Living Our Dream Now

01/02/2026

Every year is another RV adventure. I plan detailed RV travel itineraries and maintain an ever changing 5-year RV travel plan. By the time we roll the RV, we always have an awe-inspiring trip ahead and 2025 was no different. Here are highlights from our 2025 RV Adventure that took us to Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Kansas before our trip was unexpectedly cut short.

We video each RV camping destination and provide no-nonsense reviews showcasing our carefully selected RV camping destinations. We have a playlist for each state over on YouTube for those planning your own RV adventure. Our 2025 RV Adventure is still unfolding on YouTube with our next video set to publish on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Melody and I are super excited about our 2026 Southeast RV Adventure. See previous post on our Facebook timeline. We hope you use the information we share to craft your own memorable RV itinerary.

Life is short. Enjoy it while you can.

Be well,

Lou

12/31/2025

Pray that 2026 is better for all of us!

12/27/2025

Our 2026 RV Adventure (Segment 1) takes us to the best of the best affordable RV camping destinations in the southeast. Later in the year we head to Ohio and Michigan (Segment 2).

Segment 1 takes us to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida:

-- 20 Affordable RV Camping Destinations

-- 126 Nights

-- Total out of pocket expense including taxes for camping fees for these 20 private, state, and county camping destinations totals $2639, an average of $21.94 per night. All campsites are big rig friendly and provide full-hookup 50-amp electric service. (Does not include fixed camping membership fees that we pay whether we camp or not).

We are known for our practical, no-nonsense camping location reviews and look forward to showcasing this 2026 RV Adventure for you one destination at a time.

Free and affordable RV camping is our passion. RV camping often serves to lift our spirits, and this is especially true in 2026.

For those that share our passion for free and affordable RV camping, we encourage you to join our related Facebook group, Free and Affordable RV Camping in the USA, link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freecampingusa

If you are already a group member, consider inviting those that share our passion to the group. With over 40,000 like-minded people, our group is a place to find some exceptional free and affordable camping opportunities visited firsthand by our members. This is a place to connect with fellow campers located throughout the USA. We have hands-on admins and moderators, and you won't see scams and spam in our group.

Be well,

Lou, Melody, and Milo

12/26/2025

Melody and I met up with Sue and Jim West of the Gypsy Mountaineers at Dutchman's Daughter Restaurant in Fairmont (White Hall), West Virginia this afternoon. As it turns out there is a Cummins engine repair shop in White Hall and Jim needed to have some warranty work completed prior to their next RV adventure.

Sue and Jim are true Mountaineer gypsies, as they climb into their Class A RV and literally go where they please on a whim. Sue admins the Facebook Group, Gypsy Mountaineers which showcase their travels: https://www.facebook.com/groups/777856149331049

Our RV adventures aren't only about the destination. The people we meet along the way enrich our lives and bring us much joy. The RV community truly is unique as Melody and I are treated to these impromptu meetups both when we travel throughout the USA and while docked at our home in Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia. Unbreakable, lifetime friendships are priceless folks.

Be well,

Lou

12/24/2025

From our home to yours, we wish you much joy as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lou, Melody, and Milo

12/21/2025

🌄 NEW VIDEO TODAY: Fruita Campground at Capitol Reef National Park!
If Capitol Reef National Park isn’t on your RV bucket list yet, it will be after this one.

Melody and I spent several days exploring the **Fruita Campground**, and let me tell you — this place is special. Nestled in a historic orchard with towering red rock cliffs, wildlife wandering through camp, and trails you can access right from your site, it’s one of the most unique national park campgrounds in the country.

✅ **Dry camping, but absolutely worth it**
✅ **No cell service — Starlink works great**
✅ **Walkable to the Gifford House for fresh pies & cinnamon rolls**
✅ **Fremont River Trail right from the campground**
✅ **Deer, horses, and incredible scenery everywhere you turn**

In today’s video, I walk you through all three loops and point out the **best campsites** based on sun exposure, Starlink visibility, shade, rig length, and overall layout.

🔥 Campsites I Recommend (from the video)
Here are a few standouts you’ll see in the tour:

- **Site 10** – Wide, level, full sun for solar, and a clear shot at the northern sky for Starlink.
- **Site 11** – Another solid pick with good Starlink visibility and easy access.
- **Site 12** – Full sun, great views, and mule deer visited the site during our stay.
- **Site 18** – More open than most orchard sites and decent for solar.
- **Site 28** – Easy to back into, partial sun, and good northern sky exposure.
- **Site 57** – One of the easiest back-ins in Loop C with plenty of room and strong sun exposure.
- **Site 59 (our site)** – Excellent solar, great Starlink performance, and a comfortable setup for a multi-day stay.
- **Site 69** – Level, roomy, and one of the better Starlink-friendly sites in Loop C.

If you’re planning a trip to Capitol Reef, this walkthrough will save you time, help you pick the right site, and make your stay even better.

🎥 **Watch our full campground tour on YouTube: Capitol Reef National Park | Fruita Campground -- at LivingOurDreamNow

Let me know in the comments if you’ve camped here or if it’s now on your list. Safe travels, folks — see you in the next one.

Be well,

Lou

12/21/2025

12/19/2025

A few words that may hit home.

The fact is at this moment we live in a divided nation. There are many reasons in how we got here. But the reality is that this deep division has ripped families apart, created untold estrangements, and much personal grief.

In October 2025, I made a decision to run for public office here in our home state of West Virginia. The consensus from my closest friends and professionals that I rely upon for advice was “are you nuts”. That’s not an exaggeration.

Melody and I have now been retired six years and derive much joy from not only traveling the USA in our RV, but from the people we meet along the way. Many (actually most) of our closest friends have views at the opposite end of the political spectrum. Yet — we remain friends because we respect each other.

This however is not the case in the public sphere. Demagogs have created a toxic climate that directly threatens our way of life, our longstanding democratic institutions, and our Democratic Republic itself. What is occurring right now mocks every core value that I know to be true in a lifetime of public service.

In our daily lives the rancor is often avoided by ignoring the topic of politics. The country and state that have given Melody and I so much is in desperate need of leaders that will just use common sense and exercise integrity in government. Here in West Virginia during the 2024 election cycle, 19 of the 100 seats in the West Virginia House of Delegates had candidates that ran unopposed. Democracy requires participation or it ceases to function. I’m uniquely qualified, so I stepped up as a candidate for the 2026 election.

Anyway, I’m a planner and am executing the campaign strategically to allow for our planned RV adventures. We only have one life to live and so the content we bring you on all our social media is designed to highlight value so you can get the most out of your own RV adventures.

Our 2026 RV Adventure takes us to the “best of the best” camping destinations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia, with an extended stay in the Florida Keys. We look forward to showcasing these affordable private, state, and county RV camping opportunities for you. Our 2026 camping itinerary is divided into two separate segments, the latter portion taking us to Ohio and Michigan later in 2026.

Melody and I have learned much as we travel the USA in our RV. The people we meet along the way truly matter and have enriched our lives tremendously. Even with rising costs of RV ownership and camping fees, the overall value of traveling the USA in our RV is worth it.

For those that share our passion for free and affordable RV camping, we encourage you to join our related Facebook group, Free and Affordable RV Camping in the USA, link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freecampingusa

I’m not nuts folks, but I am listening to the light that hopefully resides deep within each of us. Where that light takes me is not in my hands.

Be well,

Lou

12/14/2025

Last night's snowfall here at our home in Clarksburg, West Virginia has so far totaled 8 inches. Our first four years of retirement took us to warm climates in the winter, but three grandchildren have changed our travel pattern up a bit.

Our 2023 KZ Durango Half-Ton Fifth Wheel is doing fine and while the solar panels are covered with snow, our new 270-amp hour lithium Battle Born Battery is topped off by shore power. Our newly installed (summer of 2025) Progressive Dynamics charge converter is performing perfectly. I've included photos for RV geeks.

I've also included photos of the virgin snow before I hop on the ATV and start driveway snow removal. A virgin snow has a certain beauty to it.

Yesterday on a post I made from my personal page, a follower astutely noticed that our tow vehicle was nowhere to be seen. Our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel is in the body shop for a makeover. It does not have Blue DEF and all the electronic crap that comes with just about any new heavy-duty truck. I keep our Dodge Ram well maintained, so my old friend is staying in the family for the foreseeable future. Have you priced a new truck lately?

The Florida Keys are looking pretty good right now. Melody, Milo, and I are looking forward to an extended visit this spring as part of our 2026 RV Adventure.

On the plus side, it does feel like Christmas here in Clarksburg, West Virginia. We are glad we are here to enjoy it with our family.

Be well.

Lou

12/07/2025

🌲 Red Canyon Campground | Dixie National Forest 🌲

Looking for your next unforgettable camping adventure? Our latest video takes you inside Red Canyon Campground, nestled in the heart of Utah’s Dixie National Forest—just minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park.

Why camp here?
• 🏞️ Scenic Beauty: Towering red rock formations and canyon walls right outside your tent or RV.
• 🚶 Hiking Access: Trails start directly from the campground, including routes behind the Visitor Center.
• 🚐 Convenience: Less than 20 minutes from Bryce Canyon, with clean facilities, showers, water spigots, dump station and freshwater fill.
• 🔥 First-Come, First-Served: Affordable rates and plenty of sites with shade, solar access, and privacy.

Lou’s Top-Pick Campsites:
• Site #2: Spacious, level, with canyon views and solar potential. Perfect for RVs or tents.
• Site #6: Easy back-in, quiet loop, and a clear shot of the northern sky for Starlink users.
• Site #10: Long half-moon site, ideal for larger rigs, with great northern sky access.
• Site #18: Larger rig-friendly, auto-level works well, and water spigot nearby.
• Site #34: Single site with shade, solar access, and a clear northern sky—great balance of comfort and views.

📹 Watch the full tour now: Red Canyon Campground | Dixie National Forest on our YouTube channel.

I love doing this stuff folks. Boots on the ground -- that's what it is all about.

Lou

11/29/2025

🌲 Boondocking 101 | How to Camp Free on Public Lands Without Breaking the Rules

Ready to unlock the freedom of RV camping without the campground fees? Free and affordable RV camping is our passion. Over the years we've attracted others also interested in affordable RV camping. In today's post, I recap some basics for those new to the topic. Boondocking—also known as dispersed camping—is one of the best ways to experience America’s natural beauty while keeping costs low. But to make the most of it, you need to know the rules of the road.

🔑 What Is Boondocking?
Boondocking means camping on public lands (like National Forests or Bureau of Land Management areas) outside of developed campgrounds. It’s free, scenic, and offers a true sense of independence.

✅ Tips for Responsible Free Camping
• Know the Land: Use apps like Campendium or iOverlander to find legal spots.
• Follow Stay Limits: Most areas allow 14 days in one location before you must move.
• Pack In, Pack Out: Leave no trace—take all trash and supplies with you.
• Respect Boundaries: Stay off private property and avoid restricted zones.
• Be Self Sufficient: Bring water, power, and waste solutions—there are no hookups in the wild.

🌟 Why Boondocking Resonates
• Cost Savings: Free camping means more money for adventures.
• Freedom: Choose your own view—mountains, deserts, forests.
• Connection: Meet fellow RVers who share the love of simple, affordable travel.

🚐 Living Our Dream Now
For us, boondocking isn’t just about saving money—it’s about living life on our own terms. Free and affordable RV camping lets us explore new places, meet amazing people, and enjoy the miracles of nature without breaking the bank.

Melody and I have traveled from coast to coast exploring the very best free camping opportunities. One of our most useful YouTube videos on the topic is set in Florida and is titled: 16 Free Camping Spots in Florida. In that video, I walk you through how to camp for free in the Sunshine State.

Follow us and put another resource in your RV camping toolbox.

👉 Have you tried boondocking? Share your favorite free camping spot in the comments below!

Be well,

Lou, Melody, and Milo

11/26/2025

From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Lou, Melody, and Milo