RVing in Alabama and Tennessee

RVing in Alabama and Tennessee

Bankston Motor Homes is a staple in Alabama and Tennessee. This month we want to inform everyone why we love RVing in the South! There are plenty of options for finding a great campground. Whether you want to stay close to the city or further out in nature, there are many choices available. So, whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the South or just want a quiet spot to park your RV, here are some tips on how to kick off your Summer RV trip.

To start, make sure you research your options! Does the RV campground have the necessary amenities that you and your family need? Does it have activities for the kids? Does your RV fit into their designated RV spots? When choosing the right campground, it’s important to consider location, facilities and amenities, rules and regulations. Since, you’re looking for the best summer campsites for RVing in Northern Alabama, consider the following:

  • Size of the campsite. The size of your campsite is an important factor to consider when choosing a campground. You want to make sure that there is enough space for your RV and other vehicles, as well as any additional tents or equipment you may have brought along with you on this trip.
  • Location and views. If possible, try to find a location where there are great views of nature around you–this can make camping much more enjoyable! You might also want to look into whether or not there are any nearby attractions that would be fun for everyone in your group (e.g., hiking trails).
  • Amenities and facilities at each campground location being considered by those searching for places where they can stay overnight while visiting Alabama during this time period; you will want to discover things like whether or not bathrooms and showers are available 24 hours per day and if electric outlets are located in each individual site so you don’t need to bring along a generator. It is important to know if there is a convenience store at each park, too.

The final step is choosing where to stay! Here are a few locations to check out in Alabama and Tennessee.

If you’re looking for something more rural and natural, check out some of the national parks in Northern Alabama such as Oak Mountain State Park or Cheaha State Park. If you’d rather be closer to civilization but still enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking trails and biking paths, try one of the state parks south of Huntsville like Valley Head Lake Recreation Area or Lake Lurleen State Park. Whatever type of camping experience suits your needs best–and whatever type of RVing adventure appeals most–you’ll find it here!

Before you hit the road, here are a few things to remember. The first is making sure your RV is in good working condition. Check all appliances and make sure they work properly, especially if you are planning on staying at an RV park for an extended period of time. Next up: packing essentials! You’ll want to bring enough clothing for both warm days and cool nights–and don’t forget about rain gear if storms are forecasted during your stay. Also, pack extra towels and linens so that everyone has what they need when getting ready for bed each night! Finally, don’t forget some entertainment options like books, cards or board games–you never know how long those evenings will last!

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7 RV Parks to Check Out in Michigan

7 RV Parks to Check Out in Michigan

With over 58,000 square miles of land and over 38,000 square miles of Great Lakes water, Michigan is a beautiful destination to explore. RV travel offers you the flexibility and freedom that will allow you to discover the adventures that a state like Michigan has to offer.

Don’t know where to start on your Michigan adventure? Check out these seven RV parks you won’t want to miss!

1. Platte River Campground – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are as old as the last Ice Age. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches and bluffs that tower 450′ above Michigan. Views across the lake are amazing from the tall dunes.

The Platte River Campground offers year-round access. There are back-in and pull-through campsites available with electrical hookups. You’ll enjoy the amazing views that can be taken in through this campground.

2. Lake Macatawa Campground – Holland State Park

One of the popular destinations for camping in Michigan, Holland State Park, offers sandy beaches perfect for watersports, suntanning, and swimming. You won’t want to miss the Big Red Lighthouse either. Plus there are two play structures for campers, a sand volleyball court and a horseshoe area.

Stay at the Lake Macatawa Campground to stay within a short walking distance from the beaches. There are 211 campsites and lots of camping options.

3. Bay Furnace Campground – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Visit America’s very first National Lakeshore for great beaches, hiking, and beautiful forest and water views. There are year-round activities for those traveling with friends and family. Even in the winter, you can try their fun winter sports like skiing or ice fishing.

Bay Furnace Campground offers scenic views of Lake Superior with amazing sunsets and sunrises. You might even catch the northern lights.

4. Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA – Mackinac Island

This National Historic Landmark covers just 3.8 square miles in Lake Huron. No vehicles are allowed on the island, making it a sight to see in the modern age. Ferry boats and Victorian architecture make this island great.

