Roadtrip with RVshare Atlanta to New Orleans

You'll have no shortage of interesting side excursions to add to your road trip itinerary from Atlanta to New Orleans. For history buffs, there are many places tied to the United States' past in the Deep South. On your journey, you'll travel through Montgomery, Alabama; this capital city is home to several attractions related to the civil rights movement in the 1960s. You could also head farther south to Mobile and visit the Mobile Carnival Museum that celebrates the city's Mardi Gras traditions. Your final stop is in New Orleans, and this city is the heart of Cajun culture. Don't forget to taste the local fare or listen to homegrown jazz music in the Big Easy.

Nearby National Parks

On your Atlanta to New Orleans RV road trip, take time to see some peaceful views at national parks in the South. With RVshare's national parks guide, you can learn more about these scenic spots.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Atlanta is only a couple of hours away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 500,000 acres of land spanning through Tennessee and North Carolina, this is one of the largest parks in the country. While you are there, you can enjoy many recreational activities, including biking, camping, and hiking. The Smokies are home to many types of animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, and white-tailed deer. If you want to see a bear, you have a good chance at this spot. There are about two bears per square mile, and many people head here to get a glimpse of these animals in the wild. For those who want to stay in the vehicle, the Smokies have paved roads that will give you a great look at the natural landscape. 

Congaree National Park

South Carolina's only national park, Congaree is the home to the tallest trees on the East Coast. While the lumber industry decimated many trees in the late 1800s, this forest was spared. It was first designated as a national monument, but it was eventually given the title of a national park in 2003. This national park encompasses the forested area, the Congaree River, and the floodplains. If you want to get a closer look at the landscape, you should sign up for the guided tours and hikes. On the Owl Prowl, you will learn about the local owls in the region. The park's wilderness canoe tour gives you a closer view of the trees and caves. On selected weekends, there is even a bird-watching tour presented by the Audubon Society. 

Hot Springs National Park

You'll have to make a five-hour detour to get to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas if your road trip takes you through Mississippi, but it's worth the drive. This national park is also known as "The American Spa." As you might imagine, the city of Hot Springs was built around the thermal hot springs. While you can visit the hot springs throughout the city, you will want to tour this national park. At the north end, guests enter the park to visit the thermal baths and learn about the fascinating history of the area. In addition to hiking around the park, you can actually soak in the therapeutic waters as you relax and get pampered at the on-site spa. For those wanting a panoramic view of the city, head up the mountain tower. There are several hiking trails that allow you to look at the local flora and fauna. Throughout the year, there are scheduled events and programs at the park. 

Nearby State Parks

With RVshare's state park guide, you can get a few more details about some other interesting stops along your route. Whether you want an exciting or relaxing stop during your road trip from Atlanta to New Orleans, there are plenty of state parks to fit the bill. 

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park is a public recreation area near Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama. With over 3,500 acres, this park is known for its fragrant wildflowers and cascading waterfalls. You can see a wide range of natural elements, including mountain terrains, rivers, and scenic forest areas. While you are here, check out the highest waterfall in the state at DeSoto Falls. This park is also home to many native species, including white-tailed deer, foxes, squirrels, bobcats, wild turkeys, and songbirds.

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has over 2 miles of white sand beaches. If you love to collect seashells, you can find plenty of shelling opportunities at this spot. There are boardwalks in the park that will take you over the dunes as you head to the shore. This state park even has a pond for dogs to swim and play. Anglers will want to head here to catch redfish, bass, flounder, or speckled trout in the lakes. 

Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park is the former estate of Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville. This state park is close to New Orleans, and it is located near Lake Pontchartrain. Many residents of New Orleans head to this location to sunbathe, swim, or sail on the lake. If you want to get in some exercise, you can travel the trail that was once a railroad line. 

Along the Way

Piedmont Park Conservatory

This urban park is about 1 mile northeast from downtown Atlanta. In the 1800s, the park hosted many local fairs and expositions. Today, you can sign up for a tour by one of the local docents. Piedmont Park also has a dog park to allow your furry friend to run and play. During the summer, the green market allows you to shop for fresh foods from local businesses. 

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

When you get to Mobile, Alabama, be sure to visit this retired battleship. The public is welcome to explore the monuments and grounds, including the fishing pier and picnic areas. For those bird lovers, there is even a bird observatory. The park is open for tours, and it is home to over 25 types of military aircraft. If you are hungry or want a souvenir, you can check out the snack bar or gift shop. 

Bourbon Street

New Orleans is closely associated with Bourbon Street. This historic street, which is home to shops, bars, and tourist spots, runs for about 13 blocks. Bourbon Street is very popular, and it remains one of New Orleans' top attractions. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

On your route, you will pass through several important Southern towns with lots of local attractions and culture. During your road trip from Atlanta to New Orleans, you can also find comfortable campgrounds and dump stations along the way. 

Montgomery

Montgomery is tied to some important events in the civil rights movement. The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church was the site of the Montgomery bus boycott in the 1960s. The Civil Rights Memorial has an exhibition center dedicated to the movement. In the downtown area, the Alabama State Capitol dates back to the 1850s. If you want to see displays of American and African art, you should make a stop in this city. When you are done exploring, there are several campgrounds in the area. The Woods RV Park & Campground offers a dump station that's free for registered guests and affordable for visitors. 

Mobile

You'll certainly want to make a pit stop in Mobile, which is nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. This city is a very popular place for families and tourists on vacation. Along with that, you can find plenty of shops and restaurants to visit on your trip. If you want to learn about the history of the area, there are several historical museums in the town. When you need a place to park your vehicle, Mobile has many campgrounds with plenty of space for your rig. Some of the best RV parks are within walking distance to the Gulf.

Metairie

If you want to spend some time outside of New Orleans, you should head over to neighboring Metairie. In this town, Lafreniere Park is one of the best places to participate in a couple of sports or relax for the day. The Jefferson Performing Arts Society gives a few performances throughout the year. If you are ready to find a campground, there are plenty of choices near Metairie. You can find a dump station available for registered guests at the French Quarter RV Resort.

Find Adventure from Atlanta to New Orleans

Find your One-Way Rental

On this Atlanta to New Orleans road trip itinerary, you will pass by plenty of exciting places. If you want to rent an RV for your next adventure, you can find several options at RVshare. Whether you are in Atlanta or New Orleans, you will find a wide selection of rentals. A camper or motorhome can enhance any Atlanta to New Orleans road trip.