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Roadtrip with RVshare Denver to Wilmington

Get ready for adventure as you traverse the country on your Denver to Wilmington RV road trip. You can enjoy good old-fashioned Southern cooking, live music, and thrilling rides at Dollywood, or take a walk down the yellow brick road at the OZ Museum as you make your way through Kansas. Stops at amazing national parks take you straight into one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country at Rocky Mountain National Park and through the dense forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Denver to Wilmington Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: 26 hours
  • Mileage: 1,768
  • Fun Fact: Dollywood is not only home to the delicious and famous 25-pound apple pie, but it also features one of the most iconic rides, the Dollywood Express, with trains that were actually used in WWII.

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Nearby National Parks

Marvel at the beauty of a few national parks on your road trip from Denver to Wilmington. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see before you leave Denver for Wilmington. This park is a hiker's paradise with a variety of trails to trek such as Emerald Lake Trail and Bear Lake Trail. If you want to experience the park from the comfort of your RV as well, drive the seasonally open scenic Trail Ridge Road. More places to check out while you're here are the Alpine Visitor Center for gifts, snacks, and park information; Longs Peak, the tallest summit in the park; Bierstadt Lake; Alberta Falls; and The Loch. Estes Park is nearby, so make sure to enjoy plenty of Rocky Mountain vibes downtown on Elkhorn Avenue. 

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park takes you on a journey back in time with exhibits about the park's historical significance and architecture at the Museum at Gateway Arch. The Tram Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch offers an experience that can be found nowhere else on Earth as you ascend to the Arch's apex in a retro elevator that keeps you standing upright the entire time. You can also stroll through the Old Courthouse, cruise down the Mighty Mississippi on Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, and walk the 630-foot distance from the North Leg to the South Leg of the Arch. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 500,000 acres with numerous hiking and biking trails to explore and historical sites to visit. Start at the Sugarland Visitor Center for a history of the park; then, trek to the highest peak in the park at Clingmans Dome for spectacular panoramic views of the Smokies. Don't miss Grotto Falls, Roaring Fork, Cades Cove, and a drive on the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Nearby State Parks

Adding a few state parks to your Denver to Wilmington road trip itinerary is the perfect way to spend a couple of days getting into nature and exploring surrounding areas. 

Tuttle Creek State Park

Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas, has 1,250 lush acres for you to explore with five separate nature areas, each with its own hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The full-service marina offers courtesy docks and easily accessible boat ramps. You can also enjoy the on-site archery and shooting ranges, an 18-hole disc golf course, and plenty of lovely picnic areas. 

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park near Sparta, Tennessee, features four spectacular waterfalls that plunge over 130 feet into the gorge below. Historically, the gorge used to be populated by the Cherokee, Creek, and Chickasaw Native American tribes, and in 1973, Tennessee made it a state park to preserve its natural beauty. A hiking path to an overlook above the main falls is the park's most popular attraction, and you can fish on the banks of the main waterfall. 

Chimney Rock State Park

Stop at Chimney Rock State Park in Lake Lure, North Carolina, and head to the top of the 315-foot iconic spire that overlooks Hickory Nut Gorge and the Blue Ridge Foothills. You can ascend the height of the spire via elevator or by taking the Four Seasons Trail, a progressive 400-foot incline to the top. Water activities such as tubing, whitewater rafting, swimming, and fishing are also available. If you're in town in September, don't miss the annual "Dirty Dancing" Festival that features live music, fun competitions inspired by the classic '80s movie, and dance lessons.

Along the Way

OZ Museum

You're not in Kansas anymore at the OZ Museum as you step out Auntie Em's sepia-colored Gift Shop and into the colorful world of Oz. Exhibits feature cinematic artifacts from the making of the American film classic "The Wizard of OZ" with over 100 years of history that you'll explore as you follow the yellow brick road. 

Evel Knievel Museum

Your drive through Topeka treats you to all things Evel at Evel Knevel's Museum. At this special location, you'll explore this daredevil's many amazing feats with exhibits that feature some of Evel's most death-defying motorcycles along with his colorful leather suits and patriotic helmets. Evel's famous Mack Truck "Big Red" is also on display. 

Dollywood

While you're in Dollywood, you'll see live shows performed by the Smoky Mountain String Band, play games at the Country Fair, take a visit to the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, and enjoy some of the best thrill rides east of the Mississippi. You can take a breather and hop aboard the Dollywood Express at the Train Depot and then enjoy some real Southern cooking at Aunt Granny's Restaurant.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Kansas City

On your way through Kansas City, check out a couple of famous attractions at the American Jazz Museum located in the historic 18th and Jazz District. You are also able to visit the National World War I Museum, which features the largest collection of WWI artifacts in the country. Ready for thrills? Venture to Worlds of Fun for the ride of your life, and hop onto the tallest and fastest roller coaster, Mamba. More unique places to explore include Leila's Hair Museum, Vaile Mansion, and Belvoir Winery and Inn. Conveniently located campgrounds are great for extending your time in Kansas City. Dump stations can also be found close to town. 

St. Louis

In St. Louis, you'll experience the sultry sounds of the blues at Broadway Oyster Bar, get aerodynamic at Six Flags St. Louis, and taste the finest beers that this city has to offer at a variety of local breweries. Take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to learn about America's most famous beer, accompanied by a visit to the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales. You can also appreciate some art downtown at Citygarden and the St. Louis Art Museum. A stay at a local campground allows you to enjoy this city at your leisure. Dump stations are located throughout the city to help you keep your RV fresh and clean. 

Nashville

Your visit to Nashville wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of the most iconic destinations in the South at the Grand Ole Opry. You can take guided tours of the music hall, walk the grounds outside, and pick up a few souvenirs at the gift shop. Other interesting and exciting places to explore are the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, The Bluebird Cafe, the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe, and a venture down Broadway in downtown Nashville. Explore more of this city with an overnight stay at a local campground. Dump stations are located in and around town for your convenience. 

Charlotte

Charlotte isn't just a hub that hosts three major annual NASCAR events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway; it's also the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame that features interactive racing exhibits and artifacts, as well as a NASCAR gear shop, and a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. Another exciting theme park awaits at Carowinds with heart-pounding rides like Fury 325, Afterburn, and Intimidator, all of which will have you screaming the entire way back to their launch stations. Get spooked on the Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour that takes you on a candlelit walk down city streets for a few of the city's most chilling tales. Be sure to also check out the Mint Museum Uptown, the Hendrick Motorsports Complex, and Sweet Lew's BBQ. Enjoy a bit of nature as you explore this unique city at a campground close by. Many dump stations are located on-site with complimentary or low-fee hookups.

Find Adventure from Denver to Wilmington

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Denver to Wilmington, 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 Denver or Wilmington.