Unsavory but Necessary Dump stations are one of those aspects of RV life that are not entirely pleasant, but are entirely necessary. If you’re using your RV, you’re likely using your RV bathroom. If you’re using your RV bathroom, you’re going to need a dump station. A dump station is a place where raw, untreated sewage can be sent into the sanitary sewer system. Using a dump station to dump raw waste is not only the safest, but also most responsible way to dispose of raw human waste. It is illegal to dump raw waste in the wild, and you can get a ticket if you choose to do so.
How do I find a dump station?There are some typical locations that often have dump stations. These include:
- State Parks
- National Parks
- RV Parks [...]
A common problem One of the most common interior complaints we hear from RV owners is that their couches begin to peel far before they expect them to. This can be a costly problem to fix, so it is important to both take preventative measures as well as be aware of creative fixes. Read on to learn how to both prevent and deal with peeling couches.
What type of couches are most likely to peel?Couches with fake leather, or “pleather” surfaces are the most likely to peel in an RV. RV manufactures like to use this kind of material, even in high end RVs, to give the furniture the look of high-end furniture (without the cost). When first picking out your RV, you can investigate options to change the fabric or couches in your rig to [...]
The perfect outdoor adventure In recent years, paddleboarding has grown rapidly in popularity. Many people are adopting this fun water activity, and the fitness and adventure it provides. Paddleboarding is a budget-friendly activity – and you don’t even have to invest in a board! Many state parks offer paddleboard rentals. If you do choose to invest in a paddleboard, consider getting an inflatable board. These boards will take up far less space in your RV as you travel.
Paddleboarding is a great activity for a wide range of ages and skills. You don’t have to stand up on a paddleboard! You can choose to sit, kneel, stand or even do yoga based on your own balance.
Paddleboard Safety TipsThere are a few safety tips to keep in mind before you head out on [...]
Preparing for the inevitable If you use your RV regularly, chances are that sometime during a trip you are going to need to fill up your RV tires. However, this is not always as simple as pulling into the pump at the gas station with your car. RV’s can be hard to maneuver around gas station air pumps, and station pumps are often limited in the PSI you can go up to. This means that you might not be able to get a high enough PSI for your large rig. So what can you do when you need to fill up your RV tires when you’re on the road?
Truck stops are your new best friendTruck stops are designed for larger vehicles, making filling your RV tires at their air pumps that much easier. Many [...]
Be a good neighbor It’s important to be a good neighbor not just when you’re at home, but also when you’re on the road. If you’re spending your summer at campgrounds, there are some general rules of etiquette to follow if you want to be a good neighbor. Heed these rules of campground etiquette and you’re sure to maintain good relations with those around you.
Respect others’ spaceWhile we have for the most part escaped the days of social distancing, people still appreciate their space being respected. That means that even if the shortest way to the lake or the bathroom is through someone’s occupied camping space, you take the long way around. This also means that you shouldn’t let your dogs or your kids wander through other people’s camping spots.
Leash your [...]
Make the most of your space The blessing and the curse of the RV is the amount of space available to you. The ability to scale back on “stuff” and get out to enjoy nature and the outdoors is phenomenal. However, if you’re traveling extensively you will need to make the most of the space you have.
There are several tips and hacks for making the most of the limited space in your RV, all while not making your rig feel cluttered or stuffed to the gills.
Use packing and unpacking listsIf you’re traveling by airplane and limited to a carry-on, you are likely to be very selective when you pack. When you have an entire RV before you it can be tempting to go by the method of “oh, just throw it [...]
Something old and something new There is nothing like gathering around the campground fire in the evening. The crackle of the flames, the crickets in the distance, and the stars up above. One of the only things that can improve the evening is something sweet to cook up over the flames. There are classics when it comes to desserts made over a campfire. There will likely be a revolt if s’mores are not present at at least one of the meals (if not all). However, this summer try to mix up dessert with a few new ideas.
Campfire EclairsCampfire eclairs are fun and simple to cook up. You just need to make up some vanilla pudding in your RV or before your trip to stash in your cooler. Take a [...]
Concerts at the Park This summer you can enjoy music and dancing in an idyllic setting. On two dates in July and August, there will be a concert series at Lake Wenatchee State Park. All concerts will take place from 8-9pm at the South Park amphitheater.
July ConcertsThe first concert will take place on July 15th featuring the members of Radost Folk Ensemble and Dunava for the music, dance, and song traditions of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Click over to read more about this talented group of dancers and singers!
The second concert will take place on July 29th – check with the state park website for updates on who will be featured.
August ConcertsOn August 12th, enjoy a traditional dance performance. Leikarringen has been performing traditional Norwegian dances for over 60 years. [...]
Changes to the Senior Pass The Senior Off-Season pass at the Washington State Parks allows seniors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the state parks when they are far less crowded and at a much discounted rate.
However, this program is preparing to undergo a few changes to make off-season reservations easier for more seniors to enjoy. After much consideration, the State Parks have decided to end the practice of refunding campers for advance reservations before the purchase of a Senior Off-Season Pass. This means you will only be able to use your reservation discount on reservations made Sept. 1 through April, and after you purchase your discount pass. Refunds will not be issued for reservations made in advance, even if the reservation is made for a date in the off season.
More equitable opportunities [...]
How to practice wildlife safety Wildlife safety is vitally important both for you and for wildlife. You should be concerned not only about your own well-being, but the preservation of the environment wildlife calls home. It is true that most wildlife prefer to avoid humans; however, wildlife will attack when they feel threatened. Before we talk about precautions for specific types of wildlife, there are a few general rules of wildlife safety to follow.
Keep your distanceComing home with that perfect may be enticing, but when it comes to wildlife it’s important to maintain your distance. When you’re exploring, stick to trails, especially in the early morning, evening or at night. Wildlife typically understands trails to be high human traffic areas and avoids them.
Distance is especially important if you run into [...]
