RV Out West

Brooks Smothers
  • 4.9 (48)
  • Places & Travel
  • Weekly

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

  1. 5d ago

    The Forest’s Hidden Feast: A PNW Mushroom Hunt

    The Pacific Northwest forest is full of secrets, and some of its most fascinating treasures are growing right beneath our feet. In this immersive audio story, we head into the woods with mushroom foragers and our good friends, Jeff and Laurel, to discover the wild world of mushroom hunting, edible fungi, and the incredible ecosystem hidden beneath the forest floor. Come along for an audio journey through the damp forests of the Pacific Northwest as we search for wild mushrooms, listen to the sounds of the forest, and learn how experienced foragers read the landscape. From recognizing promising growing spots to understanding how rainfall, temperature, and seasonal conditions influence mushroom growth, Jeff and Laurel share their knowledge and reveal what makes mushroom foraging such a rewarding outdoor adventure. But there’s more to mushrooms than what we see above ground. We also explore the remarkable underground fungal networks that connect with trees and help sustain forest ecosystems. And just when our search seems to be winding down, an unexpected discovery gives us a reason to keep looking. For RVers, mushroom foraging offers another way to experience the Pacific Northwest beyond the campground. Imagine spending a day exploring the forest, returning to your camp with a harvest and preparing a meal with ingredients gathered along the way. It’s an outdoor adventure that combines curiosity, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Always positively identify wild mushrooms before eating them and check local harvesting regulations before collecting. The forest is hiding a wild feast, and we’re hunting for the ultimate prize. What will Jeff and Laurel uncover before the day is over? Grab your coffee, press play and join us in the woods to find out. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  2. Oct 19

    7 Pacific Northwest RV Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

    The best RV road trips aren't always the ones everyone talks about. Sometimes, the most memorable adventures happen when you take a different highway, explore beyond the usual stops, and give yourself time to discover what lies around the next bend. In this episode of RV Out West, we're sharing seven Pacific Northwest road trips that deserve a place on your bucket list. These routes take you beyond the familiar destinations and into landscapes that might surprise you, from wide-open spaces and winding mountain roads to sparkling lakes, dramatic river valleys, and scenic stretches of highway made for exploring. Spanning Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia, these adventures offer something for every kind of RVer. Some are perfect for a long weekend, while others call for several days on the road. Each one offers a fresh perspective on the Pacific Northwest and plenty of reasons to make the journey part of the destination. We'll share what makes these routes worth exploring, when to plan your trip, and the practical details RV travelers need to consider before hitting the road. Mountain grades, seasonal closures, campground availability, and remote stretches all deserve a little planning, especially when you're towing a travel trailer. Consider this your inspiration for the next time you're staring at a map and wondering where to go. You might discover a new favorite route, find the perfect destination for your next getaway, or add several more adventures to your growing travel wish list. Fire up the map, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for seven Pacific Northwest RV road trips worth putting on your radar. Subscribe to RV Out West, the award-winning podcast dedicated to RVing in the Pacific Northwest, for more road trip inspiration, regional travel guides, and stories that make you want to hitch up and head out. Book your stay with Bar Run Golf and Resort and use this discount code to book your stay today. RV Out West listeners use promo code OUTWEST to receive 10% off stays from October 2026 through March 2027. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  3. Oct 13

    Olympic National Park with Your Dogs: Part 2

    Discover the wild beauty of Olympic National Park as we head to Washington’s rugged Pacific coastline in Part 2 of our Olympic National Park adventure with our two dogs, Beau & Roxy. This is where towering forests meet the ocean, the shoreline tells a story of constant change, and some of the most unforgettable sights on the Olympic Peninsula are waiting to be explored. In Part 1, we explored the northern side of Olympic National Park, discovering trails, waterfalls, lakes and places to adventure with our pups in tow. Now, we’re heading west to explore a completely different side of this incredible national park. Along the way, we’ll encounter a remarkable tree that seems to defy gravity, a beach where massive sea stacks rise from the surf, and a dramatic stretch of coastline at the edge of the contiguous United States. Each stop reveals another reason why Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s most extraordinary places to explore. We’ll share our experiences, talk about what makes this stretch of the Pacific Northwest so special and offer helpful insights for anyone planning an Olympic Peninsula road trip, camping getaway, or RV adventure. From the sounds of crashing waves to the untamed beauty of the coastline, this is a side of Washington that deserves a place on your travel list. Join us on RV Out West, the award-winning podcast celebrating RV travel, outdoor adventures, and the people, places and stories that make the Pacific Northwest worth exploring. Hit play and discover the wild beauty waiting along Washington’s Pacific coast. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  4. Oct 5

    Olympic National Park with Your Dogs: Part 1

    Crystal-clear water, mountain views, Olympic marmots, waterfalls, dog-friendly trails, and an RV adventure through one of Washington’s most spectacular national parks. This summer, we packed up the RV, brought the dogs along, and explored the northern side of Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula. Part 1 of this two-part mini series takes you along for the first half of our adventure, combining our real-world RV travel experience with practical tips for planning your own Olympic National Park RV trip with dogs. We start around Port Angeles and Lake Crescent, sharing where we camped, how we planned our days, and what we learned about bringing dogs into Olympic National Park. From finding dog-friendly hiking options to understanding where your pups can and cannot go, we’ll share the information we discovered along the way. Then we head toward Hurricane Ridge, one of the most spectacular destinations in the park. Along the way, we’ll talk about the hikes we found at the visitor center, the story behind the name Hurricane Ridge, the surprising fact that there is a ski area here, and the wildlife we encountered along the way. We even spotted Olympic marmots, a species found only in the Olympic Mountains. This episode is part RV travel guide, part Olympic National Park adventure, and part trip report, giving you a look at what we actually did during our visit and what you can expect when planning your own trip. And this is only Part 1. In Part 2, next Monday, we’ll continue exploring the Olympic Peninsula with more RV camping, dog-friendly hikes, Lake Crescent, waterfalls, trails, and places to explore. Grab your coffee and join us for an RV adventure through Olympic National Park with our dogs in tow. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  5. Sep 21

