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Hello adventurous traveler! If you are reading this it is because you have probably been bitten by the adventure bug and Are you planning to tour the United States in a motorhome or camper or RV (Recreative Vehicles) as they call these vehicles in the US?, an election that promises to be epic and full of unforgettable moments!

As a mother of two children and a lover of travel on wheels as a very experienced motorhome driver, I want to share with you our 21-day experience touring the fascinating land of opportunities in a motorhome or rather in a rental camper this time. Also, I will tell you all the secrets, tips and anecdotes that we have accumulated on this very special trip, one of the trips that I place in the Top 5 of our family adventures so far. So, get ready for the adventure of your life!

Summary of our 21-day trip through the United States by motorhome

Our route started off a bit bumpy, with a canceled flight from Level, Barcelona-Los Angeles. Luckily, two days later we were able to enjoy 21 spectacular days and almost 9000 km in a large-volume rental camper from Roadsurfer that we only rented near the Los Angeles airport. Before I get into the details, let me give you a preview of our trip.

Imagine wake up in the Grand Canyon, see wild animals from moose to bears, have the sunrise of your life in Monument Valley and sleep under the stars in Yellowston National Park, after seeing almost 500 geysers and amazing thermal pools. All this and more is possible when you tour the United States in a comfortable and practical motorhome or camper that allows you to save time and comfort by being able to visit much more than normal if you go by car and motels that are usually far from these points of interest. Join me on this journey and discover how to plan your own journey based on the ideas and knowledge acquired during our experience.

First of all: Requirements for a trip to the United States in a motorhome, camper or whatever. Checklist before traveling

During our trip, we learned that Planning is key on a trip like this, If above all you want to dedicate your vacation to enjoying and not solving problems. That's why I made a post about one guide to prepare a trip to the USA with a check list That you must be clear about what you need to prepare before your trip to the United States in a motorhome or whatever. In this post you will be able to see from the legal requirements, security issues and other preparations such as how to have internet in the United States, etc…

Improvisation is also part of the charm of travel, but in this case minimize it, listen to me otherwise you will waste the time visiting wonderful places!

Finally, a emphasis from the post especially if you are going to travel by motorhome or camper: reserve campsites as far in advance as possible, especially in popular places like Yosemite or Yellowstone. Also, take advantage of the different camping options that we explain below to save money and make your trip a 10.

Renting a motorhome or camper in the United States: what is better, prices, advice from our own experience

As we begin to plan our trip, we are faced with a crucial decision: Rent a motorhome or a camper or go to hotels? After comparing options and evaluating our needs, we opted for a large-volume camper for 4, since it provides more space and comfort for our family and was the option that was the best economically. If you are looking for a similar experience, I recommend considering factors such as size, equipment and rates. You can see the post I made about our rental experience to see prices, tips and how it works and what requirements there are to rent a motorhome or camper in the United States.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in the United States?

This is one of the questions you ask me the most. In the post that I indicated before I detail everything more, but I leave you here a first approximation. The Prices vary depending on season, vehicle size and rental duration. In general, renting a motorhome or camper in the United States can range between $150 to $350 per night, depending on the model and day of the year. Remember to book in advance to ensure availability and best rates. If you can travel in the low season you can save more than half, write it down.

A little gift

But how much does a trip to the United States by motorhome cost in total?

Well, it will depend mainly of 3 fundamental questions:

• With How far in advance do you buy the flights? back and forth so that these get a good price. It can cost you 600 euros round trip if you buy them in advance, but if you do it with little time, estimate that 1000-1500 euros is what is normal.
• De How long are you going to be there? Every day the costs of renting the motorhome, gasoline, campsites or RV Parks add up... It is not the same to stay for one week as for three obviously.
• In what time of year you are going to go, High season is not the same as low season. In low season the costs of renting a motorhome in the USA are half!

In our case, we have been there for 3 weeks and our total cost (with everything, everything included: flights, rental camper, meals, shopping, activities, visits, gasoline...) per person has been 3000 €uros per person. In our case it is a high amount since we have traveled in the high season at the end of August and purchased the flights only 3 months in advance. If you travel in October or November for example and buy the flights 9 months in advance it can cost you 1500 euros for 3 weeks!V

Video guide to the USA in a motorhome, camper or RV as they call them there

Below we summarize in a video everything you need to know about traveling to the US in a motorhome, camper or RV. From how camping and overnight stays work to how water draining and other motorhome services are performed.

Camping in the United States in a motorhome: general regulations and fines

The regulations related to camping in motorhomes or campers in the United States are essential to avoid sanctions. In The United States strictly prohibits camping outside designated locations, such as campsites, campgrounds or motorhome areas, the so-called RV Parks or RV Camps in the United States. Remember that Protruding beyond the perimeter of your vehicle with tables, chairs, awnings or other elements is considered camping. So, remember, to avoid fines and legal problems, always look for places authorized for camping, which in the United States are, as I mentioned before, the campsites or RV Parks mainly.  

Overnight in a motorhome in the United States

La free overnight stay in the United States is generally prohibited in any vehicle, Except in rest areas or parking lots on roadside where it is allowed, without camping as long as it is not prohibited overnight sleeping on your own. This is the general rule, although each state of the 50 member states of the United States has its own regulations and has more or less public places for RVs (campers, motorhomes or caravans) to spend the night. Now I will detail all the options that there may be for an overnight stay in a motorhome in the US that will help you understand a little about how this American sector is organized.

Places to spend the night in a motorhome in the US without fines

Finding safe and suitable places to spend the night is essential for a peaceful experience in your motorhome or camper during your vacation. So apart from avoiding fines, plan your route well to spend the night. I will start the list with the places from most recommended to least for safety and charm, but all legal, which you can use to sleep with your motorhome in the United States.

Campsites, called campgrounds, public

One of the things that The most that surprised and pleased us about the United States was the large network of public campsites throughout the country.. Network of campsites at the national level (of the State of the United States) and network of campsites of each federal state. All of these campsites can be found in the official web pages of each Natural Park or natural protected space that you want to visit and are booked through the same websites. It best of these campsites is their location, in protected natural places and spaces and spectacular enclaves.

They are from a much lower price than private campsites or RV Parks or RV camps that are also private. Another positive point. In our case we paid between $14 to $50 per night the most expensive, but the Most are around $20 on average, about 18 euros per vehicle including up to 6-7 people on the pitch. they have more or less services, but they all have some very large plots, very different from the private ones or RV Parks, in the middle of nature and with picnic table and a firecamp ring, a ground fire with a grill for barbecues or the famous smarshmallows like in the movies. So, if your trip mainly aims to visit Natural Parks, it is undoubtedly the option that I recommend to be able to sleep in the middle of those Parks and not have to travel extra kilometers.

Tips on public campgrounds

Finally, I must warn you that these places are the most popular to stay in the Natural Parks of the United States and reserves are quickly depleted of their pitches, so book as soon as possible. Something you should also know is that, depending on the campsite, there are few pitches with large vehicle pitches. This was one of the key factors that made us opt for a camper and not a motorhome, since everything less than 21 feet is easier to find a plot there.

 Private campgrounds

As I mentioned, the campsites there can be public or private. Private campsites You will always find them outside the limits of protected natural spaces, outside public land. Outside of the natural parks there in the first towns you can find these private campsites. The good thing about private campsites is that you always have the services of the motorhome or camper guaranteed. At least they have a “dump station”, an area to empty and fill water from the motorhome or camper. And normally you also have on each plot a “hook up”, a service hook-up tower, a drain for gray and black wastewater, a clean water tap and a pole to plug into the electricity. Apart from, like in public, your picnic table and your ring to make the bonfire.

La The difference between a private campsite and an RV park that I will now tell you is that tents can also be camped at the campsite., something that is not the case in other places. Regarding the price, in our experience they are a little cheaper than RV Parks although more expensive than public campsites. About 40 to 80 dollars.  

Motorhome areas, called there RV Parks or RV Camps

RV Parks or RV camps are private spaces (we don't know any public) specially designed for motorhomes, campers and caravans with services such as electrical connection, water supply and drainage, among many other services that they may have just like private campsites. The only ones Camping items prohibited here are tents.

Most RV Parks have a picnic table, a campfire ring, and also a “hook-up”, a tower connecting to all the services mentioned, and according to our own experience they are one of the most expensive places where we have stayed the night. We have paid between 50 to 120 dollars for one night.

Like private campsites, in many of these establishments we find laundry, swimming pool, playgrounds and other services such as shops. Finally, you should also know that in many of these RV Parks or RV Camps there is an area for “residents”, that is, motorhomes that live there on a more permanent or more stable basis than a simple two-day tourism, a style of life in the United States currently booming.

Private parking lots that allow you to stay overnight for free

 SomePrivate establishments in the US allow motorhomes and campers to stay overnight for free in exchange for the purchase or consumption in them. These places are some of the good places to spend the night for free in the United States, since these parking lots usually have surveillance cameras and are quite safe if you sleep accompanied by other motorhomes or campers. The most common establishments for a free overnight stay there are some supermarkets. Wallmart, McDonald's restaurants and many Casinos. Although you should know that Not all Wallmarts or McDonalds or Casinos allow overnight stays. and you can find “no overnight” signs directly in their parking lots. Before spending the night always ask at the checkout beforeSince it is a private place, they have to give you permission and they will also warn you about the security they have.  

Enabled public areas (public lands)

 In some public places in recreational areas, overnight stays are allowed in specific public areas. Public lands are not easy to find most of the time, only by asking or doing a lot of research on the maps of each municipality or surrounding area can you find out. Making sure to follow local regulations, these places, sometimes free but often also with a modest payment in the mailbox like many public campgrounds, can be a good option for an overnight stay on the road that is cheaper than an RV park or campsite.

Service areas or roadside parking lots

On the route, you can find service areas or parking lots on the side of the road or next to gas stations where you can stay the night legally and usually for free (although there are some of these places that you also have to pay for). The bad thing about these places is that They are the least safe and attractive thing to sleep in. Only one night we spent the night in a parking lot on the side of a secondary road and because there was no other option as there was nothing nearby and we were traveling for kilometers on the road. And the truth is, because it was late and there was nothing nearby in less than an hour otherwise we would have left by chance, we didn't like it at all and we didn't sleep at all comfortably.  

Motorhome services in the United States

Having adequate services for your motorhome or camper is essential for a comfortable and smooth trip on the road. Here I detail where the services are performed and where you will normally find them:

At Dump Stations, water emptying and filling areas for RVs (motorhomes, campers and caravans)

 These stations are usually always at least in the private campsites, at some RV Parks, some of the larger public campgrounds or big or in very diverse areas within towns, natural parks or close to roads that some municipalities or homeowners associations make available free of charge or in exchange for a donation to users. The dump stations are usually indicated from the roads and always with a symbol of a caravan with an arrow for bass and downstream.

In Hook-Ups of the motorhome areas (RV Parks) or private campsites

In most private campsites, RV Parks or RV Camps and some public campsites we even find service hitch towers, the so-called Hook-Up, in each plot for connect to electricity and water, and empty gray and black water in the drainage hole.  

Circulate and drive in the United States in a motorhome or camper

The experience of driving a car, camper or motorhome in the United States is exciting and can sometimes present challenges as well. Here I summarize some important aspects about traffic and driving in this vast country.

General aspects of the United States by road

Before you get behind the wheel, it's crucial to understand traffic regulations in the United States. Some key points include:

• All the Traffic regulations vary from state to state, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with local regulations and carefully observe all the signs in each place.
• Your European driving license is valid, but it is advisable to have an English translation, so it is better to go to Traffic and have them do the international permit driving, you will avoid problems if you are stopped by a less-than-transparent police officer.
• All the distances are measured in miles and feet, so it is useful to know the equivalences with the metric system. A A mile is 1,6 kilometers and a foot is 30 centimeters.
• Most The roads are very wide, good and with endless straights that are very easy to drive. Although there are also curves and mountains depending on where you go.
• Be careful with the traffic lights, they are on the other side of the intersection.
• At traffic lights, if it doesn't say otherwise, you can always turn right even if it's redo.
• Lend attention to the country's meteorology where you are going to go. A tornado passed us on the road (luckily not very big) and even a sand storm that made us choke up at that moment.

Driving on roads

The highway network in the United States is extensive and diverse. The highways/expressways are usually wide and well maintained (although there are also those who would like a reform, in fact there are signs asking for sponsors for the roads hehehe), but in mountainous areas such as National Parks, the roads can become narrow and without shoulders. In general, these are the regulations and tips that you should take into account when driving through the United States by road:

• The speed limits vary depending on the road and the State a lot, so stay informed and respect the signs.
• They had told us that in the United States driving was very civilized and they didn't race. Polite behind the wheel and civilized they are, but running they run is a pleasure and they break the speed limits many times.
• Is important to have be careful with trucks, since in most US states they do not have speed limitations lower than cars and they go very fast.
• All the Highways around large cities can have many lanesWe have counted up to 8 each way in Los Angeles, so keep an eye on traffic and exits.

Tolls on US highways

Unlike many European countries, most roads in the United States do not have tolls, although there are in 32 of the 50 States, but on very specific roads and sections. In these the system is payment by card and there is no major problem. During our three week trip Through Nevada, California, Wyoming, Idaho and Arizona, we found no no toll. This is an advantage that reduces the costs of your trip.

Putting gasoline at gas stations in the United States: differences with European ones

The logistics of supplying your motorhome or camper with food in the United States has its particularities. Here I explain some important details:

• The gas It is measured in gallons, and prices are indicated per gallon. One gallon is equivalent to approximately 3.8 liters.
• Although it used to be cheaper than in Europe, the price difference has narrowed recently due to the pandemic. Of On average it has cost us about $4,5 per gallon.
• The price of gasoline is different, and they indicate this on their posters as well., depending on whether you pay in cash or card. In cash it is cheaper, although for us when exchanging currency, withdrawing cash at an ATM did not work out and it is better to pay with a card.
• El coste of gasoline varies by state, since each has its own tax rates. From $3,99 a gallon in Wyoming or Idaho to the $6,2 we pay in California.
• We tried different apps and used Google maps to find out gas prices, but in the end the most effective thing was to look at the gas stations we passed and fill the tank when it was around $4,2 a gallon or less, this way we always managed to have a full tank at the best price and without deviating from our route and spending more fuel.
• The hoses have opposite colors to the European ones: green for diesel and black for gasoline, with different octane ratings.
• Most Service stations are automatic and accept credit cards or European debit without problems on the same machine.

Internet and GPS

Having Internet is vital for GPS, to consult information and reservations made, to hire activities or even, as I have told you before, to have the right time for each place. and here you go 3 options to have internet, although I'll get to the point and tell you not to complicate things because the best and cheapest is the card Hellofly. We also tried with Vodafone prepaid which was the other option from Spain and in the end we ended up buying a second one from Holafly for my husband. And the third option of buying one prepaid card from thereWell, we were looking and they were all much more expensive than Holafly if we wanted unlimited data like them.

Conclusion best Internet option in the US

Natural parks without coverage, download offline maps!

