While some people prefer celebrating New Year’s Eve in the comfort of their own home or joining the partygoers at the city center, there are others who choose to go on a road trip and enjoy the great outdoors. There’s something liberating about going somewhere peaceful and being at one with nature. It’s the perfect escape to hectic city life and it gives you the opportunity to sit back and relax. You also get to spend quality time with your loved ones and friends – plus it’s a cheap way to go on a vacation!

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a beautiful little place near Savannah and is a great place to ring in the New Year in your RV.  You can see the largest fireworks show in the southeastern United States Tybee Pier & Pavilion on the eve of December 31. We promise you won’t want to miss this! It is truly a beautiful sight to see.  You can also watch the amazing display from the beach while enjoying the campfire with your friends and family. 

When looking for an RV park to stay at in the area, we recommend River’s End. This luxury RV park is just a few blocks from the beach and only a short drive from historic downtown Savannah. This park is loaded with amenities for every camper, including the Island’s largest swimming pool, a large gift shop, and loads of pre-planned activities for you and your family to enjoy. 

Don’t have an RV yet? No problem! While you are waiting to buy your own new RV, you can still enjoy this campground by renting one of their stunning luxury cabins. You can choose from a pet-friendly or pet-free cabin, and enjoy everything this campground has to offer alongside your RVing friends. Undoubtedly, it made our list of best RV parks for New Years camping!

Austin, TX

Austin is weird, and we love it! This Texas town is unique and so much fun. They have quite a bit of fun going on in town to ring in the New Year. Since it is the capital of Texas, there are plenty of things to do all year round, but they are amplified for New Year’s. This is the time of year when the whole city comes as one and celebrates the birth of a new year. The downtown streets are blocked off and filled with food vendors, shops, and artists all while live music is flowing through the air.

When looking for a place to park your rig near Austin, we recommend the Mystic Quarry. This campground is perfectly placed in Austin! It is just the right amount weird and modern, perfect for glampers in their Class A as well as people who just want to rent a cool cabin and test out the camping lifestyle.

According to the Mystic Quarry website The campground is “designed for those who camp and those who don’t, where camping is a style you get to choose yourself, be that tiny houses, Boho tipis, safari lodges, cabins, RV sites or tent sites, all just a skip from the Whitewater Amphitheater and close to Gruene and Wimberley.” We think it is one of the top RV parks for New Years!

San Antonio, Texas 

San Antonio, Texas, is a must-visit destination for RV travelers seeking holiday cheer. The city has enchanting attractions that make it a winter wonderland wish come true. San Antonio decks its halls in grand style, offering a ton of holiday attractions. In 2024, the city becomes a festive playground, with local favorites including Frostival at the DoSeum, Go Rio Holiday Lights Cruises, Holiday Lights on the RiverWalk, Western Winter Wonderland, and Zoo Lights.

For families, San Antonio provides endless excitement with attractions like Six Flags Fiesta, where thrilling rides and holiday-themed events captivate visitors of all ages. The famous River Walk along the San Antonio River undergoes a magical transformation into a corridor of lights. It offers a picturesque stroll for families, creating a sparkling, memorable experience for New Years.

In San Antonio, rest and recharge at the Alamo KOA Resort. This RV haven offers a comfortable stay with convenient access to the city’s holiday attractions- within 10 minutes from the attractions above. San Antonio, Texas, beckons with holiday magic, creating a perfect blend of festive attractions and comfort for your New Years RV adventure.

Where Will You Spend New Years?

As the year draws to a close and we eagerly welcome the dawn of a new one, there’s no better way to celebrate than hitting the road in your RV. Whether you prefer the picturesque shores of Tybee Island, the quirky charm of Austin, or the enchanting holiday spirit of San Antonio, the best New Year celebrations await you on the open road. We hope our list of the best RV parks for New Years helped you with planning! 

We wish you lots of memories and the happiest of New Years from our family at Courvelle’s RV. We hope you let the open road guide you into a new one filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable RV moments. Here’s to a New Year filled with exciting travels and endless possibilities!

The holidays are a truly magical time of year. Whether it’s a big feast prepared for Thanksgiving or the twinkle of Christmas lights in every downtown of small town America, you can’t help but feel festive. For many, the holidays mean gathering with loved ones and spending quality time. For you, this may mean gathering in your RV! Albeit non-traditional, there are still ways to make this time of year special on the road. If you’re planning on spending the holidays in an RV this year, we’ve gathered some of our best tips.

Easy Ways to Embrace the Holidays in an RV

While Christmas is often associated with extravagance and material goods, spending the holidays in an RV can be a great reminder of what’s really important during the holiday season. Whether you are planning to get cozy in a travel trailer or are comfortable in your Class A, there are some unique challenges to RVing at Christmas that you wouldn’t usually encounter if you were to spend it in a sticks-and-bricks home! Not to worry, we’ve laid out everything you need Space might be tight, you can still make it merry and bright.

Map Out a Festive Road Trip

If spending the holidays in an RV isn’t exclusively associated with boondocking in a family member’s driveway for a few weeks, why not plan to visit a destination that brings out the festive spirit? Choose an RV park that holds special holiday events or go to a destination like Christmas, Florida that makes the holidays their whole personality. Picking a location with a festive feel will help set the tone for great holidays in your RV. And if you’re staying local, there are tons of great winter events in Louisiana!

Decorate Your Campsite

It doesn’t matter if you’ll be there for a few days or a few weeks – nothing brings out the Christmas spirit like a little festive décor! Deck your RV halls with simple, easy-to-store decorations like these RV décor finds from our friends at RVUSA. You can choose from hanging lights outside your RV and decorating your campsite to selecting a few intentional touches inside, such as a Christmas garland or a mini tree. Do whatever helps you feel the cozy holiday vibes!

Plan an RV-Friendly Menu

One of the biggest challenges of spending the holidays in an RV is the cooking. RV kitchens are understandably smaller than sticks and bricks kitchens. There’s less counter space for prep, and some may or may not have kitchen appliances like ovens that work overtime during the holidays. This fact alone can dissuade some RVers from choosing an RV Christmas.

Don’t stress though! Having a tasty Christmas dinner is absolutely possible in an RV kitchen. The key is in planning the right menu. Search blogs for RV-friendly Christmas foods like our list of cold weather camping recipes or this blog about Christmas recipes for the RV. Many classic holiday foods can be adapted to be made in a Crock Pot, Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or other easily portable appliance you can pack with you on your holiday travels. There are even some that work great in a Dutch oven over the campfire! It simple requires a little planning ahead.

Pro tip: prep as much in your sticks-and-bricks home as you can! Unless you are a full timer, take advantage of the kitchen you have at home to do things like prep sauces and chop veggies. Your future self will thank you!

The More the Merrier

To our last point, living space inside RVs can be limited. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to keep your RV Christmas small! One of the things RVers love is the ability to enjoy the great outdoors. Take advantage of getting outside with loved ones! Most campgrounds will have picnic tables or gathering spaces where you can enjoy meals with fellow campers or even invite family and friends to the RV park to celebrate with you. Don’t feel like you can’t have guests for the holidays in an RV. Community is one of the best parts of RVing, so the more the merrier!

Don’t overcomplicate it

At the end of the day, remember the reason for the season. While you may want to try and make your holidays in an RV absolutely picture perfect, that isn’t the most important part. What matters is enjoying yourself and having quality time with your loved ones. When you focus on the deeper meaning of the holidays, the little nuances of being on the road don’t get to you as much.

Spend the Holidays in an RV That’s Perfect for Your Family

Still need to find the right RV to take on your holiday adventures? We can help! At Courvelle’s RV, our expert sales staff can match you up with the perfect new or used RV to meet your needs. There are many perks to buying an RV in winter and we’re here to guide you through it!

If you have a fishing hobby, Louisiana is heaven. With its rich tapestry of waterways, swamps, and estuaries, there are so many great spots for anglers to discover. The best way to get there? RVing! From the tranquil bayous to the vast coastal marshes and the sprawling lakes, RVing is a great way to experience the Pelican State’s rich fishing scene. Whether you’re in pursuit of trophy-sized bass in serene freshwater reservoirs or casting your line for speckled trout amidst the coastal breezes, it’s hard to narrow down the best fishing in Louisiana. To make it easy for you, we rounded up our top choices.

There’s a reason this state is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” In Louisiana, fishing is not just a pastime, but a way of life. So, grab your fishing gear and hitch up your RV. We’re detailing the best Louisiana waterways for fishing.

Fishing Licenses in Louisiana

Like anywhere else, fishing in Louisiana requires proper licensing. It’s important to ensure both the sustainability of the state’s fisheries and compliance with regulations. To get yours, visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ website or a local license vendor. There are various license types available, including those for residents and non-residents, seniors, and military personnel. It’s essential to review the specific regulations and licensing requirements for the type of fishing you plan to do. Staying informed and obtaining the appropriate fishing license not only keeps you legal but also contributes to the conservation efforts that maintain Louisiana’s vibrant fishing ecosystems.

