Road Trip with RVshare Atlanta to Portland

If you want to go on a lengthy journey from the Deep South to the West Coast, then you should take an Atlanta to Portland road trip. On your trip, you'll get to explore a wide variety of environments courtesy of some awesome national and state parks. Big cities and state capitals also await you; they're full of exciting tourist attractions that will make excellent additions to your road trip itinerary from Atlanta to Portland. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Nashville, Tennessee  

Music City has multiple great attractions, including the Johnny Cash Museum and RCA Studio B. You can find plenty of quality dump stations and campgrounds close by.

St. Louis, Missouri

While experiencing St. Louis, be sure to drop by interesting places like the Anheuser-Busch factory and the Museum of Westward Expansion. You won’t have trouble finding good dump stations and campgrounds here.

Kansas City, Missouri  

This big city is built at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers in both Kansas and Missouri, so there are plenty of awesome locations to visit, like Union Station and the Kansas City Zoo. Some top-notch dump stations and campgrounds are in the area.

Ogden, Utah  

Hill Aerospace Museum and the Utah State Railroad Museum are just a couple of great places to visit in this city that is located near the Great Salt Lake. Plenty of nice dump stations and campgrounds are nearby.

Boise, Idaho  

In Idaho’s capital, you can drop by attractions like the Boise Art Museum and the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Numerous dump stations and campgrounds can be found here.

National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

You can reach the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park by driving about three hours east of Nashville, Tennessee. Once you reach this gorgeous portion of the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll understand why it's America's most frequently visited national park. There are plenty of ways to explore this park, thanks to the 800 miles of trails and multiple roads that cut through it. You can also go boating and fishing on some of the park's more than 2,000 miles of rivers and streams. 

Mammoth Cave National Park  

Mammoth Cave National Park is only an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Nashville, so you should think about paying it a visit on your road trip from Atlanta to Portland. People flock to this park to tour some of the 400 miles of discovered caverns here. Once you've visited interesting areas like Frozen Niagara and the Rotunda, you can walk, hike, or ride on some lovely trails that are above ground. Fishing and boating are also possible thanks to the park's rivers and streams. 

Gateway Arch National Park  

Since Gateway Arch National Park is only five minutes from Interstate 70 as it crosses the Mississippi River in St. Louis, how could you miss the opportunity to explore this urban national park on your Atlanta to Portland RV road trip? The primary attraction is, of course, the Gateway Arch itself; guests love climbing to the top of this 630-foot marvel to see awesome views of St. Louis and its surrounding areas. There are some historic buildings and museums in the park you can tour; St. Louis has numerous other historic locations outside of the park that you can explore as well. 

Rocky Mountain National Park  

If you want to experience the wonder of the Rockies on your road trip from Atlanta to Portland, then Rocky Mountain National Park is your best option. The entrance to the park is only an hour and 45 minutes southwest of Cheyenne, Wyoming, so it's simple to reach. You can, of course, explore the Rocky Mountains here; you can even climb to the summit of multiple peaks on a variety of trails. If you want to take more leisurely walks around lakes, and by waterfalls, you can do that as well. Wildlife sightings are common here; if you keep your eyes peeled, you might see bears, marmots, moose, elk, and more.

Yellowstone National Park  

In order to reach stunning Yellowstone National Park, you'll need to drive three hours and 15 minutes northeast of Declo, Idaho. Nowhere on the planet has a larger collection of geysers and hot springs than Yellowstone, so visiting here is a must if you like exploring those kinds of environments. However, there's more to this park than Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring; waterfalls, meadows, mountains, and more are also a part of this park. 

Nearby State Parks

Fort Mountain State Park  

You won't spend much time in Georgia on your Atlanta to Portland RV road trip, but leaving this state without exploring gorgeous Fort Mountain State Park would be a shame. The park takes its name from the sizable wall built by the Cherokee Indians long ago, so it's steeped in history. There are 27 miles of trails that are suitable for both hiking and biking; 23 additional miles of trails are for hiking only. Multiple lakes and streams in the park provide great venues for fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and more.

Kenlake State Park  

If you want to explore some of the fabulous Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, then you can do so while staying at Kenlake State Park. This park is located 30 minutes from Cadiz on Kentucky Lake, so it's an awesome place for fishing and boating. Plenty of birds call this park home, so it's excellent for bird watching. You can also go swimming in the pool, enjoy a meal at the Aurora Landing Restaurant, and play some indoor tennis. 

Pyramid State Recreation Area  

Southwestern Illinois has some lovely countryside that you can explore by traveling 40 minutes west of West City and stopping by Pyramid State Recreation Area State Park. This park is home to a combined 500 acres of water, so it's a haven for boaters and fishers. If you want to go game hunting, you can head to the "Arch Mineral" section of the park. 

Curt Gowdy State Park  

Curt Gowdy State Park is another outstanding park for fishing and boating. Since this park has three reservoirs with different types of fish in each one, where you fish will largely depend on what you want to catch. If you're more interested in dry land, you can explore some of the park's more than 35 miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback. 

Wallowa Lake State Park  

In order to reach Wallowa Lake State Park, you'll have to take a stunning drive an hour and a half west of La Grande, Oregon, on Wallowa Lake Highway. Some have compared this park to the Swiss Alps, so a bit of extra driving is worth it to explore beautiful Wallowa Lake and its surrounding environment. Boating, water skiing, ice fishing, and other water activities are popular on the lake. There are plenty of trails on which visitors can go hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. 

Along the Way

Lane Motor Museum  

Since you can easily reach Lane Motor Museum by exiting Interstate 24 in Nashville and driving for a minute, you should add this interesting museum to your road trip itinerary from Atlanta to Portland. You can find America's largest collection of European cars here; this collection of 150 vehicles also features cars from North and South America as well as Asia.

American Jazz Museum  

The American Jazz Museum is just three minutes off of your route as it passes through Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is known for its own unique style of jazz, so the museum is full of interactive exhibits and films that explain the evolution of jazz. You can also experience some real jazz in the Blue Room, which is the museum's nightclub. If you go at the right time, you might be able to catch a jazz performance at the Gem Theater as well.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge  

The entrance to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is only three minutes from Interstate 15 as it travels through Brigham City, Utah. Obviously, this is an outstanding place for birding, but you can also see other forms of wildlife here. This refuge is home to a 12-mile auto tour road, so you can take in some of the gorgeous scenery here from your vehicle. 

AWOL Adventure Sports  

Just 10 minutes south of Jerome, Idaho, is AWOL Adventure Sports. This park gives you the ability to explore Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls in multiple ways. Zipline tours, scenic boat tours, and kayak tours are all offered at this adventure park.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area  

As you travel through Oregon toward the end of your road trip from Atlanta to Portland, your route will take you through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. You'll be able to see stunning views of the Columbia River and its gorge from your vehicle, but you'll also be able to easily travel to various attractions and waterfalls along the way. Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and more are nearby. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Atlanta to Portland, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Atlanta or Portland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Atlanta to Portland?

To plan an RV road trip from Atlanta to Portland, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Atlanta to Portland without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Atlanta to Portland. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!