Episodes

What does a professionally trained chef really cook in a small camper kitchen? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, I’m joined by Allana Bykes, a professionally trained chef and nuCamp T@B 320 owner, to talk about how she makes real, flavorful meals while camping in a small space. Allana shares the kitchen gear she relies on, the pantry staples she always keeps stocked, and how she thinks differently about cooking in a compact camper kitchen. We also walk through just how easy it is to ...

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott sits down with outdoor photographer and educator Mandy Lea of Mandy Lea Photo to talk about how anyone can take better outdoor photos—especially when using just a phone. Mandy travels full-time with her husband and teaches photography workshops and guided adventures around the country. In this conversation, she shares practical, beginner-friendly tips that focus less on gear and more on slowing down, seeing light, and being intentional ...

If you’ve ever wondered why RVers flock to the desert each winter, today’s episode is your insider guide to the legendary RV mecca known as Quartzsite, Arizona. Lesa is joined by two of Girl Camper's favorite returning guests — Tony & Peggy Barthel of StressLess Camping — who visit Quartzsite year after year and know the experience inside and out. Quartzsite isn’t just an RV show… it’s a phenomenon. From boondocking for miles across BLM land to the enormous Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show...

This week on the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine shares five heartfelt, handmade holiday gifts that are perfect for your camping friends, RV neighbors, or anyone who loves cozy, creative surprises. These DIY projects are budget-friendly, easy to make, and filled with the kind of meaning you just can’t buy in a store. In this episode, you’ll learn how to make: • Paper-bag fire starter roses that look beautiful and light your campfire with ease • A charming battery-powered thermos lamp made from a ...

Ready to camp more and spend less? In this Travel Tuesday episode, Lesa shares her favorite insider tips for finding amazing travel deals—especially those that make camping and RV adventures more affordable. From snagging discounted campsites to scoring gear savings, using smart apps, and taking advantage of mid-week and off-season pricing, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. We also highlight exclusive Girl Camper Travel Tuesday bonuses for our upcoming TrovaTr...

It’s our annual holiday gift-guide episode — and one of our favorites to record each year! Join Janine and Lesa as they share the camping gear, cozy comforts, kitchen must-haves, and fun splurges they love, actually use, or are hoping Santa drops under the tree. From brilliant new lighting solutions and travel-friendly slow cookers to eco-friendly coffee gear, camp-ready shoes, inflatable couches, mini projectors, and even the perfect electric lap robe, this episode is packed with ideas for eve...

Thinking about becoming a snowbird or booking a long-term RV site for the winter? This episode breaks down everything you need to know about seasonal camping, long-term RV stays, and winter RV living. Lesa is joined by Heather Taylor and Rebecca Durham from Sun Outdoors, who share expert advice for RVers planning extended stays in warm-weather destinations. Whether you’re curious about spending a month, a full season, or the entire winter in your RV, this episode reveals the real-life tips and ...

There’s no wrong way to camp like a girl! In this episode, Girl Camper founder Janine Pettit takes you through every kind of camping style — from cabins and car camping to hammocks, tents, and RVs. Through heartwarming stories from real Girl Campers, Janine reminds us that it’s not about how fancy your setup is — it’s about showing up, trying something new, and finding your tribe. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just dreaming about your first campout, this episode will inspire you to get out ...

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, host Lesa McDermott chats with Angie Skinner—SiriusXM Speedway host, motorsports marketer, and wife of retired NASCAR driver Mike Skinner—and Hannah Woolery from Buzz Bikes about how e-bikes are changing the way RVers explore. Angie and Mike travel the country part-time in their motorhome with their Buzz Centris e-bikes on board, from the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota to the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They share funny stories, lesson...

Host Janine Pettit, founder of Girl Camper, shares an unforgettable adventure that’s calling your name — a rafting trip through Idaho’s stunning Salmon River, also known as The River of No Return. Janine is joined by Linnea Hodgkiss of Mackay Wilderness River Trips, who guides us through what to expect on this exclusive Girl Camper 2026 rafting adventure. From chartering a private plane into the remote Frank Church Wilderness to floating 87 miles of pristine river, this episode captures the mag...

The world of campgrounds is changing fast — from rustic overnight stops to luxury RV resorts with Wi-Fi, EV charging, and craft coffee bars. But with more people hitting the road, are there enough places to camp? In this episode, Lesa sits down with Jeff Crider, journalist, PR professional, and Go RVing brand ambassador, to talk about the state and future of campgrounds in America. Jeff shares his decades of industry insight on what RVers are looking for, what campground owners are building, an...

Thinking about skipping the tow hitch and going all-in on a motorhome? In this episode, Janine Pettit sits down with Tom Stoate, President of The Hitch House—a family-owned Canadian dealership specializing exclusively in motorhomes for over 50 years. Together they talk about why a motorhome can be the perfect fit for solo women travelers, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to choose a reputable dealer. From the evolution of RV lifestyles to safety benefits, resale value, and even t...

It’s peak fall color season, and the forests are showing off! ???? In this episode, Lesa McDermott sits down with Ali Rasmussen, co-owner of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, to talk about why national forests in the fall are some of the best places to camp, hike, and explore. From Maine’s brilliant maples to Georgia’s golden oaks, they follow Spacious Skies’ 15-Stop Fall Color Trail — a scenic route that lets you chase autumn down the East Coast from now through November. You’ll learn: ???? Why na...

In this episode, Janine Pettit sits down with Theresa Leppert to share exciting news—Girl Camper has officially launched a new membership platform! ???? Find out why we created it, what’s included, and how you can be part of a growing community of women who love the open road. From early access to events to exclusive content and giveaways, there’s never been a better time to join Girl Camper. Links Mentioned: ???? Join now: https://girlcamper.com/membership THANK YOU TO GoRVing for sponsorin...

Join Girl Camper founder Janine Pettit as she takes you inside the Hershey RV Show 2025, one of the biggest RV events in the country. From compact travel trailers to rugged adventure vans and innovative truck campers, Janine explores the latest models and highlights the features that make them stand out for every kind of camper. ???? In this episode, Janine checks out: The Blue Compass Aurora – lightweight, towable, and surprisingly spacious The Storyteller Overland Beast Mode 2026 – a dream ...

What are the must-have items that make life in a small camper easier, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun? In this week’s episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, host Lesa McDermott is joined by nuCamp Brand Ambassador, outdoor educator, and fellow T@B 360 owner Jenn Grover. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: The small luxury items we never camp without Cooking gear that makes camper meals simple and fun Smart storage and organization hacks for tiny spaces Power solutions for off-grid adven...

It’s time for the final part of our Buying a New RV series on the Girl Camper Podcast! I’m your co-host, Lesa McDermott, and in this episode I’m joined once again by Mike Harlan, General Manager at North Trail RV Center in Fort Myers, Florida. This time, we’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden costs of RV buying—dealer fees, financing, and trade-ins. These are the areas that can make or break your budget, so it’s critical to know the right questions to ask before you sign any paperwork.

Welcome back to the Girl Camper Podcast! I’m your co-host, Lesa McDermott, and this is Part 2 of our three-part series on buying a brand-new RV. I’m joined again by Mike Harlan, General Manager at North Trail RV Center in Fort Myers, Florida, to talk about what every buyer needs to know about warranties, pricing, and dealer practices.

Thinking about buying your first RV—or upgrading to your dream rig?

Not all RVs are created equal — and knowing what to look for can save you years of headaches on the road. In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott shares the five key signs of a quality‑built RV using the nuCamp TAB 360cs as an example of how craftsmanship, materials, and company values make all the difference. From cabinet construction and framing materials to warranty coverage and the importance of core values, you’ll learn what separates a camper that lasts from one that le...

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can safely tow a camper with a Jeep, you’re not alone. In a recent Girl Camper Podcast episode, Lesa McDermott teamed up with Tony and Peggy Barthel from StressLess Camping to talk all things Jeep towing. As a former Jeep owner, Lesa brings real-life experience—and some hard-learned lessons—to the conversation. Know Before You Tow Many Jeep Wranglers have a maximum tow capacity of just 3,500 pounds. While that might sound like plenty, it’s important to facto...

In this special joint episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott teams up with Tony and Peggy Barthel from the StressLess Camping podcast to dive into the ins and outs of towing with a Jeep. From tongue weight and payload to the realities of towing capacity and gear ratios, this episode is packed with valuable insights—especially if you're thinking about hitching a camper to your Wrangler. As a former Jeep owner, Lesa shares personal lessons learned the hard way (including a burnt-out d...

Join Lesa McDermott on this Girl Camper adventure to Fort Robinson State Park in northwest Nebraska—a place where history meets hospitality and outdoor fun. In this episode, Lesa explores the deep roots of this former military outpost, including the tragic death of Lakota leader Crazy Horse, the role of Buffalo Soldiers, a WWII German POW camp, and more. But Fort Rob isn’t just about the past—it’s also one of Nebraska’s most scenic spots for RVing, tent camping, horseback riding, hiking, and ev...

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Janine Pettit—founder of Girl Camper and Editor-in-Chief of Girl Camper Magazine—explores what it really takes to camp solo. Drawing from her own road trip experiences and stories from the annual Girl Camper Camporee, Janine shares honest advice, practical safety tips, and inspiring encouragement to help you step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re taking your first short solo trip or dreaming of a cross-country adventure, this episode reminds you...