Besides camping, there is fishing, boating, hunting, shooting sports, hiking, bicycling, swimming, golf, and many interesting places to visit, including shops and eateries.

If you are looking for a new place to camp, Rend Lake ought be near the top of your list. It is close to anyplace in the Tri-State area, and has 1,100 campsites ranging from full-hookups to remote primitive sites. It’s a place you can always find a level campsite, usually in the shade or on the lake shore.

Rend Lake is just off I-57, about 20 miles south of Mt. Vernon, IL. Located just outside of Benton,campers and other visitors are only about five minutes from most all the local conveniences, such as restaurants, hotels/motels. movie theater, wineries, an opera house, horseback riding, roller skating, bowling, and golf courses.

The lake itself is nearly 19,800 acres at normal level and is surrounded by another 24,000 acres of state and federal land, most of which is managed by the U.S. Army corps of Engineers. In southern Illinois, there is nearly 400,000 acres of public land. The Shawnee National Forest has about 300,000 and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge totals 48,000.

Rend Lake was built as a joint project by the Illinois Department of Conservation, the Rend Lake Conservancy District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The reservoir was built to provide a dependable domestic water supply to a two-county area beginning in 1965. Construction of the $60 million project took five years to complete with the final filling of the lake in the early 1970’s.

Since that time, many improvements have been made resulting in the current quality facilities that are currently available. Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area was developed to provide public hunting, and other recreational opportunities.

Wayne Fitzgerald State Park on the central part of the eastern shore has excellent camping facilities. Some are located directly on the shoreline with beautiful views of cross lake sunsets. There are nearly 400 campsites, and besides many shoreline spots, others are well shaded.

Corps of Engineers recreational facilities and boat ramps are scattered around the lake. There are nearly 700 campsites. The Visitor Center is located at the east end of the main dam Road.

There is plenty to do for everyone. The Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center is the flagship of three Illinois State Museum shops with samplings of the Illinois Artisans Program. Some of the state’s finest craftspeople offer their handcrafted items. There also is an art gallery in the same building.

The nationally known Red Lake Shooting Complex offers trap, skeet, sporting clays and facilities for archery enthusiasts. It is a state-of-the art facility.

The 27-hole golf course is rated one of the best public courses in the Midwest. It also has a lighted driving range.

Not only will visitors see many types of ducks and geese, but the cranes, herons and even a eagle once in a while. Black pelicans make a stop during their migrations. Deer are seen everywhere as well as raccoons, fox and opossums. Take your camera.

Rend Lake is a relatively shallow reservoir, productive for sport and commercial fisherman alike. All species of fish that are common in southern Illinois can be found at Rend Lake. There is an abundance of large crappie and channel catfish. And the lake has a reputation of being one of the better waterfowl hunting areas in the state.

Mike Hooe, Rend Lake fisheries biologist, says he is really excited about the lake’s crappie, since a creel limit of 25 was established. Of the 25 fish, 15 must be under 10 inches in length.

While some anglers initially objected to the regulations, he said they became very supportive “once the regulations began to work…We have had seven consecutive years of good crappie fishing…We don’t now have the boom and bust year cycles.”

Rend also has good largemouth bass and catfish fishing. The white bass angling is good, but less stable due the dependence on spring water spawning conditions in the feeder streams to the lake. “We have some really good 14-16-inch white bass, and fishing should be good the next two to three years,” he said.

“We don’t stock catfish because we don’t have to…We have a lot of channel catfish and decent flat heads,” he added.

Largemouth bass last year were supported by a supplemental stocking of 58,000 fish, and an enhanced forage base with stocked threadfin shad. The Corps of Engineers also had dumped timbers into the facility to add additional cover.

“This past year, 35 percent of the bass we surveyed were 14 inches or longer<, said Hooe. Should you want to vist the lake, but not camp, beautiful Rend Lake Resort at the north end of Fitzgerald State Park has 110 rooms and a boat slip for each room. Now is a good time to plan a visit to Rend Lake.

