Frugal RV Travel Blog

Jun 29, Outdoor Showers

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:38:51 GMT

Hi Marianne; One device we purchased last summer and use at out lot up near Bancroft was a portable shower unit from Coleman. (available at Canadian

Jun 17, Can An RV Vacation Be Green?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:37:27 GMT

A recent article in CAA's Westworld Magazine points out that RVing can be both more economical and more environmentally friendly than conventional travel (planes and hotels). Unfortunately, the article quotes several spokespersons from Go-RVing who, of course, have a vested interest in promoting the RV industry, which makes everything they say less believable. Also, the comparison figures they provide for two similar trips are inaccurate. (They left out the ferry fees in the RV example.) It's no doubt that, if you look at renting an RV, you're likely to be shocked at the prices. For a month long vacation, I think you might be just as far (or farther) ahead to buy a quality used RV and then sell it again afterwards. Regarding the environmental effects, however, I agree with the article. RV living can certainly be more green than conventional travel or living in a house of sticks and bricks. Of course, the way we travel - with a small RV, self sufficient, and no hookups - it's a "no brainer" that we leave a very light footprint where ever we go.

Jun 12, Arranging for Mail

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:47:54 GMT

Q. If you have no one to take care of your mail, how do you arrange to have it delivered -- mail such as bills, etc. The postal service will hold

Jun 12, Concert Camping

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:22:27 GMT

As if we didn't already know that the East Coasters have the best parties in Canada! Now they've got Concert Camping! Imagine fields of tents and RVs full of rock and roll fans - all gathered together for two or three nights before the biggest of all summer rock concerts. Can you say "memories of Woodstock"? This is the scene every summer in Moncton, New Brunswick. It all started at the Rolling Stones concert in 2005. Last year it was the Eagles concert, and this year the special concert campgrounds at the Magnetic Hill Outdoor Concert Venue will be set up before Bon Jovi's concert on June 27th as well as the AC DC event on August 6. With everyone united by a common bond, partying, playing music, and getting pumped for the concert, it sounds like a blast! If you have your concert tickets, consider taking the tent or the RV and going a few days early. It's a little more organized than Woodstock was - so you WILL need to reserve your campsite. Get all the details at www.concertcamping.com

Jun 10, Income While Traveling

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:19:52 GMT

Want to earn income while traveling? Here are three proven tips.

Jun 9, Website Creation Using SBI!

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:00:37 GMT

Build your own successful website using SBI - the best web-building tool for non-geeks like me

Jun 8, Recommended Books For RVing

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:14:17 GMT

A list of books on RVing as recommended by the author of The Frugal Shunpiker's Guides

Jun 4, RV Travel Blog

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:22:03 GMT

Need inspiration to follow your RV travel dreams? Read an RV travel blog posted by a kindred spirit.

May 29, Poccia's Principle

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:20:01 GMT

My husband has been camping for a lot longer than I -- he started as a boy scout, and has crossed the country on his motorcycle twice, and once by

May 28, Boondocking Safety

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:26:51 GMT

I just read your interview about Frugal RV Travel in The Sunday NY Times which lead me to your website. I checked it out and am very interested in RV

May 28, How Do You Get By Without Hook-ups?

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:21:38 GMT

THANK YOU for all the tips; we are going on our first ever RV road trip and I find your website insanely useful. Q. I am looking at free

May 28, Gazeteer Atlas Books

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:39:19 GMT

Q. We have a 32' class-A (travel with 3 dogs) all set up for solar. This year we went over a 125 days without paying for a campsite. Love it! We

May 28, Access To Free Camping Areas

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:23:04 GMT

Q. We plan on doing a trip like the ones you suggest, but we have a 30' 5th-Wheel. Would it fit in the campgrounds you suggest? I know you say about

May 28, Sandia Casino

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:13:16 GMT

I'm SO enjoying your books, that I just downloaded today. I live in New Mexico, and we boondock a lot, so these will be a wonderful resource. Most

May 28, Keep It Free And Pay It Forward

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:52:04 GMT

Q. My husband and I have doing pretty much the same thing you have done in the southwest. We are gone from home for about 3 months every year

May 28, Living In A Small Space And Water And Waste Tanks

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:28:51 GMT

Q. Really enjoy your website, and that it is from Canadians. It's given me a whole new perspective on RV's, which I always associated with $300K

May 28, Showers And Laundry When Boondocking?

