Need a stop South of Columbus, OH

[Al and Missy]

We are planning a trip from Melbourne, FL to Columbus, OH and back in what (on Accuweather) looks like a good weather window in early February. Two alternate routes are I-95, I-77, US-31 and I-95, I-10, I-75. I'd like a stop 100-200 miles south of Columbus on either route. I can figure out an intermediate stop between here and there, but don't know anything about the WV/OH/TN/KY area. It looks like the I-75 route has a lot of construction and is longer, so the I-77 route is probably preferred.

Suggestions please?

Thanks,

Al

[whitegs]

We always take I77 but it can be dangerous in February, especially in WV where ice storms come up suddenly and shut down I77. We live in Athens OH which is about 100 miles south of Columbus. We have actually left our trailer in the AS park in Pensacola because I won't chance towing up either I75 or I77 until Spring. We're on the return trip as I'm typing this having stopped at a motel in Elizabethtown Ky. Final leg tomorrow. We're passing wrecked semis that are remnants of the recent storm.

[DanB]

Kentucky Horse Park campground in Lexington, Ky is open with electric. It is about a two minute drive off I-75. It's about 185 miles south of sunny Columbus.

[nvestysly]

I don't have a specific suggestion on where to stay but how to find places to stay. We use the Allstays smart phone app to find campgrounds when we're planning trips and when we're traveling. We've never failed to find a suitable place - whether it's a short one-night stay or a multi-night stay. Often times we refer to Allstays when we're an hour or so from stopping to see what our options are.

Allstays is the only app we've ever purchased - I think it's $10 and is available for iPhone and Android - and it's paid for itself time and time again. We very seldom use other campground locators. Most campgrounds, including county, state, national and private are listed along with Walmarts, Flying J's, RV stores, propane retailers and a host of other useful information. Allstays is not perfect but it comes darn close!

[xrvr]

Not on your route but, we stay at the KOA in Ashland. KY. They are open all year. We travel rt 23 south through Ky to NC, and then rt 441 to Florida. From Ashland you rake Rt 23 toColumbus. Be sure which ever cg you choose that it is open in the winter, many up north close in October until May.good camping

[xrvr]

The Ashville nc west KOA is open all year I believe, it's on 441 and I40. Remember top if ga AS park in north ga, open all year. I day's drive from there to fl. Sorry if this info us not pertinent to your trip.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by whitegs

We always take I77 but it can be dangerous in February, especially in WV where ice storms come up suddenly and shut down I77. We live in Athens OH which is about 100 miles south of Columbus. We have actually left our trailer in the AS park in Pensacola because I won't chance towing up either I75 or I77 until Spring. We're on the return trip as I'm typing this having stopped at a motel in Elizabethtown Ky. Final leg tomorrow. We're passing wrecked semis that are remnants of the recent storm.

Thanks. I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm looking at trading trailers and I need to drag mine up and hopefully drag the new one back. I'm watching Accuweather to try to find a suitable window and February 3-5 is looking pretty good. I may have to change it, but that's the plan right now.

Al

[JCWDCW]

I second the Kentucky Horse Park . It's my go to campsite one day travel out of Ontario; and they always remember me...even after 6 years of not camping there, their records are intact and on screen! Plus you are close to some neat attractions and restaurants around Lexington
JCW

[kfrere]

A number of the KY state parks are open for camping year round at a good price. We just stayed at Levi Jackson SP in London, KY - too far from Columbus for your needs but there are others much closer to the KY/OH state line. On the same trip we stayed in Rocky Fork SP in Hillsboro, OH (less than 100 miles from Columbus). Only a few of the OH state parks close in the winter. Again it was a good, cheap stay with lots of availability.

[whitegs]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

Thanks. I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm looking at trading trailers and I need to drag mine up and hopefully drag the new one back. I'm watching Accuweather to try to find a suitable window and February 3-5 is looking pretty good. I may have to change it, but that's the plan right now.

Al

Are you going to Hadocy in Columbus for your new trailer?

[KathleenBenk]

Hi!
We are in Cincinnati and can accommodate you at our business. We are minutes off of I71. Plenty of room and amenities. And, it's already spring in our greenhouses!
Kathy Benken
#3797
Let

[KathleenBenk]

Call us at 513-891-1040. Michael or Kathy.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by whitegs

Are you going to Hadocy in Columbus for your new trailer?

Good guess.

Al

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by KathleenBenk

Hi!
We are in Cincinnati and can accommodate you at our business. We are minutes off of I71. Plenty of room and amenities. And, it's already spring in our greenhouses!
Kathy Benken
#3797
Let

Thanks Kathy, for your kind offer. Our current plan is to come up I-95, I-26, I-77, US-33 due to all the construction showing up on I-75. I have gotten comments about potential icing in WV so if that becomes an issue we may bite the construction bullet and come up 75.

We just heard today our pet sitter will not be available for one of the days we plan to come, so we will be bring our dogs as well. Less than ideal, but apparently unavoidable. I have work commitments and we have a Caravan commitment in early March so the windows of opportunity with a decent weather forecast are few and narrow.

Al

[crispyboy]

We are 10 miles south of Cincinnati and have courtesy parking. Where are they showing I-75 construction? we are closer to U.S. 27 but in the right direction. PM if you need more info.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

We are 10 miles south of Cincinnati and have courtesy parking. Where are they showing I-75 construction? we are closer to U.S. 27 but in the right direction. PM if you need more info.

I went to google maps and put in for directions from Melbourne FL to Columbus, OH. They report 9 construction zones on the route, 2 in OH and 1 in KY.

Al

[Outdoors4me]

I live in Cincinnati. I would take construction over the mountains in WV and I-77 any time. Take I-75 and use the Benken's or crispyboy's courtesy parking.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by Outdoors4me

I live in Cincinnati. I would take construction over the mountains in WV and I-77 any time. Take I-75 and use the Benken's or crispyboy's courtesy parking.

Thanks for the advice. Always nice to hear from someone who has done it. I was concerned, but had no trouble with I-77 around the VA/NC border going to Virginia Highland Haven. Based on your recommendation, sounds like a change of plans is in order.

Al

[KathleenBenk]

Al, Dogs are welcome and there is acreage for them to run. We will be here regardless of when you roll thru. Call Michael at 513=200-7789 if you have any other questions. Just let us know as we would be more than happy to host you!
Kathy