Monday, March 30, 2015

RoadAbode Repair - Fixing Cabover Window Moulding

RoadAbode Cabover
After our first trip of the season, I headed back this past Saturday to where we store RoadAbode. I needed  to fill her gas tank and try out our new Viair Compressor on her tires.While doing a visual inspection, I noticed the rubber moulding surrounding her front cabover window was pulling away at the corners, and coming loose elsewhere. Class C motorhomes are susceptible to water damage on the front cabover, so I knew this was something I could not ignore. By addressing the problem right away I had a better chance of not ending up with a weakened, rotted cabover structure down the road. I ran short on time Saturday to address, but returned after church services Sunday with tools and an idea how to repair. It went pretty well!
Closer look at one of  corners where the rubber moulding was pulling away
The only tools I used were some paper towels to clean the area, a rubber mallet, Some silicone adhesive/sealant (similar to what is used for aquariums) and an 18" long or so section of PVC 1/2" pipe.
Mallet, PVC pipe and silicone sealant

The moulding has a slight raised edge or lip. I wiped that down to make sure the area was relatively clean and dry. Next I applied sealant to the lip and back of the rubber moulding. Using the PVC pipe worked well. It helped extend my reach on the ladder, and direct my mallet strikes to pop the moulding back in place with a few gentle taps of the mallet on the end of the pipe. Amazingly, it worked! The moulding popped back in place and held. It does seem to have shrunk length-wise at the the bottom , as the gap where the beginning and end of the moulding meet seems wider than before. I made sure to put in that gap a generous amount of the adhesive/sealant, and pushed it in to seal to the moulding ends with my finger.
Afterward, I cleaned the moulding all the way around, and ran a bead of the sealant around the seam where it meets the metal frame of the window - for good measure. I ran my finger over to work it into the seam. Hopefully this takes care of the issue!
Moulding and frame corner before and after. Sorry not at the same exact angle of view
We had this issue previously about five years ago, and Amy took RoadAbode to a RV dealership to have repaired. Hopefully by doing ourselves I was able to learn more about RoadAbode, and save money in the process.
Whenever we get our next motorhome, it's been agreed, a cabover window would be one thing we would try to avoid. From reading other's posts in RV forums, this is one place where if not attended to, water can intrude and ruin your cab over structure.
Cabover Completed!
This job took about an hour to complete, from cleaning the moulding and frame, applying the silicone sealant, figuring out how to tap into place, sealing all the way around and cleaning up after. If I can do this, just about anyone can! Use caution and common sense when using a ladder. Be careful not to apply too much weight to the cabover skin. Try to distribute any weight over a wide area.

Have a tip that could help others? we'd love to hear how to make this, or other jobs maintaining our RVs easier. Post a comment below!




Sunday, March 22, 2015

RoadAbode RoadTrip ~ Snowy Travels to Lancaster County PA

Amy Packing for the Trip
Packing for the Trip

Friday: Snowy Travel Adventure

There is a first time for everything, and this time it was the first time the RoadAbode Crew left for a weekend in a full fledged snowstorm! What the forecasters were saying to expect - a dusting to an inch of snow - ended up being around three to five inches in our Philadelphia neighborhood. Our destination, Lancaster County PA, was also expecting snow from the same storm system, and from their local forecasts it was either going to be a dusting, to about the same as our hometown.
I Guess this was one of the "Adventures" of RoadAbode.
Since we store RoadAbode outside the city, we are limited to what we can cram into our Honda Fit - our current toad. The girls did their best to fill it's small trunk area to the top, and I added a snow shovel to the mix.
Thankfully because of the timing of the snow the roads were mostly just a slushy mess, but the trees did look pretty!  For those not familiar with Philadelphia, one of the things we love about the city are the parks. Philadelphia has one of the largest city parks, and our neighborhood connects to one of the largest sections of parkland. We need to drive past farmland and woods before we even LEAVE the city! Fairmont Park is listed in our top hikes in Pennsylvania for a reason.
Driving through Philadelphia's Fairmont Park in the Snow
The snow continued to fall, but we took our time, and were thankfully ahead of rush hour traffic. RoadAbode is in a storage facility roughly 30 minutes from our home. The storage yard is on a main route. this was purposeful for us so that we could connect easily to major highways and byways. By the time we made it to RoadAbode's spot, snow had become about three inches deep. One of use had to enter RoadAbode from the Passenger truck door as the deadbolt on the "house" door was frozen! Once inside the lock and house door could be gently opened from the inside. While the girls finished stowing our gear, I started shoveling some snow, taking off RoadAbode's tire covers and checking tire air pressure. Fortunately all RoadAbode's bay door locks were unfrozen, so I could use one of our patio pads to knee snow-free while I took care of the tire covers.
RoadAbode in the Snow!
RoadAbode next to our big blue bus "neighbor" in storage.
Hooking up the Honda Fit to the towbar was not problematic, but the towbar components sure were cold! Everything connected and worked first try, so all packed up off we went for our slushy, snowy drive to Lancaster Pennsylvania.
Our drive was slightly longer than usual, but that was due more to road construction delays on Route 202 than the weather. Once we checked in at Country Acres Campground, we found out we were the only campers in their upper section. All by ourselves next to the showerhouse!
RoadAbode in the Snow!
Country Acres Upper Section ~ all to ourselves
Saturday morning was blue skies and rising temperatures. We could see the snow melting fairly quickly off RoadAbode's roof, which left a bit of an icy, slippery mess on the outside step. Molly is always first up when in Lancaster, excited to take in the new smells and sights of the campground. Views for us over Amish farmland were beautiful and serene!
The wintry morning view from "Camp RoadAbode"

Saturday: Tasty Stop at McClure's Bakery

We let our girls sleep in a bit and Amy and I headed out to pickup some breakfast treats. A short drive and we ended up at McClure's Bakery. Industrial looking on the outside, the welcome was warm and friendly inside. We perused the tempting goods and decided on walnut encrusted Cinnamon buns and a traditional wet-bottom shoo-fly pie. (Don't know shoo-fly pie? You need a Pennsylvania Food Primer)
A cinnamon bun breakfast
While waiting to complete our sale we were able to chat with another customer who was picking up a huge frosted cake for her own 50th birthday celebration. Looked like it would be a big hit for her party!
We wanted to stop at McClure's not just because of the glowing reviews we had read, but also because of their online webstore presence ~ faithhopeandshoofly.com ~ which was formed with the intent of making an impact on kids in need. A portion of the profits from every on-line sale would be earmarked towards the greater cause of helping in need kids. Currently Faith Hope and Shoo Fly supports The Kids Camp at Old Mill and Block Club Federation. We wanted to chat with Doug Kauffman the owner of McClure's to learn more, but unfortunately he was out during our morning visit.  We left the bakery, stopped for a coffee down the road, and then brought our delicious finds back to RoadAbode. We all agreed that the shoo-fly pie is the best we have ever had! flaky but not overly crumbly crust, with dark and sweet, delicious filling. Warmed up for a few seconds in the microwave, and our cinnamon bun and pie where truly delicious gooey treats. We'll be back to McClure's!

Saturday: Two Unique Shopping  Experiences

The girls wanted to do some outlet shopping, while Amy and I felt like having a more local shopping experience for this trip. Now that the girls are older, we could split and do both! We dropped the girls at Rockvale Outlets, and we continued on to Lancaster City, specifically to check out Central Market.
Rockvale covers many of our girls favorite stores. Make sure to stop by and get the coupon book from the Roackvale office for even more savings! If the girls wanted, they can stop for a break from shopping for lunch, nine eateries are conveniently located right in the complex. This is an outlet shoppers paradise.
Central Market: Fresh Produce
Sampling Organic Cheeses
Central Market: A View from the Balcony
Central Market, located in Lancaster City, is the oldest continually running farmer's market in the United States. For Amy and I, the Central Market reminded us of a more open, less congested and better maintained version of Philadelphia's Reading Terminal. Perhaps slightly smaller, with less on-site eating establishments, there are still plenty of fresh and ethnically diverse items to taste, buy and enjoy. The place was hopping on a Saturday morning in March, I can just imagine how popular it is in the Spring and Summer months! Parking is available for patrons in garages and lots, but we had no problem finding a metered spot on Queen Street, just a block from Central Market. Two hours of parking cost three dollars, a bargain compared to the surrounding parking lots or garage.
Central Market is the centerpiece of a beautiful downtown shopping and arts district. Window shopping along the surrounding streets, we could see plenty to interest us, and a good bit of revitalization going on as storefronts were being recreated and updated. We discovered beautiful glass art pieces at Lancaster Art and Glassworks on Queen Street, and plenty of options to eat from upscale cafes like Commonwealth on Queen, to the funky doughnut shop Fractured Prune right across the street! Next time we travel to Lancaster City, we need to go hungry!
Lancaster City is worth another visit. There are so many ways to shop, RV and experience Lancaster County we enjoy.

Saturday: Relaxing at Country Acres and Evening Meal

Japanese Pan Noodles with Shrimp
For our afternoon, we relaxed, strolled, read and napped at Country Acres. It felt wonderful to just watch geese fly overhead, and walk the perimeter of the Amish farmland the campground is neighbor to. The girls took care of some homework, and I enjoyed a camp chair in the warmth of the sun. It can be revitalizing to your soul, and not often are we able to take a few moments and do - absolutely nothing. When's the last time you were able to?
For our evening meal we opted for one of the offbeat chain selections in the area, Noodles & Company. It's a special eatery to us because we do not have one in our hometown. Each person could enjoy something a little different for our meal, and feel we chowed down on something better than from some bland and tasteless (and bad for you) fast food chain.

Sunday: Breakfast, a Hike and Pack Up

As quickly as it came, it went. The snow is gone! Not really a trace at all that we had traveled up to Lancaster in a snowstorm. We were pretty lazy on Sunday morning, so we raided our on board food staples and Amy created a delicious breakfast stir fry. After a great morning walk with Molly, I decided to explore one of the Lancaster County Parks close by. So we grabbed her leash, some water and doggie treats, and pointed the Honda Fit to Money Rocks Park on Narvon Road. On the way we enjoyed beautiful panoramas of the surrounding farms, on relatively quiet back roads twisting through the Amish farmland.
Money Rocks Park Overlook
The oddly named park, according to the Parks and Recreation department:
"was so-named because farmers in the Pequea Valley allegedly hid cash among the rocks. The ridge offers beautiful views of farmland, towns, and distant wooded hills. Cockscomb is another appropriately named outcropping of rocks a bit farther along the ridge. In the winter, the view from this precipice is equal to that of Money Rocks".
 The hike from the parking lot to the rocks is easy, with a slight incline. once at the rocks the trail follows the ridge along the rocks, and you must be careful with your footing. For a short hike with an overview of the beautiful country in Lancaster, Money Rocks was perfect. Did not find any hidden farmer money though.

After Molly and I returned from our hike, it was time to slowly packup and go. A great start to our RVing season, and another beautiful,relaxing weekend in Lancaster County.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Spring is Here! Want to Know the One Problem with Lancaster PA?

Driving Past a Field in Lancaster, PA

It's SPRING!

The snows have melted, and the RoadAbode Crew is getting ready this week to go on our first RoadAbode weekend trip of the season. Each year we usually head somewhere in Pennsylvania. Sometimes it's to the horse country and gardens found in the Brandywine Valley. Other March trips we've spent in parks found in the Pocono Mountains region. Most March trips though, we spend in the Lancaster PA region.

Shakedown Time

For us, Lancaster is a great "shakedown" trip. A shakedown trip for us means a relatively short drive to let us ease RoadAbode back into duty after basically a three month rest. Lancaster is perfect not just because of all the attractions, but also it's only an hour from where we keep RoadAbode, and the campground we stay at is accessible by major routes. If it's cold enough to freeze, the campground has shower and restroom with heated floors - which is a plus.

The ONE Problem with Lancaster

We love Lancaster, but there is a problem when we go. There's such a diverse amount of things to do!  We love to get away to relax, and at our top Lancaster campgrounds, we do that very well. But... have you ever felt guilty because you are relaxing - instead of taking part in all the unique, cool things to do in an area?

Lancaster makes us feel like slackers! Maybe that's our problem and not Lancaster's.

With four (and pup) as our base RoadAbode Crew in the past, someone is not going  to be able to do what they want on our weekend trip out.. However, now that our girls are older, it is a little easier to figure out. We adults could drop our teen and twenty-something girls to the outlets for the morning (They LOVE Rockvale) and head out to the Mud Sales. Maybe the ladies want to sleep in and I'll go out visiting the Middle Creek Wildlife Area to witness the Snow geese migration.
Or maybe we should all head to the Lancaster City Farmers Market - Central Market - the country's oldest farmers' market, in the heart of Amish country.
The great thing is we want to go back and do things we've enjoyed in the past. The challenge is fitting in the cool new things we find in Lancaster County.
No matter what interests you may have, you may feel that twinge of being a slacker on a weekend trip. Award winning theater? Check. Awesome dining (and drinking) spots? Check. Unique local shops? Check. History? Check. Art and Culture? Yep. Happening City Nightlife? They have that too!
No matter what will get you up and off your duff relaxing on a weekend, Lancaster has it - ready to entice you out of your comfy reading chair by the campfire. It's almost unfair!

The Solution

We know the solution to our craziness. It's pretty simple. Spend more time in Lancaster!
We'll be in Lancaster this weekend - First Weekend of Spring! We have plans to visit some local shops and enjoy just hanging out. If you haven't tried Lancaster County yet - you should! If you have - let us know in the comments below - what are your favorite things to experience in Lancaster County?

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Our Favorite Smartphone Apps for the RVing Weekend Warrior

Apps for Your Smartphone
Smartphones have redefined the way we RV. When the RoadAbode Crew first started RVing, it was important to have our printed maps and guesstimate where to pull over for gas. Then we went to a GPS system to help with routing and let us answer more precisely that age old question "Are we there yet?" A newer GPS helped us find those gas stations along the way, but still did not tell us prices. Now, with  smartphones resting on the dash, we can find out when there are traffic jams ahead, and be re-routed before we hit the jam-up, We can not only find out gas prices, but find ratings of good places to stop and grab a bite.
Apple & Android Smartphones
Apps is short for Applications, which are really what put the "smart" into smartphones. Coupled with a data plan or good WiFi, you have the power of the internet  at your fingertips to find helpful information for your travels and your destination. For the RoadAbode Crew, we are a Android-centric family. Though Apple products are great, we've found through the years the pricing and features are more family friendly with Android devices for our needs. We have more control over the media we choose to place or play on our devices. However, most of the Apps we highlight can be found on both Apple and Android devices.
The Apps we've listed below fall into two main categories. Those that help us out - and those that we use to enhance our enjoyment of a trip. We've also created a category of "good to have, we haven't used" - you'll see why.

Helpful Apps for RVing

Flashlight

Since we are currently "RVing "Weekend Warriors" many times we are leaving on a Thursday or Friday after one of us is getting done from work, or school.. Sometimes we end up pulling into our campsite at dusk or after dark - especially in the spring when the sun sets early. Having my smarthphone handy when we pull in is handy. With a swipe and a click I can turn on the flashlight app. I had considered buying a headlamp for the few times I setup in the dark, but my Samsung Note II fits nicely in my shirt pocket, directs the light in front of me, and the rubberized case I keep it in prevents my smartphone from slipping as I bend and work to connect up our utilities.
There are plenty of flashlight apps out there. Our smartphones had one included, while others have added apps with special features (disco light, or emergency lights), but the simplest for me is "Torch." One touch turns it on, second touch turns it off. We have a few lanterns and handheld flashlights on board RoadAbode but having the Torch App is a great quick way to put some light on completing evening hookups.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy simply helps find the least expensive gas, close to where you are. The most prominent way the App gets current fuel prices is Crowd-sourcing. That means it gathers and uses data information shared by the GasBuddy user online community, rather than from traditional employees or other suppliers. Using your smartphone's internal GPS, the App will locate the gas stations closest to you

Google Maps

Google Maps App has really "grown up" since we first started using it as just a rough mapping guide. Traffic view will provide traffic incident information, such as road closures, construction and accidents. If bad traffic lies ahead, dynamic rerouting will proactively suggest faster routes. Just one tap and you’re on your (new) way. When checking out a new area, you can even get reviews of attractions or great places to eat.
Since I also use Google Now with my Google Account, any of my recent searches done on a work computer, laptop or smartphone for information on our location will show as a "Card" of information in Google Now. I can select to navigate using Google Maps, or find out about local attractions. It's become pretty slick!

Glympse

Glympse is a great App to use on your smartphone when travelling in your RV and plan on meeting up with friends or family. We also like to use it once we have arrived at our destination.
With the Glympse App, you send a message to anyone with an email address or mobile number. The recipient clicks on the link automatically placed in your message, and can instantly see your current location. If you also set the destination, your expected arrival time (with countdown) will display. Mobile, tablet, or desktop, anyone can receive a Glympse – no extra software or setup required to view. Recipients just use their built in browser. For us this works great when picking up friends. They can watch our progress and know when to expect us. That way RoadAbode is not blocking up their street. We can pull up, pickup, and get back on the road.
In the Glympse App, you can see if the recipients have checked your message, and the last time they checked for your location.
Another great feature is creating a group. A great example is being at an amusement park. You want to split up for shows and rides, but maybe meet up later for lunch. If everyone in your party has Glympse, Create a Glympse Group, add everyone, and then the whole party knows where others are, and can meetup that much easier.
Set the duration, pick a destination, choose the recipients and hit send! Glympse will take care of the rest
Glympse puts you in control – you set who sees you and for how long. Safe for families, friends, other RVers, and even one-time meetings. Learn more at the Glympse website.

Apps For RVing Fun

Google Sky Map

This one is Android Only - sorry iUsers. The first time you pull this out to show your kids or camping friends, they will be amazed. After that, they will be wanting to know what stars are shinning bright or where planets are located each evening. Hold your device up to the evening sky and Google Sky Map  Android-powered devices' built-in compass, GPS, and clock to display an annotated the Sky Map of the area it is facing. The map will adjust as you move the device to triangulate the locations of stars, constellations, planets, even satellites and other space objects. Search is available if you want to know where a planet or star are located. Just type in the name in the search bar, and a red "halo" will point you in the direction of the item until it is in the center of the halo. Want to compare the sky to when you were born? You can change the setting to any date in the past. Not just fun, Google Sky Map is a great learning tool. Though not as in-depth as Google Sky (or free), star gazing iPhone users can check out Star Walk.

Pandora

Pandora Radio has replaced the mix tapes and CDs we use to make when we were younger. Select a predefined station and  the App will play a specific genre of music. you can vote "up" those you like and vote down those you do not and Pandora will learn the style you enjoy listening to.  Create your own channel by artist or genre if one of the predefined channels does not fit your musical style. There is a paid version without ads, but it is a monthly subscription, and usually when we listen we only get two short ads per five to ten songs.

Play Store - Movies and Music

If Pandora fails to give us a good mix of tunes, we'll switch over to our personal playlists on Google Play Music. Any music we have purchased is available to listen. This ends up using data unless previously downloaded over WiFi to the smartphone.
For movie or TV entertainment, we usually watch what's on a cable channel, over the air antenna, or bring a DVD or two. An alternative I've used once on a guys roadtrip was to connect my smartphone to RoadAbode's TV (I have a special HDMI adapter) and watch a movie we were discussing. The cost? $2.99 - cheaper than the movies we use to rent at Blockbuster! It ran fine over my data plan. Not something I would do all the time, but was pretty cool that I could share the original 1969 Italian Job with  my buddies that had never experienced it.

