The RV Atlas Podcast

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The RV Atlas Podcast

A weekly podcast from the writers of rvfamilytravelatlas.com, focusing on topics that relate to RV family travel. We review campgrounds, discuss tips and tricks for traveling with kids, and answer our readers' most common questions. We also chat about food, gear, and those times when everything doesn't quite go as planned.

  1. 5D AGO

    6 New and Exciting Campgrounds to Check Out in 2025 and Beyond

    Over the last few years, the boom in RVing and camping has inspired a wave of investment in the outdoor hospitality industry, leading to the opening of some truly spectacular new campgrounds. In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we’re kicking off a series featuring new and exciting campgrounds that have opened recently or are opening soon—places that deserve your attention for your 2025 camping plans. From luxurious adult-oriented retreats near wine country to Jellystone resorts for families, this list showcases something for everyone. Best of all? These campgrounds are already earning rave reviews from happy guests. Let’s dive into six new spots to explore in the years ahead. Hidden Springs RV Resort Location: Ivins, Utah (near St. George, 45 minutes from Zion National Park) Website: hiddenspringsrv.camp Instagram: @hiddenspringsrv Why it stands out: This stunning RV resort was actually designed using feedback from The RV Atlas podcast! The owners are podcast listeners and built Hidden Springs with thoughtful features campers truly want. A resort-style pool and hot tub with sweeping desert views  Cozy community fire pits for gathering after a day of adventure  A sleek and modern game room that feels more boutique hotel than campground  Direct access to hiking trails from your site  What guests are saying: “This is such an unbelievable place! It is so clean and welcoming. The people who run it are fabulous. The views are amazing and the amenities are top notch. Really couldn’t have asked for a better stay.” — Michelle VandenBrink, Google Review Roam Horseshoe Bend Location: Page, Arizona Website: roamamerica.com Instagram: @roam_america Why it stands out: Located just minutes from the iconic Horseshoe Bend Lookout, this new campground brings boutique hotel vibes to the desert landscape. Hiking trails from the campground into the stunning desert  Private bathroom suites with a vanity, toilet, and shower—upscale and spotless  A gorgeous new pool and clubhouse that offers local craft beverages  What guests are saying: “We had a lovely stay…great bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Nights were quiet and peaceful and the views were beautiful. The staff are nice and very helpful. It is well located as a jumping off point for visiting the area.” — Ned Bade, Google Review Finger Lakes RV Resort Location: Near Seneca Lake, NY (10 minutes from Watkins Glen) Website: fingerlakesrvresort.com Instagram: @fingerlakesrvresort Why it stands out: This adult-oriented campground is perfect for wine-loving travelers looking for a peaceful stay in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country. Adjacent to two wineries (with walking paths!)  Within 10 miles of 30 wineries, breweries, and distilleries  Spacious full-hookup sites and sparkling new bathhouses  What guests are saying: “Our favorite RV site…well separated giving a very comfortable experience. Incredibly friendly and helpful management. There are two walking paths to local wineries giving a true Finger Lakes experience!” — Christopher Andres, Google Review Gather Campground Location: Belton, Texas (between Austin and Waco) Website: gatheracampgroundbellcounty.com Instagram: @gatheracampground Why it stands out: Built by hospitality-forward owners, this campground caters to digital nomads, extended-stay RVers, and anyone looking for a polished and thoughtful camping experience. Resort-style pool, gym,

    47 min

  2. APR 15

    Beyond the 48: a Family Adventure to Costa Rica with Exodus Adventure Travels

    Beyond the 48: A Mother/Son Trip to Costa Rica with Exodus Adventure Travels As part of our new “Beyond the 48” podcast series, we’re stepping outside the lower 48 states and sharing stories from recent international travel experiences. While The RV Atlas will always be focused on RV and campground travel in the United States, we also know that many of our listeners love to explore beyond where the family RV can take you. In this episode, we’re sharing details from an unforgettable family trip to Costa Rica with Exodus Adventure Travels. We went on this trip as part of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards, where Stephanie served as a tester. The goal was to evaluate this guided group adventure and see how it stacked up as a family-friendly travel option. Spoiler alert: it more than lived up to expectations. This trip, called the Costa Rica Family Escape, was specifically designed for families with older kids and teens, and every moment—from rainforest hikes to beach relaxation—was crafted to be educational, engaging, and just the right amount of adventurous. A Family Escape to Costa Rica with Exodus Adventure Travels The Costa Rica Family Escape is an eight-day guided tour operated by Exodus Adventure Travels, a long-established UK-based travel company with a strong reputation in Europe. The trip was designed for families with kids ages 9 and up and includes a range of outdoor adventures in Costa Rica’s most iconic regions. While Exodus is still gaining name recognition in the U.S., we quickly learned why their trips have earned a loyal following overseas. We traveled with a group of four other families from the UK—five teenagers in total—and stayed in comfortable local lodges and hotels throughout. With an “easy to moderate” activity rating, the trip balanced downtime with exciting excursions and offered enough variety to keep everyone in our group engaged. The Costa Rica With Exodus Adventure Travels itinerary moved through three major destinations in Costa Rica: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano area) Monteverde (Cloud Forest region) Carrillo Beach (Pacific Coast near Sámara) We started in San José and ended in Liberia on the West Coast, traveling by minibus, boat, and foot with a fantastic local guide named Jorge. Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in San José We flew into San José and stayed at the Studio Hotel, a modern, boutique-style hotel that offered a great overnight stay near the airport. That evening, we met our group and guide for a welcome briefing. Day 2: Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall We traveled north to La Fortuna, where we explored the area surrounding the Arenal Volcano, which was active until recently. A hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall gave us our first taste of Costa Rica’s natural beauty—lush rainforest and a powerful waterfall. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to swim at the bottom of the waterfall because of flash flood warnings, but it was still a beautiful experience.  Overnight: Arenal Paraiso Hotel, with natural hot spring-fed pools and views of the volcano. Day 3: White-Water Rafting & Farm-to-Table Lunch We tackled Class II and III rapids on the Balsa River, an exhilarating but beginner-friendly white-water rafting trip. Along the way, we spotted toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. After rafting, we visited Vida Campesina, a small country estate where we enjoyed a traditional wood-stove-cooked lunch with ingredients harvested right on-site. Day 4: Boat to Monteverde & Night Walk in the Cloud Forest We crossed Lake Arenal by boat and continued by road to Monteverde, famous for its cool temperatures and misty cloud forest. That night, we ventured into the forest after dark for a night hike,

    52 min

  3. APR 11

    How to Find Certified RV Techs and How to Become One with Curtis from RVTI

    Everything You Need to Know About the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) Whether you're a seasoned RVer looking for reliable repairs or someone interested in launching a career in the RV industry, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring that RVers can hit the road with confidence. In this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast, Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of RVTI, joined us for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s mission, training programs, and career opportunities. From the importance of working with certified technicians to how you can become one, here's everything you need to know about RVTI and the impact it’s making across the RV community. What Is the RVTI? RVTI is a nonprofit organization created about five years ago by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association (RVDA). The organization was established to address a persistent and growing issue in the RV world: the shortage of qualified service technicians. As Curtis explained, “We were set up basically to train, certify, and recruit technicians into the career field—but with the mission of making sure that the RV consumer has a better experience.” The goal is simple: to reduce the amount of time RV owners wait for repairs and to improve the quality and safety of those repairs by making sure they’re performed by highly trained and certified professionals. Why It Matters to RV Owners Photo by Bill Sferrazza For RV owners, long wait times for repairs are a common and frustrating problem. That’s why RVTI certification is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a marker of credibility, safety, and reliability. “When you have somebody that has that credential,” Curtis emphasized, “you can basically sleep comfortably at night because that person has been trained and has passed a certification.” Certified technicians not only understand complex modern RV systems—from electrical to propane and plumbing—but also meet professional safety standards, which is crucial when dealing with increasingly sophisticated RV components. RVTI has trained over 21,000 individuals, with more than 7,000 having completed certification, and demand is growing. Their mission is supported by the broader RV industry and is designed with consumers in mind. How to Find an RVTI Certified Technician RVTI has launched an online “Find a Tech” map tool, which allows RV owners to locate certified technicians in their area. Many of these professionals work at dealerships, while others are part of independent mobile repair services or small businesses. The certification is especially valuable for mobile RV techs, a growing part of the industry. If you’ve ever had a breakdown at a campground, you know the relief of finding someone on-site who can help. The RVTI directory is a great first step in locating a trustworthy expert. Becoming an RVTI Certified Technician For those considering a career change, RVTI offers an exciting and accessible path. Whether you're just entering the workforce, looking to start a new business, or want a flexible job you can take on the road, becoming a certified tech may be for you. Curtis outlined four levels of certification: Level 1 (Inspection Level): 40 hours of instruction that provides a broad understanding of RV systems. Level 2: Adds 80 hours of training focused on diagnostics and troubleshooting. Level 3: Specialization tracks (like solar, slide-outs, electrical). Level 4 (Master Tech): Achieved by completing all Level 3 specialties. The cost? Just $630 for both Level 1 and Level 2 training, which includes a one-year subscription to complete the coursework.

