Had some friends head out across the west. They said campground and hotel rooms were $carce and expen$ive. I was also told many government campgrounds are closed. Destination was a down the coast ride, WA, OR, CA
They were non reservation winging it. May be different if on the plan? Just thought I would share this. I think it developed worse once they were west of Colorado. Said they enjoyed Durango. But they abandoned the trip and came home in Arkansas.
Any other input on this?

 

Camping spots are always hard to find in the summer in the west when you’re winging it… I checked the four towns that I usually stay at when I’m on the PCH… All four had rooms available, and the pricing is right where it usually is…My go to place in Cody Wyoming had rooms available right across this coming weekend … Even the KOA in West Yellowstone had a tent spot available for tonight…

What has to be remembered is that travelling in the summer in the West is not for the faint of wallet…

 

The west is usually busy in the summer. Including Utah and Arizona canyons. As well as national parks in California.
This year even busier. People are breaking out of the lockdown.
Travel to some places is restricted due to wild fires. Would not recommend winging it.
After Labor Day prices and reservations drop. Late September early October is the best time. Less crowded and more affordable. And the weather is better. Heat in the desert and fog along the coast in the middle of summer. And the best time for PCH.

 

last two weeks of Sept and first two weeks of Oct... cool crisp mornings, warm afternoons... and no fog...

 

We just returned home from the St George, UT area (wife and I drove 22 hours with one two hour nap stop in the truck) where we got our asses handed to us house shopping. A very small selection of overpriced homes left us exasperated. We even made an offer on one that was rejected. We're regrouping however and may have our sights set on a more suitable area. Plenty of traffic out that way, gas prices were sky high ($3.76 compared to less than $3 when we reached NE). The only thing we didn't feel like we got screwed on was the motel we stayed for four nights but I'd made those reservations far in advance.

 

Campgrounds here in Colorado are generally booked well in advance. I have several friends that camp and I have been told that getting a last minute spot is next to impossible. Gas here, at least in the metro area, has jumped almost $2/gal.

 

Holiday inn going for $330 in Durango. Doubletree $370.

 

Is that walk-in or on line reservation?

 

Expedia. Week Aug 8 today’s prices
This week $437 Doubletree. Holiday Inn $300

 

Winging it on a motorcycle is always a gamble, summer out West not for me. I want to know I have a place to sleep that night. A trip like that I would have had every night booked before I left the house, if a particular area has no availability, change the route accordingly.

And I agree, people realizing they can leave their houses, campgrounds in particular are being well used this summer, Good for all of us,.