Where to camp in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico

Are you really planning on driving from Salem to Fallon in one day. That's over 9 hours without even stopping. If I were you Id stop at Lava Beds National Monument, Camping there is dry but since its your first night, it might be okay. Also you are driving right by Death Valley. I assume you have been there and that's why your not stopping, but if you haven't, you really should.
We don't get reservations either and mostly because, for us, its the journey, not the destination and if we see something we want to visit, or stay longer than we planned, we have that option. There are places like the Grand Canyon where reservations are a must in summer, but we have found calling ahead or checking online the day before will usually get us a spot. And if it doesn't

ppine wrote:
If you need reservations you are probably looking in the wrong place or the wrong time.

Well, we are nervous to just wing it. Maybe because we are new to this or because we feel that our RV is so big (34') that there might not be spots for us. When we were younger and had a smaller RV, there were a few times that were nerve-wracking trying to find a spot in unknown areas. I don't enjoy worrying the whole day about whether and where we will find a spot.

Mary Eiileen wrote:

~ Boise, ID

We prefer state/federal campgrounds, but they may not be located near these sites.

There are three state parks along I84 east of Boise that could work unless you want to actually stay in Boise. Massacre Rocks, Three Island Crossing and Bruneau Dunes. There's also an Oregon state park off the freeway near Huntington about an hour northwest. I'm not sure about places in Boise itself since that's home for us.

Incidentally there's also a nice state park at Castle Rocks/City of Rocks that's not too far out of the way when you're driving from Salt Lake to Boise and it's worth checking out. Nice campground and very scenic area with lots of good hiking.

The Trailer Ranch RV Resort in Sante Fe is a a well mananged and maintained park. There is a bus stop just outside of the entrance to catch a bus to downtown plaza. We've stayed here a few times and found the location to be very convenient. The owners live onsite and it is for 55 and older adults.

If you need reservations you are probably looking in the wrong place or the wrong time.

We also prefer public campgrounds to private/commercial parks and have found Ultimate Campgrounds to be very helpful.

Check out rvparkreviews.com. They have private parks as well as blm, state campgrounds etc listed by city and state. Most have a link to the official website to gather additional information.

Since you like state/federal campgrounds, try for COE Lake Cochiti campground for your Santa Fe visit. Paved electric/water sites, a dump, fishing, boating, near a national monument, and close enough, but not too close, to the city. We paid $11/night with our Federal Senior Pass and have stayed there multiple times.

Any New Mexico state park campground is the best bargain in the US! W/E sites for $14/night and FHU sites for $18/night, including daily park pass, dump, and heated shower/restroom building.

If you are going to visit Canyonlands NP, as well as Arches, try camping at Dead Horse Point State Park. Electric sites, but take all your own water. One of the iconic scenic views in the entire nation, especially at sunrise and sunset! Can't beat it anywhere else in the Moab area, including the Devils Garden cg at Arches.

Finding options for hookups is easy. Just get a copy of a directory of RV parks. In a State like Nevada, which is 87% public land there are so many places to camp I don't know where to start. I rarely ever stay in an RV park except for tank maintenance and charging up the batteries on a long trip. Otherwise we have no neighbors, and enjoy the quiet.

Wow - you guys are just great! I really appreciate such generosity in sharing sites. I can appreciate that getting a campsite at the national parks is difficult because I was just looking at the campground for Zion and they were full for the days we wanted to go. I knew I was running late in securing reservations. I will try the other places recommended. I sent an email off to the Grand Canyon Trailer camp and got a reply back today: they aren't sure if they will be opening next year and asked me to contact them again after February 1.

And I've heard other recommendations for the ones suggested for Santa Fe and Taos so will definitely make them part of our stops.

Thanks - Mary