Omaha, NE to Bar Harbor, ME

[hhornig]

Some friends of mine were asking about our trip 10 years ago. Besides a bad memory, I am sure there are better recommendations which are more current. Please give us your recommendations for good campgrounds, free campgrounds, low tolls and great things to see on the way and once in the Bar Harbor area.

[DrewE]

You can avoid the NY Thruway and associated tolls by taking I-86 and I-88 rather than I-90. If it's purely a financial question, it's really a tradeoff between the cost of gas vs. the cost of tolls for your rig.

All the northeast state toll systems are part of the EZ-Pass consortium (including the Illinois iPass), and all interoperate. Some states offer better deals for non-residents than others. If you'll be traveling the New York thruway with a motorhome (but not an RV trailer), then signing up for the NY motorhome thruway plan is a good deal; motorhomes pay the equivalent car rates given the number of axles and trailers and so forth. For a two-axle motorhome with nothing in tow, that works out to about half price, or around $15 saved each way on this trip.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

Some suggestions: As far as tolls, we got an IL transponder for iPass and it worked all in the Northeast. We didn't find the tolls that expensive. Alternative routes would be US Highways unless you're in the mountains. Once your itinerary is set this forum can help with routes.
1st stop: Bald Eagle Campground, Scott County Parks W/E $23 per night, $1 discount for seniors.
2nd stop: Elkhart County Fairgrounds, Goshen IN - $23 water and 30A. Visit Das Dutchman Essenhaus Amish Restaurant & Bakery in Middlebury.
3rd stop: Camp Perry Lodging RV Park at Port Clinton OH pricey at $40 but nice. Check events for shooting matches.
4th stop: Four Mile Creek State Park, Youngstown, NY $29. See Niagara Falls.
5th stop: Hickories City Park, Owego NY. $25 for 30A, $30 for 50A.
6th stop: Quechee State Park, Hartford, VT. $29
7th stop: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort - Harmon (Bangor) ME. $35
8th stop: Bar Harbor ME. Blackwoods NPS Campground $15. Eat lots of lobstah!