Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. Default 2 Girls :: SF to Washington D.C. :: Campgrounds??

    hey,

    my friend and me (age of 27 and 26) are planning a roadtrip from SF to washington d.c. for about 3 to 4 weeks.

    our plan is to rent a SUV and sleep in the back of it, but only on campgrounds because of safety issues (motel would be to expensive for us, only if not avoidable)

    we haven't really done research yet, or interviewed others who did such a roadtrip, and maybe i think the whole thing is too easy (i think we just rent a car, pack our staff and start to drive across the country and we will find places to stay safe at night).

    my question:
    is it possible to find campgrounds in the US anywhere near bigger highways? or is it possible that we won't find campgrounds for hundreds of miles...?

    my experience from another roadtrip in california with my mother last year: we've been totally alone on some campgrounds and somehow it is scary.
    my friend is very concerned about the safety issue and i am wondering if it is even possible to sth. like that if someone is not willing to take the risk to be alone in the desert at night...?

    any advice, ideas, suggestions?

    thanks,
    salvia

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Québec, Montreal, Arizona, California, France
    Posts
    986

    Default Campgrounds and safety issues

    Hi Salvia and Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum,

    my question:
    is it possible to find campgrounds in the US anywhere near bigger highways? or is it possible that we won't find campgrounds for hundreds of miles...?
    It depends on what route you plan to take, but most of the time you'll find them everywhere. Here are a few links to campground directories :

    Camp USA;

    Go Camping USA;

    The Campground Network;

    KOA;

    National Parks, National Monuments and State Parks;

    Bureau of Land Management campgrounds;

    If you are a AAA member, you can order free camping guides. Most of these campgrounds are close to interstates.

    Campgrounds may be harder to find in the east, and especially in the Washington area. Here's a post about campgrounds around D.C.. I know there is a KOA Campground (or should I say Kampground??) in Millersville, MD. You could also check out Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA and Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, VA.

    we've been totally alone on some campgrounds and somehow it is scary. my friend is very concerned about the safety issue and i am wondering if it is even possible to sth. like that if someone is not willing to take the risk to be alone in the desert at night...?
    Then maybe you should stick to more commercial campgrounds like KOA and avoid secluded BLM unless there are other people around. Usually when I camp by myself, I choose a spot near a family and try to establish a friendly contact with them. That way they will be more likely to help you if anything happens and it's a great way to make new friends! You should consider bringing a pepper spray with you or any other similar device just in case. I also bring a whistle on my camping trip to scare animals away or to create a suprise effect if needed.

    If ever you are stuck without any place to stay overnight, you can always go to truck stops. Try to pick a busy chain truck stop that works 24/7 like a Flying J, a TA, or a Love's. Every respectable truck stop has a friendly waitress that will keep an eye out for you if you ask her nicely...and give her a great tip:o) Plus truck stops are equipped with clean showers, cheapest gas, souvenirs, camping supplies, maps, private phone cabins, laundromats,...

    Happy planning!
    Gen
    Last edited by Quebec Gen; 04-03-2006 at 04:29 AM.

  3. Default

    wow gen, these are a lot of helpful links and thoughts. thanks for that!!!

    more answers please, but i'll remain patient ;-)

Similar Threads

  1. Roadtrip Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington D.C
    By George Zunneberg in forum Planning Summer RoadTrips
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 08-05-2010, 10:21 AM
  2. Washington DC - Boston - White Mountains
    By vonkies in forum Planning Summer RoadTrips
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-21-2006, 10:18 PM
  3. NYC - Washington DC (Minimum Time)
    By Girish in forum Fall & Winter RoadTrips
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 12-26-2005, 08:58 PM
  4. A few must-stops in Central Washington
    By RoadTripper Brad in forum Off the Beaten Path
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-27-2005, 07:14 PM
  5. Washington to Arizona
    By RoadTripper Brad in forum Fall & Winter RoadTrips
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-24-2004, 10:14 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •