Nashua to Tybee Island Road Trip Guide

Just 57 miles in Worchester, Massachusetts is the first stop en route to Tybee Island: the Bancroft Tower. Named for Mr. George Bancroft, the former US Secretary of the Navy and the founder of the U.S. Naval Academy, this building was constructed to closely resemble a castle nestled within the middle of a vast green space.

Mr. Bancroft was originally a teacher and a student of history. During his time in the Navy, he formed many strong connections including a relationship with railroad tycoon Mr. Stephen Salisbury II, a friend since childhood. Following the passing of Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Salisbury's son was inspired to take $15,000 and invest it into the building of the Bancroft Tower to pay homage to his father's cherished friend.

The castle is narrow in construction and is 56 feet in height. The materials used for the building include cobblestones and rocks of immense size. Inside the building, the rooms are largely devoid of any furnishings. What does remain appears to have been mostly for show, and the property maintains a distinctly unused feeling.

It is important to note that there is a little parking lot at the entrance to the grounds. However, a maximum of 15 minutes is permitted per vehicle.

After a day of fun exploring Bancroft Tower, enjoy an RV stay at Sutton Falls Camping Area or Kings Family Campground.

Middletown, Connecticut's Wadsworth Falls State Park is only 81.6 miles from Bancroft Tower. For RV campers looking to enjoy some of the finest outdoor recreation in the state, a visit to this beautiful natural space will not disappoint.

There are many activities for families to enjoy during a visit to Wadsworth Falls State Park. One of the most frequented attractions is the many trails found along the grounds. Each of these paths is suitable for hiking or biking with many offering spectacular views of the falls.

There is one section of the park that is reserved specifically for swimming and picnicking. RV campers are asked to stick strictly to these regions as these two activities are prohibited in all other areas of the park.

It is believed that the rocks found in this picturesque recreational area are quite young at only 200 million years old by estimation. The park takes its name from Mr. Clarence C. Wadsworth, a gentleman renowned as an academic and specialist in several different languages. Mr. Wadsworth was a respected Colonel in the New York National Guard. After his marriage, he relocated to the town of Middletown where he swiftly fell in love with the falls. It became his life's work to preserve their splendor for future generations to enjoy.

Tuckered out from a great day exploring the grounds at Wadsworth Falls State Park? Consider an RV stay at Little City Campground or Markham Meadows Campground.

The next leg of the journey en route to Tybee Island is a short one at only 39.7 miles. This little RV trek brings campers to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. A zoo that has been in existence for more than 90 years, this popular attraction has earned the distinction of being the only zoo in the state. Beardsley Zoo is actively involved in animal conservation efforts with an emphasis on the protection of their natural habitats.

Beardsley Zoo's primary zoo residents are from North and South America. Among the creatures that call this zoo their home are several animals that are in danger of extinction.
​There are several areas of the zoo that are extremely popular with visitors. These include the tropical rainforest and accompanying aviary that permits unrestricted flight for birds, a New England Farmyard, a carousel, and an on-site cafe. The zoo houses over 300 different species.

To view the entire property, families should plan for 2.5-3 hours of walking.

Thinking a good night's rest is in order? Park the RV for an overnight stay at Northstar Campground or Cascade Campground.

One of New York City's lesser-known attractions, it is well worth the 60.9 miles of driving to enjoy the day exploring the Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins. Smallpox is a very old disease that has been affecting countries all around the world for over 3,000 years.

Prior to 1796, there was no vaccine for this highly contagious disease. During this time, smallpox claimed the lives of greater than 400,000 people annually with those numbers only representing affected people in Europe. The World Health Organization reports that during this time smallpox was responsible for the death of one in ten children in Sweden and France and in one in seven in Russia.

Smallpox also took the lives of many important figures throughout history including France's Louis XV. Queen Elizabeth I also fell victim to it but recovered, with scars the only remaining evidence of her illness. During the French and Indian Wars, blankets were contaminated with smallpox then passed along to the Delaware Amerindians, a cruel form of biological warfare.

The disease vanished from the world after an effective vaccination program was instituted in 1979. Prior to this, it was common for large cities to build and devote hospitals for the ease and treatment of smallpox.

At the time, the hospital now known as Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins was housed in a space referred to as Blackwell Island, a small isle that was accessed by ferry service from New York City. Here, sick patients could be kept in seclusion to protect the public at large. Today, the building lies in ruins but is well worth the effort to visit.

To reach the hospital grounds, RV campers will need to park their rigs in a private lot and board the ferry to the island.

Among the best places for an RV stay during an NYC visit include Nickerson Beach Campground and Battle Row Campground.

Six hundred and one miles on the open road brings RV campers to one of Wilmington's most interesting attractions: the Bellamy Mansion Museum. This popular center is a testament to the antebellum style common to the region in the early 18th-19th centuries.

The mansion sits in the heart of the city. Found on the grounds are several buildings including the main house, a carriage house, and the same quarters that once held slaves. One of the most interesting attractions about the property is the opportunity to hear true stories about the family that once made this place their home. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the African Americans, both slaves and free men, who built the facility during the Civil War.

Today, the mansion is essentially a museum dedicated to period history, architecture, and design. Throughout the year, many different classes and events are held for the public to enjoy.

The facility consists of the 10,000 square foot mansion as well as incredible gardens and the slaves quarters which have been restored to their original condition.
After the long drive and a day learning more about Wilmington's history, a good night's rest might just be what the doctor ordered. Consider an RV stay at Carolina Beach Family Campground or Wilmington KOA Holiday.

Nestled near to Richmond is one of the most interesting attractions found en route to Tybee Island: the Grand Kugel. The Grand Kugel is truly a unique phenomenon. It is essentially a large sphere derived from granite. It is believed to be the largest piece of its kind throughout the globe. The Grand Kugel can be set in rotation or stopped from movement with very little effort as a result of a unique scientific premise.

To be classified as a kugel, a stone ball must be perfectly round then placed inside a concave cup of the perfect proportions. When these conditions are achieved, water is distributed from the base of the cup to produce a very thin coating of water. This allows the ball, regardless of its weight, to easily be moved or stopped.

There are many different kugel balls throughout the world. However, the Grand Kugel is the largest of its kind. It was set in place in 2003. The ball is formed from granite found in South Africa. It measures nine feet across and weighs 29 tons.

The Grand Kugel is on display at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Has the Grand Kugel left you thinking it's time to do some grand napping? Park the RV to catch up on some zzz's at Pocahontas State Park or Camptown Campground.

It's a lengthy drive to reach the next destination at 434 miles; however, a day of relaxation and tranquility awaits RV campers at the Ridge Nature Preserve in Fayetteville. This beautiful natural space consists of 308 acres in total. Its landscape reveals many different topographical features including unique ecosystems and a rich variety of terrain.

There are many things to do see and do at the Ridge Nature Preserve. The property is home to a vast network of trails that measure seven miles in total. Each of these paths is suited to hiking, biking, and running. The trails found along the Ridge itself are rated to be excellent for walking with less challenging terrain to traverse on foot.

Much of the property found at the Ridge Nature Preserve includes a thick outcropping of tree growth. The Creek Trail provides access to the two creeks on the grounds: Gingercake and Whitewater.

Many species of wildlife call the Ridge home including such creatures as eastern box turtles, armadillos, hawks, white-tailed deer, and barred owls. Bring along a camera and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.

Tired out from a day exploring the preserve? Why not do some RV camping at Lazy Acres Campground or Waldo's Beach Campground?

The last stop before reaching the final destination of Tybee Island is 240 miles away in Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah Historic District is one spot that is not to be missed during an RV road trip that leads to the peach state.

Many visitors proclaim that Savannah's Historic District is the crowning jewel of one of the most stunning metropolitan areas in all of the world. Its roads are lined with cobblestones with beautifully tended gardens and rich oak strewn public green spaces lending the area an air of sophistication, charm, and beauty. One of the most distinctive features of any Georgian town is the silver-hued Spanish Moss which adorns the trees.

The Savannah Historic District has been named a National Historic Landmark District and is the largest of its kind in the country. This attraction consists of over twenty blocks that are filled with many things to see including museums, churches, mansions, monuments, and well-known forts.

Also found within this center are many restaurants, shopping centers, boutique shops, and 18th-century homes.

Enjoy an RV stay at Skidaway Island State Park or Fort McAllister State Park.