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1-2-3- HIKE!
Whether it’s a sunset stroll around the RV park or an all-day hike in the hills, it’s a good bet that walks are part of your RV life.
At this time of year there is autumn splendor to explore, crisp air to breathe, the nature show of migrating birds and the rustling of animals hunkering down for the winter.
Because the Hocking Hills of southern Ohio attract hikers from all over the world in all seasons, especially in autumn, we went to Hocking Hills Tourism Association Director Karen Raymore for tips on maximizing the experience.
Although her advice is aimed at visitors to southern Ohio, it makes sense for many of us everywhere.
* Hike park trails at dawn or in late afternoon to avoid crowds and capitalize on Mother Nature's “golden hour” lighting for picture-perfect scenic photos and selfies, says Raymore.
* Midweek visits are quieter and typically offer better rates on campsites and cabins.
* Check out a region's many different trails. Some lesser-known options may be less busy. (Janet adds: Just beyond the RV campground itself you may find a state forest or national park known for its scenic trails.)
* Dogs on leash are welcome on most trails. Raymore reports..
* Wear shoes with good tread, taking extra care if the trail is wet or muddy. A walking stick can help ensure your footing. Janet adds: check out local shops for hand crafted walking sticks made from local woods., They make meaningful souvenirs.
* Raymore says, “For your safety and that of each precious ecosystem, stay on the trail and don’t swim in waterfalls. Leave no trace”
* Raymore also recommends that travelers plan to stay a couple of nights. You'll have time to experience more than one terrain and perhaps different weather. Janet adds: “Explore specialty hikes such as ranger-led night hikes, guided birdwatching walks, geocaching, full moon hikes and family hikes with children in mind.”
* Janet adds: Many hikes require sign-up ahead and some may involve a fee. Most are limited in size, so sign up early. Observe the rules, the list of do’s and don’ts, and suggestions for what to wear and bring.
DOES THE OPEN ROAD CALL YOUR NAME?
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
CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS; GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
These late-breaking news items are premature or incomplete for RV travel planning. Follow up on your own.
Locations are in boldface; event dates are in red.
RV PARK & CAMPGROUND CHANGES, NEW OWNERS
* Na-Nah Resort on Big Bay de Noc in Nahma, Michigan has new owners after 28 years. Open may 1 to November 30, the 50-site campground near Hiawatha National Park has a dump station, playground, 30-amp electric, fishing and fishing supplies. Check ahead for changes under new owners. (906) 644-2728
* After fires destroyed damaged Hammerhorn Campground in Mendocino County, California in 2020, the nine-site campground was closed. Now the five-acre campground on Lake Hammerhead is open again through early November as work continues on cleanup, and a new bathroom, fire rings and picnic tables. Go to https://www.fs.usda.gov › mendocino
* New to the KOA family is the Floyd/Blue Ridge KOA Holliday in Floyd, Virginia. The year-\round, 200 acre KOA has a Kamping Kitchen, WiFi, an expanded playground, new welcome station, camp store, mountain bike trails, dump station, corn hole and a nine-hole disc golf. Reserve at 1-540-251-2250.
Look for a massive restoration of the tornado-damaged campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Owen County, Indiana. Thanks to a $25 million grant, the renewed park will have 190 campsites, a gatebouse, three playgrounds and other structures. Call 1-866-6CAMP-IN (1-866-622-6746)
EVENTS
Mark your calendar for March 19-22. OkeechobeeFest takes place in Okeechobee, Florida. Come for music, immersive arts, food and camping. Go to Okeechobeefest.com/ to see the lineup, ticket packages and to sign up for the newsletter.
See more road trip ideas at https://janetgroene.blogspot.com/
NEW OPENINGS, NEW CLOSINGS
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| White Bison |
Brand new is the Zion White Bison Resort in Virgin, Utah. The resort has a grand swimming pool, glampsites, tepees and spacious RV sites 30 feet wide and up to 100 feet long. Shuttles run to Zion National Park. Access to the river and trails is available right at the resort. The resort has ebike rentals, lawn games, pickleball, free movie nights and pickleball. Go to Zion WhiteBisonResort.com/ (435) 635-3004.
At Mount Rainier the Ohanapecosh Campground, Packwood, Washington, will be closed until next year. Also closed are facilities including the, visitor center, bathrooms, picnic area and auditorium. The park has 188 dry campsites accommodating rigs up to 32 feet. Stay alert for the opening of reservations at Recreation.gov/ Get updates at (360) 569-2211.
The new Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area in Pipe Creek, Texas continues to work towards an opening next year. It’s said that camping and hiking will be available on the 3,814-acre former ranch, donated to the state in 2011. Volunteers are needed to help with the development of visitor facilities. Sign up at https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/volunteer_menu?reqid/
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LATE BREAKING RV PARK CAMPGROUND NEWS
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