On a recent forum thread, iRV2 member Jyrocharlie asked: “Which is the most RV unfriendly state?”
RVers considered many factors like gas prices, road laws, and whether or not the state rest areas allow overnight stays. Not counting Hawaii—as member TonyDi quipped, “They don’t even have decent highways so you can get there”—these two states were voted as the least RV-friendly.
California has high gas prices and vehicle registration fees. Photo: Malibu Beach RV Park
California
California is notorious for its high taxes, vehicle registration fees, gasoline and diesel prices. And as MRUSA14 pointed out,
“I nominate California. 55 mph speed limit on all roads when towing. RVs over 40 feet are banned from many roads in the state.”
You can see what roads prohibit big rigs on this map from California’s website. Most interstates and state routes allow RVs up to 45 feet in length, some roads ban 40-foot motorhomes and buses.
Vehicle combinations (like towing a trailer) may be up to 65 feet in length. On most roads, vehicles that are towing are restricted to the right-hand lane only, except for passing.
Trailers are not allowed on many New York parkways.
New York
New York also has sky-high gas prices and fuel taxes. On top of that, the state has many parkway restrictions and low clearance bridges. iRV2 member momdoc added,
“My vote for most unfriendly state goes to New York. Many of the major routes do not allow RVs and many less traveled roads have low bridges and overpasses making it hard to get from Point A to point B at times.”
According to this guide from RV LIFE Trip Wizard on state road laws, motorhomes and trailers are not permitted on the Taconic State Parkway (the longest parkway in New York). Trailers are not permitted on most parkways. LP gas is also prohibited in several New York tunnels.
What states would you consider to be the least RV-friendly? Let us know in the comments below or on this iRV2 forum thread.
You may also like:
- The Best States for Full-time RVer Domiciles
- Complete Guide Of State Towing Speeds & Laws You May Not Know
- State Road Laws For RVs
Colorado. Mainly just because we don’t want more people to come here.
Tom, cool I’m on my way!
Tom, you must be left leaning selfish douche. Intolerant. Take a breath. It’s not about you. I go wherever I want. I’m an American. Get used to it. See the soon.
Colorado because they are u friendly have little to offer as places to stay unless you drive big and beautiful brand.new. . God forbide if it’s a little order it might look like trailer trash. Can’t wait to say I no longer live in this horrible place that has become yuppie ville. Housing I can’t afford her. I’m a native and being run out of this place. Sad you you all that moved in are destroying it. Go away. Or it’s so over priced you can’t afford it.
Excellent response.
I agree, and I am a Coloradoan too. Has become money grubbing, tax and fee you to death at every turn, ultra-left state. State parks are an expensive joke.
Totally Agree.
NY did this to me 12 years ago made 100k paid 48k in taxes. I’ll visit but never live there
That’s why I chose New Mexico for my retirement over Colorado. Mountains, forests, deserts, less expensive to live and politics are moderate without whinny liberals and stick-in-the-butt conservatives. Oh yeah, cannabis will be legal there in a year or two.
Love NM! Favorite place to visit. Not gonna move there so don’t worry 😉
Same reasons I am leaving California after 5 generations of my family coming here as pioneers. Socialist politics is killing ALL of America!
The liberals are fleeing California like never before and that’s where your problem lies.
Have say NOT all Colorado people (90%) are not as you described. Be kind you will live longer.
Socialism? I haven’t noticed it in my travels around the country. I do see a lot of anger and resentment.
And we don’t want to go there with your wacky laws. And PC mindset.
To late, doppers are on their way. Go figure, legalize pot and more bums decend into CO, who knew.
Doppers? You may want to law off the weed, yourself. Doper.
Law off the weed? Perhaps you may consider it time to lay off the weed?
The liberals are fleeing California like never before and that’s where your problem lies.
Funny how you did not mind all the federal tax dollars that came from the other 49 states to help build your infrastructure.
Exactly (Bob)! Colorado & Washington were the first states to legalize RECREATIONAL pot, in November of 2012.
I use marijuana daily for back pain & have been 100% off narcotics for two years now, because of it; my physician is thrilled.
So WHICH am I, a “doper” or a “bumb?” Erinn
An addict
My husband has chronic back pain for over 30 yrs. Many many surgeries. Never out of pain using his meds. Now have to deal with a pain clinic which is a joke. Followed meds to the letter on the scrips for years. The dopers know how to steal and lie to get meds. Thank God we will soon be able to get MJ to help with his pain.. My question to you is what is the blend that you use for your back pain if we may ask. How do you it? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Even his doctor has said he may find the relief he needs from MJ. He has his card, just waiting for the day he can use it.
I would be happy to give you our email address if possible somehow.
Well, you’re not a recreational user. You have a legit need and you use it in a responsible manner.
Hey live in Fl and try Finding a Camping place . We bought a Class C so we could stay at some of the camping places , within hours of where we live. Wanted to be able to go fishing etc. without having to drive back home every night. ( I’m handicapped )
Good luck finding something half of the year. It’s either booked up by Snowbirds , Bikers or the rest of the Spring breakers. Plus, you have the ones that moved down and Live there All year long.
I’ve met a lot of them , Very nice people….Just makes it harder on us.
I feel that the RV places should keep a few available for the part time campers that live in Fl. Paid a small fortune for a Class C . We got to use it two nights only at Thanksgiving…….go figure. 🙁
try and book way in advance of summer and then you will have it done or go to the place and ask them about it they may try and put more lots in if the can and learn there is a need.
In Florida the state parks let you book 1 month before anyone that is out of state so you just have to book and pay way in advance. We love the Florida State Parks and if I’m planning to go there I try to book in January or February for Thanksgiving and Christmas of that year. I find out the earliest date I can book it as a non resident. Then when the holiday comes it’s all been paid for in advance and off we go. This year though we had to cancel because our little Yorkie got sick and ended up in the ICU at UGA Teaching Hospital so we had to cancel our trip. Some lucky people probably got our spot.
CBD. Helps with pain, anxiety, sleep etc. and won’t get you high.
I have to agree with you. Colorado has very limited locations to stay long term. This is NOT to mention if you wanted to go to a state park it is next to impossible to get a spot for a weekend. I often thought to search out starting my own campground. Just don’t know if there is a moratorium or where to start. Its a shame because there are many beautiful places that can be enjoyed and possibly a affordable option for long term for those who cannot afford the crazy cost of homes or apartments.
Wrong on your logic. We go out of the way for RV people. Some RV people do not understand mountain driving and how it can change in a matter of minutes. You do have to plan ahead especially in the summer months because everybody wants to see our scenic byways and cool weather. Also what makes it more difficult is some of our “locals” are raising prices to help curtail people from coming into our state. I would be more happy to share with you some insight into RV travel in our state that you may not be published in RV travel books and websites. Nothing like getting it from the horse’s mouth.
Safe travels and keep on RVing,,,
I have several FS campgrounds near me in Colorado. Every summer the frickin’ Texans show up. Apparently, they don’t have such things as trash receptacles in Texas and walking 4 abreast down the middle of the road is normal.
California does have expensive gasoline, taxes, etc. !
But, it is one of the most visited states in the USA via RV’s! Why? Highway 395 and around is excessive in so many areas in which to enjoy the outside! Rivers, lakes, towns, mountains, historic areas, unusual areas!
I travel 1,600 miles on it twice a year! Miles equal 800 up and down!…. 50 miles south of Lone Pine up to Bridgeport and Upper Twin Lakes. Also Highway One, Pacific Coast Highway. So many beautiful beaches and uniquely beautiful bridges with views and bays, etc. Then have 800 miles of the Colorado River and around E & W 100 miles.
PS: Wish I could post just one picture of my DVD’s I make for California’s outdoors! Make about 800 each year and 100% free to my new friends I meet outside and the parks sell them but keep no money! All goes back to park restorations.
I believe when you r talking about NYState being rv unfriendly you are speaking about eastern state by NY city area. I have live in Buffalo all of my life and have traveled with rv trailer western end of state for years and never have been restricted on any road or from carrying propane in quantities usually onboard an rv. In fact we have some of the nicest state parks around that are clean and well managed. Before one writes off the whole state one should checkout western NY parks and Niagara Falls.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
I looked at the roads that ban big-rigs in Northern California, the part of the state that I’ve lived in for over 50 years. Unlike places like in the midwest, California has lots of steep mountains and deep valleys. Both the highest point and the lowest point in the continental US are in California (Mt. Whitney and Death Valley). The terrain isn’t like the gentle rolling hills and mountains of the east coast, either. If you’ve ever seen a photo showing the Yosemite Valley with its Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations, you’ll get an idea of how sharp and rugged the topography can be.
The roads that snake around this terrain ban big-rigs because they’re all gnarly, twisting roads with narrow lanes and lots of switchbacks. Some of these roads have been challenging in my Toyota minivan, so I can see why the state has banned big-rigs on them. It’s not a matter of driving skills—the roads just aren’t wide enough in many areas and the turns are too sharp, even driving at 2 mph. It’s almost certain that a big-rig would either get stuck or would fall off one of the many cliffs on these highways. Expecting residents to repeatedly deal with blocked roads because of stuck big-rigs doesn’t make sense. Expecting residents to cover the costs of repeated search and rescues isn’t realistic. And expecting residents to cover the costs of dynamiting this extremely rugged terrain to make smooth roads in these areas is also not ever going to happen. It would probably take small nuclear weapons in some of these places to build a straight road with gentle curves. Like I said, it’s just not going to happen.
The issue isn’t crazy California politics. It’s the geology of the state.
Consider CA Rt. 99 from Bakersfield to Merced. Really the only route for that trip. Only 4 lanes, and with a 55MPH Trucks/Towing & 70MPH cars speed limit. Insane to have a 15 MPH differential on such a narrow road. Whoever came up with that dumb idea must have spent too much time in Haight/Ashbury in the ’60s
I live in California and have traveled in our 21″ RV (averaging 15mpg) all over the state. In fact we have traveled the length of 99 at 65-70 mph with no problem. Also have driven Hwy 1, 101, 395 with no trouble at all (other than 35-40 mph on some inclines). We’ve camped in a wide variety of State and National Parks thought the State. We love it and enjoy some of the most incredible nature in the country. We can also park in a regular parking space when shopping. Maybe you should consider downsizing your rig if you really want to enjoy the full breath of our country.
“Maybe you should consider downsizing your rig if you really want to enjoy the full breath of our country”.
Yep, You nailed it.
California, It’s like another country.
“California, it’s like another country.”
Acts like it’s another country too. What a shame it can’t follow our rules.
You can’t downsize too much if your RV is only 21 inches long,
LOL! I wouldn’t fit into a 21″ RV, much less my hubby & pets!
What is wrong with towing at 55 mph? Its not a race, its time off for enjoying life in safety. Its sight-seeing. Its retirement. There is no need to pass everyone and get theere first.
Steve – It is not the 55 MPH I find troubling. It is the differential between different types of vehicles. I am driving 55, minding my own business and shortly there is a whole line of hotdogs behind me that think they can shoot pass my rig like I was a Volkswagen beetle. When they discover their mistake they cut in so close I can not see their tail lights over the dash even after I apply the brakes to make room. It is so nerve wracking occasionally that I would rather risk a ticket than put up with the foolishness of other drivers.
I never understood the speed differential concept even though the main road in front of my house as I grew up had trucks at 55 MPH while cars at were allowed 65. More than one accident in sight of my front door was caused by this stupidity, yet it persist even today. Perhaps someone can explain the logic. I certainly can not see it.
Besides,I happen to think a professional truck driver or even a class A driver at 70 is safer than some middle finger wagging hotdog driving a hot rod..
It’s kind of like how the Ferraris used to come up quickly on the Renaults at Le Mans!
Much safer when all traffic is travelling at approximately the same speed!!
do like i do stay out of ca. wen the big earthquake sends them out to sea we make bigger cost roads
I live in Calif and agree that the differential of the speeds is to much. 55 should be moved up to 65. The truth of the speeds you will see on I5 far above 70, more like 80-90! I have been passed on the right while doing 70 in my car in the #2 lane (slow lane). Very unnerving.
Amen to that !
Sorry, my reply was to Glen F who said
“What is wrong with towing at 55 mph? Its not a race, its time off for enjoying life in safety. Its sight-seeing. Its retirement. There is no need to pass everyone and get theere first.”
Is it not true that most trailer tires are rated for 65 mph or 100km/h ?
I agree that 99 is a horrible highway. lanes are narrow and in horrible condition. What Frank Fish failed to mention is that the trucks are doing 65 or 70 and the cars 80+. The speed limit on CA roads is a joke..
No, CA speed limits are NOT a joke… especially for 18-wheel trucks. I know; I drove them for a number of years all through Calif. There is one iron-clad rule most don’t know: CHIP will let big trucks run at 60 mph all day/night long, and I’ve been passed many times by CHIP while doing 60. BUT… violate that “unwritten code” by a couple mph, say 62 or 65… and the flashing blue lights come on!
The REAL danger in Calif (and other equally stupid speed-law states (Idaho, for one) is the SPLIT speed limit, as much as 15 mph; and the right-hand lane restriction. Imagine coming down the “slow lane” at 60 mph and encountering a slow-moving vehicle transiting the on-ramp at 35 mph, failing to accelerate, and being locked/blocked from moving over a lane because 70-80 mph cars refuse to acknowledge turn signals and won’t yield or move over.
All that smoke and noise is 18 sets of brake bands locking up as I try to slow down 80,000 gross weight to avoid rear-ending the slow-mover, while on my driver side impatient road-ragers are giving my truck the single-digit salute.
I’d have given most anything to have a couple of brain-dead Calif state legislators in the cab with me the day a young mother with a 9-passenger station wagon full of children tried to drive under my trailer, “merging” into traffic from the on-ramp; and 70 mph drivers on my driver side refused to respect my turn signals so I could move over to clear her entrance.
’nuff said. Now I’m retired and refuse to drive I-5 in WA down to Seattle. The state cops have totally lost control; the interstate alternates between a parking lot or a raceway full of road-rage suicidal/homicidal imbeciles.
My brother drove 18 wheelers for years from Seattle down to Phoenix. He said California drivers were far more courteous to him than drivers anywhere else and he has driven coast to coast. He lives in Iowa and drove for a company in Minnesota – just retired last year.
Agreed. Also stay away from L.A. & SF.
Very nicely said. The Appalachian mountains have simimar hazards. Real world Virginia had to post signs on the roads in some places to deter big rigs from taking online diection advice. Locals’ main concern is how long it takes to clear road for passage of any type emergency vehicle when such large euipment is needed to pull so many so often off the guard rail or worse up out of the steep ditch. One time recently, it was a university sports team motor coach trying to sneak out the back way to avoid post tournament traffic jams didnt fit the swirch back and got hung up for longer than they would have sat in that regular road traffic.
You nailed it. It’s the geography that limits the size of rvs and I actually enjoy taking the slow road, that is doing 55 mph.
Graybrd,
“No, CA speed limits are NOT a joke… especially for 18-wheel trucks. I know; I drove them for a number of years all through Calif. There is one iron-clad rule most don’t know: CHIP will let big trucks run at 60 mph all day/night long, and I’ve been passed many times by CHIP while doing 60. BUT… violate that “unwritten code” by a couple mph, say 62 or 65… and the flashing blue lights come on!”
Things might have changed since you retired. Big rigs can normally do 62 (not 63) now on most freeways…traffic and weather permitting. I know as I get my best fuel economy at 1500 rpm/62 mph, so I just hang behind them. They/we move over 1 lane from the curb lane as long as there are 3 or more lanes available. That way they/we avoid the on ramp/off ramp tango. Fortunately, I drive a 1Ton 4WD diesel SRW Dbl Cab 24′ long carrying an 18′ camper that can go on any highway in CA and so far 35 others…not counting where we’re off roads. But when it comes to commute traffic we get to use the Diamond/HOV lane and are often passing 100s, if not 1000s, of single occupant vehicles averaging 25 mph +/- as we roll up to 75 (my limit). I’ve been driving on CA roads since I was 16… over 50:yrs…back then the speed limit for everybody was 55, now I commute at 75 on 101.
That info is all I need to make a sound decision. Normally, I do not agree with what Calif requires but on this topic I fully understand. I thank Calif for making those sound calls.
I have lived in California since 1984 and I have seen many RV blowouts on hot days due to excess road heat. If you run your trailer at 55 mph, you are far less likely to have a catastrophic blowout when it is over 100 DegF. I’ve not heard of anyone getting pulled over in an RV or pulling a camping trailer above 55 and not exceeding the posted speed limit. Folks I have talked to that blew a RV trailer tire either: 1) were going in excess of 65 mph, or 2) had tires over 5 years old.
Very well said. I once took my 24 ft class C on a road that was not recommended for house trailers… or so the sign said. Scariest ride ever. Steep climb, very narrow, one lane bridge with no rails, Impossibly steep downgrades that my rig could not handle if they had been any longer.
Motorhomes are big and bulky. They cannot maneuver and certainly cannot brake as well as passenger cars. I am happy to limit my explorations to the roads that are safe for my rig and my family
In that I lived in the Sierra Nevada foothills off of Hwy 50 for 15 years, I think you’re overstating the difficulty of ‘getting around’. I had (have) a 37′ Motor Home and frankly never had a problem. The major highways in that area (49/50/80 are RV friendly. On the other hand, if you head down the major fwys 99 or I5 to So. Ca., then the roads are really bad in places. Once on the 5 it was so rough the electric shade mounted above the windshield fell down blocking my vision. My wife had to dive on the dash and hold it up so I could see to drive until we found a spot to pull off.
Hwy 101 on the coast is Ok, although Hwy 1 can be iffy in places. Beyond that, basically truckers and large RV’s hate California because of the ridiculous speed limits. I now live in Arizona (along with too many other Californians), and have a speed limit of 70 MPH for cars/RV’s/Trucks and our incidents involving trucks and RV’s is far lower than that in California.
Ty
I take it that Alaska is not on the same continent as the “lower 48”, eh ? Beats Mt Whitney by almost 6,000 feet….
My experience in 2015 was that there were no Walmarts that allowed overnight stay except a couple that I did not feel safe.. I had a hard time finding RV parks. Stopped at one state park. Was told they were full but if I paid $30.00 I could park in the parking lot but had to be out by 9:00am.
I love California. I lived there for a few years twice in my life. I just don’t think they want RVs or have not built inferstructor to handle the number of people who want to visit. I have a 25 FT Motor Home and enjoyed the winding mountain roads. I can see why they may have resriction on these roads but not on the interstates.
Agreed…many roads in the best parts of the state should not be driven by big rig drivers. If you are in doubt, check a truckers atlas!
If TexaNS DID NOT SPEND SO MUCH OF THEIR MONEY IN CO.you might be on Welfare.Enjoy what you have.Happy Camping.
As someone who has often traveled to and through the western 3/4 of your state, it often makes me sad that so many of you nice people have to be taxed so much to support those east of Albany. In the 80s, I trained truckers in Virginia and on their 1st trip to New England I listened to them moan about having to go to NY. Entering through Binghamton I waited till we stopped in Cortland to eat to tell them we were already in NY. Shocked almost all of them with the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
New York has many negatives….the Taconic State Parkway does not allow trailers but a quick look at a state map will reveal the evident fact that route I 87 does allow trailers and runs parallel to the Taconic State Parkway and is a better road running from NY City to Canada.
The Adirondack region of upstate NY has dozens of fantastic State Park Campgrounds most featuring large lakefront sites. The Fingerlake region also has dozens of great campgrounds.
Most of the northeast has high gas prices thanks to high taxes.
Yuup, high taxes and super high costs of survival even a camper trailer registration says it is now called a house trailer if you can sleep in it. $10 used to be registration fee is now $180.00 for “less” than 12 months /year. Register in Nov and pay $180.00 it expires in Dec same year! Tax tax, & tax and “How do I tax thee” is the reason NYS comes in first place every year with the largest number of people leaving annually to change residency to a better state for survival.. Socialism is great if you can run fast enough just watch for Potholes on the way out.. Some Beautiful Parks & others falling apart… Lived there all my life and never had a problem with towing a Fifth wheel. (use 13′ high RV setting on map software) so low bridges are not on any road I go on..
Dude, dead on. They, NYS is on a path to destruction, but the gov’t is blind to it. Instead, they fill the local (state) tv networks with propaganda advertising on how NY is moving forward. Well, as we read this, they are 4 billion with a B, short in this years budget. Albany cronyism says”tax em”.
Unless the people of NYS throw out the governor, assembly and the senate, there is NO hope. Its refreshing to read how the feds lowered personal income tax, which in turn, hurts the high tax tax states like NY and CA. Good for em, punish the people who voted the crooks in. Only time will tell if there is a wake up call.
We sure do Patrick have high costs but that will never outweigh her beauty and fantasy views of the outdoors and the nature she offers. We even have more mountains for snow sports than any other state . We boast art,history ( old and new ) fine education and fine wine trail to follow. The Taconic Out is a beautiful ride but not built to handle the t.v. And such so we built around it instead as we do not want to do away with our past histories! I dislike the snow and ice as well as the high cost of living and her tax base but I am a little hard pressed in giving up her beauty enough to move away.I love living in the Hudson Viver Valley to my easy and the Catskill Mountains to the West.I love the mountains to to the North the Hudson River and all of the parks to my South.MY C ,I can take it or leave it but the musings and shows are great. So come on by and have a visit…MY is more than a city…a lot more!
After living there my whole life I don’t miss it or the taxes. I do visit family. The thing for me is everything NY has as far as nature goes you can do/see cheaper in about any state cheaper. Glad I left.
I do visit family. The thing for me is everything NY has as far as nature goes you can do/see cheaper in about any state
Wow it’s amazing that lots of semi trucks travel every state in the USA and somehow make it to there destinations. In my opinion most of what everyone is complaining about are things that everyone has to deal with RVing or not. If most of these so claimed road blocks are really an issue then maybe you should sell the RV and fly.
I no longer live in CA, like many folks I escaped high taxes and expensive cost of living. However, once you get accustomed to driving your cars on roads where trucks are limited to the right lane except to pass you will wonder why all states don’t do that. You are supposed to drive in the right lane except to pass in every state so what makes CA unique? The 55 speed limit is annoying, but after all no one pays any attention anyway. Driving an RV faster than 65 is nuts anyway. I don’t car how good a driver you are, it’s nuts. I am currently paying more to license my RV in AZ than I did in CA after CA raised the registration fees. All big cities are terrible places to drive an RV or a truck. CA might be RV unfriendly, but who is going too miss all the great places to visit in CA?
Skipper; understand fleeing from CA, but could you and the tens of thousands of others who make that wise choice please continue on past AZ?
CA is primarily a place to leave because of the politicians and those who support their ideology. Unfortunately it has been my experience that most who flee CA and stop here in AZ want to make things “like back home” and so Californication spreads here like cancer.
While many may view CA as a whole other country, for now I’ll refrain from adding discussion about folks from actual other countries that come here to improve their lives, and then trying to do everything in their power to modify our common customs and culture to make this more like home.
If “home” is so bad you feel the need to flee, why do you want to make where you are now as bad as where you left?
our son who is an over the road truck driver made a delivery in his big rig to downtown San Francisco’s Chinatown. He was sucessful but the street had to be blocked off. Hesaid it was no fun.
Born and lived in CA all my life. 39 million people live in state, many illegally. San Francisco has 3x the population the city’s infrastructure is designed to support. We have 25% of the nation’s homeless, many in “Breakin’ Bad” RV encampments. Our roads are shaking my new Winnebago apart. Definitely not RV friendly!
Yes California has traffic uphills and down hills. But there is more to see in the state that in most of the states of our country. You can’t beat the weather. And it’s hard to be at the mini coastal communities that you can see while RVing. There is a great variety of foods from many cultures to enjoy. We have traveled the length of the state on the 5, 405, 101, 99, 395, 805, and so on. We favor our 40 footer and pull a toad. We travel at 60-65 mph with no hassles from our CHP. Yes, climbing some grades slow us down to 45-50 but even 6%+ grade declines are handled well by our engine brake and cautioned driving. Stupid drivers dwell in all states, and California has its share.
Can’t beat the weather ???? How about the Mojave, Death Valley, the Central (desert) Valley ?? Some of it’s beautiful, but the “price is high”. What with IDIOTS like Moonbeam and now Newomeone running the show, why are most of the (very) large corporations looking for new HQ’s (not in CA) ?
I bought a truckers road atlas and used it to bring our new RV from Grand Rapids thru Canada into NY . We took a short cut indicated on the map as a route with no low bridges and big rig friendly. It was a wonderful experience for our first time ever driving a Class A ( we tow a boat normally, but not even a test drive in a class A lol) . Our final destination was Vermont and no troubles with that atlas. Worth the extra cost and more reliable to “plan “ our next trip
When in Vermont don’t miss the chance to camp on beautiful Lake Champlain. The state campground on Button Bay is historic and has breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains of New York on the opposite shore……also visit the Lake Champlain maritime museum only a mile away from your lakefront campsite!!!
Happy Camping!!!
It is really unfair to mark entire states as being friendly or unfriendly to RVs. For instance, Lake County, California – with the cleanest air in the entire nation, the largest lake in California, and world-renowned bass fishing – is only about two hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento. Yet it is extremely RV-friendly, with excellent roads not only from those two metropolitan areas, but around the entire 60 mile lake circumference. Gas there is about $.70 less per gallon than it is in SF, too. I imagine every state has its good and bad areas for RVing.
LRV, thanks for the candid response. I knew there had to be some reading between the lines for all the CA negativity in this thread.
The unexpected can always spoil or delight. CA is fun to visit, but nit sure I would want to live there.
Treat a road trip like any thing else.
Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.
I sold my New York residence last year and relocated to the Carolinas never to look back.
Taxes and more taxes plus increased fees for anything and everything has become the New York way. Sooner or later the government will run our of other peoples money.
The Northeast states (New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and others) are experiencing mass evacuations…..people are voting with their feet !
Yes many states have roads that are not designed for travel in a large RV. However there is always a way to circumnavigate the restricted roads. Yes it may take you longer and you may miss some of the beauty along the way. Just unhook the toad and drive it if you really want to see that section of the trip. I was born and raised in California, back when it was a much more friendly state. Now Mr. Brown and his band of fools just want the residents to pay for the undocumented residents and all there other social mistakes. Yes California has many great places to see and visit. I would just not live there. The lost coast is my favorite place in the state. When I go I know that I cannot take my 38 ft. class and pulling a toad. So I find a RV park close and then take my toad to the many hidden gems on the lost coast. Like the beach that is nothing but beach glass as far as you can see. A lot of RV owners in California register there rigs in Oregon or Nevada.
As for New York, last year we made a trip up to Maine from our home state of North Carolina. I made the mistake of taking the most direct route to Maine. Well this took me through NYC. It cost me over 60 dollars just to cross the George Washington bridge. And there were pot holes on the bridge that a smaller rig would have got stuck in. I think I might of offended the toll employee when I cussed him about their fees to cross a bridge. All tolls ended up costing us more than 140 dollars on the trip. Next time I will try to avoid most of those roadways. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and upstate New York are very beautiful. Camping on the oceanfront at Bar Harbor is a must do as far as I am concerned. And we stayed at North Beach campground on the shore of lake Champlain and it is amazing. Rode our bikes into town on a couple of days. Had friends that that live in Burlington stop by for a visit. It is a beautiful city. Just not in the winter..lol. So just remember that no matter where you want to go there is a way to do it, it just make take a little planning and some detours. That part of the adventure. So go and enjoy.
I now live in North Carolina…..used to live in upstate New York…..some driving advise…avoid the following when driving….northern New Jersey…New York City area including Long Island…..also the state of Connecticut….add interstate 81 in Pennsylvania (that road has not been maintained in the last 20 plus years)….Maine is a beautiful state but avoid I95 south of Bangor…..also avoid Massachusetts ( insane drivers and heavy traffic)..
Camping on the Maine coast is a “must do”……Maine also has some fantastic lakeside campgrounds but beware of the BLACK FLY SEASON ! When in Vermont camping on historic Lake Champlain (122 miles long from Whitehall, NY to the Canadian boarder) is breathtakingly beautiful framed my the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York State..
Happy Camping !
Thanks RV Life
Jyrocharlie
Ignorance is alls worst enemy, I live in New York state, you know the rest of the state that isn’t New York City, I do not know for fact but I do know the city area has all kind of rules to make everyones life miserable. I have been camping for as many of my 57 years that I can remember. The state has many beautiful areas that other than the length of your trailer fitting on smaller sites have no or very little restrictions. In regards to driving around, well if you new the interstate system you would know that any road or highway that has an interstate number on it has the capacity for long and tall trailers, basically this is what truck drivers use to get to there destinations, so if you get off the beaten path you will run into problems as you would in any other state.
Kevin,
Took a one year trip around the country in our motor home, and spent a good time of it in New York.
Corning area with many lakes, Watkins Raceway, Niagara Falls, Etc. Really enjoyed your neck of the country.
Ty H.
I live in CA, and I don’t like any of the crooked politics which is why we have all the taxes and high prices to buy votes from the freeloaders as the government knows we are a lost cause when it comes to voting for them. The weather is great for RVs, great for the residents. I live in the Sierra foothills where cell phones don’t work and the nearest stop light is 40 miles. I avoid leaving my area. I am a member of boondockers welcome RV website so people can stay here for free and visit the gold country and Yosemite.
About the complaints of CA roads. We live outside of Yosemite. Until the big flood in the late 90’s, hwy 140 into the park was so narrow the school buses could not remain in their lane on some of the turns. The road was widened a bit and better now but still people have to pay attention. My experience from living in Ca since the early 1970’s is that there is a good reason when the roads are restricted in vehicle length. It is not some conspiracy. And I rather like driving with our Casita and towing my horse at 55mph on hwy 99. Doesn’t bother me a bit. When people complain about CA, I think good. Maybe they will go somewhere else.
I bought gas in AZ last week for $2.39 a gallon (regular) saw same gas in California 30 miles down the road for $4.59.
High taxes do not equate to higher quality roads either.
Oh man, how I hate that state? Let me count the ways.
States run by Democrats it seems. Harsh reality.
Threads like this one make me laugh . . . people are always pissed off about something and prone to projecting the cause of their hurt feelings onto the wrong thing. Generally, it’s their political viewpoint that informs their choice of a convenient target for their projections.
