Girl Camper

Thinking about joining a Girl Camper outing but wondering, “Will I fit in?” This episode is for you! Janine Pettit sits down with longtime Colorado Girl Camper Guide Deanne Kelly for a warm conversation about friendship, finding confidence, and helping women get out there—even when towing a camper or meeting new people feels intimidating. Deanne shares her journey into vintage campers, what she lo...

What caught Janine's eye at America's Largest RV Show? ???? From tiny toy haulers to luxurious travel trailers and motorhomes, we're taking you inside six RVs that stood out at the 2026 Hershey RV Show! Join Girl Camper founder Janine Pettit as she explores the brand-new nuCamp Haven, revisits her beloved Sunset Park RV Sunray toy hauler, and gets a personal tour of the adventure-ready Ember Overl...

What does it take to be a good campground neighbor? And what does it take to accidentally become “that camper”? Janine welcomes Erin Graves, better known as Campin’ Erin, to the Girl Camper Podcast for a fun conversation about family camping, campground etiquette, camp cooking and the adventures that happen when you make RVing part of your family life. Erin is the author of How Not to Be That Camp...

The countdown to Girl Camper Camporee 2027 is officially on! ???? In this episode, Janine Pettit sits down with Pennsylvania Guide and Camporee co-chair Stephanie Lemma to give you a sneak peek at what’s planned for our seventh annual Camporee, happening September 8–12, 2027, at Sun Outdoors Association Island in Henderson, New York. Picture summer camp for grown-up women, set on an island surroun...

Thinking About Selling Your RV? Start Here. Selling an RV isn’t quite as simple as putting up a few photos, picking a price, and waiting for the offers to roll in. In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott talks with Julianna Baena from RV Trader about what it really takes to successfully sell a used RV in today’s market. They cover how to determine what your RV is actually worth,...

In this heartfelt episode, Janine sits down with her longtime best friend, Carol Thompson, Girl Camper's New Jersey Guide, to share the incredible journey that transformed Carol from a self-described "least likely camper" into a confident solo traveler, mentor, and leader in the Girl Camper community. From squeezing into a tiny 10-foot vintage camper for their very first road trip to towing traile...

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa sits down with PJ Buerger, owner of Princess Craft RV and one of the RV industry's most trusted voices, to answer the questions every RV buyer should ask before making a purchase. PJ shares nearly 30 years of experience helping campers find the right RV and explains how to avoid common buying mistakes, understand dealer pricing and prep fees, shop s...

Think you've got your RV insurance figured out? You might be surprised. In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott sits down with RV insurance expert Melissa Geric from Progressive Insurance to discuss some of the most common RV insurance mistakes even experienced campers make. From lending your RV to friends and family to understanding liability coverage, protecting solar panels a...

At 85 years old, Grandma Joy Ryan had never seen a mountain. One phone call from her grandson Brad Ryan changed everything. What began as a simple camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains grew into an extraordinary journey to all 63 U.S. National Parks, adventures across multiple continents, a world record, and a powerful story of family healing. In this inspiring episode of the Girl Camper Podca...

What would you do if fear wasn't making the decisions? In this inspiring episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine Pettit sits down with Jenelle Jones, a woman who sold her home, bought an RV despite having no camping experience, and spent more than six years traveling across North America. From driving a 36-foot motorhome through mountain passes to navigating unexpected breakdowns, wrong turns,...

What happens when your relaxing camping trip suddenly turns into a real-life insurance claim? ????️???? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott sits down with Matt Havrilla from Progressive Insurance to talk about the kinds of camping mishaps RVers actually experience on the road and at the campground, and exactly what to do when things go sideways. From falling tree branches an...

What if freedom isn’t something you have to plan for months… but something waiting just down the road? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa sits down with Jen Young, co-founder and CEO of Outdoorsy , to talk about a refreshing shift happening in the camping world—one that’s making outdoor adventure more accessible, especially for women. At the center of the conversation is the idea of...

If you’re planning your next road trip, this episode is full of inspiration. Lesa sits down with Ali Rasmussen from Spacious Skies Campgrounds to talk about what really makes a campground memorable and how the right stop can shape your entire travel experience. From meaningful connections around the campfire to those quiet moments under the stars, this conversation is all about why we love camping...

Planning a camping trip can feel like juggling maps, campground reservations, apps, and about 27 open browser tabs… but what if you had one tool that could help you organize it all in minutes? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa sits down with returning guest Jen Grover to talk about how they’re both using AI to plan real-life camping trips—without losing the joy of the journey. Jen s...

Transporting your e-bike shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes game of “will it make it there?” In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics for e-bike owners: how to safely transport your e-bike when you’re traveling, camping, or towing your RV. Whether you're heading to a campground, exploring a new trail, or just taking your...

What happens when a mom of four decides to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and just hits the road? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine Pettit sits down with Christine Swartz of RV Mama of Four to talk about her incredible RV journey. From childhood tent camping to traveling the country with her kids, Christine shares how she learned to tow, troubleshoot, and confidently handle...

What happens when a woman who’s never camped solo decides to drive her tiny camper across multiple states to attend her very first Girl Camper Camporee? In this heart-centered episode, Janine sits down with Girl Camper Roseanne Palmer to talk about courage, community, and saying yes before you feel ready. From backyard “camping” on an air mattress to towing her teardrop thousands of miles from Cal...

In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Janine Pettit sits down with author Ben Montgomery to explore the remarkable life and legacy of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. At age 67, carrying minimal gear and fueled by determination, Grandma Gatewood completed a journey that brought national attention to the Appalachian Trail and inspired generatio...

Fresh off the Florida RV Supershow, Janine and Lesa are back with sandy shoes, cold-weather whiplash, and a whole lot to unpack. In this episode, they share their favorite finds from one of the biggest RV shows in the country, with a deliberate focus on small, smart, and flexible campers that make sense for solo women, girlfriends camping together, and anyone who values versatility over excess. Fr...

Buying a used RV isn’t just about finding the right rig—it’s about choosing the right dealer, understanding fees, and knowing when to walk away. In Part 3 of this three-part series, Girl Camper Podcast co-host Lesa McDermott wraps up her candid conversation with RV dealer Mike Harlan of North Trail RV Center. This final episode focuses on the questions buyers often overlook, but shouldn’t, before...

Buying a used RV doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—but understanding the fine print matters. In Part 2 of this three-part series, Girl Camper Podcast co-host Lesa McDermott continues her candid conversation with RV dealer Mike Harlan of North Trail RV Center. This episode focuses on what buyers need to know before signing anything—especially when a used RV is being sold “as-is.” Recorded several m...

Buying a used RV can be a great way to get on the road—but only if you know the right questions to ask first. In this first episode of a three-part series, Girl Camper Podcast co-host Lesa McDermott sits down with Mike Harlan, General Manager at North Trail RV Center in Fort Myers, Florida, for an honest conversation about what buyers need to know before purchasing a used RV. This interview was re...

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 d...

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-f...

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 pheno...