The RV Atlas Podcast

RVFTA Podcast Network
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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. 10月18日

    A Haunted RV Road Trip: Exploring America’s Spookiest Destinations (The Sequel)

    In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas, we’re diving into a haunted RV road trip with locations across the United States that make for perfect road trip stops—especially as Halloween approaches! Shannon Minner, a ghost hunting and RVing enthusiast, shares her picks for the best haunted spots to visit by RV. From spooky plantations to eerie cemeteries, we’ve got the details on must-visit haunted sites, campground recommendations, and ghostly tales. So buckle up for a paranormal road trip adventure. This is part two of a series that we started last October. To listen to Shannon's first "Haunted RV Road Trip" episode please click here. Thanks to Shannon for providing notes on these locations and all of the photos below (unless otherwise noted). We look forward to having her back on the show for another haunted RV road trip episode next October! Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm with a Spooky Twist Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in America, rich in both history and ghost stories. Shannon shares some of her favorite haunted spots in this charming city, where almost every corner seems to have a story to tell. This is one of the best places in America for a haunted RV road trip. Things to Do: Moon River Brewing: Once a hotel and now a brewery, this spot is said to be haunted by spirits from its violent past, including duels gone wrong. The Olde Pink House: Built in 1771, it was Georgia’s first bank, and now, employees report hearing a woman sobbing in the upstairs rooms. Sorrel-Weed House: Offers historical and ghost tours, including extended paranormal investigations. You can even take part in a two- or three-hour investigation if you're feeling brave. More info here Bonaventure Cemetery: This beautiful and famous cemetery offers both historical and paranormal tours. You can choose a history-focused tour from the cemetery itself or a spookier experience with 6th Sense World. Check out their tours Where to Stay: CreekFire RV Resort: Full of amenities like a lazy river, restaurant, sports courts, and more, this is a great place to unwind after a day of ghost hunting. Fort McAllister State Park: For a quieter, nature-filled stay near Savannah, this park offers 67 RV and tent sites. For more haunted Savannah locations and book recommendations, including Historic Haunts of Savannah by Michael Harris, check out Shannon's full list of spooky spots! Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Family Fun with a Ghostly Side Known for its water parks and family attractions, the Wisconsin Dells also has a darker side, which Shannon explored during a ghost trolley tour. Things to Do: Trolley Ghost Tour: This 90-minute tour stops at haunted locations like Ghost Molly’s Showboat Saloon, Spring Grove Cemetery, and more. You can even rent paranormal investigation equipment like K2 meters for the tour. Learn more here Where to Stay: Skillet Creek Campground Skillet Creek Campground: Located in nearby Baraboo, this peaceful spot offers a man-made lake, fishing pond, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday: Just a mile from downtown, this KOA offers a playground, splash pad, and pool, making it a great place to stay while you explore the haunted side of the Dells. For more spooky tales from the Dells, check out Paranormal Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo by Chad Lewis. St. Francisville, Louisiana: Home to America’s Most Haunted House St. Francisville is home to one of the most notorious haunted locations in the U.S.—Myrtles Plantation, dubbed “America’s Most Haunted House.” Make sure to put this stop on your haunted RV road trip bucket list! Things to Do: Myrtles Plantation: Built in 1796,

    58 分钟

  2. 10月13日

    Overland Expo East Review (Camping, Rigs, Gear, and More!)

