So - What is it Really Like out there in RV-Land

[Ivylog]

We are headed West next week. Fortunately all those new folks are not into dry camping without reservations making it easier on us. Hope they never learn.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Ivylog

We are headed West next week. Fortunately all those new folks are not into dry camping without reservations making it easier on us. Hope they never learn.

Dick,

Those new folks are EVERYWHERE - if your site can be found on the web - has electric - it's likely Taken!

Even all the sites without the electric are being filled - many Dump sites are also Closed making finding a dump a bit of an issue - most popular places were very Crowded and had very high Fill Rates - Sure you have a few spots that are not well known and you will be fine.

One of the biggest issues we discovered was the info on the Web and the Actual rules that were in Place were often very different....If you are visiting second tier sites you will likely be fine, but Yellowstone and the Tetons are filled. Was possible early but seems as every day it just gets Busier!

Best of luck,

Bill

[Bobby F]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Those new folks are EVERYWHERE - if your site can be found on the web - has electric - it's likely Taken!

Busskipper: Are you talking specifically about designated campsites, or are you including boondocking areas?

Curious because I'm heading out that way to boondock as soon as I get bored where I am.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Bobby F

Busskipper: Are you talking specifically about designated campsites, or are you including boondocking areas?

Curious because I'm heading out that way to boondock as soon as I get bored where I am.

Designated Campsites - in NF service areas in particular, around the Major Parks.

Just my observation, in our short trip which included the 4th.

Hope this helps,

[Bobby F]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Hope this helps,

It all helps. Thanks.

[Ivylog]

Bill, thanks for the heads up... scratch the CGs with electric and those that take reservations, which is not a big deal for us. Told a friend he needed to get to Ba.... Ho.. by 11am because it was the Thursday before the 4th. It filled just before he got there at 12... he got in the next day. Guess I need to stop recommending this CG as I plan on staying there in a couple weeks.

[MrsChilerick]

We aren’t campers, we are travelers and sightseers. We normally don’t have a problem finding an overnight spot on our way to our destinations. Not so these last three weeks, our regular spots were all booked, we scrambled to find a place. So now I am working on getting reservations for all of those one night stops in our plan that we usually just wait until that day to find. So far, two weeks out we’ve been fairly successful.

May have to figure out where to boondock, although that it not our preferred way to RV.

It’s getting crowded out here.

[Busskipper]

Up Date.

Taos NM was not a problem all CG’s were 90% Full but we lucked out and got one in town - then from there we went to Buena Vista where only needing one we found one after 5-6 calls limited internet and no phone but good people and a nice view of the Rocks I drive to the West to see.

All the good dispersed cg’s were filled in the Collegiates and 1being only a couple hours from Denver sure makes this popular. While I could spend a lot of time in the area - it’s just going to be too popular for it’s own good. (JMHO)

If you have never made the drive to Cottonwood Pass you should try it - great drive and if you need a hike - there are a number of good trail heads, 1yesthe new road is just Great.

More latter,

[Tightwadted]

By new road, I assume you are talking about 209 from the pass down to Taylor Park? All paved now?

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Tightwadted

By new road, I assume you are talking about 209 from the pass down to Taylor Park? All paved now?

Good assumption - the road is not "New" but the rebuild and the Paving is!

As Most are aware the Pass had been closed for the last couple years as it was rebuilt - they have worked the entire road in Both directions and it is an Excellent Drive - steep and a number of tight switchbacks but just a drive I'd send anyone on.

As I've tended to do a lot less Hiking these days the drives to these Vistas has been what I generally search for. To have a drive like this to over 12,000 feet on a road with fresh paving and being such an easy drive is well just "Great".

In my current location the Internet is very slow and Images generally will not go out - I'll need to wait a while - Hoping to find a great spot that is less crowded and Still has internet that I can recharge in, sometime soon.

So yes the Paving is new on Both sides of the Pass and I would Highly recommend taking the Drive at least to the Top, traffic was light to Moderate mid week so if on the weekend with the Crowds it may not be as easy or as fun. -

Enjoying the Collegiates, and loving the Great Weather - 50's in the AM - Bright sun and warms to the Mid 70's in the PM with an afternoon Thunderstorm.

