Trans-Atlantic Road trip. Need suggestions for stops to camp/stay

[u/skylin3rz]

The wife is graduating with her 2nd master's and wants to walk the stage. The campus is located in Manchester NH and we live in Charlotte NC. Unfortunately it'll cost us around $2400 for us both and the kids just to fly up there. So we've decided to make a fun road trip out of it and to break in my somewhat modified 4runner. She's originally from Philly and has family there, and since it's the halfway point in our trip we're gonna stop by there for a few nights.

I'm looking into the trip and need some suggestions on a place between here and PA. And another place between PA and NH.

I'm pretty set on Assateague Island/Beach to do beach camping and to take the rig on the sand. But I'm completely open to suggestions to go instead. As for the second leg (PA to NH) I have no clue yet where to go.

Please be mindful that this will be my first camping trip, and that I have 2 daughters (3 y/o and 10 month old) so family friendly if possible. Campgrounds, somewhat disperse camping depending on what camping gear I will need, extra curricular activities is a plus but not a necessity, a great view is also a plus but not a necessity.

Any suggestions? TIA! Much love.

[u/Infamous_Charge2666]

How do you turn $200 basic economy tix into $600 one?  gas or diesel you’ll probably pay @20 mpg about $250 .  Food, and other amenities that you have to have for the kids is another $600 -1000 You are not saving much over flying imo. And camping with a 3y/o and a 10 month old is draining  If you want to drive to save money you are not actually saving. If you want to drive to have a fun family trip I strongly believe the kids are too young.

[u/skylin3rz → u/Infamous_Charge2666]

Man I wish I could tell you, to be fair I looked at flights last month and it was $2300 and some change. Just checked it now and it's roughly $1800. But looking at the expenses I'd expect to pay the same amount if we were to drive.

[u/Low_Bus_3826]

I used to go camping at Assateague all the time as a kid and loved it. Really cool place to go especially when you can go driving out on the beach. I’ve done the New England to southern VA trip many times. Any of the costal towns in New England are gonna be a good stop. Bear Brook State park in NH is nice and has camping. Anything in the Shenandoah valley down south on your way back is gorgeous (Berkeley springs stop on the trip home?). Hit Cape Cod if you feel like going that far east and have the time? Good camping at dunes edge campground in PTown plus definitely go out on schooner Hindu or cutter bloodhound. Or New Bedford or Gloucester if you don’t feel like going to the cape. Portsmouth is also a good stop. Annapolis could be another mid Atlantic stop and definitely go out on schooner Woodwind. Oh and Tenyeck brewing if you’re on rt 50 in MD. And Rise Up coffee.

Safe travels and have fun! Congrats to your wife!

[u/Substantial-Dingo982]

That sounds like an awesome trip, and congrats to your wife, that is a big milestone.

Assateague is a great choice, just be ready for wind, sand, and the wild horses, keep food secured and setup simple, especially with young kids.

Between NC and PA, Shenandoah is a solid stop, easy access, great views, and simple campgrounds, Skyline Drive is perfect for a relaxed day.

Between PA and NH, you can look at the Poconos or Hickory Run State Park, very family friendly, or Letchworth State Park if you do not mind going a bit west, great views and easy stops.

Closer to NH, the White Mountains are worth it, even just driving through with short stops.

With a 3 year old and a baby, stick to established campgrounds, bathrooms and easier setup make a big difference, and plan shorter driving days to keep things smooth.

[u/MDPeasant]

Some recommendations:

• Class 4 roads in VT if you are looking for adventure!
• Dispersed camping (reservations needed) in PA's state forests. Lots of scenic drives and easy trails to explore.
• Dispersed camping in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest as you work down the Appalachians. There are offroad trails in Virginia to explore, or you could just stick to the Blue Ridge Parkway as it turns from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Smoky Mountains.
• if you want beach camping, I highly, highly recommend Cape Lookout in NC over Assateague. I love Assateague, but getting ocean-side camping reservations in the campground is very difficult. You can't just camp out on the beach at Assateague like you can at Cape Lookout. I do realize that it is on the opposite side of the NC from Charlotte though, idk if it would be worth working this in.