Trip Planning seems a bit overwhelming. Any suggestions?

[Chamilton7]

Looking at planning a trip to South Dakota from Arkansas. Not even sure where to start. I downloaded RV Trip Wizard and that seems to be helpful. Being new, we don't know how to plan each leg of the trip as to where to stay along the way. Make reservations for each stop? What if we can't find a place with opening on one leg. Does the rest of the trip have to be readjusted? Not sure how to go about this. At this junction, we're not sure how far to drive in one day, etc. We're pulling a 30 ft. travel trailer. Thanks!

 

[Neal]

I use RV Trip Wizard primarily now, used to use AllStays as well. I'm careful as to how far out I make reservations mainly because I'm in a motorhome which is more susceptible to problems than a towed RV. These days though you have to balance that with the pandemic a lot of people took to RVing and campgrounds in preferred locations are harder to get into. For your destinations that may be popular, book early, up to a year in advance for some. Note the cancellation rules, even if just $10 it can take the stress out of things, it's not a big deal. Research the reviews, look at the Satellite view if you want to do a more indepth study, make reservations will certainly help with peace of mind. There are tons of campgrounds out there but the good ones book up fast.

 

[Neemer]

@Neal provided some good info above which I will add my .02 to.

Trip Wizard is also my primary planning tool. First you have to figure out how far you want to travel each day. Once you figure that out, use Trip Wizard’s driving radius indicators to begin to focus on where you will want to spend your night(s) enroute. Zoom-in to that vicinity and just start checking out campgrounds. In addition to campgrounds, there are also a few businesses that will allow you to stay overnight at no cost (Walmart, etc). Also, consider using Harvest Hosts for those overnight stops. Those are businesses (breweries,wineries, farms, museums) that allow travelers to overnight for free as long as you spend a few bucks in their business.

I have yet to find the nerve to travel without reservations.

Personally, I find trip planning fun. But I also like bus fumes.

 

[MapNerd]

The further in advance you plan, the less stressful and overwhelming it will feel. You just gotta bite the bullet and plan 3-4 months out, then you can stay on top of it adding one or two trips to the end of your journey with each stop

 

[FL-JOE]

Looking at planning a trip to South Dakota from Arkansas. Not even sure where to start. I downloaded RV Trip Wizard and that seems to be helpful. Being new, we don't know how to plan each leg of the trip as to where to stay along the way. Make reservations for each stop? What if we can't find a place with opening on one leg. Does the rest of the trip have to be readjusted? Not sure how to go about this. At this junction, we're not sure how far to drive in one day, etc. We're pulling a 30 ft. travel trailer. Thanks!

I assume you total trip will be between 800 and 1,100 miles on way. Our general rule is 300 to 350 miles per day. Also, after a couple travel days in a row we like to stay two nights in one spot. This allows for a little down time plus it allows for any delays we might experience.

I like using RVParky (iphone app) to start my planning as far as finding places to camp. It not only gives all the private campgrounds along the way but the State parks, county parks, and free spots (Walmarts, Cabelas, Cracker Barrels, Casinos, etc.). We ALWAYS make reservations.

 

[DONMC]

I am looking to travel out west in my Class C Entegra Odyssey, but don't want a "schedule" as to where and when I need to be. We plan to go in September when hopefully the crowds die down.

I am thinking of winging it so I can have the freedom to be where I want to be and stay as long as I want.

Anyone else done this at that time of year?