Directory of RV Parks lists

Many of my posts, of course, are websites so you can find RV Parks.  These are informational and intended to help find places to stay while RVing.  I also included Campervan and Caravan Camping as well, so as to be worldwide support for RV Parks.  Some of the posts are simply lists and some of the posts have description of the websites and services offered.  Feel free to use these lists whenever you need to find someplace to stay for an evening or more.

• Camper-Parks

• Caravan-and-Camping

• Campervan-Parks

• Camping-Holidays

• RV Parks-in-UT

• RV-Parks-in-CO

• Yosemite-RV-Parks

• KOA-Campgrounds

• National-Parks-RV-Parks

• Florida-RV-Parks

• RV Parks-in-NV

Directory of Fun Article Links to this blog

There are a few blog posts that may be useless in terms of information, but I think have been profound and I personally have had the most fun and passion in writing them.  Many of these lists are comparing RVs, RV Parks or RVing to something else.  These are not intended to be sac-religious or poking fun, but are meant to be thought-provoking and perhaps life-changing.  I wrote them in hopes to help out the RV community and people therein.

•  RVing-and-God 
•  RVing-and-life
•  Depression
•  RV-parks-are-like-dating
•  Attitude-how-does-this-relate-to-rving
•  RVing-and-passion
•  Top-10-reasons-to-rent-or-buy-RV

RVing and Passion

     I know how important PASSION is in every aspect of life.  Just so we're both on the same page, to me passion means the intense love for whatever you're doing and the intense desire to share it with others.  Passion is, of course, important for RVing.  Though there are many problems on the road with traffic, parking, repairs, hookups, cooking, sleeping, etc., I'm assuming the reason you want to go RVing in the first place is because of your passion (whether it be with the outdoors, traveling, family, business, freedom or whatever).
     I hope you are still passionate about RVing because, life is too short to not live with passion.  It's like a dinner without dessert or a day without gratitude.  Maybe, if you've lost passion with RVing, or your life, you have forgotten what's good about it.  What is RIGHT with your life?  What do you have?  For me, simple things I think of is I have the use of both hands/feet/eyes/ears, nose, mouth, MIND, ability to choose (the only thing that we're all equal in is that we all have 24 hours a day), my faith in God, my husband, my baby, food, clothing, shelter, family, friends, health, strength.  These are simple things that I like to remind myself of when things aren't all going my way.
    Life is too short not to be grateful.  Say thank you to those who mean the most of you today.

Caravan and Camping

There are many varied sites when I search this topic, so I will have three categories in this post: caravan and camping sites (mostly other countries than we've explored in previous posts), caravan and camping clubs and camping and caravan shows (like an RV show).

If you'd like to visit some of the websites in my previous post, here they are:
For different sites in different places, here are some more sites:

• http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-find-caravan-camping-sites.html The URL says it all.
• http://www.caravanandcamping.com.au/ This Caravan Camping website is for Western Australia.
• http://caravan-camping.com.au/ Going Caravan Camping in New South Whales.
• http://www.caravanandcampingsa.com.au/ Southern Australian Caravan camping.
• http://www.enjoyengland.com From Glamping to dog and teenager-friendly campsites in England.

Camping and Caravan Clubs or organizations for one to join:

• http://caravanandcamping.british-naturism.org.uk/ A group intended to promote British Naturism.
• Campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/ An organization to help RVers make the most of their hobby.
• http://www.iccc.ie/ Camper and Caravanners Club in Ireland.
• http://www.gocaravanning.com/clubs/clubs.htm Guide to Caravan Clubs all over the world.
• http://www.atcmcc.org.au/ Caravanners in Australia and New Zealand have a club too.

 Caravan and Camping Shows:

• http://www.caravanshow.com.au/ Large Australian Supershow next March.
• http://www.tradeshows-biz.com Upcoming Shows in Germany, the UK, India and the USA.
• www.365campingcaravanning.com Jan-Oct 2011 RV Shows around England.
• http://www.holidayworldshow.com/ A worldwide RV Show in Dublin, Ireland in Jan 2011.
• http://caravanshowscotland.com/ The URL says it all.

Camper Parks

Camper Parks are another term for RV Parks.  Because they have a different name, I thought they deserved their own post, to give you more RV Parks from which to choose.

http://www.campertrails.com This site has a wealth of information.  There are a list of Camper Parks in Canada, USA and Europe.  There are also links for insurance, news, trip planner, travel checklist, outdoor cooking, RV rentals, buying used RVs and more.  There are also ads that may be useful.


http://www.newrver.comThis site mostly just has some ads and RV Parks.  However, there are RV Parks for every state in USA and some in Canada.  Definitely a wealth of locations to stay.  It is also a club similar to Good Sam Club.

http://www.campercorral.net/ If in Northern California, this is an RV Park to visit.  They have some awards mentioned, a list of amenities (including: Recreation Hall, Fitness Center, free cable TV hookups, swimming pool, convenience store, fishing - to name a few).  This almost seems more like an RV Resort to me.


http://talkeetnacamper.com/ If heading to Alaska (near Denali National Park), check out this Camper Park.  There are laundry facilities and a gift shop, as well as a dump, hookups and showers.  There is a link that lists activities nearby, as well as Chamber of Commerce, Fly Fishing, Air Taxi (and more) information.

www.ehow.com If heading to Minnesota, there are a few different parks listed here.  There are also links to Airstream Parks,Winter Camping and other RV Park locations in Minnesota.

Campervan Parks

While I'm at it, I might as well mention Campervan Parks in Australia as well.  Just as a note, if you Google "campervan parks" the only sites that actually talk about them are blog/forum style.  In fact, from one of the forums is where I got the idea for these specific Campervan Parks.  You can view that forum post at: http://www.fodors.com  For other ideas of places to stay, I'd recommend asking others' advice (like contacting the web hosts of the below parks and asking for their advice based on your specific needs/situation) rather than searching online, unless you have specific names to look for online.

Click to view my post on:  camping holidays

The first site is in a "council caravan park" and has many accommodations.  There are: hotels, apartments, holiday homes and resorts.  There are links to other destinations on the left hand side.  There are many photos and discounts on the site.  I also like the fact that it mentions the local weather, so you know what to wear or pack.  The website is: http://www.palmcoveaustralia.com/

There are many Australian National Parks on this site, one of which is Davies Creek.  It has a simple outlook, but has a wealth of information, including: contact information, what makes this place a tourist spot, directions to get there and how to navigate once you get there.  The website is: http://www.australiannationalparks.com

There are beautiful photos on this next website, links to what might interest you, and don't forget to look at the bottom for other locations similar to this one.  The website is: http://www.touringaustralia.de

This website is very useful in finding other Campervan locations like this one.  There is an Overview, Directions how to get there, when during the year is best to visit, amenities of this park and what to see in the area.  Make sure to check out the "before you visit" links on the right hand side about half way down the page, especially the part about being "Crocwise."  The website is: http://www.nt.gov.au

I couldn't find any books about Austrailian State or National Parks, so here's one you might like about US State Parks: Recreational vehicle: Travel trailer, RV park, List of U. S. state parks, Family Motor Coach Association, Ladder Golf, Good Sam Club, Campervan, Camping, Trailer park, Mobile home

I hope this gives you enough information to start from and let me know if there are campervan parks you would either recommend or not recommend.  I'd love to hear your feedback.

Camping Holidays

I mostly tailor to USA, but I figured since this is being broadcast worldwide, I may as well tailor at least a few posts to RVers of other countries.  A "camping holiday" could also be referred to as to go RVing or to go on a vacation in an RV or motorhome. These are RV Parks or RV Resorts in other countries.

http://www.eurocamp.co.uk/ This website talks about, what sounds to me like, RV resorts.  There are many different accommodations ( RV, tent, chalet, bungalow, apartment resorts) in many places around the world (like France, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg for starters).   The site definitely makes me want to Eurocamp!

http://www.keycamp.co.uk/ This website is very similar to the one above in terms of accommodations and locations for your holiday.  Both have a wealth of information to make your holiday, well, a holiday.  There are many repeat visitors, as the intro video mentions.

http://www.zedaway.com/ Have you ever wanted to go on safari/holiday to Africa?  Well, here's your chance.  The site mentions different locations in Africa and what can be seen/experienced there.  It also talks about places you can volunteer as part or all of your holiday.  There's also a form that you can simply "enquire" about a holiday that might interest you.

 http://luxurycampingholiday.com/ This looks more like a blog to me.  It has a lot of good information in articles about preparing for your holiday - what to remember and what to forget.  It's definitely worth a look.

Costa Rica This is specifically this area of the world.   This is also a blog with a lot of useful information about going on holiday in Costa Rica and generally anywhere in the world.  This blog not only mentions past posts but all of the most popular posts.

If you'd like to check out any products (there are so many) on Amazon, click here: Search Amazon.com for camping holiday

Depression

Depression is a serious thing.  I saw a billboard once that says, "You don't tell someone who has Diabetes to just 'get over it.' "  The reason I bring this up is, as a full-time RVer, or not being able to go RVing as often as you want to, it might be easy to get depressed.  I've heard depression described as a sad feeling that doesn't go away and affects your daily life.  With problems with certain communities or economy, it's easy to feel hopeless.  There IS help and hope for everyone, no matter your circumstances.

If you need help, PLEASE don't hesitate to get it!  There are plenty of resources in every community - whether church counseling, community counseling, friend counseling, group therapy, hypnotherapy - most LCSWs (Licenced Clinical Social Workers) can help.  Going to the phone book or websites related (like DexKnows, White Pages) are good places to start.

Here are some online resources that may help:

• To take a test to find out if you are depressed (versus sad or hopeless), look up symptomfind.com

•  If you have gotten a prescription for depression from a licensed professional that can legally give you that prescription, go to www.yourdepressionsavings.com

•  If you'd like to find out more of the technical of what depression is and does to your brain, look at 1on1health

• Maybe you have BiPolar Disorder instead.  Find out with quiz and information.

• Find out more about what Depression is and what to do about it.

 If you need medications or counseling, the below advice is after and while you're taking care of what you need to with medical personnel.

Not to over simplify it, but one thing that helped me is to think positively about my life and focus on the best.  With my clinical depression in the past, which was very minor, focusing on what I DID have and what was RIGHT with my life, I didn't need medication.  Of course, be sure you talk with your counselor before you discontinue any medication. 

There are many things wrong with this world, but there are also many things RIGHT with this world.  There are probably many things wrong with your life/spouse/house/RV...., but why focus on that?!  What is RIGHT with your health, your RV, your spouse, your body/weight?  If you are feeling depressed about ANYTHING  in life, I challenge you to turn it around and write a list of 10 or more things (you don't have to show anyone if you don't want to).  There is POWER in positive thinking.  There is POWER in being grateful for what you DO have.  There is POWER in letting others know how much they mean to you and why.  There is POWER in daydreaming.

On that note, it's COMPLETELY free to daydream.  What's the harm in imagining your life the way you want it?!  NOTHING!  In fact, over and over again I read/hear/see, if you focus on what you want long and passionate enough, feeling as though you already HAVE it, YOU WILL HAVE IT!  It's as true of a law as the law of gravity and called the Law of Attraction.  In fact, if you want to purchase an AMAZING audio program (which, at least when I did it, there was a free trial period) about this, click here: http://lstarr1.thelaws.hop.clickbank.net  

My personal opinion about depression is, sometimes it IS all in your head, and you need to just figure out what is wrong and fix it (possibly with the Law of Attraction working FOR you).  Yet, other times, it IS chemical and needs the use of medications to help you cope with life.  Yet, other times, it is a combination of both, and medication/counseling in conjunction with positive thinking will be your best perscription.

My above suggestions have worked for me and I can promise you that if you learn the Law of Attraction and use it properly, it WILL work for you.  It may not rid you of depression, but then again, it might.  Please learn about the Law of Attraction in conjunction with, not instead of, working with trained and licensed professionals.

RV Park Insurance/ RV Insurance

Before traveling on the road, as mentioned in my B4 Your First Trip blog post, one of the first things you need to do is get insurance.  It's not as hard to get insurance as you might think. 

As an RV Park Owner, you know how important it is to insure your park.  Here are some websites you can look at for information on getting insurance on your RV Park:

• http://www.outdoorinsurancegroup.com
• http://rvparkinsurance.com/
• http://www.rvparkstore.com/rv_park_insurance.htm
• http://www.goodsamrvinsurance.com
• http://johnbaileyco.com/
• http://www.phly.com/products/RVParks.aspx 
• http://www.evergreenusa.com/why-evergreen

As an RV owner, the first place I would check to get insurance is with your current auto insurance provider. I know that GEICO, Progressive and Allstate offer RV insurance.  Your auto insurance provider might as well - there's no need to change providers if you don't need to.  If that doesn't work, here are a list of websites that help with RV Insurance:

• http://www.explorerrv.com
•  RVInsurance.com
• http://aarp.thehartford.com/
• https://www.usaa.com/
• http://rvainsurance.com/
• http://rvinsurance.org/
• http://www.quickrvinsurancequotes.com/

Also, if you want to make sure you're getting the correct amount and type of insurance, check this out: Perfectly covered: find the right insurance for your RV.: An article from: Camping Life

Don't know if this might apply to you, but if you know of anyone with Alzheimer's, there was a special on Nightline about it: ABC News Nightline Facing Alzheimer's: A Personal Story

RV Parks, Mobile Home parks, and Trailer Parks - What are differences and similarities?

Sorry for the delay - just have been focusing on other things - like writing and submitting this article to article directories.

            Before I begin to note similarities and differences, I want to define what mobile home parks, trailer parks and RV Parks.  Trailer Parks are a designated area where many trailers are located in a small community.  The trailers are a rectangular shape and have smaller front rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate the size.  Often, yards are shared, or there are no yards.  Mobile Home Parks are a designated small community of mobile homes.  Mobile homes are generally wider and feel more like a real home inside, especially if they are a double wide mobile home.  They are more square-shaped and the living areas are larger than a trailer.  In trailer parks, there are generally only trailers and in mobile home parks, there are usually mostly mobile home parks.  RV Parks, however, are intended for RVs.  RVs, or Recreation Vehicles, are a home on wheels.  Some RVs are pulled behind another vehicle and some RVs are motorized and are a home and vehicle all in one.  Incidentally, there are over 13,000 privately owned RV Parks nationwide and 1,600 state parks in the USA. 

Cutting right to the chase, there are a few differences and a few similarities.  The first difference I see is that RV Parks were intended for short-term stay, while mobile home Parks and trailer parks were intended for long-term stay.  Second of all, RV Parks are intended for tourists and Mobile Home/Trailer Parks are intended for locals.  As far as similarities go, in some parts of this country, and in Australia, mobile home/RV/trailer parks can be used interchangeably.  Another similarity would be many trailers/RVs/ mobile homes in tight quarters.

            In regards to the amount of time that is usually spent in RV Parks vs. Trailer/Mobile Home Parks.  If you’ll notice in RV Parks versus mobile home/trailer parks, there is not a lot fee.  There is no point to have a lot fee if the tenants are only staying a few days.  However, there is a point to a lot fee if the tenant stays a few years.   Many choose to live in Trailer/Mobile Home Parks because mobile homes and trailers can cost upwards of $10,000 to move and trailers are a similar price (according to my sister who lives in a mobile home).  Often, trailers and mobile homes are not easy to sell and not easy to get lending for, which is another reason for tenants to want to stay living there long-term.  RVs can be a lot easier to move – often you can unhook your hookups, pay the RV Park fee and be on your way.  I’ve never seen an RV Park with a yard, but I’ve seen some trailer/mobile home parks with yards – a sign of permanence right there.

            After talking with my sister, mobile home/trailer parks don’t mention what to do in the area for fun, which signifies they are intended for locals who already know what is in the area.  However, in all of the RV Park websites I’ve been to, activities of nearby are mentioned.  Some tourists know activities in the area, but most don’t, so they need all the help they can get.  Many RV Parks, or RV Resorts I should say, have more amenities like swimming pools, activities for the kids, etc.  Some mobile home parks have similar amenities, but mostly over 55 communities.  Some amenities are meant for luring tourists into the RV Parks, that aren’t found in trailer or mobile home parks.

            To start with similarities, in France, one cannot stay in either an RV Park or a mobile home/ trailer park for more than three months, even if they own the land.  In Australia they are all one and the same and known as “Caravan Parks.”  RV Parks, mobile home parks and trailer parks are similar as well in the fact that many people can live in their dwellings in a small amount of space.  From the street while driving by, it may even be hard to tell the difference.  Also, many places even in USA, trailer parks have RVs, trailers and mobile home parks. 

            Due to lifestyle and financial changes, many are starting to live full-time, whether traveling or not, in RVs.  Some stay in RV Parks, but many are choosing to stay in trailer parks.  This depends on location, however.  Some trailer parks not only house the regular trailers, but also travel trailers and other RVs.  However, more and more RV Parks are now including the option of monthly, as well as weekly and daily rates.  The monthly rate would be a lot fee, in effect.

            So, all in all, mobile home parks, trailer parks and RV parks are family.  They may or may not have a lot fee.  They may or may not have temporary hookups.  They may or may not be intended for tourists.  They may or may not include amenities like a clubhouse and swimming pool.  They may or may not be permanent dwellings, but, they are considered, for a night or lifetime, home.

1.      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_park