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:08:41 GMT

Q. You're my hero's !!! I love your site. I'm almost 65, recently widowed and still working fulltime. Hope to retire to your lifestyle by the end of

May 28, Public Libraries

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:57:33 GMT

Q. May I suggest that in the Do More, Pay Less section of your website you mention public libraries. Almost the first thing that we do on arrival

May 27, FAQs

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:21:26 GMT

FAQs - Frequently asked questions and answers and inspirational comments from the Frugal Traveler and other experienced boondockers.

May 27, Finally....Affordable Camper Van Rentals In The Southwestern States

Wed, 27 May 2009 03:21:21 GMT

For those wanting to try the boondocking lifestyle but don't have the vehicle, Lost Campers is an affordable rental option based in San Francisco, California and comes highly recommended. The daily rental rate for a van equipped with a bed and camping equipment is not much more than a car rental. When combined with the many free camping options through the southwest, your holiday can be memorable and affordable.

May 1, Frugal RV Travel Recognized By The New York Times

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:34:48 GMT

Check this out!! I was interviewed by Matt Gross, The Frugal Traveler, who writes for the New York Times. The interview will be featured in the paper's travel section on Sunday May 3rd but is already available on The New York Times Official Blog and receiving lots of inspirational comments. Here's my favorite: "My husband announced he wanted to 'chuck it all' and travel the country for a year in an RV. I demanded to know, 'Why cant you be like a normal husband in a midlife crisis and have an affair or buy a Corvette?' Were both shrinks, but hes obviously a much better one than I, as we did do the trip. It was so life-changing ... that by the time we returned, I was the one who suggested, 'instead of selling our rig, lets sell the house instead,' and thats exactly what were doing." Queen of the Road Want more inspiration? - Read the article!

Apr 30, Little Wildhourse Canyon near Goblin Valley

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:42:19 GMT

The Trail head is 3.5 miles east of Goblin Valley State park. It heads north into the San Rafael Swell.It is an easy hike that most can do with little

Apr 21, "There Is Life Before Retirement"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:57:44 GMT

That's a favorite quote from an ebook I just finished reading that I can highly recommend to anyone who wants to try life on the road but is having trouble figuring out how to actually "make it happen." Rae Crothers, a 30-year old Canadian gal, is living life to the fullest right now -- full-timing it in her RV. Her ebook "Sorting It Out" chronicles her journey of getting by the obstacles, both physical and emotional, to make her dream a reality. Her book is not expensive and sold through her blog site. It comes with a companion ebook, "Sort It Out" which is full of helpful tips on how you can get yourself organized, whether in your static or mobile life. You're guaranteed to enjoy Rae's easy and delightful writing style in both ebooks. For more information (and more inspiration) read Rae's blog and order her ebooks at Travels With Miranda.

Apr 20, New RV Boondocking Guide For Utah Is Now Available

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:39:56 GMT

Just in time for spring! Fianlly, after almost three months of writing, rewriting, and editing, I'm very excited to announce that the fourth guide in the Frugal Shunpiker's Series: RV Boondocking In Southern Utah is now available for immediate download. Southern Utah is probably my favorite of all our southwestern destinations. If you haven't seen Southern Utah, April, May, and June are perfect months to explore its many wonders. With so much free camping available, you too CAN afford to see Utah this spring! Want to camp for free throughout the American Southwest? You need The complete set of all four Frugal Shunpiker's Guides Not only will you save money buying the eBooks but you'll know where to camp for free in four different states.

Apr 19, Boondocking Guides

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:26:18 GMT

Purchase the complete set of all four RV Boondocking Guides in the Frugal Shunpiker's series for only $49.00.

Apr 19, Free Campsites

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:25:31 GMT

The ultimate guide to southern Utah's scenic free campsites.

Apr 7, Hooked On Slots

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:52:45 GMT

That's SLOTS as in slot canyons and not slot machines...:) In my opinion, the best thing about Utah is slot canyon hiking. Utah has the biggest

Mar 31, Frugal Shunpiker's Guides

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:27:24 GMT

testimonials for The Frugal Shunpiker's Guides To RV Boondocking

Mar 17, Any View In Bryce Canyon Is Amazing

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:55:50 GMT

I don't think I will ever get tired or hiking into Bryce Canyon. Or of just seeing it from the rim for that matter. Hiking down into the canyon is

Feb 5, Bragging Just A Little

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:12:52 GMT

Just gotta tell you about the great endorsement and book review my Frugal Shunpiker's RV Travel Guides received recently from one of the most respected names in the RV industry. It appears Mark Polk, RV industry expert, and The RV Savvy Guy on RV TV (airing on The Outdoor Channel), really likes my guidebooks. Read what he had to say. Mark's comment's are about half way down the page.

Feb 1, Resources For RVers

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:45:43 GMT

A wealth of resources for RVers is available on the Internet. These sites are geared to those looking for affordable adventures.

Jan 23, Arches National Park

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:33:59 GMT

This is a great hike at Arches National Park. There are a total of eight arches on this primitive hike. It begins at the Devils Garden Trailhead. The

Jan 22, Boondock Cookies

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:51:27 GMT

I've been on the road since June of 2008. Gradually less campgrounds and more boondocking. I like my privacy and try to park as far from other RVs as

Jan 19, Amazing Utah Hikes

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:31:11 GMT

Hikers share their what they consider to be the most amazing Utah hikes they've encountered

Jan 16, Boondocking Story

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:31:00 GMT

Concerned about boondocking safety? Learn from the experiences of others as you read thier personal boondocking story.

Jan 16, Craggy Wash - Free, Convenient, Quiet

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:08:23 GMT

Just a few miles north of Lake Havasu, AZ and on the east side of the highway is this area of BLM land. You can see RV's from the highway. The farther

Jan 16, Great colors

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:53:29 GMT

We RV boondock camp almost exclusively and have been for over ten years. Our first year RVing, we camped mostly in campgrounds. They were OK but not

Jan 14, Favorite Arizona

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:48:30 GMT

Arizona visitors share photos and stories about their all-time favorite Arizona destinations.

Jan 14, Frugal Computer Users Will Love These Free Give-Aways!

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:04:03 GMT

Trust Randy to find something being given away for free. He's been getting a bunch of freebees lately from www.giveawayoftheday.com Bookmark this site and check it daily to see what product (sold on the Internet) is the free giveaway of the day. I'm amazed at some of the great ideas and products that are featured daily. One of the best parts is that there's always a long list of customer reviews for every product that's featured.

Jan 13, Texas Beaches

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:39:45 GMT

Boondocking along the Texas beaches.

Jan 12, San Antonio

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:57:16 GMT

Wow! We were treated like celebrities at San Antonio's Cowboy Breakfast After-Party!

Jan 12, Affiliate Program

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:34:35 GMT

As an affiliate, earn an amazing fifty percent commission on every sale of popular RV Travel Guides

Jan 4, Looking For A Used RV?

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:59:07 GMT

This is the year you just might just find the best deal. According to this article in The Register Guard Press, it's a buyer's market.

Jan 2, Why Boondocking?

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:43:49 GMT

Despite what you may think, the reason we choose boondocking over campgrounds is not just to save money. There are many other benefits.

Dec 29, News

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:07:01 GMT

Adventure travel, RVing and Camping stories that are in the news are updated daily

Dec 23, Newsflash: Backcountry Biking in National Parks, Maybe

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:03:04 GMT

The Untited States Department Of The Interior may open up thousands of miles of backcountry trails in the National Parks to mountain bikers. The trails are presently closed to fat tires. Pro-mountain biking organizations like the IMBA are calling on people to take action and express support for the new rules. Other groups, like the American Hiking Society, believe the rule change will undermine hikers' experiences on the trails. While I enjoy mountain biking, I'm also an avid hiker and I agree with the American Hiking Society. Where we live in Ontario, on the 800-km-(497-mile)-long Bruce Trail, there are several hike/bike sections. While hiking along these routes, I'd rather be enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature but instead often find myself keeping a vigilant ear out for the sound of bikers who often come around every bend at full speed. I'm presuming this suggestion will, at first, be implemented on only a few trails in select parks on a trial basis. Still I can't help but think that not only hikers but also wildlife will be displaced. The parks suggest that this change will attract more youth but I think they should count on losing an equal number of older (and usually more responsible) hikers like ourselves on these trails. The Department of the Interior is currently looking for public input on the issue. To express your opinion, you can read the official report and submit your comments here.

Dec 17, A Question We're Still Being Asked Often:

You Hardly Work, And Yet You Travel A Lot - How Do You Do It?

