I would like to do more traveling than I already do, but I would like to save some money by tent camping. I do not have any guide for tent camping across America, although, I found plenty of publications for RVs. I do not feel safe camping by the side of the road, nor at rest areas along the highway. These places seem to be prone to robberies. Although, I carry a pistol with me when I travel, it is too easy to sneak up on someone sleeping, and I can not relax thinking like that, so I end up not getting much sleep. I tried sleeping in my car at a rest area, and maybe got an hour nap, but couldn’t get any real sleep, so I continued on. I do not want the hotels taking most of my budget, and I know I could travel further on less money if I could avoid them. I want to try to ride to the Artic Circle in Coldfoot, Alaska next year, and if I am able to, I would like to camp most of the way, only stopping in hotels every three or four nights for a good rest and a shower. I know that sounds nasty, but I want to travel across this great land like the bikers of the old days did, and be free.

 

Get a fairly good GPS, and it will show you where the KOA's are located. They're usually pretty safe. Good luck, sounds like fun.

 

look up KOA and request a book of there locations
in America. You can have yourself a safe good nights rest,
after a dip in there pool and a warm shower I grew
up in KOAs across america And I still love them.
Everybody knows that big money people don't stay
at KOA, so you probley wont find too many robbers at one.
Pleasnt dreams Swlamedic

 

+1 on the koa's. Only disadvantage is most koa's are near interstates, unless that's how you plan to travel. Fees vary from campground to campground. Their website is http://www.koa.com/


Also, in this area, quite a few smaller communities have a public campground. Typically no pool, and showers may be a cr@pshoot. But the lower crime rate & qiet towns might make up for it depending on who you are. Another place to check is websites for state game & parks (you can buy a two day pass in Nebraska for around $2.50 & camp for around $5 a night. Other states have similar fees & setups, Many of those have showers, you just gotta check their websites. You can usually find a link for them on their tourism websites.

The wife & I are leaving on a 3000 mile road trip this friday & will be staying at koas, campgrounds, & motels.

best of luck on your trips

 

Another KOA plus. If real bad weather is in the area see if a Kampin Kabin is available. I hate putting up a tent in the rain. They are cheaper than motels and all you need is your sleeping bag.

 

Also check out state parks. Most have good facilities and I would think you would be safe there. My 2 cents.......

 

KOA is hog heaven for campers. I found them relatively expensive but worth it - you'll save $$.

 

Any good book store will have a guide to all the independent campgrounds, & you can stop by the closest KOA & pickup one of their free guides. There are thousands of campgrounds across the country, & for a few dollars a night you get a campsite, usually a pool, a store, a laundry, & bathrooms with showers. The only problem with motorcycle camping on a cross country trip is moisture. If it rains you pack up wet. If it doesn't rain you get a late start if you wait for the dew to dry off your gear. Otherwise you pack up wet. If you have the time it's a fun & inexpensive way to travel.

 

AAA has a books on campgrounds by region; southeast, northeast, northwest, southwest, etc....

 

get a KOA 'Value Kard', costs 24 a year and you will save more than that over the year as it gives you 10% off