RV Strategies For Traveling Cross Country

Like many of you we’ve pulled or driven RVs back and forth and up and down across the United Stats for many years. Over time you develop a pattern of travel that best suits your individual tastes. We try not to travel more than 250 miles a day. I enjoy taking in the countryside and traveling at a leisurely pace. I’m also slowing down to 65 mph and under to conserve fuel. I try not to travel when it’s dark because it’s fatiguing and more dangerous - besides, I can’t see the country in the dark. This week we’ll be traveling from Yuma, Arizona to Corpus Christi, Texas.

For campgrounds we frequently use Passport America member campgrounds because you can camp for half price. Membership in Passport America is not expensive and you receive a book with member campgrounds listed by state. Happy Camper is another great program similar to Passport America. We find these campgrounds relaxing and accommodating when we’re moving cross country. We’re not looking for a luxury resort, but rather a safe and clean campground with hook-ups that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. City and State campgrounds are good and many fairgrounds have inexpensive overnight camping.

Overnight dry camping is free and convenient for travelers. We don’t overnight in rest areas because of noise and lack of safety. There are much better alternatives including shopping centers, truck stops, BLM land, police stations, casinos, Cracker Barrel Restaurants, parks, and many other places including hundreds of free campgrounds listed at FreeCampgrounds.com. We like casinos even though we don’t gamble. When overnighting at WalMart or Sam’s Club we look for signs that prohibit overnight camping. RVbookstore.com has a book that lists all the WalMart stores where local laws prohibit overnight camping. It’s generally a good idea to park near other RVs in the far reaches of the parking lot. However, please be respectful of other RVers. Don’t park next to someone and run your generator all night - you might be missing your tire air pressure the next morning. If you plan on spending the night at a shopping center, it’s always a good idea to ask the store manager for permission to spend the night. We’ve stayed in the parking lots of JC Penny, Target, and other major brand stores after obtaining permission.

Truck stop overnight parking is convenient because of easy access to freeways. They usually have restaurants and a convenience store. The downside of truck stops is the noise (close to the freeway) and trucks dieseling their engines all night or running their refrigerated trailers. We generally use them as a last resort.

If you want to see America don’t be in a hurry. Stop in a place for several weeks and explore the surrounding area. Be flexible and allow yourself to break away from your plan. Stop and read the historical markers, take the mysterious roads, check out the museums, eat at the local restaurants, cruise down the main streets of small town America. One of the most rewarding things you can do is get to know the local people. Allow yourself ample time and you’ll be rewarded beyond your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you on the RV road - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing