We live in Minnesota - and we drive down for 2 weeks and camp at FW.
But, we have tossed around the idea of flying with all our stuff. But, you're right - there's just too much! Maybe if all we had were tents and sleeping bags.....but with the screen tent, stove, appliances, suitcases, pillows, food, coolers, etc, etc, etc. there's no way!
Our drive is 24 hours. Sometimes we drive straight through, but most times we stop after the first 15 hours. That way, we have a shorter drive the second day and we are much more awake when we arrive!
The drive is fun - it's part of what we look forward to on our trips! We always see interesting things and have fun on the way down and back!