Visit Wild Mountain in Your RV

Looking for your next destination? If you’re not wanting to travel too far, head to Wild Mountain near Taylors Falls, Minnesota.

Open year round to families looking for outdoor fun, Wild Mountain is nestled in the scenic St. Croix Valley.

Winter Fun

It’s currently winter, and that means that it’s skiing and snowboarding season at Wild Mountain. With a mix of terrain to challenge any skill level, from novice to expert, there are 26 trails to try your hand at spread over 100 acres. The onsite school offers lessons to help learn the ropes of winter sports. Daily groundskeeping makes sure that conditions are always optimal for winter fun.

Other Seasons

If you can’t make it over to Wild Mountain this winter, plan to stop in later this year. There’s plenty to do every season, from sightseeing the spring blooms to the fun waterpark of the summer to the foliage of fall.

Stay at Wildwood RV Park and Campground

If you need a place to plant your rig, try the Wildwood RV Park and Campground located at 20078 Lake Blvd, Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The park has 70 sites, which include pull-thru access for big rigs, electric hookups for up to 50 amps, water and sewer, WiFi, and pool access.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you head out to Wild Mountain. Whether you need to make sure your RV is in good shape before a road trip by visiting our service center or you need to purchase an RV, PleasureLand RV Center is here to help.

Take the Kids to Disney World

Disney World Fireworks

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a great destination for families with children. It’s a bucket list item for most kids and offers a great opportunity to have some fun on their terms.

If you’re also an RVing family, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go there in your motorhome since there are plenty of good RV parks that are well-suited to visitors with Disney World in mind.

One of the better RV camping sites at Disney World is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It’s the only campground located at Walt Disney World Resort, and guests enjoy easy access to the park via shuttle.

There are four types of campsites available for visitors and which campsite you need depends on your rig.

Tent or Pop-Up campsites are available starting at $53.00 a night. They provide room for either a pop-up camper or van-type camper, plus a tent or two.

Full Hook-Up campsites are available starting from $71.00 per night; these offer room for an RV plus a few tents. You’ll want this site for sewage hook-up.

The Preferred campsite level starts from $85.00 a night and offers everything that a full hook-up sites offers plus a view of the woods.

The Premium is the best type of site and starts at $90.00 a night. There’s room for extra-large RVs and 8 more feet of room than the other sites.

Go here to check dates and availability.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Before you head out to Disney World, or any other destination, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to get your rig checked out and make sure it’s up for the journey. Want to stay at an RV resort near Disney World, but don’t have an RV? No problem! PleasureLand RV Center can help get you into the RV of your dreams. Come on by and tour any model on the lot.

Which RV is the Best Fit for You?

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Determining which type of RV will suit your needs best can seem impossible. With so many RVs on the market, ranging from pop-up campers to high-end Class A motorhomes, choosing from such a large number of models can be daunting. These simple tips will help you discover which type of RV is perfect for you, so you can narrow down your options and start living your dream RV lifestyle.

Determine Your RV Use

The first step to choosing an RV is to determine which type of traveling you’d like to do. Are you seeking an RV for weekend family getaways or an RV that will replace your brick-and-mortar home? Do you want to move from one destination to another or stay put for months at a time? Typically, smaller, more budget-friendly RVs can be suitable for recreational weekend campers, while those who want to spend more time on the road should seek RVs with more durability and amenities.

Motorhomes are more ideal for travelers who like to stop in multiple places. Because they don’t take a lot of time to set up and prepare for departure (unlike fifth wheels and travel trailers), it’s easy to hop from one destination to another.

Consider Your Tow Vehicle

Many first-time RV enthusiasts forget that they may need to upgrade their tow vehicle to a more powerful model to tow a large travel trailer or fifth wheel. This can add a considerable amount of cost to upgrading your RV lifestyle and should always be considered. However, these more spacious RVs also offer more amenities, such as full bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, more seating space and quality sleeping areas.

Let Us Help

Here at the PleasureLand RV Centers, we’re experts on helping you find an RV that’s ideal for your travel needs. We’ll work within your budget to help you start the RV lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about for years.

Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt

Dawn at Grand Marais Harbor

Now in its fourth year, Explore Minnesota is hosting a statewide scavenger hunt called “Checkpoint Minnesota.”

The scavenger hunt is a great way to see Minnesota this winter, as the contest asks participants to check in at ten iconic Minnesota winter destinations. The ten locations are:

  • Artist’s Point, Grand Marais
  • Old Central School, Grand Rapids
  • Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa
  • Otto the Otter, Fergus Falls
  • Prince Mural, Chanhassen
  • Silver Lake Park, Rochester
  • Alexander Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls
  • Baudette Depot, Lake of the Woods
  • The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park
  • Walker Bay Lighthouse, Leech Lake

The more places you check in, the larger the prize you have a chance at winning (though every scavenger hunter receives a prize for participating). The ten grand prize packages (determined by raffle on February 13th), are:

  • Firedisc Portable Cooker
  • Outdoor Gear Package
  • Paddle North Wakesurf Board
  • Memorial Day Getaway
  • The House Snowboard Package
  • The House Snowboard Package II
  • Ice Fishing Getaway
  • Fischer Nordic Ski Package
  • The House Ski Package
  • Framed Bike

The contest started on December 15th, but there’s still plenty of time to get into the action since it lasts until February 12th.

You can find out more about the scavenger hunt contest here.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Enjoy your winter more in an RV from PleasureLand RV Center. If you’re going to participate in the scavenger hunt this year, be sure to stop in and visit with us in St. Cloud, Brainerd, or Ramsey, Minnesota. The only thing better than hitting up these 10 iconic winter destinations is doing it in the comfort of an RV from PleasureLand RV Center.

Head Down to Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, USA at Alcazar Courtyard

If the Sunshine State is on your agenda of places to explore, a new or used travel trailer or fifth wheel will ensure you have a fabulous time in the comfort of your own space. PleasureLand RV Center will get you decked out in the perfect recreational vehicle or have your current RV tuned and ready to take on the Florida landscape.

Panhandle

Panama Beach is one of the premier locations for miles of wide open sugar-white sand beaches. Laid back and casual atmosphere, Panana Beach provides plenty of opportunities for water activities, sunbathing and fine dining.

Central

Disney World is the number one vacation sport for families. Add Universal, Epcot, SeaWorld, Hollywood Studios and Island of Adventure and the family will be busy from morning until night. For adults, the Hard Rock and a bevy of nightclubs keeps the action hot and the cocktails cool.

East Coast

Start off with a visit to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the US, take a walk on the boardwalk at Daytona Beach, and visit the Kennedy Space Center in Melbourne. Head down the coast to the mega shopping area of Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale then move on to Miami for more fun in the sun with the beautiful people of South Beach. Shopping, dining, picnicking, attractions, horse racing, and a busy nightlife are awaiting in South Florida.

The Keys

Stop along the way in Islamorada, Key Largo, and Marathon, then make your way to Key West. Along the way, you can fish, swim, snorkel, hike, canoe, or take a cruise to the Dry Tortugas.

West Coast

Plan a day at Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, Clearwater, and Treasure Island for swimming, then head to Tampa for fun at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, world renowned Lowry Park, Big Cat Rescue sanctuary, Seminole Casino, and historic Ybor City.

Visit PleaureLand RV Center

Come see us at PleasureLand RV Center before you head for Florida, or any other destination, this winter.

Hit the Slopes this Winter

Skier in mountains performs a high speed turn on a ski piste

Winter means a lot of things to different people. The holidays, time off, spending time with friends and family, and, to some, winter sports.

Whether you’re an old hand at the slopes or just someone who would like to give it a go for the first time, Minnesota is the destination for you. While Minnesota isn’t known for especially elevated terrain, there are numerous locations around the state that are ideal for skiing and snowboarding and there’s sure to be a slope to match your skill level.

Lutsen Mountain

Ride a red gondola up the rocky crest of Moose Mountain with the shimmering Poplar River below, then crest down a 1,000-foot drop along some of Minnesota’s biggest ski runs. As you descend, you’ll see dark evergreen forests and Lake Superior’s blue expanse in the background.

Detroit Mountain

One of Minnesota’s newest and baddest ski destinations, Detroit Mountain opened in 2014 and features a lodge and 15 ski runs. Tubing is also available there.

Giants Ridge

Overlooking Wynne and Sabin lakes, Giants Ridge straddles the rugged landscape of the Iron Range and has 35 ski runs and over 30 miles of trails for Nordic skiers.

Spirit Mountain

Lodge on the mountain and enjoy 22 runs and a terrain park nestled into the hills surrounding the St. Louis River and Lake Superior.

Coffee Mill Ski Area

In southern Minnesota you can check out Coffee Mill Ski Area, which is situated on hills rather than on mountains. Using the bluffs along the Mississippi River with 425-foot drops, the resort has 14 runs.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Make PleasureLand RV Center your RVing headquarters this winter. Whether you’re a local or from out of state, PleasureLand RV Center is the place to go for RV sales, service, parts, and accessories. Make this the most adventurous winter yet in an RV from PleasureLand RV Center!

Must-Have Tips for RV Living

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There’s no better place to learn about RV living than from travelers who have lived life on the road. And these must-have tips have been compiled by some of the most experienced RV travelers in the country — members of the Escapees RV Club. So next time you hit the road, keep these helpful tips on hand to help your RV travels roll along more smoothly.

RV Living Tips From the Experts

  1. Always keep wheel locks on hand.
  2. Become a member of the Escapees RV Club and embark on some RV rallies.
  3. Invest in a high quality sewer hose or two and have the correct connectors on hand.
  4. Check the condition of your tires and the tire pressure before each journey.
  5. Create a checklist for all of your departures.
  6. Know how to maintain your chassis and house batteries and check them often.
  7. Keep more than one fire extinguisher in your RV.
  8. Don’t travel with any items that have less than two uses.
  9. Throw your toilet paper in the trash instead of the toilet to save room in your black water tank.
  10. Scott’s single-ply toilet paper is less expensive and more comfortable than special RV toilet papers.
  11. Buy small surge protectors for every appliance in your RV.
  12. Turn your water heater on roughly 30 minutes before you plan to use hot water.
  13. Let your black water tank fill at least halfway before you empty it.
  14. Always keep bottled water or a water filter in your vehicle in case the campground’s water is not drinkable.
  15. Take your time and see the sights. There’s no need to race to the next destination.
  16. Volunteer at your destinations to meet new people and get involved in new communities.
  17. Keep a magnetic key somewhere on your rig, so you never have to worry about being locked out.
  18. Travel to a number of RV campgrounds before you choose to join an RV campground organization.

Find All of Your RV Needs at PleasureLand

We’ve got everything you need to enjoy the best RV lifestyle possible right here at PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota. Stop in one of our massive Camper’s General Stores in Ramsey or St. Cloud or shop our online parts store 24 hours a day.

Fire Up the Oven for Muffins

Flavored muffins with pumpkin and apple

Try these delicious muffins in your RV this fall and winter.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk, at room temperature

Crumb Topping

  • 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 6 Tablespoons (86g) unsalted butter, melted

Maple Icing (optional)

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. This recipe makes 15 muffins, so prepare a second muffin pan in the same manner. Set aside.
  2. Make the muffins: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.
  3. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them almost full.
  4. Make the crumb topping: Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until combined. Stir in the melted butter until crumbs form. Spoon crumbs evenly on top of the batter and gently press them down into the batter so they’re snug.
  5. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for an additional 16-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21-22 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan as you make the icing.
  6. Make the icing: Whisk all of the icing ingredients together until combined and smooth. Drizzle over muffins and serve warm.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this fall to shop for a new or pre-owned RV. While you’re here, you can also schedule service or shop for parts and accessories.

Best Minnesota Biking Trails

Rider on Mountain Bicycle it the field

Cyclists who visit Minnesota will find ample opportunities for fun and challenge with Minnesota’s biking trails. Touting some truly beautiful trails of all skill levels and with over 4000 miles of paved bike trails, you’re sure to find trails that aren’t quite like those anywhere else. Here are some of the best bike trails that Minnesota has to offer.

Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails

The first state park in Minnesota built specifically for mountain biking, it sits on the Iron Range of Central Minnesota about 20 miles northeast of Brainerd.

Offering 25 miles of mountain bike trails year round, there are trails suitable for all skill levels.

Duluth

One of four gold level ride centers in the United States, there are some publications and blogs that contend that Duluth has the best mountain biking in the world. With lift-accessible downhill trails at Spirit Mountain, Lester, and Duluth Traverse, Duluth has continuously beaten out other biking sites to be recognized as one of the country’s best.

Twin Cities

If you’re into urban biking, the Twin Cities are some of the most biker friendly cities in the country. Of course, there are also plenty of parks sprinkled throughout the metro area. With nature and skyline views along some trails, the Twin Cities offer some dynamic biking opportunities.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center if you want to tour an RV you can take on your next biking trip. An RV allows you to travel in more comfort and to stay out longer. Let PleasureLand RV Center connect you to your perfect motorhome or travel trailer.

How to Use the Proper Campground Etiquette

Recreational vehicle in a meadow

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.