Olancha CA to Bend OR along Hwy 395

[bbeane]

We are leaving Florida end of March heading to CA Hwy 395 via Death Valley to Olancha then north to Bend OR. We are traveling in a Foretravel 40' motorhome with toad. First question, looking for information about camping along Hwy 395, private, boondocking or forest, any suggestions? Second, when we get to Bunting should be continue on 395 north or take Hwy 139. We have from April 15st till mid September before heading south thru Idaho & Utah.
Third, any special sights along the way. Appreciate any suggestions, help. Thanks, Bruce & Linda

[coupevilleDF]

DON'T DO IT! The stretch between Death Valley and Olancha is a killer. We did it last fall west to east with our 35' and toad and thought we would burn up the brakes drop into into Panamint Springs (which is an awful place to camp). Very windy and steep. We disconnected the car half way down because we were concerned about burning up the brakes.

Either hit 395 much further south and camp at Olancha and and drive the toad in or stay on 95 to access Death Valley from the east side, then follow 95 north a ways and cross over to 395 around Carson City. Access to the park from the east is not bad and there is a very nice looking campground and village at Furnace Creek.

Continuing north on 395 there are lots of campgrounds of all sorts. We a taped at a Casino in Carson City and at the KOA in Klamath Falls.

BTW, there is an AZ 95 and a CA 95, one on each side of the border. If you are coming across 10, the AZ 95 goes north from Quartzsite (where we camped last night) takes you through Havasu City/London Bridge and meets I 40 just east of Needles CA (fill up in AZ). CA 95 heads north just across the border and also goes to Needles.

[biosensai]

Mountain Directory app suggests that westbound 190 has, among other things, a 9% grade for 6 miles. Certainly sounds like 'DON'T DO IT!' is sound advise. There's all kinds of camping along 395. 40' coach will limit you, but the Eastern Sierra are extremely popular. Any good RV park reference will best answer your question. Do check to see when the trout opener around Lake Crowley is. Nothing will be available the first weekend or two of that. Also, I never, ever travel 395 between Adelanto & Mammoth on a Friday or a Sunday. So Cal weekend warriors make the two lane stretches a death trap. And watch the weather.

[Kaputnick]

All very good advice! That time of year the weather could still be a factor so plan accordingly. A very nice side trip is to the ghost town of Bodie; park the rig in Lee Vining and take the toad.

Bodie SHP