Picking the right base camp can make all the difference for maximizing what you see while reducing the requirements of lugging everything around with you as you hop between day trip destinations!
How To Choose The Base Camp For A Road Trip Vacation
Choosing your vacation base camp can be as simple as picking a site close to a single destination or a more complex adventure spanning multiple days with multiple destinations.
The best approach is to start by making a list of interesting destinations you would like to see. Keep it simple, because once you have your list we will break down each destination further, but in the beginning, just having a general area of interest allows you to identify a base camp that is centrally located and convenient.
Your base camp should be no more than 250 miles from the furthest destinations if you're willing to camp overnight, otherwise keep a 100-mile radius. Small towns with adequate lodging and resources make great base camps and your stay helps support rural communities. Be sure to research the proposed base camp and securing your accommodations as early as you can to help reduce any last-minute annoyances.
Once you have a base camp in mind it's time to work out the details.
By Destination
Determine what activities or experiences you will attend. Include activity duration, cost, and any other useful information, average wait time, or set scheduled event time.
Determine the transit route and mode of transportation from base camp to destination. Calculate travel distance and anticipated time; add 15-30 minutes to each additional destination or stop if you're planning on driving.
Determine the required weather conditions, supplies, equipment, and other essential items that you will need to transport.
Calculate the budget for your trip.
Example Trip Research and Budget Planning:
Trip: Northeast Arizona
Duration: 3 Days
Pre-Camp Details:
Base Camp: St. Johns, Arizona
Accommodations: AirBnB, Hotel, Other
Transportation: 4 door sedan (25 miles per gallon)
Entertainment/Dining:
Destination 1: Petrified Forest & Painted Desert
One way distance to entrance:
6492 Petrified Forest Rd, Holbrook, AZ 86025
39 min (38.5 miles) + 15 minutes
via US-180 W, Fastest route, the usual traffic
Locations:
Plenty of time to drive park, hike, and see sights.
Hours of operation: Mo-Su: 8AM–5PM
Time: 3 hours (30 miles) + 15 minutes
Budget: $50.00
Exit point:
Painted Desert Visitor Center is located at exit #311 off of I-40.
1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028
Destination 2: Route 66
One way distance to entrance:
53 min (57.9 miles) + 15 minutes
via I-40 W, Fastest route, the usual traffic
Locations:
Plenty of time to drive around to see sights and shops.
STANDIN' ON THE CORNER
Corner of Kinsley &, E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Arizona 66 Trading Company
101 E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047
Hours of operation: Mo-Su: 8AM–6PM
Time: 2 hours (30 miles) + 15 minutes
Budget: $50.00
Exit point:
Same as entrance
Return Trip: Route 66/Base Camp
Travel Distance:
1 h 29 min (89.2 miles)
via I-40 E and US-180 E Fastest route, the usual traffic
Locations:
Make a few stops then hit Holbrook as you return to base camp.
JACK RABBIT TRADING POST
Exit 269 off I-40E. Just west of Joseph City, AZ.
3386 Route 66
Winslow, Arizona, 86047, United States
Hours of operation: Mo-Sa: 9AM–5PM; Su: Friday, 10AM–5PM
Geronimo Trading Post
Exit 280 off I-40E, just East of Joseph City, AZ.
5372 Geronimo Rd, Joseph City, AZ 86032
Hours of operation: Mo-Su: 8AM–5PM
Wigwam Motel
Exit 285 off I-40 to I-40 Commercial/Hopi Dr.
811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Hours of operation: 24 hrs.
Time: 2 hours (30 miles) + 15 minutes
Budget: $250.00
Exit point:
AZ-77 S & US-180 E toward Petrified Forest/ St. Johns
Post-Camp Details:
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