First trip to AZ

[profdan]

Someone above said that "Yuma is boring." I've heard that it can be a lot of fun if you have a good sense of Yuma!

(Sorry -- I just could not resist. Actually, I have no idea if Yuma is boring or not.)

[profdan]

Someone mentioned taking Interstate 5 through California. Aside from the cost of ga$ in my home state, you also have to take into account the rough road surface of I-5 (lots of trucks beating up the right lane). Also, the highway goes up and down a lot through the mountains of Southern Oregon and Northern California.

By contrast, we have found that the north-south roads through Nevada are smoother, with less elevation gain and loss.

[RRR]

I tend to take any route but a freeway unless it can't be reasonably avoided.

That being said I would take 58 to 97 to 39 in K.Falls. My preferred route is at Altrus go south on 395. Nice little stopover place in Standish at the A-1 Junction Days End RV If you want a few more miles in the day RV Resort | Bordertown north of Reno. Nice park, old casino on the premises and it has decent food.

Take I-80 east to exit 32 Hwy 439 to Alt 95 South. Tonopha is about half way to Vegas. Can't recommend anything there as we boondocked at the Banc Club. Large gravel lot, and few trucks in and out during the night to swap trailers. Chinese restaurant on site but even the help told me "Don't eat here." I took him for his word. Drove through the https://www.tonopahstation.com/ as they have 12 or so sites but they were full.

At Hawthorne there is https://whiskeyflats.net nice laid out park and well kept.

At Vegas we stay at Thousand Trails as we are member. Not much for space but it is clean.

No sense in any more as not knowing where you are going. Safe travels.

[OrygunRVr]

Originally Posted by RRR

I tend to take any route but a freeway unless it can't be reasonably avoided.

That being said I would take 58 to 97 to 39 in K.Falls. My preferred route is at Altrus go south on 395. Nice little stopover place in Standish at the A-1 Junction Days End RV If you want a few more miles in the day RV Resort | Bordertown north of Reno. Nice park, old casino on the premises and it has decent food.

Take I-80 east to exit 32 Hwy 439 to Alt 95 South. Tonopha is about half way to Vegas. Can't recommend anything there as we boondocked at the Banc Club. Large gravel lot, and few trucks in and out during the night to swap trailers. Chinese restaurant on site but even the help told me "Don't eat here." I took him for his word. Drove through the https://www.tonopahstation.com/ as they have 12 or so sites but they were full.

At Hawthorne there is https://whiskeyflats.net nice laid out park and well kept.

At Vegas we stay at Thousand Trails as we are member. Not much for space but it is clean.

No sense in any more as not knowing where you are going. Safe travels.

Thank you, great advice. I would like to avoid I5 and California as much as possible.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Wow, great input and thank you! I think Havasu is going to win this round. What's everyone's suggestions on routes? Since we have about two weeks for the trip in total, the less time driving overall the better. Hate driving through California but if it's the best option that's what we will do. Where would be a good place to overnight on day 1 after 8-10 hours of driving?

I'd try and get a waterfront spot at Islander, or the "N" or 'P" section at Crazy Horse. Also, look at Pirate Den in Parker and see if they have any waterfront spots with cabana. While in Parker, check out the roadrunner floating bar or Foxes floating bar.

[lonfu]

live in Kingman az, travel to portland oregon each year. I go through nevada down the 93/95. I prefer it because fuel is cheaper, RV parks are less, road is perfect and plenty of open country to see. should spend at least one night at Walker lake, stunning view. I like the little town of Fernley nev and Yerrington nev.... there are RV parks in most of the towns all the way down. I cut through above sacramento through Yuba city down to Roseville then up the 80 and over the pass through Reno. To Fernley then south to Yerrington. It is a great drive... Stay at the Mina RV park... I always enjoy a visit with the owner... We boondock by INdian springs near the drone base then drive on through to Kingman... again, there are RV parks all along the way.. 39' Dutchstar DP with a elantra toad.

[DiplomatDon]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Thank you, great advice. I would like to avoid I5 and California as much as possible.

I agree that this would be a good route. California fuel costs are high and is also the longest way. Which ever way enjoy and stay safe.

[OrygunRVr]

Our top campground choices are full up for mid-March. Have any suggestions for other decent campgrounds in the Lake Havasu area?

These are full: Islander RV Resort, Sam's Beachcomber, Crazy Horse and Beachcomber.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Our top campground choices are full up for mid-March. Have any suggestions for other decent campgrounds in the Lake Havasu area?

These are full: Islander RV Resort, Sam's Beachcomber, Crazy Horse and Beachcomber.

Tons in Parker which is a 20 min drive. Also, check out Black Meadow Landing and Havasu Springs Resort.

[m.elliott63]

Originally Posted by Bert-Nacho

Since you are coming North to South an possibly thru Nevada. Try and hit the Park at Monument Valley. You will never forget the view outside your window. The local Navajo tribe will come by the campground and ask if you would like a private tour deeper into the park on reservation land and recommend highly you take them up on it. They will take you to the cliffs used in the movie Eiger Sanction and other attractions. Safe Travels

The Navajo have shut off outsiders when COVID started and will not do any tourist stuff. We had to find a non Navajo outfitter to hike Antelope Canyon in 2020.

[SLAJMARTIN]

It looks like you are settling on Lake Havasu but I suggest going to camp verde instead. The reason is it is a close 30-45 minute drive to go to Sedona which you need to see and also visit various lakes near beautiful Prescott. Flagstaff and Grand Canyon south rim can be done in a day too. I love staying at Zane grey rv park in camp verde. Clean quiet park. It doesn’t have a pool but still pleasant and a trail to the creek. Dog run play area and a Ramada where they sometimes have socials. Tall trees for shade which in Arizona isn’t always provided and always welcomed. Also they have a casino 15 minutes away, montezuma Indian ruins which is also about 20 minutes away and the verde canyon railroad near cottonwood would be perfect time in March which we really enjoyed. Just my two cents.

[AJMike]

Originally Posted by tmandoug1

Sedona is a must see if you can swing it. Stay at Distant Drums Rv Park or the one in town if you can get in/afford.

Distant Drums is right next to the Interstate and noisy. If that does not bother you, then it is a good choice. As for us, we want quiet and have always avoided it although we pass right next to it on our way.

[AJMike]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Wife would like to do some rockhounding maybe.

If you are interested in rock hounding then you might want to visit Rockhound State Park. It is not in Arizona, but right next door south of Deming, New Mexico and not too far a drive. In addition, if you go to Tucson the drive from there to Deming goes right past Karchner Caverns State Park which is a nice place to visit if you want to walk some desert trails and view a nice cavern.

There are also some other very interesting places to see in Arizona - Sedona, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, the two separate parts of Suguaro National Park at Tucson, Lake Powell (right across the state border from Page, Az), Antelope Canyon, Joshua Tree National Highway and, of course, The Grand Canyon.

[Jchemie]

Just remember there are only two seasons in the lower half of Arizona. Hot and real damn hot!