Roadtrip Chicago To San Fransisco. Options

[FromDk]

Hi all.
I have read through the forum, and think you have a nice forum.
Me and one of my friends have planned a trip to the U.S. in April-May 2012th Therefore, I would hear what tips and tricks you have because we have never been to America before.

We must start in the city of Chicago and end in San Francisco. We have 19 days to ride in.
We are from Europe (Denmark), so it's exciting to travel to the U.S..

I have following questions which I hope some will answer:

Which route should we take? We would like to visit St. Louis, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, also running with Highway 1 to San Francisco.
Is there anything you should be aware of when you book places for your RV?
We have rented through Cruise America, it is a good company?
Can you sleep for free at Wall-Mart parking lots?

I very much hope that some will take the time to answer the above.

[Texasrvers]

I agree with everything fitzjohnfan said except for possibly staying in highway rest areas. As he said, some you can stay in, others you cannot, but I would not stay there because of the safety factor. Most would be safe, (especially if there are lots of other RV's or trucks around like at the large state rest areas), but I would not recommend staying at small roadside picnic or parking areas where there is no one else around. In my opinion, that would be unsafe.

Also if you are going to stay at a Walmart, it is polite to go in the store and ask if it is OK to park there. It is also nice if you buy something while you're there. Not required--just good manners.

[FromDk]

I agree with everything fitzjohnfan said except for possibly staying in highway rest areas. As he said, some you can stay in, others you cannot, but I would not stay there because of the safety factor. Most would be safe, (especially if there are lots of other RV's or trucks around like at the large state rest areas), but I would not recommend staying at small roadside picnic or parking areas where there is no one else around. In my opinion, that would be unsafe.

Also if you are going to stay at a Walmart, it is polite to go in the store and ask if it is OK to park there. It is also nice if you buy something while you're there. Not required--just good manners.

Thanks for the advice.

I understand the safety factor. Therefore i think staying at Wall-marts is the best. I guess they have some security people and video cam.

But the main thing is to visit the campgrounds and RV parks. I are a bit nerveus about the Snakes? I understand you have a lot of different snake some of them are poison? And what other animals should we be aware of?

Have any of you seen a snake near or in the RV? I am nerveus of its possible for the snake to sneak in an take a place. And when we sleeping HAPS! we get bite.

[Texasrvers]

I are a bit nerveus about the Snakes? I understand you have a lot of different snake some of them are poison? And what other animals should we be aware of?

Have any of you seen a snake near or in the RV? I am nerveus of its possible for the snake to sneak in an take a place. And when we sleeping HAPS! we get bite.

Oh my goodness! Where are you getting your stories from?? The only snakes you would probably see would be in a zoo. Yes, if you are camping way out in the wilderness, you might see one, but in 11 years of RVing we have never seen one in a campground. It is possible, but not likely. It is also the same with other animals. There are places where deer and small animals (racoons, possums) might wander into the campground (probably at night). If you are in a forest it will be a bit more likely that larger animals might be around. Some places might possibly have bears in the area, but I don't think your route will take you through any areas where that will be a big problem. If it is a problem the campground will warn you about it. Mainly they will tell you not to leave food outside because that will attract bears, even if it is in a cooler. We just finished a 6 week trip through Glacier and Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Parks. The only animals we saw were buffalo and a few elk. No bears, no moose, no wolves; we were actually disappointed. We were hoping to see something. The time of year will make some difference as to how active animals are, but usually animals and snakes try to stay away from people. Just don't try to approach them; keep your distance, and you should be just fine.