Roundtrip PA to CA in the fall??

At that time of year I would stay out of Colorado because of the mountains and chances of snow. I would work my way to I 40 and go to the Grand Canyon and then Hoover Dam, Las Vegas. Then go into CA and play in the sun for awhile and head back home.

At the end of this trip you will either be sold on the RVing lifestyle or will be putting it up for sale and/or hiring divorce lawyers!
My rule is that we have to stay in an area for a longer period than it takes to get there. This trip violates that rule big time.
Suggest Southwest Airlines.

Most private campgrounds have a limit of 2 medium or smaller sized dogs.

leave the dogs and birds home!!! or your gonna have five weeks of hell.I no of no CG thats gonna let you in. have a safe trip.

janene wrote:
We're visiting family on the Central Coast of CA, starting in Harrisburg area of PA. Have 5 weeks to make the round trip. Figure 2 weeks to get there, 1 week stay, 2 weeks to return. Traveling in a Class C (brand new, we're beginners) with 4 dogs and 2 birds. Start mid October and return just before Thanksgiving. Weather is a concern (for the birds), and pet friendly locations. Very open to a route but figure it would have to be southern for the weather. Would be great if we could mix it up and not just retrace our route coming back. Just want an interesting trip to get to know our RV. It will be our 4th outing in the new RV. Any suggested routes and stops? Maybe also, things to absolutely avoid?

Janene in PA

Sounds like a great trip! any reason you need to be back in 5 weeks?

Find a good leaf map for the colors and follow it out till you get to Colorado, that might be fun. We have used http://www.passportamerica.com/ , it's good for off season and mid week travel. That along with State and local Reservoirs, are great.

The southern route is usually not needed till after thanks giving, at least if you watch the weather. It might be cool enough that you could look into it on the return trip.

Give us a little more info and we all will be able to give you better info on your choices.

I-70 (rt 36) out and then possibly I-40 back? That along with a lot of back roads would work for me.

BOL,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new RV.
I can't give you any advice on which route to take. I would just check Google Maps, or a similar site, and decide where I wanted to go and what I wanted to see.

I don't know if you will be staying strictly at Campgrounds or will be doing some boondocking.

If you are considering some quick 'overnight' stays, don't forget:

Free Campgrounds

Free Campsites

Casino Camper

There are other sites, just do a Google search.

When traveling, I like to use Roadside America. Maybe you can find something of interest.

Personally, I prefer to travel the side roads and US Highways when possible. You can't see America from the Interstate.

Enjoy your trip. And, don't forget to give us a report when you get back. (or while on the road)