In natural parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone for example or places like Monument Valley we had almost no coverage anywhere. Therefore, we recommend that you, as we did, bring the Google maps downloaded to be able to use your GPS offline if required. How is it done? Simply go to your Google Maps on your mobile, go around to the right of your profile and click on offline maps, add the ones you want and that's it. Finally, for this same reason, Do not improvise your route and visits and take the route well planned.

Tips and things to know about the United States in a motorhome or camper before you go

Traveling by motorhome in the United States is a unique experience, but it requires certain knowledge and precautions. Here I give you some vital tips for your journey that we have considered after Traveling to the US by motorhome is very important to know:

Necessary legal documentation

 Make sure you bring with you a valid passport for at least one that does not expire before 6 months and processes the ESTA authorizationor visa, depending on your country of origin. Go to the official website to process it, it goes super fast, in 2 days we had the ESTA approved. It is not difficult and if you go as a family or group, make the request per group, not individually. This is the official page: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Traveler registration

Register as a traveler abroad on the page of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be reachable in emergency case during your stay in the United States. Before leaving, also consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to learn about travel alerts and recommendations for the United States, including areas to avoid and risk situations.

Food restrictions

 Verifica food restrictions before carrying any product of animal origin to the United States in your suitcase, since certain foods are not allowed. Check the US embassy website for more details but don't risk fines.

Environmental awareness

Remember that the United States is a country with high consumption of resources and generation of waste. Help minimize your ecological footprint during your trip, although sometimes it is complicated because you can hardly even recycle containers.  

15 essential things to see on a route through the United States in a motorhome along the West Coast of the United States

We're getting to the exciting part! The West Coast of the United States is a land full of natural and cultural wonders. Here I present 15 must-sees that you cannot miss on your motorhome route that BLOWED us away and in capital letters. You will see that in this compilation There are no large American cities and if there is one thing we believe, it is that cities are not for visiting in a motorhome or camper, neither for comfort and, above all, nor for safety. Both in Europe and in the United States we advise you against going to large cities in a motorhome or camper, you are in a hotel and with public transportation you will visit them safer and more comfortable. Here go the 15 essentials to visit by motorhome or camper USA on its West Coast, but not before without showing you our map and without telling you that in this other post you can see a route through the United States in a motorhome of some good friends.

Route map and essentials

Here you can see our map of essentials and places to spend the night in the United States in a motorhome. If you hire our route assembly service, you will have it interactive in the route sheet and in full detail.

The 15 essentials

Route 66 in its most beautiful section through Arizona

An iconic experience full of history and changing landscapes.

Grand Canyon

One of the most impressive natural wonders in the world.

Monument Valley

A unique place with its characteristic red sandstone monoliths.

Horseshoe Bend

The spectacular horseshoe-shaped bend of the Colorado River.

The New Wave

A dreamlike rock formation that seems taken from another planet.

Antelope Canyon

A slot canyon famous for its undulating rock formations and magical lights.

Bryce Canyon

A national park that is home to an impressive collection of rock pinnacles.

Zion National Park

A paradise for hiking lovers with canyons and unique rock formations.

Grand Teton

A national park with majestic mountain peaks and picturesque lakes.

Yellowstone National Park

 The world's first national park, famous for its geysers and wildlife.

Crater Moon National Park

 A park that houses an impressive crater of an extinct volcano.

Lake Tahoe

A lake with crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains, perfect for outdoor activities.

Big Trees Skulls

A place to marvel at the giant redwood trees.

Yosemite National Park

An icon of nature with waterfalls, valleys and impressive cliffs.

Sequoia national park

 Home to the largest sequoia trees in the world.

 Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Traveling by motorhome in the United States is an experience that will leave you breathless. From the stunning nature to the vibrant small towns, there is something for everyone in this vast country. So load your motorhome, follow our recommendations and get ready to live the adventure of your life in the United States by motorhome! May the road take you to amazing places and unforgettable moments! And remember to explain your adventure to us in the comments, we read you!

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