74 episodes

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.

The RV Atlas Podcast RVFTA Podcast Network

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 553 Ratings

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.

    COMING SOON! Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping!

    COMING SOON! Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping!

    The latest guidebook in the bestselling Where Should We Camp Next? series is hitting bookstores on April 2nd, 2024. Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping has over 350 campground recommendations and it covers Budget Camping in all 50 states. This handy guidebook is chock full of great state park, country park, national park, Army Corps of Engineers, national forest, and budget-friendly mom and pop campground recommendations from across America!



    Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi's latest book on budget camping is also packed with recommendations for free and low-cost outdoor activities, along with budget camping hacks, and budget camping gear. If you want to save money camping in 2024 and beyond then there is no better book for you than Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping!







    To hear Jeremy and Stephanie share a sneak peek into the pages of Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping click on the media player above--or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts. To check out a sample chapter from the new budget camping book read on just below!

    Budget Camping in Washington State 





    Washington State is a majestic state for budget camping in every single way. Olympic National Park is packed with great camping options both inside the park, and in nearby national forest campgrounds. You could spend several months exploring the entire Olympic Peninsula and not come close to seeing all of its magical places--and that’s just one part of this beautiful state.  There are also excellent state park campgrounds along both Washington’s rugged and windswept coastline--and in its wild and mountainous interior. There is also a lifetime of camping to be had in and around Washington’s Cascade Range--and another great national park to explore there. We also recommend putting Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier somewhere very close to the top of your bucket lists--both locations are epic and breathtaking and affordable to visit if you are camping on a budget.

    Best in State

    Deception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor, Washington) https://parks.wa.gov



    RV and Tent Sites $



    Deception State Park is located on Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands about 80 miles north of Seattle. Its proximity to that great city helps make it Washington’s most visited state park--and so do its cliffs, beaches, tide pools and sunsets. This park, which recently turned 100 years old, is packed with coastal hiking trails and there are numerous places to launch a boat or kayak along its shores. There are three camping locations within Deception Pass. Cherry Lake is the largest and most popular. There are about 230 sites there and about one third of them have hookups. Quarry Pond is a medium sized campground and Bowman Bay is very small and intimate. There are some really awesome concessions here that are worth checking out. Blue Otter Kayaks is located at Cranberry Lake and does a nice job with a variety of rentals and Campstuff Coffee operates out of a vintage camp trailer right by the camp loop entrance to Cranberry Lake. Fidalgo and Whidbey Island islands are connected by the iconic and immensely photographable Deception Pass bridge--so bring your camera when you go.



    Cape Disappointment State Park (IIwaco, Washington) https://parks.wa.gov



    (RV and Tent Sites, Cabins, Yurts, Vacation Houses $)



    For another epic coastal camping option look no further than Cape Disappointment State Park on the Long Beach Peninsula. Here you will find secluded sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs near the edge of the sea, and lighthouses that are as pretty as a picture. Bring your hiking boots and a rain jacket because there are many trails to explore that wander through old growth forest or lead to views of the park’s lighthouses. There are over 200 sites here and fifty of them have full hook-ups.

    • 59 min
    Campground Review: Schodack Island State Park Campground in NY

    Campground Review: Schodack Island State Park Campground in NY

    Schodack Island State Park Campground (located near Albany, NY) is a hidden gem in a state park system that is filled with them. On this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast we welcome Olivia Karis on to the show for the very first time to review this relatively unknown campground. She is a native New Yorker that loves camping in the state and knows the Albany area incredibly well.



    On this week's episode she gives us a terrific review of the campground and offers up tons of suggestions for activities, attractions, and food in the area around. To listen to Jeremy's interview with Olivia, click on the media play above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or read on just below for Olivia's answers to all of our questions about Schodack Island State Park Campground and the area around it.



    Q: Where is Schodack Island State Park Campground Located?



    A: Schodack Island State Park Campground is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, about 15-20 minutes south of Albany. This area, known as the Capital Region, generally encompasses the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs as well as the surrounding suburbs. We have the Adirondack Mountains to the north, the Catskill Mountains to the south, and the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts to the east. It’s a pretty ideal location with Montreal 3.5 hours north, NYC 2.5 hours south, and Boston/Cape Cod 3 hours east.



