| Dear Happy Camper,
For RVers, any month could be a fantastic month to spend time in the great outdoors! But did you know that June officially is Great Outdoors Month? This special designation began as Great Outdoors Week in June 1998 during President Clinton’s administration.
Now a month-long celebration of the natural wonder and outdoor spirit of America, Great Outdoors Month has been recognized by each subsequent administration. Since 2008, governors across the United States have joined the president in proclaiming this month-long celebration in their respective states.
Organizations that promote fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking, family fun, and stewardship host special activities throughout the month. Click here to learn more. And, remember, June is a great time to #escapetheindoors.
Wishing you many adventures,
The FMCA Team
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| JOIN FMCA
The Great Outdoors is even better with FMCA by your side. Join now.
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| Just wanted to let you know that it was a very pleasant experience purchasing tires with the FMCA Michelin Advantage plan. I don’t think I could have wanted or expected more. Overall, I would rate my using this program for the first time a 10. I will definitely recommend it to my friends.
— Larry McDaniel, F169591
Keep Rolling
FMCA members can save on Michelin, BFGoodrich, Continental, and Hankook tires for their RVs, passenger cars, and light trucks. Members tell us they save HUNDREDS, thanks to the FMCA Tire Savings Program. Learn more.
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| Save Money With Reciprocal Memberships
When you are traveling this summer, there are countless ways you can spend your time. While some people steer away from major cities and stick to state parks and campgrounds, lots of fun things to do can be found within city limits. Parks, museums, and zoos are great places to visit with the whole family, but the price of admission can add up quickly, let alone food, drinks, and souvenirs for everyone. One way to combat these high prices and make day trips much more affordable is to visit places that participate in reciprocal programs.
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| North American Reciprocal
Museum Association
Many institutions allow members to upgrade their memberships to the “reciprocal” level, which grants them free admission or other benefits to EVERY other institution that participates in the same program. One popular program is the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), which includes more than 1,000 different educational facilities. If you’re curious whether your favorite institution participates, check out the NARM Map.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) offers members reciprocal admission at participating facilities in most states and several provinces. Learn more.
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| Meandering Near Minot
If you’re North Dakota-bound this summer — perhaps to attend FMCA’s 100th International Convention in Minot, August 14-17 — the state parks below offer healthy doses of outdoor recreation, history, and natural beauty. All have campgrounds.
Fort Stevenson State Park: 51 miles from Minot. Known as the “Walleye Capital of North Dakota,” this 549-acre property is popular among anglers and other outdoor lovers. A museum details the history of Fort Stevenson, a late-1880s supply depot.
Lake Sakakawea State Park: 65 miles from Minot. This park sits on the south shore of the third-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., comprising 368,000 acres. It’s another premier fishing spot and is home to the western terminus of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail.
Cross Ranch State Park: 78 miles from Minot. Encompasses 589 acres along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. Thirteen miles of trails lead to the adjacent 5,000-acre nature preserve, featuring mixed prairie grass, river-bottom forests, woody draws, and bison.
Lake Metigoshe State Park: 96 miles from Minot. Nestled in the Turtle Mountains along the U.S.-Canada border, this 1,551-acre park is popular year-round. An outdoor learning center offers programs that focus on history, nature, and recreation.
Visit North Dakota Parks & Recreation to learn about these state parks and others, including what to do, where to stay, and how to reserve campsites.
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| A New Benefit: RV Battery Savings
FMCA has announced a new partnership with Briter Products, creator and contract manufacturer of Ion-Ready® lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries designed specifically for RV use. Learn more.
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| Summer Fun (And Learning)
Things are heating up for FMCA’s summer convention, Aug. 14-17 in Minot, ND. The early-bird deadline is June 13; this is your last chance to save $20 on your registration fee. Sign up online or call 800-543-3622.
And don’t forget about two unique RV education courses that will be held before the show. RV Driving School is planned for Aug. 7-10 — learn how to drive and/or back up safely. All training is done in YOUR OWN RV! And RV Basics, a 2.5-day course about how your RV operates and how to maintain its systems, is Aug. 11-13. Act fast — limited seats available!
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Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA, C13748
Williamsport, MD
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with a lazy canoe or float ride at this campground. Plus, this KOA is bursting with outdoorsy activities like fishing, an outside theater, swimming pools, and oversized chess and checkers. Antietam, Gettysburg, and Harpers Ferry battlegrounds are nearby. Click here to learn more
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| RV Packing Tips
Stefany and James Adinaro, F439400, of The Fit RV share five RV packing tips to reduce clutter inside, so you can focus on getting outside! Get more tips at TheFitRV.com.
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| Camp-Friendly Gourmet Cookbook
Chef Kate Dunbar found inspiration for The Campground Gourmet: Simple, Delicious Recipes For Dining In The Great Outdoors while traveling with her family in their Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailer. They also own and travel in a 1962 Shasta “canned ham” trailer. With more than 100 recipes, Kate’s new cookbook includes options for breakfast, breads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, side dishes, main dishes, desserts, drinks, and more. Kate also includes recipes for her favorite spice rubs and sauces. Available for $9.99 as an e-book at Amazon.com. Follow Kate at www.thecampgroundgourmet.com and www.katescuriouskitchen.com.
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| Fishing Guides
Looking to embark on a fishing expedition with a professional captain or guide at the helm? FishAnywhere.com allows anglers to locate trips in their desired area; to compare prices; and, when they are ready, to book a trip. Once a designated area is entered, you can filter options by number of anglers, price, and also type of fish – bluegill, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. The site includes more than 10,000 available trips.
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Pack It Up
Summer Trip Packing Tips
With so many summer activities to explore the Great Outdoors, there’s endless items to pack for your trips — packing can be overwhelming! Whether you’re heading to the amusement park or making a day trip to the beach, we’ve got you covered (SPF not included). Check out these great packing lists from Mama Cheaps:
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