RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Total Time | 21 Days |
| Total Distance | 2,622 mi |
| Start / End | Austin, TX to Billings, MT |
| States Crossed | Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana |
| Ideal For | Families, outdoor adventurers, and slow-travel enthusiasts |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
The journey from the heart of Texas to the sprawling skies of Montana is one of the most dynamic cross-country routes available for motorhome travelers. Covering 2,622 mi, this itinerary perfectly balances the comfort of slow travel with the thrill of diverse landscapes. You will transition from the warm, vibrant culture of Austin through the high deserts of New Mexico, over the towering peaks of the Colorado Rockies, and finally into the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the rugged frontier of Montana. An RV provides the ultimate basecamp for this epic transition, allowing you to wake up to a new ecosystem every few days without ever having to unpack your suitcase.
With 21 days allocated for the trip, the pacing is intentionally relaxed. This allows you to truly immerse yourself in the regional culture, take part in unexpected local tours, and enjoy the scenic byways that make the American West so legendary. Whether you are traveling with family or seeking a grand adventure with friends, the spaciousness and flexibility of an RV turn this extensive mileage into a comfortable, unforgettable expedition.
This massive cross-country expedition is best approached in distinct, thematic stages. Rather than rushing from point A to point B, the route is designed to let you absorb the changing geography at a steady, enjoyable pace.
This 21-day itinerary is packed with a rich variety of experiences, ensuring that every traveler in your group finds something to love. Here are the core themes and highlights you will encounter along the way:
The route kicks off with fantastic family-friendly activities. You can take a train tour with your family to watch the superb animals at the Austin Zoo. As you push into New Mexico, prepare for an experience you will never forget at the superlative Meow Wolf Santa Fe, where interactive, mind-bending art installations redefine traditional galleries.
History buffs will find plenty to uncover. You can step into the past at Gold Mountain and hunt for treasures and a special souvenir during the bachelor Syracuse mine tour. Later in the trip, explore, watch a theatre production, and browse the gift shop at the National Oregon/California Trail Center to understand the incredible journeys of early pioneers.
The natural features on this route are staggering. At the South Rim Visitor Center of the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, you will be stunned by the sheer, dramatic views. For adrenaline seekers, you will rock and roll navigating the rapids at Mountain Whitewater. Afterward, you can meditate, get healthy relaxation, and enjoy the soothing waters of the Saratoga Hobo Hot Springs. Wildlife enthusiasts will also thrill at the chance to experience the desert landscape and see wild mustang horses on the adventurous Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours.
This specific itinerary is expertly crafted for 21 days. Covering 2,622 mi requires time if you want to prioritize slow travel and safety. Three weeks allows you to limit your daily drive times, ensuring you have ample hours each day to actually explore the attractions rather than just seeing them through a windshield.
Absolutely. It is rare to find a single route that encompasses the cultural quirkiness of Austin, the artistic flair of Santa Fe, the sheer vertical drops of Colorado's canyons, and the iconic geysers of Yellowstone. It is a comprehensive tour of the American West's greatest hits.
This route is ideal for families, extended groups, and couples who want a mix of education, physical activity, and relaxation. The blend of museums, extreme whitewater activities, and accessible hot springs means there is a perfect balance for varying energy levels.
Late Spring (May) through Early Fall (September) is optimal. Because you will be crossing high-elevation passes in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, traveling during the summer ensures that mountain roads and national park facilities are fully open and accessible.
Planning a multi-state, one-way RV trip requires attention to logistics. Because you are picking up the motorhome in Austin and dropping it off in Billings, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee. This fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle and varies by fleet provider.
Additionally, with a distance of 2,622 mi, you should carefully review the mileage packages offered with your rental. Purchasing a generous mileage package upfront is often more cost-effective than paying per-mile overages at the end of your trip. You will also want to factor in fuel costs for a larger vehicle, campground reservations (which should be booked well in advance for popular spots like Yellowstone), and entrance fees for various tours and parks. For exact, real-time pricing and availability tailored to your travel dates, utilize the search tools provided by RV PLANET.
From the vibrant streets of Texas to the wild, open spaces of Montana, this journey is a masterclass in American road-tripping. To access the complete day-by-day breakdown, secure your vehicle, and turn this dream route into a reality, view the full itinerary and book your motorhome at 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 (Austin) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $900–$1,500 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $450–$750 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $800–$1,200 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a 21-day trip, a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds, and peak summer travel rates. 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.
Leaving the vibrant landscapes of central Texas behind as you transition into the expansive, art-filled high deserts of New Mexico.
Navigating dramatic mountain passes, exploring historic mining heritage, and marveling at deep, vertical canyons.
Discovering pioneer history, soaking in natural geothermal springs, and spotting wild mustangs across the open plains.
Taking your time to witness iconic geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife before completing the journey into Big Sky Country.
Total cost for this 21-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,622 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Austin → 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 Austin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| CA-25 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 24.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-21 Compact Plus Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 4 | 21.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Ultra Compact C18 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class TC - Truck Camper | 2 | 19.5 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Austin → Billings route.
Picking up in Austin but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: