14 day motorhome itinerary atlanta roundtrip deep south

This trip passes in the following countries: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
14 day motorhome itinerary atlanta roundtrip deep south
  • Animals Show / Wildlife watch 1
  • Aquarium 1
  • Beach 1
  • Bike Rental 1
  • Botanical garden 1
  • Cable Railway 1
  • Canoe / Kayak / Rafting 1
  • cave 1
  • Cruise Terminal / Sailing 1
  • Day Tour 1
  • Heritage 1
  • Local Industry 1
  • Museum 1
  • Natural Feature 1
  • Picnic Area 1
  • Point Of Interest 1
  • Science Site 2
  • Tourist Attraction 3
  • Traditional Market 1
  • Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining 1
  • Traditional Visit 1
  • Water Park 1
  • Zoo 1

14 Day Deep South USA Motorhome Itinerary: Atlanta Roundtrip Route Planner

Rev up your engine and let the soulful rhythm of the Deep South guide your wheels on this epic 14-day loop out of Atlanta. Charting a sprawling path through the sun-soaked coasts of Florida, the mysterious bayous of Louisiana, and the musical heartlands of Tennessee, this motorhome adventure is a full-sensory immersion into American history and culture. Piloting your campervan across six states weaves together profound civil rights monuments, high-octane waterparks, and the undisputed capitals of jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll, making it an absolute dream route for a camper holiday.

As of the time of writing this trip review, it is vital to emphasize seasonal reality when planning a massive Southern road trip. The climate of the American South dictates the pace of your journey. While the incredible museums of New Orleans and the musical landmarks of Memphis remain welcoming year-round, outdoor coastal attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark are highly seasonal, and exploring the swamps in late summer can be incredibly hot and humid. If you are traveling during the spring or autumn months, your motorhome trip route planner will guide you toward vibrant outdoor music festivals and bug-free hikes. An RV journey through these magnificent landscapes ensures your holiday is comfortable and safe, giving you a perfectly climate-controlled retreat after a long day of exploration.

To drive comfortably and leisurely and enjoy your road trip more, utilizing a dedicated camper route planner is an absolute must for a multi-state crossing of this magnitude. This detailed itinerary was specifically tailored to the needs of a campervan traveler to ensure safe passage, bridge clearance awareness, and strategic parking in notoriously tight historic districts. By letting a professional route planner handle the logistics, your motorhome getaway becomes a relaxing and memorable experience. An RV road trip effortlessly connects the pristine nature reserves of the Gulf Coast with the soaring skyscrapers of Georgia.

If you are flying into the region to start your journey, securing your vehicle is simple. You can easily rent a camper in Atlanta to begin your scenic drive before pointing the compass south to launch this unforgettable circuit.

Itinerary Summary at a Glance

Day Region Primary Highlight Vehicle Tip
1-3 West GA & FL Panhandle Wild Animal Safari & Maclay Gardens Park your motorhome in the designated oversized lots at the state parks
4-6 AL Coast to New Orleans Gulf State Park & WWII Museum Leave your camper at an RV resort outside the French Quarter
7-9 Mississippi to Memphis Natchez Trace & Graceland Use the massive RV parking lots right across from Graceland
10-12 Middle TN & Chattanooga Jack Daniel's & Ruby Falls Arrive early at the mountain attractions; roads are steep but accessible
13-14 Atlanta Return Georgia Aquarium & Lenox Square Utilize suburban transit lots and take the MARTA into downtown Atlanta

Georgia Safaris and Florida Gardens

The descent from the bustling metropolis of Atlanta into the quiet, historic pine forests of western Georgia offers a spectacular beginning to your journey. Your adventure ignites as you drive your motorhome south toward Pine Mountain. You will step back into ancient times at the Biblical History Center before embarking on a wild ride at the Wild Animal Safari - Pine Mountain. (Note: It is highly recommended to use the park's guided bus or rental vehicles rather than taking your own rental campervan through the animal enclosures!).

Crossing into Florida's capital region, you will explore the rich regional history and elevated boardwalks of the Tallahassee Museum. Driving your RV through the canopy roads of the region is a true joy. Before heading to the coast, wandering the stunning floral reflections at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park provides a peaceful immersion into nature with plenty of parking for your camper group.

Emerald Coasts and Space-Age Swamps

The journey to the Gulf Coast blends classic beachside amusements, space exploration, and deep bayou ecosystems. Arriving in Panama City Beach, families will love taking their motorhome to ride the slides at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Afterward, you will embark on a sunset sail with the Paradise Adventures Catamaran to spot dolphins in the emerald surf.

Continuing west along the coast into Alabama, taking a scenic stroll under the Gulf State Park Pavillion offers a perfect beach day for an RV family. As you drive into Mississippi, pulling into the massive parking lots of the INFINITY Science Center is an absolute must to marvel at NASA's rocket testing history. Crossing the Pearl River into Louisiana, the landscape transforms. Boarding a flat-bottomed boat with Honey Island Swamp Tours to glide through the moss-draped cypress trees and spot wild alligators is an unforgettable adventure for the camper traveler.

The Big Easy to the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll

Louisiana and Mississippi offer an incredible juxtaposition of vibrant city culture and serene, historic parkways. Arriving in New Orleans, navigating the historic streets in a campervan is not advised, so you will park at a nearby RV resort. Renting bicycles from Wheel Fun Rentals in City Park is a fantastic way to explore the area. You will spend a profound afternoon at The National WWII Museum before heading north.

Driving your motorhome into Mississippi, you will learn about the state's diverse ecosystems at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Stocking your RV fridge with local goods at Freshway Produce prepares you for a highly scenic drive up the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, stopping for a peaceful lunch at the River Bend Picnic Area. The geographical transition pushes your campervan into Memphis, Tennessee. Here, you will pay homage to the King at Graceland, record your memories at Sun Studio, and listen to authentic live music at B.B. King's Blues Club - Memphis while soaking in the neon energy of Beale Street.

Tennessee Whiskey, Caverns, and Amish Country

The route east through Tennessee is a masterclass in rural culture, iconic spirits, and subterranean wonders. Heading into Middle Tennessee, you will experience the peaceful, traditional lifestyle of the region by visiting the Amish Welcome Center - Wagon Tours in Ethridge. Getting out on the water with Lucky Duck River Rentals at Normandy provides a refreshing afternoon for your camper crew.

History and spirits lovers will appreciate taking a guided walking tour at the Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center in Lynchburg, which easily accommodates an RV in its visitor lots. Driving your motorhome toward Chattanooga, the landscape becomes mountainous. You will marvel at the underground waterfall of Ruby Falls and set up camp at the highly-rated Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground. Finally, taking the steep, thrilling ride up Lookout Mountain Incline Railway offers sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley.

The Grand Atlanta Finale

The final stretch of the journey brings your campervan back across the Georgia border for a high-energy return to the capital. Re-entering Atlanta, you will marvel at the massive whale sharks and aquatic exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium. Because downtown Atlanta parking can be tricky for oversized vehicles, utilizing a suburban MARTA station to access the city center is highly recommended.

Just steps away from the aquarium, tasting global beverages and learning the history of an iconic brand at the World of Coca-Cola is brilliant fun for an RV family. The grand finale brings your motorhome toward the upscale Buckhead district. Enjoying some premium retail therapy and gathering final souvenirs at Lenox Square officially concludes your spectacular 14-day motorhome masterpiece.

Expert Insights from Avi Bandana

As the owner of Bandana Caravan and an advocate for open road travel, Avi Bandana has guided many families across this exact Southern circuit. Here are his top vehicle-specific tips for this route:

Location Avi's Travel Tip
Natchez Trace Parkway "This is a dream road for a motorhome. Commercial traffic is banned, the speed limit is a relaxing 50 MPH, and there are no stoplights. Just watch out for cyclists!"
New Orleans French Quarter "To drive comfortably, never take your RV near the French Quarter. The streets are impossibly tight. Park at the French Quarter RV Resort or a suburban park and ride the streetcar."
Graceland (Memphis) "Navigate leisurely by using Graceland's massive, dedicated RV parking lot right across the street from the mansion. It makes visiting an absolute breeze for a campervan."
Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga) "The roads leading up to Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway are steep and winding. Take it slow, use your lower gears, and ensure your camper brakes are in good condition."
Downtown Atlanta "Traffic in Atlanta is legendary. Avoid driving your motorhome downtown. Park at a designated suburban transit station and take the MARTA train directly to the Georgia Aquarium."

Frequently Asked Questions for Deep South Road Trips

Can I drive my RV on the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Yes, the Natchez Trace is incredibly RV-friendly. The maximum length limit for an RV on the parkway is 55 feet (including a tow vehicle), and the maximum height is 14 feet. It is one of the most relaxing drives in the United States.

Is parking available for campervans at the Jack Daniel's Distillery?

Absolutely. The visitor center in Lynchburg is well-equipped to handle high volumes of tourists and features a large, dedicated parking lot that can easily accommodate a motorhome or tour bus.

How do I handle toll roads on this route?

While most of the route relies on free interstate highways, certain areas in Florida and around Atlanta have optional express toll lanes. If your campervan rental does not include an electronic toll pass (like SunPass or Peach Pass), avoid the express lanes to prevent unexpected administrative fees.

The Green Road: Why Responsible Travel is a Win for the Planet

Embracing the camper lifestyle is a thoughtful way to engage in Responsible Travel and protect the beautiful lands you visit. On "The Green Road", taking a campervan road trip can significantly lower your environmental impact compared to flying between multiple cities and staying in resource-heavy hotel resorts. Because you carry your living space with you in a motorhome, you achieve remarkable energy savings and reduce your overall carbon footprint by minimizing single-use travel amenities.

Living in an RV inherently encourages responsible travel by making do with less water and electricity, fostering a closer connection to nature, and heightening awareness of resource consumption. The routes mapped out in a professional camper route planner are designed specifically for eco-conscious travelers. The platform takes into account your campervan size and maneuverability to ensure you take the most efficient paths, meaning you never waste fuel while exploring the fragile coastal wetlands of the Gulf or the forested mountains of Tennessee.

The Ultimate Road Trip Across the Deep South

Get inspired for your next motorhome road trip and discover how simple multi-state travel can be with the right tools. Use our RV route planner Free Trial to map out every viewpoint and eco-friendly campground day by day.

Plan your camper road trip now and dive into an unforgettable adventure. With our dedicated planner, you can create a campervan road trip route that suits your unique style. Plan a motorhome road trip today and experience the recommended road trip routes that travelers are raving about. This is an ideal RV road trip for beginners because it perfectly balances Southern charm with expert-guided, highly accessible highways.

Atlanta Roundtrip - Blues, Bayous, and Coastal Tides