Camping is all about relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors, so make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your trip. Of course, you'll also need food and water. It's always a good idea to pack plenty of snacks and have a backup plan for food in case you get stranded.

This list of camping gear is all stuff we use. Tried and tested!

Clothes for Camping & Hiking

Coalatree Eco-Minded Goods | Outdoor Apparel & Accessories

Coalatree is an outdoor brand based in Utah and knows how to make solid gear for hiking, trails, and camping. Their clothing is organic and sustainable. The Misadventures household has lots of outdoor gear from Coalatree that we wear hiking, camping, road-tripping, etc. The same goes for their gear.

Coalatree Trailhead Pants and Shorts

[Gifted] Both Mr. Misadventures and I have Trailhead Pants and Shorts from Coalatree. The pants and shorts are waterproof and environmentally friendly. They use recycled materials and renewable energy too!

Buy Now!

More Clothing Gear for Camping & Hiking

Compression Socks

I wear these traveling, on road trips, and most definitely while hiking and camping. Long says can be tough on your legs and these babies definitely increase my comfort level.

BUY NOW

Wallaroo Sun Hat

I have this Wallaroo Breton hat in blue and red. It has UPF 50+ sun protection. It is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, and rolls up for easy packing. Wallaroo has other styles as well.

BUY NOW

Osprey Backpack

No outdoor adventure is complete without my trusty Osprey backpack. My first one lasted nearly 14 years and was replaced for free. Even when I don't hike it is my constant companion.

BUY NOW

Halle Pant II

My Halle Pant II from Prana is what I wear for hiking and camping. They are durable and sturdy. For warmer weather, they are great, for cold weather camping add a base layer.

BUY NOW

Other Essential or Unique Camping and Road Trip Gear

PAKMULE Hitch Rack Cargo Carriers

We are preparing for a big southwest road trip. It will include a cross-country trip to get to Arizona-Utah and then some back-country camping at White Pocket, etc. We have our Tepui tent on the top of the truck, and the truck bed has a slider to keep gear, but our PAKMULE hitch rack cargo carrier is a bonus as it is giving us extra storage capacity!

During the trip from North Carolina to Arizona, we can keep the things we need most accessible on the rack. This is super convenient for quick overnight stays. Then once we hit camping mode, we will use it to hold our cooler and other gear (a) off the ground and (b) in reach for easy access.

It is tough and durable and will be able to handle off-road driving, but only ways 42 pounds! 100% aluminum and doesn't rust – great for snow and rain conditions as well. It is also 100% made in America!

Generark Solar Generator

[Gifted] This baby only weighs 23 pounds so it is easy to lift and carry around. The solar panels come in a case that keeps all the cables together. We use it to recharge devices, small appliances (like your tire compressor), coolers, etc. It is the perfect power station for camping and long road trips.

I wrote more about this awesome solar generator that I think everyone should have!

More Gear to Consider:

Coalatree Kachula Adventure Blanket

This is the ONLY blanket you will ever need for camping, beach, or otherwise! It stuffs into itself making a great pillow. There is a snap-on hood that you can use to make it a wearable poncho. It is spill-resistant too!

BUY NOW

Coalatree Eco-Packable Hammock

The perfect hammock to pack for your campsite no matter where it is! In a campground or off the beaten track (or heck even a hostel) this little hammock is compact and awesome! It's very light so bring it everywhere!

BUY NOW

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp

For walking to a photo spot before sunrise or after sunset. For getting to that at stargazing spot. For going pee at night without killing yourself! Rechargeable so you don't have to worry about batteries!

BUY NOW

BioLite, Alpenglow 500 Lantern

This light has been in our camping gear for a few years and every time we camp I remark on how awesome it is! We hook it in our tent at night and use it on our “dining table” for meals. It has a USB-A charge-out port.

BUY NOW

SPARTER Portable Soft Cooler

This cooler keeps your drinks ice-cold for 4-7 days! It's perfect for extended adventures. It holds up to 12 cans. The zipper provides 100% leak-proof assurance. This cooler is a reliable choice for keeping beverages chilled and ready for any outdoor escapade.

BUY NOW

UTTY Portable Gear Hanger

Drying rack, hanging and organizing rack, one for “he” and one for “she” rack. Would probably work for kids too, with each one getting their own spot to hang their stuff. We get so many uses out of this portable rack that can hang from our tent, or truck, etc, it is a lifesaver!

BUY NOW

Sage Canyon Sun Shelter Deluxe

We are not sun worshippers in the Misadventures household so when we are at camp (or at the beach) we need a sun shelter and depending on the spot, protection from the wind also. This line from Big Agnes is lightweight and easy to assemble which is also a big bonus.

BUY NOW

REI Co-op Skyward Chair

What I want most in a camp chair is for it to be travel-friendly (lightweight) and comfortable. At the end of a long day out adventuring, I want to sit and relax and enjoy a drink (drink-holder, yay!) before my evening meal. This REI Skyward Chair hits on all the marks and I love mine!

BUY NOW

What You Need to Sleep

Do you enjoy camping but want to make sure your slumber is just as restful and comfortable as at home? Having all the right gear makes a big difference when you sleep outdoors, so let's explore what you need for a cozy night of sleeping under the stars. Get ready to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort!

Sea to Summit Compression Sack

The Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Compression Dry Sack, Ultralight Dry Bag will help you compress your sleeping bag into a teeny tiny ball. It really saves a lot of space when you are packing!

BUY NOW

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Inflatable Pillow

I do not skimp on our pillows. Usually, I bring the ones right from my bed. But for a cross-country trip where space is limited then I turn to this inflatable pillow which is very comfortable!

BUY NOW

Large Waterproof Camping Tarp

This tarp from REDCAMP sits outside the tent to keep your sleeping area clean. Of course, it's a tarp so it has a million uses while camping. We like this one because it is very compact.

BUY NOW

Eye Mask & Earplugs to Sleep!

There are a lot of strange noises (could be other campers nearby too) and light-walled tents. Plus the sun or moon can be bright! I ALWAYS have these essentials with me to get a good night's sleep.

BUY NOW

Stuff to Keep You Clean

There's nothing worse than getting all dirty and grimy while trying to enjoy nature. It may seem like a nearly impossible task to stay clean while out running wild in nature’s playground for days on end – but fear not! Fortunately, there are lots of great products available on the market today that make it easy for campers to keep themselves clean without sacrificing comfort.

More Clean-Up Gear:

PackTowl Microfiber Towel

We use these super quick-drying towels daily on our walks and they are fantastic for long hikes in warm weather. The larger format ones are great for quick drying after camp showers.

BUY NOW

BAR-D Biodegradable Body Wipes

Sometimes you can't shower so these extra large and thick biodegradable body wipes are what you need! Wipe down your entire body. Face, armpits, down there. They smell great too!

BUY NOW

On-the-Go Biodegradable TP Kits

I have been using these for years and love them! They are ever present in my gear. Each kit includes both tissues five 2-ply tissues and two wet wipes) in a single resealable package. 10 kits per box.

BUY NOW

Sea to Summit Water Storage/Dispenser

The Sea to Summit Watercell X Lightweight Camping Water Storage/Dispenser can also be used for a primitive shower. We also use it for holding fresh water for cooking.

BUY NOW

Battling those Insects

Nature isn't just something you look forward to – it's a battleground that requires an arsenal of bug sprays and insect repellents! Sure, those bugs can be annoying (and sometimes even scary!), but with a game plan and plenty of skills to combat them, there's no reason why insects should keep you from enjoying your time spent in nature.

The Lemon Citronella Line from Broken Top Brands

[Gifted] Hello bugs, sorry to say, I hate you. I know you are good for the planet and all, but I am just not a fan! The most important item in my Osprey backpack, packed with my camping gear, or heck, sitting on the coffee table on my back patio, is bug repellent!

Don't let bugs invade your outdoor fun! Broken Top Brands has the perfect defense against annoying critters with their Lemon Citronella line including the Lemon Citronella Repellent Stick, an easy-to-apply stick that gives you full protection when enjoying nature.

You can keep the insects away by putting on key pulse points like wrists, neck & knees. Make sure to pack one before any of your future hikes or patio hangs – it'll repel those buggers in no time!

And P.S., they smell great!

I tried the entire line which includes:

• Lemon Citronella Soy Candle
• Lemon Citronella Repellent Spray
• Lemon Citronella Incense Cones
• Lemon Citronella Repellent Stick

More Insect Controlling Gear:

Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net

Since my crazy mosquito misadventures in Crater Lake Oregon, I never go anywhere without this baby! Packs up into a tiny bag.

BUY NOW

Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Stickers

We do spray our clothes for ticks (during the season) and have mosquito sprays and lotions, but I also like these patches )and bracelets).

BUY NOW

Bug Soother Spray & Candle

This natural bug repellent has a blend of vanilla and lemongrass which I like but mosquitoes hate! The candle has the same scent as well.

BUY NOW

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent

This repeller creates a 20-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Perfect for mealtime and near the tent at night for bug-free sleep!

BUY NOW

Camp Kitchen + Dining

Eating in the great outdoors is a timeless pastime and one that can be spiced up with some creative ingredients, kitchen gadgets, accessories, and outdoor gear. Whether you're an experienced camper or just getting started, set your sights on incredible meals while hanging out in nature.

UCO Gear

UCO stands for Utility, Comfort, and Originality. With everything from UCO Ware to lighting and fire pits, this Washington state gear company has a wide variety of products that you can find in the Misadventures family list of gear for camping!

UCO Camping Gear for Eating

Mr. Misadventures and I have been using UCO camping plates, bowls, cups, and silverware for a million years. Their products are made with 100% recover recycled materials and have a LIFETIME guarantee. We take them in our suitcase even for travel and throw them in the car for road trips. They clean up easily and are very durable.

Buy Now!

UCO 6 Piece Mess Kit

Mr. Misadventures and I prefer to use reusable dishware. We use glass containers for our food and mess kits like the UCO 6 Piece Mess Kit to eat on rather than paper plates, etc. The kit is designed to make your camp life a little bit easier. It includes 6 pieces, including the spork and collapsible cup so you can enjoy any meal on-the-go.

Buy Now!

Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit

I LOVE this product so much! This Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit from UCO Gear is tiny! Who knew you could have a fold-up grill??!! This baby fits in its own canvas case and practically disappears, yet it is durable enough to hold your firewood and food if you cook on it.

Buy Now!

More Camp Kitchen + Dining Gear:

OXO 3 Piece Silicone Measuring Cups

We bring these to measure water for our dehydrated meals. They collapse into nothing and don't break if the heat dries them out.

BUY NOW

Waterproof, Oil-Proof Vinyl Tablecloth

Even when we don't actually have a table we use this as a picnic blanket or across the back of our truck for dining.

BUY NOW

Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar

Fantastic for food prep! Insulated food jars keep food fresh (hot or cold!0, no matter where the day takes you.

BUY NOW

YETI Reusable Cooler Ice Packs

We have several of the YETI Thin ICE Refreezable Reusable Cooler Ice Pack for our OtterBox cooler a must-have!

BUY NOW

FEATURED BRAND

Dreamroo Travel Utensil Set

• Great for camping, travel, and road trips
• The metal utensils are easier to clean than plastic (think oil and grease – so hard to get off plastic!)
• Minority-owned, Veteran-owned, eco-conscious brand
• 100% food grade silicone that's freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe
• This compact sets in your backpack, mess kit, or glove compartment

BUY NOW

Camping Food: Eats and Treats

Expand your culinary horizons beyond just s'mores and hot dogs when you go camping. Check out these amazing eats and treats that will make your next outdoor adventure one of the best meals you've had all year! Whether it's a classic campfire dinner or something a little more exotic, everyone can find something new here to indulge in once they hit the trail.

Our Picks for Dehydrated Meals:

When it comes to camping, Mr. Misadventures and I prefer to focus more on how we are spending our time outdoors without messing around with a lot of cooking. We prepare food ahead of time, do lots of healthy snacking, and bring dehydrated food. The dehydrated food industry has come a LONG way since my Dad was eating MREs and you do NOT have to give up your gourmet ways to enjoy these meals!

Peak Refuel Camping Food

Is it weird that I now look forward to camping so I can eat meals like Peak Refuel's Beef Stroganoff? These meals are fairly low carb as I would like, and are full of protein. When I am out hiking I doubt mind the extra carbs or calories as I know I am going to burn through them. They have a full line of meals from breakfast to lunch – all delicious!

Buy Now!

Stowaway Gournet

Another boutique pouch meal brand that makes incredible meals! Oh my goodness is it hard to choose. I LOVE their Lamb Bourguinon, Comrade Doeganoff (venison stroganoff), and Las Pollos Hermanas chicken stew. The only downside to this brand is they have a very long lead time to fulfill orders, more than the 2 weeks they usually claim they are behind, so buy them early!

Buy Now!

More Camping Food Ideas:

Good to Go

We have been eating REI's Good to Go dehydrated meals for years. While I prefer a little more gourmet, they are still a really good choice for a hot meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

BUY NOW

Nomad Nutrition

Plant-based, protein-packed dehydrated meals that are also pretty low carb. I like Nomad Nutrition for their Hungarian Goulash and Irish shepherd’s pie meals. Very filling and great flavor.

BUY NOW

NuTrail Nut Granola

This is our go-to breakfast most of the time. We mainly eat the Cocoa and Blueberry ones but also have tried their Honey Nut. Makes a great base for trail mix too, just add low-carb chocolate chips.

BUY NOW

Wild Zora

The Wild Zora line of instant grain-free hot cereal is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! Packed with organic flaxseed and almond-based goodness, they are loaded with fiber and protein.

BUY NOW

IQBAR Brain and Body Keto Protein Bars

We love low-carb protein bars in the Misadventures family and keep a wide variety of them on hand. I am a HUGE fan of banana and QBAR makes an excellent one! Lots of other good flavors as well. Great for the trail or just a good, healthy snack.

BUY NOW

Duke's Smoked Shorty Sausages

We have been big fans of Duke's for quite a while. They are a great low-carb snack when you need to fight the munchies between meals. Perfect for hiking. My favorite is the Hatch Chile version, Mr. Misadventures loves the new Chorizo & Lime!

BUY NOW

Pop Art Popcorn with Olive Oil

Not your average popcorn! The foodie in your life will love ALL the flavors! Popcorn is fun for camping! We eat it as an apéro with a bottle of low-carb beer after setting up camp the first night. Some versions are with avocado oil. All yummy!

BUY NOW

S'mores Bark Luxe Milk Chocolate Bark

S'mores are too messy! Instead, if I want the same flavor profile without all the fuss, I am going for the S'mores Bark Luxe Milk Chocolate Bark by Chuao Chocolatier. With crushed honey goodness, fluffy mini marshmallows, and creamy milk chocolate.

BUY NOW

Camping Drinks: AM to PM

Let's explore all the delicious drinks from the morning until the night that will help fuel your adventures! Here is something for every discerning camper – no matter how early or late you rise out of their tents! So pour yourself a cup and let’s dive in as we explore some awesome camping drinks perfect for an AM (or PM!) adventure.

Steeped Instant Coffee Bags

Easy and convenient eco-friendly single-serve packages of delicious coffee. These are perfect for camping, just add hot water and you are set!

BUY NOW

Mosi Tea Infuser + Cold Brew Infuser

We use a tea infuser and cold brew infuser from Mosi, a local company in the Raleigh-Durham area (woot), and have fresh caffeine to fuel our days.

BUY NOW

Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Tablets

These low-carb electrolyte drink tablets provide improved hydration. We add them to water during the day, for our walks, hikes, and more.

BUY NOW

LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes

This is my favorite electrolyte drink mix. I love the flavors and the salty flavor doesn't bother me at all, in fact, the opposite! Perfect electrolytes ratio.

BUY NOW

Camping Planners & Journals

Whether you’re planning a short weekend trip or an extended stay, having a plan in place can help make sure your time outside is fun and relaxing. Planning ahead for all the details — from packing the right gear to mapping out where you'll go — takes effort, but by using specific camping planners & journals, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. So if you're looking for an easy way to keep track of everything as well as capture memories along the way – then look no further!

Le Shop: Camping Trip Planner

If you’re the kind of person who spends hours daydreaming of the perfect camping trip, then my camping trip planner is an absolute must-have to track all the details!

BUY NOW

Simple Family Camping Planner

Are you ready to enjoy a camping trip with your family? My all-in-one Simple Family Camping Planner is here to help you make the most of your outdoor adventure.

BUY NOW

Camping With Your Dog Planner

With my Camping With Your Dog Planner, you can check off all your preparations and get ready for some outdoor fun with your natural-born adventuring buddy!

BUY NOW

Campground Passport

Document your camping adventures with this camping passport from Letterfolk. Keep track of the best campsites and the meaningful moments while you are out and about. Great way to journal.

BUY NOW

Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some time in nature. Before you head out into the wild, have all your camping essentials. And then pack the good stuff, the gear!

While it might seem like a lot to remember, packing the right camping gear will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. So before you head out on your next camping adventure, be sure to check the products I've shared!

How about you? Is there something new, cool, or interesting that you are bringing on your next camping trip? Do share!

Like it? PIN it!

The post J’adore – Camping Gear appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

We all know that beach camping is a lot of fun. You get to enjoy the great outdoors, but also have access to the ocean! If you are going on a beach camping trip for the first time, you may not be sure what gear you need. In this blog post, I am sharing some essential equipment for beach camping that you should consider bringing along on your next adventure.

Of course, all these products are awesome for all kinds of camping, not just beach camping, but since beach camping is the type of camping we have been doing as of late, including most recently at Cape Lookout, I have bucketed them as beach camping must-haves!

Before we start, these items have been gifted (all opinions still remain my own and not everything gifted made the cut). 

SPARTER Portable Soft Cooler

When it comes to beach camping, the SPARTER Portable Soft Cooler is a must-have addition to your gear lineup. Its innovative design keeps contents cold for an impressive 4-7 days, making it ideal for extended stays by the shore. It comfortably holds up to 12 cans alongside 17 pounds of ice, ensuring you have refreshing drinks at hand throughout your beachside adventures.

The cooler's zipper guarantees 100% leak-proof performance, ideal for preventing any messes in sandy environments. Built tough with high-density fabric, it's puncture and abrasion-resistant, capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor use.

For beach campers looking to keep beverages chilled and ready without compromise, the SPARTER Soft Cooler is the reliable companion you need. We use ours all the time and love it!

Where to Buy: Available on the Level8 site or on Amazon.

Coalatree’s Kachula Adventure Blanket

This is the ONLY blanket you will ever need for camping, beach, or otherwise! The Kachula is not only perfect for any camping trip, but take it to a festival or concert, on a picnic, family road trip or adventure, international vacation (trust me, it is light enough for a suitcase), and more. It stuffs into itself making a great pillow. There is a snap-on hood that you can use to make it a wearable poncho. It is spill-resistant too!

Best part? It is Eco-friendly, made of nylon flannel (top) and ripstop nylon (bottom), both made from 100% recycled materials!

Where to Buy: Available in the Coalatree store on Amazon or on the Coalatree site.

Mosi Tea Infuser

[Gifted] Beverages are a huge part of our camping adventures. The proper tea or coffee, and the container it goes into, is just as important! We just got an awesome tea infuser and cold brew infuser from Mosi, a local company in the Raleigh-Durham area (woot), and cannot wait to take them out for a ride.

Sierra Design's Deluxe Collapsible Wagon

[We have our Tepui tent on top of our truck so you may wonder why the heck we would want a wagon for… Well, there are lots of times, often driven by Mr. Misadventures photographic activities where I find myself hauling more than what I can carry on my back. Like on a recent camping trip at Cape Lookout where we did a sunset shoot at the lighthouse a mile away from our campsite. We had to walk up the main road which is all sand and besides photo equipment, I also brought a chair and a few other items that I carried there and back. It would have been so much easier to pull the wagon. 

When we don't camp directly on the beach, we camp at beach campsites that are on one side of the dunes. To access the beach you have to walk over the dunes with all the stuff you want for the beach in which case the Deluxe Collapsible Wagon from Sierra Designs is a godsend!

Where to Buy: Available at Target, not yet on Amazon in the Sierra Design store, but I am sure it will show up there soon enough!

AlpenGlow Lantern from BioLite

Having good lighting is important when camping. Mr. Misadventures and I always have a variety of lightning in the form of headlamps, lanterns, etc. We aren't that into the traditional flashlight (you need your hands!) and prefer these other types of lighting devices. We camp at the beach because we love the dark skies that really make you feel like you are far away.

That means creating our own light for the atmosphere and for utility. I was really lucky to get my hands on an AlpenGlow 500 re-chargeable lantern before they are publicly available. This 500 Lumen (a lumen is a measurement for the total amount of visible light from a light source) multicolor USB lantern is amazing!

Coming back from our sunset shoot at the Cape Lookout lighthouse, we had our headlamps for the journey, but once we got back to camp and realized that we needed to take down our shade tent for the night, we needed extra light to make that happen. AlpenGlow to the rescue.

We always hang a lantern from the top of our tent until we are ready to go to sleep as well. Also, living on the East Coast power grid has been an adjustment with frequent power outages, we have been using the AlpenGlow to light up any room that we are sitting in while we wait for the lights to come back on!

Some of its features:

• 8 Light Modes including party mode, candle flicker mode, and fireworks mode
• Accelerometer – changes speeds and light modes with a shake of the unit
• A runtime of 200 hours on Low and 5 hours on High
• It charges your cell phone and small electronic devices
• Burntime: 200 hours on Low, 5 hours on High
• I have the AlpenGlow 500 but it also comes in a smaller version, the AlpenGlow 250

Where to Buy: Available on the Bio Lite Energy site (pre-order)  coming to REI and Amazon towards the end of July.

Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit

I LOVE this product so much!  I wish we had this when we were RVing. We opted not to have a fire pit because of weight limitations, but this Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit from UCO Gear is tiny! Who knew you could have a fold-up grill??!! This baby fits in its own canvas case and practically disappears, yet it is durable enough to hold your firewood and food if you cook on it. No bonfires allowed on the beach? No problem with this gadget! 

Where to Buy: Available on the UCO Gear website or Amazon.

Eldris LightDuty Blade

Mr. Misadventures is the go-to guy when it comes to the outdoors. He packs our stuff, loads our car, and makes sure we have everything we need. I am in charge of myself. This means packing my trusty Osprey backpack with my own essentials. One thing I have been missing for the longest time is a small knife that I can have on hand for “small jobs.” I am scared to death of blades that flip open, being as clumsy as I am, slicing off a finger is one misadventure I want to avoid.

This is why I am in love with my new Eldris LightDuty from Morakniv! I got the blue one, isn't it pretty! Now I can slice and dice while camping. I can safely add the cover and it fits into my gear that I pack into my backpack!

Where to Buy: NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

UCO 6 Piece Mess Kit

Mr. Misadventures and I prefer to use reusable dishware. We use glass containers for our food and mess kits like the UCO 6 Piece Mess Kit to eat on rather than paper plates, etc. The kit is designed to make your camp life a little bit easier. It includes 6 pieces, including the spork and collapsible cup so you can enjoy any meal on-the-go (also great for the office!).

This dishwasher-safe, microwave-friendly kit is leakproof and lightweight. The kit also comes in different colors that are perfect for anyone who wants their gear to reflect their personality. I have always been “team spork” now I got the whole kit!

Bonus…When it comes time for your meal to end, collapse down the Camp Cup inside of both plates then tether everything together using their shock cord which is also perfect for longer journeys outdoors without having any worries about losing anything along the way.

Where to Buy: Available on the UCO Gear website, the REI website, or Amazon.

Cooling Cuffs

Hear me out on this one! A new discovery and I am using them in all kinds of ways, including camping! My new addiction? Cooling Cuffs! Picture this. Coming back from a hike, a photoshoot hauling equipment, a walk on the beach and you are hot, yuck! Open up your cooler and grab them, throw them on your wrist, and voilà instant cool down! Cooling Cuffs are designed to keep your body cool and comfortable. They're perfect for outdoor activities or just staying cool all summer long.

I'm telling you, there is nothing better to cool after setting up camp than to grab one of these babies and relax! Now all I need is a mini cooler where I can stock a pair of these to wear mid-hike! Also helpful on days when you don't want to crank the AC but need some chill!

Where to Buy: Available on Amazon.

Cape Lookout Dog Leash + Collar

Don't forget the leash to secure your dog while camping. Your pup can run wild on most beaches but will need to be attached at the campsite and at night. Why not extend the nautical theme with this lighthouse-inspired collection: leash and collar?

That's it! My new favorite beach camping essentials are my current must-haves when we pack up all the camping equipment and head to the shore!

What about you? Got something to add to my beach gear list? Do share!

Like it? PIN it!

The post J’adore – Beach Camping Essentials appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Camping Meals

I know there are a lot of folks out there who really enjoy making gourmet meals when they are camping. To me, that means lots of prep time, cook time, and ugh, dishwashing. You know me, I am a foodie and can appreciate that there is nothing like good food after a day of activity, but I choose to bring pre-made food, made-ahead, meals, etc., and spend time relaxing with a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Here are some of my current go-tos for camping meals!

Casa Verde Packs

[Gifted] I am all about making camp meals easy. But that doesn't mean I want to sacrifice taste one tiny bit! We have all the Casa Verde Latin-forward meal pack flavors: Garbanzos Al Pastor, Coconut Chowder, Red Bean Pozole, and Lentil Mole. These are SUPER easy to prepare and make a great side dish for any protein you match it with. We make our protein ahead of time and then warm one of these packs up or even eat it cold. They are so good!

You can find them on Amazon as well.

Fillo's Beans

[Gifted] Beans and rice, so carbs, really are great camping food. When we do eat carbs while camping we go for the healthier varieties. I know it seems like Fillio's and Casa Verde are competitors, and maybe they are on the shelf, but they both hold a place in our pantry and our camping gear. We like all the rice and bean combinations they have (they have tamales too!) but we LOVE the Puerto Rican Rice & Gandules Sofrito and buy that one over and over!

You can find them on Amazon as well.

Camping Cocktails

I do like my wine, but recently I have been checking out a lot of ready-made cocktails. This newish category called ready-to-drink liquor, or RTD is right up my alley for camping! I don't want to worry about bags of ice, bottles of liquor, and a blender when I am camping!

Here are some of my current go-to's for camping cocktails!

Crook & Marker Lime Margarita

Truth be told I am drinking these babies 2 to 3 times a week! The reason? They are LOW CARB! And delicious! Even Mr. Misadventures who would rather have wine most of the time will say yes to one of these from time to time. At home, I throw it in a blender with ice to make it more like a frozen margarita, but for camping, you just need to make sure it is cold.

We get ours at Target! Crook & Marker also has a Blackberry Lime Mojito, but I haven't tried it yet.

Monaco Cocktails – Watermelon Crush

[Gifted] Monaco Cocktails have a whole line of cocktails with checking out. My current favorite is Watermelon Crush (with tequila), but they also have Sun Crush (with tequila), Lime Crush (with tequila), Tropic Rush (with vodka), Monaco Citrus Rush, (with vodka), Monaco Cranberry (with vodka), Monaco Black Raspberry (with vodka), Monaco Mango Peach (with vodka), Monaco Purple Crush (with cognac), and Monaco Blue Crush (with everything! Just kidding, it has vodka, rum, gin, and tequila).

See, something for all tastes! And they are gluten-free too!

Find them in a store near you OR you can order them online!

Camping, Travel, and Road Trip Snacks

Snacks are universal! They are great for camping, travel, and road trips so I am bundling them all together.

Here are some of my current go-tos for snacks!

PopArt Popcorn

If have tried just about every flavor of PopArt popcorn and we are HUGE fans in the Misadventures with Andi household! Popcorn is a great travel snack and we often bring it camping, in the car, and on the plane! These are lower carb as they are popped in healthier avocado oil and there are so many original flavors!

There are a few flavors available at Amazon and their full collection in Pop Art's online store.

Upright Instant Oatmilk

[Gifted] In truth, Mr. Misadventures and I didn't discover oat milk until we moved to North Carolina, but now it is our go-to for coffee, etc. The hubby drinks a lot of tea and since he lived in the UK in his formative years, he drinks his Earl Grey with a splash of milk, or in this case oat milk.

When we are traveling, or camping, and yes, even when road-tripping, we bring various sizes of thermos or travel mugs for our own coffee or tea (have you read any of those horrific articles about the tea or coffee on a plane? Yikes!) and having milk is always difficult, usually we forgo it, but now with Instant Oat MIlk from Upright, we don't have to!

I throw some packets into my bag du jour and when I need some milk, I pull one out, add water et voilà! We use the original flavor for this purpose. There is also chocolate, which is a nice, easy-to-make treat when I am craving chocolate, and vanilla which I use with a little bit of turmeric (see below!).

We also use it while traveling for granola and cereal, a quick breakfast in the hotel, etc. It is so versatile!

Fiji Joe Turmeric

We use a lot of turmeric in the Misadventures household. We ingest it in pill form every morning and use it in our cooking. Funnily enough, turmeric is just not that accessible when we travel to Europe and we have a hard time finding it or skipping it due to sticker shock. I have tried traveling with it, but the gold powder stains if it is damaged in transit!

Enter Fiji Joe Turmeric which comes in individual packets that are perfect for turmeric on the run! I add them to my vanilla oat milk in a container, give it a shake and enjoy a delicious and healthy treat in the afternoon. And I can now pop them into my suitcase for our long-term Airbnb stays in France and Portugal and add it to the meals we create in the kitchen.

Turmeric in a sachet? Ingenious!

Sciabica California Olive Oil Almonds

[Gifted] Nuts are an excellent source of protein and will keep you going when you are hungry. And they are a great low-carb option! We tried the entire almonds and Sciabica California Olive Oil line in jalapeño, garlic, orange, and Mediterranean medley. Our absolute favorite is the orange!

Having lived in California for close to 30 years before leaving to explore Phoenix and now Raleigh, I can tell you that both the olive oil and the almonds in the state are outstanding! And these olive oil almonds are not only delicious but perfect for camping, road trips, or travel!

Buy them online on the Sciabica website.

Berry Beet Maca Superfood Bars

[Gifted] Many times when we are camping we are up at the crack of dawn (Mr. Misadventures loves his sunsets) when others are sleeping. We tried to be respectful by keeping the noise and grabbing breakfast on the go.

When traveling you don't always know what the day will bring, but one thing I can tell you is if you have to eat in the airport, it ain't healthy, and if you are flying long enough to receive snacks or a meal, those are usually very high carb and without a lot of nutrition.

The same can be said for road trips. A lot of times, you don't know where you are going to get your next meal!

There is a solution to all of these situations! Snacks! And snack bars!

I recently tried the Berry Beet Maca Superfood Bar from Brandless. The bar's main ingredients are maca beet (read about what the heck that is here), raspberries, and beets. This superfood bar is organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. If you are thinking, “beets, no way!” Think again! To me, it tastes like raspberry with nuts. Give it a try!

Steeped Coffee on the go!

[Gifted] Mr. Misadventures is more of a tea drinker than coffee. And for years I had lamented about how easy it was for him to travel, camp, etc with tea. You just grab the tea bag, get hot water and go. I asked him (and the Universe), why can't they put coffee grounds into a tea bag??!!

The Universe answered a few years ago and I have been trying new brands as they release this very convenient way to have coffee on the go. I use them on the plane, for the first morning in an Airbnb (when we don't know what the coffee situation will be), on road trips, and camping. Any time I want good coffee but don't want to deal with coffee grounds.

Besides the great taste, there are a lot of things I like about Steeped Coffee. They are from Santa Cruz, California, and like many businesses in this area that are mostly known for its boardwalk and surfing, they maintain ethical business practices from sourcing to production, including:

• Direct Trade Coffee: quality coffee ethically sourced directly from farmers
• Micro Batching: roasted locally in small batches
• Precision Ground: consistent water-cooled grinding to the micron
• Full Immersion Filter: regulates ideal water-in and maximum flavor-out
• Ultrasonic Sealed Edges: eliminates the use of glues and staples
• Nitro Sealing: removes oxygen so ground coffee stays fresh for months
• Guilt-Free Packaging: 100 percent compostable packaging

If that sounds like a company you want to send your business and a coffee you want to try, then find them at a store near you or purchase directly online.

How about you? Have any camping, road trip, or travel day foods, snacks, or drinks to tell me about? Do share!

Like it? PIN it!

The post J’adore: Camping and Road Trip Meals, Snacks, and Drinks appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Wild-camping is roughing it par excellence and is incredibly popular with the ultralight set – intrepid explorers committed to carrying a kit with minimum weight and maximum performance. The concept is self-explanatory: find a camping spot, pitch your tent, and settle in for the night.

Camping in the wild means no fences, no facilities, no noisy neighbors. Wild camping is as peaceful as it gets and allows you to achieve that real ‘wilderness’ feeling, as well as giving you the chance to experience some pretty special morning views.

However, some places are more set up for this style of off grid camping than others: Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Finland have the ‘right to roam’ thoroughly embedded in their culture, meaning that you can ski, camp, and otherwise enjoy yourself on all land other than private gardens without fear of reprisals, you can basically camp anywhere!

In other countries, however, the situation is more difficult. For example, in Ireland and Greece, it is illegal to camp outside of a designated campsite. With that in mind, here are some of the world’s best destinations to wild camp:

Scotland

Scotland is home to arguably the most dramatic scenery in the UK, and also some of the most relaxed rules regarding wild camping. Try the Outer Hebrides for real remoteness, or Galloway Forest Park for stargazing: the area is a designated area of natural darkness, and the lack of light pollution will give you an uninterrupted view of the heavens.

It is the perfect wild camping spot if you are into star-gazing. Free camping at its finest!

Iceland

Iceland has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, and its friendly people make traveling there a pleasure. The country is also notoriously expensive, and wild camping is an attractive option for exploring on a budget.

Forget chic hotels with hot tubs and head to the plethora of natural springs that bedeck the countryside or camp near the cliffs and whale watch from your sleeping bag. Wild camping in national parks is, however, forbidden, and technically you must ask the permission of any farmer on whose land you wish to camp.

Lapland

Lapland is one of the world’s most perfect untouched wildernesses. Home to the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, Lapland is a place of primordial, otherworldly beauty and absolute solitude.

Camping inside the arctic circle will also earn you serious bragging rights! Visit in Autumn for mild temperatures, ruska (Autumn colors), and the chance to kayak through clear waters.

Yosemite

Camping under the star-studded skies of Yosemite National Park is a must for any American road trip. Think of charging waterfalls, soaring mountains, and a near-infinity of breathtaking hiking trails.

You might think that this park has only developed campgrounds and camping sites, but the vast majority of the park is completely untamed, making it a wild camping goldmine. You will, however, need a wilderness permit and bear spray – black bears do roam this area.

Patagonia

If you’re an experienced camper and want to take your trips to the next level, why not head out to the tip of the world and camp under the vast night skies of Patagonia? This is the place to meet traditional gaucho cowboys, spot whales, hike glaciers, and take in some of the world’s most beautiful views.

Tips for wild campers:

Ensure your camping gear is up to the test

This is especially pertinent if heading out after the mercury has dropped. Make sure that you thoroughly research the maximum and minimum temperatures that you should expect. Check the comfort rating of your sleeping bag to ensure you won’t get too cold at night.

This is not an area to skimp on. Make sure that you have a repair kit for anything that may rip or break such as your sleeping mat or tent. In a pinch, simple duct tape can work wonders.

Having the right gear for your camping trip is essential for a successful and enjoyable stay in the wilderness. One item often overlooked is your generator. Generators are incredibly handy, as they allow you to keep certain amenities that can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, such as lights or charging electronic devices (if there are cell services).

Make sure the one you choose is appropriately sized and the quietest generator for camping and fuel it up before leaving home. Also, consider whether you want a generator powered by a solar panel.

Go light

While you may balk at the prices of ultralight gear, it is worth investing in quality pieces in order to save on weight, without sacrificing performance. There are numerous forums devoted to ultralight camping, and the talk gets pretty in-depth.

For those who are worried about weight, instead of a sleeping bag and tent, you may want to consider a bivvy bag (sometimes also spelled as bivy sack).

Don’t feel embarrassed about introducing yourself and asking questions: people are usually only too happy to share their expert advice. Alternatively, visit a good outdoor gear store and have a chat with your sales consultant.

Calls of Nature

Unlike stays at RV parks where you will likely find dump stations or bathroom facilities with toilet paper, human waste wild camping needs to be taken care of by you. Dispersed camping or dry camping comes with the responsibility of packing and packing out, and/or ensuring you dig a hole and use biodegradable toilet paper.

Navigate

Even if you are sure that you know where you are going, don’t underestimate how disorientating the wilds can be. Mountain rescue organizations can attest to the number of people that get lost each year on the world’s peaks.

Additionally, if you do end up in trouble, being able to pinpoint your exact location will help you tremendously when radioing for help. High-end GPS devices such as Garmin will make planning and navigating easier than you can imagine.

No matter what you choose for your wild off-grid camping trip, it's important to leave no trace so that the next person can enjoy their wild camping as much as you did!

How about you? Have you been wild camping or do you prefer glamping?

Like it? PIN it!

The post Wild Camping – Top Spots and How to Make the Most of Them appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

The idea of going “off the grid” has never been more appealing. Boondocking allows you to get away from it all and enjoy nature, but there are some things that need careful consideration before setting out on your journey- namely, where will you stay? What kind of vehicle do you want for this excursion? Does it make sense for RV renters? And most importantly – how am I supposed to power the RV without electricity?!

When you go boondocking in your RV, it's important to be aware of the risks. It does take a bit of research and planning. Now all you need are some tips on how to practice safe camping while out there by yourself…

What is RV Boondocking?

Let’s start with the basics. Boondocking is another term for dry camping. Essentially you drive your RV off the beaten path and camp in an undeveloped area with no amenities like electricity, water, or sewer hookups.

While this may sound rugged and primitive, but imagine waking up in the morning to a breathtaking view. You get out of bed, and make a cup of coffee before going foraging around camp looking at all the beautiful flowers growing around you!

Boondocking is actually quite comfortable and relaxing in a properly equipped RV. It is generally free, so it is easy on the budget. You can camp miles away from your nearest neighbor or set up an impromptu “neighborhood” with your friends. People boondock because of the spectacular scenery and views, unmarred by dozens of other campers.

Where Can You RV Boondock?

You can camp on any land that isn't private property – this includes national forests and BLM lots as well as other public lands. Some Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites may require a permit. Many boondocking areas have stay limits. Most limits are 14 or 21 days.

There are apps and websites that can help you find free boondocking sites, see the list below.

Resources for Finding RV Boondocking sites:

• BLM Website
• Campendium
• FreeCampsites.net
• iOverlander

How Do You RV Boondock in a Rental RV?

Well, it depends. Not every type of RV rental is ideal for boondocking. Some rental RVs, for example, the very popular Cruise America, are not designed for extended dry camping, but you could be off the grid for a few days. These types of RVs don’t have solar panels for renewable energy or composting toilets. They need to be hooked up at RV sites or you need to have an RV generator (which by the way is essential if you own your RV!).

Also, the black tank (the holding area that stores the toilet waste) needs to be dumped fairly frequently at a dump station. If you are boondocking for a few days, it’s totally feasible.

If you want to boondock for longer than a few days, you might be better off renting an off-grid capable rig from a site like Outdoorsy. They have peer-to-peer rentals. SO the owner may be totally fine with you taking their RV off-road. There are tons of van conversions and RVs with solar, composting toilets, and large enough water storage to allow for boondocking for a week or longer.

When renting, make sure the RV is properly equipped for dry camping. The rest of the prep is up to you. Then all you have to do is find your perfect (legal) boondocking site, get the necessary permits (if applicable), and head on out there!

Tips For RV Boondocking

Here are some helpful tips to make your boondocking experience successful!

Be Eco-Conscious and Practice Minimalism

Limit your water usage, power consumption, as well as how much trash you produce. If you run out of water, you will have to pack up your RV and drive into town to get more.
Water conservation techniques can stretch your water supply significantly.

Turn off the water while you wash your hands and lather yourself before you turn on the shower. Pre-clean your dishes with a paper towel to minimize washing time. Try to use reusable bamboo paper towels or “unpaper” towels.

Power is also precious. Don’t expect to run the A/C your entire trip. Only open the refrigerator when absolutely necessary so you don’t lose cold air. Be mindful of which appliances you plan to use. This is where the generator makes a HUGE difference.

No one wants a pile of trash in their RV, so try to get rid of excessive packaging before you head out on your trip and avoid single-use items.

Scout Your Location Ahead of Time

Honestly, this is a rule of thumb for all RVing and camping sites that Mr. Misadventures and I employ ALL the time!

Roads are narrow, rocky, pockmarked with holes, hilly, and windy. Worst of all, with no space for turning around! Desert roads to boondocking locations are often riddled with all of the above PLUS sand patches, mud, or tire-puncturing thorns.

If at all possible, Check out the site you plan to stay at in advance, either on one of the websites or apps I mentioned above (satellite view of Google Maps if you have the GPS coordinates) or by walking or driving the access road in another vehicle (or bike) first. This can go a long way in helping to avoid getting stuck or damaging the rental RV, which most definitely WILL be expensive!

Be Respectful

Do I even have to write this? It should be obvious. Research and follow all the rules of your chosen boondocking site like stay limits, permit requirements, fire bans, etc. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Put out fires completely, the fires it may cause are devastating. And dump your tanks at the appropriate stations.

Don’t leave food or trash outside your RV. It might attract critters, putting you and the animals in danger while messing with their food supply/ecosystem.

Be cognizant of any other campers in the area. Give them plenty of space and be quiet at night and in the morning. Don’t run your generator all night long. That’s is an RV no-no!

Be Prepared

To be on the safe side, it’s best to keep your RV locked and secure at all times. You never know who might want something that is inside an unlocked RV! Make sure valuable items like bikes, expensive grills, or devices like iPads, etc. are locked up when not in use too!

Have a plan for emergencies. Most boondocking sites are outside of cell range, so if someone gets hurt or sick you may just have to drive them to the nearest hospital. (So maybe have an idea where that might be!) Always bring a first aid kit including medications like ibuprofen, prescription medications, and emergency food and water supply.

Weather conditions can change drastically and the dry lakebed that was hard as a rock suddenly becomes an impassable mud mire trapping you for an extra day or two. Know where flash floods occur, and keep a radio for news on wildfires. Having an emergency plan can take turn a disaster into just an inconvenience.

As with anything, RV boondocking is a process, and the more you do it, the better you get at it and the more comfortable and prepared you will be! It really is the ultimate RV renter's adventure.

There's more than one way to enjoy the great outdoors, and boondocking may not be suitable for everyone but for those who want an authentic off-the-grid experience and in nature with their RV – boondocking is perfect!

How about you? Do you think boondocking is something you want to try? Have you done it before and have more tips? Do tell!

Like it? PIN it!

The post RV Basics: What is Boondocking appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Cape Lookout and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse are part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore in the Outer Banks (of North Carolina) and managed by the NPS. I have previously written about Shackleford Banks which is also part of the national seashore. You can get to the island by ferry or private boat and there are many things to do while visiting, including camping, fishing, birding, hiking, and more.

In this blog post, I will cover how to camp at cape lookout national seashore with tips that will help make your experience as good as possible!

What is Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a set of barrier islands covering a 56-miles (90-km) section of the Crystal Coast in North Carolina, running from the Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet. It is part of the National Park System and was created in 1966. As I have mentioned before, I really do prefer the Southern area of the Outer Banks as it is wilder, harder to get to, and therefore not as developed as its northern neighbor.

How to get to Cape Lookout National Seashore

Well, it depends on what you want to do! For day trips take a passenger ferry from either Beaufort or Harker's Island. You will have the option of stopping by Shackleford Banks first, or you can go directly to Cape Lookout. Also, if you are one of those minimalist campers and get everything into 2 bags, you can also use the passenger ferries to get to Cape Lookout for camping.

However, if you are like the rest of us who like to have a few extra amenities while camping, then you are probably going to want to bring your car. And for that, there are two ferry services that take cars. Although, there also passengers too.

Both go out of Davis one is the Cape Lookout Cabins & Camps (don't let the name fool you, they do not manage any cabins or camping, that is all done through the NPS) and one is Davis Shore Ferry Service. They can accommodate 4 to 6 cars depending on the ferry. It costs $80/85 per vehicle or at least a regular size car and then $16 for adults. We reserved with each of the companies.

Davis Shore is very organized over the phone (you can only make reservations over the phone [both companies]) they take your credit card and will charge you if you cancel within 24 hours. You will get an email confirmation. Cape Lookout Cabin & Camps Ferry Service is a little more loosey-goosey.

They don't take credit card information over the phone (therefore you will not be charged if you don't show up which could be a bonus I guess) and do not send any confirmation. That worried me and I ended up calling the day before we left to make sure they still had our reservation.

Space is limited and you must make select a return time when you make your initial reservation. However, you will see later that you can call and ask to be moved up if there is space.

Davis Shore Ferry Service
148 Willis Road, Davis, North Carolina 28524
Reservations: (252) 729-3474
Ferries operate (weather allowing) March 15 – December 31 (closed Dec 24-26) and may be increased or decreased based on seasonal demand. As far as I can tell, they only have 1 ferry.

Departures from Davis: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Returns from Great Island: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm

Cape Lookout Cabins & Camps
125 Grady Davis Lane, Davis, NC 28524
Reservations: (252) 729-9751 or (252) 729-9752
Ferries seem to run all year. Times adjust for seasonal demand (Labor Day Weekend and October) and/or weather conditions. They have 2 ferries: Miss Tempie and Miss Brenda.

Departures from Davis (Miss Tempie): 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm.
Departures from Davis (Miss Brenda): 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm,4:00 pm.

Returns from Great Island (Miss Tempie): 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm.
Returns from Great Island (Miss Brenda): 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm.

I recommend that you take a car to Cape Lookout if you were interested in doing camping fishing etc. Any activity you might have extra equipment that you would not be able to take on a regular passenger ferry. Alternatively, you can rent a 4 x 4 vehicle (Kubota) from the ferry service that you can load up with your equipment.

Or you can rent one on the island. There is a concessioner who rents them out at the Cape Lookout visitor's center and people use them for fishing and getting around the island.

The ferry takes 30 minutes to cover the three-mile boat ride. 

Can you stay on Cape Lookout?

You betcha! There are 2 options: cabins or camping. The cabins on Cape Lookout ain’t cheap. There are 26 cabins that are between $120-180 a night (depending on capacity) and that’s for a primitive cabin (you only have to look at the photo gallery on the NPS site to see, and I think the outsides which are in pretty bad shape look better than the insides!).

Quite frankly, I think you’re better off paying for the ferry with your car if it is a 4 x 4 and can handle driving on the sand. If it can’t, you can rent one of the Kubotas, the price includes the ferry and fuel.

When you arrive at Cape Lookout with your car, you will drive off the ferry and enter Land at Great Island Camp where you will be greeted by a National Park volunteer who will check your permit/sticker. If you come without a car, they will check you into your cabin. 

Cape Lookout Fees

There is no cost to visit the park. There is a cost to access (ferry) the island unless you come by private boat. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is not open for climbing (there is repair work to be done during the winter of 2021 and it will not re-open until 2023) but when it is open, there is a fee to climb it. You can visit the lighthouse keeper's home (it's a museum) for free.

There are various tours led by guides that have a fee. Island Express Ferry Service, the same company that runs the ferry service from Beaufort and Harker's Island also runs a beach shuttle that will take you from the Cape Lookout Lighthouse visitor's center to the beach. The current cost for that is $13.

NEW for 2021, ALL vehicles need a permit to drive on the islands. You must purchase the permit prior to arriving. Once you arrive, the NPS volunteer will give you a sticker for your car. It is $25 and is good for 1 year.

Tips for driving at Cape Lookout National Seashore

Remove the air in your tires. Once you have your permit and are checked in you need to remove the air in your tires. Have a tire gauge so you will know how much air you let out, it will depend on the vehicle (for our GMC Canyon truck we went to 21 PSI). You should keep the air lowered in your tires until you return to shore.

The ferry services have air compressors on the other end so you can refill your tires when you return (although we used our own). Everyone we saw refilling their tires on the island got stuck right before the ferry dock!

Make sure to have at least half a tank of gas. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and has plenty of gas before you start the drive. It can take longer during the summer months. You use way more gas than you think. And you will burn oil too, so have an extra bottle in your vehicle. Always have spare water.

Other items you should carry in your car: air pump, air compressor, shovel, boards or bridges for gaining traction, oil, fire extinguisher, coolant.

Plan for motion sickness. Depending on the wind and waves, the ferry ride can get rough. Also, the sandy road gets narrow, curvy, and bumpy at times so be prepared for the car ride and make sure to bring something to alleviate that. I have been using PSI bands for more than a decade and they worked perfectly for me.

Driving in the sand can be a daunting task. Our training at White Pocket more than prepared us for the roads on the island! Stay on your toes. If you don't, the car can skid and take off unexpectedly. Make sure you maintain a certain speed. If you go too slow, you'll dig down into the sand.

Sliding is more likely if your tires are spinning in place or sliding sideways down a steep hill of loose sand. When driving on beaches with varying traction surfaces, head for firmer ground to minimize the risk of getting stuck. Try to avoid stopping on the sand. This can cause the car to sink and get stuck.

You can drive either on the beach or on the “back road.” Back road indicates the back of the beach or dunes, (weird I know!) but you cannot drive the whole length of the island on the beach. There are closed areas and you are forced to detour onto the back road.

Tips for camping at Cape Lookout National Seashore

Be Prepared. There are no stores of any kind on the island. You must bring anything you need including plenty of water and food. If weather becomes an issue, you may stay longer than expected. Cape Lookout National Seashore is an isolated area so make sure you're prepared for any emergency and bring a first aid kit.

Campfires: Fires are permitted (there are rules) but you need to bring your own firewood. Make sure to bring your own fire starter (matches can get damp). It is generally always windy so fires should be built on the beach and not in the dunes where a spark can be picked up by the wind and start a fire.

You will need a hearty tent. Bring tents with screens for protection from insects. You will need some sort of shade as well (we have a Kelty Big Shady). The weather is unpredictable. The average winds are 10-15 mph but can get up to 30-45 (the ferries will not operate in winds over 30 mph). Tie everything down and ensure your tent can handle it. It's a good idea to bring some sort of rain protection in case there are overnight showers.

Cape Lookout is pet-friendly. If you have pets, bring them as well! Cape Lookout National Seashore is pet-friendly, though for safety it's best not to let dogs run off-leash. Not all passenger ferries allow pets, so check ahead.

And hey, why not accessorize the pooch with Bark Brite's Cape Lookout leash and collar so they can be matchy-matchy?

Critters and creatures. There’s always something when you are in the great outdoors – bears in the mountains – and on these islands, it’s raccoons who are well-fed by scraps from all the fishermen but are still devious when it comes to getting into your food. Remember they have opposable thumbs and are crafty so things need to be locked down. They can and will break into tents but unlike bears, not your car!

While waiting on Mr. Misadventures to do his sunset shoot, I set myself up on the boardwalk just below the dune with a portable chair, a book, and a mosquito head net (looks like this). It is less windy on the lighthouse side of the island (the side where you can’t camp) and less wind means more bugs.

Mosquitoes, greenhead flies and deerflies (that bite), and gnats (that are just an annoyance). After the attack of mosquitoes in Crater Lake, I ALWAYS have my mosquito head net, it ain’t pretty but it does the job. We also wore insect repellent and sunscreen.

Getting to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

If you are on the island with your car and going directly to the lighthouse from the ferry dock count for one hour, it took us 40 minutes. If you want to camp near the lighthouse (as we did) MM41 is the closest you can get to the lighthouse MM41A is right before the lighthouse and MM41B is right after the lighthouse (note the map you get from the NPS does not show an A and B, it only indicated one MM41.

There’s a big chunk of the beach between the two mile markers where the beach is completely off-limits from driving.

If you are arriving by passenger ferry, the lighthouse is on the side of the island where the ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island drop their passengers. There are bathrooms, water, information, and a place to rent a Kubota or grab a shuttle. (However, the benefit of renting a Kabota on the mainland rather than the island is that you can load it up with your camping gear picnics beach stuff.

Otherwise, you are restricted to just whatever you can carry into bags did you do a passenger ferry.)

Things to do in the area when not camping

Cape Lookout is a great place to camp, but there are other to do besides camping. From kayaking and fishing to hiking and biking, there are plenty of ways for the whole family to enjoy themselves without having to rough it in a tent!

• Well, there's the beach of course, and all the activities associated with that! Swimming, shelling, games, reading, walking, etc.
• Kayaking: there are more than 100 miles of shoreline to explore, especially in the sound and inlets (as opposed to the open surf) they are often more accessible by kayak than any other method of exploring.
• Surfing and wind-surfing: not my cup of tea but people do it here!
• Mountain biking if you love the challenge of the sand!
• Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station. We visited the Coast Guard Station near MM43 and had lunch under some shady trees before heading to find a spot on the beach. There are historical buildings you can take a look at, but the 2 still-functioning buildings are used to house students from universities involved in dolphin and turtle studies and aren't open to the public.
• Don't forget the lighthouse, which was mentioned above. You can visit the Cape Lookout Light Station Visitor Center and Keepers' Quarters Museum (May-September).
• Birding: there are over 250 species that live or migrate through here depending on the season. We say plenty of Piping Plovers which are extremely amusing to watch as they run across the beach and search for food right after a wave hits. We also saw brown pelicans diving for breakfast in the morning.
• Last but not least is fishing, the main activity (besides camping and visiting the lighthouse) that people come for. We saw lots of that! The best seasons are spring and fall (which is why October is the high season for the ferries).  In the spring folks that are fishing are looking for: bluefish, cobia, grey trout, red drum, false albacore (albies/little tunny), and striped bass. In the fall it's Spanish mackerel, bluefish, albies/little tunny, and red drum. Late fall (Nov/Dec) it's speckled and gray trout (at the rock jetty), false albacore (albies/little tunny), redfish/red drum, and striped bass.

And you can also do photography, which of course is one of the main reasons why we were there! Cape Lookout is difficult to access, you need the ferry to get to the island so that limits the access and there is not a lot of light pollution. Perfect for Milky Way shooting (or any other astrophotography.

The lighthouse also makes a great model for full moon shoots as well. We did a sunset photoshoot at the lighthouse and we walked from our campsite. That’s the only way you can get close enough to the lighthouse as there is no way to access it with a vehicle.

How weather can impact your trip

The wind is bad, no way to sugarcoat it. The sand will get everywhere and for Mr. Misadventures it was problematic for the camera. In extreme low light conditions such as Milky Way shoot the vibration from the wind disturbs the long exposure and causes blurriness. On the other hand, we watched the stars and Milky Way through the top of our Tepui (now owned by Thule) tent and it was gorgeous!

We planned on leaving on the 3 pm ferry, but Sunday night as we were scouting our location for the sunset shoot at the lighthouse we ran into a volunteer couple whose duty is maintaining the Keepers' Quarters and they said the passenger ferries weren’t running on Monday due to high winds and a storm coming through.

So the next morning we called the ferry office when they opened at 6:30 am (there IS cell coverage on the island!) and got on an earlier ferry. That’s the thing about this set of islands the weather is very unpredictable and you have to be ready for anything.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Lookout that weren't covered above!

Are there trash cans on Cape Lookout? What do you do with trash?
It is pack-in-pack-out. There is one dumpster on the island, mainly for folks renting the cabins. On a busy weekend, it gets full so don't count on it, instead bring your own bags and pack it out. Remember what I said about raccoons so you also need room in your vehicle to lock down whatever trash you create.

Are there restrooms on Cape Lookout?
There are some bathhouses around the cabins. Between MM41 and 42 there is a boardwalk area that has a restroom. At the lighthouse station, there is a large set of restrooms and water. Between MM43 and 44 there is a restroom.

For using the facilities while beach camping, follow the leave-no-trace rule. Cop a squat amongst the dunes for #1. For #2 dig a cathole (imagine a litter box and you’ll get the concept) 6-8 inches deep and bury your business. You should include a hand shovel for the necessities of life in your car kit! I also brought TP Kits.

Are there wild horses on Cape Lookout?
Nope. But they are nearby on Shackleford Banks. Here is all the information about seeing wild horses there.

What to bring with you

I think I covered most of the items you will need through the course of sharing about my trip to Cape Lookout, but just to summarize and put everything in one spit, here we go:

For the car:

• Air pump/air compressor
• Shovel
• Boards or bridges for gaining traction
• Oil
• Fire extinguisher
• Coolant
• Water
• Rope for towing

For camping, besides all the usual camping gear, I recommend these additions

• Sunshade, we have a Kelty Big Shady we also have a Kelty Waypoint Tarp which we used in White Pocket, it really depends on how many people need to be covered and what you are using it for. In this case, we wanted to use it as an extra room for sitting, relaxing, eating with 2 chairs (also Kelty), our cooler, etc.
• Longer tent stakes – at least 12-inches long to go deep into the sand. Regular tent stakes may not be long enough.
• Hand shovel
• Tide chart – you need to camp above the high tide line and you should know when low and high tides take place. (Available for free at both ferry companies)

For surf fishing, the only fishing I've done is in Alaska, but I can tell you will need:

• A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to saltwater fish.
• There are NO stores on the island, so you will need to bring your own bait and fishing equipment.
• You will need multiple coolers of ice for your catches, there is no ice on the island.
• Most everyone we saw had some kind of rod holder, whether that was attached to their vehicle or something buried in the sand.
• Depending on the season, you could need waders!

For you:

• Sunscreen and REAPPLY
• Strong insect repellent and REAPPLY
• Tick remover kit (for your dog as well)
• A hat that provides sun protection
• Mosquito head net – you should spray it with insect repellent as well.
• Layers of clothing so as to not be too hot or cold, the weather seems to change every hour!
• Good shoes – there are A LOT of broken shells that can cut your feet. We brought our Bogs but didn't end up using them. I wore my Jambu Spirit Too Eco Vegan.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a beautiful place to camp with plenty of opportunities for adventure. The secluded campsites and rugged terrain make it an ideal destination, but you need to plan ahead so that your trip goes smoothly. I hope that sharing the experiences I had during my 2 trips has provided some good info for you should you be planning a trip to this remote destination.

If you are extending your trip:

I have written about beautiful Beaufort and I think it makes a great home base for day trips or a great place to stay the night before your camping trip, but I did notice 2 cute bed and breakfasts that you may want to look into if you want a treat before or after your camping trip. They are Davis Bed and Breakfast (811 US-70 in Davis) less than a mile from the ferry dock and Otway House Bed and Breakfast (Otway, 368 HW 70E, technically in Beaufort, but on the edge) which is 9 miles from the ferry dock.

The beautiful and wild Cape Lookout National Seashore is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and explore nature. Camping is a must! I absolutely love it there and we will be going back again and again! I hope this post has provided you with all of the information that you need. Let me know if I have missed something!

If you have any chance of getting sea sick while taking a boat, water bus, or ferry, I HIGHLY recommend PSI bands. I have used them for more than a decade, and they work! I gift them to friends all the time and keep a spare set in my glove compartment for visitors who may also get car sick.

How about you? Have you camped in the Cape Lookout National Seashore? Are you motivated to do so? Do tell!

Like it? PIN it!

The post Camping on Cape Lookout National Seashore appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Where is Alstrom Point?

Alstrom Point is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes Lake Powell on both sides of the Arizona-Utah border. Specifically, Alstrom Point overlooks Gunsight Bay in Lake Powell, which is towards the western side of Lake Powell, not far from Antelope Island, as the crow flies.

How Do You Reach Alstrom Point?

The challenging access to Alstrom Point is what makes it so special. If it were easy to reach, it would be crowded all the time. This is not Horseshoe Bend where you can just follow the line of cars to your destination. Be sure you have 4WD, high clearance, excellent driving skills, and a working GPS.

From Page, Alstrom Point is a 42-mile drive, which takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to take photos. From the town of Big Water, Utah, you take NP230 east for 25 miles until you reach Alstrom Point. There are rocks, sand, and river crossings, so I can’t stress enough that this is not for rental cars or regular passenger vehicles. 

The GPS coordinates for Alstrom Point are 37.0589° N, 111.3647° W.

Alternative 4×4 Ways To Reach Alstrom Point!

Of course, the Misadventures family never does things the “easy” way. We want to take the path less traveled. The one with greater opportunities for breathtaking landscape photography points. So when we made our trek to Alstrom Point, we drove from White Pocket, where we had spent an evening capturing the stars through Cottonwood Canyon with more photo opportunities and then traversed part of the Grand Staircase Escalante. This is a LONG drive, over 100 miles of it on 4×4 roads, but we say “go big or go home” and if you want to be in the middle of it all without sharing it with others, this is the way to go!

If you don't camp at White Pocket, that is fine too, you can start at Page, Big Water, or Kanab and pick up Highway 89. (Or the Byrce Canyon area and pick up Highway 12.) The rest of the directions are below.

4×4 Directions with GPS coordinates

1. From Highway 89 (direction Big Water/Page) turn left onto Cottonwood Canyon Road at: 37.10496, -111.84687
   You will stay on Cottonwood Canyon for 46 miles (all 4×4). There are PLENTY of spots for fantastic landscape photos like Yellow Rock at 37.25663, -111.90934 or Grosvenor Arch at 37.45585, -111.83176.
2. As you pass Georgetown, stay right. Cottonwood Canyon becomes Kodachrome Way.
3. At the small town (you are in Utah now) of Cannonville (a gas opportunity) turn right onto Highway 12 direction Escalante. By the way, this part of Highway 12 is stunning!
4. At the town of Escalante (last chance to get gas) turn right on South 500 West. The road turns into Smokey Moutain Road which you will follow for 64
   miles (all 4×4). This will take you through the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Both this road and Cottonwood Canyon must only be done in good weather and dry conditions. Added to the excitement, Smokey Mountain Road is not for the faint of heart, there are lots of boulders to traverse which means slow going, but the views and landscape make it worth it if you are equipped correctly!
5. Turn left on Rec Road 340 at: 37.13567, -111.48206.
6. Turn right on Rec Road 264 at : 37.13067, -111.41448.
7. Follow the “road” to Alstrom Point: 37.06059, -111.36583.

I “wrote” about my experience on Instagram the day we made the drive from White Pocket to Alstrom Point – this was my in the moment thoughts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is how my hubby the photographer gets us into misadventures. “Let’s go camping at White Pocket, I want to shoot the Milky Way and the stars.” He tells me this as we’ve already been twice this year and he needs a good reason to get me to go back a third time (instead of going somewhere else). Then he says, “oh but the second night we’re camping at Lake Powell.” I say Lake Powell on a holiday weekend? Are you crazy!? He says, “well actually not Lake Powell but BLM that has a view of Lake Powell.” I say okay. “Oh, and by the way, we’re going to take a 4×4 road through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to get there,” I say okay. That route happened to be 6 hours of 4x4ing 3 hours of which my insides were so stirred up I thought I was a premium shaken margarita! Then after we enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area there is the last 5 miles to get to “the spot” of which the last 2 will liquefy your insides! And ta-dah! Or et voila! Alstrom Point a spot known to landscape photographers but not many more. It has a gorgeous view of Lake Powell. He was right and our misadventures result in another success! ⛺⛺⛺⛺ #ontheblog today I am sharing the love for #TeamTepui. Our @tepuitents has changed our life – camping and road trips are way more fun now! https://bit.ly/mwaTepui #outdoors #optoutside #havefun #getoutside #desertdweller #desert #desertlife #redrock #lifeofadventure #doyoutravel #desertliving #exploringthesouthwest #beautifulviews #southwestisbest #southwest #takemoreadventures #mwatepui

A post shared by Andi: Travel & Food Blogger (@andi_fisher) on Sep 4, 2019 at 7:38am PDT

Are There Other Ways to Reach Alstrom Point?

If you really want to visit Alstrom Point, but do not have the proper vehicle or driving skills, you can still see this special place. There are tour operators in Page that do day trips out to Alstrom Point. There are sunrise and sunset tours so you can experience the best time of day at Alstrom Point.

If you are traveling on Lake Powell by boat, you can see Alstrom Point from below in Gunsight Bay. You won’t be able to hike up to Alstrom Point to enjoy the fantastic views, however.

The dirt road is pretty decent until the last three miles or so, so you can drive part of the way and then hike in the remainder of the way.

What Are the Best Things to Do at Alstrom Point?

For us, photography is the best reason to visit Alstrom Point. Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular, so we chose to camp here to take advantage of the best light at the beginning and end of the day. The overlook faces east, so you can watch the sunrise over the lake, and sunset is equally mesmerizing.

If you plan to camp at Alstrom Point, you will need to be entirely self-sufficient. There are no designated camping sites or facilities, as this is truly backcountry camping at its finest. Be sure you have plenty of water for drinking and cooking, as you cannot just hike down to the lake for water. Additionally, securing a tent can be challenging as you are on a hard rock surface.

In addition to breathtaking landscapes and relative solitude, you’ll see some of the darkest skies you can imagine. Roughing it for a night is the best way to experience the changing light over the pink sandstone formations of Lake Powell.

Also, the drive in and out has some pretty spectacular monolithic rocks, sandstone landscapes, and bentonite formations.

When is the Best Time to Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point is in the Southwestern desert, so the height of the summer is not the best time to visit, although we camped there all alone 4th of July weekend – we prefer off-season even if we were a tiny bit uncomfortable sleeping. Rain will make the roads in and out unpassable, so you have to be wary of the weather in the spring, but it is a good time to visit as well as in the fall.  If you are well-equipped for cold and the winter is dry, it is beautiful and peaceful.

What to Bring for Your Visit to Alstrom Point

There are absolutely zero facilities, you need to bring everything in and everything out. You need water. Lots and lots of water along with food for your meals.

You will need a GPS (we use a SkyPro), an offline map (we use Gaia), and directions. Besides these items, we recommend the following equipment for your car in case you get stuck.

1. Container for extra gas
2. Container for water
3. Air Compressor
4. Shovel
5. Sand Bridges or Traction Mats
6. Ax
7. Rope

Besides the equipment, you will need if you drive, there are a few other items you should be sure to have whether for a day trip or for camping.

1. Shade/Umbrella/Hat – there is no shade at Alstrom Point so if you are bringing your own car, bring something to create shade with a sunshade or shade shelter. Ours is from Kelty. Even if you are doing a day trip you may want to consider having something like this in your car, if you are road-tripping in the Southwest it is a nice thing to have. If you are visiting with a tour, consider an umbrella for additional shade. I always have several types of hats in the car at all times as well, including a baseball hat,  a Wallaroo hat that protects me from too much sun and UV, and a knit cap for early morning and evenings when it gets cold. 
2. Sunscreen/UV protection – this is another must-have for any visit to the Southwest. Even if it doesn't seem sunny, the UV is fierce. After ensuring you are well hydrated, this is the most essential thing you should do for your health and safety!
3. Layers – depending on the season, the desert can be pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, so consider layers that you can strip off as the day progresses.

Where to Stay Near Alstrom Point

If you choose not to camp at Alstrom Point, there are a few options for where you can stay nearby. The town of Big Water is closest to Alstrom Point, at about one hour away. There are a few hotels and bed-and-breakfasts here. If you are photographing sunrise or sunset, this is probably the best place to stay near Alstrom Point. Otherwise, the tourist towns of Kanab and Page are 90 minutes to two hours from Alstrom Point. They have more amenities, including hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants.

Despite the challenges of reaching Alstrom Point, the journey is well worth it. 

How about you? Have you heard of Alstrom Point? Have I piqued your interest to visit or include it as part of a Southwestern road trip? Do tell!

Like it? PIN it!

The post Alstrom Point – Camping Above Lake Powell appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Mr. Misadventures and I spent 18 months on the road as a full-time RVer. One of the things I had wanted to write about during that time was what to give an RVer as a gift. For people who are on the road, receiving mail, packages, and physical gifts can be a bit difficult to coordinate. And as I've written about before, weight is an important consideration for any RVer.

Below is my list of recommendations of what to buy RV'ers for the holidays or any other time of year, based on my experience as an RVer!

Kindle Reader and Books

I love to read and I found that to be the case for many RVers who enjoy the peace and quiet of being outside of the city and take advantage of it to catch up on their reading. Also, weather and availability of wifi or satellite can impact what activities you are able to do – rainy days can be long and a good book can really go a long way. I love the feel of a “real” book but inside an RV it is just not practical so if the RVer in your life doesn't have a Kindle or other e-reader, I highly recommend that as a gift. If they do already have a reader, load them up on books! I read a book a week when I was on the road, that can add up fast!

Audiobook Subscription and Audio Books

There are some LONG days driving on the road getting from Point A to Point B. Music gets old after a while (or at least for the Misadventures family) as we discovered we really liked listening to books. It was something we had never done before (and totally stupid as while I was sitting in traffic in San Francisco for an hour, my life would have been improved significantly by listening to a book!) and we really loved it. As far as I know, you can't really just buy an audiobook, you have to have a service subscription, so this would make a nice gift, along with some audiobooks.

iTunes

Again, weather can force you indoors, so the ability to watch movies or TV series is a nice improvement on local or national TV that you get through a cable box or satellite. Of course, RVers can also buy music as well.

MiFi

One of my biggest pet peeves while RVing was the lack of reliable wifi. That may not bother everyone, but if you want to stream, work on a laptop, iPad, or other internet-needing devices you need, well, wifi. One thing that came in very handy, with a small form factor, and very easy to gift was MiFi (mobile hotspot). I used Karma, but saw people using ones from AT&T and T-Mobile as well.

National Park Pass

During our time on the road, we visited 21 National Parks. That can get expensive! If you gift a National Park Pass not only are you giving a great gift, but the national park system gets some much-needed money as well! If your RVing friends and friends spend a lot of time in a particular state, consider buying a state pass for them as well! Visiting parks is one of the best parts of RVing and these passes will be greatly appreciated!

Gift Cards

Gift cards (these also largely available as electronic gift cards) are a super-easy way to gift to an RVer! Listed below are the ones I think most RVers would appreciate.

KOA Gift Cards

Whether you are a fan of this campground or not, the fact is that they are just about everywhere. One of the best RV parks we stayed on our trip was a KOA (near Glacier Park) but one of the worst RV parks we stayed at was also a KOA. However, their network really is perfect for when you are doing several days of driving between locations. During our year-and-a-half, we stayed in no less than 20 of them! A KOA gift card would have been warmly received.

Walmart Gift Cards

Another necessary evil. I don't love this store but they are everywhere and they do have some of the most essential RV products like DEF and RV toilet paper. Plus depending on where an RVer is staying, it may be the only store around to get fresh food. For that reason, I say a Walmart gift card is a good gift!

Camping World Gift Cards

Camping World is an RV goods franchise that you can find all over the U.S. If something (other than the engine) breaks, you are likely to find a replacement at Camping World! Trust me, a Camping World gift card is an opportunity to splurge on some very fun stuff! Sure I can replace my shower hose, but I can also pick up cute RV plates!

Fuel Gift Cards

A reality of RV life, you need fuel and lots of it! The main franchises for filling up an RV are Love's, Pilot, Flying J, and TA. Besides fuel, these stations are also a place to pick up refreshments or have a meal so the gift cards can be used for a large variety of things, like DEF and getting your tires filled. But mainly, the contribution to fuel would be greatly appreciated!

Well, that's it, my list of essentials. The gifts I recommend friends and family of RVers pick up for holiday gifts.

How about you? Are you an RVer and have something else to recommend? Do you have friends or family that RV and you have given them something unique? Do share!

Like it? PIN it!

The post What to Buy RV’ers for the Holidays appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

We’ve been trying to figure out what kind of car to get. We love our Jeep for its simplicity and ruggedness, but quite frankly it is pretty darn uncomfortable! We need something that can handle our outdoor adventures, carry our equipment (including A LOT of camera stuff), and is comfortable to drive more than 2 hours!

We always thought that meant an SUV, and never thought that might mean a truck. Mainly because neither one of us have a lot of truck experience. My first boyfriend in college had one (after his old station wagon finally died!) and it was a monster to get into, had bench seats that were NOT comfortable with me at 5 feet tall, and my boyfriend at 6’1! And for Mr. Misadventures trucks just aren’t a thing in France, not even for farmers, they use something like a mini transit van. When he first moved to the US, he was super excited to get an SUV which wasn’t that prevalent either, although they are more so now. All that to say we aren’t truck people.

But we are now!

On to the weekend adventures!

We left on Friday. I had to work on so we couldn’t leave until late afternoon, but we were blessed with a very straightforward drive given the holiday weekend. We had some slowdown on 17 to Flagstaff but once we hit highway 89A we were practically the only ones on the road which I thought was strange. We didn’t want to be driving on an unfamiliar dirt road and setting up a tent at night so on our first night, we stayed in Kanab, a town we’ve spent a lot of time in.

The next morning we got up gently, or in our world, at 7:30 and after grabbing breakfast made our way to the entrance to Antelope Valley Road on the Kaibab Indian Reservation, also known as CR-109. It is 61 miles on this dirt road to Toroweap Overlook.

We found that for 90% of the drive it wasn’t necessary to have a high clearance vehicle, just a car or truck with 4×4, although we never used 4×4 on the truck. Although word of caution, your experience will all depend on the season and weather. We tried to traverse a similar road in January 2017 in this area and had to turn back, a spot we had successfully used in February of 2013, so it all depends!

The whole time we were on this road we kept saying, “you don’t need a high clearance vehicle, they are just trying to keep people out or scare them away.” I can see you doing the same, “Andi’s crazy. You don’t need an HCV for this road!”

However, once you reach beyond the ranger station the road gets rougher. The last 3 miles you 100% must have and do need a high clearance vehicle. The Denali Canyon had no issues (although I was a little nervous about the spare tire underneath the truck, but it was fine). Also if you drive from the campground to the overlook (which we didn’t) the last 1/2 mile is especially gnarly.

Instead of feeling exhausted like I would in our Jeep the ride was so smooth I actually arrived refreshed and ready for the next part of our day.

There are 10 spots at the Toroweap campground. You need an advanced permit to camp. Spots 1 and 2 are the best because they look right out onto the Grand Canyon. We were in spot 8 which had great views, lots of shade and we didn’t have any neighbors. Only because the people in spot 9 didn't arrive until late in the evening and spot 10 (which is for a group) was empty. On a holiday weekend! I know, kinda of crazy, but we’ve been having that kind of luck this year, like when we spent the weekend in Tucson for Memorial Day.

We immediately tackled the tent. I don’t think it matters what kind of tent it is, the first time putting up any tent takes time and patience. It took us an hour, it wasn’t easy but we got it done.

The folks at GMC lent us a camping kit with equipment meant to work with the truck. The tent was from Napier Outdoors. We've been wanting to try a vehicle camping tent for the Jeep so we were excited to have the opportunity to do it with the Canyon Denali.

It took us an hour, it wasn’t easy but we got it done.

The air mattress was a breeze.

One note on the tent. I’m 5 feet tall and the truck bed hits me at chest level so it wasn’t easy for me to jump up and into the tent, we needed a step ladder which I have plenty of at home so next time I’d throw that into our room camping gear. Jumping out was no problem.

We ate lunch at around 1:00 and took a few photos and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in camp chairs waiting for sunset hour.

It was nice. No cell service just the gorgeous landscape to keep us company. It was a comfortable 80 degrees, words I would never have imagined putting together in a sentence (it was 107 when we left on Friday).

This was our other view.

And this.

Can't beat it right? (P.S. don't you love my shoes? I'm head over heels with them! They're from Jambu & Co. their line is all about outdoor shoes that are comfortable and stylish and I think these are adorable!)

Two hours before sunset we hiked out of the campground and over to the overlook to scout for a good spot. Mr. Misadventures tucked himself into a rock with a platform to capture the canyon and the Colorado River. After about 30 minutes, he decided it wasn’t the right spot so we walked around and stumbled upon another ridge that was just perfect. It was also being co-occupied by a fellow photographer from Mesa who we chatted with as sunset hit and the hubby captured photos. This spot kind of reminded me of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison a bit.

When Mr. Misadventures was satisfied we walked back to camp enjoying the first of the stars. As we reached our spot the stars were outrageously beautiful twinkling in the dark night sky. You really forget how bright they can be. We even got to see the Milky Way in its full glory along with a fun shot of the tent in the evening. The tent was also pretty in the evening, Mr. Misadventures had lit the lantern in it before setting up his camera for the star shoot, so we captured a picture of the truck and tent against the red rocks and twinkling stars.

The next morning we got up, had breakfast, and broke camp. We also used the opportunity to charge the batteries on the hubby’s new Sony A73. There are all kinds of plugs in the truck and even a charging pad for phones which is awesome in a world where there are too many cords!

That tent that took an hour to set up? 10 minutes top to take down. We packed the truck back up and headed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We’ve been to the South Rim many times it’s the spot most people visit because of its accessibility from Vegas, LA, Phoenix etc. The North Rim is farther away.

No offense to truck drivers but the Canyon Denali rides like a car! It’s compact which I think is great for first-time truck owners and those who like to off-road. Those 61 miles back to Highway 89 were a breeze!

We arrived at the entrance of the Grand Canyon and had lunch on a logging road. Another thing I like about this truck is the bed is an instant table!

As we were eating lunch huge rain clouds began forming and thunder began clapping. We kept on going. Honestly, we don’t have the best luck when it comes to the Grand Canyon. Our first trip in 2012 it hailed and then poured and I remember eating lunch in the back of the rental car under the canopy of trees. But actually, it’s kind of a good memory.

The next trip it snowed and it was difficult to get around. Our third trip, it was freezing cold and we participated in a very crowded sunset. The last trip we took Madame Mr. Misadventures (my mother-in-law) while she was visiting from France and it was cold with bitter winds.

So it should have hardly been a surprise to us that we drove right into an ugly storm.

One thing to note: Pack for cold weather at the North Rim. The temperature dropped 40 degrees while we were there. There was even a dusting of snow on the ground! (This part of the park is closed from October to May.)

The route to the North Rim entrance has gorgeous meadows that reminded us of Yosemite. The amount of Aspen trees is breathtaking, they are my favorite tree!

Once you pass the ranger station it really looks like some of the wooded areas of Yellowstone. I kept expecting a bison to bust out of the trees at any moment as they are often wont to do in that national park! And it turns out they do have a herd up there! We saw signs but no animals.

Call us fair weather campers because with the rain and the cold we decided not to camp. We just visited the park and made a plan to come back and then headed home. But not before checking out some of the highlights. At the top at Angel's Window and Cape Royal reminded me of Bryce Canyon. I’m so blessed to have visited all these places.

The North Rim is pretty spectacular. It gets lots more rain and snow so the rocks have a lot more drama to them.

The route back to Phoenix is stunning, we’ve driven through several times, with and without the RV. You drive through the Vermillion Cliffs and we kept stopping to take the majestic landscape in this part of the Southwest.

The North Rim is 6 hours from Phoenix. With our Jeep, we probably wouldn’t have made as many stops as we would have been exhausted from the driving, but in the Denali Canyon, we were just fine and even had enough energy to unpack when we got home!

I truly love weekend adventures like this and road trips. I can’t thank GMC enough for lending us the Denali Canyon because I actually think we just found our next car! Err, truck! We are going to be truck people yet!

We just need a little more practice…

A couple of people asked what we packed to eat and drink during our camping trip to maintain our low carb lifestyle so here's what we brought with us:

Low carb Nicoise salad (I share the “recipe” here)
Low carb shrimp and edamame pasta (these are the noodles I use)
Cold grilled salmon with roasted kale and edamame
Hard-boiled eggs which we ate with some roasted kale and edamame for breakfast
Almonds
Dark Chocolate bar
Beverages: Cold brew coffee, Earl Grey tea bags, milk, water, and 7 Moons wine

How about you? Have you been to Toroweap Overlook or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? Do you enjoy off-road adventures and camping? Do you have a GMC Denali Canyon? Do tell!

Like it? PIN it!

The post Weekend Adventures – Camping with the GMC Canyon Denali appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Et voilà!

A Few Explanations

You can find all 55 weeks of Weekly Wanderings in my Series section. And I'd like to personally acknowledge my friend Katie of Domestiphobia who I think commented on every single one, she was such an immense supporter of Project Escape!

The 5 RV Mishaps were 2 tow-related issues when we lost brake attachment near Bryce Canyon (#1) and on the way to Palouse (#2). The slideout related cable issue we had on our trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Phoenix (#3). And two electrical issues. The first one was in Las Vegas which impacted floor heating and an electrical panel was fixed when we got to Red Bay (#4). The second losing our washing machine when the electricity died twice in our RV park in Palm Springs(#5).

We made it through the entire year only having to unhook once to turn-around. I think that is some kind of RV record and I am knocking on wood that it continues! When you have a tow vehicle like our Jeep, there is an elaborate system for hooking it up to the RV and making sure it brakes, signals, etc.

It's dirty and it takes about 10 minutes to do, so it's not something you want to do multiple times a day. Therefore you need a large turning radius to make turns and to move around (together we're about 60 feet long).

There are no u-turns in an RV unless you have a free and clear 4-lane road…and when does that happen? We were always super anal about getting the turn right, but at the Love's gas station parking lot in Troutdale, Oregon they don't have an exit sign when you are finished pumping. We guessed wrong and ended up boxed in so we had to unhook, get ourselves turned around, and rehook. We only had to do that ONCE the entire year!

The two Jeep mishaps were finding ourselves in a ditch in Palouse (thank you nice farmers!) and getting a flat tire in gator-infested Everglades National Park.

We got very, very lost in the RV finding our way to the RV park in Palouse (thank you to the nice lady who let us turn-around in her farm!). And we got lost 4x4ing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the area the topographical map covered had been altered by weather (we think).

I've only just begun writing about RV parks. There is so much to say and it isn't all good. But there are some gems out there and those are the ones I want to highlight. As the RV industry continues to grow, RV Parks have a lot of work to do to attract newer, younger (65 and below!) clientele.

Lastly, I didn't add this to the infographic, but I read 40 books! I shared some of them in my monthly Currently posts, but 40 is way too many to list out.

The Budget

I really struggled with how to best present the budget, our expenses, etc. I absolutely do not want to discourage people from RVing. We had an amazing experience and at the end of the year it was cheaper to live the year on the road, than a year in our “regular life.” So in the end, I have decided to represent our expenses as a percentage of our overall budget. I don't think the total amount matters. I wholeheartedly believe that you can RV at any budget level!

I should note that I did not add in insurance costs (medical, life, etc.) as they would be something we paid whether we were in the RV or not, although they were quite expensive!

As you can see, the largest part of our budget was RV Parks, our RV loan, and groceries. Trust me, if we had had access to better food, that grocery budget would have been a larger part of our budget! Foodies we are! We knew what we were getting ourselves into and brought a ton of our own food supply. Jessica's food was also included in our grocery budget.

We definitely could have saved money when it comes to RV parks. One thing we learned way late in the process is that most of the time it is better to book for a month even if you are only planning to stay two weeks. Or by the week, even if you are only planning to stay a few days. It is usually far cheaper.

Also, we conscientiously treated ourselves to some luxury resorts that were quite expensive. Since we were under budget overall for the year, we were okay with that.

We sold our home in the San Francisco Bay Area and put the majority of our proceeds into savings for the purchase of a future home. We put a down payment on a new RV (a 40-foot motorcoach) and the rest of the rig was financed with an RV loan. Our loan payments were the second-biggest item in our budget. The good news is that RV loan interest is tax-deductible!

Our next biggest expense was fuel. We over-budgeted for fuel. Diesel and gas prices were better than we anticipated. Our RV is a diesel-pusher so we purchased diesel and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) a solution that cleans diesel emissions. We liked the Love's brand, their stations were usually better than others. We probably could have saved more money if we went to smaller stations, but we preferred to remove the element of surprise.

Having a brand new RV our maintenance costs were low. We paid for a 6,000-mile and 15,000-mile maintenance service on the Freightliner engine/chassis. All other repairs were covered by our warranty and we spent three weeks in Red Bay, Alabama having our rig serviced at the manufacturer for free.

RV insurance is another essential item. We probably were over-insured, but better to be over than under!

Dining, like groceries, would probably have been a much larger chunk if we hadn't been in the middle of nowhere for most of the year!

Misc. expenses included Mr. Misadventures' airfare for our Viking River Cruise in Portugal along with other items that didn't fit into other buckets, things like household items (dish soap, paper towels, etc.).

We thought we would spend more on propane, haircuts, and clothes, but in the end, we used very little propane (until the last month of our trip when we spent a lot of time in the snow); I only paid $20 for my (usually) lousy haircuts and we didn't need a lot of clothes!

So that's it! What would I do differently? To save money, I'd do a better job at park reservations. If I was really serious about staying in the RV long-term, I would have invested in satellite internet. It costs about 6,000 for the equipment, plus a monthly service fee, but it would probably have meant fewer grey hairs. Extravagant, but rolled into the initial expense of the RV, it might not have been so bad.

Where do I think you could save money? RV parks for sure. We treated ourselves to some resorts, which is obviously not a must. Fuel. If you are willing to go to some smaller service stations you could save a bit on gas. Food. We are gourmands and spent a lot of money on food whether we are living in an RV or not. I am sure you could do a better job economizing on food. Those were the main expense categories and there is plenty of room to reduce costs.

How about you? Do you have any questions about the RV numbers? Have you had similar experiences in your RV? Does this make you want to hit the road? Do tell!

The post Project Escape Recap: By the Numbers appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

I think our friends and family truly thought we were nuts.

But in our minds, big risk equaled big reward. We didn't want to wait until we retired to take a giant road trip. At the start of our trip, I was 46 years old and looking at another twenty years of work before retirement. Plenty of time to make up for one year on the road without a salary and contribution to our 401k's.

I don't have a single regret.

What I did have was a lot of fun! And opportunity. The experience of visiting so much of our country and our national park system in a deep and meaningful way was a gift.

Now we are back to the real world, looking for new jobs, etc. and before it all starts to fade away, I wanted to share a Project Escape trip recap. I'm sharing the trip by the numbers, highlights (and a few lowlights), and how we spent our money.

I'm splitting the recap into two parts, otherwise, this post would be over 2,000 words, which is a big commitment for you the reader!

Best Sunrise

Lake MacDonald inside Glacier National Park. That crystal-clear water makes for a wonderful reflection and I love those pebbles on the bottom of the lake.

Runner-up: We had two beautiful sunsets at Oxbow Bend and Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park.

Best Sunset

A beautiful winter sunset at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The orchestra of bird calls made it all the more interesting.

Runner-up: Font’s Point in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Best meal

Nearly every meal we ate in Portland! We especially loved Pine State Biscuit, Bollywood (Indian food), and Luc Lac (Vietnamese food, a suggestion from the team at Bob's Redmill). It might have influenced our decision to move here…

Runner-up: My sushi birthday dinner at Kabuto in Las Vegas.

Worst meal

I don’t like to waste my time writing about negative experiences, I prefer to focus on the positive, so I am not going to call anyone out by name. We had a horrible meal at a well-known local café in Sisters, Oregon. I ordered a cheeseburger and the hubby ordered a seafood sandwich, both were inedible and we barely touched our plates.

Runner-up: A seafood restaurant in Gold Beach on the Oregon coast.

Best RV Park

I wasted and wiled away the days at Bluewater Key RV Resort in the Key West area. With my own private tiki kitchen and patio, a soft gentle breeze, and water lapping at my feet, it was pure heaven.

Runner-up: The KOA just outside of Glacier National Park is just beautiful.

Worst RV Park

Again, I won’t name names, but we stayed at a sketchy place for a single night in Houston. They called themselves a resort, but it was far, very far, from it!

Favorite State

New Mexico. Look, I am no lover of the desert or rocks and sand (despite the fact that I spend a lot of time in desert environments because Mr. Misadventures loves them!), but there is something enchanting about New Mexico. We had a great time in Kirtland, Las Cruces, and in Santa Fe on our first trip in February.

And we did further exploring in the greater Lac Cruces area when we stayed in Elephant Butte. We barely scratched the surface. I could never live here but I see lots of future visits on the horizon. We can't get enough of the adobe-style homes, bright colors, natural wonders, and green chile sauce!

Runner-up: Utah. I'm sure many people have seen (at least in photos) the amazing parks: Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, etc. But to see as many parks as we did in 30 days, (both national and state with a follow-up trip this January) it really hits home how much this state has to offer. Although, I still don't think there is anything decent to eat!

Best National Park

Wow, this is a toughie! We visited 21 spots in the National Park System, but I have to go with the classic, Yellowstone. We were blessed with five weeks there and I’d still love to see it in the winter.

Runner-up: Capitol Reef: great sites, and 4x4ing, plus…pie.

National Park I Want to Explore More

Everglades National Park. We just spent a few days there, not nearly enough to completely enjoy all the wildlife and scenery. We will return.

Runner-up: 3-way tie between Glacier National Park and Zion National Park, because the weather didn’t cooperate with us, and Canyonlands National Park because we want to do more 4x4ing there.

Best State Park

Hands down Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. This park was completely unknown to us. A Google search for RV parks in San Diego led us here and we are so thankful to the SEO gods for it. The largest state park in the contiguous United States, there is so much to explore, and we did! For three weeks.

Runner-up: Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. So much fun!

Bonus: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is technically BLM land, so not quite NPS and not quite state property, but we absolutely loved it!

Best 4x4ing

Canyonlands National Park. You can do a 15-day 4x4ing trip there, but even when you don’t have that amount of time (which we didn’t) there are plenty of trails to test out your off-roading acumen. We had a lot of fun driving around and testing out our (okay, Mr. Misadventures') skills.

Runner-up: Tied between Anza-Borrego State Park (where we cut our teeth) and Capitol Reef.

Best smell

The strongest scent of pine I’ve ever experienced in my life while driving through Skalkaho Pass in the Missoula, Montana area. It was incredible!

The Hottest Moment

We avoided hot weather, but Palouse, like Portland, experienced a heatwave while we visited with both spots having temperatures in the 100s.

The Coldest Moment

Sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park. It was the coldest I felt in the entire year. Six degrees but with a wind chill factor of minus a thousand!

Runner-up: Inside our own RV in Ely, Nevada.

State where we saw the most law enforcement:

Don’t screw up in Florida! But they do have great roads!

Food I missed most:

Sushi (we ate it twice), dimsum (once), and Korean (once). What can I say, we must have been Asian in another life!

Grocery item we missed most:

Fresh buckwheat noodles. We used to make udon with grilled salmon (sometimes with a fried egg on top). Or pasta with soy sauce and butter. Or Japanese curry. They were the perfect texture and taste and we haven't seen anything like it since leaving Berkeley.

One thing I took for granted from my former life:

Medical insurance. Wow! We paid a lot of insurance and prescriptions! Having worked in corporate America for the previous 26 years, I definitely took inexpensive insurance premiums for granted.

Biggest Bummer

I don't like to write about negative things but losing Jessica was pretty disheartening. We didn't have the best time in Red Bay, Alabama, where we stayed for RV warranty work and that just compounded the issue. At fifteen years, she's had a long life living in the US and Europe and being with us for the first ten months on the road. We still miss her a lot.

Despite any lows, even losing Jessica, Project Escape was a success. We completed the year feeling refreshed and revitalized and ready to jump back into full-time jobs. We will always have this year to look back on. It's a great reminder that it is most definitely worth it to take a leap of faith and just go for it in life!

The next part of the recap will be about the numbers and is coming to you next week. I have a few more posts about the experience of traveling via RV coming up as well. I know a lot of people are curious about RVing and I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have.

How about you? Have you gone on an epic trip? Share! Have you been on a sabbatical? Where did you go? Are you thinking about a trip? Where to? Do tell!

Like it? PIN it!

The post Project Escape Recap: Trip Highlights appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

We were so lucky to have visited twenty-one national park sites during our one year on the road. In my experience, when it comes to traveling by RV, finding RV parks near national parks is one of the most important factors of a good visit. At least in the Misadventures family.

I didn't write a lot about the RV parks we stayed in. We paid for all our stays on our own. Meaning I didn't do any sponsored work with any parks, so I didn't feel the need to promote them. And quite frankly, the vast majority of them just aren't that great.

It's something that I think the RV industry will need to work on as the market continues to grow. In 2016, the market grew by fifteen percent, the best growth its seen in forty years and experts believe the trend will continue. RVing is here to stay. But that is a whole other post!

However, I did want to mention three RV parks we stayed in that were near national parks. There was one very important characteristic that they all possessed.

Location, location, location!

When you are getting up early for sunsets or spending substantial time in a park, finding an RV park close by saves so much time going back and forth. It was the most important criteria we had for selecting a park. (Of course, we had other criteria when we were doing other types of trips.)

When it comes to location, the following three parks are standouts.

West Glacier KOA Holiday near Glacier National Park

This was my second favorite RV park we stayed in all year. Snuggled up against the Great Northern Mountains, this spot is only three miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. The RV park is absolutely gorgeous, pristinely maintained and the staff is extremely customer-service oriented.

There are wonderful extra large sites for big motorcoaches (like we have) as well as standard-sized sites for smaller RV's. There are cabins and campsites with tons of amenities. There is even a stop for the national park shuttle, you don't even have to drive to the park if you don't want to!

They serve meals in a friendly cafe and have lectures several times a week. We attended a wildlife photographer's lecture while we stayed and it was wonderful.

The one bummer for us was the lack of wifi. They had it in the visitor center/office, but not in the actual park. We ended up having to drive to a coffee shop a couple of times during our two-week stay to do email, etc.

Overall, West Glacier KOA was a fantastic park in a fantastic location.

Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park near Yellowstone National Park

We stayed in this park twice. For our two week visit to Yellowstone National Park in May and for two of the three weeks we visited at the end of Septemeber/beginning of October. It's a nice, big, clean park with an excellent location. It is less than a mile from the west entrance of Yellowstone, you can't beat that!

There are other parks in the area, but they aren't as close, or as nice. Their sites are big, the staff is extremely friendly, and in addition to being close to the park entrance, you are in walking distance from restaurants, stores and activities like the IMAX movie theater and the wolf refuge.

We drove over 3,000 miles during our stay in Yellowstone and it was really nice to not have to drive too much farther to get to Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park.

Fireside Resort near Grand Teton National Park

There are plenty of RV parks in the area surrounding Grand Teton National Park, particularly in Jackson Hole, but the only RV park close to a national park entrance is Fireside Resort. It is just under six miles from the Moran Entrance where you can easily access popular spots like Oxbow Bend.

Yes, I know. The allure of Jackson Hole is there. That cute little town with all those restaurants. But our priority was being as close to the park as possible. After all, that is one of the perks of having an RV, we're driving around with our own food and kitchen. Although we definitely did the forty-five minutes into town for a great buffalo burger.

Now let me just say that I did not love this RV park. It called itself a resort, but that is definitely a stretch. Their sites are grass sites, not particularly long and the amenities are average. They charge quite a lot for what the offer. But once again, the location was far more important to us because we were doing a lot of sunrise photography and driving during the day. The last thing we wanted to do was drive an extra thirty to forty-five minutes to get back to our rig.

Well, that's it. The three RV parks near national parks that we stayed in. Of course, if we were just four feet shorter, we could have actually stayed IN the national parks, but that four extra feet probably saved our marriage! When traveling full time in an RV every inch counts!

For the most part, we had a really great experience at the RV parks near Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Based on what we were trying to do and see, the locations were perfect and I would stay in any one of them again. I would also recommend them if you are in a big RV and are trying to get as close as possible.

How about you? Have you stayed in an RV park near a national park? What was your experience?

Like it? PIN it!

The post 3 RV Parks Near National Parks appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.