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:45:20 GMT

How do we do it? Well, the short answer is, we make the commitment. Our pattern is to travel every 2 years for 5 months, then come home and work for 19 months. We prefer not to work while travelling and our costs for those 5 months are no more (sometimes less) than when we're home. About $1000.00 per month covers all trip expenses for two. Another $200.00 per month covers fixed expenses like insurance, taxes and utilities at our modest Ontario townhouse. During the 19 months we're home, we each salt away $160.00 per month toward our next trip and we're covered. It's that simple. The truth is, we don't even work full-time when we're at home, so even if you have a mortgage or higher costs it should be possible for almost anyone. Whether at home or on the road, we don't live beyond our means, have no debt, and whenever possible, avoid anything that means another monthly payment. Our lifestyle may not appeal to everyone, yet I'll bet in this economic climate there will be more and more people learning to live by our example: Frugally. The difference is that we won't be resenting it. My definition of frugal - getting the best value for your money. Today most people can't be bothered and marketers count on it. Don't know when it became a dirty word. Most of our grandparents lived by it. And speaking of the economic climate. Do I regret spending all those months on the road when I could have been earning more money and salting it away? My definition of tight - someone who works every spare minute of his/her life and avoids spending money on anything that's enjoyable, eventually leaving it all to his/her children/relatives to spend as frivolously as they want. The memories are in the bank and can now be withdrawn over and over again. I certainly can't say the same for the nest egg that I worked so hard to accumulate in my early working years.

Dec 15, My 2 cents worth...

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:02:06 GMT

An Editorial by Stephen Fletcher written on his website RV Basics is of particular interest to boondockers. It discusses a recent bill introduced in the Nevada legislature by RV Park and Campground owners who want to restrict RV parking in all kinds of public places. Mr. Fletcher reports that "Fortunately, thanks primarily to the Escapees Club, the word got out and RVers from around the country flooded Nevada legislators with email and phone calls and the bill didn't get out of committee." Stephen made some very good points and it's great to have professional-image websites such as his provide a voice for the average RVer. Now, I'd like to add my own two cents worth on the topic: The simple truth is that, if it were not for boondocking, Randy and I wouldn't be traveling at all. That would take money out of the pockets of every grocery store, gas station, laundromat, restaurant, tourist attraction, park, art gallery, bookstore, and yes, occasional campground that we use while we are on the road. I'm sure there are many other RVers who would be in the same situation. If we couldn't travel we wouldn't need an RV, so the RV dealers, mechanics and insurance companies would also lose out. We don't prefer Walmart parking lots but, sometimes, especially in cities, there are no reasonably-priced overnight options. I believe there's a very obvious opportunity in the RV resort/campground industry. Rather than provide more of what many RVers don't want or need, i.e. expensive recreation facilities, game rooms, saunas, etc. they should consider providing more of what we obviously do want - a flat, safe, convenient, clean place to park for the night at a reasonable price, (Perhaps $8.00 to $10.00 or even $12.00 per night). I think if a few RV parks would try offering a dry camping area as an option to their expensive hookup sites they would soon find they have a leg up on their competition. They could reduce their staffing and other costs and perhaps have added income from providing other things we all need such as a clean RV dump station, propane, laundry, etc. In keeping with some of Stephen's other arguments on the subject, here's another angle: Why aren't the RV parks taking up their fight with the RV manufactuers? After all, if those darn RVs weren't so comfortable and equipped with bathrooms, holding tanks and batteries, RVers would need campground facilities and hookups all the time. And finally, going back in history, I think the first motorhomes appeared on this continent sometime in the 1930's. The public embraced them for the freedom they offered to travel inexpensively, without the need to stay at hotels. Somewhere along the line the RV resort/campground became "an option." Now they're trying to make it our only option? Do you agree that there is something wrong and yet very familiar with this picture?

Dec 12, Buying A Used RV

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:03:51 GMT

With today's economy, there has never been a better time to get a deal on a used RV. Still, for some, this purchase can be a scary thought. You need to know what to look for.

Dec 11, For Those Times When You Decide To Spend The Money On An RV Resort Campsite

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:32:51 GMT

RV campgrounds can be expensive. To be sure you won't be dissappointed, do a little homework before you make that reservation. RV Shark provides a comprehensive list of RV resorts across the U.S.A. with unbiased reviews written by RVers who have been there.