    Dismantle. Defund. Divest. What’s Happening to Our Public Lands

    Public lands belong to all of us. This episode takes a deeper look at why they matter and what their future could mean for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. National Public Lands Day was just this past Saturday, September 26, a day dedicated to celebrating and caring for the parks, forests, trails, rivers, mountains, and open spaces that connect us to the outdoors. For RVers, campers, hikers, hunters, anglers, climbers, mountain bikers, paddlers, and anyone who loves getting outside, these places are more than destinations. They are where we make memories, find adventure, reconnect with family, and escape the noise of everyday life. In this episode we’re talking about public lands, conservation, outdoor recreation, public access, and the future of the places we all enjoy. Our guest is Land Tawney, co-chairman of American Hunters & Anglers and a longtime public lands and wildlife advocate. Land previously served as president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for a decade, helping lead national efforts focused on public lands, public access, wildlife, hunting, fishing, and conservation. Land brings decades of experience to this conversation, and we go beyond the usual talking points. We discuss why public lands matter to all of us, the role hunters and anglers play in conservation, and what Land describes as the “Three D’s” of public lands: dismantle, defund, and divest. This conversation is for anyone who hikes, camps, RVs, fishes, hunts, bikes, paddles, climbs, or simply enjoys spending time outside. Our public lands enrich our lives. This episode is about understanding their value, the challenges ahead, and the role each of us can play in their future. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  6. Sep 14

    They Started With $100: The Story Behind Clasica Campers

    It started with $100 and an idea. Today, Gerson and Jackie are building small, retro-inspired European campers in Eugene, Oregon, using molds dating back to 1972 and sourcing parts from across Europe. The result is Clasica Campers, a company putting a fresh spin on a classic style of caravan and creating some seriously cool options for RVers who want to go small. We sit down with the husband-and-wife team behind Clasica Campers to hear the story of how it all began. They share how a small investment turned into a passion-driven camper company, why they chose to focus on smaller campers, and what goes into creating these unique European-inspired caravans. We also get into the craftsmanship behind the campers, including the challenges of finding parts in Europe and bringing together old molds, modern components, and plenty of hands-on work. Gerson and Jackie take us behind the scenes of the building process and explain what makes these little campers so special. And because this is RV Out West, we also talk about their adventures around the Pacific Northwest. From getting out on the road to exploring the places that inspire them, Gerson and Jackie share how their love of RV travel and the Pacific Northwest connects to the story of Clasica Campers. If you’re interested in small campers, retro RVs, European caravans, vintage camper design, camper craftsmanship, or exploring the Pacific Northwest, this conversation is worth a listen. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  7. Sep 7

    This Oregon RV Resort Surprised Us

    What if you could park your RV, grab your golf clubs, and spend the day playing a beautiful golf course without ever leaving the campground? That’s exactly what we discovered at Bar Run Golf and RV Resort in Roseburg, Oregon. We’re heading to Southern Oregon for a closer look at this golf-focused RV resort and everything it has to offer. Bar Run is more than a place to park your RV. With an on-site golf course, recreational amenities, and an impressive pool complex complete with a lazy river, there’s plenty to keep campers entertained both on and off the course. We’ll share our own camping experience at Bar Run, including what it’s like to stay at the resort, the campground atmosphere, and what stood out during our visit. Then we sit down with Cris Risley, the General Manager of Bar Run Golf and RV Resort, to hear the story behind the property and learn how this Southern Oregon destination came to be. Cris takes us through the history of Bar Run, the story behind the golf course, and the vision for the RV resort. We also talk about one of the resort’s biggest attractions: the pool complex and its lazy river, which gives campers another reason to spend some time enjoying the resort after a day on the road or out on the golf course. If you’re planning an Oregon RV trip, looking for RV campgrounds near Roseburg, or searching for an Oregon RV resort with golf, this episode gives you an inside look at what makes Bar Run worth putting on your travel list. And there’s a bonus for RV Out West listeners. Use promo code OUTWEST for 10% off your stay from October 2026 through March 2027.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

  8. Aug 31

    Your RV Has Too Many Manuals. There’s a Better Way

    Brad Thompson, a full-time RVer from Oregon, joins us on the show to share his journey on the road, his favorite places to explore and camp and the RV maintenance problem that inspired his big idea. An RV includes many systems and components, each with its own maintenance schedules, manuals, warranties, service records and quirks. For used RV owners, tracking down that information can be especially difficult. Even new RVs often come with a mountain of paperwork that can quickly become overwhelming. Brad created RV Keeper to help RV owners organize important information in one place and stay on top of maintenance. We discuss the inspiration behind the app, the challenges it is designed to solve, and how better organization can make RV ownership less stressful. This conversation also explores Brad’s experience with full-time RV living, his favorite Oregon destinations and the lessons he has learned from spending so much time on the road. If you enjoy RV travel, camping, Oregon, full-time RV living or practical tools for becoming a more prepared RV owner, this episode is for you. Listen now and join us on the road. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Keep RV Out West Rolling Please consider supporting the show with a monthly contribution.  Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

See All (220)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooks Smothers
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RV Out West
  • Show Website
    RV Out West

You Might Also Like