March 14th, 2017 -
A great place to keep in mind the next time you’re looking for a place to take the RV, Wild River State Park is located along 18 miles of the St. Croix River.
The park is attractive to those who enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, interpretive programs, self-guided trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
The hiking is also great, offering a 35-mile trail system. The trails are especially nice during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
For those not using an RV, the camp has a guest house that provides a living room, dining room, kitchen, and fireplace. The park also has six camping cabins, which have bunkbeds, a table, and benches.
You can get to the camp by exiting I-35, taking State Highway 95 to County Road 12. Drive 3 miles on County Road 12 to the park’s entrance.
Contact the park for more information at 651-583-2925 or email wildriver.statepark@state.mn.us. The best time to contact the park is somewhere between 9am and 4pm.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you visit Wild River State Park, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a new or used RV and find your next motorhome or travel trailer today. If you’ve already got a rig, you can schedule service with the service center at PleasureLand RV Center to make sure that your RV is in tip-top shape for the road.
March 7th, 2017 -
Looking for a nearby spot to camp and enjoy some outdoor recreation, perhaps for spring break? If you’re centered in Minnesota or plan on passing through soon, check out Lake Bemidji State Park. It’s just 10 minutes north of Bemidji off Highway 71 N. Watch for and follow the park’s signage and you can’t miss it.
Lake Bemidji State Park offers visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking picnicking, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in colder months.
Away from the lake, hiking is an especially good activity. Trails lead through Lake Bemidji’s tamarack bog, which is carpeted with showy lady’s slippers, pitcher plants, dragon’s mouths, grass pink, and insect-eating sundews. Most flowers start to bloom in the bog between late spring and early summer.
Birdwatchers will also love the lake, as it offers a unique ecosystem with eagles and ospreys. Other common birds in the spring include the red-eyed vireo, tree swallow, red-breasted nuthatch, American robin, yellow-rumped warbler, indigo bunting, swamp sparrow, blue-winged teal, ruby-throated hummingbird, and many more.
Free WiFi is available at the campground and Visitors Center.
The park’s hours are from 8am to 4pm daily.
If you’d like to learn more, contact the park at 3401 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, Minnesota. Call 218-308-2300 or email lakebemidji.statepark@state.mn.us.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you visit Lake Bemidji State Park or any other destination in Minnesota. PleasureLand RV Center offers RV sales, service, parts and accessories in Minnesota. See us in St Cloud, Brainerd, or Ramsey today!
January 19th, 2017 -
It’s never too early to start planning your spring break trip. With the kids out of school, a little time off for yourself, and an RV to travel in, spring break is a great opportunity to unwind, reconnect as a family, and share some new experiences. If you’ve got the will but don’t know where to go, why not try out one of these fun-filled destinations?
Hilton Head, South Carolina
For the beach-goer, Hilton Head offers miles of beautiful coastline. Hilton Head itself offers fantastic dining experiences, dozens of unique shopping opportunities, and plenty of annual public events that tourists can take advantage of. By the time spring break rolls around, the water is just right for swimming.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Those looking for sand, surf, and boardwalk fun need look no further than Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. With 60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches and numerous family-friendly attractions, Myrtle Beach offers never-ending fun and adventure.
Branson, Missouri
A popular regional destination for years, Branson has been drawing crowds from all over the country recently. Renowned for its live music scene (famous musicians associated with Branson include Johnny Cash, Dick Clark, the Oakridge Boys, the Osmond Family, and Kenny Rogers), Branson offers plenty of music and theater shows at its dozens of venues.
Yosemite National Park, California
If you’re interested in natural beauty, Yosemite National Park is not only one of the prettiest places in the United States, but the world as well. From hiking and camping to stargazing and nature watching, Yosemite National Park is a place that everyone should try to visit at least once.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you head out, remember to drop by at PleasureLand RV Center in St Cloud, Ramsey, or Brainerd, Minnesota. When taking such a long road trip, it’s important to get your RV checked over at a qualified service center, such as PleasureLand RV Center, before you hit the road. And, of course, if you don’t currently own an RV but would like to take your spring break getaway in one, now’s the time to start the shopping process and tour some models.
November 8th, 2016 -
Camping seems simple enough — arrive at the campsite or RV park, sprawl out and enjoy a weekend, week or even months at your new destination. However, there are certain things that make campgrounds work, and many of those things involve the behavior of those who are camping there. This simple guide to campground etiquette will help you and your fellow campers enjoy each camping experience to the fullest.
Leave Nothing Behind
The first part of enjoying the great outdoors is doing as little harm to it as possible. Always pack up your campsite, then double and triple check that you haven’t left any items or trash behind. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.
Be Friendly
When you’re at a campground or RV park, you know you have a common interest with everyone else there. Invite your campground neighbors over for snacks or drinks and encourage your little ones to make new campground friends. Often times, the people you meet at the campsite become lifelong friends.
Time your Awning and Outdoor Lights
It can be easy to forget to turn off your awning, porch or other outdoor lights. Set your lights on a timer, so they never use excessive power and keep your fellow campers up at night. Your outdoor lights may not seem bright to you, but the camper next door may be staring at them all night long.
Leave Extra Wood Behind
Every camper has arrived at a campground late and endured the struggle of finding firewood at night. One of the best bits of campground etiquette you can practice is leaving some of your firewood behind for the next camper. They’ll be elated to be able to start a fire upon arrival, and hopefully the favor will be returned to you by someone else.
Find Your Dream Camping Vehicle
A happy camper makes a good camper, and there’s no better way to get excited about camping than to purchase a top-quality new RV. Stop in and see us at PleasureLand RV Center to find your dream RV today.
November 3rd, 2016 -
Minnesota is one of the top states in the country for horseback riding. The diverse terrain, massive network of trails and stretches of untouched land make for some of the most scenic trail rides you can find.
The following three riding trails and ranches are some of the best in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for taking in the Minnesota sites on horseback.
Big Valley Ranch — Winona
Big Valley Ranch is a family-friendly place to hop on horseback without owning one. The ranch is nestled into the picturesque Winona bluff country, and offers 165 acres of terrain. Visitors can enjoy everything from riding lessons to long trail rides, day camps and more. The ranch is located on East Burns Valley Road in Winona, so it’s easier for vacationers to find than some other, less-accessible ranches.
Browns Creek State Trail
The 5.9-mile-long Browns Creek State Trail in Washington County opened last October and is the newest addition to Minnesota’s massive trail system. This rail-trail spans from Stillwater to Grant where it meets up with the Gateway State Trail. Riders can access the St. Croix River from an off-road trail or enjoy the smoother paved option. Both lines pass historic sites and breathtaking Minnesota scenery.
River Valley Ranch — Carver
Get on the trails every day you’re in Minnesota at the River Valley Ranch in Carver. The ranch provides stunning 1-hour-long tours of the Minnesota River Valley with group tours available as well. Even better, the ranch is just 25 minutes southwest of the bustling city of Minneapolis. This is the perfect option for novice riders; however, reservations are recommended for all tours, so call the ranch at (952) 361-3361 before your visit.
Stop and See Us at PleasureLand
Don’t forget to stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers when you’re traveling throughout Minnesota. There’s no better place to find the perfect RV or simply some accessories and camping supplies for your fall adventures.
November 1st, 2016 -
RVers are commonly interested in outdoor activities and the natural world. After all, a good portion of your travels will probably be oriented towards parks and preserves all across the U.S.
Minnesota offers no shortage of beautiful outdoor areas, no matter your interests or hobbies. If you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or any other variation of paddle-crafts, this is especially true: Minnesota has 32 designated water trails and is the oldest water trail system in the country, more than 50 years old. It’s also one of the largest, covering more than 4,400 miles.
Check out these great Minnesota water trails this fall.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River winds through 500 miles of Minnesota countryside. With so much area, there’s really no good way to characterize the water ways of the Mississippi. It starts as a narrow and tame stream at its headwaters in Itasca Lake before widening out.
Lake Superior
The largest freshwater lake in the world is also one of the most scenic. On calm days the water can be so clear and calm that it’s like glass. On days that conditions are poor and the water is too choppy on the lake, there are plenty of smaller and more sheltered lakes and tributaries attached to Lake Superior that are good alternatives.
St. Croix River
If you’re looking for a dramatic waterscape, St. Croix River delivers. With a 200-foot gorge, ice age potholes, and scenic rock formations, St. Croix River is one of the more interesting waterways in Minnesota.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Drop by PleasureLand RV Center if you’re ready to combine your love of travel and the outdoors with the convenience and comfort of your very own motorhome. PleasureLand RV Center offers RV sales, service, parts and accessories in Minnesota.
July 7th, 2016 -
RVing and hiking go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you RV and frequent national parks and campgrounds, chances are you’re familiar with a good hike. But if you’ve yet to embark on a good walk in the nature that surrounds your site if if you generally stick to shorter trails, there’s some indispensable gear that you need to take on longer, more rigorous excursions.
Plenty of Water
Water is absolutely essential. This should go without saying, but staying hydrated is more important than anything else. Dehydration can occur rapidly if you’re exerting yourself and can be debilitating enough to prevent you from continuing back to the safety of your camp or RV. Bring plenty of water bottles or a full canteen. Check before you set out if there are any sources of clean water along your trail in case you need to top your supply off.
Energy Rich Snacks
To keep your energy up and to remain on your feet it’s important to have some good energy rich snacks for your hike. These take up relatively little space in your pack and aren’t heavy, so why not have them? These could include protein bars, fruits, nuts, or anything that provides a good blend of filling protein and quick energy from carbohydrates and sugars.
Hiking Footwear
Good footwear is necessary if you’re taking a long hike. This includes either boots or shoes designed for hiking, plus some well-cushioned socks. This will reduce your chance for blisters, improve your stability and traction, and generally increase the distance you can walk by ameliorating fatigue.
Weather Appropriate Clothing
If you’re hiking in the heat of summer, make sure to wear a good hat and breathable clothing. If it’s winter, keep yourself warm with a sturdy coat, pants, and long sleeves. Use your best judgement, but always dress for the worst case scenario: what would you need to wear if you got lost and had to stay out in the elements over night?
Charged Cell Phone
We didn’t have cell phones back in the day, but now that we do, there’s no excuse not to have one on you. Even if reception isn’t great out where you’re at, it’s still better to have a cell phone with spotty reception than to have an emergency with no cell phone at all. A cell phone can also help you keep track of time so you know when you need to turn back.
Hiking Buddy
Never go out alone. The longer and wilder the trail, the more this is important. A buddy on the trail is invaluable. In case something goes awry, you have backup to assist you, whether in lending aid themselves or finding aid.
Along the same vein, always inform a third party of your whereabouts and hiking route prior to embarking. This can be someone who stays back at camp or even a relative or friend back home. In case you and your party get lost and you can’t make contact with the outside world with your cell phone, having someone who is knowledgeable of your intended location and plans is invaluable.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Visit PleasureLand RV Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for all of your RV needs. Come out and see our lot to find the perfect RV for your next trip or view our inventory online.
June 27th, 2016 -
The summer camping season is all about spending time with friends and family in the great outdoors. The American Southwest is packed with some of the best family camping destinations in the country. Whether you’re looking for a beach escape, relaxing woodsy getaway or a trip to one of America’s most iconic wonders, there’s an RV destination in the Southwest waiting for you to visit this summer.
Jamaica Beach RV Park — Texas
There’s nothing quite like being on the ocean in the summertime, and the Jamaica Beach RV Park on Galveston Island is one of the best places to soak in the sun. It’s one of the newest RV parks on the island, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Galveston Bay area. The campground features 111 RV sites with full hookups, mini golf, tether ball, a splash pad, bounce house, adult pool with swim-up bar, hot tub, family pool and summer movies. Best of all, the beach and gorgeous Gulf of Mexico are directly across the street.
Cave Springs Campground — Sedona
Families who enjoy hikes in the woods, bird watching, sandstone peaks and fishing in streams will love the Cave Springs Campground in Arizona’s Oak Creek Canyon. The campsites are shady, nearby hiking trails are plentiful and Slide Rock State Park (with its famous swimming hole) is just minutes away.
The campground features 82 sites and coin-operated showers, grills, vault toilets and drinking water. There are no sites with hookups, but motorhomes and travel trailers up to 36-feet long are always welcome.
North Rim Campground — Grand Canyon Village
There’s no summer adventure quite like one to the iconic Grand Canyon. The North Rim Campground is located at Grand Canyon National Park, so you’re always seconds from one of the world’s most magnificent wonders. Adventurous hikers will love the location for its easy access to the 14.2-mile-long trail that leads into the canyon.
The park doesn’t offer sites with hookups, but it always welcomes RV campers. A dump station, restrooms, campsite grills, showers and coin-operated laundry machines are available for campers as well. Fees for the North Rim Campground are $18 to $25 per night in addition to the usual park fee. Be sure to reserve your campsite as far ahead of time as possible, because the Grand Canyon is even more popular in the summer months.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Whether you’re shopping for a new RV or just need some service and maintenance before heading out, PleasureLand RV Center has got you covered!
April 14th, 2016 -
Check lists are essential to the RV lifestyle. They help campers pack the correct travel supplies, prepare their RVs for the road and remember everything before leaving the RV park. This simple checklist for the campground will ensure you have all of the supplies you need to make the most of your next travel adventure.
Bedding
- Sheets and blankets
- Pillows
Cooking Supplies
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Water
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Cooler
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Ice
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Thermos
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Dutch oven
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Firewood
- Lighter
- Measuring cups
- Tablecloth
- Plates, bowls and silverware
- Cooking oil
- Dish soap
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Tupperware
- Potholders
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils (knives, spatulas, etc.)
- Can opener
- Cutting board
- Ziplock bags
- Dish pan
- Seasonings
Clothing
- Shoes
- Pants
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirt/jacket
- Rain gear
- Pajamas
- Hat
- Underwear
- Bathing suit and towel
- Laundry bag
Personal Items
- Towels
- Shower shoes
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Comb
- Razor
- Feminine products
- Toilet paper
- Medications (prepare with extra if you’ll be traveling for an extended time)
Miscellaneous Items
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Fully-stocked first-aid kit
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Sunscreen
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Lanterns and head lamps
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Batteries
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Compass
- Insect repellant
- Camera
- Books
- Maps
- Backpack
- Camp chairs
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Water bottles
- Duct tape
- Phone and charger
- Small shovel
- Scissors
Once you’ve packed all of the necessary items for your trip, inform a friend or family member about your plans. Give them details about where you are going, the route you’re taking, when you plan to arrive and when you’ll return home. Always give them directions and let them know about alternate routes you may take. This makes it possible for someone to locate you if an emergency does occur.
Equip Your RV at PleasureLand
There’s no better way to ensure your RV is ready for the road than to bring it to one of our PleasureLand RV Center locations throughout Minnesota. Our certified RV technicians will inspect your vehicle inside and out and let you know about any maintenance that needs to be performed before you hit the road. And if you’re in need of a new RV for the spring and summer travel seasons, we offer a huge selection of the highest quality motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels.
March 24th, 2016 -
Our state and national parks are some of our country’s greatest features. In fact, each state is filled with so many awesome places to escape that it can be difficult to choose which one to visit. The following three state parks are a few of the best in the entire country; however, we suggest you get out there, visit as many as possible and create an opinion all your own.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — California
Big Sur is known as California’s most scenic piece of coastline, but renting a hotel or vacation home in the area costs a pretty penny. Instead, it’s best to reserve a campsite at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which features two campgrounds for hike-in only camping. If you’d rather not hike-in, the state park remains an ideal place to take a break from your travels, hike and snap photos of Big Sur without backing up traffic and gawking from your vehicle’s windows.
Fort Yargo State Park — Georgia
Georgia doesn’t get enough credit for its stunning waterways, beaches and other natural wonders. You don’t even have to travel to the state’s coast to enjoy it’s stunning natural beauty. Fort Yargo State Park is located between Athens and Atlanta in Winder, Ga. The park features a 260-acre lake that’s ideal for paddling, fishing and boating. It’s also home to countless hiking trails, numerous campsites, bike trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, a disc golf course and more.
Itasca State Park — Minnesota
You don’t have to travel across the country to visit one of the nation’s top state parks. You only have to travel to Park Rapids, home of Minnesota’s Itasca State Park. This Northern Minnesota park is the oldest in the state and is best known for its more than 100 lakes. The park is open year-round for camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking and exploring.
Be sure to pay us a visit at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota when you’re traveling across the state and the country in your RV this spring.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Dan Pearson and I am the Owner of PleasureLand RV Centers based out of St. Cloud, MN. We have three other Minnesota locations to serve all of you RV needs. I look forward to providing you with all your RV information from buying an RV to tips and maintenance. If you would like to contact me, be sure to leave a comment.
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.jpg "Photo by Pete Markham | Flickr CC")