Rend Lake contacts:
Rend Lake Visitor Center, 618-439-7430
Fitzgerald State Park, 618-629-2320
Rend Lake Resort, 1-800-633-3341
Todd Gessner Outdoors (fishing and hunting),618-513-0520 (toddgessneroutdoors@yahoo.com)

Contact writer Phil Junker at: outdoorscribe@yahoo.com.

Since we have really cold winters here in the Midwest, I remove most food items from the RV when I winterize the rig in late fall. Some of the items I put in a large sealable container. When Spring comes, I simply take them back to the RV for the upcoming camping season.

However, if you save food products, you should check them to make sure they still are usable. I’ve saved sugar packages that were harder than granite the next spring. The same can be true of salt, coffee creamer and other similar products. Some items may also be far beyond expiration dates. I’ve found them some items still are tasty beyond their “best eaten by” dates.

Having basic items stocked in your RV, makes it easier to prepare for a camping trip. You only need to figure out your primary menu (food items) such as meat and other food items, especially perishables. You can shop for these and not worry about other items that already are in your rig.

There’s another reason, I like to have the RV stocked in advance. I never miss a meal. Anyone who looks at me knows that doesn’t happen.

I always stock enough supplies so we don’t go hungry, even if we don’t make it to the grocery store. I pick up a half dozen Dinty Moore (or similar) meals that don’t need to be refrigerated, and that can be ready to eat after only about 90 seconds in the microwave. It may not be as tasty as something prepared over the campfire, but its warm food that will get you by. Truth is, they are pretty tasty.

Actually, I could get by with a pot of coffee and peanut butter. I’m a peanut butter addict, which is a good thing to be hooked on. It has a lot protein. For me, it satisfies a hunger craving as well as serves to soothe my “sweet tooth”.

Here is a list of items to consider for basic food stocking of your camper. Certainly more items can be added.

Coffee, creamer, sugar, flour, salt, pepper, cooking oil, peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, canned and/or microwave stew, pork and beans, Bush’s northern beans to add to ham for a quick meal, other canned vegetables as desired, Spam, Ramen noodles, lemonade, hot chocolate, and cereal.

I also carry at least a gallon of drinking water. I have found some campgrounds may have safe drinking water, but it may taste or smell foul. There also is the possibility you may need some water when stopped somewhere when you don’t have easy access to a fresh supply.

There are many non-food items to restock as well, but two necessities are paper towels and toilet paper.

Don’t forget Fido. Include a supply of pet food.

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RV WEBSITE — There is a new Go RVing fan page on the popular Facebook website. The fan page (pages) are a way for RVers to communicate, learn about good camping spots, ask RV questions and more.

While the number of fans has grown steadily since the page launched in May 2008, it roughly doubled in hits – after the industry coalition sent an email invitation to Go RVing’s 220,000 e-newsletter subscribers.

Go RVing fans have been very active on Facebook, with new and experienced RVers having conversations about the RV lifestyle.

“I am so happy to have found Go RVing on Facebook. I am always looking for somewhere to go and other RVers to travel with,” reads one post. Another fan enthused, “We are living our dream…following the NASCAR circuit…we are having the time of our lives! No more excuses…we just did it!” Fans across the country are sharing photos, travel tips and plans.

“There’s no endorsement as powerful as one that comes from an actual RVer,” said Recreation Vehicle Industry Association Vice President Gary LaBella. “Go RVing’s Facebook page fosters online communication between “friends” that resonates powerfully. The entire industry is able to join in this conversation and learn more about their customers.”

Once thought of as a social networking site for kids and teens, now 45 percent of Facebook’s 45.3 million active users are 26 years old or older. Although users are growing exponentially in every demographic, women over 55 are the site’s fastest growing audience, with a 175.3 percent spike in membership just in the last three months.

If you are already a part of the Facebook community, search for Go RVing in the upper right-hand corner box, and then click “become a fan.” If you are not already a member of Facebook, fill out the short form on www. facebook.com to set up a free profile.

The Go RVing Coalition is encouraging RV manufacturers, dealers and campgrounds to invite their owners clubs, customers and prospects to become Go RVing fans on Facebook. To quote one of the newest fans of the Go RVing page, “Hope to see everyone down the road.”

“We like to sleep in our own bed,” said Eva, a former science and chemistry teacher at Bloomington South. Phil was the principal at Edgewood Middle School before retiring in 1996.

The pair started fishing the tournament trail together in 1998, and have qualified for a number of crappie national classics. “He wanted to fish tournaments, and I wasn’t going to stay home,” explained Eva.

The first year on the trail, the Rambos pulled their crappie boat with a van, which also served as their traveling home. However, it proved too small. It also was minus a kitchen and bath.

Most tournaments are one of two days, however, many of the teams pre-fish several days prior to the actual event, and there often is a day or two of travel each way to the host site.

Phil and Eva Rambo of Bloomington travel to crappie tournaments in their Class B RV, which pulls their boat. The duo fish 15-18 tournaments per year.

When the van proved too small and lacking needed facilities, Phil and Eva purchased a 27-foot Class A, however, it was higher than Phil preferred for pulling a boat and a bit too big for launching their boat in the dark on tournaments boat ramps.

Backing a boat can be a challenge under the best of conditions, let alone with a 27- foot Class A. Parking also was a boat ramp issue.

Several years back, the Rambos made a move to a BT Cruiser, which stands for Class B Touring Cruiser. It is a 23- footer, and has a kitchen area and bathroom. There is a sofa that makes into a bed, plus the kitchen table converts to a bed.

“We just love it,” said Eva about the Cruiser in a recent interview at a tournament on the Harris Chain of Lakes. They camped at a park at nearby Mt. Dora, and launched daily from the Tavares City Park ramp.

“We use quick connects for our water and sewer hookup. That makes it easy and faster to head out early to launch in the morning before the tournament start,” said Phil.

A year ago, Phil and Eva’s children gave them a DirecTV satellite system, so they can keep up with the news and importantly, the weather.

Besides fishing tournaments from Florida and throughout the south to the Midwest, the Rambos represent their sponsors at special events, including the annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, where they did a crappie seminar at the 2009 event.

Phil and Eva Rambo, retired educators from Bloomington, hold crappie they weighed in at the Crappie Masters Florida State Championship fished on the Harris Chain of Lakes at Tavares.

Included among their sponsors are: Tite-Lok, Southern Pro, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Pure Fishing, Slider Lures, and Hyrdo Glow fish lights. After the Indianapolis Show, Phil and Eva will be on the road fishing tournaments most of March and April.

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ECONOMIC PACKAGE — When President Obama visited Elkhart in his first town hall meeting, he spoke directly to how the nation’s credit crunch is adversely affecting the RV industry.

The President was introduced at the Elkhart town hall meeting by laid-off Monaco Coach factory worker Ed Neufeldt, and acknowledged the RV industry’s troubles: “When we say that this area has lost jobs faster than anywhere else in America, with an unemployment rate over 15 percent; when we talk about layoffs at companies like Monaco Coach, Keystone RV, and Pilgrim International – companies that have sustained this community for years – we’re talking about Ed Neufeldt and people like him across this country.”

Obama went on to speak to the crowd of 1,700 about the reasons for the RV industry’s current difficulties, saying, “People who want to buy an RV now can’t get credit.” He also highlighted opportunities for the industry in the proposed stimulus package, touching on how the program would “help the RV industry move into the next generation” of fuel economy standards.

During his prime-time press conference which followed in Washington, Obama again referred to the RV industry, saying, “You know, I can’t tell you how many businesses that I talk to that are successful businesses but just can’t get credit…You’ve got a bunch of RV companies that have customers who want to purchase RVs, but even though their credit is good, they can’t get the loan.”

The final version of the stimulus bill sent to President Obama for signature included a provision to specifically help the RV industry, according to Kevin Broome, PR director for the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

Motorhomes are included in a tax provision that allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motorhome to be deducted. The deduction is attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.

The inclusion in the legislation of a sales or excise tax deduction for motorhomes is a significant accomplishment for the RV industry.

RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Dianne Farrell said, “the RV industry is especially thankful to Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) who, along with their staffs, have worked tirelessly over the past several weeks to ensure that the RV industry is included in the stimulus legislation. Their efforts on behalf of their constituents will make a real difference for the industry.”

