First RV Trip Out Of State

Since you are retired and not comfortable `out of state' you might consider the Adventure Caravan's tour of the Great Western Parks that starts in St. George UT around Labor Day and lasts all month. All you have to do is follow the leaders. They do all the planning for you.
No, I don't work for AC...

Southern Utah is so rich in excellent National Parks and State Parks, you could concentrate on the southern half of the state and never see it all. There are campgrounds inside the parks (book early) and commercial ones outside.

Two great resources I've used the most are Fodor's Guide to Utah, and the AAA Indian Country Guide Map, both available on Amazon.

Bryce Canyon was my favorite for the spectacular scenery, and it's at a higher elevation than some are and therefore cooler on hot summer days. At Bryce, you can walk the top of a canyon, looking down at the natural amphitheater.

Zion is the reverse, since you are in the bottom of the canyon looking up. Both are really popular and offer free shuttles so you don't need to drive, with many free ranger activities.

Around Moab in southeastern Utah, you can see Arches and Canyonlands NPs, Dead Horse Point State Park, and more. Then there is Goblin Valley SP, Capitol Reef, NP...lots of National Forest area, the list goes on and on.

We were through Utah last summer. What a wonderful state! After RVing someplace besides California you may never go back. Fuel prices will drop, quality will increase, roads won't seem so rough......

You can either take Hwy 50 thru Lake Tahoe to Reno or go into Sacramento and take I-80 to Reno. Depending on your tastes, since you're retired I would take my time and enjoy the trip. Each stop below is about 2 1/2 hours driving time each day.

In Reno, we like the Grand Sierra Casino/Campground. Nice walking trails alongside the river.

Next up is Winnemucca, Nv. New Frontier RV Park is the only place to stay. Not much there so it's usually an overnighter.

Last town in Nevada is Wendover. There's a casino there that sits on the Nevada/Utah border. The casino is in Nevada, the campground is in Utah. Register inside the casino AFTER you put your rig in a vacant site. First come, first served. Using this campground as a base you can cruise over to the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Leaving Wendover, SLC is only 2 hours away. The KOA would be my first choice. They have a shuttle service that will take you to Temple Square daily. Ask when the Choir is performing and get some free tickets if they are. Use the toad to explore the Great Salt Lake. Or, if you're tired of SLC, head north to Willard State Park and explore the Lake from there. Lots of day trips available from there too.....Dennis

Well, if you want to visit SLC, your best bet is the KOA in town. Convenient to downtown (Temple Square, restaurants, museums, etc.) and also to both I-15 and I-215, so it's easy to get anywhere in the area.

If you like more rustic accommodations, check out some of the Utah state parks. You may need reservations for popular times (weekends, holidays).

Be aware that the week surrounding July 24 is a busy time in Utah, and lodging rates will be higher than the rest of the year. Pioneer Day is a Big Deal in Utah! :)

Within a day's drive north or south of SLC you will find some wonderful national parks - in case you have never been to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Bryce, Zion, Arches, etc. You may want to look into some of these (it will be hot the farther south you go, of course.)