RV Miles Podcast

65. The State of Our National Parks

On this special episode of RV Miles, we talk with John Garder of the National Parks Conservation Association about the massive maintenance backlog facing the National Parks and what some of the attempts to solve the problem are. We also cover replacing halogen lights with LEDs, and a whole lot more! 

64. The Black Hills: Mount Rushmore

On this week's RV Miles, we take you to the sculpted faces of Mount Rushmore and talk about the best ways to get away from the crowds and commercialism, so that you can enjoy it as the solemn memorial it was intended to be. We also take on several listener questions about laundromats, internet, RV covers and more, along with the latest news and a new brain teaser!

63. The Black Hills: Wind Cave National Park and Hot Springs, SD

Today on RV Miles, journey with us to the southern half of the Black Hills of South Dakota, to the wonders of Wind Cave National Park — one of the best places we've found to see wildlife like bison and elk, in addition to being an extraordinary cave. We also visit Wind Cave's gateway community, Hot Springs, a charming historic town. 

62. The Black Hills: Custer State Park and the Buffalo Roundup

This week on RV Miles, we begin our tour of the stunning Black Hills region of South Dakota. We cover the simply massive Custer State Park, including its wildlife, and a unique annual event - the Buffalo Roundup, where more than 1300 wild bison are herded into corrals by cowboys and cowgirls for health checkups. 

We'll also take you on some amazing scenic drives — the Needles Highway, which spins through hairpin and pigtail turns, as well as 8' wide tunnels through the magnificent needle spires of the Black Hills, as well as the Iron Mountain Road, full of scenic vistas and striking views of Mount Rushmore. 

All that, plus some RV-related news items, a listener question, a new brain teaser, and more! 

 

61. Badlands

On this week's RV Miles, we travel to the strange beauty of South Dakota's Badlands National Park, along with a visit to the world-famous Wall Drug. That, plus news, a new brain teaser, and so much more! Check out RV Miles on rvmiles.com for show notes and more info!

60. Campground Chili and Omaha Adventures

On this RV Miles, we journey to the surprisingly adventurous town of Omaha, Nebraska, and visit what is possibly the greatest zoo in the country — along with some other great attractions. But first, it's fall! Time for Chili! We talk about making chili in the RV or over the campfire. All that, plus news, a new brain teaser, and more! Visit rvmiles.com for show notes and more info!

59. Fall Camping Gear Guide

It's time for our fall gear guide! We have all the road-tested gadgets to make your RV travel a breeze! From raincoats to coffee mugs, camera gear, even a paper plate recommendation, we'll have you camping in style this fall. Get the full list and links to purchase at rvmiles.com/fall-2018-gear. 

58. Fall Camping and Thor's LEAP Program

On this episode of RV Miles, we chat with Rick Schutt from Thor Industries about their program to get kids interested in careers in the RV industry. Then, we talk about our favorite fall camping tips. In the news, a popular National Park Service campground in Florida may become unavailable to RVs, a conservation conflict in Minnesota, and another stolen trailer full of Boy Scout camping gear. 

Sponsor: L.L.Bean

This year, L.L.Bean is joining up with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, to help you find your happy place – in an amazing system of more than 400 national parks, including historic and cultural sites, monuments, preserves, lakeshores, and seashores that dot the American landscape, many of which you’ll find just a short trip from home. L.L.Bean is proud to be an official partner of the National Park Foundation. Discover your perfect day in a park at findyourpark.com.

Sponsor: Boondockers Welcome

Get 10% off a Boondockers Welcome membership with code RVMILES at boondockerswelcome.com, and visit thousands of free overnight parking spots provided by RVers just like you.

Resources

Gulf Islands National Seashore may remove vehicle access and RV camping at Fort Pickens: https://weartv.com/news/local/removing-vehicle-access-to-gulf-islands-national-sea-shore-fort-pickens

Beginning this spring, Texas State Parks will allow you to choose a site when reserving and pay entrance fees online in advance, effectively reserving a spot for parks that have a maximum capacity. https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/travel-outdoors/article/New-Texas-State-Parks-reservation-system-will-13204349.php

A ban on mining has been lifted around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. about 365 square miles within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area of the Superior National Forest that hangs along the southern edge of the Boundary Waters is home to the Duluth Complex, believed to be one of the richest untapped deposits of copper, nickel and precious metals in the world. Mining companies have been exploring the region for decades, although no copper-nickel mine has yet opened. On Thursday the Department of Agriculture canceled a study on the potential environmental impact of mining in the region. Secretary of Agriculture said that the USDA can both "protect the integrity of the watershed and contribute to economic growth and stronger communities.” Environmental groups are aggravated that the Department of Agriculture did not finish the environmental study it had promised to complete. And still others are saying that mines are bad for business, as they may interfere with a growing recreational economy that supports the region. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/09/06/boundary-waters-mining

Another Boy Scout troupe has trailer full of camping gear. The third this year. https://www.fox16.com/crime/lr-boy-scout-troop-loses-camping-equipment-to-thief/1421169529

57. Domicile State and Oklahoma City

On this week's RV Miles, we talk all the things you need to know when choosing a domicile (residence) state for full-time RV travel. And then we recount some of our favorite experiences in Oklahoma City, a surprising town that should really be on your radar. That, plus news, a new brain teaser, and more!

56. RV Travel Safety

On this RV Miles, we take a look at a bunch of tips and tricks for keeping yourself and your family safe while out traveling on the open road, and staying at campgrounds Walmarts, or in the deep woods. Whether it be from attackers or wild animals, we've got you covered with some great safety advice. That, plus lots of news items, a new brain teaser, and a gear tip to help you get rid of cooking grease at the campground!