Leave Hopkinsville, KY around 6:00 AM and take I-24 W → I-64 W → I-55 N into St. Louis. With fuel and stretch stops, plan on 6.5–7.5 hours behind the wheel, and with a rig plus two big dogs it’s worth keeping the stops simple: one good breakfast stretch in western Kentucky or southern Illinois, then push through to arrive before the worst of downtown traffic. If you’re staying at a KOA, call ahead that morning to confirm big-rig pull-through availability and late-afternoon check-in expectations; St. Louis traffic is much friendlier if you roll in around mid- to late-afternoon instead of trying to arrive right at commute hour.
Once you’re settled, head downtown for Gateway Arch National Park. It’s an easy first stop because you can enjoy the grounds without committing to a big indoor outing, and the riverfront is one of the most dog-friendly ways to stretch your legs in the city. Parking downtown usually runs $10–$25 depending on the lot and time of day, so keep some cash/card handy and aim for the edge of the park rather than circling the busiest blocks. After that, walk the St. Louis Riverfront Trail for about 45 minutes—it’s flat, breezy, and a good decompression walk for the dogs after a long travel day, with Mississippi River views and plenty of room to keep moving without feeling rushed.
For dinner, drive over to The Hill, St. Louis’s classic Italian neighborhood, where the streets feel like a little pocket of old-school neighborhood life. It’s compact enough that once you park, you can keep the evening simple and stroll a bit before or after dinner. A good anchor is Favazza’s on The Hill: expect hearty portions, a relaxed family vibe, and roughly $20–35 per person depending on what you order. It’s a smart first-night choice because you don’t need to bounce around the city, and if you want an easy nightcap afterward, just head back to the campground and let the rest of the evening stay low-key.
Leave St. Louis around 6:00 AM and make the long run up I-70 W → I-29 N into Sioux Falls. With a big tow rig and two dogs, this is one of those days where the goal is steady and boring: fuel before you cross the bigger gaps, keep the dog breaks efficient, and expect a true 8.5–9.5 hour** travel day plus stops. You should roll into town with enough daylight left to settle the trailer, grab a quick reset, and still get outside before dinner.
Head straight to Falls Park once you’re parked up. This is the one must-do in Sioux Falls: wide river views, the main waterfall, and easy walking paths that are simple with dogs if you keep them leashed and stay on the paved areas. Plan on about $0 for entry, and give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours so you can wander without feeling rushed. Just a short walk from the falls, stop at The Queen Bee Mill Ruins for a quick historical detour — it’s only about 20 minutes, but it gives the whole park some backstory and is worth the pause before you head downtown.
From Falls Park, it’s an easy drive or ride-share into downtown for the Downtown Sioux Falls SculptureWalk. This is the best low-effort stretch-your-legs stop after a long drive: flat sidewalks, public art on nearly every block, and lots of open-air strolling that works well with big dogs in the cooler evening hour. Park once near Phillips Avenue and just wander south and west through the core for 45 minutes or so. When you’re ready for dinner, walk or drive a few blocks to Sanaa’s 8th Street Gourmet on 8th Street for a relaxed meal with plenty of Mediterranean and vegetarian choices; figure $15–25 per person, and it’s a solid spot to unwind without overcommitting after the road day.
Leave Sioux Falls around 6:30 AM and settle into the clean, easy run up I-29 N to I-94 W toward Bismarck. It’s a good shorter transit day, so even with fuel and dog breaks you should still roll in with enough daylight to enjoy the riverfront. With the rig and two big dogs, I’d plan one efficient stop for coffee, fuel, and a walk—keep it simple so you’re not arriving fried. Once you’re in town, aim to park the trailer at the campground first and unhook if needed before heading downtown; parking around the capitol area is generally easiest with a tow vehicle, not a big trailer.
Start with the North Dakota State Capitol for the classic Bismarck “I’ve arrived” photo and a quick orientation to the city. It’s an easy, low-effort stop—about 45 minutes, free to admire from the grounds, and the plaza is open and spacious if the dogs are with you on leash. From there, head down to Keelboat Park, where the riverfront feels open and breezy and the paths are good for a leashed walk with the dogs; give yourself about an hour to wander the Missouri River edge, read the Lewis and Clark markers, and stretch after the drive. If you still want one more leg-stretcher before dinner, the Bismarck-Mandan Riverwalk is a nice, low-key follow-up—expect a 45-minute amble with benches, water views, and plenty of room to just slow down.
For dinner, book or arrive early at Pirogue Grille downtown; it’s one of the better sit-down meals in town and a nice upgrade after a highway day, with mains typically landing around $25–45 per person. It’s a good spot to linger over a glass of wine or a strong dessert and actually reset for tomorrow. If you want an easy post-dinner wind-down, take a short drive back through downtown and over the river area once the light drops—Bismarck feels especially calm in the evening, and it’s a good night to keep it simple so the dogs and rig get an early start on the next leg.
Leave Bismarck around 6:00 AM and aim to be rolling into Rapid City with enough daylight left for an easy first taste of the Black Hills. It’s a long towing day, so the key is to keep it clean: fuel early, plan one solid dog break mid-route, and arrive with a little cushion for check-in, leveling, and a quick reset before you head back out. If you’re arriving into the west side of town, parking a truck-and-trailer rig is generally easier than in the core, so use the campground as your base and keep the truck handy for the afternoon run east.
Head out for Badlands National Park first, using the Interior entrance area and the South Unit side to make the most of your timing. This is the kind of place that rewards a slow, stop-and-go approach: pull into the short overlooks, keep the dogs leashed, and don’t try to overpack the visit. The scenery is best in angled late-day light, and even a couple of hours gives you the big payoff—layered ridges, deep gullies, and those wild open views that feel much bigger than the map suggests. Expect park entry to be around $30 per vehicle unless your pass covers it, and keep water in the cab for the dogs; summer afternoons get hot and exposed fast.
On the way back, make the easy, classic stop at Wall Drug in Wall, SD for a stretch, a cold drink, and a little roadside fun. It’s touristy in the best possible way if you know what it is going in: a quick browse, a snack, maybe a sandwich or ice cream, and then back on the road. It’s also a convenient place to break up the return toward Rapid City without wasting time. Once you’re back in town, take a simple wander through Downtown Rapid City—the Main Street Square area, the public art, and the walkable blocks around 6th Street are all easy to cover in about an hour. It’s a nice low-key way to unwind after a towing day.
Settle in for dinner at Tally’s Silver Spoon downtown. It’s a solid, comfortable pick for a road-trip night: good regional ingredients, a polished-but-not-fussy room, and a menu that usually lands in the $20–40 per person range depending on what you order. If you’re arriving later than planned, it still works well for a relaxed sit-down meal, but reservations are smart on summer evenings. After dinner, keep the rest of the night open—this is a good place to let the dogs rest, charge everything up, and get ready for the next push west.
Leave Rapid City around 6:30 AM and run I-90 W into Sheridan. With a tow rig and two big dogs, this is one of the easier driving days on the trip, so the goal is to arrive before the afternoon heat and still have energy for a scenic loop. Expect about 4.5–5.5 hours on the road, plus your usual fuel and dog stops; if you’re rolling in around early afternoon, you’ll have a comfortable window to settle the dogs, top off fuel, and keep the rest of the day loose. If you’re staying at a KOA in the Sheridan area, get checked in first and make sure you’ve got water and shade for the dogs before heading back out.
After you’re set, head west on U.S. 14A into Bighorn National Forest for the best part of the day. This is the kind of drive that feels made for a travel trailer day: mountain air, big pullouts, and enough scenery to make the dogs happy without committing to a long hike. Plan on 1.5–2 hours with stops, and keep it simple—enjoy the views, stretch at the scenic pull-offs, and turn around if road conditions or weather look iffy. Back in town, spend a little time in Downtown Sheridan around Main Street and Grinnell Plaza; it’s compact, walkable, and easy to browse for 45 minutes without overdoing it. If you want one cultural stop, Trail End State Historic Site is worth the detour: the grounds are lovely, the house gives you a real sense of Sheridan’s old-money western history, and it’s usually a quick, low-stress visit of about an hour.
For dinner, go to Frackleton’s downtown. It has that lively local feel that works well after a mountain drive, and you can expect roughly $20–35 per person depending on what you order. It’s a good place to unwind without feeling fussy, and being downtown makes it easy to get back to the rig afterward. If the dogs need a final walk, do it before dark around your campground or one of the quieter streets near downtown, then keep the rest of the night simple—this is a strong “rest and reset” stop before the Yellowstone stretch tomorrow.
Leave Sheridan around 5:30 AM and make the long but beautiful tow west on I-90 W → US-191 S → US-20 W into West Yellowstone. If you keep the fuel stops efficient and build in one quick dog break, you should land in town mid-afternoon with enough daylight left to actually enjoy the area instead of just collapsing at camp. The last stretch into town can feel busy in summer, so once you arrive, go straight to your KOA check-in, unhook if you’re staying put for the night, and get the dogs settled before you start sightseeing.
Head out to Hebgen Lake first for an easy reset after the drive. It’s one of those places that feels bigger and quieter than you expect, with plenty of shoreline pull-offs and simple spots to let the dogs sniff around on leash. Keep it low-key here — just a 30 to 45 minute scenic pause, a water break, and some fresh air. From there, swing back toward town for the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. It’s right in West Yellowstone and usually a great use of an afternoon: plan on about 1.5 hours, and expect admission to run roughly $20–30 per adult. Dogs can’t go inside, but the exterior walkways and nearby sidewalks make it easy to rotate one person in while the other does a short dog stroll around the block. After that, take a slow wander through West Yellowstone Town Park — a simple, central green space that’s perfect for decompressing before dinner, especially after a full driving day.
For dinner, go to Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon and keep it easy: expect about $18–30 per person depending on what you order, and it’s the kind of place that works well after a travel day because you can get in, eat, and get back to the dogs without fuss. If the evening is still light, do one last short walk around the downtown grid — the town is compact, so you can park once and cover the main blocks on foot in just a few minutes. This is a good night to turn in early, because tomorrow starts the Yellowstone-area rhythm and you’ll want the rig, the dogs, and yourself rested.
Leave West Yellowstone around 8:00 AM after a lighter breakfast and settle into the easy run east on US-20 and then south on I-15 into Idaho Falls. With the trailer and two big dogs, this is a good “keep it simple” morning: one fuel stop, one quick leash walk, and then roll in with enough daylight to enjoy the rest of the day instead of just recovering from it. When you arrive, aim for an RV-friendly stop with easy pull-through access and keep the rest of the morning loose so you’re not rushing back out.
Once you’re settled, take the detour out to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. It’s one of the prettiest low-effort drives in eastern Idaho, with forest, mountain air, and enough pullouts to make it feel like a real outing without turning into an all-day project. The route is especially nice for travelers with dogs because you can keep the pacing relaxed, stop frequently, and still get a big payoff. Your marquee stop is Upper Mesa Falls, where the boardwalk and overlook give you the classic view without much walking; plan on about 45 minutes, more if you want to linger and snap photos. Admission is typically modest at the forest service sites, usually just a few dollars or a small recreation fee depending on the entrance, and summer hours are generally daytime-friendly.
Head back into Idaho Falls and wind down on the Snake River Greenbelt, which is one of the easiest and best ways to reset after a towing day. Park near the riverfront and do a slow leash walk along the paved paths, bridges, and grassy stretches; it’s flat, shady in spots, and perfect for two big dogs that need to stretch out. If you want a little extra local flavor, this is also the time to wander a few blocks around the downtown core and keep the pace casual rather than packing in more sights.
For dinner, go to The SnakeBite Restaurant downtown for a straightforward, satisfying meal of burgers, pub food, and a solid beer list; budget about $15–25 per person. It’s an easy end-of-day choice because you can park once, walk in without fuss, and not worry about overcomplicating the evening after a scenic day. If the dogs are done for the night, keep the after-dinner plan simple: a short stroll, then an early wrap so you’re rested for the next leg.
Leave Idaho Falls around 7:00 AM and plan on a smooth I-15 S run into Salt Lake City in about 4.5–5.5 hours with trailer-friendly fuel stops and dog breaks. You’ll want to arrive before the afternoon rush thickens on the north side of town, especially if you’re heading toward downtown RV parking or a KOA on the west side. Keep the final approach easy, top off fuel before you hit the urban stretch, and give yourself a little cushion so you’re not searching for a spot while the city is hottest.
Start with Temple Square for a clean first orientation to downtown; even if you’re not doing a deep tour, the grounds are a great way to get your bearings, and it’s an easy stop for about an hour. From there, it’s a short walk to City Creek Center, which is exactly what you want on a hot July day: air conditioning, fountains, restrooms, and a chance to stretch without overcommitting. If the dogs need a proper reset, drive or walk north a few minutes to Memory Grove Park, where the shade, paths, and creekside feel make it one of the best low-key urban breaks in the city. It’s especially nice late afternoon when the light drops and the heat starts easing off.
For dinner, settle into The Copper Onion downtown, a dependable local favorite with a polished-but-not-fussy vibe and a menu that works well after a long travel day. Expect roughly $25–45 per person depending on drinks and entrées, and it’s smart to arrive a little early on a holiday weekend because July 4th can make downtown busier than usual. After dinner, keep the rest of the evening light; if you’re staying north or west of downtown, the drive back is straightforward, and you’ll be glad you didn’t pack in too much after a full towing day.
Leave Salt Lake City around 6:00 AM and point the rig west on US-6 W / US-50 W for Ely. This is a long, quiet desert drive — the kind where you want to top off fuel early, keep water in the cab, and make dog breaks efficient because services thin out fast once you’re out of town. Plan on roughly 5.5–6.5 hours depending on trailer pace and stops, and try to arrive with enough daylight left to get settled without rushing. If you’re hauling a big rig, the safest rhythm is one fuel stop, one quick lunch stop, and then roll straight into town; parking in Ely is generally easy, but downtown streets are narrow enough that you’ll be happier if you leave the trailer at camp before sightseeing.
Start with the Great Basin National Heritage Area Visitor Center in Ely — it’s a smart first stop for a road day like this because the staff can give you current road, weather, and regional condition updates, and it helps you get oriented before you wander farther. Then head over to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, which is one of those unexpectedly great small-town museums that actually feels alive: big locomotives, historic rail yards, and enough steel-and-rivet atmosphere to keep it interesting for adults and dogs waiting nearby on a leash outside. After that, take an easy walk along Downtown Ely and Main Street for murals, old storefronts, and a little leg-stretching after the highway. You don’t need to overplan this part — just park once, wander, grab photos, and let the town be the break. Expect most stops here to be in the $0–$20 range, with the railway museum usually the only place where you’ll really notice an admission fee.
For dinner, finish at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant — it’s a practical, no-fuss Ely dinner where you can get a solid plate after a desert haul without making the night complicated. Figure $15–25 per person, plus a little more if you’re hungry after a long day and order drinks or appetizers. It’s the kind of place where locals actually go to eat, which is exactly what you want after a remote driving day. After dinner, keep the evening simple: gas up if you need to, walk the dogs once more, and get ready for another early departure tomorrow so you can keep the trip moving at a good daylight pace.
Leave Ely around 6:00 AM and keep the day in “steady towing” mode on US-6 E / US-50 E / I-70 E into Grand Junction. With an 8.5-hour day on the road in a big rig and two large dogs, the win is getting in before the worst heat and giving yourself time for a real scenic stop rather than just a parking lot lunch. Plan one efficient fuel stop and one dog break, keep water handy, and aim to arrive with enough daylight to enjoy the best views without feeling rushed.
Head straight for Colorado National Monument once you’re settled. This is the signature stop here: huge red rock walls, canyon views, and enough pullouts that you can enjoy the park even with the dogs and trailer left in town. The visitor center is usually the best first stop for a quick map and current road notes; entry is typically around $30 per vehicle for 7 days unless you already have a pass. With dogs, keep to the paved overlooks and short leash walks; it’s a place for viewpoints, not long trail mileage. The light gets especially good in late afternoon, so this timing works beautifully.
Work Rim Rock Drive as a slow scenic loop through the monument. It’s the part of the park that actually lets you experience the scale of the canyons from the truck, with frequent pullouts and those dramatic shoulder-to-shoulder cliffs that make this area famous. Give yourself about 1.5 hours if you’re stopping often for photos and water breaks. A good rule here: don’t overpack the route—take the views, skip the urge to rush, and let the park do the work.
For an easy evening, park downtown and wander Main Street in Grand Junction for a relaxed stretch of legs after the drive. It’s walkable, with enough shade and storefronts to make it pleasant without trying too hard, and it’s a nice way to reset before dinner. Then settle in at Bin 707 Foodbar, one of the better-known dinner spots in town for creative, locally minded plates; budget about $25–45 per person. It’s a good reservation candidate on summer evenings, especially around 7:00 PM, and the downtown area makes a simple, low-stress end to the day before tomorrow’s next push.
Leave Grand Junction, CO around 5:00 AM and make this an all-day tow toward Dallas on I-70 E → I-25 S → US-287 S → US-82 E → I-30 E. With a big rig and two large dogs, the key is simple: top off early, keep stops efficient, and plan your dog breaks where there’s real room to maneuver. If you’re running the whole way, expect roughly 11–12.5 hours of drive time plus the usual fuel and stretch stops, so arrival is likely well into the evening. Try to arrive with enough light left to back in calmly; Dallas metro traffic can get messy around the core, but once you’re past the main interchanges it’s mostly about staying patient and watching for late-day congestion.
