Camping in the USA

[golfgal]

I´m looking into the possibility of various different trips and types of travelling, so nothing is certain yet.
The more I read on various US camping boards tonight, the more I get excited about the thought of renting an RV and trying that travel form for a change The kids love the idea too.
One possibility is to start in Seattle, spend 3 days there, drive down to San Fransisco with 2 nights on the way, stay 3 nights in San Francisco, drive to LA, stay 4 nights in LA (Anaheim, Disneyland), drive to San Diego and spend 3 nights there. Then drive to Las Vegas and spend 2-3 nights there, move on to Utah and spend 2 nights somewhere near the eastern end of the Grand Canyon and from there drive up to Yellowstone and spend 3-4 nights there and then drive back to Seattle.

How easy/difficult is it to take the RV out every day?

Renting RV's is terribly expensive-like $2500+/week expensive.

The state parks in our state all have either "primitive" campsites or "modern" campsites. The primitive sites have outhouses and no running water or electricity. The modern sites have running water, bathroom and shower facilities and most have access to electricity. They are generally very nice facilities and very clean. We do one camping trip each year with a bunch of friends. We tent camp but the rest have campers. We bring fans to use in the tent, thus the electricity. I would guess that most states have something similar to this as well. Personally, I couldn't imagine doing this for a month--2 nights is MORE than enough for me .

 

[geffric]

We are tent campers, check out REI for some of there trips.. also the national parks and state parks are great and most have some water. We like the car to take day trips and leave the tent in place for a few days..

 

[endy]

Another vote for checking the KOA site. Great, clean, convient locations.
We've stayed in Seattle a few times, the campground doesn't have many tent sites tho it is pretty easy to get to. Chances of rain are pretty good.
Not sure of between Seattle and Anaheim. Other than onekoa on the cost in N CA, it was amazing and I'd love to go back there. Can't remember the name other than it starts with 'M' and I couldn't pronounce it.
We've camped in Anaheim a couple of times, just your average place because you're just there to sleep.
San Diego has a beatuiful KOA, we stay here every summer.
In Las Vegas motels are pretty cheap & it's way too hot for a tent. Last time we tried it (the KOA isn't there anymore) it was still 100 degrees at midnight.

There's lots of KOA's along the interstate thru Utah. Good places for overnight. At the north end of Utah, if kids are young enough to still be into dinosaurs, Vernal is a cute touristy town. The Flaming Gorge is nice. There are likely locals who can tell you more about this area, we just stayed overnight and carried on.

Once into WY there's a nice koa south of Jackson with white water rafting.
West Yellowstone has several campgrounds. You can base here while you tour the park.
If you still had time left Glacier Park in northern Montana is worth a day or two. The drive acroos Going to the Sun road is incredible. From here it's just a hop and a skip baclk to Seattle. Not really - it's another 8-10 hours.

It sounds like a most amazing trip with lots of theme parks, lots of natural scenery and lots of national parks. A great mix to keep everyone happy.

 

[hercamore]

We have camped all over the US in the past 30 years. Sometimes for 3-4 weeks at a time.

We only stay at state and national parks.

An RV is going to be somewhat limiting to you getting around some of the national parks like Glacier for instance.

I would recommend renting a minivan, or regular size van or suv and pulling a trailer. You can leave the trailer at the campsite , while you use the vehicle to tour the parks.You will probably get better milesage than driving a RV and the cost will certainly be less.

herc

 

[jsmith]

Just one heads up-if you are planning on camping in campgrounds in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks rather than in KOA campgroups-as well as those in the surrounding areas around Jackson, Cody, West Yellowstone and Red Lodge-be sure when you book the camp ground that they allow tents. Because Grizzly Bears ( not black bears) will eat people-especially small children-and because of the distruction they commit while trying to access coolers and other food storage some of those areas allow camping in hard sided campers only.

 

[kilee]

We love tent camping. Though I guess not totally primitive. We always go for electric sites. This way we can plug in a small electric heater or fan if it's too hot or cold.

We also use air mattresses in our tent.

 

[JCJRSmith]

With regards to KOA - we stay at KOA campgrounds a lot when we travel mainly for the convenience and the ease of getting reservations. There are two types of KOA campgrounds: destinations and overnights.

The Overnights are the KOA's located close to a highway and perfect for an overnight stay (example: Toledo East/Stony Brook in Ohio or Florence SC). They are typically rather small, clean, have nice pull-thru sites. Most of these are tailored to the folks who just need a place to pull in for the night on their way from point A to point B.

Destination KOA's are near a major attraction (Wisconsin Dells, WI or Mount Rushmore/Hill City KOA in South Dakota, or Williamsburg, VA). They generally are larger, have more amenities and are typically convenient to some attraction or resort area. These are the campgrounds where folks will book multiple-night visits in order to visit the local attractions.

There was a time not too long ago when the KOA brand suffered a hit to its reputation due to bad campgrounds. The organization has gotten so much better as making sure the campground owners comply with all the standards required to be a KOA member. Campground owners who don't maintain their facilities get bounced from the KOA brand pretty quickly.

Edited to add: The KOA web site makes it easy to plan an entire trip, setting up your reservations along your entire route. Also, sign up for the Value Kard on the web site for savings at the campgrounds.

 

[Freyja]

This is the route we´re thinking of.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Sea...y:King+County:1:::/io:1:::::f:en_US:M::/bl:/e

 

[tukogirl]

As a person who formerly lived in Seattle and currently lives just outside of Los Angeles, I have made that leg of the drive you are proposing several times. You are planning on taking I-5 down. While I-5 is convenient, the entire drive through California is in the center of the state-which is not particularly interesting or scenic once you are not too far from the Oregon border. You will be looking at nothing but farmland for about 700 miles. If at all possible, I would jump over to the coast in either Southern Oregon (Grants Pass is stunning) or Northern California. Taking the 101 you will be able to see truly amazing coastal views that are actually surprisingly varied, as well as the Redwood forests, Hearst Castle and down through the gorgeous beach communities along the way. The coastal drive from Oregon to Southern California is one I truely believe is a must do for every person, at least once.

If you wish to camp in California state parks or beaches, you must reserve through a website reserveamerica . com. Keep in mind that if you plan on going in summer, the nicer campsites do fill up quickly and require reservations at least 2-3 months out. You can begin reserving up to 6 months in advance.

If you do plan to go that route, there are several great camping spots along the way. The campground near Hearst Castle/San Simeon is nice. Pismo Beach has a nice campsite right on the beach, and if you go in the winter months is right next to one of the largest monarch butterfly wintering grounds in the world. Usually at least 40,000 and upwards of 100,000 butterflies winter right here. El Capitan state beach and Leo Carillo state beach are gorgeous, with really good facilities, and are about 4 hours and 1.5 hours from LA proper, respectively. Leo Carillo has some really neat tidepools that are great for kids. McGrath state Beach in Ventura is also nice.

Tent camping in the coastal areas runs about $25-$30 US per night. The spaces are usually quite large and can accomodate several tents and a large vehicle.

Sorry to be so long winded! Anyway, I am familiar with the I-5 route from Seattle to LA/Anaheim, as well as the coastal route, so I will do my best to answer any question you have! Oh! I've also done the drive from Seattle to Helena several times so if you want more information about that drive, let me know!

 

[Freyja]

As a person who formerly lived in Seattle and currently lives just outside of Los Angeles, I have made that leg of the drive you are proposing several times. You are planning on taking I-5 down. While I-5 is convenient, the entire drive through California is in the center of the state-which is not particularly interesting or scenic once you are not too far from the Oregon border. You will be looking at nothing but farmland for about 700 miles. If at all possible, I would jump over to the coast in either Southern Oregon (Grants Pass is stunning) or Northern California. Taking the 101 you will be able to see truly amazing coastal views that are actually surprisingly varied, as well as the Redwood forests, Hearst Castle and down through the gorgeous beach communities along the way. The coastal drive from Oregon to Southern California is one I truely believe is a must do for every person, at least once.

If you wish to camp in California state parks or beaches, you must reserve through a website reserveamerica . com. Keep in mind that if you plan on going in summer, the nicer campsites do fill up quickly and require reservations at least 2-3 months out. You can begin reserving up to 6 months in advance.

If you do plan to go that route, there are several great camping spots along the way. The campground near Hearst Castle/San Simeon is nice. Pismo Beach has a nice campsite right on the beach, and if you go in the winter months is right next to one of the largest monarch butterfly wintering grounds in the world. Usually at least 40,000 and upwards of 100,000 butterflies winter right here. El Capitan state beach and Leo Carillo state beach are gorgeous, with really good facilities, and are about 4 hours and 1.5 hours from LA proper, respectively. Leo Carillo has some really neat tidepools that are great for kids. McGrath state Beach in Ventura is also nice.

Tent camping in the coastal areas runs about $25-$30 US per night. The spaces are usually quite large and can accomodate several tents and a large vehicle.