    Overland Expo East, held in Arrington, Virginia, is more than just a trade show—it's an immersive experience that brings together the best in overlanding culture, vehicles, and gear. Whether you're an experienced overlander or someone looking to get into the hobby, this event offers something for everyone. This year's expo was attended by over 14,500 people from 45 states and countries as far away as Argentina, Denmark, and New Zealand, creating an exciting atmosphere rich with international influence. On this podcast episode, we explore the key highlights from Overland Expo East 2024: the camping experience, standout rigs, and must-have gear. By the end, you may be making your own Overland Expo reservations for 2025.  To listen to this week's episode of The RV Atlas please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts. The Camping Experience at Overland Expo East I attended the event and camped on-site, bringing my rooftop tent setup for a weekend of adventure. General admission camping at Overland Expo East costs $200 and covers camping from Thursday night to Monday morning, with full access to the expo. While the grounds were a muddy mess, thanks to recent heavy rains and the natural bowl shape of the venue, that didn’t dampen spirits. My setup worked well despite the challenging terrain. I used a Thule rooftop tent(https://www.thule.com/en-us/rooftop-tents) and added comforts like a Cabela’s privy tent(https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-privacy-shower-shelter) and Camco’s portable travel toilet(https://www.camco.net/portable-toilets), which made camping in the humid conditions more manageable.  One of the benefits of Overland Expo camping is the ability to bring your own gear and truly test it in the elements, a key draw for overlanders. Campfires weren’t allowed, but propane fire pits, like the Big Red Campfire(https://www.campingworld.com/camco-big-red-campfire-propane-outdoor-portable-campfire-58164.html), filled the gap. Next year, I plan to check out the upgraded camping area for better proximity to the vendors and bathrooms—a luxury that may be worth the extra cost, especially after seeing how challenging the conditions were this year.  Notable Rigs at Overland Expo East Overland Expo is known for showcasing a wide array of rigs, from compact teardrop trailers to serious overlanding trucks, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Several standout rigs caught my eye, including: - Bean Trailers (Salt Lake City, Utah): These teardrop trailers, made of vibrant fiberglass, stood out for their unique designs and impressive outdoor kitchens. With models like the Bean Squared featuring pop-up roofs, these trailers are both functional and stylish, albeit with a price tag starting around $35,000 to $45,000. - Escapod Teardrops (Utah): Known for their craftsmanship and durable outdoor kitchens, these trailers offered another beautiful option for those seeking a compact, adventure-ready rig. - Taxa Outdoors This company has become a staple in the overland community, with its Cricket and Woolly Bear models providing a lightweight, innovative option for campers. I’ve been a fan of Taxa since their debut at the Florida RV Super Show. - Four Wheel Campers (California) and Scout Campers (Washington): These truck campers attracted a lot of attention, especially for their rugged capabilities and suitability for overlanding. - Palomino Pause: Forest River's overland trailer range was also a highlight, particularly the toy hauler, which had a crowd of admirers thanks to its spacious living areas and off-road readiness.

    49 分钟

  3. 10月2日

    RVing in Quebec Part 2 (Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday)

    This is part two of a two part series about RVing in Quebec with Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road. To check out part one about Montreal and the Montreal South KOA Journey please click here. To listen to this episode about Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for Gretchen's guest blog post. Old Québec City very much feels like something out of a fairytale version of an old European city…at least if you can manage to forget about all the tourists around you who are thinking the same thing. At times it can feel a little too perfect--as if you’ve accidentally gone to the World Showcase at Disney’s Epcot instead of to Canada. But there’s a lot of very real history and culture behind the picture perfect surface of Québec City, and our family loved our time here. We stayed at the Quebec City KOA Holiday during our stay here--and it served as a great basecamp for exploring the city. The Quebec City KOA Holiday The Québec City KOA Holiday is just across the St. Lawrence River from Québec City, in the town of Levís. This is a great KOA with a helpful, bilingual staff, easy access from the highway, great proximity to Québec City, and lots of nice amenities to come back to after a day of touring.  The RV sites are mostly full hook-up gravel pull-throughs with pretty good sized yards. There are some patio sites, as well as a range of non-RV options, including rustic camping cabins and deluxe cabins. RV sites range from around $65 CAD up to over $100 CAD for patio sites.  The pool area is awesome, complete with water slides, a hot tub, and a splash pad area. There’s a communal fire pit in this area as well and lots of other indoor and outdoor communal spaces throughout the campground.  There are a lot of different options for getting into the city from the KOA. The campground runs a free shuttle every day, but it does need to be reserved a day in advance. We had planned to drive to the Levís ferry and take the quick ride across the river to the historic district, but we found out the the day we arrived that the ferry workers were striking and the ferry wasn’t running. So we ended up driving into the city every day, and this was actually surprisingly easy. It’s only about a 20 minute drive and traffic was never too bad. Driving and parking in Old Québec looked harrowing, however, so we parked in one of the large paid surface lots along the edge of town, which meant about 15 minutes of hilly walking to get to most of the sites.  Fun Things to Do in Québec City Walking Tour of Old Québec   Old Québec is so compact and walkable, and so rich with stories and history, that we thought a walking tour would be a great way to get our bearings and learn about the city. We went with the 2 hour “Grand Tour” with Tours Voir Québec and were very happy with the company and with our guide, but there are other well-reviewed companies that offer similar tours (some with guides in period costumes!) We really enjoyed getting to hear about the city from the perspective of someone who lives there and to see some hidden spots we wouldn’t have found on our own.  Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site Old Québec became an Unesco World Heritage site in 1985, largely because it’s one of the oldest towns in North America with a mostly intact system of fortified walls surrounding it. This Parks Canada site offers a few different ways to explore the walls and learn more about them. They offer a two hour guided tour that sounds wonderful but isn’t recommended for younger kids, so we opted instead to head to the Artillery Park area so our 11 year old could do the interactive “legend of the talking walls” a...

