Ma to Cape Hateras travel tips

[1jeep]

Wife and I have changed our plans for next month and are now going to Cape Hatteras Koa in NC. we live in southeast Ma and plan to leave EARLY in the morning or should I say late at night. We are going to drive straight through and know to go around Ny city via tappen Z to 287. any other suggestions, avoidance in DC/route?
How is cape hatteras?
coming back we are stopping for a couple nights in NJ.

Any input is welcome, thank you.

[1jeep]

Im sure we wont starve.

Great info thanks.

[Campinghoss]

You are getting good advice on going 13 thru the tunnels. However you will come in on the far north end of the Outer Banks. The bypass will be very congested and slow for the most part, depending on what time you hit it. When you get to the Whalebone junction (southern end of bypass) Hwy 12 bears left. Then you are on 12 for the duration of your trip. It is roughly 23 to 30 miles from that point to the KOA. Don't fret about fuel or groceries. There are two gas stations in Rodanthe with reasonable prices and a Food Lion in Avon 15 miles south on Hwy 12. They are building a new bridge over Oregon Inlet but other than a little congestion it is ok. About halfway to the KOA on 12 they are building another smaller bridge and that area needs you to be mindful of the speed limit and congestion. The temporary bridge you will cross there says 25 mph and trust me you do not want to drive much faster than that with a rv.

Have fun and be safe.

[1jeep]

thanks for all the info, I also spoke to a friend last night that did va and he confirmed going 13 via tunnel bridge was nice.

[Crabbypatty]

I have been there as well but we stayed at Camp Hatterus which was awesome. After Tappen Z, 287 southbound > NJ Turnpike >95 SOuth to 13 in Delaware. That takes down the Eastern Shore. If your not in such a hurry you can layover in Toms Cove in Chincotegue VA, or Cherrystone CG or Kiptopeke SP which is down by the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Or not and push through. Route 17 will take you further down south to your destination. Just plan your route and the signage is good. Its a wonderful ride. BTW I am in eastern Long Island, so we have a similar route.

[ACZL]

When we went to the outter banks, we also stayed at Cherry Hill Park CG. Ran 95 down a ways, then picked up interstate that ran SE (number escapes me at the moment). Went thru a tunnel---which we had to stop. We all thought it was cool. No tolls.

[esyers]

I believe each of the two tunnels on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are about 1 mile long.

You can check it here CBBT

If you're taking the Ocean City route, heading down the Garden State Parkway to the Cape May -Lewes Ferry is a nice trip also.

The height restriction on the Garden State Parkway is 13 feet six inches per § 19:9-1.9 Limitations on use of Roadway

[Crowe]

Crowe...I cant say my wife wont have a heart attack when we head into a tunnel towing the rv.

LOL! Hubby almost passed out driving through there. The timing of the lights flashing by affected him like a strobe light and started to make him sick. I'm not a fan of bridges. Although it takes longer we go over the Tappan Zee to avoid NYC and so we can stop at Cabelas in Hamburg, PA. Our overnight stopover is usually Cherry Hill Campground in College Park, MD. Makes it really easy to get through DC before the bulk of traffic. The down side is timing it to not hit the DC traffic on the way back.

[lmpres]

We have gone down to Camp Hattaras the last two years, just got back 3 weeks ago. Also went to Myrtle Beach the years ago. Each time we took a different route, so I can give you comparisons. Year one, we pulled the 5th wheel through Hartford then down 95 over the George Washington Bridge. DON'T GO THIS WAY! Through NY was crazy enough, then 95 through New Jersey will rock your trailers world.
Last year we went over the Tappan Zee and down the Garden State Parkway. Better than the GWB, but the Parkway had some tighter spots. Going around Baltimore (which you had to do in the last way too) and then through DC was a disaster.
This year we went west I84 then South I81. What a difference! Not really that much longer. We stayed campground in PA about 2 hours from DC. Then you get back onto 495 and then 95 south of DC. It was a much quiter, smoother ride! Check it out.

[1jeep]

ok then I guess I will give it a try....might have to blind fold the wife.

How long is the tunnel portion?

[RGar974417]

Bridge/Tunnel is a piece of cake.We went through in May.It was $22.00.

[1jeep]

Crowe...I cant say my wife wont have a heart attack when we head into a tunnel towing the rv.

[Crowe]

would you mind sharing the route you take that is 12 hours from ma to cape hatteras?

I'd be curious myself. Have gone down from MA multiple times, both through the tunnel and the DC route. With traffic it's usually longer. Not a fan of the bridge and tunnel.

[1jeep]

thanks for the info, we plan to carry a couple days worth of supplies, bringing the motorcycle for short trips around.

Looks like the best route then is to head to towards Ocean city Md and stay on 13 to the tunnel.

[ACZL]

Be stocked up w/ your provisions before you head out of Kill Devil Hill's or before you branch off to outter bank itself. Will cross a high bridge/viaduct at very top ,portion which is cool, but be careful if it's windy. Wright Bros museum will be on your right going south along w/ a very good ice cream joint. Will also pass by Brode light house. Take truck only to the light house or Wright Bros. There is an aquarium just west of where you turn left onto the road that leads to the KOA. At the KOA, very nice pool and able to sit on porch of office and watch the sunset after watching it rise (if your early risers). Kinda weird seeing buildings/homes on stilts. If you have a diesel truck, there was a Shell station on right just before you turned left (rt 12?) where you can get fuel. I got some there 2 years ago and no issue. Have fun and pack the sun screen.