CSUEcologist

Hi Guys! I am driving with some friends from Philadelphia PA to Fort Collins CO.

We want to camp along the way. We are leaving May 20, but I am not sure if it will be warm enough to pitch a tent. What do you guys think?

I am also debating travelling. I70 Vs I80 OR I70/I80. Anyone have experience travelling these routes at this time of the year?

Any advice for cheap places to stay, attractions along the way, and how to do the drive would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS! and safe travels

tomfuller

Check the route to Hanibal MO. If you had 2 or 3 drivers you could make it from Philadelphia to Hanibal in 16 hours.
This looks like a place to camp and see something very interesting. http://www.marktwaincave.com/
Avoiding the Interstate west of Hanibal, Use US 36 all the way to Byers Colorado where you get back on I-70. The full trip is about 1750 miles in 28 to 30 hours.

CSUEcologist

Thanks! I will check it out for sure.

Gretchen

WHY would they avoid the interstate after Hanibal. There are undoubtedly campgrounds along I70. I assume you just want to camp to save money, not to have a "camping experience". Go online and look for campsites.
You can drive it in two days easily, and if you just stay on I70, you could get to Columbia MO for your first night. I will tell you that along 70 there are many very inexpensive motels also that are quite serviceable.
Tell us if thie is a fun road trip==or you just want to get to Fort Collins.

CSUEcologist

Thanks Gretchen, I am bringing my brother and a friend that I went to high school with, so I do want it to be a "fun" road trip. I have 3-4 days to make the trip.

Gretchen

Well, then meander as you want. You have 2 full days of driving, and remember you'll gain hours of daylight each day by the time change. BUT I would not go from Missouri to Colorado on a back road, unless you know what is along the way. But for sure, there's no reason to go on i80--a bit north.