Spontaneos camping

[Mikeeg]

We will be traveling south from New Jersey in our M/H thru Virgina and into Tenn.the first two weeks of May and the DW would like to stop when we find interesting areas or things to do. We are hoping to only make reservations for the first stop in mid Virgina along Rt 81 and hope to wonder on down to Gaitlenburg stopping as we go for a few days here and there. The question I have is, in early May will we run into booked SP and Campgrounds. Or can we wonder our way down as camping should be.

[Mikeeg]

We will be traveling south from New Jersey in our M/H thru Virgina and into Tenn.the first two weeks of May and the DW would like to stop when we find interesting areas or things to do. We are hoping to only make reservations for the first stop in mid Virgina along Rt 81 and hope to wonder on down to Gaitlenburg stopping as we go for a few days here and there. The question I have is, in early May will we run into booked SP and Campgrounds. Or can we wonder our way down as camping should be.

[NLOVNIT]

I would say that, during the week, you could wander down without reservations & not have trouble finding a place to stay. Weekends are quite another story. Finding spots on the fly on Fridays through Sundays might be more difficult, even for early spring.

L-

[Chuck&Pam]

I tend to agree with NLOVNIT, with the exception of Gatlinburg. There are a lot of CGs in that area, and with spring breaks pretty much over, and summer vacation not kicking in yet, you shouldn't have a problem there even on weekends. "Shouldn't" being the key word. I would probably call ahead just to check. Last year on our way back from New England down I-81, we pulled into the New Market VA. KOA on a September Friday night with no reservation and got a spot with no problem.

[rosegramma]

Mike, be aware that Bristol TN/VA is a busy Nascar area with frequent races. Don't expect to get into anything within about 40 miles of there on a race weekend without reservations.

If you want to experience some mountain music, a short(25 mi?) side trip south from exit 81 will take you to the Hillsville/Galax area. Lots of free jam sessions on different nights of the week at different spots. About 20 miles south of Hillsville is Mt Airy, NC, with all the spots made infamous by the Andy Griffith Show. Fun place to spend a day & lots of photo ops if you're old enough to have grown up with Andy & Barnie. Be sure to stop early at the lunch counter for a pork tenderloin sandwich. The line moves fairly well and it is yummy.

I hear Hungry Mother State Park very near exit45 has a nice campground and less than 20 miles north of it is Tazewell, VA that has an exhibition coal mine & Crab Apple Orchard Mus. & Pioneer Park.

Lots to see in the area. Linville Falls, Grandfather Mt, Klingman's Dome, we spent 3 days just in Great Smoky Nat'l Park and didn't see half of it. Could easily spend an entire summer in the area, though traffic gets crazy in Gatlinberg area. Get a campsite and take the toad for sightseeing.

Enjoy & safe travels,
Lois Miller

[amy5708]

I know you shouldn't have problems getting a site spur-of-the-moment through Maryland or Virginia that time of the year; early to Mid-May is still pretty chilly 'round here.

Remember that the second weekend in May is the Freebie KOA weekend, so that may be challenging if you like the KOAs.

While traveling through the area, be sure to check out one of the many historic battlegrounds commemorating the Civil War. Antietam in Maryland or Harrisonburg in Virginia. Luray Caverns is near there, but I would rather save the $ for the Underground Lake near Smoky Mountain Park.

You could skip I-81 for Skyline Drive south through Shenendoa National Park.

There was a cool living history Indian Village near Wytheville, Virginia, but don't remember the name. Really educational, and the kids liked it a lot.

Have fun!

[Roam America]

Yup. Early May you have two NASCAR races; Richmond and Darlington.

[Mikeeg]

Will the racing action effect the Skyline Drive area in early may.

[amy5708]

Nah. You'll be totally west of both raceways. You can probably take the drive all the way down toward I-64 west of Charlottesville.

[JoeH]

The Bristol spring race has passed and the fall race is August 23 so you are all set.