Road Trip with RVshare Houston to Baton Rouge

Houston is a city with a lot of culture, good food, unique attractions, and plenty of ways to have a good time, which means you will want to spend some time in the city before heading out on your Houston to Baton Rouge road trip. You can stop by Space Center Houston to see replicas of space shuttles and touch rocks from the moon. There are also a number of museums in the city, so map out a plan, and make sure you have enough time to see them all before you start heading east on I-10. This RV trip route basically skirts along the Gulf Coast, so make sure you pack your swimming gear and plenty of sunscreen. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Beaumont, Texas

Beaumont is a city with deep roots in the oil industry, and visiting this city lets you explore these origins and enjoy the Southern cuisine and some time at the Gulf. Gator County Adventure Park is home to 600 gators, including the oldest and the biggest in captivity. The Texas Energy Museum is fascinating if you are interested in the history of oil drilling and refining it. The Fire Museum of Texas is home to the world’s largest working fire hydrant, and since it was donated by Disney and painted to look like a Dalmatian, it is very recognizable. You can also explore some of the other museums in the area, like the Clifton Steamboat Museum, the Art Museum of Southwest Texas, and the McFaddin-Ward Museum. 

There are several campgrounds that you can consider staying at in the area. There are also Texas dump stations in the area where you can offload your wastewater for little to no cost. 

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles is an area with a lot of history that is rich in Louisiana culture. Some of the highlights that you will want to experience during your visit here include the Creole Nature Trail, The Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours, the USS Orleck Naval Museum, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, and Millennium Park. You can also see the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world at Lake Charles. 

With so much to enjoy in this area, finding a Lake Charles campground to stay at for a day or two could allow you to see more of the sights. There are also several Louisiana dump stations nearby that you can consider if you need to get rid of your gray or black wastewater.

Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette is a city that sits on the Vermillion River, and it is the heart of Creole culture and Cajun food. There are festivals, museums, and more to experience in the city. Some of the highlights include Acadian Village, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Lafayette Science Museum, Avery Island, and Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours. For campgrounds, consider options that are close to town, like Acadia Park Campground. Lafayette KOA, Bayou Wilderness RV Resort, and other campgrounds in the Lafayette area offer free dump station use to all of their guests.

National Parks

Hot Springs National Park

While there is not a national park directly on the road trip from Houston to Baton Rouge, you can easily make a detour to Hot Springs National Park if you really would like to see one. This is the closest national park, but it is only a little more than four hours from the Gulf route you are taking, so making a detour to see the park will add about a day of driving. When you arrive at the national park, you can spend some time rejuvenating and refreshing your body after sitting for so long. There are also hiking trails in the park that give you a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. There is an on-site spa that you can take advantage of while you are visiting as well.

Nearby State Parks

Sea Rim State Park

The first state park on this Houston to Baton Rouge RV road trip is Sea Rim State Park. This 4,121-acre park has approximately five miles of beach that you can enjoy. The shore is right on the Gulf, so you will have plenty of space to take a boat out on the water, go for a swim, or simply relax on the sand. Horseback riding, bike riding, geocaching, collecting seashells, and bird-watching are also enjoyed in the park. In addition, there are marshlands that you can walk through and explore, and animal enthusiasts will find that this is a great location to spot wildlife. Hunting and fishing are permitted in the park.

Walter Umphrey State Park

Walter Umphrey State Park is another Texas state park that is along this route. The park is located on Mesquite Point, which is on the south end of Pleasure Island. Anglers who enjoy fishing will be able to make use of a pier that goes out into the water as well as a boat launch. This is a great place to relax and watch the boats on the water. There are also many places to enjoy a hike in the park. 

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Once you make your way to Louisiana, start looking for  Sam Houston Jones State Park. The park is over 1,000 acres, so there is plenty of unspoiled land to enjoy in the area. If you enjoy looking for wildlife in these parks, make sure to bring your binoculars because more than 200 different species of birds call Sam Houston Jones State Park their home. There are also five trails that you can hike to help you explore the park more thoroughly. There are several waterways as well, so if you have a smaller boat, you can enjoy a trip downstream to see what awaits you there. If you have a larger boat, you will need to travel a bit further south to use it. 

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a park that is right along the Mississippi River. Even though the flow of the river never reaches the park, you can find hanging Spanish Moss, ancient trees, and an incredible amount of wildlife. There is also a lake in the park, so boating, swimming, and fishing are often enjoyed as well. If you prefer to stay on land, there are four hiking trails that you can explore on foot or bike.

Along the Way

Kemah Boardwalk

If you are looking for a fun time for your entire family, include a stop at Kemah Boardwalk on your road trip itinerary from Houston to Baton Rouge. There is so much to see and do at the boardwalk, starting with rides that the kids will enjoy. There is also a speed boat that takes you about four miles out into Galveston Bay, so you can enjoy the wind in your face while listening to music. In addition, there is a stingray exhibit that allows you to touch and feed these animals. Make sure to check the calendar of events for the Kemah Boardwalk before you visit.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens

For a Zen experience during your road trip, stop at Shangri La Botanical Gardens. The gardens are more than 250 acres, and there are several unique gardens that you can explore, including everything from a sculptures garden to an edibles garden. Tours and events occur throughout the year, so you will want to check the calendar to see if any events will be taking place during your visit. They have an Eco-fest and Butterfly Release, a Star Party, and an Autumn Fair. There is also a café where you can get snacks and drinks to enjoy.

Zoosiana

Zoosiana is home to over 1,000 animals, so if you’re an animal lover, stop by and see them. In addition to the animals, there is a train that takes you through the safari. There are also giraffe feeding stations, parrot feeding stations, a petting zoo, and animal shows that you can enjoy. There is a gift shop in the zoo as well.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Houston to Baton Rouge, 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 Houston or Baton Rouge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Houston to Baton Rouge?

To plan an RV road trip from Houston to Baton Rouge, 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 Houston to Baton Rouge 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 Houston to Baton Rouge. 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!