Best way to find good places to stay (non-hotel) along Mississippi River Trail

[pjseemann]

I am moving toward an unsupported, solo ride of the Mississippi (MRT) for a local charity.  I want to camp or use couch surfing as much as possible to allow me to both "experience" the MRT (I have stayed in enough hotels in my life) while saving money I have budgeted - whatever I save, I will be donating to charity.

Can anyone give me direction on whether or not camping and couchsurfing.com or app is a reasonable way to spend most of my nights along the MRT?

Thank you!

[canalligators]

...saving money I have budgeted - whatever I save, I will be donating to charity

Your lodging, transport and food expenses should come out of your pocket or a sponsor's.  Donations should ALL go to the charity.  Using donor money for your meals etc. is unethical.

[pjseemann]

Of course - ALL = 100% of donations is going to the charity, not thru me in any way, shape or form.  My point was that what I don't spend of my PERSONAL budget for the ride will go to the charity.