Moon+ Reader

We are a family of readers. But why buy another device just to read books? Using our smartphones to hold our individual libraries is perfect for our summer reading collections. Moon+ Reader is the best reader I've found. It allows us to import existing epub book files we already own. Settings in the app can change font, page scaling and color, and many other nuances of your reading material so it can fit your style. It even has a built in timer to remind you to rest your eyes so you don't suffer from eye strain.  I like the reader so much I actually paid the few dollars for the "Pro" version, which can access free online Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS) Catalogs of books. I've tried a few readers, Moon+ reader is the one that you should check out if you are an avid reader.There are plenty of ebook readers out there. We feel Moon+ Reader is the best choice. Alas, I've found out it is not available on iDevices, but there are other choices Apple has available for it's customers.

Apps we have - but haven't needed - thankfully

First Aid - Red Cross

First Aid App logoA great app that we hopefully don't need to use, but has great information in case of emergency. From the Red Cross Site - "The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the official American Red Cross First Aid app gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid."

Smart Compass

Smart Compass operates as a real compass - a tool to search bearings (direction, azimuth) using a magnetic sensor that is combined in your device. You can select both magnetic north and true north.
We have not been so far off a trail, or deep in the woods to have to use the compass in a real-life situation. So far it is fun to see direction with and test our bearings.The compass app depends on the performance of your device exactly. If the compass works perfectly, it means that your sensors are perfect, too. If it is inaccurate, check that you aren't being affected by a magnetic field. If still an issue, there are several options to calibrate for your device.


Those are our favorite Apps. We understand that for us, in the campgrounds we visit, most times connectivity is no issue. Other RVers may camp more remotely or have limited connectivity where they camp. If you have suggestions or favorites you think we need to add as essentials, let us know - we love to learn more! Leave a note in the comments below! Happy RVing!

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

RoadAbode's Hidden Gems - Janes Island State Park, Maryland

RoadAbode campsite at Janes Island, Crisfield Maryland

Today we are sharing a hidden gem in the state of Maryland. Maybe not exactly hidden to locals or those who have experienced the tranquility and simple, natural beauty found at Janes Island State Park. Janes Island is located on the Lower Eastern Shore region of the Chesapeake Bay. This Maryland state park is partially on mainland and partially on the island itself, is a great spot to settle into with your RV. According to the Maryland State Parks Department website, the island portion of the park – Janes Island – includes over 2,900 acres of salt-marsh, over 30 miles of water trails, and miles of isolated pristine beaches.
In the campground, sites are level and most are shaded by tall pine trees. The best RVing sites seem to be in the "B" loop, and most include 30 amp electrical. There is a water fill and separate dump station available as you enter or leave the loop. Bathhouse B underwent a renovation updating project in the fall of 2014. Though the Park does not have a swimming area, you can reach remote Chesapeake Bay beaches on the island, only accessible by following water trails by kayak or canoe.
There is plenty of wildlife to see and encounter. Turtles, heron, egret and other shore line fauna make their home in and around the island. Janes Island is a salt marsh, so be sure to bring your bug spray to fend off the mosquitoes and biting flies - which are especially prevalent the end of June into July. Hiking, biking or boating, there are plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife. To learn about wildlife stop in at the nature center. Rangers regularly give educational talks about the local area and the unique ecosystem of the  Chesapeake Bay.

Janes Island State Park - Maryland
Janes Island State Park - Maryland
Besides providing lovely campsites, Janes Island itself has lots to offer.

Boating

Whether kayak, canoe, or something bigger, Janes Island State Park is a great place to enjoy a paddle or cruise on the water. Daughtery Creek passes right along the campground, and the dock by the nature center and park store offer easy access for personal water craft. There are marked water trails that wind throughout the island’s saltmarsh. Most of the waterways are protected from wind and current, providing a great paddle experience for newbies or the experienced alike.If you did not bring your own kayak or canoe, they are available for rent.

