Camping and RV News: From Utah to New Jersey

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash involving an RV reported Saturday on Interstate 77 in Carroll County. A 2005 Coachman Encore RV was traveling northbound when the driver lost control, ran off the road, and struck a guardrail. Passenger Gretchen H. Karcher, 70, of Versailles, Pa., was ejected and died at the scene; she was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver, Ronald J. Winkler, 73, of North Versailles, Pa., was uninjured; the crash remains under investigation.

A man fell into a vault toilet at Camp Edison in Shaver Lake, California, while trying to retrieve his sunglasses. The incident occurred on July 27 at approximately 2:30 p.m. PT. Cal Fire rescue crews extricated him from the tank; he was uninjured but required decontamination.

California-based Polydrops has unveiled the P21X motorhome, designed for off-road travel with energy independence. It features independent suspension, 38 cm ground clearance, and a 1300 W solar panel array. Energy is stored in a 5 kWh LiFePO4 battery (upgradable to 10 kWh). At 6.4 m long and 950 kg, it sleeps four, includes an induction cooktop kitchen and a compact bathroom. Price in the US is $76,900.

YouTuber Chika Yoshida, known for the Bilingirl Chika channel, traveled across the United States with her husband and two children in a motorhome in 2025. The trip included breakdowns and other unexpected events. The experience highlighted how the family functioned as a team under unforeseen circumstances.

Owner Cliff Casavant of Rivers Bend Campground in New Haven, Vt., has implemented a proprietary technology platform to automate guest check-in, food truck orders, and rebooking. The system, developed to enhance Campground Master, reduces wait times and paperwork. The campground retains traditional activities like fishing, swimming, and free play for children, while accommodating modern RVs.

US-based Mammoth Overland, part of Vashon Aircraft, has launched the XLE (Xtinction Level Escape) caravan designed for long-term off-grid survival. It features a pressurized cabin with dual medical HEPA filters, 25mm bulletproof glass, a vault-like rear door, and 360-degree night vision cameras. Standard equipment includes a 1200 Ah battery, 400W solar panels, water filtration, air conditioning, Starlink, HAM radio, weather station, and Geiger counter. The base price in the US is $123,994.