Joshua Tree to Baker City, Oregon

In the Susanville area, I would go a bit more north and stay at the Eagle Lake RV park. It's higher in elevation then Susanville and cooler, especially at night. If you wanted to boondock, there are several spots around the lake that that is national forest.
http://www.eaglelakeandrv.com/

Janss wrote:
We've stayed at the fairgrounds in Bishop. Suited us fine, plenty of room to maneuver, quiet (as long as no event going on), good hookups.

Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Lee Vining are all at higher elevation than Bishop...if you want to drive a little farther for coolness.

We've also stayed at a very nice little RV park, Days End, in Standish near Susanville. If you are staying on 395, you can cut a few miles off by going over to Standish on a side road and not have to go up to Susanville.

Your description of the fairgrounds in Bishop is dead on. (Great BBQ place very close also!). As is your advice on driving just a bit further to gain the altitude. And coolness. In the distant past, we left So Cal a few times around 5pm. By the time we hit the first rest stop in the general area of Lone Pine, it was way too hot to stop. By the time we hit the rest stop outside of Mammoth, it was cool enough to where we sure didn't need a/c. Tons of primitive campsites along 395. Most are decades old & much better suited for smaller rigs. If your going M-Th, I doubt if you will have much trouble finding something. The Rock Creek area, at the top of the pass just north of Bishop, has a lot of primitive sites. Last time I fished the area, you needed a fire for warmth before the sun set in early August.

tuna fisher wrote:
93 all the way thru Nevada is a little shorter but I don't think it would be cooler in July. At least on 395 you get some elevation. Thanks for your opinion though as that's what I asked for. I love that drive just point the truck and go, no traffic, I like the open sage.

The reason I said 93 was elevation, your are traveling at or above 5000 feet most of the time, Pioche 6000, Ely 6400, Wells 5600, Jackpot 5200. Dick

Is there any way you can take a few days and spend some time in the Eastern Sierra? There is a lot to do, and there are some very cool campgrounds at higher elevations. For example, there are several great places up Bishop Creek, all above 7000 feet (and some at 9000).

But if you are in a hurry, then yes, stay on 395 and stop at the RV parks. The scenery can't be beat.

93 all the way thru Nevada is a little shorter but I don't think it would be cooler in July. At least on 395 you get some elevation. Thanks for your opinion though as that's what I asked for. I love that drive just point the truck and go, no traffic, I like the open sage.

In my opinion 395 would be the hottest route, I think the 93 route would be best. I did a google route search for Joshua Tree, CA to Baker City, Oregon. Dick

Janss, Aware of all you said, I know to get up the Sherman grade, a lot cooler.I also have Days end marked, I know about the cut off, I just used Susanville as a location for others, Standish isn't to big. Brilliant minds think a like, thanks.

We've stayed at the fairgrounds in Bishop. Suited us fine, plenty of room to maneuver, quiet (as long as no event going on), good hookups.

Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Lee Vining are all at higher elevation than Bishop...if you want to drive a little farther for coolness.

We've also stayed at a very nice little RV park, Days End, in Standish near Susanville. If you are staying on 395, you can cut a few miles off by going over to Standish on a side road and not have to go up to Susanville.

Well I've mapped out @ 300 mile days, JT to Bishop, to Susanville, to Burns, to Baker City. Have RV parks in Susanville and Burns area. Any other suggestions? It's hotter in Baker City than Reno right now. It's whatever it is , Were going anyway, pray for a cooling trend when we leave....

Most of the route north of Reno is in the 4-5000' elevation range. Lakeview on Oregon border bills itself as one of the higher towns in the state. But on this side of the Cascades, things will be hot unless you get well into the forested mountains. In effect, where the BLM land gives way to National Forest.

The National Weather Service (NOAA) 7 day forecast lets you pick specific spot and gives altitude adjusted forecasts. Right now things are hot in the Washington/Oregon so spot checking the forecasts should give a good picture of how things will be in July.

Right now I'm seeing 84 Reno, 75 Lakeview, 89 Burns, 98 Ontario OR, 87 Baker City, 96 Pendelton, 91 Bend.