
Days 1-3 — The Southeast & Music City
~250–350 mi across this legTransitioning from Georgia into Tennessee, this initial leg establishes a gentle pace through rolling green hills and rich musical heritage.
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| Duration | 16 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 2,504 mi |
| Start / End | Atlanta, GA / Billings, MT |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wyoming |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, Cross-Country Explorers |
Traveling by motorhome from the lush, rolling hills of the Southeast to the expansive skies of the American West is the ultimate cross-country adventure. Over the course of 16 days and 2,504 mi, this route perfectly balances urban cultural touchstones with awe-inspiring natural wonders. You will transition from the rich musical heritage of the Country Music Hall of Fame to the engineering marvel of the Gateway Arch National Park, and finally to the rugged, monumental landscapes of Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower.
An RV is the ideal vessel for this journey. It allows you to embrace slow travel, giving you the freedom to linger at a botanical garden or take an impromptu hike without worrying about hotel check-in times. With diverse stops ranging from the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway to the Wild Rose Equine Center, having your home on wheels ensures you can comfortably experience every thrilling amusement park ride and scenic overlook at your own pace.
This 16-day itinerary is designed to be savored. Rather than rushing from coast to coast, the journey is broken down into manageable regional stages. For the exact day-by-day breakdown, interactive map, and specific campground recommendations, check the detailed itinerary inside RV PLAN.
Departing Atlanta, the initial leg eases you into RV life with a gentle drive through Georgia and Tennessee. The pace is relaxed, focusing on heritage sites, local industry, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the South before you cross into Kentucky.
As you transition into Missouri and Illinois, the rhythm shifts to a mix of iconic monuments and family-friendly thrills. This stage involves navigating major river crossings and offers ample opportunities for extreme activities, amusement parks, and urban exploration.
Crossing Kansas and entering Colorado requires slightly longer driving days, but the reward is a dramatic shift in scenery. The wide-open prairies give way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering perfect spots for picnicking and stretching your legs on local hiking trails.
This is the monumental core of the trip. Driving distances shorten as you explore South Dakota and Wyoming. The focus turns to natural features, caves, and the awe-inspiring landmarks that define the historical American West.
The final push into Montana is all about soaking in the vast landscapes. The pace slows down again, allowing you to reflect on the journey as you approach Billings, enjoying art galleries and local museums along the way.
This route is packed with diverse attractions. While the full list of stops is available on RV PLAN, here is a taste of what you will encounter:
We highly recommend a full 16 days to comfortably cover the 2,504 mi distance. This timeframe allows for average driving days of roughly 150 to 200 miles, ensuring you have plenty of time to explore attractions and relax at your campsites rather than just staring through a windshield.
Absolutely. The transition from the forested Southeast to the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains offers an unparalleled cross-section of American geography and culture. It is a highly rewarding route for those who appreciate diverse landscapes and historical landmarks.
With its vast mix of amusement parks, heritage sites, and natural features, this trip is perfectly suited for families, multi-generational groups, and extended road-trippers looking for a comprehensive, multi-state American adventure.
Late spring through early fall is the optimal window. Summer offers full access to water parks and high-altitude hiking areas, while early autumn provides spectacular foliage, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures in the western states.
Planning a cross-country RV trip requires careful consideration of several cost categories. Since this is a one-way journey from Atlanta to Billings, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee, which rental fleets charge to return the vehicle to its origin point. This fee varies by supplier but is a standard part of one-way logistics.
Additionally, pay close attention to mileage packages. Covering 2,504 mi means you will likely need to purchase an unlimited mileage package or pre-book extra miles to avoid higher per-mile penalties at drop-off. Factor in fuel costs, campground reservations (we recommend a mix of state parks and private resorts), and entrance fees for major attractions. For the most accurate, real-time pricing and vehicle availability for your specific dates, utilize the search tools below.
From the bustling streets of Atlanta to the expansive skies of Billings, this 16-day motorhome adventure is waiting for you. Secure your vehicle, review the full day-by-day itinerary, and start mapping out your campground stays. To finalize your plans and book your perfect rig, visit the official route page on RV PLANET today.
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) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $675–$1,200 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$800 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg at $3.50/gal, a mix of state park and private campground rates over 15 nights, and shoulder-season travel for a family of four. 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 Georgia into Tennessee, this initial leg establishes a gentle pace through rolling green hills and rich musical heritage.

Crossing the heartland rivers into Missouri and Illinois, this section offers a mix of urban gateway monuments and family-friendly amusement parks.

A steady drive across Kansas and into Colorado, where the landscape shifts dramatically from wide-open prairies to towering mountain foothills.

This iconic stretch brings you face-to-face with legendary American landmarks and rich natural history as you cross South Dakota and Wyoming.

The final push into Montana offers sweeping vistas and a relaxed conclusion to an epic cross-country journey.
Total cost for this 16-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,504 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Atlanta → Billings 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 → Billings route.
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