General Camping Info
 

Hi to all, planning a trip back to the US next spring and sense I have a bike in storage there I thought I would use it and make a trip of it as I do some research.
I am thinking about camping (tent) along the way to cut expenses and would like to where folks camp.
It has been a while sense I camped anywhere other than a hotel and as the wife will not be along, why not (she is not much on tents).
My plan is to start in TN, then head to central and NW AR, MO, KY, ID, IL and then the fun starts, take route 66 out to CA.
I looked at the KOA site but seem sa little pricey for a plot to pitch a tent.
I would guess State and National Parks are an option as well but sort of out of the way.
Any information is greatly appreciated.

Blaze

KOA is, as you mention, a bit pricey, but you get showers and indoor plumbing, which are worth something. In general, there are the following options:

National Forests: The U.S. has an extensive National Forest system where camping is allowed in most of them. Consult the U.S. Forest Service web site for more information. In most National Forests, dispersed camping is free, while camping at improved camp sites is inexpensive (price depends on improvements -- e.g., a pit toilet camp ground with no running water is going to be free or very cheap, while one with running water and showers will be much more).
BLM lands: These are national lands like the National Forests but typically managed for income production by the Bureau of Land Management rather than for forestry and recreation like the National Forests. Most of these lands are in the West and are used for cattle grazing, but in many cases you can camp on them with a free or inexpensive permit.
National Monuments: These are BLM lands, except that commercial activities such as logging and mineral extraction are off-limits within them due to their scenic, historical, or recreational value. They are run by the Bureau of Land Management.
County parks: Some county parks have camp sites, generally for not much money ($6-$8). You may look at a map at some of the areas you're wanting to investigate, and find what counties are there, and go to the county's web site to see if they have a county parks system and, if so, whether there is camping available within it.
State parks: Most state parks have some sort of camping, usually for quite cheap.
National parks: Aside from the entry fee, camping in these parks ranges from free to KOA levels, again depending upon level of services provided.
Other private campgrounds: If you know the area you're going to, some investigation can typically turn up inexpensive camping areas that fit none of the above criteria. For example, I know of at least two places near Death Valley that will allow you to ride or drive in, pitch a tent, and camp overnight for a small "donation".

In general, camping in the U.S. is more widely available in the West, which still has enormous amounts of government lands. In more densely populated areas or in heavily agricultural areas (where any available land is used for crops), the only camping available is at KOA and similar campgrounds. Woodall's Tenting Directory (see amazon.com) will give a list of those types of for-profit campgrounds as well as some of the governent-run campgrounds.

As a rule, most of the interesting camping areas are in out-of-the-way places, as you note. There is no reason, however, to not combine hotel'ing and camping -- i.e. hotel it when in a developed area, then camp when getting to a more scenic area.

I don't know about the rest of the country but in the western states, camping is a must. National Parks and Forests have campsites in amazing locations and even if some are a bit out of the way, I always found it well worth the detour. KOA doesn't really feel like camping to me.

In National Parks, the major campsites have all the amenities and are usually close to a food store, while many campsites in National Forests are only accessible through dirt roads (almost always very good ones, any bike can do) and you might need to bring all your food and water (or water filter)

I wrote some recommendations for maps that allow to find the campsites on http://www.photobiker.com/store/books.html#maps (scroll down to the North-America chapter)

Pierre - http://www.photobiker.com

camping info
 

Good info from both elgreen and pierresas to which I would like to add a few suggestions.
In the western states and provinces check out the small towns for available camping at some of the fairground- sportspark facilities and town parks. Out west they are very friendly about that sort of thing and welcoming to visitors . In many small towns you could spend the night for free . My favourite example is in Guymon , Oklahoma in the panhandle where one is permitted to camp free at the No-Man's Land Regional Park on the southeast corner of town and have access to flush toilets and a warm shower. Whenever I'm in the area I sort of adjust my schedule a bit to take advantage of it and get the bike filled with gas and eat at the local restaurants as a payback for their generosity.
Out in the unpopulated wilds do not hesitate to just find a nice secluded spot and camp out among the sagebrush or forest - but NO campfires! I make it a point to get fed and fuellled well before sunset so that when a spot suitable for camping shows up I can just dive in. Always carry several liters of water to slake your thirst during the night and to brush your teeth and you will enjoy the great outdoors.

Free and usually with a shower and beer, too...:)
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149585

Great info guys, thanks.
The tent list is a great idea, thought of offering up some space down here when I find the right piece of property.

tenting
 

Blaze you are welcome to stop in and camp on the farm. I can show you around some if you'd like we have some great roads.
In north Georgia check out T.W.O. motorcycle resort in Suches. Excellent roads and a friendly situation to stay at.

Thanks for the offer Kbikey. What part of Kentucky you in.
I am not sure where this road is going ot lead exactly, but I will most likely have to come to Kentucky but not sure where yet.

I have cooked up an idea to trace my family history down a little further than it currently stands and following the path it leads on motorcycle. Sounds like a great way to see some country and fact find at the same time.

Keep the rubber on the road and the oil in the pan.

Blaze, I'm in central Ky. just south of Lexington. This area is known as the Bluegrass region and is home to thoroughbred horses and tobacco farms.
I'll try to send my adress and phone # to your personal messages.

U.S. Campground directory
 

There are a few different campground directories for the U.S. Woodall's North American Campground Directory has campgrounds in the U.S. listed in it, along with prices and ammenities. There is also a book called Camping With the Army Corps. of Engineers. There are a few others as well. They can all can be found at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Blaze,
If you are looking to stop off at Nashville, there is a awesome, cheep, clean campground run by the Corp of Engineers called Seven Points. This is a real gem! About 15-20 minutes from all the tourist stuff. Electric and water on all the sites, manicured gravel spots for a tent, free clean showers and bathroom! On a huge lake. Anyhow....just my two cents, found this on a road trip last year and was very impressed.

Shorty

Bwahahahaha..........good one shorty doh

This thread is that old, Blaze is probably rockin' in the retirement home :rofl:

Bucket,
My bad.....first post...just joined, been lurkin up till now...should go back to lurking i guess...

Not at all bier you offered some valuable information that maybe someone could use.
Hang around, post often & ENJOY the camaraderie :thumbup1:

Croatian biker in USA
 

Hi all,
I read a lot on the HUB, but not write much...
I'm from Croatia, but work temporary in Calgary.
I have some experience of moto traveling in Europe, cople of times Croatia to Turkey (not just Istanbul), some central europe , greece, albania, other side to Germany, Austria
Here i also travel a lot, but often just weekeends or shorter trips, longest was in Yellowstone NP.
Next year i plan to finish work here and on Spring i will go back home an if everything will be ok from croatia to australia on bike...
Before that i will like to pass all remaining canada provinces ( east of Saskatchewan) and all US states, unfortunately not Alaska and Hawai and some which i already visit
But now i have two weeks off an i will like to go trough oregon, california, nevada, arizona.
I never been in States with tent and off course i will like to have cheappest possible accommodation costs.
As i saw here is a lot of good advices, but if any of you have some another suggestion be free to tell me.
On my trip there is only couple of must see things, so everything except that is still open.
San francisco (alcatraz), Hollywood sign, some desert places, grand canyon, hoover dam, maybee plece where four borders meet each other.
I always like high mountain passes so that is option...
Sorry for so long post on bad english, but like i said any advice is more than welcome
If any of you ever come in Croatia or have any questions, just ask