If you want a fun family getaway, an RV — or recreational vehicle — trip across the Mid-Atlantic could be in the books this summer. Stop at many scenic locations along the way and maybe even discover a new favorite vacation spot!
A few things to know before you head out on the road, courtesy of Harvest Hosts, a network of RV-friendly sites:
• Plan an RV-friendly route. If you’re new to driving an RV, you may not realize that it’s a little different than your car. Tunnels, bridges and narrow back roads can be a hassle for RVs, so consult RV LIFE Trip Wizard or the free TruckMap app.
• Don’t overdo it. Pulling an all-nighter when you’re driving is not ideal. Experts recommend following the “3/3/3” rule: Drive no more than 300 miles in one day, arrive at your destination no later than 3 p.m. and try to stay in that place for at least three days.
• Stay fueled up. Keep an eye on your gas gauge and know where the nearest gas stations are, especially in more remote areas.
• Stick to the essentials. Try not to bring unnecessary stuff that will clutter your space.
• Check your surroundings. When you’re about to hit the road, walk around the perimeter of your RV to ensure you have all your belongings. Check the tire pressure, lower the antenna to avoid damage and make sure any slide-outs are tucked back in.
ROUTE OPTIONS
For the nearly 300-mile journey from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to Pennsylvania, take Maryland Route 611 to navigate Maryland. Use Interstate 95 and Interstate 476 North to get from Queen Anne, Maryland, to White Haven, Pennsylvania.
The route from West Virginia to College Park, Maryland, follows Interstate 64 and Interstate 66 East, and some smaller roads.
For the southernmost route, take Virginia’s state Route 168 north in the Chesapeake and continue northwest until you reach Surry County, home of Chippokes State Park.
Got a couple weeks to spare? Combine these routes for an epic family road trip totaling more than 30 hours.
Here are some Mid-Atlantic state parks, campgrounds and food stops that offer a place to recharge and rest in your RV, or even in cabins and resort-style lodging if that’s more your speed.
Maryland RV Stops
Assateague State Park – Berlin
Maryland’s only oceanfront park is known for its clean beaches and wild horses that roam freely. Relax on the beach, hike nature trails, kayak through marshes and don’t miss the sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
• CounterClox – pizza, burgers and seafood
• Blacksmith – farm-to-table meals
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town – Berlin
Time-travel back to the Wild West on the Maryland coast. Experience classic Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk as well as a water park and mini golf at this camping and glamping resort.
• 410 Social Eatery and Barroom – American comfort food
• Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill
Cherry Hill Park – College Park
Located just outside of Washington, D.C., this resort-style campground provides easy access to the nation’s capital and a range of amenities including two pools, a splash park, a hot tub, tractor rides and more.
• Legends Halal Grill
• Ko’s Kitchen – sandwiches and comfort food
Ramblin’ Pines Campground – Woodbine
Have some classic camping fun without sacrificing access to cable TV or excellent urban attractions. Grill up some hot dogs and enjoy a game of horseshoes or a dip in the pool.
• The Grill at Lisbon
• Tony Locos Bar & Restaurant
Tuckahoe State Park – Queen Anne
Along the Eastern Shore, this state park has beautiful landscapes including forests, wetlands and a lake. Enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking on the water.
• Doc’s Riverside Grille
• Mamma Mia Italian Bistro
Virginia RV Stops
Shenandoah Valley Campground – Verona
The perfect family-friendly getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this campground boasts a private waterfall, river tubing and a heated pool. Families can enjoy live DJ events and movie nights, and history buffs shouldn’t miss the Civil War battlefields.
• Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
• Off the Grid Cafe – farm-fresh dishes made from scratch
North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages – Virginia Beach
Conveniently located near Virginia Beach, this resort offers a private beach, riverfront swimming, a wildlife preserve and planned weekend activities. Go crabbing and canoeing or kayaking away from the big boats on the river.
• Heirloom – farm-to-table seafood and steak
• Lucky Oyster Seafood Grill
• Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse – sports bar serving pizza, burgers and wings
Douthat State Park – Millboro
Douthat has been a traditional family park since 1936, located amid Virginia’s mountain scenery. Enjoy 4 miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake, a swimming beach, boat rentals and more.
• Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders
• Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery – burgers and bar food
Grayson Highlands State Park – Wilson
Hike the high country as you marvel at the scenic view of alpine-like peaks that stand 5,000 feet tall. The hiking trails — the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail — lead to waterfalls and beautiful overlooks.
• Corner Market and Cafe – country-style restaurant serving comfort food
• The Dutch Pantry – make-your-own sandwiches, wraps and burgers
Chippokes State Park – Surry
Tour the historic area and enjoy modern recreational activities at one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the United States. Visitors can bike, hike, ride horseback, picnic and tour the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.
• The Surry Seafood Company
• Craft 31 – American fare: burgers, pizza, seafood
West Virginia RV Stops
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground – Parsons
A “wilderness riverfront oasis,” this relatively new campground is home to 35 acres of unlogged wilderness forest and riverfront. Visitors can swim, tube, hike, kayak, fish, explore the creeks and waterfalls and play in the water.
• Mr. Pizza
• B&J Family Diner – breakfast all day, lunch and dinner; country cooking
ACE Adventure Resort – Oak Hill
This family-owned resort is for adventurous fans of the outdoors. Enjoy whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing and a spring-fed mountain lake water park. Don’t miss New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
• Secret Sandwich Society
• Smokey’s Steakhouse
Delaware RV Stops
Big Oaks Family Campground – Rehoboth Beach
This family-friendly campground has a packed schedule of weekend activities, from live music and karaoke to sports tournaments and petting zoos. Enjoy a dip in the pool, mini golf and Rehoboth and Lewes beaches, only a short drive away.
• Somewhere Restaurant – Caribbean coastal comfort food
• Nicola Pizza
Pennsylvania RV Stops
Hickory Run State Park – White Haven
Immerse your family in a woodland retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Enjoy spacious campsites, hiking trails and a dip in Sand Spring Lake.
• White Haven Family Diner
• Tavern on the Trail – casual restaurant serving burgers, cheesesteaks and comfort food
