Community Forums

hyker chick · 06-26-2016, 08:39 AM

I'm a first-time rver, leaving in about a week towing a Gulf Stream Visa with 2 dogs and high hopes. Do those of you with experience have any general suggestions for me? Am heading out from west Tennessee to the Georgia coast. I would love suggestions for low-cost, quiet and scenic campgrounds!

plasma800 · 06-26-2016, 09:27 AM

Well, I can give you some advice....

First KEEP your hope, and hang on to it. It can be easily lost in the multitude of sometimes aggravating minutia of RV'ing. So keep your eyes bright even in the worst of it, which we all encounter.

This book
https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Corps...oe+campgrounds

and this book
https://www.amazon.com/Rvers-Best-Pu...oe+campgrounds

are both decent books to own, but might be redundant.

Not always does "quiet" and "scenic" happen at the same time. However, sometimes you find a gem by exploring off the beaten path.

campgroundreviews.com and campendium.com both have unique sets of views of RV parks.

Consider buying a set of generators or possibly a solar charging system, there are some amazing places you can get to that aren't within a campground at all (but also have no services) but this is not cheap by any means... but running that A/C in the summer is really important. So maybe you stick to places with electricity and revisit that idea another time.

Plan your drives knowing everything will take longer than you think. Just plan on slowing down and smelling the roses. Take small roads to small towns, and enjoy them. We always travel very loosely so that we can take advantage of whatever flight of fancy floats in front of us.

We were "passing through" Tennessee, and that turned in a month long stay in the mountains... We were "passing through" Maine, which then also turned into a month long stay. Both were fun, and amazing, to explore. We really tried to put a dent in the lobster population.

Be prepared for the adage "everything that can go wrong..." because it holds true... sometimes, some things will just go wrong, but how you handle it in your mind is more important, it's just got to all be part of the journey.

So while I don't have any specific campground recommendations for you, finding State Parks, COE campgrounds, and BLM land has generally netted us the quieter side of traveling... and the more off the beaten path, the quieter they are.

We stayed in a COE ground in southern Missouri, and literally, there was NO ONE there but us and the camp host.... and a load of ticks. (be sure the puppies are treated, and check them for ticks daily)

So, as a wise IRV2'er once said to me "The journey IS the destination"

Enjoy!

plasma800 · 06-26-2016, 09:30 AM

Oh and if you happen to be near Atlanta, Stone Mountain is pretty darn nice and scenic.... full on the weekends, lots of open space during the week.

MSHappyCampers · 06-26-2016, 09:49 AM

Hi!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Selah · 06-26-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyker chick

I'm a first-time rver, leaving in about a week towing a Gulf Stream Visa with 2 dogs and high hopes. Do those of you with experience have any general suggestions for me? Am heading out from west Tennessee to the Georgia coast. I would love suggestions for low-cost, quiet and scenic campgrounds!

Wow, I didn't know two dogs could pull a Gulf Stream Visa..

beamisl · 06-26-2016, 07:07 PM

Hyker Chic,

RVParky.com and welcome to the Forum! RVParky.com is what we use mostly. Or search the internet where I plan to stop for the night.

Are you aware you can stop at Walmart's, Cabella's, BLM (Board of Land Management) and stay for free? If your TT is self sustaining, it isn't overly hot outside, then stop at one of these, put a bucket of water in the shower for (flushing the toilet) and run your fridge on propane or your batteries for the night. You can't do your AC this way so if it is really hot you will want hook-ups at a CG probably.

RVParky.com allows you to put in stores, gas stations, and other things you might be looking for into it's search parameters. Try it before leaving home and try using your batteries to run the fridge at home before you leave to see how long they last.

Staying at Walmart, Cabela's, or another type of store like these helps when you are running low on money or trying to save money. Sometimes stopping (for one night) at a CG and paying for 10 or 12 hours seems like a waste. Usually (when traveling) you only stop for 5 to 8 hours to sleep and move on.

Good luck with your trip and hope the dogs enjoy it as much as you do. Lynne

**TonyDi** · 06-26-2016, 07:58 PM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

Happy Trails!!!

Gordon Dewald · 06-26-2016, 08:09 PM

We have found that many small towns have a community campground that can be very nice to stay at and economical.

jfran304 · 06-26-2016, 08:10 PM

Try Jekyll Island State Park. Very dog friendly and there is a lot of walking/biking paths. There is also a lot of history and nature on the island.

Jekyll Island Campground | Jekyll Island – Georgia's Vacation, Conservation and Educational Location

Jon

adamfolger · 06-27-2016, 12:14 AM

I recently watched a movie titled The Walk about a young girl who hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail and your post title forum name reminded me of that movie. The girl just kept on keeping on thru blood, sweat, tears blisters, and finally reached her goal. Remember the journey is your destination....

Arch Hoagland · 06-27-2016, 01:43 AM

Try to get to your destination for the day way before dark.

It makes it easier to park and get setup plus it's easier for everyone watch you try to park in your site.

Gigattime · 06-27-2016, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Try to get to your destination for the day way before dark.

It makes it easier to park and get setup plus it's easier for everyone watch you try to park in your site.

Agreed. Settling in before dark is always ideal. campgroundreviews.com is a fabulous free resource that was mentioned in an earlier reply, but one that is worth repeating. Will give you ideas on parks in the area and how other RV'ers see them.

Welcome and safe travels. With a little practice, you will find rv'ing can be a great way to see and experience our beautiful country.

Ray,IN · 06-27-2016, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyker chick

I'm a first-time rver, leaving in about a week towing a Gulf Stream Visa with 2 dogs and high hopes. Do those of you with experience have any general suggestions for me? Am heading out from west Tennessee to the Georgia coast. I would love suggestions for low-cost, quiet and scenic campgrounds!

I might add to the advice given; consider joining PPA=passport America discount campgrounds.
You get 1/2 off the regular price-subject to individual CG rules posted on the PPA website. We joined PPA, drove from Indiana to Myrtle Beach, SC and saved the price of joining PPA just going to SC.

JFXG · 06-27-2016, 11:25 PM

HC..... Welcome, and good luck! I'm sure you'll do fine.
I noted your name, and I'm wondering if your two dogs are a pair of beautiful Samoyeds (whose names I've forgotten). And if you used to tote them around in a Honda Element. If you're the same hyker chick, we met about 7-8 years ago on the EOC forum.
Welcome!!

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12 02 DS, FL, Cat, '04 Element NHSO RVM103