RT44: Is it Time to Have ‘No Campfire’ Zones in RV Parks?

For many, RVing, camping, and campfires go together like graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, but there is growing concern that the fires may be getting out of control - even when safely confined to a fire pit. Most recently, for example, Chuck Woodbury, founder and publisher, RV Travel, opined that it's time for some campgrounds to establish so-called "No Campfire Zones." He wrote his editorial, of course, after spending a few nights at a packed KOA where his neighbor's fire pit was less than 10 feet from his RV. Chuck joins the Roadtreking podcast this week to discuss the subject of campfires with Mike, where they talk about the idea of having campfire bans in certain situations. [spp-timestamp time="41:14"] Also in this episode, we talk finding travel companions, how to screen campgrounds, and what happens when you become ill on the road along with RV news this week, tech tips, a destination of the week and more. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #44 July 15, 2015, of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: First Things First: Back from Maine, Checking In From Home The show begins with Jennifer and Mike Wendland bringing you up to speed on their recent travels and where they are headed next. [spp-timestamp time="3:01"] Listener Question: How Can I Find an RV Travel Companion? Listener Bobbi asks about finding someone travel with in an RV. Mike suggests it is, in fact, better to travel with someone. Jennifer and Mike offer several links for connecting with others looking for RV travel companions, including: TripTogether.com is a site for those looking to travel with others in general. Women on the Road is another site for women travelers who are looking for and prefer female traveling companions. Sisters on the Fly - an organization featured in episode 37 of the Roadtreking podcast - is a group of women who RV together and live by three rules while RVing: no men, no kids, no dogs. Roadtreking International Chapter of the Family Motorcoach Association has a group of Roadtrek Solo Trekkers that also may be worth checking out. [spp-timestamp time="4:16"] Listener Question: Can You Help Me Find More Campground Reviews? A listener asks about finding good campgrounds to find out what others have to say about them, though cautions against visiting someplace based strictly on reviews. Mike shares some resources like: AllStays: This is Mike's favorite with more than 29,0000 campgrounds - from independent and KOA to local county and city parks. RV Park Reviews: A great website that includes a clickable map and allows for searching by state Yelp: Just search for campgrounds near a specific location and a lot of great info and reviews will pop up Roadtreking.com: Go to the Roadtreking homepage and simply do a search for "campgrounds" [spp-timestamp time="8:11"] Listener Question: What If I Get Sick While RVing Far From Home? A listener asks about getting sick on the road and what happens when far from home. Jennifer shares some insight based on her recent experiences, noting that good care is easy to find. [spp-timestamp time="15:16"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, Mo. Van City RV only sells Class B. RVs. Owner Ray Dwyer has been in the RV business for 44 years and is considered the dean of Class B RVs. Nobody knows more about small motorhomes that Ray and his crew. They have new and used Class B motorhomes in stock from the major manufacturers. When you fly in to buy your RV from Van City, they'll arrange to have you picked up from the airport and will reimburse you $500 toward your airfare. Then, your RV will be fully prepared for travel, complete with full tanks of fuel and propane. After a complete orientation with their staff on your new RV, you can take delivery and set out for home. Dan the Van Man gives the week's specials on the podcast. [spp-player] RV News of the Week: Campsite Hoarder, Minnesota Storms, Roadtrek's New Power System