Where do u camp while on trips?

[Freebooter]

When y'all go on trips/tours where do you camp at night or to just rest up? Camp grounds, parks, grab a piece of ground in some woods just off t road, rest or cat nap at rest areas or what? I've never been on a long trip like fr Alabama to out west but I'm planning something and I'm nervous about it because I sho' don't have money f motel rooms.
Thanks,
FB

 

[Freebooter]

Where do u camp on trips?

When you are on a long trip where do you camp? Parks, camp grounds, next to road in woods, or catch a few winks n rest up at a Rest Area or what? Just curious. I've never been on a long trip (1000 miles o more) but I'm planning something n I'm sort of nervous about it n thought I'd get some ideas fr y'all.
Thanks, FB

 

[Bryce]

I generally like to get a shower, so I'll stick to a campground with facilities.
I prefer state parks and federal parks... I'm not a fan of private RV parks when in my tent.
I do have a few MC campgrounds that I like to stay at (TWoS in Suches, GA, Cherohala Mountain Trails in Tellico Plains, TN, and Iron Horse in Robbinsville, NC, for example)

I'm not opposed to a primitive CG, but only for a night or 2 max before I can't stand the smell of myself.

 

[Pterodactyl]

Spousal Unit and I camp a great deal so we tend to take what we can. We often use KOA campgrounds because there is a greater chance of the place being well managed and clean. State parks vary in quality from state to state but generally are good. Missouri has some of best run park systems we've encountered. We've ridden between AK and the states a dozen times and have camped in some pretty shabby places and a few gems.

 

[Cycledude]

Re: Where do u camp on trips?

Years ago I camped in Walmart parking lots quite a few times without issue. Usually just pay for a campground but sometimes they want to charge what I think is to much so I pay a little extra for a motel. When traveling with friends we have done both motel and campground, motel seems a lot easier.

 

[Freebooter]

Thanks y'all!

 

[limey]

I stay away from the big family campgrounds , I use a app on my phone https://freecampsites.net and Camp and RV App.

 

[Madhatter]

freebooter, do a practice trip in your area , leave your house with out much of a plan and as you explore see what works. your smart phone will be your greatest asset in finding things or places to camp... if things don't go as planned you can retreat to house fairly quickly.... the most expensive part is fuel then food then lodging .... I am also just learning the ropes of travel and camping on a motorcycle... and every time I do it I get a little better at figuring out what I need and what works for me....my more experienced friends by the example and coaching are a great help in knowing what works and doesn't. a friend of mine plans his trips via a spread sheet, every nickel of cost estimated, that's not me , but it gets you close to what one can afford.... I like to eat , so three meals a day ,say 5.00 for breakfast, 7.00 for lunch, 10.00 for supper (southern speak for dinner to all the yankee friends out there.) so about , lets round up to a realistic 25.00 a day food budget ( one can eat cheaper) then gas ,you get the drift... planning is part of the fun of doing, or just wing it....let us know how it goes ....

 

[terrysig]

::026:: on freecampsites.net.

I run self contained and prepared to camp. I always run secondary roads and try to make my way through state forests. Google earth shows forest roads. If no chance of forest a cheap motel is a chance to clean up well. Otherwise baby wipes do the trick until I can find a spring or water fall. A re-supply at wally world also gives a chance to clean up.

I liked the trial run in your local area suggestions. what you can stand will define your boundaries.

I will say you see much more of nature looking for a secluded camping site over looking for a hotel.

 

[Freebooter]

Thanks y'all. Madhatter, I liked to eat too and I understand Southern Jargon, me being from Alabama. But I am pretty much a spur of the moment type of guy. I mean, I might plan on a trip as i am retired and have to plan anything around my getting paid once a month. So I will plan on something on a payday when bills, etc, are all caught up and i have money to spare. How much to spare determines what I can do or how far I can go. As for eating, I gotta eat something for breakfast but I can snack for lunch and even supper if needs be. And where I camp or stop depends on how tired I am. Many times while traveling from Alabama to Washington, DC to visit my grandmother via car over the years I just pulled into a rest area and slept a few hours in my car. Not sure how that will work on a bike.
FB

 

[Bryce]

the topic of eating while camping interests me too.. it's been rare occasions that I've actually cooked my meals at camp, and normally end up eating out. the few occasions that I've cooked, I've been a good way from places and it was really my only option. I've lugged a pot and stove with stuff to cook on lots of journeys, but I like to stop at local places to eat (I have a rule of no chain restaurants) that and a bar (only go there if walking distance to camp) are the places I can find to soak up some local culture and get great road/route info.

I am a bit bummed that on my next adventure, we have some non-campers, so we'll be doing hotels.

 

[razcob]

If you are new, I recommend camping at an established location, like a state park or KOA. Bring earplugs.

I have been stealth camping for years and never pay for camping. Find the green patches on a street atlas that indicate wilderness areas, i.e. national forests, parks. They should be legal locations, but away from the crowds. Ride 90 degrees off the roadway, deep into the woods and set up camp. If you don't take a 90 degree course, your path through the brush/grass/dirt may indicate your location to passing traffic. Keep a headlamp unpacked, so you don't need light to find it, and you won't have to use your headlight to set up. Practice setting up your tent in low light and darkness, and put everything away in the same place, so it is easy to find. Bring a lightweight nylon tarp and cover your bike, so your reflectors aren't visible to car lights. Enjoy the solitude.

 

[Madhatter]

razcob, good thinking. ive not tried a wild camp, but had similar ideas...but picking a spot a little earlier while still daylight less risky in my thoughts...

 

[eemsreno]

I only camp while traveling. Free as much as possible. Camp before it gets dark so you don’t end up in someone's yard when you wake up.
I like using small town city parks if there is no forest around. Small towns like Batavia here don’t even have a sheriff and there is a couple parks here in town that anyone can camp at and no one cares.
There is even showers at the only gas station here in town. Right across from that station is a park and pavilion just made for travelers to spend the night.
Here is a couple pictures of city park camps.

 

[gunner]

I like to stay at Mom and Pop RV campgrounds in small towns. The tent camping is usually $10 a night on a green lawn near the office and showers. Local cafes and grocery stores are not far away so I don't have to carry more than one or two meals in the panniers. I don't care for most KOA campgrounds, the camping fees are too high.

If I'm in a National Forest and need to stop for the night, I will do dispersed camping and stay away from the established campgrounds, not worth the fee for a vault toilet, no water and sleeping on rocks. In my opinion most State Parks are not a good value because they charge you an entry fee and a camp site fee and rarely have a decent shower.

Some small towns have a City or County campground with showers. Two of my favorites that I have found are the Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park in Oroville, WA and the Kerrville-Schreiner Park in Kerrville, TX.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Small camp sites, KOA, side of the road. I've done it. Lol

 

[Freebooter]

Thanks all. Some interesting ideas. I am planning a trip from Millbrook, Al to Spartanburg, SC for genealogy purposes. It is only like 5 1/2 hrs away and I have a niece who lives there so I am lucky. But eventually I want to go up to Maryland to see kinfolks and the old home sites of my ancestors, or out west to see some country.