Copyright Janet Groene 2026.
IT’S RV SHOW SEASON!
Fun and Finance: 5 Tips for
Wins at Winter RV Shows
That’s right. I said shows. Plural. Your time and money are well spent at this winter’s RV shows. In addition to the razzle-dazzle you’ll attend seminars, see new layouts and chassis, listen to dueling sales pitches for accessories and gear, get coupons for freebies or discounts and probably run into a lot of nice folks.
The more RV shows you can attend this winter, the better.
How to get started?
1. Do a Google search to scope out all the RV shows within the area you are willing to travel. Note dates, times and ticket prices. Learn more about the show. Is it an RV & Camping show or a travel or outdoor sports show where you’‘ll also see boats, archery equipment and fishing gear?
2. If possible, plan to attend twice. On the first day, scope out the location. Some arenas are so huge you need a map. Note where you can see the latest models in the type and brand of RV you want to see. Go with family or friends and enjoy the whoopla.
3. Make a list of accessories and gear you may want to buy, Come back a second time to sit down with sales people. Hear them all. Say you’re looking for a new security system, or a new convertible sofa, or the latest technology in tent construction. Note exact locations of displays. Later you’ll talk turkey with every factory rep representing convertible furniture or security systems or tents but for now, your family would be bored stiff. You can learn a lot by hearing competitors dish on each other.
Get business cards and perhaps leave your own. Make notes. Listen to advice from family and friends even if you don’t plan to take it. Then leave the show before the kids get cranky. Now you have names and locations for serious follow-ups
4. If you’re here to buy a big-ticket item such as an RV, know your credit rating. At the show you can get bids from RV finance companies. Have a budget in mind. Sleep on it. Assess your chances for getting a better deal if you hold out until the last hours of the last day.
5. Don’t get sidelined. It sounds silly to make a list of your rock-bottom requirements but having it with you in black and white can bring you down to earth after you’ve toured that mansion on wheels.
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| BRING THE KIDS,HAVE FUN, THEN COME BACK TO BARGAIN |
IS THIS THE YEAR YOU'LL GO FULL-TIMING?
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, from making the decision and living the good life to the time when you decide to settle down .
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 to settle down. Order at any book store or let Amazon gift wrap and ship it for you. https://amzn.to/29XFEkq
RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS;
GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
This is hard news from local sources, not a campground guide. No endorsement of any park or product is implied. It's up to you to follow through as the story develops.
CHANGES, UPGRADES, NEWS OWNERS
Heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene’s floods in 2024, David Crockett Birthplace State Park, Limestone, Tennessee has a new master plan. The future will include a museum, camp store, modern hookups, a playground and water feature for children, a replica Crockett log cabin, watersports rentals on the Nolichucky River and waterfront picnic pavilions.
Not be to be confused with David Crockett State Park, this park remains closed as work continues. Want to help? Volunteers can contact park ranger Thomas Batchelor, (423) 740-3340; thomas.batchelor@tn.gov/ Get park updates at tnstateparks.com/parks/david-crockett-birthplace
In Munith, Michigan, the Oaks Campground is now a member of the GatherGrounds Resorts family. The 155-acre resort will revitalize its lands and miles of golf cart trails, with emphasis on family activities in the outdoors. Plans include an upgraded beach area with lounge chairs and a sand volleyball area. Also to be added is a Wibit inflatable waterpark. The park has a fishing lake, an ice cream parlor, laundry and a camp store. See gathergroundsresorts.com/the-oaks-campground/
SCUTTLEBUTT
NEW AND UPCOMING RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
Salida, Colorado has a new RV park on the Arkansas River. The Salida RV Resort has full hookups, fiber optic internet and it's open all year. The resort has a clubhouse with kitchen and billiards. Guests have access to a fitness center, laundry, propane service, dump station, dog park, walking trails along the river, views of the surrounding Collegiate Peak mountains and outdoor gaming areas. Go to SalidaRVresort.com/
New in Klamath Falls,, Oregon is the Volcanic Legacy RV Resort, (541) 698-1908. Stay one night or up to one month at this 70-site park. Enjoy high speed internet, two miles of pet friendly walking trails and an easy walk to Growler Guys for craft brews
CAMPGROUND & RV Park OPENINGS, CLOSINGS
Winter campers rejoice! Berry’s Grove Campground in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts is now open all year with access to recreation such as skating and ice fishing on Lake Mascuppic. The campground has 24 campsites with hookups that are reported to be usable all year. (978) 890-6216
The Zion Mt. Carmel Highway Zion National Park will be closed to large vehicles next season. The vehicle can be no longer than 35 feet 9 inches, more than 11 feet tall, wider than 7 feet 10 inches and weighting more than 50,000 pounds. Because of the sharp curves, larger rigs simply can’t navigate the road safely.
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See Janet Groene's newest shortcut recipes for camping and RV at https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com
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