Michigan to Washington D.C

[et2]

Just reserved our trip in June. Any issues getting to Washington D.C? Probably take Ohio turnpike to Pennsylvania turnpike most of the way there. Looks to be about a 8 hour trip not counting stops. We're staying in College Park, Cherry Hill RV Resort, MD.

We will probably take it in two 4 hour legs different days. Curious, based on hotels or campgrounds on the route, is it best to stop for the night just before Pittsburg or shortly after. Either will work, and a hotel is fine too if no campgrounds. Need a place for one night ( halfway) there and back. Safe area of course.

How are the roads ( mountains, easy to travel?), lots of up and downs? I see there's a tunnel on the route after Pittsburg. Rig is 45', towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.

[Mike_and_Terry_]

Busskipper optional route is good. Or in Pa try 80E to 99S to 30E to Breezewood to 70S. If you do 80 E to 322 to 81 S gear down after Milroy ( steep hill). safe travel.

[Roadtrippin]

I travel to the U.P. once or twice a year. I live outside Philly and prefer to travel the Ohio Tpk to Interstate 80. I80 is free and connects with 476 (NE extension of the Tpk, with tolls) but that will take you south directly to 95 south. on two occasions over the past ten years, i decided to use the PA Tpk for a change of pace...and both times I regret it. I've never camped western PA in my travels but I have hit Ohio rest areas with the hook ups, and that was really nice. Be aware though that while some have pull through lanes others just short lots so I had to move over with the trucks. I also don't think 45' and Jeep will fit in the designated lane (I stuck out on both ends with 35' and a 12' trailer)

[VE3ESN]

It's not just the high co$t IMHO, it's that the PA Turnpike isn't in the greatest condition, and the hills and curves aren't pleasant at all. At least that was our experience.

[schlep1967]

et2 wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback. I will check the other routes mentioned. I thought the turnpikes would be the safest and most logical for fuel and lodging. But after checking the fees online last night the Pennpike from entry in Ohio (2) to exit 161 in breezwood is over 100$. Between Ohio and Pennsylvania round trip is almost 300$ in tolls. 5 axles (assuming you count the toad) around 40,000lbs.
:E

That's enough to pay my fuel.

Yep. The Turnpike is worth it if you have to get there quickly. If you have the time there are much more scenic roads to travel. The PA Turnpike is getting so bad with increases it is now cost efficient when going from Harrisburg west to Ohio to take 322 West up to I-80 West. Adds a few minutes but saves quite a few dollars.

[et2]

Busskipper wrote:

et2 wrote:
Just reserved our trip in June. Any issues getting to Washington D.C? Probably take Ohio turnpike to Pennsylvania turnpike most of the way there. Looks to be about a 8 hour trip not counting stops. We're staying in College Park, Cherry Hill RV Resort, MD.

We will probably take it in two 4 hour legs different days. Curious, based on hotels or campgrounds on the route, is it best to stop for the night just before Pittsburg or shortly after. Either will work, and a hotel is fine too if no campgrounds. Need a place for one night ( halfway) there and back. Safe area of course.

How are the roads ( mountains, easy to travel?), lots of up and downs? I see there's a tunnel on the route after Pittsburg. Rig is 45', towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.

Take a Look at this option - Optional Route

IMHO this is an easier drive than the toll road - plus saves you a few $$ - Been a while but would guess that it is likely still an issue to find anything in the Corner between Ohio/Pennsylvania and West Virginia as last time we tried to stay everything was filled with workers on the Oil Rigs - Had to go all the way to Morgantown to find a place to stay.

The drive on I-79 and I-68 is a little up and down but straight and easy - keep your speed under control on the downs as I have seen many Radar traps along the way. One other Note is that the Toll road tends to have very Heavy Truck Traffic, so I avoid them - that and the fact they tend to only be fun in a Sports car.

This will bring you into Maryland - just plug in Cherry Hill when you get to Frederick and it will deliver you to the Park - I'd suggest Waze as it works well - and I also suggest avoiding rush hour;)

Depending on the Weather you might just try to Get a Couple days down at the Beach - after DC - in June it might be a Great Change of Pace.

Best of Luck,

Yes that's it. optional route. 80 / 76 / 376 / 79 / 70. much easier on the wallet. A little longer but worth it. Many thanks !!

[et2]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will check the other routes mentioned. I thought the turnpikes would be the safest and most logical for fuel and lodging. But after checking the fees online last night the Pennpike from entry in Ohio (2) to exit 161 in breezwood is over 100$. Between Ohio and Pennsylvania round trip is almost 300$ in tolls. 5 axles (assuming you count the toad) around 40,000lbs.
:E

That's enough to pay my fuel.

[Margo_S]

Got the same trip planned but in April. Leaving from Flint, MI. Will also be staying in Cherry Hill Park. Going for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Not to hijack your message, but does anyone know of any parks open around Pittsburg in mid April?? I've only seen ones opening in May.

[ependydad]

In the Pittsburgh area, we stayed at Fox Den Acres for an overnight. It was a back-in spot but was easy to get into with our truck/fifth wheel.

Otherwise, we've overnighted (with permission) twice now at the Walmart in Somerset, PA. It's a mile or two off of the highway, but it made for quiet nights for us.

[Cougarnewbie]

I like the turnpike just for the easier drive and services. There is a decent park south of Pittsburgh Madison/Pittsburgh KOA mile or two off the turnpike on I70. Easy on. Easy off. Cherry Hill is outstanding. x2 on the Metro. Safe, clean, easy to use.

[ThomBoles]

In Ohio if you want to save some money on the tolls you could take Rt-2 over towards Cleveland and catch I-480 around the city to the south. (very similar to busskipper's route but skipping a good section of the tpk) I-480 will eventually drop you down to the turnpike with about 50 or 60 miles left in the state.

**If you really want to avoid the tolls take Rt-2/I-90 all the way through Cleveland and out to the east side and catch Rt-11 south to the TPK (only a few exist from the PA line) or just go over into PA on I-90 and catch I-79 near Erie and go south from there but the toll savings may be eaten up in fuel costs.

I too feel that once you're around Pittsburgh you should drop south towards I-68 and stay off the PA TPK as much as possible.

[Busskipper]

et2 wrote:
Just reserved our trip in June. Any issues getting to Washington D.C? Probably take Ohio turnpike to Pennsylvania turnpike most of the way there. Looks to be about a 8 hour trip not counting stops. We're staying in College Park, Cherry Hill RV Resort, MD.

We will probably take it in two 4 hour legs different days. Curious, based on hotels or campgrounds on the route, is it best to stop for the night just before Pittsburg or shortly after. Either will work, and a hotel is fine too if no campgrounds. Need a place for one night ( halfway) there and back. Safe area of course.

How are the roads ( mountains, easy to travel?), lots of up and downs? I see there's a tunnel on the route after Pittsburg. Rig is 45', towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.

Take a Look at this option - Optional Route

IMHO this is an easier drive than the toll road - plus saves you a few $$ - Been a while but would guess that it is likely still an issue to find anything in the Corner between Ohio/Pennsylvania and West Virginia as last time we tried to stay everything was filled with workers on the Oil Rigs - Had to go all the way to Morgantown to find a place to stay.

The drive on I-79 and I-68 is a little up and down but straight and easy - keep your speed under control on the downs as I have seen many Radar traps along the way. One other Note is that the Toll road tends to have very Heavy Truck Traffic, so I avoid them - that and the fact they tend to only be fun in a Sports car.

This will bring you into Maryland - just plug in Cherry Hill when you get to Frederick and it will deliver you to the Park - I'd suggest Waze as it works well - and I also suggest avoiding rush hour;)

Depending on the Weather you might just try to Get a Couple days down at the Beach - after DC - in June it might be a Great Change of Pace.

Best of Luck,

[schlep1967]

I'm not much help on the campground side of your question but I will give you some advice. If you do not have an EZ-Pass, get one before your trip. I just went on the PA turnpikes website and assuming your vehicle is less than 30,000 lbs you are looking at $67.50 one way in PA without an ez-pass or $48.10 with an EZ-Pass. If you are over 30,000 lbs it goes to $84 or $60.50.

[Mike_Taverniti]

Roads are OK at speed limit. Tolls are high. Traffic around DC can be tough at times. Be patient. Cherry Hill is a nice Park. Try to figure out DC Metro and avoid driving into town. Parking can be impossible. DC great place to visit. Not sure about campgrounds near Pittsburg.Ohio turnpike has some RV parking at their Service Plazas. $20 a nice for WE. Dump available.