SoloWomanRV

Friday, March 13, 2026

RV Gold for Crafters + RV Park Good/Bad News

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THIS WEEK'S LATEST NEWS ABOUT NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

A Crafty Solution

You’ve seen them at flea markets and art fairs. “They” are those lucky RV travelers who are as free as birds, selling their crafts as they go.

If you are almost ready to launch your RV life on wheels except for the extra income you’ll need, your ticket to freedom could be your talent for woodworking, crochet, embroidery or sewing doll clothes. How to Start a Home-Based Craft Business, (Globe Pequot) is just one of the many books on Amazon that can guide you through the business of crafting.

This isn’t a book about how to do the crafts. Nor does it suggest what crafts are today’s hot sellers. (And be forewarned that styles, trends and tastes change quickly and from region to region.)

Specific crafts are hardly mentioned except for a list that might get you thinking. (calligraphy, candle making, stained glass, woodcarving, making decoys, Tole painting, etc.) The author assumes that you already have talents and tools to create a marketable product. Then the author guides you through every business process from Accounting to Zoning.

First, decide if you’re going to be an artist or an artisan. Author Oberrecht says a watercolorist might sell paintings but, if you also know how to mount, mat, and frame your watercolors, you can enhance your work and increase its value. His suggestions include:

* Get an office even if it’s only a laptop andl phone, plus a workshop and a place to store inventory. Yes, this can be done in an RV.

* Know the marketplace. Some crafters make enough at one season or one event to live on the rest of the year. Really!

* Financial planning is the key. Oberrecht provides a checklist of startup costs plus tips on how to keep books, project cash flow, and accept credit cards. The sections on licensing and legalities are important. Learn about partnerships, limited liability, incorporating, licenses, permits, naming your business, finding the right attorney, getting the right insurances, and how to get a trademark, patent, or copyright.

Many crafters don’t realize until it’s too late that their creativity has dollar value, and that they need to protect their intellectual and business rights.

See your tax advisor about writing off some RV expenses and other operating costs. You also need to note your business obligations, such as collecting state sales taxes. This book isn’t up to date on online selling, whichis another subject for another time.

If there’s a will, there’s a way for you to go RV traveling, even if you aren’t retired or independently wealthy.

IS THIS THE YEAR YOU'LL GO FULL-TIMING?

Do you dream of living and traveling in a complete home on wheels? Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition by Janet Groene & Gordon Groene is a total guide to the full-time life on wheels, from making the decision and living the good life to the time when you decide to settle down.

Should you sell the house or rent it out? Downsize possessions or put them in storage? Too young to retire? See our chapter on ways to make a living anywhere. Kids on board? We cover home schooling and also an exit strategy if and when the time comes to settle down. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you. https://amzn.to/29XFEkq

RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

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NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS

In Cordova, Tennessee, the former Gamesday Baseball Complex closed. Now the site has been approved for an RV park with more than 300 sites plus a dog park. Existing buildings will remain on the site, which will also have a dog park. Stay tuned as this new place to park in the Memphis area develops.

Reservations are open at the new Flagstaff (Arizona) Mountain RV & Campground on Route 6 near downtown. The park has 33 full hook-up sites, a dog park, an on-site bar and patio, a large gas firepit,, high speed Wi-Fi and concierge service to connect visitors with local points of interest. (928) 393-4652

New this spring in Boothbay,, Maine will be an RV park with full hookups at the Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern & RV Resort. It’s a unique combination of RV comforts plus a craft brewery and farm-to-table dining. The reopening date is May 6. (207) -633-3411..

In the mountains of North Georgia the new Talking Rock Motorcoach Resort had its first full year in 2025. It has mountain views, plenty of green space, a swimming pool, clubhouse, hot tub, pickleball, nature trails, a garden, smokeless fire pits at each site and a laundry. Go to https://talkingrockmotorcoachresort.com/ for details on the 15% discount. (706) 383-3849

Here’s good news for RV travelers who prefer the outback, even if hookups aren’t part of the deal. Two new campgrounds with gravel pads, back-in sites, fire rings and vault toilets are provided south of Clarkston, Washington in the Asotin Wildlife Area. The Sourdough Gulch and Cabin Gulch facilities are on in the Blue Mountains Wildlife Area Complex on Lick Creek Road. The complex usually opens to vehicles on April 1 but check ahead.

In Washington Court House, Ohio, the zoning commission has approved a zoning change that will allow building of an RV park with about 75 sites. Stays will be limited to 90 days or less. The park will have water and electric hookups and a dump station. The park is intended to house workers at the area's Amazon and Honda facilities. No opening date has been announced.

, Clarkco State Park in Quitman, Mississippi will show off its new campground, ungraded restrooms, cabins and other improvements at its grand opening on March 19. Reserve your campsite at reserve.mdwfp.com/

SCUTTLEBUTT

Big things are rumored for the future in Williams Lake, British Columbia. An iconic ski destination, Mount Timothy Recreation Resort will become a four season resort with the addition of new trails, new lifts, more RV sites and more amenities, Stay tuned in at TourismWilliamsLake.com/

In Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, the former Taos RV Park is now part of a destination that includes glamping, RV sites with full hookups, a lodge and cabins. Look for it as Luxx Lodge.

(575) 201-3339

CLOSURES

Severe storm damage last year requires the closure this year of the campground in McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake, Iowa. The campground needs a massive re-do and will reopen for the 2027 season. Day use facilities including the boat ramp, fish cleaning station, picnic areas, yurts, trails, and shoreline access will remain open. Stay alert to pounce on 2027 campground reservations as soon as they open, possibly late this year.

In Boise National Forest, Idaho, Antelope and Hollywood campgrounds including the Antelope boat ramp will be closed for improvements including the building of additional sites. Re-openng is scheduled for November 1.

Traverse City (Michigan) State Park will close July 7 for massive improvements, especially to the campground. It’s due to reopen in April, 2027. Some day use facilities will remain open during construction, so check ahead.

CHANGES, NEW MANAGEMENT, EXPANSONS

Washington State Parks now manages Beebe Bridge Park and its day use facilities. The park in Orondo, Washington is on the Columbia River and has 46 campsites with water and electric. It’s open mid-April to the end of October. Reservations: Go to washington.goingtocamp.com or call 1-888-CAMP-OUT.

WHEN TRAVEL EMERGENCIES HAPPEN IN YOUR RV

SURVIVAL FOOD HANDBOOK is a guide to survival when you're Out There and out of fresh provisions. It's written just for RV travelers and campers who have limited storage space.

Whether it's fridge failure, or you're broke or quarantined or weathered in, stuff happens. See provisioning information, lists, tips and recipes made solely with stowed foods from supermarkets (not those expensive doomsday rations). Plan your personal three-day standby pantry with familiar, affordable staples for travel, home, boating and camping.

Kindle or paperback, it's a great gift idea for yourself or a friend. https://amzn.to/3mIfryC

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Friday, March 6, 2026

The RV Diet + RV Park & Campgound News Breaks

Springtime is the time to

Go on The RV Diet

This isn’t about your weight loss. It’s about your RV.

Here’s how to start the summer season lighter, more fuel efficient and safer on the highway. After all, weight and weight distribution affect everything from fuel use to stability in handling, cornering, towing and braking.

Of course, some heavy items are essential. We need water (about eight pounds per gallon), fuel, batteries, grey and black water, food, kitchen and bath supplies, and all the gear that goes with each RV lifestyle. Many of us also carry a business on board.

Which straw broke the camel’s back? Let’s deal with one “straw” at a time. Your on-board load has a weight in pounds and ounces, and also weight in importance. For instance, bread makers and microwaves are heavy appliances, yet some of us find them essential. That also goes for all those lead sinkers in your tackle box and the tons of books that some of us prefer to Kindles

Here are ideas on losing RV weight:

Is there a lighter version of it? Can a new microwave-convection oven do everything you’re now using both a microwave and a conventional oven to do? Are you making only 2 to 4 cups in your 12-cup coffee maker? Would soap sheets work just as well as liquid laundry soap?

Leveling jacks come in many types, qualities and weights, both built-in and portable. Built-ins add to the weight of each axle. Portables add pounds to area where they are stored underway.

Get a newer model. If it’s an older piece of electronics, it’s likely that a newer model will be smaller and weigh less. Technology has provided us ways of getting more sound, more strength, insulation, or power out of less poundage.

Make it match. Most of us can lighten a wardrobe by ditching every garment and accessory that doesn’t create one or more outfits.

Check the pantry. Dehydrated, fresh, and frozen foods weigh less than canned. Condensed soups and juice concentrates weigh less per serving than ready-to-serve. Aluminum pots and pans weigh less than stainless steel and iron.

Plastic dishes or Corel weigh less than stoneware and pottery. Insulated plastic mugs and glasses weigh little, yet they keep drinks hot or cold forever. Silicone bakeware is good up to 500 degrees or more.

Rent it. It’s nice to have every tool in the catalog but rental companies can provide you the latest equipment and accessories for only a few dollars a day. Rent everything from tools to party ware and formal clothing. Borrow books free at the library. If the campground doesn’t have a honor library, start one.

Adopt a "New one in, old one out." rule that each new item replaces something you’re discarding: shoes, magazines, books, half-used sandpaper, ad inf.

Discard it. Now you feel better but the job isn’t finished yet.

You still have to balance your RV. It’s always wise to have it weighed by professionals.

RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

These weekly news breaks are from our local sources and may be incomplete or premature for travel planning. Many of these parks have not yet been reviewed, and no endorsement of them is implied here.

Grab the information for now and follow up on your own as the story develops. Parks are listed in boldface by location. Event dates are in red.

PARK CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEW OWNERS

The former Lake of the North Resort & Campground in West Branch, Michigan will open in the spring as the Jellystone Park Lake of the North. Features include mini golf, paddle sports, games, entertainments boat storage and fishing. Use the promo code b3g12026 to get your 4th night free. Seasonal sites are priced from 3,750. Go to campjellystone.com/michigan/jellystone-park-lake-north/

In Ohio, the Coshocton KOA now has pull through sites, safari style glamping and premium cable TV.

Better Times RV Park in Lake Panasofkkee, Florida has new management. Check for changes. The park has RV sites, Wi-Fi, laundry, a clubhouse and daily, weekly, monthly and long-term rates.(352) 793-16011

SCUTTLEBUTT

Pepper Park in National City, California, has embarked on a massive expansion that will mean two new hotels and an RV park. . Follow this story and grab reservations as soon as the RV park goes online. No opening date has been projected at this time. Contact PortOfSanDiego.org/

In Priest River, Idaho, approval has been given for opening phases of the Two Rivers Park marina and campground on a 39-acre former industrial site. A one-time working name for $21 million project was Joslyn Park. The uture park that fwill face on both the Priest and Pend Oreille rivers will have trails, a cantina, boating services and RV sites. Stay tuned as this project takes shape this year and next.

EVENTS

One of the oldest and most cherished wildflower festivals in the South is the Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade Wildflower Festival 2026. For the 48th year the family-friendly event will be held with wildflower walks, birds, butterflies, geology, children’s events and more. Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, Tennessee has RV sites with water and electric hookups and a dump station. Dates are May 1-2. Tickets and campground reservations are available online at Reserve.tnstateparks.com/ For wildflower festival information call (615) 443-2769

Earlybird tickets are already on sale, so jump in now to be at the Hillberry Music Festival at The Farm Campground in Eureka Springs, Arkansas October 7-11. Enjoy five nights of family friendly bluegrass music, camping, workshops, kids activities, arts, crafts and food. Check the website at HillberryFestival.com later for this year’s lineup of stellar artists. (888) 762-7152.

Here's good news for lunar skywatchers. Goldendale Observatory State Park, Washington will be open to visitors for eclipses until 2033. If you missed the March 3 eclipse, plan to be there on August 27 for a partial eclipse. Follow these programs and get reservations (required) for each event at GoldendaleObservatory.com/ The park has no camping. RV parks are nearby.

Attention Birders! The Warbler Capital of the World, Maumee Bay State Park, Ohio, is the scene of Birds in the Hills bird festival May 8-17. One of the top birding events in North America, the 10-day event held in the park lodge will feature expert speakers, sessions at top birding spots,, guided walks, canoe trips, demonstrations and evening socials. Registration is now open. The park has RV sites with full hookups. Participants can also stay at the lodge. See biggestweekinamericanbirding.com

CLOSURES

There's still time to camp the Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida. It closes for good on April 30

Campgrounds at Keith Charters Tate Park, Traverse City, Michigan are closed until next year. A massive $8.5 million renovation is taking place.

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Friday, February 27, 2026

RV Pay to Play + WHERE ARE ALL THE RV SITES?

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THIS WEEK'S LATE BREAKING NEWS OF NEW, FUTURE, CHANGING AND CLOSING PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

Do you cut your own hair? Do your own mani-pedi's? File your own taxes? Sometimes to pays to pay a professional.

When It Pays to Pay a Pro

The name of our game, fellow RV-ers is INDEPENDENCE. A life of RV travel is the ultimate freedom. However, most of us have to depend on others for some things, some of the time.

The wise woman knows when to hold and when to fold. Here are some of my favorite professional services worth the price.

Cleaning. Auto detailers and carpet cleaners have products and equipment that are more effective than you can do on your own. Call in a pro once a year or so.

Financial Planner, Tax Accountant. A certified, fee-only planner makes recommendations based on your best interest, not commissions. There are very good DIY tax programs but a professional may be a better choice if you are self-employed or have complicated tax situations that change each year.

Mail Forwarding. It’s easier and cheaper to have a friend or relative handle your mail but individuals get sick, go on vacation or get too busy to run to the post office with that Special Delivery letter you need NOW. If all your mail goes to a relative in New York or other high-tax state, their address is your address, and you could be subject to their state taxes too. I recommend getting a full-service mail forwarding service that is on the job 24/7 in a state that does not have a state income tax.

Personal Trainer. There isn't room in most RV's to exercise. Yet, if you go to fitness centers in RV parks, the equipment is probably different each time. Have a personal trainer evaluate your condition and design a regimen you can follow anytime, sing different machines as you go.

Resume Writing. If you work as you go and are constantly applying for positions in person and online, invest in a clean, professionally prepared resume. Go to a pro who knows how to present your skills in a readable format. Then put the master document on your computer. Update and massage it as necessary.

Safe, Secure Storage Facilities. When you store things in a friend’s attic or basement, conflicts can arise. If there is a robbery, fire or flood, or if their cat decides to use your antique rocker for a scratching post, friendships fray. If your friend moves, you have to make other arrangements–often at the worst possible time. A professional storage facility offers insured, secure, heated, dehumidified safety for your stored goods.

Upholstery. I’m a fair seamstress and can do minor upholstering such as chair seats. In the RV however, upholstering requires special skills, materials and equipment. Have a professional do it right, with the best materials. It will pay in looks, comfort, long wear and resale value.

GIVE THE GIFT OF FREEDOM TO a Retiree, Empty Nester, Suddenly Single, New Graduate or Burned Out Colleague

We full-timed for 10 great years. We describe it, warts and all, from early beginning to a happy RV ending when we became part-timers again.

Do you dream of living and traveling in a complete home on wheels? Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition by Janet Groene & Gordon Groene is a total guide to the full-time life on wheels. Should you sell the house or rent it out? Downsize possessions or put them in storage? Too young to retire? See our chapter on ways to make a living anywhere. Kids on board? We cover home schooling and also an exit strategy if and when the time comes. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you. https://amzn.to/29XFEkq

RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

These hot-off-the-press news breaks may be incomplete or premature for travel planning. They are presented here by location so you can follow up on your own. No endorsement of any park or service is implied.

NEW & FUTURE RV PARKS, RESORTS, CAMPGROUNDS

Traditions Motorcoach Park, proposed for Starkville, Mississippi has been given the green light to proceed with development. The 13-acre plot is expected to hold about 72 RV sites. Stay tuned for this future destination in the heart of Mississippi Blues and Ragtime country.

Slated to open in May in Satsuma, Louisiana is the Patriots RV Resort with 20 RV sites at first and more to come soon. Race your RC boat in the lake, play pickleball, use the fitness center and laundry, and enjoy no end of activities indoors and out. Details at PatriotsRVResort.com/

New in Bastrop, Texas is A Place to Call Home, an RV park inviting long-term residents. It's only four miles from downtown and offers a long list of amenities for rigs 0 to 8 feet. Wi-Fi is complimentary and there are also gas grills, a stocked fishing pond, basketball hoops, a dog park and a pavilion with fire pit. Get details at www.aplacetocallhomervpark.com.

CHANGES, NEW OWNERS, UPGRADES

Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, Virginia is ready to reopen the newly renovated Campground Birch. The target date is May 22, but check the website below. Improvements include 50/30/20 amp electric hookups and water at each campsite. Campers up to 30 feet can be accommodated. The lake, known for fishing and boating, has a marina with services, snacks and boat rentals. See virginiastateparks.gov/claytor-lake, tel. (540) 643-2500.

Newly upgraded, Bishop Lake Campground in Brighton State Recreation Area, Michigan is slated to open by Memorial Day with additional campsites, 50-amp service and some newly adapted ADA sites. The Area has nine lakes, five campgrounds and a new Brighton Sensory Area for music lovers. Known for boating and fishing, the Area also has disc golf, special events, archery, hiking,and mountain biking. https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/brighton

Streamside Parks, a Nashville-based outdoor hospitality company, is on a buying binge. New to the network are Verde River RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona; Indian Water RV Resort in Indio, California; Fayetteville RV Resort and Raleigh Oaks RV Resort in North Carolina; Twin Grove RV Resort in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania and, Americamps in Ashland, Virginia. Will new owners bring changes? Know before you go.

More Briefs about changes in owners: Shady Oasis Kampground & RV Park in Victorville , California has a new owner that is planning major upgrades. In the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area, the Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday is now a KCN Campgrounds member. The park has a playground, bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, dog park, Wi-Fi, cable TV and guest gathering spaces. RV Sites have full hook-ups and some KAO Patio sites are available. 1-800-562-3705. New leadership is on site at the Richmond, Indiana KOA Holiday. The family-friendly park has a swimming pool,, stocked fish pond, crafts programs, planned events for al ages(.800) 562-0611. Meet the new owners at the Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. The family-run park covers 225 acres and has 400 sites, ATV trails and a big barn for gatherings. See redbarncampground.com/

SCUTTLEBUTT

If city officials get their wish in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the former campground at Point des Chenes will be redeveloped. Stay tuned.

CLOSINGS

Hover Camp (formerly Camp Rendezvous), Swan Valley Idaho is said to be closed all this year for construction. The camp has RV, tent and cabin sites and, a fly shop. Ithe camp is famous for fishing the Snake River At press time the website isn’t helpful. Phone: (208) 483-2267

Lake Tulloch Campground & Marina, Jamestown, California has been closed because of storm damage and funding uncertainties. Check for its current status at (209) 881-0107

EVENTS

This year’s Forest Trail Music Festival will be held August 27-30 in Manistee National Forest, Michigan. Tickets are now available at ForestTrailMusic.org. Camp on site (separate camping pass required) to hear days of folk, roots, jam-band, and Americana artists in a family-friendly festival setting. Network with creative folks in arts, crafts, culinary crafts and performing. (231) 510 3056

Be at Devils Fork State Park, Salem, South Carolina on March 19 for the annual Oconee Bell Nature Walk. Walk the Oconee Bell Trail with ranger guide to celebrate this early blooming native wildflower. Cost is $15 per person. Children should be age 10 or older Register with tlee@scprt.com, (864) 944-2639 Reservations southcarolinaparks.com, (864) 944-2639

E-Book Armchair Adventure

The latest in the Yacht Yenta cozy mystery e-books series brings sailboat widow Farley Halladay closer to the answer to her husband's unexplained death.

Read the six cozies in any order as Farley copes, cooks and solves crimes with the help of her wacky cast of characters. You'll laugh at her crazy friends and cry with her as she grieves. Find it on Google Play and other ebook formats and also on Kindle, https://amzn.to/3wcf6ao

See travel recipes for camping and RV cooks at https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com

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