Most of us have already packed it in, winterized the RV, and tucked it away securely into storage. Hopefully you spent a lot more time outside and using the RV this year than in years past, and that you’ll keep it up even if the world around us “gets back to normal.”
Did you enjoy the extra time at the campsite? Spending more time with your family? Stretching your comfort zone to go see new places? If you didn’t, then make sure next year you do. That’s what this article is about: planning for next season. Yes, even though this season is barely over, you need to think ahead to next year.
Pick Your Sights
Choosing what you want to see season will help you determine where you’ll be setting up camp. Some sights are best in the spring, such as lilacs on Mackinac Island and cherry blossoms in Traverse City, while others are better in the summer, such as kayaking over shipwrecks in Thunder Bay or visiting Belle Isle and Eastern Market in Detroit at the height of the growing season. Others are really at their best during the fall, such as the waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula when the trees are at the peak of their colors.
Many indoor-related attractions such as museums and outdoor attractions such as festivals were cancelled or curtailed significantly this year due to the pandemic. It’s uncertain how things will shape up for next season, so don’t hold back and be optimistic that you’ll be able to visit those types of places. You can change your plans later, if needed.
Pick Your Campgrounds
This year was a banner year for many campgrounds across the state of Michigan as more people took to camping for vacations and recreation. It was challenging to get reservations, especially at popular destinations.
Next year will likely be the same story. People wanting to play it safe may only be comfortable enough to go camping, and folks who started camping this year may have been bitten by the camping bug and want to make camping a regular event.
Many campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts have already started taking site reservations for the spring and maybe even next summer. State and national parks start accepting reservations six months in advance. This can be competitive, so it’s worth doing your research well ahead of time and knowing where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and maybe even pick out your top five favorite campsites. However, it’s well worth to look into more secluded options, too, to give you more space.
P.S. – Our member campgrounds make great bases for exploring Michigan.
Make Your Wish List (and Your To-Do List)
Did you make do with something this season? Do you want to make a change or an upgrade? Do you need a new tow vehicle because the last one almost didn’t make it this year? Did you neglect some maintenance that really shouldn’t go another year without being addressed? Do you need a new shower curtain or a more comfortable mattress pad? (Here are some ideas for upgrades and modifications if you need inspiration.)
Make your list, both for things you’d love to have or change and those things that need to be done to make sure your RV is in tip-top working condition. Prioritize the list and then look into how much each item will cost.
It’s been scientifically established that trip planning makes us happier than the trip itself. So keep the good vibes going and think about next season.