Acadia and Northeast

I haven't seen too many other suggestions for the Northeast yet. Here are a few of mine, that I think might have some appeal for younger children, a list that is by no means exhaustive:

The White Mountains of New Hampshire—the Mt Washington Cog railway, Franconia Notch (several neat things, such as the Flume), the Kancamangus Highway (and a number of the little stops along the way, e.g. Sabbaday Falls), and Clark's Trading Post. There are many, many hikes in the area ranging from short and easy to quite grueling.

Boston—there's a good many neat things to see in the city, but avoid driving in the city. Driving under the city isn't too bad, rush hour excepted of course, but propane is not permitted in the tunnels and even if you don't have the RV you still have to emerge somewhere and park. A number of the outer subway stations have parking lots or garages available, and that or commuter rail is how I would get into the city. Anyhow, the Children's Museum is good, the Museum of Science excellent (including a very impressive Van de Gaff generator show), and there are some great historic sites such as Old Ironsides, among other attractions. The New England Aquarium is also superb.

I like Canobie Lake Park, a traditional family-run amusement park in Salem, NH.

In Vermont, the Shelburne Museum is huge and eclectic and quite fun. The Fairbanks Museum (in St. Johnsbury) is a moderately-sized mostly natural history museum that seemingly hasn't changed a whole lot in maybe a century. It has a neat vibe to it and a few rather unusual exhibits; many kids like the insect mosaic pictures (assembled from preserved bugs). Mt. Ascutney is a fun (and rather popular) mountain to go up, partly as there's a road to get most of the way to the top. They have observation tower and several outcroppings with good views within a reasonable walking distance. The state park also has a campground (at the base); like all Vermont state parks it has no hookups available.

Although probably a bit out of the way, Watkins Glen (the gorge itself), between Syracuse and Corning, NY, is quite lovely and popular with families. It's not too far of a drive from there to Knoebels in Elysburg, PA, which is another absolutely fabulous traditional amusement park—probably my absolute favorite. They have a campground on-site. (The campground isn't exceptional in itself, but being a couple minutes' walk from your RV to the roller coaster is incredibly convenient and helpful.) Knoebels is free entry, with either pay-per-ride tickets or an all day pay-one-price wristband option, so it's quite possible to have a great time without spending one's life savings.

JesLookin wrote:
Check out Schoodic Woods campground in Acadia. New campground a couple years ago. We stayed there in a full hookup site. Good WIFI also.

The sites are water and electric, you have to dump at their dump station, the wi-fi is good. It is best to book ahead because they fill up quite quickly. The drive over to Bar Harbor is at least 1 hour and the people only ferry, no vehicles, is expensive and about a half hour ride.

Check out Schoodic Woods campground in Acadia. New campground a couple years ago. We stayed there in a full hookup site. Good WIFI also.

3 days should be enough for Acadia itself. You can spend a few days in Bar Harbor if you do some of the activities like a whale watch or sailing. The majority of the campgrounds in the area have lots of kids activities. And don't forget the lobstah!

Try Smugglers Den, park the TT there and use the Island Explorer bus or your tow vehicle to get around the island. Always lots to do in Acadia. Have fun.

We stayed at Bar Harbor Campground two miles from the main park entrance this fall. Good place to stay. Most of the parks up there are seasonal, so it depends on when you're planning your trip. I would not go to New England in an RV in the winter...

Rob

jayco304 wrote:
I have 8 and 6 year old girls and 35ft TT with full size truck. Looking for information about can we fit in any of the Acadia Seawall or Blackwoods campgrounds and other ideas for must see and good places to stay at Acadia if we won't fit in National Park campgrounds. Also other ideas in the Northeast. We will be coming out of NC and plan on a two week trip. How much time do we need for Acadia alone?

Trip would be summer 2018 or if we can get proffered campgrounds/campsites maybe summer of 2019

Thanks

I always thought those campgrounds were mostly dry sites or more remote type camping and may not be suited for the larger rv's. Maybe look into Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort & Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA both probably suited for larger rv's.
If you stay there don't forget to buy a pie from the pie Lady! :C

Maybe a few days stop at old orchard beach in ME, loads of activities directed for kids and the Lobster will be just as good!
Bayley's, Paradice Park Resort Campground and Hid'n Pines Family Campground all get good reviews.

Mike

If you find you can't fit at Acadia, check out Lamoine State Park across the bay. About 20 miles from Acadia, dry camping (with bathrooms & showers) & you can have lobster dinners (cooked or not) delivered to your campsite.

When are you planning your trip. Staying at Black woods may be an issue this time of the year. You may want to contact them. Going into the Acadia National Park you leave camper parked. Low clearances. You want to go up Cadillac Mountain. First ray of sunshine to hit the US hits there. Be there at daylight with camera. Take a day to walk the streets of Bar Harbor, interesting. Don't forget the Lobster while your there. None taste better. Go down on Sand Beach, what appears to be sand but is actually pulverized sea shells from years of the tide pounding in the cove.