OH How I love Colorado,

[jcurtisis]

From Glacier through Yellowstone, Tetons, Flaming gorge, Dinosaur NM and CO springs we’d had no issues with safely camping and seeing amazing sights. Kayaking in Glacier and Tetons, boat rental at Flaming Gorge, hiking many trails, no issues.
The campgrounds are FULL and you really need reservations. The paths have a lot of people on them - but we have still found areas of quiet (like the CO side of Dinosaur NM which has both Grand Canyon & Zion-esqe amazing canyons- but only 7 other people all day!).

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by jcurtisis

From Glacier through Yellowstone, Tetons, Flaming gorge, Dinosaur NM and CO springs we’d had no issues with safely camping and seeing amazing sights. Kayaking in Glacier and Tetons, boat rental at Flaming Gorge, hiking many trails, no issues.
The campgrounds are FULL and you really need reservations. The paths have a lot of people on them - but we have still found areas of quiet (like the CO side of Dinosaur NM which has both Grand Canyon & Zion-esqe amazing canyons- but only 7 other people all day!).

We probably passed each other a few times out there, What Amazing Rocks !!!!

[Don Juane]

Originally Posted by Ivylog

As a FTimer, how are you do that? Initially our children did the shopping for us but not anymore. We are headed West in a couple weeks as I’m not putting life on hold until there’s a cure and we are both in our 70’s.

One thing about this disease is that those who are safety conscious vs. those who are impatient - each seems rewarded justly and accordingly. So from that perspective and if there wasn't so much collateral damage from the unsafe ones, I'd likely say "to each his own" or "knock yourself out" when making decisions like this. But I digress. On to how I am able to accomplish my own lock-down.



After living in the coach for 4 years I knew the exact place where I wanted to "hold up" when this $*it hit the fan. The park in fact closed mid-March, leaving me as the only resident and the owner said if I keep a low profile and agree to remain parked with only foot traffic in and out, I could stay. So I did. Both food and vegetable markets are within walking distance, and with me being the only one on the campground Internet, there's plenty to watch on TV. It's quiet here - no kids, no dogs and not that many plants to water. Just eat and chill. And don't forget cooking - something I actually used to enjoy - now, not so much. Sure I'd like to get out and meander around again and go elbow to elbow with the typical RV crowd but I hope that I'll nos live long enough to where I look back at this as a reprieve and as my taking steps which may have saved my life rather than some who might follow others who recommend no longer worrying about it and resuming normal activities when they see others.



Otherwise I hear that a lot of my family members who are in brick and mortar have been ordering out groceries. Not sure if markets deliver to RVs where you are but it might be worth a try. Deliveries fortunately do come here. I run everything that comes in through a light soap & water solution (even leafy vegetables) and rinse before storing or eating. I order out only cooked foods and run them through the microwave. Everything gets this treatment regardless of brought in via me or delivery . All the grocery bags go in the garbage or the re-usable ones go in the shower. Some here may possibly call me paranoid but they have no choice but to also call me "alive".


Anyway here is a little mental game I play when trapped in situations where I have no control. Just think of our past war heroes (e.g. John McCain) and imagine what they were able to endure and then it's not so difficult to just stay put for a little longer.

[Busskipper]

OP here with another Update;

America is out in RV land - parks are full - Trails are crowded - People are less careful than they should be - Tourist towns are crowded - if you thought you might just sneak out and enjoy the RV by yourself you need to be really secretive - as the world is all out in RV's.

There are few, if any spots that are private - We have Never seen so Many Temporary Tags on New Trailers and Sprinter Vans - they seem to be the most popular. While in Yellowstone on the Loop we had a site, there were at least 6 temp Tags!

So not only is it crowded but it is full of NewBee's - often funny to watch - One sprinter van - remember they are small - had 6 bikes on the back - mom and dad and 4 kids - - my coach is 42 feet and sleeps 2 where they all slept in a Sprinter would just be Amazing, not to mention bath and Poop - sorry but the rest rooms are often closed.

We continue to travel and see the Rockies - they are Truly Beautiful - but the fact is we are far from alone out here. -

Reporting from Delta, Colorado - first real internet in a while.

Enjoy America, as many are.