Chicago to Utah suggestions

[TwoMainers]

Thanks for more great advice, and sorry about starting a new thread -- rules for every forum are different!

Because we are new to road tripping such long distances, and want to leave time and space to be spontaneous, we decided to not make reservations in the National Parks. We will try and get walk in sites, if so, just eating the cost of the cancelled sites in some cases. And yes, I agree the booking fees are exorbitant! Another reason why I'm hoping that we can find non-reservable sites for most of the trip. I was just concerned about Utah as the Nat. Parks there are so popular. I am less concerned as we get into Oregon, and we made reservations in the CA state parks.

Thanks again for your help!

[DonnaR57]

Some parks have national forests just outside them with decent campgrounds. However, then you have extra gas to use, getting to/from the park. The campgrounds closest to the park often fill quickly, because of others who didn't make reservations.


Donna

[Wroberson]

1. 90 minutes west of my house in Chicago is a place called Starved Rock State Park. It features 18 canyons and waterfalls. Scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. A lodge, Sports Bar and a campground. The campground is nice and has electric and most importantly free showers. Even if you're not going to stay, you can get the free showers. The park is Exit 81 on I-80. Follow the signs only 3 miles away. Take the loop to the right. Only 25 bucks per night. $35 on holidays.

2. There are so many better things to see in Colorado than the Black Canyon. Others have said RMHP. I've never camped there and it's not my favorite park in Colorado. For showers in Colorado. Redstone Campground. Called the Hilton of the Rockies. Telluride Town Park. My favorite place in Colorado is Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. It's a linear park with overlooks. I love that place and have ofter sat at the Bookcliffs for hours. There's camping and Fruit has a park with showers.

3. Utah. Arches is awesome. Period. I may be bias as I've hiked the entire park in a day from the main parking area to Dark Angel. Another cool place in Utah is off the beaten path. Goblin Valley State Park. It's hot. No service, is more of a stop and see place than a place to spend the entire day. Zion was disappointing. Park and take the bus. The hike to the Narrows is the best option. It's at the far end of the park. You must take a bus. I've been to Bryce Canyon twice. Hike the Queen's Kitchen.

4. Las Vegas. You don't have to gamble. There's a place called Red Rocks. It's striking. Camping can be had at Circus-Circus, or Lake Meade. Both offer showers, the Circus is more for RV's I would never pitch a tent there. The shower is only 5 bucks. At the lake, showers were free or .25 for 2 minutes. That would be near the Marina.

Hope this adds to the enjoyment. It's a great trip.

[Lifemagician]

1. 90 minutes west of my house in Chicago is a place called Starved Rock State Park. It features 18 canyons and waterfalls. Scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. A lodge, Sports Bar and a campground. The campground is nice and has electric and most importantly free showers. Even if you're not going to stay, you can get the free showers. The park is Exit 81 on I-80. Follow the signs only 3 miles away. Take the loop to the right. Only 25 bucks per night. $35 on holidays.

Sounds absolutely wonderful. And to think I have been within a bull's roar of it, and never knew. It is an area where I pass by a couple of times, each trip, so really good to know.

Thanks.

Lifey