Roadtrip with RVshare New Haven to St. Augustine

Covering more than a thousand miles through 11 states between Connecticut and Florida, a New Haven to St. Augustine RV road trip passes through many internationally recognized sights and local hidden treasures. History buffs can explore Native American sites as well as follow in the footsteps of the Revolutionary (and Civil) War’s biggest names. Outdoor enthusiasts have hundreds of thousands of acres of state and national parks to explore. Culture lovers will appreciate the variety of metropolitan cities en route. You will cover a lot of ground on this trip, but our New Haven to St. Augustine road trip itinerary below has you covered along every mile.

Nearby National Parks

Shenandoah National Park

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by the Shenandoah River, Shenandoah National Park is truly a beautiful place to explore. It is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Hundreds of millions of years older than their rocky counterparts out west, this blue-tinted range seems tame. But its rolling peaks and valleys are arguably even more sublime. If you wish to see it all from the comfort of your RV, travel down Shenandoah's amazing Skyline Drive.

New River Gorge National Park

Another park in the Appalachian Mountain range, New River Gorge National Park is a whitewater rafting paradise. While New River Gorge is among the newest national parks in the country, the river is one of the oldest rivers in North America. With rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, the New River has adventures available for everyone regardless of experience. If you prefer staying dry, plentiful hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching abound as well.

Congaree National Park

For bragging rights, make your way to Congaree National Park, and join the relatively small 160,000 annual visitors who enjoy this site. One of the largest old-growth hardwood forests in the United States and one of the highest deciduous forest canopies in the world, Congaree boasts lots of good tree exploration and fun recreational activities. Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and fishing are popular, and those who get to see the annual synchronous firefly event will have memories to last a lifetime. 

Nearby State Parks

French Creek State Park

About 90 minutes away from Philadelphia sits the largest contiguous forest between New York City and Washington, DC. French Creek State Park boasts 7,730 acres that are great for birding, hiking, fishing, hunting, and biking. Fans of history can explore the nearby Hopewell Furnace for a peek at the restored 18th-century iron-manufacturing structures.

First Landing State Park

The first planned state park in Virginia, First Landing State Park marks the area where the first English Virginia Company colonists landed in 1607 before settling in Jamestown. Located in lively Virginia Beach on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, First Landing is understandably the most visited state park in Virginia. Hike through the cypress swamps, take a plunge in the bay, or visit the Narrows, an aptly named waterway that is said to have been visited by the legendary pirate Blackbeard.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park has been a popular destination for North Carolinians and visitors alike since 1945. The namesake cliffs offer a spectacular view of the Neuse River. From these cliffs, wildlife aficionados can try to catch a glimpse of the park’s cutest residents, the river otters. Swimmers love to take a dip in the 11-acre manmade lake, and there are miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking.

Blue Spring State Park

For a truly unique state park experience, visit Blue Spring State Park in northern Florida. A haven for water sports enthusiasts, Blue Spring is great for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving. The 72-degree water of the natural springs is the perfect temperature to attract swimmers - both human and manatee alike. Hundreds of "sea cows" visit the springs each year, making this a popular spot for both serious wildlife watchers and families with curious children.

Along the Way

Independence National Historical Park

A visit to Independence National Historical Park helps you rack up a lot of travel checkmarks in one place: Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the United States’ first World Heritage City, Philadelphia. Enjoy some of the most important sites from our nation’s founding in the morning, grab a nearby cheesesteak for lunch, and in the afternoon, take a drive out to another nearby National Historical Park, Valley Forge.

Colonial Williamsburg

Travel a little farther south and back further in time to visit the incredible Colonial Williamsburg. This living history museum features hundreds of original and restored buildings. Some of these structures feature historical reenactors who will walk you through what life was like in 17th and 18th century Virginia. Part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which also includes nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see on any New Haven to St. Augustine road trip.

Hilton Head Island

This popular resort town boasts activities for every member of the family. Miles of public access beaches, dozens of golf courses, relaxing resorts and spas, and incredible restaurants characterize this barrier island. For the littlest members of your group, enjoy the unique "Mermaid Encounter Boat Tours" that add an extra magical flair to an already beautiful aquatic excursion around the island.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Towards the end of your trip, a relaxing stop at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve might be the perfect thing. Named for the indigenous Timucua people who populated most of northeast and north-central Florida, this preserve features not only beautiful natural vistas but also important archeological finds. Be sure to check out the pottery shards from 2500 BCE and the artifacts of 16th-century Spanish missions.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

New York, New York

In less than two hours after leaving New Haven, you will find yourself in the city that never sleeps. Manhattan, New York City’s most densely populated borough, is a tightly packed 22 square miles of world-class museums, restaurants, theaters, shops, and architectural masterpieces. If you want to park your RV and enjoy New York’s famous and thorough subway system, here are some nearby campgrounds to get you started.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love has topped many lists of "best places to visit" and for good reason. Walkable, bikeable, and full to overflowing with colorful museums like the eerie medical marvels of the Mütter Museum or the mysterious and historic Masonic Temple, Philadelphia is a destination you won't want to miss. If you plan to take in more of Pennsylvania's sights, consider staying overnight at a nearby campground.

Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital is an essential stop on any road trip of the eastern seaboard. Your specific itinerary will certainly vary, but no stop is complete without a visit to the National Mall. In one compact area of land, you will find the iconic Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, White House, Jefferson Memorial, and most of the Smithsonian Institution. If you’re looking for a place to spend the night, this list of DC-area campgrounds is the perfect way to get started on your search.

Richmond, Virginia

The capital of Virginia is a beautiful city full of stunning architecture and important Civil War battlefields. From the Federal-style mansions of Court End to the unique 19th-century Egyptian Building on Virginia Commonwealth University's campus, Richmond would be a great pit stop on your travels.

Savannah, Georgia

No road trip from New Haven to St. Augustine would be complete without a stop in charming Savannah, GA. If your idea of relaxation is sipping sweet tea or mint juleps under a canopy of Spanish moss, then this is the city for you. Visit Bonaventure Cemetery to see the solemn and beautiful memorials, or spend the day enjoying artwork at the SCAD Museum of Art. When it’s time for dinner, don’t forget to try some shrimp and grits, a local favorite. Since there are some convenient dump stations nearby, Savannah is also a great stop for cleaning your RV.

Find Adventure from New Haven to St. Augustine

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from New Haven to St. Augustine, 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 New Haven or St. Augustine.