Crabbing and Fishing

This is actually where the RoadAbode Crew learned how to crab! We really had fun learning, and crabbing with friends that biked over from the neighboring town of Crisfield. They had purchased a few acre "getaway" here, and after a few years decided to make Crisfield their home. The park rangers on occasion give crabbing lessons as part of planned activities at the park. Crabbing is great to do with your family because you can have lots of fun with only a little bit of equipment. The main things you need to go crabbing are a ball of twine, pieces of uncooked chicken (chicken necks work best), a clean 5 Gallon bucket and a landing net to pull in your lured crab. All that needs to be done at Janes Island is to sit youself at one of the piers along the Daugherty Creek/Canal tie your chicken neck tightly on your twine, and lower it into the water. Crabs will find the bait, and try to carry it away to somewhere safe for a snack. When you see your line start to "walk" you gently and slowly pull it up - with your landing net at the ready. Once you see the crab in the water still holding onto it's found meal, you dip the landing net underneath and get a crab! It takes a few tries to learn technique, but you'll be capturing the little guys in no time. Whether you opt to throw them back or cook them is up to you, but check in with the ranger station on what sizes or other restrictions there are on your catch. As of this writing, recreational crabbing is free in Maryland - without needing a license: For more crabbing information check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website
A revamped fish cleaning station was added to the dock area in 2014. Opportunities to cast for flounder, croaker, perch and other types of fish abound. .Though you can fish from the bank, your best possibilites will be from a charter boat or your personal watercraft. A fishing license is required for those16 years or older - but there are exceptions to getting a license free or cheaper. For more information check in at the Park Store, or the Department of Natural Resources website

Other great activities near Janes Island

Crisfield's iconic Water Tower - "Crab Capital of the World"

Access to Crisfield

According to Wikipedia, Crisfield was initially a small fishing village called Annemessex Neck. During European colonization in the 1600's, it was renamed Somers Cove, after Benjamin Summers. When the business potential for seafood was discovered, John W. Crisfield decided to bring the Pennsylvania Railroad to Crisfield, and the quiet fishing town grew.This southernmost town in Maryland is now known as the "Seafood Capital of the World".
While staying in your RV at Janes Island, this small town just a few minutes away would be the best place to grab some groceries, a pizza, or stop and get your fill of fresh seafood. The town is not a location with fancy eateries or upscale cafes. Enjoy a  walk at the city pier and over to the Ice Cream Shoppe located near the city dock for a cone of handmade deliciousness. Observe the work boats bringing in their catch each day and watch the process crabs go through to be ready for your plate.Take a cruise or rent a boat to experience life on the water.

Smith Island Cake is available on Smith Island and in Crisfield
By Jane Thomas (Flickr: smith island cake) [CC BY 2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons

Smith Island

One delicious reason to know Smith Island is as the origin of Maryland's official State dessert, Smith Island Cake. This multi-layered cake's most common flavor is yellow cake with chocolate icing, but other flavors such as coconut, fig, strawberry, lemon and orange are also available. Known simply as Smith Island Cake, the dessert is baked for any occasion and not reserved only for specific holidays.
Smith Island is also known for it's residents, which speak with a unique dialect.The island was first settled between 1659 and 1686 by English and Welsh settlers. The inhabitants of the island today can trace their ancestry back twelve generations to those original farmers and fishermen . Even though Smith Island was first found and mapped by explorer John Smith it is not named for him, but Henry Smith, an early land owner. Visit the island and learn it's history, take in the scenery and slow down to a pace of life from long ago.
Smith Island is accessible by ferry or charter from Crisfield's shores. Learn more about Smith Island by visiting their website

Wallops Visitor Center

Chinoteague and NASA Wallops Center

Want to see the wild ponies or learn about space exploration (FREE). Both located on Virginia's Eastern Shore are less than an hour away from Janes Island. Chinoteague is home of the famous Wild Pony Swim and Roundup and Virginia's only resort Island. Plenty of opportunities to shop dine or enjoy the beauty of the area and this quaint resort town
The Wallops Center is a NASA research facility that regularly has testing of rockets and training flights of aircraft. The Visitor Center is located approximately 4 miles from the launch pads with a perfect view of every launch from ground to sky. Inside the visitors center learn about the Wallops facility history, aeronautics, upcoming launches and don't forget to hit  the gift shop for a variety of NASA souvenirs.

These are just some of the adventures you can enjoy at Janes Island and using the campground as your home base. Or, perhaps you'd rather sit by a campfire, enjoy the flora and fauna and just stay at your campsite by this hidden gem of the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Either way Janes Island should be on your "todo" camping list. For more information about Janes Island here is the Maryland State Park Official Link