Community Forums

RoadEyePie · 11-30-2020, 01:29 PM

I'm planning a trip, fall 2021 that will span Aug.-Oct. starting in Colorado going up to Glacier NP over to Vancouver area and down the coast. I'm wondering what would be the latest I could push back (further into the fall) without running too much risk of weather and CGs closing for the season. When do CGs typically close for the season in that part of the country? I assume their closing will roughly correspond to when the weather starts becoming an issue.

Cousin Ed · 11-30-2020, 02:34 PM

We usually spend a month on the Oregon coast, leaving about 10/20. Never a problem finding a campground until we get East. We do watch the weather and have been chased by a snow storm of two, but we have always kept ahead of them. (over 19 years)) Sometimes we head south ASAP. but not any farther than I/40.

RoadEyePie · 11-30-2020, 05:12 PM

Should be crossing into northern California by mid October, working our way to Arizona...slowly, reaching Mesa by Nov. 1st.

twogypsies · 11-30-2020, 11:36 PM

Work you're way to Arizona down the California coast until San Francisco then you'll find RV parks open from there on. They close early in the mountains.

RoadEyePie · 12-01-2020, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Work you're way to Arizona down the California coast until San Francisco then you'll find RV parks open from there on. They close early in the mountains.

What's "early"? When do they start closing for the season? Mid October, November? I suppose I'll just have to make some calls.

profdan · 12-01-2020, 08:59 PM

RoadEye, check out this link -- you can find detailed descriptions of almost every National Forest campground, including the closing dates:

https://www.forestcamping.com/

We found that in Washington, many of the campgrounds closed in early September, especially in the Cascades. In Oregon, it was often the end of September.

Good luck! Let us know if you have questions about specific areas in the Northwest, like hiking trails or whatever.

RoadEyePie · 12-01-2020, 09:25 PM

Not planning on staying at any National Forest Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds, or State, or County Campgrounds. I'll be in private CGs but I will visit the Government owned sites.

twogypsies · 12-01-2020, 10:43 PM

Each RV park will be different. You'll need to start calling or look on their website.

RoadEyePie · 12-02-2020, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Each RV park will be different. You'll need to start calling or look on their website.

What I'm running into is that most out there have already closed for the season and aren't in the office taking calls, so I can't find out when they closed. Some list it on their website, but some don't.

X-OEM · 12-03-2020, 09:05 AM

I guess I do not understand your route plan very well. All campgrounds should be open in Aug and Sept - everywhere. There may be a few exceptions of course, but Sept is a great month to travel in the western mountains. Less crowds, somewhat cooler during the day, leaves changing colors or starting to.

If you delay the mountain routes into October, you MIGHT have an issue, and there might be some campgrounds closed but only in the highest elevations. The northwest is famous for their Indian Summers where Oct is a great month the be there.

If you get to the Vancouver area by October 15th or so (British Columbia or Washington - makes no difference) that means you have made it over the mountains (the Cascades mostly) and are at sea level. All campgrounds are open as you drive down the coast. If you stay in the mountains, you might be able to push that to the end of October, but would mean being flexible and watching the long range forecast. Travelling during the day would mean you would almost certainly have no road issues. Maybe cold nights, but day time almost everywhere should be fine until the start of November.

There could be some challenge in the Oregon and California mountains starting around the beginning of November (the Siskiyou's) but have taken the route down I-5 many times in the winter. Just watch the road conditions on the Cal-Trans website and all should be good. If you are on the coast, no snow challenges at all. But salt spray from Fall storms might be worth watching carefully. I hate salt spray anywhere near my coach.