RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
Before you hit the highway, here is a quick look at the logistics for this epic cross-country adventure.
| Total Days | 16 Days |
| Total Distance | 2,673 mi |
| Start / End | Denver, Colorado to Nashville, Tennessee |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee |
| Best For | Families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts seeking a diverse landscape. |
Taking an RV from the mile-high peaks of Denver to the vibrant streets of Nashville is a journey that showcases the incredible diversity of the American landscape. Over 16 days, this 2,673 mi route transitions from towering alpine environments and expansive red rock canyons to high deserts, rolling plains, and eventually the lush, river-laced greenery of the South. An RV is the perfect vessel for this trip, allowing you to embrace the concept of slow travel. Instead of rushing from hotel to hotel, your motorhome serves as a continuous basecamp, giving you the freedom to wake up near natural features one morning and step out into a bustling traditional market the next.
While the detailed, day-by-day itinerary is waiting for you inside RV PLAN, here is how the regional rhythm of this 16-day journey flows.
Your journey begins with an ascent into the rugged beauty of Colorado. This first leg is all about acclimating to the mountain air and diving into the region's rich pioneer history. You will spend time exploring historic sites like the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, learning the fascinating stories of the gold rush era. Outdoor recreation is paramount here, with opportunities for horseback riding at Keystone Stables and endless hiking areas to stretch your legs before the long drive west.
Leaving the alpine forests behind, the route dips into the breathtaking canyonlands of Utah. The landscape transforms dramatically into a canvas of towering sandstone formations. This stage is visually stunning, offering access to world-famous geological marvels, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The pacing here should be slow, allowing ample time for photography, family activities, and soaking in the vast, open skies.
As you cross into Arizona and New Mexico, the trip takes on a grand scale. This leg is anchored by awe-inspiring natural features and unique points of interest. You will navigate toward the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to witness one of the world's most spectacular gorges, and later stand at the edge of the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. The open highways of the Southwest are perfect for comfortable RV cruising.
The dramatic canyons eventually give way to the expansive plains of Texas and Oklahoma. This stage shifts the focus from geological wonders to cultural heritage and family fun. You will discover the deep bond between humans and equines at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, and enjoy wholesome stops like the Orr Family Farm. It is a relaxing stretch of the drive where traditional visits and open horizons dominate the itinerary.
The final transition brings you through Arkansas and into Tennessee. The arid plains are replaced by dense forests and mighty rivers. This leg celebrates Southern culture and history. Enjoying the breeze on the Memphis Riverboats offers a classic river experience, while your final destination rewards you with the flavors and sounds of the South, culminating in a stroll through the Nashville Farmers' Market. It is the perfect, vibrant end to a massive cross-country trek.
This route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is a grouping of the types of stops you can expect when you load your full itinerary on RV PLANET:
We recommend 16 days. Covering 2,673 mi requires a steady pace, and 16 days allows you to drive manageable daily distances while leaving plenty of time to explore national parks, museums, and cities.
Absolutely. Crossing eight states, this route offers one of the most comprehensive cross-sections of American geography and culture available. You get the Rocky Mountains, the Southwestern deserts, the Great Plains, and the Southern riverlands all in one trip.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. With a mix of theme parks, historical sites, hiking areas, and cultural markets, it caters beautifully to multi-generational families, couples, and groups of friends.
Spring and Fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for this route. Summer can be quite hot in the Southwest and humid in the South, while Winter may present snow and ice hazards in the Rockies. Always check seasonal weather patterns on RV PLANET before booking.
Planning a 2,673 mi one-way journey requires careful attention to your rental agreement. Because you are starting in Denver and ending in Nashville, you will need to book a one-way RV rental. These rentals typically include a one-way drop fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package; you will need an allowance that comfortably covers the 2,673 mi distance, plus extra miles for side trips to campgrounds and attractions.
Your overall budget will consist of the base rental rate, mileage fees, one-way fees, fuel, campground nightly rates, and provisions. Motorhomes with onboard kitchens allow you to save on dining by cooking your own meals, which is a great way to balance the cost of entrance fees at places like museums and natural parks. For exact, real-time pricing and availability for your preferred travel dates, use the booking tools provided below.
From the high-altitude thrills of Colorado to the soulful rhythms of Tennessee, this 16-day journey is a road trip you will never forget. To view the complete, day-by-day interactive itinerary, secure your campground recommendations, and lock in your vehicle, head over to RV PLAN and start building your dream vacation 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 (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) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $750–$1,050 |
| 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, a US gas average of $3.50/gal, and a mix of public and private campgrounds at $50–$70/night. 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.
Acclimate to the high altitudes of Colorado while exploring historic pioneer mining sites and enjoying outdoor mountain recreation before pointing your motorhome west.
Traverse the stunning, otherworldly sandstone landscapes of the Southwest, taking time to hike and photograph iconic natural arches and deep canyons.
Experience the vastness of the high desert by visiting some of the most famous geological features and massive craters in North America.
Drive through the expansive, open plains where the focus shifts to agricultural heritage, equestrian history, and relaxing family-friendly farm visits.
Cross into the lush landscapes of the South for riverboat excursions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city markets as your journey concludes.
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 2,673 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Denver → Nashville 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 → Nashville 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: