What's the best route?

[Shultz01]

Hello All. We're heading from Pennsylvania to the Grand Canyon next week. Any opinions on the best route and interesting sights to stop for on the way? It looks like Rt 40, Rt 70 or a combination there of are the options. We plan on stopping to sleep at Wal-Marts right of the interstate that allow overnight parking. So I'm looking for suggestions on which route would provide the best sight seeing on the way. Thanks!

[us71na]

When planning a route, I start with Mapquest and let it determine the shortest route. Then we start figuring out how far we want to drive in a day. We also check to see what cities and states are along the way and then check to see what sites or parks are along or close to the route. If there is a significant place along the route that we are interested in, we usually plan an extra day or so in that area so we don't have to tow the trailer through that area while sight seeing.

[redenbacher]

Although I can't give you good route advice, you mentioned Walmart. Not all Walmart stores allow overnight parking. You might look at a cellphone app called ONP Walmart. Another option is the website RV Parky. They both give good info on Walmarts (although the information between the two may be conflicting). Rural Walmarts and those further away from popular travel destinations are more apt to allow night parking. Other options are some casinos, Cracker Barrel restaurants and some travel centers. Just be a courteous guest.

[MadDad]

We used that same WM app this spring coming back from Mesa. I was getting tired and we were at a WM right outside Six Flags St Louis MO. The app said we couldn't stay in that WM. I figured being so close to Six Flags was one reason why. We did pull in to get something for supper when we did find some place to stay. Right after entering the store we saw an assistant store manager, and the wife asked him if we could park for the night in an out of the way area. He said no problem, without a pause. We were parked right next to a hawthorn bush that was in full bloom. We had that great aroma all night.
I guess it boils down to "it never hurts to ask".

[Shultz01]

Thanks all.

I was going to use a combination of Walmart's app and the No Overnight listing online, but the $2.99 app that Redenbacher suggested sounds like a one-stop shop.

I'm considering flat towing our Honda Civic (manual trans) out with us. Should I have any concerns?

[maromeo]

Don't forget casinos many have free overnight parking. Check out this site.

Casino Camper - Home

Another one I used was for casino campgrounds. We stayed at 2 in NM along I 40. Sky city had pull thru sites with full hookups for $17 with good Sam discount. It was a great place to stay plus be able to flush.

Complete Directory For Casino Campgrounds In The 48 Contiguous States


Hope this helps.

Mary Anne

[Hattie]

IF you are a Good Sam member (e.g. Camping World), try their route planner for you can turn on/off hints (campgrounds by type, Pilot stations, rest stops, traffic alerts) along the way.

[Shultz01]

I am a Good Sam member and like the web app. I wish there was a tablet app, but we can always use the browser on the tablet. Thanks!