    43 分钟

  4. 9月27日

    RVing in Quebec Part 1 (Montreal and The Montreal South KOA Journey)

    On this week's episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road back on the show to talk about her big summer RV trip to Quebec.  Her family stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and enjoyed several days in the most European of Canada's great cities. To listen to Jeremy interview Gretchen please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Or read on below for a guest post from Gretchen. People often tout Montreal as “the most European of North American cities,” and indeed a walk along the cobblestone in the older parts of the city can make you feel like you’ve been transported both across the ocean and back in time. But Montreal also feels vibrantly modern and distinctly Canadian, and its location means it’s within easy driving distance for people in much of the US and Canada. Our family spent a few days in Montreal this past summer as part of a longer Canadian road trip, and we all left loving Montreal and wishing we could stay longer. We stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and it was a very good basecamp for our Canadian adventure. The Montreal South KOA Journey The Montreal South KOA Journey is 15 miles from the city and bills itself as the closest campground to Montreal. It’s big rig-friendly and easy to access from the highway. As first-time visitors to Quebec (and non-French speakers), we appreciated the friendly and helpful bilingual staff.  The sites are mostly a grid of standard gravel pull-throughs, but there are a good number of trees for shade and decent separation between the sites. Everything at this KOA is beautifully done and well-maintained: the bathrooms are nicely decorated and sparkling clean, there’s a small but lovely pool at the front of the campground, and the huge patio sites are probably the nicest I’ve ever seen. Sites start at around $70CAD for a basic pull-through and go up to over $100 for those patio sites.  The biggest thing to think about with urban RVing, though, is always how to actually get into the city to see the sites. The drive into Montreal from the KOA can be less than 30 minutes, depending on when you go. We did make the drive once, but we found both parking and traffic to be big challenges, so we did most of our travel via Montreal’s excellent public transportation system. There are a few different subway and rail stations within easy striking distance of the KOA; we made the 20 minute drive to the REM Brossard Station and took the new light rail from there into the city. There’s plenty of surface parking at this station, the trains are clean and comfortable, and, as a bonus, you get wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal’s skyline as you approach the city.    Fun Things to do in Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica This impressive neo-gothic cathedral in the heart of Old Montreal dates to 1824 and is a must see for first time visitors to the city. It’s open to visitors for self-guided tours during the day and at night becomes a canvas for “the AURA Experience” light and music show. Our attempt to attend the nighttime show was thwarted by a power outage in the area, but we very much enjoyed gawking at the impressive art and architecture by day. The entire area is worth spending time exploring; Old Montreal is the part of the city that feels the most European, with its old buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s always busy, and there’s always something going on; we found public art and live music everywhere we turned.  Pointe-a-calliere Pointe-a-calliere, Montreal’s museum of archaeology and history, might just be the coolest museum I’ve ever been to. It’s built on the site where the city’s first European settlers lived in the 17th Century,

    45 分钟

  5. 9月22日

    2024 Hershey RV Show: Trends, Favorite Rigs & Show Highlights

    We are back from the 2024 Hershey RV Show, and we have some trends, favorite RVs, and other show highlights to share! First, we want to say thank you! We appreciated the many people who stopped our table who read the blog, listen to the podcast, or own our books. You are all so great! We love this little community. It was also great to meet so many new people! We also had fun sharing our “Where Should We Camp Next?” books and debuting our RV Atlas Coffee Company! Soon, you'll have a chance to buy your very own bag of one of four special blends (Black Tank Blend, Camp Mojo, Morning Campfire, and Boondocker’s Delight). Check back in early October! To hear more about the Hershey RV show, click play on the media player above--or look for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast app! 5 Trends from the 2024 Hershey RV Show There is a LOT to see at the Hershey RV Show, and we tried to take it all in! Here are a few trends we noticed from the show: Small, European-style motorhomes are becoming more popular. Of course, we may have noticed more of these because we fell in love with this style of travel on our Iceland trip. Either way, we really liked many of the petite Class Cs we saw at Hershey and the new features and floorplans. Grand Design's new Lineage is a great example of this! We also swoon over Leisure Travel Vans. More manufacturers are doing off-site events in conjunction with the Hershey RV show. Space is tight at Hershey, and some manufacturers either can't get a space or can't get enough space, so why not take the party elsewhere? Some manufacturers offered treats and special deals to lure visitors to their off-site events. If you go in future years, look into these options, especially if you are looking for models, manufacturers, and dealers who won't be at the show. Pop-up, hybrid, and truck campers are not going away. Rumors have long been that these small segments of the RV market will die out, but they simply aren't. They are small but mighty. We saw a lot of variety across these segments! Whether these are for the first timers or someone who wants to camp in something that feels like "camping," these units still have a solid market. Independent custom van builders are on the rise. While there were only a few at Hershey, we've noticed this trend across the U.S. These people take popular Class B van chassis and build them out with custom interiors and amenities. There is a boisterous market for these independent upstarts who are doing really cool things! People love their RVs and love RVing! It was so great to hear from so many people who were truly happy with their rigs. While the industry has faced some complaints about quality, especially in recent years, the majority of people who own RVs love them and keep buying them. Our Top RV Picks from the 2024 Hershey RV Show We saw so many great RVs at Hershey! While there weren't a ton of new things that really stood out as innovative, manufacturers are continuing to improve on the tried and true, while adding awesome new features and designs. Here are just a few of our favorites: Flagstaff Shamrock 233S Each time we step in this three-bed hybrid model, we think, "We should have bought this!" The Flagstaff Shamrock 233S is an older floorplan that never ceases to impress us! It's also available as the Rockwood Roo 233S. It's impossible to find three queen beds in a 25-foot trailer...but that's the magic of a hybrid! The 233S has three flip-out queen beds, giving you an unbelievable amount of sleeping space in a fairly short RV. It feels like a 32-foot model thanks to all of the space! Plus,

