Where Do You Stay On The Way?

[bronk]

My title leads to the question: For those of you who frequently travel north to New England (Maine in my situation) from the southeast (Elizabethtown, Kentucky in my situation) , where do you stay between Scranton, PA and points north. I can usually make the drive from the Scranton area to Maine border with NH quite comfortably. The dilemma has always been, and still is, finding accommodations along I-81 from Scranton northwards.

I usually break the trip from KY into stops in Wytheville, VA and Ravine, PA with a non-stop leg to Berwick, ME. I would like to take a different route this trip and will enter I-81 north of Ravine and would like an overnight convenient to I-81 in PA or off I--81 in Western NY. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Bronk

[jacwjames]

We were coming back from the NY Finger Lakes area headed to East TN, we stopped at a Cabela's, can't remember what major highway it was on, we had to travel a little out of the way but we usually search out Cabela's and spend some time shopping etc.

Other options are Walmart's or Sam's.

[JFXG]

Walmart and Lowe's are both located at I-81 Exit 145 in Hazleton, PA. The Walmart allows overnights, we've used it a couple of times.

I'm curious. None of my business, really, but why were you going through Wytheville enroute from Elizabethtown to Maine?


John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, Cat, '04 Element
NHSO RVM103

[bronk]

John and Diane, Thanks so much for the suggestion for overnighting at the Wal-Mart in Hazelton, PA. If I take I-80, which is the route I had planned for this trip, it would bring me to just above Hazelton on I-81, but I wrote your information down for future reference. The reason/s we usually take I-65 to I-40, etc., is we are familiar with the stops along the way, the highways are generally in great shape, and we don't have the Louisville or Cincy traffic. Also the roadways, especially west in KY, are not in the best of condition. The I-40 route (our usual) works out to be about 26 miles longer to Bangor, Me than the routing to Cincy, etc. I have taken the I-71 to I-80 before but it was with out fifth wheel, and we were full-timing, so many stops for sightseeing along the route. We have also taken I-64 - I-79 through West Va. before as well - pretty but somewhat ho-hum IMHO. Hope this answers your question. Thanks again for the info. and enjoy that full-time lifestyle. Are you, by any chance, Escapees?

Ron

[PanJH]

On our way to Maine, we stop at the Jonestown KOA which is pretty close to Ravine -- it's easy off/on I -81
Another option a bit more north is Belden Hill in NY-- not too far from I-81 and I-88

[BBQ Warren]

I agree, Jonestown KOA is a very convenient stop off point. We use it when we head back north to NY. If you haven't driven I81 in Pennsylvania hang on for a not so pleasant experience. We tow a 36' TT so our problems are probably worse than yours will be, but the road has sooooo many dips we can't even talk on certain portions.

[artpe54]

We like to overnight in Cracker Barrels when we travel.

[bronk]

Originally Posted by artpe54

We like to overnight in Cracker Barrels when we travel.

We have stayed at Cracker Barrels on occasion, but they are not too prevalent in the Northeast. The difficulty that we have encountered on our many years of traveling to Maine on I-81 (north of Sranton, PA) and I-84 north, is that there are few campgrounds that are convenient to either interstate or they are state facilities that limit size, etc. There is a campground in Matamoras, PA, just before Port Jarvis, NY which is convenient, but it is less than desirable for even one night, and it is quite pricey for what you get. There is a Wal-Mart at this exit as well, however, there are clearly posted signage stating NO OVERNIGHT PARKING - STRICTLY ENFORCED. The situation is almost as bad through Conn. and Mass., but I'm close enough that I can usually keep going. We have never overnighted at any rest areas, so can't speak to security or permission.

Bronk

[jergeod]

Install the app RVparky in your phone and never be without a place to stop or gas up or eat.

[palehorse89]

Mostly Walmart, go shopping, stock up with items needed (Don't shop before leaving house, just make/keep a on-going list) push cart to the Coach, put stuff away. Usually a expensive over night stop.........
Find this method easier than to go shopping at home the week before leaving.............
Cracker Barrel is a wonderful overnight stop, breakfast in the morning!

[Pexring]

Originally Posted by jergeod

Install the app RVparky in your phone and never be without a place to stop or gas up or eat.

Thanks for the tip. I just downloaded the app. Highly rated in the iPhone app store as well. But kind of like when you press the Gas button on the iPhone, many of the gas stations don't list. And even after I turn the filters on, the app doesn't show 2 truck stops and a Walmart in my area, among other places. So hmmmm.

[Sue46]

We are going to VT this summer and found stops in White Haven, PA(a jog off of I81) and Central Bridge, NY.

We do all our planning on the PC(like to have all the camping directories open at the same time) and use a combination of RVparkreviews, Allstays, GS Directory etc. We have found RVParky not as good as Allstays but it just might be where we are going.

Other than White Haven jog, no problem finding campgrounds. We could have jogged W but felt the road connections were better jogging E.

[bsabill07]

Connecticut I-84 Southington Rest Area PAST EXIT 28. Separate RV parking and dump station (keep to left as soon as you enter RV area dump close to RV entrance)

[Rockwood27]

We've stayed over a dozen times at the WM in Wilkes-Barre, exit 169. Many of the RV apps show NOP here, but it's unfounded. Lots of eateries within walking distance.