Las Cruces, An RV Destination

Above, at camp at the Las Cruces KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five years ago, I went down to Las Cruces, New Mexico to attend the Southern New Mexico State Fair.

I drove to Las Cruces from Jamestown, New Mexico via Interstate 40 and took NM Highway 6, a shortcut route to Interstate 25 to avoid Albuquerque. Interstate 25 was taken to Las Cruces. Once I reached Las Cruces, I took Interstate 10 to the Las Cruces KOA Kampground, where I stayed. 

I enjoyed my visit to Las Cruces and the state fair. I attended the fair's rodeo at the Pete Domenici Rodeo Arena. The Mexican food in town was good, although not as spicy hot as what one finds in the northern half of New Mexico.

RV Travel posted an article on Las Cruces.

They begin it with:

Las Cruces, a true desert destination, is nestled in southern New Mexico’s scenic Mesilla Valley.

This Chihuahuan Desert city of about 117,000 is situated between the Rio Grande and the majestic Organ Mountains. What makes Las Cruces a great destination for RVers? Read on to find out.

To read more, go here. 

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours Expands Access

Above, the Mittens and Merrick Butte during a sunrise tour of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico eight years ago, one of my favorite trips within the Four Corners region of the U.S. is to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

It is less than a half day's drive from home and the tribal park area has campgrounds available (Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA Kampground). 

The tribal park also has guided tours available and Adventurous Monument Valley Tours has expanded Navajo-guided backcountry and air experiences.

According to Journals & Courier:

OLJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, UT, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Adventurous Monument Valley Tours, part of The Adventurous Group, is expanding its Navajo-led tour experiences, offering travelers enhanced access to Monument Valley’s iconic red rock landscapes through guided backcountry and aerial tours. The expansion strengthens the company’s mission to provide immersive, culturally respectful, and unforgettable experiences across one of the most recognized landscapes in the American Southwest.

Located within the Navajo Nation along the Utah–Arizona border, Monument Valley is both a world-renowned travel destination and a protected tribal park with deep cultural, historical, and environmental significance. While millions of visitors are drawn to its towering sandstone buttes and expansive desert views, access to much of the region is restricted without a certified Navajo guide.

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours addresses this limitation by providing structured, guided backcountry experiences that allow visitors to explore beyond the standard scenic Monument Valley drive. Through its offerings, guests gain access to areas of the valley that would otherwise remain inaccessible, along with expert interpretation that brings meaning and context to the landscape.

Above, the Three Sisters rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.  

The Most Common Class C RV Problems

Above, at the Moab (Utah) KOA Kampground last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The motor home I have is classified as a Class C. It is a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. To date, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The only problem I have had with it was only recently when the flush valve to the toilet started acting up necessitating the need to replace the toilet. All things considered, I'm very pleased with it. Still, not bad for an eleven-year-old vehicle.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the most common Class C RV problems owners run into. So far, none of the problems listed I have encountered.

They begin it with:

Class C RVs are easy to fall for. They feel more approachable than a large Class A, roomier than a camper van, and familiar enough from the driver’s seat that many new motorhome owners feel comfortable right away.

That first impression is part of the appeal, but it does not tell the whole story. Once you start loading the storage bays, driving in wind, using the cabover space, and keeping up with service, the tradeoffs become easier to see.

A Class C can still be a great RV. The key is knowing where this style of motorhome tends to ask for the most patience.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Continues To Surge In United States

Above, camping at the Devils Tower KOA Kampground last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Traveling by recreational vehicle is my favorite mode of travel.

One can go where they want, when they want and take their time exploring. On top of that, RVers sleep and eat in their own kitchens and in their own beds. One doesn't have to worry about some stranger's DNA in the bedding when traveling in their own vehicle.

Last summer, a friend and I took an RV trip through Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Utah and Colorado. We had a great time going to a Winchester Collectors gun show in Cody, Wyoming. We visited Arches National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Devils Tower, Deadwood and the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

According to TravelPulse, RV travel continues to surge.

They wrote (to begin their article):

As 2026 travel trends have identified what’s popular on the horizon for this year, RV travel is continuing to emerge as a segment standout, according to RVshare’s 2026 travel trend report.

Many vacationers discovered RV travel during COVID. However, many stuck with the experience post-pandemic, for several reasons. The road trip becomes part of the fun with scenic drives; random roadside stops and small-town visits. Travel has become more about the journey, not just the destination endpoint. With more time on their hands, retirees love the slow travel and longer stays. Families enjoy the space and convenience. And even weekend adventurers have gotten hooked.

Trends continue to show that RV travel isn’t just a niche choice, it’s becoming a mainstream way Americans are planning flexible, affordable and intentional travel in 2026. Air fare isn’t getting any cheaper and is fraught with delays and other inconveniences. And whether you fly or choose to drive by car, you’ll need a hotel room. RVers don’t.

To read more, go here. 

National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Event Schedule Announced

Back in 2016, I took a cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois to attend Noel Neill's memorial service.

Along the way, I stayed at several RV parks and campgrounds, one of which was the KOA Kampground in Springfield, Missouri.

Little did I know at the time was that Springfield is considered to be the birthplace of Route 66. RV Travel has posted an article on the city's kick-off Route 66 centennial event schedule.

Above, the Springfield, MO KOA Kampground in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin it with:

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, in partnership with The Road Ahead Partnership, has announced the full schedule for the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, presented by Vital Farms. Springfield is internationally recognized as the Birthplace of Route 66 and will host the three-day national event April 30–May 2, 2026.

Created by the Missouri General Assembly, the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission leads the state’s planning, coordination, and preservation efforts for the upcoming 100th anniversary of historic U.S. Route 66.

To read more, go here. 

Why Campground Rates Keep Rising

Above, at camp at the Moab, Utah KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Inflation has touched many things in our lives. 

A lot of products and services are more expensive, for varying reasons. This also includes campground rates. 

RV Travel has posted an article why campground rates are going up. 

They begin with:

Campground rates keep rising—even for RVers who don’t use the extras. From campground Wi-Fi upgrades to glamping units and luxury amenities, parks are spending more to attract new campers, and longtime RVers are increasingly picking up the tab.

If that sounds blunt, think about the last few years. You roll into a park you’ve used before and the price is up again. The sites are the same size. The hookups work… mostly. But now there’s a shiny new check-in system, a promise of “high-speed Wi-Fi,” and some kind of new “premium” lodging on the edge of the property that looks like it came out of a boutique hotel brochure.

Meanwhile, you’re sitting there thinking: We’re in an RV. We already brought our house.

To be clear, this isn’t an argument against reliable Wi-Fi. Many RVers want it, use it, and depend on it—especially those who work on the road or stay longer than a weekend. Solid infrastructure is part of modern camping. The question isn’t whether Wi-Fi belongs in campgrounds. It’s whether Wi-Fi—and other upgrades—are being used to solve the right problem.

To read more, go here. 

Poll: How Often Do You Stay At A KOA Kampground?

Above, last summer at Devils Tower KOA in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, whenever I go on a camping vacation, I plan ahead for where to say the night while en route to a destination. I also check for what RV parks and campgrounds are available at my destinations.

Most often, if there is a KOA Kampground, I will reserve a spot or take a chance and drive in and see if they have any available campsites. Usually they do.

Why do I pick KOA Kampgrounds? First, they are generally consistent in what facilities and amenities are available. Plus, as I have accrued bonus points from previous stays, I use them to get lower prices.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking, "How often do you stay at a KOA Kampground?" My response was "often". I would hazard a guess that it is around 70% of the time.

They begin their poll with:

Kampgrounds of America, better known as KOA, is the largest campground chain in North America with more than 500 locations. It was founded in 1962 in Billings, Montana, and has been a staple for campers for decades.

With its signature yellow signs and a wide range of amenities, KOAs are often a go-to choice for travelers seeking convenience, family-friendly activities, and dependable facilities.

KOA locations cater to every style of camper. Many of its properties also include perks like pools, dog parks, and planned activities for kids, making them an excellent choice for families on the road.

For those looking for extra comfort, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort locations often feature enhanced amenities like upgraded cabins, deluxe RV sites, and full-service cafes. But you’ll pay the price!

When you travel, how often do you stay at KOA campgrounds? Are you drawn to their consistent quality, or do you seek out independent or state park campgrounds for a different experience?

 To read more and participate in the poll, go here.

Are RVers Responsible For Poor Quality RVs?

Above, my 2015 Minnie Winnie at the Moab (Utah) KOA in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have stated on this blog that my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it new in 2015 and only had minor issues on rare occasions.

Today, people have been noticing the lack of quality control of new recreational vehicles. It was made even more evident since the pandemic of 2020. 

RV Travel has posted an article asking if RVers are responsible for poor quality RVs. 

They begin it with:

Over the years, we’ve heard from countless frustrated RVers. The story goes something like, “I bought a brand-new RV and hardly got to use it the first year. It spent most of the time getting repairs made, right from the start!”

The rants about nearly every RV manufacturer are myriad. Yes, even RV dealers admit the quality of RVs they’re selling is often lousy, and they point the finger back at the manufacturers.

But hang on, are RVers responsible, in part, for the junk being dumped on the market today?

To read more, go here. 

RV Camping Near Utah’s Stunning National Parks

Above, Moab KOA is just minutes from Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During a recent trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, we stayed a night in Moab, Utah at the Moab KOA.

As we were taking our time in going to Wyoming, we took a driving tour through Arches National Park. This was the first time I've visited the park.

Above, Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is Go RVing posted a list of RV camping near Utah's national parks. 

They begin it with:

Utah is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest—towering sandstone arches, sculpted red rock canyons, and vast desert vistas. For RV travelers, Utah’s national parks provide an unforgettable road trip experience. While booking a campsite inside the parks can be a challenge, there are many well-appointed, privately owned RV campgrounds just outside these parks that offer full hookups, excellent amenities, and easier availability.

Here are four of Utah’s most visited parks, along with nearby private campgrounds that offer a comfortable and convenient base for your adventures.

To read more, go here. 

Cleaning Your RV Awning

Above, making use of the awning at the Devils Tower KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV awnings are great things to have, especially if one is camped where there are no trees around. I had to replace the awning fabric seven years ago as a small tear (from a leaning telephone pole I didn't see) got larger over the years.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on what to use (and what not to use) for cleaning RV awnings. Personally, I have specially-made RV awning cleaner. 

The article begins with:

It’s time to clean your RV awning. No, it’s not the most thrilling moment of your life, but it’s a job worth doing. Awnings get filthy fast, and neglecting them can cost you. Replacing one runs anywhere from $500 to $2,000, so keeping yours clean is a smart money move.

Plus, no one wants to sit under a moldy eyesore. A dirty awning can smell bad, attract bugs, work less effectively, and even pose health risks. Let’s skip that mess and go over a few simple ways to keep yours clean, functional, and campsite-ready. 

 To read more, go here.

AZ Central's Guide To Monument Valley

Above, a sunrise view of the West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Arizona-Utah border. It was made famous by director John Ford in 1939's Stagecoach, starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor. It has appeared in many more movies since then.

I have visited Monument Valley several times. It is less than a half day's drive from home. I have camped at Goulding's Lodge Campground and at Monument Valley KOA.

Above, Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AZ Central has posted an "ultimate guide" to Monument Valley listing the best things to do.

It begins with:

A boundless open sky greets travelers heading toward the Arizona-Utah border, with just a few red-orange sandstone monoliths reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet tall along the horizon.

The transcendental landscape at Monument Valley inspires visitors with its towering sandstone buttes so picturesque that it has served as a backdrop for many movies.

Monument Valley, the 91,696-acre tribal park on the Navajo Nation that spans parts of Arizona and Utah, was named by Arizona Republic readers as a finalist in the Most Beautiful Places in Arizona Poll, which was won by the Grand Canyon.

Monument Valley is a popular destination for travelers visiting northern Arizona and southern Utah. Here's how to plan a Monument Valley trip, including the best time to visit and what is the closest town.

To read more, go here. 

Cody KOA Holiday

Above, the office and store of the Cody KOA Holiday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article in RV Travel on the Cody Firearms Museum (that I just blogged about) recommends several RV parks in town. During our stay in Cody, we stayed at the Cody KOA Holiday, which is a little past the Cody Regional Airport.

It was one of the largest KOAs I've stayed at with plenty of things to do. Our site was a pull-through site. It was nice enough, but if one wants shade (there are no trees around), make use of the RV's awning.

Above, our campsite at the Cody KOA Holiday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Cody is roughly 52 miles from the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, so it is a handy place to stay. 

The KOA has free shuttles to the Cody nightly rodeo for campers. All one has to do is sign up. We made good use of the city's Uber services for getting into town for our excursions.

To read my review of the Cody KOA Holiday in RV Life Campgrounds, go here.

To make reservations, go to the Cody KOA's page at the KOA Kampground website.

"Close Encounters" and Devils Tower KOA

Above, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is screened nightly
with Devils Tower in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our recent trip up to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and South Dakota, one stop was at Devils Tower National Monument, famous for appearing in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). It took us a few hours to reach Devils Tower from the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana.

During our one-night stay at the Devils Tower KOA Kampground, we joined other campers for the nightly screening of the movie. 

Above, a view of Devils Tower from our campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The KOA screens the movie every night when they are open. In an article in 2023, Cowboy State Daily showed that they seemed to have a larger screen and provided some seating. When we attended, the screen was smaller and we had to bring our own chairs. 

Still, we enjoyed our screening (until it started getting cold out). 

The Cowboy State Daily article began with:

DEVILS TOWER — What was once a common hayfield is now an uncommon campground.

The Devils Tower KOA campground is No. 1 in the national campground system for having above 90% occupancy on one-night stays during the summer season.

A lot of that is location.

“We’re the perfect distance from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone,” Zannie Driskill, who co-owns the Devils Tower KOA with her husband Ogden, told Cowboy State Daily. “So, if you leave Cody, you get here late afternoon or early evening. And if you leave Mount Rushmore, you get here, you know, a little after lunch and you can be here all day. And if you jump up the next morning, you can be in Cody without traveling too hard or anything.”

But there’s more at work here than just near-perfect distance from two world-famous landmarks.

The campground itself is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s located just below Devils Tower, the tallest columnar formation of its kind in the world, and it’s where Steven Spielberg filmed “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” a 1977 box office smash that set records and helped rescue Columbia Pictures from bankruptcy.

To read the full article, go here. 

Devils Tower National Monument

Before heading to the Black Hills of South Dakota, we stopped for the night at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

I had been there before in 1990, but that was only a quick stop before proceeding to Yellowstone National Park. 

We stayed at the Devils Tower KOA Kampground. The campground shows Close Encounters of the Third Kind nightly. We joined other campers at the night's screening. 

Before leaving, we took a drive into Devils Tower National Monument and took some photos along the way.

Below are various photos in and out of the national monument of Devils Tower.

Devils Tower Trading Post

Before we checked into the Devils Tower KOA Kampground, we stopped in the Devils Tower Trading Post (which is across the street from the KOA) to browse around.

They, of course, had plenty of Devils Tower souvenirs available. Unfortunately, most of them were made in China. Any souvenir made in China I avoid. 

They did have some alien items available since Close Encounters of the Third Kind was filmed at Devils Tower. The KOA is on the former set where the mother ship lands in the movie.

I took a few pictures while at the trading post.

Minor RV Repair

Above, the strip under the open house door before repairs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the Devils Tower KOA, we noticed that a strip of molding below the house door of the RV was damaged. 

It may have caught on something, I don't know what. I needed to find either some duct tape or self-tapping screws to fix it, even temporarily.

Above, a better view of the damaged molding. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we got into Deadwood, I found an Ace hardware store and got a roll of duct tape and some self-tapping screws.

We parked at the Deadwood Visitor Center and I got out my drill (I keep it in the RV) and fixed the problem. Whereas Winnebago used one screw, I used two, so it is now secure. 

Made It To Devils Tower

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Above, Devils Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

We got on the road from Hardin, Montana to go to Devils Tower, Wyoming this morning. 

