I will be taking 81 to 64 to 95. Is it best to take 295 around even though it takes me north and east or to meander my way across on state roads. Keeping in mind that I am a backwoods guy that almost never drives interstates or even divided hiways for that matter. To complicate things, this will be about the time that I need an overnite stop, if anyone has any recommendations. Truck and 23 foot trailer.

I always follow the 295 route around Richmond. My reason however is I do the US301 route all the time and it works best with 295. 295 on the south end of Richmond doesnt work well with exiting on I85 however heading for Montgomery ALA. Somebody screwed that up big time..Interstates including I81 have too many BIG trucks to my liking. I always thought the government should do a trucks only major route coast to coast like maybe I40 and then do three or four North - South major routes across the country for trucks only. Segregate the maylay...I've even been known to take US11 to the Gulf just to see the different scenery hehe... Actually US11 is alot smoother than I59 in Northern ALA just more towns to go through...Running US301 North and South is also another interesting road to take. Sures gets you off of I95... Usually all of our road trips go through Gatlinburg TN no matter where we are going so we do the I81 alot.Roy Ken

Let me suggest not going all the way to 64 to hop over to 95. I recommend picking up I-66 off I-81 to rt 17, then pick up I-95 at Fredericksburg. Then head south on 95, 295 around Richmond, etc.

I'll say it depends on the time of day. If between 7pm-6a, you can stay on I95, the traffic is usually light through the city. It also cuts quite a bit of mileage that way. Otherwise, go around on I295.As for an overnight, check out Pocahontas State Park. It is just south of Richmond and cheap. W/E 30amp with a dumping station. Call ahead for a reservation. Click here

We travel to NY every other year. Agree with I66 to US17 to I95 then I295 around Richmond.Americamp just north of Richmond is a good overnight and will not take you out of the way or into Richmond traffic.Depending on where in NY you are leaving from, US15 from Corning to I81 at Harrisburg is a good route.

I am taking the same route the end of this month, and will be stopping off in the same area. There are few CG in the Richmond area, especially near Richmond. I had found some using Google and MapQuest. If you need assistance and can't find anything I would be happy to let you know where I will be staying.

Richmond area | Good Sam Community

joelc
Explorer III
Mar 16, 2014
brackleybeach wrote:
We just came home to Eastern Canada from Florida.We went 81 to 64 to 288 on the way down and 288 to 64 to 81 on the way back. 288 is the best way to bypass Richmond

X2
joelc
Explorer III
Mar 16, 2014
Jim Shoe wrote:
I love a good puzzle, and I'd really like to solve this one, but maybe just a touch more info first.
1. Where are you coming from and where do you want to go?
2. Which Richmond? I quit counting at 36 states that had a Richmond.
3. Are the numbers Interstates, US highways or State roads?
4. Your overnight stop. Side of the road? Rest area? Flying J? National or State park? Commercial RV park? Boondocking? FHUs?

Going from NC to MA.
Traveling stops include:
The RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads, Roanoke Rapids, NC
252-538-9776

Shenandoah Valley Campground
Riner Lane, VA
800-310-2580

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
Williamsport, MD
301-223-7117

I had never been to the first two CG, but all are near the respective interstates and look really good.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
pitch wrote:
Well we have decided on 288. We are leaving the Finger Lakes and picking up (just for you Jim Shoe) INTERSTATE 81 SOUTH IN HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA. I too do not like 81,but it is the only way as I destest 95 around the capitol. We will be picking up Rt 17 south of Chesapeake and on to myrtle beach.

I know exactly where you're going and have driven most of the route. I know you were just looking for directions for yourself, but with just a little more info, others that read the forum might like to take the same or similar trip. That's how we learn.
2hams
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
pitch -

We take this route quite often. Following US15, I suggest that you take I180 at Williamsport back to US15 south of Lewisburg. This is not too bad for interstate and you miss lots of in town traffic.

I would suggest 288 only if you are staying at Pocahontas State Park; if you are staying at the Americamp off I95 just north of I295, then I295 would be less traffic.
pitch
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2014
Well we have decided on 288. We are leaving the Finger Lakes and picking up (just for you Jim Shoe) INTERSTATE 81 SOUTH IN HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA. I too do not like 81,but it is the only way as I destest 95 around the capitol. We will be picking up Rt 17 south of Chesapeake and on to myrtle beach.
BillMFl
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
Last summer I used 295 because of major construction delays on 95 in Richmond. Very little traffic and easy ride. I also prefer the I66, Rt 17 approach from 81 to 95. I used to drive I81 all the way to I77 or on down to Chattanooga, but the truck traffic seems to be worse every year. There are so many distribution centers on I81 now and they create lots of truck traffic. Also many manufacturing companies have relocated to the I81 corridor in the south. I95 has three lanes from Richmond to Florida except for a stretch in South Carolina. I81 is mostly two lane and often bumper to bumper with big trucks in both lanes. I used to avoid 95 when it was mostly two lane, but prefer it now, but not between DC to Boston. We make this round trip between Florida and Maine every year and I've tried just about all the options.
Drbolasky
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
FrantzFam wrote:
I'll say it depends on the time of day. If between 7pm-6a, you can stay on I95, the traffic is usually light through the city.

This has been our experience, too.
brackleybeach
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014
We just came home to Eastern Canada from Florida.We went 81 to 64 to 288 on the way down and 288 to 64 to 81 on the way back. 288 is the best way to bypass Richmond
2_Retired
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014
DH and I have taken a route from the Jersey Shore to Myrtle Beach, SC on many occasions. We ALWAYS take I 295 around Richmond. I 95 there is a high speed, very busy and curvy highway that is a challenge for an RV, particularly when towing. We have overnighted at Americamp RV Park several times and probably will again when we are in that area. Using I 295 not only gets you around Richmond but Petersburg as well. DH says he just feels more safe - and it's only about 5 miles longer!!!
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014
I love a good puzzle, and I'd really like to solve this one, but maybe just a touch more info first.
1. Where are you coming from and where do you want to go?
2. Which Richmond? I quit counting at 36 states that had a Richmond.
3. Are the numbers Interstates, US highways or State roads?
4. Your overnight stop. Side of the road? Rest area? Flying J? National or State park? Commercial RV park? Boondocking? FHUs?