Tag: Crane Lake MN RV Campgrounds

Escape The City And Enjoy Summer To The Fullest

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Campground

It’s no exaggeration to say that the last year has been among the most stressful imaginable for many families. But with the Coronavirus thankfully on the way to being brought under control, many families (especially those with young children) will be looking to shrug off the effects of Cabin Fever by heading out into the welcoming arms of Mother Nature.

The increasing popularity of RV vacations, in part due to flight restrictions has led many families to seriously evaluate this sort of vacation option. In a country the size of America, with varied climates and such enormous natural beauty, this would come as no surprise. However, given this choice deciding where to go becomes an enormous challenge.

One would ideally find a region with great natural beauty and RV facilities that cater to all sorts of RV’s – and offers attractions close by that would offer an incredible variety and that beauty that nature can provide.

Fortunately, the United States has a variety of such areas. But again, what is the best choice?

The Voyageurs National Park wilderness, the Headquarters RV Park which can be found on the border of Crane Lake and Buyck, Minnesota simply ticks all the boxes. This a place where one can experience the wonders of the Minnesota wilderness – but still have all the comforts of home when it comes to RV amenities.

Set on 30 acres of natural beauty you will not be crowded. Unlike other top-class RV parks, there is only room for the select few (and for those who book their space early). The 15 full-service sites (with 30 or 50 AMP service and a natural rock surface) have everything that the family wanting to escape the confines of the city and the stress of daily life could ever wish for.

Those who want to immerse themselves in nature will be spoiled for choice with hiking and walking trails in the Voyageurs National Park wilderness – and for water lovers, easy access to the Boundary Water Canoe Area provides even more opportunity to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty of the area.

Those arriving will soon find themselves subject to the lure of Crane Lake and the greater North Woods area. If that is not enough, evenings under the clear, star-studded sky of Minnesota offer a fabulous opportunity to simply relax at the side of the rock fire pits which are a feature that is part and parcel of every RV site at this venue.

For those who want to just recharge tired emotional and physical batteries an RV excursion to Headquarters RV Park is one that will not only provide a reward in the short term but an experience that will live on in memory for decades, if not generations.

Why Buying An RV You Can Augment Your Life

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

When you go on vacation, you really need to have an RV because it can help you pursue that adventurous spirit that you have.
When you go on the open road, you can start exploring, and you can literally go anywhere.

Go Anywhere You Want

It really is easy to use an RV. You can take it to different states that you want to visit because it’s so easy to do.

You can spend the entire summer, going across the country, even bringing your family with you. You can also go if you are an adult without any family at all. Your ability to meet new people will be expanded as you are traveling in your RV.

If you can be flexible with your travel plans, and RV is perfect. There is really no place that you can be kept from when you have one at your disposal.

A Literal Home Away From Home

One of the things you need to be careful of when you are traveling with other people is that it can get slightly messy and people can become claustrophobic. It can become extremely overwhelming.

People that are more used to the comforts of home may not believe that all of their belongings can come with them. Although people will have their own sleeping area, it’s not like a bedroom. If you have kids, and they are fighting, you have a large enough RV you can send them to their room.
Once you have your RV, it allows you to go anyplace that you want to. No need to find fast food joints because everything will be available in your kitchen.

RVing can also be very useful if you like to camp, and it helps you avoid bugs outside plus you can take showers. You know you will be perfectly comfortable inside of this rolling home.

Make Your RV A Full-Time Home

There are so many people that make their RV a full-time home. For instance, if you are currently renovating your house, it could then be a temporary place to stay. This is a great thing because you are no longer required to get a hotel.

Many people that own RVs treat it as a permanent place of residence. That is because there will be bathrooms, a stove, and a refrigerator, and you simply need to get used to this way of living.

Central air conditioning and heating will also be provided. It can be a much more simple life, free from an overabundance of amenities, when you are living in your RV.

Join A Local And Active RV Community

Have you remembered the last time that you were in a hotel with friends or family members? If you want to meet people, you can go to RV resorts.
By joining an RV community, it’s going to be very easy to do. If you want to set up everything, and enjoy campfire songs, you might want to bring your neighbors so that they can help if you want to truly get to know the people that live around to on the road.

Tips For Feeling Right At Home In An RV Park

Posted on December 30, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

Are you looking for a way to feel comfortable as you travel from one campground to the other or state? Well, you should consider moving around in a recreational vehicle (RV). You can enjoy the feeling of home as you camp and enjoy the outdoors. Here are some of the best tips to help you feel at home while in your RV at an RV park.

1. Choose The Best Spot To Park Your RV

When looking for an ideal spot to park your RV, you need to ask yourself the following questions. Do you want to be separated from the other campers? Are you looking for a pet-friendly parking spot for your RV? Do you want an area with trees bordering instead of other campers?

Don’t forget to consider the needs of your RV such as electrical hookups, outdoor grill, fire pit or somewhere you can pull through instead of backing up. Once you consider the amenities you need, you should be able to pick a great spot and feel right at home in the RV park.

2. Bring Your Own Dishes, Cookware And Silverware

The best thing about traveling with an RV is that you can camp without leaving the comfort of your home behind. Well, if you want to make the feeling ideal, you should come with real dishes, cookware and silverware.

Some of the recommended kitchen supplies you should bring include a coffee maker, cooking sheets, pots and pans, seasoning, cooking basics, forks, knives and spoons among other kitchen accessories.

3. Invest In Your Outdoor Set-up

Yes, you might be moving from one RV campground to the other. However, you need to make your temporary campsite feel like your own backyard. You can personalize the area in many ways to make it familiar to your camping needs.

Conclusion

When you are traveling with an RV, you might not spend 24/7 in it. However, you want to feel at home when you are cruising around in it. You can achieve this effortlessly by bringing your own items. Take some time to decorate and plan ahead and your RV camping will feel exactly like home. You can personalize your space and enjoy your home away from home effortlessly.

Now Is A Good Time To Plan Your RV Trip For Next Summer

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

A lot of our plans over the short term have been postponed or even canceled. After all, we are doing almost everything from home including working. Because of this, many people are left having more free time than ever before. That makes it a great time to consider planning your next RV trip. Now can be a great time to lose yourself in daydreams. If you’ve been dreaming about going on an RV vacation for a long time, you should be using this opportunity to plan it. You’ve likely been watching far too much news if you’ve been obeying the distancing guidelines set forth by the Government. Give yourself a break and plan out your next RV trip.

By focusing on what’s to come and all of the exciting things you have planned in the future, you should be able to treat yourself to a well-deserved break.

If you are aiming to find a different kind of vacation and one that you haven’t experienced before, an RV trip may be on your shortlist. While a lot of people are worrying about the hassle of returning rented vehicles or even swapping out flights, you will be able to travel in an RV without the common problems that would normally crop up during a traditional vacation.

The best road trips you can take will be properly planned for and organized in a way that allows for optimal flexibility.

Therefore, if you’ve thought about heading out on an RV trip, now is a great time to begin the planning process. You will be able to map out the different places you want to go and see along the way.

There are several guidelines you should be following when you are planning out a trip. You want to ensure that you are planning a trip in a way that doesn’t have you driving more than 300 miles in a single given day. After all, driving in an RV can be much slower than a car. Therefore, you want to give yourself plenty of time to make the trip.

From there, you will want to figure out where you will be staying that specific night by at least 3 p.m. That way, you will be able to get everything properly set up and ready to go by the time it gets dark outside. The more experienced travelers who are used to traveling by RV will tell you that you shouldn’t be looking to pack too much in too little time. You want to maintain a high level of flexibility throughout your entire trip. That way, you will be able to make changes along the way to ensure you can get the most out of the trip.

