Go West ... But, Can I Get Back...

[TheBeans]

I'd suggest that you redesign your trip west. First, because you will need to find out which states are in what level of lockdown and how it will (or won't) affect the places you want to stay. Second, because if you stick to the schedule you have right now, you will do nothing but be exhausted and spend your nights on pavement and you'll come away having been through the areas you are interested in but not staying there more than one night to enjoy them fully. Third, if you redesign your trip, pick the top 2 or maybe 3 places you REALLY want to see and explore and just go there. Skip the rest of your original plan entirely. Not only will you get a great vacation that way, you will feel rested and you will have had a chance to get a better feel for going further from home than you normally do, which can be scary to some. Have a great trip!

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by adeakins

Since we’re not going to the Rockies, what should I know about Arizona, Utah, Texas or New Mexico mountains on my path?

The concept of "Texas mountains" gave DW a big cackle. I'm sure there are some, somewhere, but after 20 years summer driving across West Texas, we're used to the feeling of being a melting pat of butter sliding slowly across a large pancake.

If you stick to the I-10/I-20 corridors, the only challenging stretch is between Camp Verde and Prescott AZ, as you are climbing (or descending) the Mogollon Rim. It's just miles of sustained grade. Unless your rig is underpowered, your only worry is to keep your brakes cool on the way down. (EDIT: Come to think of it, even that is actually on I-17, which we use to bridge I-10 and I-20.)

There are some impressive mountains in NM, but you have to go looking for them (like visiting Angelfire).

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by edgarg

Check the NPS website for cautions for RVs on the Natchez Trace Parkway and be cautious about bridge clearances on side roads where you will be going for services. There are enough side trip options if you need a change of pace from the serenity of the Parkway. Regarding I-10, check for updates on construction. Expect delays!

Thanks. There seems to be consensus on those points. The only time we plan to drive off the Trace is to stay in a COE park near the north end.

[Happycamper2018]

just did two west trips from PA , 2018,& 2019 first trip across midwest Kansas Colorado Utah St George then back north thru Wyoming ,Idaho, Montana S dakota Nebraska Iowa then b line home was on a fast schuedule and it sucked till we got on our on time schuedule then we enjoyed it , told the wife if wanted to be a over the road trucker i would of been. Second trip from PA south down gulf coast across I10 to texas took bolivar ferry across houston channel to Galveston Tx then headed down gulf coast to south padre island up to Del Rio to El Paso N MEXico up above Phoenix and we enjoyed ever minute because we took our time and smelled the roseslots of places to see for sure ,told the wife we could spend a month easy in ever state what i learned was enjoy just my two cents

[Camping family]

I can only give limited info since we haven’t been raving a lot and are fairly new. But what I have learned is staying anyplace for one night I don’t like. Drive 4-5 hours then setting up at a camp site and having to get up earning because most places you have to be out by 11 or 12. So I order to have breakfast and empty tanks and break camp makes for a early up. 2 days at least

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by adeakins

We are a full-time couple in a 41’ 2018 Montana. One of the main motivations for taking this move is to be able to see “fly-over America”. Our first adventure is already afoot with a six-week stay over in Florida so as to let Winter depart our target destinations before we get there. We’ve plotted a course that entails 25 stops— most for one night — before we head back toward North Carolina where we are from (to the extent we are “ from anywhere). Aside from a brief residence in Dallas, I’ve not driven the western states. My trip plan, however, has me in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah then eastwardly following I-20 to catch the Natchez Trace up to I-40 back to Western Carolina. I’m taking I-10 west through Texas then a variety of mostly major roads north from El Paso to visit the Grand Canyon and other major parks & monuments. I would really appreciate any insights anyone who has travelled those areas can provide. It’s all new to me including taking an RV that far.

I agree with the other posts, however, my drive miles are dictated by where I am going, how fast I want to get there, and what do I want to see along the way. I have learned that I don’t want to drive more than two days in a row. So, we look for things to see / visit that are around when we stay a second day and relax. I have been known to travel 600 miles in a day, but don't make it a practice for sure. 350 miles is not a big deal for me to drive in a day so if on a long trip I try not to go over those miles. Traveling in Texas along I-10, you could spend several days exploring San Antonio. The Alamo, river walk down town, the mission trail, and much more, depending on how much time you have. I can recommend the KOA near downtown. It is a nice large park with good space for your 5er, and is gated with lots of large trees for shade. As for traveling I-10 in West Texas, not much to see once west of The hill country, west of San Antonio. I would highly recommend a detour South of I-10 to Big Bend National Park. Spend 2-3 days exploring this great park. Also take a day and visit Fort Davis. You could easily spend 3-4 days exploring this area. Then head back west through ElPaso. If you have time, visit the State Parks just North of El Paso, up in the mountains. West of there, others have some good recommendations. Same point though, its the journey, not the destination.

[DeniseJ]

Originally Posted by adeakins

We are a full-time couple in a 41’ 2018 Montana. One of the main motivations for taking this move is to be able to see “fly-over America”. Our first adventure is already afoot with a six-week stay over in Florida so as to let Winter depart our target destinations before we get there. We’ve plotted a course that entails 25 stops— most for one night — before we head back toward North Carolina where we are from (to the extent we are “ from anywhere). Aside from a brief residence in Dallas, I’ve not driven the western states. My trip plan, however, has me in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah then eastwardly following I-20 to catch the Natchez Trace up to I-40 back to Western Carolina. I’m taking I-10 west through Texas then a variety of mostly major roads north from El Paso to visit the Grand Canyon and other major parks & monuments. I would really appreciate any insights anyone who has travelled those areas can provide. It’s all new to me including taking an RV that far.

Your trip sounds interesting, BUT.... that 1 day and night thing sounds like a long bus trip. We try to get away as much as possible and have learned that there's so much t see and do in this beautiful country. Arizona would take a month if you really want to see all the amazing beauty. Same goes for Utah. We spent almost 2 weeks in just one small area of Utah and saw different things everyday, it was just amazing!We learned that if we really want to see the places we travel to, then we need exploring time to unhook and go and find the best of the area. It's been so awesome, and we can't wait to retire and hit the road for longer trips. America has some amazing places and some are well hidden.Do your research and find all the awesome sights. I would recommend this to you "don't cheat yourself" enjoy and have fun, take the time to smell the roses. Be safe and HAVE A BLAST!!

[JSisemoreTX]

Look into these stops, Big Bend in TX. Balmorhea State Park (also along your route and before El Paso......White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns could be worth a look in NM. Catalina State Park in AZ is near Tucson and the Sonoran Desert Museum is really cool. AZ is packed with cool things to do near Rio Verde, Flag Staff, Sedona, Jerome, Tombstone, not to mention all the major attractions like Grand Canyon, etc.

[JSisemoreTX]

An article worth reading about Texas Travel....and as a Texan, make sure you stop at every Buccee's Stop you can....you will save 30 cents per gallon on fuel and be amazed at the world's best gas stations. There are several Buccee's along I-10 once you enter TX from LA and all along the way.

https://www.doityourselfrv.com/save-money-texas/

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by DeniseJ

Your trip sounds interesting, BUT.... that 1 day and night thing sounds like a long bus trip. We try to get away as much as possible and have learned that there's so much t see and do in this beautiful country. Arizona would take a month if you really want to see all the amazing beauty. Same goes for Utah. We spent almost 2 weeks in just one small area of Utah and saw different things everyday, it was just amazing!We learned that if we really want to see the places we travel to, then we need exploring time to unhook and go and find the best of the area. It's been so awesome, and we can't wait to retire and hit the road for longer trips. America has some amazing places and some are well hidden.Do your research and find all the awesome sights. I would recommend this to you "don't cheat yourself" enjoy and have fun, take the time to smell the roses. Be safe and HAVE A BLAST!!

After a number of adjustments to our itinerary driven by the comments I’ve received, I’ve reduced the number of one-nighters to 7 out of a total number of roughly 25 stops. One of my other travel parameters is that I want to stay under 250 miles per ‘hop’. With two troubling exceptions, I’ve managed to keep the rest of our hops to around 200 miles. Again, based on comments, I am rethinking the Natchez Trace. Our initial plan was to ride the Trace from where it intersects with Interstate 20 to where it intersects Interstate 40. We are meeting up with relatives at the Tom Bigbee COE park near West Point, Mississippi. That hop is 263 miles point to point. Not that much over my limit, however; the strict speed limit and prospects for slow traffic and probable road construction (drawn from the comments provided in this forum), travel time is likely to be stretched out as compared with other hops. So, I’m thinking of ditching the Trace altogether (maybe for another trip) and looking for a faster route to the COE park. Again, thank you for you thoughts. This has all been very helpful.

[gearhead]

If you do end up staying or going through Lafayette, here are your best places to eat. I'm sure there are other good ones:

https://cafev.com/

https://prejeans.com/

http://www.dupuys.com/

https://shucksrestaurant.com/

I would consider getting off I-10 and on US190 before you get into Lake Charles. There is a lot of construction around Orange TX. US190 westbound becomes TX Hwy 12 and rejoins I-10 in Beaumont.
We stayed at the KOA in Bernalillo NM last July when the governor had the state locked down. No issues for us. Call first though.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

If wanting to do New Orleans take I12 on the north & stop at Lakeside rv in Livingston, great park, then drive to NOLA across the causeway.
Also just east of Lake Charles head north about 25 miles to Coushatta Casino rv park in Kinder, very nice park with shuttle to the casino.

X2 on Lakeside. That's usually our first nights stop heading east.
Coushatta is very good as well.
I would add Riverview RV Park in Vidalia, LA that is similar to Tom Sawyers.

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by gearhead

X2 on Lakeside. That's usually our first nights stop heading east.
Coushatta is very good as well.
I would add Riverview RV Park in Vidalia, LA that is similar to Tom Sawyers.

I have reservations at Riverview. Glad to hear you liked it. And, thanks for the dining recommendations. We are three days in the Frogtown RV park. I have spent a considerable amount of time in New Orleans so I thought I’d try Lafayette. Heard a lot about it but never been there.

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by gearhead

If you do end up staying or going through Lafayette, here are your best places to eat. I'm sure there are other good ones:

https://cafev.com/

https://prejeans.com/

http://www.dupuys.com/

https://shucksrestaurant.com/

I would consider getting off I-10 and on US190 before you get into Lake Charles. There is a lot of construction around Orange TX. US190 westbound becomes TX Hwy 12 and rejoins I-10 in Beaumont.
We stayed at the KOA in Bernalillo NM last July when the governor had the state locked down. No issues for us. Call first though.

Thanks for the insight and the restaurant suggestions. I’m there for the food and the music.

[gearhead]

Prejeans used to have music several times a week. Apparently it has been sold and is currently closed. I would think they are taking a breath and will re-open soon.
Dupuys in Abbeville is very good.
Cafe Vermillionville was originally my families tavern back in the 1820's. It has been re-built. I'm not sure if any of it is from that era. It's a bit pricey, but very good.
Blue Dog Cafe has closed.
Not much to do or anywhere to eat around Coushatta unless you go up to Tunks Cypress Inn on Lake Kincaid. May have to eat casino food there.
If you get to Beaumont and want to eat, there is a Papadeaux's on the west side of town on I-10 westbound. It's our "go to" for Cajun around here.
Just one more. If you like Cajun meats check out Don's Specialty Meats on the eastbound side of I-10 just west of Layfayette.
https://donsspecialtymeats.com/

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by gearhead

Prejeans used to have music several times a week. Apparently it has been sold and is currently closed. I would think they are taking a breath and will re-open soon.
Dupuys in Abbeville is very good.
Cafe Vermillionville was originally my families tavern back in the 1820's. It has been re-built. I'm not sure if any of it is from that era. It's a bit pricey, but very good.
Blue Dog Cafe has closed.
Not much to do or anywhere to eat around Coushatta unless you go up to Tunks Cypress Inn on Lake Kincaid. May have to eat casino food there.
If you get to Beaumont and want to eat, there is a Papadeaux's on the west side of town on I-10 westbound. It's our "go to" for Cajun around here.
Just one more. If you like Cajun meats check out Don's Specialty Meats on the eastbound side of I-10 just west of Layfayette.
https://donsspecialtymeats.com/

Thanks very much for the tips. Cannot wait to try some of these suggestions. But, first, I need to trudge through the Florida Panhandles’ I-10 corridor. Will be in Lafayette mid-March.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by adeakins

Thanks very much for the tips. Cannot wait to try some of these suggestions. But, first, I need to trudge through the Florida Panhandles’ I-10 corridor. Will be in Lafayette mid-March.

I don't think I remember where you were to be in FL but I wouldn't worry about I10 in the FL panhandle. I've towed it many times and I've never had an issue unless 1) there has just been a hurricane and the highway is blocked for tree removal or 2) after I enter AL and head toward Mobile.

More importantly Brent has given you some excellent ideas on eating out! Read through those with DW and think we're either going to leave here a month early or go home, do taxes, then immediately depart to go EAT our way across LA!

[notanlines]

As Danny said, I-10 through Florida is a true breeze. Even Tallahassee will be no trouble to you, even at rush hour. Speaking of the very best state in the country for eating (Louisiana) who has their king cake ordered?

[LHaven]

If you're anywhere near the US 19/I-10 intersection at mealtime, try The Rev Cafe in the town square at Monticello. Bison/venison burgers (lunch) or Shepherd's Pie (dinner). Yum!