Nevada, Sept to Quartsite RTR in Jan, ideas on where to stay, route?

[Yogidog]

I am going to start researching today, while I have Internet and electrity, possible options on where to travel and stay between now and RTR in January.  Going to use all the tools u all have provided.

In Michigan and Florida, like a lot of u I would develop loops of boondovking, paid sites for shower and truck stops to save money. I am just discovering the loops I can do in the west.  Have a good one developed around Reno already.

My truck did horrible on the snow in Michigan could hardly make it out of the slight incline in my driveway, even with a lot of weight and good snow tires, so I am limited that I can't be going through any mountain passes, or snow areas at all.

So if you were going to plan this travel, living time where would you go, what would you do?  Where do u know of this could work? 

I have no experience with this in west, although it is turning out to be way easier than east.

Thanks so much, so much more fun doing this together!  Also if there is groups of you doing it that would allow me to stay around you, I am no drain on resources, I camp a ways away, can offer mutual assistance, have my own money, I did this three years on my own, but this is a lot easier and more enjoyable, please pm if this would be an option just starting to plan, thank u

 

[IGBT]

If you are near the coast in Washington state you can stay for free for a few nights parked with an ocean view (if you stand on your tiptoes) at the casino near Ocean Shores.  I think you can stay a week or so but they might let you stay a bit longer.   There are casinos all up and down the west coast, most are free.   You really can forget about snow too, because very unlikely for you to encounter it if you stay near the coast.  Then make your way down I5 and dart across one of the passes when they are bare.  Or go all the way down to death valley and cross there.

 

[rvwandering]

Unfortunately Quinault Beach Casino at Ocean View changed their policy this year and it's now $5.00 to stay during the week and $10.00 on Friday and Saturday however casinos are a good place to stay whenever public land boodocking isn't available. This site is helpful - http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations

 It should still be warm in northern California in September and October so you can wander around in all the national forests, pop out to visit the little towns or the coast and slowly work your way south to end up in southern California or Arizona by December. The only problem with staying in California is the high price of gas.

 

[TrainChaser]

The Farmer's Almanac Winter Weather prediction came out three days ago.  You can buy it or check it online.  They say the mild weather of last winter (relatively speaking) will be making a 180-degree turn for most of the country, but the West will be relatively mild.  This does NOT include high-elevation passes!  They have their own weather.

When you're traveling in the West, have a decent idea of where the major mountain ranges are,  and if you're headed for them, check the local weather FIRST.  Try to stay out of them from early Nov onward, but that doesn't mean they can't be hit with a good storm earlier.  Pay attention.

Many of the higher mountain passes are closed in winter, so always stick to the main routes in iffy winter weather.  CA is a large state, about 800 miles long, and during winter, there may be only TWO east-west passes open: Interstate 80 from the San Franciso-Sacramento area to Reno, NV, and Interstate 15 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. 

Farther south to the Mexican border, Interstate 40, Interstate 10, and Interstate 8 are usually in decent shape, although wind storms can be an issue.  If you're driving a high-top anything, find out what direction the wind will be coming from and park with the back of your rig pointed at the wind (save your windshield from being sandblasted).  DO. NOT. PARK. CROSSWISE.  Some of these winds exceed 100 mph and blow semis over.

Never go into cold weather w/o what you would need to survive if the Highway Patrol stops traffic because of an avalanche or major accident.  Never go into the desert (and there's a lot of it) without enough water.  Ten gallons is not too much.

Gas stations can be few and far between, so get it when you can.  Top off the tank before going into iffy country.  Chat with the clerks about the road in your direction.  If you saw something on the way, mention it so they can tell the people heading in the other direction.

Stop and think.  Asking your GPS for the shortest route is often a recipe for disaster.  Don't turn on your GPS and disengage your brain, unless you want to be famous... posthumously.

Stick to the main highways when conditions are iffy.  They are patrolled better, and they put most of the fix-it road crews on them.

 

[cyndi]

If you're in NV the Lake Meade national Recreation area has some great lakefront free camping.

It'll be hot in September, still, but getting more bearable
https://freecampsites.net/#!Lake+mead+national+recreation

traveling south from the PNW there's all kids of good camping. Freecampsites.net recenetly added a trip planner to find free camping enroute
https://freecampsites.net/#!&query=TripPlanner

 

[Yogidog]

Stick to the main highways when conditions are iffy.  They are patHAtrolled better, and they put most of the fix-it road crews on them.

Thank u! This weather stuff is what I really needed to know u are absolutly right. I am sooo thankful I am not in a high top van like I used to be a about had a heart attack through salt flats, good to know how to park. I may see if I can print this off. I have learned to ask if not local. Will reread now! Thanks so much, I have been humbled many times by mother nature. I respect her! Good day to u!

 

[Yogidog]

Unfortunately Quinault Beach Casino at Ocean View changed their policy this year and it's now $5.00 to stay during the week and $10.00 on Friday and Saturday however casinos are a good place to stay whenever public land boodocking isn't available. This site is helpful - http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations

 It should still be warm in northern California in September and October so you can wander around in all the national forests, pop out to visit the little towns or the coast and slowly work your way south to end up in southern California or Arizona by December. The only problem with staying in California is the high price of gas.

This sounds so nice:

 

[Yogidog]

If you're in NV the Lake Meade national Recreation area has some great lakefront  free camping.

Forgot about lake Mead met people in Florida who went ther,.sounds like many of us go there, good idea will do

 

[Yogidog]

If you are near the coast in Washington state you can stay for free for a few nights parked with an ocean view (

I keep thinking Washington is real far away and it is really not,.and I keep thinking it is going to get cold in Sept like.mi and it is not,.may be worth considering going north! Thank u