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Fortunately, about the same time, a slew of annual directories begin appearing to whet those RVers' appetites by helping them plan their trips, and later guide them along their way. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular annual directories and guidebooks that recently debuted in their updated editions for 2005. It's pretty much a toss up which national RV campground directory is best. Either one (or both) of the phone-book-sized ones from Trailer Life or Woodall's should be along on any RV trip that extends into unfamiliar territory. Each directory weighs as much as a brick, but all those pages are necessary to fit in the vast amount of information including details about virtually every RV park and public campground in the country including driving directions, campsite sizes, Internet access, pet policies, and rates. The Trailer Life Directory has a database of a million campsites, and campgrounds are rated on a one to ten scale on three attributes: facilities, restroom construction and cleanliness, and visual appeal. The directory also lists nearby attractions, RV service and repair facilities. And there are thousands of ads, which some RVer enjoy because the facilities get to toot their own horns, often providing additional clues about what to expect once there. Like the Trailer Life book, the Woodall's Campground Directory includes everything an RVer needs to know about virtually every campground in America. Each private park is visited and inspected by a Woodall's representative, and it receives a recommendation based on how it sizes up. Woodall's also publishes nine smaller directories for regions of the USA, as well as a national directory of Canadian campgrounds. RVers who travel only in their own state or neighboring ones can save money by purchasing a regional guide. Frommer's also publishes a whopper-sized national campground directory. But unlike the Trailer Life and Woodall's guides, Frommer's Best RV & Tent Campgrounds in the USA contains no advertising and its campground descriptions are far more extensive. Based on the details provided about each campground, great care appears to have been taken in inspecting and rating each facility. RVers who drive long RVs will appreciate the annual Big Rig Best Bests Campground Directory. For the first time ever, the 2005 guidebook includes campgrounds in all the 48 states. Publishers Ken and Ellie Hamill have personally visited every facility they list and provide insights into each's "big rig" appeal and its best campsites. ROAD GUIDES A very popular annual directory among RVers is The Next Exit, which lists what services and public facilities are located at every exit of every Interstate. Looking for a public park, hospital, a KOA, or your favorite fast food joint? The Next Exit will tell exactly which exit to take to find it. RVers Friend is another helpful "on the road" guidebook. This annual directory lists more than 6,800 RV accessible truck stops in the USA and Canada. It wasn't long ago that truck stops catered only to truckers. But these days, most have put down their welcome mats for RVers as well. Services commonly provided besides fuel include dump stations, repair service, Internet access, ATMs, and even overnight parking. The RVer's Friend offers all this information and more. A relative newcomer to the ranks of best-selling annual RV directories is the Wal-Mart Locator. Every Wal-Mart and Sam's Club location in the USA is listed with driving directions to each. The just-published 2005 edition includes Alaska for the first time plus Wal-Mart stores with gas stations. Many RVers routinely stop at Wal-Mart to stock up on groceries and other supplies, and some opt for a freebie overnight stay in the parking lot — okay at most stores. Active members of the military and many ex-members can take advantage of camping opportunities on military bases. The 2005 Military RV, Camping and Outdoor Recreation Directory provides detailed information about every military campground including driving directions, hookups and other amenities, plus rates. A valid U.S. military ID card is required to use most facilities. OTHER GUIDES RVers who bring along a firearm on their trips (many do), should consider packing along the 2005 Traveler's Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States. What many RVers may not know is that what's gun-legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This guide explains the specific firearm laws of every U.S. state. Certainly one of the most valuable annual guides for brand new RVers or veterans in search of a new rig is the annual Woodall's RV Buyers Guide. The 2005 edition includes specific information about virtually every 2005-model RV from big Class A motorhomes to pop up trailers and truck campers. Each description includes specs for RV length, tank capacities, sleeping facilities, price and weight. Trailer Life publishes a similar guide with virtually identical information. So buy one guide or the other, but not both. Finally, for full-timers and would-be full-timers, the 2005 Selecting An RV Home Base provides a comprehensive rundown of the tax laws, resident requirements, license fees and tax advantages of the 50 U.S. states. Where a full-timer sets up a home base can be critical to how much he or she will pay at tax time. Picking the wrong state can result in spending thousands of extra dollars every year that could have been saved by registering in a different state. All of the directories mentioned in this article are available at RVbookstore.com. Top of Page Get your FREE RV Travel Newsletter every week - sign up now.
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