what is the best way to route out a trip

[comealong]

hi everyone, i am a newbie to the board and rving. we are retired and always wanted to travel so in may we purchased a 2001 pace arrow. well we are getting tired of camping out in our driveway. we live in the chicago area and have relatives in arizona.
we are thinking of leaving here on christmas day and head out to phoenix.
how should i go about finding a route that has camp grounds. do i just get a map and go for it?
all suggestions welcome
thanks in advance

[golden]

I use Microsoft Streets & Trips to figure out the route and then I use TL Campground Directory Navigator (CD version) to find campgrounds along the way. You can also use Google Earth to actually see what the CG looks like from the air.

[comealong]

thanks for an idea to start with. what is CG?

[texnet]

I use Trailer Life's Navigator 2011 Trailer Life Directory Campground Navigator - RV Campground Books, DVDs, Maps - Trailer Life Directory to map out our trips. Also, Good Sam's has a Trip Planner on their website Good Sam RV Club You will need to join Good Sams to use it.

CG = CampGround
MH = Motor Home

[comealong]

I have the Woodall's directory. Is that the same as Travel Life?

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by comealong thanks for an idea to start with. what is CG?

CG = Camp Ground, also sometimes referred to as RV Parks, RV Resorts, etc.

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by comealong I have the Woodall's directory. Is that the same as Travel Life?

They're pretty similar. There are a number of different publications which serve the same purpose that would be helpful to you.

[xplorer33]

you will find Arizona very RV friendly. we use Passport America for our travels, do you subscribe to any RV clubs? Passport America, Good Sams, etc. passport gets a 50% discount and is widely available across the USA.

[njs42]

Woodalls or Trailer life campground directories and a good truckers version of road atlas is all you need. Truck routes are highlighted and if an 18 wheeler can go there then so can you. Decide how much travel you want to do in a day then just pick your spots and look at the directory for campsites----

[Bob N Deb]

I think if you are planning to leave the north east in December you need to plan to head south before heading west

[comealong]

the woodall that i have is the paperback. i thought that we wouldn't need the internet to read a paperback. paper always works
i had no idea that all of these trip planners existed. so if you had to pick one to start with which would you buy?
these are all such great ideas.
i have a couple of truckers atlases for different states.

[comealong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xplorer33 you will find Arizona very RV friendly. we use Passport America for our travels, do you subscribe to any RV clubs? Passport America, Good Sams, etc. passport gets a 50% discount and is widely available across the USA.

this is the only forum site that i signed up for. what are the others for?

[SRT]

At time of the year (Christmas), head south to I-20 which hooks up with I-10 in west Texas. That route should allow you to miss any bad snow events.

[ralper]

Many people use interstate highways. I prefer US highways or state highways for the more scenic aspect of them. I also do not like the speeds that must be maintained on interstate highways. I have also used county roads for a shortcut and they were somewhat narrow but mostly well maintained.

Get a campground directory by Trailer Life or Woodalls.

Get Passport America for a 50% discount on CG fees. The cost will be recouped in 4 nights.