Whether you’re a casual camper or a full-time RVer, many of us are now using GPS navigational systems.  If you’re an avid camper or RVer that owns a GPS, I recently reviewed a product you’re going to love! 

CoolRVToyz.com offers products specific to campers and RVers, and their signature product is a downloadable RV Park Directory and points-of-interest (POI) list for your GPS and favorite mapping program.  This RV Campground Directory contains over 42,000 RV parks, campgrounds, and other useful camping and RV related services.   

From anywhere you can locate the nearest campground, a place to refill your propane, RV camping accessories, or a truck and RV wash.  It contains listings for public and private campgrounds, state campgrounds, state parks, Military FamCamps and US National Parks all across the United States, Canada and Mexico.   

You can load the RV Parks Directory into your favorite mapping program to plan your trips as well as into your GPS to get you there.  If you’re on the road and want to find a campground in a hurry, you simply search for and identify the one you want.  Your GPS will display the address, phone number, and even information about available facilities and amenities at many of the parks.  If your GPS is Bluetooth enabled and paired to your cell phone, you can even dial the campground at the touch of the screen to make reservations. 

This list is the best RV Campgrounds Directory I’ve ever seen, and something that no camper or RVer should be without!   

Categories: Other, Camping, Boating, Hiking
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Most native south-central Kentuckians are familiar with the benefits the Indiana and Ohio Navy bring to the small towns surrounding Lake Cumberland.  Typically as soon as the mercury hits the mid-eighties, they start rolling into town with their classy SUVs and fantastic speed-boats.  If you ask some of the “old-timers” if the area has always been such a tourist hot spot, they will tell you no for sure.  They might even tell of a relative who aided in the sequence of events that lead to the impressive lake. 

            Costing $80.4 million in 1950, Lake Cumberland was constructed to not only alleviate flooding but also as means to produce hydroelectric power. 

With a shoreline like none other of 1,085 miles, the lake spans 50,250 acres.  Temperatures from June to September are perfect for a variety of leisurely activities.  At the start of summer the water is the mid-seventies and tops off in August at around eight-four degrees.  Imagine taking the pontoon out in July on a classic Kentucky summer day.  Will you sit in the captain’s chair and cruise the lake or is it more your speed to anchor somewhere and enjoy the soft waves while floating on a tube?  Launching a water craft of any kind off of one of Lake Cumberland’s many boat ramps is for any summer-time enthusiast.

            During the summer months Lake Cumberland sees no shortage of watercraft or shortage of variety.  In the course of one “voyage” on the lake one might see luxury houseboats, runabouts, speed or powerboats, jet skis, pontoons, and the lone fishing boat anchored in a quiet cove.  A passerby might encounter any number of vehicles while on the lake—be prepared to wave!  There is something about being on the lake that brings out hospitality in visitors both local and tourists.  The lake is notorious for its scenic beauty, do not be surprised when a bright speed boat whizzes by with a skier pulled by rope who appears to paying more attention to the green hills and occasional hawk.  It is all part of the atmosphere of Lake Cumberland.  Then there is tubing!  Tubing is a sport all in itself.  A nice long rope tied to an inner tube then secured to a powerboat will provide any dare devil the ride of their life.  To obtain the greatest high of all, choice in driver (of the boat) makes all the difference. 

            In addition to a variety of water sports, the Lake Cumberland area offers a variety of hiking and camping opportunities.  Specifically Lake Cumberland State Park has much to offer all in one location.  There you can stay in the lodge, rent a cottage, or camp—I suppose it all depends on how much luxury you need.  The state park has a four mile loop trail that has many spectacular views of the lake as winds through the beech, hickory, and oak forests.  The other trail is one and half miles long one way and boasts of much of the same including a variety of wildlife.  Lake Cumberland State Park is also the home of a fantastic restaurant, a nice golf course, and of course Lake Cumberland State Dock where houseboats are rented.  If you have a few days to spare and need something to do I would recommend that you visit Lake Cumberland.

Categories: Camping, Boating, Hiking
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