Hey guys,

I'm planning a long *** trip from San Francisco to Sturgis for the rally this year.

I've done a lot of route planning and been super easy on myself when it comes to the length of rides and whatnot. What I am wondering is, how realistic is it to find a campground on the road, if you're not on schedule, or if you've gone off schedule intentionally?

Riding on a schedule, from this camp to that camp sounds good now, but if I know myself, I will want to change up on the way. Is that inadvisable?

Can I wing it on the road, or will I just wind up sleeping behind a jiffy lube covered in ants?

Thanks

 

I just realized that there is a post right below this one with the same damn question. Doh!

 

in ways the same and in ways different. Same story though, depends where/when you are. Off peak times in heavy traffic areas, a place should be no problem. Summertime right out of a major park, maybe a bit more difficult.

What you are talking would be a bit easier, tho. As in, if you don't mind "primitive" sights, options should be there. Lot of National Forest land here in Arkie that one could just duck into and spend a night. Many state parks and recreation areas have places other than full rv sites. Check with the areas you are looking to explore.

Planning ahead is good, but a trip that has to stay on schedule ain't as cool to me as wandering.

 

Do it all the time along the east coast, I always pre plan the trip and more or less stick to it. I have a tendency to talk myself into a few more miles it seems like. I put a plan that 2 hrs before sunset start planning for the night...sometimes a cheap motel, campground, sometimes the side of the road.
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sometimes the side of the road ... Yes sir. In my younger days I would do this often. Too damn old now for a blanket under a tree.

 

I've never planned a campsite in advance.
Lot's of options.
When you're starting to get tired start looking, preferably well before sundown.
BLM land, Corps of Engineers, KOA's, state parks, recreational areas, local lakes, even 'down by the river'.
Most towns will let you stay overnight in their City Park if you can't find any other place.

 

That's exactly what I hoped to hear, thanks guys!

I have no problem throwing down the bedroll along a dirt road somewhere, but I wanted to confirm that it's a realistic option these days.

I think we'll just stick with the loose plan, a few waypoint reservations here and there, then just wing it. I really don't like schedules and will feel much more free this way.

 

Yeah, just ride and look for a campsite a few hours before sundown. Get this app on your phone to see just about every campground in the country at a glance on your smart phone: http://www.allstays.com/apps/camprv.htm

 

Wal Mart is a great option.

 

I alway find it tough to pound the tent stakes into an asphalt parking lot.