Melissa Goins

Melissa Goins is a lifelong resident of Indiana and currently resides on a 15-acre homestead with her family where she has lived full-time stationary in a 2000 Travel Supreme fifth wheel for the past two years.

She has always loved traveling and in 2000 she and her husband purchased a fully self-contained semi truck and hit the road with their two kids, visiting all 48 contiguous United States and learning about our amazing country along the way.
Melissa has learned a lot about living full-time in an RV over the past two years and loves sharing tips and tricks with others — which is why she loves writing for Beyond the Tent. From staying cool in the summer to preparing for winter, to cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in an RV, there’s so much to learn, enjoy, and share Beyond the Tent.

When she's not writing or enjoying the great outdoors, Melissa loves to spend time with her family. She is a proud wife, mom, and grandma to three beautiful grandbabies.

RV Camping Checklist: How to Prepare Your Home on Wheels for the Road

Planning an epic camping trip in your RV is so exciting. Getting on the road is even better. But, what about the in-between? Making sure …

The Best RV Tires For Travellers: Ensure A Smooth and Safe Ride

When it comes to RV travel, choosing the right tires is super important–not only for safety but for comfortability as well. We all want a …

Keep Cool On The Road: The Best RV Air Conditioners For Summer Travel

Let’s face it, you invested in an RV for camping rather than a tent because you kind of like the comforts of home while you’re …

The Best RV Level: Our Top 5 Picks

We’ve all been there: you pull into a camping spot only to find out that the terrain is not exactly level. Occasionally, you get lucky, …

Steady and Secure: The Best RV Leveling Blocks for Safe Camping

You finally made it to your destination and backed in successfully…yay! Now it’s time for the dreaded task of leveling your RV. Other than backing …

The 5 Best RV Roof Sealants for Leak-Proof Travels

The best days spent RVing are when it’s nice and sunny out. But, there are also times when it’s nice to sit inside and listen …

A Class A RV motorhome with a slide topper installed.

The 4 Best RV Slide Toppers for Your RV

Chances are one of the last things you do when closing up your RV before hitting the road is bringing in the slides. If you’re …

View of water running from faucet in stainless sink.

The 5 Best RV Water Pumps: A Buyer’s Guide for RV Owners

There are items in your RV that you probably obsessed over before buying: your towels and dishes, the air fryer, and more fun things. Then …

Choosing the Best RV Water Hose for Your Travel Needs

From drinking to washing dishes, even showering and flushing the toilet, you use a lot of water in your RV. Having a safe and reliable …

RV Camping With Dogs: The Complete Travelers Guide

Planning a road trip and want to take your favorite fur baby along? While RV camping with dogs can be a bit challenging at times, …

Full Time RV Living: A Comprehensive Guide to Life on the Road

The call of the open road. Full time RV living has a certain charm and dreams of adventure. And, while it can be an adventure, …

The Best RV Toilet: Our Top 5 Picks

Whether you’re a full-time or seasonal RVer, you know that having a good toilet is a necessity. After all, you chose an RV over a …

The 16 Best Places to Go Camping in Kentucky

With 45 state parks, two national parks, and second only to Alaska for the number of miles of running water, there is plenty to see and do in Kentucky. But where do you stay while you’re exploring? Great question! Let’s take a look at the 16 Best Places to go camping in Kentucky.