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.
Are Electric Bikes Allowed on National Forest Trails?
Are electric bikes motorized or non-motorized vehicles? This question is at the forefront as the U.S. Forest Service finalized guidance in March regarding e-bike usage on National Forest System trails. For now, such bikes will remain categorized as motorized, but locations are able to redesignate trails to allow for access. PeopleforBikes, an advocacy organization, is working to encourage the U.S. Forest Service to reconsider this decision and proposes categorizing Class One e-bikes and e-mountain bikes (eMTBs) as non-motorized in order to expand access to public lands. As the discussion continues and more information is available on the impact e-bikes have on trails, the guidance and rules may continue to evolve.
Read more from Outdoor SportswireJellystone Parks Amp Up Amenities and Activities
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is celebrating new parks, amenities, and activities for the upcoming camping season. Five new campgrounds have joined the system, including one on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. For top thrills, check out Golden Valley’s new three-story lookout tower and 3,540-foot alpine coaster. Another big addition is Glen Ellis’s 50,000-square foot water zone, complete with four slides, two pools, dump buckets, and more. A number of Jellystone campgrounds are upgrading accommodations by offering covered wagon camping, lodges, safari glamping tents, and more RV sites. Themed weekends and other events are also planned for the year ahead.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineYou Have to See the Windows on This Campervan
Texino is reimagining the campervan, starting with a massive bay window at the back of the van offering spectacular views. While the Atrium is still in the concept phase, van aficionados are already excited. In addition to the rear window, each side of the van has portholes and two skylights are embedded in the ceiling above. Texino currently plans to bring the design to life on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab chassis, with a fully electric version in the works, as well.
Read more from Robb Report
The National Park Service Needs Seasonal Workers
Dreaming of spending your summers at national parks? Consider a seasonal job with the National Park Service (NPS). Though competition can be stiff for the 7,500 positions, openings remain for 2022, as the pandemic continues to affect employment trends. Some openings are posted by NPS, others are posted by concessionaires like Aramark and Xanterra. Many of the jobs require availability for the full summer, but some are short-term assignments. Most positions come with accommodations—but, these may be communal.
Read more from The Washington PostCampgrounds With Amenities Are Key to Retaining RVers
The RV Industry Association’s first-ever campground market analysis revealed a disparity between what campers want and what campgrounds offer. Prior research shows that 29 percent of RVers want full-service hookups; however, only 8 percent of public campgrounds and 51 percent of private parks are meeting this demand. Adding to the problem is that 76 percent of campsites are reserved during the peak summer season, leaving few options for RVers. The recent surge in RV sales and continued demand for outdoor recreation will continue to strain campsite availability, leaving room for parks to benefit from upgrading their services and amenities.
Read more from RV PROHead Off-Grid With the Micro Minnie FLX
The debut of the Micro Minnie FLX made a splash, earning it RVBusiness’s Top Debut award and RV Pro’s Best New Model designation. Packed with technology, the FLX is Winnebago’s appeal to off-road, off-grid wanderers, offering up to 5 days of full functionality without hookups. Appliances can be powered with the 320-amp-hour, lithium-ion battery that connects to two rooftop solar panels. The heating, cooling, and water systems were all selected based on their efficiency. Available in five floorplans, the FLX starts at $61,000.
Read more from WinnebagoEnjoy the Great Outdoors Without Leaving the City
Outside Online compiled a list of top wildlife refuges located in and around major cities. Philadelphia’s John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge provides prime territory for spotting bald eagles, beavers, and deer, while Albuquerque’s Valle de Oro is a sanctuary for migrating birds along the Rio Grande. Learn about Louisiana’s swamps and marshlands at the Bayou Sauvage in New Orleans or watch for endangered butterflies at California’s San Diego Bay. These refuges and others protect wildlife habitats, while providing outdoor recreation in some of the busiest cities in the U.S.
Read more from Outside Online
