In addition to the plethora of slot machines and non-stop neon, Las Vegas also offers a golfing option, right on The Strip. The TaylorMade Golf Experience (TMGE) is a 42-acre Vegas golf mecca that features a lighted par 3 nine-hole course, along with a 113-stall two-tier driving range. Other features of TMGE include a putting and short game area, and an expansive retail shop.

This 9-hole executive gem is open day and night all year long, and has become a local and visitor favorite. Golfers can practice their short game, and beginners will enjoy the round because the holes are shorter and easier than a full 18-hole layout. The views of the Las Vegas Strip are unmatched. Walking is welcome on the course, but carts are also available. In case you are wondering, the course record is 20!

On staff are TaylorMade Golf certified master club fitting professionals who utilize state-of-the-art swing technology to maximize a golfer’s performance by ensuring they are properly fit with the appropriate golf clubs. To look your best on the course, the TaylorMade Golf Experience also includes a spacious 10,000-square-foot retail shop, which is anchored by adidas Golf. In addition to adidas Golf apparel, other top-selling brands including Ashworth, Under Armour, and Nike, with selections and sizes for men, women, and youth.

The Upper Deck Grille and Sports Lounge feature some of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip, in addition to specialty food including some of the best hamburgers in Las Vegas. The Eric Meeks School of Golf is also available for top-level instruction. Meeks was the 1988 U.S. Amateur champion. The TaylorMade Golf Experience is the perfect spot for special events, corporate groups, bachelor, holiday, or birthday parties. The Upper Deck also features several big screen HD televisions that show the latest golf tournaments and other sports. Large windows allow guests to view the practice range and course in addition to the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll be impressed with the service, which strives to make all guests feel like a VIP.

To experience the TaylorMade Golf Experience, start by visiting their web site at www.taylormadegolfexperience.com.

# # #

The post Vegas Show Stopper: TaylorMade Golf Experience appeared first on RV Life.

Unusual hands-on experiences are special attractions at the railway, which went in service more than 100 years ago, and now claims to be the best-preserved standard-gauge, short-line railroad in North America. The museum has steam and diesel locomotives, the original depot, and engine and freight houses.

During Railroad Reality Week, August 21-28, you can be part of the railroad crew, working on locomotives, the cars and the track. During weekends, from May through October, guest engineers are given instruction in train safety and operation and then, while supervised by a mentor, take command of the throttle, brakes and train whistle of a vintage locomotive for a two-hour trip.

The museum offers accommodations in a caboose or a bunkhouse to those who want to extend their stay overnight. There are also a number of special excursions, including the Rocking’ and Rollin’ Geology train ride in which a geologist makes a presentation on railroad and mining history, and the Wild West Limited, where horse-thieving robbers make an appearance.

The number of excursions varies by day and season. You can find a schedule and make reservations at nnry.com. Ely is in eastern Nevada, along Highway 50, known at the Loneliest Road in America for its route through a sparsely populated area with an intriguing landscape.

The post Drive the Train Yourself! appeared first on RV Life.

Among the experienced RVers who write regularly at rvlife.com, no one has done more traveling in an RV than Sharlene Minshall. She was a full-time RVer for 20 years and has driven her motorhome to remote outposts in Alaska, the beaches of Baja California and everywhere in between.

In recent years she made her home at an RV park in Arizona, but now has moved on to the cooler climate of Washington state. Each week, she posts a new entry in her blog, “The Silver Gypsy,” at rvlife.com, writing about past experiences and what is happening in her life today. Her recent posts have focused on her move up the Pacific Coast. As regular readers of her monthly “Silver, Single and Solo” column in this magazine know, her observations are always sharp and her writing is always entertaining. Here is one of her recent blog entries:

The Silver Gypsy: The Second Day of a New Adventure

By Sharlene Minshall

Out here in the middle of nowhere but on the only major road, I see lots of double- and triple-bottom semi trucks. If you are expecting UPS, I may have seen your triple-bottom truck parked 80 miles south of Hawthorne, NV. I passed through a number of sad little towns where you know the living is hard and the tiny roadside businesses are praying you will stop…but you cannot stop at them all. They no doubt started as mining communities.

I stopped in a town park in Hawthorne for breakfast at 10:45 a.m. I ate my cereal with a fork because I couldn’t find my spoons! And I thought I was organized. I chatted with a fellow taking pictures of a 1974 car with fancy wheels. He asked, “What is your favorite car?” That took me aback for a minute. I replied, “One that works.” That pretty much showed my expertise with antique cars.

Right around the corner from Hawthorne is Walker Lake. It is such a beautiful lake but as many lakes are, it is shrinking in size. The road is now a long ways above the lake, still a good place for camping though.

The road wound up into the mountains and “Chains required when lights flashing” signs grew on the roadside along with bouquets of spring flowers. Irritated, irrigated green-plowed fields appeared. Most of the time I had the road to myself on Alt-95 but then I reached I-80 where many-bottomed trucks grew in bouquets of bright shiny reds, yellows, greens and blues, all aimed at my tiny white car. Fortunately, I didn’t have to drive into Reno.

I turned north on CA 395 and began to see deer crossing signs. I have seldom seen deer crossing in these areas but great minds believe this is because the deer can’t read and they don’t have access to GPS (as far as we know). Pine trees and fenced ranches were the norm now.

Susanville, CA, had grown in size since I drove through it in earlier years with the RV. It was 4 p.m. and I was ready to stop at 323 miles. The River Inn was across the drive and convenient to the El Tepeyac Grille. Yummm! ZZZzzz. God Bless until next week.

(You will find new blog entries each week at rvlife.com. We offer a wide range of content, including stories on travel destinations, the RV lifestyle and RVing in general.)

The post Beauty and Solitude in Nevada appeared first on RV Life.

In the July 2015 edition of RV Life magazine, there is an article entitled “Cool Down in Las Vegas’ Techatticup Mine” featuring a historical gold mine in Nelson, Nevada which can be found about an hour south of Las Vegas. With fall just around the corner, many snowbirds will be heading to or through southern Nevada where this attraction is located. If you will be included in those flocking south this fall, I encourage you to stop at the Techatticup Mine for a visit. In addition to the mine, you will find much more to explore in the area. Traveling a few miles downstream from the mine in El Dorado Canyon you will arrive at the scenic shores of Lake Mojave where you can swim or play with your water toys. West of Nelson, shutterbugs will find the remnants of other mining operations calling to them to be photographed. North of town in Spring Canyon, intrepid explorers will discover a natural arch, while those driving south will enjoy classic desert scenery on Aztec Wash Road.

While no official campground exists anywhere in the immediate vicinity of Nelson, there are many opportunities to boondock on surrounding BLM land. When approaching Nelson from the north on Hwy 165, you will find boondocking opportunities on the dirt roads leading west and east from the highway at N35 44.842 W114 50.448 An easy to reach campsite for any rig can be found about 100 yards down the road to the west from the above coordinates, while those with some ground clearance will find scenic campsites (pictured below) about 300 yards down the road to the east. If you would like to be camped closer to the action at the Techatticup Mine, continue through Nelson on Hwy 165 and turn north at N35 42.550 W114 48.409, finding ample camping space up this road in about 100 yards. You can walk to the mine from your campsite.

Boondocking and exploring the area around Nelson equates to a great adventure in RVing! Enjoy your visit.

The post Golden Boondocking appeared first on RV Life.

There is no mistaking the beauty of the National Parks in the United States. Since the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916, transient travelers across the nation have been drawn to the various regions year after year. Following the recent details of the 2015 Annual Park Ranking Report by the National Park Service on the most visited parks, parkways, and significant State monuments by recreational visitors, we highlight some features of the most visited parks and attractions of the NPS Park Ranking Report.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway
More than 15,054,603 recreation visitors (and more than 30,000 RV campers) motored their way through the Blue Ridge Park Way, ranking this area as the most visited site in the country. Although Blue Ridge is not a National Park, it is part of the National Park system. It stretches more than 450 miles and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It offers some of the most breathtaking and scenic drives anywhere with many RV parks, services and amenities. To find a campground during your travels visit www.rvparkreviews.com

Quick Facts:

• The concept of the parkway was first devised during the Great Depression and completed in 1987. It is considered the longest road planned as a single unit in the U.S.
• Traveling through this area means passing 17 North Carolina and 12 Virginia counties.
• Enjoy birding, fishing, and wildlife viewing? The area has a variety of species including 99 fish, 70 mammals, and 225 birds.

2.Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The recreational opportunities are nearly endless in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and during 2015, 14,888,537 visitors came to see and enjoy everything it offers. Considered one of the largest urban parks in the world, Golden Gate National Recreation Area doesn’t resemble most national parks as it is comprised of various areas across several counties. Stroll along mighty Redwoods in Muir Woods, enjoy a day at Stinson Beach and Crissy Field, or take a visit to Alcatraz. For accommodations that are nearby to major attractions, check out Marin RV Park, San Francisco RV Resort, Candlestick RV Park, and Treasure Island RV Park.

Quick Facts:

• The park consists of a series of regions that stretch from San Mateo County to Marin County and areas of San Francisco.
• It’s home of the Nike Missile Site SF-88L, the only fully restored Nike missile site in the country.
• The Presidio is a former military base on the San Francisco Peninsula and is home to one of the most acclaimed collections of military architecture in the country.

3.Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonderland and very RV-friendly. The park was established in 1934 and has evolved into the most visited national park in the United States with a recorded 10,712,674 recreation visitors in 2015. With its acclaimed plant and animal life, the scenic mountains, historic buildings, and vast display of seasonal wildflowers, there is always something to see and do. With 384 miles of roads, take any one of the four Auto Tours in your RV, or enjoy some of the many of the activities. There are approximately ten campgrounds in the park and we suggest you navigate here to find one that suits your needs.

Quick Facts:

• The first Europeans settled in the area between 1818 and 1821.
• The park habitats 412 different wildlife species and there`s more than 700 miles of streams.
• One of the popular attractions is Cades Cove, offering the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park.

4. Lincoln Memorial
Of the many sites in The Nation’s Capital, Lincoln Memorial is perhaps one of the most significant. While not a National Park, the Lincoln Memorial is a National Monument and administered by the National Park Service. Lincoln Memorial is located on the west end of The National Mall, directly adjacent to the Washington Monument. Built to commemorate the 16th President’s many historical accomplishments, The Lincoln Memorial is just as commemorative now as it was when it was dedicated in 1922. It’s also ranked as the fourth most popular attraction of the National Park Service as it attracted nearly $8 million visitors in 2015. As RV Parks are not available in the immediate D.C area, there are parks nearby to all the attractions in the surrounding States of Maryland and Virginia. We suggest Greenbelt Park, Greenbelt, MD, Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, VA, and Cherry Hill Park, College Park, MD.

Quick Facts:

• Construction began in 1914, which was completed and dedicated in 1922.
• Henry Beacon designed the building, Daniel French sculpted the Statue and Jules Guerin painted the two murals.
• The north and south side chambers feature carved inscriptions of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address.

5.Lake Mead National Recreation Area
While many communities and attractions are often over shadowed by the glitter and glam of Las Vegas in Nevada, Lake Mead Recreation Area is an outdoor-enthusiast’s jackpot as it attracted 7,298,465 recreational visitors in 2015 (with more than 135,000 being RV campers). Located in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, Lake Mead is operated by the National Park Service and spans approximately 1.5 million acres, which is approximately twice the size of Rhode Island. Several full service campgrounds are available and there are many opportunities to enjoy kayaking, fishing, hunting, boating, and more. RV parks also surround the lake. Visit www.rvparkreviews.com to find a handful of RV parks to stay at during your visit.

Quick Facts:

• Lake Mead is 16th largest man-made lake in the world and one of the largest man-made lakes in the Western Hemisphere.
• The lake was formed by the Hoover Dam along the Colorado River and the National Park Service established Lake Mead as a national recreation area in 1964.
• It is also surrounded by red sandstone, black lava rock and some of the lava hills are approximately six million years old.

The post The Top Five Attractions of the National Park Service to Visit in 2016 appeared first on RV Life.

Every year the Black Rock Desert just north of Reno in Nevada comes alive with up to 65,000-plus kindred spirits at The Burning Man Festival. They come to form Black Rock City and celebrate the purity of life. An event unlike any other you’re ever likely to experience, it was first introduced in 1986 and is always held a week prior to and over the Labor Day Weekend.

For eight days in the middle of the desert, attendees socialize, share and develop a strong, bonding community. Most notably, a big draw at Burning Man is the range of self-expression. Every year there is a central theme that relays through several genres of live music, electrifying multimedia shows, themed camps, eccentric attire and countless forms of art. While many start preparing for Burning Man weeks in advance, others begin planning several months earlier.

What’s more, Black Rock city spans five miles and all throughout, people share alike. But what makes Burning Man so unique is its unbiased atmosphere and everything and everyone is accepted. Also, Burning Man commemorates a departure from society’s social structure. So, attendees virtually live “off the grid.” There is no electricity, no running water, traditional food vendors cannot be found, and no, there isn’t WiFi.

RVing at Black Rock City

Burning Man attracts thousands of RVs and while there are no exact figures on the number of rigs, a 2015 Census Report from the Burning Man Project in San Francisco revealed that 17.9 percent of the vehicles at Burning Man were RVs. In addition, truck and trailer rigs accounted for 15.8 percent, and 26.2 percent of visitors stayed in a camper-trailer.

Also, from an RVing perspective, it`s the epitome of dry camping and preparation is king. So, essential supplies include a swamp cooler that’s designed for RVs, food, water, tools, generators, fuel, cleaning supplies, plus solar power and lithium batteries for reliable energy when you need it.

“RVs are essentially used to provide additional comfort from the environment,” explains full-timer Sam Morrow who attends Burning Man every year. “It can be 100-plus degrees during the day and then drop to extreme low temperatures at night. There are also the dust storms, which are crazy. It’s a desert unlike any other and the sand is a fine dust. It gets everywhere.”

Morrow recommends the following anti-dust tips for RVers at Burning Man:

• Tape vent holes on windows
• Cover chairs and sofa with sheets
• Put hampers and personal cleaning supplies near the door (wet wipes are your best friend)
• Dust or mop regularly with a water vinegar solution to cut the playa
• If you have a carpet, cover it.
• Seal cabinets that you are not going to use.
• New AC filters to change out after the event.

Also, Morrow suggests minimizing trash or waste and what you bring to Burning Man, you take with you.

Additionally, Morrow advises to bring pre-cooked, frozen meals extra gallons of water, and always use insulated water bottles. As far as daily living, conserve and ration supplies wisely. Take sailor showers, use a spray bottle to wash dishes and only use your generator when you need it. Bicycles (electric/non-electric) and other forms of portable transportation (and there are many) are a good idea. Due to the desert heat, it’s also wise to practice safe food storage and preparation.

“A lot of people do things for each other and Burning Man really consists of a small city,” says Morrow. “It’s a celebration of life and offers a multitude of experiences you can`t get anywhere else in eight days.”

But What is The Burning Man?

This is a common question and there’s an actual wooden effigy of “The Man.” Although the size of The Man varies from year to year, it’s an enormous structure and stands on a wooden platform. The Man is then set on fire at the end of the festival with a celebration.

“The burning of The Man means whatever you want it to mean,” explains Topher Clark, a 14-year veteran of the event. “Further, it’s a different experience for different people. Some go for the art, which is amazing, while others go for the community aspect and the radical inclusiveness. Others attend just to get away from the social construction of reality for a while.”

The post Want a Unique Desert Experience? Try The Burning Man Festival appeared first on RV Life.

Picture yourself walking along a sun-soaked sandy beach barefoot with your loved one as waves gently lap the shoreline. A breeze gently ripples the crystal clear azure water as you enjoy the endless surrounding views.

After your walk, you return to a sandy beachfront RV space to lounge under your awning as you await a dinner prepared over the grill.

As the sun sets, you strike a match to your beach campfire, enjoying the orange and red glows as the last rays of the sun sink over the horizon.

Next, is the making of s’mores around the campfire as you await the moon rising over the now tranquil water.

Finish your evening around the campfire enjoying a fireworks show provided by your neighbors, or produced yourself via locally purchased fireworks.

Many readers would assume I am talking about a $100 per night luxury RV space in a place like the Florida Keys or Southern California, but few would expect I am describing a beachfront setting in what is currently ranked as the driest state in America.

The scene I am describing is located northeast of Reno, Nevada where for just $15 you can obtain a recreation pass from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe allowing you to camp along the west shore of beautiful Pyramid Lake.

When you go:

Pyramid Lake is located immediately north of Nixon, Nevada.

Camping is permitted only on the west wide of the lake. Non-tribal members must possess a recreation permit available online or from an approved vendor. Click here to learn how to obtain a permit.

Vehicle beach access varies and improves as you head north from Nixon. Know what your vehicle is capable of and proceed accordingly.

Fireworks are available for sale year-round. Visit this website for a list of tribal firework vendors. You can also find a list here of designated beaches where fireworks can be legally discharged.

Discounts available include: 10% off for seniors (65 and older), military (active, veterans, reserves) and non-PLPT tribal members. Proper IDs are required for discount.

Note: Pallets and glass containers are prohibited.  No person may possess pallets and/or glass containers on the beach areas for the safety of the general public. Complete rules can be found here.

$15 per night camping on the beach… just another great adventure in RVing!

The post Beach Camping Along The Beautiful Pyramid Lake appeared first on RV Life.

Sometimes the best attractions aren’t the ones in travel directories, but the ones you find yourself. Such was the case when we were visiting the Pyramid Lake area in Nevada. Pyramid Lake is a remnant of the much larger ancient Lake Lahontan, which has been evaporating for thousands of years.

As the lake shrank, its tufa formations—which had grown under the surface—were exposed.

Tufa is basically common limestone. What is uncommon about this limestone is the way it forms. Typically, underwater springs rich in calcium (the stuff your bones are made of) mixes with lake water rich in carbonates (the stuff in baking soda).

As the calcium comes into contact with the carbonates a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in calcium carbonate-limestone. The calcium carbonate precipitates (settles out of solution as a solid) around the spring, and over time, a tufa formation will grow. Many of the tufa formations formed as towers over the springs, growing an upwards of 30 feet or more.

While there are tufa formations around Pyramid Lake, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe prohibits non-tribal members from visiting ones on the east side of the water.

However, out of sight of the lake near the east side of the reservation there are some little known, unsigned, beautiful tufa examples just off Highway 447.

Some are still upright, just how they formed while under the lake surface, others were towers which have fallen over, exposing the intricate structure of the carbonate-limestone they are comprised of.

These formations are located on BLM land just east of Highway 447 in Nevada. Pull off the road at N39° 56.601 W119° 23.004.  From there you can walk or drive to the east where the road tees (plenty of room to turn around the RV).

While there are multiple formations in the area, the best two can be found at the following locations:

– A neat grouping of toppled tower formations can be seen a short walk to the north from where the road tees at: N39° 56.735 W119° 22.858

– A large interesting tufa formation can be found by driving or hiking south at: N39° 56.069 W119° 22.467   Note: A great use of an ATV if you have one.

Those wishing to spend the night in their RV will find a nice camp area complete with a rock fire ring next to the mentioned northern tufa formation at: N39° 56.727 W119° 22.835.  Standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply.

Discovering unique natural features along your travels…just another great adventure in RVing!

The post You Can Find Hidden Tufas Off This Nevada Highway appeared first on RV Life.

Rest areas are typically the last spot I would think about staying the night in my RV.

Generally there is road noise from the nearby interstate or highway the rest area serves, trucks coming and going all night, they’re prime locations for criminals to apply their trade (grab and go), and worst of all is the possibility of a refrigerated semi truck pulling up next to you to also spend the night. The sound of the refrigeration unit coming on and off all night would drive anyone insane.

So when a boondocking site I had picked out in advance south of Yerington, Nevada wasn’t quite what I had expected (legal, but very close to an active farm, which I imagined would have drawn the curiosity of the farmer), we headed down the road to Wilson Canyon Rest Area off Highway 208.

Online listings stated the rest area allows stays up to 18 hours and offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and garbage. Upon arriving we found the amenities listed, along with huge shade trees and waterfront camp spaces along the Walker River.

We spent a peaceful night alongside one other RV, experiencing none of the typical rest area annoyances I mentioned above. If it wasn’t for the 18 hour stay limit, we would have stayed a second night!

Where to find it:

The Wilson Canyon Rest Area is located along the north side of Nevada Highway 208 at N38° 48.465 W119° 13.716.

Note: Other websites link the rest area operated by the Nevada of Transportation with the adjacent Wilson Canyon ORV area, located primarily along Copperbelt Drive across the river, which is under the jurisdiction of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) where the 18 hour stay limit does not apply.

You will find the turn-off (from Hwy 208) leading to the best campsites at the BLM area at N38° 48.556 W119° 13.267.  This area offers little shade and only one waterfront campsite, but if you bring your off-road toys with you it can be a lot of fun!

Finding a rest area to spend the night without the usual problems… just another great adventure in RVing!

The post This Nevada Rest Area Has Peaceful Riverfront Sites appeared first on RV Life.

During a recent trip traveling along the California-Nevada border and the eastern Sierras, the deep cycle batteries in my RV weren’t recharging well. We had been boondocking every night along the way and the nights were cold, dropping into the twenties most of the time.

We moved almost every day, so between the charge line in my tow vehicle and running the generator every morning I was pretty sure I was doing enough to keep them charged.

However, after the monitor panel continued to show the battery level on the lowest mark when running the furnace and showering several mornings in a row, I began to believe it was time for new batteries. After all, they were seven and a half years old (which is about twice the average life span for a deep cycle RV battery), had been cycled hundreds of times and I was demanding a lot from them in cold weather.

The only town of any significant size that we would be traveling through was Pahrump, Nevada. Being a fan of Interstate batteries (the current ones had given me years of service) I checked the manufacturer’s website a couple of days before we would be arriving only to discover they didn’t have a distributor in town, only dealers made up mainly of tire stores.

I was doubtful the tire stores could adequately check my old batteries, and if they did test bad, we would probably have to wait a day or two for new batteries to be shipped from Las Vegas as tire stores most likely wouldn’t stock the deep cycle RV batteries I wanted.

At this point I just resigned myself to stopping at the Pahrump Walmart and replacing my batteries with a couple of their deep cycle batteries. However, as my wife and I were headed to Pahrump we picked up a local Pahrump radio station and heard an advertisement for free battery checks from Pahrump Valley Battery the local Interstate battery distributor.

This was a game changer! To properly check the batteries I knew they would need to be fully charged, so instead of Walmart we headed to an RV park to allow the batteries to charge overnight. The next morning I called Pahrump Valley Battery to confirm the “Free battery Check” offer that I heard on the radio, which they did.

Removing the batteries from the RV we made the short trip from the RV park to Pahrump Valley Battery, where the owner came out to my truck to remove the batteries from the bed and placed them on his test bench. I told him they were seven and a half years old and were probably shot, but he proceeded to test them.

I expected him just to do a standard load test on them, but to my surprise he started by popping the cell caps and using a hydrometer to test each individual cell, all tested good. He then tested each battery using a carbon pile load tester with the appropriate load for the appropriate period of time. Again, both batteries passed the test.

He then proclaimed I didn’t need new batteries, and we both agreed that I must have let them discharge too much while boondocking. The owner proceeded to load them back into my truck, and sent me on my way, wishing me a good day and safe travels.

Not only did I get a free battery check, but some of the best customer service I have received in a long time and I didn’t spend a nickel! He could have just as easily told me the batteries had reached their life expectancy and I would have gladly paid him a couple hundred dollars for new batteries as I was totally expecting it.

Many snowbirds call Pahrump, Nevada home for the winter. If you are one of them and have problems with your RV batteries be sure to visit Pahrump Valley Battery located at 370 S. Emery Street. Phone 775-209-0297

If you ever find the need to remove the batteries from your RV, be sure to take a photo before you disconnect the wire. Then when you go to reinstall them or new ones, you will have a wiring schematic. Note: Unlike automotive battery leads, the black wire is typically the positive lead of the house batteries in RVs and the white negative.

Finding an honest business with outstanding customer service… one of the greatest adventures in RVing!

The post Why It’s Important To Keep Your RV Batteries Charged Properly appeared first on RV Life.

With endless scenery and plenty of activities, Mesquite, Nevada is just over an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas. Straddling the Arizona border, Mesquite has become a popular destination for many RVers, especially those who like to tee it up. This quiet desert town of 18,000 is home to Sun Resorts RV Park as well as a handful of quality golf courses.

Located just off of Interstate 15, Sun Resorts RV Park offers 50 sites with full hook ups. The pet-friendly park features pull-through sites for big rigs, free WiFi, water, sewer, showers, and lots of amenities nearby, including stores, fast food and other restaurants, as well as many things to see and do.

The Mesquite area averages about 310 days of warm sunshine annually, which is why there are several quality golf courses that draw numerous RV-golfers to the region year round.

Just over the state line in Littlefield, Arizona is the Palms Golf Club. Stretching to 6,804 yards, the par 71 championship course is a challenge for golfers of all levels. The course features lakes, sand traps, and more than 200 palm trees create stunning hole layouts.

The Palms Golf Club is almost two courses in one, with the front nine featuring wide open fairways and surrounding water. This contrasts with the back nine where you’ll experience more panoramic elevated tees and greens. The 15th hole, for example, has a breathtaking view and vertical drop of 114 feet from the tee box to the fairway. In all, this is a fun course with plenty of challenges.

Another fun activity in the Mesquite area is to experience a camel safari, yes, just like in the Middle East! You can experience camels in a variety of ways at Camel Safari. You can choose to ride a camel through the desert, view a camel encounter, or simply ride on a Segway.

The camel encounter is a one hour tour where you not only meet your camel before the ride, you also learn about camel culture and history. Your guide will explain all about camel anatomy, personality, and keeping and training of both one-hump and two-hump camels. You can also feed and pet the camels and bottle-feed a baby camel when available.

For information about the area, check out VisitMesquite.com.  You can additionally read more about Sun Resorts RV Park on RV Park Reviews.

The post Mild Weather, Beautiful Scenery Draws RVers To Southern Nevada appeared first on RV Life.

Awhile back I shared a post on Wilson Canyon Rest Area in Nevada. The reason my wife and I chose this location was we needed a base camp to explore the nearby ghost town of Pine Grove.

Gold was discovered at what would become known as Pine Grove in 1866 by William Wilson. By the summer of the same year, the area was inundated with eager prospectors hoping to strike it rich. The mining settlement was initially named Wilsonville, but was later changed to Pine Grove by 1868.

By this time the community had a post office, weekly newspaper, along with a population of approximately 200 hardy souls. Two steam-powered stamp mills and three arrastras were used to crush and process the ore, which also ran high in silver content.

By the 1870s the population had grown to 600 residents and is reported to have contained three hotels, five saloons, a general store or two, an office containing a Wells Fargo agent, dance hall, barber shops, blacksmith, school, livery stables, and two doctors.

By the late 1880s the Wilson and Wheeler Mines, the two largest producers, were turning out a combined weekly total of $10,000 in gold and silver bullion.  With passage of the Sherman Silver Act and the resulting financial panic of 1893, the mines became unprofitable, closed, and were only worked intermittently until 1918. By then the majority of residents and shopkeepers had already abandoned Pine Grove, leaving it a ghost town.

Current remains include a partial stamp mill, a hotel, a garage (possibly a lively stable), stone walls of a retail establishment and other structures.

When you go:

First thing when visiting is to find somewhere to leave the RV, as the last section of road to Pine Grove is not suitable for RVs.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, you can camp stream-side at Wilson Canyon Rest Area.

Alternately you can camp at the Log Cabin Rest Area off Highway 339 near Yerrington, Nevada. There is no charge to stay the night at the rest area and it also offers a free dump station and potable water. You will find the rest area on the east side of Highway 339, about a quarter mile south of the intersection of Highway 95 and Hwy 95A. The coordinates are: N38° 59.383 W119°10.921.

If you will be making a quick day trip to the site and just need a spot to drop the RV while you visit Pine Grove in your tow vehicle or dinghy, there is a spot a couple hundred yards in on the left of Pine Grove Road after you cross the irrigation canal which is BLM and state DOT land.

Getting there:
You will find the turn off to Pine Grove at the intersection of Pine Grove Road and Highway 208 at N38° 50.271 W119° 08.686.

Follow wide and well graveled Pine Grove Road southeast until you reach National Forest Road #059 (not signed at the time of my visit) at N38° 42.814 W119° 03.022.  If you choose to drive your RV this far, there is a large area to park southwest of the intersection.

From the intersection travel southwest on NF #059 until you reach the outskirts of Pine Grove at: N38° 40.805 W119° 06.949.

Note about halfway to Pine Grove you will encounter a split in the road. The split to the right bypasses a rather steep section of NF #059 and an eroded section of road that could be a problem for longer wheel based or two-wheel drive vehicles. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the section of road between Pine Grove and Pine Grove Road.

Exploring the 100 year old ghostly remains of Pine Grove, just another adventure in RVing!

The post See The Remains Of This Abandoned Nevada Ghost Town appeared first on RV Life.

If you love outdoor activities, you are going to love Arizona’s Mohave Valley. Located less than 20 miles south of Laughlin, Nevada, Moon River RV Resort is one of the premier resorts in the area. Featuring 84 sites and full hook ups, Moon River RV Resort offers a peaceful country setting that’s just minutes from golf and gaming action, among other activities.

Amenities within the pet-friendly resort include a heated swimming pool, a large recreation hall that’s complete with a full kitchen, library, DVDs, games, and puzzles. There’s also free Wi-Fi, good TV reception, showers, laundry facilities, and park models for rent.

The Colorado River is about a mile away, and offers water sports like kayaking, fishing, and boating. In nearby Laughlin there are also casino gaming establishments like Harrah’s, Avi, Tropicana, Golden Nugget, Colorado Belle Casino, and Riverside, to name a few.

A slice of Americana can be seen in nearby Oatman where a bit of Route 66 lives on. Located just 13 miles from Moon River RV Resort, Oatman is an authentic western ghost town and mining camp with “wild” burros roaming the streets. There are a number of historic buildings and plenty of photo opportunities in colorful Oatman.

Given the area’s latitude that yields mild to warm year-round weather, several quality golf courses are available in the Mohave Valley. One of the quality tracks is The El Rio Golf Club, which is right next door to Moon River RV Resort. The course opened in 2004 and was designed by Matt Dye. This par 72, 18-hole championship course stretches to 7,115 yards from the tips.

El Rio is highlighted by scenic views of the surrounding mountains, gentle rolling and forgiving fairways, undulating greens, and four holes with water features. The course is open and in immaculate shape all year round.

El Rio’s clubhouse features Spanish, mission-style architecture, along with a spacious dining room, full bar, outdoor lounge, and private meeting room. The pro shop is fully equipped with the latest in golf apparel, equipment, and accessories.

In addition to El Rio Golf Club, you can find 10 additional golf courses in the greater Mohave Valley area listed here.  You can also read more about Moon River RV Resort on RV Park Reviews.

The post Go Camping In Arizona’s Mohave Valley appeared first on RV Life.

If you have attended one of my seminars or followed this blog over the years it is no secret that I rely heavily on Google Earth to locate places to explore, roads to get there, boondocking campsites nearby and how to access them.

A trip to explore the mining camp of Sprucemont, Nevada was no exception.

Looking for a boondocking site in advance (via Google Earth) I found a large camping area along the road to Sprucemont just over 4 miles from the highway. Not being a fan of driving that far down a dirt road with the RV in tow, I kept looking for something closer to the paved highway, eventually locating a site just far enough off the highway to keep the noise down and be shielded from sight compliments of a grove of Juniper trees.

Using both satellite view and street view I was able to determine the elevation of the area was fairly flat and there was not a large gradient keeping me from exiting the highway onto the faint unnamed side road that would deliver us to the campsite.

However, as we closed in on the coordinates for the turn we encountered road construction signs notifying us that only one lane of the highway was in use and to wait for the pilot car. I began to worry that the construction zone might continue past our planned turn off and I wouldn’t be able to access our camp spot for the evening.

Luckily the construction zone was short and we exited it not far before arriving at our turn off, only to be presented with a new problem courtesy of the construction work. It turns out the construction work was to clean the drainage ditches and re-grade the shoulder of the highway. The swale I had to cross from the highway to the side road no longer looked like the manageable crossing I had previewed on Google Earth street view, but was now a freshly graded ditch with a little straw thrown on it to reduce erosion.

After carefully studying the situation and wanting to get off the highway for the day, I decided to go up the road a bit, turn around and approach the ditch in a very diagonal trajectory from the opposite lane of the highway which would (hopefully) keep my travel trailer from dragging too badly.

Luckily the plan worked, we enjoyed a very private campsite with a view of the mountains, were able to explore Sprucemont and the old mining structures above the town and didn’t need to summon emergency road service to get us back across the ditch when we left.

How to get there

You will find the remains of Sprucemont at N40° 33.032 W114° 52.275

If you choose to drive the 4 miles down the dirt road to the campsite mentioned, you will find the “entrance” to the camping area at N40° 34.424 W114° 54.618

The turn for the campsite just off the highway (pictured) is at N40° 34.838 W114° 58.212

Navigating the bumps and ditches in the highway of life, just another adventure in RVing!

The post We Visited An Old Ghost Town And Almost Got Stuck In A Ditch appeared first on RV Life.

Just east of Pioche, Nevada lays Echo Canyon State Park.  You are not likely to find it listed in many travel guides, but if you are an adventurous RVer (like me and my wife), make sure you detour off Highway 93 for a couple of days to explore the area the next time you find yourself in Eastern Nevada.

In this installment we will explore Ash Canyon Trail which is part of Echo Canyon State Park.

Ash Canyon is named after the eroded volcanic ash that comprises most of the canyon. A well-built and marked trail (safety cables where needed) leads you into the canyon where shapely rock walls tower over you, side canyons tempt those who like to scramble, and shutter bugs will enjoy capturing shapes that look like animals or other familiar shapes.

Many websites tell you to start at the campground, which requires a day-use fee (unless you have camped there) and requires you to hike a fair distance across uninteresting scrub to get to the “good stuff.”

If you want to maximize your visit to Ash Canyon (i.e. less hiking and more exploring), find a place to park on the shoulder of Rose Valley Road (we parked at N37° 54.914 W 114° 15.520) and proceed to the vicinity of N37° 54.883 W114° 15.546 where you will find the trail heading up the hill to the north. After hiking uphill for about 4/10ths of a mile, you will enter the side of the canyon via an opening in the rocks.

Once in the canyon proper, the trail will head in a northwest direction. Follow the trail, exploring any side chutes that interest you, until you exit the canyon after several hundred yards.

Be sure to enjoy the views to the south when you exit the top of the canyon. Then return to your vehicle the way you came enjoying the canyons rock formations from a different angle.

Getting there

From the junction of Highway 93 and 322 in Pioche, head east on Highway 322 to Echo Dam Road (also marked Highway 86). Follow Echo Dam Road to Echo Canyon State Park and park near these coordinates N37° 54.914 W 114° 15.520

There is a nice campground in Echo Canyon State Park, however it does not any hookups available.

Getting off the beaten track and exploring lesser-known areas of Nevada, just another adventure in RVing!

The post Go Camping In One Of Nevada’s Lesser Known State Parks appeared first on RV Life.

In the last installment, we ventured to Nevada’s Eagle Valley and explored Echo Canyon State Park’s scenic Ash Canyon. The unusual thing about Eagle Canyon is the abundance (by Nevada standards) of flowing water.

This water first drew the Fremont people over a thousand years ago who hunted and gathered, then farmers and ranchers in the late 1800s. Once the creek was dammed and the 65-acre Eagle Canyon Reservoir formed, recreationalists were drawn to the area for fishing, hiking, camping and exploring which resulted in the area becoming a state park in 1970.

