Friday, June 12, 2026

RV Parks & Campgrounds Good/Bad News

Copyright Janet Groene 2026
 


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

 Copyright Janet Groene 2026. To ask about rates to use this copyrighted material, email janetgroene@yahoo.com

      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.

 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 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 



Friday, May 29, 2026

RV Parks & Campgrounds; Good/Bad News

Copyright Janet Groene 2026. To ask about permissions to reprint thiscontent email janetgroene@yahoo.com

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE NEWS AND

FEATURES FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS



Just in from our local sources...

RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

We gather news from local media, tourist offices, zoning boards and business and real estate sources to give you a heads-up on breaking news about RV parks and campgrounds. This is news, not reviews nor advertising. It's up to you to follow the story as it develops. 

NEW OWNERS, EXPANSIONS, UPGRADES

A new "village" at Cutty's Resort will feature luxury park models

Cutty’s Resort, Coaldale,  Colorado expects to open its new Cutty’s Village next year. The 50 new furnished park models offer a chance to try resort style RV living. The resort currently has RV sites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, basketball, mini-golf,  horseshoes, golf cart rentals, movie nights, meals, ice cream socials, a creekside walk and an adult lounge with poker tables. See CuttysResort.com/

A large investment firm now owns Country Camping in Isanti, Minnesota. Its new name is Rum River RV Park.  It’s the 28th campground purchase for the company. Come here for rustic countryside views, heated  swimming pool, modern laundry, camp store, a dog park, splash pad, planned activities for the whole family and tubing and paddling on the nearby Rum River. See country-camping.net/  (763) 444-9626


Now under new  corporate owners is Merritt’s Beach RV Resort in Plattsmouth Nebraska.   The resort has 125 RV sites, water and electric hook-ups,  seasonal and overnight rates,  volleyball, gated entry, storage facilities and beach access.  According to the website, there is no sewer outlet but an outside firm can come to empty tanks. Go to the website for Live Chat to get current  details.  (402) 979-1196 , merrittbeachrvpark.com/


Worker demand is driving the need for more RV spaces but leisure RV travelers will still be welcome in Watford City, North Dakota. The former Prairie View RV Park under new owners and is now known as the Watford City Basin RV Resort.  RV sites are being added and common areas are being upgraded. New conveniences include digital check-in after hours and special pricing  plans for short- and long-term stays. It’s a good base camp for side trips to the Little Missouri River, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, historic and Native American attractions,  the Badlands and the Maah Daah Hey Trail.  (830) 201-1895

 SCUTTLEBUTT

Progress is being made for the addition of two large RV parks near Enderby, British Columbia. Stay tuned.

Moving ahead in Burrell Township, Pennsylvania is a plan to add 600 RV spaces in a 50-acre camp at the  power plant. The project will need 5,000 or more workers for the next few years. 


EVENTS



August 15 is the date for the Queen’s Bluegrass concert in the amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor , Washington. The park has several campgrounds. Information and reservations https://parks.wa.gov › Deception-Pass

 

Homegrown Acres, a 250-acre farm in Winthrop, Maine is the spot for dry camping and the two-day Art Park Festival. Get tickets now for the event August 21-23.  Enjoy three days of creative arts from live murals to immersive pieces, performances, music, participation and exhibits. See ArtParkFestival.com/



Tickets are on sale now for the Neon Nights Festival scheduled for August 14-15 at  Clay’s Resort Jellystone RV Camp Resort in North Lawrence, Ohio. Camping and concert ticket packages are available for early arrival days. Hear performances by Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, Joe Nichols, Clay Morgan, Shenandoh, Terri Clark and dozens more country music stars. Go to TheNeonNights.com/


Save the date. In South Higgins State Park,  Michigan the Harvest Fest is scheduled for September 25-26. Reserve a campsite early and plan to decorate it for the contest. Enjoy two days of pumpkin painting, face painting, children’s crafts, a costume parade and contest, music, food, treats and hayrides. The campground has a variety of sites from tenting to full hookups.  For questions about the festival go to GriffinR7@Michigan.gov/  Camping reservations, midnrreservations.com/


ORDER NOW FOR FATHER'S DAY

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 decisions 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 



Many state parks offer Full Moon Hikes

IT makes sense and cents to make your own trail mix by the barrel, then measure and package for the pocket or day pack. See recipes sweet and savory, snack or meal size at https://createagorp.blogspot.com/ 

 

       SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE


 

Friday, May 22, 2026

Stuck RV? Get Traction + RV Park Good/Bad News

 Copyright Janet Groene 2026. To ask about rates to reprint Groene content, email janetgroene@yahoo.com 

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THIS WEEK'S JUST-IN NEWS OF NEW, UPCOMING AND HAPPENING RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS.



Get a Grip...

When Your RV 

Is Stuck in Sand, Mud or Snow



    With a sinking feeling, you realize that you're in a rut. Literally. It’s a helpless feeling to spin your wheels and go nowhere but deeper in sand, snow, mud or icy slush. Here are some pointers on avoiding the problem in the first place, then getting free before calling in a pricey tow service


If you're stuck and the tide rushes in, the RV is lost

1. Before the trip, check out the weather and how it may affect the terrain where you’ll park. Before parking at your site, walk it on foot to check for trouble spots. If possible park where the drive axle is on or close to the cement pad or the most likely solid ground. If you plan to park on a beach, know the tide tables. Tragedies result when you're  stuck in sand and the tide is rushing in. 



2. Know what wheels propel your vehicle–front, rear or all four. 


3. Find room for emergency gear including a folding shovel and traction boards. Shop and compare the many traction boards available online and at RV and trucking suppliers. A large, heavy RV requires a board that won’t crack under pressure. Large, flat boards can be mounted outside the RV. 

4. One popular tip is to let some air out of the stuck tire(s)  to provide a larger footprint, but this iffy. Don’t try it unless you can re-inflate the tire afterwards.

5. You might redistribute the load inside the RV to put more weight on the drive wheels. 


6.  First, clear away excess build-up of debris as much as possible. A shovel should be part of a traction emergency kit. 

Towing services are costly and not always available

7. Review the directions that came with your traction boards.  There are many sizes, models and types, from space-saving roll-up  and folding devices to heavy duty truck sizes. Position the boards but don't gun the engine just yet. First check under the RV to assure that no obstruction, such as a large stone or tree stump,  is hanging up the rig from underneath. 

8. If you use a jack(s) to raise the RV out of the sand or mud before putting traction boards in place, put a sturdy board under the jack so it doesn’t sink into the mud. 

We've all heard of homemade  traction aids such as kitty litter or carpet scraps. You could even use the floor mats or grilling pans out of the RV, but a quality traction kit at less than $100 could save your vacation--and your rig. 


GIVE THE GIFT OF FREEDOM TO DAD

ON FATHERS DAY

  We traveled, houseless and free, 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 a life of travel 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 on the go. Kids on board? We cover home schooling and, when and if the time comes, an exit strategy.  Amazon can gift wrap and ship it for you.  https://amzn.to/29XFEkq 

 

           CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS

              GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

       News is by location and in boldface. Dates are in red. This is breaking news from our local sources and may be incomplete or premature for trip planning. News is presented here with the expectation that you will follow up on your own as the story develops. 

CHANGES, NEW OWNERS, EXPANSIONS

Add new campgrounds to the KOA brand. The Virginia City, Montana KOA Journey is your base camp for exploring Virginia City, the Old West, Nevada City, the Ruby Mountains and gold rush ghost towns. The campground has propane,  Wi-Fi and a pavilion. Stock up on supplies in the nearby town of Ennis. (406) 843-5493.  Also newly flying the KOA flag are  the Emlenton / Allegheny KOA Journey in Emlenton, Pennsylvania and the Milford Lake KOA Holiday in Milford, Kansas.



Makoshika State Park near Glendive, Montana is about to gain 16 additional RV sites. 


Inn Town Campground in Nevada City, California has new owners. Hang out in The Hub communal building with kitchen or outside with picnic tables, BBQs and a swimming pool. There are men’s and women's showers and restrooms and two family facilities. RV sites with hookups are priced from $55.  See InnTownCampground.com/


New and updated features have come to historic Ates Ranch RV Park in Milton, Florida. The western-theme Panhandle park is known for its special events and its rustic Wedding Barn. The park has 56 RV sites,  full hookups, a clubhouse, coin laundry, dog park, WI-FI,  pickleball and a catch-and- release fishing pond. See AtesRanchRV.com/ The J.A. Cattle Company R Campground  is permanently closed. 


In the works at the Rock & Brews Casino, Braman, Oklahoma is a 25,000 square foot entertainment center and a free campground. (no hookups)  The website isn’t up to date, so stay tuned. The campground hopes to be open by August and the event center by May next year.  (580) 385-2440


EVENTS

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill, Kentucky holds an Appalachian Settlers Weekend July 23-25 Bring the family to camp the campground and time- travel back to the days of log cabins, fiddle music, candle light and britches beans. Tour the saltpeter caves. Learn campfire cooking. Learn how bedspreads were loomed and quilt quilted. (606) 286-7009

In West Virginia , Free Fishing Days are June 13-14. Check it out at wvdnr.gov/


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 


COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? NEWS TO SHARE?

 janetgroene@yahoo.com











RV Parks & Campgrounds Good/Bad News

Copyright Janet Groene 2026   CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS;  GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS NEW CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS It’s primitive but it’s a g...