Five guide books RVers and campers should consider having on hand

Remember books? Those bulky, unwieldy things we used to carry around, occasionally read, even check for reference?

They still exist, although their days seem to be numbered.  More often than not, when anyone has a question or longs to know who, what, when, where, why or how, Google is the first one consulted.

C’est la vie. Sometimes, though, the Internet goes down. Curses! Or, even worse, there’s no Wi-Fi to be found. That’s when it’s nice to have one of those old-fashioned thingies with paper inside that can always be counted upon to offer up the goods.

Here are a few handy books that I’ve come to rely upon for their interesting information that has proven useful on the road.

“Healthy Highways,” by Nikki and David Goldbeck ($19.95, Ceres Press)

We all know that eating healthfully on the road is a losing battle – and certainly not a weight-losing one. The Goldbecks have scoured the nation in search of natural food markets, organic groceries, vegetarian restaurants and other health-oriented options. The result is this excellent compilation, which also includes detailed directions.

“500 Things to Eat Before it’s Too Late – and the Very Best Places to Eat Them,” by Jane and Michael Stern ($19.95, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

If you keep this book next to “Healthy Highways” on a shelf, eventually they will start to duel each other in an existential food fight. You can even alternate nights out using one or the other – first go somewhere that will unclog your arteries, and then pick something that looks utterly delicious from this book, which is filled with things that look so good but ultimately will kill you. Even if you only indulge occasionally, it’s a fabulous read.

“Eccentric America,” by Jan Friedman ($18.95, Globe Pequot Press)

It’s always fun to know where the nearest corn mazes, biggest balls of twine and shrines to headless chickens are in conjunction with your current location. “Eccentric America” endeavors to ensure that information is at your fingertips, with descriptions of the weird places that are compelling enough to make them irresistible.

“Exit Now: Interstate Exit Directory,” by Trailer Life Books ($24.95, Trailer Life)

A terrific resource for anyone who spends time on the highways and byways, and particularly those who speed by those signs and then later wonder, “Was there a Starbucks at this turnoff?” Or for families where someone has to use the restroom every 15 miles. The ring-binder directory lists eateries, gas stations, hospitals and shopping, and the color-coded maps are easy to read. It takes a little bit of time initially to figure out the system, but once you do, this thing is pretty useful.

“The Official Guide to America’s National Parks,” by Fodor’s ($18.95, Fodor’s)

It would be impossible to cover everything there is to do in all of the national parks, but having a guide around that reminds you that no matter where you go, chances are there’s some kind of national park nearby where you can do something fun is a good thing. And not just a big park – there are tons of little parks and monuments and memorials, many of which are so rarely visited that they are quiet and just cool to check out. The book includes activity options, fees and insider tips on how to enjoy each park. America’s best idea, indeed.

The roadtripster is the handle of a longtime Coloradan who travels the country by any means possible, sometimes in an RV, sometimes car camping or in the backcountry, with kids and without.