Road Trip with RVshare Tampa to Mackinaw City

If you want to travel from the bottom of America all the way to the top, then one way to accomplish that is to take a Tampa to Mackinaw City road trip. As you drive from the middle of Florida to the top of Lower Michigan, you'll have the opportunity to explore multiple state and national parks. You'll also pass through vibrant cities that contain fun tourist attractions. Whether you want to get lost in a mountain forest or an urban jungle, you'll have plenty of options to put on your road trip itinerary from Tampa to Mackinaw City.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Atlanta, Georgia  

Georgia's capital is home to great places to visit like the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Excellent dump stations and campgrounds are easy to find in the area if you're taking your road trip in an RV.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee Aquarium, and other family-friendly attractions call this gorgeous mountain city home. Many quality dump stations and campgrounds are close by.

Lexington, Kentucky  

Whether you're into horses, bluegrass, or bourbon, you can find plenty to do in Lexington. While you're exploring locations like the James E. Pepper Distillery and Kentucky Horse Park, you can take advantage of multiple dump stations and campgrounds for your motorhome.

Cincinnati, Ohio  

While you're exploring Cincinnati, be sure to drop by places like Paramount's Kings Island and the Kentucky Speedway. Numerous dump stations and campgrounds are nearby for amenities during your trip.

Ann Arbor, Michigan  

The University of Michigan and many other attractions draw visitors to Ann Arbor. You'll have plenty of dump stations and campgrounds from which to choose if you stop in this city.

National Parks

Congaree National Park  

Before you leave the Atlanta area, head east for three hours to visit Congaree National Park. This park is known for its champion trees, some of which are the largest of their kind in the United States; there are also trees that are believed to be over a thousand years old. The trails are mostly flat here, so this is a great place to hike on easy trails. Another popular method of exploring this park is via boat on the Congaree River, which takes you through interesting swampland. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

America's most popular national park is only 45 miles southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, so how could you pass up the chance to explore it on your road trip from Tampa to Mackinaw City? Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains more than 500,000 acres of mountains, valleys, streams, and picturesque landscapes. The park is home to over 800 miles of trails, so you won't have any problem finding a path that suits your tastes and skill level. There are more than 2,100 miles of streams and rivers, meaning great fishing areas abound.

Mammoth Cave National Park  

Mammoth Cave National Park is two hours west of London, Kentucky. It's home to the world's longest-known cave system, so it's well worth adding to your road trip itinerary from Tampa to Mackinaw City. You'll be able to explore portions of this cave system, including the Rotunda, Frozen Niagara, and Gothic Avenue. Not all of the beauty in this park is contained underground, however; there are plenty of places on the surface to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park  

Less than two hours east of Springfield Township, Ohio, is gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Home to a hundred waterfalls, a hundred miles of river, and more than a hundred miles of hiking trails, this park provides visitors with numerous opportunities for adventure. Ravines, rivers, wetlands, forests, waterfalls, and more delight the 2 million people who travel here each year. 

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park  

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is three hours west of Toledo, Ohio. People come here to explore the sand dunes near the coast, but they also come for the 15 miles of gorgeous shoreline on Lake Michigan. There are also 20 square miles of countryside that you can experience on foot, bike, or horseback. In addition to the dune and coastal environments, you can also explore wetlands, forests, rivers, and prairies.

Nearby State Parks

Reed Bingham State Park  

You can easily reach Reed Bingham State Park by traveling 10 minutes west of Adel, Georgia, so it's a great place to visit on your Tampa to Mackinaw City RV road trip. If you want to see wildlife like bald eagles, alligators, gopher tortoises and more, then you'll want to stop by this park. Reed Bingham Park Lake is a great place for water sports; you can even rent canoes, kayaks, and paddlers for use on the lake. Swimming, hiking, and biking are also popular here.

Norris Dam State Park  

Five minutes east of Rocky Top, Tennessee, is Norris Dam State Park. The park gives you access to Norris Reservoir, which is nearly 54,000 square miles large. Fishing and water sports are popular, and visitors also enjoy running along the shoreline. Should you prefer a more established trail for your exercise, you can take advantage of the 15 separate trails in the park. 

Big Bone Lick State Park  

If you want to see bison as well as Ice Age fossils on your Tampa to Mackinaw City road trip, then you can't pass up the chance to explore Big Bone Lick State Park. You can observe the park's bison herd at all times of the year. Birding is also a favorite activity here. The park's museum is home to exhibits featuring fossils, Native American history, paleontology and more. If you want to spend some time in the woods, this park has two orienteering trails and several miles of hiking trails. 

John Bryan State Park  

John Bryan State Park is half an hour from the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Rappelling and rock climbing are popular here thanks to the gorge and various rock formations that formed as a result of erosion from glaciers and the Little Miami River. About 12 miles of trails provide great places for hiking and, in some cases, biking. Disc golf, fishing, boating, camping, seasonal skiing, and sledding are other favored activities here.

Pinckney Recreation Area  

A quarter of an hour west of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, is the lovely Pinckney Recreation Area. This park is made up of 11,000 acres of interconnected pieces of land that feature moraines, kettle lakes, lowlands and more. There are many great places to go fishing, hiking, backpacking, and biking. During the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling are also popular.

Along the Way

The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park  

The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park is a mere five minutes off your route through Ocala, Florida. This park features a wide variety of methods for exploring the gorgeous lakes, rivers and canyons in this area. Zip line tours, horseback tours, kayak tours and more are available at this adventure park.

Wild Adventures  

If you feel that your road trip from Tampa to Mackinaw City needs even more adventure, then you should definitely stop by this great theme park, water park and zoo in the southern part of Georgia. The park is only five minutes from Interstate 75 as it goes through Valdosta, so it's easy to reach. Awesome rides like Boomerang, Hakini Rapids, Pharaoh's Fury and Rattler call this park home.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum  

Just five minutes from the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Multiple steam engines, vintage rail cars and more are waiting for you to climb aboard and travel back in time. Whether you want to take a short trip on a vintage short line train or a 50-mile trip on the Hiawassee Loop, you'll be able to experience the wonder of the "Golden Age of Railroading" at this museum.

Ark Encounter  

This life-sized replica of Noah's Ark is only five minutes off your route through Williamstown, Kentucky, so why not add it to your road trip itinerary from Tampa to Mackinaw City? In addition to viewing three decks of exhibits in the ark itself, you'll be able to visit the zoo, ride a zip line, go back in time to Noah's day in a virtual reality experience and grab a bite to eat at Emzara's Kitchen.

Cincinnati Museum Center  

The Cincinnati Museum Center is a multi-museum complex housed in lovely Union Terminal, which is a National Historic Landmark. This Art Deco train station is home to four separate museums and a theater. Whether you want to visit the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, or the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater, you'll find plenty to do and see here.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tampa to Mackinaw City, 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 Tampa or Mackinaw City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Mackinaw City?

To plan an RV road trip from Tampa to Mackinaw City, 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 Tampa to Mackinaw City 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 Tampa to Mackinaw City. 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!