Trip Planning FL to LA

[bertnspike]

I'm going to the Passport America Rally in Rayne, Louisiana at the end of March. I don't want to rush, and I hope it will take me a week or more to get there. I like 4 lanes, I'm not enamored of interstates, and I don't like tolls. If I have to pass through a city or town I'm okay with that. I want to parallel the 528/I-4/I-10 route, but I don't want to spend a lot of time on those particular roads.

I'm thinking of about 4 actual traveling days with the following stops: 1st stop somewhere between Gainesville and Lake City, FL, 3 to 4 hours driving time w/stop, stay 2 nights. 2nd stop somewhere between Tallahassee and Panama City, FL, another 3 to 4 hours w/stop, stay 2 nights. 3rd stop somewhere between Pensacola, FL and Gulfport, MS, etc. after the 3rd stop I would go straight on to Rayne, LA, which might be a longer haul, but I could always dry camp for 1 night on the way if I'm tired. I want full hookups for the most part. For my maiden voyage I want to keep it simple.

I'm wondering if any of you are going to that rally or have in the past. Does anyone have any comments about my route and timing? I know there are things to do and see in all of those places and the dogs will appreciate days off the road. 2 days per spot is not set in stone either. If you know of "must sees" or good campgrounds in any of those areas, please let me know. I plan to stay in Rayne for at least a week and have committed to early arrival.

Thanks for your thoughts....

[Acadianmom]

I only live about 40 miles from Rayne. I think I saw a discussion on this, maybe on facebook. Carolyn said she didn't think she could go because of work. I'm not a member of Passport America but bet they would let me join. I'll have to think about it. It's only about 2 weeks after the TX GTG and a week and a half before the Pink Flamingo GTG. My DH is not too happy when I'm gone a lot.

Martha

[Sandersmr]

If you want to parallel I-10 in Mississippi, Hwy 90 is the road. It runs through the coastal towns, a lot of time right on the water. And while I haven't stayed at the Rayne Convention Center, I have friends that stay there for the Hamfest which will be just a couple of weeks earlier and they said it was a nice campground.

I stayed in a state park in MS - Shepard State Park - it's right off of Hwy 90 outside of Pascagoula. It didn't have FHU, but did have some pull-throughs.