Community Forums

OnCall · 05-11-2010, 10:01 PM

Hello everyone,
I am planning a trip from PA to arizona and trying to plan the route. I want to use scenic routes and find places to boondock or one-night camp along the way. Does anyone have any experience planning a route/itinerary like this and how to figure out which roads dont have tunnels, or low clearances etc... and boondocking places along the way?

Thank you for any and all advice,
Tony

chadandapril · 05-12-2010, 05:21 AM

Hi Im new here also but I did recently find these sites that might be helpful
www.AITAonline.com
United States of AmericaRV Dump Stations Im sure some of the long time members can give you alot more info

shortimers · 05-12-2010, 07:07 AM

As far as tunnels and low clearances, pick a motor carriers atlas at a truck stop. Also gives steep grade info.

Rich and Cork · 05-12-2010, 08:43 AM

We took a four month trip around the country this past year. We only had a number of for sure places we wanted to see and a general direction to go. We did not want to limit ourselves to pre-planned places and a time schedule. We would go on-line, review the map or read the road signs for places we wanted to see. I guess my recommendation would be to wing it and not overplan. Every place is this country has very neat and interesting things to see and do. Enjoy.

RVThere · 05-12-2010, 01:54 PM

Just did that trip in April but not necessarily the scenic route.

If doing scenic routes DO NOT rely on the truckers atlas. If its off the main interstates and state highways, low clearances will NOT be listed there. Keep your eyes open and read the warning signs. Also go on Google Maps and click on street view to get a great view of what you will encounter on each route.

Some out of the way stop suggestions:
- Falling Waters in western PA
- Fenton Glass in northern WV
- Cardinals baseball game in St. Louis
- largest McDonalds on the OK Turnpike
- Petrified Forest AZ
- Meteor Crater AZ
- Grand Canyon Skywalk, 2 hours north of Kingman AZ

Ray,IN · 05-12-2010, 10:02 PM

I depend on a Motor Carriers Road Atlas. I stay on roads highlighted in yellow, which means that road is designated for commercial truck traffic. You may purchase a truckers GPS unit that has low clearances included in the software, if you feel the need.
Overnighting in empty church parking lots is one option, unless signage states otherwise.

dsbike · 05-15-2010, 03:44 PM

Blue Ridge Parkway From Roanoke VA to as far south as GA Through NC is very beautiful & senic. RV friendly, but no comercial traffic, max speed is 45mph & almost everyone on the parkway is there to enjoy it. Thier not in a hurry & you wouldn't be holding up traffic. There are several campgrounds along the route, private off the parkway & state owned on the parkway.

ralper · 05-16-2010, 07:15 PM

www.freecampgrounds.com , Passport America book, Fair Grounds
Keep your eyes pealed for city and county CG's some are free.
Trailer Life or Woodalls CG guides. They also show some state and federal CG's
I am a full timer.
Twice in four years, for a holiday only, did I make any reservations. I was turned away from a campground four times in that time but the CG called around for me and sent me elsewhere which turned out fine.

You will not encounter low bridge problems on interstates, US highways or state roads. I have, shall we say, investigated alternative routes ( says I to my dog "Snickers I goofed again") and I have never found a bridge too low to pass under. A few were a bit closer than I would prefer and I stopped at it to see about clearance. Then I went under very slowly. I am about 12' 6" tall. If a big truck went under I am good to go there too.