Need the advice of those who've already done this!

[BirdbyBird]

As shared above I have never found...."the animals can not be left unattended" to be directed to dogs resting quietly inside the coach. And if it does/did, I have never observed it being enforced even when I have stayed in Michigan state parks traveling to/staying for dog shows. Most reasonable individuals are tolerant if a dog occasionally barks from the inside as someone walks by a rig.

But I also know that the world is a big place and someday I too may be asked to leave a park because of having three dogs or because I left them in the rig to use the showers ???? who knows ???? I am not going to worry about it because the probability is so small. If I know that certain parks/staff follow certain rules, there are just so many other choices to make to worry about the ones that don't want you.

In NC at a state park one January....I even took Herschel into the bathhouse about 9pm at night while I took a shower.... The campground was "almost" deserted.... I sure felt safer having him right outside the shower. The state park vehicle drove by as I exited the bathhouse.....no one said a word to me....

[longdog2]

I agree with Beth on this one. Dogs shouldn't be left unattended outside but inside, as long as they don't create a nuisance for others with excessive barking, should not be a problem. Sometimes leaving a radio on to disguise noises right outside your rig is all you need. People with dogs have to go to the grocery store,etc., too.

[Bethers]

Texas State Parks say no animal left unattended period. But as long as the animal behaves, the rule is pretty much interpreted as unattended outside. Fortunately, in the state parks, they are allowed on most trails and most areas of the parks on leash - just not in any buildings or in some beach areas.

Actually, TXP are fine with dogs left unattended IN the rv. Here is their definition of "unattended" from their website:

Unattended pet: A pet that is unaccompanied or not under immediate control. Pets tied or secured outside of camping equipment or buildings are not considered under immediate control.

Tina, I have actually gotten permission at some state parks and other campgrounds to take Peaches in the bathhouse with me. In Alabama, they let me use the showers to give HER a bath. I promised to leave it spotless and did - they liked that and I was thrilled that they let me do so. Sometimes It's a matter of asking and being polite about it.

[BirdbyBird]

You are right. You know Beth....most people are reasonable most of the time. As long as the park isn't real crowed and the host and/or rangers would have to worry about everyone else trying something less responsible after seeing "one dog" get away with something...... ...that is what starts all those rules in the first place....

[Bethers]

You are right. You know Beth....most people are reasonable most of the time. As long as the park isn't real crowed and the host and/or rangers would have to worry about everyone else trying something less responsible after seeing "one dog" get away with something...... ...that is what starts all those rules in the first place....

If only the parks could make the rules about children they make about dogs.... or about irresponsible people .... which is really the crux of the matter.

And here we go stealing an intro thread

[Travelinana]

If you can dry camp (boon dock as it is called) check WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes, Cabela's, Bass Pros and large shopping centers for permission for overnight stays. Not fun but if you are traveling from point A to point B it works.

I've only stayed at Walmart and I've found it to be pretty entertaining at times!

Welcome Cindy, I don't know a thing about towing but I do like the Jayco Jay Feather Sport. What a great idea taking a year off, enjoying your dogs, and meeting up with family. Have yourself a ball! You're a teacher, you've earned it!
Nancy

[cindycurtis]

See, I love it already and I haven't even left! I think I am really going to enjoy meeting such nice people! Once again, I appreciate all of the responses- it is such a help.
And as for taking a year off and never going back, that has crossed my mind too...I'm a bit afraid I won't want to return to the real world. I'm 50, so not quite retirement age yet.

[Bethers]

See, I love it already and I haven't even left! I think I am really going to enjoy meeting such nice people! Once again, I appreciate all of the responses- it is such a help.
And as for taking a year off and never going back, that has crossed my mind too...I'm a bit afraid I won't want to return to the real world. I'm 50, so not quite retirement age yet.

Not to scare you more - I was 52. Good thing there is workamping

[Getupngo]

\

Welcome Cindy from Indy. I have only one word of wisdom: GO!

Everything after that is details. You have made the big decisions. You've gotten good advice here on how to find out the coolest places to land. Just enjoy yourself on this grand adventure.

[cindycurtis]

Thanks, y'all- so good that there are so many other people who share my wanderlust! My mom will hardly speak to me...thinks this is the dumbest decision I have ever made...and will just pray for me, since I am so "damned hardheaded"! I did invite her (and dad, and the rest of the family) to come meet up with me...happily, all will, except for the parents!
It is becoming so difficult to get things done around my house because all I want to do is work on my plans for my trips and research where I want to go, and read all of this stuff from you all!

[bluepinecones]

Extending another welcome to the forum.
Don't know anything about towing to add but am all for "getting out there" if that's what you want. Do know about family not speaking/thinking "lost you mind". I just bought my first Rv and am almost 70.

[JulieInOregon]

I don't have an RV yet, so I can't help you there! I do live in Southern Oregon, 1 hour from the beautiful Crater Lake National Park. Let me know if you get up this way! Have fun! Julie

[Colliemom]

A Hearty Welcome from your neighboring state of Michigan. Sounds like you have your plans pretty well laid out to a point. I too am planning on doing something like that in two years down the road. But don't plan to do it for a whole year, at least not at this moment. Do have a stick and bricks that I just can't walk out and leave for that long time. Unless I decided to sell it, which may be a long wait th way the market is up here in Northern Michigan.

I have a small Rockwood Mini Lite TT but at the moment, due to financial reasons and time limitations, I have it up for sale. Plan to look for something later next year for me to travel in our West the following summer. Am thinking along the lines of a small Class B type vehicle perhaps.

You are getting a lot of good advice about traveling around the country from all the "experts" on the forum here, so I don't have anything else to add. Just go, have fun and make memories.

[cpatinjones]

Welcome to the forum!