Why not pick a area where you know there will be plenty of free safe camping? You are not all that far from the C&O and GAP. Plenty of free free or iexpensive camping along the way and you don't need to worry about holiday traffic. The Erie Canal Trail is not far away either. Not sure about the camping there.

Of course this might require a change of your travel plans.




Stealth camping in populated areas is foolish advice IMHO. Just because others get away with it does not mean you will. You could be arrested, robbed or worse. Just not worth the risk..

If you really want to do your R/T tour from your home on the cheap, then it sounds like warmshowers is going to be your best bet. You also have couchsurfing, but it is a much more social, you mght be expected to do your homework on your host's profile.