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.
A Haunted RV Road Trip Pt. 3: More Spooky Spots Near Campgrounds with Shannon Minner
On this week’s special Halloween episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we’re taking you on another leg of our Haunted RV Road Trip series with our resident “Camping Librarian,” Shannon Minner. In previous years, Shannon guided us through haunted campgrounds and spooky destinations from coast to coast. This time, she’s serving up something a little different: haunted bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and soak up some eerie atmosphere before retreating to the comfort of your RV for the night at a nearby campground.
From the haunted sp...
Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in the Heart of Shenandoah National Park
Discover Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. Learn where to camp, dine, and stay for the perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.
On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we dive into one of our favorite destinations in the East—Shenandoah National Park—and explore two equally incredible ways to stay there: Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge. Whether you love rustic camping or prefer the cozy comfort of a lodge, Big Meadows is a national park experience that delivers both sereni...
Why RV Rallies Are Worth It (+ Inside Looks at the nĂĽCamp Northeast Rally and the Airstream International Rally)
If you’ve ever wondered whether RV Rallies are “for you,” this week’s RV Atlas podcast episode makes a strong case in their favor. Rallies are one of the fastest, most rewarding ways to plug into the RV community, learn a ton about your rig, and simply have fun. Below we recap the biggest reasons to go, then take you inside two very different events—the 2025 Northeast nüCamp Rally in New York’s Adirondacks and the 2025 Airstream International Rally in York, Pennsylvania.
8 Reasons to Attend an RV Rally
...
Is Fall Camping Best? + Fall and Halloween Fun at Jellystone Parks Across the Country
Over the past decade, fall weekends and Halloween Fun at Jellystone Parks have transformed from simple trick-or-treat nights into elaborate festivals packed with activities. What began as costume parades and campground candy has grown into multi-week celebrations with haunted trails, harvest festivals, zombie scavenger hunts, and even chocolate slides.
For families, these weekends are a perfect way to extend the Halloween season. Kids get extra chances to wear their costumes, and parents can enjoy seasonal favorites like apple cider and pumpkin donuts. Compared to a single afternoon at a local farm, these Jellystone weekends often...
Campground Review: Spacious Skies Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey
We recently headed down to South Jersey to spend a few days at Spacious Skies Country Oaks, a medium-sized campground in Dorothy, New Jersey. This property is part of the Spacious Skies Campgrounds collection, and it struck us as one of those rare campgrounds that hits a sweet spot: affordable rates, a relaxed vibe, and a solid list of amenities and activities.
If you’re looking for a base camp to explore the southern New Jersey coast—or if you just want a quiet escape to relax by the pool or sit...
Meet The RV Atlas at the 2025 Hershey RV Show!
The Hershey RV Show is almost here, and we’re excited to be back at America’s Largest RV Show with a booth stocked full of our books, journals, and coffee—and plenty of time to meet and chat with our listeners. If you’re planning to attend the show, here’s your complete guide to finding us, seeing what we’ll have on hand, and making the most of your Hershey experience.
Show Basics
Dates: September 10–14, 2025 Hours: Wednesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Giant Center, Hershe...What’s New at Harvest Hosts: 6 Major Updates + Sneak Peeks (with Bill Zhang)
:For years, Harvest Hosts has been one of our favorite RV memberships. The program gives RVers the chance to spend the night at unique locations like wineries, breweries, farms, golf courses, and even museums. With over 6,000 host locations across North America, Harvest Hosts has become a go-to option for adventurous travelers looking for memorable overnight stays.Â
In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, Jeremy sat down with Bill Zhang, longtime Chief Marketing Officer and now “Chief Retirement Officer” of Harvest Hosts. Bill has been with the company since Joel Holland acquire...
Heath Padgett’s Epic Road Trip: From RV Entrepreneur to RV Help
When Heath Padgett left his traditional 9-to-5 in 2014, he didn’t have much of a plan beyond a borrowed RV and an itch to see the country. He and his wife Alyssa hit the road with “no marketable skills,” as he likes to say, but plenty of determination. They filmed a documentary in which Heath worked a job in all 50 states while Alyssa learned video production. The project jump-started a career in content marketing for RV brands — and a decade-long experiment in building a life around the open road.
Today, Heath has become something of a househ...
Campground Review: Cherry Creek State Park in Denver CO, with Gretchen Holcombe
Guest post about Cherry Creek State Park by Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road.
This is part two of a two part series about Denver State Parks. Click here for episode one about Chatfield State Park.
Where to Stay
Cherry Creek State Park
RVing near big cities often means paying a premium price for a cramped slice of a gravel parking lot…but things are different in Denver. Two of Colorado’s excellent state parks—Cherry Creek and Chatfield— are a quick drive from downtown Denver and offer up...
Campground Review: Chatfield State Park in Denver, CO with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy
We all know RVing to a city can be a special challenge since most cities don’t have great campgrounds, but Denver is an exception. It not only has terrific campground choices, two options are state parks, which come with the recreation, views, large sites, and low prices you would expect at a state park campground, all within 20-30 minutes of downtown. We happened to have two RV Atlas regular correspondents visit Denver this summer, and we are doing a 2-part series with their campground recommendations and details about all the things to see and do in Denver. Check ou...
The Complete Guide to America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to see almost everything in the RV world in one place, the Hershey RV Show—officially known as America’s Largest RV Show—is your answer. Every September, this five-day event transforms the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania into a massive celebration of RV life.We’ve been attending for more than a decade, and we can tell you: this show isn’t just for people shopping for a new rig. It’s for anyone who loves RVing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a full-timer looking for the latest accessories, or...
8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon (Pt. 2): with Camp West BBQ
This is the second episode in a two part mini-series with Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ. In episode one Jeremy covered four great campgrounds in northern California and southern Oregon that he visited with his family on an epic 17 day road trip earlier this summer. In this follow up episode he picks up where he left off and covers four more great campgrounds that his family visited on the second leg of their trip.For more information about all of these campgrounds check out this detailed blog post here or listen to the RV Atlas wherever you listen...
8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1)
Northern California and Oregon are home to some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes and amazing campgrounds. With all of the options, how do you decide where to stay? Recently, Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ planned his first long RV journey and chose this beautiful section of the Pacific Coast as his focus. His 17-day journey includes 8 great campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon. We are so glad he shared all of his tips and reviews with us!
Thanks to Jeremy for sharing his family photos for this post!Â
We kno...
An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz
Since 2020, New River Gorge has held the title of the nation’s newest national park. Travelers are just discovering the magic of this fantastic slice of West Virginia. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, we have a special guest here to help you decide where to stay and what to do. There’s so much more to this region than its iconic bridge.
Allie Kreuz is a special member of our RV Atlas Facebook group who has been so helpful in sharing tips and advice with our co...
6 Tips for Getting Your RV Serviced, Best Camping Cookbooks, 6 Things I Love About My RV
After nearly two decades of RV ownership, we’ve experienced our fair share of dealership service appointments—some smooth, some challenging, and some outright frustrating. Getting your RV serviced can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we’re sharing practical, tested tips based on our personal experiences to help you have a smoother, less stressful experience when getting your RV serviced at a dealership.
You can listen to us discuss these 6 tips for getting your rv serviced in detail on The RV Atlas podcast, wherever you listen.Â
Build a Relatio...
Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado
Located in the bustling outdoor playground of Grand Junction, Colorado, Camp Eddy offers a camping experience that seamlessly combines modern amenities, river access, and proximity to the vibrant downtown area. This unique campground, situated alongside the Colorado River, captures the best of both natural tranquility and urban convenience.Â
You can listen to our complete campground review wherever you get your podcasts!
Camp Eddy Overview and Location
Camp Eddy is beautifully situated on the banks of the Colorado River, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Grand Junction. The campground combines t...
Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi with Casita Dean May
The Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi, is generating considerable buzz among RVers, and for good reason. Recently opened, this upscale RV resort fills a valuable niche in North Central Mississippi, offering a luxury camping experience that’s perfect for families, football fans, and snowbirds alike. Situated conveniently close to Oxford—home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”)—this brand-new resort has become an immediate standout.
Dean May, affectionately known around these parts as “Casita Dean,” recently reviewed the new resort on The RV Atlas podcast. You can listen to the entire episode wherever you get your p...
Outdoor Cooking with Stu and Edye Beans: Omnia Oven Recipes and Tips
Discover delicious, easy camping recipes perfect for your Omnia Oven! This episode of The RV Atlas podcast features cookbook authors Stu and Edye Beans, who share practical tips, tasty meals, and their favorite Omnia Oven accessories for amazing campsite cooking. Click on the media player above or subscribe using your favorite podcasting app!
Cooking outdoors is one of our favorite things about RVing, and the Omnia Stovetop Oven has become a favorite piece of camp cooking gear for our family over the last couple of years. On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we’re e...
Outfitting our nĂĽCamp Tab 320 CS-S: Best Gear + Organization Tips for Tiny Trailer Living
Outfitting a tiny trailer is a unique experience. After years of stocking larger RVs, downsizing to a nüCamp Tab 320 CS-S presented us with unique challenges. The transition required us to rethink our gear choices, optimize our space, and develop some creative strategies to mix comfort and convenience. Over the last few months, we’ve created a tiny space that feels almost perfectly equipped for both of us, whether we are traveling individually or together.
In this episode of The RV Atlas, we share the gear that made the cut for our nuCamp Tab 320 CS-S, and offer som...
4th of July Camp Cooking Extravaganza: Grills, Griddles, Skillets, Gear, Recipes, and More!
The 4th of July is synonymous with grilling and camp cooking, and there’s no better time to up your outdoor culinary game. Whether you’re grilling burgers, griddling pancakes, or cooking something unique, great gear makes all the difference. This week on The RV Atlas podcast, we dive deep into our favorite grilling and griddling gear, skillet recommendations, and flavorful foods and recipes to inspire your next campground feast.
Listen to this 4th of July Camp Cooking episode wherever you get your podcasts to hear more tips and tricks for camp cooking this summer.Â
Thank...
Downsizing from a Family RV to a Winnebago Class B with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy
To buy a Class B or not to buy a Class B? That is a question many RVers have probably considered at some point. After all, #vanlife literally has its own hashtag and a sea of influencers that make it look pretty epic. However, despite the many appeals of a Class B van, they do have their drawbacks. Kerri Cox of Travels with Birdy is here to tell us all about taking the leap from a 30-foot travel trailer to a Winnebago Travato—and all of the decision making that went into the process. What are the pros and co...
Campground Review: Finger Lakes RV Resort & Things to Do Near Seneca Lake, NY
The Finger Lakes region has long been a favorite destination for New Yorkers seeking picturesque vineyards, stunning lakes, and charming small towns. And while the area offers many beautiful state park camping options, private campgrounds and RV resorts are less abundant. Recently opened, Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, New York, has stepped in to fill this gap, offering RVers an appealing new option with spacious full hook up sites and a prime location near Seneca Lake. This resort is a welcome addition to the Finger Lakes camping scene, and Jeremy thoroughly enjoyed his recent stay.
Campground Review: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in New York
We’ve explored several Spacious Skies Campgrounds over the last two years, each offering its own unique charm. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, New York, instantly became a new favorite due to its perfect blend of peaceful surroundings, great amenities, and proximity to some of the Upper Hudson Valley’s most delightful towns.
Where Is Spacious Skies Woodland Hills Located?
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills sits nestled in Columbia County, about 2 hours north of New York City without traffic. Coming from the south, the drive is relatively straightforward, with a brief comp...
Beyond the 48: A Family Surf Trip to Oahu, Hawaii
This episode of our “Beyond the 48” series highlights our family surf trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Though this journey didn’t involve our RV, it was a remarkable multi-generational family vacation and an experience of a lifetime. At the end of our eight-day stay, we understood why Hawaii is a bucket-list destination for so many families.
Other Beyond the 48 Episodes:
Explore Costa Rica with Exodus Travels
Explore Iceland with Rent Easy Iceland
Planning and Booking Our Hawaiian Adventure
Planning a big family trip to Hawaii requires thoughtful budgeting and lo...
12 Tips for RV Trips to Assateague State Park in Maryland
Assateague State Park is one of Maryland’s most beloved coastal camping destinations, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, roaming wild horses, and picturesque campsites. Located on the northern end of Assateague Island, just a stone’s throw away from the famous Assateague Island National Seashore, the state park offers campers a distinct yet equally captivating experience.Â
In this week’s RV Atlas podcast episode, we’re sharing our best tips for making your visit to Assateague State Park both comfortable and memorable.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a first-time camper, here’s everything you need to k...
Discovering Jellystone Park Watts Bar Lake: Tennessee’s Newest Family Camping Gem
On this week’s podcast episode, we are excited to feature a brand new addition to the Jellystone Park family—Jellystone Park Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee. With firsthand insights from Cherolyn Chiang and Johanna Mason of the park’s marketing team, we’re sharing all the details you need to know about this exceptional new destination, plus reminiscing about some of our favorite Jellystone activities over the years.
