Hi All,

We are planning a tour across the states next year in July for approx 6 months from San Francisco to Orlando, via the following route:

Las Vegas,
Grand Canyon,
Arches National Park,
Denver/ Colorado Springs,
Kansas/ St. Louis,
Memphis,
Nashville,
New Orleans.

We were wondering if anyone had advice on the following:

1. The best times to hit each one of these starting in July
2. Times to avoid Colorado for the weather
3. Any reputable camping locations in these areas
4. Any good places along this route worth visiting
5. We are looking to purchase camping equipment in San Francisco, does anyone know of decent outlets to get this from in the area

Any assistance would be gratefully received.