Allworth
Orlando, FL
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On your specific question about seeing attractiona en-route.
At almost all National Parks and most State Parks, you can drop the trailer in the far corner of the Visitor's Center parking lot (except possibly on the busiest holidays) and tour the park with just the tow vehicle. Then pick up the trailer and on your way. Be sure to subtract the time from your distance goal for the day and ask a ranger at the info desk first.
We have also dropped our 35' fiver in the corner of a grocery store parking lot to tour somewhere in an urban area. Again, ask first. It is also polite to buy something, even if just a 12pack of soda or a bag of ice.
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Ron3rd
Upland, CA USA
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As to check in times, one thing to note is some campgrounds will let you in early if your reserved site is open, regardless of the stated check-in time. However, some won't so it helps to have a place to park if you get to the campground a couple of hours early and have to wait. South Carlsbad State Beach is one that is very strict with check in times, and check out times. At other campgrounds, if they're not busy, you can go ask if you can check out late and often they'll say "yes", but it depends on the circumstances.
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AJR
Close to Madison Wisconsin
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As was suggested, camp in the driveway if at all possible. I would suggest a good first place for you to “camp” may be Paul Wolff Campground close to Elgin. Take the car and drive through the place. I use it as my base when visiting the kids.
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anaro
Cary, NC
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Joined: 01/16/2011
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ok some advice from another newbie.... I was terrified that we were gonna go out and look like robin williams in RV. I was terrified of towing my TT. I have now been out on 2 trips and have discovered quite a few things. First and foremost, you will always have help. You may be the source of someone else's entertainment but after awhile they just can't watch it anymore and come and help you. We have been helped by some very nice people and nice staff on both of our trips. Just offer beer or smores or something to the person helping you!
I was taught on my very first trip, a good rule of thumb for backing the trailer is if you want your trailer on the left side of your site then start with your rig on the left side of the road (this works!). A helpful tip learned here, use walkie talkies for communicating with your ground guide so you aren't making a lot of noise shouting on arrival. (It also helps because you lose site of your ground guide sometimes).
I think starting with a full hookup site is helpful so that you can practice emptying your tanks without a line waiting behind you. DO not leave your sewer open to drain the whole time, just dump as needed but the site makes it easier for you. it will also help you as you learn how fast your tanks might fill up. What we do is hook up, drain a little grey to make sure it is set up right. Close the grey tank, drain the black tank and then drain the rest of the grey tank. (Remember to immediately put more water in the black tank after draining as a dry tank could build up stool that sticks in it.)
As for check in and out time, every campground is different, just ask them.
For traveling, keep the trips close until you get used to towing your rig. I find I do better on the smaller county highways and roads than on the big highways like 40 or 95. DOn't let people push you faster than you are comfortable. I don't take my trailer over 55mph yet as it starts to get unsteady at 60mph. If I get a long line behind me, I get a line, I let them pass when I can.
Don't worry, just go out and do it. You will make mistakes. You will forget things. Big deal. Everyone does. Maybe this thread will make you feel better. If not then this one should certainly make you laugh.
Most important thing, don't forget to have fun.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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JohnG4706 wrote: I am sure I'll make some mistakes and hopefully I'll eventually laugh at them.
You did read the rules of this forum, right? The part where it states that you have to come back here and post about all your mistakes? 
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JohnG4706
Chicago Area
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I must have missed the fine print. Need to get my glasses checked. Thanks for letting me know about the rules.
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bakerkids
IL
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Something I might add, and it may not apply to you since you're probably traveling with a spouse. I usually camp solo, so when I'm backing into my site I don't have a spotter. My trailer is very small (usually more difficult to back), but after I begin backing I usually get out and look the site over again, making sure my wheels are going where I want them. I usually have a preference as to whether I'd rather park more to the left or to the right of the pad depending on trees, hook-ups, etc.
Just this past weekend I came close to letting the front end of the truck swing out very close to a post that had been hit and was leaning. It was leaning so far that I hadn't seen it. Yikes!
Add biking kids, skateboarders, dog walkers, etc., to the mix and there's plenty to grab your attention. Practice, practice, practice. If I can't use an almost-empty campground, I go to our church lot to "refresh". You'll get more comfortable each time.
I've also "dumped" the camper different places if I was going into an area to sightsee. I would get a coupler lock, though.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Just to add to bakerkids... while backing, go ahead and stop to get out and check where you are going, how ever many times you want to. Sometimes I'll get out 3, 4 or more times when backing up with the trailer, even when I have a spotter.
Assuming you are blocking a campground road while backing, anyone who has camped before will have no problem patiently waiting.
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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Joined: 06/18/2009
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JohnG4706 wrote:This might be some really stupid and super basic questions for all of you experienced RVers, but this will be a first for me towing a 27' TT. Last time in a CG was 50+ years ago with my parents in an umbrella tent. What's a good time to travel? Try to avoid rush hour traffic in the big cities?
What's a good time to check in to a CG? Too early or too late? Are there times to avoid when everyone is trying to check-in or checking-out? Until I become comfortable with backing into a site, I will opt for a drive-thru if available. Definitely will try to get there and setup during daylight hours. I am worried about forgetting something during daylight setups, let alone at night or when it's raining. When you check-in, do you park the TV & TT, go in the office, fill out a registration like checking into a motel, give them your CC, they assign you a site and off you go? Do they escort you to the site? Am I missing something?
What's a good time to check-out? Again, are there times to avoid? Do you have to go back to the office to check out? If you do, do you check out with the TV & TT hooked up and ready to drive out?
How many miles can you safely put on after checking out and getting to the next CG? When planning our trip, set the goal at about 200 miles to begin with? Then increasing to 300? 400? Or, ???
How do you handle sightseeing between CG's when you have the TT attached? Or, don't plan on any side trips or sightseeing until you are setup at the next CG?
Any help and suggestions would be appreciated. This is like jumping off the high diving board for the first time! I have knots in my stomach and I don't want to appear like a complete Newbie or do something and be labeled, "Doesn't he know any better!" or "Boy, that was stupid!"
Thanks.
Good gosh! I think you are over thinking this issue considerably!
Travel times to avoid- use your common sense- avoid rush hour in the cities.
Check in and out times at the campground- when you get there check in and when you are ready to leave check out.
Check in at office- of course, just like a motel.
Forgetting something- have a check list for the set up and take down procedure. If you forgot an item you need either ask to borrow from a neighbor or go to town and buy another.
Travel times- plan on about an overall average of 45 to 55 miles per hour. You decide how long and how far you want to drive. Remember if you never stop to smell the roses you won't know what they smell like.
Pull through sites- they are convenient, but if you never back up you will never learn how.
You should consider the federal, state, and municipal campgrounds. They are more natural (rustic) and are usually cheaper than the commercial parking lots that many people call campgrounds.
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jdscala
Canada
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Joined: 02/26/2009
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Oops...double posted somehow...
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