The Gift That Keeps on Giving

It’s that time of year again. The Christmas countdown has begun!

While the holidays bring with it lots of love, time spent with family and friends, good food, and more, it can also bring stress—most from the gift exchange. Trying to find the perfect gift for someone can get frustrating.

But if you’re still looking for gifts for the RVer in your life, you are in luck!

To keep this manageable, it’s been parted out into two posts—each with five items.  These are in no particular order, with no favoritism or affiliation to the actual products or vendors. So, without further ado here are five gifts that keep on giving:

The National Parks: Our American Landscape

A collection of over 200 stunning images depicting America’s national parks is a perfect gift for any RVer or lover of the outdoors. The book was originally released in 2010, but was released this year in a more affordable paperback version ($16.47 on Amazon.com).

Texas State Parks Pass

The Texas State Parks Pass is an annual pass that offers many special benefits including unlimited visits to more than 90 State Parks. You can also receive discounts on camping, park store merchandise, and recreational equipment rentals, and be eligible for other specials.

The single Texas State Park Pass (Primary Pass) may be purchased for $70. An additional pass may be issued at the time of purchase for an additional $15. Additional passes sold anytime after the original transaction may be purchased for $25.

State Parks Passes can be purchased on site at any Texas State Park location, and can be used on your very first visit. Or, you can purchase your Parks Pass from the State Park Customer Service Center, by calling (512) 389-8900.

December Is “Stocking Stuffer” Month at Oregon State Parks

Through the end of the month, visitors to Oregon’s 26 state parks can buy a 12-month day-use parking permit for $25 instead $30. Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle. The parks department also offers a 24-month pass for $50.

The Oregon Coast Passport, a multi-agency permit, also is discounted $5 in December. It is valid not only for parking at state parks but also at U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30.

The parking permits, coastal passports, and gift certificates are available by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center (800-551-6949).

Colorado State Parks Passes

A Colorado State Parks Annual Pass is a gift of outdoor cheer that lasts all year and doesn’t require a shopping trip. The annual passes provide free access for everyone in the vehicle to all 42 state parks throughout 2012.

Colorado State Parks offer settings of natural beauty across the state, nearly every kind of outdoor recreation—boating, camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and sledding—and special programs for youngsters and adults.

The annual pass is $70 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

The passes are available online and by phone (303-866-3437).

Gift certificates, which can be used for annual and daily passes, reservation fees, and camping sites are also available. And, Colorado State Park gift certificates never expire.

Purchase online for $5, $10, $25, $35, $60, or $70.

Indiana DNR Bargain Gift Pack

The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes a 2012 resident Annual Entrance Permit, an Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate worth $70, a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine, and a 2012 Outdoor Indiana full-color calendar (a saving of $19).

The $129 State Park Holiday Gift Pack upgrades your $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack to include a $100 Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate.

Indiana has 32 state parks and reservoirs scattered throughout the state. The entrance permit grants gate entrance for all of 2012 for all state parks and reservoirs.

The gift certificate can be used at any of seven state park lodging facilities, as well as the award-winning Pete Dye-designed golf course at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

You may even want to get yourself one, too, considering the savings.

Order at innsgifts.com, now through December 31.

Note: This is the first of a two-part series on Christmas Gifts That Keep on Giving

Part 2: More Gifts That Keeps on Giving

Worth Pondering…

When your spirit cries for peace, come to a world of canyons deep in an old land; feel the exultation of high plateaus, the strength of moving wasters, the simplicity of sand and grass, and the silence of growth.

—August Fruge

You May Also Like

• America’s State Parks Promote First Day Hikes
• Happy Holidays from the National Park Service
• Thousand Trails Zone Camping: An Annual Pass
• DeLorme inReach Selected for Gear of the Year Award
• Airstream-inspired Entry Booths Installed at New Mexico State Park
• Exploring Red Rock Scenic Byway

If you enjoy these articles and want to read more on RV travels and lifestyle, visit my website: Vogel Talks RVing.