I-95 New Jersey to Connecticut

[Bob Nodine]

When this Covid thing quiets down and the borders to Canada are opened back up we plan to make a big loop from Main taking in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and back to New York and then home. This may seem silly but not counting Hawaii the only states we have not camped in are Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and West Virginia. With the exception of West Virginia we hope to check them all off our list on this trip. The plan is to start with Delaware and then move to New Jersey and then on to Connecticut. Google maps shows the route from New Jersey to Connecticut as I-95 crossing the George Washington Bridge. We have been in the Newburgh, New York area and over to I-95 but never close to New York City on I-95. Just wondering what folks think that have done this route in a 40 foot coach towing. Is the traffic a real problem and should we loop around the city?

[Highwayman]

I 95 from Connecticut to the Jersey line will rattle everything thing in your coach and then some. Your way better off taking 287 west across the Tappan Zee ( called Como now ) bridge and then south into Jersey.

I 95 from Connecticut to the Jersey line will rattle everything thing in your coach and then some. 

The traffic is horrendous and the drivers are rude.

[Bob Nodine]

12 hours ago, Highwayman said:

I 95 from Connecticut to the Jersey line will rattle everything thing in your coach and then some. Your way better off taking 287 west across the Tappan Zee ( called Como now ) bridge and then south into Jersey.

I 95 from Connecticut to the Jersey line will rattle everything thing in your coach and then some. 

The traffic is horrendous and the drivers are rude.

Thanks for that information Alex, good to know.

[billcjr94dynasty]

Bob, 

I am a former CT resident (moved out 1 year ago).  My suggestion is to take I-95 North into NJ and then get on the Garden State Parkway (exit 9).  The Garden State Parkway is a toll road but has EZ Pass.  Take the Garden State to 287 & across the Tapan Zee/Como bridge (EZ Pass toll) and then take 684 up to I-84 in Danbury, CT and take I-84 East.  Note, you cannot take the Merit Parkway with a Motorhome due to low bridges and a very winding road.  You can then take I-84 across CT to the Mass Pike (I-90) east and then take 495 or 295 to head north.  Unless you are planning on going into Boston, I would avoid I-95 through Boston.

In CT you can get on 691 to take you to Central CT and I-91 North or South and to Rt. 9.  You can also connect with I-91 in Hartford.

There are not any campgrounds in CT along the I-84 route that I can think of that will accomodate a large motorhome but there is a Cabella's in East Hartford.

If you are goind any site seeing in CT or visiting either of the Casino's I would be happy to recommend places to see or a nice campground near the Mohegun Sun Casino.

I highly recommend that once you hit the New Hampshire state line that you work your way over to Route 1 and take Route 1 into and through Maine.

Bill C Jr

Edited September 28, 2020 by billcjr94dynasty

[miacasa_2000]

Bob   

I agree with Bill about the Parkway. Not sure where you plan to visit in Delaware but  there is also the Cape May Lewes ferry a little expensive but a great way to get into NJ. (I-95 can be a bear) and you'll be in the most beautiful county in NJ. (Not just because I live here either). I can think of no reason to stop in north jersey and like Bill I would be happy to recommend or help you anyway I can.   

Roy

[Bob Nodine]

On 9/28/2020 at 8:29 AM, billcjr94dynasty said:

Bob, 

I am a former CT resident (moved out 1 year ago).  My suggestion is to take I-95 North into NJ and then get on the Garden State Parkway (exit 9).  The Garden State Parkway is a toll road but has EZ Pass.  Take the Garden State to 287 & across the Tapan Zee/Como bridge (EZ Pass toll) and then take 684 up to I-84 in Danbury, CT and take I-84 East.  Note, you cannot take the Merit Parkway with a Motorhome due to low bridges and a very winding road.  You can then take I-84 across CT to the Mass Pike (I-90) east and then take 495 or 295 to head north.  Unless you are planning on going into Boston, I would avoid I-95 through Boston.

In CT you can get on 691 to take you to Central CT and I-91 North or South and to Rt. 9.  You can also connect with I-91 in Hartford.

There are not any campgrounds in CT along the I-84 route that I can think of that will accomodate a large motorhome but there is a Cabella's in East Hartford.

If you are goind any site seeing in CT or visiting either of the Casino's I would be happy to recommend places to see or a nice campground near the Mohegun Sun Casino.

I highly recommend that once you hit the New Hampshire state line that you work your way over to Route 1 and take Route 1 into and through Maine.

Bill C Jr

Bill,

Excellent information and I appreciate it. Will definitely follow your directions. We have already done Boston, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard. We were camped in Foxboro, MA near the Patriots stadium for the Boston visit and on Cape Cod when when took a boat out to Martha's Vineyard. We took the car over to Newport, RI and that is why we still need to camp in that state even through we have been there. We have not yet picked a campground in Connecticut so I may get back to you on that.

  

23 hours ago, miacasa_2000 said:

Bob   

I agree with Bill about the Parkway. Not sure where you plan to visit in Delaware but  there is also the Cape May Lewes ferry a little expensive but a great way to get into NJ. (I-95 can be a bear) and you'll be in the most beautiful county in NJ. (Not just because I live here either). I can think of no reason to stop in north jersey and like Bill I would be happy to recommend or help you anyway I can.   

Roy

Roy,

We are planning to camp at Lums Pond State Park in Delaware and then head over to NJ from there. Plan to stay in the Cape May or Atlantic Beach area but the choice of campgrounds that work for a 40 foot coach seem limited. Do you have any favorites?

 

[rpasetto]

When we travel from MA to TX we usually take I-84 into PA, thru Scranton, then south on the I-81 into  TN, and vice-versa.  We've found that generally less traffic and fewer slowdowns translate into a less harrowing trip and possibly better fuel economy despite it being a few dozen miles longer.  I agree with Roy about northern NJ; also western CT, RI and eastern MA are somewhat "big-rig-unfriendly", so watch the overheads, especially overhanging tree limbs.

We lived in northern NJ a long time, including our early motor-homing years before we were able to escape the congestion.  We avoid the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and the interstates (I-287, I-95 and I-80) in the more congested areas.   Not to knock the northeast area completely; there are some beautiful, scenic places.  Unfortunately many are "on the other side" of congested areas.  Send me your tentative route when you have it ready.

[billcjr94dynasty]

Bob,

I have never camped in Rhode Island so I can't help you with that.  The campground that I mentioned that is near the Mohegan Sun Casino is near where CT Rt. 2 intersects with CT 495.  CT 495 will take you Southeast down to 95 and you would be in Rhode Island in about 45 minutes.  Just a thought.

Bill C Jr. 

[miacasa_2000]

Bob

I don't know much about Atlantic county campgrounds but down here in the extreme lower end of Jersey I can suggest 3. First is right in Cape May  is the Depot Travel Park But don't get the wrong idea you will not be in a parking lot like some city campgrounds are. Quaint really nice quiet park but you are close and all lined up like a housing development. Second would be Seashore Campsites and RV resort this is a much much bigger park with all the hoop la even their own lake with a sandy beach and wooded campsites. Third would be Holly Shores camping Resort kind of in-between the two. If you use Google maps and look at the Cape may area in the satellite view you'll be amazed at the woods and farm land just inside all the towns that line the coast line.  

[Bob Nodine]

6 hours ago, rpasetto said:

When we travel from MA to TX we usually take I-84 into PA, thru Scranton, then south on the I-81 into  TN, and vice-versa.  We've found that generally less traffic and fewer slowdowns translate into a less harrowing trip and possibly better fuel economy despite it being a few dozen miles longer.  I agree with Roy about northern NJ; also western CT, RI and eastern MA are somewhat "big-rig-unfriendly", so watch the overheads, especially overhanging tree limbs.

We lived in northern NJ a long time, including our early motor-homing years before we were able to escape the congestion.  We avoid the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and the interstates (I-287, I-95 and I-80) in the more congested areas.   Not to knock the northeast area completely; there are some beautiful, scenic places.  Unfortunately many are "on the other side" of congested areas.  Send me your tentative route when you have it ready.

Will do Rick.

1 hour ago, miacasa_2000 said:

Bob

I don't know much about Atlantic county campgrounds but down here in the extreme lower end of Jersey I can suggest 3. First is right in Cape May  is the Depot Travel Park But don't get the wrong idea you will not be in a parking lot like some city campgrounds are. Quaint really nice quiet park but you are close and all lined up like a housing development. Second would be Seashore Campsites and RV resort this is a much much bigger park with all the hoop la even their own lake with a sandy beach and wooded campsites. Third would be Holly Shores camping Resort kind of in-between the two. If you use Google maps and look at the Cape may area in the satellite view you'll be amazed at the woods and farm land just inside all the towns that line the coast line.  

Thanks Roy, that is a big help. I knew to stay south in NJ but was not sure what campgrounds would be a good choice. Its always nice to get some advice from a local.

[Pampero]

I just came back from NJ, and I live in Long island NY. On the way out, it took 45 minutes to made the last four miles before the GW bridge, and on the way back home as soon we entered NY, we crawled to Long island. besides the road are a disaster and like other said, even your teeth will shake.

Bob, you said that you will go to Maine to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; how you planning to get there?

Many years ago, we put our motorhome and our towed car in a ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia, I believe they change from Portland to someplace else.

Nice trip

[Bob Nodine]

5 hours ago, Pampero said:

I just came back from NJ, and I live in Long island NY. On the way out, it took 45 minutes to made the last four miles before the GW bridge, and on the way back home as soon we entered NY, we crawled to Long island. besides the road are a disaster and like other said, even your teeth will shake.

Bob, you said that you will go to Maine to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; how you planning to get there?

Many years ago, we put our motorhome and our towed car in a ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia, I believe they change from Portland to someplace else.

Nice trip

We will be traveling roads for Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, etc and will take the bridge out to Prince Edward Island. The only way for us to get to Newfoundland is by ferry. We will take the ferry from North Sydney to Channel-Port aux both over and back because it is between 5 and 6 hours. The ferry to Argentia near St Johns is 15 to 17 hours long and we will not leave our dog in the motorhome for that amount of time. I know they let you take the dog out once or twice to use the bathroom on the deck but that is not the point. Our dog is part of the family and that long of a  separation is not acceptable.

[Pampero]

I agreed, we had our dogs back then but the trip from Portland was only six hours and at night, so the dogs were ok.

In Nova Scotia you HAVE to visit Louisbourg Fortress and learn their history; visit the cold mining museum.

Small towns are amazing, like Lunenburg, it used to be a campground by the water, very rough, that in the 1800 was a gold mining beach. Seems like is gone now.

We visited the Alexander Graham bell house and we stayed in a campground near by.

Unfortunately many things have changed since we went there in 1996 with our first pusher motorhome, things are faded out, so my memory 😞

It will be very nice for you and family.

[dandick66]

Bob,

I know I’m chiming in late.  I’m not sure where you’re starting your trip, but if you’re coming from the South, you might want to consider taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Norfolk and then heading up the Eastern Shore of Virginia through Maryland and into Delaware and then taking the ferry from Lewes Delaware to Cape May.  After camping in South Jersey, I’d head back across to Pennsylvania via the Commodore Berry Bridge and get on 476 and head Northwest.  This will avoid some of the Philadelphia and New York City traffic.  I realize that is not the shortest route by a long shot, but it will be scenic and less stressful.

I stayed at Lums Pond when I was stationed in Delaware a long time ago.  I have made the trip from NJ to Maine many times when I was stationed in Maine, too.  I live in Virginia now and as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather play leap frog with a unicorn than drive the I95 corridor from Richmond to Boston.  I realize there are a lot of open stretches, but for the most part it’s a traffic nightmare - Richmond, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York.

Best of luck on your trip and safe travels.

Dan 
 

 

[Bob Nodine]

33 minutes ago, dandick66 said:

Bob,

I know I’m chiming in late.  I’m not sure where you’re starting your trip, but if you’re coming from the South, you might want to consider taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Norfolk and then heading up the Eastern Shore of Virginia through Maryland and into Delaware and then taking the ferry from Lewes Delaware to Cape May.  After camping in South Jersey, I’d head back across to Pennsylvania via the Commodore Berry Bridge and get on 476 and head Northwest.  This will avoid some of the Philadelphia and New York City traffic.  I realize that is not the shortest route by a long shot, but it will be scenic and less stressful.

I stayed at Lums Pond when I was stationed in Delaware a long time ago.  I have made the trip from NJ to Maine many times when I was stationed in Maine, too.  I live in Virginia now and as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather play leap frog with a unicorn than drive the I95 corridor from Richmond to Boston.  I realize there are a lot of open stretches, but for the most part it’s a traffic nightmare - Richmond, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York.

Best of luck on your trip and safe travels.

Dan 
 

 

Thanks Dan,

Just wondering about a 40 foot coach towing using the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Is that something I should be concerned about? Also is the ferry you mention a drive on / drive off ferry with a 40 foot coach? We had to back the motorhome into the front side door of a ferry in Alaska and I will never do that again. We put the coach and toad on a ferry near Seattle and did not have to unhook and stayed in the coach. That was nice and easy but after the ordeal in Alaska I always make sure the ferry is drive on / drive off. No more backing into a ferry and making a 90 degree turn at the same time for me. There was a dump truck on my passenger side and they had to take the mirror off the dump truck to fit me in. I almost could not get out of the coach because the door would not open fully. Some adventures in life are best not repeated.

 

[dandick66]

19 minutes ago, Bob Nodine said:

Thanks Dan,

Just wondering about a 40 foot coach towing using the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Is that something I should be concerned about? Also is the ferry you mention a drive on / drive off ferry with a 40 foot coach? We had to back the motorhome into the front side door of a ferry in Alaska and I will never do that again. We put the coach and toad on a ferry near Seattle and did not have to unhook and stayed in the coach. That was nice and easy but after the ordeal in Alaska I always make sure the ferry is drive on / drive off. No more backing into a ferry and making a 90 degree turn at the same time for me. There was a dump truck on my passenger side and they had to take the mirror off the dump truck to fit me in. I almost could not get out of the coach because the door would not open fully. Some adventures in life are best not repeated.

 

Bob,

No problem taking the coach and TOAD on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel other than a hard hit to your wallet.  If it’s real windy they will close the CBBT to trucks and trailers (RVs too) until the winds subside.  Doesn’t happen real often, but they have huge parking lots where you can wait.  Here is the link to the CBBT. http://www.cbbt.com
The Cape May Ferry is a drive on - drive off ferry, so you should not have any problems.  Here is the link for it.  https://www.cmlf.com/can-ferry-take-my-vehicle
 

Dan

[miacasa_2000]

Bob,  I have taken the Cape May Lewes ferry many times with my 40' Dynasty towing a large Toyota sequoia never been a problem. It's the only ferry I've ever take so I can't compare it to others. It can be a little tight side to side , height is fine. They treat you really your loaded in the center and drive straight thru and it's not a major truck route so most of the time your only surrounded by cars. I have always handled the ramp fine but after one time of going at low tide and driving almost flat onto the ferry and unloading the same I now try to time my trips according to the tide. It's only a 90 minute ride 

[Pampero]

So do I with the Cape May ferry, 1/2 the price with the Orient Point to Connecticut ferry.

[Bob Nodine]

Dan and Roy,

Based on your advice and information we have decided that we will take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel over to Delaware and camp at Delaware Seashore State Park. When we leave there we will take the Cape May/Lewes Ferry over to New Jersey and camp at Seashore Campsites and RV Resort. Leaving there we will head for the Commodore Berry Bridge and I-476 to continue the trek north. 

Thanks for all your help.