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.
You No Longer Need Reservations to Enter These National Parks
After another bustling summer season at National Park Service (NPS) destinations, many parks that required timed-entry passes are lifting the requirements for the slower fall and winter seasons. Reservations are no longer required at Rocky Mountain, Arches, Yosemite, and Glacier national parks. At Acadia National Park, timed passes are still required for the popular Cadillac Summit Road. A handful of additional NPS sites have similar permit requirements for parking, road access, and specific attractions. Reservation details have not been announced for 2023 for all parks. Check the NPS website for up-to-date information before your next visit.
Read more from USA TodayFlorida RV Parks Try to Recover From Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida as a Category 4 storm in September, leaving a wide swath of damage and impacts to the RVing community. Some parks were completely destroyed, and as many as 25 remain closed, primarily in the Fort Myers Beach area, with some parks expected to permanently close or require a full rebuild. Last week, the CEO and president of the Florida RV Park and Campground Association confirmed damage at parks in affected areas but happily announced that most parks are open and ready for the snowbird surge expected in the winter months.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineThe Rugged Ford Transit Trail Van Is Coming to the U.S.
Since its release, the Ford Transit van has been an option for Class B and campervan conversions, but the nimble platform wasn’t quite ready for off-road adventures. That is changing with the introduction of the Ford Transit Trail. Available in the U.K. since 2020, the Transit Trail is arriving in the U.S. next year, bringing with it off-road capabilities and other adventure-focused features. The U.K. version features a more capable drivetrain, but details haven’t been revealed for the U.S. model with more details expected in November.
Read more from GearJunkie
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Fall Festival?
Beautiful weather, community organizing, and good-natured fun come together at hundreds of fall festivals across the U.S. each year. But, which ones deserve a spot on your future travel list? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a hot spot for RVers, held every October in New Mexico. Similarly, bridge-jumping enthusiasts—and spectators—make the trek to New River Gorge National Park for the annual Bridge Day. For 30 years, Denver’s Great American Beer Festival has been a top spot for taste-testing brews, or you can head to Arizona in November for the Roam Bike Fest or Arizona Taco Festival.
Read more from Outside OnlineDo You Consider Yourself a Glamper?
You probably never heard of the term “glamping” a decade ago, but now nearly 17 million households glamp, according to Kampground of America’s first-ever North American Glamping Report. The number of glampers increased 155 percent in just 2 years, and interest in glamping rentals increased 310 percent since 2011. As many as 20 percent of leisure travelers plan to take a glamping trip, and most who do enjoy it, as nearly 75 percent of glampers expect to glamp again.
Read more from RVBusinessGo Overlanding Without Breaking the Bank
Overlanding gear can cost thousands of dollars with rigs costing hundreds of thousands, but did you know expensive gear isn’t necessary to enjoy the overlanding lifestyle? One of the most affordable ways to create an overlanding rig is to purchase an aging SUV or truck. You don’t have to worry about the exterior condition— swap out the tires for something more substantial like Firestone’s Destination X/T and Destination M/T2 all-terrain tires. While roof-mounted tents look cool, a simple traditional tent works—at a fraction of the cost. The amazing views will look the same, whether you’ve spent a fortune or not.
Read more from Road and Track
The Coolest Urban Camping Destinations
Who says you have to book a hotel to experience the big city? Instead, there are some unique camping options to consider. You can camp with views of the New York City skyline at Collective Retreats Governors’ Island or NYC Glamping. If you’ve ever dreamed of renting an Airstream, check out Hotel Luna Mystica in El Prado, New Mexico, or Progress Park Airstream Resort in Louisville, Kentucky.
Read more from Men’s Journal