    1 小时 6 分钟

  6. 9月14日

    The RV Atlas Q&A: RV Toilet Paper, Smokeless Fire Pits, Roadside Assistance and More!

    Welcome to another Q&A episode of The RV Atlas podcast. With summer winding down and fall camping season on the horizon, we took a deep dive into our RV Atlas Facebook group to answer some of the most engaging questions posed by fellow campers. Whether you're curious about campfire equipment, RV toilet paper, or unique camping destinations, this episode covers it all.  We chat about some of the hottest camping gear—like Yeti’s new cast iron skillets—and discuss whether high-end cookware is worth the investment for your camping setup. We also dive into the age-old debate of Solo Stove vs. Breeo and cover important topics like roadside assistance, paddle boarding at Assateague Island, and campgrounds near airports for those who love watching planes take off. So, pull up a chair and join us around the digital campfire. Should You Buy Yeti's New Cast Iron Skillet? Question: Yeti has a new line of cast iron skillets priced between $150-$250. Would you buy one for your camp cooking setup, or is it not even an option at that price point? Answer: When Yeti released their new line of cast iron skillets, the RV Atlas Facebook group had mixed reactions. While Yeti is known for its high-end outdoor gear, the consensus in our community was that the price point is steep, especially when beloved and reliable brands like Lodge offer durable cast iron for a fraction of the cost. Many group members, joked about the burdens of maintaining multiple cast iron pans. Ultimately, the general sentiment was that while Yeti’s skillets might be beautiful, most campers would rather stick with more affordable and equally functional options. Takeaway: If you’re passionate about quality and have the budget, Yeti’s skillet could be a fun addition to your gear. But for most, sticking with a trusted and less expensive brand like Lodge seems to be the way to go. Solo Stove vs. Brio: Which is Better? Question: Which is better for campfires and cooking, Solo Stove or Breeo? Answer: Both the Solo Stove and Breeo have become popular choices for campers, and after using both extensively, we can confidently say that each has its strengths. The Solo Stove, which is made overseas, is lighter, heats up faster, and becomes smokeless more quickly—perfect for those who want an easy-to-transport option. On the other hand, Breeo, which is made in Lancaster, PA, is built like a tank. It's heavier and takes longer to heat up, but it's an incredibly durable choice for those who want a more permanent setup at home. If you’re planning on bringing your fire pit on camping trips, the Solo Stove might be the better option due to its portability. Takeaway: Solo Stove is ideal for portability and quick heating, while Breeo offers more durability and a robust build for those who prefer a sturdy option for home use. Can You Go Paddle boarding at Assateague? Question: Can you paddle board at Assateague Island? Answer: Assateague Island in Maryland is a popular camping destination known for its wild ponies and beautiful beaches. Paddle boarding is absolutely an option, but you’ll want to head to the national seashore’s bayside area for the best experience. While the state park offers stunning beachfront camping, the ocean tides can be unpredictable, making it less ideal for paddle boarding. The bayside, on the other hand, offers calm waters perfect for paddling, and there are even concessions for renting equipment if you don’t have your own. Takeaway: Yes, you can paddle board at Assateague, but the bayside of the national seashore is the safer and more convenient option. Do You Really Need RV-Specific Toilet Paper? Question: Do I need RV-specific toilet paper, or can I use regular septic-friendly toilet paper in my 2009 RV? Answer: Ah, the great toilet paper debate! While many experienced RVers will tell you that septic-friendly...

