Fishing, World's Largest Flea Market & More at LakeRidge RV Park

This was provided to us by our friends at LakeRidge RV Park in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

LakeRidge RV Park is located in the heart of Gun Barrel City, Texas which is located in the "Heart of Cedar Creek Lake" and is approximately 60 miles southeast of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It has the distinction of being the only town in the United States to bear its unusual name. On the shores of beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, Gun Barrel City offers visitors diverse options for dining, golfing and water sports. Gun Barrel City is located a short drive from area attractions, including world known First Monday Trade Days in Canton and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

First Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest flea market in the world! They have 100,000 - 300,000 visitors a month with over 3,000 vendors including various Food Concessions. The Trade Days open 7:00 a,m. on Thursday and run through Sunday before the First Monday of every month. They have covered and open air spaces, have Paramedics and Police Sub-Stations for safety

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens you and your family will have a great time discovering the magic of freshwater fish and wildlife at this incredible $18 million facility, which includes a state of the art hatchery and scientific laboratory. Stare eye-to-eye with freshwater fish in their incredible 300,000 gallons of aquaria. Don't miss the dive show - talk to the divers through the underwater intercom while they feed some of Texas' biggest fish. Catch trout and catfish in their 1.5 acre pond (they even provide poles, bait and show you how). Walk through the new wetlands exhibit and discover where the fish and wildlife live-it's a natural classroom! Visit the Angler Hall of Fame. Schedule a tour through their hatchery and take the tram to see it all.

While here plan on enjoying water sports and fishing Cedar Creek Lake. Also nearby is Purtis Creek State Park where the fishing is good at the Purtis Creek State Park Lake.

Other RV Campgrounds should feel free to share with us the wonders that may be found in and around their campground. Please send your article submissions to monty@elmonterv.com.

An RV Vacation Through Native American History

For an RV camping vacation that's a history lesson, as well, consider exploring Native American historical sites. The suggestions below represent just a few of the hundreds of places you can learn about the role of Native Americans in our nation's history.

Native American History RV Vacation – Four Corners Itinerary
Where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah meet, you'll find a treasure trove of Native American history. In the Four Corners area you can visit Mesa Verde, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Monument Valley.

Mesa Verde, in southwestern Colorado, is the site of ancient cliff dwellings and spectacular scenery. Winding roads lead to the canyon rim throughout this National Park. You will find numerous lookout points offering amazing glimpses of the cliff dwellings where ancient Puebloans lived for more than seven hundred years! While you're exploring the wonders of Mesa Verde, park your RV at A&A RV Campground located at the entrance to the National Park, or try the Mesa Verde RV Resort only a half mile away..

North and west of Mesa Verde, along the Utah/Colorado border, you'll find Hovenweep National Monument. The ruins of six prehistoric Pueblo dwellings dot the canyons of Hovenweep, with towers rising far above canyon walls.

Continue your Native American History RV vacation with a stop in Monument Valley in northeastern Arizona. You'll probably remember the sandstone buttes and towers from hundreds of Westerns filmed there. Native American guides who live within the valley will lead you off the main trails to sites that mark the legacy of their ancestors.

Your final leg of a Four Corners RV camping trip should definitely include Canyon de Chelly near the Arizona/New Mexico border. The Canyon, completely located on Navajo tribal land, offers an entire vacation's worth of historical treasures. The windswept canyons and buttes of Canyon de Chelly are home to more than two thousand archaeological sites. Plan to camp at Spider Rock RV Campground in Chinle, Arizona for the ultimate Canyon de Chelly experience.

For RV Rentals to the Four Corners area El Monte RV has you covered with the following locations: Albuquerque RV Rentals, Denver RV Rentals, Phoenix RV Rentals, Salt Lake City RV Rentals, and Tucson RV Rentals,

Native American History RV Vacation – Northern Itinerary
When you're ready for another round of Native American history, plan some RV camping in the Badlands and Black Hills of the north central U.S. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana lets visitors relive the battle that claimed the lives of most of the 7th Cavalry Division under Lt. Col George Armstrong Custer in 1876. Here in the place Sitting Bull and several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors were victorious, you'll find breathtaking scenery and plenty of Native American artifacts to explore.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to the Crazy Horse Memorial, where sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began creating his enormous tribute to the Lakota chief in 1948. Come watch as progress on the colossal sculpture continues, and stay to visit the Native American Cultural Center and Indian Museum of North America.

Finish your RV camping trip to find Native American history with a stop at the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall, South Dakota. About fifty miles from the actual site of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, the Museum tells the story of the tragic deaths of almost 300 Lakota Sioux at Pine Ridge.

As you travel the Badlands and Black Hills, there are plenty of well-equipped RV campgrounds to serve you. Big Pine RV Campground near Custer, South Dakota is a great place to make camp as you increase your knowledge of Native American history.

Why not learn more on your next vacation about the major contribution Native Americans have made to our history? Turn your motorhome into a rolling classroom and get ready to be inspired!

Burning Man: Top 10 things to know going in, OK so 12

This was sent to us by a friend who attended Burning Man 2009.

1. Have an open mind. This is the most creative place I've ever been; good, bad and ugly. Black Rock City is also the most diverse place you will visit. You will encounter all walks of life.
   
2. It's hot, windy and dusty every day. If you don't like extreme weather or you don't like to get dirty then don't go. One of the gals in our group was just miserable with the dust, and she went home early.
3. Sun Screen: The sports sun screens work well because they don't sweat off.
4. Food and Water: It's good to have water & food with you always.
   
• The fitness waters are good with electrolytes for hydration.
  
• Cliff bars, Power bars, etc are good for quick snacks.
  
• Plan easy camp meals. Don't get to fancy because you may have to cook in the wind and/or dust.
  
5. Dust Gear: Dust goggles, dust masks, hankies and a Compass.
   
• Dust Goggles: Get clear and smoked lenses. The goggles with exchangeable lenses are a good way to go.
  
• Dust Mask: Be sure to get one with a valve because you will breathe easier.
• Hankies: I made hankies out of Batik material (no sew; just cut them out with pinking shears). It is heavy cotton and works well to keep the dust at bay for lighter storms.
• Compass: Just in case you need to get your bearings in a dust storm to get to the closest shelter.
6. Comfortable clothes & shoes:
   
• Be prepared for hot days and cold nights. Layering works well.
• Walking shorts for the day and pants for the colder nights.
• Hiking boots are a must for comfy feet (read about Playa feet).
7. Ear plugs: Burning Man goes 24-7 so ear plugs are a must.
   
8. Mountain Bike: Bring a mountain bike (the knobbier the tires the better). It's a great way to get around. If you plan to use a bike as your main transport you might want to consider mountain bike shorts. They look like baggy shorts and they will save your bum.
   
9. Epsom salts: Bring Epsom salts and your feet will love you. We evolved into this great afternoon ritual. We talked about things we'd seen during our day and we soaked our tired feet.
10. Bring nothing that you care about to Burning Man. It may not live to tell about the trip. I was very worried about my camera equipment but not so much that I didn't take it all. I have to replace some lens filters and I have a lot of cleaning to do now, but I'm glad I had everything with me.
11. Volunteer as much as you can. You will see a different side of the event and you will have a better understanding of some of the Burning Man thinking by gifting your time.
12. Read all you can on the Burning Man site before you go. There is a lot going on every day and night so be sure to check out the daily schedules on the website.

If you would also like to share your RV camping adventures, tips and insights with us, please send them to monty@elmonterv.com.

Northeast Fall Foliage RV Road Trip

Here's a secret we've learned from avid RV campers - some of the most beautiful fall foliage in America can be found along the country roads and highways of the Northeast states. Just thinking about all those photo ops makes me want to take a Northeast fall foliage RV road trip! What about you? If you're ready to roll, use these ideas to plan your trip.

The Pleasures of the Poconos! Any RV camper who's never visited the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania has missed a fantastic road trip. The Poconos are home to dozens of picturesque villages and scenic byways. The area west of Scranton, in particular, is a favorite destination for foliage viewing.

While you're in the Poconos, why not park your RV at Keen Lake RV Resort? The Keen Sisters run a beautiful RV campground on the shores of a ninety-acre lake. You won't want to go home!

New York's Fall Foliage Extravagance! Two scenic mountain ranges in New York have enough gorgeous fall foliage for a month-long RV camping trip. The Adirondacks in Upstate New York offer fantastic mountain lakes and hundreds of miles of autumn scenery. Check out Adirondack Adventure RV Resorts for two great RV campgrounds in the area.

In southern New York, the Catskills have their own distinct charm. Maple, oak and hickory leaves burst into brilliant color every year around quaint villages like Cooperstown and Utica. To make your RV camping vacation perfect, Blue Mountain RV Campground in Saugerties has full-service campsites nestled in the trees.

Don't Miss Massachusetts! What could be more picturesque than Boston in autumn? But don't miss the Berkshires! These mountains in western Massachusetts offer one foliage-filled mile after another. And don't leave the state without taking in the fall beauty of Cape Cod.

The Northeast United States is a region we hope all our RV camping friends get to visit. We can help you find the right RV rental for your Northeast Fall Foliage RV Road Trip at our El Monte RV Rentals Boston location, or our other locations: State College RV Rentals, Kingston PA RV Rentals, or Linden, NJ RV Rentals. Give us a call today and let us help make your trip to the Northeast perfect.

Also be sure to check out our post: New England Fall Foliage RV Road Trip!

Washington State Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Anglers who know where to find great freshwater fishing make tracks regularly to Washington State. The lure of clear, blue lakes and rivers with abundant fish species is hard to resist. Travelling there by RV keeps it comfortable and affordable.

Here is a quick rundown of lakes and rivers in Washington that boast fantastic fishing. We've included information of interest to RV campers to help make vacation planning easy.

Washington's Fabulous Fishing Lakes
There are hundreds of lakes in Washington to choose from. They make the perfect venue for a motorhome camping/fishing trip. Here are five spectacular fishing lakes that you can visit in the Evergreen State.

Lake Curlew – This gorgeous lake near the Canadian border in northeast Washington attracts bigmouth bass and trout fishermen year-round. Beautiful lakeside RV campsites allow you to dock your boat adjacent to your motorhome. What could be more convenient? Some nice places to stay when fishing Curlew Lake include Tiffanys Resort and Curlew Lake State Park.

Banks Lake – Carved into the red rock canyons near Grand Coulee Dam, Banks Lake offers trout, walleye and largemouth bass worth traveling for! Full service RV campgrounds are located near the water (including the Sunbanks Lake Resort), so plan to fish late and then sleep in motorhome comfort.

Spencer Lake – Largemouth bass, trout and crappie are waiting at Spencer Lake near Shelton on the Olympic Peninsula. Pull your RV into the pines, reel in a stringer full of fish and enjoy camping vacation memories for years to come.

Offut Lake – The perch and largemouth bass at Offut Lake equal family fishing fun on your vacation. Roll your motorhome into large RV campsites in the forest and enjoy classic Washington RV camping. You might want to check out the Offut Lake Resort when there.

Lake Chelan – Come to the largest lake in Washington State to fish for kokanee, rainbow trout, burbot and lake trout. You might even land a landlocked salmon or two! Located within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in central Washington, Lake Chelan is an awesome experience for RV campers and anglers alike. The Lakeshore RV Park run by the City of Chelan might be a nice place to stay.

Rivers Where the Fish Are Jumping!
We'd be leaving out some of the best fishing in Washington if we failed to mention its rivers! The mighty Columbia, of course, rolls from its beginnings in British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Washington. If you're itching to fight a six foot sturgeon weighing in at over two hundred pounds, the Columbia River has plenty to offer! Chinook salmon are also stars of the Columbia, so don't miss a chance to land one yourself.

Fortunately for Columbia River fisherman, abundant RV camping can be found in the towns and villages along the banks of the Columbia. That's also true for another great Washington river, the Lewis, where quiet RV campsites near the river free your crew to fish steelhead in late winter. Whether you're chasing trout, sturgeon, salmon or steelhead, great Washington rivers like the Cowlitz and Wynoochee offer year-round fishing experiences.

Just in case you have questions about special rules that apply to certain freshwater species, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a very informative website and a downloadable brochure to keep you up to date.

So why not come to Washington, where the fish are biting and full-service RV campgrounds are always plentiful? Once you've fished the clear waters of the Evergreen State, you're going to want to come back soon, we promise! El Monte RV can set you up for an RV rental from our Ferndale RV Rentals and Seattle RV Rentals locations.

Some Cool Pic's from Burning Man 2009

A friend sent in some nice pictures from Burning Man 2009 that we thought we would share...


And of course the best way to have traveled there...

Cruising Colorado Ghost Towns by RV

We have been sharing reports from friends about great ghost town destinations to include on your RV adventures. While you're planning the itinerary for your next trip, don't miss Colorado's ghost towns. The Centennial State is home to dozens of former towns filled with artifacts, empty shacks and terrific Wild West history!

Let's do a quick cruise of some of the ghost towns you can easily visit on your RV camping trip.

• Florrisant: Thirty miles west of Colorado Springs, this former mining town has a school house and cemetery still in place, plus plenty of historical artifacts to discover. Stay at Lost Burro Campground in nearby Cripple Creek where you'll find scenic RV campsites creek side.
  
• Cripple Creek: While you're in the area, don't miss Cripple Creek itself. It's one of Colorado's most famous mining towns and area gold mines produced hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gold before 1930. Although Cripple Creek is now home to numerous casinos, there are plenty of mines, ghost towns and cemeteries to explore in the immediate area.
  
• King: Turn your RV up the road to Park County and visit King, site of two major mining disasters in the late 1800s. Artifacts and ruins still exist in King, and the surrounding scenery is awesome.
  
• Fairplay: Don't leave Park County without visiting this once thriving gold mining town, where many of the original buildings still exist. Visit the grave of Prunes, the burro who worked the mines for decades and let locals tell you the story of Silver Heels the dance hall girl who nursed many small pox victims back to health. While visiting King and Fairplay, be sure to stay in Horseshoe RV campground in Pike National Forest.
  
• Gold Hill: Northwest of Boulder is a cluster of former mining towns that will fascinate ghost town fans. Gold Hill was one of the first places in Colorado where miners actually put down roots. Like a lot of other mining towns, a large fire took its toll in the late 1800s, but the hotel, general store and many cabins are still in place. Stay in the area to visit Sunset, Crisman and Gold Hill Station and spend the night at Olive Ridge Campground located in the shadow of Longs Peak.
  

We can't wait to hear your stories about your Colorado ghost town tour by RV! Let us know which ones become your favorites, and be sure to get in touch with our Denver RV Rentals location for the perfect RV rental for a Colorado ghost town vacation.

Texas Freshwater Fishing Destinations

If you love to fish, your next RV vacation should be a Texas RV Vacation. More than a hundred lakes tempt fishermen to drop their hooks in the Lone Star State. Travelling there by motorhome makes the trip easy, with comfortable beds and a well-stocked kitchen to greet you when you come in from a day of fishing. Why not use the links below to start planning your Texas freshwater fishing trip soon?

Freshwater fisherman will find plenty of sport chasing black bass, walleye, crappie and catfish, just to name a few of the species abundant in Texas lakes. Lake Arrowhead near Wichita Falls is famous for its white crappie population. In the same region, Lake Meredith offers walleye enthusiasts a run for their money. An abundance of RV campsites at both lakes makes setting up the fishing camp simple.

In the Piney Woods area of East Texas, lakes like Sam Rayburn, Houston County and Toledo Bend are nationally known for black bass, crappie and catfish. World famous fishing tournaments fill this region's calendar, too, so be sure to sign up if you like your fishing competitive.

Roll your motorhome west to the Lakes Region of Texas, home to more than twenty freshwater fishing lakes. You'll find beautiful Lake Texoma right on the Oklahoma border, promising crappie, bass, catfish and bluegill galore as well as an abundance of privately run and US Corps of Engineer RV campgrounds.

Don't miss your chance to go fly fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast, either. Fly fishing enthusiasts flock each year to Sabine Lake along the Louisiana border, where trout of record size test their skills annually. Trout fishing in this region is legendary, so plan to camp all along the coastline and visit several lakes and estuaries on your trip.

No Texas freshwater fishing trip would be complete without a visit to the South Texas lakes, where striped bass and redfish reign supreme. Try Calaveras, Braunig or Choke Canyon for the ultimate South Texas fishing expedition.

Freshwater fishing is as American as the Fourth of July, and there's no better place to try your hand than Texas. You can also find information on camping, fishing and all kinds of outdoor recreation at the Texas Parks and Wildlife site.

Hook up your boat to a great motorhome and head down the road to Texas. The fish are biting and an adventure for the record books awaits.

See here for more on fishing.

New England Fall Foliage RV Road Trip!

Every year at this time, I start hearing people say "I wish I could take one more road trip before winter!" I've found the perfect trip—a New England RV journey to see the gorgeous autumn colors!

Throughout the New England states, the trees are starting to turn and glorious color is around every curve in the road. Isn't it time to pack the RV and experience autumn in New England for yourself?

Here's my quick list of areas famous for foliage to help you plan your New England RV road trip:

• Vermont's Champlain Valley: Some of New England's most fabulous fall scenery can be found around Lake Champlain on the New York/Vermont border. Whether your RV's rolling through Burlington, Shelburne or East Middlebury, the fall foliage won't disappoint. Need a place to stop for the night? Ten Acres Campground offers lakeside RV campsites through mid-October.
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway – New Hampshire: In New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, the "Kanc" winds its way through spectacular hardwood forests, along the Lost River and through valleys filled with historical sites. Broken Branch KOA in Woodstock, NH is open through October and a stone's throw away from White Mountain.
• Acadia National Park – Maine: The granite outcroppings and splendid fall colors in the forests of Acadia National Park will have you pulling off the road for photo after photo. Leaf peeping in early October is a very popular pastime at the park, so be sure to make your RV campground reservations early. Try Hadley's Point Campground in nearby Bar Harbor for full-service campsites.
• Litchfield Hills – Connecticut: The photo opportunities are also endless along the highways and byways of Connecticut's Berkshire foothills. Mohawk State Forest near Goshen, Lake Waramaug State Park near Kent and dozens of quaint Connecticut villages fill the Litchfield Hills with plenty of sightseeing possibilities. Valley in the Pines Campground in Goshen is a great home base for your Connecticut Fall Foliage RV Tour.
• Merrimack Valley – Massachusetts: Lexington, Concord, Waltham and Boston…historic towns surrounded by explosions of fall color. Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley is home to seven sites managed by the State Parks Department, as well as rivers, streams and covered bridges. Why not park your RV at Minuteman Campground near Boston? It's perfectly located as a center of Merrimack Valley activities.

For the latest fall foliage conditions check out these sites:

• Connecticut Fall Foliage
• Maine Fall Foliage
• Massachusetts Fall Foliage
• New Hampshire Fall Foliage
• Vermont Fall Foliage

Whether you're looking for a weekend motorhome getaway or a two week RV journey state-by-state, you're going to love New England in the fall. A great place to start is the El Monte RV Boston RV rentals location. Rent a luxury motorhome and get started on this year's New England Fall Foliage RV Tour!

Fisherman's Paradise - Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground in VT

This is provided to us by our friends at Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground in West Barnet, Vermont.

Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground is Vermont's oldest private campground. The campground is located on the shores of Harvey's Lake and channel leading into the lake in the heart of what is known as Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

Harvey's Lake, a deep glacially formed lake, is well known as a fisherman's paradise. The lake is regularly stocked with lake and rainbow trout, and perch, pickerel, and smelts may also be caught. Some large fish are there for the taking for those anglers willing to work for them.

Other lake activities include kayaking, canoeing, boating (motor boats are allowed on the lake), and water skiing. Harvey's Lake is known as one of the cleanest in Vermont making for excellent swimming. The campground has 2 swimming areas and there is a public beach across the channel.

Some other Northeast Kingdom attractions include:

• The Cabot Creamery Visitors Center in Cabot, VT
• The Caledonia County Fair, August 26 - 30 in Lyndonville, VT
• The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, VT which is northern New England's Largest Museum of Natural History
• Horse farms and maple syrup farms

Montpelier, the capital of the State of Vermont, and all that it has to offer is also only an hours drive to the west.

For those who need to rent an RV for a Vermont RV camping adventure, El Monte RV can provide the perfect motorhome from its Boston RV Rentals location, which is actually in Sutton, MA. From there it is a beautiful, scenic, 3 1/2 hour drive north to our friends at Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground.

Other RV Campgrounds should feel free to share with us the wonders that may be found in and around their campground. Please send your article submissions to monty@elmonterv.com.

More Great Colorado RV Camping Adventures

Also see: Colorado Vacation Adventures.

One of my favorite things about traveling cross country is seeing the beauty of nature roll by. The State of Colorado is definitely one of the best places I know to see glorious scenery at every turn. RV campers from all over have shared their favorite Colorado RV camping destinations with Monty's Musings. Here are some "don't-miss" Colorado vacation ideas from my fellow motorhome campers.

Rollin' Through the Rockies…
RV camping enthusiasts looking for the ultimate Rocky Mountain experience should head for Leadville and Turquoise Lake! Sitting high in the Rockies (two miles high, in fact!) Turquoise Lake is surrounded by beauty, history and unbelievable outdoor adventures.

Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails abound in this mountain camping paradise. Canoe or fish the lake, and then be sure to take a day trip into nearby Leadville, a rough and rowdy Old West mining town with plenty of modern attractions. Make reservations at Sugar Loafin' RV Camp and get ready for some Rocky Mountain fun.

Colorado RV Camping for Families…
If your family's looking for a place to vacation that offers plenty of outdoor sports, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is your spot. Six scenic RV campgrounds make the area perfect for motorhome campers, and the river itself draws kayakers, river rafters and fishermen from around the globe.

Take the kids gold panning on the Arkansas River, or hike hundreds of miles of trails through meadows and mountain passes. From Pueblo to the mountains around Leadville, the AHRA offers one hundred fifty miles of family vacation fun.

And If Your RV Camping Trip Includes Fishing…
Motorhome camping enthusiasts who also love fly fishing should head for South Fork, Colorado, where eleven nearby lakes plus the Rio Grande River offer some of the best brown and rainbow trout fishing in the U.S.

Fellow campers tell me Ute Bluff Lodge & RV Camp, adjacent to Rio Grande National Forest, is the perfect base camp for trout fishing adventures. Why not head for South Fork with your favorite fishing gear in the comfort of a recreational vehicle? That's the recipe for fishing memories for years to come.

Now that I've convinced you to make Colorado your next RV camping destination, I'd like to make it even easier. El Monte RV Rental's Denver RV rentals location is a great jumping off spot for a motorhome vacation in the Rockies. The friendly folks there can help you plan your next Colorado trip and choose the perfect RV to get you there.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your Colorado RV camping trip. Stay tuned for more great motorhome camping ideas right here at Monty's Musings!

A Road Trip Through Texas Ghost Towns

While we're exploring the idea of traveling by RV to find ghost towns, let's not forget some of the very best are in Texas. I've put together a top five list of Texas ghost towns recommended by my friends and clients:

1. Washington-on-the-Brazos: This once lively center of early Texas politics is in part operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife. Visit Barrington Living History Farm, the Star of the Republic Museum and a recreated Independence Hall, where Texas leaders signed their Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836. Not your run of the mill ghost town, it combines historical displays and the ruins of what once served as the capital city of the Texas Republic. Park your RV in nearby Waller, Texas at Yogi Bear's Jellystone RV Park & Resort!
   
2. Fort Phantom: Located just north of Abilene, Texas, this ghost fort was abandoned three years after it was established in 1851 due to the lack of fresh water in the area. Several ruins are still on-site and are managed by a local historical society.
   
3. Barstow: Ghost town hunters love this town, with plenty of structures still standing to be explored and photographed. In the desert west of Pecos, Barstow is the classic Texas ghost town, deserted after the loss of irrigation to local farms.
   
4. Salt Flat: At the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas, you'll find the town of Salt Flat. So-named because of the natural salt flats around it, Salt Flat features several abandoned buildings, the salt flats themselves and nearby Guadalupe Pass in the mountains. Two RV campgrounds in Guadalupe Mountains National Park make this trip easy to plan.
   
5. Luckenbach: Founded in the 1850s by German immigrants, you probably first heard of this town thanks to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson! The German inhabitants are long gone, but the attention brought to the nearly-deserted town of Luckenbach, Texas by a song of the same name now brings music fans from all over to hear new talent. Plan your RV vacation around one of the famous concerts and stay to explore the former general store, post office and other ruins.
   

For even more information on Texas ghost towns, I definitely recommend you visit GhostTowns.com. They've got plenty of fascinating tips for getting the most out of your ghost town tour by RV.

Come to El Monte RV to rent your motorhome and get your Texas RV vacation rolling. Locations include our Dallas RV Rentals, Palmer RV Rentals, or San Antonio RV Rentals locations. By the way, if you find any ghosts out there, be sure to send us pictures to share on Monte's Musings!

Photo by Lee Otis from his photo set Ghost Towns. Some rights reserved under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Barn Door Halibut in an Alaskan RV Vacation Adventure

This post is courtesy of our friends at Alaskan Angler RV Resort in Ninilchik, Alaska.

As you might imagine, RV parks in Alaska offer opportunities to camp in the midst of breathtaking scenery - glaciers, volcanoes, world-class mountain ranges that cascade into deep blue ocean waters. However, not many RVers realize that camping in Alaska also provides access to world-class fishing in both saltwater and freshwater locations. One of the most popular locations for these activities is Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, just south of the major hub of Alaska, the city of Anchorage. This area is easily accessible by modern highway and is usually the endgame destination of those who drive up the entire distance from the lower 48 on the Alaska Highway.

On the Kenai Peninsula, the village of Ninilchik has become known as the "heart of recreation" due to its central location to several fishing and clamming sites. Ninilchik and the State Recreation area known as Deep Creek is the access point into the salt waters of Cook Inlet, the world-renowned home of huge "barn door" halibut. These unusual flatfish can grow to sizes exceeding 8 feet long and 400 pounds, although the average sport-caught fish is in the 20 to 40 pound range. This area is arguably the most prolific halibut fishery in the world, and it is a very popular activity with RV visitors who charter day trips with local operators.

In addition to white-meat halibut, salmon fishing opportunities abound in the Ninilchik area. The two streams in town, the Ninilchik River and Deep Creek, both support runs of Chinook "king" salmon and coho "silver" salmon. King salmon are the largest salmonoid in the world, and can grow to lengths of five feet and nearly 100 pounds. Silvers are much smaller, about 10 pounds, and are the hardest fighting fish around. They are known for dramatic jumps, back-flips, and dives when hooked. The local rivers are easily fished from the riverbanks, while there are opportunities for chartered boats for these species in the Kasilof and Kenai Rivers just to the north of town.

The prime fillets of all the salmon species come from the sockeye, or "red" salmon, and that fish is also available in this vicinity. The beautifully firm, bright-red, meat of the red salmon makes it the highest priced and most desirable seafood in Alaska. These fish do not require a boat or guide, and can be caught in the Kasilof or Kenai Rivers.

There is also an additional seafood opportunity on the local beaches at low tides: razor clams. These crustaceans are available by digging into the beach sand at times of extra-low tides, known locally as "negative tides". This opportunity occurs when the tide cycle flows out so low that the clam beds are uncovered and you can walk on the ocean floor, usually twice a month for a period of four or five days. Ninilchik is blessed with almost thirteen miles of beaches suitable for clamming, and with the clam bag limit of sixty per person, it is easy to see why this is a very popular endeavor.

Alaskan Angler RV Resort has grown into the largest full-service RV resort in the area due its central location for all of the above activities and its notoriety for providing excellent service, amenities, and activities for RVers while participating in those activities. With on-site fish processing, fishing and clamming gear rentals and sales, as well as charter ocean and river fishing, Alaskan Angler RV is known as the area's premier fishing and clamming resort.

Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride & More at Parnell Creek RV Park

This was provided by our friends at the Parnell Creek RV Park in Woodville, Alabama.

Parnell Creek RV Park is located in the heart of Northern Alabama in Woodville. We are surrounded by mountains and have beautiful scenery year round. We are located on Hwy 72, which is part of the Appalachian Trail Highway. Woodville is a small friendly town with beautiful foliage and nature to enjoy. We have a park full of amenities, including pool, mini-golf, fitness center and much more.

Every year on the 3rd Saturday in September, the Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride comes by the campground. There are thousands of motorcycles that ride in the historical ride commemorating the route taken by the Native Americans. Close by attractions include Cathedral Caverns State Park with guided tours of the caverns. There is Old McDonalds Petting Zoo for children with over 30 different kinds of animals for the children to pet.

The big city of Huntsville is only 25 minutes away and they have lots of attractions. U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a full day's workout. There is also Sci Quest Science Center and Early Works Children's Museum for the kids to enjoy and learn about science. There is Constitution Village, Harrison Brothers Hardware, Botanical Gardens and Burritt on the Mountain – a living museum with nature trails and historical park.

In Scottsboro, just 15 minutes away, there is the world renowned Unclaimed Baggage where you can find almost anything. There are also Hallelujah Trail of Historic Churches and other historical sites. We are also close to the Walls of Jericho where you can walk to the top and see a beautiful waterfall. Russell Cave National Monument is only 45 minutes away, along with Stevenson Railroad Depot Museum with hundreds of artifact from the area.

We are only 45 minutes from where the county music group Alabama has a Fan Club and Museum with treasure from over 30 years of performances. Come have you picture taken with the bronze statutes of the group. Birding trail #39 is only about 6 miles away with the largest number of gray bats in the south that leave the cave at dust each day. There are flea markets in the area to quench your bargain buying addiction. Lake Guntersville is only a short drive where there is a lot of fishing and boating. Nearby Grant is home of the tallest vertical log building in the world. It is located at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) public school which houses grades 1-12. If you haven't found enough to do yet, then don't leave our park, we have a salt water swimming pool, mini golf, playground, club house, covered shelter, horse shoes, basketball, planned activities and much much more.

The perfect spot to pick up an RV Rental for a visit to the Parnell Creek RV Park is El Monte RV's Birmingham RV Rentals location in Bessemer, Alabama.

Great RV Vacation Idea - Exploring Arizona Ghost Towns

If you like your vacations a little offbeat, why not travel Arizona in motorhome comfort while mining the chills and thrills of genuine ghost towns?

With more than 275 phantom cities to explore, Arizona is the mother lode for ghost town enthusiasts. Allow me to take you on a quick trip through some of the most famous Arizona ghost towns, just to get your imagination flowing.

In Arizona, we've found ghost towns fall into two categories - those preserved and commercialized for tourists, and those gradually destroyed by the forces of nature.

Either kind of Arizona ghost town gives a fascinating glimpse into the state's Wild West history. Mining towns, railway towns and towns once famous as stops along the cattle drive all testify to the grit and determination of Arizona's early settlers.

Ghost Towns Preserved for Tourists
The most famous "ghost town" in Arizona, Tombstone, is actually still very much alive. Home to Boothill Graveyard, the OK Corral and dozens of historic sites from the days of Wyatt Earp and Ike Clanton, Tombstone caters to tourists year-round and is a great first stop on your motorhome ghost town vacation.

Numerous RV campgrounds are located in Tombstone, including Stampede RV Park, Wells Fargo RV Park right in the center of town, and Tombstone RV Park & Resort, conveniently located on Highway 80.

I highly recommend visiting nearby Bisbee once you've toured Tombstone. With a mountain top cemetery, haunted hotel and the abandoned Lavender Pit Copper Mine to explore, it's well worth the trip.

Jerome, Arizona, built along a steep hillside in Yavapai County, started as a copper mining town and was saved from extinction by residents who recognized its historic value. Rugged and fascinating, Jerome's busy stores stand side-by-side with abandoned ruins that tell the story of this copper boomtown.

Authentic Ruins Left to the Forces of Nature
For those RV campers who prefer their ghost towns uninhabited by the living, authentic Arizona ghost towns dot the map. My friends often bring back stories of lonely settlements ground down to their foundations by the sand and wind of the Grand Canyon State.

Why not show the kids and grand kids the isolation in which brave settlers, miners and ranchers lived during the 1800s? True ghost towns like Agua Caliente, Tortilla Flat and Vulture City in Maricopa County boasted post offices, schools and saloons at one time, but now stand empty thanks to changes in fortune.

Hundreds of RV campsites in the Phoenix area make the trip to more than twenty authentic ghost towns in the area comfortable and affordable.

Ready to load up the RV and head for a ghost town adventure? El Monte RV is more than ready to help make that possible, with our convenient Phoenix RV Rentals and Tucson RV Rentals locations. If you'd like more fascinating trivia on Arizona ghost towns, be sure to visit ghosttowns.com!