Finding a Campground
Beyond boondocking
While parking overnight at a Wal-Mart might be a saving grace, with a little planning you can find a good place that will meet your needs.
Count More Than Klicks
Even though your trip looks quick on paper, you need to take more than driving time into consideration. Don't try to pack too many miles into a day unless you have another driver to spell you off. Remember, even professional truckers are limited to the number of hours they're allowed behind the wheel in a day.
In general, you should stop every two hours for a stretch and bathroom break. If you're traveling with young children, pets or someone with a disability, more frequent stops might be in order. And don't forget to factor in meals. Even if you whip up a sandwich in your RV's kitchen, it will still take time.
Where to Stay
RV Campgrounds
Sometimes, a motel is your best bet after a full day of driving. Even though you're toting your own beds, if it's past midnight and you haven't reached your campground, a motel might be worth the added costs. No set-up, take-down or clean-up. And campground neighbors will appreciate you not disturbing their sleep.
Where you spend the night will depend on many factors. KOA sites are a great for quick set-ups and take-downs. Even if the scenery is a bit lacking, these campgrounds are fully-equipped for hook-ups, are pet-friendly and offer laundry facilities. If you're going stay one night, arrive late, leave early or need an adventure of the softest kind, these grounds offer consistent quality and no unpleasant surprises.
For those who want to get closer to nature or plan on an extended stay, national parks might be a better fit. Be sure to check out the park before you arrive to ensure it offers the amenities you want. Not all parks have hook-ups and some have rules about unleashed pets. A bit of online investigation can save hours of vacation time spent searching for a place to dock for the night.
Reserve Your Spot
During high season, most camp sites fill up quickly. Booking ahead is always a good idea. Be sure to keep the phone number of the association with you in case you need to rebook or will arrive later than planned.
Ask our National Park Expert, James, for advice.
