Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: 20 hours
- Mileage: 1,355 miles
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Fun fact: On your journey through Idaho and Montana, you'll drive on Interstate 90. This transcontinental highway is the longest roadway in the country as it stretches from Boston to Seattle.
During your Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln road trip, you'll want to check out the local towns and exciting attractions. Coeur d'Alene is known for its water sports and other recreational opportunities. As you head south towards Lincoln, you might want to take a day to explore the towns of Billings and Missoula. Once you have reached Lincoln, you don't want to miss the historic architecture, fun museums, and stunning art exhibitions. With this road trip itinerary from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln, you're sure to have an exciting vacation from Idaho to Nebraska.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
During your trip, you'll travel through a few major cities. These towns are filled with fun attractions, comfortable campgrounds, and clean dump stations.
Missoula, Montana
Missoula is an excellent spot to enjoy the great outdoors as this city is close to the Montana Snowbowl, Lolo National Forest, and Mount Jumbo. You should visit the historic Fort Missoula for a glimpse into this town's past. This historic site features a museum and restored structures dating back to the 1800s. If you're in the downtown area, don't forget to stop by A Carousel for Missoula or the Missoula Art Museum. When you want to settle down for the evening, there are a few campgrounds and dump stations that can accommodate your RV.
Billings, Montana
Billings is located on the Yellowstone River. There are some local historical artifacts at the Western Heritage Museum. If you want to see a few examples of early 20th-century interiors, then head over to the Moss Mansion. Billings is home to a couple of historic sites, including the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Pictograph State Park. Once you're all done exploring the area, there are a couple of camping options just outside of town. You can find a few places to clean out your waste tanks, too.
North Platte, Nebraska
North Platte is located in the west-central part of Nebraska. The railroad industry played an important role in this city, and you can learn about this by checking out a few artifacts at the Cody Park Railroad Museum. For a more in-depth look at the life of Buffalo Bill, take a self-guided tour at the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Park. The North Platte Children's Museum is the perfect spot to let your little ones play with the interactive exhibits. After your busy day of sightseeing, you'll have no trouble finding a great campground for the night and perhaps the opportunity to visit a dump station.
Top RV Rentals Near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
National Parks
If you want to see the beauty of the local landscape, then make a stop at a national park. The parks highlighted below are the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy your surroundings.
Glacier National Park
It only takes a few hours to drive to Glacier National Park from Coeur d'Alene, but it's worth the trip. This national park covers a large area of land in Montana's Rocky Mountains. Due to its unmatched beauty, this park is often called the Crown of the Continent. If you want to take a once-in-a-lifetime drive, make sure to head to the Going to the Sun Road. This roadway travels over the mountains, and it provides some of the best views of the mountain peaks and glaciers. For those hikers, you have plenty of places to travel on this park's 700 miles of trails. There are other types of recreational opportunities to enjoy, including cycling, backpacking, and camping. Along with the outdoor activities, this park is the perfect spot to view some wildlife. If you're lucky, you might see mountain goats or grizzly bears roaming around the area.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous parks in the country. With over 3,500 square miles of protected wilderness, this is a great place to check out the alpine rivers, lush forests, geysers, and canyons. Old Faithful is a popular stop in this park, and you won't want to miss this landmark. When visiting this park, you should bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This national park is the perfect spot to get out and explore the great outdoors. Horseback riding, backcountry camping, and fly fishing are excellent ways to have fun in Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife lovers will surely appreciate the fact that this park is teeming with an array of sights. You'll probably see some elk, wolves, antelope, bears, or bison traversing the park while there.
Nearby State Parks
National parks are wonderful, but you should not miss out on the opportunity to visit a state park. These locations are another great way to take a break from driving and enjoy some beautiful views.
Bannack State Park
As you travel through Montana, you might want to visit Bannack State Park, located just a few hours from Missoula. While most state parks provide visitors with spectacular views, this state, in particular, has an interesting past. The town of Bannack was incorporated in 1862, and it became a prosperous gold mining community. It was even the capital of the Montana territory for a short time. Over the years, the gold dried up, and the area slowly transformed into a ghost town. Today, you can check out the original buildings at this park. If you want to get a closer look at the local area, there are trails for hikers and horseback riders. Plan a visit in July when the park holds its annual Bannack Days. This festival celebrates the town's local history with reenactments and historical displays.
Farragut State Park
Just outside of Coeur d'Alene, you'll find Farragut State Park. This 4,000-acre park has a 40-mile trail system, and it provides plenty of recreational opportunities, such as biking, boating, hiking, camping, swimming, and wildlife viewing. During the winter, the fun does not stop at this state park. You can enjoy the groomed cross-country trails or head out for some sledding down the hills. History fans should make it a point to check out World War II artifacts at the Museum at the Brig during your visit.
Fort Robinson State Park
If you love the history of the Old West, then you won't want to miss the chance to explore Fort Robinson State Park. When you're there, you'll see herds of longhorns and buffalo roaming the park. There are also preserved buildings and museums celebrating the history of the Old West. This state park was an actual fort that operated from the 1800s through World War II. Most of the original buildings have survived, but others have been reconstructed. This state park is the perfect place to see a historical landmark on your road trip from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln.
Along the Way
During your Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln RV road trip, you should check out these fascinating points of interest.
Museum of North Idaho
If you want a glimpse into Coeur d'Alene's past, then make sure to visit the Museum of North Idaho. This small museum is located in the downtown area, and there are plenty of exhibits outlining the area's history. Many of the displays feature historical artifacts and photographs that date back to the 1800s.
The Art Spirit Gallery
You can surround yourself with some impressive works of art at this gallery. Located in the heart of Coeur d'Alene's downtown district, the Art Spirit Gallery features original pieces from local artists.
Nebraska State Capitol Building
Lincoln is Nebraska's capital, and you'll want to visit the State Capitol Building when you're in town. This building was constructed between 1922 and 1932. It's the home of Nebraska's legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The most stunning feature is the 400-foot tower that can be seen 20 miles from the city. Today, you can sign up for a tour and learn about the history of this fascinating building.
Start in Coeur d'Alene, End in Lincoln, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln. Explore the open road, avoid the return drive. Comfortable, well‑equipped motorhomes and camper vans ready now
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln, 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 Coeur d'Alene or Lincoln.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln?
To plan an RV road trip from Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln, 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 Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln 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 Coeur d'Alene to Lincoln. 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!