We're considering pulling our trailer down to the Fort next summer from the Detroit area. I've done the drive once before, but only in a car. Does anybody have any suggestions for overnight camping stops along the way? I'm expecting to break it up into 3 days, maybe a short one on the 3rd day...
Thanks,
--Paul
Hello from Lake Orion Michigan!
We have made the trip several times. It really depends on how hard you want to push, but we have been able to make the trip comfortably over two days.
Typically we stop on the way down at the Sweetwater KOA in TN, about half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga. They always give us a pull through close to the bath house, so it is really easy in and out. It is about 1.5 miles off I-75. It is also a little over 1/2 way.
Leaving by 7 or 7:30 the next morning we have always been able to get to FW in time to check in, set up, clean up and make dinner reservations in the evening. Normally we arrive around 3:30 - 4:30.
Plan on a total drive time of between 19 and 21 hours (including stops for gas and food).
If you want to spread it out, there are several options in Kentucky and Georgia south of Atlanta. The KOA in Corbin, KY is very nice, and there are a lot of options around Lexington.
We stayed at the Valdosta, GA KOA last year (actually started the trip from Columbus, OH). This was a good choice. Again, we got a pull through. It was clean and quiet. Perfect for what we were looking for, and made for a really short trip into FW the next day - we arrived before Noon.
One thing to keep in mind - Traffic around Atlanta can be really bad - Washington DC, Boston, NY kind of bad. I would avoid Atlanta at rush hour (3:00 onward in the PM) at any cost. I didn't do that last year on the return trip home and really regretted it.
Good luck!
