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Topic ClosedI-5 thru California

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Jenga Jack View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 Apr 2016
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: I-5 thru California
    Posted: 13 Feb 2019 at 2:26pm
In late March we will be driving south from Oregon through California via Interstate 5. Any suggestions on where to stay along the way that has easy off/on access? We're looking for spots for single nights, probably won't unhitch the R-Pod; w/e/s hook-up would be nice, but not necessary.

Just looking for something that's easy, cheap and safe to rest before another full day of driving I-5.
2014 R-Pod 178 aka the "Kobra Pod"
following a 2015 4Runner wherever it may wander
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2019 at 8:35pm
Your choices are very limited in the I-5 corridor south of Stockton.  All along I-5 there are rest areas and it's legal to sleep in your trailer for up to 8 hours.  And, as a practical matter, no one is there timing you if you go an hour or so over.  Many people are concerned about safety with an all night stop.  Because there is so much traffic going in and out it is probably not as bad as some feel.  

Realistically, it would not be a bad idea to plan on driving from the Stockton area all the way to the ridge route.  There are some campgrounds once you get on top of the hill.  The drive is quite doable.  We did it on the Friday after Thanksgiving, driving from Belflower to Oakland.  It was a pretty long drive but not awful.  Driving on I-5 is just one long straight shot with nothing to stop for except gas, bathroom breaks, and food. Do keep track of gas, because when you are in the middle of nowhere, some of the places, such as Harris Ranch, really jack up the price.  

If you go down CA 99 starting in Sacramento instead, you'll find more places to stay, including some Walmarts.  The time is not very much different and you'll have many more choices on possible stopping points.  There are also rest areas on CA 99.  Here's a list:  http://www.californiarestareas.com/californiastaterouteSR99restareas.html  Since they are in more populated areas, you might feel more comfortable passing the night in one.  
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 8:18am
+1 to lostagain. I5 is the longest, straightest, most boring drive I can imagine. Highway 99 has more curves which reduces the monotony quite a lot. Plus, I think there are more and better stopping places.
bp
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 9:25pm
We've stayed a couple of times at Flag City RV Resort. It's on the South/East corner of Hwy 5 & Hwy 12. It's the turn off for the city of Lodi. It's easy in and out with pull-throughs. it also has 4 gas stations. It's about 13 miles north of Stockton. Have a safe travel.
Rick and Melanie
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Feb 2019 at 6:37am
Time to pull up CCR on your Spotify playlist LOL

Just about a year ago

I set out on the road
Seekin' my fame and fortune
Lookin' for a pot of gold
Thing got bad things got worse
I guess you will know the tune
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again....
1994 Chinook Concourse
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