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| Start / End | Atlanta, GA to Atlanta, GA (Roundtrip) |
| Distance | 880 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 8 Days |
| States Crossed | Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina |
| Best Fit For | Families, outdoor adventurers, and theme-park enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Spring (wildflowers) through Autumn (fall foliage) |
Starting and ending in Atlanta, this 880 mi journey forms the ultimate southeastern loop. It seamlessly blends the vibrant energy of metropolitan hubs with the serene, misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. Because it is a roundtrip, travelers benefit from simplified logistics—you pick up and drop off your motorhome in the same city, completely bypassing one-way rental fees. The route is highly varied, offering everything from dense hiking areas and cascading waterfalls to world-class aquariums and interactive museums. The driving distances between major regions are manageable, making it an excellent choice for families who want to balance drive time with exploration time. The southeastern United States is also incredibly RV-friendly, boasting an abundance of well-equipped campgrounds and spacious state parks.
To truly appreciate the transition from cityscapes to mountain peaks, we recommend embracing slow travel. Rather than rushing from state to state, divide your trip into four distinct stages. Note: For a fully detailed, day-by-day itinerary with exact routing, check the complete plan on RV PLANET.
This itinerary is packed with diverse points of interest. Here is a look at the key themes and locations you will encounter on your journey.
The Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding Blue Ridge offer unparalleled natural beauty. Early in your trip, you can marvel at the cascading waters of Toccoa Falls. Once you reach the heart of the national park, the Sugarlands Visitor Center Parking area serves as an excellent gateway to extensive hiking trails. Later in North Carolina, take time to relax at The North Carolina Arboretum, a lush forested area offering spectacular mountain views and meticulously curated botanical gardens.
If you are traveling with family, this route delivers non-stop entertainment. Near Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of activities, including the Summit Skyride—a Swiss-style gondola cable car that provides scenic rides to the peak. For those seeking adrenaline, Big Bear Whitewater Rafting features varying levels of rapids suitable for different types of adventurers. You can also try your luck panning for treasures at the Thermal City Gold & Gem Mine.
The route beautifully intertwines natural wonders with unique cultural stops. In Tennessee, treat your group to dinner and a show at Dolly Parton's Stampede. As you move into North Carolina, racing fans will love the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a dynamic museum filled with interactive exhibits and a theater. South Carolina offers a glimpse into regional history at the Catawba Cultural Center, followed by a fantastic visit to the Greenville Zoo. Finally, cap off your roundtrip back in Georgia at the Georgia Aquarium, widely recognized as one of the world's largest aquariums.
How many days do I need?
We highly recommend dedicating a full 8 days to this 880 mi route. This allows you to drive an average of about 110 miles per day. Keeping drive times short means you have ample daylight to hike, raft, and explore museums without feeling rushed.
Is this route worth it?
Absolutely. It is rare to find a single loop that offers such a high concentration of diverse experiences. Whether you want a quiet canoe trip, a thrilling cable railway ride, fine dining, or a traditional zoo visit, this multi-state loop has it all.
Who is this route for?
This trip is tailor-made for families and multi-generational groups. Because the activities range from accessible scenic gondolas and aquariums to active hiking and whitewater rafting, there is something to engage travelers of all ages and mobility levels.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and Autumn are the premier seasons for this journey. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to the Smoky Mountains, while Autumn offers legendary fall foliage. Summer is fantastic for water activities like rafting, though you should expect busier campgrounds and warmer temperatures.
When booking your motorhome for this trip, consider the size of your party. A Class C RV is often the perfect balance of living space and maneuverability for families navigating mountain roads, while a nimble Class B campervan might be ideal for a couple. Because this is an Atlanta-to-Atlanta roundtrip, you will not have to worry about one-way drop-off fees, which keeps your overall travel expenses predictable.
When reviewing rental options, pay attention to mileage packages. The total distance is 880 mi, plus any side trips you choose to take. Many standard RV rentals include a daily mileage allowance that will comfortably cover this distance over 8 days, but it is always wise to verify the terms before booking.
Campgrounds in the Southeast range from rustic state park sites to resort-style private RV parks with full hookups. Reserving your sites well in advance is crucial, especially if you plan to travel during the peak summer months or the busy fall foliage season.
This 8-day loop through Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina promises unforgettable memories. To view the exact routing, get specific campground recommendations, and book your ideal motorhome, explore the full details for the Atlanta Roundtrip - North to the Great Smoky Mountains on RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Atlanta (ATL area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Atlanta (ATL area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $260–$350 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $350–$560 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $400–$600 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground stays, and a family of four traveling during the regular season. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Transitioning from the bustling city into the lush landscapes and scenic vistas of North Georgia.
Immersing in the dense forests, rushing rivers, and lively entertainment of the Tennessee mountains.
Descending from the high elevations through scenic forests toward vibrant raceway history in North Carolina.
A relaxed journey through charming southern towns and wildlife parks before arriving back in Atlanta.
Total cost for this 8-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 880 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Atlanta → Atlanta pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Atlanta pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Atlanta → Atlanta route.
Picking up in Atlanta but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: