Verona, NY to Columbus, OH via Wheeling, WV

[Nonno]

Leaving Verona this Friday, I was thinking of continuing on I90 to Erie,Pa then take I79 and overnighting north of Pittsburg. Saturday I'd go thru/around Pittsburg to I70 into Wheeling, stopping at Cabella's before heading towards Columbus.

1.Is this the best route?
2.Any campground suggestions north of Pittsburg that are big rig friendly?
3.What is best way thru/around Pittsburg on a Saturday?

Getting to Columbus (actually Newark) Saturday afternoon is the priority. If it's better to avoid I79 & Pittsburg, I could always do Cabella's when I head back.

[Nonno]

Leaving Verona this Friday, I was thinking of continuing on I90 to Erie,Pa then take I79 and overnighting north of Pittsburg. Saturday I'd go thru/around Pittsburg to I70 into Wheeling, stopping at Cabella's before heading towards Columbus.

1.Is this the best route?
2.Any campground suggestions north of Pittsburg that are big rig friendly?
3.What is best way thru/around Pittsburg on a Saturday?

Getting to Columbus (actually Newark) Saturday afternoon is the priority. If it's better to avoid I79 & Pittsburg, I could always do Cabella's when I head back.

[NLOVNIT]

Hopefully, some of my W PA Pond Piggies will chime in here soon (they'll know more about cg's in that area), but in the meantime, I'll give you my opinion on driving directions...

Having rv'd recently (3 separate times this summer) in the Mercer/Clarion/Tionesta areas & comparing going 70w to 79n to that area vs 70w to 77n to 76/80e to the same area, I preferred the latter. We store our coach in Hopewell, so you heading to Newark (aka: "Nerk") routes you along the same highways we used.

Although there is little traffic in/around Pittsburg on a Saturday, it's still busy & I didn't like the contruction on 79 south of Mercer. There's some construction on 80 west of Youngstown, but not nearly as bad as what's on 79. I also think the traffic is lighter this the latter route.

Earlier this spring, there was a detour off 70 going thru the Wheeling area. I know we had to take 470 around - which, frankly, turned out to be a smoother & preferred ride than going through the tunnel on 70 in that area.

Safe travels, whichever way you end up motoring through.

L-

[Nonno]

Lori - Thank you

Leaving NH in about an hour. We have reservations for Turning Stone CG tonight and Mercer KOA Friday night. Then it's off to Lazy River for a few days as DW attends Longaberger Bee.

Thanks again for the info.

[NLOVNIT]

Bob -

Our regional camping group was at the Mercer KOA earlier this year. Can't beat it for it's proximity to the outlet mall!!

It's been a while since we've been to Lazy River (it was called Lazy R back when we were there last). I know they have since put in Big Rig sites (or so their website states) as well as made some improvements. Glad you picked that one vs the KOA at Buckeye Lake. The mosquitos are TERRIBLE at that KOA this time of year - ya can't even go outside your rig due to the millions of hungry buggers!

Safe travels,

L-