    1h 9m

  4. APR 4

    Easy Meal Planning for Weekend RV Trips

    Strategies, Recipes, and Time-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Camping Food For many of us, weekend camping trips are the perfect escape. But if you’ve ever raced through a Friday workday, packed up the camper, hit traffic, and rolled into your site late and hungry—you know that food can be the most stressful part of the journey. Over the last 16 years of camping together, we’ve discovered one essential truth: camping food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Whether it’s a Friday night pizza delivery or a leisurely Saturday night steak dinner, the right meal plan can make your weekend getaway smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how we plan food for a weekend RV trip—from quick fixes to crowd-pleasing classics—and how you can simplify your own camping meals without sacrificing flavor or fun. Friday Night: Fast, Flexible, and No Pressure Friday night dinner sets the tone for the weekend, but it’s also the trickiest meal. Depending on your arrival time, you might be navigating setup with tired kids and rumbling stomachs. Our biggest tip? Let go of the pressure to make a picture-perfect camping meal. Here are our favorite approaches for a stress-free Friday dinner: Order takeout or pizza to the campground. (Yes, it’s okay!) Pick up subs on the way and eat in the car before arrival. Prepare something mostly premade like walking tacos or chicken salad wraps. If camping with friends, let the first family to arrive cook dinner—then return the favor on Saturday night. If you do want to cook on a Friday night, keep it super simple. Some of our favorite quick recipes from Jeremy's Camp Griddlemore cooking show include: No-Prep Stir Fry (pre-cooked meat + bagged veggies) Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Caesar Wraps Super Easy Mega Cheesy Quesadillas Smashburgers or hot dogs with unique toppings Bottom line? Don’t let cooking ruin your Friday night vibe. Settle in, enjoy your food, and save the fancy stuff for later. Saturday Morning: The Big Breakfast Moment Saturday morning is when camping food really shines in our family. If you’re not rushing off to hike or sightsee, take your time and make something special. This is the time for: Pancakes, bacon, eggs Campfire coffee and slow mornings Big breakfast spreads that fuel the whole day Some creative spins on classic camping breakfasts include: French Toast Bites with King’s Hawaiian Rolls Mini Campsite Breakfast Sandwiches (also on King’s Hawaiian!) Pancake Tacos with eggs and sausage Scrambled Egg-in-the-Hole with sausage, feta, and hot sauce Not only are these meals delicious, they’re fun for the kids—and offer great flexibility with portion sizes. Saturday Lunch: Keep It Simple After a big breakfast, we tend to go light for lunch. Usually, this means: Sandwiches (turkey, PB&J, tuna) Hummus and crackers Fruit, veggies, chips, leftovers Or lunch out if we’re exploring the area Going out for lunch instead of dinner is a great budget travel hack—and it gives you a break from food prep in the middle of the day. Saturday Night: Go Big (If You Want To) Saturday night is the perfect time to cook a fun, elaborate meal. You’re settled in, relaxed, and not rushing. This is when we pull out all the stops: NY Strip Steaks with Teriyaki String Beans Stephanie’s Sausage and Peppers Turkey Club Paninis or Chicken Parm Ranch Sandwiches Pizza night using a campfire or portable pizza oven Stir fry with fried rice or noodles If you’re camping with friends,

