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You might want to check camping availability in the popular National parks and if you know when you are visiting book them in advance, they can get booked up.
I note from your first post you was planning North and then South but the way you have it set now with Yellowstone and the Northern half done on the way back will give you a better chance of the park being fully open and less chance of winter type weather.
Yah, we're going South and then North. I figured go South while it is not that scorchingly hot, and then up North for the warmer parts plus hopefully more availability on camping grounds. I have yet to get a specific day-to-day itinerary. I want to try and narrow it down to set up reservations where needed. I think that will be the hardest part though. I think we will be really pressed for time so it's going to be tough.
The time is near, VERY near, in fact we leave in two days!!
Ohio to St. Louis,
St. Louis to Denver,
Denver to Arches National Park
Arches to Vegas
Vegas to San Diego
San Diego to San Fran
San Fran to Yosemite
Yosemite to Yellowstone
Yellowstone to Mt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore to Chicago
Chicago to Ohio
Of course there are stops along the way but those are the main points.
We will arrive in Arches on the 15th. And going rafting on the Colorado River on the 16th. We are doubling back to the Grand Junction in Colorado to meet the rafting crew. Would really rather camp in Bryce or Zion, but they are too far from Grand Junction. I hope Arches is a good campground, from the research it is supposed to be quite beautiful, but I read mixed reviews. Google maps says it is about 2.25 hour drive from Arches to Grand Junction. That kind of hurts, but it is the nearest campground. Any suggestions about getting from Arches to Vegas? What route is the quickest?
Devils Garden campground in Arches NP is in a wonderful spot and I would recommend it. However if you wanted to stay nearer to Grand junction you could try the Fruita section of the James M Robb Colorado river state park in Fruita, a short drive to Grand junction.
If you are headed to Arches NP come off I 70 at the 128 through Castle valley, it's a wonderful drive following the path of the Colorado through the red cliffs.
From Arches to Vegas, the quickest route would be I 70 to I 15 but for something more scenic you could head on UT 24 through Hanksville to Torrey via Capitol Reef NP and scenic byway 12 that would take you past Bryce canyon and Zion NP, all worth a visit if you have a couple of nights or more to spare. Alternatively you could head South on 191 and through Monument valley on 163 heading towards I 40, with the possibility of a drive through the South rim of the Grand canyon.
I hope you drop by and tell us how your adventure turned out and share the highlights, good luck !