Morning: Pack the 2002 Toyota Sequoia and NuCamp TAB 320 S Boondock, double‑check tire pressure and trailer brakes, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast at home. A quick walk around Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library provides a gentle start before hitting the road.
Afternoon: Depart Austin at 12:30 PM, traveling north on I‑35 → US‑84. After ~190 mi (≈3.5 hrs) you arrive at Abilene State Park. The campsite (Site A‑12) comfortably fits a 9‑ft trailer and offers restrooms with showers.
Evening: Set up camp, enjoy a sunset over Lake Abilene, and prepare dinner in the RV kitchen. Unwind by the fire pit and get a good night’s rest for the next leg.
Find HotelsMorning: After a hearty breakfast and a quick dip in the park’s shower facilities, explore the park’s paved trail that circles the lake and spot local wildlife.
Afternoon: Leave the park at 12:45 PM, heading west on TX‑36 → US‑70 → TX‑207. The 150‑mi drive (≈3 hrs) brings you to Caprock Canyons State Park, home to the Texas State Bison Herd and a spacious pull‑through site (Site B‑7) suitable for your rig.
Evening: After setting up, take a short hike to the Caprock Canyon Trailhead for spectacular views. Evening lights illuminate the bison herd, offering a memorable photo opportunity.
Find HotelsMorning: Enjoy a sunrise walk along the park’s scenic loop and refill water from the on‑site pump. The restrooms with hot showers ensure a comfortable start.
Afternoon: Depart at 12:30 PM, crossing into New Mexico via US‑87 → US‑64 → I‑25. After ~250 mi (≈5 hrs) and a brief fuel stop in Raton, NM, you reach Trinidad Lake State Park in Colorado. The park’s “Ranch‑Style” site (Site C‑4) fits a 9‑ft trailer and includes shower facilities.
Evening: Set up and unwind by the lake. A short paddle‑board session (if weather permits) provides a relaxing end to the day.
Find HotelsMorning: After a lakeside breakfast, explore the historic Trinidad History Museum before hitting the road.
Afternoon: Leave at 12:45 PM, traveling north on CO‑10 → I‑25 → US‑285 → CO‑7. The 180‑mi segment (≈4 hrs) climbs into the Rockies, arriving at Moraine Park Campground within Rocky Mountain National Park. Site D‑9 accommodates a 9‑ft trailer and provides modern restrooms and showers.
Evening: Enjoy alpine scenery, take a brief hike to the Moraine Park Loop, and soak in the crisp mountain air before a cozy campfire.
Find HotelsMorning: Early morning wildlife spotting around the campground, followed by a quick shower and coffee on the patio.
Afternoon: Depart at 12:30 PM, descending via US‑34 → I‑70 → US‑6 into the foothills. The 70‑mi drive (≈1.5 hrs) brings you to Golden, Colorado, where you can park the rig at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Site E‑5) – a final stop with full amenities before concluding the trip.
Evening: Celebrate the journey with a stroll through historic downtown Golden, then settle in for the night at the campsite, reflecting on the adventure.
Find HotelsIf you prefer a shorter trip, consider skipping the Rocky Mountain National Park leg and head straight from Trinidad Lake to Golden (≈4 hrs); this reduces the itinerary to 4 days and saves on camp fees and fuel. To extend the adventure, add an extra night at Great Sand Dunes National Park en route to Golden for unique dune hiking, or spend an additional day exploring the historic mining towns of Leadville, CO, before reaching Golden.