RE: Mapping our route - finding overnight accomodations....

[JemJen24]

 
Ok....I need to know what website will let me map our route and offer ideas for " along the way"  overnight accomodations (motels or campgrounds) that will be accept the dogs.
 
 I have heard some people say you can camp in Walmart parkinglots.  Is this true?
 
 Jennifer

[tlhdoc]

 JemJen24
Some Wal-Marts do let you stay overnight, but they may require you to be totally self contained.  I don t think they would want you dumping water in the parking lot.  In NY state there is a Wal-Mart that even has electric hookups.

[Gone-Camping]

 JemJen24
I m not sure, but think mapquest.com will provide campground locations along the route, you gotta configure it to do so, but believe they have that option.

[abbear]

 JemJen24
I would not feel safe poping up in a Wal-Mart lot.  I know some people find it to their taste, but I would feel too open and exposed.  Many towns are also passing laws that make parking lot camping illegal in response to this particular situation.
 
 Just my opinion
 
 

[tlhdoc]

 JemJen24
In West Ocean City MD they will fine you $500 for camping in the parking lot at Wal-Mart according to the sign.  We say 5 motor homes camping any how.

[ForestCreature]

 JemJen24
The [link=http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/home.jsp]Rand McNally[/link] site is pretty reliable with their routes and travel times. We have gotten bad directions from Mapquest more than once. Which ever service you use, be sure to double check them on a real map.
 
 As for finding a CG, Chasd showed us how easy it is using the Yahoo Yellow Pages search. If you want State or National CGs go to the states DNR site or the NFS website.
 
 

[maromeo]

 JemJen24
Jen,
 We use Trailer Life Directory. They list all kinds of campgrounds including State and Federal parks. They even tell you which ones don t allow tents. We use it on the road all the time.
 Mary

[aldebnj]

 JemJen24
Flying J truck stops also allow overnight stays and I understand they have special areas for RVs.  I haven t checked this out personally but will try to this weekend when I travel from coastal NJ to Chambersburg, PA and then up to Rochester, NY and then back home.  Unfortunately, with out the PU this time.  Just me and setting up is alot of work alone after all that driving.
 
 I will try to check out the Flying J s and get back to you.   Their website gives more info and they have an RV discount card as well.
 
 Al

[vjm1639]

 JemJen24
I was told that Walmart only allows self contained TTs or Motor Homes; no slideouts allowed to be extended and no pop up campers.

[Kelly]

 JemJen24
[font=" comic sans ms" ]Jen ~
 
 Just finished planning a 22 day road trip ~ can t wait to leave!!!!  I used a combination of the Rand McNally site (www.randmcnally.com) and the Trailer Life Directory to plan the route and choose CGs.  
 There are a couple of books that are good for finding places to stay with dogs, but I don t think they include CGs ... one is Vacationing with your pet by Eilenn Barish and the other is Fodor s Road Guide USA : where to stay with your pet
 
 Hope this helps ~ happy planning [][/font]

[JemJen24]

 JemJen24
Wow...thanks for the advice, everyone!  A good friend also told me about www.koa.com
 
 That will map the route and point out campover grounds along the way.
 
 Jennifer []