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5 Great RV Road Trip Routes in the United States

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RV camping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to explore the United States. Few modes of transport allow travelers to cover so much distance for little money while coming face-to-face with the nation's natural treasures.

We've come up with five route suggestions for folks looking to hit the road and tour America's most beautiful natural preserves.

» Learn more: The beginner’s guide to renting an RV

California loop

Distance: 2,226 miles

California offers a cornucopia of natural beauty, from towering redwood forests to dusty deserts to breathtaking seascapes and shorelines. This 14-destination loop will take RV travelers across the entire state. While we start our journey just northeast of San Diego and go in a clockwise loop, you can use any location as your starting point. We've highlighted some of the top nature and camping destinations across California, but feel free to improvise as there is no shortage of parks and preserves in the Golden State.

A. Anza-Borrego State Park

B. Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park.

C. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

D. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

E. Point Reyes.

F. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

G. Klamath National Forest.

H. Shasta National Forest.

I. Lake Tahoe.

J. Grover Hot Springs.

K. Yosemite National Park.

L. John Muir Wilderness.

M. Death Valley.

N. Joshua Tree National Park.

Rocky Mountains

Distance: 2,826 miles

The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to British Columbia and offer a life's worth of exploration opportunities. You could spend weeks at Yellowstone and Grand Teton alone. We've chosen just a few of the more popular destinations and suggest you set aside a hefty chunk of time for this trip. Again, the locations are ordered clockwise, but you can jump in at the most convenient destination. We begin in southern Idaho.

A. Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho.

B. Craters of the Moon Monument, Idaho.

C. National Elk Refuge, Wyo.

D. Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.

E. Yellowstone National Park, Mont.

F. Glacier National Park, Mont.

G. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Mont.

H. Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyo.

I. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo.

J. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colo.

K. Mesa Verde National Park, Colo.

L. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colo.

Distance: 2,332 miles

The classic American road trip, Route 66 spans from Chicago to Los Angeles. Unlike the other trips we list here, Route 66 is less a nature excursion and more a nostalgic cruise along a collection of museums, diners and roadside attractions. Route 66 has hundreds of potential stops; we've chosen just a few. If you plan on taking Route 66 both away from home and back toward it, remember to leave plenty of attractions for the return trip.

A. Chicago, Ill.

B. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum, Ill.

C. Lincoln's Tomb, Ill.

D. St. Louis, Mo.

E. Mark Twain National Forest, Mo.

F. Galena Mining and Historical Museum, Kan.

G. Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum, Okla.

H. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Okla.

I. Palo Duro State Park, Texas

J. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

K. Route 66 Auto Museum, N.M.

L. Red Rock State Park, N.M.

M. Petrified Forest National Park, Ariz.

N. Meteor Crater, Ariz.

O. The Grand Canyon, Ariz.

P. Los Angeles, Calif.

New England loop

Distance: 1,515 miles

A road trip around New England offers a balanced blend of verdant forests, rocky seascapes, colonial history and gorgeous seaside towns. We start our loop in upstate New York, heading east and north into the parks of upper New England. After Acadia, head south along the coast for breathtaking ocean views. A collection of historic New England towns (Salem, Cape Cod and more) will provide a break from the greenery and a lesson in American history. Pick up the route at the location closest to you.

A. Adirondack State Park, N.Y.

B. Green Mountain National Forest, Vt.

C. White Mountain National Forest, N.H.

D. Allagash Wilderness Waterway State Park, Maine

E. Acadia National Park, Maine

F. Minute Man National Historic Park, Mass.

G. Salem, Mass.

H. Boston, Mass.

I. Cape Cod, Mass.

J. Jamestown, R.I.

K. Fort Adams State Park, R.I.

L. Mystic Seaport, Conn.

M. Hammonasset State Park, Conn.

N. Fort Hale Park, Conn.

O. Ferris Lake, N.Y.

Distance: 5,776 miles

The Southern states have plenty to offer in terms of nature, culture and relaxation. A satisfying southern RV expedition will sample forests, beaches and everything in between. This loop starts in historic Savannah, drops down into Florida and meanders along the Southern coast before launching back east into Tennessee and Virginia. The last leg of the journey comprises a series of beaches for a proper cool down at the end of a long journey. Of course, you can begin anywhere along the route and eventually end up back where you started.

A. Savannah, Ga.

B. Ocala National Forest, Fla.

C. Big Cypress National Preserve, Fla.

D. Everglades National Park, Fla.

E. Apalachicola National Forest, Fla.

F. Blackwater River State Park, Fla.

G. De Soto National Forest, Fla.

H. New Orleans, La.

I. Kisatchie National Forest, La.

J. Houston, Texas

K. Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

L. Ouachita National Forest, Ark.

M. Ozark National Forest, Ark.

N. Memphis, Tenn.

O. Nashville, Tenn.

P. Cherokee National Forest, Tenn.

Q. Chattahoochee National Forest, Ga.

R. George Washington National Forest, Va.

S. Virginia Beach, Va.

T. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

U. Hilton Head, S.C.

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My husband and I are full time RVers in a 45ft 5th wheel toy hauler. I use RV Trip Wizard to plan our route. It has made my trip planning so much easier since I can filter out campgrounds that cannot accommodate our trailer. The ability to check reviews and to go to the campgrounds' websites from the app is also extremely useful. I recommend RV Trip Wizard to other RVers all the time.

If you are worried about low bridges on your trip or where the best, low cost parks are, worry no more because this App is absolutely the best RV trip planer out there. We've tried them all and this ones smokes them all. Spot on! If you have a smart phone or a tablet, RV Trip Wizard works with either, we absolutely rely on it and would not leave our home without planning our route with this tool first. Highly recommend it…

We took a 3 month trip last year and I looked for a good trip planner. I tried winging it with google earth and researching the internet at first. Then I found RV Trip Wizard. I thought I try it. Just a few hours in to planning our trip I was hooked. It has everything I need to plan our trips. Way worth the small price. And the great part it's got better since last years trip. They keep adding and making it better all the time. I've got this years about ready to go and a few small side trips already planned.

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Tips for First-Time Campers

Camping on a Budget

Top Camping Destinations

Best States to Camp

Top National Parks

Camping in the Fall

Spring Camping Getaways

How to Go Backpacking

Complete Checklist

Backpacking Destinations

Setting Up Camp

FAQs About Camping

Tips for Non-Campers

First Aid Packing List

Camping Chairs

Camping Accessories

Camping Pillows

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Hiking Snacks

Planning a Camping Trip: The Complete Guide

Planning a camping trip begins with the desire to get outdoors. Once you have the itch, you'll only need to pick a date, find a campground, choose a route, prepare your gear, go grocery shopping, and head out.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? It actually is and it gets easier with each trip to the campground. Whether you're a new camper or a veteran, let's review some tips for planning your next outdoor adventure.

Where to Go

There are two types of campgrounds: Private and public. Both have their advantages but finding a good one can be hard. That is why it's a good idea to use campground reviews and ratings to guide you. Resources like AAA and Trailer Life compile all the information you need to see if a campground is right for you.

Take into consideration if you're staying in a tent or a camper or RV. Some campgrounds are more tent-friendly than others. Likewise, some have all the amenities and hookups necessary for campers.

Do you care if there's a shower and flush toilets or are you okay with roughing it for the weekend? This is a big factor for many campers and a campground guide includes this type of information. You can also choose public parks which tend to be rustic and offer a variety of outdoor recreation options or opt for modern campgrounds that may have a game room, store, or pool.

Be aware that some campgrounds require reservations, others offer it as an option or are first-come-first-serve. If you know it's going to be a busy weekend—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, in particular—be sure to get a reservation or show up early.

Another option is to head out to a festival that's centered around camping . They're great fun and offer music and other activities just outside your tent.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Top Destinations

Campers love the great outdoors, pristine natural environments, and the adventures that inspire in the wild. While it's likely that there's a great campsite nearby no matter where you live, if you're looking for a destination to travel to, we have some ideas.

Every state has its fair share of national and state parks and these really do offer some of the best camping opportunities. Yet, some states are better known for having really great campgrounds to choose from . Also, if you have not camped at any of the  top national parks , add them to your bucket list. You won't regret it.

Glacier National Park in Montana is a favorite for many campers. Lake Tahoe is another camping destination to consider, and you can find some ​ nice spots along California's coastline .

Gather Your Gear

Do you need a checklist to make sure you've packed all your gear? While you might decide to bring along a few extra things, there are some items that are absolutely essential.

As far as camping gear goes, you will need three basic things . A place to sleep is most important, so grab a tent. Something to sleep on and keep you warm is good as well, which is why sleeping bags are necessary. Also, a few things to cook your meals will help out tremendously. 

Gear in hand, now you need the supplies . Food and water are essentials for obvious reasons. You might also want a backpack cooler , camp stove, some rain gear for everyone, a knife, and a lantern or flashlight (or both).

Don't forget the first aid kit , either. You'll be miles away from town and you never know when someone will get a cut, bee sting, or some other injury that needs a quick fix.

No shower house at your campground? There's no need to go without bathing, all you need is a camp shower that's allowed to warm in the sun while you're busy with the day's activities.

When you get to the campground, you'll need to check in at the office or camp host. Find a good site that looks like a place you could hang for the weekend. The campsites with the most shade are prime real estate, so try to get there early.

From there, you'll set up your camp . Select the site for your tent, set out your cooking supplies, and settle in.

One thing you'll quickly learn is that there are annoying campers. Don't be one of them and learn what not  to do on a camping trip . This includes many common sense things like respect your neighbors, keep the camp clean​ and understand that wildlife will be around.

When you're ready to leave and head home, be sure that your site looks how it did (or better than) when you arrived. The common phrase is "leave no trace" and that means you should take your trash with you, dowse your fire properly, and pack up all your gear. When you get home, unpack everything and let it dry and air out before storing it permanently.

Plan a Backcountry Trip

​Backcountry camping, or backpacking, is essentially the combination of hiking and camping in the wilderness. Don't let the unfamiliar landscape or worries of being in the wild keep you from going backpacking. It's a lot of fun and a real outdoor adventure.

If you've not backpacked before , it's a little different than grabbing a campsite at the state park. You'll be in a remote area without your car to rely on, so it's important to take only the essential gear you'll need. It's also important to choose the right campsite, though some popular backcountry destinations offer designated sites along the way.

Also, you should be fit enough to handle the hike and understand who to call or how to get to help in case there's an emergency. Check with the park ranger in the area about any important details like that and other tips they can give you.

Tips for RV Camping

Your RV is your home away from home. It is also the most convenient way to go camping because your RV has everything you need. Just hook it up to the truck or hop in the cab and you're off to a new adventure .

While RVing is a more luxurious way to camp, it does have its own concerns. First of all, you most likely need to reserve campsites to ensure you get the electrical hookups you need. You'll also want a dump station nearby.

Along the way (and before you go) you'll want to keep up on maintenance and do some routine safety checks . RVs are great, but they are one giant vehicle with a hundred things that can go wrong. Yet, if you know what to look for and how to maintain it, it can offer years of great fun.

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How to Plan a Camping Trip: 10 Steps to an Unforgettable Excursion

The best experiences in life start with a great plan. When it comes to camping trips, advanced preparation helps you get the most out of your adventures. However, in the past campground websites were mostly archaic, or non-existent. Not only that, it was almost impossible to know what the campground would look like before you got there. We’d ask our friends for recommendations, but information online was tricky to find and even trickier to keep organized once you found it. The Dyrt’s new search features and saved campground lists solve this problem, and make it even easier to research campgrounds. Keep reading to learn how to use The Dyrt’s features to help you plan your next camping trip. 

Planning the perfect camping trip can get really frustrating. The good news is that you’re not alone. Just like you, many want to know what it takes to plan a successful camp outing by themselves, or with their friends or family.  That being said, up until now planning a good trip was difficult due to the lack of information on the internet.

Sarah Smith, co-founder of The Dyrt, was frustrated with how hard it was to find and research campgrounds online.

“We should make an app that helps you find and review campgrounds!” she said to her husband and soon-to-be-co-founder, Kevin, while they were out hiking one day.

The rest is history. Today, it’s much easier for any level of camper — even first-timers — to plan every stage of their camping trip. The Dyrt helps you find campgrounds, read reviews, view photos, and save campgrounds. We make planning a camping trip simple. Our newest version of The Dyrt app makes it even easier, with enhanced search features and usability.

Searching and finding a campground is a big part of planning any great adventure. But there are many other considerations, as well.

Start with these questions to plan your next camping trip:

1. Planning the Time to Camp

Image from The Dyrt Camper Carly E.

Since you’ll be sleeping outside, the season and the weather will have a big impact on your camping trip.

For example,   Olympic National Park.  sees over 150 inches of rain a year. Waking up to the patter of raindrops on your tent can be lovely. Now imagine that same scenario, but having your entire camping trip ruined by soaked and soggy gear from the night before. Not only would it be unpleasant to wear wet clothes, it would be even worse to sleep in a tent filled with them.

A lot of people have more freedom to take time off to camp in the summer, when offices slow down and kids are out of school. Initially this seems like a good idea, but it also means bigger crowds, especially at popular campgrounds and National Parks. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, why not take time off in the shoulder season instead? Or check out these national parks with backcountry camping .

Editorial Note: 

The Southwest desert is a great place to plan a spring time camping trip, when places like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park present relatively pleasant weather. Taking that into consideration, you should definitely avoid camping in Death Valley during the summer, when temperatures spike well into the triple digits.

Prepare for your summer camping trips diligently. Some desert campgrounds (such as those in Death Valley) often have temperatures soaring well triple digits.

A few years back my Dad and I drove through Death Valley en route to our own Yellowstone camping trip. At times while cruising through the dry and arid California State Route 190, neither of us were able to call out (or receive calls) using our cell phones. This was the same situation with Sprint, Verizon, and later T-Mobile. We were fortunate not to have any issues with our vehicles, as the sun scorched above us escalating temperatures well over triple digits. If you’re planning to make any camping voyage, check your vehicle thoroughly and pack plenty of water, supplies, and dry food to last you in the event of an emergency. 

Not only will you find current weather reviews for campgrounds on The Dyrt, you’ll also find helpful accounts of the type of weather campers experienced while they were there.

When deciding when to camp, check out  National Parks free days to save some money for other things, like extra s’mores  ingredients.

2. How to Plan Where You’ll Camp

Backcountry or state park? Desert or jungle? Near or far?

At the same time that you’re thinking about when, you should also be thinking about where. The United States has such a diverse landscape to explore, from the ocean-carved cliffs of the Pacific coastline and the vast plains of the Midwest , to the thick forests next to quaint towns in New England and the jungly swampland of Florida.

Perhaps you want to camp near hot springs or waterfalls. Or maybe you’d like to sip on a craft beer after camping, in which case, camping near a brewery can be fun.

While the options are endless, you might also consider staying close to home. There’s often more to explore in our backyards than we realize, and staying close will save you time and money.

Want an adventure of your own? Find free camping near you

Did you know that almost all states in the US have free camping? 

Although, some of it is not-so-great and can be hard to find.

There is an easier way:

• Hand-picked free campsites 
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It’s the only hand-picked list of 5,000 free camping locations that you will find anywhere. 

It comes with a bunch of other features like last-minute camping texts, offline maps, etc.

You can check it out for free today by starting a free 7-day trial. After the 7-day trial, the membership is just $35.99 for a full year of access — well worth it if you camp more than 2 times per year.

3. Choose the Best Camping Activities Before Leaving

Image of Farewell Bend Campground in Oregon, from The Dyrt Camper Ed E.

As you’re planning your camping trip, ask yourself this: will you be content to spend your time enjoying the campground? Or in contrast, do you camp as a means to reach other activities, like hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking?

There are plenty of ways to plan your camping trip. But if activities outside of the campground are your priority, then you’ll want to think about access to your outdoor adventure of choice.

You can find campgrounds near running trails , or bouldering destinations with campgrounds nearby. You can camp near streams for fishing and boating, or camp near trails for hiking.

