First RV Trip Out Of State

Thank you jmtandem. I will for sure go during the months you mention.

Ok, I went to AAA office and picked up a Utah map. I will start marking all sites that you have all mentioned.

Utah is typically nice weatherwise in April-May and then later in the year in September - October. Those months will generally keep you out of snow and miss the summer intense heat.

Ok, I went to AAA office and picked up a Utah map. I will start marking all sites that you have all mentioned.

Taking it all in.
Looks like July may be out. I just wanted to stay away from snow. I don't drive in snow.
4Runnerguy. Oregon was another option but we have spent alot of time in Oregon through the years although not in our RV. Parents grewup in Oregpn and retired there. We been along coast, Eugene, Blue River, Bend, Madras, Fossil, etc. Love Oregon but wanted somewhere I haven't seen. Yes, we are flexible and I do plan to take our time and enjoy. Who knows, we may end up in Idaho then to Yellowstone. Once we get there, I assume we will love the adventure.

For July in Southern Utah, use altitude as your friend. As others have mentioned daytime highs in Zion will likely be 100+. But Bryce will be cooler and more comfortable.

Other high-altitude options in my part of the state include Cedar Breaks National Monument (a mini-Bryce-like formation), Pine Valley Mountain, Beaver, Cedar City, Duck Creek. And from some of these locations you can visit some fun State Parks like Kodachrome Basin and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

You'd also be within easy reach for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (approx 8,000 ft elevation).

Be aware that most of the Nevada State Parks heading back towards California don't take reservations (first-come, first-served) so it's hard to stay at them unless you have a lot of flexibility.

4runnerGay beat me to it. If you're retired, definitely don't go to Utah in July - especially southern Utah where the awesome national parks are situated. July will be very hot. Instead, go in Sept or April/May. The crowds will be lower then, also.

Hope you make it out of California. There's lots to see in other states!! After your first trip of exploring you'll be back for more.

X2 on above suggestions by 4runnerguy; probably won't need reservations for the OR and WA parks except for Fri-Sun when the city folk head there enmasse. And there are many private RV parks which are usually easier to get a space w/o reservation.

The NP's in southern Utah can be quite hot in July. Since you are retired I assume your schedule is flexible. Why not visit them in the cooler months of Spring and Fall? The advantage of retirement is to go places when others can't due to school and work schedules. Spring in so. UT means desert flowers. Fall means aspens changing at the higher elevations.

Have you considered heading north in OR and maybe WA during the summer months? Gorgeous scenery and cooler along the ocean. Crater Lake, Bend, the Columbia River Gorge -- all places to visit inland. Then return via the coastal route, staying in some of OR's great SP's.

Wherever you go, one piece of advice. Don't rush. We often see those who we joke are on the five national parks in five days vacation. They're taking videos as they drive by the sights. That way when they get home, they can see what they should have seen when they were there. Experiencing anyplace is so much enhanced by seeing at different times of day and taking the time to stop and hear the sounds of nature.

Oh thank you all so much. This is exactly, exactly what I was looking for of responses. I will print all out and keep in binder for reference. Please keep them coming.

Ok. I know there will be lots of questions.
We have a 27' 5th wheel.
We are 60's and retired. We have been RVing in California forever although don't stray far from home. I want to go out of state next year. For no specific reason I would like to go to Utah. Probably next July or so, but open for suggestions.
We will travel from Sacramento, Ca. Plan to travel through Reno, Nv and head East to Utah.
Would like RV Campground suggestions, sites. Just any information will be helpful.

If you want to see the real Nevada get off IR-80 and use US 50. Near the Utah border is Great Basin National Park and Lehman Caves. Rural Nevadans are friendly folks.

Then from GBNP it is an easy drive to many southern Utah parks, monuments and the Lake Powell area.