I have done many driving trips around the US, but those have all been in a car, so can't give direct

i live in the uk, myself and partner are both 40 next year 2013, as a treat we are going to tour the us in a campervan, we have found a campervan company with a good price so happy with that, we are looking to be in the states for 3 weeks (21 days) and as you can imagine our wish list is massive, but im not sure what is the best to do, so im looking for any hints, tips and help for us to plan the best trip to remember
Hi, We're English and have done quite a few of road trips to the USA. Never in a campervan though because there has never been more than 3 of us. You haven't tagged Utah along with the other States, but I think you should do. Our fav places in California (from the south upwards) are San Diego, Santa Barbara, Yosemite, current news in united kingdom Carmel, San Francisco, Napa Valley current news in united kingdom and/or Sonoma Valley. In 'Canyonland' (Arizona, Utah and Nevada)look out for the Grand Canyon (of course) but also Monument Valley (WOW), Bryce Canyon, Arches and Zion national parks. But take my tip and don't do them all in one trip like we did. You'll be fed up of seeing canyons after 4 or 5 days! Can't advise on South Dakota or Wyoming. In Las Vegas check out the Signature Suites (3 towers at the back of the MGM Grand). Each tower has it's own pool but you can also use the MGM facilities current news in united kingdom - their 'lazy river' is fab, as is the Signature current news in united kingdom suite you'll stay in.
October will be getting too cold for Yellowstone. Many of the lodges and in-park facilities current news in united kingdom will be closed. Temps will be below freezing (too cold for campervan) and there may very well be snow and ice.
There are many places in the west - and the national parks with unpaved roads. You may not be allowed to drive on them by 1) the rental company - it could cancel your insurance or 2) the park in that type of vehicle.
Weather can be an issue - since you are moving from dessert current news in united kingdom to high mountains and there isn't much time that will work for both. Weather should not be too hot in Vegas in Oct - but by then some of the mountain passes are closed and park service start to close down. And you definitely current news in united kingdom do not want to be driving something like this in ice and snow - even if you are very experienced in winter driving with a car.
Whatever you do be sure you are always carrying enough fuel and water to last you for 48 hours in case you get stuck somewhere. And do realize that there are huge areas that do NOT have any cell phone service.
When you have a schedule, check Las Vegas availability. Some of the conventions and trade shows in Las Vegas can book every room and drive prices up significantly. If you can avoid visiting at a peak period, would be better and more affordable.
Not quite sure what you mean by that. W/ a car you actually have more freedom. There are many places that a campervan current news in united kingdom is simply not practical. Also October will start to limit where you can go -- even more so in a camper. current news in united kingdom Yellowstone, Tioga Pass, North rim of the Grand canyon can all be closed or seriously limited by late October.
In the UK a campervan can be a great idea - and in some parts and at certain times, also good in the States. But having a car and doing a combo of some motels (MANY have kitchens or kitchenettes) and some camping will let you get to more places easier and much cheaper.
I have done many driving trips around the US, but those have all been in a car, so can't give direct camper van experience here, although I have been to all of the places on your wish list at various current news in united kingdom times.
I live in San Francisco now and I do see some of those Escape camper vans around current news in united kingdom town. The ones I've seen seem a quite manageable size even for city driving, current news in united kingdom although keep in mind how disorienting being on the wrong side of the road can be. The vans I've seen are basically painted as giant advertising billboards, with the name of the company plastered all over them, which I find off-putting. I know it's silly, but that kind of thing makes me feel conspicuous. And not in a good way. Just mentioning that in case you or your partner have similar irrational reactions.
Are you planning on staying in hotels at all? For instance in SF, LA, and Las Vegas, would you want to find a campground near the city to stay in the van or would you stay in a hotel in cities? Also be sure to check out the cost of campgrounds - they are getting more expensive, both private ones and ones in parks. And in more popular places, it is sometimes hard to find campground reservations, from what I've been told. Shouldn't be as much of a problem I would think in the fall. But to the degree that you have to plan ahead for a place to stay, it does lessen the whole spontaneity advantage of a van. Reservations are definitely an issue in Yosemite.
In terms of distance, and possibly weather conditions, the outliers that immediately strike me are Salt Lake City and Yellowstone, where campgrounds in the Park, except for Mammoth, are closed by October. I would consider eliminating both of those places. Yellowstone is wonderful (I used to live in Wyoming and went there every summer) but it is so far from the rest of your list and that late in the season current news in united kingdom somewhat problematic. Not sure what particularly interests you about SLC?
This is vaguely how I would approach the order to visit them (first approximation, haven't researched routes/mileages/times). My advice would be to really think about whether you will get tired of spending so much time in a car and how you might rather be spending your time. Hiking? Art galleries? Whatever - not sure what your primary interests are.
Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon (not sure which order would make sense here or exact route - haven't been to either place for years - also look into whether you want to go to Bryce OR Zion or both - i sort of forget which sights are in which)
Down Highway 1 along the coast - I like doing this route north to south, as all the viewpoints are then on the side of the road you are driving on, so stopping at turnouts is easier and believe me, you will want to stop often to admire the views
FYI, the "campervan" the OP is talking about is a regular minivan/van that has had a custom interior conversion -- and fancy paint job, lol. They can go anywhere a regular minivan current news in united kingdom or full-sized van can go.