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Roadtrip with RVshare New Orleans to Nashville

On your next New Orleans to Nashville road trip, you will travel through some exciting cities. While in New Orleans, you should visit the French Quarter to enjoy a beignet from Cafe du Monde. Throughout the Big Easy, make sure to spend a night to check out the local jazz clubs. As you go north, you can explore the museums and historic architecture in the college town of Tuscaloosa. Once you reach Nashville, take a few days to tour the honky-tonks or visit the famed Grand Ole Opry. 

New Orleans to Nashville Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: It will take you eight hours to make this drive.
  • Mileage: You'll travel 532 miles from New Orleans to Nashville.
  • Fun Fact: Nashville is nicknamed Music City as it is home to many record labels.

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Nearby National Parks

As you plan your next New Orleans to Nashville road trip itinerary, you should make sure to schedule a break to visit a national park. If you would like to learn more about these spectacular parks, please take a few minutes to visit RVshare's national parks guide.

Mammoth Cave National Park

While on your New Orleans to Nashville RV road trip, you should take a day to stop by the longest cave system in the world. Mammoth Cave National Park has over 400 miles of caverns. You can visit these magnificent caves, but you will have to sign up for a guided tour. If you want to stay above the ground, this national park has several trails that can be accessed by foot or horseback. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the gem of eastern Tennessee. After a visit to Nashville, make sure to spend some time at this beautiful location. There are over 500,000 acres of land, and you can find many recreational activities to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, biking, and camping. If you love bears, you will probably see one in this park. The park estimates that there are two bears per square mile at this location. Along with the bears, you can see other types of wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains, including white-tailed deer, groundhogs, and wild turkeys.

Nearby State Parks

A long road trip can be fun, but you want a few hours to take a break. A stop at a local state park is the perfect respite from a New Orleans to Nashville road trip. If you want to learn about these parks, you can find more information at RVshare's state park guide.

Fontainebleau State Park

Many New Orleans locals love to head to Fontainebleau State Park. This state park was once the estate of Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, and it is located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Fontainebleau is the perfect spot for several recreational activities, including sailing, sunbathing, and swimming. If you want to hit the trails, you can visit the cycling and hiking paths that are converted from an old railroad track. 

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park in Alabama features over 2 miles of white sand beaches. If you want to pick up some seashells for your collection or spot the marine mammals in the water, then Gulf State Park is a great spot for you. At this location, you can see a portion of the park from the raised boardwalks. If you have a dog, there are designated spots for your furry friend to take a swim in the warm Gulf waters. Anglers will want to visit here for the fishing opportunities. Speckled trout, redfish, bream, flounder, and bass can be found in the waters. 

Rock Island State Park

With over 800 acres of land, Rock Island State Park in Tennessee is a perfect location for those water-based activities. The most popular spot in the park is called the Great Falls. At this location, you can see the 30-foot horseshoe waterfall cascade down the rugged rocks. 

Henry Horton State Park

Henry Horton State Park is about an hour from Nashville. This Tennessee state park is known for its rare animals and plants that are located throughout the area. If you take a walk in the park, check out the remnants of the old bridge and mill that were used by the Horton family. This park has a few amenities that you might not expect at a state park. While you are visiting, you can take a dip in the swimming pool or hit the links at the golf course.

Along the Way

You will pass through several exciting points of interest on your road trip from New Orleans to Nashville. From music landmarks to historic districts, make sure to check out these fascinating places. 

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street might be the most famous spot in New Orleans. This street is located in the French Quarter, and you can visit the numerous tourist spots, shops, and bars along the street. During the Mardi Gras season, this is the home of the popular parade. With over 17 million visitors per year, Bourbon Street is one of the top tourist spots in the Big Easy. 

Cafe du Monde French Market

In New Orleans, you will notice the city's strong ties to French culture. If you want to enjoy a local treat, then you should visit Cafe du Monde. Visitors love to head to this location to sample the chicory coffee and snack on the sugar-covered beignets, but expect to wait; this popular spot often has a line out the door. 

Moundville Archaeological Site

This Mississippian culture archaeological site is located on the Black Warrior River in Hale County. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, this spot was a political and ceremonial center for the Mississippian chiefdoms. The University of Alabama owns the land, and you will have to arrange a tour through the school. 

Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is a must-see stop during your visit to Nashville. From 1943 to 1974, this location hosted the Grand Ole Opry. For its role in popularizing country music, the Ryman was designated a National Historic Landmark. You can sign up for a guided tour and learn about the history of this music venue. 

The Johnny Cash Museum

If you are a fan of country music, then you will want to visit the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville. This location opened in 2013, and it is home to the most extensive collection of Cash memorabilia and artifacts.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

During your New Orleans to Nashville road trip, you can visit many exciting locations in Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. When you are ready to stop by a campground or visit a dump station, you can find plenty of options on your route.

Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa is known for its passionate college football falls. However, it is also home to some of the best museums in the state. If you want to see fascinating minerals and fossils, you should visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History. There are also antebellum-style homes in the town, including the Battle-Friedman House and Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. After you have finished exploring this college town, you can find a couple of campgrounds to park your RV. 

Huntsville, AL

Huntsville is located in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama. It is the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and you should plan a visit to this museum. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. Throughout the year, there are festivities and events at this relaxing park. In the Huntsville area, there are many campgrounds available for the night. When you need to keep your RV clean, you can find a dump station near the city. 

Murfreesboro, TN

The history of Murfreesboro is tied to the American Civil War. In the Stones River National Battlefield, you can visit the graves of over 6,000 Union soldiers. The Oaklands Mansion is a restored plantation house with manicured gardens and an arboretum. At the Cannonsburgh Village, the location re-creates the local history from the 1830s to the 1930s. While you are there, you will want to explore the general store and a restored schoolhouse. Murfreesboro is home to several campgrounds that will meet your needs and budget.

Find Adventure from New Orleans to Nashville

Find your One-Way Rental

You will travel to many exciting towns and exceptional places with this road trip itinerary from New Orleans to Nashville. If you want to try something new for your next vacation, then you should think about an RV rental. At RVshare, you can find a wide range of rental options. The best RV rental for your vacation is waiting in New Orleans or Nashville. When you are ready for an adventure from Louisiana to Tennessee, make sure to book with RVshare.