Girl Camper

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...

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 b...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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 r...