SoloWomanRV

Friday, July 3, 2026

Dare Your RV Dream + RV Park News

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THIS WEEK'S

CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS GOOD/BAD NEWS

Whether it's a boat or an RV, it's a complete home that travels. Yet it's scary to be Out There, depending on weather and supplying your own utilities, transportation and finding a safe place to sleep each night.

Take it from Larry Jacobson. He sailed around the world. If land cruising in your RV is your dream, you too can be unstoppable.

Jacobson suggests applying the rules he lived by as a successful businessperson to living his life’s dream.

As a motivational speaker and author now, he encourages you to do the same.

Growing up in Long Beach, California, Jacobson remembers, “ looking out at the docks from behind the locked gates that led to the pier, I saw this montage of beautiful sails and gleaming boats and the vast expanse of the sea, and I knew it’s where I wanted to be. I simply had no idea how I was going to get there.” Then he succeeded in business.

“I knew what I had and I knew what I wanted, and all I saw was this wide gulf between the two,” said Jacobson, author of The Boy Behind the Gate (www.larryjacobson.com). “So, I started putting together a plan, and from those early beginnings, I started to understand that there are some clear, distinct keys to building the bridge between what you have done and what you dream of doing.”

Here’s how, according to Jacobson:

Write it Down – Something magical happens when you write down your dreams. They become a lot more real. How do you identify your dreams? Ask the right questions. What lights your fire? What makes you want to bound out of bed every morning, instead of meander out to the coffee pot? But those are very broad questions, with even broader answers. When you think of those answers, write them down. I did. I still have the piece of paper I wrote them on back in 1991.

Face Fear -- Fear can be a giant wall, seemingly impossible to scale. For instance, when we left the coast of Mexico to sail 2,750 miles across the Pacific Ocean without seeing a bit of land, I had never before navigated a boat across an ocean. I was petrified and the only way I could move through my fear was to haul up the anchor and say, “Let’s go.”

Mark the Worth in Every Day – This is not a cliché. This is not about smelling roses. This is about recognizing the value we have in our daily lives. It’s about remembering to listen, to feel, to actually see what we’re doing and appreciate each moment of our lives. Just before crossing the Indian Ocean, I was sitting up on the foredeck, looking out over the expanse of ocean that would be my home for the next 19 days. I had to pinch myself. “Look! Look at what you’re about to do. You’re going to sail your own boat across the Indian Ocean!”

“Check in with yourself every day.” Jacobson says. “Do you wake up in the morning looking forward to the day, or do you have a knot in the pit of your gut that makes you dread the day? The primary rule of living an unstoppable life is to live it with laughter, passion and love. Each of our lives IS an adventure. If you live with laughter, love, and passion, and live with every ounce of energy you have, then you’ll live an Unstoppable Life.”

About Larry Jacobson

Larry Jacobson grew up in California on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving. A recognized expert in the corporate marketing world, he was president of one of the premier incentive travel companies. An avid sailor, he has over 50,000 blue water miles to his name. Larry is a motivational speaker and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

To book a course or speaking engagement contact LarryJaconson.com/

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

RV PARK AND CAMPGROUNDS;

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

These hot-off-the-press news breaks from our local sources are not recommendations nor full descriptions of parks. They are simply news items you may want to follow as the story develops and relates to your own future travels.

NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS

A new super- luxury resort in New Braunfels, Texas is the family-focused Camp Landa RV Resort with a heated swimming pool, swim-up bar, planned activities for kids and adults, a café’, camp store, laundry facility and a concierge who is only a text away. See CampLanda.com/

Proudly proclaiming itself “Established in 2026" is the brand new Squatch Pines Family Campground in Prudenville, Michigan. In a setting of state forest land, the campground has ORV trails, 66 full hook-up sites and a swimming pool. Their season runs through October 15. Rates are nightly or seasonal. See squatchpinesfamilycampground.com/

Opened last fall and now enjoying its first full season is the 18-site Petit Jean Gateway RV Park in Morriltown, Arkansas. The park has 30/50 amp power, Wi-Fi and nghtly or monthly rates. (501) 889-8444 or hwy9coffeexpress@gmail.com/

CHANGES, UPGRADES, EXPANSIONS, NEW OWNERS

Plumas National Forest, California is now fully open for the season. The forest has endless and varied facilities, alpine lakes, access points and about 40 campgrounds. Start with Recreation.gov/

The campground at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, Wellston, Ohio has added 30 full-service RV sites. (740) 384-6587.

The Soo Line Trail / Onamia KOA Journey in Onamia, Minnesota has new owners. Situated on the Soo Line Trail the campground is surrounded by places to fish, hunt and ride. The campground has a camp store, playground, a dump station and UTV rentals. Phone: (320) 532-7027

God’s Country RV Park in Shreveport, Louisiana has a $25,000 grant for upgrades. The park has a propane station, lodge accommodations as well as RV and tent sites, disc golf, fishing, playgrounds and dog parks. The new money will go towards a splash pad, playground improvements and a family pavilion. (318) 309-4322.

The 80-site 4 Guys RV Park at the Gorge, Stanton, Kentucky, has new owners. The ideal base camp for exploring the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the park has full hookups, a swimming pool, fishing pond and Wi-Fi. No changes have been announced at this time. (606) 663-4444

Now is the time to grab reservations. Newly a member of the growing Margaritaville resort chain, the Camp Margaritaville Resort Orange Lake in Citra, Florida plans to add more than 200 additional RV sites. Check the resort map at the website to see the planned expansion. Today’s luxury resort features include a Lazy River, a fabulous pool layout and multiple spots to eat, drink and be merry. Veterans and first responders get a discount. (352) 878-4855 or Margaritaville Resorts.com/

The 62-site Beachcomber RV Park, Saanichton, British Columbia, has new owners. Enjoy views of James Island and Mt. Baker. Camp right on the shoreline. Sites have water, electric, fire ring and picnic table. +1 236-653-0705

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, paddle sports, 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 plus water cannons and blasters, a family pool, electric boat rides, live entertainments and more. The resort has 225 RV sites, planned activities including dance parties, gem mining, wagon rides, min golf, a café’, cabins, glamping and tent sites.. See details at campjellystone.com/georgia/jellystone-park-west-georgia/

Pilot Knoll Park & Campground provides day use facilities and campsites in Highland Village, a development on Lake Lewisville in Argyle, Texas. The 16 cabins are being removed in favor of more and better RV and tent sites, a new entry with gatehouse, parking and driveway upgrades and connections to trails. The park has a boat launch, volleyball, fishing, paddleboat and kayak rentals rentals and 50-amp power. Non-potable water is available in the campground. See HighlandVillage.org/

Pet-friendly Mountain Range RV Park in Lander, Wyoming overlooking Sinks Canyon, is growing and glowing under new owners. Come see the larger, new RV sites, most of them pull-thru, with 20-30-50 amps. According to the Lander Chamber of Commerce, new additions include a nature trail, viewing deck near the Lander Golf Course and a fenced pasture for Highland cattle. (307) 438-9798.

CLOSURES

Closed now until next summer is the Feather River access point campground and launch ramp near Oroville, California. When it re-opens visitors will find upgrades including a two–lane boat ramp, parking for boat trailers, a 25-unit campground (no hookups), recreational trails and a day use picnic area. For details and suggestions for alternative launch ramps see https://water.ca.gov/

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.

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.