Question Asked 6.9.2003 by Bob
QWe plan to travel to Utah to see the desert. Our question is: What's the best time of year to enjoy the desert? I was there in late October a few years ago and was surprised by how much was in bloom. What about spring?
AIn my opinion, any time's good except between two and six. Sorry, a poor attempt at humor! Actually, there's beauty to be found in the desert any time of the year, but in our area, southeastern Arizona, things are most colorful late April through May and then during the monsoon period from early July through early September. (What you saw was probably the result of a good monsoon season.)

I would first recommend you focus on the southern part of Utah to the northern section of Arizona. The Dixie and Manti-La Sal National Forests are breathtakingly beautiful. Both forests have lush high country and arid lowlands. Contact Dixie's forest HQ at 435-865-3700 and Manti-La Sal's at 435-637-2817 for more specific details. A few personal favorite areas are Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park, the Navajo Lakes area near Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Warren Park outside of Moab, Utah. Then, of course, there's Monument Valley in the Four Corners area and the north rim of the Grand Canyon (once you visit this side, you'll rarely consider visiting the south rim again).

Too many people don't see the beauty of the desert, so it's nice to meet a kindred spirit. Enjoy your time there!
Question Asked 6.3.2003 by Duncan and Irene
QWe are a couple planning our first RV adventure, traveling from Portland, Maine, all the way to Yellowstone National Park! Ambitious, eh? Wait, there's more: We are traveling with our two children (aged nine and seven) and our respective mothers (70 and 72). The final kicker is that our time budget is ten days. Could you help us plan our itinerary?
ATen days? If that's for a round trip, you'll spend most of your time driving, so we'd have to say it's not enough time! If you do go, don't forget to stop and stretch. This is particularly important for the grandmothers. Take time to walk around, maybe play catch or Frisbee, or do something to get the blood moving and burn off some of that extra energy.

There will be a lot to see along the way, but you don't have that much time. One small side trip would be Route 240 off I-90 into the Badlands and on to the town of Wall Drugs. If you go through Dubois, Wyoming, stop at the Cowboy Café for dessert—it's some of the best we have enjoyed. There is a very nice bookstore in Driggs, Idaho, and a great view of the back of the Grand Tetons. Avoid State Route 22 out of Jackson, though; it's not an RV-friendly grade.

Whether you decide on I-90 or I-80, there will be long stretches of just plain ol' flat land and not much else. Bring along things to entertain the gang—books, CDs, games, puzzles, whatever. And don't forget something to soften the sun's rays beating through the windows, like a shade, water bottles for everyone, and sun block.

I wish you had more time, but then again, you can go back another year and visit some of the places you didn't hit this time.
Question Asked 05.27.2003 by Audrey, Quincy, Massachusetts
QMy husband and I currently live in eastern Massachusetts, but he is being relocated this summer to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, for business. We would like to combine our relocation trip with a vacation road trip, perhaps making stops in Pennsylvania's Dutch country, Gettysburg, and maybe Williamsburg. While we like to camp, I expect that the moving van will have most of our equipment.
AOh my, there are so many places to go, so much to see, and so many adventures to have. Have you thought of focusing on a theme, say, Civil War battlefields or places with unpronounceable names? You could limit yourself to areas with vineyards or places that have a reputation for crafts. On the other hand, you could just go and see what you find. One thing's for sure, there is plenty to see and I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing it.

If you do camp, try either the George Washington or Jefferson National Forests in Virginia and West Virginia. Specifically, try Elizabeth Furnace campground. It has a great hiking trail to a lookout point used by both the North and South during the Civil War to track troop movements. Or, consider the lovely Bolar Mountain and popular Sherando campgrounds (for more details, visit our Web site).

Of course, the Dolly Sods area of West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest is very interesting, as is Beartree campground near Damascus, Virginia. This is one place where the Appalachian Trail intersects with civilization. Finally, don't forget Shenandoah National Park.

And we haven't even got to all the possibilities in North Carolina, nor what you might do along Virginia's eastern shore. Then you've got Washington, D.C., to consider. But, with all that between you and your new home, it's best to be selective if your husband wants to start work on time!
Question Asked 05.25.2003 by Dick, Ames, Iowa
QI am hosting 24 South Korean college students at Iowa State University for three weeks. They would like to take a trip to the Black Hills for one week, and to see the major attractions of Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and one of the caves. They would also like to hike and camp out for a few nights. Do you have any advice for visiting the Black Hills area?
ADick, I would suggest staying at Horsethief Lake Campground—a personal favorite. From this campground you can hike to Mount Rushmore! And it's convenient to the state park and caves. Contact the Mystic Ranger District Office at 605-574-2534, or you can call the Supervisor's office at 605-673-9200, to see what arrangements might be made.

You are looking at a super area, with lots and lots to see and do. May I suggest a few non-natural resource activities? Visit one of the many "biker bars" in the area, a mecca for bikers each year for the Sturgis Rally. These bars are definitely not what you might think. The town of Deadwood, a former Wild West community, might also be of interest to these young people. And the drugstore in Wall, South Dakota, just north of Badlands National Park, is a real hoot. I would also suggest a little side trip on Route 240 to see some of the Badlands. And be sure to tell your visitors to try some "Squaw/Sioux bread."

Have a great time!
Question Asked 05.13.2003 by Mike and Caroline, United Kingdom
QWe're "hitting" New Hampshire and Maine this summer with our two boys, aged four and two, first visiting some friends in Dover and then hiring an RV for two weeks on our own. Our friends have suggested traveling to the eastern coast of Maine, but when we look at the state there is so much to see and do. Can you suggest any highlights and campgrounds? We really want to see the "natural" Maine, so moose, beaches, mountains, and lakes are in—basically, interesting outdoor experiences for our two very active young boys!
AThe best advice is don't try to do too much. The Maine coast is beautiful, but so is the inland part of the state. New Hampshire and Vermont are also fabulous, and eastern Canada, particularly the islands, is breathtaking. You won't be able to see it all, so see what you can as best you can. Of course, you must see the Bar Harbor area and have lobster at any one of the hundreds of delightful places along the coast. In my husband's family (he's a native of the Boston area), the tradition was to give the children the lobster legs to suck on. (Lobster meat is very rich so a little will go a long way with youngsters.)

If I were planning a two-week trip in the Maine area, I would probably drive via Route 1 en route to Bar Harbor. Spend three to five days there, exploring Acadia National Park; three to five days exploring Baxter State Park and maybe a day canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway; and leave yourself a couple of days to meander back to the airport. Of course, set the whole itinerary in pencil, as you never know what might tickle your fancy along the way.

When I traveled with my children, I found it best to limit any day's travel to 200 miles. One day we would have breakfast at a restaurant, picnic for lunch, and dinner at camp, changing it around the next. Eating out for every meal is not only expensive but is hard on tummies not used to all the new things. Besides, eating some food that tastes like home is good.

In the RV, I would suggest Ziploc bags (perfect for storing stuff and fits into odd spaces), some of those baby bottom wipes (great for cleaning off yucky fingers and mouths), a spray bottle (a quick mist of clean water is so refreshing), and a good supply of heavy-duty bug repellant. And, unless you are both experienced truck drivers, pack a suitcase with lots of patience. Learning how to maneuver one of those rigs takes some doing.

Wal-Mart (a huge chain here in the U.S.), apart from being a great source for supplies and camping gear, will print your digital pictures as well as develop films.

Lastly, please, oh please, don't be tempted to allow your children to roam around the RV while it's moving. I'm sure this request is not necessary, but I'm a grandmother and a worrier.

Enjoy your time in the States and please come again!
Question Asked 04.04.2003 by Heather
QI want to take a holiday this year that will include kayaking, hiking, and camping. I am single and will be on my own. Do you have any suggestions about good outdoor-oriented places to visit in the middle of June?
AHeather, you didn't set a geographic limit on where you'd like to go, so here are a few suggestions that focus on national forest opportunities.

In Colorado, you might want to consider the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River corridor that runs through Roosevelt National Forest. Originating high in Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find a wealth of hiking, paddling, and camping opportunities here. Flathead National Forest's Hungry Horse Ranger District, near Columbia, Montana, has some fantastic hiking through breathtaking scenery. Bordered by Glacier National Park and Canada to the north, you'll be blissfully alone in some truly wild—and beautiful—backcountry.

East of St. Maries in Idaho is the little-known and magnificent St. Joe National Forest and St. Joe River. This is an area with good water and fantastic hiking. Further opportunities in Idaho for kayaking and hiking are also to be found in Boise, Payette, Sawtooth, and Salmon National Forests. Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri has some nice seasonal kayaking opportunities in the Silver Mines Recreation Area near Fredericktown. We have also heard that Oregon's Siskiyou National Forest is outstanding for kayaking and hiking, but we haven't been able to explore it fully...yet. So, as you probably can tell, there's a whole raft of places for you to explore—we're pretty sure, though, you'll find someplace amazing!
Question Asked 04.04.2003 by Angie, Louisville, Kentucky
QWe want to take a trip to southern Utah, and we're considering Zion National Park. Our kids, ages two and five, like to hike and camp. What activities and lodging would you recommend? We'll be flying out there, so can't bring our camping equipment—just backpacks and a few basics.
AZion National Park's official Web site is the best place to start your research. Their shuttle van system makes getting around the park pretty easy. The drive through Zion along State Route 9 is a breathtaking day trip. And the ranger-led programs are delightful.

While Zion is an amazing place, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Cedar Breaks National Monument are also worth a visit. If Zion is massive and magnificent, these other locations are colorful and awe-inspiring. You can't go wrong exploring any of these places.

While doing our research on Utah's Dixie National Forest, we found a couple of areas worth mentioning. One is the Red Canyon area on the way to Bryce, with its wonderful hiking and pleasant campground. The other is the crystal-blue water, towering spruce trees, and ancient lava flows of the Navajo Lake area; it's east of Cedar City and south of Cedar Breaks.

Remember that you'll be in a very dry, arid area. Be sure to drink lots of good ol' water. With your young children, we'd also suggest limiting your physical activities to the cooler times of the day; simply "kick-back" during the hottest parts.
Question Asked 04.05.2003 by Norma, Colorado
QWe recently purchased a small motor home, and we're planning a fall trip to the East Coast—maybe Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island. Do you have any info for things to see and campgrounds in these areas?
AOh my, Norma, there's a ton of possibilities.

First, there's a sweet, little-known campground in Nebraska National Forest called Bessey. This is south of Halsey, Nebraska, and has electric hook-ups. Keep moving east to find a number of full-service campgrounds in Land Between the Lakes National Forest, straddling western Kentucky and Tennessee. That said, there's so much to do and see in this one area that you might not want to leave!

Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest has some pleasant campgrounds, but it might be too far from Dutch Country for you. We're not all that familiar with the campgrounds in Maine and Rhode Island, but Vermont and New Hampshire are loaded. One word of warning: campgrounds in Green Mountain and White Mountain National Forests fill up quickly in the fall. Reservations, where available, would be a good idea. Moosalamoo campground in Green Mountain National Forest, just southeast of Ripton, is a personal favorite due to its excellent hiking opportunities.

For some great camping during New England's famous autumnal explosion, you should really spend some time camping in White Mountain National Forest along the Kancamagus Highway (State Route 112). I would suggest either Jigger Johnson or Blueberry Crossing campgrounds and day trips to Mount Washington, the community of Conway, and just about any hiking trail along the Kancamagus Highway corridor.

Of course, these are rather broad and vague suggestions. The number and range of opportunities is mind-boggling. Give yourself time to explore and you're sure to enjoy every minute of your trip.
Question Asked 04.09.2003 by Susan, Bloomington, Indiana
QWe have a Honda Odyssey van and would like to use it as a mini-RV for car camping. Any hints or pointers? I've seen ads for a tent that goes around the back of the van, giving some much-needed ventilation in the summer. Are there screens that you can fit to a window opening to improve ventilation?
AYou don't specify who "we" are, so we'll just assume you're two parents, two children, and one loveable dog.

Start with a trip to WalMart to get an idea of what's available (window screens, tents, stoves, port-a-potty, etc) and cost. On the Web, Camping World and REI are the best starting points. We have seen those vehicle tents you mention, mostly on pick-up trucks, and they do look effective. For the front-seat windows, hook some fishing weights to the bottom of a mesh fabric. You could also check out an RV show if you're simply after more ideas.

When we used to car camp with our children, they slept under a lightweight cover on a thin mattress in the car, while we slept in a neighboring tent. This provided privacy and quiet time, both for us and the kids!

Don't forget about the other problem brought on by summer humidity—bugs. A good-quality insect repellent sprayed on all members of your posse, including the pooch, is strongly recommended. And carry another treatment, such as a bug-bite stick, for when the repellent can't hold off the swarms.
Question Asked 03.17.2003 by Andrew, Glendale, New York
QI was just looking for some cool ideas for a family trip this summer and came across your site. Any thoughts for a family of four, two kids aged seven and nine? We live near New York so it's either all points west or southeast, I guess.
AThere's so much to see and do in your area, so you needn't venture too far whichever direction you choose. What about having the children pick a theme and go with that? Zoos, museums, Civil War battlefields, NASCAR tracks like Watkins Glen, waterfalls, lakes—the list goes on and on. I remember a commercial in which a father and son visit a bunch of baseball fields. That sounds pretty cool, too.

My family always used to go camping in late August when the blueberries were ripe. Big Meadows campground in Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) and Blueberry Patch campground in Finger Lakes National Forest (New York) were two favorites.

