Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: 20 hours
- Mileage: 1,367 miles
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Fun fact: Amarillo National Bank was the first Texas bank to offer its customers a drive-up window, which opened in 1950. It was also the first to offer an ATM, which began operating in 1978.
A Jacksonville to Amarillo road trip offers a diverse array of wholesome activities that you and your whole family will enjoy. You will love feeding farm animals on an 1800s-era farm, listening to folk music, exploring caves, and watching outdoor theatrical performances. You can also drive along the Great River Road to visit historic plantations, see where President Kennedy was shot, and take a ride on the Texas official railroad.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
Pensacola, Florida
Enjoy staying in Pensacola campgrounds, where you can play on the beach and participate in water activities. Outstanding choices include Destin West RV Resort, Emerald Beach RV Park, and Panama City Beach RV Resort. Pensacola RV dump stations are available at Tall Oaks RV Park, Pensacola RV Park, and Lazy Acres RV Park and Campground.
Jackson, Mississippi
You will love exploring this capital city’s history, so consider spending a night in a Jackson campground. Great options include Wendy Oaks RV Resort, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, and Timberlake Campground. RV dump stations in Jackson are available at Swinging Bridge RV Park, Goshen Springs Campground, and Springridge Mobile Estates & RV Park.
Dallas, Texas
While Dallas is a large metropolitan city, many Dallas campgrounds, like Texan RV Ranch, Hidden Cove Park & Marina, and The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, feature lots of space to explore. Options for Dallas RV dump stations include Traders Village Dallas RV Park, Lewisville Lake Park Campground, and Loyd Park.
Top RV Rentals Near Jacksonville, Florida
National Parks
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Learn more about the Creole culture by stopping at Cane River Creole National Historical Park on your road trip from Jacksonville to Amarillo. There are two parts to this park, with each offering a unique experience. Stop at Oakland Plantation, which served as the family farm for eight generations of the Jean Pierre Emanuel Prud’homme family. Take the tour to see how the owners transformed this plantation from using indentured labor to working with sharecroppers. You can visit almost 60 buildings on a self-guided tour. Be sure to also stop at Magnolia Mounds near Baton Rouge, where you can tour 20 buildings, including a Civil War hospital.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
You will have to drive about six hours further to incorporate Carlsbad Caverns National Park near Carlsbad, New Mexico, into your Jacksonville to Amarillo RV road trip. Take the elevator to the bottom of the cave or use the natural cave entrance. Go on a tour of this cave, which is the largest readily accessible cave chamber in North America. Humans have used the caves at this park for at least 1,200 years. The caves are home to approximately 400,000 bats. You can watch them fly out of the cave at dusk while attending a ranger-led program. While Carlsbad Cavern is the most popular cave to visit here, you can also explore some of the other 119 caves at this park by following hiking trails or going on a natural cave tour. Go on a scenic drive by following Walnut Canyon Desert Drive to see some of this park’s 357 bird species, 54 amphibian and reptile species, and 67 mammal species.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You will have to drive about seven hours southwest from Amarillo to reach Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Still, if you love mountain scenery and wide-open spaces, you will want to make this destination a part of your road trip itinerary from Jacksonville to Amarillo. This park is about 45 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, so it is easy to do both parks. You can find many great hiking trails in the Guadalupe Mountains. Follow Devil’s Hall Trail, where you climb a natural rock staircase before reaching steep canyon walls. Another option is the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which is particularly beautiful when the leaves turn colors in the fall. You may also want to settle down under one of the large shade trees in the Frijole Springs area to watch this park’s birds and wildlife come to get a drink.
Nearby State Parks
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Play under the Spanish moss-laced trees at Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, Georgia. This park is one of the entry points to Okefenokee Swamp. Be sure to bring your camera to capture photos of alligators, black bears, turtles, raccoons, deer, ibis, herons, wood storks, and red-cockaded woodpeckers at this 402,000-acre refuge. Rent a canoe, kayak, or Jon boat to explore the swamp, or go on a sunset pontoon guided tour. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle and enjoy the amazing scenery as you pedal through this park.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
If you love folk music, stop at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park near White Springs, Florida. Listen as the bells play Foster’s famous songs, like “Old Folks at Home,” while you explore this park on the Suwannee River’s shores. Explore the museum featuring dioramas of eight of Foster’s songs. Ten miles of trails along the river are available to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Launch your canoe and enjoy rowing on the river that was instrumental to many of Foster’s songs. The Florida Folk Festival featuring over 300 performances occurs here every Memorial Day weekend.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Enjoy a seasonally changing experience at Dudley Farm Historic State Park near Newberry, Florida. In the spring, help to plow the garden using manual machines. You can also help water and feed the animals. Hurry, though, because there’s corn to be ground to make into meal. After a busy day on this 1830s-replica farm, rock for a spell on the front porch or explore the nature trail.
Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park near Spanish Fort, Alabama, is one of the state's largest state parks. Stroll through deserted Blakely, Alabama, which was founded in 1814. Some insist ghosts haunt this town. Take a tour of the battleground where one of the largest battles of the Civil War occurred. There are more than 20 miles of trails. Several buildings and outdoor pavilions are available if you need to get a group together.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Settle into the natural amphitheater at Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Canyon, Texas, to watch the official state play of Texas performed. Watch the trained horses, longhorns, and over 60 performers bring the history of the Panhandle to life. Stroll over miles of trails running around the rim and through the United States' second-largest canyon. Join a trail ride leaving from the canyon’s floor.
Along the Way
Farm Tours of Ocala
Leave on this tour of Marion County from Ocala, Florida, to visit the horse country where great thoroughbreds like American Pharoah, Triple Crown Winner of 2015, and Nyquist, winner of the 2016 Kentucky Derby, were raised and trained. Visit with trainers and jockeys. Get up close to broodmares that may produce the next Triple Crown winner.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Climb aboard the USS Alabama and the USS Drum at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Take the guided tour to learn more about the role these ships played in various wars. View U.S. tanks from World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War along with a Russian tank from Desert Storm.
River Road
Leave from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to drive The River Road to New Orleans. See the mansions built on both sides of the Mississippi River about 30 years before the Civil War. See homes where the indentured servants and sharecroppers lived and the buildings where crops like corn, sugar, and tobacco were stored and processed.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Decide for yourself if Lee Harvey Oswald could have shot President Kennedy by visiting The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. You can see historic films, photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays at this museum on Dealey Plaza detailing the events of November 22, 1963. Stand at the window where experts say the shot was fired and see if you believe that Oswald could pull off the deed that sent the country into mourning.
Start in Jacksonville, End in Amarillo, No Return Drive
Book a one‑way RV rental from Jacksonville to Amarillo. 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 Jacksonville to Amarillo, 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 Jacksonville or Amarillo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Jacksonville to Amarillo?
To plan an RV road trip from Jacksonville to Amarillo, 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 Jacksonville to Amarillo 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 Jacksonville to Amarillo. 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!