The Ultimate RV Road Trip On A Budget: Part I – East Coast Edition

 

Spring is still a long ways off. For many of us, that means wintering in an RV resort down south. But it’s not too early to buy RV parts and start planning our summer road trips. America is full of historic landmarks, great cities, and beautiful natural landscapes. Why not start planning for Spring now?

In Part I of the Ultimate RV Road Trip On A Budget, we’ll lay out a great East Coast trip which you can take along I-95 North. We’ll start in Florida and end in Boston, but you can pick this route up anywhere along 95, and you can go either direction. Along the way, we’ll show you some of the top attractions near each stop. We’ll keep the expensive entertainment to a minimum and show as many off-the-beaten track options as we can.

Of course, we could never tell you every great place to check out—so use this article as a starting point, and research attractions to find those that will be most interesting to your family. We’ve included a mix of locations. Some are big-deal, famous things. Others are off the beaten track, where you can enjoy some natural beauty.

This is an especially great trip for RVers with kids, newly retired fulltimers who haven’t seen these great places yet—or anyone who’s ready to hit the road!

1. Miami, Florida

 

BIG ATTRACTION: South Beach

South Beach is famous for its Art Deco district, and for actual South Beach, a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coast that is open to swimming. You can access the beach through Lummus Park. This is the real South Beach—the one you’ve seen in TV and the movies!

• Cost: FREE (Entertainment may cost)

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: Virginia Key North Point Trails

For mountain bike enthusiasts, this is a great place to escape the bustle of Miami. The system of trails includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty trails, as well as a family loop road. The park is family friendly. Trails are one way, offering a safe way to enjoy your bike and the natural environment. See the Virginia Key website for more info.

• Cost:
  • $6-8 for cars, $1 for each additional bike
  • $25 for RVs
  • $1 per bike when riding a bike into the park

WHERE TO STAY: Yacht Haven Park and Marina

This beautiful RV resort is right off 95 in Fort Lauderdale, only 30 minutes north of Miami. They offer 250 waterfront paved RV sites, full hookups, and patios. See the Yacht Haven website for more info.

2. Daytona Beach, Florida

 

BIG ATTRACTION: Daytona International Speedway

Pretty obvious, huh? If you’re in Daytona Beach, you should catch a race at this fantastic location. Check out the Daytona International Speedway calendar to plan your stop.

• Cost: Depends on event; see website.

FOR THE KIDS: Daytona Boardwalk Amusements

Go karts, roller coasters, Tilt-A-Whirl—Boardwalk Amusements has it all! Even better, everything is located along the historic Daytona Boardwalk. What’s not to love?

• Cost: $3-15 per ride. See http://dbbw.pfestore.com/retail/Attractions

WHERE TO STAY: International RV Park Campground

Right off 95 and less than 2 miles from the Speedway, this is the perfect location and perfect RV resort for your stay. Check out the International RV Park Campground website for more information.

3. Savannah, Georgia

 

UNIQUE ATTRACTION: The Squares of Savannah

The city is famous for its 22 squares, which are essentially small city parks. Most squares are named after a famous person. They offer a beautiful place to walk or just sit in the shade and enjoy a nice day.

• Cost: FREE

FOR THE GROWNUPS: Visit a brewery

Savannah’s growing brewery scene features some amazing locations to check out. Check out Coastal Empire Beer Company for starters and enjoy this brewery’s unique, original creations.

• Cost: Contact the brewery.

WHERE TO STAY: Red Gate Campground

Red Gate calls itself “the closest RV park to historic Savannah, GA.” This is the perfect location to park your rig. Downtown Savannah is only 15 minutes away. Check out the Red Gate Campground website for more information.

4. Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

FOR THE MILITARY HISTORY BUFF: Airborne and Special Operations Museum

This museum offers an immersive look at the history of US Airborne and Special Operations forces. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. In particular, you should check out the Pritzker Motion Simulator, which gives you a taste of what the Army’s greatest airborne warriors experience. Don’t miss it!

• Cost: FREE, donations accepted. Flight simulator ticket costs are here.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Cape Fear River Trail

Enjoy 5 miles of paved trail that’s perfect for hiking, biking, and walking. Wildlife abounds here, and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the woods and Cape Fear River. More information at Trail Link.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Fayetteville RV Resort

This beautiful RV resort offers full-hookup sites, 50/30 amp electrical, plus cable TV. Fayetteville RV Resort is rated 10/10*/10 on Good Sam. We think that says it all! Book at the Fayetteville RV Resort website.

5. Richmond, Virginia

 

FOR THE FOODIE: Visit a local Richmond restaurant

Richmond is one of the hottest culinary destinations in the country right now. For the foodies among us, that means tons of great options in exciting, creative local cuisine. Check out the list at Visit Richmond.

• Cost: Contact restaurant of your choice.

FOR THE BOOK LOVER: Edgar Allen Poe Museum

What’s that come knocking on the RV door? An invitation to the Edgar Allen Poe Museum! The great American writer was born in Richmond, and the museum beautifully preserves his legacy.

• Cost: $5-6 per ticket (best to book in advance)

WHERE TO STAY: Americamps RV Resort

Located right off I-95, Americamps RV Resort is perfect for your East Coast road trip. It features 198 RV sites with full hookups as well as super sites with concrete pads, plus free wi-fi, cable TV, and a fitness center. Even better: Center of the Universe Brewing Company is basically a stone’s throw away!

6. Washington, D.C.

 

THE OBVIOUS: See the Monuments!

Touring the monuments is a fantastic experience, whether you’ve been to D.C. before or not. Just remember—the other monuments are always farther away than they look. Bring lots of water and snacks, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather.

• Cost: FREE

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The International Spy Museum

Did you know that Julia Child was a spy (sort of) before she taught everyone how to cook? This amazing story, and many more, are on display at the International Spy Museum. Be sure and get your tickets in advance.

• Cost: $14.95-$28.95 (see https://www.spymuseum.org/tickets/)

WHERE TO STAY: Cherry Hill Park

Only 15 miles from the US Capitol, Cherry Hill Park is the perfect RV resort for your stop in Washington, D.C. With public transportation and tour shuttles leaving Cherry Hill several times a day, you can park the RV and avoid driving in traffic around D.C.

7. Baltimore, Maryland

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: Historic Ships in Baltimore Harbor

Baltimore Harbor is home to several historic ships, including the USS Constellation, pictured above. This is a great experience for kids and adults alike. You can purchase tickets for a single ship, for two ships, or for four ships. See the Historic Ships website for more info.

• Cost: $5-18 (see website)

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Baltimore Museum of Art

Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art now holds over 1,000 works by renowned artist Henri Matisse. The museum’s historic building was designed by John Russell Pope and holds over 95,000 artworks in total. Get more information on the Baltimore Museum of Art website.

• Cost: FREE (some exhibits may have a fee)

WHERE TO STAY: Cherry Hill Park

This is the same RV resort which we recommend for your D.C. visit. Baltimore and D.C. are plenty close, so you can easily hit both locations from Cherry Hill. See the D.C. entry above (number 6) for more information.

8. Wilmington, Delaware

 

FOR THE AVIATION BUFF: American Helicopter Museum

The American Helicopter Museum preserves the history of rotary-wing aviation through air shows, exhibits, public education, and more. Featured aircraft include the Bell 47H, Boeing CH-46E, and many more. See the American Helicopter Museum website for details.

• Cost: $8-10 a person

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Fort Christina, First State National Historical Park

Fort Christina marks the site of the first Swedish and Finnish settlement in what would eventually become Delaware. This is a beautiful site in the larger First State National Historical Park. See the website for more information.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Philadelphia

Delaware doesn’t offer much in RV camping along I-95. We recommend driving on to Philadelphia.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The Liberty Bell and Historic Monuments

Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted, is right across the street from the Liberty Bell. These are both located in Independence National Historical Park, which also contains other historical buildings. You’ll need timed tickets for Independence Hall (unless you’re going in January or February). There are no tickets required to see the Liberty Bell, though you will have to go through a security screening—so bring only small bags to make that easier.

• Cost: Some free, some admission fees. See https://www.nps.gov/inde/faqs.htm

FOR THE TRAIL ENTHUSIAST: The Schuylkill River Trail

Once completed, the impressive Schuylkill River Trail will run from Philadelphia to Pottsville. Many sections are already completed. From Philadelphia, you can walk or bike the trail to Parkerford, a distance of 30+ miles.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Campus Park and Ride

This isn’t your typical RV campground. It’s an urban location, basically an RV parking facility with a 24 hour shuttle that takes you to the Philadelphia public transit system. Campus Park and Ride has restrooms, showers, water, 20/30/50 amp electric, wifi, and a dump station. It’s perfect for your Philadelphia stop.

10. New York, New York

 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: The Statue of Liberty

Take the ferry over to Ellis Island and enjoy this historic national treasure! Be sure to make reservations in advance, as recommended by the National Park Service.

• Cost: Varies (see https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/index.htm)

FOR THE NATURE LOVER: Explore Central Park

Pictures and movies don’t really show you how big Central Park is. You could easily spend all day exploring it. If biking is more your style, you can rent a bikes at several businesses near the southern end of the park. Grab some lunch at a Halal food truck for the authentic New York experience.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Liberty Harbor RV

Liberty Harbor RV calls themselves “the closest RV park to New York City.” With competitive rates and a bus tour that leaves right from the front door, it’s the perfect location for your budget expedition into New York City.

11. Bridgeport, Connecticut

 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Discovery Museum and Planetarium

The Discovery Museum offers hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This is a great place for kids and adults to explore. More information at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium website.

• Cost: $8-10.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: The Barnum Museum

American businessman and circus founder P. T. Barnum had a long relationship with Bridgeport, CT. The city has a wonderful museum dedicated to him. More information here.

• Cost: FREE (with suggested donation amounts and nominal fees for some programs)

WHERE TO STAY: Totoket Valley RV Park

There aren’t a lot of RV parks along this stretch of I-95. Totoket Valley RV Park offers a great location with water and septic, 20/30/50 amp electric, coin laundry, and wifi and cable. There are only 15 full hookup sites, so make your reservations in advance.

12. Providence, Rhode Island

 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: WaterFire Sculpture

WaterFire is a highly acclaimed outdoor sculpture by Barnaby Evans. The sculpture’s 100 bonfires are lit around sundown, filling the air with the fragrance of wood fire. This communal experience is quite popular, so arrive early to get a good spot.

• Cost: FREE (suggested donation $5)

FOR THE NATURE LOVER: Neutaconkanut Hill

This beautiful park preserves the flora, fauna, rocks, and forests of Neutaconkanut Hill. There are recreational areas at ground level, including a ball field, and hiking trails to let you enjoy the natural environment. More information at the Neutaconkanut Hill Conversvancy website.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort

Head north on I-95 into Massachusetts and stop at this beautiful RV resort, only 30 minutes north of Providence. You’ll enjoy a bike park, fitness center, disc golf, dog park, laundry, and much more. See the Normandy Farms website for more information.

13. Boston, Massachusetts

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: Old Granary Burying Ground and Freedom Trail

Numerous founding fathers are buried in this cemetery, which dates to 1660. The cemetery lies along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route that takes you past a wide variety of historic sites. Even better—schedule a walking tour, and you’ll be guided by Freedom Trail tour guides in period-accurate costumes.

• Cost: Trail and cemetery are FREE; scheduled walking tours incur a fee.

FOR THE NATURE LOVER: Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the US. This beautiful park offers sculpted lawns, a quiet lake, and many walking paths. This is a great place to spend an afternoon.

• Cost: FREE

WHERE TO STAY: Boston Minuteman Campground

Boston Minuteman Campground offers a pool, playground, and volleyball court, as well as 30/50 amp service and full RV hookups. Air conditioned and heated restrooms, with hot showers, are never far away. This is a great place to park the RV, kick back, and relax just outside of Boston.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 19th, 2017 at 7:50 pm and is filed under RV Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.