Sorry to be so long winded! Anyway, I am familiar with the I-5 route from Seattle to LA/Anaheim, as well as the coastal route, so I will do my best to answer any question you have! Oh! I've also done the drive from Seattle to Helena several times so if you want more information about that drive, let me know!

Hi! Let me start by welcoming you to the Dis
Thanks so much for you answer. I think we would definately prefer driving a more scenic route, even if it would take longer. I´m totally in the beginning stages at the moment, and we might even not do this trip until in a few years time, but we´re determined to do it at some point. Be it camping, RV-ing or staying in hotels.

 

[RangerPooh]

I just booked my July cmaping reservations for one of the Ca state parks this past weekend. So the reservation window is open now! Some of the national park campground booking windows will be starting within the next month or so, so be sure to start planning accordingly.

Being from Ca originally I'm fond of the Santa Cruz/Central Coast parks like Big Basin,m New Brighton, and Henry Cowell Redwoods. If you are in the sierra's then Calaveras Big Trees is also really nice. All are operated by the Ca State Park Systen and are developed campgrounds equiring erservations during the summer months.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Are you aware that we have multiple boards for planning trips such as this?

this is the link to our board specializing in western trips
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

a board specifically for southern CA

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=130
a board for Las Vegas
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=175

a board for southern CA attractions other than DLR
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=129

our general DLR planning
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

and the ever fun trip reports !

these are from DLR

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

and these from General western locations (there are some old classics so make sure you settings allow you to see all threads)

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=132

these should meet your needs for hours of happy planning

we also welcome anyone who has tips to share to come on over !

 

[mom2boys]

Just one heads up-if you are planning on camping in campgrounds in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks rather than in KOA campgroups-as well as those in the surrounding areas around Jackson, Cody, West Yellowstone and Red Lodge-be sure when you book the camp ground that they allow tents. Because Grizzly Bears ( not black bears) will eat people-especially small children-and because of the distruction they commit while trying to access coolers and other food storage some of those areas allow camping in hard sided campers only.

As I stated earlier, Grizzly Bears are definitely not something to take lightly. That said, don't let them scare you off from tent camping. We have tented camped in Grizzly Country several times including three different campgrounds in Yellowstone. Two had no restrictions on tents. The campground closest to Yellowstone's Grand Canyon restricted us to the first two loops. They did have active grizzly sightings in the loops towards the back of the campground prior to our arrival. The front loops which allowed the tents were closer to "civilization", near the main road, shower house, visitor center. The back loops bordered on "wilderness" areas. Rangers patrol the campgrounds at night and are alert for any dangers. We actually heard wolves howling in the distance from that campsite. Immediately after that the ranger patrol went by.

The rangers have great respect for the wildlife. However, if a grizzly comes in contact with humans, it has to be "relocated". If the bear returns it must be euthanized. It is usually due to the failure of some careless human action. Just follow the guidelines the rangers provide and you'll be fine.

BTW, Yellowstones Canyon Campground is a great location. It can take several hours to drive from Old Faithful to Mammouth Hot Springs within yellowstone. Think of a figure 8 with Old Faithful at the bottom & Mammoth Hot Springs at the top. Canyon Campground is located on the left side of point where the "0"s cross.

 

[minkydog]

Just one heads up-if you are planning on camping in campgrounds in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks rather than in KOA campgroups-as well as those in the surrounding areas around Jackson, Cody, West Yellowstone and Red Lodge-be sure when you book the camp ground that they allow tents. Because Grizzly Bears ( not black bears) will eat people-especially small children-and because of the distruction they commit while trying to access coolers and other food storage some of those areas allow camping in hard sided campers only.

Which is why all they have "bear boxes" at YNP. The rangers are VERY strict when it comes to food and food prep--if you are not actively fixing and eating your food it MUST be placed in a bear-proof box. If they go by and see you have your little stove out with pots and plates and nobody's eating they will can you in a second.

speaking of bear boxes, they aren't just for food and food prep equipment. You need to put anything that has scent in there--lip gloss, toothpaste, deodorant, candy, gum. And NEVER take a snack to bed with you--that's just asking for a bear visit.

That said, we didn't really worry too much about bears when we wer in YNP and Grand Tetons. We saw some bears, at a distance. They mostly don't want to be in crowds of people. Bears prefer "easy food", which is why they used to go for trash cans, coolers, etc. They still will go for it if they see a cooler in your back seat--thats why you don't keep food in your car, either. Bears don't really want to stalk people to get a meal, not when they can just pick up somebodies half a sandwich and a bottle of coke. So be sure you police your site cuz if the ranger does it, he plays for keeps.

 

[cheermom1]

Sorry to high jack your thread op _ I don't have any advice but what is KOA camping? I googled it but I'm not understanding..I guess I am dumb

 

[mom2boys]

Sorry to high jack your thread op _ I don't have any advice but what is KOA camping? I googled it but I'm not understanding..I guess I am dumb

Check out www.koa.com

KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America. Most campgrounds are independently owned and family run. In order to use the KOA name, the campgrounds must meet strict standards. They have clean rest rooms, a swimming pool, playground, coin laundry facilities and a general store.

Many modern campgrounds today cater to the larger luxury RVs. KOA definitely accomodates them but they haven't forgotten that tent campers put them on the map years ago. All tent sites have grass - no one wants to sleep on gravel

 

[JR6ooo4]

if you ever want to camp in wisconsin I will pm you our secret spot. no mosquitos!!!

Mikeeee

 

[cheermom1]

Check out www.koa.com

KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America. Most campgrounds are independently owned and family run. In order to use the KOA name, the campgrounds must meet strict standards. They have clean rest rooms, a swimming pool, playground, coin laundry facilities and a general store.

Many modern campgrounds today cater to the larger luxury RVs. KOA definitely accomodates them but they haven't forgotten that tent campers put them on the map years ago. All tent sites have grass - no one wants to sleep on gravel

thank you so very much I understand that - when i went to the site I couldn't find a detention ..We LOVE to Tent camp and we have a pop up as well...We have a BIG 3 room cabin tent and a BIG pop up (with all our kids we need both)

now that they are older and on verge of moving out we have been talking about traveling and we love the idea of camping all around...

thanks for the info I'll check this out a little more..
op good luck

 

[JR6ooo4]

Check out www.koa.com

KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America. Most campgrounds are independently owned and family run. In order to use the KOA name, the campgrounds must meet strict standards. They have clean rest rooms, a swimming pool, playground, coin laundry facilities and a general store.

Many modern campgrounds today cater to the larger luxury RVs. KOA definitely accomodates them but they haven't forgotten that tent campers put them on the map years ago. All tent sites have grass - no one wants to sleep on gravel

OP do you have kids? the pool thing jsut screams "not camping" to me. you need to swim in a fishy lake! heheheee

But I agree, no gravel. lots of grass and lots of space between campsites if possible.

like this

but I'm sure you will have fun anywhere you try. clean showers are good. find out when they clean them each day and go there right after... hehehehe

Mikeeee

 

[monkeybug]

If you end up driving down 101 (another poster recommended and I second that recommendation!! ) You should check out Fort Stevens in Warrenton Oregon! Gorgeous!!!! We used to live only 15 minutes away and we always ended up there on weekends. Also Fort Clatsop is great! Many of the national parks in Oregon offer Yurts too if you decide you want a bit more space or convenience than the tent.
Don't forget Yosemite in Ca. if you can make it! Truly breathtaking!!! Bears are a concern there, but the Rangers are on top of it, and they provide bear boxes (and canisters if you are hiking)
The Shasta/Mt Lassen area of Northern California is also beautiful, you can hike to the top of Mt Lassen and look into the crater of a real volcano! There are boiling mud pits, sulfur pits, and great ranger programs! Beautiful area!! (as are all the Sierra Nevada...but I'm biased it's where I grew up!)
Personally I prefer State parks (in Oregon and California anyway) over the KOA's. They don't offer amenities like swimming pools and game rooms, but the sites are large (generally), well shaded, and most offer great ranger programs. They also have "passports" for the kids that they can get stamped at each park they visit, and Jr. Ranger programs where the kids earn patches and a cute badge by completing activity's from a provided booklet. The Jr. Ranger program at Fort Clatsop was amazing!!! They had my daughter raise her hand and pledge to help keep our parks clean and safe, and then announced over the PA that a new Ranger had just been sworn in. The whole ranger station cheered and they gave her two very nice patches and a hat. It was adorable!!
It does get cold even in the Summer at night, so make sure you bring warm sleeping bags and clothing for evening and early morning. In the pacific northwest it is damp!! Fog is something you can count on almost every morning, and your stuff will get damp in the tent. We packed clothes in large ziplocs so they wouldn't get moist, and don't put your pillow to close to the tent wall unless you want a wet head!
Don't forget about the Redwoods!!! Avenue of the Giants is amazing!!
Dang! Now I really miss the West Coast!!!!
Highway 1 along the California coast is one of the most beautiful road trips you could ever take (lots of sharp turns and narrow though) and takes you through some amazing towns!