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Embark on a sprawling cross-country expedition that transitions from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the lush, historic landscapes of the Deep South. This 17-day journey covers vast geographical diversity, making it a spectacular choice for families and slow-travel enthusiasts.
| Start Location | Denver, Colorado |
| End Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Duration | 17 Days |
| Total Distance | 2,898 mi |
| States Crossed | CO, UT, AZ, NM, TX, OK, AR, MS, AL, TN, GA |
| Best For | Families, nature lovers, and history buffs |
Driving 2,898 mi across the United States is a monumental undertaking, but spreading it over 17 days creates the perfect environment for slow travel. An RV is the ideal vessel for this route because it allows you to wake up in the crisp mountain air of Colorado, traverse the dramatic red-rock deserts of the Southwest, and eventually park beneath the moss-draped canopies of the Deep South—all without packing and unpacking a suitcase. The transition of biomes is seamless when you have your kitchen, bedroom, and living space traveling with you. Furthermore, this route weaves through 11 different states, offering an unparalleled cross-section of American culture, cuisine, and natural wonders.
A successful cross-country RV trip relies on establishing a comfortable driving rhythm. Rather than rushing from point A to point B, this route is best experienced in distinct regional stages.
Your journey begins in the high altitudes of Colorado, where the air is thin and the scenery is dramatic. Expect winding mountain passes and cooler temperatures as you navigate toward the Utah and Arizona borders. This stage is about embracing the alpine environment before the landscape begins to open up into striking canyonlands.
As you move deeper into Arizona and New Mexico, the driving rhythm shifts to long, sweeping highways surrounded by vast desert horizons. The pacing here allows for extended stops at massive natural landmarks and geological wonders. The dry climate and wide-open skies make for excellent evening stargazing at your campsites.
Leaving the desert behind, the route transitions into the Great Plains through Texas and Oklahoma. The driving is generally straightforward and flat, allowing you to cover ground efficiently while making strategic stops in vibrant frontier cities. The landscape softens into rolling prairies and cultivated botanical spaces.
The final leg of your journey winds through Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and finally into Georgia. The arid plains are replaced by dense forests, winding rivers, and historic heritage sites. The pacing here invites you to slow down, enjoy traditional southern hospitality, and explore the rich cultural tapestry before arriving in bustling Atlanta.
This diverse route offers a rich tapestry of activities and attractions to suit every traveler. While the full day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLAN, here are the core themes you will encounter:
To comfortably cover 2,898 mi, 17 days is the recommended timeframe. This allows you to average a manageable amount of driving each day while leaving plenty of time for hiking, exploring museums, and relaxing at your campsite. Attempting this distance in fewer days turns a vacation into a grueling driving marathon.
Absolutely. Few routes offer such a profound shift in geography and culture. You will experience the Rocky Mountains, the Southwestern deserts, the Great Plains, and the Deep South all in one cohesive journey. It is a quintessential American road trip.
This itinerary is highly recommended for families seeking educational and active stops, couples looking for diverse landscapes, and anyone who appreciates a mix of outdoor recreation and urban cultural attractions.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) are the optimal seasons for this route. These shoulder seasons help you avoid the intense summer heat of the Southwest and Deep South, while also steering clear of heavy winter snows in the Colorado Rockies.
Planning a one-way trip from Denver to Atlanta requires specific attention to your rental agreement. Because you are picking up the motorhome in one city and dropping it off in another, you will likely incur a one-way drop fee. Additionally, with a total distance of 2,898 mi, you must carefully review the mileage allowance included in your rental package. Purchasing a mileage package upfront is often more economical than paying per-mile overage fees at the end of your trip. Whether you choose a nimble Class B campervan for easy maneuvering or a spacious Class C motorhome to accommodate family and friends, securing your vehicle well in advance is crucial for this highly sought-after route.
Ready to turn this cross-country dream into a reality? For exact campground recommendations, full day-by-day routing, and to secure the perfect vehicle for your journey, explore the complete itinerary and book your motorhome directly on rvplan.net.
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 (Denver (DEN area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Denver (DEN area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Denver (DEN area)), Britz USA-25/26-E (Denver (DEN area)), El Monte-2026-E (Denver (DEN area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $950–$1,150 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $800–$1,280 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$550 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$850 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, $3.50/gallon fuel, a mix of state and private RV parks, and a family of four traveling in shoulder 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.
Transition from the high-altitude peaks of Colorado into the striking red rock landscapes of the Southwest.
Explore deep canyons and iconic natural landmarks while navigating the sweeping vistas of Arizona and New Mexico.
Cruise through Texas and Oklahoma, trading desert hues for vibrant botanical gardens and bustling frontier towns.
Wind through the lush, forested landscapes and rich heritage sites of the South, culminating in vibrant Atlanta.
Total cost for this 17-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,898 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Denver → 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 Denver 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 |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Denver → Atlanta route.
Picking up in Denver but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: