Our trip to Far West Texas taught us quite a bit.  We are also planning another trip this year based on what we learned!

Camping and RV travel are both a lot of fun and a lot of work.  There is a narrow window for making reservations at those campgrounds that are crazy popular.  And every RV traveler has their limits and comfort zones.  We bought our travel trailer specifically so we could take longer and more adventurous trips.  Last year, we did it.  We learned a lot, and I want to share some of those lessons with you.!

What does it really cost to camp in a year?

Piney River Resort was a great place to camp and worth every penny for the pavilion site! 

Once you buy that RV and are ready to set sail, there are wonderful adventures to be had.  And each one of those adventures has a price tag attached to them.  Have I lost you yet?  Don't stop reading here.  I want to be real honest with you about annual RV costs.  I know lots of RV'ers out there are budget conscious.  And it helps to have a plan, a budget, and to keep track of it all.  If you plan wisely you can stretch that travel budget farther and do more.  But, what does it really cost to camp over a year?

RV Shopping Tips

If you are in the market for an RV, you may feel overwhelmed.  This is totally understandable, and I have been in this spot as well.  There are a lot of RVs to choose from and everyone has an opinion about what you need.  You can easily get over your head and underwater financially if you aren't careful.  How do you avoid RV shopping pitfalls and acheive RV buying success?

2021 Summer Gear Guide

Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season.  Campers have eagerly awaited the day they could bid farewell to the dreaded pink drink for campers in cold climates.  So, what's so special about camping season?  For our family, this means lots of time in the water and lazy days with friends.  We love summer.  And even though it's brutally hot in the deep south, I still love it.  With so many new RV'ers out there and for veteran campers looking for new ideas, check out my 2021 Summer Gear Guide!

Tips for Booking Campsites During a Record RV Year!

We have chosen some unique camping options this year and have enjoyed visiting new places!

Are you struggling to find campsites this year?  RV sales have hit record sales, and there is a surge in people renting campers as well.  Campgrounds are packed this year and many RV'ers are frustrated at the scarce options.  I'll admit, that it has been frustrating for me as well.  I'm a planner, and I book well in advance of our trips.  But, you can still enjoy camping this year, and I'm sharing some of our favorite tips for enjoying your RV more this year!

How to Keep Your Portable Ice Maker Clean

Portable ice makers are great to have on the road.  This little machine can pay for itself rather quickly when you aren't purchasing bags of ice.  I use our portable ice maker for drinks and filling up our cooler while we travel.  But, it can also get moldy and gross really quickly if you aren't careful.  How do I keep our portable ice maker clean and odor-free?

Campground Review: Piney River Resort

Piney River Resort offers postcard beauty that is the perfect getaway oasis!

Camping and outdoor activities continue to be on the rise in popularity.  This trend has also encouraged tremendous growth in the campground experiences available to outdoor enthusiasts.  Our family recently spent Easter weekend at Piney River Resort in Tennessee, and we are already planning a return for next year.  What unique experiences does this campground offer?  A resort-style campground is something I really enjoy and this spot is the perfect balance of natural beauty and upscale amenities! 

5 RV Updates That Everyone Needs

The updates we made to May Belle have really made a difference!

When you buy a new RV, there are five things that I think everyone needs to do.  It's the little things that can make a difference in overall functionality and comfort.  If you have a brand new rig or have something new to you, this post is for you!  And, these are all easy projects that anyone can do.  So, where do you start and what should you do first? 

The Camp Life Subscription Box Review - Spring 2021

The Camp Life subscription box's theme is "On the Road Again".

A good subscription box is my jam!  Over the years, I have subscribed to boxes containing everything from beauty products and clothes to kid's toys.  But, The Camp Life Crate has become a favorite above other boxes.  Each quarter, there is a seasonal theme for camping and glamping gear.  "On the Road Again" is the spring 2021 theme.  Did this box deliver road-worthy gear?

