Dawn and I have been camping together for almost 35 years, starting with tents and eventually working our way through motorcycles, pop-ups, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. These days we travel with our Grand Design Reflection 295RL—and, of course, Odie Dog, who has a habit of becoming the star of many of these stories.
Everything you read here is based on something that actually happened to us somewhere along the road. I may have a little fun telling the story, but the broken equipment, questionable decisions, campground adventures, towing lessons, great meals, and occasional disasters are all very real.
This blog is where I share our camping stories, campground and restaurant reviews, RV gear, towing experiences, cooking, travel, and whatever else happens along the way.
If you’re new here, I’ve picked out a few favorite stories below that are a good place to start. Hopefully one makes you laugh, helps with your own camping adventures, or at least keeps you from making one of the mistakes I’ve already made for you.
Want to know how we got here? Read more about Mark, Dawn & Odie.
New Here? Start With These
If this is your first visit, these four stories are a pretty good introduction to what this blog is all about. Some involve camping. Some involve questionable decisions. Most involve something not going exactly according to plan.
How to Ruin a Camping Trip in 3 Minutes
2027 Southern Illinois Meet & Greet
Planning ahead for 2027? The Southern Illinois Meet & Greet returns September 21–26, 2027. Get the campground details, reservation information, and event updates here.
Our Stories & Adventures
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Smokin K’s BBQ & Cajun Cuisine in Marion, IL – Come Hungry!
Huge portions, great smoked chicken, brisket-loaded baked beans and excellent fish. We tried Smokin K’s BBQ & Cajun Cuisine in Marion, Illinois—and learned quickly that you’d better come hungry.
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Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Are They the Right E-Bikes for RV Camping?
We bought two Lectric XP Lite 2.0 e-bikes for camping and quickly learned there is a lot more to choosing the right RV e-bike than range and speed. Here’s what we like, what we don’t, and whether we’d buy them again.
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Why I Traded My Ram 2500 Gas Truck for a Chevy 2500HD Duramax
Why we traded a Ram 2500 6.4 HEMI for a Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax, including torque, payload, exhaust brake and towing-range considerations.
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Gas vs Diesel for Fifth-Wheel Towing: The Debate Got Interesting
A real-world look at gas versus diesel for fifth-wheel towing and why torque, exhaust braking, range and maintenance mattered in our decision.
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2024 Ram 2500 6.4 HEMI Towing Review With a Grand Design 295RL
How our 2024 Ram 2500 6.4 HEMI handled a Grand Design Reflection 295RL, including fuel economy, hill performance and why we considered diesel.
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Old Taylor Grocery Review: Great Catfish Near Oxford, Mississippi
Our Old Taylor Grocery review covers the famous catfish, atmosphere, service, portions and why this Taylor, Mississippi stop is worth the short drive from Oxford.
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Roundabout RV Resort Review: Camping Near Oxford, Mississippi
Our review of Roundabout RV Resort in Oxford, Mississippi, covering sites, hookups, shade, water park, lazy river, noise, price and who will enjoy it most.