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News Flash :
RV TRAVEL FOR FIREFLY SEASON
Remember those summer nights when families gathered to watch the firefly show? Those times can still be rekindled if you know where and when to find these magical bugs with their flashing fannies.
Fireflies aren’t as abundant as they once were, due to factors such as loss of habitat and use of pesticides. On the plus side, the 165 species of fireflies native to the United States are still seen and celebrated with festivals, concerts, hikes, tours and quiet evenings under the stars. On the science side, they are subject of seminars, workshops and seminars.
Here’s just a sample of ways to add firefly magic to your RV travels each year. Firefly flights vary, depending on latitude, temperatures and rainfall . Generally fireflies put on their best show May through August.
The most famous firefly events occur during the synchronized firefly seasons at Smoky Mountains and Congaree national parks. At these times, the little sparklers flash in sync as a way of attracting mates. However, these events have become so popular, attendance is by lottery. Sign-up begins weeks ahead. .
Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania is s a long-time favorite for firefly fans. Blue Spring State Park in Florida is also named as a good location. Because of the warm climate, firefly season may start as early as March or April.
The stunning Little Smokies Firefly Watching Workshop in Portsmouth, Ohio is scheduled for June 20-22 at Tremper Mound Preserve. Cost is $300 per person, which includes some meals and a personalized course
Wall Doxey State Park in Mississippi offers guided firefly tours for families during the last weekend of May.
Madison, Georgia holds its Firefly Festival the last weekend in July. The Huntsville, Alabama Botanical Gardens has firefly tours in season for the price of garden admission.
Here’s another way:
Do browser searches for Firefly + State Name, or for Firefly + Festival, or Firefly + Campground. I also try Try Firefly + State Park. Another search might be Lightning Bug by state.
A new website, SpaciousSkies.com llsts dark sky campgrounds. At these places, astronomy is the focus but dark nights may also be best for viewing fireflies in season. Note that the some Firefly Festivals are concerts, not dark sky events.
Be patient, Be choosy.. Some firefly events are concerts , art s hows or carnivals that have nothing to do with the actual insect. Some events require advance reservations. Some are free. Some change admission. Many are in parks or places with RV camping on site.
CAMPGROUNDS;GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
These news reports from our local sources may be incomplete or premature for travel planning purposes. They are presented here to give you a heads-up so you can follow up as the story develops. No endorsement of any park, product nor service is implied.
CAMPGROUND CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEW OWNERS, EXPANSIONS
Rate increases at campgrounds are daily news, and we don’t attempt to keep up with them. However, the May 1 hike in rates at Desert View, North Ric and Mather campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park are a BIG jump, worth noting. Campsite rates will be almost double the former $18 fee at the new $30 nightly
The KOA Journey in Mitchell, South Dakota plans upgrades and improvements with special attention to pets. The seasonal (May 1-November1) family destination will have new KOA Paw Pen sites added to its amenities, which already include a heated swimming pool, attractive camp store, colorful playground, sports courts and walking trails. (605) -996-1131
Digital nomads now get a special welcome at Rustic Acres RV Resort and Campground in Shippenville, Pennsylvania. New owners began restoring the decades-old campground two years ago. One of their trendiest upgrades is the addition to a group work space called The Hub with desks, coffee lounge, conference tableand StarLink. Long-term rats are available. The resort is open year-round. Check out (www.)CampRustic.com/ (814) 226-9850
NEW CAMPGROUNDS, FUTURE OPENINGS
At the 200-acre White Pine Valley Recreation Area in Michigan, construction has begun on a year-round primitive campground that will serve up to 160 visitors. Well water, portable toilets and a kiosk with information and emergency contacts will be provided. The Area has been closed overnight for several years and is hoped to reopen for camping as early as mid-summer.
In Swanton, Ohio, Superior Mode RV Resorts opened with a gala ribbon cutting on April 5. Formerly the Big Sandy Resort, the seasonal campground connects to Oak Openings Metropark, giving guests access kayaking, fishing and walking trails. (www.) superiormadervresort.com/
Slated tp open April 26 in Penrose, Colorado, Observer Ranch is a family campground designed to be a learning center as well as a traditional campground. In its event center, courses will be offered in topics ranging from building a rocket to founding a quail ranch, wilderness survival and local history. Go to (www.) ObserverCampground.com/ (719) 203-2436, email info@observerranch.com
EVENTS WITH CAMPING
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| Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas |
What’s not to love about bats and their important role in nature? Honor these under-appreciated creatures at the 35th Annual Bat-O-Rama at Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork, Arkansas the weekend of June 6-8.
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