Camping

Adventure, Camping, RV Ownership Tips

RV Traveling Hacks to Know

RV Traveling Hacks to Know Table of Contents Nothing is more fun than getting in an RV and heading for an open mountain road, or coastal highway, or anywhere for that matter. Check out these top RV travel hacks to elevate your journey: Protect Your Glassware with Foam Drink Holders Essential Laundry Solutions for RV Travel Maximize RV Space with Clever Storage Hacks Enhance RV Organization with a Magnetic Message Center Prioritize Camping Hygiene with an Outdoor Handwashing Station Optimize RV Pantry Space with Reusable Containers Prevent Water Spills with Glad Press ‘n Seal Wrap Keep Kids Entertained with Window-Mounted Organizers Deter Flies Naturally with a Pine-Sol Solution Maintain Cleanliness with an Outdoor Shoe Bin RV camping travel hacks Ready to hit the road? With these RV travel hacks, your journey just got a whole lot smoother. From space-saving solutions to money-saving tips, optimize your adventures and make every mile count! We hope you enjoy your next RV trip. If you would like more information about renting a Seattle motorhome or travel trailer,  from NW Adventure Rentals, please browse our website or contact us anytime.

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Basics of Camping in National Parks

Basics of Camping in National Parks Setting up camp at a National Park opens up a world of affordable and beautiful camp sites and great vacation destinations. Camping at a National Park can be very different from an average RV resort. From campgrounds built in the 50’s to accommodate older RVs to different rules than you typically see at privately owned resorts. As you prepare for your national park RV getaway keep these preparation tips in mind. 1. Know the Route to the Park A large number of national park campgrounds are reached by windy and narrow roads because they are located in remote yet stunning places. The best place to find special information on the road leading into the the park is on the park’s website under the “Things to Know Before You Come” section. Another great tool for navigating roads with an RV is a GPS system made specifically for RVs. These systems will not only give directions, but will let you know of any special road conditions for RVs. 2. Remember the Size of Your RV It has happened to many many many RV campers, they find an awesome destination, get excited, hop in the RV, and show up at the campground only to try and fit into a camp site that is too short or too narrow. This can be avoided by knowing the exact measurements of your RV including with tow vehicle (if applicable), with any slide outs extended, with the height of the air conditioner, etc. When you know these measurements you can look up the size of campsites on the park website or call the ranger station to ask if your specific RV will fit. 3. Research All Campsite Accommodations National park campgrounds are designed with enjoying the environment in its natural state and beauty as much as possible. Since the goal of national parks is to maintain the natural beauty of the area you may find campsites with features like rocks, thick trees, and canyons that can make it tricky to fit an RV into. Thoroughly study the campground website to learn all you can about the camping spaces. Another way to learn about the fine details of a campground is to check out travel forums and read reviews of people who have stayed there before. Being aware of capacity is important, many Park campgrounds are booked out in advance especially at popular National Parks. 4. Be Willing to Boondock Some national park campgrounds are outfitted with RV hookups and modern amenities like a communal bathroom and pay showers, but many do not have any of these at all. In these cases you will be Boondocking- camping without hookups. If you have never boondocked you will want to know how your RV works on battery and generator use. You will want to know how much power the appliances consume and how long you can go using the battery to power your RV. Many RVers who boondock like to bring a generator along. Read More on Boondocking 5. Expect to Limit Generator Use If you are at a national park that requires boondock camping know that there will probably be rules on the use of your generator. Some parks allow generator use, but only during sunlight hours. The best way to get use out of your generator, stay within the rules, and be a good fellow camper (not constantly creating generator noise) is to recharge your batteries for a short time just before sunset everyday. Ready to get out on the road and enjoy some national parks in an RV? For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Secrets to parking a Big RV

Secrets to parking a Big RV Table of Contents Upon reaching your camp grounds, or destination, the initial task at hand is parking and level your RV, a task that might appear daunting, particularly when dealing with a trailer. However, with deliberate attention, it’s entirely manageable. Although most parking in campsites are designed with smaller RVs in mind, even larger ones can be accommodated with patience and precision. Parking the RV Understanding Your RV’s Dimensions Before attempting to park your RV, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its dimensions. Measure the length, width, and height of your vehicle, including any protrusions like mirrors or awnings. This knowledge will help you gauge whether a parking spot is suitable and avoid potential obstacles. Scout for Spacious Parking Areas When planning your camping route, prioritize locations with spacious parking areas suitable for RVs. Look for designated RV parks, campgrounds, or large parking lots that can accommodate your vehicle’s size without difficulty. Avoid narrow streets, low-hanging branches, and tight corners that could pose challenges during parking. Plan Your Approach Before entering a parking spot, assess the surroundings and plan your approach carefully. Consider factors such as the angle of entry, the position of neighboring vehicles, and any potential obstructions. Choose an approach that allows for easy maneuverability and minimizes the need for complex maneuvers. Utilize Technology Take advantage of technology to assist you in parking your RV safely. Many modern RVs come equipped with backup cameras, proximity sensors, and parking assist systems that make maneuvering easier. Additionally, smartphone apps like RV Trip Wizard or ParkAdvisor can help you locate RV-friendly parking spots along your route. Practice Proper Mirroring Techniques Mastering mirroring techniques is essential for parking a big RV with precision. Adjust your side mirrors to provide maximum visibility of your surroundings, including blind spots. Use your mirrors to gauge the distance between your RV and nearby obstacles, allowing for precise positioning during parking maneuvers. Take It Slow and Steady Patience is key when parking a big RV. Take your time, and don’t rush the process. Approach parking spots slowly and cautiously, giving yourself ample time to assess the situation and make adjustments as needed. Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns that could lead to accidents or damage to your vehicle. RV Parking solutions on the campgrounds Utilize reference points on your RV to gauge distance and alignment while parking. For instance, use the corner of your RV’s side mirror as a guide for determining how close you are to nearby objects. By leveraging these reference points, you can improve your spatial awareness and precision when maneuvering your RV into a parking spot. Ask for Assistance when backing up Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when parking your RV, especially in challenging situations. Enlist the help of a spotter to guide you into tight spots or provide directions when backing up. Communicate clearly with your spotter and trust their instructions to ensure a smooth parking experience. To conclude RV parking Mastering parking solutions for a big RV requires a combination of preparation, skill, and practice. By understanding your RV’s dimensions, scouting for suitable parking areas, utilizing technology, and practicing proper techniques, you can navigate parking challenges with ease. Remember to take it slow, ask for assistance when needed, and embrace the learning process. With these secrets in your arsenal, you’ll be parking your big RV like a seasoned pro in no time. Happy travels! Now you are all set and ready to go enjoy your RV camping trip! For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV, RV Ownership Tips

