Need help want to go North for the 4th maybe Maine

Cdash wrote:

MisconductOIB wrote:
Thanks for all of the great info after reading everything I believe we might scale back to Washington DC from the 2-5 then maybe hop over to VA Mountains till the 9th.

We've done trips to the west too. We determined that anything west of Rushmore had to be two weeks to be worth while, as it is at least 2.5 days of driving to get there.

Drive time is the OP dilemma as well for a trip from NC to Maine.
We are not suggesting staying home, but we are suggesting taking a trip with less windshield time

How about an easy trip to Ocean City, Maryland and a week at Frontiertown? You can do plenty of fishing, and pretty much anything else you set your mind to.

Cherrystones in Virginia, Holiday Travel Park in Virginia Beach or something in Cape May New Jersey would be fun for kids and parents.

MisconductOIB wrote:
Thanks for all of the great info after reading everything I believe we might scale back to Washington DC from the 2-5 then maybe hop over to VA Mountains till the 9th.

We've done trips every year over the 4th. Wife gets forced to take a week off at that time so we go looking for good fireworks. Usually leave right after school on Friday, get several hours of driving in, overnight at a Cracker Barrel or Wal-Mart and get there on Saturday. We'd do the trip you are talking about without question. If you wait, you may never get there! Everyone is different in their motivations and limitations and desires and abilities.

One of the best trips was DC, sitting in the shadow of the Washington Monument waiting for dark with the wife and 2 kids. Fireworks there are special. Cherry Hill campground(I think) was right at the end of a commuter line for easy access to the downtown.

Another good one was when we went to Maine with a stop in Boston. Those were some good fireworks. Acadia is beautiful with good hiking, biking and awesome Lobster! We didn't have any traffic issues that I'd complain about.

Then Philadelphia, events were good, but fireworks were disappointing. It was really cool to witness the reenactment of the reading of the Declaration!

We've done trips to the west too. We determined that anything west of Rushmore had to be two weeks to be worth while, as it is at least 2.5 days of driving to get there.

4runnerguy wrote:
More than 1100 miles to Acadia NP on some of the most congested roads through some of the biggest cities on one of the busiest weeks for just a week-long vacation. Two hard days of driving each way. Doesn't seem very relaxing. The coast of Acadia NP is very scenic and cooler with the ocean currents. Lobsters, too.

How about Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway? The Pocono's? Find a funky little local town and celebrate the 4th there. May not have the big fireworks of the big cities, but we've had some great 4th's in some out of the way places.

But whatever you decide, early reservations are a must.

Double ditto. West VA has some great areas. Tennessee. Georgia state parks in the mountains of GA are closer to you and IMO just as scenic as Maine.

Thanks for all of the great info after reading everything I believe we might scale back to Washington DC from the 2-5 then maybe hop over to VA Mountains till the 9th. So to all of you fellow anglers out there good campgrounds in VA Mountains with some decent trout fishing ideas.

We love Camden Hills State and Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort in Belfast. Both awesome. We also live the Bar Harbor KOA and the Bar Harbor Campground both right outside of Acadia. Life is short--if you want to drive 1000 miles to Maine for a week then do it! Driving through the night (if you are comfortable with it) eliminates traffic issues.

Jeremy

2016 is the 100 th anniversary of our National Park system. I think there will be some exciting events in honor of it. Try a park closer than Maine for this year. Maybe next year you can get 10 days and try Maine?
Agreed that a place closer would give all of you more time to enjoy your time together.

DrewE wrote:
... Black flies and mosquitoes should be at least somewhat manageable. ...

Black fly season is generally Mother's Day to Father's Day. Skeeters WILL be out in full force.

In the Northeast the 4th is usually booked by January.

4runnerguy wrote:
More than 1100 miles to Acadia NP on some of the most congested roads through some of the biggest cities on one of the busiest weeks for just a week-long vacation. Two hard days of driving each way. Doesn't seem very relaxing. The coast of Acadia NP is very scenic and cooler with the ocean currents. Lobsters, too.

How about Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway? The Pocono's? Find a funky little local town and celebrate the 4th there. May not have the big fireworks of the big cities, but we've had some great 4th's in some out of the way places.

But whatever you decide, early reservations are a must.

This^^. Maine is a great destination however you just don't have enough to make the trip worthwhile. The drive time vs. relaxation time ratio puts you behind the wheel too long for the amount of time you have to work with.
As mentioned there are closer destinations that may not quite emulate Maine, But will allow for more relaxation time and provide a great vacation experience.
I would pick a closer destination. Traveling over the holidays just complicates the matter. The holiday will create more demand and crowds for all activities.
I did not always think this way however I have learned that RV'ing/camping is all about relaxation. If the schedule is too tight or the drive is too far relaxation time will be sacrificed.:E
The goal is too relax and have fun.

I'm with those who think 1000 miles one-way to lower Maine is too much for a one-week trip. We wouldn't want to go as far as Lake George, which is more than 800 miles.

I like 4runnerguy's suggestion,

How about Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway? The Pocono's? Find a funky little local town and celebrate the 4th there. May not have the big fireworks of the big cities, but we've had some great 4th's in some out of the way places.

We like out of the way places for 4th of July celebrations. Hungry Horse Montana had the wildest - people lined up for a quarter of a mile on both sides of the main drag, US 2, shooting off big fireworks, sometimes across the street at each other. We were there for 2 hours and it was still going on when we left.

Clinton Oklahoma had the weirdest - when we there many years ago, the fireworks happened around 8 pm. I never realized the smoke patterns were so interesting. (Now, they start the fireworks at 10 pm.)

Whatever you decide to do, make early reservations and have fun.

Tom