I had been to Devils Tower once before in 1990. That was a quick stop while en route to Yellowstone National Park.

We're staying within view of Devils Tower. At night, the KOA we're at shows "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", the movie that features the Tower.

From here, we'll be heading to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It'll be a short drive tomorrow. 

Above, the view from the campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Late Campground Check-In Times

Above, last April at the KOA Kampground in Flagstaff. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After RV camping over several years, I wondered why some campground have such late check-in times.

Naturally, campground/RV park operators have to make sure people have checked out of a campsite and it is left in a presentable state. 

Generally, my driving days usually end around 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon (I am an early riser and like to get on the road before sunrise), so late check-in times have not been an issue. I have also checked into campgrounds earlier than the posted check-in time with no problem.  

This is a topic of a Letter To The Editor at RV Travel.

They begin with:

We received this letter from Laura G. last week, and we think many of you can relate. How many times have you arrived at a campground early, only to find that you can’t park until your check-in time? How many times have you “killed time” to get to that hour of the day when you can check in?

Read on, and then please leave a comment for Laura.

To read more, go here. 

Take An RV Mini Trip To Seligman, Arizona

Above, the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I had been in Seligman, Arizona was in 1984 when two friends and I took a trip into the Southwest. The day before, we visited Grand Canyon Caverns.

In 2017, my roommate Jessica and I stopped at the famous Roadkill Cafe in Seligman for breakfast while on the way home from Grand Canyon National Park. Don't let the cafe's name scare you. They actually have good food.

Above, we parked the RV next to the Roadkill Cafe at this western town mock-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I stayed at the KOA Kampground in Seligman in 2018 when I moved to New Mexico from California. It was an overnight stop after driving from Victorville, California (where I stayed overnight after moving out of Tarzana).

RV Travel has posted an article on things to see and do in Seligman.

They begin it with:

A couple of weeks ago we took an RV mini vacation to Seligman, Arizona, on the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. Although it is sometimes heralded as the “birthplace of historic Route 66”, it is really one of the longest intact stretches of the original Route 66. It stretches from Seligman, AZ, to Kingman, AZ, about 74 miles.

Springfield, Missouri, is actually the birthplace of Route 66. In 1920, the federal government began construction of a national highway system there. About 85 percent of Route 66 is intact, but in bits and pieces across the country.

Nonetheless, Seligman’s claim to fame is Route 66, and the main street reflects that with old-time cafes, motels, and an abundance of gift shops. Tour buses frequently stop there on their way to the Grand Canyon, and we heard several different languages being spoken around town.

To read more (and see lots of photos), go here. 

Ultimate Guide To Monument Valley

Above, Monument Valley's West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being a resident of the northwestern sector of New Mexico, it affords me easy access to places in and around the Four Corners of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. 

Above, John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One place that's an easy three-hour (or so) drive from home is Monument Valley Tribal Park. I have been there four times, two of which has been within the past three years.

For those who may be wondering about where to go for a spring or summer vacation, Monument Valley should be placed high on the list. There are hotels and campgrounds for extended stays. I have stayed at two area campgrounds: Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA.

Above, my RV at Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mygrandcanyonpark.com has posted an "ultimate guide" to visiting Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

It begins with:

Monument Valley Tribal Park, an iconic landscape of breathtaking beauty, has for centuries stood as a testament to the Navajo Nation’s culture, traditions and connection to the earth.

It is a place where nature’s wonders take center stage. The sandstone buttes, in hues ranging from warm oranges to deep reds, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Whether you plan to embark on a guided tour, traverse the scenic drives, or venture on foot to embrace the solitude of this ethereal landscape, Monument Valley Tribal Park promises an unforgettable experience.

Find this park in the very rural southeastern portion of Utah. It’s located just north of the Utah-Arizona border, off Hwy. 163, between Kayenta, Arizona and Mexican Hat, Utah. You’ll definitely want to add this park to your agenda if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, or Utah’s eastern parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Just past the border, turn east onto Monument Valley Road, which takes you towards the visitors center and into the park.

Above, Ear of the Wind arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Monument Valley, go here.