Best Fishing In Louisiana

Now, on to our picks for the best fishing in Louisiana.

Caney Lake

Fishing in Caney Lake is an angler’s dream come true. In 2022, it gained well-deserved recognition, securing the No. 4 spot on Bassmaster Magazine‘s “Top 100 Lakes” list. This recognition for some of the best fishing in Louisiana is attributed to the impressive tournament weights and the remarkable number of 10-pound-plus bass that have been landed in recent years. The lake spans 5,000 acres in Jackson Parish and is currently experiencing exceptional habitat conditions. This is leading to a surge in big fish and an overall abundance of bass. In other words, you can hook your own trophy-sized bass here!

Toledo Bend Reservoir

Toledo Bend Reservoir is also in Bassmaster Magazine’s “Top 100 Lakes” list, sitting at No. 5. It is situated on the Texas/Louisiana state line and has long had a reputation for some of the best fishing in Louisiana. In 2019, a low-water period led to a temporary drop in the reservoir’s levels. As a result, habitat conditions were enhanced and the fish population thrived. This unique situation contributed to an increase in average winning catch weights. Anglers have caught several 25-pound, 5-bass limit winning weights here in recent years! Anglers visiting Toledo Bend can expect more than just bass, including crappie, catfish, and more. Essentially, this scenic reservoir in Desoto and Vernon Parishes offers ample opportunities for both amateur and seasoned anglers to reel in impressive catches.

Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain is an easily accessible fishing destination for visitors to New Orleans. It is on our list for the best fishing in Louisiana because it offers a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Popular catches include speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead. There are both inshore and nearshore fishing options, making it accessible for those with various types of watercraft. The lake’s brackish water is a prime habitat for these sought-after species. Additionally, the abundance of oyster beds and marshy areas provides excellent feeding grounds. Undoubtedly, Lake Pontchartrain offers a fruitful fishing experience against the picturesque backdrop of New Orleans.

Grand Isle

Grande Isle is a coveted destination for both inshore and offshore fishing enthusiasts. Onshore, anglers can target speckled trout and redfish in the calm, shallow waters of Barataria Bay. For those seeking offshore adventures, the Gulf of Mexico offers opportunities to catch a wide variety of species, including tuna, marlin, snapper, and amberjack. Anglers can choose from various charter options to explore these rich fishing grounds. RVers can set up camp at the beautiful Grand Isle State Park. With its stunning coastal scenery and abundant marine life, Grande Isle offers a thrilling fishing experience combined with the comforts of RV camping.

Venice

Venice is so well-loved by anglers, it’s known as “Tuna Town.” The town is located at the tip of Louisiana’s boot near the Mississippi River Delta and the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, it’s an unparalleled hotspot for offshore and deep-sea fishing. The convergence of nutrient-rich waters from the Mississippi River and the warm currents of the Gulf creates the perfect conditions for various tuna species, including yellowfin and blackfin tuna, to thrive. If you want to fish for tuna, Venice has some of the best fishing in Louisiana.

Atchafalaya Basin

This sprawling wetland in Cajun Country is perfect for the angler who wants to meander through a labyrinth of cypress swamps. It’s a prime habitat for a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The basin’s waterways wind through a mesmerizing landscape of towering cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Anglers often use shallow-draft boats like flat-bottomed skiffs, jon boats, and kayaks to navigate these waters effectively. There’s plenty else to do here as well. We featured Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge as one of the best places to hike in our state.

The Best Louisiana RV Shop for RVing Anglers

These spots only scratch the surface of why our state is known as “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Louisiana offers a fishing experience like no other, with its diverse landscapes, abundant water bodies, and a multitude of fish species. For RVing anglers searching for the best fishing in Louisiana, don’t forget to make Courvelle’s RV in Opelousas your first stop. Our exceptional RV service and high quality RV inventory will ensure you’re well-prepared to enjoy the bountiful fishing opportunities that await in this paradise for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re an RVer, then chances are you love the outdoors. Biking is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy nature, and our state has plenty of opportunities for it. Coincidentally, Louisiana is actually a treasure trove for cyclists! It offers diverse terrains, scenic routes, and picturesque towns to discover. Whether you’re a biking enthusiast or a recreational rider, we’ve curated a list of the best bike trails in Louisiana. So, fasten your helmets, hop on your bikes, and let’s delve into Louisiana’s incredible biking scene.

The Best Bike Trails in Louisiana for Your Next Road Trip

Tammany Trace

Tammany Trace is a 31-mile paved bike trail located on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. It used to be an Illinois Central Railroad corridor, and it has since been transformed into an outdoors haven. Now, you’ll find paths for biking, hiking, rollerblading and wheelchair use. As it stretches from Covington to Slidell, you’ll wind through dense forests, picturesque wetlands, and charming towns. For those who want to experience the heart of the state, it’s one of the best bike trails in Louisiana.

Along the trails, you’ll find amenities such as picnic areas, benches, and water fountains. Plus, there are plenty of convenient spots to take breaks and soak in the natural beauty. The towns along the route offer charming shops, restaurants, and historical sites, inviting cyclists to immerse themselves in the local culture. For extra adventure, you can follow the Tammany Trace Extension. This is a 12-mile paved trail that branches off from the Tammany Trace in Covington. This extension showcases the same scenic beauty as the main trail, but with a more secluded atmosphere. As such, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter ride away from the bustling main trail.

To enjoy these trails on your RV travels, try camping in Fontainebleau State Park or Fairview-Riverside State Park. Whether you choose to ride the main trail or venture into the extension, you’re in for a remarkable biking experience.

Red River Bike Trail

The Red River Bike Trail in Shreveport offers an array of sights and attractions that make it a captivating destination for cyclists. This 6-mile trail features beautiful views of the Red River from Riverview Park to Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. It passes many different local attractions and recreation areas, so make sure you plan time to stop along the way!

One of the notable highlights is the Louisiana Boardwalk, a bustling waterfront retail and entertainment district. Here, you can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. In addition, it passes by the Sci-Port Discovery Center, a popular science and education museum with exhibits for all ages. From the majestic river scenery to the vibrant urban attractions, the Red River Bike Trail in Shreveport has it all. It provides a delightful mix of natural beauty and city charm, making it one of the best bike trails in Louisiana.

Lafitte Greenway

The Lafitte Greenway in the heart of New Orleans is a unique bike trail that offers a distinct blend of urban personality and outdoor recreation. This 2.6-mile paved trail serves as a vibrant link between the historic French Quarter and the picturesque City Park. Essentially, it’s a green oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. As you pedal along the trail, you’ll witness lively neighborhoods, street art, and cultural landmarks. It’s one of the best ways to get active while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of New Orleans’ heritage. The trail serves as a gateway to the cultural, culinary, and entertainment offerings that make New Orleans a beloved destination. If you’re planning an RV trip to New Orleans anytime soon, then plan to spend a day on one of the best bike trails in Louisiana.

Wild Azalea Trail

Around here, we love the Kisatchie National Forest! If you love biking, then you’ll be thrilled to find out one of the best bike trails in Louisiana is located in this protected area. The Wild Azalea Trail in the Calcasieu Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest in Central Louisiana immerses cyclists in the beauty of nature. This renowned trail stretches for 26 miles and winds through the enchanting forested landscapes of the Kisatchie Hills.

The highlight of the trail is the stunning display of wild azaleas that blanket the forest floor from March to April.  Along the way, there are gentle slopes and challenging climbs as well as peaceful stretches where you can relish the serenity of the surroundings. If you ask us, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate the wilderness of Central Louisiana. For those looking to camp while you’re there, we wrote an entire blog about where to camp in Kisatchie National Forest!

Mississippi River Trail

The Mississippi River Trail spans multiple states along the majestic Mississippi River. This is one of the best bike trails in Louisiana thanks to its breathtaking scenic beauty and connection to the rich history of the river. On the trail, you’ll take in the grandeur of the Mississippi River and the ever-changing landscapes that line its banks. The MRT offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and charming riverfront towns. It’s an easy place to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry that the river has woven throughout the centuries. Along the way, you can stop at historic landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, or engage in recreational activities like fishing. The Mississippi River Trail truly encapsulates the spirit and allure of the mighty river. To go on a biking trail that celebrates nature and heritage, this is the spot. 

Plan a Road Trip to the Best Bike Trails in Louisiana

Whether you are an avid cyclist seeking thrilling trails or a family looking for outdoor adventures, the best bike trails in Louisiana have something for everyone. From the serene Tammany Trace to the urban charm of the Lafitte Greenway, unforgettable experiences await. If you plan to travel often with your bikes, then a toy hauler RV may be the best RV type for you! The rear garage provides the perfect spot to transport your bikes without getting in the way of your living space. At Courvelle’s RV, we have toy hauler RVs designed to accommodate your biking needs. Visit our dealership in Opelousas or browse our inventory online to find the ideal toy hauler that fits your lifestyle. Let Courvelle’s RV be your partner in turning your dreams of RVing and cycling into a reality!