I don't see the distance as a long term concern. At my age, people move around; for all I know we could even be living together in a year or so.

What bothers me is how I should approach her, as I don't want to confess my feelings for her online or by phone.
The trip is a bit long and expensive for just a one day trip but if I could stay the weekend it's not that bad.

Thus the problem; as we're not together (yet, I hope :) ), I find it hard to suggest staying the weekend there and I don't have any male friends in the area I just can camp at.
I could just drive and be prepared to sleep in the car, but driving is at least twice as expensive as the bus and sleeping in the car is not very appealing. :)