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.
Explore National Parks for Free in 2023
Each year, the National Park Service (NPS) offers free entrance days for the public to access more than 400 parks in the U.S. without paying admission fees. In 2023, there will be five opportunities, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 16; the first day of National Park Week on April 22; the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act on August 4; National Public Lands Day on September 23; and Veterans Day on November 11. Fees may still apply for parking, camping, and other park activities.
Read more from the National Park ServicePut Your Leave No Trace Camping Knowledge to the Test
Test your camping sustainability knowledge with a quiz from the Leave No Trace organization. Learn how reducing, reusing, and recycling can help you positively impact the environment in the year ahead. Small actions can have significant impacts, even while RVing. From reusing items to reducing waste to looking for recycling opportunities, this quiz will help you be more environmentally mindful at the campground and beyond.
Read more from Leave No TraceStart the New Year With a Happier Camper
Inside and out, Happier Campers are one of the most customizable trailers manufactured today. The rounded fiberglass exterior comes in a variety of color combinations, adding to an already eye-catching design. Inside, the manufacturer’s modular Adaptiv System allows buyers to create an individualized floor plan with furniture and components that meet their needs. Happier Camper offers two models: the lightweight, 13-foot HC1 which weighs slightly more than 1,000 pounds, and the 17-foot Traveler that comes in around 1,800 pounds. Both of these retro-inspired teardrops can be towed by many SUVs and light-duty trucks.
Read more from RV Magazine
Co-Stewardship of Federal Lands Gains Momentum
With a long history of broken promises and stolen lands, the U.S. federal government is attempting to turn over a new leaf for the future of land management with direct oversight from Native American tribes. In 2021, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack co-issued a secretarial order emphasizing the importance of considering the needs and desires of local tribes in guiding co-stewardship for federal lands in and near tribal lands. The order affects the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties, national parks and forests, and more. Though progress has been slow, true co-management is the long-term goal.
Read more from Outside OnlineCould Tesla’s Semi Trucks Become the First Luxury Electric RVs?
The future for electric-powered autonomous RVs could start with the Tesla Semi, according to a creative concept recently released by the design company Jowua. A Tesla Semi RV could potentially run up to 600 miles between charges, without generating pollution emissions or requiring costly fuel. According to this early concept, the vehicle’s internal battery system could be paired with a solar package to operate off-grid for extended periods of time. Tesla Semis are in the initial phase of production, with the first vehicles recently delivered to PepsiCo, providing engineers and designers an up-close view of the rig and its potential future use.
Read more from Interesting EngineeringSuper Nintendo World Comes to Universal Studios Hollywood
At Super Nintendo World, you’ll be able to race Mario Karts, explore the Mushroom Kingdom, dine at Toadstool Cafe, and interact with characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The video game franchise comes to life at Universal Studios Hollywood, offering a range of immersive rides and experiences, including augmented reality elements and digital challenges. The California park joins an initial location in Japan, with an expansion expected at Universal Studios Florida in the future. The opening date is expected to be February 17.
Read more from USA TodayThe Best States for Off-Grid Living
If your New Year’s resolution includes off-grid living, some states make this goal easier to accomplish, thanks to a combination of affordability, climate, infrastructure, and safety considerations. According to a data analysis, the top state for unplugging is Iowa, which earns high points for its safety and infrastructure. Texas, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma round out the top five, while states on the East Coast, like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, are more difficult locations for going off the grid.
Read more from LawnStarter