You Do Not Have To Go Too Far

Keep in mind, you don’t necessarily have to plan out a long trip to enjoy your time. You will be able to find all kinds of different places whether you are looking to visit a place located within your state or somewhere else. Keep in mind, driving an RV is much slower than driving a regular car. Because of this, you won’t want to pack too many miles into the trip which might make you much happier with shorter distances.

It’s Time To Do Some Research

Now that you are familiar with the process involved with traveling via an RV, you will want to begin the planning process. Here are some of the best resources you can use on your way towards planning the ultimate RV trip. No matter if it’s a short trip or a long one, now is a great time to consider planning out your RV trip so you are ready to go when the time comes.

How To Prepare Your RV For Winter

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

Winter is quickly approaching and as a result, you should start preparing your RV by winterizing it. Unfortunately, winter can be quite tough on your RV due to the fact that they have plumbing and many parts that contain moisture and water that can easily get frozen and break or get severely damaged. So, properly winterizing your RV is essential so that it survives the winter and after winter when everything starts to thaw and melt.

1. Take Out The Water Filters

The very first thing that you should do is take out and bypass your RV’s in line water filters. If you add any winterization chemicals, this will likely cause your filters to get damaged. It is also best to replace the filters in fall and winter if they need to be changed out.

2. Drain The Water Tanks

Next, make sure that you don’t allow any wastewater to remain inside of your RV throughout the winter. This water can potentially freeze and cause many problems. Also, this will be the perfect place for bacteria to grow. So, make sure to drain your gray and black water tanks and do the black water tank first. After they have both been drained, make sure to clean your RV’s black tank using a cleaning wand as well as a good quality black tank cleaner.

3. Drain Out Your Water Lines & Water Heater

The next step you’ll have to take is to remove any water from the water heater in your RV. In order to remove the water, first turn off the heater and allow it to cool and de-pressurize. Once it is fully cooled, then take out the drain plug and open the valve for the pressure to reduce. This will cause all of the water to drain from your water heater. Make sure that the water is cool and the tank is de-pressurized before you attempt to drain it. After you’ve drained it, put on the hot and cold faucets completely as well as both of your drain lines. This will ensure all of the water is fully drained out.

4. Bypass Your RV’s Water Heater

Next, you will need to bypass the water heater in your RV before you add anything else. This is important to prevent antifreeze from getting into your water heater. The vast majority of RVs already have a bypass. However, if your RV doesn’t have one then you’ll need to get one installed and you can do so at Camping World.

5. Add Antifreeze

In order to add antifreeze you will need to have a water pump converter kit installed. Alternatively, you can take off the inlet side of the pump and simply put it into the container with the antifreeze. Once this is done, close all of your RV’s drain lines and faucets. Once complete, power on your water pump which will move the antifreeze into your system. Once your water system is pressurized, you should put on the hot water on each of your RV’s faucets until you can see antifreeze coming out of the faucet. Repeat with the cold water function. After, take off the water pump and open all of your RV’s faucets.

Next, take out the small screen from your city water inlet. You will need a small screwdriver in order to push on the valve so that the coolant can come out. Once done, place the screen back in its original position and close up the inlet. Make sure and throw antifreeze down each one of the sinks and drains in your RV. After all the steps above are completed, make sure that your water heater is turned off and all of the faucets have been turned off as well.

Quick Tips To Enjoy Fall RV Camping Trips

Posted on September 1, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

The mornings and evenings are always cold!

In the fall, the evenings are usually quite cold which means that you’ll need to start a fire. There is nothing more enjoyable and relaxing than sitting near a campfire while you chat and sing with your friends. All you will need is some coffee or hot cocoa and s’mores and you’ll be all set.

The mornings will also be quite cold in the fall and this creates a magical and mystical effect. This happens because the cool mornings combined with the heat from the water causes fog near lakes and ponds.

Foliage

Next, another great reason why RV camping during the fall is such a great idea is so that you can enjoy the foliage. During the fall in Arkansas, the leaves turn color a bit later than other areas. So, you can actually follow the changing foliage colors in your RV by camping in different areas every weekend. All you need to do is camp a bit further south each week.

