RV Road Trip: Old Orchard Beach, ME to Advance, NC (Scenic Route – Avoiding Major Cities)

Day 1: Old Orchard Beach ➜ Camden, ME

Morning: Depart Old Orchard Beach early and cruise along Route 1, stopping at Sebago Lake State Park for a quick lakeside walk before heading north.

Afternoon: Arrive in the charming coastal town of Camden, explore the historic harbor, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café.

Evening: Set up at Camden Harbor RV Park, unwind with sunset views over the bay and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Day 2: Camden, ME ➜ Portsmouth, NH

Morning: Drive south on Route 1, pausing at the scenic village of Belfast to admire its lighthouse and harbor.

Afternoon: Continue to Portsmouth, NH, wander the historic Strawbery Banke Museum district and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.

Evening: Overnight at Hooksett Riverside Campground, a quiet spot just outside Portsmouth with full RV hookups.

Day 3: Portsmouth, NH ➜ Stowe, VT

Morning: Cross into the White Mountains, taking a scenic detour through Franconia Notch State Park for breathtaking mountain views.

Afternoon: Descend into Vermont and arrive in the alpine village of Stowe, where you can explore the historic downtown and sample local maple treats.

Evening: Camp at Smugglers' Notch State Park, nestled in a dramatic gorge—perfect for stargazing.

Day 4: Stowe, VT ➜ Greenfield, MA

Morning: Follow the scenic VT‑100, stopping at Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a quick tour (optional, not a major city).

Afternoon: Cross into Massachusetts and explore the artsy river town of Greenfield, strolling the Pioneer Valley Greenway.

Evening: Set up at Greenfield KOA, a family‑friendly campground with easy access to nearby trails.

Day 5: Greenfield, MA ➜ Shenandoah National Park, VA

Morning: Drive south through the quiet hills of western Massachusetts and into the Shenandoah Valley, entering Virginia via the scenic Skyline Drive entrance.

Afternoon: Cruise Skyline Drive, pulling over at overlooks such as Hawksbill Mountain for panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge.

Evening: Stay at Big Meadows Campground inside Shenandoah National Park, enjoying the park’s nighttime chorus of crickets.

Day 6: Shenandoah NP ➜ Advance, NC

Morning: Continue south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi.

Afternoon: Follow the Parkway through rolling ridges, taking short hikes at Craggy Gardens before crossing into North Carolina.

Evening: Arrive in the quiet town of Advance, NC and settle into the local Advance RV Park for a final night of relaxation.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Old Orchard Beach (departure) – 0.5 hr – $0
• Sebago Lake State Park – 1 hr – $5 (parking)
• Camden Harbor – 2 hr – $0
• Camden Harbor RV Park – Overnight – $30
• Belfast Lighthouse – 1 hr – $0
• Portsmouth Harbor – 2 hr – $0
• Hooksett Riverside Campground – Overnight – $30
• Franconia Notch State Park – 2 hr – $7 (park fee)
• Stowe Village – 2 hr – $0
• Smugglers' Notch State Park – Overnight – $30
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory (optional) – 1 hr – $10 (tour)
• Greenfield, MA – 2 hr – $0
• Greenfield KOA – Overnight – $30
• Skyline Drive (Shenandoah NP) – 3 hr – $30 (entrance fee)
• Big Meadows Campground – Overnight – $35
• Mount Mitchell – 1.5 hr – $0
• Craggy Gardens – 1 hr – $0
• Advance RV Park – Overnight – $30
• Fuel (approx. 900 mi @ 8 mpg) – 112 gal – $420
• Food & Supplies (6 days) – – $120
Total Estimated Cost: $1,017

Tips

If you’d like a more relaxed pace, add an extra day between Day 3 and Day 4 to explore the charming towns of Woodstock, VT, and Brattleboro, MA. Conversely, you can shorten the trip by combining Day 5 and Day 6, staying at a single campground near the Blue Ridge Parkway and driving straight to Advance, NC, though this will increase daily mileage.