SASS and the RV lifestyle - questions about which matches promote a great RV experience

[T-Square]

 

Howdy folks,

 

I’m lookin’ to gather a little trail wisdom from the Cowboys and Cowgirls out there. I recently read the re-print of Captain Baylors RV and SASS article in the Cowboy Chronicle, and was wondering - Which SASS matches do you favor that offer RV parking right on the range?

 

Don’t feel obliged to name only the big shoots like regionals or nationals—I’m just as interested in those well-run, good-times matches that let you stay close to the action in your own rig. After all, your own bunk, pillow, and coffee pot beat a hotel 30 miles down the trail any day.

 

What are your top five matches with on-site RV accommodations—and what makes ’em stand out?

 

Much obliged 🤠

[El Sobrante Kid]

Might I suggest that you accept PM's on the subject, as some people might not want to publicly NOT name an event. Also might be worth having a list of events to steer clear of. Just a thought.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

Our two largest matches do well.  Land Run has water/electric sites right on the CAS Range.  I've shot within footsteps of my trailer.  EOT (soon to be Winter Range again) has ample on range camping.  I usually camp on the nearby Clay Target Center Campground that has full hookups.  Many ranges provide on range, dry camping, but that increases the difficulty of camping - OK for a weekend but challenging for week.  Cal State in Sacramento had potable water onsite and a neighboring famer allow dumping grey water on his hay field, so that was easy dry camping.  My home club will have camping on pavement with electric hookups on range at the New Mexico State match this September.

 

BTW, a match with nearby, full-service campgrounds is almost as good as camping on range.  I just shot Comancharia Days where there were two decent RV Parks just south of the range.  Florida State in Gainesville has a top-notch, nearby campground too.  A benefit of camping off range is that alcohol is usually permitted (with limitations) where it may be strictly prohibited on range.  Sites are more level than on range sites and are paved making it less likely to get stuck in mud.

 

When planning travel for matches I secure a camping reservation before registering for a match.  If I can't get a good camp site, I won't come no matter how good the match.

Edited April 27 by Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971

[T-Square]

Thank you Canby, all great suggestions. I like the reservations first idea - I'm writing that down on match checklist!

[watab kid]

i dont disagree with the above suggestion - you will get honest amswers , but ill add that ive never been to one that wasnt a great experience , mostly dry camping with no real amenities short of the shoot activities but thats always enough for me as well as the shared experience with other campers , some are less accessable with less accomadating terrain , but ive always made it work , i generally am in an RV 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

The San Juan Shooting Range in Montrose has on range water/electric site too and you can dump grey water on the junipers (they are always thirsty).

 

I have camped at commercial RV Parks that prohibit the display of firearms, so I clean guns at the range and keep them locked up in the campground.

[Blackwater 53393]

The Kentucky Stat Championship, “Shootout in the Hills” and “The Black Gold Shootout” are great for RV camping. There are electric hookups, access to potable water, shower and restroom facilities, close proximity to all of the non shooting activities, walking distance from the actual shooting stages, and the meals are right there too!

 

You’ll also be near the vendors and the pavilion where there’s almost always something going on.

 

Can’t beat it and the Black Gold Shootout is a great party where a shootin’ match breaks out!!

 

https://ponderosa-pines.com

 

 

 

 

Edited April 26 by Blackwater 53393

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

The Double R Bar Regulators in Lucerne Vly CA. Have a fantastic camping area with water and dump station on site.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

The MA/CT/RI Tristate, now held in Maine, always has a bunch of guys in RVs.   They have an area for them that people set up mini campsights.  A few years ago, I was at the Nevada state championship, and they also had a nice RV area.

The question of power is an important one.  Always check with the venue to see if they have power hookups, or if you need a generator.

I turn 60 in October.  The idea of trading in my passenger van for a camper van and using it to go on an extend road trip to go to a buncha shoots over the summer in about 5 years is one that is growing in my mind.  I am thinking camper van because I could just as easily use it at a campground, at the range, or in a hotel parking lot and it would be easier to drive around than a Winebego or a Silver Eagle or something like one.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

38 minutes ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

The MA/CT/RI Tristate, now held in Maine, always has a bunch of guys in RVs.   They have an area for them that people set up mini campsights.  A few years ago, I was at the Nevada state championship, and they also had a nice RV area.

The question of power is an important one.  Always check with the venue to see if they have power hookups, or if you need a generator.

I turn 60 in October.  The idea of trading in my passenger van for a camper van and using it to go on an extend road trip to go to a buncha shoots over the summer in about 5 years is one that is growing in my mind.  I am thinking camper van because I could just as easily use it at a campground, at the range, or in a hotel parking lot and it would be easier to drive around than a Winebego or a Silver Eagle or something like one.

