Discover why it's important for families to spend time outdoors with their kids. Camping is a great way to unplug from technology and teach important life skills. However, there are many other creative ways to spend time in nature, such as hiking, building forts, having picnics, or birdwatching. To create a love of the outdoors in future generations, set a good example, make it fun, encourage curiosity, and emphasize safety. By prioritizing outdoor time with your family, you can help promote physical and mental health, build strong connections, and protect the natural world for future generations.

National park visitation has seen a huge uptick in visitors since 2016 and a 30% increase in just the past three years. With staggering growth such as this, the National Park Service (NPS) needed to make some changes. Their solution for crowd control became a reservation and permit system. Whether you love national park timed entry reservations or hate them, the fact is they’re here to stay, at least for a few more years. 

Upgrade your camping experience with our Blackstone (Griddle) Weekend Camping Menu featuring Strawberry Topped Pancakes, Caprese Salad Panini, and Shrimp Fajitas. These delicious meal ideas are perfect for cooking on a Blackstone griddle and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The pancakes with fresh strawberry and the Caprese Salad Panini with fresh mozzarella is a perfect combination for a griddle breakfast and lunch. While the shrimp fajitas will give you a delicious dinner option while camping. So pack up your camping gear, and head out for a weekend of adventure with our mouth-watering and versatile meal plan.

Last year, I created 15 different weekend camping meal plans to help make life a little easier and give you more quality time with your family. Each weekend is an extended weekend from Friday-Monday and each meal idea is something easy that everyone will love. You can read more about the meal plans. I will be reposting a few of the most popular meal plans throughout the summer. If you would prefer to make your own meal plan grab my free blank printable menu anytime.

The 4th Grade US National Park Pass is a great way for families to explore America's beautiful national parks. The pass is available to all U.S. fourth graders and their families and provides free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for an entire year. This includes all national parks, monuments, and historic sites. To get a pass, fourth graders will need to complete an educational activity, either in person or online, then they can download their pass.

Did you know you can visit a US national park or monument this Saturday, April 16, 2022, for free? So shake off the cabin fever and get outside with your friends and family. There are over 400 sites to explore, I guarantee there is something for everyone! When you’re out at the parks learn more about next week’s National Park Week.

Camping is a great way for families to spend quality time together and make lasting memories. There are many benefits to camping as a family, including the opportunity to bond and create shared experiences, the chance to unplug and reconnect with nature, and the ability to teach kids valuable life skills.

As the world begins to return to “normal” one thing we will soon see return is the RV show. It’s no secret by now that the RV industry is booming. More and more people are purchasing RVs than ever before and choosing the ultimate social distancing getaway by heading out camping. Once the RV shows begin to return there will be many new changes. These are just a few of the things you’ll need to know whether you are just browsing or if you plan on purchasing.

Need a holiday gift for someone who loves to camp, hike, kayak, or just spend time outdoors? Do you need it to be under $20? We have lots of budget-friendly ideas on how to get something special and practical to wrap up this year.

We all know we need to maintain our RVs to keep everything running smoothly and prevent a vacation-ending event from happening. For most of us, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when it comes to everything that needs to be done to keep all these moving parts shipshape. When NRVTA’s Todd Henson took the stage at the E3 Association National Conference all attention was on him to set the record straight on what we need to do and how to do it right.

Veterans Day is a special occasion to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that they have made to defend our freedoms and way of life. In this blog post, we will share various ways to show gratitude to our veterans, such as attending a local parade, donating to veteran organizations, sending care packages to troops overseas, and volunteering at a VA hospital. By taking the time to honor our heroes, we can show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Mandy Doolittle, a blogger, and mother of three, started her business to encourage families to spend quality time together and enjoy affordable trips. After the recession and the closure of her company, Mandy and her husband refused to let their budget restrict their activities and would go on hikes, explore state parks, and camp in their tent. They often shared photos on social media, inspiring others to explore their own backyard, and providing tips for family activities. Their blog has evolved to focus on content creation that stands out and resonates with their audience. Mandy's must-visit places in Colorado include Cherry Creek bike path, downtown Denver, Red Rocks, Lookout Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park.

A new RV purchase is very exciting and oftentimes overwhelming. Many people will tell you about all the immediate purchases you must make or upgrades you need to do in order to create the perfect rig. There’s no doubt we love our RV Lock, Anderson Levelers, and Level Mate Pro. But our favorite upgrades to our 2017 Heartland North Trail travel trailer are the things that make life inside a little more reliable and comfortable.

More and more families are getting into camping right now and we are so excited about it! The amount of first-time RV buyers is astounding, but if an RV isn’t in your budget (one wasn’t in ours for years and years) or your comfort level, do not be afraid to start out tent camping. Both Jason and I camped in tents as kids and then with our own kids when they were babies and toddlers. Tent camping has tons of great reasons why it’s a blast and actually better than an RV, here are a few of our favorites:

There are over 400 sites to explore completely for free, I guarantee there is something for everyone! Don’t forget, this weekend celebrates National Public Lands Day which is a wonderful time to volunteer to keep our public lands clean, safe, and ready for everyone.

When the heat of the summer settles into the lower elevations of Colorado we find ourselves desperate to escape up to the mountains in search of cooler temps and a change of scenery. And 9 times out of 10 we find ourselves in Breckenridge. Breck, as most of us call it, is a summer paradise and a great way to spend a day with your family. Though Breckenridge is amazing all year round, summertime is my favorite. Okay maybe fall, too.

Get ready for a delicious Labor Day weekend camping trip with our meal plan featuring Denver Omlettes, BLTA Sandwiches, and Campfire Nachos. These easy to make, and delicious meals will make your camping trip a memorable one. So pack up your gear, and let's hit the trails with these mouth-watering meals.

Do you have a new 4th grader (or homeschool equivalent) for the 2021-2022 school year? Great! Then you need to make sure you're taking advantage of the Every Kid Outdoors program. I am on a mission to get out the news that every American 4th grader and their families can enter into any of the over 400 national park sites for free for one full year, starting tomorrow!

Elevate your RV and camping experience with our Prepare Ahead Weekend Camping Meal Plan. Enjoy delicious and convenient meals on the go with our breakfast burritos, panini, and chicken alfredo. These ideas are easy to prepare ahead of time and can be heated up quickly for a satisfying meal on the road or at the campsite. Make the most of your weekend getaway with our tasty and time-saving meal plan.

Enjoy a delicious and hassle-free camping trip with our Instant Pot Weekend Camping Menu Meal Plan. Our plan features Cheese and Pepper Egg Bites, White Chicken Chili, and Sloppy Joes, all made quickly and easily in an Instant Pot. These recipes are perfect for camping as they require minimal prep and clean-up, leaving you more time to enjoy the great outdoors. So pack up your Instant Pot and head out on your next camping adventure with our delicious meal plan.