So we are starting to think about a family camping trip for this year. Last year we did Niagara Falls and had a great time. We were thinking about D.C. this year but wanted to see if anyone had any ideas.One thing to note, is I am unsure about how the truck/trailer will handle higher elevations or extended periods of such. It is a 26 ft passport ultralight, and a 2007 tahoe. So far we have been to nashville and back to michigan, and up through ontario to niagara falls and back to michigan. I'm constantly watching the trans temp and engine temps but rarely have an issue, never one I've had to stop for or anything, but I will get the occasional spike.I just don't know if the trip to DC will bring me to higher elevations than I have done before, so I am somewhat concerned. What I find interesting is that my general feeling when comparing truck reaction during our trip to niagara vs nashville was that while there may have been moments of higher elevation on the nashville trip, the niagara trip seemed like it was a more gradual or steady climb for longer periods at times, which I had no expected.Any thoughts on this? Any other ideas that might be fun for the kids as well as the adults even if in a different direction? We have done plenty of places up north in michigan and down in ohio as well already, trying to find someplace new or someplace (like dc) where there is lots to explore, even if you have been there before.

DC is a great place to explore. But it is darned hot in the summer. We spent 5 days and really didn't cover all there is to see at the National Mall and the Smithsonian Air and Space Annex. We stayed at Cherry Hill in Md which seems to be far and away the most popular CG. They have a bus which takes you directly to the train station and that runs you right down to the Mall. You do not want to drive in DC.The greatest altitudes I suspect you might run into are probably in West Virginia if you go that way. Just tall hills actually and nothing compared to the west.BTW by going south and then west you can avoid the worst of the high altitude roads out west: take I-10 in other words.We combined the DC trip with one to Boston, a couple of days to look at the historic sites there and from there up to Maine and Acadia NP.

agesilaus wrote:DC is a great place to explore. But it is darned hot in the summer. We spent 5 days and really didn't cover all there is to see at the National Mall and the Smithsonian Air and Space Annex. We stayed at Cherry Hill in Md which seems to be far and away the most popular CG. They have a bus which takes you directly to the train station and that runs you right down to the Mall. You do not want to drive in DC.The greatest altitudes I suspect you might run into are probably in West Virginia if you go that way. Just tall hills actually and nothing compared to the west.I agree with what they said. We used the same campground and it was HOT!! We did a week in DC at Cherry Hill. It was a lot nicer than I expected for being so close to DC.As for elevation - I really don't recall anything being too bad headed out that way, but after a few trips out west, everything else is just a hill. Although I have an F-350 with the diesel and haven't seen the transmission temperature move more than a few degrees. I expect that if you stay on the Interstates, you'll be fine. Those were designed for reasonable grades, no worse than you'd see going to Nashville.We were there for July 4th and sat next to the Washington Monument to watch the fireworks on the mall. Awesome times! Lots to do, with all the monuments, Smithsonian, etc. Don't forget about the National Zoo.

Thanks for the info...looks like we will have to time things just right for the weather if we do D.C.. We have all been there before except my son. The zoo is on the must do list, and probably the monuments at night...which I've already seen but still awesome none the less.I was just kinda worried about running into tougher grades through Pennsylvania, but makes sense that the interstates wouldn't be too crazy.We want to go out west at some point, but I've already explained to the DW that a new truck is going to be in the works for when we do that. She needs a new vehicle herself and I've been trying to talk her into a nice truck...but she isn't feeling it lol.

If you decide on DC I would recommend you don't miss. The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.But then I am a Navy vet so maybe meant more to me then others.

The zoo is on the must do list . . .Pro Tip: Take METRO. The National Zoo is between 2 stops. Get off at Cleveland Park; return via Woodley Park/National Zoo station. That way it's down hill both ways.

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33 Replies

agesilaus
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2016
DownTheAvenue wrote:
agesilaus wrote:

BTW by going south and then west you can avoid the worst of the high altitude roads out west: take I-10 in other words.

If you look at any map, you will see that using I-10 going from Michigan to Washington DC is about 1500 miles out of the way!!!!!

I didn't say it was the shortest way and there is plenty to see in that southwestern area.
DownTheAvenue
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
agesilaus wrote:

BTW by going south and then west you can avoid the worst of the high altitude roads out west: take I-10 in other words.

If you look at any map, you will see that using I-10 going from Michigan to Washington DC is about 1500 miles out of the way!!!!!
4runnerguy
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
rosspulliam wrote:
However, the National Zoo is probably the worst Zoo I've ever been to
I agree with this. IMHO, the only reason to go to the National Zoo is to see the pandas. It's a disgrace how poor this zoo is considering it's the "National Zoo".
Itching2go
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2016
We've traveled to/from DC a couple of times with our fiver from/to Northeast Indiana. Our preferred route is east on I-70 out of Indianapolis. I don't believe that there are any grades on that route that your rig couldn't easily handle. Not sure where Shelby Township is in Michigan, but if it's in the lower peninsula, you wouldn't be going too far out of your way to get to I-70 via I-75.

I don't have much to add to the suggestions others have posted regarding things to see and do beyond recommending the Antietam battleground as a great day trip. Cherry Hill is the best place to base yourself, IMHO, given it's easy access to the metro. It is a bit pricey, but worth it unless you're running on a very tight budget.
rosspulliam
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
Having been to DC several times, I love going to see the museums, the history, the monuments, The Tomb of the Unknown and changing of the Guard is a ceremony not to be missed.

However, the National Zoo is probably the worst Zoo I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot of zoos in lots of states, I love zoos). I won't be back. I'm not saying don't go there and see it once, but don't get high hopes of seeing a high quality zoo with high quality habitats or I believe you'll be disappointed.
FLGup
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
We went to Williamsburg VA this past summer. It was awesome and has a ton to offer. You may want to consider this area too.

While there, we decided to leave the tt at the campsite in Williamsburg and drive to DC for 2 nights at a hotel. This was great as we saw everything from Mt Vernon to tomb of the unknown to metro into DC and saw the monuments and some museum stuff too.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
Also Gettysburg PA and Hershey are good options.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
DC is awesome. Definitely Cherry Hill RV Park in College Park MD. Take the bus to the train into DC then buy a trolley pass. In July and August it is very very hot. Go early in the morning and do inside things in the afternoon. Looks like lots of construction on 270 going into DC and the traffic is terrible so plan your trip during non rush times and allow extra time once you hit the area. There is an Air & Space Museum annex at the airport for The Smithsonian. Worth a few hours. Changing of the guards at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery is a must.
NoVa_RT
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
The zoo is on the must do list . . .

Pro Tip: Take METRO. The National Zoo is between 2 stops. Get off at Cleveland Park; return via Woodley Park/National Zoo station. That way it's down hill both ways.
TxTwoSome
Explorer
Feb 08, 2016
If you decide on DC I would recommend you don't miss.

The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

But then I am a Navy vet so maybe meant more to me then others.

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