Look hard at a class C motorhome.

Vans are very cramped!

[Black Hills Barb]

We have unlimited dry camping with limited electric at the Pennsylvania State Championship, which will become the Northeast Regional next year. Generators are allowed. The camping area is pretty much on top of a mountain with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

23 minutes ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Look hard at a class C motorhome.

Vans are very cramped!

Get something with an indoor toilet.  Hiking to a restroom after dark in foul weather spoils a camping experience.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

3 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Look hard at a class C motorhome.

Vans are very cramped!

 

Well, it's just me.   Traveling alone, so...

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

 

Well, it's just me.   Traveling alone, so...

Well,,you did ask.

Facts, they be stubborn 

[Griff]

You might also think about a travel trailer.  I've used one for many shoots, including EOT in CA, overnite stays at the West End Outlaws on many monthly shoots, Several years of Comin' Atchas here in Texas.  A pickup that you can disconnect for short trips to town, a restaurant for a meal you don't have to fix, shopping and just exploring the area.  I always felt it was the best option.  

[watab kid]

9 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

The MA/CT/RI Tristate, now held in Maine, always has a bunch of guys in RVs.   They have an area for them that people set up mini campsights.  A few years ago, I was at the Nevada state championship, and they also had a nice RV area.

The question of power is an important one.  Always check with the venue to see if they have power hookups, or if you need a generator.

I turn 60 in October.  The idea of trading in my passenger van for a camper van and using it to go on an extend road trip to go to a buncha shoots over the summer in about 5 years is one that is growing in my mind.  I am thinking camper van because I could just as easily use it at a campground, at the range, or in a hotel parking lot and it would be easier to drive around than a Winebego or a Silver Eagle or something like one.

im 76 and ive been doing both a number of years , sometimes i have my wifes mini wini [she inherited from her father] and sometimes im living in my suburban [i actually prefer that as its better driving experience] i pull a small trailer with cooler , firewood . grill and stuff , its actually a real great time , being on range lets you meet a lot of locals that have permanent camping setups , a lot of fun folks - great campfires - fun conversations , learn the history of the range 

[Cusz M. Dutch SASS Life 55326]

Colo State match coming up shortly in Grand Junction CO  Plenty of dry camping on lots of BLM really close by...

[Jet]

I've only been to a couple of SASS matches where camping was allowed/on-site.  Sussex County Range Wars and the NC State Match.  Both were dry camping, free and the NC State match let me fill my fresh water tank upon arrival.  There is a Camping World not too far away with a dump station and if you're a Good Same member you can dump for free.  Also, lots of space at the NC State match.  With just one person in the camper (22 foot Coleman 17B travel trailer) I don't fill the black or gray tank too much for the weekend especially if during the day I use the Porta Potties on site.  The camper gives me room for gear and guns, run a generator at night for my heat and or AC.  I know of a few matches with camp grounds very close by which is also nice.    

[T-Square]

Thanks Everyone - these are great ideas and I am making a list of fantastic matches !

I also opted for the Truck (Ram 2500) and the luxury Travel Trailer (Brinkley model I 275). 

For the most part, it will be just me on the ranges, but on a few occassions my wife might join me for national parks and Land Run - so I did have to get a few upgrades - a little larger than needed for solo, a full size shower and nice bathroom, slightly larger holding tanks, enough solar to run the AC all-night-long, and nicer finishes.

I started planning for a Class A - but the wife said she'd join me only three-or-four times a year.  You sure don't need a Class A for 21 days a year !

Thanks for all the input - I'm filling up the shooting calendar for 2026 and 2027 !

[Blackwater 53393]

Hey, T Square!!

 

Black Gold is straight up I75!!

 

Lots of Georgia folks come and hang out with us!!

[Griff]

36 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Black Gold is straight up I75!!

There ain't anything straight about I-75!  It compares favorably on an interstate level to "Tail of the Dragon"!!!

[Blackwater 53393]

1 hour ago, Griff said:

There ain't anything straight about I-75!  It compares favorably on an interstate level to "Tail of the Dragon"!!!

If you say so!!  I’ve ridden the length of it and I find that it’s mostly boring as heck! Some of the scenery is okay, but if they raised the speed limit to 140 or so, it might be fun to ride or drive!!

 

And YES ! I’ve ridden the Dragon many times and the Devil’s Triangle too!! 
 

[T-Square]

Well now, I reckon you ain’t wrong — that stretch of I-75 north of Atlanta is tighter than a rattler in a bedroll. You’d best be a skinny-minnie or risk leavin’ paint behind just squeezin’ through all that construction on the wagon trail!

 

As for Black Gold… partner, I’m plumb sorry I missed ridin’ with y’all this year. Been hearin’ tell it’s one fine shoot, the kind that makes a cowboy’s trigger finger itch and his boots restless. You can bet your last cartridge it’s branded bold on my 2027 shooting calendar. I aim to ride in proper, tip my hat, and join your posse for some honest-to-goodness BLACK POWDER SASS shootin’.

 

I had my sights set on headin’ up to Mount Rushmore for that big 250th birthday shindig with President TRUMP, but that town filled up faster than a saloon on payday. No vacancy anywhere — not even a bunkhouse corner to throw a bedroll.

 

So instead, I’m takin’ the long trail west. I’ll be ridin’ into Hell on Wheels for the Wyoming State Championship over the Independence Day holiday, then pressin’ on into Montana to sling some lead at their state championship, the same dates as Black Gold. Figure I’ll make a proper adventure of it — wide skies, good folks, and the sweet sound of steel ringin’.

 

But don’t you forget me now — save me a spot by the fire for next year. I ain’t never set boots in Kentucky for a match, and it’s high time I corrected that oversight.

 

Until then, shoot straight and keep your powder dry!

[watab kid]

On 4/26/2026 at 3:02 PM, Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 said:

Get something with an indoor toilet.  Hiking to a restroom after dark in foul weather spoils a camping experience.

this is a great idea with shower as well , but lacking that get a popup shower you can put a porta potty in their and it will do the job - its what i do when camping in my suburban - also a changing room from street clothes to your cowboy duds , 

[Cusz M. Dutch SASS Life 55326]

11 hours ago, watab kid said:

...  - also a changing room from street clothes to your cowboy duds , 

 

There's a difference?  😕

[Vail Vigilante]

Might also want to get a sketch of the parking area. 

Just to make sure you can get in-out with your selected equipment.

We have trailer-RV at Tucson Trap and Skeet and while it works for most equipment most of the time, I have seen a few that were absolutely crammed into their assigned spaces.

[Jet]

I would also add, if there isn't electricity on site, people should be allowed to run generators all night, between C-Pap devices, needing to run refrigerators to keep medications cold and simply being able to sleep with AC or heat to keep a certain comfort level.  

[Whitey James]

I can only speak on the two I have been to that have RV camping on the range. Memphis Gunslingers and North Alabama Regulators. Both had water and electricity. The Memphis range also had a clubhouse with restrooms that had showers.

It is great to be able to stay at the range for a weekend long match and not have to pack up each day in the truck and drive to it.

[Uncle Ethan # 94321]

On 4/26/2026 at 7:29 PM, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

 

Well, it's just me.   Traveling alone, so...

I have a camper van. (Maxvan) It's fine for me. Has a toilet, shower and kitchen. If my wife traveled with me, I would want something larger.

Edited April 29 by Uncle Ethan # 94321

[watab kid]

10 hours ago, Cusz M. Dutch SASS Life 55326 said:

 

There's a difference?  😕

yup , i dont wear my cowboy duds to places that might do them harm , too important to me 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

12 hours ago, Uncle Ethan # 94321 said:

I have a camper van. (Maxvan) It's fine for me. Has a toilet, shower and kitchen. It's fine for me. If my wife traveled with me, I would want something larger.

 

I did some general looking, as I was surprised to learn that even the most simple of camper vans built on a Chevy or Ford passenger van platform, DO have an option of a bathroom with those things.    That would more than likely be the way for me to go.   That said, if I was married, I'd probably be more likely to go the pickup truck with a slide in camper route.   My family had one of those when I was a kid, and they are great.

If I had children travelling with me and the hypothetical Mrs., the pickup/camper is absolutely the way I would go.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

An onboard bathroom makes any place you can pull off the road a potential rest stop.  I pull a travel trailer and have used temporary weigh stations, highway maintenance yards and chain-up areas in mountains as rest stops.  Pull into a designated rest stop and find the facilities closed for cleaning - no problem you got your own.  As others have mentioned, when dry camping on range, make use of outhouses to avoid filling your black water tank.

[El Chapo]

18 hours ago, Jet said:

I would also add, if there isn't electricity on site, people should be allowed to run generators all night, between C-Pap devices, needing to run refrigerators to keep medications cold and simply being able to sleep with AC or heat to keep a certain comfort level.  

 

With solar and inverters, there is no reason to be running a generator at night.

[Jet]

Batteries and Inverters enough to run AC or electric heaters isn't cheap and take up storage space, I'd love to upgrade it all, but that's a ways off.   

Edited April 29 by Jet

[El Chapo]

Just now, Jet said:

Only if I have enough batteries.  

 

There's no reason not to at this point, the stuff is so cheap that if you're a serious dry camper, you should have it.

 

I really love waking up in a truck stop and being able to make drip coffee with the push of a button.  Or stopping at a restaurant and the dogs have air conditioning until we can get back to them.