There’s a campground for every adventure and every camper. Use The Dyrt to read campground reviews and find out what campers are up to, in and around the campground.

4. The Best Camping Trips Always Start with Quality Directions

Image of Stanton Creek – Glen Canyon Campground in Utah, from The Dyrt Camper Shannon C.

Car camping is the most convenient way to reach the campground. (Car camping refers to driving up to a campground — not sleeping in your car.) When you car camp, you don’t have to worry about packing extremely light. You can bring the double burner stove , the cooler full of beer , and the dutch oven desserts .

That being said, if you’re planning on hiking into a campground, you’ll have to be more selective. That being said, backcountry camping can be a great way to avoid the crowds on your camping trip and discover some solitude in nature.

Other campgrounds are only accessible by boat , which can be a unique way to embrace the elements.

Don’t own a car? Consider planning a camping trip utilizing  campgrounds you can reach via public transportation .

5. Plan Your Trip Around the People Camping With You

Image of Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley National Park, from The Dyrt Camper Kuo G.

It’s time to rally the troops. Or don’t, and camp solo .

When planning your camping trip, make sure to know how many people are going in advance. Your group size will dictate what kind of campsite you require, how much food to pack, and the level of organizing between parties. Too many people can make your trip a logistical nightmare. (Who was supposed to bring the tent stakes??) But lots of campgrounds accommodate large groups. So if you are bringing a party for your next camping trip, be sure to find a campground that can comfortably fit all your friends.

6. Remember to Reserve Your Campsite

Every good camp planner will remember to reserve their campsite in advance. This is especially important in the summer months when many campgrounds are full on the weekends. Don’t forget to make reservations if you need them! You’ll find information on whether a campground can be reserved in the campground details section on The Dyrt.

Some campgrounds restrict the number of guests in order to preserve a delicate environment. They do this through limited camping reservations and permits. If you want to camp in a place like Havasu Falls — a sacred place to the Havasupai people and a delicate desert ecosystem in Arizona — you’ll need to get a permit months in advance.

Some popular hikes require permits as well. You’ll need to enter the lottery for Half Dome permits in March of the year you want to climb this iconic dome face. Other outdoor activities that require permits include driving Denali Road in Alaska, backpacking through the Enchantments in Washington, and rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

7. Planning the Best Campground for Your Needs

Planning the best best campground for your needs is not always that easy. As a camp planner, you need to know the quirks and benefits of wherever you’ll be staying. In the past knowing this came down to word of mouth and some luck, but thanks to our new app (android), gone are the days of camp planning woes.

Both the Android , as well as the iPhone’s (IOS) search feature allows you to view campground photos, videos, and reviews, so you can compare your options and make the best decision on a campground.

Once you start browsing campgrounds, save a list so you have them all in one place. The Dyrt’s Save a List function allows you to create custom lists, and add notes to each campground. Did your friend tell you about a great campground you should check out on your next camping trip? Add it to a list? Did you discover a campground that looks perfect on The Dyrt? Add it to a list!

We’ve created some themed lists that might give you some inspiration on planning where to camp:

• 21 Campers Share Their Favorite Campgrounds Across the U.S.
• Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Utah
• Campgrounds Around the Enchantments

Creating your own list allows you to keep track of the campgrounds you’re interested in, so you don’t lose that perfect discovery once you find it.

If you’re planning a campsite once you arrive at your campground, look for even ground, shade, and natural features that offer privacy.

8. Preparing a Soul Warming Meal Plan

Image from The Dyrt user Chanel C.

Now that you know to plan the when and  where for your camping trip, you can now move on to planning camp meals and the planning camp gear you’ll need on your camping trip.

If you’re just getting started as a camp planner, we recommend keeping it simple. When it comes to gear, you really only need 6 basic camping necessities for your first time at the campground.

When it comes to cooking, you can get adventurous or keep it simple. We created this guide to simple campground cooking to get you started. But if you love to work the kitchen, bring the extra ingredients and have yourself a feast!

If you’re camping with other people, be sure to collaborate on ingredients so you don’t end up with ten bags of marshmallows and nothing to eat for dinner.

9. Get The Dyrt App to Plan Your Next Camping Trip

You’ve found your campground and marked your dates on the calendar. You are ready to go camping.

Now don’t forget to download The Dyrt app for iOS and Android so you can find and review your campgrounds on-the-go. When you add photos and reviews of your campground on The Dyrt, not only will you be making camping better for everyone — you’ll also be in the running for a ton of free camping gear as part of our  Camping Giveaways . We partner with outdoor gear brands who want to make camping better for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun.

We can’t wait to see all of the places you camp this summer!

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Britany Robinson

Britany is the Managing Editor of The Dyrt. She's been a writer ever since she can remember, and her first literary accomplishment was having a poem about a panda published when she was eight. The anthology was definitely a scam to get her parents to buy a bunch of anthologies, but she's still pretty proud of her panda poem. When she's not at her computer, she's (hopefully) outside, hiking or camping with her dog.

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Planning the Perfect Tent Camping Road Trip

Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Grant

For me, camping road trips started in college. My first trip to the Florida Keys was a camping trip. My friends and I had a GREAT campground in Key Largo. We spent Spring Break sleeping in a tent just steps from the beach. 

This led to longer camping road trips as I got older. When Bonnie and I started dating, our first big trip together was a camping road trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was that trip that cemented our love for each other and our desire to explore the National Parks. 

It also led to our first month-long trip. That was a camping road trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Glacier National Park in Montana. We started to refine our tent camping gear to make it work better for us. 

We took several tent camping road trips together: Texas for Spring Break, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the summer. 

Eventually, we bought a camper and started the RV lifestyle. But, we have fond memories of the simplicity of our tent camping days. In fact, years after buying an RV, we took a tent camping road trip to Big Bend National Park in West Texas. 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Pros and Cons of a Tent Camping Road Trip

The number one pro to a camping road trip is cost. Tent camping is just cheaper than any other way to stay. Even a really good tent is not that expensive compared to buying or renting an RV or staying in a hotel. 

Read about our cost comparison between different road trip styles here.

The second biggest pro for a tent camping road trip is nimbleness. With a good tent camping setup, you can easily get set it up and take it down. That is really handy when you’re trying to make the most of limited vacation time! 

Once, on the drive home from Yellowstone, we were chased across the plains of South Dakota by a thunderstorm. We just barely managed to get to the campground and get the tent set up before the storm caught up to us! With the camper, that would have taken much longer. Of course, regardless of how you are camping, setting up or taking down in the rain is never fun. But it is part of the outdoor experience.

When we were tent camping, we could be set up in about 10 minutes and gone in about the same amount of time. It is similar to camping with a camper van in terms of being able to just pick up and leave quickly.

Another major boon for tent camping is the availability of tent sites in national and state parks. While there are a few campgrounds for larger RVs in parks, you will find much more availability for tents (or small campers). 

Lastly, a good tent camping setup can fit into just about any vehicle with decent trunk space. A hatchback, SUV or truck makes for easier access and generally more space for gear. Still, I took many camping road trips in my old Mazda 626. 

The single biggest con of a tent camping road trip is exposure to the elements. While tents are great when the weather is good, they can be limiting when the weather is not good. 

In particular, stormy weather can make for some scary moments in a tent. We’ve huddled together in our tent when the wind howled in Texas and a severe thunderstorm pummeled us in Yellowstone. 

The heat is also an issue for tent camping. We have spent some sweltering nights in our tent at various spots throughout the country. While there are some modern devices you and use to mitigate the heat (more on that below), there’s only so much you can do without air conditioning. 

In particular, I remember a very warm morning while we were tent camping in Wall, SD visiting Badlands National Park . The tent heated up very quickly and by 8 a.m., it was downright toasty. I also remember driving a long way across Kansas looking to find any campground with shade, since it was easily 95 degrees outside and the lack of shade was a deal breaker for a lot of would-be campgrounds. 

Another major con is the lack of campgrounds with facilities for tent campers outside of state and national parks. The more we have traveled, the more we have realized campgrounds just do not have much in the way of tent camping sites left anymore, focusing on RVs instead. 

And, while you can take your pet with you, you cannot leave your pet in a tent while you go out and explore. That’s not OK. And, unfortunately, most national parks have very strict rules on where pets can and cannot be.

Lastly, there is an inherent lack of security when tent camping. Honestly, we have never camped anywhere we did not feel safe, at least in terms of humans, in a tent. We have, however, camped with our RV in places I would not necessarily stay in a tent. 

That said, we have also woken up to bison walking by our tent in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. We don’t worry too much about animals bothering us in a tent but the walls of the tent are pretty darn thin!

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Tent Camping Road Trip

Tip #1: choose your destination based upon the weather.

Seriously, go where the weather is good when you plan on taking your trip. If you want to visit the Southwest, plan on going in the late winter or early spring before temperatures get too hot. When the Rocky Mountains are calling your name, get up there after the snow melts in the early summer. 

If you know when you want to go, research different destinations which are good for that season. 

Tip #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Stay in a Hotel

If we were doing a long driving day on the way to our destination, we would often stay in a hotel that night. While it would increase our costs, it would decrease our fatigue. 

After a long stretch of tent camping in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks , we opted to spend the next few nights staying at a cheap hotel in southern Wyoming. It was much needed!

Tip #3: Gym Memberships and Truck Stops Can Get You a Shower

While many private campgrounds have showers, many national park campgrounds do not. If you’re not too far from a major city, having a nationwide gym membership can get you a shower. Alternately, truck stops like Love’s and Pilot have showers you can pay for. 

Tip #4: Be Prepared for the Weather… All the Weather

Plan for worse weather than you expect… it may be colder, warmer, wetter or drier than you expect. Rarely is the weather exactly what it “should” be.

That said, if you don’t feel like you have everything you need, Walmart is your friend and will have a lot of what you need. In fact, we had to buy an extra blanket when camping in Yellowstone National Park because we were not prepared for the cold weather in the summer.

Tip #5: With a Good Vehicle, You Can Camp in Remote Areas

One of the best things about a tent camping road trip is you can go to some really remote areas where you simply can’t take a camper. We did this in Big Bend National Park, camping along River Road in a remote area of the park . 

Seriously, with a four-wheel drive vehicle and a good tent camping setup, you can access places few people go and stay for as long as you have supplies. This has become a popular pastime, called overlanding. 

How to Pick a Campground for a Camping Road Trip

When it comes time to pick a campground for a tent camping road trip, the single biggest consideration has to be shade. Even up North, highs in the summer can get quite hot. The shade will make a significant difference, even for RV campers. Having shade will make a huge difference in being able to comfortably hang out at your campsite during the day. 

Next, make sure the campground has restroom facilities for tent campers. For example, we stayed at one campground in Key Largo which had very limited restroom facilities. There was one toilet per gender for the entire campground. The shower was attached to the toilet, meaning if someone was taking a shower, no one else could use the toilet. 

From the perspective of the owners, it was no big deal since most of the guests were RV campers with their own bathrooms. From the perspective of the tent campers, it was really frustrating, especially early in the morning! 

Showers for tent campers are another consideration to look for, especially for longer stays in remote areas. As noted previously, many campgrounds in national parks do not have showers. That said, we have seen some that are adding solar shower stalls, like at Rocky Mountain National Park. These allow you some privacy while you use a portable solar shower you let warm up during the day.  

A water spigot to fill up water bottles and a sink to clean dishes are other big things to look for. We got so tired of none of the campgrounds we stayed at having a dishwashing station. So, we bought our own collapsible dishwashing sink . 

That said, we have stayed at more primitive campgrounds which lack those amenities. If you are going to stay at a primitive campground with limited or no facilities, just be sure to bring everything you need with you. 

Gear You Need for a Tent Camping Road Trip

A tent (or two).

The most important thing you need for a tent camping road trip is a good tent! That should seem like a no-brainer but I have seen some tent campers out there using very poor tents for their purpose and struggled with them. 

The first major thing to consider when purchasing a tent for a camping road trip is how much space you need. If it is just going to be two people, a small tent can work. If you are taking a pet or kids with you, your tent needs to grow. 

When I went on my first long tent camping road trip, I had a small dome tent that was barely big enough for two people. While it worked OK while I was in college, any time it rained, I was stuck in a pretty small space with poor ventilation. 

Even when Bonnie and I went on our first camping road trip to Yellowstone, we stayed in a larger, better-ventilated dome tent but I still could not stand up in it and it only had one door, meaning Bonnie had to climb over me to get out to go to the bathroom. 

Still, those tents were easy to put up and take down. 

A Two Tent Set Up

So, when it came time to go on the road for a month-long camping road trip, we took two tents with us. 

We took a large tent, which I could stand up in and allowed us to walk around the mattress. Being able to stand up while changing clothes is really nice! Not having to climb over Bonnie to go to the bathroom is also really nice!

That made a much more comfortable stay when we knew we would be in one place for several days. The tent had a vestibule, allowing us to store gear and duck out of heavy rain with our chairs. It also allowed us to leave the large door flap open, making for plenty of ventilation. 

While this larger tent was great, it struggled in high winds and it took about 20 minutes to fully set up. 

We also took a smaller tent, which had doors on both sides. That allowed for one of us to easily go to the bathroom at night if needed. It was also really quick to set up, allowing us to have it fully set up in less than 10 minutes. It was also lower to the ground, making for a lower profile in high winds. While I could not stand up in it, it was still comfortable for a night or two. 

Tent Recommendations

We got both of these tents at REI , which makes some great outdoor gear. We even kept the smaller of the two tents after we got the camper and used it when we went to Big Bend National Park . Unfortunately, both tents have long been discontinued, so I can’t give you a specific recommendation. 

That said, here is what I would look for in a big tent:

• Can I stand up in it?
• Will it go up and come down easily?
• Does it have a vestibule? Is the vestibule large enough to keep me (and a chair) dry during a rainstorm?
• Is there plenty of room on either side of a mattress for me to walk around?  

Here is what I would look for in a small tent:

• Will it go up quickly?
• Does it have good ventilation?
• Does it have a low profile for rough weather?
• Does it have a large enough width that I can use the same air mattress for both tents?

A Good Air Mattress 

A good air mattress will make all the difference in the world in your night’s sleep. We have had some good ones and bad ones during our time tent camping. I wish I could give you a good recommendation on a specific air mattress but, sadly, our favorite has long since been discontinued. 

Still, get one with a battery-powered air pump. Unless you have an AC plug in your vehicle and an extension cable (or a solar generator… more on that below), you are going to need a battery-powered pump. If you don’t have one, you are gonna be that guy in the bathroom using the one outlet for hundreds of campers to inflate your mattress… if there is an outlet you can get to. Don’t be that guy (or girl)!

The other thing I will say about these mattresses is they will not last forever. Eventually, the seals start to wear out and you start waking up on the ground. Be prepared to replace it fairly often if you use it frequently or store it somewhere without air conditioning. 

Sleeping Bag

If you are camping with a significant other, I cannot recommend highly enough getting a sleeping bag designed for two people , as opposed to two separate sleeping bags. It just makes it more comfortable overall, even better than zipping two sleeping bags together. We had a great one from Coleman we loved. 

If you are going to high elevation, you are going to want supplemental blankets as well. We recently got a Rumpl blanket , which we love and is quite warm. They even have models highlighting various national parks. 

We also recommend getting a couple of good camp pillows. We have used Thermarest and Klymit pillows. Both are compact and comfy. 

Cooking Gear

I highly suggest getting a plastic storage bin and filling it full of your cooking gear. Keeping everything in one bin makes it easy to keep everything together and move it around as needed.

The first thing you need for your bin is a grill that uses the 1 lb. propane canisters from Coleman. Seriously, those green propane canisters are one of the greatest things when it comes to camping. Next, I suggest you get a small stove which uses those canisters as well. Between a single-burner stove and a grill, you can cook a ton of different meals. 

Next, you will want some basic pots and pans. You can get a good nesting set or grab something cheap, either way works. You will also want basic utensils and plates. Paper plates are a good idea anywhere you won’t have good access to water. A collapsible wash b asin is perfect for washing dishes where you can’t find a sink for dishwashing. 