In this installment, we will look at the other things to see and do in Echo Canyon State Park.

First off, no visit to Echo Canyon State Park is complete without a stop at Echo Point (N37° 54.729 W114° 15.490). As the name suggests, at Echo Point you will find yourself facing across the creek to a concave canyon wall on the other side. Sounds emitted by you and your traveling partners will be quickly and clearly echoed back to you by the smooth canyon walls.

Once you have heard enough of yourself at Echo Point, head downstream to the graceful steel footbridge arching across the creek (N37° 54.593 W114° 15.730) and enjoy a hike (length of your choosing) along the opposite side of the creek.

Next, head on down to the shores of the reservoir and cast a line in the hopes of catching a rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, or maybe even an elusive German brown.

While you are waiting for the fish to bite, keep an eye out for mammals such as deer, squirrels, coyotes, cottontails, jackrabbits, skunks, and if you’re lucky, even a bobcat.

At the end of the day, return to your RV located in one of two available campgrounds:

The North Campground (N37° 54.648 W114° 16.164) features 33 non-utility sites (drinking water available near most sites) set among a scattering of beautiful pinyon pines and junipers. Rates are currently $15 per night. A dump station is provided.

The “new” RV campground (N37° 54.596 W114° 16.551) features 20 full hookup sites on a hillside overlooking the reservoir. Rates are currently a very reasonable $25 per night.

In the next installment, we head farther up Eagle Valley exploring more interesting stops along the way.  Wandering through the wetter portions of arid Nevada, just another adventure in RVing!

See also: Go Camping In One Of Nevada’s Lesser Known State Parks

The post Hike, Fish, And Camp In This Nevada Canyon appeared first on RV Life.

In the last installment, we had been camping and exploring Nevada’s Echo Canyon State Park. This week we will head up the road towards nearby Spring Valley State Park enjoying the sites and places to explore along the way.

Heading north from Echo Canyon State Park on Rose Valley Road, you will come to a tee in the road at N37° 56.279 W114°14.979

If you scan the rock faces across the road, you will see where early pioneers inscribed their names over 100 years ago.

This was a common practice for emigrant wagon parties bound for Oregon or California, but I could not find any information to see if it is connected with historic wagon trails. It is still worth a stop to ponder the life of those that came before us and settled the west.

Take a right (east) at the tee onto Eagle Valley Road and soon you will find yourself traveling through the rustic but lush settlement of Ursine, Nevada. The 2010 census reports there were 91 people who call Ursine home. Just north of town is where you will find the only services in the area at the Eagle Valley Resort. The resort features a fully stocked store, bait & tackle, camping gear, cold beer, an RV park, and of course, being Nevada, slot machines. If the fish aren’t biting, try your luck at the slots!

Just past or through the resort, Eagle Valley Road junctions with Highway 322. A left turn will return you back to Pioche, a right turn will take you towards more places to explore and your final destination of Spring Valley State Park.

Next up is Meadow Valley Campground which is split by Highway 322. This campground is popular with users of the Eagle Valley Reservoir just up the road. There are two camping areas available.

The area west of the highway has a restroom and four camping spots with tables and fire rings, set in a side canyon while the area on the east side of the road is typical of a dispersed camping area with no amenities. The campground website does not advise “camper” access on the west side of the road, but the sites are suitable for smaller RVs. The area on the east side of the highway is a large parking area suitable for any size RVs.

Continuing north on Highway 322 will deliver you to the 65-acre Eagle Valley Reservoir. The main attraction here is the consistent fishing for rainbow trout, tiger trout (brown trout x brook trout hybrid), and brown trout.

According to fisheries, anglers can expect to catch between four and five fish per day, with rainbow trout averaging 10 inches and tiger trout averaging about 11 inches. The reservoir also features a pleasant day-use and picnic area. Across the street (Hwy 322) from the dam you will find the 36 campsites of Horsethief Gulch Campground which is suitable for longer RVs.

Where to stay:

• Eagle Valley Resort offers full hookups for a very reasonable $23 per night
• Meadow Valley Campground operated by the BLM currently offers free camping. The campground is located at: N38° 00.451 W114° 12.377
• Horsethief Gulch Campground is only $17 per night. The campground is located at: N38° 01.397 W114° 12.145

In the next and final installment we arrive at Spring Valley State Park. Enjoying lots to see and do in a relatively small area of Nevada, just another adventure in RVing!

See also:

• Go Camping In One Of Nevada’s Lesser Known State Parks
• Hike, Fish, And Camp In This Nevada Canyon

The post Travel Off The Beaten Path In Nevada appeared first on RV Life.

In the last installment, we were heading north from Nevada’s Echo Canyon State Park into Spring Valley State Park. In this installment, we will explore Spring Valley State Park north of Eagle Valley Reservoir.

The paved road you have been traveling on will turn to gravel (suitable for all RVs) as you leave the improved areas of Eagle Valley Reservoir. The road will hug the north side of the reservoir before entering a surprisingly lush valley with livestock grazing along the road.

This lush valley is what attracted Mormon pioneers to settle in the area in 1864. They built cabins while they lived out of their covered wagons. Some of the cabins still stand today. The first historic cabin you will encounter will be on your left. Feel free to stop out front and wander around the cabin, the remains of two outbuildings, and the various farming implements rusting nearby.

As you continue up Eagle Valley Road, you will be in awe of the colorful volcanic tuff and sediments which have been sculpted into stunning formations along the valley.

Your next stop will be the historic Ranch House museum, which invites more exploring and is open for tours. This cabin was occupied by the Wilson family and others until 1959.

Some of the former occupants reside in the on-site cemetery. Both cabins exhibit prime examples of the workmanship Mormon settlers were known for.  The next historic structures you will encounter as you continue your journey are those of the Millet Ranch which today serves as the park headquarters.

The large monolith you see across the valley from the headquarters is known as George Washington Rock (pictured above). It is believed that early inhabitants (5,500 BC) of the valley may have used this for a lookout.

