We use your option 2 traveling from the Amsterdam, NY area to central Florida or back. A couple of weeks ago, we came down 81 with stops at the Jonestown, PA KOA, Shenendoah Valley Campground, Mt Jackson, VA, Ft Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA, Jolly Acres RV Park, St George, SC, and Jacksonville North KOA, Kingsland, GA. Keep in mind, we were not in a hurry, and our choices were limited up north to campgrounds that were open all year. We were also limited by the weather conditions, and spent three nights at Ft Chiswell waiting out a snow/ice storm before tackling 77 through the mountains. Your options in the summer will be much broader of course.