OK, would like to hear from you guys that do not stay in hotels on trips. I'm setting up a trip from MO to FL next summer, and I think I'd like to cut down on what is usually half the cost of my trip, motels. I'm solo on a Street Glide, plenty of room for a backpack, small tent, whatever. Do you guys have a list of campsites, use KOA, what works and what doesn't?
Thanks,
Rat

 

I’ve made the STL to Tampa (1100 miles) many times. I would look at places south of Atlanta Ga. (that is about half way down). If you’re going down during the week try to avoid Atlanta during rush hour (4:00 -6:00 pm.) even taking the bypass around isn’t any fun or faster. I have always stayed in motels around Macon Ga. (600 miles) about $75 a night.

 

I camp often and have used KOA's. They aren't the cheapest but usually predictably decent with clean facilities. But when I lived in the South, I rarely camped....warm, humid nights are tough after 8-10 hours of riding during hot, humid days. Maybe something to consider.

 

Where in Missouri to where in Florida. You can likely make the trip in one day with no overnight stay.

If not,
I've pulled in roadside parks and slept on the pavement next to my bike before. I wear a full face modular helmet and don't take it off. I sleep in it and it makes a pretty good pillow.

 

Once you've mapped you route, identify all the State and National parks along your route.
Likely unless it's a holiday weekend you can find a tent space relatively cheaply.

But like mtgriz mentioned it's hard to get a good night's sleep on an 85 degree 90% humid night.

 

Toward the end of the riding day, I filter down to two lane roads and pull into small cemeteries. I pull way in the back and hide the bike behind large trees or head stones. I roll out my bed roll and crash. Up in the morning and roll out. Head straight to the nearest truck stop for food and a shower if I'm inclined. I've never been bothered or hassled. A couple of times I did wake up the cops in their cruiser on my way out. Given they were crashed out too, they've never stopped me

 

I couldn't sleep outside with the humidity at night...."hel you can get some pretty cheap places to sleep if you look vss enough... Use the app " hotels tonight" they sell the rooms that don't during the day....sometimes you will get a nice place for $75. That's almost as cheap as camping and when you take in consideration , a shower and a conti breakfast....IMHO is well worth the dough....If you insist on camping then you will fing good spots ...watch for snakes and spiders.

 

I'm not morbid enough to want to sleep with the dead so here's my suggestion. Get online and make a list of state, private or KOA campgrounds. Figure out ahead of time what area you will be staying each night and plan your trip accordingly. Think ahead about the best time of day to pass thru high traffic areas. I like to overnight on the back side of big cities to make morning travel easier.

 

Look along or near your route at state parks. Usually have clean site areas, showers, etc.. often in the $20 range. Some have bare essential stores

Out of the way campgrounds can be reasonable as well. Often have laundry machines. KOA and name brand grounds or around high tourist areas can get expensive tho. I would look for them in advance as well. May have to ask about tents or just crashing and get even cheaper if you don't take a "space" from a rv. You won't need hookups etc...

Hammock is a good option in the south. A bit cooler. We did a mix before. Hit a good bed and shower (motel) after a few nights of "rough"

 

Get the book on free campsites. They are out there. The Natchez Trace has or had, free camping. West of the Mississippi look for BLM sites, free or cheap and some are VERY nice.


Then come state sites, the Nat' parks tend to be expensive. Are you a Vet? The military has lots of good places to camp.


The KOA's cost as much as cheap motels. If on or near an interstate highway pick up a motel coupon book at a rest area. I find it works out to about $10. more a night and you have A/C, flush toilets and a shower within 12 foot of your bed.