And then there are all those festivals and county fairs that make for interesting side trips. Go to your local library or check the Web for more detailed information and listings.

You should probably take different routes going and returning, so each day's activities are different. That way you'll probably manage to see and do much more. Also, involve the children as much as possible in the whole adventure, including choosing where you stop. If something looks interesting, stop and explore. Provide each child with a disposable camera and a notebook and encourage them to use both.

Just some fuel for the fire! Hope it helps.
Question Asked 03.12.2003 by Alison, Houston, Texas
QWe recently bought a pop-up camper and completed our first camping trip with the kids, visiting a state park close to Houston. The camper was great, but I was disappointed in the park because it was so crowded and noisy. Where can I find a park that takes me away from it all?
ASorry your trip didn't turn out better. We really enjoyed our time in your neck of the woods. As most of our camping is done in national forests (where, among other things, space between sites is more generous than in state parks), we can only suggest a couple of places that we enjoyed in Davy Crockett and Sam Houston National Forests.

Ratcliff Lake campground in Davy Crockett NF has some electric hook-ups, flushable toilets, lake swimming, and some great hiking trails. And it's open year-round. Sam Houston NF, closest to Houston, has two campgrounds—Double Lake and Stubblefield Lake. Double Lake is a larger, "full-service" site with lots of amenities for the RVer. Stubblefield Lake is about a quarter the size with very basic amenities, although the actual lake is the larger of the two, so has a wider variety of fish.

It's hard to say which one of these three sites we liked best. How about trying all three and letting us know your favorite! You could also drive a little bit further and experience the Angelina and Sabine NFs, also in Texas. By the way, look out for red-cockaded woodpeckers—they represent an amazing story of recovery, now making a comeback in Texas after having been placed on the endangered list in 1970.
Question Asked 03.09.2003 by The Billingsworths, Cleveland, Ohio
QWe're thinking of driving down to Florida from Cleveland, Ohio, this spring. When renting an RV, what sort of things should we look out for? Basically, what's essential equipment for an extended road trip, and what equipment will help make it home from home?
AThink of your rental RV as a moving motel room—without maid service. If it comes with the basics (linens, kitchen equipment, and so on), then your list should include medicine, first-aid kit, clothes, maps, journal, mosquito repellent, flashlights, foul weather gear, and personal "must-haves." (Fred doesn't leave home without his down pillow, and I always bring my chopping and paring knives.)

Make sure your rig comes with equipment you'll need for "docking" at campgrounds—a cord for electric hookup, white hose for water hookup, sewer hose for waste disposal. If you intend to dry camp (in other words, without hookups), having a generator included with the RV would be useful. When picking up your vehicle, ensure the propane tank is full and that you have some water in the freshwater tank for traveling. Mind you, make sure it's only a quarter tank—water is heavy and will impact gas mileage.

Purchase some biodegradable waste treatment formula, either liquid or dry, to break down human waste, and get your RV dealer to talk you through how everything works before you set off. When connected to campground sewer hookups, open only the gray valve, which will deliver kitchen and shower water. Open the black valve only for dumping human waste. You might also want to consider a filter for your drinking water, although this isn't essential. If there's sufficient storage space, bring some light lawn chairs, a Coleman heater, and other outdoor gear as needed.

One piece of advice: Don't try to go too far your first day out. Setting up for the first time will probably take longer than you think. And, a final word of caution: The RV lifestyle can be habit forming!
Question Asked 03.05.2003 by Michelle
QMy fiancé and I would like to take an RV trip to see the Civil War battlefields out east, but I have no idea where or how to plan such a trip. Any hints or suggestions?
ACivil War battlefields—what a great theme for a vacation!

You should note that the Civil War covered a lot of states (even some western states have a few battlefields), so you'll need to establish some boundaries. We were surprised to discover one site way down in Florida's Osceola National Forest. You could focus on battlefields in one specific state, those fought by a certain regiment, or maybe just one battlefield area like the Manassas region in northern Virginia. So, the first thing to do is get in touch with the "local folks" in the national parks and monuments for more information (www.nps.gov), like reenactment dates, if that interests you, and area campgrounds. If you'll be near a national forest, check out our Web site for more detailed campsite info.

Another thought is to contact the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., (www.si.edu) about their Civil War tour. We've heard this is a fabulous way to get on the road and learn more. Basically, the Internet is the best place to begin planning your trip. Set yourself some parameters in terms of dates and places to visit, and the rest should start to fall into place as you plan out your itinerary.
Question Asked 02.03.2003 by Adrian, Chicago, Illinois
QWe have three children between the ages of five and nine. This summer, we're hoping to drive cross-country to California to visit some relatives. Do you have advice for things to do en route to keep the kids entertained? We love to camp and hike so don't mind making a few detours into the great outdoors.
AOur advice to anyone who wants to travel with children is this: Keep it simple! This mantra should apply whether you're planning dinner or the day's itinerary. Also, don't wait to get started, don't bite off too much at one time, view the trip through your children's eyes, and don't forget to pack patience, humor, and some camera film!

Remember, too, that it is a "family" vacation, so give everybody a say in plans. For example, at mealtimes have the children help both in the menu and in the preparation. Remember that each child is an individual, so don't force them into doing only what you want.

Useful things for the road include an activity box for everybody (yes, that includes yourself); this can be replenished with additional goodies as you go. Tailor each box to the individual: the box for a five-year-old might include some crayons, round-tip scissors, sketch pad, story books, and a small pair of inexpensive field glasses; a nine-year-old's might contain the same things plus a disposable camera. Also useful for the long hours on the road are travel games, such as Car Bingo and I-Spy, songs to help the miles pass, and audio tapes or CDs.

Another similar idea is to give each child a small "gift" to coincide with that day's route. If you're heading for the Mississippi River, maybe that morning's gift could be Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, a model raft to construct (a handful of popsicle sticks and glue will suffice for such a masterpiece), and a coloring book of riverboats. Get a good-quality whistle for everyone to carry with them at all times; try to get ones with different pitch or tones, or have each member design their own signature sound. These are great for emergencies (which with any luck you'll never need), but are even better for calling someone home for dinner. Also, be sure to set aside some "adult" time. Even if it's only a quiet glass of wine at the campfire, it's your vacation too—so enjoy it.

Be open to change. Be willing to enjoy the little surprises and experiences that you'll discover along the way. But, probably the most important thing to remember is that time on the road does not change basic family dynamics. Your children's traits will follow them on the road, so you'll need to plan accordingly!
Question Asked 02.03.2003 by Mark & Sara, Denver, Colorado
QWe are considering buying either a 26- or 30-foot recreational vehicle. From your travels, could you estimate the number of campsites where a 26-footer would fit but a 30-footer would be too long?
AAlthough many sources identify a variety of Forest Service campgrounds as having parking apron lengths that only accommodate travel trailers up to 22-feet, we have found only a few that actually have this restriction. If you check our Web site, you'll find we have discovered parking aprons are much more generous and will accommodate either length you are considering. Basically, you'll need to do your research on a site-by-site basis.

The Forest Service has been slowly renovating the more "popular" campgrounds. These renovations often include the enlargement of parking aprons to accommodate different-sized RVs, as well as any tow vehicles. (Remember, you need parking for both your RV and your "dinghy.") Some other RV-friendly improvements to look out for are removal of low overhanging obstacles such as bushes and trees, campground curves that have been widened, and the leveling off of parking aprons. The most oft-seen improvements usually don't include water, electric, or sewer hook-ups, but such luxuries are being introduced and can be found in a variety of National Forests throughout the country.

In conclusion, there are still a number of people who don't consider National Forests particularly RV-friendly. Perhaps they weren't in the past, but today 26-footers, 30-footers, and even larger RVs will find a welcoming berth in most National Forests.
Question Asked 02.03.2003 by Brooke, Little Rock, Arkansas
QI'm thinking of buying a generator for our camping trips. I have called everywhere, yet no one can tell me the decibel range for generators used in Forest Service campgrounds. Would you have this information?
ATo the best of our knowledge, there are no decibel restrictions for generators used in a USDA National Forest. The restrictions in developed campgrounds are for "quiet time" periods (generally from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). In some campgrounds there is an additional restriction limiting the total run-time of a generator to three hours per day. Check with individual campgrounds to confirm these details once you know where you're headed.

Campers with generators seem to fall into two categories: those with generators located either inside or outside their RV. With a travel trailer, we fall into the latter category. After years of camping without a generator and listening to the complaints of our fellow campers, we were sensitive to the amount of noise produced by any generator we were thinking of buying. So, ultimately, we purchased the quietest generator we could find to fit our needs and now store it in the back of our truck, using the truck's structure to provide an additional noise barrier.

Today's RV manufacturers are building rigs with a good amount of sound-proofing so the constant hum is consequently less annoying to neighbors. But generator owners, whether they use them internally or externally, should always simply remember to be considerate. Mostly it comes down to common sense, recognizing the times when people need their peace and quiet—don't keep the machine humming until the wee small hours, don't crank it up at dawn, that sort of thing.
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