Forum Discussion

taddyport's avatar
taddyport
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015

Tucson to Wisconsin

I will be heading from Tucson AZ to Wisconsin about the last week of March. I'm not in a real big hurry since I don't have to be there until May 5th or so. I really enjoy all the state parks I have stayed in over the last year or so and would like your input on routes, places to stay and must see stops along said routes. I don't have to have full hookups but 30 amp and potable water are preferred.

Thanks all for your ideas

Jon
  • In south Texas Balmorrhea State Park and Palo Duro Canyon state park are nice.
    In Denison TX we like Lake Texoma Corps of Engineers park.
    If you have plenty of time there are beautiful state parks in Arkansas. We like Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs and DeGray Lake state park near there.
    Petit Jean Mountain State Park is also nice.
    In southeast Missouri Sam A Baker State Park is one of our favorites. No cell service is the only negative. But they do have pay phone and internet access at the office.
  • Sorry, I forgot to mention that I will be staying south and going through New Mexico so southern suggestions vs. northern would be best.

    Thanks

    Jon
  • As a general rule I would stay south of I-40 and at lower elevation, until you really need to turn north. Even when the daytime temps are in the 70's you will get freezes at night in the desert southwest.
    NM state parks link

    TX state parks

    KS state parks

    And the Corps of Engineers has even more to pick from.

    Have fun, and it may be out of your way but Amistad Lake at Del Rio, TX is a nice place if you like lakes.
  • TyroneandGladys wrote:
    Fool Hollow Lake State Park to Durango CO/Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Rifle Falls State Park CO to Rocky Mountain National Park to Custer State Park SD/ Mount Rushmore then head on home.
    PM if you want to know of things to do along this route.


    For March into May, this really won't be easily doable. Mesa Verde is open year round, but has limitations. Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim has one loop that is open all year, but limited facilities. Rocky Mountain National Park not doable at all as far general access to the bulk of the park, as it's still snowed in until late May -- Trail Ridge Rd doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend. Though Moraine Park CG has one loop open all year, again facilities are limited. Can't get from the west side to east side and vice versa. The commercial campgrounds/RV Parks in Estes don't open until mid to late April at the earliest, and most not until May.

    If the OP likes snow, then that will be on tap in Colorado during that timeframe -- March and April are our snowiest months.
  • A little early for Glacier on the OP's schedule! :) We haven't camped in too many SPs outside the Midwest (yet) but if you end up on I-80 in west-central Nebraska, Ft. Kearny State Recreation Area is a nice CG. Not sure if it would be open in April - you may need to stay farther south as you head home, which could be ok; we've sure heard & read some good reviews of Texas SPs.
  • TyroneandGladys wrote:
    Fool Hollow Lake State Park to Durango CO/Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Rifle Falls State Park CO to Rocky Mountain National Park to Custer State Park SD/ Mount Rushmore then head on home.
    PM if you want to know of things to do along this route.

    From Grand Canyon head north from Flagstaff through Monument Valley, stopping for the night at Gouldings RV, then on to Mesa Verde and Durango. DO NOT GO NORTH ON THE 550 OVER THE MOUNTAINS IN THE RV! Rather head east to the 25 and go up to Denver, Estes Park, Rock Mountain National Park, and even Glacier if you have time.
    Enjoy every moment, and Happy Trails.
  • Fool Hollow Lake State Park to Durango CO/Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Rifle Falls State Park CO to Rocky Mountain National Park to Custer State Park SD/ Mount Rushmore then head on home.
    PM if you want to know of things to do along this route.