What's a staycation, you ask?

According to the Urban Dictionary, a staycation is...

A vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer. A vacation spent close to home.

So, how does this apply to RVers?

Well, if the winter cover is still on your RV -- and your summer plans went down the drain the moment gas headed over the $4 a gallon mark -- then you're probably wondering if there's any point in getting the RV ready for summer use this year. The good news is... with a little imagination, you can still make plenty of use of your favorite summer pastime: RVing!

Yep, there's no time like the present to turn your RV summer vacation into a staycation.

In fact, aside from the high price of gas, there are plenty of reasons to stay close to home and consider alternative travel plans.

Here are some fun ideas for your next RV staycation...

If you're an RVer who happens to like camping and fishing, then few things would sound better than a weekend evening around the campfire, followed by a misty morning out on the lake to take in a little fishing. 

For those who camp in a tent, or a pickup camper, that's no problem.  The same is true if you own a motorhome...  The boat follows along behind on its trailer, and you're ready to go after that Walleye before dawn breaks on your secluded quiet little lake.  But the tent routine is something I gave up about 30 years ago, and most pickup campers are a little too confining for my style.  Suffice it to say I don't own a motorhome... yet.  So my wife and I have become accustomed to the comforts of a travel trailer.

Many states allow a boat trailer to be towed behind travel trailers and fifth wheel campers -- a two-up scenario that will accommodate some smaller boats.  You still have to be within specified total length limits and you can absolutely forget about backing up such a combination.  But for some, this is the perfect answer to the “How do I bring the boat?“ question.

However, there are still some states that restrict the "second trailer boat hauling method" to fifth wheel trailers only. And some don‘t allow it at all.  This leaves those with travel trailers out of the water in states like Minnesota, Michigan, and a few others. 

No problem, a rack on the back of your pickup truck will provide the ability to carry a car top boat.  Great, we’ve covered everything.  Now we can go fishing.

Jim and I have worked in campgrounds and resorts for more than seven years. We have seen lots of campers come and go, camping in everything from tents to the most expensive motor homes. No matter what they camp in, they all have one thing in common-they want to have a fun time!

Here are some tips to remember to make sure everyone has a good time...

If you have someone in your life who is a fulltime RVer, I'll bet you have heard this phrase. "Please don't feel like you have to buy me a gift for [insert occasion here]. I just don't have room for anything."

I have had the hardest time convincing my family that I really don't want gifts, unless it is something really useful.

If you really must give an RVer a present, a gift of light is one that is always appreciated.

There are a number of good resources for RV checklists out there.

I've spent some time researching them and I've compiled "the best of the best" below.

Need an RV checklist? Start here...