RV Travel: Are Love’s RV Stops Worth It?

Above, a Love's RV campsite in Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are several chains of truck stops/travel centers around the country. Buc-ee's, Pilot/Flying J and Love's are ones that immediately come to mind.

Love's is making special efforts to accommodate RVers. Some have set up overnight campsites with hook-ups. I saw one of them last December while driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California.

RV Travel has posted an article on Love's RV Stops asking if they're worth it.

They begin it with:

If you’ve been on the road lately, you may have noticed that more and more Love’s Travel Stops are putting in accommodations for us RVers. In fact, many of you weighed in on a poll saying that you have already dipped your toes in staying at a Love’s.

The company has committed to RVers with a variety of things, including offering overnight accommodations with hookups at some of the company’s 670 locations in 42 states. These accommodations range from flat pads with water and electric to full RV parks with a number of amenities, including pickleball, dog parks, and laundry facilities.

To read more, go here. 

KOA Invites RVers To Experience Route 66’s 100-Year Legacy

Above, Elk City, Oklahoma KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As 2026 is the centennial of Historic Route 66, Kampgrounds of America is focusing their marketing to those KOA Kampgrounds along the historic route for the celebration.

According to RV Business:

BILLINGS, Mont. — As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the historic “Mother Road” is once again at the center of American travel. New data from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) shows the centennial is helping fuel a resurgence in road trips driven by a desire for slower, more intentional exploration.

In a special preview of research soon-to-be released as part of KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, 43% of campers say they plan to take a heritage or Americana-focused road trip, with growing interest in longer, multi-stop journeys that prioritize small towns, historic landmarks and roadside attractions.

“The Route 66 centennial is the perfect moment to finally take that iconic road trip you’ve been dreaming about,” said Diane Eichler, senior vice president of marketing at KOA. “This year, we’re seeing a real shift toward slower, more intentional road trips. People aren’t just driving Route 66, they’re stopping, exploring and spending time in the small towns along the way. Camping makes that kind of immersive travel easy.”

Also, according to the article:

Nearly 30 KOA campgrounds are located within an hour of Historic Route 66, stretching from Illinois to California.

The nearest KOA along the route is in Grants, New Mexico.

To read more, go here. 

Judge: Pot Users Have Right To Own Firearms

Marijuana users have a constitutional right to own firearms, a federal judge in Oklahoma City ruled.

From Fox News:

A federal judge in Oklahoma ruled Friday that a law barring marijuana users from owning firearms is unconstitutional. 

The ruling is the latest challenge to firearms regulations after the U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority set new standards for reviewing the nation's gun laws.

U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick in Oklahoma City dismissed an indictment against Jared Michael Harrison, who was charged in August with violating a federal law that makes it illegal for "unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances" to possess firearms.

To read more, go here.

Economic Woes and Fuel Prices Not Scaring Away RVers

Above, the Elk City KOA in Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is the current economy and high fuel prices are scaring off RVers from taking a RV trip or even buying an RV?

Well, apparently not. At least that's according to a research survey posted in RV Travel from Kampgrounds of America’s Monthly Research Report for June.

They begin with:

Rising fuel prices and the roller coaster economy don’t seem to be holding back campers or RV buyers this summer.

Kampgrounds of America’s Monthly Research Report for June found that 21.5 million camping households are planning a Fourth of July camping trip this year. That’s an 8.6% increase in campers over the July 4th holiday results in 2021. It should be noted that the KOA research covers all campers, and not just those camping at KOA campgrounds.

In fact, KOA’s research found many campers intend to extend their trips this Fourth of July holiday. More than one in four (26%) Fourth of July campers plan to camp the entire week before or after the holiday, while 27% indicate they will extend the weekend by one or two days.

To read more, go here. 

New Campers Flooding RV Lifestyle, Some Already Unhappy

Above, The Beast at the Elk City, Oklahoma KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"You can't please everyone."

This had been true when this saying was first coined (whenever that was) and it is still true today.

The saying is especially true when it comes to new campers who have flooded the RV lifestyle during the past two years of the pandemic and even before. 

RV Travel has posted an article on who comprises "new campers" based on a study by Kampgrounds of America (KOA). 

They begin with:

By now, you’ve likely read a lot of stories regarding the sudden influx of “new campers” into the RVing lifestyle. You also know the usual list of reasons newbies give … pandemic-driven RV purchases, the need to reconnect with family and friends, more available savings … but just who is this “new camper?”

Last week, we reviewed the top-line results from Kampgrounds of America’s annual North American Camping Report. The annual research paper gives one of the best views of what’s going on in camping and RVing, and it’s worth a deeper dive.

Here’s what the report had to say specifically about the new influx of more than 9.1 million families into camping and RVing in 2021:

To read further, go here. 

Eight Mistakes That Newbie RV Campers Make

Above, The Beast somewhere in Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer

People who travel the country in RVs are a varied lot. But all have one thing in common: the have made mistakes when they were RV newbies. I have made some myself.

To help mitigate mistake-making when traveling by RV, Paul Hemphill in The News-Review provides an article on eight mistakes that newbie RV campers make.

He starts it with:

Now before you write letters to me, I already know that I’ve probably left off a few key items on this list. However, given my RV experience over the years, these are the eight mistakes I’ve noticed RV newbies overlook.

To see what they are, go here. 

Explore Along Route 66 In Tulsa, Oklahoma

Above, The Beast at the Elk City/Clinton KOA on Route 66 in Elk City, Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Five years ago, I took a three-week vacation trip to Metropolis, Illinois (the home of Superman) to attend a memorial service for actress Noel Neill.

The route generally took me along Interstate 40 until I reached Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to get on Interstate 44 to Tulsa. Before heading to Tulsa, I spent a night at the Elk City/Clinton (Oklahoma) KOA Kampground which is on Route 66 in Elk City. There's a Route 66 museum in Clinton, Oklahoma, but I left the area before it opened.

Historic Route 66 cuts through Tulsa and the city is active paying homage to the "Mother Road" with historic and new attractions. 

Travel Awaits has an article on the Route 66 things to see and do in Tulsa.  

They begin it with:

Whether you use a nickname — like the Mother Road or Main Street of America — or refer to it by its given name, Route 66 is arguably the most famous highway in the United States. One of the nation’s first interstate roads, Route 66 arced southward through eight states and crossed three time zones connecting Chicago and Santa Monica.

In Oklahoma, Route 66 enters the Sooner State in its upper northeastern corner near Joplin, Missouri. Stretching more than 400 miles, the route divides the Cherokee Nation from the Osage Reservation as it races through the heavily wooded Ozark mountains toward tallgrass prairies and the Texas Panhandle, connecting Tulsa and Oklahoma City. But Oklahoma is more than roughly the midpoint of the journey along Route 66. It is also where Oklahoma businessman Cy Avery (also known as the Father of Route 66) conjured up the concept of the Main Street of America. 

While many sites along Route 66 have long been abandoned, Tulsa has worked hard to restore historical gems as well as to build new sites that pay homage to the Mother Road. These are the can’t-miss places you’ll want to explore along Route 66 in Tulsa.

To see what Tulsa has to offer on Route 66, go here. 

Cut Costs On Your RV Vacation Trip

Above, The Beast at the Elk City, Oklahoma KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The pandemic has changed the way people travel, maybe for good. 

The biggest change is that people are rediscovering road trips in recreational vehicles. 2020 saw record numbers in RV sales and rentals. Many are first-time buyers and renters.

Many people new to RV travel are unaware that there are ways to saving money while traveling. GOBankingRates has six "simple ways" to cut costs on RV trips.

They begin with:

Certain things have become synonymous with the coronavirus pandemic: Sourdough bread, Zoom calls, remote learning. In terms of pandemic travel, it’s the RV trip.

According to a report last month from the RV Industry Association, 2020 was on par with the third-best year on record for RV sales (2017), despite a two-month industry shutdown. The report projects that 2021 could break the 2017 record of 502,582 units shipped — though it also notes that this surge is also part of a longer-term trend of solid growth over the last four decades. 

“RVing is the perfect way to travel during a pandemic,” said Kelly Beasley, co-founder of Camp Addict, a website dedicated to informing RV consumers. “You are self-sustained. You can choose to have as little interaction with the public as you can get away with. You’re bypassing airplanes, trains, buses, cruise ships, etc. It’s your own private little hotel room on wheels.

Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or just beginning to get your wheels dirty, check out these tips from RV travel experts for keeping your costs low the next time you take your private hotel out on the road.

To read more, go here. 

Newbie RVing Essential Tips

Above, The Beast at the Elk City, Oklahoma KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the pandemic has essentially drove a stake into the hearts of air and cruise line travel (at least for the time being), recreational vehicles are looking more attractive for people who have suffered "cabin fever" at home for the past four months. They're now buying RVs in droves or renting them.

A lot of them (probably the majority) have never used a RV before and Do It Yourself RV has some RVing tips that they should take note of.

They begin with:

At its core, RVing is simple; pile the kids and the dog into a rolling efficiency apartment and hit the road. In reality, if you are new to RVing, there are a few things you really must know before you get started.

To read more, go here. 

Liberal Goons Hate This

At the Tulsa, Oklahoma rally:

Trump: Democrats "Want To Take Away Your Guns"

There was one thing (of many) I was pleased about President Trump's speech last night in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was the spotlight he put on how the Democrats want to take away our rights, particularly the Second Amendment.

Breitbart reported:

During his July 20, 2020, Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally President Trump warned that Joe Biden and Democrats “want to take away your guns through the repeal of your Second Amendment.” 

Trump focused on how the Democrats do not retain relationships with anyone who does not hold to their ideological line. 

He then said, “They want to take away your guns through the repeal of your Second Amendment, as sure as you’re sitting here.” 

Trump added, “[Biden] even put the big gun grabber, Beto O’Rourke–who made a fool out of himself when he ran for president–they put him in charge of guns. Lots of luck on your Second Amendment [if you vote Biden in].”

To read more, go here. 

Trump Restarts Campaign In Tulsa

Above, the President in Tulsa, Oklahoma tonight. 

Before President Trump took the stage tonight at his Keep America Great campaign rally that restarted his campaign following the pandemic, it was reported that 15,000 people were inside the arena.

He was scheduled to address the overflow crowd outside, but that was cancelled due to the leftist mobs that arrived to disrupt the rally. That also caused issues with clearing people to enter the arena.

But, Trump was in fine form tonight, maybe a little rusty from the three-month layover due to COVID-19.

However, he hit all the right themes and entertained the gathering with his story of the ramp at his recent address before the West Point graduating class.

During the speech, I took some screenshots and here they are:

Above, before the President's arrival, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the crowd.

Democrats Put On Notice In Cimarron County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Route 66 Attractions

Above, The Beast at the Elk City KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I took the longest roadtrip (also the longest trip, period) of my life when I went to Metropolis, Illinois for the celebration of life services for actress Noel Neill.

Long the way, I stayed one night in Elk City, Oklahoma at a KOA Kampground. Unfortunately, I had to continue on and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in nearby Clinton was not yet open for the day (I headed out at about 6:00 that morning). Otherwise, I would have stopped by.

Tulsa World has an article on this and two other Route 66 attractions to see.

They begin with:

There’s always been a certain mystique about Route 66. From the building of the road in the ’20s, to the end of the road in the ’70s, Route 66 brings back memories from one’s youth. Perhaps, it’s a nostalgic adventure, while for another visitor, it’s an entertaining, historical journey of discovery. 

There are numerous fun facts about The Mother Road in Oklahoma, such as the Sooner state has more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state. Many may already know The Round Barn in Arcadia is the most photographed and famous barn along Route 66. But how many know that the Trade Winds Inn on Route 66 in Clinton was a favorite of Elvis Presley’s? Yes, apparently, he was fond of the inn and would stay there whenever he was traveling. 

While there are several iconic destinations along Route 66 in Oklahoma, I want to bring your attention to three.

To read more, go here. 

Drought Expands In The Southwest

Above, the front of the house on February 20. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first moved to New Mexico in February, the locals told me that it has been a dry winter in the Gallup-Jamestown area. After this was said, it seemed like we were hit by one snowstorm after another. The most recent snowstorm came three days ago.

It appears that the whole Southwest region of the U.S. is in a drought to some degree.

According to Yahoo News:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Drought is tightening its grip across a wide swath of the American Southwest as farmers, ranchers and water managers throughout the region brace for what's expected to be more warm and dry weather through the spring. 

A federal drought map released Thursday shows dry conditions intensifying across northern New Mexico and into southwestern Arizona. Every square mile of Nevada and Utah also are affected by at least some level of dryness. 

On the southern high plains, Oklahoma is ground zero for the worst drought conditions in the United States. 

The exceptional drought in the Panhandle — an area dominated by agriculture — has more than doubled in size. Many farmers rely on precipitation to help water their crops as pumping groundwater is the only other option.

To read more, go here.

Age and the Changing Concept of Camping

Above, The Beast at the Elk City (Oklahoma) KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back when I was a kid, camping meant pitching a tent and unrolling a sleeping bag inside that, hopefully, doesn't have a pebble underneath that will feel like a boulder if I should try to sleep on it.

Today, after celebrating the 25th anniversary of my 39th birthday (thank you Ronald Reagan) earlier this month, I prefer to camp in a lot more comfort.

Over the couse of years, I went from tent camping to a tent trailer. Then, from the tent trailer to a micro-mini Class C motorhome to the present Class C.

This must correlate to one's age as I see that I am not alone in this.

"Mr. Outdoors" at Kitsap Sun has an article on "The Definition of Camping Changes As We Age".

He begins it with:

Almost subconsciously, my concept of "camping" has changed over the years. 

I used to think it was all about tents and campfires and S'mores. I once considered bribing a youngster to buy marshmallows, Hershey bars and graham crackers for me because I was too sophisticated as an adult camper to buy them for myself. 

Today, I tend to regard camping as finding a big enough spot to park the Navion IQ. The campsite must provide WiFi and a clear view of the southern sky for satellite TV. 

Every now and then -- more often then, these days -- we pack up the big REI car-camping tent, Coleman stove and lantern, and visit Sol Duc Hot Springs or Dosewallips State Park for an old-time camping experience. More often than not, our adventure ends with soggy sleeping bags and questions like "What in the (expletive deleted) were we thinking?"

To read more, go here.

RV Myths and Misconceptions

Above, at a turnout below Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people have misconceptions on the "RV lifestyle" and RV travel in general. Most of these "myths" are either wrong or exaggerated.

Do It Yourself RV takes a look at six RV myths.

They begin with:

Spend any amount of time researching information about RVing and you’re bound to run into some common RV myths and misconceptions. For new RV owners, or those interested in pursuing an RV lifestyle, this can be problematic. These myths often lead people to make decisions based on information that simply isn’t accurate. 

To sort it all out and separate myth from fact, here are six widely-believed RV myths regarding the RV lifestyle and the truth behind them.

Above, The Beast at the Elk City (Oklahoma) KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Next Year's Trip?

Above, The Beast at the Elk City, Oklahoma KOA. It would be along the way home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since this year's long trip will be going north to see the eclipse in Idaho, I am already thinking about next year's trip.

I was reading an article at Do It Yourself RV on Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World in Florida and that started me thinking.

They wrote:

Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground in Orlando, Florida might be one of the most unique places to camp in the U.S. Not only is this resort massive (it takes up more than 700 acres of the park), but it’s close to all the action while feeling like it’s in the middle of a pine forest, complete with non-animated deer and raccoons. 

The campground has private sites and features all the amenities of most resorts, as well as a few Disney specialties. This includes two heated pools that are open 24 hours a day, rental cabins, several restaurants and stores, a marina, playgrounds, tennis courts, horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, fishing, bike rentals, private carriage rides, and even Segway tours.

Actually, I started thinking about going there about a year or so ago. But situations change, along with travel focusing.

In looking over the map book, I figure on heading east along Interstate 10 with stops along the way including Carlsbad Caverns National Park, San Antonio (to see if there's a basement at the Alamo) and New Orleans (to try out some good Cajun foods) before reaching Florida. There seems to be a lot of nice RV parks along the way to enjoy.

For the return trip home, I will probably take Interstate 40 and see some attractions along that route including Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis (this time to see the new entertainment complex at Graceland) and Tombstone (I was last there around 1989).

Since I won't be in a hurry, I plan to confine each day's drive to around 350 miles or less as much as possible.

I have a while before deciding. 

Elk City/Clinton KOA

Above, The Beast at the Elk City/Clinton KOA in Oklahoma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My third overnight stop during my trip to Metropolis, Illinois was at the Elk City/Clinton KOA in Canute, Oklahoma.

It is located right off Interstate 40 and easy to access once you get off the freeway.

I got there around 4:00 in the afternoon after leaving Albuquerque and crossing the Texas panhandle.

The campground had plenty of shade and the staff was friendly and helpful. I paid $38.00 (after my KOA discount was applied) for the night's stay. It is far enough from Interstate 40 so one isn't bothered by any road noise.

The KOA does serve breakfasts and dinners. I cooked my own dinner and left before breakfast was served.

My campsite had a fire ring and picnic table along with full hook-ups (electric, water and sewer).

It was a nice campground for a good overnight stay.

To access their website, go here.

Springfield, Missouri KOA

Above, The Beast at the Springfield KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, I am at the Springfield/Route 66 KOA in Springfield, Missouri. I arrived at 1:30, which is the earliest arrival I've made this trip to any of the stopover places.

It is a nice campground with plenty of shade. There's a handful of people here, so nobody's hogging up the Wi-Fi downloading movies from Netflix.

Above, not too many people at the KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view looking towards the office/store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Kamping Kabins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I left the Elk City/Clinton KOA in Oklahoma just before 6:00 this morning. The route took me to Oklahoma City on I-40. From there, I went up Interstate 35 to Interstate 44. Both of those Interstates were turnpikes with $4.00 tolls.

I'm going to be relaxing here at the Springfield KOA today and tonight and head into Metropolis tomorrow. That will be under 300 miles, so I should reach Metropolis by 3:00 in the afternoon.

Above, note the low gasoline price. Interesting station name. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Oklahoma and Missouri I was able to get gasoline for under $2.00/gallon. It has been ages since gasoline prices were this low in California. This helps in saving money in filling up The Beast's 55 gallon gas tank. The lowest I've seen was $1.84/gallon.

According to the radio and my Weather Channel app on my phone, we may be getting some thundershowers this evening. That will make things interesting and clean the exterior of The Beast.

Sierra has been content looking out the screen door since we arrived at the KOA.

By the way, I have seen only one Hillary Clinton sign on this trip. I have seen over a dozen Donald Trump signs since Sunday.

To access the website for the Springfield/Route 66 KOA, go here.