cmariorussell

Hi there! We are a family of 5 (mom, dad, three kids under 12) looking to do two weeks in an 28' RV, somewhere on the east coast this July 2017. We live in NJ, outside of New York City. First timers in an RV (uh oh!).

We've visited Acadia National Park before, which was perfect, and we love the beach/lake/water. We looked at Smoky Mountains/Shanendah as a destination and route, which seems good, but there does not seem to much water there -- no lakes or canoeing...

So we were thinking about the Carolinas?

Or any thoughts or suggestions about that or other ideas? Maybe north to the Finger Lakes?

With appreciation for collective wisdom, guidance, direction...

CMR (the dad)

tomfuller

I'm hoping none of the kids requires a car seat. That can be a deal breaker with side facing seats in the RV.
I would consider a smaller RV and a fairly large tent for the kids to sleep in.
If you and the kids like the ocean, try for a site on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Some of my earliest camping memories were at the campground at Fish Creek Ponds in the Adirondacks. There is a lot of open lakes there with short portages between them for canoes and kayaks.
If you go with the Smokies, check out Fontana Lake on the North Carolina side.

emalloy

Good suggestions from tom. You also could look at the Rhode Island shore or Cape Cod. Do get reservations for the campgrounds.

cmariorussell

thank you! that's super helpful. hadn't thought about the carseat. kids 11, 11, and 6. can't we get away with mere lap belts?

SusanM

Some good info re/children in RVs:

http://www.procarseatsafety.com/recr...hicles-rv.html