Community Forums

Gonna_Wander · 08-18-2014, 10:13 AM

We're headed down to Cape Hatteras from New Jersey and I've decided to break up the trip. We will leave Friday and I drive down near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and I'd like to to spend the night somewhere close and then drive over the bridge in the morning. Does anyone know if there is an overnight rest stop near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

Geaux Tigers · 08-18-2014, 11:32 AM

One the north side of the bridge/tunnel there is a rest area with a very large parking lot for RVs and 18 wheelers but I do not know if they allow overnight parking. Our son lives about 2 hours from there in Maryland. We have stopped there many times but only for a short break. Be careful going through the toll booth just past the rest stop because they are narrow. I brushed one of my mirrors against one of the posts. Also propane needs to be shut off before entering the bridge/tunnel.
-------- Jim

jfpinpa · 08-21-2014, 07:11 PM

There is a KOA off of rt 97 in Millersville. A little pricey but there's not much around there

BFlinn181 · 08-21-2014, 07:33 PM

If you are talking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge at Annapolis, (the other is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and is near Norfolk, VA) if you are traveling south on US 301 there is a rest area at just south of the road to Church Hill at County Rd 834. The rest area is in the median. Also a Trailway Truck Stop at Centerville, Highway 304. Also there's a K Mart on Solomon's Island, right before the Bay Bridge. Call 410-643-9600 and ask if they allow overnight parking.

The Bay Bridge-Tunnel, in VA, requires LP turned off at the tank and has a 13'6" height limitation. They do take EZ Pass.

RVThere · 08-21-2014, 08:22 PM

kwilkins,

You may want to reconsider your timing as driving through the Outer Banks on a Saturday is a ZOO! The old renters are coming off the island, the new renters are coming on, the cleaning people are trying to get around during the transition and there is gridlock.

I was just down down there in mid-July. On Saturday, a 15 minute trip was taking 2 hours. It was a little better on Sunday, but still bad. Weekdays are much better.

It may be wise to push on Friday and do the whole trip in one day.

Safe travels.

Ramets · 08-22-2014, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Also there's a K Mart on Solomon's Island, right before the Bay Bridge. Call 410-643-9600 and ask if they allow overnight parking.

The Bay Bridge-Tunnel, in VA, requires LP turned off at the tank and has a 13'6" height limitation. They do take EZ Pass.

Being from Southern Maryland I'm a little confused. I'm unaware of a Solomons right before the bay bridge. The Solomons I'm familiar with is in Calvert, Co. quite a bit further south than the bridge.

BFlinn181 · 08-22-2014, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramets

Being from Southern Maryland I'm a little confused. I'm unaware of a Solomons right before the bay bridge. The Solomons I'm familiar with is in Calvert, Co. quite a bit further south than the bridge.

You are absolutely correct, the K Mart I was referring to and provided phone # is on Kent Island, right before the bridge, Stevensville, MD. There's also a Cracker Barrel on the south side of 301/50 just before the K Mart.

jpharley · 08-25-2014, 12:45 PM

Virginia rest areas do not allow overnight stops. May not be enforced?

j52wf · 08-26-2014, 09:17 PM

On our way to Rodanthe in Outer Banks, we stayed at Tall Pines Harbor for one night in Temperanceville, VA. About 50 miles from Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Very big sites with after hours check-in. Agree with other post about terrible traffic on Saturday. Get there early in morning.

skstrickland · 08-27-2014, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwilkins

We're headed down to Cape Hatteras from New Jersey and I've decided to break up the trip. We will leave Friday and I drive down near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and I'd like to to spend the night somewhere close and then drive over the bridge in the morning. Does anyone know if there is an overnight rest stop near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

kwilkins,

Couldn't agree more! A morning drive across the bay bridge is awesome. We did it a couple years ago and loved it. If weather permits be sure to roll down your windows and breathe in that sea air.

This park may be worth a look based on what you're looking for.

Kiptopeke State Park

We have not camped there but, I heard a lot of good things about it. If we go back to the Chesapeake Bay area, we will try it.

Enjoy your trip! Hatteras is wonderful. If you get a chance take the ferry over to Ocracoke. The village is a special place for us!

skstrickland · 08-28-2014, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skstrickland

kwilkins,

Couldn't agree more! A morning drive across the bay bridge is awesome. We did it a couple years ago and loved it. If weather permits be sure to roll down your windows and breathe in that sea air.

This park may be worth a look based on what you're looking for.

Kiptopeke State Park

We have not camped there but, I heard a lot of good things about it. If we go back to the Chesapeake Bay area, we will try it.

Enjoy your trip! Hatteras is wonderful. If you get a chance take the ferry over to Ocracoke. The village is a special place for us!

Well shoot! I didn't realize that I posted to this thread a few days after the OP actually departed for the OBX!!

I should pay closer attention!!!

gmasters · 08-29-2014, 03:23 PM

best bet

Chuck&Pam · 09-04-2014, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skstrickland

Well shoot! I didn't realize that I posted to this thread a few days after the OP actually departed for the OBX!!

I should pay closer attention!!!

Thanks for that SK! i was thinking exactly the same thing about Kiptopeke SP. Then saw your post and said "well shoot" myself.

We did stay at Kiptopeke a few years ago and it is a great place. Wide open sites and easy in and out. And that beach with fishing pier and water front area is great! Not to mention that unique breakwater they have...it makes for some really great photo ops.