RV LIFE Features the Best RV Driving Routes for Snowbirds
Snowbirds migrate from the northern reaches of the continent to the Sun Belt when the weather starts to get cold and snowy, just like millions of actual birds that migrate back and forth ever year. And just like the flocks of birds that follow familiar routes, RV snowbirds tend to make this journey on a few well-traveled arterials.
The two major routes connecting these two seasonal zones are the two interstate highways near the west and east coastlines. That would be I-5 in the west and I-95 in the east, according to a report by RV LIFE, a network of consumer-facing websites, discussion forums and digital tools.
Although there are several north-south interstate routes in the interior of the continent, these two main routes carry the bulk of RV snowbirds simply because the coastal regions of the continent are the most densely populated areas; therefore, there are more RVers in the coastal states and more RV snowbirds.
Interstate 5 is the best RV driving route if you are on the West Coast of the US or Canada. It is a well-maintained, RV-friendly route that stretches from the Mexico border to Vancouver, Canada.
The highest elevation along this route is the Siskiyou Summit in Southern Oregon, just north of the California border. Siskiyou Summit is 4,310 ft. above sea level with numerous steep grades on both sides of the summit.
If you intend to travel on I-5 in late fall or early spring, be sure to check the weather conditions in the Siskiyou Pass before you try to climb that mountain range with your RV and discover it is covered in snow and chains are required.
The steep grade in the mountains is not the only challenge on this snowbird route. Large sections of I-5 go through state and national forests, and wildlife abounds along this route. Daytime driving and extra caution are recommended to avoid a collision with wildlife, which might happen to venture into the roadway.
The Grapevine
Other sections of I-5 may have dangerous winds, which may affect your RV’s stability. One of the most notorious sections of I-5 for dangerous winds is the Grapevine, which serpentines up through the Tejon Pass at 1,499 ft. This 40-mile section of road, north of Los Angeles, has several sections with steep grades, high winds, and occasional snow.
As with the Siskiyou Summit, it would be prudent to check with the California Department of Transportation regarding driving conditions in Tejon Pass before embarking on that part of your journey.
Where to go camping on I-5
You can literally drive from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego, California on Interstate 5, and I suggest you take your time to enjoy the diverse and beautiful scenery, as well as some of the most productive agricultural land in the country.
If you’re looking for a great campsite on I-5, check out the Valley of the Rogue State Park in southern Oregon, or use the RV LIFE App to locate hundreds of public and private campgrounds along this major thoroughfare.
Source: https://rvbusiness.com/rv-life-features-the-best-rv-driving-routes-for-snowbirds/
