The Ultimate Guide for Your East Coast Road Trip

By Carly Eisley

Looking for travel ideas for an East Coast road trip? Here is a list of some road trip ideas from the New York campervan rental location to help you (safely) get on the road. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy some fresh air into the end of summer and the coming fall foliage. 

The state of travel in the United States for the past year was confusing at best. The early stages of the pandemic in the Northeast saw lockdowns and travel bans. But things are looking up with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. All states on the East Coast have lifted travel restrictions aside from Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Pack up that mask and hand sanitizer for your next East Coast road trip.

Traveling to New York

Once you are in your campervan, head North to the Catskills or Adirondacks. Be sure to check out the gorges of Ithaca, the Finger Lakes, or head to the shores of Lake Ontario. There are so many great places to escape into nature just a few hours’ drive from the New York campervan rental location. 

Take a look at the Escape blog for more travel ideas within New York and the East Coast.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is currently open, including all campgrounds and trailheads.  There is no quarantine requirement or travel restriction for travelers to Virginia.

• 4–5-hour drive from New York Depot
• Entrance fee: $30/vehicle (or included with a National Parks Pass)
• Four campgrounds, with some reservable and some first-come first-serve sites. 
  • Open seasonally March-October/November
• Activities:
  • Hiking – 500 miles of trails to suit all abilities, including 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail
  • Bicycling – Skyline Drive is a scenic and popular cycling route, and nearby Massanutten has amazing mountain bike trails

Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can still enter the Park on foot to hike, even when the Skyline Drive is closed. Campgrounds, services, and facilities have separate hours; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere on our website.

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Vermont

The Green Mountain State has a low COVID-19 case load, and they are working hard to keep it that way. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to test or quarantine. Unvaccinated people must get a PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than three days upon arrival. 

It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from the New York campervan rental location to Southern Vermont. From hiking, biking, water sports, fishing, craft beer, and wineries, the opportunities are endless. You can check out more of these blog posts for some Vermont road tripping ideas!

Maine

Visitors to Maine must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or fill out a travel form stating they’ve received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours. You may also get tested upon arriving in Maine, but must quarantine while awaiting results. 

Maine Coast Road Trip

You will want to start out your East Coast road trip by exploring the rugged beauty of the Maine coast. A 4.5- hour drive from the New York campervan rental location will take you to southern Maine to start your journey.

Acadia National Park 

8 hours from the New York depot, Acadia National Park is open for day use of the hiking trails and carriage roads. The park campgrounds are closed for the season and there is no overnight parking available. There are several private campgrounds near the park that are available for camping.  

Another place you will want to visit are the mountains of Northwestern Maine.  They offer hiking and biking in the summer months, with skiing at mountains such as Sugarloaf.

Acadia National Park is open year-round. Check our website for park facilities operating hours, such as Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

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Massachusetts

Visitors to Massachusetts are asked to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test up to 72 hours before arrival are exempt. Visitors may also test once they arrive in the state, but are asked to quarantine until they receive a negative result. 

Western Massachusetts

A great place to explore during your East Coast road trip is Western Massachusetts. You will be able to enjoy some hiking (or skiing in the winter) in the Berkshire Mountains. Mount Greylock has several hiking and backcountry ski trails available, and a road to the top so those who are unable to make the trek on foot can still enjoy the views.

Cape Cod 

Many travelers’ top places to pitstop during their East Coast road trip in Cape Cod. You can head to the Cape for a quintessential New England summer vacation. Sandy beaches, miles of bike paths, forest preserves, and the unique and quirky Provincetown offer something for everyone. 

Nickerson State Park is a favorite campground, with its own network of trails and bike paths, and freshwater ponds as well as easy access to the Cape Cod rail trail and local saltwater beaches.

Love the city? Stop off in Boston on your way off the Cape for some urban exploring and history.

Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 AM and midnight.

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West Virginia

West Virginia is an often-overlooked gem for outdoor recreation. The expansive Monongahela National Forest encompasses 1 million acres of mountains, trails, and lakes to explore in relative solitude. 

A 4-hour drive from the New York campervan rental location will bring you to the town of Harper’s Ferry, WV. This scenic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy visitor’s center as well as many hiking trails and museums.   

Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital is just a 4-hour drive from New York. Head into the city to explore a myriad of monuments, museums, and parks.  There are several parks and camping areas in close proximity to the city, many of which are also near other historic landmarks such as Civil War battlefields, military monuments, and national scenic trails.

Ready for Your East Coast Road Trip?

There are endless routes and places to stop at during your next East Coast road trip. Book your New York Escape Campervan rental today to enjoy some of these incredible places.