FMCA is now Family RV Association —
same great RV community, bold new direction! |
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The Show-Me State boasts a rich history. For example, Springfield, Missouri, is the birthplace of iconic Route 66, which turns a century old this year. Author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) penned novels based on his experiences growing up in the small town of Hannibal, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of his classic novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, in 2026 also. Family fun awaits in Branson, including Silver Dollar City. And as soccer fever sweeps across the world, Kansas City will host six FIFA World Cup matches this summer.
We suggest a few other places below. One is an invitation for you to ring in the Fourth of July with fellow RVers to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial at FRVA’s 250 Years of Red, White & Blue International Convention & RV Expo at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.
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Explore Gateway Arch National Park |
Gateway Arch National Park is different from most U.S. national parks because it’s an urban park right in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Planning ahead can make your visit much easier, especially if you’re traveling in an RV.
Be aware that on-site parking is not available at the Arch, and many area streets, parking lots, and garages are not oversized-vehicle-friendly. Plus, maneuvering larger rigs downtown can be stressful. Many RVers stay at DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park and ride the MetroLink light rail into downtown. Others park off-site and use rideshares or public transportation.
More tips for visiting:
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- Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time to ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch — a good idea for weekends, holidays, or Cardinals baseball game days.
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Combo ticket packages may include the tram ride, the award-winning Monument to the Dream documentary film, seasonal riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River, and more.
- Pre-purchasing parking for passenger vehicles online the day before your visit can also save money on busy event days.
- The tram ride takes about 45–60 minutes total and is not fully accessible.
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Visitors pass through airport-style security screening before entering the museum and tram lobby, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tram time.
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Visitors also consider the underground museum one of the park's highlights, and the newly reopened Old Courthouse is worth seeing as well.
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Where will you go with your FRVA friends?
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From Alaska and Canada to the Lower 48, Baja, and beyond, Fantasy RV Tours offers professionally guided RV vacations exclusively for Family RV Association members — plus a member discount. The Fantasy team takes care of the planning, campground reservations, and must-see experiences, so you can simply enjoy the journey and travel with confidence alongside your fellow FRVA members. Wherever the road is calling you next, Fantasy RV Tours makes it easy to get there. Start planning your next adventure now!
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New Family RV Association members receive a complimentary year of participation in the KOA Rewards program. If you’ve not been enrolled in the program previously, you’ll enjoy 10% off your daily registration rate at any of KOA's 500+ campgrounds in North America for that year. You'll also earn points that may be redeemed for dollars off future stays, and you'll have access to exclusive KOA loyalty program offers!
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Missouri is calling YOU for the Red, White, and Blue
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Ring in the USA’s 250th birthday with fellow RVers at Family RV Association’s 113th International Convention & RV Expo, July 1-4 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Featured entertainment will include Felix & Fingers’ Dueling Pianos, folk and bluegrass by Pam Setser, and Matt Gumm’s musical-comedy variety show. On Saturday afternoon, July 4, attendees will enjoy a Fourth of July picnic, complete with a cookout and live music by Nashville recording artist Amy Newhart. And don’t miss the exhibits, seminars, downtown party, and other special events! Bonus: Plan to remain on-grounds for the Midwest Area Rally, July 5-6. Want to learn more? Tune in to a special Facebook Live Q&A Session, Wednesday, May 20, at 3:00 p.m. EST (also available on FRVA’s YouTube channel) for more details about arriving, parking, managing the schedule, etc.
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RV-related recall information
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Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.
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Follow the trails in Missouri
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American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is coming up soon, offering plenty of ways to get outdoors. Taking place on the first Saturday of June, the event is aimed at advocacy and trail service.
“Tens of thousands of hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails,” the American Hiking Society states.
In Missouri, there are many ways to observe this day; one is the Amazing Race Challenge on June 6 at Crowder State Park in Trenton. Inspired by "The Amazing Race" TV show, this event takes place on Crowder Lake and along portions of the park's trails. Participation is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call the park office by Wednesday, June 3, to register: 660-359-6473.
Missouri visitors can also visit Trail of Tears State Park, part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. According to the Missouri State Park website, the trail helps visitors gain a better understanding of “one of the saddest chapters in American history.” Missouri’s part of the trail marks an area where nine of the 13 Cherokee detachments crossed while being forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to Oklahoma in the late 1830s.
For info about these events, locations, and more sites in Missouri, visit mostateparks.com.
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Did you know Missouri is tied with Tennessee for having the most neighboring states? (Each has eight that border it.) Many RVers drive through Missouri, whether heading to the Ozarks, crossing the Midwest, or traveling to Family RV Association’s 113th International Convention & RV Expo in Sedalia this summer.
If Missouri is part of your route, consider staying at one of FRVA’s commercial-member campgrounds during your travels. Many offer member discounts, so don’t forget to mention your membership when making reservations. Want to find more FRVA commercial-member campgrounds in Missouri’s neighboring states? Look for locations in the RV Marketplace.
Missouri campgrounds:
Columbia: Cottonwoods RV Park, C13164
Osceola: Arrowhead Point RV Park, C14300
Poplar Bluff: Camelot RV Campground/RV Park, C7491
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The name may have changed, but Family RV Association remains an RVer’s best friend. From valuable benefits such as Medical & Travel Assist, included with every family membership, to RV-related discounts, services, and community connections, FRVA helps you enjoy the RV lifestyle more. Join a chapter, attend a rally, or connect with fellow RVers online. Check frva.com regularly to see what’s new.
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S.O.S. . . . Marine Style
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In military mess halls, few meals are more legendary than “S.O.S.” — better known by generations of service members as “S### on a Shingle.” Its simplicity made it ideal for feeding troops quickly and affordably.
Traditional versions featured chipped beef over toast, while others used hamburger or sausage, depending on the military branch and available ingredients. Some cooks would add Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, or hot sauce for extra flavor. This version comes from a former Marine and reflects the hearty variations often made outside the mess hall.
As Armed Forces Day approaches on May 16, we salute this classic military dish, which offers a flavorful way to honor the men and women who served.
Staff Sergeant Berry’s Marine-Inspired S.O.S.
1 pound ground beef
1 pound hot sausage (optional)
½ cup beef or chicken broth
½ cup milk or heavy cream
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Optional: 1½ cups diced mushrooms
Directions
Brown ground beef, sausage, and mushrooms (if using); drain excess fat. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour to form a roux. Add broth, milk/cream, and soup, stirring until smooth. Return meat mixture to pan, season to taste, and simmer until heated through. Add more liquid if it’s too thick. Serve over toast or biscuits.
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Family RV Association Area Rally Schedule |
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MAY 2026
INTO (International)
May 13-17 | Sevierville, TN
JUNE 2026
Great Lakes
June 10-13 | Allegan, MI
JUNE 2026
Northwest
June 17-20 | North Bend, OR
JULY 2026
Midwest
July 5-6 | Sedalia, MO
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| SEPTEMBER 2026
South Central
September 14-17 | Crystal Beach, TX
SEPTEMBER 2026
Northeast
September 30-October 3
Essex Junction, VT
OCTOBER 2026
Rocky Mountain
October 7-11 | Farmington, NM
JANUARY 2027
Western
January 6-10 | Indio, CA
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Family RV Association 8291 Clough Pike | Cincinnati, OH 45244 US
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