traveling & drycamping for the nite

[cat]

In Sept. I will be making my first trip on the road from NV to CO. My plan right now is to travel about 300 miles a day, so 2 nites on the road. When traveling alone do you go to CGs for just one night, gas plazas or parking lot at Walmart/Cracker Barrel, etc.?
thanks in advance for the advice
carol

[carold]

Hi Carol, bet you are really looking forward to your trip. My DH and I don't tend to stay in Walmarts, Flying J's and rest areas, although we have done it on occasion. However many of the women do it a lot, mostly when like you, they are trying to get somewhere in a few days. Our Alaska travelers posted that they boondocked quite a bit on their trip. It seems to be a pretty easy and economical way to do one nighters. The only comments I've heard is that most of the time they check with the Walmart people to make sure it's ok and the Flying J's can be pretty noisy with the truckers running their rigs. We will be in FL for the winter, enjoying the weather and helping out with my MIL. We have been to balloon fests in the past and they are so much fun. My DH went to watch, offered to help out and got a free ride. Welcome to the Forum. If you've read any of the posts, you know you can't help but have fun here. carold ps how many Carol's are out there anyways

[retiredhappy]

Hi Cat. I often spend the night at a reststop right along with the truckers. I feel safe as long as there are several others around me and I don't mind the noise from the semi's. I am careful, tho. If I don't feel at ease I'll move on - trust your "gut". I would also stay at a Walmart. Just use common sense and be aware of who's around you. As a solo woman I'd actually feel less safe at a Walmart. You don't know who is coming and going to the store in the middle of the night. If the store has a patrol I would tell him you're alone and ask for his security. I travel with two big dogs ( I try not to tell people they will lick you to death) and a gun. I bought my Class C for safety - can get in the cab in my jammies and leave if I'm uncomfortable.

[sharon]

I've stayed overnite in Walmarts and truck stops, and DH and I used to stay at a rest area once in a while. For some reason I don't feel as safe in a rest area as I did when DH was alive. Most of the time I stay at a CG 'cause I'm one of those folks that wake up around 5, on the road before 6, drive until I'm tired (3-500 miles) and then I want a CG with pool and a place where the pooch, the cat and I can take a long walk. Unless it's a casino, then the idea of a pool goes out the window and the parking lot is a great place to be!

[cat]

Thanks so very much for the advice and information, I appreciate it.

carol

[OutandAbout]

Cat, I would stay away from rest areas. Too many unknown travelers. I usually stay at Flying J's, Loves, Travel America plazas or Pilot plazas. Depending on the size of these places, you are not necessarily on top of the Trucks. The noise really doesn't bother me and I do manage to get some sleep. I have not stayed at a WalMart or a Cracker Barrel yet, so can't offer any insight. I would also think that the CG close to the highway would be noisy or are close to train tracks. Why pay for the noise? I save the CG for the destination. Linda

[Bethers]

I boondock as much as I can. Some states I won't use rest areas at all - others I will. Some gas stations, etc, I won't use, others I will. You have to find what is your comfort level. Some states have some great boondocking opportunities, others not so good. There are some good, free NFS campgrounds, also - so look for those, also.

[BirdbyBird]

Check out Nick russell's Gypsy Journal and Blog too....he lists a lot of fairgrounds and city parks that are inexpensive.... Escapee's has lists too. The longer you go at this the more you will accumulate ...