    Q: Tell us a bit more about this state park...



    A: The campground is located within Schodack Island State Park, which was opened in 2002 and is an approx 1,000 acre park with seven miles of shoreline along the Hudson River and the Schodack Creek. (The area occupied by the park used to be a series of islands but it became a continuous peninsula in the early 1900s when they were dredging the Hudson River to make a deep-water channel to Albany, and the sediment was deposited here.) The park is designated a state estuary, which is a place where freshwater mixes with saltwater, because this part of the Hudson River is tidal. (It is deeper than the body of water into which it flows, and as far north as Troy, the flow of the river changes direction with the tides.) The park also encompasses a bird conservation area that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers, and blue herons, which nest in the park’s cottonwood trees. 



    Q: Tell us a little bit more about the history of this campground?



    A:  It has a cool history because it was opened relatively recently, in 2016, and at that time it was the first new campground to be built in a New York State park in 35 years!



    Q: What does the campground look like?



    A: The campground is wooded, but it has unique vegetation for the northeast because it is at sea level, so you see cottonwood trees and vines which form a dense foliage.



    Q: How big is Schodack Island State Park Campground?



    A: There are two loops, Creekside and Riverside, with a total of 66 sites. The sites are generally spacious, level, and private, with a mix of sun and shade. 







    Q: Tell us more about the individual campsites...



     A: There are 43 sites with 50-amp electric, and the remaining sites in the tenting area do not have any hookups (on Creekside). There is no water or sewer at any of the sites. (NYS park campgrounds tend to be pretty rustic.) Each loop does have a bathhouse with free showers and there are multiple water stations within the loops. The sites are a mix of back-in and pull-through.







    Q: Where are your favorite sites at this campground?



    A: At the southern end of the Riverside Loop, sites 22-24 are the closest to the playground (a short walk from there). Creekside Loop has a cute playground for very young children, centrally located near the bathhouse.

    • 57 min
    Dog-Friendly RV Destinations, Propane Vs. Electric Fridges, Mattress Upgrades (RV Atlas Q+A)

    Dog-Friendly RV Destinations, Propane Vs. Electric Fridges, Mattress Upgrades (RV Atlas Q+A)

    On this week's Q+A episode of The RV Atlas podcast Jeremy and Stephanie are back answering questions from the RV Atlas group on facebook. First they take a deep dive into dog-friendly RV destinations on the east coast. Then they discuss the pros and cons of propane refrigerators vs electric refrigerators. They wrap up the episode by talking about options for upgrading your RV mattress--from budget to bougie. Along the way they share responses from group members who also weighed in on the questions above!

    Dog-Friendly RV Destinations





    Courtney Runs asked...



    Hi! Until Jeremy and Stephanie release Where Should Dogs Camp Next, anyone have recommendations on East Coast/Mid-Atlantic/ish campgrounds that are really dog-friendly? As in, trails, dog-friendly beaches, nice dog parks, etc.? Thank you!



    We did an article on this for Go RVing!! Click below for 8 great dog-friendly campgrounds.



    https://www.gorving.com/tips-inspiration/trip-planning/rving-dogs-8-campgrounds-awesome-puppy-parks



    Connie Welch responded...



    Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are dog-friendly RV destinations. The town is very dog friendly and there are many trails in the park where leashed dogs are allowed. We had a great time even with the foggy rainy weather.



    Angela Fasnacht responded...



    Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles VA has it's own dog beach. We love that area. 4 Paws Kingdom in NC isanother dog friendly campground.



    Ted Moore responded....



    Not an answer to your question, but if you ever get to the Midwest, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where I volunteer, is one of the few NPS units that allows dogs on any trail. Just keep them leashed and pick up after them and you'll be welcome on all 200+ miles of trails. Maybe SYOTT someday



    Gretchen Holcombe responded...



    Maybe too far south, but Jekyll Island, GA is very dog friendly...dogs are allowed on all the beaches year round except for a couple of stretches where shorebirds nest.



    Brigitte Ardea responded...



    So exciting to hear about this book! Next year I'll be traveling with 2 L dogs, and this will be so helpful to get me started.



    Jeremy responded...



    Sorry Brigitte--this is a great idea for a book. But we are not currently working on it--maybe someday soon!



    Erik Anderson responded...



    Courtney, here a few East Coast parks we’ve liked staying at on our full-time travels with our Hershey Pup :



    > Cape Henlopen State Park, DE



    > Asseteague Island State Park, MD



    > First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA



    > Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, SC



    > James Island County Park, Charleston, SC



    > Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah, GA



    > Hanna Park, Jacksonville, FL



    Also, do you guys use the “BringFido” app? Such a great tool for doing pup-friendly places, restaurants, and events!



    There are so many great dog-friendly RV destinations on the east coast!

    Propane Vs. Electric Fridges





    Jessa Dittberner asked….



    Back with another question! On our hunt for a new RV and finding that there is apparently a push to only electric refrigerators, we boondock occasionally and the propane fridge  has been amazing. Does anyone boondock frequently and use only solar to keep their fridge going? Any info on your panels and light requirements for them would be great. Thanks again!



    Jeremy answered...



    This may not be a popular answer—but an electric fridge will drain the heck out of your batteries when boondocking. We have had them on our last two RVs. I just shut the fridge down at this point and bring coolers when boondocking.

    • 38 min
    Say Hello To Oliver Travel Trailers: An Overview of Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II

    Say Hello To Oliver Travel Trailers: An Overview of Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II

    Oliver Travel Trailers has an excellent reputation for quality and craftsmanship among RV technicians and RV aficionados across the United States and Canada. We have heard several of our most trusted sources in the RV industry describe them as "the best made travel trailers in America." Many Oliver owners are also evangelists for the brand and they do quite a bit of organic word-of-mouth marketing that speaks volumes about the overall quality of the product.  This quality does come at a higher price point (over 100K depending on options) but each Oliver is built to last for generations and many owners speak of their trailer as a family heirloom--and not just an RV.



    Oliver Travel Trailers are "manufactured by Oliver Fiberglass Products Company in Hohenwald, Tennessee since 2008" and they are an independent and family-owned company that operates far from the RV Capitol of the World in Elkhart, Indiana. To learn more about the company and its history and culture--check out their "brand story" video just below.







    This week on the RV Atlas podcast we are pleased to welcome Aaron Wolters on to the show. Aaron is a passionate outdoorsmen and he is also the Digital Media Manager at Oliver. On this podcast episode Aaron and Jeremy discuss the history of Oliver Travel Trailers and also talk about what makes the Oliver different in terms of craftsmanship and construction. Then Aaron dives into a super informative discussion on the Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II lines and tells us everything we need to know about the standards and options available for both.



    To listen to our interview with Aaron Wolters from Oliver Travel Trailers please click on the media player above or subscribe to the The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows.



    To find out more about Oliver Travel Trailers and the Legacy Elite and Legacy Elite II--please keep reading just below.

    An Overview of Oliver's Legacy Elite





















    The Oliver Legacy Elite clocks in at 18'5" in length and has a GVWR of 5000 pounds and comes in one floorplan. There is a dinette at the rear of the coach that can be easily converted into a bed--or can be permanently set up as a bed if you don't want to switch back and forth every night. The middle of the coach has a two-person dinette on one side (which can be converted to a single bed) and a compact kitchen with refrigerator on the other side. The front of the coach has a fairly spacious wet bath and a closet for storage. The quality of the craftsmanship is apparent on every inch of the Legacy Elite and the "engineered double-shelled fiberglass composite hull" is incredibly impressive to say the least.



    Each Oliver Legacy Elite comes packed with standard features. To find out more about what comes standard please click here.



    You can also upgrade to the Legacy Elite Premium Package or the Platinum Package. Please click here to find out more about both.

    An Overview of Oliver's Legacy Elite II





















    Oliver's Legacy Elite II series has two different floorplan options that are both popular among Oliver owners. According to Oliver's website, The Standard Plan "features a spacious rear table area that comfortably accommodates up to 5 people and easily converts into a bed." While The Twin Bed Plan "offers the convenience of two rear beds, equipped with a nightstand and an extra storage drawer." We are particularly fond of the twin bed floorplan and could truly envision ourselves owning one someday in the future. The middle of the coach features a two-person dinette on one side (which can be converted into a bed) and an attractive kitchen on the other side. The front of the coach, much like the Legacy Elite, features a wet bath and a closet.

    • 57 min
    24 Tiny Trailers That We Love in 2024 (Part 2)

    24 Tiny Trailers That We Love in 2024 (Part 2)

    Casita Dean May and Jeremy are back with the second episode in their "24 Tiny Trailers We Love in 2024" series! To listen to the first episode in the series (or to read the show notes) please click here. They each picked 6 tiny trailers in the last episode and each have six more picks to share in part 2. Their new batch of selections include more teardrops like the Vistabule and The Campinawe, but also several conventional RVs by the likes of Grand Design, Winnebago, R-Pod, and Rockwood. There are also some very unique picks from independent companies like Taylor Coach and Type 2 Campers. Overall, between the two episodes there are a rich variety of picks that showcase the breadth and variety of tiny trailers that are available to consumers in 2024. To listen to Jeremy and Dean discuss their favorite tiny trailers please click on the media player above--or subscribe to the RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows. Without further ado--here are 12 more great picks from Jeremy and Dean. We hope you take a few minutes to check out each one and follow the links to the manufacturer's websites to find out even more about each unit.

    Casita Dean May's Picks

    Grand Design Imagine AIM 15RB (MSRP $32,333)

    The Grand Design Imagine AIM 15RB has an amazing kitchen and a spacious bathroom for a coach that clocks in at under 20 feet. That is thanks in part to the Murphy Bed--which may or may not be deal breaker for some campers. If you don't mind converting the couch into a bed every night this tiny trailer really does have it all. Or at least as much as you can get in a smaller rig!

    Lance 1475 Travel Trailer ($40,000 to $67,000)

    The Lance 1475 is an interesting alternative to the Grand Design AIM that is featured just above. Instead of a Murphy Bed you get a permanent East/West bed--and instead of a small dinette you can choose between a sofa or two cozy chairs. Lance has a great reputation for quality and this looks like a great option for a solo traveller or a couple who can keep things simple on the road.

    Type 2 Campers T2.3 (Starting at $29,950)

    This VW Van inspired trailer has a classic look and vibe that will turn heads at the campground. It is also incredibly lightweight and can be towed by a wide variety of vehicles--including EVs. Choose from five body colors (including Mouse Grey and Dove Blue) and one of three floorplan variations. The roof pops up for plenty of headroom and the seating area converts into a comfortable bed. This camper may be cute--but its built with high quality materials and aircraft construction methods.

    Campinawe Supersized Teardrops ($28,000 to $33,000)

    The Campinawe has some of the most impressive storage we have ever seen in a teardrop style travel trailer--and the mudroom with additional seating atop a Yeti cooler is the cat's meow. This is really a teardrop plus, or a teardrop on steroids--and it would make a great pick for a solo traveller or a couple that wants a tiny rig--but rolls with lots of outdoor gear. We could picture something like this in the RV Atlas driveway some day. For real--we are in awe!

    Oliver Legacy Elite 1 ($85,000 to $102,000)

    For Casita Dean May-- the Oliver Legacy Elite 1 is "drop the mic" best in show picks when it comes to tiny trailers under 20 feet. The build quality on an Oliver is second-to-none--and it has the price tag to go along with it. The doubled-hulled fiberglass shell and aircraft grade aluminum frame chassis on the Oliver Legacy Elite 1 are pretty much bullet proof. If you want a camper that will last for decades and become a family heirloom--then save your money and take a good look at Oliver.

    Taylor Coach ($32,000 to $36,000)

    Can't find the exact tiny trailer floorplan that you are looking for no matter where you look? Then let Brad Taylor from Taylor Coach build you the custom RV of your dreams--and when we say custom--we really mean CUSTOM!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    RV Lengths in NPS Campgrounds, Pigeon Forge Activities, Dewinterizing (RV Atlas Q+A)

    RV Lengths in NPS Campgrounds, Pigeon Forge Activities, Dewinterizing (RV Atlas Q+A)

    We are back with another Q+A episode of The RV Atlas podcast. On this week's show we tackle questions about the following three topics from the RV Atlas group on Facebook:



    Is a 37' 6" rig a good choice for someone who wants to camp in national and state parks?

    What are the best family friendly activities in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

    Should an RV Atlas group member dewinterize before heading to Florida? Or when they get there?



    To listen to Jeremy and Stephanie answer these questions and share answers from the group--click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows.

    RV Lengths in NPS Campgrounds





     



    Kelly Harper wrote in to the RV Atlas group on Facebook and asked....



    "Is 37'6" too big to park at state parks and national parks? That's where we plan to do most of our camping."



    Jeremy Puglisi answered...



    I think 37’6” is gonna be really tough for getting into most National Park campgrounds. The vast majority of them were built in 40s, 50s and 60s when RVs (generally speaking) were much much smaller. As for state parks—that’s going to vary widely and also depend on when the campgrounds were built.



    Craig Dashner answered...



    In state and national parks, the longer you are, the fewer options you will have, and there will be more competition for those fewer sites. Camping is a game of give and take. The benefits of a longer camper cost you access. Good access costs you size of camper - you have to find your sweet spot between the two. We've always tried to stay on the shorter end of what we want in a camper to maximize the sites we can fit into.



    Kristin Seals answered...



    It depends. It can be hard to get into some campgrounds in National Parks because of road conditions. For example you cannot get into the Chisos Basin Campground in Big Bend National Park with more than a 24ft trailer (I might not have the exact measurement correct) due to a tight, narrow road with switchbacks. I have seen the same type of situation in several other NPs. However, you can usually find another campground outside the park in those instances….and sometimes even within the National Park. As far as state parks that will depend on the state and each park. We live in Texas and only 1 time in our 6 years of camping have we had trouble at a campsite with our 29ft TT, and that was more due to my error as a newbie RV camper. I booked a site that was much too small. Most of our state parks here in Texas are massive and have very accommodating RV spaces



    Judy Tanner Taylor answered...



    GA and surrounding states have state parks with larger sites. Some even have full hookups. Not all sites are that large, but some are. I am 38 ft (plus my tow bar hitch) and have stayed at GA, SC, AL state parks within the last year. I do usually have to make reservations early for weekends, especially at busy places like Myrtle Beach State Park.

    Pigeon Forge Activities for Families





    Clay Johnson wrote in to the RV Atlas group on Facebook and asked things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with kids…



    "Hey guys,



    This is such a great group! I thought I'd see if anyone had suggestions of things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? We'll be staying at the KOA so close to the action. Planning a five day stay for Spring Break. Of course there is the obvious Dollywood, but what else do you recommend for a family with younger kiddos?



    Thanks in advance, and happy motoring!"



    Jeremy and Stephanie responded...



    There are so many things to do in and around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. First and most importantly--get yourself into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some scenic drives and amazing hikes.

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
553 Ratings

553 Ratings

peelmeagape ,

Rubbing poker chips?

ugh: the audio feedback the entire episode. So gross.

maclady ny ,

Another to my list!

I have just added this podcast to my subscription list for auto download. I found them a couple months ago and have listened to a few of the latest episodes. After listening to Cumberland gap national historical park (we happen to be 3hrs west at mammoth cave! So I was intrigued, will definitely be adding that to my places to see list!) it was a great episode. The interview was so interesting and informative. Overall I have found it to be a great podcast show. First and foremost the sound quality. So many, even the “big dogs” sound quality can Be so bad a lot of times. That makes me skip it. The content is great. Lots of facts which I look for. I am usually looking for information mainly with some entertainment but not just story telling. This podcast hits the mark for me. Also the description is great! In this episode they even put the site number they mentioned for big rigs at the park! Super helpful! I’m sure I’ll find more helpful information as I continue to listen. Thanks for a great podcast!

photolida ,

Excellent RV and national park podcast

I love the interviews and questions that Jeremy asks. I get a lot of great information from this podcast. Thank you.

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