Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: It's a 20-hour drive, but this is without making stops along the way.
- Mileage: It's 1,379 miles between the two cities.
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Fun fact: Interstate 65, which takes you down to Nashville on this road trip, connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.
Chicago and Miami are two of America’s great cultural centers, so they make excellent starting and ending points of a Chicago to Miami road trip. Between those two great cities lie numerous lovely national and state parks. Some of the nation’s most interesting locations can be found in the cities between Chicago and Miami. Fire up your RV, hit the open road, and travel through a wide variety of the country's diverse environments.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and is the first big city you go through on your Chicago to Miami RV road trip. Both the Colts of the NFL and the Pacers of the NBA call this city home. If you need to clean your RV, plenty of dump stations are available. You’ll also be able to stay at some lovely local campgrounds.
Louisville
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of campgrounds in the area. It’s home to the world-famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat brand and the Muhammad Ali Museum.
Nashville
Nashville is known as Music City because of its importance to country music especially. The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Musicians Hall of Fame Museum all pay homage to great musicians. Both dump stations and campgrounds are nearby.
Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and home to four major sports franchises: the Braves of MLB, the Falcons of the NFL, the Hawks of the NBA, and Atlanta United FC of MLS. Theater and music are also important in Atlanta, so there are plenty of venues dedicated to the arts. If you wish to explore this Southern city, you’ll have plenty of dump stations and campgrounds at your disposal.
Orlando
In addition to being known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando has a robust convention industry that helps drive tourism. Every year, upward of 75 million tourists descend on this Florida city. If you want to be one of them, you’ll be able to take advantage of some convenient dump stations and campgrounds.
Top RV Rentals Near Chicago, Illinois
National Parks
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
You don’t have to go too far from Chicago in order to find the first national park on your road trip itinerary from Chicago to Miami. Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is roughly an hour outside of the Windy City, and it gives you a great venue at which to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s only been a national park since February of 2019, but the 15 miles of Lake Michigan lakefront and 20 additional square miles are already making a national impression. Swimming, boating, biking, and other activities are popular here.
Mammoth Cave National Park
For a dramatically different experience, you can visit Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. This national park is home to the world’s largest known cave system, so the caves themselves are obviously the biggest attraction. Areas like the Rotunda, Frozen Niagara and Gothic Avenue draw numerous visitors per year. If you would prefer to stay above the ground, you can still take advantage of more than 4 miles of trails that take you around the Kentucky countryside.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a couple of hours off your route, but since it’s the most popular national park in America by visitation, it’s obviously worth the extra effort. The enduring allure of the Great Smokies lies not in jaw-dropping rock formations or iconic national symbols but in the simple elemental appeal of the mountains and in the plants and animals within them. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll along the Deep Creek Trail or a challenging hike on the famous Appalachian Trail, you can do it all at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Biscayne National Park
Near the end of your road trip from Chicago to Miami, you can relax at the beach at beautiful Biscayne National Park. The beach is only the beginning of this national park since most of its biggest attractions are actually out on and under the water of Biscayne Bay. Snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating are all immensely popular activities to do here. Since the park is conveniently close to Miami, you’ll be able to spend time relaxing at some great attractions once you’re done exploring.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is also conveniently close to Miami. As is the case with all of these national parks, it’s radically different from the park listed above it. Marshes, wetlands, and pine flatwoods are the order of the day here rather than sand and surf. In addition to the crocodiles and alligators for which the park is known, you can also see panthers, manatees, and multiple other exotic animals.
Nearby State Parks
Indiana Dunes State Park
Once you’ve finished exploring Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, you can head right on over to Indiana Dunes State Park. More than 16 miles of trails take you throughout the dunes as well as the marshes, swamps, and woods in the area. Swimming, sunbathing, and bird-watching are all visitor favorites here.
Clifty Falls State Park
Clifty Falls State Park is close to the Indiana-Kentucky border not far from Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. A variety of trails take you around the falls and its surrounding environments. A swimming pool and tennis courts are also available for visitors to use.
Henry Horton State Park
Henry Horton State Park is about an hour south of Nashville along the banks of the Duck River. The park itself is named after a former governor of Tennessee whose estate was converted to a state park in the 1960s. Golf is popular here since the park boasts both a traditional course and a disc golf course. A trap and skeet range, an Olympic-sized pool, and 10 miles of trails provide further entertainment options.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park is in the Appalachian Plateau/TAG Corner region of North Georgia. Its proximity to Lookout Mountain helps make it one of the most scenic parks in Georgia. Of course, the thousand-foot canyons, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and caves help as well. Biking, caving, disc golf, and fishing are big here.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is home to one of the world’s largest artesian springs. The water here is so clear that you can easily see the bottom of the springs and its teeming wildlife. Glass-bottom boat tours are immensely popular for seeing underwater, but kayaking and canoeing are also big. There are other areas of the park you can explore on foot as well.
Along the Way
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
This classic racing venue is home to the legendary Indianapolis 500 IndyCar race. The track also hosts NASCAR events like the Pennzoil 150 and the Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400. You can also play golf, browse through the on-site museum, and tour the facility.
Churchill Downs
Close to the heart of Louisville, KY, is another world-famous racetrack: Churchill Downs. It also hosts a legendary race in the Kentucky Derby, which is typically the first jewel in the race for horse racing’s Triple Crown. Those who want to learn more about the race’s history and previous winners can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum on the premises.
Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is close to Interstate 24 and the Nashville International Airport. Its roughly 90 acres of developed land house a wide variety of animals with endangered ratings ranging from "least concern" to "critically endangered." Some favorite attractions include Wild Animal Carousel, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Wilderness Express.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Whale sharks, belugas, manta rays, sea lions, and more call this popular Atlanta attraction home. Animal encounters, swim-and-dive sessions, and more are possible here. If you’re not ready to leave the complex by the time you’re through touring the aquarium, you can go right next door to the World of Coca-Cola to learn more about this famous brand.
Universal Studios Florida
The sprawling Universal Studios Florida complex is right on your route through Orlando. Immensely popular areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are close to your route. Disney’s Magic Kingdom complex is also nearby, so you could easily spend multiple days exploring these famous theme parks.
One-Way Rentals
Start in Chicago, End in Miami, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Chicago to Miami. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Chicago to Miami?
To plan an RV road trip from Chicago to Miami, 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 Chicago to Miami 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 Chicago to Miami. 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!