Road Trip with RVshare Little Rock to Talladega National Forest

Choose to visit Talladega National Forest near Brent, Alabama, in the spring to see the wildflowers or in the fall to see the glorious fall colors. Go horseback riding along the Warden Station trails located in the Talladega Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area. Hit the hiking trails for stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, or go fishing in the Highrock, Liberty Hill, Morgan, and Sweetwater Lakes in this national forest. You can have fun exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and numerous state parks before you get there. Memphis, Tennessee; Tupelo, Mississippi; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are just a few of the towns you will want to explore. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Memphis, Tennessee  

Be sure to take in a blues concert on Beale Street when visiting Memphis. The city boasts more than 60 miles of biking trails. You can find great Memphis campgrounds at Fort Pillow State Park, Navy Lake, and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Find RV dump stations in Memphis at Elvis Presley Boulevard RV Park, Graceland RV Park and Campground, and T.O. Fuller State Park. 

Tupelo, Mississippi  

The birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, is a fun place to explore. See the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, the Elvis Presley Museum, and the Tupelo Veteran's Museum. Find great campgrounds in Tupelo at Campground at Barnes Crossing, Elvis Presley Lake & Campground, and Tombigbee Lake State Park. RV dump stations in Tupelo are available at Trace State Park, Whitten Park Campground, and Davis Lake Campground. 

Tuscaloosa, Alabama  

Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama. While taking in a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium can be a fun activity, you can find many other fantastic things to do in Tuscaloosa. Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum, stroll along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, and explore the Mercedes Benz U.S. International Visitor Center and Museum. There are many great campgrounds in Tuscaloosa, including Bama RV Station, Lake Lurleen State Park, and Burchfield Branch Park. Find RV dump stations in Tuscaloosa at Burchfield Branch Park, Lake Lurleen State Park, and Moundville Archaeological Park. 

National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

Consider taking U.S. Route 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see amazing scenery and find fun things to do. Start your visit at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Watch the overview movie and then head out to explore some of the nearby short hiking trails. Stop at the Chimney Tops Picnic Area to enjoy the views. Continue to Newfoundland Gap, where President Roosevelt stood when he declared the land a national park. Take the short turnoff to Clingmans Dome Road, and drive to the observation tower for amazing views of the park. Clingman Dome is a great place to go hiking and has a short path leading to its peak. Then, head on to Mingus Mill, where you can see a large water-powered mill for grinding corn. Finish your drive along U.S. Route 441 by visiting the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the nearby Mountain Farm Museum. 

Nearby State Parks

Woolly Hollow State Park  

You'll want to save time for many of Arkansas' state parks as well! Consider starting your road trip from Little Rock to Talladega National Forest by going north a little to visit Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier, Arkansas. Rent a canoe, kayak, pedal boat, or fishing boat to play on the 40-acre lake. The Enders Fault Trail is a terrific place to go mountain biking across rolling hills and two mountain streams. Riding the path clockwise allows you to enjoy a great downhill run at the end. A lifeguard is on duty at the swimming beach during the summer. Grab a snack at the snack bar, and go shopping at the gift shop. 

Pickwick Landing State Park  

There are also some great state parks in Tennessee that are worth stopping in to visit. Pickwick Landing State Park near Savannah, Tennessee, is a fantastic park to include on your Little Rock to Talladega National Forest road trip. Kayaks, canoes, SUPs, pontoon, and fishing boats are available to rent from the marina, and two boat ramps make launching the vessel easy. This park on the Tennessee River is a great place to go fishing, either in the river or on Pickwick Lake. The 18-hole, par-72 Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course is a terrific place to play a round or two. There is also a disc golf course. You will want to go swimming at one of this park’s three swim beaches. 

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park  

You will love seeing the mature Bald Cypress and Tupelo swamp at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park near Memphis. This park is home to 10 state Champion Trees and two National Champion Trees. Rent a canoe, kayak, tandem kayak, pedal boat, or paddleboard to explore Poplar Tree Lake. You can also use the boat ramp at this park to launch your boat onto the Mississippi River. Challenge your traveling buddies to a game of disc golf on the 36-hole disc golf course. There are two halves to this scenic course, so you can choose to play the whole thing or stop at the midway point. Over 20 miles of hiking and 5 miles of biking trails are available. This park’s bluffs are a superb place to go birdwatching. 

Tombigbee State Park  

Tombigbee State Park near Tupelo, Mississippi, is a fantastic place to go fishing. The state regularly stocks the 90-acre freshwater lake with bass, bream, and catfish. A boat ramp is available. Play on this park’s two 18-hole disc golf courses that wind their way through the beautiful trees. If you bring children along, they will love the playground while everyone can enjoy a friendly game of volleyball. There are many picnic shelters with beautiful views of the lake. 

Lake Lurleen State Park  

If you love water activities, Alabama has some great state parks including Lake Lurleen State Park, on your Little Rock to Talladega National Forest RV road trip. Head to the beach on the 250-acre lake for swimming fun. Rent a boat and buy some tackle at the park store to go fishing. The state stocks this lake with largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. This facility also has three fishing piers. Bikers and hikers will love following the 15-mile multi-use trail. 

Along the Way

ESSE Purse Museum  

ESSE Purse Museum depicts how women’s purses changed from 1900 to 1999. The museum creatively displays purses from each decade along with photographs and other artifacts. This downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, museum is one of only three purse museums in the world. 

Graceland  

Tour Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived in Memphis. Then, head outside to see the gardens and tour the airplane that he used to travel the world. You can also visit the Chapel in the Woods. 

The American Village  

Stop at The American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. This unique village has several replicas that you will want to see, including a home inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a Colonial courthouse, a Colonial chapel, and a reproduction of the Oval Office. Watch performances in the auditorium, films in the theater, and explore the museum. You can often participate in hands-on learning experiences led by costumed historians. 

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge  

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near West Blocton, Alabama, is a great place to go fishing, canoeing, and hiking. You will want to bring along your camera to take photos of wildlife. The river is home to several threatened fish species, including the Cahaba shiner and the Goldline darter. A festival occurs every May to celebrate the Cahaba lilies that grow in abundance at this location. 

Paul W. Bryant Museum  

The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is home to the Paul W. Bryant Museum. You will want to watch the videos showcasing some of Bryant’s most outstanding players on the touch-screen video console as you enter the museum. Stroll through the chronological exhibits presenting each of the teams between 1892 to the present day. Tour the replica of Coach Bryant's office. See a crystal replica of Bryant’s famous hat, and listen to radio broadcast moments from infamous games. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Little Rock to Talladega National Forest, 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 Little Rock or Brent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Little Rock to Talladega National Forest?

To plan an RV road trip from Little Rock to Talladega National Forest, 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 Little Rock to Talladega National Forest 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 Little Rock to Talladega National Forest. 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!