I am planning to do a road trip next summer (2011) in August with my family that is about 4000 miles.  We will be starting in Portland Oregon and heading to these locations : Glacier National Park, Yellow Stone National Park, Pikes Peak, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Reno (family), MogFest, and then home.  The plan at the moment is to take a Disco II towing a small tent trailer with a family of four plus dog. 

Does anyone have any good camping spots near these areas they would recomond or to avoide?

Would two weeks be enough time or three?

Any other areas that would be good to see while on the road near these areas?

Would there be a better time of year for a trip like this?

Thanks for any advice.

 Justin,

I have been to Death Valley in winter and summer...winter is best...January. Three weeks is better than two and 200 miles per day is good travel distance. Lots of planning is in order here.  AAA is a good source for maps and information on where to stay. I admire your ability to travel that long with that many people...and a dog.   Keep us posted on your plans.

I see you have Pikes Peak on your list, might I suggest adding Mt Evans to your list.  www.mountevans.com/

Last summer I went to Mt Evans and it was spectacular, I believe it's still the highest road in N. America.  The parking lot is at around 14,130 ft with the summit being another 110ft higher so you can say you climbed a 14k ft mtn, even if it was the last 100 odd feet of it.

Even at that I was like a fish out of water gulping for air.  There isn't much to do at the top, unlike on Pikes however the drive/view is well worth the time it takes. 

if you are looking for a more exerting hike, Mt Massive is an amazing hike. The trail head is around 10,000 or 11,000 and it tops out over 14,000. also if you  are looking for out of the way camping it is a beautiful area, just out side of leadville.

Thanks for the ideas and any more will also be appreciated.

IF you have the luxury of taking three weeks instead of two, do it!  Slow down so you can really enjoy the time with your family.  It will take 4-5 days just to get into the travel mode and away from job, school, home life, etc.  I also think that Darral (sp?) and Naomi have the right idea with their two girls.  Leave the iPods, electric games, toys, etc., at home.  Personally, I'd leave all the cell phones there too!  This sounds like the adventure of a lifetime for your family. 

After Pike's Peak, you may be interested in checking out SW Colorado.  Ouray, Telluride, Lake City, the San Juan Mtns, the Million Dollar Highway (550) to Durango, Four Corners, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the La Sals, Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, the Henry Mtns, and the Grand Stairway-Escalante National Monument.  Come to think of it, maybe you'll need 4-6 weeks!

Whatever you do, I'll be envious of every mile.  Have fun!