This July I am planning on taking a road trip from Houston to Maine. I plan to stay off the major highways for most of the trip and just see where it takes me.
As a kid, when we’d go on family trips we would stay at KOAs. I remember them being well maintained with good toilet and shower facilities. I’ve also heard that Wal-Mart parking lots are a good place to camp out for a night if that is the best option. I will be car camping most of the time, and I have a decent mattress and the like all ready to go.
So, are KOAs still good places to crash for a night?
Are there any interesting things I should make a point to stop and see?
Any other thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
In recent years, KOAs have gotten nearly as costly as motels.
WalMarts welcome overnight sleepers, but a few locations they cannot for various local reasons. Check with the service desk; who will designate a parking area and any rules they have… Shop for snacks or other road needs, to return the favor.
My favorite cheap overnighters are National Forests. Rustic amenities in designated campgrounds, around ten bucks, or in some forests, it’s OK to camp free wherever you don’t block road traffic. They’re dark and quiet.