    50 min

  5. MAR 31

    RV Shoe Storage Dilemmas, Buying Used Pop Ups, Season Opening Trips

    This week’s episode of The RV Atlas is another Q&A edition, with practical advice straight from our own personal experience and our community. We’re tackling three very relatable camping topics: shoe storage solutions for RVers, tips for buying a used pop-up camper, and advice for planning your first camping trip of the season. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something helpful in this week’s listener-submitted questions. How Do You Manage Shoe Storage in Your RV? Submitted by: Jess S. Question: "I’m looking for inspiration on tackling the mound of shoes at the door of the RV! We are a family of four and each have 2–3 pairs of shoes on trips. Would love to see your ideas!" RV shoe storage is a common challenge, especially for families. Here are our favorite ideas for keeping the pile at bay: Try a Storage Ottoman We’ve had great success using lidded ottomans, which can store shoes and double as seating. These work especially well near the entry or in front of a bunk for RV shoe storage. Use the Space Under Furniture In our Jayco White Hawk, we stored shoes under the TV console. Think creatively—any underused floor space can be turned into an RV shoe storage zone. Hanging Shoe Organizers We’ve mounted over-the-door organizers sideways near the entrance. These work great for small shoes, especially for kids. Mats and Trays Designate a shoe drop zone with a small carpet or tray. The visual cue can help keep shoes in one place, even if you don’t have a full organizer system. Be Realistic Shoes will always find their way to the floor. Create a system that works with your family’s habits, not against them. If everyone kicks them off in the same spot, that’s where your solution should live! What Should I Know Before Buying a Used Pop-Up Camper?   Submitted by: Amy R. Question: "We’re starting to look for a used pop-up camper. What should we watch out for? Our budget is around $3,000, but we could go higher if we find something great." Buying a used pop-up camper is a great way to get into RVing on a budget—but it’s important to know what to look for. Make sure you know if you want something solid to camp in, or a project. Those are two very different pop up camper purchases! Use the Pop-Up Princess Checklist This PDF inspection guide is our go-to. It walks you through every major system and area to examine before purchasing. Set Clear Expectations Are you ready for a fixer-upper, or do you want to go camping right away? Be honest with yourself about your DIY skills and timeline. Watch for Hidden Damage Canvas rot, soft floors, and cracked roofs are red flags. Don’t be fooled by cute paint jobs or Instagrammable interiors if the bones aren’t solid. Be Cautious with “Flips” Some sellers make cosmetic updates but ignore mechanical or structural issues. Ask questions and dig deeper. Consider New Budget Options The Rockwood OTG is a very basic, durable pop-up starting around $6K–$7K. If you’re open to spending a little more, it’s a good alternative to gambling on a used unit. Where to Shop Look on Craigslist, RV Trader, and local dealerships for better prices and variety. Facebook Marketplace is convenient but often overpriced and filled with scams. Above all, don’t buy out of emotion. The best deals are the ones that make sense on paper and in person. How Should I Plan My First Trip of the Season? Community Question: Where are you heading for your first camping trip this year? Do you have tips for kicking off the season right? We always recommend starting with a local shakedown trip—something close to home with full hookups if possible. Why Stay Local?

    52 min

  6. MAR 26

    Why We Bought a nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S

    After years of RV adventures—and owning everything from pop-ups to a 32-foot Grand Design Imagine—we've added a new, smaller rig to our camping lineup: a 2024 nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S. This teardrop trailer with a clamshell kitchen is already bringing a whole new level of flexibility and simplicity to our camping life. In this episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we talk through all the details behind this big (yet small) decision—why we wanted a second RV, what we were shopping for, how our dealership experiences shaped the purchase, and what we love about the T@b 320 CS-S. Why We Wanted a Smaller Second RV This purchase wasn’t about replacing our Grand Design Imagine 2800 BH "bunkhouse"—it was about complementing it. Our lives and travel needs have changed as our kids have gotten older, and a smaller RV fits the direction we're heading in. Solo trips: With both of us traveling for work, it’s increasingly important to have a towable that’s easy to manage solo. Our 32-foot Imagine is great for family trips, but overkill for a quick weekend or content shoot. Couples getaways: With our kids older and sometimes busy with school, jobs, or friends, we’re seeing more opportunities for just-the-two-of-us camping trips. This may be wishful thinking, but we’ll keep you posted. Smaller family trips: The new setup (including our rooftop tent) lets us bring one or two of the boys along without needing the big rig. Camp Griddlemore filming: Jeremy’s Blackstone cooking show needed a rig with an outdoor kitchen and good visuals. The Tab 320 CS-S is perfect for creating content in tight, beautiful spaces. More flexibility: We love state park camping and Harvest Hosts locations—places where our larger rig isn’t always ideal. The Search: What Small RVs We Considered As always, RV shopping starts with a long list of dreams and must-haves. We first looked at several teardrop models, including the Airstream Basecamp (which we’ve owned previously), inTech Luna, and various models from Escapod, Vistabule, and Pindrop Trailers. These were all contenders, especially the nüCamp Tag XL with the outdoor kitchen. But ultimately, we needed more than a bed on wheels. We wanted a small RV with: A quality outdoor kitchen An indoor bathroom Space to sit, work, and move around inside Storage and solar power The must-haves quickly narrowed the search to one standout model: the nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S. The CS-S version includes the clamshell kitchen (a must for cooking content) and a cassette toilet, all in a sleek, modern design from a company that has a great reputation for quality RVs. A Disappointing Dealership Experience We found a used 2022 Tab 320 CS-S nearby listed for around $19,000. It was exactly what we were looking for—until we arrived at the dealership. No systems demonstration: The RV wasn’t plugged in, and when we asked to power it up, the salesperson refused, saying we’d get a complete walkthrough “after” purchase--and we should trust them to fix anything that wasn’t working. Hidden fees: A surprise $1,500 “prep fee” popped up when we asked for an out-the-door price. As far as we could tell, it covered little more than filling the propane tank since this was a used RV. Bad vibes: Questions were met with irritation, and when we decided to walk away, the salesperson accused us of being standoffish. It was clear we weren’t getting a great deal or great service—so we left. Finding the Right Fit at Indian Valley Camping Center

