If you'd been a few months earlier, we could have joined you ... That doesn't help you now of course.
That being said: we just returned from a 5 month road trip through all the countries in Central America. If you're looking to join up with someone because of safety, we didn't feel that was necessary. You'll meet many other 'overlanders' along the way and you can join up for stretches of the trip. We also met several families traveling with their (young) children.
We didn't feel threatened or unsafe at any portion of the trip. Yes, we avoided some areas like Michoacán and for example the area between San Cristobal and Palenque; but we met several overlanders who did visit these regions while we were traveling, so it's up to you to determine what risk you're willing to take (based on other's advice; and what the US state dept. website and some guide books recommend).
Always drive during the day; preferably early morning; and reach your camping spot by early afternoon.
Send me a message if you want an Excel file with a bunch of camping options throughout Central America, or download the new "iOverlander" app which will be released to the Appstore and Google Play shortly as far as I know (we met the developer in Central America, as he and his wife are on his way currently to Argentina)
Jorn
P.S. our trip report is at www.vango.be (in English)