Finally, toss in some generic spices and your cooking bin is set. 

A Solid Cooler

Cooler technology has improved so much since we were tent camping on a regular basis. With the advent of good coolers that will keep ice frozen for days, it makes it a lot easier to keep perishable food and tasty beverages cold. 

YETI , RTIC and several other brands make great coolers that will make camping a lot better and reduce your need for ice. 

One of the things we always looked for in a cooler was a drain plug at the bottom for dumping water out. That said, that drain plug can be a liability and we have ended up with a very wet trunk space when we forgot to close the plug after draining. 

Gear for Hanging Out

Of course, you are gonna want some good, comfy camp chairs to lounge in… We also recommend getting some footstools to go with those chairs to use as footrests… being able to kick up your feet is a great thing.

We also have a great camp table from Alps Mountaineering which has a checkerboard and plenty of cup holders.

Hammocks round out our gear for hanging around the campground. There’s nothing like kicking your feet up in the shade. We have a couple of hammocks we keep in the camper and there are several great brands out there. We have Serac and Wise Owl hammocks and like them a lot. 

If you happen to have a lot of cargo space to work with, like a truck bed, you can upgrade your chairs to these zero G chairs and get yourself an insect screen tent to put up so you can get away from bugs and have some portable shade. 

Gear Recommendations for Helping You Stay Comfortable

Since dealing with the weather is one of the cons of a tent camping road trip, I recommend getting a battery-powered fan to use in your tent. Just having some air circulation will make a huge difference in how well you sleep at night. 

We had a Coleman battery-powered fan which hung from the top of our tent and provided some circulation as well as an overhead light. It made a big difference. Now, they have even longer-lasting better fans, like this one. 

Solar Generator

If you need to power something or keep a bunch of devices charged, we recommend getting a solar generator. The folks at Ecoflow sent us a River solar generator a few years ago and we take that thing with us everywhere now. We even purchased a battery add-on, which doubled its capacity ( basically to a pro model ) and a 110-watt solar panel to charge it.

We use it whenever we are boondocking or dry camping. It can be charged with the truck while driving or we can use the solar panels to power it. It will charge all of our electronics, including laptops, and it will even run Bonnie’s coffee maker! 

Final Thoughts on Tent Camping Road Trips 

With the right gear and planning, you can make a tent camping road trip a VERY cost-effective way to see the country. We explored dozens of park sites while tent camping… and loved every minute of it.

Still, as much as we loved tent camping road trips, there is something to be said for not having to sleep on the ground. Yes, we slept on an air mattress but we still had to get up from the ground every morning and that gets old. It’s also really great to have your own shade and air conditioning, which in turn, allowed us to travel with our cat for years. You can certainly see why we eventually transitioned from tent camping road trips to RV camping!

Still, we often miss tent camping. We miss how nimble we were and how quickly we could move from place to place. We miss the fresh air that comes from sleeping in a tent. Certainly, we miss how cheap it was. And while we still camp, an RV just isn’t the same as a tent.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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How to Plan a Cross Country Car Camping Road Trip

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If you told me a year ago, I’d be planning a cross-country car-camping road trip; I wouldn’t have believed you, but now all I seem to be planning are car-camping road trips.

If you are new here, you might not know I lost my corporate job in early 2020 and after a dreadful job search, I decided to take some time off and travel for a few months. Unfortunately, after booking six months of international solo travel, the COVID pandemic happened, which forced me into plan B. I ended up laying low in upstate NY for half the year.

At the end of 2020, my wanderlust was still burning bright, so I decided I had to get back out there in the “safest” and most convenient way possible. I always wanted to take an RV across the US, visit all 63 National Parks, and explore all 50 US states, and I thought now is the time. I still wasn’t convinced I would be car camping in my 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, but once I realized car camping was the only way to travel cross country on the budget I had, I was committed to planning my first cross-country car-camping road trip. My route took me over 17,000 miles, through 23 states and countless cities. I ended up visiting 23 National Parks and learned so much about car camping and myself.

This post will take you through how I planned and organized every element of my road trip. I’m sharing everything from choosing my supplies , sleeping comfortably, planning the route , road trip costs, the mistakes I made and how I stayed safe along the way. I hope this guide to planning a cross-country car-camping road trip will help inspire you to hit the road and give car camping a fair try!

Table of Contents: Jump to

What is Car Camping?

There are two main ways to answer the question What is Car Camping? Either you drive up to a tent site where you will sleep in a tent next to your car or you actually sleep in you car parked overnight in a number or areas including campsites, public parking lots, or public use land. This post will focus on the latter, because I sleep inside my car when I car camp.

Overview of my car-camping road trip

I left Miami on March 1, 2021, and drove to the west coast of Florida. I stayed in Tampa with my family for two weeks while building my bed platform, setting up my car, and testing out my camping supplies . I was off by 7 am on March 25th and made it to Mobile, Alabama, for my first car camping night at a Bass Pro parking lot.

I spent 73 consecutive nights on the road (March 25th-June 7th, Tampa, FL to Redwood, NY). I did not car camp the entire time. I slept in my car 50% of the time and stayed with family or in hotels when I was desperate for WIFI, a hot shower, or air-conditioning while I slept the other 50% of the time.

Since my first road trip, I have learned a Black Card pass to Planet Fitness is the best way to score hot showers for cheap. I’ve also learned sleeping in my car when its 60+ degrees is pretty unbearable for me. I make sure to plan trips during cool weather now- the colder the better for me.

In early June, I ended the first leg of the road trip in Redwood, NY. Redwood is a small community surrounded by acres of farmlands, fishing lakes, and charming villages near the 1,000 Islands in Upstate New York . It’s only a few hours from the Finger Lakes region, where there are many scenic driving routes, waterfalls , hiking trails, and locally produced wineries. I stayed with family and explored the surrounding towns, and took a few short road trips until I chased fall foliage in October all the way to Florida in the fall.

Why car camp?

In my opinion, the pros of car camping out weight the cons. So here are my four biggest reasons to go car camping.

• It’s cheap – Car camping is the most cost-effective way to travel the US for long periods of time assuming you already own a reliable car.
• It’s convenient- There is no packing and unpacking, waiting around for a check-in time, or being rushed to check out. It is a lot easier to come and go as you please and allows you to leave quickly if need to.
• It’s great for outdoorsy gals – Sleeping in your car means you can wake up at the most scenic places, pull over for a hike whenever you want, travel easily to off-the-grid locations, and watch the sunrise from your car window.
• Less Planning – With car camping, there is no need to plan exact details and overnight stays way in advance. Car camping welcomes those who desire a flexible schedule, like me!

Is a car-camping road trip for you?

Car camping is not for everyone, but there are many things you can do to make your journey more enjoyable. Before planning a cross-country car-camping road trip, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you like to camp?
• Can you fit in your car lying down?
• Can you sleep with slight noise and light?
• Are you ok not showering every night?
• Are you able to sleep through the night without needing a restroom?
• Is your car reliable?
• Are you comfortable without A/C?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, you might need to upgrade to an RV or luxury van before planning a cross-country car-camping road trip. Car Camping is not a luxury option, and it can be draining finding safe places to sleep every night, but it is great for those who like adventure and do not need to have a solid plan every step of the way.

Choosing the best car to sleep in

There are so many options when it comes to automobiles to sleep in. Choosing the right one is important when planning a cross-country car-camping road trip. These days people sleep in everything from pickup trucks and minivans to Toyota Prius and SUVs. So it’s important to do your research and choose something best for your own preferences, needs, and budget.

You can convert your own automobile or rent one from Outdoorsy.com . Outdoorsy is like Air B&B but for RVs and vans. They have many rental options all over the US, with standard-size SUVs and built-out vans renting for around $130-$200 a day. I knew I wanted to take my own car but renting is a great option if you do not have a car to sleep in or if you want to try out van life before going all in.

I got a lot of inspiration for my Hyundai Santa Fe conversion from searching “car camping setups” on YouTube. There are all kinds of conversions for every size and type of car. I’m amazed at how some of these people transformed their car’s interior into a complete house on wheels.

I kept my setup simple opting to lay my seats down and build a level sleeping platform. The platform was big enough for me to sleep comfortably on but small enough to allow space for a cooler , water jug , rinse kit , and large tupperware, among a few other car camping essentials .

What to look for in a car camping car

Your needs may vary, but ideally, most car-camping setups have the below.

• Large cargo space
• Storage compartments
• Roof rack (for extra storage)
• Aux plugs throughout
• Lay down or easy-to-remove seats
• Reliable engine
• Spare tire compartment
• Level sleeping platform
• Adjustable front seats

How to make your car more comfortable for sleeping

I’ll admit even though my setup was very comfortable, it was hard to get a good night’s sleep while car camping. There are a few things I learned to do to sleep comfortably in my car but there were many things out of my control that did not make sleeping in my car easy, such as noise from the public places I usually slept in.

I love car camping in parks and established campsites because the noise is minimal and the sky is dark. But that wasn’t an option every night. Travel centers, truck stops and Cracker Barrel are the most convenient places to park over night when driving long distances across the country on interstates.

These four things are the most important when building a sleeping setup. It’s also smart to find sleeping locations away from the noise and only go camping in cool temperatures for added comfort.

• Build a sleeping platform to have a level bed
• Use a comfortable mattress , comforter or warm sleeping bag , and pillows
• Use window covers to block light, add privacy and help regulate inside temperatures
• Use mesh covers for windows or sunroof to allow airflow while sleeping or relaxing . These work great when sleeping in remote areas or at campsites, but at travel centers, the noise was just to loud to have my windows down.

Planning the cross-country road trip route

It can be a bit intimidating when trying to plan your first car-camping road trip. I knew I had to remain flexible for whatever may come up, so I followed the below four steps, to plan a route before I left. Once on the road, I planned each week’s destination and sleeping locations a week in advance. I changed up my route frequently based on overnight parking and weather, but for the most part, I followed my pre-planned route.

Four steps to planning a cross-country road trip

• Decide where to go . I sometimes pick a theme (hiking, waterfalls, lighthouses, towns, national parks ect.)
• Research the internet, blogs, and IG hashtags for location ideas, the best things to see, and itineraries for each area I am interested in visiting.
• Use Google Maps to highlight and save all desired locations and landmarks + check driving distances
• Use Google Sheets to plug all info into a spreadsheet for easy reference. It is the best way to ensure you don’t forget where you want to go!

Click on the Google Sheets link above to gain access to my simple planning template. If you are not automatically redirected email me at [email protected] with the subject line ”Road Trip Template” to alert me that you are trying to gain access and I will approve ASAP. Just make sure you “make a copy” of the template and do not edit the original document so others can enjoy it.

My goals for planning my first cross-country car-camping road trip, were to visit new states and National Parks i have never seen before. However, I also thought about areas where I had family that offered to host me for a few nights to save money.

I used Google Maps to search for National Parks and surrounding areas of interest. I LOVE how easy Google Maps is to use and the convenience of having my searches update seamlessly on all devices.

If you are not sure how to save locations in Google Maps, read my brief guide below.

How to save locations in Google Maps

• Open Google Maps (you’ll need a google account) on a mobile phone or desk computer
• Use the “search here” bar at the top of the screen to search for a location
• After the search results appear, near the bottom, next to directions click “Save”
• The save options will appear. Select the star, heart or flag for each location to save it in your map. I use a star for a town or city, a heart for landmarks I want to visit, and a flag for where to sleep.

Google Maps saves everything you highlighted to your main world map to reference in the future.

Planning sleeping locations

One of the most important aspects of planning a car camping road trip route is knowing where you will be sleeping overnight. It is important to choose a legal and safe location away from noise and light if possible. Car camping regulations change frequently and vary from state to state, so knowing where to sleep way in advance can be tricky. It is important to do your research and even ask local authorities if you are unsure of car camping policies. Some towns may fine you for illegal overnight parking, while others fail to enforce car camping guidelines altogether.

These apps are all beneficial when researching camping spots, and most provide real-time reviews from campers which I found very helpful.

The best car camping resources

• iOverlander (app)
• Freecampsite.net (website)
• FreeRoam (app)
• Hip Camp (app)
• The Dyrt (app)

I slept for free when I could but sometimes stayed in developed campgrounds for a fee. Pilot Flying J Truck Stops and Loves Travel Stops are great for overnight parking. Most have clean hot showers for purchase and a large convenience store to pick up essentials. KOA (campgrounds of America) are also popular for car campers. They cost money ($40-$80) but are much less than a hotel. The benefit of staying in a developed campground is having the peace of mind no one will be knocking on your window in the middle of the night, and some offer amenities like showers, potable water, and 24/7 flush toilets.

Once I planned my route and possible overnight spots, I plugged the information into a Google sheet for easy reference across my devices. Again, I stuck to my general plan, only editing out a few National Parks and states along the way mainly due to weather conditions or extended driving time.

Costs of a car-camping road trip

The biggest drawback to traveling has to be the cost, especially when traveling in the US. Between food, accommodations, and experiences, travel can be costly. Car camping alleviates a lot of these costs, but it still isn’t free. Gas, car maintenance and safety , and supplies are major expenses when planning a cross-country car-camping road trip. The good thing about supplies is they may be expensive upfront but will last for many trips to come.

Buying groceries and cooking yourself is a great way to save on food, and regular car maintenance will help prevent costly repairs at one time. Below is an overview of my car camping expenses. Take a look at “How Much Does It Actually Cost to Car Camp” for a more in depth explanation of what my car camping road trips cost.

Travel expenses

• Gas $1,300 for 10,000 miles
• Food $1,000
• Hotel 400,000 Hilton points + $1,135 (this was much higher than I thought but once them temps got into the 80s in some locations I could not bear the heat and needed to sleep indoors).
• Supplies $1,700 on camping/car supplies
• Car Maintenance $740 before I left (but I would have done this anyways)
• Tolls/Parking + Park entrance Fees $200 (I used the $80 a year America the beautiful National Park Pass)

Much of my big purchases were evergreen supplies that will last for years to come. While I spent money on a good cooler , a portable battery , a rinse kit , sleeping bag and bed mattress , I’ll re use all of these items on future trips so my supply costs will be much lower next time.

Avoid these Mistakes

I learned so much about car camping and myself during this first cross-country road trip. It was a great experience that allowed me to gain self-confidence and a new appreciation for the country I call home. Although everything went well during my road trip, I would do a few things differently next time.

• Pay to sleep at campgrounds- I really wanted to sleep for free each night to stretch my savings but in some cases, I was not sure what the car camping rules were and I did not get a good night’s sleep thinking about whether I was parked legally or not. If I would have paid $20-$40 dollars to park at a campground, I would have gotten a much better night’s rest. It is hard paying for a campground that has no amenities but in retrospect, I am thinking the pay off would have been worth it.
• Use a fan for airflow while car sleeping -many locations were hotter than I expected and some nights had rainfall. I usually kept my sunroof open with a magnetic mesh overlay but it was tough to stay comfortable on those warm or rainy nights. In the future, I will car camp with a battery-operated fan and avoid hot temperatures for optimal comfort.
• Covering too much ground – I wanted to see it all but shouldn’t have planned to see so much when I knew I needed to be back in NY at a certain time. I definitely felt rushed and got tired at the end of the trip causing me to skip out on a few states which I now regret.
• Buying too many supplies – I thought of it all but didn’t end up using it all. I wish I would have bought some items when and if I needed them rather than upfront. I have plenty of space in my car to store everything but it would have been nice to save some money on unnecessary supplies. The Jackery solar charger, a pop up toilet, a heavy wool blanket, and buying too many fuel canisters were the most unused of the lot.

Car camping across the US has been a fun, eye-opening journey but not without its struggles. I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to hit the road again this October when I journey back to FL through New England’s fall foliage . Despite all the ups and downs and many uncertainties, I am so glad I made this trip happen. I met a lot of people curious about my travels but mostly about my safety. There were a few times I was a little uncertain about an area, but I followed all my safety rules and never had a real cause for concern.

I’ll be hitting the road again so make sure to follow my travels on Instagram at @Seeing__Sam and head back here to read more about my car camping adventures.

More Car Camping Posts you might like:

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Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

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Good to hear! I flew across and around the country in a small airplane with my bike and camping gear. Did it again by car, then again with a small RV Trailer and my next adventure is on a Bicycle from New York City to San Diego. Love your Spirit! My best to you.

wow, I’ve never know anyone to fly, drive and bike the US. What a great way to see and experience the country! What is your favorite mode of transportation so far? Congratulations on your accomplishments! Best wishes for a safe and fun biking trip’

dont waste your time over planning. be aware of what lies between your two points of travel, whats a good view so daylight would be important and of course the weather like will it be raining so maybe something inside. keep it simple !

This is a great way to plan a road trip. The luxury of just seeing what you see is so fun to me. Overplanning can definitely be waste of time!

Hi Sam, I wanted to thank you for your blog and all the super wonderful information you’re sharing. I am a newly retired RN in FL, planning a solo car camping trip next year. I’m taking the whole thing very slowly to make sure I’m ready to go and fully prepared. Sadly, I’m getting very little support from friends/family so I’m keeping my excitement to myself. So glad to have your encouragement and enthusiasm to cheer me on! My plan will be to go from home to Yellowstone and back with lots of adventures in the middle both ways. You’re my inspiration!

Barbara, this message brought me so much joy! I am so glad you are gaining some helpful advice and car camping tips from my posts. This is the reason why I spend so much time documenting my travels and sharing all my experiences, I just want to inspire others to get out there and see the world! It is sometimes hard to know if I am reaching anyone so thank you so much for taking the time to send me this message, it is so appreciated. There are so many adventures from FL to MT you’ll have trouble wanting your trip to end. I am so thrilled to hear you are pumped up for this next adventure despite the less than thrilling response from your friends and family. I too have been in a similar situation a few times before and while it would feel great to have support from loved ones, I’ve learned self motivation is the key, especially when the people you are surrounded with do not share the same ideas for adventure. I know they love and care about you but know there is a community out there cheering you on! I’m sending good vibes your way. Please let me know if I can answer any additional questions or anything else to help your trip go smoothly. Here’s to seeing the world xx

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The Wandering Road

Usa rv road trip travel blog.

The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Guide

Our 10-week rv route through montana, wyoming, and the pacific northwest – including detailed itinerary and expense breakdown.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Quick stats, cost breakdown.

The American west was made for road trips. We spent the better part of 10 weeks exploring this wonderland of big skies, open roads and small towns. Our early summer trek, first through the mountains and later along the coast, kept us in temperatures that peaked in the 70s. Such a difference from the summers of our recent past spent in the humidity of Washington, D.C. or the 100 degree+ temperatures of the Sacramento valley.

The route included some of our favorite places along with some new discoveries. While Montana will always have my heart, I have a new found appreciation for Idaho’s unsung beauty. And I think everyone should drive down the Oregon coast at least once.

Living in D.C. for so long, one of the small talk questions I got the most when people learned I was from California would be: “which coast is your favorite?” My default answer was always that I like the west, and I like the east, for different reasons. But if I am honest with myself, there is something that just feels right when I am in the western states. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s all that space, maybe it’s the wild west and gold rush history that didn’t happen all that long ago. If you haven’t had a chance to get out there and see it for yourself, what are you waiting for?

Read on for a detailed account of our 10-week trip, including destinations, campground reviews, and costs to help you plan a road trip through the American west.

Looking for more travel ideas? Read my detailed coast-to-coast itinerary here or check out my other USA destination guides here .

• Days On the Road: 69.
• Miles Traveled in RV (not counting the additional miles put on the car when exploring): 3,427.
• States Driven Through: 6.
• National Parks Visited: Crater Lake National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks.
• Number of Campgrounds Parked At: 21 (9 county/state/national parks, 9 private, 3 free camping spots).
• Visitors: 9, for a total of 20 nights. Life at The Chateau became like adult summer camp!
• Repairs: Oil changes for both vehicles, sealant for a leaky roof seam. The Chateau got its first road scars after we backed it into a campsite all wrong and scratched the back bumper. Nothing serious, thankfully.
• Grand Total Travel Costs for 10 Weeks On the Road: (read later in post for more details): $6,6775

Campground Price Guide:

$ = Free $$ = $10-$30/night $$$ = $30 – $50/night $$$$ = Over $50/night

Departure: We kicked off the summer road trip by rolling out of Sacramento at the end of May 2019.

Klamath Falls Four Mile Flat Quarry – GPS: 42.431503, -122.160638 $ Review: We started the trip with some free camping. It was hard to find info about this spot online but it exceeded my expectations. Kind of middle of the nowhere. A rocky parking lot by the water with more camping spots tucked along a rough road. I would stay here again for a night but wouldn’t make this a destination in itself. Local attractions: Crater Lake National Park (about an hour away). Miles from previous location: 360 miles.

Sweet Roystone Hot Springs – 7882 N. Hwy 52 Sweet, ID 83670 $$ Review: A very nice family-owned campground with renovated bathrooms and wifi. My favorite part was the hot springs that you can access for a minimal fee. Local attractions: Boise. Miles from previous location: 400 miles.

Bellevue Riverside RV Park and Campground – 403 Broadford Road, Bellevue, Idaho $$ Review: An older, small private campground with lots of long-term guests. Good wifi and close proximity to Sun Valley. Local attractions: The charming towns of Hailey and Ketchum (the nation’s first ski resort and the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway), Craters of the Moon National Monument. Click here to read about our visit. Miles from previous location: 195 miles.

Jackson Area

Spread Creek – Forest Road 30290 $ Review: This is our favorite boon docking spot to date! No amenities, unbeatable views and an unmatched location for exploring the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. We stayed in spot #3 and it was great for our rig. The road to spots #5-10 gets really rough so might not be a good fit for larger RVs. Read more about our visit here. Local attractions: Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 267 miles.

Kelly Gros Ventre Campground – 100 Gros Ventre Campground Rd, Kelly, WY 83011 $$$$ Review: After four nights of boondocking, we decided to try out our first National Park campground. We snagged a spot without a reservation. This is a nice woodsy spot with electric hookups but no showers. We found showers at the Colter Bay Campground and at a gym in town. There’s a great spot to see moose near the campground. Local attractions: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 44 miles.

West Yellowstone Baker’s Hole Campground – 3 mi NW of West Yellowstone on US 191 $$ Review: We were torn about where to stay during our visit to Yellowstone National Park. Our priorities were 1) staying as close to the park entrance as possible; 2) avoiding “parking lot” campgrounds and 3) paying a reasonable fee. This campground fit the bill! We found a first come first serve electric hookup site. No showers available. No cell service, either. Local attractions: West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. Read my guide to help you avoid the crowds in Yellowstone here . Miles from previous location: 124 miles.

Cody Buffalo Bill State Park, North Fork Campground – near Cody, Wyoming off US 14 W/ US 16 W / US 20 W $$$ Review: One of the best state park campgrounds I have ever seen. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Cody. We were able to find a walk-up site with electricity but were told that it is hard to get in without a reservation later in summer. Nice views of the surrounding rocky cliffs (some of the formations reminded us of southern Utah). Coin operated showers. Local attractions: Cody is the quintessential wild west town. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 132 miles.

Livingston Osen’s RV Park – 20 Merrill Lane, Livingston, MT 59047 $$$ Review: We picked this campground for its proximity to downtown Livingston, which also made it a good launching point for exploring both Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. It is clean and well-maintained but the spots are pretty close together. Management closes the entrance gates at 9 pm each night but you can open and close them manually as needed. Local attractions : Ben and I love Livingston; it’s just about the perfect small town. It was the original gateway city to Yellowstone. Be sure to check out the Murray Bar and Neptune’s. Bozeman is about 30 minutes away. It’s a larger college town with a very walkable main street. Miles from previous location: 178 miles.

Helena Cromwell Dixon Campground – 15 miles west of Helena at MacDonald Pass off Highway 12. $$ Review: Quiet, rustic camping on the top of a mountain just outside of downtown Helena. Local attractions: The state capitol building is gorgeous. Visit quirky Lewis and Clark Brewery and Broadwater hot springs. Miles from previous location: 123 miles.

Great Falls Dick’s RV Park – 1403 11th St SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 $$$ Review: This is an urban campground with older facilities and lots of long term guests. That being said, it is the most convenient place to stay while exploring Great Falls. Local attractions: Great Falls feels like a city on the rise. Read my guide to the Electric City here. Don’t forget to visit the mermaids. Miles from previous location: 121 miles.

Kalispell Rocky Mountain Hi Campground – 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell 59901 $$$ Review: Glacier country is a whole other (unbelievably gorgeous) world. This campground is spacious and has a full laundromat on site. It gets busy with families and kids on the weekends. Local attractions: Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Kalispell. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 227 miles.

*** If you want, add a stop in Wallace, Idaho on your way to Washington. It’s a much-celebrated small town with a big personality that I look forward to visiting in the future.

Spokane Area Peaceful Pines – 1231 W 1st St, Cheney, WA 99004 Review: We stayed about 20 minutes outside of downtown Spokane in the sleepy college town of Cheney. This private campground is small with recently updated bathrooms and showers. We had some issues with the wifi connection. Local attractions : Spokane is an under-the-radar city with a charming waterfront and beautiful architecture. Read my guide to the city here. Take a day trip to the nearby resort town of Coeur D’Alene. Miles from previous location: 250 miles.

Yakima Area Horn Rapids Park – 78410 Overlook Dr, Benton City, WA 99320 $$ Review: Inexpensive and spacious with electric hookups. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, yet convenient for exploring Yakima wine country. Local attractions: Highly recommend stopping by some wineries (like WIT and Col Solare) or breweries (Bale Breaker) and a trip into Yakima proper for some of the award-winning tamales from Los Hernandez. Miles from previous location: 154 miles.

The Dalles Area Rufus Landing $ Review: Free boon docking on the river. I was surprised by how busy this gravel parking lot gets! We stayed here two nights. Local attractions : The Dalles is a quaint small town; there’s hiking in a state park nearby; Hood River is a good stop for breweries and outdoorsy fun. Miles from previous location: 120 miles.

Tillamook Air Museum Grounds – 5005 Highway 101 South, Tillamook, OR 97141 $$ Review: A no frills and inexpensive camping spot next to the tiny Tillamook airport and air museum. Super close to town. Local attractions: Tillamook was our first stop on the Oregon coast. Be sure to visit the famous Tillamook Creamery – it lives up to the hype. From this home base we also explored Cannon Beach and Pacific City. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 157 miles.

Yachats Cape Perpetua Campground – 2200 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498 $$ Review: This is it. The perfect campground in the perfect coastal town. (As long as you don’t need cell service.) I fell hard for Yachats. Local attractions: Redwoods, fresh sea food, and tide pools galore. Click here to read my full guide to Yachats. Miles from previous location: 93 miles.

Coos Bay Bastendorff County Park – 63379 Bastendorff Beach Rd. Coos Bay, OR, 97423 $$$ Review: We were excited to get a last minute spot at this campground but it came with serious pros and cons. It’s a great location for checking out Charleston, North Bend, Coos Bay, and the surrounding area. It’s also very busy and crowded and the bathrooms leave much to be desired. Local attractions: Be sure to check out the nearby adorable beach towns of Florence and Bandon. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 74 miles.

Brookings Sea Bird RV Park – 16429 Highway 101 South Brookings, OR 97415 $$$ Review: Truth be told, we planned to state at Harris Beach State Park but turns out everything was full because there was a kite festival that weekend (true story). Sea Bird is a small private campground with a mix of travelers and long term residents. Local attractions: There’s no shortage of stunning views along Oregon’s southern coast. Be sure to stop by Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips in Port Orford. Miles from previous location: 107 miles.

Trinidad Emerald Forest Cabins & RV – 753 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA, 95570 $$$ Review: What a wonderful campground, with camping spots tucked in among tall evergreens! Great for families. Just outside of the quiet fishing town of Trinidad. Local attractions: It’s a short drive to Redwood National and State Parks or Eureka. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 86 miles.

Fortuna Area Van Duzen Campground – Swimmers Delight – 12 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 36 $$ Review: This was a last minute find for us. While we only stayed for one night, this would be a fun spot to spend a long weekend. The spots are large and quite literally surrounded by giant redwoods. Local attractions: Soak up the nature, and visit the charming Victorian village (and dairyland) of Ferndale. Miles from previous location: 40 miles.

Fort Bragg MacKerricher State Park – West Pinewood Campground – three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone $$$ Review: IMHO this is the best place to stay in Fort Bragg, by far. Huge campsites within walking distance to the beach and only a short drive to downtown. However, in our experience, California state parks are more expensive to dry camp in than other states, and the amenities are limited. Local attractions: Fort Bragg is a charming coastal town with shops, restaurants and North Coast Brewing Co.. Enjoy fresh seafood, beach hikes, and wildlife watching. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 117 miles.

Arrival: We returned to Sacramento at the end of July 2019, just in time to see friends and family and then fly back to Washington, D.C. for a work trip.

Just like “normal” life, you can pretty much spend as little or as much as you want while living the full-time RV lifestyle. I was very curious to compare our costs during this leg of the trip with our expenses from April 2019, our mad dash across the country. (You can read about that itinerary and why we had to travel across the whole USA in one month here .)

And you guys, guess what? I think we are figuring out this whole full-time RV thing! In June and July, we stayed at several pricey campgrounds out of necessity while visiting popular destinations like the Tetons or the California coast. But we also found some great deals at state park campgrounds and boondocked whenever we could. We found our travel speed sweet spot, moving every five days or so and limiting drive days to around three hours (most of the time). That schedule helped us balance time for work with time for fun. We are loving how RV travel allows you to experience an area the way the locals do.

I added a new “health” category to our expense tracker this month. We had our first dog health scare this month when Hobbes had a flare up of a past back injury. I shared more about how we keep Hobbes healthy on the road in this blog post for the Pet Food Institute. My top recommendation for RVers (or anyone traveling with their dog) is to keep a file of past health diagnoses and vaccination records with you. It was so helpful to be able to share this information with the new-to-us vet so they had some context for his symptoms.

Western Road Trip RV Travel Expenses At a Glance:

10 Weeks/69 Days on the Road

Gas: $1,497 This included fuel for both The Chateau and our car. Let’s just say the difference in gas prices between Montana and the California coast was “significant”. Ouch.

Campground Fees: $1,922 This breaks down to $28/day. Not bad. We stayed at a mix of free campsites, state and national parks, and private campgrounds. This total also includes parking fees in the few cities we visited with parking meters. In comparison, we spent $1,300 for just 30 days in April.

Eating and Drinking Out: $1,585 Mostly includes meals in the $15-30 range (and lots of coffee). We admittedly spend a lot in this area since trying new restaurants is one of the best ways to get to know a new city, IMHO.

Entertainment: $282 A minor league baseball game, bowling, the Cody Nite rodeo, and visiting a dinosaur dig.

Groceries: $1,288 This number also includes random household supplies purchased along with groceries at Walmart.

Health and Wellness: $165 Mostly day passes for gyms (and showers)!

RV and Car Maintenance: $213 Oil changes, etc. Also includes some organizational supplies and a new ottoman!

Connectivity: $451 My phone plan, a wireless jetpack for wifi, and our mail forwarding service.

Grand Total: $6,775

This breaks down to $98/day or $1.98 per mile.

Our primary goal in embracing the full-time RV lifestyle is to see and experience as many new places as possible (rather than saving money) – and clearly that shows. Adjusting your speed of travel or avoiding eating and drinking out are the easiest ways to save money on the road.

I hope this information is helpful if you are planning to jump into fulltime RV living or just an extended road trip across the American west. Feel free to send me a comment or an email if you have any questions about the itinerary.

I am currently planning the next leg of our journey : fall in the USA’s upper Midwest… your recommendations would be much appreciated! Be sure to click here to read my latest dispatches from the road and follow me on Instagram for more updates!

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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