First-Timer's Guide To Joshua Tree National Park

Above, camping at Cottowood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Years ago, Joshua Tree National Park was known as Joshua Tree National Monument. It became a national park in 1994.

I had been there several times since I was a kid. My Boy Scout troop camped there back around 1966. I remember we camped in Jumbo Rocks Campground. We had a great time there climbing the huge rocks.

I last visited it in 2015 and camped at Cottonwood Campground.

Cleveland.com posted a first-timer's guide to Joshua Tree National Park. 

They begin it with:

JOSHUA TREE, California – The trees here get all the glory. But the rocks may be the coolest part of Joshua Tree National Park.

Don’t get me wrong – the trees are also special, with their Seuss-like branches and spiky leaves.

But you can’t climb the trees.

The rocks, on the other hand, are open for exploration.

Unlike some national parks, where visitors are discouraged from getting too close, explorers here are encouraged to hike, scramble, climb up, rappel down and otherwise fully experience the hundreds of igneous rock formations that dot the landscape.

To read more, go here. 

Best Campgrounds Along Route 66 Revealed

Best campgrounds along Route 66 revealed video by KOAT.

Summary:

Best campgrounds along Route 66 revealed

The video features my favorite Albuquerque RV park, the Route 66 RV Resort. 

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. 

California RV Show Returns

Above, motorhomes on display at the 2017 California RV Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the last things I did just before moving to New Mexico was to attend the California RV Show in Pomona in October 2017.

After this, the California RV Show was cancelled when COVID hit. It hadn't been held since, until this past week. 

According to the following article in Woodall's Campground Magazine, it was a big success.

They start the article with:

Despite rising gas prices and war, the California RV Show, held March 20-22, drew more than 20,000 paying visitors. The event, which took place at the Pomona Fairplex, was the first major RV show in Southern California in almost six years.

“Given there hadn’t been anything in California for years, I thought anything over 10,000 attendees would be a success,” said RV Supershows President Rob Lynch. “The fact that we exceeded my expectations by more than double truly excites me for the future. Pomona is back – Pomona’s back in a big way.”

Exhibiting dealers and OEMs included: Aboard RV, Airstream, Beaumont RV, Best RV Center, Blue Compass RV, Ford Motor Company (Towing Bootcamp), Galaxy RV, Giant RV, Marjon RV, Pebble RV, Rovikk, Sport Truck RV, The RV Super Store and Venture Explorers.

It is nice to see the California RV Show return.

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. 

How To Make Cowboy/Campfire Coffee

Clamp-out season is almost upon the chapters and members of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

This means The Bretheren will be out dry camping. An important ingredient for camping, is having coffee. Some of us have RVs with stoves and percolators. But there are others who will be "roughing it" while camping in tents and cooking over campfires or Coleman stoves.

The video below tells how to make Cowboy/Campfire coffee by Horse Pen Ranch.

Summary: 

We will show you how to make cowboy or campfire coffee from start to finish. We will even share some helpful tips along the way!

1. Fill coffee pot with water to just below the spout

2. Heat water, add coffee (about a 1/4 cup of coffee to every quart of water)

3. Once it boils let it boil for about 4 min

4. Remove from heat and add about a cup of cold water to the pot and enjoy!

Favorite RV Trip

Above, parked near Interstate 15 in Idaho waiting for the solar eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a poll asking, "Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?" 

That is a good question. Pretty much all my RV trips have been favorites. Two particularly come to mind: the 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip. I would give the eclipse trip a slight edge as being my favorite as it was without any mishaps. I hit a sharp-edge curb in St. Louis, Missouri and tore up two tires after swerving to avoid a collision with a driver who cut into my lane during the Metropolis trip. The eclipse trip was 100% fun.

An "honorable mention" is the trip to Yellowstone National Park with my daughter. That was a good trip.

Above, the Great American Eclipse in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the eclipse, I visited Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. All of the campgrounds were nice. 

Above, in Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The poll begins with:

Think back over alllll the miles you’ve traveled in your RV. The places you’ve seen, the campgrounds you’ve stayed in, the little moments that stuck with you long after the trip ended. For today’s poll, we want to know if you have a favorite RV trip of all time.

For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. One trip rises above the rest—maybe it was the destination, the people you were with, or just how everything seemed to fall into place. Perfect weather, great campsites, unforgettable views… the kind of trip you’re still talking about years later.

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

Heat Wave Over Weekend

Above, the Durango train departing the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's high temperature is forecast to reach 80°. That's according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature is expected to reach 80° or more this weekend as well. I guess Spring came a little bit early this year.

Also, the National Weather Service posted the following:

Early Spring Heat Wave in the Southwest U.S.; Critical Fire Weather in the Central Rockies and Plains

An unusual early Spring heat wave will continue much above-normal temperatures over the Southwest U.S. through early next week. Many locations are likely to set records for the highest-ever March temperature. Periods of critical fire weather will persist from the central Rockies to the central Plains through Saturday as gusty winds and low relative humidity continue.

Although we need more precipitation, the warmer temperatures are welcome as we've had to bundle up all Winter. 

As for the coming summer, as the new roof expense put a big crimp in my finances, I may just take short and local vacation trips. Durango, Colorado is at the top of my list. It is only a few hours away.

Is RV Travel Really Cheaper?

Is RV travel really cheaper? 

The recreational industry says yes. Experienced RVers say "it depends."

This is the topic of an article in RV Travel.

It begins with:

Is RV travel cheaper than other types of vacations? The RV industry says yes. According to the RV Industry Association (pdf), a family of four can vacation by RV for 27% to 60% less than trips that rely on hotels, flights, and restaurant meals.

The claim appears frequently in industry reports and promotional materials and is often cited as one of the major advantages of RV travel.

But ask experienced RVers about that claim, and you’re likely to hear a familiar answer.

It depends.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Rushmore Fireworks Tickets Come With A Catch

Above, Mount Rushmore last July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a five-year absence, fireworks are returning this coming July for the 250th anniversary of the American independence. 

The fireworks show will take place on July 3. Attending the show comes with a catch, according to an article in RV Travel.

They begin with:

Fireworks will once again light the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial in 2026. It’s part of a national celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. But RV travelers hoping to see the show should plan early—and expect tight access.

The National Park Service announced that a large Independence Day celebration and fireworks display will take place on July 3, 2026, at the iconic Black Hills landmark.

Visitors must obtain tickets through a public lottery. 

To read more, go here. 

Confessions of A Coffee Addict

Above, a morning "cup of Joe" at a clampout. 

Coffee. 

Whether I am at home or on the road somewhere, I have to have my morning "Cup of Joe" to get my day started. This includes traveling by RV.

I have two means of making coffee in the RV. When the motorhome is plugged into electricity at an RV park, I use my 5-cup coffee-maker. If I am dry camping, I use my percolator on the stove.

RV Travel has posted an article by Chuck Woodbury with his confession as being a coffee addict.

It begins with:

I have one significant addiction. It’s coffee. So far, in all the scientific articles I have ever read, nobody has said, flat out, that drinking a lot of coffee is bad. Or nobody has convinced me of it. So why stop, is what I say.

I am so ridiculously addicted to it that I can now drink two or three cups and still fall quickly asleep. Go figure.

But the point of this article: I like my coffee with milk. I like cream, but my cardiologist doesn’t agree. I do not like my coffee black. Tried it: Nope, no can do.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Ultimate Guide To Senior National Park Pass

Above, rock formations in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Baby boomers are now in retirement age. The recognized generation of baby boomers are those born from 1946 to 1964. This means US citizens or residents 62 years or older are eligible for a Senior Pass to U.S. National Parks.

According to Travel + Leisure:

Senior Passes are honored at sites managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service. 

I bought mine when I turned 62 in 2016 for the then-fee of $10.00. Senior Passes now cost $80.00, which is still a bargain considering they are good for a lifetime and if used.

The Senior Pass is only good for entering the parks. They are not good for camping.

Travel + Leisure posted their "ultimate" guide to the Senior National Park Pass.

They begin it with:

With jaw-dropping natural beauty, national parks are the crowning jewel of the United States' landscape—and an important part of American history and culture. President Ulysses S. Grant founded the country's first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872, while President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service (NPS) into existence in 1916.

Now, more than 100 years on, people flock from across the U.S. and the globe to see the natural wonders within the most popular of the 433 parks. NPS has created a variety of passes, both annual and lifetime, to encourage Americans to visit national parks, monuments, and federal recreational lands. But it's the national park pass for seniors that allows unhindered access. Here are some key details on the Senior Pass.

Above, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I last used my Senior Pass at Arches National Park in Utah and Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana last summer.  

To read more, go here.

"Ultimate Time" For RVs On Route 66

Above, burros strolling on Route 66 in Oatman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2026 is the centennial year of Historic Route 66, celebrations will be held along its route. This provide a great opportunity for travelers, especially RVers, to explore "The Mother Road".

RV Lifestyle posted an article that this is the "ultimate time" for an RV adventure on Route 66.

It begins with:

In 2026, America’s most legendary highway turns 100 years old, and Route 66 is preparing for a celebration unlike anything travelers have seen before. Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, this historic roadway, known as America’s Mother Road, has captured the spirit of freedom, exploration, and adventure for generations.

For RV travelers especially, the Route 66 Centennial is more than a milestone. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the road at its most vibrant, restored, and alive.

To read more, go here. 

Gas Prices Start Their Seasonal Climb

About a week ago, I filled my car's gas tank and the price was $2.279 per gallon in Gallup, New Mexico (photo above).

Since then, the price of unleaded regular in the area fluctuated anywhere between $2.59 to $2.79 per gallon. Still, that is a lot better than paying Commiefornia's ridiculous prices.

According to an article in RV Travel, this is the time where gasoline prices start their seasonal climb.

They begin with:

Gas prices have started their annual spring climb—and, yes, we’re right on schedule.

According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline has edged higher as refineries begin switching to summer-blend fuel and spring travel demand builds. It happens most years. It rarely feels good when it does.

The increase so far looks modest. But it signals a shift RVers know well: Once March arrives, pump prices tend to drift north.

 To read more, go here.

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. 

11 Best Things To Do In Arizona

Above, Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Living 40 miles from the Arizona border allows me to frequently visit the "Grand Canyon State" for recreation.

There's plenty of things to see and do in Arizona and The Traveler has posted "11 Best Things To Do In Arizona". So far, I have done about half of them.

They begin with:

Arizona is a state of big skies and even bigger landscapes, where red rock deserts, cool pine forests, tribal lands and dynamic cities all sit under the same desert sun. From standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon to wading into turquoise waterfalls, slot canyons and cactus forests, the challenge is not finding things to do but deciding what to fit into one trip. These 11 experiences span the best of Arizona, with suggestions on when to go, how to visit responsibly and how to stay safe in a place where heat and distance can be just as dramatic as the views.

To see what they are, go here. 

Not Using Campground Wi-Fi

Above, camping at Route 66 RV Resort with their Wi-Fi antenna at left. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I go RV traveling, I don't use the campground's Wi Fi system. I bring along my own mobile hotspot gizmo and connect my laptop to that. All I need is a nearby cell tower for a connection.

For one thing, it provides faster Internet. For another, it is a lot more secure. 

Avoiding usage of campground Wi-Fi is the topic of an article in RV Travel.

They begin it with:

Is it time to just eliminate campground Wi-Fi altogether? I think it is, and I can share why.

But, first… A few weeks ago, I shared that I had been hacked in a campground, but I don’t believe I shared that I had been hacked twice in different campgrounds.

Let’s talk about how we all get connected so you can read websites like RVtravel.com. And whatever else. Like watch TV. 

Campground Wi-Fi is mostly lousy. Let’s face it—we go places that are pretty, but also somewhat remote. That means that the Wi-Fi that is available to the campground itself may also not be so great. And then you’re splitting that up by however-many campers are there wanting to use that connectivity. 

Installing and maintaining a Wi-Fi system in a campground is very expensive. And whenever something’s expensive, that means we’re the ones paying for it. I don’t know how much the cost of Wi-Fi extends to our own reservations, but I can say that it’s noticeable. It’s also generally not secure. I’ll get to that. 

To read more, go here. 

Military Campgrounds Offer Opportunities

Above, the motorhome at Nellis Air Force Base RV park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not being a veteran, I have stayed at a military campground/RV park onlyt once.

That was because I was with a friend who is a veteran. The stay was while en route from Twin Falls, Idaho following my heart attack in 2018 that led to two stents put into a coronary artery. We drove from Twin Falls to Lake Havasu, Arizona in my motorhome. 

We decided to spend the night at the Nellis Air Force Base RV park outside of Las Vegas. It was a nice park. 

RV Travel posted an article with a video on how military campgrounds offer a great opportunity for many RVers. That's provided one is either an active duty member of the military or a veteran.

The article begins with:

U.S. military campgrounds can be an awesome option for those who qualify. In the video below, Steve Turtle explains what these campgrounds are, who can use them, and how to find them. Military campgrounds (MWRs: Morale, Welfare and Recreation) are secure and close to all the post’s amenities.

To read more, go here.

12 Illegal RV Practices Still Common On U.S. Roads

Above, camping out near the Tehachapi Loop in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RVers come in all shapes and sizes. There are also smart ones and dumb ones.

MSN posted a slideshow list of 12 illegal RV practices that are still common on U.S. roads. The offenders are the dumb ones. 

Fortunately, for everyone on the road in my vicinity, I don't engage in any of them. But it is a good idea to review them so that they are avoided.

It starts with: 

RVs are a popular way to travel across the U.S., with approximately 11 million households owning one. The RV sector has experienced substantial growth, as evidenced by the 2.8% increase in RV sales between 2025 and 2026.

While RV travel offers freedom, it also invites unsafe and illegal behaviours. Most RV owners unknowingly violate laws, which can lead to fines, accidents, and environmental damage.

Part of these practices is quite widespread on American roads, and although the government is putting all its efforts into regulating them, breaches are still falling outside the net. This is a list of 12 of the most common offenses and why you need to avoid them.

To see what they are, 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.