Community Forums

jimlaurielucy · 04-01-2013, 07:00 AM

DW and I have planned a trip from Fla to Booth Bay this summer. The threads I see says to avoid I 95 and to get off and I 26 to I 77 and then 81 and 84. For people that are familiar with this route I would like to confirm this is best way to go. Many sites say this is not a good relaxing trip due to the heavy traffic in the North East and that it is bumper to bumper traffic in Maine. Please advise me if you are familiar with this area and if not feasible I will plan a trip elsewhere. We have a class A with toad and that is a lot of fuel for something maybe not enjoyable. Thanks for your input.

OSP1268 · 04-01-2013, 07:12 AM

We went 2 years ago and went up I-95 to I-64 and then over to I-81. We had a good trip and I-95 probably had the most traffic, but still not a bad trip over all.

demoon · 04-01-2013, 09:09 AM

The route you are taking avoids the worst traffic, which is in the NJ, NY City and south western CT area. Weekend/Holiday traffic can be heavy on roads like the MA Pike and 95 in ME. With that said, it is still a very worthwhile trip, and the traffic will likely not be anything you have not encountered in the southeast at times. As an aside, Route 1 in ME, though beautiful, can be very busy during the summer.

Travel safe.

bandmbrown · 04-01-2013, 03:00 PM

We do this trip twice a year...the route you mentioned is the way to go. The farther north you get...the busier it gets. We always travel the last 2 days on a Saturday and Sunday...not a problem.
If your used to the South..everything is a bigger PIA the farther north you get.
Camping not as easy. Truck stops not as big, clean, or easy on/off. Etc.
We travel about 350 miles a day..if you need where we camp..

D in Davie · 04-01-2013, 06:49 PM

I have done that trip and strongly recommed the route you described. I just drove in a car the direct route on I95 from South Florida to New Jersey and back and I know I would have been home a day sooner if I drove the I81 route. I will be driving back to the north east this summer as I have family and memories there. If you are going to see the sights in Maine you will enjoy your trip more if you park your MH at a nice centrally located place and use the toad for sight seeing. New England roads in towns can be narrow as they were first laid out with horses in mind. Avoid camping in South Western CT. Mass has some nice spots to camp west of Boston and close to Sturbridge Village which I also recommend. Maine has some nice destination camp resorts around Sabago Lake that have all the facilities and are an hour away from US 1 and Kennibunkport. Lake George New York has some nice resorts and campgrounds. I will be staying in New Jersey this summer for at least a month at the Mahlon Dickson Reserve in Morris County NJ. If you head north before I do ( End of June through July) could you keep us updated on the campsites you stayed at.

jimlaurielucy · 04-02-2013, 07:43 AM

Yes,where you camp would be helpful. Thanks

CampDaven · 04-02-2013, 08:10 AM

While in ME, I encourage you to see THE REAL MAINE. This means yes do see Bar Harbor, Acadia NP and such, but the real Maine begins after Bar Harbor.

After BH, every road to the right leads to the shore or a cove. You will find villages with restaurants that have better and cheaper food than the tourist spots.

In mid August the wild blueberries are full, and 10 to 13 a quart in BH, but as little as $3 a quart in Whiting and other towns further along.

And the lobster is much cheaper farther "Downeast" also. And the farther you go, the more down-home it gets. Eastport is awesome. Enjoy your trip!

Norm Mac · 04-02-2013, 07:33 PM

It has been mentioned that traveling in the Northeast is usually easier on the weekend. This is true until you get to Massachusetts.

Massachusetts can be busy all 7 days on the Mass Pike from Sturbridge east toward 290, 495, and Boston.

Once you are above Mass, weekday travel might actually be easier in New Hampshire and Maine. You will likely be taking I-95 in these states and there are more weekend vacationers clogging this highway rather than weekday commuters.

P.S. We are one of those weekenders clogging the highway

bandmbrown · 04-04-2013, 08:30 PM

Work your way north ...our last 2 stops are Staunton, Va. KOA...then Milford, PA.. Riverbend (I think)....then on up to Maine. It's harder to find a convient spot the farther north you get.

demoon · 04-04-2013, 10:00 PM

X2 what bandmbrown said. The spot in Milford is actually River Beach and is good for an overnight. http://www.kittatinny.com/camping/riverbeachcampsites
Great spot near us is Boston Minuteman in Littleton, MA, it is just off 495 and an overnight there will make for an easy drive to wherever you decide in ME.Boston Minuteman Campground