NJ - West - South - NJ in summer

Hello All,

Here is the deal for for me. I would like to drive around the US of A in summer, solo. I would like to start from where I live, NJ, and drive out west on I 80/90/94 and then drive south through WA, OR, CA into NV, UT, CO, NM and TX. From there I would like to drive back to NJ through, MS, TN, WV. Time is not a real issue for me, but I would like to complete the trip in about 3 or 4 months. I would like to camp out most of the days, while I'm on the road.

Here is the challenge for me though. To pull this off, I will have to continue to work (I'm an web applications developer and work from home.) I figured, as long as I'm in this situation, I might as well use it to fulfill a life long dream to drive solo around the country. But, to work, I need an internet connection. The plan is to drive for about 2 or 3 hours each week day, set up a tent and work for about 6 - 8 hours and move on. I would like to hit as many National Parks and places of interest, as possible during the weekends.

My question is, if this is do-able. Can I get good internet connection every where I go? Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

NR.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

There are very few areas where you can't find somewhere to get online, however, with your plan it may be a little more challenging.

Specifically, while its pretty much standard that motels will have wi-fi these days, you're not going to find that amenity at most (if any) public campgrounds. I suspect you'd be able to get connected if you stayed at KOA or other more resort oriented commercial campgrounds, although such places are usually more expensive and tend to be focused on RVs more than tents (which can lead to less than idea tent sites). Your other option will be going to Libraries, or Restaurants/Coffee shops. That's not necessarily a big deal, but that does mean you have to find them, work within their hours, and if you are camping in a state or national park, you may have a fairly long trek to find such a place.

Not sure how fast you need your connectivity to be, but I was able to get a reasonable connection with my Verizon mifi *almost* everywhere. The western US has the spottiest coverage in the country, though, and I'm guessing you might have trouble in Yosemite Valley (but you can go to Oakhurst and get connected there), Death Valley, Lassen and Crater Lake if you end up going there, and maybe the parks in Southern Utah. OTOH, I was very happily surprised at how good my connection was in a lot of out-of-the-way places (Mt. Rainier, Custer S.P., Escalante). I'm guessing the Vz coverage map would show you where you'd have trouble if you chose to go that route.

bkd

BK is referring to an aircard. In your situation, I would definitely get one from Verizon or another major wireless carrier and make sure you have an adequate data plan, most (if not all) are not truly "unlimited". Michael is referring to standard wifi. Just depending on wifi is going to limit you too much.