Community Forums

JMonroe · 07-18-2016, 04:40 PM

I'm working on travel plans for next year and could use help in finding big rig friendly RV parks or campgrounds for visits to Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite. This will be our first visit to the area. It was just too far for a two week RV vacation while we were still working.

**TonyDi** · 07-19-2016, 08:37 PM

While I can't recommend a park. I do use campgroundreviews.com.
It will show you parks in the area you want to visit and gives a quick breakdown of the parks. It shows if it is big rig friendly and if they have pull- thru sites. It's how I plan almost everywhere I stay. It can even direct you to their website.

GLS3950 · 07-20-2016, 09:46 AM

We are visiting Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon this September. For Yosemite we are staying at Yosemite Pines RV Resort in Groveland. Sequoia and Kings Canyon we will be staying at Sequoia RV Ranch in Three Rivers. We have a 40' Fifth wheel so they support big rigs. Have not stayed there before however they had good ratings.

bruceisla · 07-20-2016, 10:01 AM

The problem you will encounter is the term "big rig" ... it's not really defined but generally refers to 40 ft. Bending a 45 thru a park designed for 40 ft and under can be a challenge. I really wish people, when doing a review, would specify the size of their rig in the text. A 40 ft. 5-er definitely maneuvers differently compared to a 45 ft. motorcoach. Site length is a different issue.

Scottybdivin · 07-20-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

The problem you will encounter is the term "big rig" ... it's not really defined but generally refers to 40 ft. Bending a 45 thru a park designed for 40 ft and under can be a challenge. I really wish people, when doing a review, would specify the size of their rig in the text. A 40 ft. 5-er definitely maneuvers differently compared to a 45 ft. motorcoach. Site length is a different issue.

Following this thread because those three places are on high on my long list. I agree 100% with what you say. RVPark reviews is great for most things, but their "big rig friendly" accreditation needs to be refined. I have looked at a lot of parks that they claim to be BRF, only to find out on the park's website they have a 35'-40' max.

bruceisla · 07-20-2016, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

Following this thread because those three places are on high on my long list. I agree 100% with what you say. RVPark reviews is great for most things, but their "big rig friendly" accreditation needs to be refined. I have looked at a lot of parks that they claim to be BRF, only to find out on the park's website they have a 35'-40' max.

I had intended to visit those locations while we were in CA but Bakersfield caught fire and we headed for Oregon

twogypsies · 07-20-2016, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

I agree 100% with what you say. RVPark reviews is great for most things, but their "big rig friendly" accreditation needs to be refined. I have looked at a lot of parks that they claim to be BRF, only to find out on the park's website they have a 35'-40' max.

I've personally asked RVParkReviews to be more clear when they were redoing their website. It wasn't done.

To some folks who post they might be in a 30-35' and consider that a big rig. Others in a 20' might consider 30' a big rig. It does need to be spelled out more clear.

Scatterbrain · 07-20-2016, 07:03 PM

We did those parks back in June and stayed at KOAs both times. The KOA near Sequoia was fine but the one near Yosemite was a bit tight. There were rigs larger than ours there (we're 38ft + towed on a dolly) but some of the spots were tight enough to require three point turns to get out of them. Our spot at Coarsegold was tight enough (due to trees) that we couldn't run out our awning. If we moved the rig to run out the awning then one of the slide-outs would have been obstructed.

bruceisla · 07-20-2016, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I've personally asked RVParkReviews to be more clear when they were redoing their website. It wasn't done.

To some folks who post they might be in a 30-35' and consider that a big rig. Others in a 20' might consider 30' a big rig. It does need to be spelled out more clear.

Agreed ... When I write a review I start by saying "We stayed in a 45 ft. motorcoach". There is no question of length or type of vehicle. I think it should be a requirement .... does the reader no good to read "easy to maneuver the roads" if you don't know what the vehicle is.

FunGus · 07-20-2016, 10:34 PM

We stayed in a 40 foot Class A Diesel

Sequoia RV Ranch had ample room and well groomed trees for maneuvering our coach. I cannot see a 45' coach being a problem in this park. The worst part of the whole park was the sharp 90 off of the road to get into the park. The park was not fancy, but was adequate and near where we wanted to be.... I would stay here again.

.

adamfolger · 07-20-2016, 11:32 PM

California resident here. I am warning you that the north entrance to Yosemite and the south entrance to Sequoia are not big rig (40-45') friendly. If you will have a tow vehicle, there is a 10-10 Good Sam resort in Chowchilla Ca. The park is centrally located between the best Ca destination attractions and within an hour drive of most of them. Look at a California map and Google Chow Chilla RV parks. I am trying to give you useful info without breaking forum rules. I am affiliated....so cant give you the name...

bruceisla · 07-21-2016, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunGus

We stayed in a 40 foot Class A Diesel
Sequoia RV Ranch had ample room and well groomed trees for maneuvering our coach. I cannot see a 45' coach being a problem in this park. The worst part of the whole park was the sharp 90 off of the road to get into the park. The park was not fancy, but was adequate and near where we wanted to be.... I would stay here again.

.

JMonroe · 07-21-2016, 08:17 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I do use RVparkreviews, but the discussion about what constitutes a "Big Rig" is right on, that's why I've asked for more definitive help, presumably from those that have been there.

For now I've added "The Lakes" to our itinerary, but I'm reluctant to add the Sequoia suggestion after checking the access road on Google Earth. Looks like significant vegetation, large bushes and even trees, hanging into the travel lanes on an already narrow highway.

Keep those cards and letters coming.

bruceisla · 07-21-2016, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I do use RVparkreviews, but the discussion about what constitutes a "Big Rig" is right on, that's why I've asked for more definitive help, presumably from those that have been there.

For now I've added "The Lakes" to our itinerary, but I'm reluctant to add the Sequoia suggestion after checking the access road on Google Earth. Looks like significant vegetation, large bushes and even trees, hanging into the travel lanes on an already narrow highway.

Keep those cards and letters coming.

BTW, don't forget to download the Caltrans map(s) of restrictions for 45' RVs.

45' Buses & Motorhomes

My experience has been (traveling in a car), red flagged routes are actually not suitable for 45' RVs. 5-ers are probably ok. The road radius on turns is really tight.