4 – 5 Day RV Camping Trip Dinner Menu

4 – 5 Day RV Camping Trip Dinner Menu Every time we go camping, whether it’s in a tent or in an RV, you’ve got to think about your menu. I want something that easy, not a lot of prep, something that I don’t have to add a ton of ingredients to, yet something everybody loves. So, on the eve our next big camping trip here is my menu. We will be heading out Sunday morning so will grab something quick at home, have lunch on the road, and have dinner at our campsite. I’ll be bringing some items in the freezer to thaw, and some in the fridge.  Here’s what this menu looks like.. Sunday: Evening: meatball subs. This should be pretty easy as I plan to pick up hoagie rolls, premade beef meatballs that are probably frozen, throw them in the refrigerator so they saw all day, a can of marinara or tomato sauce, shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese. I will also pick up a bag of Caesar salad mix that has everything included to throw together in a bowl and serve alongside. Monday: Morning: Sausage, egg, hashbrowns and cheese burrito. This is something I have prepared before we left. I took sausage links and cooked them up, hashbrowns or potato cubes and cooked them, scramble some eggs and put cheese on top. Then I wrapped it all up in a flour tortilla and wrapped each burrito individually in foil. When breakfast time comes all I have to do is unwrap them and microwave them or put them on the grill or stove to warm them through. Lunch: we will actually be driving this day so were going to have lunch on the road but I want to make sure we have enough snacks like granola bars, trail mix and fruit on hand if we can’t find someplace to stop right away. Dinner: box mac & cheese, a can of green beans, and sliced Polish sausage or kielbasa in the mac & cheese to make a little bit hardier. All I need for this is the milk, unless you are going with Velveta or one of the mac & cheese boxes that has everything in it. The kielbasa is easy to throw in the refrigerator and slice up because it’s already precooked. The can of green beans can be heated up and you can throw in some rolls or maybe left over hoagie rolls from the night before as a bread side. Tuesday: Morning: I’m going to go with pancakes from the shaker ball pancake mix that you just add water to. This is so stupid easy. You just grab one of the pre-mixed pancake mixes, add water, pour on your griddle or pan. Done. The only thing I have to add to this is syrup and/or better and if you like us, we’ve got to have some peanut butter or Nutela to go with it. Lunch: were going to take a picnic to the beach so cold cuts, cheese slices, bread, mayonnaise and mustard packet so they don’t have to be refrigerated, a bag of cold grapes and chips. Done. Dinner: burgers and chips. I’ll start off with some frozen hamburger patties or frozen hamburger from Sunday, leave it in the refrigerator so it’s readyTuesday. All I need from here is hamburger buns and any toppings we may want. A couple of bags of chips and a jar of pickles and you are set. Wednesday: Morning: biscuits and gravy. I’m going to use some of those pop can biscuits so they can be easily stored in the refrigerator until I need them. I will probably be using the RV oven for this but you can also just put them in a cast-iron skillet and set them on the fire. Move them around until they are done. You can either grab a can of sausage gravy or make your own. I will probably end up making my own since all I have to do is grab a log of sausage, cooking up in my cast-iron skillet, add flour and milk. If we want, we can add a couple of eggs on top. Lunch: Caesar salad wraps. If I have any left over Caesar salad from Sunday night I will use it in today’s lunch but if not, I’ll make sure to throw in another couple of bags of Caesar salad ready to go. I will also get either rotisserie chicken or make some chicken ahead of time, slice it up and leave it in the refrigerator. When we are ready, simply lay out all the tortillas, filled with chicken Caesar salad mix, rollup and you’re ready to go. Dinner: loaded baked potatoes. I will get enough large baked potatoes for everyone in our party, I can of chili and a bag of shredded cheese. We can always add in some vegetables like steamed or grilled broccoli, bacon bits and chives if you want to go that far. Thursday: Morning: Because this is the last day we will be driving home I will only be worried about breakfast. Were going to have yogurt, which is been in the refrigerator the whole time, a bag of granola which does not have to be refrigerated, and any leftover grapes or fruit that we might have. So, this is my menu for next week. Wish us luck and we’re going to have a great time. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Pack it in Pack it out – How to Be More Eco-Friendly When Camping

Pack it in Pack it out – How to Be More Eco-Friendly When Camping When it comes to camping, there are many different mantras about the unwritten rules of enjoying the wide open spaces. Several of them include respecting the environment around you. “Leave no trace behind.” “Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints.” “Pack it in, pack it out.” “Leave the place better than you found it.” All cute sayings aside, it is actually important to be eco-friendly and conscientious of the wilderness around you, especially as camping continues to grow in popularity. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has compiled a list of Seven Leave No Trace Principles to help you prepare for your next outdoor camping adventure. Plan Ahead and Prepare Do some research and get familiar with the area you plan to visit. Make note of the rules for hiking and camping in the area and plan around them. Consider traveling in smaller groups and during non peak times when the location is at high occupancy. Make Use of Durable Surfaces A durable surface is one that is already forged out for recreational use, such as a pre-made campsite or an established hiking trail. Try to avoid creating new campsites or paths which can disrupt the purity of the area. Dispose of Waste This one is pretty standard and easy. Anything that was brought in by your camping party should be taken out or placed in the campsite dumpster. Make sure RV waste is dumped in a place specifically designated for RV waste. Basically don’t leave anything that wasn’t there before. Leave What You Find Don’t take a large amount of natural elements such as rocks, plants, etc. from your campsite. The reason is to avoid transporting non-native species to or from the site. Minimize Campfire Impact Always use designated fire pits and watch the fire as it is burning. Do not leave the fire unattended, make sure that there is nothing but ashes when you leave the campsite for the next camper. Don’t leave hot embers when you walk away from the fire pit. Be a Good House Guest Even though you are outdoors, you are still in someone’s home. There are many animals at the campground that call the wilderness you are vacationing in home. Be aware of the animals around you out of respect and also your own safety. Respect Other Campers Refrain from walking through other campsites, keep noise down especially during quiet hours, keep pets on a leash when away from your RV, and yield to others when out hiking on the trail. Considering others makes your trip more enjoyable for all including the people in your camping party and yourself. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Reasons to Rent an RV Instead of Staying in a Hotel

Reasons to Rent an RV Instead of Staying in a Hotel Staying in a hotel on vacation has its perks, but if you would like a little more freedom to do vacation on your timing an RV rental is a great way to go. In these days, staying safe is of utmost priority and your own “Hotel on Wheels” allows you complete control of your own environment! Her are some reasons why you might want to choose an RV over a hotel for your next vacation. 1. A New Experience Renting an RV for a vacation is a new and exciting experience for many people. Staying in hotels is sort of a vacation standard, not many have had the chance to do vacation in an RV rental. Renting an RV allows you to pick your spot and settle in then move on to the next place with a bit more relaxation than a hotel does. Ever get back to your room only to find the maid there? Or scramble to wake up the last morning so you can be out of the room by checkout? Those things don’t happen in an RV. 2. Make it Feel Like Home Today’s RVs are full of so many modern comforts they are almost like rolling mini homes (for some they actually are). In an RV you can have a private master bedroom, full kitchen, living space, dining area, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, etc. An added bonus is you can also pack in your own comfort items from home such as pillows, favorite blankets, or your Instant Pot. You can easily customize an RV rental to make it more homey and make every one more comfortable on vacation, especially the young ones. 3. More Location Choices No matter where your destination, be it a theme park or a remote mountain lake, the world is your oyster in an RV. There are so many places you can park an RV and spend the night, even a Walmart Parking lot. Pick your main vacation focus and go, you will find a spot to put the RV near the activities you want to enjoy for one low price. No more paying premium fees for a hotel right across the street. 4. Budget Friendly Just 40 miles outside of Boise is Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. Just a half hour from the action is the Boise Riverside RV Park not only close to the mountain; it is also just minutes from all the amenities in Boise. After your snow adventure relax those muscles in the hot tub or take a swim at Roystone Hot Springs, just 40 minutes north of the city and fed by natural mountain springs. 5. Freedom to Pack What You Want No more being limited to one suitcase, a carry on, and a personal item. No more limiting the number of bags to what will fit in the trunk. With an RV rental you can pack almost as much as you want. Long trips are made more comfortable when you don’t have to pare down your clothes and try to figure out how many times you can get away with wearing the same pair of jeans. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Camping, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Beating the Summer Heat While Boondocking

Beating the Summer Heat While Boondocking It has been pretty warm here in the Pacific Northwest over the last week or so, and this amazing weather is great for RV camping. If you are boondocking (camping without any hookups, also referred to as primitive camping and dry camping), you might need to get creative to keep cool. Here is a list of ways to beat the heat when you are boondocking: 1. Keep Sun off the Front Door The best place to boondock in the heat is with the RV parked under a nice shady tree. This is not always a possibility though. If there are not big enough trees to settle under, try parking your RV where the shade will at least cover your front door in the hot afternoon sun. Why? It creates an opportunity to leave the screen door open and get some cool air flow. 2. Awnings and Shades are a Boondocker’s Best Friends This may seem like a given, but that large exterior awning can help lower the internal temperature of the RV by at least 10 degrees. If you have inside window shades, make use of those as well. Keep them drawn about halfway and keep the windows open to allow breezes to travel through. 3. Make Additional Shade A great RV gadget is an RV awning sun screen shade kit. It is a screen that attaches to the end of the awning and down to the ground. These provide a nice shady spot outside the RV and give a little more foot space to hang out in. 4. Keep Air Circulating Some RVs will have ceiling fans. It is okay to use these while boondocking because they use very little battery power and make a drastic difference in the inside temperature of the RV. DO conserve power by only turning them on during the hottest part of the day. To get the best airflow, turn one on the “in” position and the other on the “out” position. 5. Keep the Kitchen Cool Using the RV stove is going to heat up the RV a great deal. Plan to prepare cool summer salads and cook over the camp fire or on an outdoor grill for most meals to keep the heat outside. 6. Take Care of Yourself Part of keeping cool is taking care of your body temperature as well as the RV temperature. The best way to lower your body temp is internally by drinking lots of fluids. Continuously sip on plain water and sports drinks or coconut water to keep yourself hydrated and to help handle the heat. Also avoid activities that require a lot of physical exertion. Limit that hike or bike ride to the morning or at dusk when it is cooler out. Summertime RV boondocking can be amazing with the right preparedness. Make sure to check the weather and plan ahead so you can enjoy your trip all the more. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel, RV Ownership Tips

