Copyright Janet Groene 2026. To ask about rates for reprinting this content email janetgroene@yahoo.com
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A Crafty Solution
You’ve seen them at flea markets and art fairs. “They” are those lucky RV travelers who are as free as birds, selling their crafts as they go.
If you are almost ready to launch your RV life on wheels except for the extra income you’ll need, your ticket to freedom could be your talent for woodworking, crochet, embroidery or sewing doll clothes. How to Start a Home-Based Craft Business, (Globe Pequot) is just one of the many books on Amazon that can guide you through the business of crafting.
This isn’t a book about how to do the crafts. Nor does it suggest what crafts are today’s hot sellers. (And be forewarned that styles, trends and tastes change quickly and from region to region.)
Specific crafts are hardly mentioned except for a list that might get you thinking. (calligraphy, candle making, stained glass, woodcarving, making decoys, Tole painting, etc.) The author assumes that you already have talents and tools to create a marketable product. Then the author guides you through every business process from Accounting to Zoning.
First, decide if you’re going to be an artist or an artisan. Author Oberrecht says a watercolorist might sell paintings but, if you also know how to mount, mat, and frame your watercolors, you can enhance your work and increase its value. His suggestions include:
* Get an office even if it’s only a laptop andl phone, plus a workshop and a place to store inventory. Yes, this can be done in an RV.
* Know the marketplace. Some crafters make enough at one season or one event to live on the rest of the year. Really!
* Financial planning is the key. Oberrecht provides a checklist of startup costs plus tips on how to keep books, project cash flow, and accept credit cards. The sections on licensing and legalities are important. Learn about partnerships, limited liability, incorporating, licenses, permits, naming your business, finding the right attorney, getting the right insurances, and how to get a trademark, patent, or copyright.
Many crafters don’t realize until it’s too late that their creativity has dollar value, and that they need to protect their intellectual and business rights.
See your tax advisor about writing off some RV expenses and other operating costs. You also need to note your business obligations, such as collecting state sales taxes. This book isn’t up to date on online selling, whichis another subject for another time.
If there’s a will, there’s a way for you to go RV traveling, even if you aren’t retired or independently wealthy.
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 AND CAMPGROUNDS;
GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
Reservations are open at the new Flagstaff (Arizona) Mountain RV & Campground on Route 6 near downtown. The park has 33 full hook-up sites, a dog park, an on-site bar and patio, a large gas firepit,, high speed Wi-Fi and concierge service to connect visitors with local points of interest. (928) 393-4652
New this spring in Boothbay,, Maine will be an RV park with full hookups at the Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern & RV Resort. It’s a unique combination of RV comforts plus a craft brewery and farm-to-table dining. The reopening date is May 6. (207) -633-3411..
In the mountains of North Georgia the new Talking Rock Motorcoach Resort had its first full year in 2025. It has mountain views, plenty of green space, a swimming pool, clubhouse, hot tub, pickleball, nature trails, a garden, smokeless fire pits at each site and a laundry. Go to https://talkingrockmotorcoachresort.com/ for details on the 15% discount. (706) 383-3849
Here’s good news for RV travelers who prefer the outback, even if hookups aren’t part of the deal. Two new campgrounds with gravel pads, back-in sites, fire rings and vault toilets are provided south of Clarkston, Washington in the Asotin Wildlife Area. The Sourdough Gulch and Cabin Gulch facilities are on in the Blue Mountains Wildlife Area Complex on Lick Creek Road. The complex usually opens to vehicles on April 1 but check ahead.
In Washington Court House, Ohio, the zoning commission has approved a zoning change that will allow building of an RV park with about 75 sites. Stays will be limited to 90 days or less. The park will have water and electric hookups and a dump station. The park is intended to house workers at the area's Amazon and Honda facilities. No opening date has been announced.
, Clarkco State Park in Quitman, Mississippi will show off its new campground, ungraded restrooms, cabins and other improvements at its grand opening on March 19. Reserve your campsite at reserve.mdwfp.com/
SCUTTLEBUTT
CLOSURES
Severe storm damage last year requires the closure this year of the campground in McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake, Iowa. The campground needs a massive re-do and will reopen for the 2027 season. Day use facilities including the boat ramp, fish cleaning station, picnic areas, yurts, trails, and shoreline access will remain open. Stay alert to pounce on 2027 campground reservations as soon as they open, possibly late this year.
Traverse City (Michigan) State Park will close July 7 for massive improvements, especially to the campground. It’s due to reopen in April, 2027. Some day use facilities will remain open during construction, so check ahead.
CHANGES, NEW MANAGEMENT, EXPANSONS
Washington State Parks now manages Beebe Bridge Park and its day use facilities. The park in Orondo, Washington is on the Columbia River and has 46 campsites with water and electric. It’s open mid-April to the end of October. Reservations: Go to washington.goingtocamp.com or call 1-888-CAMP-OUT.
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
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