Road Trip with RVshare Nashville to New Orleans

You can go from Nashville to New Orleans and drive about 533 miles, or you can make an adventure out of it by heading west like the early pioneers and exploring much more of the country. While you will add about 400 more miles to your Nashville to New Orleans road trip, it will be worth visiting the fantastic national parks and the state parks along the way. Consider this alternative before you decide to drive straight south on your Nashville to New Orleans road trip.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Memphis, Tennessee  

Compared to many cities that draw tourists in Tennessee, Memphis is a budget-friendly, energetic city to visit. Consider camping at Graceland RV Park and Campground or at Elvis Presley Boulevard RV Park. Both are located very near Graceland. Dump stations are available at both and at other nearby locations in Tennessee. 

Little Rock, Arkansas  

Stroll the promenade, shop in the outlet malls, and experience all that Little Rock, Arkansas, offers. Give yourself time to enjoy the city by camping at the Downtown Riverside RV Park on the Arkansas River banks or the Burns Park RV Park and Campground, which features two golf courses and a theme park. You can find nearby dump stations at either of these campgrounds or many other places across Arkansas. 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana  

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers many great restaurants and outstanding college sports. Consider camping at Lakeside RV Park, which offers a camp store, or at Reunion Lake RV Resort with a tiki bar. You can use the dump station at Farr Park Equestrian Center & RV Campground or at Mid River Truck Stop. 

National Parks

Many national parks can easily be added to a Nashville to New Orleans road trip.

Hot Springs National Park  

Congress first protected the water at Hot Springs National Park in 1832, and today, you can soak in the thermal waters at two bathhouses. There are also several places in the park where you can drink the water, including in front of the national park headquarters building. You can also touch the water, which was believed to have healing properties and is 147 degrees when it comes out of the ground at Hot Water Cascade, which is the largest visible spring in the area. Two trails offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also take ranger-led tours and cellphone tours to understand more about the history of this park. 

Cane River Creole National Historical Park  

This park contains two French Creole plantations in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, on the Cane River. Between the two, 65 structures are preserved by the National Park Service. At Oakland, you can tour the main house, which has been restored with period antiques and a slave/tenant cabin. The main house at Magnolia is privately owned, but you can tour outbuildings, which consist of a town where slaves lived. 

Nearby State Parks

By routing your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans and seeing the two national parks, you can visit some great state parks in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana along the way. 

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park  

You will love the stunning views at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, located near Millington, Tennessee. Rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat and explore Popular Tree Lake. You can also use the free boat launch to gain direct access to the Mississippi River. Two 18-hole disc golf courses are available with one for beginners and one for more advanced players. Over 20 miles of hiking trails are available, and you may spot some of the 240 reported species of birds seen in this park. There is also an 8.5-mile horseback riding trail. 

Lake Ouachita State Park  

Lake Ouachita State Park surrounds a 40,000-surface-acre lake where you can go swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing. At this location near Mountain Lake, you can rent canoes, kayaks, small motorboats, and pontoons from the park’s vendor. The extremely clean lake is over 200-feet deep in many places, so it has great visibility under its surface. The lake contains more than 30 diving spots, and you can get a map to them at the park’s office. 

Logoly State Park  

Logoly State Park near Magnolia, Arkansas, covers only 390-acres, and it sits in a protected nature preserve. Follow Crane’s Fly Trail around the small lake to access the boardwalk where you can often see birds and other wildlife that call the lake and the old-growth forest home. Watch the water bubble from the mineral springs. This park is the first designated environmental park in Arkansas, and you can learn about many animals and the park’s geology at the interactive exhibits in the visitors center. If you have children with you, they will love romping on the playground. There are other outstanding Arkansas state parks nearby that you might also want to consider. 

Lake Chicot State Park  

Another stop that you will want to make on your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is at Lake Chicot State Park, which is located near Lake Village, Arkansas. Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in North America. Anglers often come here to catch channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. This park’s location in the Mississippi Flyway makes it a popular location to look for birds. While you will have to pay a little extra, cool off with a dip in this state park’s swimming pool. 

Tickfaw State Park  

Tickfaw State Park near Springfield, Louisiana, is a great place to go on a nature hike along the park’s boardwalk. In under a mile, you will hike through a cypress/tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine-hardwood forest, and along the Tickfaw River. Periodically, park rangers provide guided hikes at night. Cool off at this park’s splash pad from Tuesday through Sunday. Head to the nature center to see the 800-gallon aquarium stocked with plants and marine-life from the Tickfaw River. 

Along the Way

There are many interesting points of interest that you may want to include on a road trip itinerary from Nashville to New Orleans. Here are a few standouts. 

Victorian Village  

Stop and visit the homes along Adams Avenue near downtown Memphis, Tennessee, on your trip. These homes were constructed during the late 1800s, and many of them are open for public tours, including Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum that was built in 1871. Next door is the Mallory-Neely House, which contains many mementos from the Chicago’s World Fair of 1893. The Pillow-McIntyre House is the only pre-Civil War Greek Revival-style home in the city. 

Old State House Museum  

If the Old State House Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, could talk, it would have quite a tale to tell. You can learn more about the events that happened there, including the admission of Arkansas into the United States, a knife fight between two sitting legislators, the vote for Arkansas to join the Confederacy, and the acceptance speeches of two United States presidents given on her grounds. You can also see the largest collection of First Lady’s dresses outside of the Smithsonian Museum. 

Garvan Woodland Gardens  

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden located very near Hot Springs, Arkansas. This garden nestled on Lake Hamilton's shores contains more than 160 varieties of azaleas and many other types of plants. Stroll along the lake or the garden’s stream and take in all the different gardens located within this space. 

 Great Mississippi River Road  

The Great Mississippi River Road runs along the east bank of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans for 70 miles. As you drive along it, you can see many examples of antebellum and colonial homes. Stop at St. Joseph Plantation, where you can see the main home, the schoolhouse, and an ironsmith shop. The Evergreen Plantation contains one of the most complete collections of slave quarters in the United States. You will not want to miss seeing the gardens at the Houmas House Estate and Gardens.

Going on a Nashville to New Orleans road trip by going through Arkansas allows you to visit Hot Springs National Park and Cane River Creole National Historical Park. You will be building memories as you get off the beaten path and experience towns skipped by many people. Get your RV ready and set out as soon as possible. If you do not have an RV, then rent one in Nashville or New Orleans to make this epic Nashville to New Orleans RV road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Nashville to New Orleans?

To plan an RV road trip from Nashville to New Orleans, 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 Nashville to New Orleans 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 Nashville to New Orleans. 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!