RESTON, Va. — Thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts have discovered a convenient way to travel that suits their active and rugged lifestyles. Travel by recreation vehicle (RV) is popular among today's on-the-go outdoor adventurers, according to Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

"Outdoor sports enthusiasts love the freedom, control and convenience that RV travel offers," says RVIA President David J. Humphreys. "RVs complement almost every outdoor adventure year-round–from scuba diving and skateboarding to mountain biking and snowmobiling–making these experiences even more hassle-free and fun for every family member."

The RV's escalating appeal among outdoor sports enthusiasts is due to its versatility-a mobile location to store and haul sporting equipment combined with comfortable living quarters for economical, flexible travel. Its flexibility makes it ideal for spur-of-the-moment escapes and weekend-warrior fun. On America's roads today are 7.2 million RVs, which include motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers, truck campers and sport utility RVs.

Camping, a long-time favorite RVer pastime, now ranks as the nation's second most popular sporting activity with 51.4 million participants, according to 2003 research by the National Sporting Goods Association (nsga.org), Mt. Prospect, Ill. Other popular sporting activities RVers enjoy include biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, hunting and skiing–including extreme sports like kayaking and snowboarding–reports RVIA's survey of RV owners.

RVs offer the perfect base-camp for nearly every outdoor activity, sports enthusiasts say, including such perks as:

• Hauling capabilities. Sport utility RVs make it easier to haul ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, and other outdoor vehicles right on board. Today's RVs feature built-in "garages"-some with hydraulic lifts for easy loading-to carry all-terrain vehicles, canoes, wave runners, jet skis or motorcycles.
• Room for gear. There's plenty of storage space for odd-sized items like skis, kayaks, bicycles, sleds, ice skates, skateboards, as well as bulky hunting and fishing equipment, camping gear, children's toys, food and supplies. No need to worry about lost or broken equipment.
• Freedom to roam. Go where you want, when you want. Stay as long as you want, but if the fish aren't biting, you can easily move all your gear to another spot upstream. For sports enthusiasts on limited schedules, RVs allow for flexibility with sufficient time to fit in lots of outdoor activities.
• Protection from rough weather. If it rains or snows, you'll have a dry place to relax, plus climate control year-round. For the winter months, RVs come equipped with thermostatically controlled heat, furnaces and water heaters for warmth during cold spells.
• Cost savings. If you're staying for more than a day, no need to worry about scarce hotel reservations or crowded restaurants because RVs are fully equipped with bedrooms, kitchens and baths.
• Comfortable travel and rest. Your family can enjoy all the comforts of home while on the road. After the day's adventures, retire to the RV and enjoy amenities like TVs, computer hook-ups, video-game systems, surround sound, upholstered sofas, showers and queen-size beds. Depending on their size, RVs provide sleeping accommodations for up to 10 people.
• Cooking amenities. You can refrigerate, freeze or cook your catch or game immediately. RVing means bringing your kitchen along, complete with oven/stove, microwave and refrigerator. Anything you can prepare at home, you can make in an RV, serve up fresh and take home safely.
• Ideal for children. RVs make introducing children to nature much easier. In the cozy, familiar surroundings of the RV, kids can enjoy favorite meals or snacks when they're hungry, use the on-board bathroom facilities for "potty" breaks and fall asleep in the same beds every night.
• Pet-friendly environment. With an RV you can easily bring hunting dogs and family pets on outdoor adventures.

RVs make pursuing outdoor passions even more gratifying, no matter the season. In summer, for instance, RVers can "enjoy a day backpacking or fly fishing, then retreat to the cool climate-controlled luxury of their RV. Prepare an economical, home-cooked dinner, perhaps the catch-of-the-day. Get a restful night's sleep in a comfortable bed–just what's needed before the fun begins again the next day," Humphreys suggests.

RVs come in a variety of sizes and styles for every taste and budget. Renting one is an attractive option for many outdoor sports enthusiasts. Attend an RV retail show or visit a local RV dealer to research the best floor plans and features that complement your outdoor pursuits, RVIA suggests.

Order a free RV "getting started" DVD or CD-ROM at 1-888-Go RVing or GoRVing.com. Surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in your area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.

RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.