Fellow I 95 Travelers Please Advise

[FtW Mike]

Being further south has its advantages. If I hit the road between 8-9am in N. VA, I can make it to Point South KOA by about 7-8pm depending on stops. I run around 65-68 on the highway which the truck seems to love. With Point South being an overnight stop there is little to connect and they are level enough I do not need to disconnect the trailer.
can be stuck forever
Caren and I have discussed the trip in August, given the daylight hours of trying to push a little further south on the way down. We are also leaving during a work day instead of a Saturday. So the choice is either leave before rush hour or leave after. We don't want to wait till 9-10am to hit the road, so we are planning on a 5-5:30am departure. That will take us south of rush hour by the time it picks up. If we make good time from that point we could make it to Savannah South KOA in the first day. It's pushing it a bit, but not too badly.

Problem is coming from De I have both DC and Richmond to get thru in the first 4 hours of the trip. Any problem on the road and I get stuck for like ever. I try to leave at like 5 or 8 am in order to avoid rush hour in both. But without fail the best laid plans of mice and men as they say. So while I like to go to mid NC . Plus the stop see the Holiday Light Show just north of Richmond throws a big kink into normal plan. Looked at Point South last trip and wish we had chosen there instead of Santee Lakes next door Never again Lucille calls it PREPPERVILLE. We have time to finally decide big question is now how far do we want to travel on day 2 and 3 Well that and how important is it for us to say we've bee to SOB.

 

[Maligator]

Being further south has its advantages. If I hit the road between 8-9am in N. VA, I can make it to Point South KOA by about 7-8pm depending on stops.

Oh man, we stopped at that point south KOA one year and will never again. The English lady was great but the place is a sand pit and looks like something out of the movie "Deliverance". Now, it's our new tradition to stop at the Jacksonville KOA just inside GA the night before hitting the fort heading south. From there, it's only a 4hr ride and we can sleep in a bit but still arrive for check in fairly early. It's a very nice campground with a decent pool, level sites and right off i95.

This year we will try Camp Pedro and then drive through to the Jacksonville KOA the next morning.

 

[FtW Mike]

Have to amend my prior post it was Palmetto Shores we looked into not Point South

 

[jbrostek]

Point south has made a LOT of improvements. They actually got top honors from KOA for 2016, they are wooded, mostly pull through and I like it because they do pizza there. Its Hunt Brothers pizza, nothing special but its good for the first night on the road. New green acres is fine for an overnight stop, but all the food requires leaving the campground. I could cook and I think in August Caren and I are planning something we can reheat when we stop since I am pushing further south.

I will look into Jacksonville/St. Mary's KOA, but I have a feeling that is just too far south for me for the first day on the road.

 

[KristinU]

I have to add that we've become comfortable with Walmart and Casino overnights (using the All Stays Camp & RV app to read reviews). I have to say that it relieves a lot of the stress of figuring out what CG we want to stop at and whether we will make it before close, etc. We usually have something on hand to reheat in the microwave using the genny, or just sandwiches or something. Of course a swing through Walmart costs almost as much as a CG fee, but it usually involves me getting ice cream

 

[FtW Mike]

Point south has made a LOT of improvements. They actually got top honors from KOA for 2016, they are wooded, mostly pull through and I like it because they do pizza there. Its Hunt Brothers pizza, nothing special but its good for the first night on the road. New green acres is fine for an overnight stop, but all the food requires leaving the campground. I could cook and I think in August Caren and I are planning something we can reheat when we stop since I am pushing further south.

I will look into Jacksonville/St. Mary's KOA, but I have a feeling that is just too far south for me for the first day on the road.

Just looked over Point South web site and have to say I are impressed. Definitely have to put them on the short list if we decide not to even stop at SOB. That they earned Campground of the year says a lot as a kid in the late 60's early 70's we used to go to KOA campgrounds in upstate NY so know they have high standards;
In Jacksonville we took liking for Flamingo Lake Staff was great and Flamingo Cafe had decent food and if you are there on Friday or Saturday nights they do kareoke Plus 95 or bypass only minutes away

I have to add that we've become comfortable with Walmart and Casino overnights (using the All Stays Camp & RV app to read reviews). I have to say that it relieves a lot of the stress of figuring out what CG we want to stop at and whether we will make it before close, etc. We usually have something on hand to reheat in the microwave using the genny, or just sandwiches or something. Of course a swing through Walmart costs almost as much as a CG fee, but it usually involves me getting ice cream

You could have had me at ice cream but DW is not into whole dry docking idea so other than a side trip to wallyworld doubt outside of an emergency we'll go that route any time soon. Plus the dogs can get very Jittery while we are on the road till we stop and settle in. Like you we try for to pack micro reheat meals for dinner while on the road, breakfast we try to stop at a Cracker Barrel for biggie before a day on the road.

 

[jbrostek]

I think without my normal 1 hour stop at JRs since there is no shopping to be done there, I could deal with getting down as far as Savannah, but any further south from where I am just 20 miles east of Winchester, VA would be pushing it. If you stop at Point South its about 6 hours to FW from there unless I4 is a mess like it was the last time I was heading south. But we left the campground around 10am, stopped for fuel at the FL/GA boarder, and then continued to FW from there. We got there around 5, but that was also dealing with about an hours backup in Orlando on I4 due to multiple wrecks.

 

[Maligator]

I think without my normal 1 hour stop at JRs since there is no shopping to be done there, I could deal with getting down as far as Savannah, but any further south from where I am just 20 miles east of Winchester, VA would be pushing it. If you stop at Point South its about 6 hours to FW from there unless I4 is a mess like it was the last time I was heading south. But we left the campground around 10am, stopped for fuel at the FL/GA boarder, and then continued to FW from there. We got there around 5, but that was also dealing with about an hours backup in Orlando on I4 due to multiple wrecks.

We hit the i4 traffic in Orlando one year and swore never to do it again. Now, we stay on i95s down to Titusville and take the 528 to 417 toll road which spits us out right at Disney. Toll is about $4. I bought a Sunpass online specifically for this because regular EZ pass doesn't work on this road. Smooth sailing and Titusville is the perfect spot to hit the Walmart to top off on food/supplies before hitting the Fort

 

[FtW Mike]

I think without my normal 1 hour stop at JRs since there is no shopping to be done there, I could deal with getting down as far as Savannah, but any further south from where I am just 20 miles east of Winchester, VA would be pushing it. If you stop at Point South its about 6 hours to FW from there unless I4 is a mess like it was the last time I was heading south. But we left the campground around 10am, stopped for fuel at the FL/GA boarder, and then continued to FW from there. We got there around 5, but that was also dealing with about an hours backup in Orlando on I4 due to multiple wrecks.

With JR off the plan it definitely opens up a lot of options for us. Having to cancel last years trip means I have a lot of Vacation time on the books so we are not rushing down or coming home this year. In fact this year we are booked for a month in the Fort. Trying out Snowbird lifestyle.
So w do want to try other places to stay at even if just to find places we like for an overnight or extra rest day while we travel someplace we want intend as a destination. DW really wants to go to FLAMINGO LAKES again as we had such a good experience there 2 years ago. Only problem there was the guide to our site instead of taking us the long way took the short cut to our site and I had to make a very tight U more like a V to get into our row and site. Our Pull thru site required a very hard right to go with direction of travel for road but those near us told me to give them a 5 min heads up and they would block traffic to I could turn left like everyone else does

 

[KristinU]

We hit the i4 traffic in Orlando one year and swore never to do it again. Now, we stay on i95s down to Titusville and take the 528 to 417 toll road which spits us out right at Disney. Toll is about $4. I bought a Sunpass online specifically for this because regular EZ pass doesn't work on this road. Smooth sailing and Titusville is the perfect spot to hit the Walmart to top off on food/supplies before hitting the Fort

Ooh, I like this idea, thanks Maligator!

 

[jbrostek]

7 years of traveling to Disney this is the first actual heavy traffic I can think of on I4. Now I95 in areas with no escape, I ran into that a few times actually.

I will consider that route, but probaby take I4 since I know I will be passing through after morning rush and long before afternoon, even if I have to deal with some lunch traffic having been in Orlando for work the lunch traffic is usually pretty mild.

 

[FtW Mike]

We hit the i4 traffic in Orlando one year and swore never to do it again. Now, we stay on i95s down to Titusville and take the 528 to 417 toll road which spits us out right at Disney. Toll is about $4. I bought a Sunpass online specifically for this because regular EZ pass doesn't work on this road. Smooth sailing and Titusville is the perfect spot to hit the Walmart to top off on food/supplies before hitting the Fort

7 years of traveling to Disney this is the first actual heavy traffic I can think of on I4. Now I95 in areas with no escape, I ran into that a few times actually.

I will consider that route, but probaby take I4 since I know I will be passing through after morning rush and long before afternoon, even if I have to deal with some lunch traffic having been in Orlando for work the lunch traffic is usually pretty mild.

Have to side with JBrostek on this one. Only problem we have encountered on I4 has been construction. For us not really a problem but our one dog Maggie gets a bit antsy but I don't expect that this year as it was supposed to be done last year. Worst traffic we encounter is from International drive exit to Disney Exit so not too far and I too strive to arrive after am rush and before lunch

 

[PaHunter]

Just looked over Point South web site and have to say I are impressed. Definitely have to put them on the short list if we decide not to even stop at SOB. That they earned Campground of the year says a lot as a kid in the late 60's early 70's we used to go to KOA campgrounds in upstate NY so know they have high standards;
In Jacksonville we took liking for Flamingo Lake Staff was great and Flamingo Cafe had decent food and if you are there on Friday or Saturday nights they do kareoke Plus 95 or bypass only minutes away



You could have had me at ice cream but DW is not into whole dry docking idea so other than a side trip to wallyworld doubt outside of an emergency we'll go that route any time soon. Plus the dogs can get very Jittery while we are on the road till we stop and settle in. Like you we try for to pack micro reheat meals for dinner while on the road, breakfast we try to stop at a Cracker Barrel for biggie before a day on the road.

Well New Green Acres has a Craker Barrel right across the road and about 50 yards from 95.

 

[PaHunter]

We hit the i4 traffic in Orlando one year and swore never to do it again. Now, we stay on i95s down to Titusville and take the 528 to 417 toll road which spits us out right at Disney. Toll is about $4. I bought a Sunpass online specifically for this because regular EZ pass doesn't work on this road. Smooth sailing and Titusville is the perfect spot to hit the Walmart to top off on food/supplies before hitting the Fort

We took almost the same route but 528 all the way to I4. Was a nice way to avoid the construction on I4. It does add about 20 miles but not bad. We left the fort about the same time as jbrostek and we met at the same first fuel stop. We also did the sunpass thing.

 

[Maligator]

We took almost the same route but 528 all the way to I4. Was a nice way to avoid the construction on I4. It does add about 20 miles but not bad. We left the fort about the same time as jbrostek and we met at the same first fuel stop. We also did the sunpass thing.

Yeah the way I see it, I'd rather lose 20 minutes for sure than risk an hour+ in stop/go traffic if someone get's in a fender bender or pulled over by the police and rubberneckers slow it down to a halt (exactly what happened last time on i4 for us)! That 528 route is so peaceful and un-congested too.

 

[BibbityBobbitySue]

This years trek to The Fort is going to be different from years past. As I am the driver I find that traveling 350 to 400 miles each day which roughly translates to 6 to 8 hr on the road. This year we will be making some previously unscheduled stops starting on day 1. Going to Camp Wilderness for Holiday Lights cuts my normal trip in half. Day 2 has her wanting to stop at JR for some shopping. So again, major chunk of travel day shot. we looked at some places in SC for night 2 but she is afraid it will be too far ie arrive after dark. and in 1 instance at a place we both agree NEVER AGAIN. Solution CAMP PEDRO at South of the Border. f anyone g there and how great it was. Jump ahead to now and some really good friends recollections not so much. But have been advised by a couple of others that while Tourist trap areas most likely our cup of tea Campground as an overnight stop ideal spot.
If anyone has any experience we would greatly appreciate it. Our needs simple Level or near so spot , 50 Amp service ( Heat pump ( 30 amp okay but 50 better)Refridge-freezer running (Monday Night Football).
Dog friendly as Girls need to get a good walk after day in the coach. We may check place out if we get there early enough but not really concerned if we don't

We live in Dillon, SC. and there is a great little campground right here. Bass Lake Campground. Exit 193 on I95. My brother in law wintered there for the 1st time and loved it. It's clean and the owner's are really nice. You might get a little interstate noise as the frontage road that leads to the campground's entrance is right next to the exit ramp. We have been over there many times and never really noticed it though. I know they are pet friendly. Here is a link if you want to check them out:http://basslakecampground.net/ Have a great trip!

 

[FtW Mike]

We live in Dillon, SC. and there is a great little campground right here. Bass Lake Campground. Exit 193 on I95. My brother in law wintered there for the 1st time and loved it. It's clean and the owner's are really nice. You might get a little interstate noise as the frontage road that leads to the campground's entrance is right next to the exit ramp. We have been over there many times and never really noticed it though. I know they are pet friendly. Here is a link if you want to check them out:http://basslakecampground.net/ Have a great trip!

BBS thanks for another 1st hands heads up on a good place to consider. seems to have a lot of what we want Close to 95 and PET FRIENDLY

 

[IngmarP]

We have stayed at 3 of the places mentioned, SOB, Green Acres, and Carolina Crossroads many times. Green Acres and Carolina Crossroads are both great for late night checkins. We stopped going to SOB because you have to go all the way down to the motel if the camp office is closed. The last time we went there we paid for a campsite that was already occupied and they were full. The motel desk clerk didn't know how to do a refund and we ended up stuck there for two hours in the middle of the night.

 

[PrincessMom98]

I'll add more campground to the easy on/easy off list - http://www.rvacation.us/ . It's too far north to help the OP, but maybe some other northerners can use it. We have stayed here a few times heading south after a late morning start from PA, and pushed through for a late stop coming back once.

 

[FtW Mike]

We have stayed at 3 of the places mentioned, SOB, Green Acres, and Carolina Crossroads many times. Green Acres and Carolina Crossroads are both great for late night checkins. We stopped going to SOB because you have to go all the way down to the motel if the camp office is closed. The last time we went there we paid for a campsite that was already occupied and they were full. The motel desk clerk didn't know how to do a refund and we ended up stuck there for two hours in the middle of the night.

As We will be traveling just a few days before Christmas I intend to have Ressies for all the places we will stay. Hopefully that should prevent problem you describe and cutting my normal travel day some so I can arrive early enough to be among 1st to arrive

I'll add more campground to the easy on/easy off list - http://www.rvacation.us/ . It's too far north to help the OP, but maybe some other northerners can use it. We have stayed here a few times heading south after a late morning start from PA, and pushed through for a late stop coming back once.

Thank you PrincessMom I remember seeing this from I95 on prior trips But as you say too north both coming and going but definitely going into emergency listings we have in our travel logbook.