For those of us whose camping vacations fall somewhere in between, here are some cool products you might like:

Swiss Room Box

Check out these four innocent looking boxes. They don’t look too complicated; they fit in the back of your truck or SUV. But inside they hold everything you need to camp comfortably; literally your home away from home. Requiring no special tools, these self-contained components hold your water supply, food, cook pots and utensil storage, and your bedrolls. The boxes shift and the pieces reassemble to magically become your camp stove, table, chairs, bed, and yes, even a sink and shower!

Everyone knows that when camping in the great outdoors, organization is key and multipurpose items are golden. And what else would you expect from the Swiss Army folks? See more at: http://www.swissroombox.com/

This may be the smallest, lightest travel trailer made. It doesn’t require a truck or SUV to pull it, at 550 lbs. it can even be pulled behind a smart car. It’s narrow and requires no special mirrors. It sleeps two in a bed that folds out from a sofa, and at just under $7,000, hauling it is quite a bargain when you add in the gas you’ll save. The manufacturer has quite a few different versions of it.

Its power supply is 12-volt DC, and uses a Coleman electric cooler for a refrigerator and a Coleman propane stove. There are storage units inside and out.

You are giving up a few things in the small space however; it’s only about 4’4″ high, so you’ll have to stoop inside. It doesn’t have running water so you’ll want to set up camp near a bathroom facility. The table is removable to the outside, as is the cook stove, and with the size of this camper, you’ll probably want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. But hey, that’s why you’re camping, right? One of the features that makes this appealing is its ability to fit in your garage. Protect it from the weather, avoid those home owner association violations and load it with convenience. Here’s a short video that will show you around:

View this article on the Tres Rios Website

Your Ocean Canyon family would like to help you work on some of those resolutions. They’re in no particular order, but I’ll bet they’ll sound familiar:

1. spend more time with family and friends
2. lose weight
3. get fit
4. get organized
5. enjoy life more
6. help others
7. get out of debt
8. learn something new
9. quit smoking
10.quit drinking

Now we can’t help with the smoking and drinking, unless reducing stress counts (an RV camping vacation at a beautiful Texas campground you know and love is about as stress-free as you can get). But for the rest, let’s see how OCP can help you achieve these elusive but all-important goals. Let start with the first one:

Spending more time with family and friends: Quick – think of one of your favorite memories. Was it funny? Poignant? Did it make you smile? Whatever it was, I’ll bet it involved someone important to you. Why do we spend so much time on non-essentials when it’s the people in our lives who make it rich and rewarding? Life speeds by and we’re all guilty of bogging down in boring routines and trivial activities. We forget to engage, to play, to share moments that will make lasting memories.

So load up the RV! Pack that tent (and extra-warm sleeping bag)! Drive to the vacation cabin! If you like, call those friends you met last time you were at Tres Rios or some other resort and invite them to meet you at the campground. Turn off the noise, cancel the appointments, have ‘em hold your mail. That lawn will keep, it’s not growing now anyway. Focus on the people in your life – the people that ARE your life. Head down to your favorite campground/RV park, make some memories and invest some time and attention in your people. We’ll be waiting. Hey, we’d like to spend more time with you too, you know.

View this article on the Tres Rios Website

Glen Rose is famous for being the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.” Dinosaur Valley State Park is world known for its preserved dinosaur tracks. Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose offers some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the entire world. Located on 1,524 acres along the Paluxy River, the land was acquired in 1968, with the park opening for the public since 1972. The dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed itself, so make sure to call the park ahead of time to check on river conditions. The park also features two fiberglass dinosaur models: a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex. They were built for the New York World’s Fair Dinosaur Exhibit, 1964 to 1965. They now call Dinosaur Valley their home. It is certainly an interesting place to check out, right in Tres Rios’ own backyard. Dinosaur World has museums both indoors and outdoors, with life-sized dinosaur models as well as fossil digs for children to participate in.

There is also the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Stop by and support this non-profit center that specializes in captive breeding programs for endangered and threatened species of animals. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is an endangered species research and conservation center. The first facility of its kind that has been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is home to over 1,000 animals and over 50 different species of animals. You can take a guided tour of the facility or drive around yourself. The animals roam free around while you are touring the facility in your car, so who knows – you may make friends with a Giraffe on your visit! Halfway through your drive there is a small restaurant, gift shop, hiking area, and petting zoo. Make sure to take your camera, there are endless once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Also make sure not to leave your sense of adventure at home.

There are several other local attractions. The town of Stephenville, just 45 minutes south, is known as one of the “Cowboy Capitals of the World.” It is home to the largest Cowboy and Western club in the state. There is also the Country Gospel Opry. If you are thirsty then head on down to Dublin, home to the world’s oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant. It is still the only American source to use the original ingredients. Granbury is just 20 minutes west of Tres Rios Resort. Several thrift stores, restaurants, and Lake Granbury offer daily activities and family fun for everyone.

Of course there is also Dallas, just over an hour north from Glen Rose. With the large metropolitan area, there are several things to do. Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park has roller coasters, water rides, and seasonal fun; the Dallas Zoo allows families to see exotic animals and has special daily classes and informational sessions for children to learn more about them; also for all you sports fans, check which professional teams are playing: the Cowboys, Stars, Rangers, or Mavericks and plan a trip to cheer them on.

Whether you want a relaxing day on park, or a day to explore the area, Tres Rios offers many exciting, fun things for you and your family.

View this article on the Tres Rios Website

When doing long-term travelling with your pets, one of the first things to make sure you have is a copy of their vet records. Make sure that their shots are all up-to-date and that if any happen to be on medication, you have a prescription with a continual amount of refills. Popular stores, such as Wal-Mart, do carry simple medications for infections or fleas and ticks. You also need to make sure that you are set for more severe items such as heart worm. Also, speak with your veterinarian about what types of items to keep on hand as a small “pet first-aid kit” for your pets while travelling since you will not be familiar with new areas until you settle in.

Many resorts and campgrounds have become much more pet-friendly than in the past. Always make sure you have a leash with you as all resorts share this same rule that when outside. All pets must be on one whether they are dogs or cats. Also, check ahead of time to see if there are any size and breed restrictions at resorts.

If you are anxious about travelling with your pets, try pre-travelling with them to see how well they will handle the RV life. Cats have been known to not travel well. Take your pets on car rides and see how well they ride. Gradually take them on longer trips until you are comfortable enough to know they will handle travelling in the RV.

Whether you own a dog, cat, bird, or any other animal, don’t forget to take care of them just as you would living at home. And always remember one of the most important things: to keep a name tag on them.

If you’ve picked up a few pet-friendly tips along the way, let us know!

One of the first things to notice when you are on the road: take a look at what is around you. Are there any national monuments or parks? What areas will you be travelling through? The screens on the GPS devices only show the roads ahead, not the roads around, as it fails to tell you what is in your surrounding areas. Take time and plan extra time to visit or look into these places.

 A crazy town name is always one that brings a smile to the face of those who are reading the map. Truth or Consequences, NM; Antlers, OK; Idiotville, OR; Goober Hill, TX (and also in LA!); Beer Bottle Crossing, ID; Experiment, GA; and so many more. All states have towns with names like these. A weekend trip to spend time in one, and find the history as to why it was called this, is also a fun getaway for families.

The longstanding tradition of weekend road trips has also been a classic for many. Sit down and pick a spot on the map that looks like it will be fun. Are there attractions in the area? Is it in an interesting location? Sometimes people will climb in their vehicles and RV’s and do as country-singer Brad Paisley says in one of his songs, “drive until the map turns blue.”

To many, a map may seem as though it is a large layout of a state; but this map can hold so many more adventures when you turn your GPS off, and learn to find your way through it. Tell us about some of the more interesting places you’ve been!

1. Contraband
   This is simple enough. If it is against the law, do not bring it. Some campsites also have additional regulations (no glass, fireworks, or even fires in certain areas), so be sure to check beforehand what these are.
2. Perfumes
   You might think this is a good idea, given that you are going to be spending a while immersed in nature and potentially surrounded by sweat and other natural smells that we generally try to avoid. What you may not realize is that bugs also find those smells pleasant—including, but not limited to, mosquitoes. Unless you want to be attracting mosquitoes instead of repelling them, opt for bug spray instead and leave the perfume at home.
3. Video games/electronics/music players
   If you want to spend your vacation playing videogames and listening to your ipod, you would be better off staying home. One of the best things about camping is immersing yourself in nature and getting away from those distractions. Also, loud music can be very disruptive to your neighboring campers. Respect them and leave the electronics behind.
4. Valuables
   Jewelry, electronics, designer clothes—bringing these with you is a huge risk, as there is no guarantee they will come back in one piece. If you must have something that falls under this category with you, leave it in the car if you can. It will be much better protected that way. But the best option is to simply leave it at home. You will enjoy your vacation a lot more if you are not stressing about your belongings the whole time.
5. Your whole kitchen
   While it is good to be prepared, you are cooking dinner for your family, not a four star restaurant. When it comes to camping, less is more. If you can use a bowl for soup, sandwiches, or pasta, just bring the bowl! Leave the plate behind. Get creative with your appliances. There is no need to bring three pots of different sizes if you can get away with using one, and there is no need for a crepe maker in the middle of the woods.
6. Excessive snacks
   Definitely bring enough food for your family. Hungry usually equals miserable. However, some beginning campers think they have to bring everything in their fridge, pantry, and every supermarket along the way—just in case. Plan what you think you will need for each meal, and then bring a little extra. Then keep some cash on hand in case you have to make a quick run for something important. That should cover your bases and will save you a lot of space in your car.
7. Uncooked meat
   Refrigeration on a camping trip is sketchy at best. Using your cooler to keep your Coke cold is fine, but be wary of storing raw meat for an extended period of time. Not only do you risk your health, but also unplanned visits from furry visitors. All the same, if you really need to make that campfire burger, consider making that your first meal as opposed to a later one.

With these new amendments to your packing list you can get the most out of your camping experience. Escaping the tedium of life will open your eyes to a whole new world.

On Saturday November 10^th there will be a silent auction from 8AM-3PM. Anyone who wants to donate items for the auction should go see Activities Director Sandy Perry.

A different main act will be going on at 7pm every night. Main acts this year include Backwoods Revival, Wills Valley Bluegrass, The Carrell Family, Dewey Wells and the Gary Waldrep Band, Bonnie Ridge Bluegrass, and Blackjack Ridge.

We will be Tweeting pictures and information during the event. Follow us on Twitter @ocean_canyon #MLRMusicFest and join in on the fun! We can’t wait to see you at the festival!

For more information, you can call us at 1-877-327-2484.

Just one of the many things to do at Millwood.

Just nine miles away from Ashdown, Arkansas, Millwood Landing Golf & RV Resort has several things to enjoy on park and in the area.

Ashdown is well known for Millwood Lake, one of the top bass-fishing lakes in Arkansas. For those of you who enjoy fishing, Millwood Landing is just one mile away from the lake, with several boat launches. For those of you who enjoy time in the outdoors, there are several viewing areas and trails of the lake. A great time to visit these is at dusk, when you can see plenty of wildlife… and gators. The resort organizes viewing trips in the summer.

Texarkana, best known for being the hometown of famous politician Ross Perot, is just 25 miles away With Texas on the west side, and Arkansas on the east side, this city has several fun family activity areas.  The Fun Country Park has great items such as go-karts, mini-golf, rock climbing and more! There is the Ross Perot Theater, with weekly shows; the Texarkana Regional Arts Center; Stateline Road where you can walk south in Texas, and north in Arkansas; and the Four State Fairgrounds. Every weekend the fairground, home of the Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma border area, holds large events. Be sure to check out what is happening before your next trip to Millwood!

The next cities you should check out on your trip are Hope, Arkansas and Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Hope is also the hometown of another famous politician: former president Bill Clinton. There are several city tours that will take you on areas of where President Clinton grew up, including his childhood home. Head on down to Murfreesboro and plan a day to look for diamonds. There are state parks in the town that allow visitors to sift the grounds for diamonds. And those that you find… you can keep!

If you don’t plan on travelling far, then remember there are also plenty of planned activities on site at Millwood Landing. With family games, homemade dinner specials, and our premiere 18-hole golf course, a trip to Millwood Landing is always full with memories and fun!

What to take with you:

1. Sleeping bag
   But not just any sleeping bag. Make sure yours is appropriate for the climate in which you are camping. A -30 degree sleeping bag will not give you a good night’s sleep on a summer evening. Likewise, you will not be a happy camper in a 60 degree sleeping bag if you are sleeping in a pile of snow.
2. Oven mitt/hot pads
   Often we remember the stove and pots (do not forget those either). We remember the forks and napkins. What we forget is the fact that we cannot just reach into a fire and pull out our dinner, piping hot and ready to eat. If you plan on using pots and pans to cook your dinner—especially over a fire—then be sure to bring something to put between your hands and the steamy kitchenware.
3. Trash bags
   Honestly, you can never have too many spare bags on a camping trip, but trash bags are especially good to have around. At night, put one over your backpack and other gear to keep them dry. Even if it does not rain, if your bag is sitting outside your tent in the morning you will find it drenched with dew. You can save yourself a lot of discomfort by having one or two of these around. Plus you need something to put your trash in. Remember, leave no trace!
4. First aid kit
   I am pretty sure we know about this one, but it is very important so it is included on this list. You never know what will happen and it is good to be prepared. Common minor injuries include scrapes, minor burns (we have to get that marshmallow perfect, right?), stings, and insect bites. Prevention is always best, but preparation is equally important.
5. Extra underwear and socks
   Things happen. Shoes get sweaty, you sit on a damp log, or your canoe tips over. Wearing dirty socks can put someone in a bad mood on its own, and allowing something as small as a sock to ruin your vacation is way too easily avoidable to let it happen. So pack extra socks.
6. Flashlight/spare batteries
   When you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, you will be glad to have this.
7. Rain gear
   Even if you check the weather, you can never be sure when that little wisp in the sky is going to turn into a torrential downpour. While camping in the rain can actually be really fun, you will certainly want to have the option of staying dry, especially given that you do not have your closet full of nice, dry clothes to change into.
8. Wood/kindling/newspaper
   You brought the logs, you brought the matches, and you have a fire pit, so what could possibly go wrong? Well…just the fact that small flames do not like to leap from toothpick-sized matches to massive hunks of wood. There has got to be a transition, and an easy, cheap way to help start your fire is a ball of newspaper or a few strips of cardboard. If you want, you can use small sticks and pine needles, but you cannot count on an abundant supply or that they will not be damp. Remember, even if it has not rained recently, dew can really soak all the natural kindling in the area. (Tip: Avoid using leaves to start fires. They cause a lot of smoke, and after they burn up, the heat from the fire can carry them into the air, potentially into your face or a flammable tree nearby. Burning leaves are a forest fire hazard, even in a fire pit.)

Now that you are well prepared, come back next week to learn what is best left behind for your camping vacation!

Leave no trace camping – Leave your site cleaner than when you first arrived! People who hike in the wilderness employ the “Leave No Trace” method of camping, and those who RV should do so as well to keep your RV sites nice for the other people who come in the future. Cleaning up your trash is a very simple way to “go green” and be eco-friendly while RVing. Picking up other peoples trash that has been left behind is also a great idea and very helpful. It is also good to avoid tampering with things in their natural state – for example, don’t build a fire pit at your campsite unless you make sure to return it back to the state it was in when you first got there.

To go along with keeping the environment clean – make sure you dump your grey and black water in proper facilities. This ensures that you are not polluting waterways, and therefore peoples water sources. Also, by dumping your water in inappropriate places, you can attract rodents and insects, which nobody likes!

Make sure when you go camping that you stick to designated trails and roads. Erosion is not good for the environment because it can destroy natural flora and fauna growing in the area. Plants also act as a strong root for the soil around your campsites – without these your campsite could become very dusty and unpleasant for future families visiting the area.

These are just a few of many, many ways to keep your RVing green and making Mother Nature happy! How have you changed some of your camping habits to promote a healthy environment?