Roadtrip with RVshare Houston to Nashville

Houston is world-famous as the location of Mission Control for NASA. While in town, you can visit the Space Center or head downtown to explore the Historic District. A stop in Memphis is always worth the time as the city is known for its musical heritage; you might even want to take a day to visit Elvis Presley's home in Graceland. At the end of your journey, relax and spend time at Nashville's music-filled honky-tonks. With this Houston to Nashville road trip itinerary, you will not miss a moment of the fun.

Nearby National Parks

When planning your adventures, add some of these national parks to your road trip itinerary from Houston to Nashville. At RVshare, you can visit the national parks guide to help plan your visit.

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is often called "The American Spa." The entire city of Hot Springs was built around the natural thermal springs in the area. You can take a bath in the warm spring water as you're pampered in the spa. Many visitors head here to hike around the park and learn about the area's fascinating past. If you want to get a great view of the city, there is a mountain tower in the park.

Mammoth Cave National Park

If you want to visit the longest cave system in the world, you should plan a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. This park has over 400 miles of caverns that are ready for some exploration. Mammoth Cave doesn't allow you to head off by yourself, but you can take one of the guided tours.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A trip to Tennessee would not be complete without a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the park's over 500,000 acres of land, you can enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities, such as camping, hiking, and biking. If you love bears, you're in luck. The park estimates that there are about two bears per square mile in the Smokies. There are other types of native wildlife in the park as well, including groundhogs, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.

Nearby State Parks

If you want to take a detour on your Houston to Nashville RV road trip, there are several state parks along the way. With a stop at these parks, you can recharge and get ready for the rest of your journey. Make sure to visit RVshare's state park guide to learn more about these locations.

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is about 60 miles south of Houston. You can find plenty of ways to spend your time, including hiking, swimming or beachcombing. The park is right on the Gulf of Mexico, and it's known for its high humidity and warm temperatures. However, you can find ways to cool off with a dip in the water or an ice cream cone from the local shops.

Petit Jean State Park

With over 3,471 acres in the Arkansas River Valley, Petit Jean State Park is situated between the Ozark Plateau and the Ouachita Mountains. While you're there, you can explore the canyon and bluffs located throughout the park. There are several famous geological features, including the Rock House Cave, Bear Cave, the Grotto, Carpet Rocks, Natural Bridge and Turtle Rocks. If you head on the trails, you'll get a great view of the 95-foot waterfall that cascades down the cliffs.

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park in Tennessee covers over 800 acres of land, and it's the perfect spot to enjoy a few recreational water activities. When you're on the trails, make sure to visit the Great Falls. This 30-foot horseshoe waterfall is a perfect spot to marvel at the beauty of the park.

Henry Horton State Park

About an hour from Nashville, you can visit Henry Horton State Park. This location is known for the numerous plants and animals that can be found in the park. Along with the wildlife, you'll want to take a hike and see the remnants of an old mill and bridge. At this state park, you can schedule a time to hit the links at the golf course. If you want to cool off, the park also has a swimming pool.

Along the Way

On your road trip from Houston to Nashville, you won't want to miss these points of interest. You can spend a few days checking out these fascinating places along the route. 

Space Center Houston

While in Houston, you should visit the Space Center. This location serves as the Johnson Space Center's official visitor center, and it's the home of Mission Control. With over a million visitors, the Space Center is a very popular spot in the city. When you're there, you can learn about astronaut training procedures and experience the exhibits that tell the story of the United States' space program.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

In 1909, the Houston Museum of Natural Science was established. There are over four floors of science halls and exhibits. Throughout the year, the museum welcomes over two million visitors, and it's one of the most popular museums in the United States. When you visit this location, make sure to stop by the Morian Hall of Paleontology. This section has over 60 massive dinosaur skeletons.

Graceland

Fans of Elvis will surely want to visit Graceland in Memphis. This mansion is situated on 13 acres of land, and it was the home of Elvis Presley. In 1982, the estate opened to the public, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. After the White House, this home is the second most-visited house in the United States. You can purchase tickets to see how the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" lived in Memphis.

Ryman Auditorium

From rock to country music, the Ryman Auditorium is a must-see stop in Nashville. From 1943 to 1974, this location was known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman has been designated as a National Historic Landmark for its role in popularizing country music. Today, you can take a guided tour and learn about the country greats who once graced its stage.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

On your exciting Houston to Nashville road trip, there are several major cities that you'll want to visit. While on the road, you can pull off the route and get some sleep at a relaxing campground. There are also plenty of dump stations that will help you keep your vehicle clean for the entire trip.

Shreveport, LA

This Louisiana city is near the Texas border. There are plenty of exciting spots to visit, including the Sci-Port Discovery Center or the Spring Street Historical Museum. If you want to spend some time outdoors, the Red River and Cross Lake are great spots to enjoy a day on the water. When you're ready to set up the vehicle for the night, you'll want to check out a few local campgrounds.

Hot Springs, AR

Hot Springs is known for its heated springs. If you want to enjoy these natural wonders, you should visit Bathhouse Row, which features buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Fordyce Bathhouse is home to the city's visitor center and museum. After relaxing in the thermal waters, several quiet campgrounds are available to spend the night near the Hot Springs area.

Memphis, TN

Memphis is located on the Mississippi River, and it's often called the home of the blues, rock and soul. B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash once recorded albums at Sun Studio, and you can take a tour of the building. There are several museums dedicated to the city's musical influences, including the Stax Museum of American Soul, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. After a busy day of exploring the musical roots of Memphis, take your rig to a campground and settle down for the night.

Find Adventure from Houston to Nashville

Find your One-Way Rental

As you sit down and plan your Houston to Nashville road trip itinerary, you will not want to miss any of these famous locations. For those who want to explore the road on their own terms, make sure to rent an RV from RVshare. You can find RV rentals from Houston to Nashville. There are plenty of vehicles that can meet your needs and budget. The team at RVshare is ready to help you explore the open road for your next vacation.