Forum Discussion

gypsy_and_nomad's avatar
gypsy_and_nomad
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013

Strangers, can you help a newcomer?

My wife and I recently purchased our first RV - a 2007 Itasca Sunova 33T (34') Class A motorhome. It's parked in our driveway as we start loading it up and learning how to use all of the systems and do-dads. We bought a two-geographic-area pass from Thousand Trails (basically, the whole Pacific coast), and our plan is to head out in the spring (we have other commitments until then). We're going to flat-tow a little PT Cruiser with a stick shift behind us, and it'll be just us with our cat. We live close to Seattle, and we'd like to work our way down through Oregon into California and then into Arizona and New Mexico once the brutal summer heat has passed. We have no timeframe for beating a path back home; if we like this lifestyle, we may stay out for close to a year - it all depends.

I have a million questions, but the big one I'd like to ask centers around reserving a spot in advance or just winging it as we go. I can see an argument for both sides of the question. I'd hate to have all of the good campsites full this summer (Walmart parking lots is not what we're hitting the road for), but I also assume that we'll meet plenty of fellow campers on our journey and they will have tips and suggestions based on experience that I don't want to overlook.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2013
    As Old-Biscuit says, use RV Park Reviews.

    I like to plot out a trip using Microsoft Streets and Trips with tentative stopping points and points of interest, and then I look for interesting RV Parks or Campgrounds near the areas that I want to visit. I then readjust my MS S&T itinerary to reflect the changes.

    You will find that many popular parks are difficult to get into, especially along the Oregon Coast in the summer. I like to be spontaneous, but do make reservations ~50% of the time.

    We're also not a huge fan of camping clubs, because we don't like to feel that we need to use it when there may be better or more interesting options.

    I agree with you that we don't usually plan on using Walmart parking lots, that not's how we want to spend our quality time, but have spent the night in a Rest Stop if we're charging down the road and need a break.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2013
    A few apps you may want to try
    Gas buddy
    RV parkey
    low clearance

    I don't like to stick to a schedule but some parks are full some of the year. If it is an area I want to be I do make reservations in advance. Won't take long to figure it out. Off season many of the RV parks are almost vacant but then some them close. When no camp grounds available we pull into truck stops.
  • GGoodsell's avatar
    GGoodsell
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2013
    Your plans sound wonderful and you will have a great time. As one who has traveled the Oregon and California coast for years, you will find difficulty getting into the more popular areas, especially along the coast, during the peak holiday and summer vacation periods. Reservations are recommended if there are areas you really want to visit during the peak season. Happy Travels!
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2013
    welcome to the forum and congrats on your Itasca.
    Camping in your driveway is the best way to learn all the systems on your RV.

    When we travel I like to make reservations at our destination and just wing it enroute.
    WalMart is better than nothing for an overnight stop but, there are other options:
    Free Campgrounds

    Free Campsites

    Casino Camper

    There are other sites, just do a little research.

    Don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum, there is a lot of information available.

    Enjoy your travels.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 13, 2013
    Using Thousand Trails Campgrounds you may want to make reservations......check their requirements.

    We have used 1000's Trails a few times during our roaming but thru an affiliate and had to make reservations in order to use.

    We definitely made reservations during 'holidays' and in some peak times (depending on area)

    We also just wing it......and on our travel days we would call head a few hours before just to check on availability

    Also used RV Park Reviews.........LINK
    To check out the various CGs before committing.

    Good luck in your new adventure.
    And IF time is NOT a factor....slow down, use back roads/secondary roads and see the country
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 13, 2013
    Hi,

    Welcome to the wonderful world of rv'ing.

    I hate having to reserve. I'd far rather mosey along at my own speed.

    Here is a website that may help you find some inexpensive or even free places to stay.

    low cost and free campsites.
  • GENECOP's avatar
    GENECOP
    Explorer II
    Dec 13, 2013
    I am not pursuing this lifestyle to have to maintain a schedule, (Did that for 30 years) we like to stay in one place as long or as short as we would like, then, head off in any direction the wind blows us, to me that is the beauty of this lifestyle....There is one exception to this, if we hear about some special place that we really want to stay and making reservations ahead of time is neccasary we will do it, but in general 80% of the time we wing it.....
  • Ka_Ron's avatar
    Ka_Ron
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2013
    We like to take the non reservation route as well. It makes for a more relaxed and spontaneous trip. However we try and get to the end of the day RV Park around 2PM and that seems to help finding empty sites.

    However if you are using your Thousand Trails you probably will have to make some reservations as they are very popular in the summer. Spring and fall may not be much of an issue.

    I guess, that is why we never bought a membership as I like to wing it.
    We have never had to stay the night at a Wal Mart if we did not want to.

    Welcome to the RV lifestyle and we hope you enjoy as much as we all do.

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