Also known as the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville is home to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and so many live music venues. Plus, a trip to Nashville allows you to tour historic sites that give you a glimpse into how life was in the South several decades ago. 

Planning a 2-day RV trip to Nashville?

Two days is enough to visit the aforementioned Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, check out the Grand Ole Opry, take in some live music, and enjoy some hot chicken. You can choose to stay in the city, or stay outside of the city and drive in. Generally, spring and fall offer the best weather for a trip to this amazing city. 

At-a-Glance Trip Planner 

Category	Recommendation
Best time to visit	May–October
Ideal RV size	Class B, Class C, travel trailer
Suggested stay	2 nights
Campground distance	10–25 miles
Pet friendly	Yes (where applicable)
Budget	$$
Reservations needed	Yes during peak season

RV Planning Essentials

Best RV Types

• Class B: Best for couples or solo travelers who plan to drive and park in downtown Nashville.
• Class C: A good choice for families that offers more sleeping space while still being easy enough to drive on city roads.
• Travel trailer: Ideal for families who prefer to set up camp and leave the trailer at the campground while exploring the city in a tow vehicle.
• Large Class A: Less convenient for visiting Nashville because of its size, but doable if staying at a campground outside the city and using a tow vehicle for sightseeing. 

Driving Tips

• Avoid taking a large RV downtown. Nashville’s downtown streets can be busy, and maneuvering an RV can be difficult or even impossible
• If you must drive an RV downtown, plan your parking ahead of time. Never assume a downtown parking garage will accommodate your RV or even a large truck or van. Check height and vehicle-length restrictions before heading into the city.
• Plan for traffic: Nashville sees a lot of traffic during weekday rush hours and around major events.
• Nashville isn’t mountainous, but the surrounding area has rolling hills and grades that can be noticeable in a larger RV. This shouldn’t keep you away, but you will want to make sure your RV can handle it and learn how to drive an RV on grades. 
• Use a campground outside the city. Staying outside central Nashville can make RV access easier and allow you to use a smaller vehicle for sightseeing.
• Concerts, festivals, sporting events, and major conventions can dramatically increase traffic and parking demand. Make sure you know what events are happening before you go and plan accordingly. 

Budget Snapshot

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
RV Rental	$100–$300+ per night	Varies by RV size, season, and rental company.
Fuel	$75–$175	Depends on your starting point, RV fuel economy, and local driving.
Campground	$40–$100+ per night	Premium locations and peak dates may cost more.
Attraction Fees	$20–$60+ per person	Covers paid attractions, museums, tours, and special experiences. Many Nashville attractions are free or relatively inexpensive.
Parking	Free–$30+	Costs vary by location, event schedule, and length of stay. Large RVs have fewer convenient options and may cost more to park.

Weekend Itinerary 

Day 1: A Day Filled With Music

Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM)

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame has a variety of exhibits and galleries that can educate you about the history and cultural impact of country music. It’ll give you a stronger appreciation for how country artists have influenced the music industry.

• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Parking: Downtown garages and paid lots are available nearby; RV parking is not recommended.
• RV accessibility: Leave your RV at the campground and use a tow vehicle, rideshare, or other transportation.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially during busy periods.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals only

Afternoon (12:00 PM–5:00 PM)

Lunch at The Stillery

The Stillery, located in Downtown Nashville, can be a nice spot to sit down and relax for a bit. Choose from a variety of burgers, brick-oven pizzas, and other dishes, and if you like cocktails, sip a tasty beverage served in a mason jar.

• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Parking: Downtown garages and paid lots are available nearby.
• RV accessibility: Best visited without the RV.
• Reservations: Recommended during busy periods.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Varies by location and seating area

Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

The Johnny Cash Museum has the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts, including hand-written notes, guitars, and costumes. The museum’s exhibits document major events in the life and career of the Man in Black.

• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Parking: Paid downtown parking is available nearby.
• RV accessibility: RV parking is limited; use a passenger vehicle or rideshare.
• Reservations: Recommended during peak periods.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals only

Check In at Your Campground

When you arrive at your campsite, check in with the staff and listen to their directions regarding where to park and how to set everything up. If you’re concerned about the check-in process or want to save time, you could rent an RV and have it delivered straight to a specific campground. 

Evening (5:00 PM–10:00 PM)

Dinner at the Nashville Farmers’ Market

The Nashville Farmers’ Market is open throughout the year and hosts a variety of vendors. Pick up some local produce, meats, and cheese at the market, and grab some drinks and snacks to go. This can make it easy to set up a delicious spread at your campsite, where you’ll be able to relax after a busy day.

• Time needed: 1–2 hours
• Parking: On-site parking is available, but availability can vary.
• RV accessibility: Check current parking restrictions before bringing a large RV.
• Reservations: Not required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Varies by vendor and area

Wind Down at Your Campsite

After a busy day of exploring Nashville, return to your campground and prepare dinner using the food you picked up at the market. Relax outside your RV, enjoy a quiet evening, and get ready for another day of Nashville sightseeing.

