The INSANE Prices Being Paid For In a single day Camping

This week on the RV Podcast:

• Just HOW MUCH would you pay for an RV campsite? $200? $300? $400? You will not consider how costly it has grow to be
• Starlink’s whole world community just about collapsed for hours final week, inflicting reliability considerations for what had been just about a trouble-free on-line supply for RVers
• Talk about scary! A mountain lion attacked a four-year-old woman whereas she was climbing together with her dad and mom out west final week. The dad saved his daughter, however she needed to be airlifted to a hospital.
• All this plus the RV News of the Week and your questions developing in Episode 557 of the RV Podcast

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RV NEWS OF THE WEEK

Starlink’s Global Blackout Leaves RVers and Ukraine Military in the Dark​

A rising variety of RVers depend on Starlink to remain related whereas touring, however final Thursday the satellite tv for pc system was down for a number of hours world-wide. The firm mentioned the uncommon blackout was “due to failure of key internal software services that operate the core network” and was shortly mounted. Starlink is utilized by 140 nations, together with Ukraine, the place the outage affected fight operations.

​Packed Parks, Empty Coffers: Oregon Parks anticipates 14% shortfall by 2027​

Despite elevating its charges, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is anticipating a 14% funds shortfall by 2027 and is in search of the general public’s enter as it really works to develop new methods to fund its parks. Oregon Parks is among the most visited within the nation, experiencing file visitation with greater than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. The state has a web based survey, and those that full it may possibly enter a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking allow.

​Hero Dad Fights Off Cougar That Attacked His 4-Year-Old on Popular Trail​

A household hike turned terrifying when a cougar pounced on a 4-year-old close to Hurricane Ridge’s Victoria Overlook in Olympic National Park. The kid’s father instantly pursued the animal, heroically forcing it to launch his little one. The little one was airlifted to a medical middle and launched the subsequent day. And rangers hunted down the animal and euthanized it.

​Mountain Lion Kills Colorado’s Reintroduced Wolf ​

Speaking of massive cats, final week, the state offered an replace on the reason for loss of life of two wolves that had been a part of its efforts to reintroduce grey wolves again to the state. The wolf discovered useless at Rocky Mountain National Park died from a mountain lion assault, and a second wolf’s loss of life was traced to accidents from a foothold lure used for coyote management. Other reintroduced wolves died after crossing into Wyoming, the place not less than one was shot, however others do stay alive and free in Colorado.

​Your Chance at California’s Crown Jewel Campsites Just Got Better​

California State Parks introduced it’s making upgrades to its campsite reservation system, permitting campers to see in close to real-time campsite availability and standing of openings at different close by campgrounds at its website ​Parks.ca.gov​. State park can be increasing a pilot lottery reservation system to provide extra individuals a chance to nab a reservation at three of its most desired places, together with Malibu Creek State Park later this month, and Morro Bay State Park and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park later this summer time.

​Half Victory: Black Canyon North Rim Opens as South Rim Fire Battle Rages On​

Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison WILL open its north rim July 30 after a wildfire compelled the closure of the park earlier this month. (Previous information reviews mentioned the park was closed for the rest of 2025.) The north rim has 13 campsites which can be first-come, first-served and are open solely to RVs 22 toes or smaller. The fireplace within the South Rim is continuous to burn, although it’s beginning to be contained. The date for reopening that part of the park is unknown.

SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer

Wendy Bowyer reviews on the new points most talked about this previous week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.

Recently, Michelle had a put up in our RVLifestyle Facebook Group that learn: “Price shocked! Just checked Sun Outdoors Frontier Town for July 3-6 and it was $353 a night!!!”

When I noticed this put up, I could not consider it, so I appeared up a campsite myself and was quoted much more. The motive is Sun Outdoors apparently does what many motels do – and that’s use dynamic pricing. That means costs are NOT set by season, like most campgrounds, however fairly it’s real-time provide and demand, which means at peak demand intervals, costs can soar.

So this led to us asking each our personal RV Lifestyle Community and our Facebook group what was the most they ever paid for a campsite, the place that campsite was, and did they pay it, and boy, was it ever fascinating!

Hundreds of individuals responded and the best I noticed was $400 an evening for a campsite.

One one that splurged was Jill who paid that on the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina in California. She splurged for 2 nights, the campsite was on the water with its personal fenced-in grassy yard. 

Heather was quoted $400 an evening for a back-in waterfront website plus a $100 lock-in payment on the Sun Outdoors at Rehoboth Bay in Delaware. Now this park does embrace a number of extras, like a swim up pool bar, a personal seashore, massive pool and infrequently leisure – so it’s definitely not your typical campground – however is it value $400 an evening?

One pattern we noticed is that folks would pay for a particular location, just like the Florida Keys.  Several in our group paid anyplace from $238 to $300 an evening to remain on the Sugarloaf/Key West KOA Resort. And most appeared to suppose it was value it!

We additionally noticed actually excessive costs round particular occasions, like final 12 months’s photo voltaic eclipse. Remember that? Marcy was searching for a campsite at the moment and was quoted $300 for one night time. The killer was this campground was usually simply $50 an evening. She opted to not keep.

Jane paid $300 per night time to remain at a campground that was 1/2 mile down the road from Churchill Downs for the one hundred and fiftieth operating of the Kentucky Derby. She was not thrilled with that value.

And Butch was quoted $320 an evening on the KOA in Albuquerque, New Mexico throughout the balloon fiesta. His quote: “Never again.”

Finding a campsite close to a nationwide park can be tremendous costly.

Robin was quoted $225 an evening to camp on the KOA simply exterior Glacier National Park, for instance

And a number of campground chains got here up time and again as the best costs anybody had ever paid. Those chains had been Sun Outdoors, Jellystone Parks, KOA resorts and Camp Margaritaville.

Some individuals mentioned they really discovered it was cheaper in some places to get a lodge fairly than a tenting spot.

Deborah mentioned she was quoted  $115 per night time for a campground in Pigeon Forge, TN. She and her husband discovered what she mentioned was a pleasant lodge within the space that charged them $80 an evening and the lodge had a pool and included breakfast. 

Obviously by discovering state or nationwide parks, utilizing an America the Beautiful cross, or a membership with a bunch like RVOvernights, you’ll find methods to camp every night time for much less.

But total the theme of those a whole bunch of feedback is that campsites do value considerably greater than they did just some years in the past 

Perhaps Eric mentioned it greatest. Eric mentioned they simply spent $190 an evening after taxes to remain at a campground in Pagosa Springs, CO, which was about double what they paid 3-4 years in the past. Eric mentioned generally most issues have been $80+ out West this 12 months. 

And maybe most telling …. He mentioned it appears like $80 an evening is the brand new $45.

What do you suppose? Do you see campground costs considerably up? What is essentially the most you had been ever quoted? Would love to listen to your ideas within the feedback.

Why so excessive? Campgrounds are getting hammered by the identical inflation affecting all the things else – their electrical energy, water, insurance coverage, property taxes, and labor prices have all surged.

Liability insurance coverage for campgrounds has gone by way of the roof attributable to elevated claims and getting older infrastructure wants fixed repairs and enhancements.

Most RVers appear to suppose that the drastic enhance in campsite charges is because of campground house owners’ greed. However, the additional we dug into this, the extra we now have come to appreciate that is actually not the case. It takes an unbelievable sum of money to successfully run a campground or RV park.

Bottom line, although, is these charges aren’t more likely to come down anytime quickly. Most campgrounds are simply making an attempt to maintain up with their very own rising prices whereas sustaining the amenities and companies campers count on. Many are additionally coping with overwhelming demand, which does not assist pricing pressures.

RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK

QUESTION: Dear Mike and Jen, are you able to advocate any sources or books or YouTube educational movies a few step-by-step means of tow a small trailer with a small truck or SUV in addition to the required tools and modifications of our towing automobile which can be needed? We are serious about getting a trailer to tow once we go to nationwide parks and out west . We have a motor residence however having a automobile or small truck would make it a lot simpler to unhook. We don’t have any expertise in towing and we wish a superb reference to check earlier than we do that. Thank you each, you’re each very useful in your web site and your YouTube channel!  Frank 

ANSWER: 

Everything You Need to Know Before You Hitch Up and Head Out

If you’re serious about towing a small RV trailer together with your SUV or light-duty pickup—particularly for journeys to National Parks or out West—you’re not alone. Many RVers such as you benefit from the freedom of a motorhome however need the added flexibility of a towable RV setup. Whether it is a compact journey trailer, teardrop, or light-weight camper, right here’s a step-by-step information and curated checklist of sources that can assist you begin towing confidently.

