Community Forums

JerryKatt · 08-06-2010, 07:04 AM

We will take posession of our first RV next week. Although we camped years ago and have borrowed smaller rvs, we now have a Class A and I'm a little concerned about the first trip. We are going from Wisconsin to the DC area and would like to get off the Interstate in Ohio - West Virginia area. Can someone recommend a pleasant route and some nice places to stay for a day or two.
Also, the RV park we selected near Washington DC has transportation into the city, but we would also like to visit Mt Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. What would be our best options for this, and no we are not towing a car. Thank you for any help you can give,
Jerry & Lorene Katt

InPursuit · 08-06-2010, 07:38 AM

The I90/80 stretch from south of Milwaukee, around Chicago and then past Cleveland is the only iffy part of that trip.

For me... I'd rather add 200 miles to the trip and head south and poke around on the back roads of Illinois and Indiana and Ohio... meandering over to I-77 to Marietta. From there you can pick up old US50.

Right there along the Ohio there are a TON of places to stay your first night.
Second night you should be in DC proper.

And just because you own an A doesn't mean you can't rent a car for a day now and then or even stay in a motel.

Have a great time.

Nuke_RP · 08-06-2010, 07:44 AM

How exciting! Congrats! We took possession of our first Class A just a couple of weeks ago. We have also camped in tents, class C's and TT's but the first trip out with the Class A made me a little concerned too. We did great though. And I am sure you will too!

I have no idea of places to visit as we are close to being rookies, but I'm interested in your post as we will be making a visit to Colonial Williamsburg next summer and would like the info also.

RickO · 08-06-2010, 08:43 AM

Congratulations! Apprehension is normal just take your time and you'll do fine.

We just visited the DC area and Colonial Williamsburg and loved both of them. It sounds like maybe you're staying at Cherry Hill in DC? Without a toad the metro will work well for you. We took a segway tour of the city and it was a real highlight.

We also kicked around the backroads of Ohio and stayed at a little place way out in the boonies in Homerville that we really liked for some R&R. Cleaveland was about 45 minutes away.

Driving your rig into parks near big cities can still be a white knuckle experience for me. Sometimes it's good to call the resort ahead of time to ask for the best route to take. My gps took me on quite a tour of the city and I'm 40 feet long and tow a Ford Explorer! Also try to time you arrival so you don't hit the worst of the traffic.

Have a ball!

Stump Jumper · 08-06-2010, 09:00 AM

We just stayed at Cherry Hill Park in College Park, MD last week. I would highly recommend it when going to DC. There is a bus that runs every few minutes from the campground to the closest Metro station. You can then take the Metro to most major attractions or you can take the Metro to Union Station where most of the bus tours originate. We took the Tourmobile tour buses, which offer guided tours to most major sites and allow you to get off the bus you are on and pick up a different bus when you are ready. I think the cost was around $37 per person for two days.

Stump Jumper · 08-06-2010, 09:04 AM

Oh, I forgot to mention that Cherry Hill has large sites that are easy to back in to and I believe that there is public transportation in DC that will take you to Mt. Vernon.

Wayne M · 08-06-2010, 09:23 AM

I don't know how much time you have, but if it is unlimited, don't rule out Millersburg, OH (Heart of Amish Country), or Gettysburg, PA.

I have found some good roads in my travel that were US Highways, and State Highways. Ohio was in a Class A, and Pennsylvania was pulling a 40' 5th wheel with an F350 Crew Cab, Long Bed. I just had to slow down a few times around the curves. I always obey the yellow speed limit signs, and then even a little slower. With your past experience renting I don't think you are going to have any problem on the roadways.

Happy Trails.

DAN L · 08-07-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryKatt

We will take posession of our first RV next week. Although we camped years ago and have borrowed smaller rvs, we now have a Class A and I'm a little concerned about the first trip. We are going from Wisconsin to the DC area and would like to get off the Interstate in Ohio - West Virginia area. Can someone recommend a pleasant route and some nice places to stay for a day or two.
Also, the RV park we selected near Washington DC has transportation into the city, but we would also like to visit Mt Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. What would be our best options for this, and no we are not towing a car. Thank you for any help you can give,
Jerry & Lorene Katt

most walmarts are good for an overnight stop.

some allow overnight parking, some do not.

check this resource. it is updated by users of the site.

Walmart Store Locations Map - Wal-Mart Guide

OldChief7155 · 08-08-2010, 07:04 AM

if you drive the RV from Alexandria out to Mt. Vernon on GW Memorial Parkway, WATCH THE BRIDGES. The right lanes only have about 10-11 feet of clearance. the middle lanes (left lanes) are okay. The bridges are arch type stone and will destroy an RV.

I would also advise staying on the interstates or major roads in WV unless you're extremely comfortable driving your new rig. Very crooked and hilly for the most part on the two lane roads.

DC is not a place for an experienced RV driver that isn't used to very bad traffic. Stay in MD at Cherry Hill and take public transportation. Parking in DC for a car is horrific, for a M/H; next to impossible.

JerryKatt · 08-09-2010, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the help. We plan to use Grayline Tours for DC. Can you recommend a route from Cherry Hill Campgrond down to Williamsburg area and a campground in the area.

RickO · 08-09-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryKatt

Thanks for the help. We plan to use Grayline Tours for DC. Can you recommend a route from Cherry Hill Campgrond down to Williamsburg area and a campground in the area.

Can't help you with the best route but a couple of months ago we stayed at American Heritage RV Park in Colonial Williamsburg and really enjoyed it. Everything around seemed pricey and this was no exception but there is so much to see and learn in the area.

Have a safe journey.

Bruce H · 08-19-2010, 05:35 PM

Anyone traveled hwy 50 from Montrose to Salida and hwy 24 to Leadville on into Denver. Elevations look quite high, just wondering if grades are safe for a gas 36' motor home pulling a 3500 lb jeep.