I was born in Colorado . . . grew up in the state and was educated in the state through my college degree. After a prolonged vagabonding adventure around Europe for several months after college, I relocated to Southern California. I enjoyed a successful career in the film business over the next thirty years and can truthfully echo Randy Newman and say, “I Love LA!”
When I retired, I sold my home, bought my first RV and visited almost every state over the next several years. I loved this prolonged vacation as much as I love Los Angeles. In my experience, you will meet great people and despicable people wherever you go. Some are other RVers, some are managers and employees of RV parks, and some are just those who you bump into as you go about your daily life.
It’s those personal encounters that generally lead us to labelling a place as either good or bad. But the place itself is irrelevent – it’s the people there who we’ve dealt with that create our “feelings,” and it’s those feelings on which we base our judgment about a place.
After full-timing around the states for several years, I’ve since retired back in Colorado. I still live full-time in my current 36′ fifth wheel with my dogs and parrot and often travel deeper into the Southwest for the winter months. It’s often Arizona or Texas, but sometimes it’s California. I still love the state, though negotiating LA freeways with a one-ton flatbed dually pulling a 20,000#, 36′ fifth wheel is a much greater challenge than it ever was in a car.
Is Colorado expensive? Sure, if you’re here as a tourist, but that’s true wherever you visit as a short-term visitor. If you don’t have family or friends wherever you visit who can provide a place to set up for a short period of time, you’re probably going to pay a high daily rate at an RV park that has no reason not to charge whatever people are willing to pay. In Colorado, most of the RVing visitors are only here from late spring through early fall, so the owners of RV parks need to generate most of their income in a shortened period of time. Anywhere there is a High Season, the prices are generally higher.
When the tourists are gone, RV parks are much more amenable to filling vacant sites with those willing to commit to longer-term stays. For that reason, I only pay $345/month plus metered electric at a very desirable RV park in a conveniently located mountain town on the western slope.
As in the High Season, the park can only charge what the market is willing to pay.
I agree with the person above who advocated for avoiding the densely-populated urban centers with an RV, choosing instead to set up in the outlying areas that may be a couple of hours away and visiting the cities in a more maneuverable vehicle. It will relieve 99% of the stress that trying to do it in an RV creates. That strategy is true no matter which state you’re visiting – avoid driving an RV in cities whenever possible!
TaoJones
How funny, or maybe sad, to read so many complaints from people who have time to RV. My husband and I are planning a “Beaches of America” trip and I hope we don’t lose track of our goal of getting to know our beautiful country a little bit better. Why not leave the negative snipes behind?
Take your trip… and maybe you’ll have something to contribute!
I’m fully retired and exploring a Class A tag diesel pusher to see more of this beautiful land which I spent 40+ years flying over at 30,000ft. l am like the two year old kid that asks 500,000 questions. One of my big issues is that of traveling with some of my many guns. I enjoy extended and high angle long range shooting as in western states. How does one deal with carrying an arsenal in pro-gun, pro-freedom states and then deal with the anti-gun, anti-freedom states through which one might enjoy traveling to see the sights??? Have thought of leaving guns in RV at a park in pro-gun state using toad for sojourn into anti-gun states. Also, renting storage locker to store guns. Neither are attractive regarding security…I might have $100,000-200,000 in guns/accessories.. How do others deal with this???
@StLouis: Hmmm . . . if you’re hoping to hear from others with “$100,000-200,000 in guns/accessories” they’re traveling with in their RVs and who are reading RV Life, you may have a long wait. Only a very few people, I’m sure, will both have a sizable investment in firearms and are driving around with them in their RV. i even wonder if your insurer has agreed to cover your weapons in that situation . . . if they only learn about the firearms when you’re forced to make a claim, you may discover that they have a decidedly negative opinion about the extent of your coverage.
That said, I would leave such a large collection of expensive firearms behind when I hit the road. There are absolutely safe storage facilities for such things, and it would relieve you of what seems to be a major headache.
If you carry out of an honest concern for personal safety, you certainly don’t need to transport your collected arsenal to feel safe. A single sidearm should suffice, though my preference is to never travel with guns and I have never felt the least bit threatened anywhere I’ve roamed, nor have I had an RV broken into.
TJ
I live near California and would not travel there because of the leftie politics and PC nuttieness. My travel money goes to Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Texas.
thank you all . life is so short,, so do what makes you happy and all the rest will be just that life,