Choosing Destinations

In real estate, the mantra is Location, Location, Location.  That also might be said for camping.  Camping overnight in a stadium parking lot is a far different experience than spending a day or two in a primitive campground in the forest or at the beach.

There are at least as many reasons for choosing any particular destination as there are RVers -- probably more, since is it likely that each of us may has interest in more than kind of experience and therefore more than one destination. That is certainly the case with my family. While most of our RV excursions also involve OHV activities, which by necessity takes us to remote, usually desert places, we also enjoy day trips to the beach and to the mountains and an occasional tent camping trip just for fun.  While there are definite advantages to returning to favorite spots, exploring and discovering new places to visit is also a lot of fun.

Time of year and climate may be a factor in choosing a destination.  You will probably want to get away from summer heat with a trip to the mountains or the beach.  Desert venues are great for OHV riding, but can be excessively hot during the summer.  In moderate seasons you may be able to go just about anywhere you like.  In winter you will probably want to avoid mountains and other snowy areas unless you are deliberately seeking winter activities such as skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing.  Otherwise, winter driving and winter weather aren't usually very appealing to most people or conducive to pleasant camping and most RVs aren't equipped to handle freezing temperatures.

Historical, geographic, and entertainment venues may be things to consider in choosing  a destination.  Having a definite activity in mind is a particularly good idea for new campers who may not quite have figured out how much fun just camping can be all by itself.  State and National Parks are often associated with unique events in history or special geological features that make for interesting outings.

First Timers/Novices: if you are new to RVing or camping you probably want to "practice" your outdoor skills before embarking on any major expeditions. Pick a Federal, state, county, or private campground near home, focusing on one that has features that appeal to you and your family. In many locales you can find forest campgrounds and campgrounds near beaches, rivers, and lakes. Sometimes campgrounds are near golf courses, amusement parks, biking trails, and even factory outlet centers. Many historic sites have campgrounds nearby. So whether you are seeking refuge from civilization or are interested in getting bargains on the latest fashions, you can probably find a destination that will meet your needs. I would not recommend boondocking to newcomers until you are completely comfortable with your equipment and your camping skills. Being in a developed campground with access to hookups and other facilities if you need them, is a nice buffer for the newbie.  Having a knowledgeable camp host or helpful fellow campers can be a good resource for novices.

You may also find it helpful, comforting, and fun if you plan your first few trips with some experienced fellow campers. Their knowledge of RV, OHV, camping concepts, and of the areas you visit will greatly enhance your experience. I suggest having an experienced guide is especially important for your first few OHV outings, someone who knows where to camp and can choose trails appropriate for you and other novice members of  your group. And you'll have someone along to bail you out if you find yourself in seriously unfamiliar territory -- figuratively or literally.  While there are off road trail maps available, off road routes are not always clearly marked and it is easy for a newcomer to become disoriented.

Back yard camping. A good way to practice your RV skills is to camp in your own back yard -- or driveway. Do some dry runs at home before you venture out. Cook and serve a few meals in your RV. Spend a couple of nights sleeping in it. Get used to using the shower and toilet. Find out how well the refrigerator, water heater, furnace, generator, and air conditioners work. By practicing at home, it won't matter if you make a few mistakes. In fact, each one you make will probably save you making it out on a trip where the ramification are more serious. Back yard camping is a very inexpensive way of getting used to the benefits -- and limitations -- of your tent or RV and honing your camping and RV skills.

Commercial campgrounds offer the ultimate in creature comforts and availability of services. Commercial or private campgrounds are a good second step for new RVers. Owner/operators are usually knowledgeable about RVs as well as about local attractions and activities. Most commercial campgrounds include a small store that features basic provisions and RV supplies so you won't have to go far if you've forgotten something and, if nothing else, the staff should be able to direct you to the nearest stores if they don't have what you need. If you encounter any mechanical problems with your vehicle or problems with your RV systems, there are usually mobile repair services that can come to the campground for emergency repairs or you may be near enough to a repair facility that towing won't be TOO expensive.  Many commercial campgrounds include resort facilities like swimming pools, spas, and laundry facilities.  Some even have tennis courts and golf and other popular activities.

Forest campgrounds offer an escape from civilization and a "back to nature" feeling. Sometimes there are nature hikes and trails available, sometimes fishing or boating activities. Some offer ranger-led or self-guided tours. Be sure to ask the ranger when you check in about such options. Forest campgrounds, whether operated by Federal, state, or county agencies, typically provide level, paved or gravel parking spaces, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some have dump stations and water. Most have pit toilets and some have full toilet facilities. Few have full hookups, so plan on taking advantage of some if not all of the self-contained features of your RV. Plan on bringing back packs or fanny packs and canteens or Camelbak hydration packs for day-hikes.

Beach campgrounds may be government or privately operated and will have service levels typical of the company or agency that operates them. Some may have "primitive" sites where you are parking very near the beach with no hookups. They may or may not have restrooms. If you like the sound of the surf, a beach campground might be for you. But if you find proximity to the ocean less more stressful than relaxing, you may want to go someplace else for your inaugural runs. There is a primitive campground north of Ventura, California called "Emma Woods State Beach". It is right along the beach. My family has spent many enjoyable weekends there, basking on the beach, body surfing, and being lulled to sleep by the surf. On one trip we found the ocean rather unruly, with waves splashing significant spray over our RV as we waited in line at the gate.  Listening to the waves crashing on the nearby shore that night was not the most restful. Be sure to check the weather where ever you go so you are prepared with proper clothing and activities if the weather inhibits your original plans.

Desert camping. As you gain skills and confidence, you may want to explore desert camping options, especially if you ride OHVs. There are many fine OHV riding areas in the desert. Desert nights also provide an incredible view of the stars so brush up on your astronomy!   Unless you manage to find a commercial campground near where you want to go, you will most likely be boondocking -- no level paved or even graveled spaces, no hookups, no picnic tables. You may find rustic fire pits created by previous visitors. Try to use existing fire pits instead of creating new ones  if you can. First of all, it is a LOT easier and it is more environmentally friendly. Once again, it is highly recommended that you make your initial desert adventures in the company of experienced fellow campers. You will find having knowledgeable riders to guide you on initial OHV trips a lot of fun and a whole lot better than finding yourself in unfamiliar and difficult terrain or getting lost. As you gain experience you will soon become one of the "experts". I was quite surprised when on a dirt bike ride in the Mojave Desert I found that I was the most experienced rider in the group. I had been the novice or newbie for so long that I hadn't expected it, but as I fielded questions from another group we met on the trail I began to realize that all of the other riders with me had joined the Desert Rats more recently and I was the defacto patriarch.

Desert camping and riding require certain precautions. Deserts are home to poisonous snakes and insects so you'll want to keep an eye out for them and dress appropriately. Flip-flops are usually fine at the beach (if  you're OK with the stripes they'll leave when the rest of your  foot tans), but offer zero protection against rattle snakes and scorpions! Your OHV riding boots, on the other hand, provide pretty good protection against both -- just don't willingly step on or near a rattler!  They just might bite through or above your boots!  I read of one rider who kept getting new bites every time he put on  his boots.  The snake's fangs had broken off in the tough leather and were forced into his flesh again and again when he tightened up his boots.  And don't leave your boots outside at night!  Some venomous creatures might take up temporary residence in them over night.  Some rattlers can and will bite clear through heavy leather boots. Avoid stepping over or reaching under stones and logs or walking through thick brush where venomous snakes or insects may be hiding. They WILL be angered and threatened by the unwelcome intrusion and defend themselves vigorously. Contrary to popular belief, rattlesnake bites are not an automatic death sentence, but they are dangerous and require immediate medical help. The most recent first aid for snake bites discourages the old technique of cutting an "X" through the bite and sucking out the poison. The human mouth houses lots of bacteria and you may introduce an infection that does more damage than the snake venom. Keep the victim as inactive as you can and transport them to an emergency medical facility as quickly as possible.  If possible keep the wound below the heart to minimize flow of the venom away from the wound.   If possible, bring the snake (or its carcass) along for identification.  If that isn't possible, a digital photo would be good.  In all cases, pay close attention to the snake and be prepared to give a good description to medical providers.  Size, shape of the head, coloring, and patterns on the skin are all significant to identifying the snake and providing appropriate treatment.

Medical preparations. No matter what destination you choose, it is a good idea to identify local emergency medical facilities near your camp and en route before you leave home. Should a medical emergency (illness or injury) occur during your outing, you will want to be able to focus on getting treatment as soon as possible and not waste time searching for an appropriate facility. Knowing where to go for help will speed treatment and minimize pain, suffering, and the possibility of collateral damage.  Find out the best emergency phone number to use.  In one of our favorite dirt biking areas in southern California we learned that calling 911 would go to a Highway Patrol dispatch center hundreds of miles away.  The local California City Police Department posted their number on signs through the camping areas near the City and calling them meant emergency services were only minutes away.  If you or any member of your family or traveling companions have any special medical needs, make sure you bring appropriate prescription medications and necessary equipment and have identified qualified facilities where you can obtain appropriate treatment, if necessary, along the way and near your destination. Also, check your first aid kit prior to each and every trip. Replace outdated medications and supplies. If anyone in your party is allergic to bee stings, contact your physician to get a prescription for an "epi-pen" for immediate treatment if they get stung. In severe allergy cases, bee stings can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Happy trails to you!