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jomondnv · 03-24-2013, 10:06 AM

We are leaving Reno, NV for Austin Tx in mid April. Don't know which route is better, 10 or 40. We beleive we have to make a decision on the route when we hit Kingman AZ. I know 40 has weather issues, but 10 through Texas doesn't look like there are very many places to overnight. Any ideas or suggestions on the easiest and best route? We are thinking of going to Tucson, then on to Las Cruces NM to Ft Stockton TX and on into Fredricksburg TX.

Thanx for any help.

utee94 · 03-24-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomondnv

We are leaving Reno, NV for Austin Tx in mid April. Don't know which route is better, 10 or 40. We beleive we have to make a decision on the route when we hit Kingman AZ. I know 40 has whether issues, but 10 through Texas doesn't look like there are very many places to overnight. Any ideas or suggestions on the easiest and best route?
Thanx for any help.

10 through Texas isn't that bad, there are decent places to stop every 120-180 miles or so.

How quickly are you trying to do it, and how long are you comfortable driving? I ask because I10 isn't exactly the most scenic route, there might be other ways to go that are a bit more interesting.

jomondnv · 03-24-2013, 10:18 AM

We are really in no rush. I think we would like to travel 4-6 hrs a day. We were thinking about 6-days for the trip.

eubank · 03-24-2013, 10:22 AM

I'd probably do I40 at that time of the year. Storms become pretty infrequent by then, and there are many, many things to see and do along the route. If a storm comes through, you'll know it well in advance. Find a pretty place to hole up for the night, and move on the next day.

Lynn

jomondnv · 03-24-2013, 10:44 AM

Thanks Lynn,
Any suggestions for nice places to stop heading east from Kingman AZ to Amarillo ?

**azflycaster** · 03-24-2013, 10:50 AM

A few of my favorite places on I-40 are

Meteor Crater RV Park which is just west of Winslow, AZ.
Also suggest breakfast or lunch at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ

USA RV in Gallup, NM

Enchanted Trails RV in Albuquerque, NM (just west of the city)

gtc6452 · 03-24-2013, 10:56 AM

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Hinton, OK

switz · 03-24-2013, 11:58 AM

I have ridden from Phoenix to San Antonio many times on a motorcycle with mandatory fuel stops around 150 miles. From El Paso to Lordsburg on I-10 fuel stops are not too close. It pays to get highway maps and see the distances between dots on the highway.

A great reference is a book I think is titled "The Next Exit" which lists what might be available at each Interstate exit in terms of gas/fuel stations, lodging and restaurants.

Ahab · 03-25-2013, 08:27 AM

This time of year toss a coin but since you mentioned Tucson, I10 is fine, just stop at the State line tourist stations. They always have RV maps and helpfull info. NM and Texas have rest stops where you can stay overnight. We like the one between Lordsburg and Demming, they have shelter sites that are away from the big rig parking.

Phoenix · 03-25-2013, 01:41 PM

On I-40 between Kingman, AZ and Amarillo, TX:

Grants, NM - Blue Water State Park, NM - Entrance Gate
(Google Earth: 35° 18.333'N, 108° 6.340'W)

Gate open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. OK to park overnight outside entrance (for free), if gate is closed.

Paved roads, some sites have water and electric. Dispersed camping on shoreline $8, regular sites $10, electric $14, water & electric $18. Dump station.

If you fish, this lake has BIG MUSKIES! --

Tiger Muskies at Bluewater Lake State Park - YouTube

Note: Exit I-40 at milepost 63. Do NOT use park entrance via milepost 53, and NM Hwy 612. That is the old park entrance, which is abandoned; camping area there is a real dump.

gypsybanker · 03-25-2013, 07:58 PM

I've pulled my trailer 7 times back and forth Tahoe to Austin. I've gone quite a few routes. If you do take 10, in west TX, Balmorhea Springs is a very nice spot with great views. Will most likely be too cold to go swimming, but its still a nice stop. Near Fredericksberg if you want to regroup before getting to Austin. you can dry camp in the Luckenbach parking lot for $15 and check out the local roosters, characters and musicians. Look on the website for pickers circle schedule. Also just down the steet .25 miles is Armadillo farm campground with full hook ups.
If starting 40 and coming down to 10, I've stayed in Ruidosa NM a few times also Roswell. That drive north of Ruidosa coming down from Vaugn is pretty cool. From both those places you can get to Fredericksburg in a long days drive. I've also stayed over night in Carlsbad NM at a reservoir campground north of the caverns. It was clean and peaceful, not much out there though.

donl4827 · 03-31-2013, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eubank

I'd probably do I40 at that time of the year. Storms become pretty infrequent by then, and there are many, many things to see and do along the route. If a storm comes through, you'll know it well in advance. Find a pretty place to hole up for the night, and move on the next day.

Lynn

Yeah I agree, I-40 is great.

Hope you enjoy Austin