In another positive development, RVIA succeeded in having RV consumer loans and dealer floor plan loans added to the Term Asset- Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF). RVIA argued to policy makers that the lack of credit was reaching a critical stage and note dd that if consumers and dealers can’t borrow money to buy product, manufacturers will plunge into further financial difficulty.

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RESERVATIONS — It’s not too early to be thinking about campground reservations for the coming season, especially for state park Memorial day weekend.

For camping information on the internet, go to: indiana.reserveworld.com, or call 1- 866-622-6746.

writer Phil Junker by email at: junkerp@psci.net

It’s also sport show season, presenting opportunities to view the latest in RV and camping rigs as well associated equipment.

There was economic realism about the industry’s future and the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s annual trade-only show held in Louisville in early December. Despite declines in “RV shipments and reduced sales forecast due to the tightest credit conditions in several decades, most exhibitors maintained optimism about the industry’s long-term future.

And while the credit crunch has obviously had an impact, most Tri-State dealers say financing is available for buyers with decent credit ratings.

The annual RVIA show in Louisville is an international event where manufacturers have an opportunity to exhibit, and dealers have an opportunity to view the latest in RVs and equipment, plus order products for the coming year.

“We had unexpected business,” said Andy Wesdorp, national product manager of Carriage, Inc. “Dealers showed up that we hadn’t prospected. We’re optimistic about 2009.”

“We’re encouraged and pleased by the show,” said Sid Johnson, Director of Marketing at northern Indiana’s Jayco, Inc. “The dealers we’ve talked with are approaching the economic downturn with the idea of being ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”

A total of 8,427 RV dealers, warehouse distributors, accessory store owners, campground operators and exhibitors attended this year’s event — down 38.5% from 2007. Representatives from 1,387 dealerships attended — a decline of 20% from 2007.

Many manufacturers unveiled RVs that were smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic, more environmentally friendly, and more fuel-efficient than previous models. Cutting edge 2009 models included the firstever motorhome hybrids, the first fully-recyclable travel trailer, and units that incorporate “green” technologies such as fuel cells, solar panels, and hydronic heating systems.

“We were pleasantly surprised with the traffic in our display,” said Dicky Riegel, chief operating officer of Thor Industries, Inc. “Dealers responded to our new product development and lightweight designs.”

Show attendees were realistic about tough market conditions for 2009, but remained optimistic about the industry’s future.

“For many of us, today’s situation is nothing new,” said RVIA President Richard Coon, a 30-year veteran of the RV industry. “We’re a resilient industry that has a history of coming back stronger than ever, even after worse downturns than this one — the oil embargoes and high interest rates in the 70s, for example.”

At the show, the industry Go RVing promotion program received a new theme. Go RVing coalition co-chairman Tim Stinnett of Tom Stinnett RV in Clarksville announced, “A new slogan “Go Affordably. Go RVing’”, will be the tone for the 2009 print and internet ad campaign.

“No matter how many people today may be yearning for the intangibles that make RVing so special, what’s really going to convince them to buy now is knowing they’ll be saving money as a result,” said Stinnett as he pointed out that now is an excellent time to buy.

Planning already is underway for next year’s show — the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show — which will take place December 1-3 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

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PUBLIC RV SHOWS — The local RV show season is well underway across the Midwest and the country. While a few shows reportedly have scaled back a bit, there still are plenty of opportunities for people interested in RVs and camping to get in out of the cold to view the latest in rigs and equipment and pickup camping tips.

The Central Indiana RV Show already took place in mid-January, however many new RVs and equipment will be available for viewing and exploring at the annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis Feb. 20 to March 1.

Information about the show is available at the internet website: indianapolisboatspsortandtravelshow.com.

The Fort Wayne RV & Camp Show is scheduled Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, and the St. Louis RV Vacation & Travel Show is scheduled Feb. 19-22.

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GOOD EATING SITE — RVers love to eat whether campfire cooking or food prepared in your rig and shared with friends under the awning.

Recently on a cold day while surfing the internet, I found an interesting website primarily related to RV cooking.

“We choose this title as we all have to eat,” reports the site, which contains a 2003 date, however the date doesn’t impact the tasty recipes. Readers are encouraged to provide their favorite recipes.

In addition to recipes, there is other interesting RV and camping information. The website address is: recipesource.tripod.com.

Here is a recipe for hobo stew – an easy to fix meal–from the website:

1 lb ground beef
2 cans Veg-All
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 can tomato soup
1 small onion diced
1 soup can and 1 tomato sauce can of water
salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet. Add all other ingredients stir and simmer for 10 minutes. Hot, hearty, filling, and quick after a day of swimming, fishing and hiking.

However, for many like Kathy McClane of Robinson, IL, that’s not the case. Many RVers are planning winter vacations and already making plans for next year. Some have planned to travel with their RVs to visit family or friends during the holiday seasons. And with gas prices lower (hopefully, they will stay down) the travel outlook for next year is brighter than might have been anticipated.

Kathy has been traveling with her dogs, Gigi and Noah for four years. And while a surgery and gas prices curtailed a planned trip to California this summer, the economy didn’t cause her to change plans for the winter.

“I stay at a KOA Kampground just south of Naples (FL),” she explained. “I really enjoy Marco Island and spend quite a bit of time there…I also go to church out there.” According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry (RVIA) Association, RV owners love the RV lifestyle, but just like everyone else, they’re concerned about today’s sagging economy and looking for ways to save money and cut costs.

Kathy McClane and her dogs, Gigi and Noah from Robinson, IL, didn’t let the economy interrupt her annual winter RV stay near Naples, FL.

A RVIA fall/winter survey indicates RVers are adjusting to the economy by traveling closer to home and staying longer in one place. By having their “homes on wheels” with them, RV owners say they can stretch their dollars by saving on costly airfares, hotels and restaurant meals.

The latest Campfire Canvass fall/winter survey (before gas prices dropped significantly) of RV owners reveals that 29 percent plan to travel more this fall and winter than last year; 56 percent plan to travel the same amount as last year; and 15 percent plan to travel less than last year.

Sixty-two percent of survey respondents say they’ll travel to destinations closer to home, while 38 percent say they’ll stay longer at the same destination.

One of the biggest reasons why RV travel appeals to families is because of the value that RV vacations offer. Eighty percent of the RV owners surveyed say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations.

Many RVers love having their portable house on wheels. Some say they would much rather sleep in their own bed as one in a motel. For the Junkers, we travel with our two rat terriers and that’s another reason for the RV lifestyle.

The survey shows that 60 percent of RVers planned to take more mini-vacations (1-4 days) this fall/winter compared to last year. Because RVs have full kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, RV owners can get away at a moment’s notice. And they don’t have to worry about hotel reservations or the hassles of flying such as long security lines and costly baggage fees. With an RV, everything is on board and ready to go.

According to a new study comparing vacation costs by PKF, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, family RV trips are, on average, 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations, even with today’s higher gas prices and factoring in RV ownership costs.

Forty-three percent of the survey respondents said they’ll use their RVs to attend festivals and fairs this fall/winter; 33 percent will use their homeson- wheels for foliage tours; and 30 percent for antiquing and flea market trips.

The survey reveals that holiday travel remains popular with RV owners. Among the respondents, 37 percent said they plan to travel in their RVs over the Thanksgiving weekend and 20 percent over the Christmas/Hanukkah season.

Fifteen percent of the respondents described themselves as “snowbirds” who’ll take extended RV trips to warmer regions this fall/winter. (I’m one of those and the campgrounds here in Central Florida seem to be well booked for the winter season.)

Visit GoRVing.com for more information about RVing and to watch a video on how to get started RVing.

PERSONAL WOW — While camping on Lake Rosalie, Fla., in mid-November, the space shuttle blasted off at night from Cape Kennedy, 60 miles away on the Atlantic.

A number of camper friends gathered by the marina to watch the launch. Several had seen previous nighttime launches.

I thought it would be a special experience, especially since this may be one of the last. What I didn’t anticipate was just how impressive the launch would be.

As the shuttle lifted off, the entire eastern sky lighted. Up went the shuttle, and we watched it until the booster rocket dropped away.

It was a wonderful campground experience.