SoloWomanRV

Friday, June 26, 2026

Hiding RV Valuables+Latest Campground & Park News

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THIS WEEK'S RV PARK & CAMPGROUND LATEST GOOD/BAD NEWS

CYA: Cover Your Assets

Plastic cards, computers and digital currency are essentials these days, but when the Internet is down or the ATM is out of service, cash is still king. How can you stash it safely in an RV? This book offers creative (and perhaps debatable) advice. It is Hiding Your Money: Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Your Money and Valuables Safe from Predators and Greedy Creditors. Published in 2000, the book is still timely and still available from Amazon.

No endorsement of the book nor its advice is implied by this blogger, but it is an interesting read and food for thought.

Here are a few ideas from the book.

* If you have a hollow shower rod, it’s a good place to hide cash or documents says this author.

* Western Union must report to the Treasury department transfers of more than $XXX and banks must report transfers of more than $XXXXX. If you want to wire money use a full-service bank that knows the current limits.

* In cold weather, the lining of your coat may be a good place to secrete cash, as long as it is not an expensive coat that is attractive to thieves. “Don’t let it out of your sight for minute,” advises the book.

* Hiding places for flat items include behind pictures or mirrors. The author would go as far as hollowing out the wall if more room is needed) or inside a chair cushion. Fasten a package to the back of a drawer.

* Fender wells make good hiding places, but make sure the hiding place is well attached for rough roads and protected against mud and wetness.

* Remove some of the padding in the sun visor, and stash cash there. (Janet adds, There is also a commercial product containing a safe compartment within a headrest.)

* Here’s wild idea. The book tells about a man who bought $40,000 in refundable first class tickets, effectively turning every airline office into an ATM! Janet adds, Sounds pretty risky to me.

* Rare coins are easy to hide yet can be worth a great deal of money. The author cites a friend who keeps has two South African Krugerrands on hand for emergencies. You might also have a gold piece made into jewelry and wear it always. An ounce of gold is worth more than $4,000 at today’s prices.

Janet adds:

* If you have a safe in the RV, bolt it to a secure chassis member.

* Thieves know as much as you do about hiding places and much more. However, they may not know your RV. Use that to your advantage.

* Close curtains when leaving the RV to avoid quick smash-and-grab heists. Keep valuables away from windows.

* Keep abreast of modern security advances. Keep your devices current, charged, in good repair and suitable for your RV lifestyle. Change codes and passwords often.

* It’s an old trick but more important than ever now that millions of look-alike RV’s are on the highways. Paint a distinctive symbol or sign on the roof of your RV so it can be spotted from the air if stolen.

RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

Each week we select breaking news items from our local sources. The news may be incomplete or premature for RV travel planning. It's presented here so you can get an early heads up, then follow the story as it develops and grab reservations before word gets out.

NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS

The official opening date for the Follow That Dream RV Resort in Dunellon, Florida is scheduled for Fall, 2026. Bookings are accepted now at FollowThatDreamRV.com. The luxury resort will have 218 spacious RV sites plus ten tiny homes, activities, a resort style swimming pool, hot tub, pickleball, a walking trail, modern laundry, bathhouse, storage area and dog park. Expected to attract long term guests, the resort will have a mail room. Ask about Grand Opening specials.

WHAT IS FULL-TIME RV TRAVEL REALLY LIKE?

We spill our whole story, start to end, warts and all.....

We traveled full-time for 10 great years.

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 it's time to settle down. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you. https://amzn.to/29XFEkq

CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEW OWNERS

Elkhorn Creek RV Park in Frankfurt, Kentucky is now a member of the Open Roads Resorts portfolio. The park offers full-hookup RV sites creekside, pull-through options, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, playground, putt-putt golf, bathhouses, laundry, a general store, pavilion, and convenient access to kayaking, canoeing, fishing, Frankfort attractions and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Phase One renovations are now complete at Burlingame State Park campgrounds, Charlestown, Rhode Island. To today’s guests it means three new restrooms with coin-op showers, ADA compliance and private rooms, each with toilet, sink and changing table. On the horizon is Phase Two, planned for completion by April 2027. New structures will replace old. While work goes on, some confusion and closings may apply to routes, reservations and facilities, so check ahead. (401) 322-8910

The town council has approved plans for an RV park in Snowflake, Arizona. It’s subject to future approvals and plans. Stay tuned as this story develops in Navajo County,

In Terrebonne,, Oregon the Crooked River Ranch Taphouse has a new neighbor. Opening July 1 is a 19-stall RV park with full hookups at most sites, a dog park and a trail leading to a viewpoint overlooking Crooked River Canyon. Eat and drink at the Taphouse, which has free concerts on weekends. Contact (541) 546-1705 or theedgepark.com/

Just three miles from Pigeon Forge, The Ridge Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee is bigger and better than ever after completing Phase 3 of an ongoing expansion program that began in 2019. The 50-acre resort has many levels of RV accommodations as well as yurts, glamping and cabins, swimming pools, luxury bathhouses with private bathrooms, a 24-hour laundry, two dog parks, a fitness center, fishing pond, deli, Jeep and golf cart rentals and more. Veterans get a discount. Call (888) 559-2267.

CLOSURES

Temporary state park closures mean upgrades and that’s good news. In announcing these closures, some websites suggest nearby alternatives and dates when reservations will reopen, so check regularly for updates. In Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen and Cook Forest state parks will be closed for all or parts of the 2027 season for major upgrades

EVENTS

In Ocala, Florida, the heart of horse country, "Rock the Country" takes to the stages at Florida Horse Park August 28 and 29. Headliners include Brooks & Dunn, Lauren Alaina, Shenandoah, McCoy Moore, Dalton Davis, Sadie Bass, Connor Hicks, Emmy Moyen, Blake Shelton, Mark Chesnutt, Fox N' Vead, Ashland Craft, Joe Jordan, Kenny Whitmire and., Callie Prince. Day and weekend passes are available. For details see RockTheCountry.com/ To find full-service RV parks search under Ocala, Citra, Dunnellon and Altoona.

Come back to this site each week for late news and a feature article. Then check https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com for great camp meal ideas.

Friday, June 19, 2026

Top 5 RV Park Beefs & How to Beat 'Em + Latest Park New Items

FIVE TOP COMPLAINTS ABOUT

RV PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS & RESORTS

and how you can protect yourself

1. Crowding is inevitable in RV parks. It simply isn’t practical for builders to run electric, water and sewer lines miles into the wilderness for separate sites. Hookup sites are in closer clusters. If you have a large rig with multiple slides on both sides, some sites simply aren’t ready for you. Know dimensions of your RV in feet and inches, slides extended, then check the park’s website to find the best site for your rig.

The standard height measure for most RV’s is a maximum 13' 6". If you what a tree-shaded site, know the campground’s own standards for tree trimming.

2. Noisy neighbors. Before making reservations, check out the park’s rules for quiet hours and generator use. Some resorts party hearty into the wee hours, You will probably be asked to sign a list of rules on check-in. Know your rights and obligations.

3. Showers and bathrooms. If you rely on public facilities, heaven help you. While most parks do a fantastic job at keeping things sparkling, these facilities are only as clean as they were left by the last user. Check three or more ratings online to get an general overview, then hope for the best. For myself, I'd rather wipe down a wet bath in a smaller RV rather than "take the path to the bath".

4. Water pressure and quality. Protect your RV with a water pressure regulator. This prevents blow-outs to your plumbing. Add filters for better taste. If you travel often in hard water areas, consider installing a water softener.

5. Laundry machines can make for nasty surprises but it's also a big plus if the park has a large, clean laundry with lots of washers and dryers. In fact, some families tell me they do all their laundry at the park before leaving for home. Always check to see that washers and dryers are empty and clean (no crayons or stray red socks) before adding your clothes. It's a small thing, but you might call ahead to see how you'll pay: tap, coin or other. You may need rolls of quarters, and not everyone carries them these days.

Bottom line: before making reservations, know exactly what you are getting at the time you will be there. (Seasons vary.) Get specifics about Wi-Fi, phone overage, rates including fees and taxes, power hookup (EV charging, 20-30-50 amp service?), rules, restrictions and your site’s size, shape and location of hookups.

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

RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

Below find current news breaks from our local sources. They are FYI, not reviews nor ads. It's up to you to follow up as the story develops.

NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS

The newest Love’s Travel Stop is in Gretna, Florida in the Panhandle between Lake Talquin State Park and Tallahassee. It’s off I-10 Exit 174. It has EV charging stations, a dump station, three RV parking spaces and four RV hookup spots, fuels, dog park, showers, food including fresh foods, Arby’s and Dunkin’, and a full inventory of supplies. While you're in the area, visit historic hamlets Havana and Quincy nearby.

Fishing Lake Erie’s bountiful waters is the big draw in Port Clinton, Ohio. Now more campsites are needed for the many avid anglers who come here. A new campground with a planned 67 sites is a-building in Danbury Township. For information on area RV parks, contact the Ottawa County Tourist Bureau, 770 SE Catawba Rd in Port Clinton or call (419) 734-4386.

EVENTS

On Independence Day In 1776, St. Augustine, Florida was a thriving Spanish city. Now restored, the old city will feature free Birth of American walking tours every Saturday in July. Reservations are required. Daytime RV parking is permitted at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility (adjacent to the Visitor Information Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive). A designated oversized lot is at 3 Riberia Street, where daytime RV parking is free (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and overnight parking is available by permit only. See CityWalksStAug.com or call (904) 825-0087.

CHANGES, NEW OWNERS, UPGRADES

Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground, Chattanooga, Tennessee is now a member of the Open Roads hospitality group. The campground has RV sites, Wi-Fi, a dog park, swimming pool, playground, hiking and biking trails and access to guided cave tours. See OpenRoadResorts.com for codes to summer discounts.

Here's more good news for campers who love caving. A massive campground expansion and improvement is underway at Carter Caves Resort State Park, Olive Hill, Kentucky. New in the campground is a large and modern camp store, bathhouse, ADA campsites and upgraded sewer and electric campsites. The park has a welcome center with gift shop, a restaurant, rock climbing, gem mining, paddles[ports, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts and guided cave tours. See parks.ky.gov/

In Bremen, Georgia the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort has a new 57,000-gallon water park with four slides, water cannons and blasters, family pool, electric boat rides, live entertainments and more. The resort has 225 RV sites, planned activities, dance parties, gem mining, wagon rides, mini golf, a café’, cabins, glamping and tent sites.. See details at campjellystone.com/georgia/jellystone-park-west-georgia/ .

Happy new owners are taking over Cypress Landing RV Park on Gantt Lake in Dozier, Alabama. The park has 63 sites, full hookups, general store, laundry, playground and boat launch. (334) 3898-1008, clrvpark.com/

The Las Cruces, New Mexico KOA has been upgraded to KOA Holiday status. Check out the new features including Patio Suites.

DID YOU KNOW?

* KOA Rewards Program members also get Rewards perks in Australian KOA’s. See KOA.com/

* FMCA rallies are a whale of deal. Enjoy several days of learning, live entertainment, good fellowship and just plain RV fun. You don't have to be a member. Sign-up is available to non-members at a slightly increased rate and a space available basis. Regional rallies go on all year. The next big national convention is in Georgia in March, 2027. See FMCA.com/

SCUTTLEBUTT

Please say it isn’t so! The new parking fee in the RV park at the Deschutes County, Oregon Expo Center is reported to be a whopping $1,500 per month.

The latest in the Yacht Yenta cozy mystery e-books brings widow Farley Halladay closer to the answer of her husband's 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 frailties; cry with her as she grieves. Find it on Google Play and other ebook formats and also on Kindle, https://amzn.to/3wcf6ao

Be the first to hear of new campgrounds and parks, new features, changes good and bad. This blog posts every Friday. See you next week.

Friday, June 12, 2026

RV Parks & Campgrounds Good/Bad News

CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

NEW CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS

It’s primitive but it’s a great place to camp with access to the John and Nancy Fishing Access Site on the Bitterroot River. Near Stevensville, Montana a new, small park has restrooms and four basic sites with picnic table and fire pit. See Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

New in Johnson County, Tennessee, the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority opens its Roan Creek Campground on June 23.The park has nine full hookup RV sites. The area is known for off-roading trails. Slingshots and side-by-sides are for rent. Go to dmra.gov/

(423) 460-1295

CHANGES, NEW OWNERS, ADDITIONS, UPGRADES

1The 35-acre Glen-Hudson Campground in Warrensburg, New York is now owned by an investment company in Boston. The campground on the historic banks of the Hudson River has full hook-ups and nightly, weekly, monthly and extended rates. (518) 623-2870

Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield, California has a new management company, so This is a good time to look at updates on rates and rules. The longtime park has a large pool with chaises, three dog parks, country store, Wi-Fi, free cable TV, laundry, a DIY RV cleaning station, horseshoe pits and gathering spaces including a kitchen and barbecue. Sites can handle rigs up to 90 feet. Visit nearby museums, the Kern River and park, nature preserves, Lake Ming, and downtown restaurants. Check for updated nightly and weekly rates. (661)366-4662

NEWS FROM OREGON STATE PARKS. Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Oregon is open all year with more campsites than any other Oregon state park plus miles of trails, a large lake and a shipwreck site. Upgrades in the park include one new shower building, more ADA sites and better electrical and sewer hookups. Reservations, 800-452-5687. Cape Lookout State Park near Tillamook, Oregon will close on July 6 for erosion protection. More details will be available as the project proceeds. The park has 38 RV sites with full hookups. (800) 551-6949. RV campers at Nehalem Bay State Park, Nehalem, Oregon find new showers and restrooms and upgraded electric hookups this season. The year-round campground also has a horse camp, airport camp and yurts. (800) 551-6949.

AMERICA 250

Free Walking Tours of the Oldest City in July

Daytime RV parking is permitted at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility (adjacent to the Visitor Information Center at 10 S Castillo Drive). There is a designated oversized lot at 3 Riberia Street where daytime RV parking is free (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and overnight parking is available by permit only. Every Saturday in July, free walking tours of the old city focus on the colonial era and the Birth of America. Reservations required. See CityWalksStAug.com or call (904) 825-0087.