Finding the Best Spot in the Campground

Finding the Best Spot in the Campground You could find the best campground with the most beautiful scenery only to discover it isn’t all its cracked up to be. You might find yourself, for instance, in a lakeside lot only to discover you are right next to the public beach access and there is more noise than you were hoping for or people walking through/past your site, often leaving little privacy. Though there are little hiccups that could happen on any vacation, there are ways to help ensure you find a campsite that best fits your needs and vacation preferences. The key to a great RV trip is all about planning. The more planning you do, the more you can be sure of what you are in for and that your vacation will be just as you hoped. Some tips for finding the best campsite With a little bit of planning and thinking about each scenario you may encounter, it will help you to find the best campsite to fit your RV camping needs and lifestyle comforts. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping, Parks, RV, Trailer, Washington

Washington Opening State Parks to Campers and RVers

Washington Opening State Parks to Campers and RVers Table of Contents As Washington lifts restrictions and opens up from lockdown, we are excited to see access to State Parks and more camping opportunities are becoming available for you to take your NW Adventure Rentals RV on an outing! Read on to discover the latest openings for State Parks, RV parks, Washington BLM campgrounds, and other spots for you to head into the great outdoors. Where Can You Go Camping in Washington? State Parks:  As of June 1st, the following parks are open for camping: Private RV Parks According to Campendium, “Private RV parks may open to non-recreational guests once the county they reside in has reached Phase 2 of reopening. All private parks may remain open for non-recreational purposes. Counties in phase 2 or beyond may reopen for limited recreational camping at private parks.” As always, all of the KOA, Thousand Trails, and Good Sam Club private RV parks have remained open and will continue to accept RVers. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources: Both of these departments have also begun to open a selection of primitive campsites and dispersed camping at wildlife areas. According to the WDFW’s website, “State land managers will reopen campgrounds and dispersed camping in 22 counties starting June 1. WDFW has primitive campsites at the: Dispersed camping is allowed at other wildlife areas in counties open to camping unless otherwise posted.” To plan for your trip, see WDFW’s website. National Forests: So far, Colville National Forest is the only forest currently re-opening campgrounds. PacifiCorp Campgrounds The following are the PacifiCorp campgrounds that have reopened: For more great RVing information and updates about camping rules+regulations amid Covid-19, please feel free to browse our website and Facebook page. For further information on renting a gorgeous, luxury RV from NW Adventure Rentals’ Seattle fleet, don’t hesitate to contact us at anytime. Happy Camping!

Adventure, Camping, Camping in Washington State, RV, Washington

Small, Lightweight, Affordable Trailers Trending for 2020

Small, Lightweight, Affordable Trailers Trending for 2020 Over recent years, more and more Americans have chosen to get out in the great outdoors and go camping. A large number of this population are RV campers. RV sales have been on the rise recently and are expected to climb even further in 2020. One particular type of RV is expected to be very popular this year and that is the small and easily towable trailer. RV shoppers are looking for lightweight trailers that can be towed behind small SUVs and even some cars. This allows more RV travelers to get out on the open road without spending a huge sum or having to purchase a new vehicle. Experts in the RV industry say that many families are moving away from owning a towing-specific vehicle and want to pull their RV with the car or SUV they drive around on a daily basis. A large number of RV manufacturers have caught on to this trend and are now offering extra small trailers and even small motor homes. A surprising amount of luxury can be packed into a tiny space. Airstream’s Basecamp model trailer is one of the most popular, offering wrap around tinted windows, a fridge, microwave, air conditioning, stove, and bed for two. Some small trailers are offering things like custom cabinets, flat screen TVs, and more; all in a lightweight package to enable RV owners to get away more easily. A company called inTech is taking the small trailer trend to new levels with trailers small enough to park inside of a residential garage. One of inTech’s models is designed to carry a kayak or bike on the roof upping the outdoor adventure possibilities. It also has a queen size bed, premium sound system, USB outlets, and slide out kitchen with burner and fridge all for around $12,000 and weighing in at just 1,500 pounds. For those that prefer to drive a motorhome, the trend in recreational vehicles is not lost. Small motor homes are also being manufactured to appeal to camping enthusiasts with the same “less is more” and “ease of the open road” mindsets. Even a small RV is a large investment, and a great way to try out any RV before you buy is to rent one. Let NW Adventure Rentals help you decide if you are ready for an RV purchase. We have a gorgeous fleet of luxury trailers and motorhomes available for rent in Seattle. We also have an RV leaseback program where you can rent out your RV while it is not in use and have a chance to bring in some extra cash on the side. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!