What kind of campsite for a Teardrop?

[deleted]

I think that Pilot was south of a casino Brian. Not sure if that's Chemult then? When I looked it up online before leaving WA that morning it said it was their Chemult location. Or Google Maps did.

Thanks for pointing out you don't have to be a Good Sam member to park there Tom.

For Liz another great way to find places to park overnight if you don't need electric and are self contained (meaning you have to have a porta potty onboard) and you like to wind up your driving before 5:00 PM each day is to join Harvest Hosts. I joined them the first year I had my trailer. You pay a nominal annual fee then get to stay for free overnight at various wineries, small farms, I even stayed at a restaurant parking lot one night. Was great. In the morning I awoke to the smell of bacon wafting through my Fantastic Fan. What I discovered though is I like to drive right up until dark and most of the wineries want you to check in before they close their tasting room for the day (5:00 PM). The restaurant didn't care what time I arrived so I got there after dark. I may join them again in the future if I ever travel at a slower pace.

http://harvesthosts.com/

My view at sunset at Burr Oak Winery in New Lisbon, WI


Breakfast at Jerry's State Court Cafe

[Zipline65]

So many good ideas. I really appreciate all the input. Stacie, I like that you have found safe, free alternatives. I would not have thought about restaurants and wineries. I look forward to meeting those of you who are traveling to CRA this summer. And there I go using initials - I've spent time digging through the boards trying to get definitions for initials and construction terms since the first time I browsed this site. Cross Roads of America - we will be there in July.
Liz

[lrrowe]

Thanks Stacie,

This is a very useful link. I may have to join up.

[deleted]

Glad some of you found the links helpful. Liz I'm big on safety. Even when staying at Harvest Host venues I'd do a search on the local police crime map online (when one is available) and make sure where I'd be staying was in a safe area. In truth the Pilot trucks stops felt even safer. At Harvest Host you could be the only vehicle there. I never had a problem but the realization that you're there all alone hit me the first time I stayed at one of their venues. Well, alone except for my dog, and at least 10,000 mosquitos that showed up at dusk

[Vedette]

Guess that is why I have never given Walmart a second thought when the need arises?
They are open 24 hrs and have lots of traffic throughout the night. There is usually outside security and always lots of other RVs, especially by time we arrive. The old "Safety in Numbers" theory!
So here is one I have used in California.......find a Church that has its own School Bus fleet (for summer camps and outings) just pull into a slot between the buses. Worst that can happen is their security might give you an early wake up call and ask you to move on. Meanwhile you get that much needed un interrupted secure rest???
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[vincigj]

Hi Stacie. New owner builder. Never considered a koa. How are koa prices compared to private camp grounds? Planning an over night stay to and from CRA.
Greg

[wagondude]

KOA campgrounds cost more than the private campgrounds (they have to pay franchise fees). The same can be said for Jelleystone Park campgrounds. Many of the private campgrounds are former KOA's that changed hands or let the franchise expire. KOA will cost less than a motel room (unless you rent one of their cabins or are in a big RV).

[deleted]

Hi Greg,

I second everything Bill said regarding KOA locations. I have stayed at other rv parks for a night and while some were more economical some had fewer amenities. I did learn last year that some locations would rent me a tent space for a tiny trailer that doesn't need water and electric hookups, then the price was (I think) about half of an RV space. I have stayed at their cabins as well in several states before I got my trailer. Price wise they can run around the same as a cheap motel room but if you're traveling with a dog they're great! Easy in and out for potty breaks vs the long walk out to the parking lot even at a pet friendly hotel.

[Vedette]

KAO's have priced themselves right out of the picture for us!
Too many kids there also!!!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[deleted]

KOA's have different pricing in different markets. California had the highest prices I ever came across. One thing I do like about them is that they're always easy access to the highways. Not way back somewhere tricky to find. Though they are also seemingly always near railroad tracks Hearing an occasional train whistle is not uncommon when I've stayed at KOA's.

[martymcfly]

A couple of summers ago, I stayed at a campground that used to be a KOA, but it had sold and was now a AOK campground. I thought is was cleaver how they just changed the order of the letters on the sign. It was at the end of Coeur d' alene lake in North Idaho.

[Socal Tom]

. Though they are also seemingly always near railroad tracks Hearing an occasional train whistle is not uncommon when I've stayed at KOA's.

During my cross country trip I made my way from KOA to KOA. When I mentioned it to my parents, the response was "Did you hear the train?" KOAs are near the highways, the highways generally follow the railroad tracks that were there first. So yes, expect to hear a train. For the most part, KOAs met my expectations, they had reasonably clean bathrooms and showers, and they were easy to find and make reservations. For a cross country trip they were my best option. I did end up at a private campground one night, when the New Mexico Highway patrol closed the highway due to high winds.
That place was cheaper, but probably 1 star less than the KOAs. A lot of the private parks require memberships now. KOAs at least have to meet a certain standard before they can be franchised. With a private park they set their own rules. Some will be very nice, others.... well hopefully the scenery is nice. Since TDs aren't self contained, the condition of the bathrooms and showers is more important to us than with others, so I would check the reviews where you can.
Tom

[Vedette]

Back in the early to mid 70's we travelled exclusively from KOA to KOA (they were $2.00 to $3.50/ night depending on how big the pool was?)
And when the kids were little we always knew what to expect when we got there.
But now we find the Mom & Pop campsites are more our speed and enjoy the many State run campgrounds for continuity and clean restrooms.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[deleted]

It may be worth mentioning that I could got a discount at KOA either through being a member of their club or AAA.

Brian I can't even imagine paying $2 to $3.50 a night anywhere really!

[Vedette]

Stacie
You are up late for your time zone?
And Yes, those were the good old days??
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi