7 Tips For Camping With A Cat

Above, Sierra on her first RV trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My cat Sierra was eight months old when I first took her on a RV camping trip to Yosemite National Park. 

She handled the trip just fine and now that she's over 10 years old, with plenty of RV travels under her belt (or, rather, collar) she does just fine. 

RV Travel has posted an article with a video with seven trips for camping with a cat. Some I agree with some I don't, based on my experience. 

The article begins with:

In the video below, we join Ashley, aka The Tennessee Wanderer, for some handy tips about camping with a cat. Ashley and her cat, Rupert, (and a dog too) travel in a tiny restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer. If she can make camping with a cat work in that tiny space, I think anyone can.

In the video, she shares some things that worked for her and some that didn’t. 

To read more and see the video, go here. 

The Best Time To Book RV Sites For 2026 Travel

Above, at North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in November 2015, I got online to book a campsite in Yosemite National Park for April 2016. I was successful in reserving a campsite in North Pines Campground.

I noted the date that reservations are opened and calendared it in my phone. 

RV Travel has an article on the best time to book RV sites for 2026 travel.

They begin it with:

For longtime RVers, securing the perfect campsite isn’t just about picking a date; it’s also about timing, strategy, and knowing how to navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of 2026 RV travel. With peak-season demand growing and digital tools evolving, even experienced road warriors need a smart approach.

To read more, go here. 

Lawless Yosemite Campers Taking Over Campsites During Shutdown

Above, North Pines Campground during the time I was there in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I camped for about a week at Yosemite National Park. I made my reservation months in advance online. I camped at North Pine Campground in Yosemite Valley.

Today, things have gone haywire at squatters are unlawfully camping without permit at North Pines Campground. The Schumer Shutdown is being blamed for this.

RV Travel reported:

RV travelers planning a trip to Yosemite should be prepared for challenges, as lawless Yosemite campers are taking advantage of the ongoing government shutdown.

With much of the National Park Service staff furloughed, some visitors are occupying reserved campsites without permits. It’s creating confusion, safety risks, and frustration for those following the rules.

Lawless Yosemite campers are exploiting the shutdown

A San Francisco Chronicle staff member reported that squatters moved into a reserved campsite at North Pines Campground. These falsely claimed the site was “first come, first served” because of the shutdown.

A ranger later intervened to remove the group, highlighting the lawlessness spreading through the park. Yosemite guides and former officials describe the situation as “like the Wild Wild West,” with only a single volunteer currently patrolling some areas.

To read more, go here.

Best RV Lengths For National Park Campgrounds

Above, the campsite I had at Yosemite's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my motorhome, I have stayed in several national parks. As it is 23 feet long, finding a campsite that would accommodate it has been no problem.

National parks I have stayed in include Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Lassen Volcanic. Each national park has campsites that easily accommodated my motorhome. 

Above, Lassen Volcanic's Manzanita Lake Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an article on the best RV lengths for national park campgrounds.

They begin it with:

Visiting and camping in America’s national parks is near the top of most RVers’ bucket lists. One crucial factor that can make or break an RVer’s camping experience is whether an RV will fit into a campsite. Let’s explore what size RV is ideal for national park camping, and what you should expect when trying to find a spot.

The national park RV size dilemma

Many national park campgrounds were built long before RVs became as big as they are today. While national parks very often offer some breathtaking scenic views, they often come with smaller and less accommodating campsites for larger RVs. Knowing the right size RV for these campgrounds is essential before making a reservation.

To read more, go here.

All Yosemite Campgrounds Opening Beginning This Month

Above, The Beast at Yosemite's North Pines Campground in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yosemite National Park has announced that all 13 campgrounds within the park will be open for the first time since 2019.

According to the National Park Service:

Yosemite National Park will open all 13 park campgrounds this summer, marking the first time since 2019 that all campgrounds have been open. These additional openings will add approximately 500 campsites available to the public for enjoying the park.

"We're very excited to have these campgrounds open to the public as we enter the busy summer season," said Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden. "Camping in this park is truly a magical experience, and we want to provide the opportunity for as many visitors as possible."

To read more, go here. 

National Park Restrictions For RVs

Above, RV camping in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I booked my campsite in 2016 in North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park, I used the booking website's imaging of the available campsites to make sure my 23 foot motorhome would fit into the chosen site. Size does matter!

That is one of several things RVers have to bear in mind when camping in our national parks. There are other restrictions to keep in mind and it's best to be aware of them ahead of time.

TheTravel has posted an article on national park camping restrictions.

They begin it with: 

With the kickoff of the summer travel season underway—and with many popular national parks in the USA to choose from—it’s the perfect time to start planning your next national park adventure. If you’re an RVer, there are a few critical restrictions to consider before hitting the road.

One of the most important is RV length limits. These restrictions can determine whether your vehicle will fit into a national park campground—or if you’ll be forced to look for sites outside park boundaries. Whether you're renting a rig or bringing your own, knowing the dimensions of your RV—especially its length—can make or break your trip.

And while length is often the most limiting factor, it’s not the only one. Here’s what else you need to know before you book your site.

To read more, go here. 

Save Your RV Refrigerator: Always Level

Above, leveled in Yosemite National Park's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is an axiom in the RVing world: always lever your RV to prevent damage to your propane refrigerator. 

No matter how long I am stopped anywhere for overnighting, I always lever the motorhome. If I am stopping somewhere that would be longer than 30 minutes, I shut the refrigerator off. When I get back into the motorhome to get back on the road, I turn it back on.

I have never had to replace my RV's refrigerator due to not leveling since I do the above.

This is a topic in RV Travel that every RVer should read. 

They begin with:

 I read this tip:

Do you level? That’s a question repeatedly posted on RV forums, regarding leveling an RV when stopping at the end of the day. Here’s a typical response: “I try to get it relatively close unless it’s just for an overnight stop, in which case I don’t bother.” Unless it’s an overnight stop? ALWAYS level your RV. Another comment tells you why: “I’m on my second Dometic 4-door. I level METICULOUSLY every time I stop to camp and I check level every morning. I refuse to go thru all that replacement AGAIN.”

RV refrigerators need to be level to work properly, and to prevent damage. No absorption-type RV refrigerator has ever read the fine print that says, “Don’t count the damage caused by operating off-level if it’s only overnight.” Seriously, damage to an RV cooling unit is CUMULATIVE, and every “only overnight” adds up. Can’t level? Shut off the fridge.

I was rather shocked by people’s thinking that running an absorption refrigerator out of level overnight or for any length of time is an acceptable practice. As mentioned above, the damage is cumulative, adding up each time you operate your refrigerator out of level.

To read more, go here. 

RVs and California Emissions Regulations

Above, North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The implementation of California's CARB regulations that could ban the sale of new motorized RVs has not been modified after the outcry when it was announced.

The regulations would affect new Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes. 

The Travel has posted an article on what people need to know about the new regulations.

They begin it with:

California has some of the best national parks in the U.S. for scenery and road trip adventures, but a new emissions law is about to shake things up. The upcoming regulation will impact RV travel and camping trips across the state— and now, it’s also reshaping how RVs are sold in the state.

If you’re in the market for a motorhome or thinking about upgrading before your next trip, the new standards could limit your options in the not-so-distant future. Although it’s become a touchy topic among RV and camping enthusiasts, California is not banning RV sales outright, but new environmental regulations are making it significantly harder to buy and sell certain models.

Here’s what’s really happening, which vehicles are affected, and how RVers can still navigate the changing landscape.

To read more, go here. 

7 National Parks Requiring Reservations This Summer

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome from Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer is just around the corner, which means travelers will be flocking to our national parks.

But, some parks will be requiring reservations to control crowding. Travel + Leisure has posted a list of seven national parks requiring reservations.

They begin with:

If you’re going to visit a national park this summer, make sure you prepare, in some cases, by making a reservation.

Summer is a popular time to visit the United States’ national parks, but travelers should be aware that some of the popular destinations in the national parks system require a reservation to visit. Each park can determine their own system, and some parks haven’t determined whether reservations will be required this year. Last year, Mount Rainier National Park required reservations for timed entries, but according to the website recreation.gov, “no decisions have been made if timed entry reservations will be required for the 2025 summer season.”

Seven national parks require reservations, whether that is for vehicle entry or hiking permission. 

To read more, go here. 

Essential RV Documents

Above, Sierra during a trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I most often travel in my RV with my cat Sierra, I keep her veterinary records in the motorhome just in case they are needed.

That, and other essential documents, should be kept in the RV just in case something should occur and they are needed.

That is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV.

They begin with:

When you’re gearing up for an RV trip, packing lists usually focus on gear, gadgets, and groceries. But what about the paperwork? Whether you’re a weekend traveler or a full-time RVer, having the right RV documents on hand can make your life easier on the road.

From registration and insurance to pet records and medical information, keeping everything organized ensures you’re ready for anything—without the last-minute scramble. Let’s go over the essential RV documents you should always carry and the best ways to store them securely.

To read more, go here. 

Park Service Wins Legal Battle Over Cashless Payment Policy

Above, Yosemite entrance gate in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being a holder of the National Park Senior Pass, this doesn't affect me. But others are bothered by the National Park Service's cashless policy for paying entrance fees at national park entrance gates. 

A federal judge tossed a lawsuit by three people over this policy.

According to RV Travel:

It was a case that really stirred up RVtravel.com readers. Three people filed suit against the National Park Service for its “cashless payment” policy rolled out at some Park Service sites. Now a judge has tossed their cashless payment suit out—but left the plaintiffs a little bit of wiggle room.

Cashless payment suit claimed violation of “legal tender” law

Last March, Esther van der Werf of Ojai, California, Toby Stover of High Falls, New York, and Elizabeth Dasburg of Darien, Georgia, filed suit in U.S. District Court. The suit asked the court for a declaratory judgment. It claimed the Park Service violates U.S. law that “legal tender”—U.S. currency—is suitable “for all public charges.” If their suit was successful, it would have forced the Park Service to accept cash for any fees charged to visitors.

To read more, go here. 

Plan the Perfect RV Spring Break Road Trip

Above, a springtime camping trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spring is about a month away. For those who are tired of being stuck within the four walls, it is a good time to plan a springtime RV trip. My own next camping trip will be in April.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life.   

It begins with: 

The end of winter is the perfect time of year to get a jump on planning spring RV road trips. The key to the success of any road trip lies in having a good basic plan. With that being said, being flexible with destinations and routes is a good idea, too. After all, a lot can happen between now and spring. However, if we map out a basic plan at this stage, we can always make adjustments as the time gets closer and even when we’re on the road. Even though there’s still snow on the ground in many places, the most popular campgrounds will be opening up campsite reservations in the coming weeks. In this article we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to do to plan a perfect road trip.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Administration Reverses National Park Job Cuts

Above, an early morning view of Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first heard about the national parks job cuts by the Trump Administration, my immediate reaction was that of many others: a stupid idea.

Well, fortunately, the Administration has reversed itself on this.

According to RV Travel:

After threatening to cut thousands of jobs at National Parks, the Trump Administration has backed off following widespread protests. “I make just over $40,000 a year; scrape sh*t off toilets with a putty knife nearly every day,” Yosemite maintenance worker Ilek Chmura told the L.A. Times after he was notified his job was eliminated. “Somehow, I’m the target.

“We lost our whole custodial staff in this part of the park,” he explained. “That will impact what people see, and it will be embarrassing if people come to this site and see it’s just full of trash.”

In response to public outcry and a media campaign from outdoor enthusiasts, the administration has now reconsidered its plan to eliminate thousands of seasonal jobs at the National Park Service. Last month, seasonal employees — responsible for tasks like collecting fees, cleaning trails and restrooms, and assisting injured hikers — had their job offers rescinded for the 2025 season.

This week, a memo from the Department of the Interior stated the agency could hire 7,700 seasonal employees this year, up from about 6,300 in recent years.

To read more, go here. 

Yosemite Is One of the Deadliest National Parks

Above, Yosemite's Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National parks have been beacons of wonder for those who visit them. They also can be deadly for visitors who aren't careful.

That is the subject of an article in the Fresno Bee.

Some national parks are more dangerous than others. Yosemite National Park is listed as the third deadliest national park according to the article.

They begin with:

Yosemite National Park is a popular place to take in picturesque views and marvelous waterfalls, as well as enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking. 

But did you know Yosemite also is considered one of the deadliest national parks in the United States? 

According to data collected from personal injury firm Malloy Law Offices, the national park in Central California ranks as the third deadliest national park in the country with 125 fatal incidents from 2014 to 2023. 

Of those fatal incidents, 42 were related to falling.

To read more, go here.

Senior-Aged People Need To Visit These National Parks

Above, Yosemite National Park's Tenaya Creek. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My great uncle used to say, "Growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative."

Indeed, now that I have reached 70, I can appreciate that folks in my age group need to keep active. One way to do so is visiting national parks.

There are some national parks more senior-friendly than others. Sports Illustrated has posted a list of national parks that seniors need to visit.

They begin with:

Visiting and exploring national parks is something that everyone, regardless of age, should be able to enjoy. Alas, there are some people who believe that the older they get, the tougher it will be to get out there.

While there may be some intimidation conquering some regions of the United States at an advanced age, there is still plenty for seniors to take in. Some parks even have trails designed specifically to ease the difficulty of the trip.

Jacqueline Kehoe, a Yahoo Creator, put together a list of the best national parks in the country for seniors to visit. 

Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended they take advantage of the American the Beautiful Senior Pass, which provides access to the parks for life at a one-time fee. Also, grab a national parks passport to document all of your adventures.

To see what national parks that are senior-friendly, go here. 

Section of U.S. 395 To Shut Down 15 Days In September

Above, The Beast at Manzanar Internment Camp in July 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I drove U.S. 395 in California's eastern Sierra Nevadas was back in 2016. During that trip, I visited the Japanese internment camp Manzanar, stayed in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes and drove into Yosemite National Park on Tioga Road.

Those planning to drive U.S. 395 next month will find a part of it closed.

RV Travel reported:

Planning a trip along California’s eastern Sierra Nevada? Check your calendar and your routing. A beautiful section of U.S. Highway 395 in California will shut down for more than two weeks in an effort to protect wildlife.

California dubs the stretch of U.S. 395 as the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, and folks traveling it from the south will find it shut down on September 4 for 15 days. If coming from that direction you will need an alternate route to access the communities of Walker and Colville or to fish and camp at Topaz Lake.

Northbound motorists can take Highway 182 from Bridgeport and connect with lonely Nevada Route 338.

To read more, go here. 

7 RV-Friendly National Parks

Above, Yosemite National Park's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in a national park is something everyone should put in their "bucket list" of things to do.

I have camped in several national parks over the years. The first was with my parents in 1968 in Lassen Volcanic National Park in an umbrella tent. The most recent was in 2017 in Grand Canyon National Park in my motorhome. 

It is more difficult these days to secure a campsite. Many parks take campsite reservations a year in advance. I got lucky twice in recent years. I was able to get campsites in Joshua Tree National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. I didn't reserve a spot in either. I just drove to each and found a campsite. The only national parks I made reservations for was at Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. I had to make a campsite reservation months in advance for a spot in North Pines Campground at Yosemite and Trailer Village at the Grand Canyon.

The Travel has posted a list of seven national parks that they consider "RV-friendly". 

They begin with: 

As a proud American RV owner, you’re probably itching to explore the country’s breathtaking national parks from the comfort of your own mobile home. Luckily, many national parks have an abundance of facilities that cater specifically to RV enthusiasts, providing amenities and scenic routes that make navigating and appreciating nature a breeze.

These parks offer an unforgettable experience for RVers seeking to connect with nature in style, combining nature’s splendor with numerous engaging activities to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home on wheels. So, get ready to add these seven incredible national parks to your must-visit list, carefully selected to ensure an unforgettable RV adventure.

To read more, go here. 

Do You Collect National Park Mementos?

Above, yours truly at a gift shop at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park/

Do you collect national park mementos from each park you visit?

That is the question in an article and poll posted at RV Travel.

I have a few things from some national parks such as a throw blanket from Yellowstone National Park and a wood napkin holder from Zion National Park. I tend to go for things that are useful whenever I do.

RV Travel begins with:

Wow! That was my reaction when I stumbled upon the National Parks online collectibles store. I had no idea there were so many different ways to remember our visits to the various National Parks throughout our country.

Available memorabilia

The collectibles range from figurines to drinking mugs and everything in between. You’ll find medallions, patches, pins, and decals. Trek on over to the NPS posters page and you’ll discover posters, playing cards, and even NPS jigsaw puzzles! Many posters and prints are great for framing and many other items make terrific gifts.

 To read more, go here.

Tips For Camping In The Mountains

Above, at camp at Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, while camping in mountain areas, campgrounds tend to be located in valleys such as North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park. I camped there in 2016.

I have also camped at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is 5,900 feet in elevation in the Cascade Mountain Range.

The topic of mountain camping is in an article in RV Life. It provides 8 tips for camping in the mountains.

They begin it with:

Camping in the mountains is a fantastic adventure that you should absolutely take. From way up high, you’ll be able to access amazing hiking trails, play in mountain streams, and see some animals that don’t tend to make their way down to the bigger human civilizations. 

All that said, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to be properly prepared for camping in the mountains. Here we share our top mountain camping tips so you can go in ready for whatever the mountains may throw your way. 

To read more, go here. 

National Parks Traveler To Stay In Business

Above, low clouds in Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some good news showed up in my email news feed this morning.

National Parks Traveler news site will stay in operation.

They wrote:

Just months after it looked like the National Parks Traveler would cease after 18 years due to insufficient funding, readers, listeners, sponsors, and underwriters have provided enough financial support to keep the news organization in operation. 

Our readers and donors look to the Traveler for daily journalism on issues, science, exploration, travel, and park news. No other news organization focuses solely on national parks and protected areas, resulting in a unique blend of editorially independent coverage that led to an outpouring of support when it looked like the site would go dark at the end of June.

We’re not completely out of the woods, but the support will enable continued news coverage while we work to further solidify the Traveler’s financial footing. If you can help with that, please drop us a line.

To read more, go here.