The Amazing Weather

The great thing about fall is that it is a perfect time to enjoy various activities such as biking, hiking etc. The great thing about this time is that it isn’t very hot and it isn’t very cold either. This means that you can spend all day outdoors if you want and you’ll be quite comfortable. You can even spend a lot of time in the water if you wish.

You can start your day wearing a couple layers of clothes and then take layers off as the day progresses. We also enjoy doing float trips because the water is still a bit warm to enjoy.

RV Camping Tips During The Fall

As you can see, RV camping during the fall season is a fantastic idea. We will now look at a couple of tips that will help you to enjoy your fall camping a bit more.

1. Always ensure that you have a reserve propane tank before you set out and that all your tanks are full. You definitely don’t want to run out of propane on those cold nights.

2. Make sure you have lots of extra clothes to layer on. Even though the days may feel warm, the nights and mornings can be quite cold. It is better to pack extra clothes and not need them than to not have enough clothes and have a miserable cold trip. Make sure to pack lots of hoodies, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, beanies, socks, gloves etc.

3. Don’t forget to pack extra blankets

4. Walk with lots of hot chocolate, tea bags, coffee etc. You will definitely enjoy your hot beverage on cold evenings and mornings.

5. Pack lots of s’mores as they make the perfect campfire snack.

6. Hiking shoes are also very important and will keep your feet warm and well protected.

7. Pack a walled canopy so that you can be outdoors even if it rains.

8. Lastly, make sure to pack lots of insect spray. There will undoubtedly be lots of bugs during the day and night and you don’t want to be caught without bug spray to defend your territory.

Living the RV Lifestyle

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Campground

Going on a vacation and back is one thing but taking on the road full time is a different ball game altogether. Long-term RV living, or “full-timing” as the community refers to it, is an amazing and adventurous choice of lifestyle that can allow you to discover and experience the world as part of your day-to-day life.

In some situations, RV living can help save some good money on living expenses such as rent and demanding energy and water bills. Sticks-and-bricks houses are quite costly, after all!

This is not to say that full-time RV living does not have its own expenses and in certain extents, even sacrifices as is with almost everything in life; it’s a give and take. This extraordinary life of travel can give you a much-needed sense of liberation. A lot of full-timers are actually attracted by the simple and minimalistic lifestyle so as to seek a debt-free life.

Living on the Road on a Recreational Vehicle
Regardless of whatever has generated your interest in living in an RV full time on the road, it’s not as simple as loading into the rig and camping in a park. A transition of such magnitude needs some preparation.

Benefits of RV Living
As aforementioned, one of the benefits to RV living, or at least a reason most people commonly site for taking on this kind of life is its cheap nature. However, before you decide to seek a wild life on the road, you should know it’s not always that easy as it seems.
RV living has a lot of costs and they vary thus making it really difficult to conclude an “average” cost of RV living. There’s the cost of gas that will vary according to the model of RV you buy, how frequently you drive, and by how far, as well as the terrain in which you’re setting up camp. You will also have to pay campsite fees, license and registration, maintenance and repairs, as well as food and entertainment.

If you fail to exercise caution, all those costs can easily equal the money you would otherwise pay on a mortgage, utilities, rent or other house living expenses such as food and sanitary products. However, as long as you plan accordingly and in advance, RV living can be a good way to minimize your living costs. At least, you won’t buy a lot of items when you don’t have a lot of space to store them in!

If you want to enjoy an easy RV life, getting in without concerns of debt is the best way to go about it — and that includes the cost of the rig. Regardless of the level of debt you’re in, you can pull yourself out if you work hard enough towards achieving your goal.

Headquarters RV is currently open to seasonal people and we are taking reservations for later in the month. We will know later, at nearly the same time, if we will be permitted to take transient reservations. Social Distancing is maintained on our premises. Please contact us for more information.

Why Should You Consider Going On Vacation In An RV?

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - RV Park Crane Lake MN

Forget About Packing And Unpacking

If you typically avoid camping because you hate all the packing and unpacking, an RV could change your mind about experiencing the great outdoors. For example, you only have to prepare the RV once before you set out on your trip. Forget about all those suitcases that need to be lugged around when you have everything ready in the RV.

Cooking Made Easy

When you invest in an RV, you are also getting a mobile kitchen. And when you have a mobile kitchen to work with, you can shop accordingly. Just think about the money you save when you are able to stock up at the grocery store instead of eating at restaurants. And if you are not experienced with cooking on an open fire, that is why a stove is available. More importantly, you get to control the food you eat from start to finish.

Sleep Comfortably

Sleeping does not get more convenient or comfortable on the road than with an RV. In addition to letting you park just about anywhere for some rest, your kids can easily take naps while you are driving. With enough space, seats, and beds, everyone can enjoy a vacation in an RV.

What About The Bathroom?

One of the best things about owning an RV is the bathroom facilities you take with you. No longer do you have to wait for a good spot to get some relief or take a shower. This is especially useful when you have a family traveling with you. Because you know what it feels like every time the kids ask whether you are there yet. They do not make the trip easier with their constant need to take bathroom breaks.

Socialize At Campsites

When you go on vacation and stay in motels/hotels, there is a very low chance of meeting new people. But at a campsite, you are bound to learn new names. This is because of the atmosphere in and around a campsite, which is considered as social as it gets. So, allow yourself and your family to build new friendships by visiting real campsites using a trustworthy RV.

More Than Enough Space

If you are worried about limited space for your trip, let it go when you travel in an RV. It is designed to take more than enough baggage and even bikes if you want.

Always Stay Charged

For those that want to travel with the assurance of always having a charged cellphone, an RV can make sure all your electronics stay functional.

The Most Convenient Camping Trip Ever

Not only is an RV surprisingly easy to drive, but there is no reason to struggle with a tent every night. Simply step into your RV and have a good night’s rest.

Contact HQRV today and make a reservation for the best vacation ever.

RV Season Is Almost Here Again

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

How To Get Your RV Ready To Use Again After Storing It For The Winter

Chances are, your RV has been sitting unused all winter. Before RV season gets into full swing, it is a good idea to give your motorhome or trailer a thorough inspection. The time you invest in inspecting your rig is worthwhile since it can prevent a lot of headaches after you get out on the road.

Inspect The Outside Of The RV

Start your exterior inspection by walking around the entire outside of your RV, looking for any problems or signs of damage.

Take a look at your propane bottles. Has the expiration date passed? Propane bottles are designed to last for 10 years. You don’t want to find out that it is time to replace them when you take them in to have them refilled. As long as they are still usable, see how much propane you have. If necessary, refill them before you head out on the road. That way, you don’t have to worry about the propane running out when you are making a meal or trying to stay warm.

Next up is your battery. Depending on your RV, you probably have one or more 12V batteries. Reconnect them to make sure they are properly positioned.

As you walk around the outside of your RV, pay close attention to the doors, windows, and storage compartments. If you have a slide, inspect it for any problems. Take a look at the weather stripping, as well. The roof should be closely inspected to see if there are any signs of cracking or other damage. Don’t forget to check the housing for the air conditioner as well as the vent covers. At this point, connect your RV to shore power so that you can test all of the interior systems and gauges.

Take A Look At The Tires

Make sure the tires are inflated correctly and that they have an adequate amount of tread. Look closely at the sidewalls for signs of cracking or damage. The tires may be flat or slightly deflated, depending on how long the RV has been sitting. Take that into account when you begin towing the unit, starting slowly so that the tires have time to return to the correct shape. If necessary, air up the tires. You should be able to find the recommended PSI printed on each tire’s sidewall.

Start The Interior Inspection

Take a look around the interior of your RV, keeping your eyes open for signs of pests that may have taken shelter inside over the winter. As long as you properly prepared your RV for storage, the chances that any creatures got inside are slim. If you do notice signs of pests, however, you should tackle them head-on by getting rid of any nests. Inspect your unit to determine where the pests might have gotten in. That way, you can seal those areas to keep the problem from happening again. Clean your RV from top to bottom, including inside all of the cabinets.

Make Sure The Appliances Are Clean And Working Correctly

Although not all RVs will have one, if you do have a gas range, check for signs of pests by lifting the top. Inspect the refrigerator for signs of mildew. Clean it thoroughly so it is ready to go before your trip. Try using disinfecting wipes or Clorox to kill off any germs. Turn on the refrigerator for a couple of days, switching between power sources to verify that they all work correctly.

Make Sure The Safety Systems Are All Functioning

Check your smoke, carbon monoxide, and LP-gas detectors carefully to make sure they are working. Test all of your emergency exits, as well. Inspect any fire extinguishers for signs of damage.

Test The Lighting And Electrical System

Test out all of the interior lights to make sure they are in good working order. The same goes for any gadgets that you have on board. Try opening and closing your slides to make sure they are operational. Connect the water and pressurize the lines. Then, check the lines for signs of leaks. Close your tank drains and begin flushing out the lines with water if you winterized using antifreeze. As the antifreeze is washed out, it will go into your gray and black tanks. Make sure you dump the tanks at a waste disposal station that is approved for RV use.

Change out the drain plug in your water heater, replacing it with a new one. Turn the valves to normal from bypass to begin refilling the tank. If necessary, open a hot water tap so that air has a place to escape while the tank is filling.

Inspect The Propane Lines

When you turn your propane off for the winter, gas escapes from the lines. Before propane can reach your appliances again, it first needs to refill the lines. This can take some time. Check the owner’s manual for your stove and follow the instructions to light the pilot light. Allow a few minutes for the gas to make its way to the stove. After the line has been filled with propane, you should be able to start up any other appliances that operate on propane such as your furnace.

Planning A Summer Vacation At HQRV Park

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Headquarters RV Park - Northern MN RV Park

Winter is easily the best time to begin planning your summer vacation. Below, we will be going over some of the reasons you ought to use the winter as your time to plan out your summer vacation at HQRV Park.

Reasons To Plan Your Summer Vacation At HQRV Park During The Winter:

1. You Get Your Choice

Waiting until others begin to think about their own summer vacation is one of the best ways to ensure that you have to compromise. By planning your vacation ahead of time, you will be able to get your choice of dates. It will help to ensure that you are able to book your trip whenever you want to. Due to the popularity of HQRV Park, you will not be guaranteed to be able to plan your trip out the way you intended if you wait too long.

2. You Have Time To Change It

When you book your vacation in advance, it might worry you that you are locked in. However, when you book with HQRV Park, you have up until 30 days prior to your arrival to make any necessary changes. Therefore, you won’t necessarily be locked into that date. Therefore, you can have the added peace of mind knowing that you can make any necessary changes if something comes up.

3. You Will Actually Take It

A lot of people talk about taking vacations, but they never actually do so. By planning it during the winter, you will be able to plan everything properly to ensure that you take your much-needed vacation.

4. Having Something To Look Forward To

By planning out your vacation during the winter months, it will give you something to look forward to. Having something that is going to be there to keep you going during the dreary months of winter can be a real motivating factor. It will allow everyone in your entire family to focus on what lies ahead.

5. Budget For Your Trip

By planning your trip with enough time to save up, you should be able to budget accordingly. You will know exactly how much you will be spending on the rental and it can give you a good idea of how much you will need which can make your trip much easier financially on your entire family.

6. Take Days Off

When you plan your trip far in advance, you will be able to put in your vacation request early. This can help you ensure that you will not run into any kind of conflict with being unable to take days off.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to begin starting your planning process as soon as possible. By doing so, you will be able to guarantee your spot when you want to take your vacation. You will give your entire family something to look forward to. Likewise, you will be able to give yourself plenty of time to save for and budget for your future trip. Therefore, it will allow you to get the most out of it.