Black Tank Trouble - How to Prevent and Fix It!

No one wants to talk about those black tanks, but how you take care of them make a huge difference!

When we started shopping for campers, I remember one seller telling me how many gallons of black and grey tank storage there was available.  I had no clue what he was talking about or why he would even tell me that.  I was too embarrassed to say, "What are black and grey tanks?"  A quick Internet search told me what I needed to know.  It's kind of like potty talk.  No one wants to go there.  But, if you own an RV, you need to know about those tanks and not be afraid to talk about them and ask for advice when needed!  So, how do you prevent and fix problems with your black tank?  Keep reading, and I promise not to be gross!

Do I really need hiking shoes?

These Oboz hiking shoes were not even on my radar, but when I tried them on I knew these were the ones. Don't be afraid to try different shoes and brands when shopping for hiking shoes!

If you are on the fence about another pair of outdoor or athletic shoes specifically for hiking, don't skip this post!  Hiking shoes serve a specific purpose and having the right ones can make a huge difference.  Enjoying time on the trail is most definitely tied to your footwear.  So if you have been asking yourself, do I really need hiking shoes?  I can answer that question for you!

Desoto State Park Revisited

Camping at Desoto State Park has so much to offer both inside the park and in the surrounding areas!

I have sold myself short on more than one camping trip over the years.  Part of my shortfall is due to a lack of planning before we take off.  Desoto State Park near Fort Payne, Alabama is one of those locations for us.  We went there 3 years ago at Easter.  We recently returned, and I am so glad that we did!  If you are planning a trip to this state park or would like to return to this spot, here are some things that will help you to map out your itinerary and make the most of your time!

Green Eating at the Campground - My Favorite Salad

Crunchy Romaine Toss is a favorite salad both at home and at the campground.

Even though we are well into 2021 and past New Year's resolutions, spring signals the start of warmer weather and the anticipation of grabbing swimsuits and heading for some water.  We've gotten in the habit of packing more salad kits, fruits, and veggies when we travel.  I find that these habits make for better hikes and outdoor activities as well as just basic consistency in our diet at home and on the road.  So, what leafy greens are we taking to the campground?

RV Propane Monitor - What is the best tool to use?

You can monitor multiple tanks using the propane tank monitoring system with the mobile app as well as the sensor you can mount in your RV.

Have you been camping or preparing for a trip and wondered how much propane you have?  We use our propane primarily for cooking or operating our refrigerator when towing.  Sure we use our furnace occasionally in cold weather months but our use is minimal.  How do you know how much propane you have?  We played the guessing game on a recent trip, and I decided to go back to a tried and true propane monitoring tool.

Camping Gear - Spring Guide 2021

The first day of spring is 2 weeks away.  The days are getting longer, and it is time to get ready for the campground.  If you have been eagerly awaiting that first trip of 2021, I'm sharing the gear to have you prepped for your next adventure.

Campground Review - Oak Creek RV Park in Weatherford, Texas

Oak Creek RV Park located just outside of Fort Worth off of Interstate 20 makes a great choice for an RV stop!

If you are traveling across Texas, you might likely be on Interstate 20!  We recently took a long trip across Texas and planned to stop and spend the night on our way to our final destination and home.  I found an RV park right off of the interstate that worked great on our trip.  Oak Creek RV Park in Weatherford, Texas is an excellent campground, and I'm giving you the full review.

When do you feel like a real camper?

We finally feel like we relax more and stress less at the campground.  It is a great feeling!

When we first bought our pop-up and started camping, I felt like an imposter or someone from the outside looking into this secret club of folks that knew what they were doing.  It all seemed so natural and effortless to seasoned campers.  I was constantly struggling and scrambling at the campground.  Things would break, or we just didn't know what to do.  When do you go from the one scratching around to figure it all out to a member of the camping club?

Skin Care at the Campground? What I use and love!

Skincare is important no matter where you are.  Take your skincare on the road with you.

It took a solid 40 years for me to take my skincare routine seriously, and some may think I'm a little late to the game.  But, I don't think it is ever too late to start taking better care of your skin.  While I wear make up daily for work, I rarely wear it at the campground.  I do think how you take care of your skin everyday matters - even when camping.  So, what is my skincare routine at the campground?

Tiny House Experience in South Mississippi

The Sheepherder's Wagon at Fulmer's Farmstead in New Augusta, MS provides a cozy and unique experience in the country.

Tiny houses have gained popularity over the past few years through home shows and social media.  These enchanting spaces appeal to curious travelers and offer a unique experience that is completely different from day to day life.  Air BnB hosts make the tiny house experiences a reality and provides guests with the opportunity to explore these accommodations in a variety of settings.  I recently stayed in a tiny house on Fulmer's Farmstead in South Mississippi.  I loved everything about it, and I think you would too!

I Bought a Pop Up Camper, Now What?

Peggy Sue the pop up on our maiden voyage in February of 2017!

We bought Peggy Sue in December of 2016, and I had no clue what we were doing.  Sure.  I had started a Pinterest board full of ideas.  I even had a color scheme in mind.  Beyond that, I was oblivious to the legitimate details and work of redoing that camper!  I learned as we went along, and it was a great project!  If you are diving into those unknown waters, I have a few tips to get you started.

RV Back Up Camera - 6 Tips for Installing, Troubleshooting, and Getting the Best Deal

Pardon the dirty RV!  It needs a wash, but I'm also super proud of how easy the camera was to install!

We have talked about a backup camera for our Grand Design since our purchase 18 months ago.  We have a 90 degree turn from a narrow street into a narrow drive.  While we have managed to master this process, a backup camera seemed like what we needed to help make this process a little less stressful.  A backup camera is great for backing into your driveway or campsite, but it also provides some additional help when towing and parking.  I didn't realize how beneficial this piece of equipment was recently, and it might be the tool you need too!

Planning for a Long RV Trip - 7 Tips to Get You There

How you plan your long RV trip can make a big impact on the overall outcome.

When we first bought our travel trailer, we talked about how this opened the door for us to take longer trips and do more RV travel. However, we slowed our RV travel plans down in 2020 due to COVID.  As the year wore on, we decided to just go for it and take that long trip to Far West Texas that we had been dreaming of.  If you are considering a long RV trip but don't know where to start, I have a few pointers to get you on your way.

Southwest Texas, Part 2 - Marfa

Marfa, Texas is a far away destination that is worth the effort to get there!

Marfa, Texas has been a bucket list destination for me ever since I learned about this destination from a visiting architecture professor.  Ever since his colorful description and stories of this southwest Texas destination, I have dreamed of going there.  But it is just so far away and that distance requires some carved out time to make such a long trip.  Finally, after all of these years, I made it happen!

7 Winter Camping Tips

Winter camping is perfect for campfires, snow days, and hiking without the heat.  We love this time of year outdoors.

Do you dream of getting out and doing some winter camping?  In the deep south and other warm parts of the country, it is entirely possible.  Also, the deep south can get cold weather.  Being prepared is key to a successful winter camping experience.  

What makes a great campground experience?

Every campground and experience is different, but you are in charge of the experience you have with your crew!

If you are planning for your next camping season, you may be scouting out campgrounds and deciding where to go.  Over the past three years, we have camped at a variety of campgrounds, and the ones that we loved the most are for many different reasons.  Being open to new experiences allows you to explore more!

Southwest Texas, Part 1 - Terlingua and Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park in Southwest Texas offers desert and mountain landscapes that are captivating.

Growing up, I traveled every summer out west with my family.  While I have been to several national parks, I had never experienced Big Bend.  We recently returned from this epic road trip, and it may be my favorite vacation our family has ever taken!  Today I'm sharing some highlights from our time in Terlingua and Big Bend.