RV travel seems just like our CD22 today

B

BRAZO

New member
This year instead of spending weeks on our CD22, we are spending a month on our Winnebago View motorhome. After a week exploring Colorado we are now on our way to San Francisco.

Well, kindof, we are actually in a rest stop parked next to a bunch of trucks waiting out the extreme winds. So, no waves but now cross winds are keeping us in port. Marinas are much better than rest stops but I've learned from all the boating to stay in port when your gut tells you to.

At least we have satellite tv on the rv...

Have a nice day.
 
Instead of truck stops, we prefer state parks, when traveling RV style - usually scenic, quiet, clean and closer to the natural world - good trails and views. More like being on anchor in a quiet cove rather than a bustling marina.
 
We agree with the state, federal, national parks. This time it was whatever is at the next exit to get off the roads.

Spent the last week in 5 different national parks. Colorado is a treasure.
 
Well, Wal-Mart doesn't have plug-ins, so we look for Passport America campgrounds... we get a plug in, water, sewer, and it is usually less than $20... and I don't have to listen to loud trucks or partying kids (as in some Wal-Mart parking lots). I can put the slide-outs out and watch satellite TV (assuming we're in the RV, not the boat - you really shouldn't put out slide-outs in a Wal-Mart parking lot, unless you're at the very edge... and then only the ones that are away from traffic).

Remind me to tell you about the time we stayed in a Wal-Mart... on prom night... and then the parking lot street sweepers rolled in... followed by the 4:00 in the morning tree trimmers! :disgust No thanks. I'd rather be off the road, someplace quiet, and preferably with other RVs.
 
We love the truck stops, walmarts,etc. There is something about boondocking that we love. Just like on the water, we don't stay in Marinas unless we don't have a choice. But, if we can stay in a national forest or national park campground for $10-20 we'll do that.

We have been on the road for 11 days and we have not had shore power yet. The golf cat batteries/generator along with the Sprinter alternator keeps us with the power we need. We don't have satellite or cable at home so it is a treat to pull in and flip on the TV.

Currently parked in Wells, NV in Flying J parking lot.
 
Hey Bob, enjoy that trip. I miss our motorhome. And there are some great sites along the Pacific coast. Plenty to do in San Francisco. If you have a choice and time, head north from there, up along the Oregon coast. You won't regret it. I take you didn't take the CD-22 along with you? Colby
 
Hey Colby,

No CD22 with us this time. Next year. My wife flew home from Salt Lake City and will fly back on Saturday into San Francisco. From there the plan is to drive the coast to Seattle then back via Yellowstone, Grand Tetons,etc.

Noticed your CD22 rolling down hwy N right before we left. Looked ready for a trip.
 
This year Cathy and I are doing much the same in regards to not using the boat for our vacation.
We will be using the pick-up and camper and towing the cargo trailer with the motorcycle inside.
The motorcycle will be our "dingy" for side trips.
We are going to check out the "dry" side of Oregon and Washington for a week or two.
 
Sounds like you'll have a great trip. That drive between Frisco and Seattle is beautiful. Can't remember the name of the campground offhand, but there is a very nice one by a lighthouse in the northern end of Oregon. We've been very busy with our move, and haven't gotten to use our new CD-22 (new to us...) as much as I'd like, nor cleaned up yet as much as I wanted to. All in due time I guess. It's been nice being able to get back on Lake Kegonsa however. (The Searay was too big...) Vacation in July, and not sure if we'll head up to the Apostles or down somewhere south. Or we might just end up flying out to San Francisco, and renting a car to drive up the direction you are going, with a stop at my brother's in the SEA area before flying home. Or we might just end up staying home and getting more settled! ....
 
We only stay in Wal Marts as sort of a last resort.... I like to keep the RV parks in business. I do notice that many are going to higher end, and perhaps that is because there is less traffic? Those times we have stayed in Wal Marts, we have been treated well. Same for truck stops--but there the noise is certainly more. We just go back to sleep when the sweepers come by. Usually check in with the local security or cops who patrol the lots, and stay only at the very outer edge. We also make it a point to buy food and supplies at Walmarts when there (even in the boat). We have to put out at least one slide to use the bed effectively--never been a problem, but never obstructs traffic.

I miss the days back in the 60's when we could just pull off the road in a turn out or vacant lot. For the most part those opportunities are gone.
 
I forgot to give another reason that we sometimes choose Walmart. Our Cat Mr. Grey loves to stay at Walmart lots. He lays on the dash and looks at the traffic until about midnight then he curls up on my Pat's seat and is good till dawn.
Then back to the dash till we get up.

With our small Roadtrek we do not worry about slides.
 
We have been staying at Federal Forest Campground mainly, but another spot if you just need a place to pull in is the casinos. Now days, casinos are all over - with great security and a buffet.

Currently in Pacfica, CA in RV parking lot facing ocean
 
I now live at lake Tahoe. I traded my C-Dorys for a Winnebago Vista. I crew up in San Francisco :roll: San Fran is not RV friendly. Central California and the coast can be if you know where to go.
If you would like some tips on the area call me @ 530-412-2863. I'd be happy to pass on information that might be helpful to you in your travels. :thup.
Steve
 
Thanks Steve. We stayed on Lake Tahoe last night, what a great area. You are right, San Francisco is not rv friendly. We are at an RV park tonight in Pacifica, CA and then moving to Marin, CA for the next two days (we'll ferry into San Fransisco from there). From there we are heading North up the coast which seems to have many more choices for federal and state parks.
 
The RV park in Marin just off the freeway is tight and crowed. There isn't much available until you get north to Petaluma. Are you going to the wine country?
Napa Valley Fair Grounds in Calistoga. Not bad. Calistoga and that area is very nice. The coast is going to be mostly foggy from now until Sept. Call me 530-412-2863.
 
Cape Blanco is the Oregon State park I was thinking about earlier. Very lovely, or at least it was 20+ years ago. Just a little bit off the highway, overlooking the ocean.
 
Steve. Probably no wine country. We are ready for some coastal cruising. Most likely stay right along the coast.

Thanks Colby. We'll check out Cape Blanco - over looking the ocean is what we like. We did the Oregon coast when our oldest child was 1 yrs old now he is a sophomore in college - its been a while. Plus, last time was in a rental car.

Thanks for the help.
 
We have stayed at all of the state parks on the oregon coast in the last couple years. There aren't any bad ones that I can recall. Cleanliness and maintenance aren't what they used to be but it is still very good. There are also some really nice county parks along the way. One in particular is very good. Sutton Lake, just north of Florence is great. Another of my favorites is George Aldrich, just south of Yachats. Hope the name is right, I know it is close. If you are a senior and have the lifetime pass camping is downright cheap at the federal parks.
 
We have stayed at Wal-Mart from time to time, but there is a "Code of Conduct" that should be followed. All the RV clubs/associations have adopted this code...

Industry-Sanctioned Code of Conduct
(RVers' Good Neighbor Policy)

Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It's the right thing to do!

Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, this Code of Conduct is nothing more than an RVers' "Good Neighbor" policy.

Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers. Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property overnight.

Please do not take offense to this letter; it is only provided as a reminder that RVers must be perceived as good neighbors, or there will be more pressure to institute state, county and local ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property.
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Here is a message directly from Walmart corporate office, regarding overnighting in their lot:

Question
Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?

Answer
While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.
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And, a list of Walmarts that do NOT allow RV overnighting...

http://www.walmartatlas.com/no-park-walmarts

That list is constantly changing, as local laws or store mangers right to decide changes.

Cabela's also offers RV parking at some of their stores. Same with Camping World, at some locations.

When we were still in the Black Hills, we saw one RV that spent 2 weeks in a Walmart parking lot. Shortly afterwards, the city enacted ordinances forbidding that and signs went up in the parking lot. Just because "it's there," doesn't mean you can stay overnight - always get permission from management.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
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