EVENTS

Save the date, Podner! Saddle bronc icon Chauncey Williams will be on stage and in the arena during Cheyenne Frontier Days at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds RV Park, Prescott Valley, Arizona on September 10. The park has full hookups, a large coin laundry, on-site management, propane refills and daily, weekly and season rates. (928) 227-3310

SCUTTLEBUTT

Despite some local opposition it appears that a city campground is a GO for Mount Hope, West Virginia. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

Friday, June 5, 2026

RV Summer Refresh+RV Park Good/Bad News

SCROLL DOWN FOR THIS WEEK'S RV PARKS

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

RV REFRESH FOR SUMMER

If your RV is just coming out of hibernation for the summer season, here are some things you may want to review, renew, replace or add.

* The choices of “technical” clothing and bedding are getting better all the time. Look for new sheets and pillows that are engineered to direct heat away from the body.

* Most treated garments are rated for a limited number of washings before treatment wears out. Do last year’s outfits need replacement or re-treating?

* Recent recalls of dangerous fabric coatings and waterproofings have led to the introduction of new rain gear that is safer for the skin while new raingear designs allow more comfort, freedom of movement and coverage for special outdoor activities such as fly fishing. The poncho at right is designed for backpacking. Others have ample flaps in front to cover camera gear.

* Check this year’s crop of improved sunscreens for advances in ease of application, staying power and effectiveness.

* Cleaners and coatings inside and outside the RV are available with UV protection. Do you need a new windshield cover or spare tire over?

* If you are a beach goer, check labels to find a beach tar remover that is safe for the skin.

* The same goes for garments, beach wear and hats that block UV rays, cover better, repel bugs, breathe easier and/or wrinkle less in steamy weather. Portable beach shelters, sun flies and umbrellas are also available in fabrics that are UV coated.

* Review your prescription medications. Some increase your sensitivity to sun damage.

* Old insulation cracks, shrinks, fails. Check out the new, high tech ice chests that hold the cold better than ever.

Check use-by dates

* While last year’s sprays and lotions may still look good, they may be past their use-by date. Check labels.

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.

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

RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

This is breaking news from local sources and may be incomplete or premature for travel planning. It's up to you to follow the story as it develops.

NEW & FUTURE RV PARKS, RESORTS, CAMPGROUNDS

New in Topock, Arizona, Dwell Resort & Casita Cabins has 37 RV sites, laundry, swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, splash pad, pickleball court, fitness center, private bathhouses, general store, valet trash collection, dog park with dog was station, game room, boat storage, outdoor games, free Wi-Fi and a camp store. (928) 770-2148

The Ozark Trails RV Park is approved and is coming to Siloam Springs, Arkansas. An opening date for the two-acre park hasn’t been projected. For RV travelers, the area offers

Natural Falls State Park, Siloam Springs Kayak Park and the Siloam Springs Museum. Stay tuned.

CLOSURES

In Sequim, Washington the year-round, 92-acre campground, restrooms and boat launch at Sequim Bay State Park are closed for major upgrades. The park will reopen in the fall with a new entrance, easier access to the Welcome Center and better traffic flow throughout. The portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail that passes through Sequim Bay remains open. The Ramblewood Retreat Center, which has its own entrance, remains open but only for guests with reservations. The park has 60 campsites, 16 of them with hookups. The park number is (360) 902-8844. Reservations, washingtongoingtocamp.com/

SCUTTLEBUTT

In Chippwa County, Michigan, big changes are coming to the five Kewadin Casinos and many of them involve the addition, expansion and/or improvement of their RV parks. Follow the progress of the projects through this year and next.

CHANGES, NEWS OWNERS, EXPANSIONS, UPGRADES

The historic Sou’Wester Lodge in Seaview, Washington, known for its on-site vintage trailer rentals and art workshops, has new owners. At present the resort has four RV sites in addition to the furnished rental trailers. Check the website as changes occur at this unique resort along the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the Olympic Peninsula, https://souwesterlodge.com/

EVENTS

Celebrate an old-fashioned family anniversary September 3-6, Labor Day Weekend at the 300-site Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort in the Lakes and Mountains Region of New Hampshire. The “Cheers to 25 Years” weekend will include a golf cart parade, craft fair, food trucks, and plenty of entertainers and activities on land in in the swimming pool. The weekend ends with a resounding performance by Dueling Pianos. The resort has all the amenities and is family, pet and big rig friendly. Go to danforthbay.com/about-resorts to follow plans for this funfest.

See a weekly ezine of camping recipes that taste good while saving space, time, water and fuel. https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com

Where to go on your next RVadventure? See Road Trips USA near and far, here and there, now and again at https://janetgroene.blogspot.com