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.
Check Out California State Parks With This Library Perk
As part of a 3-year pilot program, a number of state park passes have been distributed to libraries across California. Patrons can check out a pass, just like they would a book. The pass provides free day-use admission to more than 200 parks across the state. After the lending period ends, users will return the pass for use by the next patron. The goal is to help make parks more accessible and promote the usage of California’s public lands.
Read more from FOX 5KOA Continues to Add Glamping to Its ‘Kamping’ Offerings
For decades, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been a leader in the campground industry, with more than 500 campgrounds in its network. Now, KOA plans to be a leader in the glamping market, as traveler preference shifts to cushier accommodations. From treehouses to Conestoga wagons, unique offerings are popping up throughout its campgrounds. This focus is especially noticeable at KOA’s new parks branded with the “Terramor” moniker. These locations don’t offer RV sites and instead focus entirely on lodges and canvas glamping tents, outfitted with luxurious amenities. (Content may appear behind a paywall.)
Read more from The New York TimesThe Future of the Pop-Up Is Here
With the Mars Space X Air inflatable camper, campsite set up is nearly fully automated. The camper does most of the work by opening, inflating, and stabilizing itself. Inside, you’ll find a roomy basecamp with double beds at each end and a mid-ship lounge space. Outside, simply slide out a tray to access the fully functional camp kitchen. Currently, the Mars Space X Air is only available in Australia.
Read more from New Atlas
It’s Not Your Imagination—Reservations Are Harder to Get
More than 8 million people went camping for the first time last year. As RVing grows in popularity, there’s a true strain on campground reservations. A new survey from The Dyrt found that it was three times harder to book a campsite in 2021 compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic inspired a surge in RVing. In 2019, only 16 percent of travelers reported reservation difficulties, but that number rose to 55 percent in 2021. Campers are finding it necessary to book sites further in advance. The survey also found that winter camping and dispersed camping are growing at significant rates.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineFord to Launch the Electric F-150 Lightning This Week
Excitement is building for Ford’s first fully electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, with CEO Jim Farley announcing a launch date of April 26. The start of production will be celebrated with a live-streamed party by the car manufacturer, and the first units could roll out in mere weeks. It may be a while before you can purchase the Lightning if you haven’t placed a pre-order, as Ford isn’t accepting names to its waitlist and is taking preventive steps so buyers can’t resell the truck at a higher value.
Read more from The VergeGood News for Gas Prices
In recent weeks, gas prices across the U.S. have trended downward, falling below $4 a gallon in most locations. Global oil prices have recently decreased, due to the opening of international oil reserves and the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China. Though spring and summer travel will increase demand, the outlook is positive, with crude oil prices continuing to hold steady or decline.
Read more from AAAA New Take on the Traditional Campfire
With many locations banning campfires due to wildfire concerns, campers have to forego the tradition or look for safe alternatives. Colorado-based entrepreneur Joshua Thurmond hopes his invention, the LavaBox, can evoke the same campfire ambiance without endangering the surrounding landscape. Built with recycled ammunition cans, the LavaBox offers a bright, propane-fueled fire that meets most requirements for use during Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire bans, depending on local laws.
Read more from The Denver Channel
