Even under $40 is very easily done! I think we are averaging about $25 per day!! The last 2 weeks have been about $20 per day! We stay and mostly county, state, and national parks and avoid RV parks to keep our cost down!
Loftis Party of Six - weROAM We are averaging just under $20 right now. Our budget allows for up to $40 but we definitely want it as low as possible so we have more fun money!! Thanks for watching and safe travels!!
my wife and I have been enjoying your videos, and have learned a lot. We have been RV'rs for over 35 years but only until recently have we done extensive trips. Being retired Navy ourselves this year we have started to use the military campgrounds and have found it to top our list to look for in our travels. Tomorrow we head on out east again to Dam Neck Virginia beach military camp via an Air force base along the way. So again thanks for your videos you are making our RV life a lot more affordable.
Since finding you two a couple of days ago, I have been bin watching your channel and sending my husband links to ones I especially want him to watch. Well, that list got so long he's now surfing your channel himself. Last night we were sitting in our living together, each with our our phone in our hands, going through and listening to your different videos that especially caught our interest, and this morning I have you on while getting ready for the day, and I stepped out of the bathroom for a moment and heard your voice in the distance - my husband has you on while doing his morning routine. You guys are on in stereo in our home. 😊😉😘 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with all of us!!! We are grateful, inspired, and encouraged! 😍
10:19 - In Las Vegas, NV, over 30 years ago, there was a Casino called Hacienda, it was $5.00 a night, full hookups, looked like two 50 AMP AC plugs, (we were 30 amp., ☹️), breakfast buffets for a few dollars, (might have been $2.99). For us, was the best reason to visit. One drawback: Way too hot in August. (That was back in the summertime short-term travel era). There was at least one casino who served frozen drinks out of what looked like an Icee machine. (Probably more of a Southwest treat, for those more in the North). First time seeing those frozen drinks were in Texas, when I was around 11 years old, (while family was visiting family). (Old 1950’ish Aljo brand trailer then). Frozen drinks helped a bunch with the overheating. (Beware of brain freeze effect though). 😊 Sure enjoy your travel stories / experiences. Thank you both.
Phil & Stacey. I was a little surprised at your average camping at military campgrounds for $22 a night. I just booked Pine View Campground at Ft McCoy, WI in late June for $30 for weeknights and $45 for weekend. Cliffside campground at NAS Whitbey Island, WA goes for $40 per night Off water and $50 for water front site. I should point out on our 147 day Journey to Alaska last year (2019), Cliffside was our favorite campground. Looking at the Alaska trip, we stayed at 12 Military Campgrounds averaging $26.08. We stayed 31 nights in military campgrounds on that trip for a total of $709. averaging 22.87 a night, compared to $38.52 average in private campgrounds. Just my 2 cents worth. Hope to see you down the road. Bill
We have stayed in several that were $17 and $19 per night but this year we hit a $50 p/n at Fort Belvior. We also were able to calculate our monthly rate from Fort Sam
Great video. My wife and I just bought a new travel trailer. We are really happy with the information you provided. We are already going to get our Senior America the Beautiful pass. We will be touring on a budget and your video is a great help. Thanks again.
passport has done us well , we also have coast to coast , a higher end good sam group and we have only done the west , with a circle to arizona , new Mex , and Texas , oklahoma
Binge watching with our 5 year plan. Rv living count down has begun. Retired military as well and really plan utilizing the various bases with rv camping site's. Thank you for all of your hard work and video's. A ton of help so far.
I love watching you Both! This bloopers after has kept me laughing!!! Stacy! Funny! Phil so serious then has all laughing! Not at You Stacy, With you! ❤️ keep making more!!! Thank You Both!
Not all places in the west are expensive. You need to stay at Camp Pendlton it is right on the beach. there are places all over that your cards will work at. Yes gas prices are high in California. But you really need to see the north west. Oregon coast is the most beautiful,
We use Thousand Trails "Zone Pass" and even if you factor in the yearly membership fee, our average RV park fees were around $5/night in 2017-2018 (full hookups). And that includes west coast RV parks in the TT system.
@@todayissomeday I was coming to suggest this as well. We want to head to the pacific NW in a couple of years for a 2.5 month summer adventure. We will definitely look into the TT camping pass for that adventure.
I saw one guy review TT I think he called himself nomad single guy with a beard. He talked about how they have different levels and days of stay and availability to those with membership and how far in advance you can get reservations depending on your membership or such. Best of luck. I live in the NorthWest So many places to have to go to see it all. I’m just outside Portland Oregon So much here to do and see and places to visit it’s tough to know where to send you.
You two are great and so nice to share all your knowledge with everyone else. I have to tip my hat to you for including the bloopers. We all do word flubs! It's just that most creators edit that stuff out so maybe they lose that fun factor flavor but you included it, so kudos for daring to have fun! My wife and I tease each other when we have little verbal slip-ups, and a few have actually made it into our regular banter as an inside joke that no one else will ever understand... unless we choose to enlighten them. Well done, wow, tons of info!
We started with the bloopers as a way to show the real us. We had a hard time showing our personality in the beginning. And now everyone loves them so we are keeping them!
So much GREAT information in this video. I forgot about the Parks discount for vets. I have my Lifetime Vetteren pass on the way now. Again this was a very useful video. I thought about disability pass but they had the online verification for Vets.
Well, I just discovered y’all, and I’m binge watching!! You are such a fun and informative couple! I enjoy your ‘channel’ Thanks for the excellent education!
You guys are Awesome!! I just found and subscribed this morning. My wife and I have been researching buying an RV and I've been learning a lot from youtube. I am a retired Marine Gunny and this month one year anniversary from major cancer surgery. Although I'm still fighting complications from Chemo. I told my wife (sweetie) of 39yrs that we are going to PLAY NOW!!!! I have learned a lot from you guys stories this morning especially about the tow dolly I was considering on getting but will research further LOL...... Thanks so much and Semper-Fi
Welcome, Gunny to our channel! I think if anyone deserves some play time it is you guys! I wish you luck as you do your research and I hope your health continues to improve. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice....Go Navy!
@@todayissomeday Thank you so much and we look forward to viewing and learning from you guy's. Love my Navy Brothers and Sisters!! I was a Grunt and spent MANY a Deployment on the Navy Gators LOL!! LST's, D's & LHA's!!! Chiefs Mess is the Best :) I let you know what we end up getting but got to get a bit of surgery at the end of the month!!! PS: Love the Crew Cut!!
Have you looked at free parking on BLM land and National forest land? I have been looking at those locals to safe $$ when I finally hit the road. It does mean dry camping and finding dumping stations but there’s sites for that as well. I am so glad I found your channel. Have fun and I hope to see you on the road some day.
By the way, back up the road from the gator ranch in south Mississippi is Gulf Islands National Park. With a Am the Beautiful card to camp with water and power is $11.00 a day. Great value. When we bought our Am the Beautiful pass, the ranger mentioned that many states give residents of their state half off their state parks also. Check it out with your state.
Great to know about the access pass, I am a disabled veteran and will definitely look into that. Thank you so much for the great videos and information you provide!
LTVA in Arizona & Southern California during winter months $180 for 7 months Oct - April 15. One fee qualifies for staying at ALL locations. BLM land allows free stays up to 14 days. Must move 25 miles to stay another BLM site free California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah. New Mexico state parks fee is under $200 for their parks.
Just found your channel. Thank you both for your service. Definitely consider Thousand Trails. Get a zone pass to start and add the trails collection. there are a significant number of campgrounds that you will then be able to stay at for free or a minimal cost. ($20/night). The zone pass price varies, depending on whatever promotion they are running. You can add additional zones for $49. per year. Also: Harvest Hosts just added about 200 golf courses.
Thanks for the video. One resource not mentioned: County Fairgrounds. These can range from free for no-hookup parking, to some amount for partial to full hookup. Many also have dump stations with water.
Hey guys, we just want to thank you for all the info you share. We are a military family going back 3 generations, and a couple of our sons are veterans, both disabled. This video, I've shared with them, because until you talked about these things, we never knew about the campgrounds and passes available to us! Thanks again. You guys are my favorite FT RV vloggers. 👍
I am so glad you found us!! I hope you can use these resources! We use them all the time and love them. Thanks to everyone for their service and sacrifice. Safe travels.
I just came across your channel yesterday, it has been very informative for me and I enjoy watching. I'm retired Army, and just started RVing a month ago. Being military yourself you bring a different respective to your videos then I've seen in others. It would be great if you could add footage and more details of the military campgrounds you stay at and what is out there for us. Thank you both for your service.
Thank you for your service! We appreciate you! We are planning to include a lot more on the military base campgrounds or FamCamps. We just left Millington so that will be our first video that highlights only the campground. We hope to hit as many military bases as possible to show what a great selection there is for us out there. Thanks for watching and safe travels!
We used the access pass too for discounts. We also found that calling is better than online and asking what is the best discount... ie disabled Veteran, access pass, etc.
The two of you are so entertaining! Funnies aside, love your video content. We rely heavily on camping apps. I only wish more people would leave reviews. Honest reviews of course. Tell others size and type of rig, type of campsite, ( gravel, dirt, concrete, backin, pull-through etc) and time of year. Likes and dislikes and just overall experience. It’s so helpful when you’re traveling places you’re not familiar with.
Don’t forget Facebook...join groups of your interests...mention you’ll be traveling and watch the invites pour in for people’s back 40, driveway etc. We went from coast to coast staying at people we only met in Facebook groups...for FREE! In the midwest like Iowa and Nebraska that off of the main hwys...in small towns...they have city parks which are free, some even have hook ups...FOR FREE.
BTW the golf courses were purchased by Harvest Host. If you haven't joined I have a coupon code to save you 15%: HHFRIENDS15 Just be sure to use this link: harvesthosts.refr.cc/youmetherv
daddysmurf180 I live in California and things are high out here but you can also find great bargains with Camping Across America ,RV Escapes , Good Sam's and Fam Camps (on base )
One great book you can get is the "Free Campgrounds and Overnight Parking Spots" which lists over 1,000 places across the nation where you can park for free or almost free across the USA by Gypsy journal. I bought mu copy off Kindle, but it was worth it when I was permanent camping in California and Arizona for over a year as I was waiting for my housing to go through. This doesn't incorporate the Walmart's, but does offer a lot of great locations close to where you would like to site see and learn about the culture across the USA.
You're welcome.I found it to be very resourceful for my camping experience. I only paid $180 for the entire winter camping on BLM land, summers are free, and so it truly helps to keep a budget for retired couples.
You can probably tell im binge watching lol...i want as much info as i can get before we buy our fifth wheel!! I am literally taking notes as i watch your videos!! Haha! You guys are awesome!
Tamara Wheeldon I agree with you, love the videos and the wealth of information. We are picking up our first RV, 40' diesel pusher and trying to get all the tips and tricks I can also. Videos are great and very helpful. How can someone just donate to you for your time and knowledge. ,
@@chiefhayes2250 Thanks so much. That was such a nice thing to read. It really made my day. Congrats on your new rig! I hope you love it. No where to donate but it does help a tiny bit if you watch the adds or if you hit one of our amazon links before ordering anything. You dont actually have to purchase what the link is for......anything will count. Thanks again! We appreciate you guys.
If you stick to state and national parks in the west you should be ok. There are even places close to l.a., San Francisco, and other major cities. Springtime at Sugarloaf ridge state park in the Sonoma Valley is beautiful. A good base of operations for visiting wineries in the Napa and Sonoma area. If you decide to go up the redwood highway Richardson Grove state park is a great choice. Your only drawback will be that you will be Boondocking. Most state parks in California don’t have hookups.
Oregon State Parks have 10 days of free camping per month for DAV. I think it is for 50% disabled and above. We have not used it yet but I do have my pass. We had planned a trip for this past summer but responsibilities got in the way.
actually the sr. access pass for at least the past 20 years they cost $10. Use it all the time, love getting into National Parks and National Monuments for free. Some of the National Monuments allow up to 6 people to be able to get the discount.
It no longer costs $10. On August 28, 2017, the cost of the Senior Pass increased to $80. You can purchase a $20 Annual Senior Pass. The Annual Pass is good for one full year from the date of purchase. If you purchase the Annual Senior pass for 4 years in a row it will convert to a senior access pass.
Access Pass: I want to refer to the explanation provided in the video about the Access Pass because I could not find it referenced on the resources list above. The Access Pass is what you get AFTER you apply and confirm you have a permanent disability and get the waiver for National Parks (and more). Watch the Video for more concise directions. Great resources! Good job putting all of this together!
You are right you have to show proof of your disability. If you pick up the pass in person you dont have to fill anything out. Also, there was not a waiver. The Access Pass is all you need.
Awesome newbie thanks for everything we love what you’re doing we’re getting on the road in two years. So we are planning looking at all things so thank you from the bottom of Our hearts. Safe travels always.
Tho not full timers, we travel a lot. I've found the app "campendium" or campendium.com very good for ferreting out campgrounds. Lots of user reviews, priced from free to $$$. But the app only works on iPhones, or of course the website. We've found many small west TX towns offer free (up to 3 nights) campsites with water & electric included. We usually purchase some groceries or fuel in town. We also use the NP "geezer pass" senior pass a lot, at NPs & COEs for the discounted rates. Also, out west are many BLM campgrounds with electric & water. All I've ever stayed in were terrefic, well managed & clean. We're retired, so cheap IS the name of the game. Good travels wishes for you. Thanks
Welcome to our channel D.R. Green. We agree with you cheap is the name of our game as well! The less we spend on our site the more we have in the budget to explore the local life. I use Campendium all the time but to be honest I haven't used it for pricing. But that would be a great place to start. I also just ordered a book one of our subscribers told us about called Camping America's Guide to Free and Low Cost Camping by Don Wright. If it is a good resource I will share it with everyone later in a video. Thanks for watching! Safe travels!
Love the videos. Currently going through and watching all the older videos. This is what I want to do when my wife and I retire. Did you buy Ruby new or used? Thanks.
Your video states that RV park prices are much higher "out west". We've been on the road for over 2-1/2 years and we haven't found that to bee true. We started in Antioch CA and have camped in CA, AZ, NM, TX CO, WY, MT, SD, ND, WI, MI, IL, KY, TN, MO, KY, OK. Except at campgrounds that aren't on the beaches along the Pacific Ocean near large cities, we've found that about $20-$30 a night for FHU is pretty standard, and, in most places, the weekly rates are lower, monthly lower still. And that almost always includes internet and TV.
Another pass or sort of is in Florida if your a senior and like to fish or hunt you can get a senior hunting/fishing license for FREE for LIFE. As far as truck stops, make sure you don't park next to a cattle/hog hauler because you won't be able to stand the smell. I don't know for sure but I have been told that when you use passport america, escapees, ect they can only be used for nightly stays, you cannot use them for weekly or monthly.
I didnt know about the senior license in Florida. Good to know. We will pass on the info. You are right about the monthly savings. Most places give such a big discount on monthly rates they don't allow you to use discounts. Thanks for watching. Go Broncos!
We’re into our third year and average less than 20 a night. You’ll figure it out as you go, but as an example, state parks in New Mexico are 14 a night for water and electric. If you get their annual pass, 225 for non-residents, it’s $4 a night. We typically spend 60 days or more in NM every year, so average cost is less than $10 a night. If you dry camp it’s free with the annual pass. Lots of BLM land out west. In the Midwest, lots of towns offer a few nights free. We stayed at Canon City’s Royal Gorge campground for free. Since it was off season, we stayed a full week with their permission, but normally, you get three days free! Anyway, best wishes going forward.
We have been able to keep our average around $20 per night as well. Between the military bases, military discounts, and the COE parks with the park pass we were even under that for a while. Its funny when we first put this video out we had people tell us that is no way we will be able to stay for that cheap! It has not been at all! We are headed to BLM after Christmas to meet up with friends. So that will help the bottom line as well! Thanks for all the locations. I will have to look them up! Safe Travels!!
Very informative. Nice work. I've just watched 3 of your videos and you two are my new favorites. Retire in 10 months from WI Dept. of Corrections, Going full time in 18 months. I am surprised you didn't mention Thousand Chubbys......... woops, Thousand Trails. Thank you both for your service and keep all the great info coming. It's awesome.
It is an option but at the time I didnt know a lot about it. We have not joined because we prefer to avoid private parks as much as possible so we stay cheaper anyway! Good luck as you move toward full time.
You said you have not traveled west yet. Well, get ready to break the budget. I followed your link for the ArmyCorp and chose to see facilities in central California (where I live). The first one was $150/night. In the off season it is possible to find places that are $26 to $50. But many, many of them were what I consider to be very expensive. Shocking! I am new to RVing so looking for as many tips as possible. The best one is "stay out of California" and perhaps the entire west coast.
There are a ton of Passport America camp grounds on the west coast. I like state parks but don't make your reservations online they charge you $9 fee for making an online res.and KOA's are crazy expensive. When I camped the Pacific Coast HWY this fall. I boondocked at Point Arena light house, state parks under 40 and Harvest Host Boondocking in Sequim WA at the cutest Lavender Farm. If you go to Yosemite and cant get a reservation. You can stay at the Pine Mountain Lake camp ground in Groveland Ca. 24 mile to the gate of Yosemite. Fun Times...I can chatter on:) Good Luck.
Wow! Christina this is priceless information! I am going to add these spots to my list of places to go. thanks! Oh and we agree with KOA....they are way over priced.
You guys are awesome!!! Best information out there, thank you very much, for the military discounts and the golf information. My dream is to play golf at every military base in every state, Hawaii and California are completed. I've been researching for the past 2 years I decided with a travel trailer I narrowed it down to a toyota tundra with a lance 1475 (small) or a f250 with a black series h19 (large) its just me and my service dog. Also planning to equip the truck with a roof top tent to increase the bondocking experience. Thanks again.
So love you two. I too will be on the road some day. I take care of my 95 year old ww2, Korean war, vet dad, and my mom ( she has dementia) but soon dad and I are going on a road trip. Hope to see you on the road. Betty
Harvest Hosts price going up after December. If you buy your membership before January 1st. They will lock your membership in for as long as you renew each year.
Lots of great information and very helpful. Other places active duty and retired military have an option to stay are to call the local VFW or American Legion Post in the destination where you are going and ask if they have overnight space for you to 'moochdock' for the night. Some may require you to actually be an active member of any VFW or American Legion Post in the nation, and some just your Military ID will suffice. Most all are limited to overnight parking only and do not have services but if there isn't a Walmart, Cabella's, or Cracker Barrel nearby it's a good option to have in your hip pocket. Also the Fish and Wildlife have multiple places where they allow boondocking all over the US. And yet another option to consider are county fairgrounds. I was surprised to discover that many county fairgrounds have campsites with water and electric, and a sewer dump located somewhere on the grounds. Most allow you to stay for more than one night as well and some are even popular enough that they have a reservation system in place.
First off, thank you for your service! On the camping on base, I wish it was open to all veterans, not just retired or disabled. Something to think about! On passes, we have the senior pass and got into it before prices went up. We have also full timed for 6 years and ready to hit the road again. We have always had Passport America, as it is the best bang for the buck. We have looked into Thousand Trails and actually have a zone pass at the present. Another great value. COE parks are awesome! Boondocking is what we will be doing a lot of this time around. We will be adding 1200 watts of solar and batteries to give us the freedom to get out in nature. Prices on the west coast can be kept to a minimum with Thousand Trails and Passport America. I tried to stay far away from California! The rest of the west is tolerable! Fuel prices, as well, are much higher than central and south US. $20 dollar a day and under is very achievable!
I am assuming you are prior military based on the military camping.....if so thank you for your service!! We LOVE COE!! They are our first choice no matter where we go. We are planning to travel up the west coast next year so maybe TT or PA will work for us out there. Still trying to decide. We are hoping to eventually add solar but not in the budget at the moment. We will get there! Thanks for watching!
I think you meant nine miles to the gallon not 9 bucks to the gallon LOL Thanks for your vids. Newbie here and I enjoy your Channel. Grabbing a Thor toy hauler and I will be staying longer in each area as I want to ride my bike around the area to checkout areas for retirement.
Hi, I was searching around for a set - up, tear down checklist that I thought you mentioned on one of your videos but am unable to find it. I know that all rigs can be a bit different but would really appreciate having one to start a template. We are hoping to start our adventure in July 2020 when my husband retires. Really enjoying your videos, you two are pretty cute together :). Thanks and happy trails.
We don't have a template. We use, slap wrists bracelets, we simply wrote down the items we need to do while both setting up and breaking down and then "slap" them on the steering wheel when we do them and remove them when we break down the set up. If any are left on the steering wheel, then we missed something. It gives a great visual of what we need to do.
Love your channel! My husband, Mike, a retired Marine and I never full-timed, but did spend 3-4 month periods on the road and loved it SO much! We used the military campgrounds quite often and there are fabulous ones on the West Coast. One of our favorites is just outside Ventura, CA. Do you guys ever use the military campgrounds?
Loved when you said “hit the rack”. You may have confused the clueless. 😊
Even under $40 is very easily done! I think we are averaging about $25 per day!! The last 2 weeks have been about $20 per day! We stay and mostly county, state, and national parks and avoid RV parks to keep our cost down!
Loftis Party of Six - weROAM We are averaging just under $20 right now. Our budget allows for up to $40 but we definitely want it as low as possible so we have more fun money!! Thanks for watching and safe travels!!
my wife and I have been enjoying your videos, and have learned a lot. We have been RV'rs for over 35 years but only until recently have we done extensive trips. Being retired Navy ourselves this year we have started to use the military campgrounds and have found it to top our list to look for in our travels. Tomorrow we head on out east again to Dam Neck Virginia beach military camp via an Air force base along the way. So again thanks for your videos you are making our RV life a lot more affordable.
I'd love you all to do an updated version of this! 🥰
Since finding you two a couple of days ago, I have been bin watching your channel and sending my husband links to ones I especially want him to watch. Well, that list got so long he's now surfing your channel himself. Last night we were sitting in our living together, each with our our phone in our hands, going through and listening to your different videos that especially caught our interest, and this morning I have you on while getting ready for the day, and I stepped out of the bathroom for a moment and heard your voice in the distance - my husband has you on while doing his morning routine. You guys are on in stereo in our home. 😊😉😘 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with all of us!!! We are grateful, inspired, and encouraged! 😍
Thanks so much! we really appreciate your kind words and you hanging out with us more than you know.
They are addicting aren't they I love this channel
10:19 - In Las Vegas, NV, over 30 years ago, there was a Casino called Hacienda, it was $5.00 a night, full hookups, looked like two 50 AMP AC plugs, (we were 30 amp., ☹️), breakfast buffets for a few dollars, (might have been $2.99). For us, was the best reason to visit. One drawback: Way too hot in August. (That was back in the summertime short-term travel era). There was at least one casino who served frozen drinks out of what looked like an Icee machine. (Probably more of a Southwest treat, for those more in the North). First time seeing those frozen drinks were in Texas, when I was around 11 years old, (while family was visiting family). (Old 1950’ish Aljo brand trailer then). Frozen drinks helped a bunch with the overheating. (Beware of brain freeze effect though). 😊 Sure enjoy your travel stories / experiences. Thank you both.
Phil & Stacey. I was a little surprised at your average camping at military campgrounds for $22 a night. I just booked Pine View Campground at Ft McCoy, WI in late June for $30 for weeknights and $45 for weekend. Cliffside campground at NAS Whitbey Island, WA goes for $40 per night Off water and $50 for water front site. I should point out on our 147 day Journey to Alaska last year (2019), Cliffside was our favorite campground. Looking at the Alaska trip, we stayed at 12 Military Campgrounds averaging $26.08. We stayed 31 nights in military campgrounds on that trip for a total of $709. averaging 22.87 a night, compared to $38.52 average in private campgrounds. Just my 2 cents worth. Hope to see you down the road. Bill
We have stayed in several that were $17 and $19 per night but this year we hit a $50 p/n at Fort Belvior. We also were able to calculate our monthly rate from Fort Sam
I watch even your old vids, just for the amusing parts…eg GAS CHUBBY instead of Gas Buddy!!!
I roared with laughter just like you both did!!
Great video. My wife and I just bought a new travel trailer. We are really happy with the information you provided. We are already going to get our Senior America the Beautiful pass. We will be touring on a budget and your video is a great help. Thanks again.
I used to belong to good sams
30 years ago and in Michigan they did not my allow my husky or any large dog is it still the same ?
Wow you guys have done your homework.. Thanks for all the great information!
passport has done us well , we also have coast to coast , a higher end good sam group
and we have only done the west , with a circle to arizona , new Mex , and Texas , oklahoma
Binge watching with our 5 year plan. Rv living count down has begun. Retired military as well and really plan utilizing the various bases with rv camping site's. Thank you for all of your hard work and video's. A ton of help so far.
Thank you for your service!!!
If you're in AZ, be sure to check out Davis-Montham and Gila Bend AF campsites, Nellis in "Lost Wages, NV, as well as NAS Fallon, NV.
Thanks!
I love watching you Both! This bloopers after has kept me laughing!!! Stacy! Funny! Phil so serious then has all laughing! Not at You Stacy, With you! ❤️ keep making more!!! Thank You Both!
Glad you enjoyed it
OMG those outtakes at the end were priceless! Lol Thanks for all the info.
The outtakes are the easiest part!
Not all places in the west are expensive. You need to stay at Camp Pendlton it is right on the beach. there are places all over that your cards will work at. Yes gas prices are high in California. But you really need to see the north west. Oregon coast is the most beautiful,
Thanks so much, fellow Veteran Family🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲! Y'all reallt did your homework!!!
We use Thousand Trails "Zone Pass" and even if you factor in the yearly membership fee, our average RV park fees were around $5/night in 2017-2018 (full hookups). And that includes west coast RV parks in the TT system.
We are thinking about TT for next year as we travel up the west coast. Thanks for the info. Safe travels
@@todayissomeday I was coming to suggest this as well. We want to head to the pacific NW in a couple of years for a 2.5 month summer adventure. We will definitely look into the TT camping pass for that adventure.
I saw one guy review TT
I think he called himself nomad single guy with a beard.
He talked about how they have different levels and days of stay and availability to those with membership and how far in advance you can get reservations depending on your membership or such.
Best of luck.
I live in the NorthWest
So many places to have to go to see it all. I’m just outside Portland Oregon So much here to do and see and places to visit it’s tough to know where to send you.
You two are great and so nice to share all your knowledge with everyone else. I have to tip my hat to you for including the bloopers. We all do word flubs! It's just that most creators edit that stuff out so maybe they lose that fun factor flavor but you included it, so kudos for daring to have fun! My wife and I tease each other when we have little verbal slip-ups, and a few have actually made it into our regular banter as an inside joke that no one else will ever understand... unless we choose to enlighten them. Well done, wow, tons of info!
We started with the bloopers as a way to show the real us. We had a hard time showing our personality in the beginning. And now everyone loves them so we are keeping them!
So much GREAT information in this video. I forgot about the Parks discount for vets. I have my Lifetime Vetteren pass on the way now. Again this was a very useful video. I thought about disability pass but they had the online verification for Vets.
Well, I just discovered y’all, and I’m binge watching!! You are such a fun and informative couple! I enjoy your ‘channel’
Thanks for the excellent education!
Welcome aboard! Thanks for subbing!
You guys are Awesome!! I just found and subscribed this morning. My wife and I have been researching buying an RV and I've been learning a lot from youtube. I am a retired Marine Gunny and this month one year anniversary from major cancer surgery. Although I'm still fighting complications from Chemo. I told my wife (sweetie) of 39yrs that we are going to PLAY NOW!!!! I have learned a lot from you guys stories this morning especially about the tow dolly I was considering on getting but will research further LOL...... Thanks so much and Semper-Fi
Welcome, Gunny to our channel! I think if anyone deserves some play time it is you guys! I wish you luck as you do your research and I hope your health continues to improve. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice....Go Navy!
@@todayissomeday Thank you so much and we look forward to viewing and learning from you guy's. Love my Navy Brothers and Sisters!! I was a Grunt and spent MANY a Deployment on the Navy Gators LOL!! LST's, D's & LHA's!!! Chiefs Mess is the Best :) I let you know what we end up getting but got to get a bit of surgery at the end of the month!!! PS: Love the Crew Cut!!
Have you looked at free parking on BLM land and National forest land? I have been looking at those locals to safe $$ when I finally hit the road. It does mean dry camping and finding dumping stations but there’s sites for that as well. I am so glad I found your channel. Have fun and I hope to see you on the road some day.
We just spent 30 days on BLM. It was great!
Agree about AF Academy Campground. Still my favorite by far.
It is just beautiful, right? We cant wait to go back.
Hi guy’s, in Canada we call it dry camping
By the way, back up the road from the gator ranch in south Mississippi is Gulf Islands National Park. With a Am the Beautiful card to camp with water and power is $11.00 a day. Great value. When we bought our Am the Beautiful pass, the ranger mentioned that many states give residents of their state half off their state parks also. Check it out with your state.
We need to check this place out the next time we roll through there. Several people have mentioned the is place. It must be nice.
Great to know about the access pass, I am a disabled veteran and will definitely look into that. Thank you so much for the great videos and information you provide!
The the West has incredible Boondocking sights. We live in California and mostly boondock. You just need to do a little homework.
Gosh, I LOVE all this information for Vets! I had no idea we have all these benefits! I am so glad you guys lead the way on this!
Glad it was helpful!
LTVA in Arizona & Southern California during winter months $180 for 7 months Oct - April 15. One fee qualifies for staying at ALL locations. BLM land allows free stays up to 14 days. Must move 25 miles to stay another BLM site free California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah. New Mexico state parks fee is under $200 for their parks.
Just found your channel. Thank you both for your service. Definitely consider Thousand Trails. Get a zone pass to start and add the trails collection. there are a significant number of campgrounds that you will then be able to stay at for free or a minimal cost. ($20/night). The zone pass price varies, depending on whatever promotion they are running. You can add additional zones for $49. per year. Also: Harvest Hosts just added about 200 golf courses.
I didn't know about the golf courses. Awesome!
Thanks for the video.
One resource not mentioned: County Fairgrounds. These can range from free for no-hookup parking, to some amount for partial to full hookup. Many also have dump stations with water.
You are so right! We discovered these long after making this video.
I’m just learning and researching... this is my 5 year goal!
That's what we did! You will love what you find in those 5 years!
When you're driving through New Mexico, NM state parks are $14.00 per night and include electricity and water at your site, wifi and a dump station.
We love state parks! Thanks heads up!
Hey guys, we just want to thank you for all the info you share. We are a military family going back 3 generations, and a couple of our sons are veterans, both disabled. This video, I've shared with them, because until you talked about these things, we never knew about the campgrounds and passes available to us! Thanks again. You guys are my favorite FT RV vloggers. 👍
I am so glad you found us!! I hope you can use these resources! We use them all the time and love them. Thanks to everyone for their service and sacrifice. Safe travels.
I just came across your channel yesterday, it has been very informative for me and I enjoy watching. I'm retired Army, and just started RVing a month ago. Being military yourself you bring a different respective to your videos then I've seen in others. It would be great if you could add footage and more details of the military campgrounds you stay at and what is out there for us. Thank you both for your service.
Thank you for your service! We appreciate you! We are planning to include a lot more on the military base campgrounds or FamCamps. We just left Millington so that will be our first video that highlights only the campground. We hope to hit as many military bases as possible to show what a great selection there is for us out there. Thanks for watching and safe travels!
We used the access pass too for discounts. We also found that calling is better than online and asking what is the best discount... ie disabled Veteran, access pass, etc.
The two of you are so entertaining! Funnies aside, love your video content. We rely heavily on camping apps. I only wish more people would leave reviews. Honest reviews of course. Tell others size and type of rig, type of campsite, ( gravel, dirt, concrete, backin, pull-through etc) and time of year. Likes and dislikes and just overall experience. It’s so helpful when you’re traveling places you’re not familiar with.
We agree completely!! They are so helpful when available.
Don’t forget Facebook...join groups of your interests...mention you’ll be traveling and watch the invites pour in for people’s back 40, driveway etc. We went from coast to coast staying at people we only met in Facebook groups...for FREE!
In the midwest like Iowa and Nebraska that off of the main hwys...in small towns...they have city parks which are free, some even have hook ups...FOR FREE.
Go Broncos!!!
Thanks for all of the videos!
Very helpful as our family considers getting an RV.
If you are in or around Delhi CA try the Merced RV Park 480.00 a month plus electric
Great Price!
Boondocking at golf courses: brilliant! Now they need to add boondocking at disc golf courses!!
BTW the golf courses were purchased by Harvest Host. If you haven't joined I have a coupon code to save you 15%: HHFRIENDS15 Just be sure to use this link: harvesthosts.refr.cc/youmetherv
daddysmurf180 I live in California and things are high out here but you can also find great bargains with Camping Across America ,RV Escapes , Good Sam's and Fam Camps (on base )
Thanks for the tips!
You guys are the BEST! Thank you for all the info.
Our pleasure!
One great book you can get is the "Free Campgrounds and Overnight Parking Spots" which lists over 1,000 places across the nation where you can park for free or almost free across the USA by Gypsy journal. I bought mu copy off Kindle, but it was worth it when I was permanent camping in California and Arizona for over a year as I was waiting for my housing to go through. This doesn't incorporate the Walmart's, but does offer a lot of great locations close to where you would like to site see and learn about the culture across the USA.
We just got that book! Thanks!
You're welcome.I found it to be very resourceful for my camping experience. I only paid $180 for the entire winter camping on BLM land, summers are free, and so it truly helps to keep a budget for retired couples.
buy a washington state park pass for discounts. Good luck!
You can probably tell im binge watching lol...i want as much info as i can get before we buy our fifth wheel!! I am literally taking notes as i watch your videos!! Haha! You guys are awesome!
I am so glad we could be of help. That was the goal!!
Tamara Wheeldon I agree with you, love the videos and the wealth of information. We are picking up our first RV, 40' diesel pusher and trying to get all the tips and tricks I can also. Videos are great and very helpful. How can someone just donate to you for your time and knowledge. ,
@@chiefhayes2250 Thanks so much. That was such a nice thing to read. It really made my day. Congrats on your new rig! I hope you love it. No where to donate but it does help a tiny bit if you watch the adds or if you hit one of our amazon links before ordering anything. You dont actually have to purchase what the link is for......anything will count. Thanks again! We appreciate you guys.
Thanks for info on the access pass. Im a veteran with a disability & just received my pass today.
Awesome!!
If you stick to state and national parks in the west you should be ok. There are even places close to l.a., San Francisco, and other major cities. Springtime at Sugarloaf ridge state park in the Sonoma Valley is beautiful. A good base of operations for visiting wineries in the Napa and Sonoma area. If you decide to go up the redwood highway Richardson Grove state park is a great choice. Your only drawback will be that you will be Boondocking. Most state parks in California don’t have hookups.
Thanks for the tips Tim. We can't wait to head out West.
Oregon State Parks have 10 days of free camping per month for DAV. I think it is for 50% disabled and above. We have not used it yet but I do have my pass. We had planned a trip for this past summer but responsibilities got in the way.
We can't wait to get out west and enjoy those parks!
Enjoy your channel...going full time in February...see you on the road!
Thank you so much! Safe travels!
Good stuff, thanks for taking the time to share.
actually the sr. access pass for at least the past 20 years they cost $10. Use it all the time, love getting into National Parks and National Monuments for free. Some of the National Monuments allow up to 6 people to be able to get the discount.
It no longer costs $10. On August 28, 2017, the cost of the Senior Pass increased to $80. You can purchase a $20 Annual Senior Pass. The Annual Pass is good for one full year from the date of purchase. If you purchase the Annual Senior pass for 4 years in a row it will convert to a senior access pass.
Thanks for sharing your great list of resources. You guys are hilarious...I love waiting to watch your "bloopers" at the end!
Def, ME too…!!! 🪁⛱🍦🍪⚾️🦞🌭💖
COE & Famcamps will be great budget savers, but you know that!
Brad-Lisa Wasser Agreed!! COE are the best!! Thanks for watching and safe travels.
Access Pass: I want to refer to the explanation provided in the video about the Access Pass because I could not find it referenced on the resources list above.
The Access Pass is what you get AFTER you apply and confirm you have a permanent disability and get the waiver for National Parks (and more). Watch the Video for more concise directions.
Great resources! Good job putting all of this together!
You are right you have to show proof of your disability. If you pick up the pass in person you dont have to fill anything out. Also, there was not a waiver. The Access Pass is all you need.
Awesome newbie thanks for everything we love what you’re doing we’re getting on the road in two years. So we are planning looking at all things so thank you from the bottom of Our hearts. Safe travels always.
Lmao. You too are a hoot! Great videos and lots of useful information. Thank you
Tho not full timers, we travel a lot. I've found the app "campendium" or campendium.com very good for ferreting out campgrounds. Lots of user reviews, priced from free to $$$. But the app only works on iPhones, or of course the website. We've found many small west TX towns offer free (up to 3 nights) campsites with water & electric included. We usually purchase some groceries or fuel in town.
We also use the NP "geezer pass" senior pass a lot, at NPs & COEs for the discounted rates. Also, out west are many BLM campgrounds with electric & water. All I've ever stayed in were terrefic, well managed & clean.
We're retired, so cheap IS the name of the game. Good travels wishes for you. Thanks
Welcome to our channel D.R. Green. We agree with you cheap is the name of our game as well! The less we spend on our site the more we have in the budget to explore the local life.
I use Campendium all the time but to be honest I haven't used it for pricing. But that would be a great place to start. I also just ordered a book one of our subscribers told us about called Camping America's Guide to Free and Low Cost Camping by Don Wright. If it is a good resource I will share it with everyone later in a video.
Thanks for watching! Safe travels!
Loving your channel. Thank you for your service! Have a blessed Christmas.
Love the videos. Currently going through and watching all the older videos. This is what I want to do when my wife and I retire. Did you buy Ruby new or used? Thanks.
We bought used and had it inspected beforehand.
You should look at thousand trails
We have and it might be an option for us down the road. thanks
Great information.
Thank you
Happy Camping
Your video states that RV park prices are much higher "out west". We've been on the road for over 2-1/2 years and we haven't found that to bee true. We started in Antioch CA and have camped in CA, AZ, NM, TX CO, WY, MT, SD, ND, WI, MI, IL, KY, TN, MO, KY, OK. Except at campgrounds that aren't on the beaches along the Pacific Ocean near large cities, we've found that about $20-$30 a night for FHU is pretty standard, and, in most places, the weekly rates are lower, monthly lower still. And that almost always includes internet and TV.
Another pass or sort of is in Florida if your a senior and like to fish or hunt you can get a senior hunting/fishing license for FREE for LIFE. As far as truck stops, make sure you don't park next to a cattle/hog hauler because you won't be able to stand the smell. I don't know for sure but I have been told that when you use passport america, escapees, ect they can only be used for nightly stays, you cannot use them for weekly or monthly.
I didnt know about the senior license in Florida. Good to know. We will pass on the info. You are right about the monthly savings. Most places give such a big discount on monthly rates they don't allow you to use discounts. Thanks for watching. Go Broncos!
We too missed a ton in WI before we moved to FL, i think we all forget to explore our home area
I think so too!
Terrific video! Thx for all the great info! Happy travels!
Good info! Definitely going to look into the access pass :)
Comprehensive, as always! 🤗
Thanks!
We’re into our third year and average less than 20 a night. You’ll figure it out as you go, but as an example, state parks in New Mexico are 14 a night for water and electric. If you get their annual pass, 225 for non-residents, it’s $4 a night. We typically spend 60 days or more in NM every year, so average cost is less than $10 a night. If you dry camp it’s free with the annual pass. Lots of BLM land out west. In the Midwest, lots of towns offer a few nights free. We stayed at Canon City’s Royal Gorge campground for free. Since it was off season, we stayed a full week with their permission, but normally, you get three days free! Anyway, best wishes going forward.
We have been able to keep our average around $20 per night as well. Between the military bases, military discounts, and the COE parks with the park pass we were even under that for a while. Its funny when we first put this video out we had people tell us that is no way we will be able to stay for that cheap! It has not been at all! We are headed to BLM after Christmas to meet up with friends. So that will help the bottom line as well! Thanks for all the locations. I will have to look them up! Safe Travels!!
Thank you for all the internet resources. Saved locally on my laptop for future reference.
You are very welcome! Safe travels
We loved the USS Wisconsin when we went
Preparing now for my future RV life, this is so helpful, very grateful for your knowledge. Hope to meet you both on the road someday!
Congrats and good luck!
GO BRONCOS! Love your video. We're starting full timing in June 2020. Great video, great info. Appreciate you guys!
You are so welcome.
Very informative. Nice work. I've just watched 3 of your videos and you two are my new favorites. Retire in 10 months from WI Dept. of Corrections, Going full time in 18 months. I am surprised you didn't mention Thousand Chubbys......... woops, Thousand Trails. Thank you both for your service and keep all the great info coming. It's awesome.
It is an option but at the time I didnt know a lot about it. We have not joined because we prefer to avoid private parks as much as possible so we stay cheaper anyway! Good luck as you move toward full time.
Fort Ripley Minnesota $17 a night
Love your channel. I have subscribed ❤😊👍 Thank you for the advice
Welcome!
Harvest Hosts also has a golf course add on.
You said you have not traveled west yet. Well, get ready to break the budget. I followed your link for the ArmyCorp and chose to see facilities in central California (where I live). The first one was $150/night. In the off season it is possible to find places that are $26 to $50. But many, many of them were what I consider to be very expensive. Shocking! I am new to RVing so looking for as many tips as possible. The best one is "stay out of California" and perhaps the entire west coast.
That is shocking to hear Deborah. We have heard the West coast is expensive.....but that takes the cake!!!
There are a ton of Passport America camp grounds on the west coast. I like state parks but don't make your reservations online they charge you $9 fee for making an online res.and KOA's are crazy expensive. When I camped the Pacific Coast HWY this fall. I boondocked at Point Arena light house, state parks under 40 and Harvest Host Boondocking in Sequim WA at the cutest Lavender Farm. If you go to Yosemite and cant get a reservation. You can stay at the Pine Mountain Lake camp ground in Groveland Ca. 24 mile to the gate of Yosemite. Fun Times...I can chatter on:) Good Luck.
Wow! Christina this is priceless information! I am going to add these spots to my list of places to go. thanks! Oh and we agree with KOA....they are way over priced.
Great video! Thank you
You guys are awesome!!! Best information out there, thank you very much, for the military discounts and the golf information. My dream is to play golf at every military base in every state, Hawaii and California are completed. I've been researching for the past 2 years I decided with a travel trailer I narrowed it down to a toyota tundra with a lance 1475 (small) or a f250 with a black series h19 (large) its just me and my service dog. Also planning to equip the truck with a roof top tent to increase the bondocking experience. Thanks again.
Thanks Rafael! Congrats on your decision. You and your service dog are going to love the freedom of boondocking.
GO BRONCOS!!!!
I like your videos.... and GO Chiefs!
Excellent info on all the places to stay and the clubs to join! Thank you!
You are very welcome! Safe travels
Thank-you so much for sharing this information. You have covered items that are great for people considering the rv life.
Thanks!
So love you two. I too will be on the road some day. I take care of my 95 year old ww2, Korean war, vet dad, and my mom ( she has dementia) but soon dad and I are going on a road trip. Hope to see you on the road.
Betty
Please thank him for his service
Staying in a campground for a month is definitely the cheapest way and it gives you time to explore the area
We have enjoyed many military campgrounds.
We love them! Thank you for your service btw!
Harvest Hosts price going up after December. If you buy your membership before January 1st. They will lock your membership in for as long as you renew each year.
Yes, I did see that. Thankfully we are in!
I love your shirts. I am born and raised in Colorado and the Broncos will always be my team.
I had to move to Texas, my new favorite state.
Phil is from the Springs and he is a diehard too! I am just there for moral support. Go Broncos!
Lots of great information and very helpful. Other places active duty and retired military have an option to stay are to call the local VFW or American Legion Post in the destination where you are going and ask if they have overnight space for you to 'moochdock' for the night. Some may require you to actually be an active member of any VFW or American Legion Post in the nation, and some just your Military ID will suffice. Most all are limited to overnight parking only and do not have services but if there isn't a Walmart, Cabella's, or Cracker Barrel nearby it's a good option to have in your hip pocket. Also the Fish and Wildlife have multiple places where they allow boondocking all over the US. And yet another option to consider are county fairgrounds. I was surprised to discover that many county fairgrounds have campsites with water and electric, and a sewer dump located somewhere on the grounds. Most allow you to stay for more than one night as well and some are even popular enough that they have a reservation system in place.
First off, thank you for your service! On the camping on base, I wish it was open to all veterans, not just retired or disabled. Something to think about! On passes, we have the senior pass and got into it before prices went up. We have also full timed for 6 years and ready to hit the road again. We have always had Passport America, as it is the best bang for the buck. We have looked into Thousand Trails and actually have a zone pass at the present. Another great value. COE parks are awesome! Boondocking is what we will be doing a lot of this time around. We will be adding 1200 watts of solar and batteries to give us the freedom to get out in nature. Prices on the west coast can be kept to a minimum with Thousand Trails and Passport America. I tried to stay far away from California! The rest of the west is tolerable! Fuel prices, as well, are much higher than central and south US. $20 dollar a day and under is very achievable!
I am assuming you are prior military based on the military camping.....if so thank you for your service!! We LOVE COE!! They are our first choice no matter where we go. We are planning to travel up the west coast next year so maybe TT or PA will work for us out there. Still trying to decide.
We are hoping to eventually add solar but not in the budget at the moment. We will get there! Thanks for watching!
One group you left out are retired DOD personnel that also qualify at military campgrounds.
@@rthkjh1 We did. Sorry about that.
I think you meant nine miles to the gallon not 9 bucks to the gallon LOL
Thanks for your vids. Newbie here and I enjoy your Channel. Grabbing a Thor toy hauler and I will be staying longer in each area as I want to ride my bike around the area to checkout areas for retirement.
You are correct. Thanks for joining us.
We know less than you! 😊 but you have been a big help
Thank you! I never knew about the casino website. I am really enjoying your videos. Just found you yesterday so catching up
Awesome! Welcome
Hi, I was searching around for a set - up, tear down checklist that I thought you mentioned on one of your videos but am unable to find it. I know that all rigs can be a bit different but would really appreciate having one to start a template. We are hoping to start our adventure in July 2020 when my husband retires. Really enjoying your videos, you two are pretty cute together :). Thanks and happy trails.
We don't have a template. We use, slap wrists bracelets, we simply wrote down the items we need to do while both setting up and breaking down and then "slap" them on the steering wheel when we do them and remove them when we break down the set up. If any are left on the steering wheel, then we missed something. It gives a great visual of what we need to do.
Love your channel! My husband, Mike, a retired Marine and I never full-timed, but did spend 3-4 month periods on the road and loved it SO much! We used the military campgrounds quite often and there are fabulous ones on the West Coast. One of our favorites is just outside Ventura, CA. Do you guys ever use the military campgrounds?
We do, when it fits in our travel plans and when and if we have to sit for a long period.