After crisscrossing the country for years on I-90, I-80, I-70, and I-40, we settled on the longest, most scenic, and mellow stretch of interstate for camping on a cross country trip: I-80 across Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. This stretch of I-80 could be driven at high speed in one day or you can get off and enjoy the journey. Mellow means not crowded on a summer weekday, some "off the beaten path" character, and so does not include any national parks. Another reason for mellow, the short distance between each place allows time to explore after arriving and so suitable for a 1 night stay. Each stop is scenic enough for up to a 3 night stay. Going from East to West for over 600 miles:
The Snowy Range in southeast Wyoming and North Fork Campground
Flaming Gorge NRA in southwest Wyoming and Firehole Campground and/or Canyon Rim CG
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in northeast Utah and Sulfur Campground
Ruby Mountains in northeast Nevada and Thomas Canyon Campground
The "scenic" used here refers to these destinations not the I-80 drive. Mellow, but less scenic, could be extended east by staying at Lake McConaughly and Lake Ogallala SRA CG in western Nebraska. Extending "mellow and scenic" west from the Ruby Mountains is difficult because the number of choices is so vast.
Please post any itinerary for "mellow and scenic" sections of road exceeding 500 miles. Again, "scenic" refers to the stops, not the road (I get tired of driving).
The Snowy Range in southeast Wyoming and North Fork Campground
Flaming Gorge NRA in southwest Wyoming and Firehole Campground and/or Canyon Rim CG
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in northeast Utah and Sulfur Campground
Ruby Mountains in northeast Nevada and Thomas Canyon Campground
The "scenic" used here refers to these destinations not the I-80 drive. Mellow, but less scenic, could be extended east by staying at Lake McConaughly and Lake Ogallala SRA CG in western Nebraska. Extending "mellow and scenic" west from the Ruby Mountains is difficult because the number of choices is so vast.
Please post any itinerary for "mellow and scenic" sections of road exceeding 500 miles. Again, "scenic" refers to the stops, not the road (I get tired of driving).