First Time Road Trip: Boston to Zion

[twilly123]

That hostel in Moab seems like a gem, and even a cool change of pace from camping/hotel rooms. Looks like a place where a lot of similar groups to ours pass through, which means we might meet some cool people out there. As long as there are beds it beats camping in terms of comfort, and is actually cheaper than staying at one of those KOA campgrounds.

Speaking of KOA campgrounds, ive never stayed at one, but am thinking about reserving some sites with them for our way to zion, due to their perfect locations in accordance with our planned stops. What's your take on KOA campgrounds?

[Midwest Michael]

I don't think you'll like KOA campgrounds. They're the exact opposite of the kinds of campgrounds I look for, especially when I'm hitting the road with my friends. Typically they are expensive, their tent sites usually very small, close together, with little privacy. Much like an Applebees, they are great for families in RV's who want the same experience and amenities every place they stop.

My thoughts for Moab were very similar to Donna's. There are tons upon tons of campsites around Moab. My last trip there, there were several campgrounds that were completely empty (during peak season). Most of them are very basic, many of them don't even have running water, but they are run by the BLM and are very cheap.

[DonnaR57]

Chiming in again, this time as a daughter of an ex-KOA owner: KOA's are great for RV'ers who want Elec-Water-Sewer hookups, good power to run an A/C, level sites, and a clean building full of showers. KOA's, though, are not always built with tenters in mind. Sometimes, especially in the older parks, tent sites were an after-thought, located underneath big sodium lamps, far away from the shower/restroom building. As Michael said, they are typically expensive. My dad and his partners made a decent living while owning one, but it was *hard work* and took all of us. Even us kids worked. If we weren't old enough to work the stores, we'd walk the sites (to check availability, whether everybody paid, etc), water the trees, etc.

You're almost better off doing what we did: when we were traveling, if there was no tent campground nearby, we'd stay at a cheap motel. We also made sure that we stayed in a motel every 3 or 4 nights, or at least a private campground with a shower building, so that we could have showers.


Donna

[twilly123]

Ok so it seems like we will be avoiding KOA's on this trip.

Plans have changed, now we are going to be driving the rental there, and flying back from Salt Lake City to Boston. This way the trip is estimated at just a few hundred dollars more expensive total, but we get to spend a whole week exploring Utah, don't have to drive all the way back, and the drive to Utah is a 6 night journey instead of a 4 night journey, so less driving and more enjoying the places we go along the way. The original plan we would spend more time going to and from Utah than actually there, This way we get to spend more time there than on the road, very preferable. People are like, why not just fly there? Then it wouldnt be an epic road trip it'd just be a regular vacation. This is a nice compromise, Still an epic road trip, but we get to fly back.

[DonnaR57]

If you've rented your vehicle already, you should check about an add-on fee for a one-way drop-off. If picking up in Boston and dropping off in SLC, it could cost $300-1000 more for the rental. I don't blame you for the thought of trying to save the driving so you can experience more when you're there. Another thing to think about, is how to get everything back to Boston. If you've got tents, etc., you'll have either extra baggage on the plane to pay for, or extra shipping via another method. This can be an issue if you are packing a gas or propane stove or burner of any type, because the USPS won't ship it (and the airlines probably won't, either).


Donna

[Lifemagician]

I have never heard of a stove not been able to be shipped - anywhere, anyway. Airlines will take it. I am sure USPS will also ship it, as they would if you were to buy it online. It is only the fuel which is an issue. So make sure you use it all, or give it to other campers at the end of your trip.

That sounds much more like a holiday trip. I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot, and see so much more, even along the road. If you can afford the extra cost involved, I'd say, go for it. Be sure you have your maps and all the information you have gained from this forum.

Have a safe trip.

Lifey

[Midwest Michael]

I've done several fly, drive, and camp roadtrips and I've always left the stove at home. The problem is the fuel, and not the stove itself, but if the stove uses any kind of liquid fuel, it will almost certainly leave a residue that will be flagged by security. Propane stoves might be ok, since the fuel is a gas, but I've never risked it.

I think the fly one way is a great idea with the time you have. However, you might consider reversing things, flying there and then driving home. That could make the packing issue much easier. You'd be able to figure out what you can fit onto the plane from the comfort of your home, and anything extra you pick up along the way, you'd only have to worry about fitting into the rental car to bring home.

[glc]

Michael makes a good point. You can buy your camping gear and such in SLC at a thrift store or a big box store such as Walmart, and when you get home you can either keep it or donate it back to a thrift store.

[twilly123]

we are actually going to drive back from Las Vegas, since a day in Vegas would be preferable to SLC, and its only like a 3 hour drive from Zion National Park.

For camping fuel we have a little mini stove that takes these little mini propane tanks. It's called like a rocket stove, we use it on backpacking trips all the time. we will prob leave behind any leftover cans, and try to prevent having many/any for the fly back.

Id rather drive there and fly back, because if we flew there everyone would want to fly back too and screw the road trip completely. I really want to do a road trip, and a road trip there seems more preferable. Driving home is a less enjoyable experience than driving to somewhere amazing. Driving home is always sad because your'e leaving your primary destination you love so much. I think everyone will be way more excited driving towards a beautiful far away place, than they will driving from it.

[Lifemagician]

For camping fuel we have a little mini stove that takes these little mini propane tanks. It's called like a rocket stove, we use it on backpacking trips all the time. we will prob leave behind any leftover cans, and try to prevent having many/any for the fly back.

When I had fuel left over one time, I put it free on Craigslist (in Boston). It was snatched up in a couple hours. Charity shops such as Goodwill will take the stove, but not the fuel.

I'd rather drive there and fly back, because if we flew there everyone would want to fly back too and screw the road trip completely. I really want to do a road trip,...

This sounds rather troubling. Have you all independently and seriously taken the compatibility quiz? It sounds to me that you did not take it seriously, or that you are ignoring any negatives which may have shown up. *You* may really want this roadtrip, but what about the others? Will they end up feeling that you are imposing this trip on them? That could cause serious tension and problems along the way, which should be cleared up before you leave. Have a serious and honest discussion with the others. Being stuck in a car for days on end can ruin the most loyal friendships.

This could end up being a memorable roadtrip - for all the wrong reasons.

Lifey