Drinks Canyon Campground (BLM)

Above, the RV at Drinks Canyon Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On Friday, I headed to Moab, Utah to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons.

It was a six hour drive from home. 

Above, red cliffs and Colorado River near the campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided that I would try to stay at a BLM campground along the Colorado River in a canyon next to Arches National Park. There are several BLM campgrounds and they are first-come, first-serve. It is outside of Moab, Utah on Highway 128. 

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

I reached the canyon at about noon and the first campgrounds were already full, but when I reached Drinks Canyon Campground, they had several campsites available. Campsite 13 (lucky number, eh?) was the largest of the ones available that would accommodate the motorhome. After filling out the payment envelope, I set up camp. The campground was only nine miles from Red Cliffs Lodge, the headquarters for the marathons. That worked out great as volunteers have to arrive at 5:00 am.

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

The fee for overnight stays is $20/night. There's no water available or trash cans. It is dry camping and one must "pack it in, pack it out". There is a restroom at the campground.

It is in a beautiful area with tall red cliffs along the Colorado River. 

For more information, go here.

Beware of "Sneaky" Resort Campground Fees

Above, Circus Circus RV Park didn't charge resort fees in 2015,
 but they did in 2017. So I went elsewhere. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I must be pretty lucky.

In the 10 years of RVing since I bought my motorhome, I have never been charged with "resort" camping fees. Circus Circus RV Park in Las Vegas started charging resort fees, which I declined and stayed elsewhere back in 2017. I stayed there two years prior and was not charged any such fees.

According to an article in RV Travel, these "sneaky" resort fees are cropping up on travelers.

They begin the article with:

Booking a campsite used to be simple, but times have changed. Instead of kicking back by the fire, campers now have to dodge complicated rules and unexpected costs. Picking a spot for your RV is starting to feel like some kind of strategic challenge, where you need a CPA, a lawyer, and a good blood pressure monitor just to make it through the reservation page.

In the video at the end of the post, Andy from The Camping Loop is on a rant, and he has tips for what to look out for. 

 To read more, go here.

Nighttime Theft In RV Parks

Way back in the 1960s, my family was camping with my grandfather (I don't remember where, but it was in California) and someone walked off with his Coleman lantern.

Since then, keeping the above in mind, I don't leave anything out overnight that's of any major value. I haven't had any theft problems as a result.

Campground nighttime theft is the topic of an article this morning at RV Travel. 

They begin it with: 

We were happy to welcome a “newbie RVer” to the campfire last night. His enthusiasm seemed to roll off him in waves! He’s beginning his full-time adventure in a previously loved (i.e., pre-owned) travel trailer. “Newbie” is a single guy who recently landed a “work from home” job. Only now it’s a “work from RV” job because this guy can’t wait to continue his travels. He’s really excited, but he has questions… and one big, disturbing question about nighttime theft.

The important question

One question prompted vigorous discussion. “What do you do with your lawn chairs, coolers, and BBQ grill at night?” That’s what “Newbie” wanted to know. I sneaked a peek at others gathered around the fire. The question seemed to take most of us by surprise.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation Acquires Historic Goulding's Lodge

Above, the historic Goulding's Lodge trading post and living quarters of the Gouldings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The historic Goulding's Lodge is now officially owned and will be operated by the Navajo Nation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on June 14.

According to Hoodline:

In an event marked by a gentle rainfall, the Navajo Nation officially took ownership of Goulding's Lodge, a historic site nestled in the heart of Monument Valley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14 saw Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and other dignitaries celebrate this momentous acquisition. "This is a day we’ve been waiting for," President Nygren said, regarding the collaboration's success between the legislative and executive branches that facilitated this deal, as stated by the Navajo Nation Office of the President.

Founded by Harry and Mike Goulding in the 1920s, the lodge is now a world-renowned tourist location, boasting yearly projected revenues between $22 and $31 million, as per the Office of the President. The purchase, finalized in October 2023 for a sum of $59.5 million, was a joint effort between the 25th Navajo Nation Council and the Division of Economic Development, aiming to funnel the income into supporting Navajo programs and bolstering the local economy.

Above, at Goulding's Lodge Campground in October 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Goulding's Lodge includes a restaurant, market, hotel and campground. I stayed at the campground twice, most recently two years ago.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Consider When Booking A Campsite

Above, at Brown's Town Campgrounds in Bishop, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Either I have been lucky over the years or I have practiced choosing a campsite with the tips by Chuck Woodbury in RV Travel as second nature already. I have not had any problems thus far.

The topic of Woodbury's article is on how to choose the best campsite with things to consider while doing so.

It begins with:

Here are some tips about choosing a campsite based on my many years of RVing. I urge you to add your own suggestions to this list after reading it. You can thank me for this advice next time we meet.

To see what the tips are, go here. 

Best Size RVs For RVing In National Parks

Above, The Beast at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People often wonder if their RV would fit into a national park campsite.

Since my motorhome is 23' in length, I've had no problems thus far. One must keep in mind that many national park campgrounds were built way before the RV industry started producing those big Class A behemoths.

RV Travel takes a look at what are the best RV sizes for national park campgrounds. It also includes a video. As they say, "Size matters!"

They begin it with:

In the video below, the team from Camper Report discusses an important topic that many new RVers may be unaware of. When it comes to RVing in national parks and state parks, size matters!

Our ambitious host, Jim, made a spreadsheet from state and national parks around the country to determine what the best length RV would be for someone who primarily wants to stay in these kinds of campgrounds.

Here’s what he discovered as to RVing in national parks and campsite size:

To see more, go here. 

In and Around Ridgway, Colorado

Above, the cow pasture next to Basecamp 550 with its giant American flag. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I was in Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon and 5K, I stayed at Basecamp 550 RV Park just south of town.

Ridgway is ten miles north on Highway 550 of Ouray. 

Above, driving through Ouray on Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is next to a cattle pasture that is notable for a giant American flag.

It is an older campground that has a mix of RV spaces and glamping cabins. The management were friendly and helpful.

I got there Friday afternoon. After resting up after my six-hour drive from New Mexico, I headed into town to go to the True Grit Café where the marathon check-in was taking place. I got my gold volunteer shirt while there. I stayed for dinner and tried their Cajun salmon. It was excellent. So far, I tried the salmon and their chili (at different times) and was not disappointed in either.

While walking to the café, I took a photo of the store used in True Grit (1969) as the undertaker business (actor Hank Worden was the undertaker in the movie). I noticed that the old firehouse is being renovated and expanded to include dining and retail space. It looks to be a nice project.

Naturally, I took some photos.

Above, at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, "Madame Moo". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, relaxing after arriving at Basecamp 550.

Above, the undertaker's in True Grit (1969). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, construction work at the firehouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view from my table at True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, John Wayne movie stills and poster in the True Grit Café. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the glamping cabin tents at Basecamp 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

6 Tips For Scoring A National Park Campsite

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finding a campsite in a national park isn't as easy as it used to be.

These days, most parks have a mix of reservations-only and first-come, first-served. The numbers of sites that are first-come, first-served are dwindling as they are being turned into reservations-only sites.

With more people in RVs, getting a campsite it tougher, but it can be done. I have managed to get a campsite at Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and Lassen Volcanic National Parks in recent years.

RV Travel has posted six tips for scoring a national park campsite.

They begin it with:

National parks are among the most popular places for RV travelers. The National Park Service reported that it had more than 312 million visitors in 2022. Add record-breaking RV sales and rentals over the last few years, and you have a huge demand for national park campsites. Unfortunately, that makes it even harder than ever to actually get a coveted reservation.

Here are some tips for scoring a national park campsite:

To see what the tips are, go here. 

RV Travel: Outrageous Campground Rules

Above, a private campground near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to many campgrounds, public and private. Some have rules and some don't. Some even have "outrageous and ridiculous" rules. Fortunately for me, I haven't encountered any.

However, some RVers have and RV Travel has an article on outrageous and ridiculous campground rules they've encountered.

They begin with:

In June, we published an article on some of the most outrageous and ridiculous campground rules we have found on our journeys this summer. You have added some more in the comments since then, and sadly, the reasons stated there are why there are so many rules!

To read more, go here.

Scoring Last Minute Campground Reservations

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

There was one time where my family and I went on a camping vacation to a national park (I don't remember which) and the campground was full.

We decided to stay at a nearby overflow lot and slept there. My dad slept on the hood of the car while my mom and I slept inside (it was a big Buick, so we had plenty of room). We got up early in the morning and got in line (we were about third or fourth in line) at the campground's gate. We got ourselves a campsite.

That was the only time we ever had to do this.

RV Life has an article with tips on scoring a last minute campground reservation.

They begin it with:

Finding a last minute camping reservation can be a problem. With campgrounds filled to the brim, you are likely better off planning your trip way ahead of the game. Sometimes, however, life just doesn’t work that way and you need somewhere to stay.

Check out these pro tips for finding and booking a last minute camping reservation.

To read more, go here. 

Can You RV Camp At A Military Campground?

For those of you who are active or retired military, there are some military bases that have RV campgrounds available.

I have stayed at one once. It was the Desert Eagle RV Park of Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas as a friend with me is retired military. It was a nice campground.

Above, at Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis Air Force Base. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has an article asking if one can stay at a military RV park if they aren't a vet or active military.

They begin it with:

Are you or a member of your family on active military duty? Are you retired or disabled? If you are, did you know you’re eligible to camp on military campgrounds?

If you’ve never heard of the program, it’s called the MWR branch. And all branches of service have one. It stands for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) branch.

If you aren’t a vet, are you eligible to camp at military campgrounds?

As a general rule, if you’ve never been in the military, you can’t camp at military campgrounds. However, some military campgrounds will allow civilians with no military connections to camp. So if you are a civilian, call the campground. Ask them if they’ll allow you to stay with them.

To read more, go here. 

Why Visit Chaco Canyon In New Mexico

Above, most of the ruins are an easy walk to reach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, I took a drive to Chaco Canyon, which is not too far from home and whose access road turnoff is near Crownpoint, New Mexico. Its actual name is Chaco Culture National Historical Park. 

The access road to Chaco Canyon is about 25 miles of dirt road, much of it has ruts on its surface. It was a little bumpy, but my motorhome handled it fine. To be on the safe side, call first to check road conditions, especially during monsoon season (June to September).

Chaco Canyon is an interesting place. If one likes to explore ancient Indian ruins, this place is the place to visit.

Chaco Canyon has a campground, Gallo Campground, that can accommodate tents and RVs. One must bring their own water as the campground has no water and there are no food facilities. It also has a visitor center that compares favorably to ones that are in national parks.

Above, at Chaco Canyon's Gallo Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TheTravel has posted an article on Chaco Canyon.

It begins with:

Anyone who loves history and archeology or who is fascinated with a remote wilderness landscape will be blown away by the sheer feel and look of Chaco Canyon. While many places are described as secrets, which, on inspection, should really remain secrets, Chaco Canyon is a unique archeological gem that everyone should be singing about. It’s a living, glorious rebuttal to the wrongly-held notion that Plymouth was the first real city in the United States or that American history started with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in continental America in 1492.

For its sheer elegance, its muted eloquence, and its raw, unspoiled beauty, Chaco Canyon will only fail to impress those to whom nature, in its unalloyed beauty, or history, in its most fascinating—have no hold over.

To read more, go here. 

RV Sales Slowdown Helped Campground Reservations?

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

RV sales have slowed down in recent months to what some would call "normal".

Has this slowdown made it easier to make campground reservations? Personally, I've had no problems in getting campsites reserved this year. I have traveled to Durango, Colorado, Navajo Lake State Park, Ouray, Colorado and Goulding's Lodge Campground near Monument Valley and got campsite reservations at each on first tries.

RV Travel asked its readers if the slowdown has helped in getting campsite reservations easier. Frankly, I think the cost of fuel had more of an impact.

They begin with:

RV sales have slowed (finally) and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? Is it easier to find a campsite now, particularly in state and national parks? Campgrounds are changing and evolving, some for the better and some for the worse. RV Travel readers discuss their experiences and offer a few tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.

Here are a few observations from our readers. 

To read more, go here. 

Hooking Up An RV

Above, hooked up for electric at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After hours of driving the RV to get to one's destination, you've finally arrived at the campground or RV park for the night or duration of the trip.

Once checked in, you're now at your campsite and are about to hook up the water, electric and sewer.

Easy, right? Generally it is. But there are some tips to make the task easier and RV Life has ten of them. 

They start off with:

When you’re just starting out RVing, hooking up an RV to utilities can be intimidating. The key is to be prepared and have a system.Here are ten tips to help you to feel more confident when connecting to RV campsite utilities.

To see what they are, go here. 

5 Big Dangers of Camping In An RV Campground

Above, Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nice to get away from home and head out to a favorite RV park or trying out a new one. But there are dangers out that that many don't even consider.

With that in mind, RV Lifestyle posted an article on five big dangers of camping in an RV campground.

They begin it with:

We all know we need to be mindful of dangerous wildlife and should lock our doors and windows. But what about more subtle but very real dangers of camping in an RV campground?

I’m talking about fire-starting, stomach-upsetting, water-logged dangers that too many campers often overlook.

So, I’m going to tell you about 5 major dangers you need to be aware of. Then, you’ll know what to look for and what questions to ask when booking your next campground.

To see what they are, go here. 

Scenic Desert Campsites

Above, Lake Havasu State Park made the list of scenic campsites. Photo by Armand Vaquer

For those who favor desert camping, you're in luck!

The Travel has posted a list of the ten most scenic campsites in Arizona. Autumn (and Spring) is a great time to desert camp as the daytime temperatures have moderated, although it can get chilly at night.

The start it off with:

If one loves the outdoors and is yearning for a camping trip that will take the person away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider pitching a tent at one of the scenic desert campsites in Arizona. From the red rocks of Sedona to the imposing cliffs of the Grand Canyon, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to take in. And, with temperatures that are cooler than one can find in the city, desert camping is the perfect way to escape the heat of summer.

Whether the wanderer is an experienced camper or is looking for a taste of adventure, one shouldn't miss out on these 10 must-see desert camping destinations in Arizona!

To read more, go here. 

How To Become A Campground Host

Above, the entrance to Manzanita Lake Campground. The camp host was located
at the right and behind the pay station and bulletin board. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my travels, I have met a few campground hosts.

Two immediately come to mind. One at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park and one at Gallo Campground at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

I have never thought about becoming a campground host, but there are those reading this might like to do it.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article on how to become a campground host.

They begin it with:

Becoming a campground host is rewarding, and positions aren’t difficult to obtain, but you will want to consider a few things before applying.

How To Find Campground Host Jobs

Camp hosting is a great way to work and enjoy a particular area of the country for a season. Becoming a campground host is fun and rewarding, and positions aren’t difficult to find or obtain, but you will want to take a few things into consideration before you dive in.  

What is a campground host?

A campground host is an individual or a couple that provides services to a private, state park, or national park campground. Hosts must be at least 18 years of age and able to supply their owner camper. Hosts are often retired people who like to travel and spend their summers in cooler climates. They also generally like the outdoors and are eager to help others.

Campground hosts provide that personal touch that make campers feel welcome. If you like people, and are generally friendly and helpful, this might be just the position you are looking for.

What does a campground host do?

The actual duties will vary by campground but mostly consist of meeting and greeting visitors, camper registration, firewood sales, site maintenance, cleaning of facilities and sites and more. You might even assist at the entrance station at a park, maintain a message or bulletin boards, or participate in interpretive programs.

Campground hosts might also answer questions about local attractions, activities and trails, or local services such as gas stations, stores, or medical facilities. They might even refer visitors to forestry officials or other park administrators.

To read more, go here.

Why To Avoid Campsite Cancellations

Above, Lightner Creek Campground in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to two years ago, I never made a campsite cancellation. A friend came down with what we thought was COVID-19 just before we were to head up to Colorado for some camping.

I contacted the campground and explained the situation and they were good about it, but held the deposit money for when we could reschedule.

It turned out my friend didn't have coronavirus, but Legionnaire's Disease. Once that cleared up, we rescheduled the trip and I contacted the campground and rescheduled. The held deposit was applied to that.

RV Life says that campers should avoid campsite cancellations and gives several reasons why.

They begin with:

Much like 2021, 2022 is seeing a record number of people reserving (or trying to reserve) campsites. Reservations must often be made months in advance to be successful in state parks or national parks (or provincial parks if you are reserving in Canada). 

But who knows exactly what’s going to happen in life, months down the road? Nobody plans to cancel a campsite reservation, but life has its own way of making us change our plans.

With the pandemic, natural disasters, and all the other unpredictable life events, campsite cancellations can be impossible to avoid. Even with all that in mind, canceling a campsite can cause problems. 

There are a few great reasons to avoid campsite cancellations. 

To read more, go here. 

By the way, the travel trailer pictured above is for sale in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. My friend wants to get a Class C motorhome. To view the for sale listing, go here.

Cancelling Campground Reservations, Do It As Soon As You Can

Above, The Beast at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gasoline prices are reported to be dropping. Whether this trend will continue or it is just a blip is anyone's guess.

The skyrocketing gas prices have caused some people to cancel campsite cancellations, but those canceling should do it now so that others can fill those vacancies.

RV Travel has posted an article on canceling due to gas prices and they start it with:

Record fuel prices are undoubtedly changing summer camping plans for RVers across North America. These high prices could force people to cancel their campground reservations. After all, a national average price of $4.325 per gallon for gasoline (as of Monday, March 14) certainly impacts trip costs when your motorized RV averages 8 miles per gallon.

Campground owners throughout the U.S. are just beginning to report an uptick in reservation cancellations for the 2022 summer camping season. Some owners are already reporting cancellation percentages in the double digits. Luckily for them, they are also seeing double-digit growth in advanced reservations so, at this point, it’s a bit of a wash.

Cancel campground reservations before it’s too late for others

Park owners are also concerned that campers won’t cancel their campground reservations until it’s too late for others to take their place.

To read more, go here. 

RV Parks Earn More Money Eliminating Campsites

Above, rental cabins at a Lava Hot Springs, Idaho KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I took notice of KOA Kampgrounds's Kamping Kabins was back in the 1980s. We had to use one on 1990 when winds damaged a tent trailer we had near Sheridan, Wyoming while heading to Yellowstone National Park.

RV Travel posted an article that indicates accommodations such as these are more profitable to campgrounds and RV parks than RV campsites, incredible as it may seem.

They begin with:

Have you wondered, with RV sales at an all-time high, why RV parks are eliminating RV sites in favor of cabins, yurts, cabooses and other accommodations? Read on . . .

Over the last few years, RVers have complained of having trouble finding RV sites. One of RVTravel.com’s most popular story series focuses on campground crowding. While the RV industry is churning out new RVs in record numbers, thus putting more stress on an already crowded system, there’s more packing the RV parks than just RVs. More and more RV parks are building “guest accommodations” and each one built represents one less RV site to rent. What are guest accommodations and what’s behind the trend?

To read more, go here.