    1h 3m

  7. MAR 18

    9 Great Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri

    Check out this roundup of great Branson campgrounds to find a perfect spot for your visit to this family-friendly destination!

    50 min

  8. MAR 11

    Boston and Washington D.C. RV Trips, Budget Camping in Acadia, Renting a Motorhome

    Every week, we receive fantastic questions from The RV Atlas community, and this week, we’re tackling three trending topics: RVing to Boston and Washington DC, budget-friendly camping in Acadia National Park, and renting a motorhome for the first time. Whether you're planning an urban RV adventure, looking for affordable ways to explore a national park, or thinking about renting an RV, we’ve got you covered with advice from members of The RV Atlas private Facebook group, and our own personal experiences.  Thank you to Bill Sferrazza for the featured image of Spacious Skies Minuteman! RVing to Boston and Washington DC: Best Campgrounds and Transportation Tips One of our community members, Tina, wrote in with the following question: “Last year, we took a long weekend trip to DC and camped at Cherry Hill RV Park near the University of Maryland. It was a great base to explore the city since the train was nearby. This year, we’d love to do something similar in Boston. Can anyone recommend a good RV campground near Boston?” Cherry Hill RV Park is widely regarded as one of the best urban RV parks in the country, offering easy access to Washington DC’s public transit system, great amenities, and a well-maintained property. Fortunately, Boston has a couple of great RV-friendly options that offer a similar experience: 1. Normandy Farms Campground Location: Foxborough, MA (between Boston and Providence, RI) Why We Love It: One of the oldest and most well-established RV resorts in the country, Normandy Farms offers high-end amenities, including multiple pools, a fitness center, and planned activities. It’s not directly in Boston, but its location allows access to both Boston and Cape Cod. Public Transit Access: Normandy Farms is about 30 miles from Boston, so you’ll need to drive or use public transportation from a nearby commuter rail station. 2. Spacious Skies Minuteman Campground photo by Bill Sferrazza Location: Littleton, MA (north of Boston) Why We Love It: Spacious Skies Minuteman Campground is a budget-friendly alternative with wooded campsites, a pool, a playground, and a game room. It’s also close to Walden Pond, making it a great option for nature lovers. Public Transit Access: A commuter rail station nearby provides easy transport into downtown Boston. Exclusive Discount: Use code RVATLAS for 10% off your stay at Spacious Skies Minuteman! Both options have been highly recommended by our RV Atlas community, offering a mix of affordability and access to Boston’s historic sites, dining, and attractions. Budget-Friendly Camping in Acadia National Park Taylor Riley asked the following: “Can anyone help me plan a budget-friendly trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park? We have three young kids and want to do all the affordable and fun activities we can. This will be a 3-4 day trip.” Acadia National Park is a spectacular destination, but it can be pricey, especially during peak season. Here are our best budget-friendly camping and activity tips: Affordable Campground Options Hadley’s Point Campground – A family-friendly private campground with reasonable rates, located just outside the park. Seawall Campground, Blackwoods Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground – National Park campgrounds with great locations. If your RV fits within size restrictions, these are affordable choices inside Acadia National Park. Budget-Friendly Activities in Acadia Free & Cheap Attractions: Thunder Hole and Sand Beach on Park Loop Road – Must see fun stops in the park. Echo Lake – A great free swimming spot inside the park. Hike to Bar Island – Walk the land bridge at low tide,

    57 min
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A weekly podcast from the writers of rvfamilytravelatlas.com, focusing on topics that relate to RV family travel. We review campgrounds, discuss tips and tricks for traveling with kids, and answer our readers' most common questions. We also chat about food, gear, and those times when everything doesn't quite go as planned.

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  • Creator
    RVFTA Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The RV Atlas, 2014-2021
  • Show Website
    The RV Atlas Podcast

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