Long Island to Missouri

DieselX wrote:
We stay in truck stops and Walmarts all the time too. They are nice and level, don't even have to unhook from the TV. It's nice to stop when you're tired and leave when you're rested. I don't like having to worry about finding rv resorts on the way and feeling like I HAVE to stop even if I want to go or driving further when i'm tired because that's where the campground is.

Also there are some really crappy campgrounds out there and at least Walmart has cameras everywhere.

But that's just me ;)

I never stay in truck stops, unless that is a last resort, and I would stay up front say at a Flying J where the restaurant and cars come in to fuel up. Unless you have a bus style of huge RV, the truckers would rather not fool with a small RV taking up space, and it's just plain easier up front, and a little quieter.

Walmarts are my first choice unless there is a reason to pay an RV commercial parking space, I am at Cracker Barrel or Walmart.

We've found that as a family, being able to stop when and where we like during the day (to see the sights on the way), and stopping for a nap when tired, puts us pretty far behind schedule. The answer? Fill up at a truck stop when we're tired at night, pull to the parking area 60 seconds away, and sleep. I'd much rather spend the extra daytime hours seeing interesting places than scurrying to a campground that looks just like every other campground on the road.

In the morning, we have a quick breakfast (dry cereal or such) and we're back on the road, well rested.

The only issues at a truck stop or rest area can be the noise of big trucks or other RVs pulling in, especially in the summer when you need the windows open for ventilation.

I haven't had any problems at Walmart or other big box stores either, in the back 40 of their parking lots, but Walmarts annoy me, and oftentimes these stores aren't quite as conveniently located off of our travel path.

We have stayed at KOA campgrounds for a night several times on long trips. These chain type campgrounds are usually clean, have a pool, and a small shop with snacks and pizza for the kids. Sites are small but it's only one night. We don't even unhook the truck. Just hook up the water, sewer, and electric, put the slide out and hit the pool or mini golf. The trip is half of the experience. It's not always about the destination. Make it enjoyable and have fun.

EcoBullet wrote:
That is slightly over 1200 miles. If it were me, I would make it 3 days and stay 2 nights in RV parks that you can locate online.

I was basing this on their signature line that says they have 3 kids. After a long day of driving, having a pool for them at a campground and a way to run the AC for sleeping in summer is worth $30 or $40 bucks a night to me.

If it were just 2 adults in cooler weather, I'd be all over the Walmart suggestion.

We have never felt unsafe at WM but by DieselX stated there are some really crappy campgrounds. A fight broke out at a camp ground in Yellowstone and the park rangers showed up. Never seen that at a WM yet. We use the first WM stop to stock up for the trip. We are long drivers so it is often 2 am before we stop so at WM we can be in bed in 10 minutes and we can be rolling fast the next morning.

WM is just a way of life for most of us in the south so stopping that WM is just a life style thing.

We stay in truck stops and Walmarts all the time too. They are nice and level, don't even have to unhook from the TV. It's nice to stop when you're tired and leave when you're rested. I don't like having to worry about finding rv resorts on the way and feeling like I HAVE to stop even if I want to go or driving further when i'm tired because that's where the campground is.

Also there are some really crappy campgrounds out there and at least Walmart has cameras everywhere.

But that's just me ;)

I would leave the truck stops to truck drivers, who really need them. In summer, it's going to be pretty hot in the trailer unless you can run the AC, which means you will need an electric hookup. And unless you have generator(s), that means an RV park.

I used to always try for 600 to 700 miles per day in a car, but with a trailer (mine is fifth-wheel) I find that 400 miles is more than enough for one day.

We often stay in truck stops, Walmart and the like. In ten years we and many friends who do the same have never had any trouble. It can be a little noisy with trucks coming and going or, in Walmart, when they collect carts or the vacuum truck sweeps the lot. But, we are used to it and the savings pays for a lot of gas. If we are staying in the area for a time we may go to a campground but when on the move, all we need is a place to sleep and we don't want to pay for hook ups, swimming pools and bingo.

That is slightly over 1200 miles. If it were me, I would make it 3 days and stay 2 nights in RV parks that you can locate online.