Once you’re in town, head straight to your Dallas KOA campground and take your time setting up. In July, the heat hangs on late, so get the rig leveled, hook up utilities, and give the dogs a long leash walk in whatever shaded areas the campground has before you try to do anything else. If you’ve still got a little energy after settling in, a first-night outing to Klyde Warren Park is a smart, low-effort introduction to downtown Dallas — it’s easy to park nearby or ride in from camp, and the park usually has food trucks, open lawns, and a lively but not overwhelming evening vibe. It’s a good 45-minute decompress stop, especially if you just want to stretch your legs and feel the city without committing to a full night out.
For dinner, go with Meso Maya Comida y Copas. It’s a dependable Dallas favorite for elevated Tex-Mex, and it works well on a first night because you can eat well without overthinking it. Expect around $20–35 per person, depending on drinks and how hungry you are. If you’re coming from Klyde Warren Park, the easiest move is a short drive or rideshare to whichever Meso Maya location is closest to your KOA or downtown route back. Keep it relaxed, order something cold to drink, and call it an early night — tomorrow will feel a lot better if you use this evening mainly to recover from the haul and get the dogs settled.
For your first full Dallas day, keep the morning simple and start early from your KOA so you’re downtown before the heat and traffic build. From the campground, plan on about 20–35 minutes to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza depending on where you’re parked and whether you’re crossing the freeway at rush hour. If you can arrive close to opening, even better — parking in the downtown core is easiest in the morning, and you’ll want a calm start before the tour buses and summer crowds stack up. If you’re towing, leave the rig at camp and take the truck in; downtown garage parking is the least stressful option.
Spend about 1.5 hours inside The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, then step right out into Dealey Plaza for the outdoor context. The museum usually runs around $20–25 per adult, with lines shorter right at opening, and the exhibits are best enjoyed when you’re not rushing. Outside, walk the grassy edge, look toward the Texas School Book Depository, and take your time with the X-marked pavement and the surrounding streets — this is one of those places that feels very different once you’ve stood there yourself. From there, it’s an easy 5–10 minute drive or a manageable rideshare over to the West End.
Head into Dallas World Aquarium before the worst of the afternoon heat. It’s a smart July move because the building gives you a cool, indoor reset, and it works well in a midday slot at roughly 1.5–2 hours. Expect tickets to be in the $30-ish range for adults, plus a little extra if you linger in the rainforest levels or café. After that, move over to Klyde Warren Park for a slower pace — it’s about 5–10 minutes by car from the aquarium, or a pleasant walk if you’re feeling ambitious. This park is one of the city’s best dog-friendly breaks, with shade, open lawn, food trucks most afternoons, and plenty of room for two big dogs to stretch out without fighting downtown sidewalks. If the pavement feels too hot, keep your dogs on the grass and bring water; by July, midday concrete in Dallas can be brutal.
Finish the day in Deep Ellum at Pecan Lodge, which is exactly the kind of no-fuss, high-reward Dallas barbecue stop that’s worth planning around. Go a little earlier than dinner rush if you can — around 4:30–5:00 PM is ideal — because lines can get long and the popular cuts do sell down. Budget about $20–35 per person, more if you go heavy on sides and dessert, and don’t be shy about ordering enough for a real sit-down meal after a full sightseeing day. From there, it’s an easy return to your campground by truck in about 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic; if you’re heading out after dark, use the main arterials and avoid trying to shortcut through the inner neighborhoods with a trailer.
Start early and head east out of your Dallas KOA toward the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden—ideally on the road by 7:00 AM so you beat both the heat and the heavier traffic around I-30 and the Lakewood side streets. From most central Dallas campgrounds you’re usually looking at about 20–35 minutes, but allow extra time if you’re towing or if you need a smooth parking setup. The Arboretum is a great first stop on a July morning because it opens at 9:00 AM, usually runs around $20–25 for adults, and the lakeside paths are pleasant before the sun gets intense. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the garden itself, so this is best if one person stays with the trailer/pets or you’ve arranged a quick pet break plan before entering.
After the garden, ease over to White Rock Lake Park for the part of the day your dogs will actually love. It’s only a short hop from the Arboretum—five to ten minutes depending on where you exit—and the eastern shore is the nicest place to stretch your legs without feeling boxed in by the city. The trail around the lake is long, but even a relaxed out-and-back near Winfrey Point or Dallas Arboretum’s waterfront area gives you open views, shade in spots, and a much calmer vibe than central Dallas. Bring water, because July pavement gets hot fast; early lunch on the move is smart here, maybe from a grab-and-go spot before you head west. If you want a quick bite, the nearby East Dallas and Lakewood area has easy stops, but don’t overcomplicate it—this is a good day to keep momentum.
For the cultural anchor of the afternoon, drive to The George W. Bush Presidential Center in University Park. From White Rock Lake, plan on roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, and give yourself extra time for parking and security because it’s a more formal museum stop. It typically takes about two hours if you want to see the exhibits, the replica Oval Office, and the grounds without rushing; admission is usually in the $20–30 range. After that, swing a few minutes over to Highland Park Village, one of Dallas’s prettiest strolls if you like architecture, boutique storefronts, and a polished neighborhood feel. It’s an easy 45-minute wander, especially nice at golden hour when the old-world style of the shopping center really stands out.
Wrap the day with dinner at Mi Cocina—the kind of reliable Tex-Mex finish that feels exactly right in Dallas. There are several locations, and the Lakewood, Highland Park, or Uptown area all work depending on where you end up after your stroll. Expect about $20–35 per person, plus a little more if you’re doing margaritas, and go a bit early if you want the smoothest parking and shortest wait. For the drive back to Hopkinsville, KY tomorrow, you’ll want an early start—around 6:30 AM is ideal—so you can make the run east on I-44 → I-55 → I-24 with daylight on your side and one clean fuel-and-dog-break rhythm before you get home.
Leave Dallas around 6:00 AM and make the clean run north and northeast to Joplin via I-30 E → US-70 → I-44 E. On a Friday in July, that early start is your best friend: you’ll dodge the worst of the Metroplex traffic, keep the truck and trailer happier in cooler temps, and still have a realistic shot at being parked before late afternoon. With two big dogs, plan one efficient fuel-and-potty stop along the way rather than stretching it out with lots of short pauses; you want to arrive with enough daylight left to settle in, not just crash for the night.
Once you’re in town, keep the first stop simple at The Bridges at Joplin for a quick leg stretch and a reset after the drive. It’s an easy, no-stress arrival area where you can get the dogs out, grab water, and let everybody decompress for about half an hour before heading into something more scenic. From there, it’s a short, practical hop to Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center; if the trails are open and footing is dry, this is the best use of your late afternoon. The Shoal Creek bluff scenery is exactly the kind of low-effort, high-reward stop that works after a long tow, and it’s one of the better places in Joplin to give the dogs a real walk without needing to overcommit. Expect roughly an hour here, and stick to the easier paths if it’s been hot — shade and water matter more than mileage this time of day.
Head into downtown for a quick photo stop at Route 66 Mural Park before dinner. It’s a small, walkable break that gives you a little local flavor without burning energy, and it’s especially nice in the softer evening light. After that, settle in at Red Onion Cafe in downtown Joplin for dinner; it’s a solid final road-trip meal, usually in the $15–25 per person range, and a good place to slow down before the last push home. If you’re parked at the Joplin KOA, keep the night practical: walk the dogs, check tire pressures, hitch, lights, and breakaway gear, top off water, and stage everything so tomorrow morning is painless. A quiet, organized night here pays off on the final leg.
Leave Joplin around 6:30 AM and make this a clean, all-day tow back to Hopkinsville on I-44 E → I-55 S → I-24 E. With a big truck, trailer, and two large dogs, the best move is to keep the first leg steady and knock out your fuel and bathroom stops early while the roads are cooler and traffic is light. A good rhythm is one quick stop in southeast Missouri or western Tennessee, then another short dog break before you merge onto I-24; that keeps everyone calmer and avoids wasting time on longer, more crowded stops.
Plan to roll into Hopkinsville in the mid-afternoon, depending on how often you stop and how traffic behaves around St. Louis and Nashville approaches. If you’re hungry on the final stretch, keep it simple and don’t overthink it—just aim to arrive with enough daylight left to unhitch, cool the dogs down, and get the rig settled. If you want one last easy pause near the route home, the Paducah side of I-24 is usually a sensible place for a final fuel top-off before the last push.
Once you’re back, give yourself a soft landing instead of trying to do anything ambitious. Unload the essentials first, get the dogs a proper walk, and then call the trip a win—you’ve just done a serious western loop and brought the whole setup home in one piece.