Can you imagine planning a phenomenal vacation and finally making it to the entrance of the park you’ve waited your whole life to visit and the sign at the entrance says in bold print NO PETS ALLOWED? Worst case scenario, you’ll be scrapping your visit to the Park all together. Moral of the story, do your homework before you hit the road.

The NPS (National Park Service) offers a good deal of information on pet friendly parks recapping where your pet will be permitted, and the Travel Channel recently listed the Most and Least Pet Friendly National Parks .

Below we’ve compiled a brief overview of some of the more popular parks and what they do and don’t allow when it comes to pets. One commonality at all parks mentioned here, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter and never left unattended.

• Acadia National Park : You can bring along your pet. Due to rigorous conditions, you’ll want to keep your pets off the beaches and more difficult trails.
• Arches National Park :  Pets are welcome, but you’ll find activities you can do with them to be limited. Nearby Devils Garden Campground is pet friendly as well.
• Glacier National Park : Feel free to bring your pets in drive-in campgrounds, along park roads open to motor vehicles, and in picnic areas. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any park trails.
• Grand Canyon : When hiking the south rim, pets are allowed only above the rim. When hiking the north rim, they are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway). While in Tuweep, keep in mind they are only permitted on established roads and in the campground. You cannot take pets on shuttle park buses so you must walk in and out. There is the South Rim Kennel for boarding if you want to hike the other trails.
• Grand Teton : A good rule of thumb here is that a pet may go anywhere a car may go. This includes roads and shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots. You cannot take pets on any trails.
• Great Smoky Mountains : Dogs are welcome on two trails (the Gatlinburg Trail & the Oconaluftee River Trail) as well as in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads.
• Olympic National Park : You can explore six different trails and areas ( Olympic National Park Pet Friendly Trails ) in this gorgeous park. Because of the length of the trails, you’ll want to bring plenty of water for your pooch!
• Yellowstone National Park : You cannot take your pets on trails, boardwalks, in the back country or thermal areas throughout Yellowstone. They may accompany you in developed areas of the park (any area within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, excluding thermal areas). Keep in mind there are no kennels in Yellowstone, but you may find boarding options in surrounding communities.
• Yosemite National Park : You can take your dogs on fully paved trails and roads. But not in the back country, beaches, meadows, on shuttle buses or in public buildings.
• Zion National Park : Pets may accompany owners on the Pa’rus Trail ONLY. All other trails and wilderness areas are off-limits to pets. You’ll find boarding kennels in surrounding communities.

Begin planning your next vacation to one or more of the incredible national parks. Just be sure you’re in the know about where your pet will have the best time as well!

Image by dogtrekker.com

You’re packed up and about to hit the road in your RV to travel to a park where you’ll be staying for a few months because of a job opportunity. Everyone is excited about the adventure and spending quality time together. One of the important factors in searching for a park that offers long term lodging is to find a place that has lots of amenities so the transition for your kids will be a smooth one.

When you move into long term RV lodging, your needs will be a little different than looking for a place for one or two nights. Your kids will need more activities, you’ll want as many amenities as possible. Most important, you’ll want to feel connected with neighbors and have a sense of security.

The information following will cover some of the basics, and it may make you think of additional factors to add to the list.

Check out the RV park’s website and online reviews.

A well-functioning website, good photos, lots of information about the facilities and amenities should be available. Additionally, look on Google, Yelp, and RV Park Reviews to check out any reviews that may be posted.

Stay organized and pack responsibly.

Since an RV is a smaller space than a conventional home, you will want to stay organized and take along only what you absolutely need and want. To avoid clutter in your RV, it is a terrific idea to make sure that all of your belongings, toys, and games have a special place where they can be put away. You will also want to keep the space outside of your RV clean and tidy so your site gives off a good vibe.

Enjoy Quality Time.

Staying in an RV park long term will provide you with ample opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. When you make the move in the park, you’ll want to plan lots of outdoor activities, day trips or other family activities to make the most of your time. Ensure your family enjoys meals together each day. This conscious effort made to stay connected and address any issues will bring you closer together.

Whether you are new to the world of RV camping, or you are a long-time expert, learning some new tips & tricks can always come in handy. Watch this helpful video by RV Geeks for great reminders when traveling on the road or stopping at an RV resort.

Let’s recap some additional tips a little later in this article that will be helpful as well.

Inside the RV:

• Stack your dishes with cloth napkins in between. This will keep them from rattling or breaking. You can wash the napkins after using them at an RV laundromat, like the one at Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas.
• Keep baking soda handy. The open box can sit in your refrigerator, removing bad food odors, and you can use it as a non-toxic cleaner.
• A cooler dedicated to holding lots of ice.
• Hand sanitizer, wipes and lots of towels.
• Make all areas and items into storage space (sitting areas should open for storage inside; hang things on the backs & insides of doors & cabinets).
• Bunge cords help keep cabinets from opening while enroute.
• Shelf liners keep things from sliding around.
• A can opener, a wine opener, coffee pot, coffee cups & filters, a sharp knife, a cutting board, aluminum foil, baggies, and heavy duty trash bags.
• Bins and drawers for inside cabinets creates many more compartments for storing different items.
• A good mattress pad will make every night and day better.
• Keep tanks smelling fresh right from the start by cleaning often and dumping regularly. The fresh water tank can be sanitized regularly with a mixture of bleach and water. Find the best black water tank cleaner on the market, and use it as often as recommended.
• Put screens over all drains to prevent food and other debris from going down the drains.
• A fire extinguisher.

Outside the RV:

• To keep your BBQ grill clean, put tinfoil pan underneath. This will keep grease and food from building up. Rubbing a lemon half over the grill surface will keeping food from sticking.
• An outdoor rug or mat will create an outdoor living space for entertaining and relaxing.
• Bring some good chairs and a folding table.
• Store a few wood blocks that be can used to help with leveling.
• Keep your fresh water hose and sewer hose in separate, marked bins.
• Always keep the black water valve closed.
• Must have tools in your kit should include a cordless drill, a cordless screwdriver, extra charged battery packs, a socket set, tape, bungee cords, string, rope, a lighter, latex gloves, a water pressure regulator, an electric plug adapter and a surge protector.
• Keep a high-powered flashlight handy.
• Two-way radios or walkie-talkies will come in handy for numerous undertakings.

Now some tips on the more personal side:

• LED candles help create an awesome ambiance without having to worry about a fire hazard.
• Find basic toiletries that everyone can share (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion); less is more.
• A varietal play-list and a blue-tooth speaker.
• Must have items include hat(s), a backpack, sunscreen, water bottles, rain ponchos or umbrellas, rain boots, swim-suits, flip-flops for community showers and a first aid kit.
• Cards, games, fishing poles and a miscellaneous craft box (if you have kids).
• Toilet paper! (bio-degradable)

Whether you’re just beginning or your very experienced, RVing is a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by anyone!

There are so many reasons to stay at Stonebridge RV Park and Resort. Whether you’re looking for a place to visit for a few nights or you’re searching for an extended stay RV park, Stonebridge is the clear choice in Sweeny, Texas.

Here are the top ten reasons why we’re known as the favorite RV Park in this part of the state:

• Our staff is focused first and foremost on making sure you get settled in. We’re responsive to your requests and make it a priority to ensure that you enjoy your stay.
• Our refreshing swimming pool is a must. It’s HOT in our great state of Texas! You’ll find our pool is a great place for families to gather and meet other guests.
• We offer other numerous amenities above and beyond other RV parks in the area. An outdoor hot tub, BBQ grills,  two stocked, catch-and-release fishing ponds and a vast pet-run area.
• Each concrete site has full hook-ups (30/50 amp).
• Guests have access to free WiFi so staying connected to your friends, family, work is no problem.
• Free cable TV is offered at every site so you won’t miss your favorite shows.
• The on-site laundromat is open 24/7 for your convenience and has plenty of washers and dryers for all guests. You can even sit back and read a book or watch a little TV while you wait on your laundry.
• Be sure and pick up all the supplies you need at the grocery store in town so you can enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire-pit that will encourage everyone to gather around for s’mores.
• In the community lodge you’ll find the park office, but more importantly, there are movies and books that you are free to enjoy at your leisure. The lodge is a comfortable place to sit back and watch the world go by or to curl up in a corner and read your favorite magazine.
• Getting in and out of the park is a breeze no matter what size vehicle or rig you have. There are pull-through, pond-view and shady sites available.

Guests love the natural beauty of the park. There are towering oak trees that provide lots of shade in the summer and turn beautiful colors in the fall.

You can see our rates online at www.stonebridgervpark.com or just give us a shout at 979-245-1200 any time to talk with one of our team members.

If you’re the owner of an RV, you will want to pay attention to this advice regarding important preventative maintenance routines to keep it running smoothly.

As the spring approaches in Texas, you might be thinking about hitting the road in your RV with your family. One great place to make a reservation for a stopover is Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas. Stonebridge is within an hour of beautiful gulf-coast beaches and the Houston world-renown medical center.

But don’t make the mistake the taking off on your road-trip without ensuring you’ve done all the preventative maintenance on your RV to ensure you’re travels are as hassle free as possible.

It’s not that unexpected things won’t happen, but by routinely caring for your vehicle, you’ll find trips to be more about having fun instead of having to deal with problems. Depending on where you’re traveling, parts and services are not all easily accessible.

Once you make sure that your RV is running perfectly, you and your family can depart on a short or extended road-trip and take advantage of all the world has to offer. Watch this video for some tips on keeping your RV running smoothly. Following this advice, you’ll be ready for your next long-term RV camping trip.

Let’s take another look at the advice and main highlights you want to be sure to include in your checklist:

• Check all the fluids regularly (oil, wiper, brake, power-steering, transmission and windshield washer);
• Tires should be checked before every trip (look for cracks, cuts, bulges);
• Check air filters routinely;
• Wipers should be changed every six months if you are on the road routinely and every year otherwise (wipers become brittle and won’t do the job);
• Many RVs have dual-batteries. Extend the life of your batteries by properly recharging. Check your batteries before each trip for leakage or crystallization, which may mean there is an issue.
• Radiator coolant should be checked before every trip. Antifreeze helps your RV in cold and hot temperatures.
• All hoses and clamps should be checked for cracks, breaks and leaks on a regular basis.

Another good resource for a PM checklist for your RV was put together by the creator of RV University. You’ll find lots of tips on his website.

No matter your source for implementing a consistent and thorough preventative maintenance routine, just be sure you keep it up on a regular basis.