The Fourth of July is a great time to go camping, head to the beach, or have a barbecue, but it also means there will be more crowds and traffic. These are some things to keep in mind to get the most out of your trip.
1. Avoid the main highways
Kyle Canyon Road – IMG_1215 by N i c o l a is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Traffic is horrendous when everyone and their families want to go out of town for the holiday. Avoid major interstates if possible and take backroads to get where you need to go. You can easily plan your trip and find points of interest on RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
2. Fill up on gas ahead of time
Gas prices soar on the Fourth of July and the weekend before the holiday. Fill your tank on a weekday before the 4th and check GasBuddy.com first to compare all of the gas prices in your area so you can get the lowest price possible. Many gas stations also offer a cheaper rate per gallon if you pay in cash.
3. Get all of your groceries and items ahead of time
Most stores are notoriously crowded on the weekend and days before the holiday when everyone is getting their last minute items. Do your shopping in advance for things like hot dogs, s’mores ingredients, drinks, etc. so you can avoid the store and crowds altogether on the 4th.
4. Reserve your site
Big Pines Recreation Site by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Most people make reservations up to a year in advance. If you have not reserved your site for the holiday, you may still find luck with sites that are first-come, first-served. Show up as early as noon or the day before for your best chance at scoring a spot.
5. Know where you’re doing fireworks
The warm and dry summer weather means it’s now the start of wildfire season. If you plan on lighting fireworks, know the regulations in your area and the current fire danger rating. Another option is to save money and attend a free fireworks show nearby. There are tons of events planned all over the country every year!
See also: 8 Unique Destinations To Enjoy Fireworks Over The Water For The Fourth Of July
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