NJ to OBX - Best Route to Drive

[Bikester]

Hey All,
We're headed to Camp Hatteras RV Park on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for Thanksgiving. We plan to leave late Tuesday night, like 9-10 PM and drive through the night. Wondering what the best route is. Apple Maps shows the 3 options (pic), the fastest being taking Route 13 through Maryland.

Thoughts/experience?
Thx

[popjim52]

I just went there and stayed this past 4th of July. I live in Baltimore and we took 95. The reason I didn't go 13 was I was not willing to drive 20 miles on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with 2 way traffic, pulling a 26 ft trailer with 2 kids in the back seat. Too much stress for me. Also my friend has a 40 ft Jayco Recon which is just massive... I just didn't want to start my vacation off white knuckling that route... 95 went smooth and the trip had no traffic issues and we were there in no time!!!!

[314BHDS]

I went from NJ to Florida over the summer,i took 95 but make sure you Avoid the tunnels,they do not allow propane to go thru them.As long as you get thru Baltimore Dc area before traffic and virgina your trip should be smooth. I got stuck in Virgina traffic on my way home and my truck and trailer were hit by a drunk driver,so I will make sure to travel thru there later at night next time.I used google maps to plan my trip,i believe it was 495 or 695 and you take Francis Scott key bridge to bypass tunnels and you can pick up 95 after you cross over it.

[Crabman]

I would not sweat the CBBT, have towed my rig over it several times. And the OP has a motorhome so even better. Propane is allowed on the CBBT and other Hampton Roads tunnels, just have to have tanks turned off. Only possible issue is high winds can restrict high profile vehicles from crossing, but I think that`s around 40 mph, would not want to cross it anyway with that much wind.

[3'senough]

Thanksgiving is the most highly traveled period. If you go by way of the shore route then I would suggest 113 out to OC and back to Pokomoke City and 13 south from there.

The CBBT I have done several times with my unit and it was relatively easy for me. Just stop and turn off the propane before proceeding.

There are lights on this route, but depending on your timing 95 could be a disaster. if the day after Thanksgiving it might be smoother. If the day before I might hesitate.

It's about 4 hrs from Dover to Norfolk, VA with a stop or 2 going 113 to 13.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Thanksgiving is the most highly traveled period. If you go by way of the shore route then I would suggest 113 out to OC and back to Pokomoke City and 13 south from there.

The CBBT I have done several times with my unit and it was relatively easy for me. Just stop and turn off the propane before proceeding.

There are lights on this route, but depending on your timing 95 could be a disaster. if the day after Thanksgiving it might be smoother. If the day before I might hesitate.

It's about 4 hrs from Dover to Norfolk, VA with a stop or 2 going 113 to 13.

Yes the 113 to Pocomoke route can be more relaxing, although there is some two way traffic on 113 in Md. but no big deal. The worse area I had issues with in the past is around the Wilmington De. area. That can be rather busy....

[Bikester]

Well, we are driving through the night, so I'd don't expect traffic no matter which way we go, but I think we'll try the 113 to 13 route. The DW may do some of the driving too, so she may be more comfortable with that. I'll probably drive the CBBT stretch. Thanks all

[3'senough]

If you are going through the night then I would go 95. It will be better for the passengers to sleep with less stops. You should hit minimal traffic unless there is major construction on 95, but that should be suspended with the holiday I would think.

The shore route 113 is best used during daylight hours and high traffic periods along the alternate 95 route.

113 is dark and not well lit. Plus there are deer along that route.

Make sure you use the Key Bridge though in MD.

Just my 2 cents.

[Bikester]

Thanks 3'senough. Good advice.

[Crabman]

Every time I go to the OBX its windy. That`s why the Wright Brothers liked it there so much. Be sure to see and climb Jockey`s ridge, largest sand dune on the east coast. Hiway 12 has had some damage after storms this fall but I`m sure its repaired by now.

[Bikester]

After reading all your feedback, I'm going to travel the following route.

• 95 South
• 695 South (Over the Frances Scott Key Bridge)
• 95 South
• 295 South (Richmond)
• 64
• 664
• 158
• 12

Since we are going over night, I think 95 is the way to go, so we can stop as needed and be on the highway as much as possible. Also, looks like I have to go over the bridge in Baltimore, as the tunnels are a no-no for any propane greater than a 10lb tank.

Thanks
JR

[bedrck46]

Just north of Richmond VA, is Ashland VA. truck stop normally has lowest price on gas and food was rather good

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by bedrck46

Just north of Richmond VA, is Ashland VA. truck stop normally has lowest price on gas and food was rather good

Definitely get fuel in VA regardless of where you stop. NC is like NY with taxes.

Think you route is good.

[314BHDS]

That route looks good,the biggest pain is having to drive around the tunnels but I went through that area around 4am and it was smooth sailing to get back on 95 heading to florida

[gmapatime]

Bikester.... If that is the way you want to go, make sure you don't hit the Norfolk area at rush time (4-6pm) or you'll regret it. Also, take it easy on 64 South from Richmond. It's only two lanes and vehicles fly through that area (70 plus). Also, I'd recommend you take the I-664 tunnel, not he I-64 tunnel as it's a much easier ride and less chance of the tunnel being closed. Good Luck....

Me personally, I've traveled that route for the last 25 years and will not do it with the MH unless traveling over night.

Steve

[anav8or]

We're at Camp Hatteras now through Sat - weather is cool but sunny and getting warmer every day! Have a safe trip and feel free to stop by and say hi!

[exjay1]

Let us know how you like it there (w/ some pics?) We want to head up that way maybe this spring/summer for a trip.

[anav8or]

Here is a link to some pics from around the campground.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1154628...eat=directlink

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by anav8or

Here is a link to some pics from around the campground.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1154628...eat=directlink

Looks like you got the place mostly to yourself!

[anav8or]

A few more arrived today, but it is mostly empty. There are several folks over on the sound side as well. I'll be this place looks quite a bit different in the summertime.

Happy Thanksgiving!