Road Trip with RVshare Birmingham to Gatlinburg

On your exciting RV journey from Birmingham to Gatlinburg, you'll discover many little towns and cities and find incredible attractions where you can stop and explore nature and local wildlife and enjoy delicious cuisines. These places include the Tennessee Aquarium, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood and Cherohala Skyway. This journey takes you from the busy city and suburbs of Birmingham through northern Alabama, all the way up to the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg. This route is one of several road trip options from Birmingham.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

You'll start your journey in the Magic City's metro area and transition to the rolling hills of Alabama. As you reach Tennessee, you'll enter the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and see lush scenery, valleys and many ridges. You'll cross the Tennessee River in the northern region of Alabama and pass farms and country homes. As you continue your trip, you'll find many great campgrounds with exceptional amenities to make your trip more comfortable.

Albertville, AL

Taking a quick trip into Albertville, AL can lead to an incredible adventure. Explore local attractions, including Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, Jules J. Berta Vineyards & Winery, Horse Pens 40, and Lake Guntersville. If you need to stop and grab more food or supplies, you can visit Foodland, Publix or Venture Out Supply Co. When you want a break from cooking, you can visit one of Albertville's incredible restaurants, including Santa Fe Cattle Company, Papa Dubi's and Local Joe's Albertville. 

RV Info & Tips:

• Campgrounds: During your visit to Albertville, you'll have the opportunity to stay at Albertville RV Park or Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater RV Park. The amenities at these RV parks include full-hookup camping sites, recreation complexes, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, sports courts and dog trails.

• Seasonality: The campgrounds offer seasonal and extended stay options for snowbirds. However, most RV parks are closed during the winter.

• How Long to Stay: You can visit most of Albertville's attractions in one day. However, you should spend at least two days in the area to have a relaxing stay.

Scottsboro, AL

Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, AL is the country's only retailer that sells items found in lost luggage. It is a top stop for many travelers who visit the area. However, it isn't the only attraction, and you can explore many places that feature incredible natural beauty. These attractions include Buck's Pocket State Park, Raccoon Mountain and Monte Sano State Park. Grocery stores in Scottsboro include Foodland Scottsboro, Publix and Piggly Wiggly, where you can grab food, snacks and disposable dinnerware. Scottsboro has three camping stores, including Dunham's Sports; 44 Outdoors, LLC (open 24 hours); and Southern All-Sports. Among the restaurant options in Scottsboro are Courtyard and The Docks.

RV Info & Tips:

• Campgrounds: RV-friendly campgrounds in Scottsboro include Lake Ridge Campground, Crawford RV Park, and Jackson County Park and Marina. These campgrounds and parks offer full-hookup RV sites, playgrounds, pavilions, bathhouses, restrooms, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and fishing docks.

• Seasonality: All RV campgrounds in Scottsboro are open from May 1 to October 31.

• How Long to Stay: You'll find many attractions that require more than one day to explore fully. We'd recommend staying for at least four days, if not a week.

Soddy-Daisy, TN

Take a trip into Soddy-Daisy, TN to explore attractions like Big Soddy Creek Gulf, Chickamauga Lake, Flat Top Mountain Farm and Scramble Alley Park. Soddy-Daisy has many stores where you can buy food and supplies. Local grocery stores include Food City, Soddy Food King and Pruett's Market. You can get camping supplies at the Gear Closet, Sportsman's Warehouse and Gearhead Outfitters. Instead of cooking at the campsite, you can visit local restaurants, including Home Folks Family Restaurant, Steve's Landing Waterfront Grill and Wimpie's Country Restaurant.

RV Info & Tips:

• Campgrounds: You'll find several RV-friendly campgrounds in Soddy-Daisy, such as Sequoyah State Park, Chester Frost Park and Harrison Bay State Park. The campground amenities include Wi-Fi; concrete pads; and sewer, water, and electric hookups.

• Seasonality: The campgrounds in Soddy-Daisy offer seasonal and extended stay options. They are open year-round. However, severe weather could lead to temporary closures.

• How Long to Stay: You can visit most of Soddy-Daisy's attractions within two days. However, if you want to explore the state parks more thoroughly, you should stay at least four days.

Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

In our guide, we offer helpful tips that let you get the most out of your RV trip from Birmingham to Gatlinburg. By following our tips, you can arrive at your destination and avoid inconveniences. Planning smarter also ensures you have access to the food, fuel and supplies you need on your journey.

Alternate Route Options

If you want to take the scenic route, you can connect to Highway 280 in Birmingham and get on I-20. You'll travel toward Atlanta on this route and have the opportunity to explore additional attractions in Georgia. You'll transition to I-285 and follow this route to I-26.

Booking Reservations

During peak seasons, we recommend booking your camping spot reservations ahead of time. In spring and summer, the RV parks and campgrounds fill quickly, and you may not get a spot. Always get a confirmation for your reservation from the park or campground.

Fuel & Supplies Along the Way

Many of the chain gas stations like Buc-ee's and Love's are open 24 hours. In smaller towns, you will find gas stations and convenience stores that close by 9 p.m. However, some gas stations offer pay-at-the-pump options that are available after the store itself is closed. All camping stores on this route open in the morning and close by 9 p.m.

RV Logistics List:

• Seasonal driving conditions: When traveling in the winter, you are likely to encounter higher amounts of snowfall between northern Alabama and Gatlinburg. During the summer, heavy rain can lead to road closures.

• Fuel availability or long stretches without services: Along this route, you will find a few Love's and Buc-ee's gas stations that are open 24 hours. However, most of the gas stations and convenience stores on this route close by 9 p.m. Plan your daily travel around the store hours, whenever possible, to ensure fuel availability.

• RV-friendly campgrounds or overnight stays: Along your journey to Gatlinburg, you'll find many terrific RV campgrounds, including Scenic Drive RV Park & Campground, Harrison Bay State Park, and Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park.

An RV trip from Birmingham to Gatlinburg is an incredible journey to the Smoky Mountains, giving you a chance to relax and recharge. You'll explore many quaint towns and smaller cities as well as discover exciting attractions, where you'll have unforgettable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Birmingham to Gatlinburg?

To plan an RV road trip from Birmingham to Gatlinburg, 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 Birmingham to Gatlinburg 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 Birmingham to Gatlinburg. 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!