    45 分钟

  7. 9月6日

    Back to “The Future of RVing” and Hershey RV Show Announcements!

    On this week's episode of The RV Atlas we have several big announcements about our table at the 2024 Hershey RV Show--and we are revisiting "The Future of RVing" podcast that we did ten years ago to see what we got right and what we got wrong. We will be back for the entire run of the 2024 Hersey RV show selling and signing all four of our "Where Should We Camp Next?" including the original, National Parks, Camping 101, and our latest--Budget Camping. We will also have "Where Should We Camp Next? mugs and a limited number of stickers--and our first book "RV Vacations." But that's not all folks! We are also debuting a new adventure! The RV Atlas Coffee Company will be making its debut at Hershey with a limited sample run of our first four blends (Black Tank Blend, Camp Mojo, Morning Campfire, and Boondocker's Delight). These are our favorite coffees in the world and we drink them at home and at the campground on every single trip. On this week's episode we also head back ten years to review a podcast that we did about "The Future of RVing" and we talk about what we got wrong (The Retro Revival!) and what we got right (more winter camping!) and we make bold predictions for the next ten years of RV life. Listen to the show using the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows! The future of RVing looks bright and we hope to see you in it. And as always we hope to see you at the campground! Jeremy & Stephanie

    1 小时 13 分钟

  8. 8月25日

    Campground Review! Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan

    On this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast we are welcoming guest correspondents Dan and Jess Steck for a terrific review of Jellystone Park Petoskey in Michigan. The Stecks recently returned from an epic RV trip to Michigan with their two daughters Penny and Molly, and their two lovable dogs. To listen to our interview with Dan and Jess please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for their guest blog post about Jellystone Park Petoskey.  Jellystone Park Petoskey Location and Overview If you are looking for a family-friendly RV resort in Northern Michigan, look no further than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan.  With spacious RV sites and an impressive array of cabins, this campground hits the sweet spot as both a full service RV resort and an excellent basecamp for exploring the area. Keep reading to find out what makes this park the perfect destination for balancing relaxation and exploration.  Jellystone Park Petoskey is situated only a few minutes drive from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Northwestern Michigan. Bring your tent or RV of any size (this campground is very big rig friendly!) and enjoy spacious sites surrounded by tall pines and birch trees.  There is a large variety of camping cabins available from one room rustic cabins to camping lodges featuring roof top decks or outdoor TVs and fireplaces!  These diverse accommodations make this a wonderful pick if you are traveling with a family who may not be bringing an RV along with them. Jellystone Park Petoskey: Attractions, Amenities, and Overall Vibe The grounds of Jellystone Park Petoskey are impeccably cared for and quite lovely. Flower boxes and flowerbeds overflow with colorful blooms and the campground staff can be seen caring for the property throughout the day.  I dare say we are talking about a Fort WIlderness level of cleanliness here.  Throughout our stay we were continually impressed by the cleanliness of the campground. The campground boasts one of the most lovely seasonal sections we have ever seen. We recognized several campground staff with RVs in this section and you can see that the care they put into the campground is mirrored in the beauty of their seasonal sites.  You will be hard-pressed to find yourself or your kids saying “I'm bored” during your stay here. Kids young and old have access to a great array of activities.  Available to you all day are jumping pads, a playground, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and everyone’s new favorite hobby--pickleball! On a hot day take a dip at the Swimming Hole.  The pool, though not huge, is perfect for cooling off and splashing around with the family.  On a mid-Saturday afternoon it was certainly busy at the pool but on Tuesday at 1 pm we nearly had the pool to ourselves. For more swimming adventures head just a few minutes down the road to Lake Michigan.  Like every Jellystone, the scheduled activities and amenities for kids are always a star of the show. There is a nice sized arcade and game room within the activity center that are open for you to come and go all day long.  Fun events like candy-bar bingo, HEY! Rides, tie-dye, character visits and movie nights are always a crowd pleaser.  Did you ask for gem mining? Of course! It’s not camping unless you are going home with a bag of gems When we asked our daughters, ages 3 and 5, what their favorite part of vacation was, they both yelled “the bike parade!” They both thought biking (and scooting) all the way around the campground with the activity director and big kids was out of this world. And we as parents will certainly never forget watching that joy! If kicking back and relaxing is on your vacation agend...

    43 分钟
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关于

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.

信息

  • 创作者
    RVFTA Podcast Network
  • 活跃年份
    2014年 - 2024年
  • 单集
    77
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © The RV Atlas, 2014-2021
  • 节目网站
    The RV Atlas Podcast

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