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manley's avatar
manley
Explorer
Apr 02, 2020

Emergency Travel - Texas to South Georgia?

Hi all,
Like the subject says, DW and I have to make an emergency trip from Wichita Falls to Lake Park, GA. Her Daddy is on hospice care, and I must get her there sooner - as it is likely we won't be able to travel later. To avoid Louisiana completely, we will take US 82 across southern Arkansas. At some point, probably in Mississippi, we will drop down to US 84 to avoid Albany, GA (the coronavirus capital). If I am able to accomplish this trip

Here's the questions:
Are private RV parks open?
Will I have problems crossing state lines?
Basic route and points of entry: Texas -> Arkansas at Texarkana, Arkansas -> Mississippi at Greenville, Mississippi -> Alabama at BFM, and Alabama -> Georgia at Donalsonville.
Should I purchase a generator, "just in case?"
Any known snafus?
What am I missing?

Thanks in advance, gang!

28 Replies

  • A quick search turned up a tv channel in Georgia. Apparently the GA governor is signing a "Shelter in Place" Order which may impact campgrounds too.
    LINK

    Call ahead and ask. Those phone numbers are on the internet now.
  • As previously suggested, print out an itinerary of why you are are traveling, your destination and where you are staying, family or campground.
    Proposed route, which may be subject to the change due to ???.

    Travel restrictions, will probably become more strict in the near future. We are seeing more border restrictions, whether it be international or provincial/state, and even county city areas.
    Some things 'suggestions ' yesterday are now laws with $$$fines.
    Be safe in your travels, follow CDC and your local public health recommendations, especially when getting supplies.
    My prayers for your Wife, her family and you.

    Ken
  • If schools are empty, anywhere in the USA, just pull in and stay the night?
  • manley wrote:
    Should I purchase a generator, "just in case?"


    If possible, I would definitely bring a generator and a fuel jug.

    We've seen so many posts here about closures, that I wouldn't count on being able to find open camp areas. You should do whatever you can to make your rig self-contained.

    I haven't seen this mentioned yet, but if I were on an emergency trip, I would consider overnighting in school parking lots. Schools are closed and the lots should be empty. Maybe even print a page in large print before you leave stating that you're on an emergency cross-country trip and put it in someplace conspicuous at night to inform LEOs that you aren't fulltiming in a public lot.

    For dumping, we've had good luck stopping at fairgrounds.
    Good luck.
  • We took 82 across from Mississippi to mid Texas last summer. It was a mix of bad and OK. 10 miles of bad, patched, potholed roadway followed by some better pavement. There was a lot of construction on the road so maybe it's better now.
  • Last week I had to pick my parents up in Fl from Wisconsin in 32 foot class c.
    We camped at Koa’sand one other private campground. KOA directed us to book online and left out a welcome package for us to pick up. One KOA was packed but not many people were out and about. The other private campground had a worker standing outside and he checked us in with minimal contact and stayed 6 feet back just about the entire time.
    Gas stations were all open and was the only place we stopped at. The further south we got the busier the roads were. Indiana and north was pretty quite. All in all it was smooth sailing and we never went thru any sort of checkpoints.
  • THis is STILL the USA......we are FREE Citizen and NO MARTIAL LAW

    Shelter in place/stay at home are 'suggestions'

    Use common sense, wash your hands after ALL encounters (fuel/groceries etc)
    Drive SAFE

    And do call that hospice before departing to find out what their guidelines/restrictions are.
  • 1. Book your campgrounds in advance by calling each of them. That way you will know for certain but understand it may change.
    2. Check with each individual state you will be crossing through to see if they have checkpoints when you go in. Some states are requiring you "check in" and give them personal info as to your plans. If you aren't staying in that state you should have no issue. GA, however, now has a shelter-in-place order as of 4/1.
    3. If you think you may have to boondock or be there for a while it might not be a bad idea to get a generator. If you can stay at established campgrounds you shouldn't need one.
    4. Snafus? Yes-check with the hospice center to ensure they are allowing visitors. You are adding additional risks to yourself if you stop to get gas, groceries, etc. You can mitigate that risk by following CDC protocols and wearing gloves when you get gas.

    Good luck!

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