how do you travel?

[cat]

I realize that is a very broad subject, but after reading about everyone's travels, it got me to wondering. I know that full-timers' answers will probably different from part-timers.
Do you always have a destination?
Do you plan on the cgs/Nat. Forests/Parks along the way? I was intrigued with Liz's use of NF and tried to find some and noticed that it is suggested to use Reserve America. I assume the NF' are listed somewhere by states.

Since I part-time, just make short trips (2 wks at the most so far) but can't wait until I can take long trips. I try to plan my route, cgs along the way. I find I don't like to travel more than 5 hrs. or about 300 a day. Living in So. NV, it takes forever to get anywhere, or so it seems.

thanks for everyone's input.

carol

[VickieP]

Carol, you can go here http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm and click on "Search by Location" and then click on the state you want to see. They list 6 in Nevada.

Here is the link to the National Forest Service Campground Guide http://www.forestcamping.com/ then click on the left side on "National Forest & Campgrounds" and select the state. Nevada lists 4.

[Liz]

When I plan my trips, I locate possible cgs along the route, since I don't know exactly how far I might travel....like to have some choices. I have two books,....Nat. Forest Campgrounds, and "Camping With the Corps of Engineers" that I use to help locate those cgs. You can also find that info online at the sites Vickie gave you, as well as http://www.recreation.gov . In addition, I have Good Sam's cg book as a backup for finding private cgs. Traveling in the west, I have found many towns have community or county parks, fairgrounds, etc. with inexpensive or free camping. When I find one of those, I make a note on my map for future reference.

Link to Corps of Engineers website: http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/

For me, traveling isn't just about the destination....it's about the journey and what there is to see and learn along the way. That's why I choose scenic routes that deliberately take me through small towns, national forests, etc. For those with limited time to travel it may be different. I'm a morning person, and like to stop early afternoon at a cg to leave time for a hike with Roe & relaxation.

[Bethers]

Another book I use, if there is one in the area you're traveling, are ANY of Terri and Mike Church's books. They cover the trip to Alaska, Mexico, the Baja, SW US and NW US. I, like Liz, like to have an idea of places to stay, but most often, find where I stay by being in the time frame to stop and keeping my eyes open. Have found many neat places that way. It takes learning what to look for - like sometimes a sign which says "public access to such and such lake". Now, many of the places in Liz's books and that I look for won't work for large rigs. I am find with boondocking overnight on travels, and only getting hookups occasionally. I rarely travel 300 miles in a day - and I rarely travel the interstates. I usually have an "eventual" destination and give myself way more time than necessary to get there. Same on returning.

That said, coming from Arizona to Alabama, time was of the essence. Still didn't travel interstates. Look at maps for picnic tables. In many states, those are areas you can boondock - some are actually in the books Liz mentioned, but might not be on the websites. In some states it's ok to stay there overnight (and safe to - other states, maybe not, so know where you are). In NM and TX there are many nice ones you can stay at. That trip, we never paid. And one night we didn't find the picnic area and it was supposed to be near the Billy the Kid burial site with a museum next to it. Got there just before they were closing and asked if we could park in their parking lot overnight. Got a yes - so Peaches and I hiked around and saw everything outside we could see - and were gone in the morning.

CG's for me aren't where I aim for for one night in most cases. They're for gtg's, and longer stays.

[Liz]

Here's a link to an article about the forest service decision NOT to implement changes in discounts to holders of Golden Age/Access passes due to feedback from concerned seniors. So for now, discounts will still be honored.

http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases ... unds.shtml

[Rufflesgurl]

Cat - When I travel with my friend, we NEVER make reservations and haven't been wrong yet and I have a 34' Class A. We have only traveled in the western states so far and just know kind of where we are heading to. Has worked for us. When I take the MH by myself when I visit my daughter, SIL and my new twin grandbabies, I do call ahead because it is the ONLY decent place in that area (close to SF Bay Area) of CA but they do not take reservations. They know me now and say "come on up"!!

Seems like you have a Class B and you could probably get into any place you would want to.

Enjoy your travels.

Linda

[Getupngo]

I have a destination. Since I can't afford to just "wander" I volunteer for several months at a time (volunteer.gov/gov) for the park, wildlife & forest services (& state parks as well). I'm going to try something different this fall (I have a summer gig), tho.

[Cedar518]

Guess I have to say that I'm a "camper",... not a "traveler".... So when I hitch the camper I know where I'm going and I have a reservation if it's to a campground. The majority of the time I'm headed to bluegrass festivals and don't need a reservation as it's all rough camping in fields. I seldom travel more than one day away,.... sometimes farther. If farther I have a plan in place for a campground to stay at. The type of places to stop aren't as readily available here in the east.... NY/VT/NH/ME.

[cat]

Thanks to everyone for the great websites and information. I'll have to get some of those books. I think that will help since I'm still a newbie. It'll be a year in June since I purchased my B, I'm learning a lot.

Liz and Beth, I would love to learn how to travel the way you do. I hope to be able to do that someday when time isn't a factor. I also don't like interstates, but have to use them. I love to look over my maps (I can be obssessive - ) to find routes.

blessings and safe travels,
carol