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lindsyb's avatar
lindsyb
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014

East Coast Road Trip - 2015 - Beginning Planning

Hello,

I am new to the forum but have been a lurker for a while. I've done a lot of searching and have been taking notes but figured I might as well post my specific questions.

We are in the beginning planning stages for a road trip in our travel trailer for summer (later August) of 2015. Our initial thoughts are Cape May, NJ > Assateague, MD > Outer Banks, NC > Shenandoah National Park > Home (RI) over a 2 week time period. We will also have our dog with us on this trip.

We will probably camp at the National Seashore Campground at Assateague. Does anyone have any site recommendations? Bayside or Oceanside?

We are also planning Loft Mountain while in Shenandoah NP

Are there any recommendations for Cape May as most that I have found seem to get mixed reviews. Also, what about the Outer Banks? There is a KOA there that gets decent reviews.

Last question - what about a stopover for the way home between Shenandoah and RI? We like to stay at 6 hrs or so/day when on a trip like this.

Thanks in advance for any help!
  • lindsyb's avatar
    lindsyb
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2014
    Thanks everyone!! Lots of great info and I will check them all out.
  • RGar974417's avatar
    RGar974417
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2014
    At Assateague,we stayed in the NP Bayside loop 3 site C48.It is a huge lot with a tree for shade and direct access to the bay.It is also fairly close to the dump station and water hydrant.Loop C also allows generators at certain times.No hookups but it's worth it IMO to be in the park.And get a schedule and go to all the ranger programs.They are great!
    As to Outer Banks,I would suggest NPS Frisco Campground at least for a day or 2.Again,no hookups but lots of room between sites and close to the beach.
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2014
    In August, stay away from Bayside in Assateague. If there isn't much of a breeze the mosquitoes can be quite terrible. Oceanside almost always has a nice breeze in the evening (and can get quite windy) so the bugs are much less of a problem.

    Consider Assateague State Park if you want electricity. But you will need to reserve as soon as reservations open; the electric sites book up very quickly. In either, the closer to the beach one is, the stronger the breeze.

    I prefer the National Seashore over the state park if only because the beaches are less crowded as there are less campsites.
  • mdcamping's avatar
    mdcamping
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2014
    Crowe wrote:
    Both Camp Hatteras and the KOA on the Outer Banks have been rebuilt since I last stayed there. At that time, Camp Hatteras edged out the KOA because of better sites. Not sure since the rebuilds, though. I don't think you'll go wrong with either.


    X2

    Mike
  • NoVa_RT's avatar
    NoVa_RT
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2014
    Depending on the time of the year, I've heard some say mosquitos and such can be more of a problem on the bay side at Assateague, less so on the ocean side where the breeze keeps them down. You might also want to consider the Maryland State Park at Assateague - the bathhouses have hot showers and one loop even has electricity, but if those don't matter the National Park is a better bargain.
  • livelylittlecam's avatar
    livelylittlecam
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2014
    Seashore Campsites in Cape May is great. Some sites are tight so I would ask about that before you reserve.

    Camp Hatteras and the KOA are both very nice and right next door to each other. We prefer the KOA because we have little kids and their pool can't be beat. In short--Camp Hatteras has nicer sights but the KOA has nicer activities and amenities for kids.

    There are pictures and blog posts about Cape May and Cape Hatteras on our website. Recommendations for places to eat and things to do as well.

    Sounds like a great trip! I like to plan ahead too!

    Best--Jeremy
  • esyers's avatar
    esyers
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2014
    Holly Shores is an easy trip to both Cape May and the Wildwoods. In August, it would be smart to have reservations all along the coast. I'll second taking the Cape May - Lewes Ferry across Delaware Bay.

    From there you can head right down 113 into 13 and over to Assateague. When we stayed at Assateague, we were on the bay side. The wind was pretty rough on the ocean side. Again, if you can make a reservation, do so as early as you can.

    There is no easy way from RI through NJ. I'd suggest 95 to 287 and over the Tappan Zee Bridge and then right onto the Garden State Parkway.

    If you are coming home on I81, Western Village in Carlisle, PA just west of Harrisburg isn't a bad stop and probably in the area of 6 hours out. Just check that isn't the August weekend for the Corvette Show in Carlisle.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2014
    Both Camp Hatteras and the KOA on the Outer Banks have been rebuilt since I last stayed there. At that time, Camp Hatteras edged out the KOA because of better sites. Not sure since the rebuilds, though. I don't think you'll go wrong with either.
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2014
    Sounds like a great plan. 6 hours a day is more than enough for a trip that allows you to see more of the locales where you stop. I'd go with the decent reviews over the mixed reviews for a stop. For us that would be reason enough to skip Cape May. Either stop before CM or go on to MD for a better camping experience.

    Can't recommend more than that without knowing your hobbies/interests in places to visit.
  • dblr's avatar
    dblr
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2014
    Cape May, I would look at Sea Shore Campsites then you could take the ferry over to get to Assateague

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