kb36 wrote:
Hello,
We are planning our trip out west from Cadillac, MI to Yellowstone national park and back. This will be a road trip in our F350 Diesel truck hauling a 32 foot Fifth wheel. I will be traveling with my husband and our 3 children (11, 13, & 15) as well as our tiny Yorkie. We plan to leave on Aug. 6th 2016 and return on Aug. 27th or 28th. We have a very rough travel plan figured out and would like input and advice on how far to drive in a day, where to camp, reservations?, what is a must see, etc. The farthest we have drove the fifth wheel is from our home in Cadillac to Cedar point in Sandusky OH. However, my husband used to drive semi trucks and has experience driving them in mountains and inner cities so I’m not too worried but I would like advice on highways or roads to take or avoid with an RV in tow. For example what is the best way through Chicago? Or should we go through the U.P.? (We have ruled out the ferry as being too expensive) So far our plan looks like the following but the only thing actually booked is our nights at Yellowstone (which can be changed at this point). Are my days realistic or would we need to break up our drive even more?
Day 1 (Aug 6): Leave Cadillac around 6am & drive south around Chicago and stop for the night around Madison WI (423 miles).
Day 2 (Aug 7): Leave Madison WI around 7 am & stop for the night around Sioux Falls SD. (431 miles)
Day 3 (Aug 8): Leave Sioux Falls SD around 7am & head to Custer State Park SD to camp. (365 miles.)
Day 4 (Aug 9): Stay at Custer state park and tour Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer state park.
Day 5 (Aug 10): leave Custer around 8 am & head to Cody making a pit stop at Devils Tower. Stop and camp for the night in Cody. (379 miles).
Day 6 (Aug 11): Thinking of getting a slow start and see some sights/attractions around Cody. Then head to Yellowstone by way of 14 and arriving by the eastern entrance to Fishing Bridge to camp. (77 miles)
Day 7-14 (Aug 12-19): Camp at Fishing bridge and drive the truck around Yellowstone to see everything. Exact itinerary for our stay is still to be determined.
Day 14-16 (Aug 19-21): Leave Yellowstone and head to Grand Teton. Camp for 2 days in the park.
Day 16-23 (Aug 21-28): ??? I’m not sure the best way to go home or what to see from here. I’m debating about going back the same way we came and seeing some things we may have not had time to see on the way in (Badlands, more time at devils tower, etc.). Or going the southern route I-80 but I’m not sure what attractions to see or where to stop on this route.
Other questions-Should we bother to bring things like bikes or Kayaks? Or will we not get enough use out of them to make it worth our while to haul them?
If you made it this far thanks for reading. ? If you have any ideas or suggestions for us I would love to hear.
Thanks!
Great trip – First thing I usually suggest is to start after work on Friday – helps with traffic and in your case might just get you on the other side of Chicago – Everyone is so hopped up that first couple days it makes for good travel, just a thought - While UP may be a nice drive it adds a couple hours and you will have more than your share of hours in the Truck.
If at all possible think about finding someone to take care of the Yorkie – will just not be fair to the dog to be left in the trailer. (Just will not understand the travel)
The drive to Custer is IMHO just LONG, so have lots to do, (games-books) start early, and when you get to Custer be sure to stay in a place the kids will enjoy – Water – Pool – etc. I would also suggest you add a day to Custer to unwind and see a little more – Caves – State Parks and just see it. After 1300 miles in the truck everyone will want some unwind time. (Long drive just to see Devils Tower – maybe yes maybe no?)
Cody has a lot for the kids to see but by now they likely want to be in Yellowstone – IMHO Cody is more for parents not the kids, let’s get to what we drove so far for.
I may catch some flack here but with the three kids I’m thinking 5 days in YNP a Couple in GTNP and then head south to Colorado and driving Home on I-70. Think Flaming Gorge - Dinosaur NM – Catch The hot springs in Grand Junction – Maroon Bells – Maybe RMNP drive through? Allowing you to touch Colorado and plan for the next trip - Just a lot to see and do. (Thought is with 7 days of driving just to get to the Rockies might like to SEE a few more things – The Kids will never Forget this trip)
Head out 70 – 76 – 80 – Home
Bikes yes – if you had another week Kayaks. The kids will likely use the bikes every stop just to burn off energy.
Stan Parker Photo AlbumA family that is still doing itYounger but lot's of pictures and insightJust my own personal preferences – You have planned a great trip – get the kids involved in the planning and where they want to go at each stop.
BOL,