Day 2: Getting a History Lesson

Morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM)

Breakfast at the RV

Start the day with breakfast at your RV. Make sure you fill up before heading into Nashville for another full day of sightseeing!

Visit the Nashville Parthenon

Located in Centennial Park, the Nashville Parthenon has been a major attraction since the 1930s. It’s the only exact-size and detailed replica of the original Greek Parthenon, and it has a variety of art exhibits.

• Time needed: 1–2 hours
• Parking: Parking is available around Centennial Park, but spaces can be difficult to find during busy periods.
• RV accessibility: Large RVs may be difficult to maneuver and park; use a passenger vehicle when possible.
• Reservations: Not generally required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals and pets may be subject to park and facility restrictions

Lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM)

Try Prince’s Hot Chicken

Prince’s Hot Chicken has been so successful that it has grown into a local chain. Try some famous hot chicken and a few sides, like baked beans, mac & cheese, or potato salad.

• Time needed: About 1 hour
• Parking: Parking availability varies by location.
• RV accessibility: Best accessed with a passenger vehicle.
• Reservations: Generally not required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Varies by location and seating area

Afternoon (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)

Explore the Tennessee State Museum

A trip to the Tennessee State Museum, which doesn’t require an entry fee, will enlighten you on the history of Tennessee. You’ll learn about topics such as the Indigenous communities, Tennessee’s time as part of Virginia and North Carolina, and the Civil War.

• Time needed: 2–3 hours
• Parking: Downtown parking is available, but spaces can be limited.
• RV accessibility: RV parking is not recommended; use a passenger vehicle or rideshare.
• Reservations: Generally not required.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals only

Evening (5:00 PM–10:00 PM)

See a Show at the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is about 20 minutes away from Downtown Nashville, so you’ll appreciate having your own transportation for getting there and back. You can reserve tickets to a show or book a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic performance hall.

• Time needed: 2–4 hours
• Parking: On-site parking is available.
• RV accessibility: Large RVs may be difficult to maneuver; a passenger vehicle is recommended.
• Reservations: Required for performances; recommended for tours.
• Family friendly: Yes
• Pet friendly: Service animals only

Relax at Your Campsite

After the show, return to your campground and settle in for the evening. Enjoy a quiet night around the RV before heading home or continuing your Nashville adventure.

Day 3 and Beyond in Nashville

Have more time in Nashville? There are plenty of additional attractions to explore. Check out:

• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens 
• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery 
• Ryman Auditorium
• National Museum of African American Music 
• Adventure Science Center 
• Pinewood Social

Know Before You Go

Can I drive an RV downtown Nashville?

As mentioned above, driving an RV in downtown Nashville can be tricky. Smaller Class B and some Class C RVs can navigate Nashville’s streets, but a trailer or large motorhome isn’t going to fit well. For most RVers, leaving the RV at the campground is the best option.

Where should I park an RV when visiting Nashville?

Really, the easiest option is to park your RV at your campground and travel into Nashville in a tow vehicle. If you must park downtown, remember that most parking garages will not accommodate large vehicles. Check vehicle-height and length restrictions before attempting to park in a garage, or use a surface lot instead. You might also want to plan to pay for multiple spots if your RV will not fit into one parking spot. 

Do Nashville campgrounds require reservations?

Reservations are strongly recommended when planning to stay in a Nashville-area campground. Campgrounds can fill up during peak travel periods, weekends, holidays, and major Nashville events and even if you aren’t visiting during one of these times, booking ahead allows you to choose the very best site for your rig and family. 

Local RV Tips

Plan Your Fuel Stops

Fuel is easy to find throughout the Nashville area, but larger RVs can have trouble maneuvering through small gas stations. When possible, choose truck stops with large, easy-to-navigate lots. It helps to fill up before heading into the city instead of relying on downtown stations.

Locate a Dump Station Before You Need One

If your campground doesn’t include full hookups, identify a dump station along your route before arriving in Nashville. 

Stock Up on Groceries

The Nashville area has plenty of grocery stores where you can stock the RV kitchen. Generally speaking, shopping outside the downtown area is a whole lot easier with an RV thanks to bigger, less congested parking lots. 

Fill Propane Before Heading to Camp

Check your propane tank level before arriving. Propane is available in and around Nashville, but it’s easier to fill up before you’re settled at your campsite than it is to break camp and search for a place to fill up later. If you must fill up in Nashville, U-Haul of Wedgewood is a good choice. 

Don’t Count on Overnight Parking

Never assume a large parking lot is an invitation to stay the night. Many Nashville-area businesses do not allow overnight parking. Generally speaking, it’s best to book a campground, but if you must spend a night in a parking lot, be sure to ask permission first. 

Consider a Scenic Drive Outside the City

The area around Nashville is actually lovely, green countryside. Yes, you will want to see the sights in the city, but it’s also a good idea to leave a little time to explore the more rural areas. Just make sure to check your route for low-clearance roads and narrow streets before taking a large motorhome into unfamiliar areas.

FAQ Section