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CAMPGROUNDS; GOOD NEWS/ BAD NEWS
PLAN A PERFECT CAMPING CONCERT
BY Janet Groene
copyright Janet Groene 2025
So you're ticketed for an RV site at a concert at an open field? . You’ll be staying in your RV but this isn’t a campground. What can you expect?
First of all, you’re here for the concert, the vibes, the round-the-clock hustle. The RV allows you to stay in the middle of the action. Not that you'll get much sleep. You'll probably have just a patch of grass, close neighbors, no hook-ups and no way to drive in or out until the concert is over. Generators may be allowed, but quiet hours apply.
Before any other plans can be made, nail down concert tickets for everyone in your camper. Your camping package may have included two concert tickets; others in your party must have their own. You also need separate camping reservations and perhaps other reservations such as golf cart rental or meal tickets.
Start by reading the rules, which are on the website.. They are lengthy, strict and sometimes a pain in the neck. Usually the do’s, don’ts and Q&A go on for pages. With luck the website will show a detailed map of the entire venue, showing locations of stages, RV and tent areas, portable johns, first aid station, ice machines, food truck and vendor areas and VIP areas. Know if you’ll have a designated space or if parking is first-come, first served. It’s likely that camping areas open a day early and stay open a day after the concert.
Note any unexpected extra fees such as showers, on-site water or honey wagon delivery, a pet kennel, VIP parties or seating or any special sessions/seminars/workshops. The event may be totally cashless or cash only. Coin-op services may also be on site. Be prepared with the right payment system(s).
Once you mail down the right tickets and reservations, make sure you can fit in. Campsites may have a size limit and may or may not include space for a car or extra tent. Know what is included in your package.
Make travel to and from the concert part of the fun. Acquaint yourself with local culture, scenic treasures, the area's unique music culture, diners, clubs, hangouts. See what else is going on in the area at the same time. Consider the drive itself, traffic conditions, weather and the duration of your stay. If you will stay in the area before or after the event, book campground reservations.
Watch the concert’s website for updates such as changes in times or the lineup of artists. An online newsletter is probably available free.
Once settled in your campsite, do some exploring. Know the route from your campsite to the stages and whether you will be toting chairs or coolers. Some vast venues provide shuttle buses between camping and performance areas.
Soak up the scene, scents and sense of the event and the crowd. Lots of things will be going on at once. Know what happens when and where. Make the best use of your time.
Most of all, make this a meaningful trip. Celebrate the harmony of a great concert plus RV travel.
SPECIAL REPORT: New In-Line Water Filter
I have always recommended the use of water filters in RV’s and boats. We fill our tanks with different water on every trip. Although the water is “safe” according to federal standards, it can have “off” tastes, odors and even colors. They ruin your coffee, rice, ice cubes, laundry and the way your hair feels after a shampoo.
Now a new, in-line filter makes it easier than ever to install a slender, effective filter. Best of all at replacement time, the entire assembly is changed with only a few twists of the wrench. Almost anyone can do it. If you’ve every wrangled with installing or replacing bulky filter cartridges, you get the picture.
When I was asked to field-test the new Campbell In-Line Water Filter, I took one look and knew it was a winner. The installation in a cramped, under-sink cabinet was quick and trouble-free. The unit is even compact enough to use on pedestal sinks.
As for technical specifications, this model’s MicroGuard technology reduces bacteria and viruses 99.99%, cysts 99.95%, and “forever” chemicals such as PFAS by 95% according to the manufacturer’s internal testing. Heavy metals such as lead, copper and iron are found to be reduced more than 85% by a third party independent laboratory. Best of all, it’s made in the USA. I found the complete assembly in a handy blister pack at Walmart for $110. Prices may vary where you are.
Save travel money by doing your own cooking. See shortcut recipes at https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com
FREEDOM OF THE OPEN ROAD?
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 the 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
This late breaking news is from local news and real estate sources. It is presented to give you an early heads-up so you can follow the story as it develops.
NEW CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS
New in Midland, Texas is Bobbie’s RV Park with 70 RV sites and full hook-ups. WiFi is free and long-term rates are available. Learn more at (https://) Bobbiesrvpark.com/
The new, pet-friendly Indigo Hills & RV Resort in Magnolia, Texas has opened with extra large RV sites, concrete pads and paved roads. Phone: (713) 887-8123
New Braunfels, Texas now has a new, 100-site RV resort downtown. The new Camp Landa has a heated swimming pool, camp store, WiFi, pickleball, basketball, cornhole, playground and a swim-up bar serving signature cocktails. Don’t miss the Bavarian pretzels and Bavarian sausages that recall the area’s German heritage.
CAMPGROUND UPGRADES, CHANGES, NEW OWNERS
The 20-acre Lakeland RV Campground in Milton, Wisconsin has added 18 RV sites, all of them pull-thru. The upscale resort has frontage on Lake Koshkonong. (608) 868-4700
Shady Oaks Camping Resort in the Adirondacks at Plattsburgh, New York will celebrate a Grand Reopening under new owners on May 30. (518) 562-0561
Now part of the Open Roads Resort family is AB Camping & RV Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The 44-acre park has 125 RV sites with full hookups and will probably add more. On site is the AB BBQ. (307) 634-7035
New owners are in place at the 35-acre Alana Springs Campground , in Richland Center, Wisconsin. So far they’ve added a new office and remodeled the bathrooms. The park, popular with turkey hunters, has a natural spring and pond.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the campgrounds at Oak Mountain State Park, Shelby, Alabama are open again after major renovations. New are a state-of-the-art camp store, air conditioned family bathhouses, include a new state-of-the-art campground store, modern interactive playground, a new dog park and new, ADA accessible tent and RV sites with water and electric.
Now open seven days a week are two Department of Conservation & Recreation campgrounds in western Massachusetts. Tolland State Forest, East Otis, opens May 8 and Granville State Forest on June 20. Reservations are required. See mass.gov/
Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake, Wisconsin just opened 100 new campsites, some of them pull-thru. Also new are ATV rentals, a water park, more trails, a gaga pit, petting zoo and an activity center with big screen TV. (608) 647-2600
EVENTS
In the stunning setting of Ash Cave, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra will give a 1 1/2-hour concert on June 15 in Hocking Hills State Park, Bloomingville, Ohio. Tickets are available from eventbrite.com/ Book camping reservations separately at (740) 385-6842
CLOSURES
Hocking Hills State Park, Bloomingville, Ohio will close a number of campsites this fall for upgrades. Closures begin September 1 and October 1. Check ahead
SCUTTLEBUTT
North Carolina state parks raised rates on May 1. This includes every park feature from campground sites and fees to launch ramp fees and ATV access permits. See a full list of rate changes at ncparks.gov/fees
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