As some of you know, life has thrown us a few curves lately. I do not want to discuss the specific challenges here, but I need to clear my mind and hell, before prices at the pump soar past $10 a gallon, I need to hit the road again.
So, in mid-July, after my baby brother’s wedding, and Grunty willing, this not-so-young mom will once again go West. And North. And probably in circles, with shaken fist aimed at the GPS goddess in the sky.
Since we’re wandering with a bit tighter budget and aiming to camp this time, suggestions for campgrounds and slightly off the beaten path inexpensive things to see and do along a yet to be determined Northern route very much appreciated.
Mom Voyage 
I had no idea you were having a rough time — I’m so sorry to hear that.
I, on the other hand, followed your infrequent Facebook updates to their natural conclusion in my mind. You’re welcome to come up here for free. There are some great museums that have free admission in Canada’s Capital.
I bought a couple of this guy’s books for the SE when we moved here and thought they were GREAT campground suggestions (we still frequent several of them that we found through the guide). The directions were good and he was spot on about the crowds (summer is always the hardest to plan camping). Here is the link to the OR/WA one but there might be others:
I’ve done a TON of camping in e. OR as well as w. OR but it has been about 8 years so hard to remember specifics. For the most part, even if a campground says ‘full ‘ a lot of times I pull in anyway because some states have the dreaded ‘reservation’ system and people are often no shows and lots of times park rangers are thrilled you are a tent camper so let you in even if they are full. If you want to camp on the OR coast try to plan not to hit it on the weekend (I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that but I have been burned even when it was cold and rainy!).
Good for you! I am going to be sitting in my house with the AC (a friend told me when I was worrying about how I would handle the TN heat in July that it was okay for me to keep my AC ‘trailer cold’ for this one summer) on low waiting for this baby to born I do believe š
I
You know you have two beds to choose from in Columbus, right? Otherwise, there is plenty of camping in Ohio, let me know if you plan on passing this way.
And I would like very much to know how everything else is going…
Here’s a strange place to visit, especially if driving through to Mt Rushmore:
http://www.carhenge.com/
Bettter yet, it’s pretty close to 10 acres of land you could either camp on or even stay inside the domile located on said 10 acres.
I hope you are OK.
We have two extra beds and a backyard you’re more than welcome too-there’s also a lot of neat stuff that’s free or minimal cost around here-and we’d love to have you.
I’ve been thinking of you.
Sorry about whatever hard time you are having. No advice for trip ideas either – the only times I’ve been really west (well, almost everywhere is west of you though) or north we were just trying to get from Point A to Point B as fast as possible. For example, from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Knob Noster, Missouri – 3500+ miles – in 6 days, at Christmastime.
But there are lots of places I’d love to visit. Looking forward to hearing of your travels.
oooohhh! Sedona!
How far north is north? If you want to go through MI, we LOVE the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula. It’s gorgeous. It’s on Lake Superior and has lots of waterfalls and good hiking. We also found a cool campsite near St. Ignace, a good spot if you are interested in the Mackinaw area. It’s right on Lake Michigan. If you’re interested, I’ll look up the name. We’ll be going back this year. Gas is too expensive for us to go out of state this year. š¦ When we were in DC, we went to the Greenbelt National Park. We drove to the metro and took the train into the city.
Lala and Thor: I think we’ll probably go Northwest, and not Northeast. š¦
Flutter–I’m sooooo tempted to aim for Taos again. Unlikely, but I probably would not hit Sedona this time around. There is still more in NM, AZ and CA that I want to see on another trip though, so I’ll yell.
I’m using Routes 7 & 8 as very rough guides/to get ideas. I never actually follow these kinds of preplanned itins though:
Northwest means you will have to drive right through Chicago, right? I mean, we ARE the crossroads of the nation. (wait, that’s Indiana). Anyway. I live right near a forest preserve, so you could “camp” at my house and then go outside in the morning!
(and sorry things are not going well. š¦ )
If you want a place to stay on your way to the NW, let me know! We have a fold-out couch that’s pretty comfortable. Or, if you really want the camping experience, we’re quite close to the park Venessa stayed at during her exploration of DC. We’d love to make you and the fam dinner.
Sounds like a nice trip…sucky reasons but a nice trip to clear out your head.
A friend of mine used to live near Priest Lake, Idaho – supposed to be beautiful – lots of hiking, camping, etc.
We are going to SD in July – when are you thinking of going? We will be there the 3rd week – wouldn’t that be wild!
Oooh, oooh pick me, pick me!
We’re in Orygun and mi backyard is su backyard. Vegan restaurants on every corner…
We have been stymied by gas prices for our plan to travel a northern route to Connecticut. We’ve chosen California instead. Most of our camping along your route has been national parks and the KOA variety.
(We could actually let you in the house and not just the yard. And as both my husband and I have been vegans in former lives, I’m sure we can find something for you to eat as well.)
I hope things on your end of the continent look up soon.
if you make it around here, there are places free beds in chicago and free camping spots in wisconsin…
Karrie, I’m loving your photos on FlickR. I don’t have an account with them, so I don’t leave comments, but I really do enjoy looking at the world from your point of view. š Travel safely!
Sorry I have no suggestions as to campsites. But I hear ya on the gas prices. I won’t be able to drive to the grocery store once gas is $10 a gallon. As it is; I am trying to learn to walk everywhere I need to go, within safe walking distance.
Oh Man, route 8 is boring….how about driving 9 and seeing some beautiful country? Oh yeah, I’m along the 9 right now….what a coincidence
Rt. 7 takes you less than 2 miles away from my house (Chicago burbs).
You and Max are welcome anytime. Dd can sleep with me and you & Max can have her room. Or Max & the kids can have a “sleep over” in the living room and you can have a bed to yourself!
Seriously. Anytime.