keithgregg

I am going to be moving to Portland in mid August and was looking for some tips on the best route and good places to rest/camp with my Airstream trailer. I am looking for a nice leisurely trip but I am on a serious budget so cheap is preferable but I also don't want to bake in the sun as my trailer does not have a/c. Peace and thanks for the help.

tomfuller

How good is the gas mileage towing the trailer?
How many days can you take to reach Portland?
Others will tell you to take the shortest (quickest) route through Cheyenne WY.
My route (six days) lets you see several things you might never get the chance to see.
Day 1 (long) Detroit to Mason City Iowa
Day 2 Mason City to Rapid City SD. unhook the trailer and drive up to see Mt. Rushmore (sunset show).
Day 3 Rapid City to Cody WY with an hour to see Devil's Tower on the way.
Day 4 Cody to West Yellowstone MT via Old Faithful and another site in Yellowstone NP.
Day 5 West Yellowstone to Ontario, OR (through Boise).
Day 6 (easy) I-84 from Ontario to Portland.
Do not be tempted to go by way of North Dakota because most of the hotel rooms and campsites are full due to the big oil boom.

keithgregg

Thanks Tom!
Your route sounds great! Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone are all places I would like to visit.
Thanks for the tip on North Dakota. I will definitely avoid that state.

I have no idea as to the gas mileage because I don't have the tow vehicle yet. I put the cart before the horse in this case.

I can take however long I want. I have no time constraints. I was thinking about taking a week to get there even though google maps says I can do it in 3 days.

About how many miles is your route?

Thanks again!

keithgregg

Any tips on campsites along this route?
Cheap is good but free is best!

tomfuller

The route is about 2600 miles (42 hours) depending on how much you drive in Yellowstone.
With 7 days you could make it to Rapid City in 3 days instead of 2 stopping in Cedar Rapids IA and Sioux Falls SD.
Stop for lunch at a rest area and take an hour nap while there.
Pack the refrigerator and pantry with food you can prepare quickly.
Check to see if you can get a camp spot in northern Yellowstone.
You can make a stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace but avoid Wall Drug with a towed trailer.

keithgregg

I think I might stay 2 days in Yellowstone. Thanks for all your help!