Gonna spread our wings....

[pilgrim]

We've been learning how to use our AS. Four weekends so far and we've got reservations for three more at Ohio's state parks. After that, we plan to spend some time visiting the historic state of Virginia - seeing some of our favorites: Monticello, Montpelier, Poplar Forest, Williamsburg, etc... As I study the map(s), I'm having a difficult time figuring out the best route for travelling from Ohio (Lancaster/Zanesville area) to Charlottesville. South through West Virginia or East to Washington, PA and then through Maryland and south? Keeping in mind, this is a first trip so we're not looking for anything terribly difficult, switchbacks, floating bridges, mountainous roadways, etc... Any suggestions??? How about camp-grounds? No matter the route I look at, it looks sparse for decent places to spend a night or two. We would like to stay a couple of nights and visit the surrounding areas rather than drive, stop, get up and drive some more. Again, this is our first venture away from our home area. I'm convinced we don't want to try to make 500 miles per day so a lot of questions arise as we study the map(s). Any suggestions or ideas that experience has taught anyone? I'm sure some have traveled these directions and have picked up some ideas or have learned some things they don't wish to do again. I'm looking for any suggestions, ideas or plans. Got time - we don't plan to make the trip until mid September but I am anxious to make some reservations. Would welcome any ideas. Thanks bundles.

[overlander63]

Why not take US 33 to US 50? Follow it East to US 17 in Winchester, Follow 17 until you get to the historic areas. Fredericksburg would be a good spot to use as a central point for sightseeing.
Here is a decent campground close to everything there:
Washington DC Camping/Campground/RV Park: Fredericksburg, Virginia/Civil War

[FordTruck]

I've travelled numerous times to and from the upper midwest via this route.

Zanesville to C'ville


Head north on Underwood St toward Fountain Square
0.2 mi
2.Turn right to merge onto I-70 E Passing through West Virginia
Entering Pennsylvania
106 mi
3.Take exit 21 to merge onto I-79 S toward Morgantown Entering West Virginia
45.2 mi
4.Take exit 148 to merge onto I-68 E toward Cumberland Entering Maryland
112 mi
5.Take exit 82AB to merge onto US-522 S toward Winchester/Hancock Passing through West Virginia
Entering Virginia
40.0 mi
6.Merge onto VA-37 S via the ramp to US-507.0 mi
7.Merge onto I-81 S via the ramp to Roanoke88.2 mi
8.Take exit 221 to merge onto I-64 E toward Richmond32.8 mi
9.Take exit 120 for VA-631 toward 5th St/Charlottesville0.2 mi
10.Turn left at 5th St Ext0.3 mi
11.Continue on 5th St SW1.4 mi
12.Continue on Ridge St0.4 mi
13.Slight left at Ridge McIntire Rd/US-250-BR E0.2 mi
14.Turn right at W Market St/US-250-BR E177 ft
15.Turn left at W High St/US-250-BR W0.3

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Why not take US 33 to US 50? Follow it East to US 17 in Winchester.

Terry, are you going by the road atlas? I've pulled my Argosy on US-50 west from Winchester. It's pretty, but from Grafton, WV, to Winchester, VA, it is a very old 2 lane road with unending switchbacks and grinding up- and downhills. It's difficult to pull at more than 25-35 mph on a lot of these and even with a tranny cooler my tranny temp gauge spent too much time heading toward the red. There are minimal services through this stretch -- including no gas after dark! In spite of the Baltimore-D.C. stretch I'd recommend the more northerly route on US 68/40.

[pilgrim]

Two suggestions already - I think one is "a little" better than the other. But, I don't know - that's why I put the questions out there. I'm also looking for places to spend the night??? Neither have made any suggestions. As I look at my map of campgrounds, they look pretty darn sparse on both these routes. Have you stayed at any of them? Are some (is one) better than the other one??? This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation and we hope to enjoy ourselves - but, as we all know, not all CGs are that enjoyable. I appreciate any guidance, suggestions, hints anyone can give me. Thanks............

[overlander63]

Bob, I'm the guy that towed our Sovereign through US 64 in North Carolina, and our Argosy through the Dragon's Tail, so what may be a fun and scenic road for me, may cause a nervous breakdown in others...