Shortly after the park headquarters, you will encounter the turnoff for the very scenic Ranch Campground on your left. If you are traveling with a larger RV, the intersection provides a good place to turn around as there are limited options to do so farther up the road.

Visiting Spring Valley State Park

You will encounter the first cabin mentioned at N38°01.856 W114°11.185

You will encounter the second cabin, which has been restored and is open for tours at N38° 02.039 W114° 10.959

The park headquarters are located at N38° 02.489 W 114 10.816

Ranch Campground contains seven small sites suitable for smaller RVs. Using caution, I managed to get my 27-foot travel trailer turned around and into a site. The campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, and shade ramadas. You will find the turn for the campground at N38° 02.570 W114° 10.725

If the Ranch Campground doesn’t appeal to you or your rig, you can return to one of the camping options mentioned in the earlier two installments or head back to Pioche and camp in the free city park campground.

This brings our tour of Nevada’s historic and scenic Eagle Valley to an end. Be sure to detour off US 93 the next time you’re traveling through the area to enjoy everything this little valley has to offer. Read our previous installments here:

• Travel Off The Beaten Path In Nevada
• Hike, Fish, And Camp In This Nevada Canyon
• Go Camping In One Of Nevada’s Lesser Known State Parks

The post These Rock Formations Look Like Something From Another Planet appeared first on RV Life.

Every boondocker has their favorite out-of-the-way campsites.  Sometimes it is nice to shake things up and try a new spot.  There are several websites out there that help adventure-seekers find good campsites, such as RV Park Reviews, Campendium, and Freecampsites.net.

Most public lands (USFS or BLM) offer free dispersed camping as well, although some established campgrounds on public lands do have a use fee.  Here are some new ideas to try for your next outing.

Be sure to check to make sure that your particular rig can access these campgrounds, as some are fairly remote or cannot accommodate longer rigs.  Also, keep in mind that free campgrounds often also mean limited or no services, so plan accordingly.

1. Twin Lakes, Leadville, Colorado

Sitting at the base of Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mount Elbert (14,433 ft), Twin Lakes is located on County Road 82 west of Highway 24 about 20 minutes south of the mining town of Leadville.  The lakes are remnants of glaciers that carved the valleys, leaving behind moraines of boulders and rock debris that dammed the melting ice waters to form the lakes.

The Colorado Trail winds through the scenic area on its route between Denver and Durango.  Dispersed camping sites and campgrounds are located off of County Road 82, providing travelers with plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful area.

2. Cottonwood Lake Campground, Afton, Wyoming

This campground offers 18 first-come sites in the Salt River Mountains (Bridger-Teton National Forest) about 20 minutes from the town of Afton.

The campsites enjoy partial shade from the pine and aspen forest.  The campground includes three small corrals and hitching posts for those camping with horses.  Fishing is available along the nearby creeks and Cottonwood Lake.

3. Soldier Meadows, Gerlach, Nevada

Dispersed camping in the Soldier Meadows area, about 20 minutes north of Gerlach on County Road 34, is managed by the BLM as part of the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Additionally, the area is highly geothermal, which lends to multiple primitive hot springs pools.

The two larger pools are privately owned, but for a small fee can be used by visitors.  Since all natural hot springs can vary in temperature significantly throughout the year, be sure to use caution before taking a plunge.

This is a remote, rugged area in northwestern Nevada, and vehicles that have a high clearance are recommended.

4. Stony Campground, Philipsburg, Montana

This scenic campground is located about 30 minutes west of Philipsburg off of Rock Creek Road (FS Road 102).  Fishing is available on both Stony Creek and Rock Creek near the campground.  Explore the hiking or biking trails and old roads that climb into the Bitterroot Mountains.

5. Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument, Navajo Nation, Arizona

Explore cliff dwellings with self-guided tours, overlook scenic canyon lands, and learn about the historic people who called this area home.

The Sunset View Campground is located near the Visitor Center between Betatakin Canyon and Fir Canyon.  Canyon View Campground is also located in the National Monument and free of charge.

See also: Boondock For Free (Or Cheap) In These Wildlife Refuges

The post 5 Free Campsites In The Central Rocky Mountains appeared first on RV Life.

Set nearly halfway between Reno, Nevada (290 miles to the east) and Salt Lake City, Utah (230 miles to the west), Elko, Nevada is a popular stop for those traveling Interstate 80 between those destinations. Elko features a great deal of scenic beauty and historic charm, while Iron Horse RV Resort offers a convenient location and plenty of amenities.

The park offers 103 sites and full hookups. Other services include showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a camp store, clubhouse and rec room, recreation trails, a playground, pet area, and more. Iron Horse RV Resort partners with neighboring Hilton Garden Inn, so access also includes an indoor pool, business center, fitness center, and the Garden Grill and Bar Restaurant.

Iron Horse RV Resort. Photo via CampgroundReviews.com

A short distance from Iron Horse RV Resort is Ruby View Golf Course, which opened in 1968. The public 18-hole course offers four sets of tees. A par 71, Ruby View Golf Course stretches to 6,631 yards from the tips.

The course also incorporates traditional golf course elements such as serene ponds, meandering creeks, enormous shade trees lining the fairways, strategic bunkers, and lush greens. Also, remember to hydrate while on the course. Elko sites at just over 5,000 feet of elevation.

If you love hiking or photography, don’t miss a visit to Lamoille Canyon, about a 20-minute drive from Elko. Lamoille Canyon offers an incredible Scenic Byway, a picturesque, two-lane 12-mile drive up the canyon, eventually reaching 8,800 feet.

Fall colors in Lamoille Canyon, Nevada. Photo via Forest Service (Flickr Public Domain)

On the drive to the heavens, make sure you stop at Lamoille Glacier Overlook where you can take in the U-shaped canyon that dates back some 250,000 years. Also viewable is Ruby Dome, the highest peak in the area at 11,249 feet above sea level.

More details about the greater Elko, Nevada area are available at www.exploreelko.com. You can also learn more about Iron Horse RV Resort on Campground Reviews.

See also: Visiting Utah’s Scenic Thanksgiving Point

The post Scenic Elko, Nevada Is Worth A Stop On I-80 appeared first on RV LIFE.