As you kick off your Austin to Memphis road trip, you may want to start by listening to some western swing music as you roll up Interstate 35 through Round Rock, Killeen, and Dallas. Then, throw in some Texas country music as you head along Interstate 30 on your way to Arkansas. Once you cross the state line, choose some bluegrass tunes. By the time you get to Little Rock, change to listening to rockabilly. This allows you to get introduced to these musical styles while exploring the regions where they were once popular. All along the way, you'll find terrific national and state parks to visit, outstanding points of interest, and friendly cities to explore.
Hot Springs National Park
Take a bath in the popular healing waters at Hot Springs National Park at two different locations. The Buckstaff Bathhouse has been open almost continuously since 1912. You'll undress and wrap yourself in a sheet to a soaking tub before staff scrubs your body down with a loofah. You'll then enjoy a hot towel wrap, a sitz bath, a steam cabinet, and a needle shower. The second experience happens at the Quapaw Baths & Spa, where you'll choose between the four pools that feature different temperatures. You can soak in tubs that accommodate one, a couple, or several people. Before you leave bathhouse row, you can get a drink at the only brewery in a national park, go shopping, and tour the museum.
Lake Whitney State Park
Include a stop at Lake Whitney State Park near Whitney, Texas, on your Austin to Memphis RV road trip. Anglers will love going fishing at this state park. The 37-square-mile lake is also a fantastic spot to go waterskiing as it has a sandy swimming beach. There are many miles of trails around the lake to explore, and you may see deer, raccoons, armadillos, and opossums.
Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper Lake State Park near Sulphur Springs, Texas, is divided into two sections. The north side of the lake is Doctors Creek, while the south side is South Sulphur. Put a vessel in the water at the boat ramp to go fishing or fish from the fishing pier. While you need to make reservations a week ahead of time, you can rent canoes and kayaks. The 10.5-mile Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail is a great place to go riding at South Sulphur. Both units have fantastic hiking trails to follow.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
You may get lucky enough to find a huge diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. You can rent tools from the park to dig for a diamond, and a gemologist is on hand to help you identify if you were lucky enough to find one. People find about 675 diamonds annually. Take a break from looking to explore the hiking trails. This park also has a fantastic water park that's open seasonally. After you've worked up an appetite, grab a meal at the seasonally open café.
Daisy State Park
You'll want to stop and explore Daisy State Park near Kirby, Arkansas, on your road trip from Austin to Memphis. Rent a canoe for paddling fun on Lake Greeson, and you won't want to miss seeing the unique rock formations along the shoreline at this park in the Ouachita Mountains. Anglers love fishing for trout on the Little Missouri River. Bear Cycle Trail is a fantastic place to ride an ATV.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
While Little Rock, Arkansas, is a fantastic city to explore on your road trip from Austin to Memphis, set aside some time to check out the scenic beauty found nearby at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. It's home to the Arkansas Arboretum, where you can explore over 71 acres of plants and flowers. See flora there that you would normally only see if you visited each of the state's six regions. Then, head out on a paddling adventure on the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers. Bring your bike along so that you can ride along the 7 miles of biking trails and your hiking boots to explore some of the 15 miles of hiking trails. The staff at this park often offer fascinating interpretive programs.
T.O. Fuller State Park
Don't be so anxious to end your adventure that you forget to include a stop at T.O. Fuller State Park on your road trip itinerary from Austin to Memphis. The pool at this park with its diving boards is a great place to play with your family. There are over 8 miles of hiking trails at this state park. Stop at the gift shop to buy a souvenir from your road trip from Memphis to Austin.
Old Settlers Park at Palm Valley
Make the Old Settlers Park at Palm Valley in Round Rock, Texas, one of the first stops on your Austin to Memphis road trip. Play a disc golf game or watch one of the games on the soccer, football, baseball, or softball fields. Bright Lake at this park is a wonderful spot to go fishing. If you have children along, they'll adore the seven playgrounds.
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Created by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame, you won't want to bypass a chance to visit Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco. Stroll through the gardens while your children play in the wooden teepee. Grab a bite to eat from the various food trucks, shop for many types of home décor, or treat yourself to a delicious gift from the bakery.
University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium
Take a seat to watch an amazing show with surround sound and video at the University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium. This location provides a fabulous opportunity to ask questions of astronomers. They often host special events, so be sure to check their calendar.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Spread across 65 acres, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a great place to take photos, so be sure to bring your camera. You may want to start your visit at A Woman's Garden with its gorgeous infinity pool before wandering on to the Jonsson Color Garden to see a vast array of different-colored flowers in bloom. Special events often occur at this location.
Heifer Village and Urban Farm at Heifer International
Start your visit at the Heifer Village at Heifer International in Little Rock, where you can participate in hands-on learning activities designed to teach you about life on the farm. A special scavenger hunt helps you learn more about hunger and poverty issues around the world. See vegetables growing in the greenhouses and low-till organic gardens. Finally, stop and see the alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens, and a mini-Jersey cow. Some guests may even be able to help feed them.
Waco, Texas
Stop in Waco to visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Mayborn Museum Complex. There are many great campground choices in Waco, like the Flat Creek Farms RV Resort, where you can go fishing, or Riverview Campground with its scenic hiking trails. RV dump stations in Waco are available at the Pilot Flying J Travel Plaza, Mother Neff State Park, or Airport Park.
Dallas, Texas
Explore the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States while visiting Dallas. There are many other fun things to do in this city, including exploring Dealy Plaza, the Dallas Zoo, and The George W. Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Great campground choices in Dallas include Treetops RV Resort, which often hosts special family activities, and Traders Village RV Park, where a flea market is usually happening. Check out the spacious RV dump stations in Dallas at Lewisville Lake Park Campground, Rockwall Travel Center, and United RV Center.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is a city with a rich history waiting for you to explore it. Sites include Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, the William J Clinton Presidential Library, and the Museum of Discovery. Little Rock campground options include the exciting Downtown Riverside RV Park where entertainment and festivals often occur within walking distance. Cherokee Lakes RV Park, where you can go fishing and hiking, is another great choice. Find RV dump stations in Little Rock at the Downtown Riverside RV Park, which makes it a convenient location to meet all your needs, or Little Rock North KOA Campground, where you may be able to join in special programming after emptying and filling your tanks.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Austin to Memphis, 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 Austin or Memphis.
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