Can we talk about maps for a minute

[Solowalkin]

Hi everyone, I won't actually be starting any significant travel until next spring but would really like to start exploring maps...the real paper kind lol, esp ones the show topography or at least a little bit of terrain difference. So what are your favorite maps to use and why? I will be going from central Florida to the Long Beach Peninsula in WA to start with. I have my MacBook and IPad and even a GPS but...I love maps

ChrisAnn

[asirimarco]

If you are a member of AAA they have pretty good maps, we get all of ours there. They also have books on states and/or areas with lots of information in them. Or write to the tourism office of the state you want. Each state usually has their own maps showing all kinds of things.

[Liz]

I use the National Geographic Road Atlas...Adventure Edition. It has special sections on National Parks, and the maps have many points of interest marked as well as State Parks, NF and other public campgrounds. Very easy to read.

[Solowalkin]

Ooh Liz Thanks I forgot all about that. I'm not a AAA member as I have a new car and didn't need most of the services but I will be changing my vehicles soon so that may be on the agenda.

[JudyJB]

Mostly I use my GPS, but I always keep a map handy so I know where I am going and don't let the GPS take me on a strange ride.

Once in a while I have been able to find maps of states that are large print. Right now I have one for Florida and one for California. What is nice about them is that I can read them without taking off my bifocals and squinting!! Also, much easier to follow at a glance while you are driving. Wish all states had large print versions. I found these in gift shops.

[MandysMom]

Benchmark map books are really handy for boondocking in desert and forest etc and are published by the state for all the western states I think. Sold on Amazon.
There are also apps for smart phone that are helpful.
Velda

[Colliemom]

I use the Good Sam Road Atlas that I got at Camping World. Like it cause the maps are printed in large print and makes it so much easier to see the route numbers and so forth. One thing I did when I took my trip west, was send for information from each state I was going through and then routed myself according to what I wanted to see on my way to and from Yellowstone National park as well as made inquiries on here regarding some nice area roads to travel down. Liz is a good authority on that as she has been just about everywhere. Others who full time are good sources for info too. Good Sam has a really good travel planner too. And it gives you info like tunnels, low bridges etc. You can work with it on their website, let them give you a route and then get out your maps and see if you like it and make your own changes, then put them into the route planner. I did that on my trip west and it was great. I don't travel with a GPS, I prefer to do it the old fashioned way

[IrishIroamed]

ChrisAnn ~ Just thought I'd pop in with this option. RVSue had it on her blog today (if you buy going to Amazon from her links, she get paid).
http://rvsueandcrew.net/oh-the-excitement-on-trail-ridge/

Anywho, she had this today. Maybe you can find others for the states you want. It mentions terrain maps in the expanded description.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899334415/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0899334415&linkCode=as2&tag=rvsandhercanc-20&linkId=fedb506457cea665e41046fe0408c667