Using AI for travel planning, Jackson Hole WY to Marquette MI

Travel
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In this example I’ll use Grok:

I’ll be traveling via Class-B RV from Jackson Hole, WY to Marquette MI in about two weeks. I’m thinking of splitting up the travel over 5 days. What stops would you recommend I make along the route. I’ve got no problem with boondocking, using Harvest Host or BLM camping. The RV is fully configured for self-contained dry camping.

Grok’s response:

Traveling from Jackson Hole, WY, to Marquette, MI, in a Class-B RV over five days is a roughly 1,500-mile journey, averaging 300 miles per day. Your RV’s self-contained setup and openness to boondocking, Harvest Hosts, and BLM camping give you great flexibility. Based on your preferences, the route below prioritizes scenic stops, manageable driving days, and unique camping options, leveraging BLM lands, Harvest Hosts, and boondocking opportunities. I’ve also considered your previous interest in outdoor activities like hiking and dry camping (e.g., near Cortez, UT, and Moab, UT) to include stops with similar recreational potential. The route follows I-80 to I-90 for efficiency, with slight detours for quality camping.

Route Overview

  • Day 1: Jackson Hole, WY to Shell Reservoir, Bighorn National Forest, WY (~250 miles, 5 hours)

  • Day 2: Shell Reservoir, WY to Keyhole State Park, WY (~200 miles, 4 hours)

  • Day 3: Keyhole State Park, WY to Badlands National Park, SD (~300 miles, 5 hours)

  • Day 4: Badlands National Park, SD to Glacial Lakes State Park, MN (~350 miles, 6 hours)

  • Day 5: Glacial Lakes State Park, MN to Marquette, MI (~400 miles, 7 hours)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Jackson Hole, WY to Shell Reservoir, Bighorn National Forest, WY

  • Distance/Drive Time: ~250 miles, 5 hours via US-26 and US-16.

  • Why Stop Here: Bighorn National Forest offers remote, scenic boondocking with access to hiking and fishing, aligning with your interest in outdoor activities. Shell Reservoir is a tranquil spot with stunning mountain views, ideal for your self-contained RV.

  • Camping Options:

    • Boondocking: Shell Reservoir Camping Area in Bighorn National Forest. Free dispersed camping for up to 14 days, with vault toilets but no other amenities. Sites are near the reservoir, perfect for fishing or relaxing. Stock up on supplies in Greybull, WY, 28 miles away, as the road is rough. High-clearance recommended, but your Class-B should handle it.

    • Harvest Hosts: If you prefer a backup, check Harvest Hosts near Greybull, such as a winery or farm (requires membership; verify availability on their platform).

  • Activities: Hike trails in Bighorn National Forest or fish for trout in Shell Reservoir. Explore Shell Falls, a 120-foot waterfall, 20 miles west.

  • Tips: Check fire restrictions at Home | Bighorn National Forest | Forest Service, as Wyoming’s arid climate can limit campfires. Fill water and dump tanks in Jackson Hole before leaving.

Day 2: Shell Reservoir, WY to Keyhole State Park, WY

  • Distance/Drive Time: ~200 miles, 4 hours via US-16 and I-90.

  • Why Stop Here: Keyhole State Park offers a mix of boondocking and developed camping near a reservoir, with hiking and water activities. It’s a shorter drive day to balance the trip and enjoy the area.

  • Camping Options:

    • Boondocking: Dispersed camping on BLM land near Keyhole Reservoir, managed by the Newcastle Field Office. Free for up to 14 days, with flat, gravel sites suitable for your RV. No amenities, so use your self-contained setup. Check road conditions, as the last mile can be rough if wet.

    • Developed Option: Keyhole State Park campgrounds (e.g., Tatanka Campground) offer sites with fire rings and vault toilets for $10–18/night (resident/non-resident). First-come, first-served, ideal if you want a backup.

  • Activities: Hike the 3.5-mile Keyhole Reservoir Trail or fish for walleye. Visit Devil’s Tower National Monument (30 miles away) for a quick detour to see the iconic rock formation.

  • Tips: Arrive early, as BLM sites are first-come, first-served. Bury human waste 6–8 inches deep if no facilities are used, per BLM guidelines.

Day 3: Keyhole State Park, WY to Badlands National Park, SD

  • Distance/Drive Time: ~300 miles, 5 hours via I-90.

  • Why Stop Here: Badlands National Park offers dramatic landscapes and hiking opportunities, similar to your interest in geologic history (e.g., McElmo Dome). Boondocking just outside the park provides a free, scenic overnight.

  • Camping Options:

    • Boondocking: Buffalo Gap National Grassland, adjacent to Badlands NP (e.g., “The Wall” dispersed area). Free for up to 14 days, with level sites suitable for your Class-B. Stunning views of the Badlands’ eroded peaks. No amenities, so rely on your RV’s self-contained features.

    • Harvest Hosts: Check for options near Wall, SD (30 miles away), like a museum or brewery (verify on Harvest Hosts platform).

  • Activities: Hike the 4-mile Castle Trail or the 1.5-mile Notch Trail for rugged scenery. Drive the Badlands Loop Road (SD-240) for panoramic views. Visit Wall Drug in Wall, SD, for a quirky stop.

  • Tips: Check weather at Badlands National Park (U.S. National Park Service), as sudden storms can make dirt roads impassable. Respect archaeological sites and keep a 100-yard distance from wildlife.

Day 4: Badlands National Park, SD to Glacial Lakes State Park, MN

  • Distance/Drive Time: ~350 miles, 6 hours via I-90 and MN-23.

  • Why Stop Here: Glacial Lakes State Park offers a peaceful stop with hiking and water activities, breaking up the longer drive to Marquette. It’s a good mix of nature and minimal amenities, suiting your dry camping setup.

  • Camping Options:

    • Developed Camping: Glacial Lakes State Park has non-electric sites for $16–22/night, with vault toilets and water nearby. First-come, first-served, but mid-week in late June should have availability. Suitable for your Class-B.

    • Boondocking Backup: Dispersed camping on nearby BLM land in western Minnesota is limited, so rely on the state park or check Harvest Hosts for farms near Watertown, SD (e.g., a vineyard or orchard).

  • Activities: Hike the 2-mile High Point Trail for lake views or e-bike on park roads (permitted on paved surfaces). Fish for bass in the park’s lakes.

  • Tips: Reserve a site at mnstateparks.reserveamerica.com if you want certainty. Stock up on groceries in Watertown, SD, en route.

Day 5: Glacial Lakes State Park, MN to Marquette, MI

  • Distance/Drive Time: ~400 miles, 7 hours via US-2 and M-28.

  • Why Stop Here: This is the final leg to Marquette, with no overnight stop needed. Marquette offers urban amenities and access to Lake Superior, aligning with your past interest in scenic destinations.

  • Camping Options in Marquette:

    • Boondocking: Dispersed camping in Hiawatha National Forest, 10–20 miles south of Marquette (e.g., near Brevort Lake). Free for up to 16 days, with flat sites for your RV. No amenities, so use your self-contained setup.

    • Harvest Hosts: Check for options in Marquette, like a brewery or farm (verify on Harvest Hosts platform).

    • Developed Option: Tourist Park Campground in Marquette ($25–35/night) has non-electric sites with water and dump stations nearby, ideal for a comfortable arrival.

  • Activities in Marquette: Hike Sugarloaf Mountain (3 miles round-trip) for Lake Superior views or e-bike along the Marquette Multi-Use Path. Visit Presque Isle Park for a scenic drive.

  • Tips: Fill water and dump tanks in Glacial Lakes or en route (e.g., at a rest area). Check fs.usda.gov/hiawatha for dispersed camping rules.

General Tips

  • Supplies: Stock up in Jackson Hole, Greybull, Wall, or Watertown for food, water, and propane. Your self-contained RV should handle 5 days, but top off tanks when possible.

  • Navigation: Use offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS) for BLM and forest roads, as cell service can be spotty. Carry a paper map as a backup.

  • Weather: Late June in Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota averages 60–80°F, with 5–6 rainy days. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may be cooler (50–70°F). Check weather.gov for updates, as rain can affect dirt roads.

  • Wildlife: Store food in bear-proof containers in Wyoming and Michigan (bear country). Keep 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from elk or bison.

  • Harvest Hosts: Verify availability and book in advance via their platform. Membership ($99/year) is required. Farms, wineries, or golf courses (per your interest in golf course camping) may be available.

  • BLM Rules: Follow 14-day stay limits and Leave No Trace principles. Don’t camp within 100 feet of water sources.

  • RV Suitability: Your Class-B RV is ideal for boondocking due to its compact size and self-contained setup. Avoid roads marked for high-clearance or 4WD unless confirmed passable.

Alternative Stops

  • If you need a shorter drive on Day 5: Stop in Munising, MI (350 miles from Glacial Lakes, 6 hours), and boondock in Hiawatha National Forest (e.g., Pete’s Lake). Add a short hike to Munising Falls before the 1-hour drive to Marquette on Day 6.

  • If Badlands is too crowded: Boondock in Black Hills National Forest, SD (near Custer), for similar scenery and hiking (e.g., 4-mile Lover’s Leap Trail).

This itinerary balances driving, camping variety, and outdoor exploration, tailored to your RV’s capabilities and your interest in hiking and dry camping. Let me know if you want specific Harvest Hosts suggestions, more hiking trails, or adjustments for weather or road conditions