Road Trip with RVshare Detroit to Charleston

If you want to explore the interesting part of the U.S. found between the Great Lakes and the southeast coast, you might want to pack your bags and take a Detroit to Charleston road trip. Swamps, mountains, rivers, valleys, waterfalls, and more are waiting for you at some of America's great national parks. You'll also be able to visit some excellent state parks full of islands, reservoirs, nature trails, and wildlife. State capitals and big cities await; they're packed with many fascinating attractions you can put on your road trip itinerary from Detroit to Charleston.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Toledo, Ohio  

The Toledo Zoo, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and more await you at this Ohio city on the banks of Lake Erie. There are some nice campgrounds here to park your RV. 

Columbus, Ohio

When visiting Ohio’s capital, be sure to drop by places like the Center of Science and Industry and the Scioto Mile. You’ll be able to find some quality dump stations and campgrounds nearby.

Charleston, West Virginia  

West Virginia’s capital also has a lot to offer; you can stop by locations like the West Virginia State Museum and the State Capitol. Multiple dump stations and campgrounds are available locally.

Charlotte, North Carolina  

Charlotte is a city with many different charms, and is home to both the Billy Graham Library and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you want to spend some time here, you can choose from a bevy of great dump stations and campgrounds. 

Columbia, South Carolina  

Whether you want to watch a sporting event at the University of South Carolina or stroll through the Columbia Canal and River Park, you'll find a variety of things to do in South Carolina's capital. Many dump stations and campgrounds are close by. 

National Parks

Cuyahoga Valley National Park  

A hundred waterfalls and a hundred miles of the Cuyahoga River await you at lovely Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park is an easy interstate drive of an hour and 45 minutes from Rossford, Ohio, so it's simple to find. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular here thanks to the Cuyahoga River; you can also go horseback riding, hiking, and biking on more than 125 miles of trails. 

New River Gorge National Park  

The entrance to New River Gorge National Park is a paltry 10 minutes off of your route as it goes through Mt. Hope, West Virginia, so you'll likely want to visit America's newest national park on your road trip from Detroit to Charleston. This park is a prime destination for river rafting thanks to the New River; the gorge itself also provides excellent climbing opportunities. Other fun activities at this gorgeous park include hiking, biking, scenic driving, hunting, and fishing. 

Shenandoah National Park  

Roughly two and a half hours west of Beaver, West Virginia, is the stunning mountain retreat of Shenandoah National Park. Visitors flock to this 300-square-mile part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in order to enjoy activities like cruising on Skyline Drive and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. There are plenty of other park trails as well that you can explore on foot, on horseback, by bike, or even with your pet. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

Before you head down into North Carolina, you should drive two hours and 45 minutes southwest of Wytheville, Virginia, to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since this is the most visited national park in America, it's a worthy stop on your Detroit to Charleston RV road trip. More than half a million acres of the Great Smoky Mountains include beautiful hiking trails, plenty of rivers and streams for fishing, and some stunning mountain panoramas. 

Congaree National Park  

Congaree National Park is only 15 minutes outside of Columbia, South Carolina, but you'd never guess this swamp, hardwood forest, and river are so close to South Carolina's capital. Some of the trees that make their home here are believed to be over a thousand years old; maybe you'll be able to spot these ancient trees while walking along the fairly flat and easy trails found here. Another popular way to experience this park is to boat down the Congaree River; you can even take a wilderness tour in order to learn about the other plants and animals found here.

Nearby State Parks

Kelleys Island State Park  

Kelleys Island State Park is roughly an hour and a half from Rossford, Ohio. Maybe you'll visit this island in Lake Erie and decide you never want to leave it. Lake Erie itself is an awesome place to go fishing and boating; the park also boasts a 100-foot swimming beach that's ideal for soaking up some sun. Crystal caverns, glacier grooves, nature preserves, and more also call this park home. 

Pipestem Resort State Park  

You can reach Pipestem Resort State Park by traveling 22 minutes from Camp Creek, West Virginia. Some of the loveliest parts of the Blue Stone River Gorge are on display at this park of more than 4,000 acres. There are some great opportunities for adventure here also; mountain biking, ziplining, kayaking, sledding, and skiing are all popular. Multiple places to swim are available as well, thanks to the park's indoor swimming pool, splash park, and adventure lake. 

Claytor Lake State Park  

The big draw of Claytor Lake State Park is that it gives you access to beautiful Claytor Lake, which is 4,500 acres large. Unsurprisingly, boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the most popular things to do here. If you want to do some hiking, there are some nice trails in the park. You can also stop by the visitor center for more information about this park that's just 20 minutes east of Fort Chiswell, Virginia.

Lake Norman State Park  

If you want to add a lake that's more than 32,500 acres large to your road trip itinerary from Detroit to Charleston, then you'll want to pay a visit to Lake Norman State Park. The entrance to this state park is only about 10 minutes from your route as it goes through Barringer Township, North Carolina, so it's easy to reach. You can, of course, spend all your time on or in Lake Norman as you fish, swim, boat, and more. Since there are nearly 40 miles of trails in the park, you can also have your pick of great environments for hiking and biking. 

Sesquicentennial State Park  

Sesquicentennial State Park is a nice place to park your camper while you're exploring the park and Columbia. It's only eight minutes from Dentsville, South Carolina, so it's just outside of Columbia. At this park, you can rent multiple types of boats at the camp store that you can take out on the pair of lakes in the park. There are also 12 miles of lovely hiking and biking trails that take you through some of South Carolina's Sand Hills region. 

Along the Way

Toledo Museum of Art  

Since the Toledo Museum of Art is only two minutes off of Interstate 75 as it goes through Toledo, Ohio, it's a great stop to make on your Detroit to Charleston RV road trip. This outstanding museum is home to more than 30,000 pieces of art from some of the world's most legendary artists; it's also free to visit, so you won't have to pay a thing to see some of the works of Rembrandt, van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and more. 

Otherworld  

Otherworld is aptly named as it is an art installation a dozen minutes from your route in Columbus, Ohio, that transports you to multiple different science fiction worlds. Mixed reality, interactive art, and sci-fi scenarios combine to produce more than 40 rooms that take you through multiple realms of science fiction and fantasy. 

Exhibition Coal Mine  

Since coal is so important to West Virginia, visiting a coal mine on your road trip from Detroit to Charleston is a must. Exhibition Coal Mine is just eight minutes from your route as it goes through Bleckley, West Virginia, so you should definitely stop by for a tour of this fascinating facility. At this mine, you'll be able to ride through a vintage coal mine and walk through a recreated coal camp. 

Carowinds  

This fantastic Carolina theme park straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina border and is just a minute off of your route as you leave Charlotte and enter Fort Mill, so experiencing the thrills of this park is a no-brainer. Awesome attractions like Afterburn, Copperhead Strike, and Fury 325 are ready for you to ride here.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden  

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden contains more than 2,000 animals from all around the world, so you'll get the chance to see representatives of over 350 species here. In addition to viewing these animals, you can check out attractions like the Spots & Stripes Railroad and the Endangered Species Carousel. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Detroit to Charleston, 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 Detroit or Charleston.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Charleston?

To plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Charleston, 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 Detroit to Charleston 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 Detroit to Charleston. 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!