What Do the Rest of You Do?

[Readytogo]

I have been looking at maps and cg books to see if I can maybe combine going to Shirl and Carol's gtg inn Charleston with then going over to carolyn's in Tenn, I would have to make a loop out of the way south to avoid Atlanta at all costs. My question is this, when you are planning a trip do you just start out and plan one day at a time or figure out all your stops along the way. I have found that when I want to stop does not always match up with finding a cg! I don't really like to boondock, that is just my preference. Like to drive about 4 hrs and stop early, so would rather be in a cg with something to do. How do you all do this, is it even a concern for anyone else?? Wendy

[BirdbyBird]

Wendy, I usually plan one day at a time. There may be specific high points that I want to be sure to hit depending upon the trip or the location but I don't plan out the route mile by mile. Some times I wish I did, it might be easier on the nerves but I have found some wonderful campgrounds by my "wandering" method. I do usually look at the basic route I plan on heading and look up options along the route (COE, State Parks, Passport America, KOA) Often I have been thinking that I will stop one place only to get tired earlier and stop at a closer park. I have also been know to keep driving because I know there are several options down the road. Depending upon the parks I will call ahead and inquire to see if they have an opening. Mostly I find myself calling when I drive later into the afternoon or evening than I had planned and I want the office to know that I am coming...since different places close at different times -especially when I travel in the winter. I don't panic because in the end I know that I can just find a place to pull off if I had to.

If I traveled with fewer dogs I would do more of the Walmart sort of boondocking. I just don't care to walk three dogs (meaning usually multiple trips) around a parking lot.... and lets face it, they don't care for the environment either for that matter.

[pattyk]

I only make reservations for holiday weekends. I have had good luck find a place to stay every night.