my cost per night is $39.60.

I submitted my review of the park at RV Park Reviews and gave it the highest rating.

Without a doubt, if I should ever come through Topeka again, this is the place I would stay at.