From my experience, when you take a long trip, you will want to travel in a day that will allow you to setup and camp perferably in the daylight before the sun sets. It will all depend on how many miles a day you feel comfortable driving and still leaving yourself time to setup at a camp site.
For me I don't like to drive more than 300 miles without stopping for the day. That gives me plenty of time to setup, eat dinner, relax and get ready for the next day. I'm a early riser so i like to get up and leave early the next day. Driving accross country is stressfull enough, but when you are towing your house with you, it can add to the stress.
I usually map out about 300 miles and see where I could end up for the night. Sometimes I travel a little more or less depending on where i'm planning on camping for the night.

Hi All, I am trying to plan my first roadtrip and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! So I'd like to ask what your process is, and what resources you use? Also, if you have suggestions for this route, please lay em on me!   I'd like to take a more southerly route like Rt 40 across the country to get out to UT & AZ from NH. I plan on leaving October 15th and want to be back in about 5 weeks, before weather turns.

I am looking at maps and trying to gauge daily mileage and where I can 'land' at night so I can call ahead to campgrounds. I'd like to be frugal on campgrounds, but not at the expense of safety. Figuring about a week to get out there so I can get off the highway and explore a bit at interesting places. But For this first trip I will mostly use the main highway routes.

I will look at the RVPARK review site and my Woodalls camp directory, but if you have recommendations or cautions, I welcome the input. Thanks! Soody

getting good advice so far. One thing I might add is to check out Passport America a very popular 1/2 price camping club. They have a lot of parks across the country that offer 1/2 price to the members, you pay a one time annual fee and there is no "renewal contract" so if you don't like it you can drop it by not renewing. Staying only 3-4 nights at a participating park (there are a "ton" of them) can more than pay for the annual membership fee. We use them a lot and while some are better than others we have never felt "unsafe" at any of them.  

We usually travel a little harder than others if we are needing to get from point A to point B, sometimes driving 400 - 500+ miles in a day which is not difficult to do when using the interstates and "keeping that left door shut".  

We rarely make reservations while traveling and usually just call the park a few hours before arriving to verify they have room for us. That time of year you should have no trouble finding open sites.

I do research the available parks along my route so I have an idea what areas may be a little "sparse" on RV parks and plan accordingly. I first look at Passport America parks and then the RV park reviews website for reviews and additional options. We will also spend the occasional night at Walmart or in a casino parking lot (if convienant), these are usually on our longer travel days where we can pull in and park just before dark. We always travel with enough water (and holding tank space) to last at least 2 days of boondocking "just in case" because you just never know where you may end up.  

Phil Rubeck

ps: if you decide to join Passport America, mention my name and member #0209865 and I get a little credit for the referal. Relax and enjoy your trip!

-- Edited by Workinrvers on Thursday 6th of September 2012 09:04:48 AM

Well thanks Gene, your reply is reassuring to me that I don't have to have every detail worked out. The truth is my personality and travel style is pretty laid back. Which I think is part of the appeal of RVing. I guess my insecurity is more a matter of not knowing what to expect of availability, first time pulling a trailer, and first long term solo travel. I've been reading too much about misadventures and wondering if I should not be taking a more detailed approach. Once I'm in the driver's seat it will be all about the adventure. If I was a dog my head would be out the window and my tongue flapping in the breeze haha

Phil thanks- I WILL be signing up with Passport America per your referral. I took a quick peek and they have a trip planner I will look into too. I do need to get a GPS before I go. And that will also help me to locate a Wallyworld or other friendly layover in a pinch. I was thinking that autumn would be super busy as it is in New England with all the leaf peepers. So I feel better that finding a camp won't be too difficult. Thanks again.

crmfghtr wrote:

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I usually map out about 300 miles and see where I could end up for the night. Sometimes I travel a little more or less depending on where i'm planning on camping for the night.

-- Edited by crmfghtr on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 11:02:50 PM

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 Thanks- that is what I want to do, but now can relax about not having the whole thing planned out to a tee. And if I want to detour or spend a day somewhere, I won't have to change my whole time plan. Sounds good to me. Guess I shouldn't care anyway. I'll have my accommodations with me! thanks

You'll figure out your ideal daily mileage fairly quickly along the way.  I too like an average of 300 per day, but the seat of your pants will most likely let you know. 

I agree with the comments on Passport America membership.  But be aware that the ratio of bad ones to good ones is a bit higher than one might expect if they haven't used the plan before.  That's where a site like rvparkreviews or something similar will help you filter out the bad ones.

You might want to add some Corp of Engineer campgrounds to your list. You'll start running into them when you get into the southeast part of the country. They are 'frugal' and safe. Check out the America the Beautiful cards to see if you qualify for any of the reduced costs ones. It provides a nice discount at the Corp CGs and National Parks.

It is also suggested that you don't put all your eggs in one basket by only picking one campground for the day's destination.  When planning, I usually add one an hours drive before and after my intended destination giving more flexibility. I don't make reservations either.

Don't forget boondocking if the right opportunity presents itself and the weather is good. It saves money.

Good luck and safe travels.