RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
Embarking on a motorhome journey from the deep south to the towering Rockies is a fantastic way to explore the beauty and diversity of America's heartland. Here is a quick overview of what to expect on this adventure.
| Start / End | Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO |
| Duration | 13 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,712 mi |
| States Crossed | Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado |
| Best For | Families, music lovers, and history enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
An RV road trip from Atlanta to Denver perfectly blends urban exploration with monumental natural transitions. Covering 1,712 mi over nearly two weeks allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel. Instead of rushing from coast to coast, this heartland route invites you to comfortably settle into your motorhome, utilizing well-maintained interstate systems and scenic state highways. Navigating through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes, ensuring that the view from your windshield is constantly evolving. The spaciousness of a motorhome gives families the freedom to carry their comforts across state lines while keeping daily drives manageable.
To truly enjoy the shift from southern charm to mountain majesty, breaking the trip down into regional stages is key. While the full day-by-day itinerary is available exclusively inside RV PLAN, here is a look at the overall pacing of your 13-day adventure.
The journey begins with a focus on settling into your RV and leaving the bustling cityscape of Atlanta behind. The initial days are characterized by short, easy drives through Georgia and into Tennessee, allowing you to get comfortable behind the wheel while enjoying lush, rolling landscapes and fascinating subterranean wonders.
As you push further into Tennessee and touch upon Kentucky and Illinois, the rhythm shifts to cultural exploration. The driving distances remain moderate, giving you ample time to park the RV and immerse your family in the rich musical heritage of the region before the terrain begins to flatten out toward the Midwest.
Entering Missouri marks a significant milestone on this route. This stage balances iconic national monuments with high-energy family amusements. The pacing here is designed to offer full days of activity in and around St. Louis, meaning less time driving and more time creating memories at major points of interest.
The final leg of the trip embraces the wide-open skies of Kansas and the gradual ascent into Colorado. These days feature slightly longer stretches of driving, but the reward is immense as the horizon slowly rises to reveal the majestic peaks surrounding Denver, bringing your heartland crossing to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
This 13-day itinerary is packed with a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Whether you are traveling with young children, teenagers, or as a couple, the route offers a balanced mix of activities.
The transition through Tennessee is a pilgrimage for music lovers. You will have the opportunity to dive deep into American musical roots by visiting the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. For an unforgettable evening out, BB King's Blues Club offers soulful live music and authentic Southern cuisine, making it a perfect stop to experience the local culture.
Keeping the family entertained is effortless on this route. Early in the trip, the Georgia Aquarium provides a world-class experience with its massive marine exhibits, including whale sharks and beluga whales. As you reach Missouri, Six Flags St. Louis delivers thrilling roller coasters, while the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City lets imaginations run wild. Along the way, you will also find various water parks, bike rentals, and picnic areas perfect for midday breaks.
Nature and history blend beautifully as you drive northwest. Start with a peaceful stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, home to the largest collection of orchids in the United States. In Tennessee, journey deep underground to witness the spectacular Ruby Falls inside Lookout Mountain. Later, as you cross into Missouri, Gateway Arch National Park offers an iconic ride to the top of the arch, providing stunning views of the Mississippi River and the St. Louis skyline.
We recommend dedicating 13 days to this route. Covering 1,712 mi over nearly two weeks allows for a comfortable driving pace of roughly 130 to 150 miles per day on average, leaving plenty of time to explore museums, theme parks, and national landmarks without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. It is a highly rewarding journey that showcases the incredible diversity of the American interior. You transition from the humid, forested landscapes of the South, through the culturally rich Mississippi River Valley, across the vast Great Plains, and finally to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is an educational and visually stunning trip for all ages.
This itinerary is exceptionally well-suited for families. With a strong presence of amusement parks, aquariums, interactive museums, and family activities, travelers with children will find endless entertainment. It also holds massive appeal for fans of American music history and heritage sites.
Late spring through early autumn is the ideal window for this journey. Summer offers the best access to water parks and extended daylight hours for driving, while autumn provides spectacular foliage in the eastern half of the trip and comfortable temperatures across the plains. If traveling in early spring or late fall, be sure to check rvplan.net for seasonal campground closures in Colorado.
When planning a one-way trip from Atlanta to Denver, selecting the right RV is crucial. A Class C motorhome is generally the most popular choice for families, offering a great balance of living space, sleeping capacity, and drivability. Because this route relies heavily on well-paved interstates and major highways, larger Class A motorhomes are also a viable option if you desire maximum comfort.
Since this is a point-to-point journey, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee in your planning. Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package. The base distance is 1,712 mi, but you should always add a buffer for detours, campground commutes, and exploring local points of interest. For specific details on local campground rules, state park permits, or exact vehicle specifications, always refer to the comprehensive resources on rvplan.net.
This two-week adventure from the heart of the South to the edge of the Rockies promises unforgettable memories, incredible music, and breathtaking scenery. To view the complete day-by-day itinerary, explore available fleet options, and secure your motorhome, visit the official route page here: Atlanta to Denver RV Trip 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) | $550–$750 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $480–$960 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$650 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 MPG fuel efficiency, an average of $60 per night for mixed campground stays, and peak-season travel. 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.
Settle into your motorhome and shift from bustling southern cityscapes to scenic, rolling foothills.
Immerse yourself in legendary country and blues heritage before pushing north toward the Midwest.
Navigate the transition into Missouri, exploring iconic monuments and family-friendly amusements along the river.
Experience the wide-open skies of Kansas as the horizon slowly rises to meet the majestic peaks of Colorado.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,712 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Atlanta → Denver 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 → Denver 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: