In this weekly roundup, Togo RV shares the top stories and features that are impacting and shaping the RV community. We cover everything from news and travel updates to gear and gadgets, and all the good stuff in between.
Snag Sold-Out Campsites With ‘Dyrt Alerts’
With record-setting interest in camping, campsites are booking out months in advance, but last-minute travelers can now have hope of finding a site at fully reserved parks thanks to “Dyrt Alerts.” The Dyrt, a campground information app, now allows users to sign up for text alerts if cancellations open up campsites at the user’s specified locations and dates. More than 4,000 public campgrounds are already in the system, with more being added, including some private parks.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineLearn More About Black History on These Trails
From virtual trails to the 51-mile Emancipation Trail that’s currently under development, there are many ways to celebrate Black History Month. Take a virtual tour of the African American Trail Project, which records more than 200 sites related to five centuries of Black life in Massachusetts. Or, take a physical tour at the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail in Florida or the African American Heritage Water Trail, where you can paddle by sites from the Underground Railroad.
Read more from USA TodayWould You Pay $1,000 per Month for This RV?
Known for sleek exteriors and high-tech interiors, Bowlus is adding another model to its luxury RV lineup. The Heritage Edition will come at a lower price point (compared to other models), while still providing the same level of off-grid power, thanks to the 2-kilowatt-hour battery. Optional power and technology packages can add solar prep, an upgraded inverter, Starlink hookups, Bluetooth power monitoring, and more. While available in Bowlus’s signature shiny silver, the Heritage is also available in a matte black or satin gray exterior. Buyers can finance their purchase with 15 percent down for $1,027 per month, based on a price of $143,100.
Read more from Outdoor Sportswire‘Cowboy-cations’ and Other Travel Trends for 2023
Travelers in 2023 are looking for new experiences. If you’ve always wanted to don a cowboy hat and hop on a horse, a “cowboy-cation” might be for you. Vacation rental platform, VRBO coined the term for rustic vacations with ranch-inspired accommodations and western-themed activities. Another trend is “set-jetting,” which involves traveling to the sets of beloved TV shows and movies, such as Oregon’s Mount Hood region, which inspired the 1980s classic The Shining. Finally, travelers are seeking more hidden gems and overlooked destinations, like the charming town of Leavenworth, Washington, or Florida’s Everglades National Park.
Read more from RVBusinessThis Collab Creates the Most Flexible Winnebago Yet
A leader in modular custom van interiors, Adventure Wagon, joins forces with Winnebago to bring adaptable interiors to the well-known manufacturer’s Class B platform. Customers will start with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170 chassis. A number of Winnebago’s standard options and finishes will be available, along with Adventure Wagon’s Modular Interior System, allowing buyers to design the van of their dreams. Add popular items like an elevator bed and soft storage from Adventure Wagon alongside Winnebago’s selection of appliances and power-supply systems.
Read more from WinnebagoWould You Sled on These Sand Dunes?
If you like the idea of sledding but hate the snow and cold, consider visiting one of the many adventurous (and picturesque) sand dunes in the U.S. As its name suggests, Utah’s Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has rose-colored hills, while New Mexico’s White Sands National Park is notable for its alabaster mounds. The tallest dunes in the U.S. are found in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. Stick around after dark for a phenomenal star show at this International Dark Sky Park. For the perfect combination of sand and cerulean waters, visit Indiana Sand Dunes National Park.
Read more from Outside OnlineNational Park Sites Along Lake Superior Make Moves to Decarbonize
Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Grand Portage National Monument will become the first National Park Service sites in the U.S. to fully decarbonize both buildings and vehicles. Over the next 4 years, the parks will eliminate their carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions by ending reliance on fossil fuels. Visitors can expect to find fewer diesel generators and more solar power arrays, electric vehicles, LED lighting, and electric heat pumps. Funding for these climate-positive changes comes from a variety of federal sources aimed at improving park infrastructure.
Read more from MLive