You won’t be able to camp on the island because there are no cars allowed. However, you can stay close by at the Manicaw City/Mackinaw Island KOA. They offer free shuttles and ferries to the island.

5. River Road RV Park – Lake of the Clouds

Located near the Porcupine Mountains, the Lake of the Clouds is one of the most amazing natural beauties of the state. Visit in the fall to see the amazing colors of the surrounding trees and the sky mirrored in the lake’s calm waters.

A beautiful place to visit in your RV, stay at the River Road RV Park for year-round access and full RV hookups. You won’t be feeling too out of your element with Wi-Fi and other modern amenities.

6. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground – Isle Royale National Park

Find yourself immersed in nature at the Isle Royale National Park near the Canadian border. You can hike the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail at this park, or enjoy the beautiful water.

This island is also not accessible by vehicle. Therefore, you’ll want to park your RV at the nearby Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground. Campers can rent canoes, row boats, & kayaks for a half or full day to explore more on the water.

7. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

At this historic area on the Keweenaw Peninsula, you can find an 1844 military outpost, outdoor activities, a lighthouse, and more! During the warmer months, you can enjoy a glimpse into the 1800s with a living history experience.

You’ll be right in the action with the state park’s 159 RV sites and three campgrounds!

Enjoy Your Michigan Adventure With These RV Parks

There’s nothing like the wild outdoors and the freedom of RV travel. These RV parks in Michigan will provide plenty of opportunities for fun! You’ll want to include a few when planning your next RV trip.

Need help finding the right RV for your next adventure? Contact us today!

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6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

6 Western National Parks That Are a Must-See

Everybody and their aunt already has a Facebook album dedicated to their trip to the Grand Canyon. Not to take away from its splendor; it’s absolutely breathtaking.

However, for today, we would like to switch it up. There are many lesser-known western National Parks that are just as special to the appreciative eye.

Read ahead to learn more about some of the most beautiful national parks in the US.

Six Western National Parks You Need to See

Here are six of the best National Parks in the US that represent the west. They are great options for a visit!

  1. Olympic National Park

A quintessential west coast national park, this gem of Washington state has it all.

There are not many places in the world, let alone the USA, where you can enjoy mountains, forests, lakes, and the ocean in one place.

You can hike in the magical Hoh Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the country.

  1. Mesa Verde

If you know Mesa Verde is Spanish for ‘green table’,  you are ready for a middle school-level Spanish class.

Jokes aside, Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is home of the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings.

These structures were essentially carved from the cliff well over 500 years ago. The cultural and anthropological importance is immeasurable. Thus, the area has National Park status and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  1. Petrified Forest

This park offers some of the stranger curiosities for travelers. Located among the desert badlands, the Petrified Forest consists of the remains of ancient trees that underwent a process known as petrification.

This chemical process resulted in the preservation of logs that were living with the dinosaurs.

The resulting ‘stone’ is beautiful but don’t be tempted to steal a piece. This can result in legal penalties and an unbreakable curse.

  1. Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of the most unique US National Parks. Road trip enthusiasts must add it to their itineraries. Located in California, it gets its name from the tall rock formations that characterize its surreal landscape.

This park features many natural rock formations that are the result of multiple volcanoes that overflowed with lava about 23 million years ago. Those lava flows slid around and became the unique structures that populate this park.  This park is primarily for hikers and climbing enthusiasts with trails that will satisfy families looking for light hikes as well as adventurers that are looking for more strenuous trails. Check the park website for overnight options- since reservations are required at this time.

  1. Lassen Volcanic National Park

This is another California national park you might not have heard of but is more than worth the trip.

It is home to at least one of each of the four types of volcanos found on Earth, making it a science buff’s dream.

You can also enjoy the lakes, bubbling mud pits, and a large trail network.

  1. Channel Islands

It’s hard to find a more special place than the Channel Islands. Perhaps, its relative obscurity adds to its uniqueness.

It consists of an archipelago of tiny islands featuring idyllic hidden beaches sheltered by sheer cliffs. It is also home to many types of endemic wildlife and a massive underwater cave.

A Park for Every One

We believe everyone should get out there and find their favorite park! You can support these parks by visiting them, making donations, and promoting awareness.

Most importantly, we encourage you to make plans to go see these amazing natural treasures. Exploring the east? Check out our list of the Best East Coast National Parks.

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