Introducing Jellystone Park Watts Bar Lake
Nestled in beautiful Spring City, Tennessee, Jellystone Park Watts Bar Lake offers a scenic setting right on the shores o...
E-Bikes at Fort Wilderness, RVing with Dogs, Buying a Used Van, Audiobooks for the Road
Answering Your RV Questions: E-Bikes at Fort Wilderness, RVing with Dogs, Buying a Class B Van, and Audiobook Recommendations
We are back with another Q&A episode, sharing real-world advice for all your camping adventures directly from the discussions in our RV Atlas community. In this edition, we dive into questions about e-bikes at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, managing dogs at your campsite, purchasing a used Class B van, our favorite audiobooks for road trips, and recommendations for pet boarding near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let’s jump in!
Can You Ride E-Bikes at D...
Mysteries of the National Parks with Mike Bezemek
Exploring the Unknown: Mike Bezemek and His Book Mysteries of the National Parks
America’s national parks are beloved for their breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and countless outdoor adventures. However, beyond their scenic beauty, many of these parks harbor secrets and unsolved mysteries that continue to fascinate and perplex visitors. Author, outdoor expert, and photographer Mike Bezemek delves into these tales in his new book, Mysteries of the National Parks.
All photos provided. by Mike Bezemek
On this episode of The RV Atlas podcast, Mike shares the inspiration behind hi...
Spring Gear Guide: Camp Kitchen, RV Gadgets, New Camping Books for 2025
2025 RV Atlas Spring Gear Guide: Camp Kitchen, RV Gear and Gadgets, Spring Camping BooksÂ
Spring is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to hitch up the RV and head to the campground. Each spring, we refresh our camping gear, discovering new products and revisiting old favorites to ensure we’re ready for the camping season ahead. This year, we’ve gathered some standout camp kitchen gear, must-have RV gadgets, and basic camping essentials–all personally tested by two-legged and four-legged members of our family.
Camp Kitchen Essentials
High Camp...
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 earnin...
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 t...
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 certif...
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 stea...
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.
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Why We Bought a nĂĽCamp 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 abou...
9 Great Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri
Like Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach, Branson is a family friendly camping destination, offering both the natural beauty of the Ozarks and tons of attractions. Luckily, Branson campgrounds and RV resorts are as bountiful as the fun. Whether you prefer a peaceful lakefront retreat or an active kid-friendly RV park, there’s a great campground for you in Branson, Missouri.
On this week’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy back on the show to share a roundup of Branson campgrounds.  To listen to Jeremy inter...
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.Â
Thank you to Bill Sferrazza for the featured image of Spacious Skies Minuteman!
...
Ocean Lakes Family Campground Review + Our 14 Favorite Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has long been a favorite destination for RVers, offering a mix of beachfront camping, family-friendly entertainment, and outdoor recreation. In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas, we dive into a review of Ocean Lakes Family Campground, one of the largest and most well-known campgrounds on the East Coast. Then, we share our top things to do in Myrtle Beach, from state parks to local dining and fun attractions. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a relaxing escape, this guide will help you make the most of your Myrtle Beach RV trip.
Than...
Is Seasonal Camping Right for Your Family? Tips, Tricks, Costs, and Considerations
Is Seasonal Camping Right for Your Family?
If you love RVing but find yourself struggling to make time for weekend getaways, seasonal camping might be the perfect solution. Rather than hauling your RV to a new campground every trip, seasonal camping allows you to set up at one campground for an extended period—typically an entire season or even a whole year. This setup offers a home-away-from-home experience without the hassle of hitching, towing, and setting up every time you want to enjoy some time at the campground with family and friends.
In this episode of...
10 Tips for Visiting all 63 National Parks (with Shellie Bailey-Shah from Kid Tripster)
Visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks is a dream for many RV owners, but it’s no small feat. Between logistics, budgeting, and time constraints, planning visits to all the parks requires some serious strategy.
In this episode of The RV Atlas, podcast, we interview Shellie Bailey-Shah, a seasoned traveler and founder of KidTripster, who has visited every single U.S. National Park. With years of experience RVing across the country, she shares practical tips for visiting all 63 National Parks—whether you want to visit them all in a few years or spread them out over a few...