Must-Read Guides for First-Time RV Trailer Towing

• CURT’s Towing 101 for RV Trailers
  Covers each facet of towing—hitch choice, tongue weight, trailer wiring, loading greatest practices, and secure driving habits. It’s a whole information for anybody beginning out.
  ➤ CURT Towing 101 on YouTube
  
• RVnGO’s “How to Tow a Camper Trailer with an SUV”
  Written with RVers in thoughts—this covers SUV-specific points like sway management, brake controllers, trailer measurement limits, and secure loading.
  ➤ RVnGO Beginner Guide
  
• RV Education 101 – Mark Polk’s channel has wonderful foundational movies on trailer security, pre-trip inspections, and correct towing procedures.

Best YouTube Videos for Towing an RV Trailer

• “Tips for Driving With A Trailer | How To Tow”
  A terrific video for brand new RVers that walks by way of hooking up, braking, turning, and driving with a trailer safely.
  ➤ Watch on YouTube
  
• “Towing for Beginners: How to Tow a Travel Trailer”
  Excellent for those who’re shopping for your first small journey trailer and wish real-life how-tos.
  ➤ Watch on YouTube
  
• “How to Hitch a Travel Trailer Properly”
  A must-watch for those who’ve by no means related a hitch and desire a visible walkthrough.
  ➤ Watch on YouTube
  

Necessary Equipment for Towing an RV Trailer

Key Modifications to Consider

• Upgrade Suspension: Airbags or helper springs may also help cut back rear sag when towing.
• Install Backup Camera: Many RV trailers block your rearview—it is a lifesaver when reversing or parking.
• Tires & Brakes: Ensure each your automobile and RV trailer have tires rated for towing and good brake situation.

Smart Beginner Steps

1. Know Your Numbers
   
   • Check your automobile’s towing capability (within the handbook or driver’s door jamb).
   • Know the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your trailer and match accordingly.
2. Practice Before You Travel
   
   • Hitch up in a quiet lot and follow turning, braking, and backing up earlier than your first highway journey.
3. Load Properly
   
   • Keep 60% of your weight ahead of the axle, and purpose for 10–15% tongue weight.
4. Stay Legal & Safe
   
   • Don’t exceed weight limits. Use your brake controller and observe trailer security inspection checklists.

Final Tip

Even for those who already RV in a motorhome, studying to tow a small RV trailer provides you with new flexibility—particularly for adventurous routes or if you need to detach and discover with simply your automobile.

The secret’s understanding your automobile’s towing capability, choosing the proper trailer weight, and mastering the fundamentals earlier than your first journey. Start with quick native journeys to construct confidence earlier than heading to these nationwide parks!

MIKE & JEN’S STORYTIME – The Best RV Night We Never Planned

Mike: You know, Jen and I’ve all the time been believers in serendipity journey – simply hitting the highway and seeing the place it takes us. But I’ll let you know, that night close to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, we had been beginning to query all the things about our no-reservations philosophy.

Jen: Oh my gosh, sure! There we had been, rolling west alongside I-94 on the northern route from Michigan in direction of Glacier National Park, and the solar was getting decrease by the minute. We’d been RV campground procuring all afternoon – for those who can name it that – and it was turning right into a comedy of errors.

Mike: First place we stopped? “Sorry folks, we’re completely booked.” Second place wished seventy-five {dollars} for what would mainly be a twelve-hour pit cease. I imply, come on! We’re not staying on the Ritz!

Jen: And do not even get me began on that third place. Mike took one go searching and mentioned, “Nope, we’re not staying here.” It appeared like one thing out of a horror film. Weeds rising by way of the gravel, sketchy characters hanging round…

Mike: So there we had been, plodding alongside, and I’m beginning to get that sinking feeling. You know the one – if you’re questioning for those who ought to have executed extra analysis, made some reservations, been extra… accountable.

Jen: But then we noticed this lovely lakeside restaurant proper there on Detroit Lakes. The parking zone was large, and Mike mentioned, “Well, at least we can get a good meal and figure out our next move.”

Mike: I ought to level out that Detroit Lakes is not only one lake. It’s greater than 400 lakes, all inside 20 miles. Anyway, this restaurant was on one of many bigger ones. The second we walked in, our spirits lifted. The place had this heat, welcoming ambiance, and after they seated us by the window… wow. The view was unbelievable – the lake stretching out like a mirror, reflecting the sky.

Jen: We ordered dinner and tried to get pleasure from ourselves, however I may see Mike was nonetheless careworn about the place we might sleep. We even talked about simply driving by way of the night time, however neither of us was thrilled about that concept.

Mike: Then dessert got here, and we’re sitting there watching this totally spectacular sundown paint the sky in oranges and purples. The water was so nonetheless it appeared like glass.

Jen: I bear in mind looking at that excellent scene and simply sighing. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could just stay right here?” I mentioned it half-joking, but additionally half-wishing it could possibly be true.

Mike: And that is when it hit me. Why not simply ask? I imply, what is the worst they may say? No? We had been already getting loads of these.

Jen: Mike flagged down our server – this beautiful younger lady who’d been so pleasant all night. I used to be just a little embarrassed, actually. Here we had been, about to ask if we may mainly camp of their parking zone.

Mike: I identified towards our RV on the far finish of the lot and defined our scenario. “I know this might sound unusual,” I mentioned, “but would there be any chance we could stay here tonight? We’d be gone first thing in the morning.”

Jen: The server’s eyes lit up, and he or she mentioned, “Let me check with my manager!” She was again earlier than we may even end our espresso.

Mike: I used to be bracing myself for the well mannered “no” – you already know, one thing about insurance coverage insurance policies or firm laws.

Jen: But as a substitute, she had this large smile on her face. “No problem at all!” she mentioned. “We close at ten, and after that, you’ll have the whole parking lot to yourselves.”

Mike: I believe my jaw really dropped. Here we might been driving round for hours, getting turned away left and proper, getting extra annoyed by the minute…

Jen: And all we needed to do was ask! Not simply ask on the proper place, however ask the correct query of people that cared sufficient to say sure.

Mike: That night time was magical. We had front-row seats to essentially the most unbelievable sundown, and once we awoke the subsequent morning…

Jen: Oh my goodness, the dawn! It was much more lovely than the sundown. The lake was completely nonetheless, and the sky simply exploded in pink and gold. We made espresso and simply sat there in absolute peace.

Mike: You know what we realized that day? Sometimes one of the best experiences come not from excellent planning, however from excellent individuals. People who’re prepared to say sure after they may simply say no.

Jen: And generally the answer to your drawback is not present in a guidebook or a reservation system. Sometimes it is present in merely being courageous sufficient to ask and being open to the kindness of strangers.

Mike: That restaurant did not simply give us a spot to park for the night time. They gave us considered one of our favourite journey recollections ever, and reminded us why we love this spontaneous manner of seeing the world.

Jen: The ethical of the story? Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You could be stunned by how many individuals are prepared to assist, and also you would possibly simply uncover that the proper spot was proper in entrance of you all alongside.

Mike: Sometimes one of the best adventures occur if you cease planning and begin asking. And generally, essentially the most lovely locations to remain are those you by no means thought to search for.

Jen: Trust in serendipity, belief in individuals’s kindness, and all the time, all the time be courageous sufficient to ask. You by no means know what fantastic surprises are ready for you.

Got RV Questions? Talk One-on-One with Mike!
Mike Wendland is now accessible for personal consultations that can assist you navigate the RV Lifestyle with confidence. Whether you’re planning a giant journey, contemplating full-timing, exploring boondocking, or simply searching for steerage on the RV way of life—that is your likelihood to faucet into Mike’s a long time of on-the-road expertise.

Please observe: Mike is not a technician or mechanic—these are usually not troubleshooting or restore calls. This is for way of life questions, journey recommendation, planning suggestions, and sensible RV residing insights.

Book your private one-on-one dialog (as much as an hour) at: