Dover to Cincinnati Road Trip Guide
Introduction
The road trip from Dover, Delaware, to Cincinnati, Ohio, can be taken in a few days, or over a weekend, and spans 590 miles. From Dover, take Highway 8, 302, 301, and 50 to Interstate 97, then Route 695, 70 and 68, to exit 14 B, followed by Highway 40 and 119 to Oliver Pennsylvania. From Oliver take Highway 43 to exit 36 B onto Interstate 70 west, which will take you to Columbus, Ohio where you can use Interstate 71 to get to Cincinnati, Ohio. While staying in Dover, RVers will find nearby RV camping destinations at Killens Pond State Park or Tuckahoe State Park.
There are plenty of festivals and events providing entertainment and fun throughout the year in Dover. Time your trip to coincide with their excellent music festival or the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, Dover Days, or exciting NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway. History buffs will find interesting sites in and near Dover as the town dates back to the 1600s. Visit First State Heritage Park and Amish Country, or the Air Mobility Command Museum which provides exhibits with some of the most important aircraft used during the world wars along with other military equipment. The beaches along the Atlantic coast are just a short drive east of Dover. During the summer months enjoy sunbathing, wading, and swimming off the sandy beaches of the Delaware coast.
Point of Interest
Firefly Music Festival
Visiting Dover in the summer? Try to coordinate your trip with the fantastic Firefly Music Festival held in the city annually during the month of June. This is one of the largest music and camping festivals on the US East Coast. The four-day event is situated on the 100-acre woodlands of the Dover International Speedway and features seven live music stages. There are all kinds of creative activities, performances, and food and beverage outlets at the festival. Enjoy world-class performances from the grassy lawns and stroll on the pathways that wind about the venue's natural setting. Go to their official website for information on tickets, amenities, and schedules.
RV campers can stay on-site at the event. Three RV camping options are available, “Standard” campsites with access to shower and washroom facilities, “Front Row” sites, close to the festival entrance, with expedited showerhouse access, and “Infield” RV camping with full water, electric, and sewer hookups. The Infield sites are located on the infield of the Dover International Speedway and are farther from the festival grounds. There is also additional parking for RVs and extra vehicles outside of the event.
Loyalhanna Lake
As you travel to Cincinnati, about halfway through your journey, take Interstate 70 east from exit 36 B for a short distance to reach the Loyalhanna Lake, where a great recreation area and campground provide access to recreational activities on the lake. The lake is the result of the dam on Loyalhanna Creek, and is set in a valley with steep foothills rising on either side creating a scenic backdrop reminiscent of a Scottish loch.
The 500-acre reservoir lake is situated at an elevation of 100 feet above sea level and is a long, winding waterbody with plenty of shoreline. Enjoy hiking and cycling trails along the lakeshore, or fishing and boating on the lake. Fishing on the streams and tributaries associated with the lake is also popular. RV campers will find 44 RV campsites at the Bush Recreation Area, which is a Corps of Engineers managed campground on the east side of the lake. The campground is well treed with lots of shade and has sites with full hookups, and additional primitive sites.
The campground is open to campers from mid-May to mid-September. Amenities at the campground include flush toilet restrooms, showers, an RV dump station, and a playground and volleyball court.
Scioto Mile
On your road trip to Cincinnati, you will pass through Columbus, Ohio. This city has one of the most beautiful and attractive riverfront walks in the country. The 253-acre parkland strip in downtown Columbus has miles of multi-use trails that span the parkland between the Bicentennial Plaza arena district to North Bank Park at the Whittier Peninsula.
This integrated greenway system is laced with promenades, paths, and parks. Unique features include a 15000 square-foot interactive fountain and the US’s largest free outdoor climbing wall at Scioto Audubon Metropark. There are monuments, public art installations, playgrounds, pavilions, and swinging benches at the various sites. A favorite destination along the Scioto Mile is the Columbus Commons, a six acre park with 240 programs and events held annually. Check out their schedule for activities during your stay.
Concert series at the Columbus Commons and at various parks in the Scioto Mile system are a great way to take in some outdoor air entertainment with events like Jazz and Rib Fest and Rhythm on the River. Leave your holiday trailer at RV campgrounds and proceed to the central area of the city to take in the Scioto Mile.
Summary
Arriving at your destination in Cincinnati, Ohio, RV campers will find camping opportunities at Big Bone Lick State Park, south of the city across the state line in Kentucky, or at East Fork State Park just 30 miles east of the city. During your Cincinnati stay, catch a major league baseball game, or visit art museums and theatres.
Take a riverboat cruise with BB Riverboat and enjoy a dinner of kids cruise while viewing the beautiful river and valley, from climate-controlled comfort, or on open-air decks. Looking for something a little offbeat? Check out the American Sign Museum which exhibits half a century of sign history. Discover Cincinnati's hidden history on an underground tour. The city also provides live entertainment venues, dining opportunities, and shopping. Enjoy your stay in Cincinnati with urban attractions and great wilderness camping spots just out of the city!
