Beat the Pump: 5 Epic One-Tank Trips from Bell RV Village
With diesel and gas prices fluctuating, that cross-country haul from coast to coast is getting expensive. Why burn thousands of dollars driving straight through the country when you can park your rig at a premium basecamp and explore world-class destinations on a single tank of gas?
By setting up at Bell RV Village in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, you get all the comforts of a luxury RV resort (including Gigabit fiber internet and massive concrete pads) while situating yourself in the perfect geographical hub. Leave the heavy rig plugged in, hop in your tow vehicle, and explore these five incredible destinations—all within a one-tank round trip.
1. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile (Pawhuska, OK)
Distance: ~25 miles (35 minutes)
The Vibe: Small-town charm meets culinary excellence.
Just a short, scenic drive west on US-60 brings you to Pawhuska, the hometown of Food Network star Ree Drummond. "The Merc" is a destination in itself, offering a world-class bakery, a gorgeous deli, and a two-story general store packed with gorgeous homewares. After you've had your fill of comfort food, you can even tour the actual lodge where the cooking show is filmed.
2. The Gathering Place (Tulsa, OK)
Distance: ~45 miles (45 minutes)
The Vibe: The ultimate urban park experience.
Voted the #1 City Park in America, The Gathering Place is a 100-acre wonderland right on the Arkansas River. It features mind-blowing architecture, massive playgrounds (for kids and adults alike), scenic trails, and kayak rentals. The best part? Admission is entirely free. It's a premium metropolitan experience right in our backyard.
3. Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Distance: ~40 miles (50 minutes)
The Vibe: The great American frontier.
Want to see the America that once was? This is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on earth. Drive the scenic loop and you're virtually guaranteed to see the free-roaming herd of over 2,500 bison. It's an incredible spot for photography, hiking, and experiencing the breathtaking expanse of the plains.
4. Route 66 in Claremore & Catoosa
Distance: ~45 miles (50 minutes)
The Vibe: Nostalgic Americana and roadside attractions.
Get your kicks on a classic stretch of the Mother Road. Head south toward Catoosa to snap a photo with the iconic Blue Whale, a Route 66 staple since the 1970s. Then, make your way to Claremore to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. It's a perfect day trip for history buffs and lovers of vintage Americana.
5. Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
Distance: ~60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
The Vibe: Water sports and lakeside relaxation.
If you're bringing a boat or just want to spend a day on the water, Grand Lake offers 46,500 surface acres of pristine water. You can rent a pontoon, go fishing for largemouth bass, or just grab a table at a lakeside restaurant.
The Basecamp Advantage
Traveling doesn't have to mean moving your house every single day. By making Bell RV Village your home base, you save massive amounts of fuel, eliminate the stress of daily towing, and get to deeply explore the culture, wilderness, and dining of Northeast Oklahoma.