When I am traveling, I spend my nights in a variety of places. When I am staying for more than one night, I look for a good campground.
Campgrounds
I have had the best luck staying at small, privately owned campgrounds. I prefer staying in smaller towns in the suburbs, too. These campgrounds are away from highways and much quieter.
I do rely on the online reviews when choosing a campground. The reviews are usually spot on and give positive & negative aspects of each place. I leave reviews of most places I visit now because they can help in making decisions.
Wifi is a huge factor when making a decision on where to stay. Without it, you realize how much we depend on it for everything. I am preparing for lack of wifi and TV in Yellowstone. I don’t mind being without TV, but limited wifi for 6 months? It’s going to be interesting.
Most campgrounds offer full hookups, including water, sewer & electricity; however, many turn off the water during the winter.
When traveling, it is important to monitor the freshwater in my tank so that I have water. My camper does have tank warmers that I run so that my tanks don’t freeze.
Harvest Hosts
If I am only staying one night, I try to stay at a Harvest Host location. These locations are unique and add so much to your trip. I have met some wonderful people who have shared their passions, time and property with me.
Since setting out on the road, these are some of the Harvest Host locations I have stayed:
–Sharonview Farm, a mushroom farm in Monroe, NC
–Cavendish Brewing Company, a brewery in Gastonia, NC
–Mountain Rose Vineyards, a mountain top winery in Wise. VA
-Hohl Farms, a row crop and livestock farm in Huntington, IN
–Wyldewood Cellars, a winery in Peck, KS
–Sugar Makery, a neighborhood sweetshop in Glenwood, IA
–Master’s Hand, a restaurant, sweetshop & gift store in Tekamah, NE
–Pfanny’s Farm, a farm with high tunnels & geo-thermal greenhouses in Randolph, NE
–Choteau Creek Brewing Company, a brewery in Wagner, SD
-Diamond A Cattle Company, a ranch in Pukwana, SD
Most Harvest Hosts do not offer any hookups. Luckily, the hosts I have stayed with in cold weather offered electricity for a fee. If they don’t, I do have solar that I can use overnight.
What if Harvest Host isn’t available?
If Harvest Host isn’t an option, my next choice is Chez Cracker Barrel or Chez Walmart. While these are common in most interstate areas, they aren’t always the quietest. However, they are well lit and you almost always have company. I have counted up to 15 fellow overnighters when staying at Walmart. These include trucks, campers, and commercial drivers.
Both are good options, but staying at Cracker Barrel means waking up to a hot cup of coffee & a good breakfast.
Each day on the road is different. Every day I wake up I have to remember where I am. Some days this is easier than others! Wherever I am, I plan on making the most of each day & enjoying every minute.
Camping with Christi 
You are having such a wonderful adventure! It makes me happy to read your posts..and as always to see the love you have for all of us, sharing your joy and the details of how one can do a similar trip! Warmly, Joan
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You are so very kind, Joan. I enjoy keeping my blog and it helps when someone asks me where I have been! I’m not the storyteller you are, but I am getting practice with every post. Love to you & Joe
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Sounds like you are having a Great Adventure.
Stay safe.
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God bless you! I don’t know if I could do what you are doing!!! I am thoroughly enjoying reading of your adventures. You are going to love Yellowstone! It is beautiful!!!
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Thanks, Helen! I think you may underestimate yourself. In the beginning, it can be a bit overwhelming, but once you have a routine it isn’t so bad. I am really looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful part of the country.
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Your comments about campgrounds brings back memories of our camping trip through the western US in 1972. There were four adults and a one year old baby in a Mercury Cougar towing a pop-up trailer. Looking back at that we have to wonder how crazy we were to try a 23 day trip under those conditions but what great memories we have.
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I am sure you have lots of good stories from that trip! It’s amazing to look back and wonder what you were thinking & how did you do that? That is why it is so important to go & do & see. The memories are priceless!
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Christi, your blog is fascinating and inspiring! I love reading about your adventures and hope to visit some of the many places you’ve been. Your photos and videos are great! Thank you and stay safe out there!!
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Thanks so much, Diana! I am having such fun & loving the experience. I hope our paths cross down the road. Take care ❤
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I love your positive attitude and enthusiasm, Christi. It sure makes ‘traveling’ with you an enjoyable experience!! Thank you for the opportunity!
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You are having such wonderful experiences and I love that we can travel along with you and see things we might not ever know about!Thanks for sharing your adventures with us1
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I am in awe of your spirit of adventure and your librarian training has certainly prepared you for researching the best and most unusual places to stay. I am so enjoying your journey.
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Love hearing and seeing about your travels!!! Stay safe, keep trucking, and keep posting!
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Loving the narratives and adventures you share. Just like reading a book, as we sit back and absorb your journey right along with (through) you. Stay health, safe, and joyful!!
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