Wandering To Wyoming

The “Cowboy State,” aka Wyoming, received its nickname in the early 1900s. The name was fitting given the number of ranches the state was and still is home to, and because of the adoption of the bucking bronco symbol as the state logo. Wyoming is also known as Big Wyoming, because of its sheer size, and as the Equality State, since it was the first to give women the right to vote.

As FMCA prepares to wander to Wyoming in August for our 107th International Convention & RV Expo, we wanted to share some fun state facts; tips for traveling to Wyoming and beyond; and, of course, some delicious dishes that Wyoming is famous for.

We hope this edition inspires you to join FMCA at our “Celebrating Sixty” convention, August 23-26 in Gillette, Wyoming, or at least add Wyoming to your travel plans in the future.

Giddy Up!

The FMCA Team

FMCA Convention Kudos

We just returned from the Perry, Georgia, convention. If you are new to FMCA or new to RVing and have not attended a convention, then please put that on your bucket list. If you are new, then you will appreciate the seminars and workshops that are made available. If you are looking for any item for your RV, there are literally dozens of vendors promoting their offerings. If you are interested in looking at new RVs and possibly trading up, or down, there are many to look at and dream about.

Jerry & Jean Cornelius, F526046

Interested in joining us at an upcoming event? You can find more information on all FMCA events at https://www.fmca.com/fmca-events. Choose what location is best for you. We have many different chapter gatherings, area rallies, and two international conventions & RV expos every year. 

Explore Wyoming . . . The Spirit Of The West

Consider a trip to Gillette, Wyoming, for FMCA’s 107th International Convention & RV Expo, August 23-26, 2023. Then make plans before or after the event to discover the state’s bounty of treasures.

Travel Wyoming is an excellent information source when developing your itinerary. The website is divided into five major sections: things to do, places to go, trip planning, national parks, and events. Multiple subcategories allow you to pinpoint cities, specific attractions, and other options. You also can download the 2023 Official Wyoming Travel Guide for reference anytime.

Major bucket-list destinations include Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks — the state’s most-visited attractions, located in the northwest corner. Yellowstone boasts more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, 300 waterfalls, and wildlife galore. Its amazing thermal features include the Old Faithful geyser, which reportedly erupts 20 times a day. Grand Teton boasts its own share of jaw-dropping mountain, river, and forest views; Teton Park Road, a scenic loop, offers glimpses of the park’s beauty.

Many cities provide a healthy dose of the Western experience. One is Cody, home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, whose five museums delve into the area’s natural and cultural history. And as the Rodeo Capital of the World, Cody hosts nightly rodeos throughout the summer.

Devils Tower National Monument, an hour or so from Gillette, is a must-see. This monolithic butte has attracted rock climbers and onlookers for decades. Movie fans may remember the 1970s film Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, which was shot there.

The Wyoming Travel Guide offers other useful visitor tips. Campsite reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Cell service and internet connectivity are limited in some areas, so be armed with maps and let someone know where you plan to go. Pack for all climates, as temperatures can vary widely. Keep your pets leashed and refer to pet rules before visiting parks and other attractions. It may take several days to acclimate to higher-altitude areas; to make the process smoother, drink ample water and ease into strenuous activity. Drive safely and observe posted speed limits; stop at pullouts to view the scenery. Admire wildlife from afar and do not feed the animals. Those with accessibility needs can look for attractions identified in the visitor guide; or learn more here.

As you travel, take advantage of the Wyoming Welcome Centers, which provide information specialists, interactive displays, maps, and more.

Perhaps the best suggestion for exploring Wyoming is this: Give yourself plenty of time!

Go Wa-a-ay Out West

If you are traveling out West this summer, and maybe attending FMCA’s 107th International Convention & RV Expo in Gillette, Wyoming, you likely already know that the western United States, including the West Coast, is known for some of America’s most gorgeous national parks, vibrant cities, and breathtaking shorelines. With so much to see and do, how do you start planning? You may think of some of the bigger cities and parks while planning your trip, but don’t forget to stop among the multiple hidden gems this area of the United States has to offer. North Cascades National Park, Depoe Bay, and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are all included on this list of 10 Hidden Gem Destinations On The West Coast.

If you want to stick to national parks for your adventure out West, check out 27 Epic Western US National Parks from It’s Not About the Miles. Want to hike along gorgeous mountains and canyons, or stop at a hot spring? This list can help you find the best national park out West for you. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia, Zion, Joshua Tree, and more are featured on this must-see list.

Join Fantasy RV Before FMCA's Summer Convention!

Grab your cowboy hats for this legendary wild West event – the Calgary Stampede Rally for FMCA members in Alberta, Canada, July 5-11, 2023. “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” is a Western celebration packed with chuckwagon races, barrel racing, bareback, live country music, Western shopping, and more! Enjoy the BEST camping location for the event, reserved rodeo seating, and exciting area activities. For more information, call (855) 385-3622 or click here.

LIG Solutions Q2 Health and Wellness Newsletter

LIG Solutions provides exclusive programs for individuals, families, and business owners/employees. These health plans are tailored to your unique health and financial needs, allowing you to find affordable coverage from major carriers throughout the USA. Take a look at their spring health and wellness newsletter designed to help keep FMCA members informed on all things health care.

Celebrating Sixty

Come join us in celebrating FMCA’s 60th birthday this summer in Gillette, Wyoming! FMCA’s 107th International Convention & RV Expo will be held August 23-26, 2023. This groovy event will feature the newest RV displays, indoor exhibits, seminars, learning opportunities, and entertainment you won’t want to miss! Register online today or by calling the FMCA Events team at 800-543-3622 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Grand Buffalo RV Resort, C14267

Etna, Wyoming

Reservations are being accepted for a new luxury RV resort in western Wyoming. Grand Buffalo RV Resort, scheduled to open June 5, is close to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks and Jackson Hole. Its spacious sites — some up to 4,500 square feet — offer breathtaking views of the Palisades Reservoir in Star Valley. Pull-through, full-hookup sites provide 30- and 50-amp service, along with picnic tables and fire pits. Other on-site amenities include curbside trash pickup and recycling, propane fill-up, concierge service, a convenience store, and a business center. Guests can enjoy dining, hiking, and golfing nearby. The resort is being developed by the Decker family, owners of Airstream of Wyoming, a full-service dealership for all RV makes and models.

FMCA members receive a discounted rate at many FMCA commercial member campgrounds. To find more locations along your route, check out our RV Marketplace!

2023 Yellowstone Planner

Heading to Yellowstone National Park this summer, or have it on your bucket list? Check out this 2023 Yellowstone Planner video from YouTubers We’re in the Rockies! They go over what to expect in Yellowstone in 2023, including different attractions, camping, and more. Their channel also has travel tips for multiple national parks and cities out West.

Surf Wyoming

Rep the Cowboy State with apparel from Surf Wyoming! You may be wondering how surfing is possible in a landlocked state, but in 1999 two Wyomingites established the company as a shout-out to the first river surfing ever recorded in North America — on Wyoming’s Snake River. The Wyoming-based retailer and lifestyle brand was inspired by this story and the idea of going against the current. Shop their shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more here.

A Rotating Travel Trailer

Ever feel like you don’t have enough room at the campsite? The New Zealand-based Romotow might be the solution you have been waiting for. This uniquely shaped trailer expands and rotates out to reveal a covered deck in less than 60 seconds. Read more about this rotating towable here.

When In The Cowboy State...

The spirit of the American West and cowboy culture are alive and well in Wyoming. That’s reflected in some of the simple, rustic food enjoyed in the state. The bison is Wyoming’s state mammal and graces its flag — and it’s also commonly found on the dinner table. Bison burgers and steaks are popular fare. Don’t stop there when sampling Wyoming food and drink, though. Western chuckwagon cookouts give folks a taste of cowboy life. Restaurants serve up dishes such as chicken-fried steak, Chugwater chili, biscuits and gravy, fresh-caught trout, Rocky Mountain oysters (ask before you order!), and more. The Food Network has compiled a list of 27 of the most iconic Wyoming dishes and the best places to try them.

If you’re attending FMCA’s “Celebrating Sixty” convention in Gillette this August, peruse this restaurant directory and start making plans now for where you can dig into some tasty cuisine. Your culinary experiences could leave you feeling right at home on the range!

FMCA Area Rally Schedule

June 2023

Great Lakes Area Rally — June 7-11 — Greenville, Ohio

Northwest Area Rally — June 7-11 — Albany, Oregon

Midwest Area Rally — June 13-16 — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

July 2023

INTO (International) Area Rally — July 6-11 and/or July 12-17 — Calgary, Alberta

August 2023

Northeast Area Rally — August 3-5 — Frankfort, New York

September 2023

South Central Area Rally — September 13-16 — Shawnee, Oklahoma

October 2023

Eastern Area Rally — October 4-8 — Lewisburg, West Virginia

February 2024

Southeast Area Rally – February 7-10 – Lakeland, Florida

Click here for more information about FMCA’s upcoming 2023 event schedule.

Are you looking to meet other RVers? Look no further. FMCA has nearly 300 chapters across the United States and Canada. FMCA chapters are made up of RV enthusiasts who have a zest for travel, as well as hobbies and interests off the highway. Find a chapter that best suits your interests here.

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Family Motor Coach Association 8291 Clough Pike | Cincinnati, OH 45244 US

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