Miles per day in winter?

[BillL]

I'm starting to plan our trip to the Rio Grande Valley. We'll be leaving the end of November. Have a place to stay so that's not a problem. My question is what is a reasonable number of miles per day in the winter with the shorter days. I don't want to be arriving at campgrounds after dark and having to set up, although I can do it if absolutely necessary. We try to do 300-350 miles a day in the summer. Is this doable in the winter? We most likely would be on the road between 8:00-8:30 each day. Thanks for you ideas.

[jfran304]

Since we both retired we don't set a mileage limit per day. I do the driving and the DW will be playing with her iPad looking for campgrounds with good reviews. We have traveled over 300 miles a day but we have also done as few as 100 miles depending on available campgrounds.

We have also found out that stopping early the campgrounds haven't filled up.

Jon

[twogypsies]

I don't see a difference between winter or summer driving hours unless you run into snowy, icy roads.

We were always in our campsite by 3pm - summer or winter. Gives us a chance to wind down, relax, have a nice dinner. The miles varied depending if we stopped for anything along the way. We didn't make reservations. About an hour prior to when we felt like ending our day we check our resources as to where to stop. We've never been in a bind as to not finding a place to stay.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Bill-

My wife and I settled on 225 miles per day. That took us (with breaks) about five-and-a-half hours, meaning out by 10:00, in by 3:30. I agree with twogypsies that getting in between 3:00 and 4:00 gives you plenty of time to relax before dinner.

We did several days in the 300s. sometimes because we felt great and sometimes just to get to a destination. In the latter cases, we were tired and would layover an extra day or two.

Have a great trip!

Mark

[bsirby]

I agree with the others. We aren't in any hurry, so drive till we feel like stopping. About 5 hours is good for us. Very seldom 300 miles. We enjoy the scenery, stop often to stretch and walk the dog.

[J Birder]

I just did about 1400 miles from Yellowstone to northern Lake County, IL in three days. It wasn't fun, but it can be done. BTW, I turn 74 next week.

Joel

[HR2004]

when we are headed to Tucson for the winter we go between 300 to 400 miles a day.. leaving the parks by 9am. stopping before dark always.

[Lanny1763]

We have two bubbies (Shih Tzu and a Maltese) that DEMAND we be somewhere by 1400 for chow. So we drive about 3-4 hours and then find somewhere to camp for the night. Works for me too, because about then I'm in need of an alcoholic beverage after the days journey.