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Preparing for a southern road trip requires understanding the sheer scale and variety of the landscape. This journey transitions from the rolling hills of Tennessee through the rich cultural corridors of the South, culminating in the expansive plains of Texas.
| Start Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| End Location | Houston, Texas |
| Total Distance | 1,319 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 13 Days |
| States Explored | Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas |
Covering 1,319 mi over 13 days is the perfect recipe for slow travel. Instead of rushing down the interstate, this itinerary allows you to average just over 100 miles a day. This relaxed pace means you can unhitch, set up camp, and truly immerse yourself in the regional culture, from traditional markets to historical sites. An RV is the ideal vessel for this trip because it gives you a consistent home base while the world outside your window changes from Appalachian foothills to deep bayous and coastal plains.
To make the most of this journey, we recommend breaking the drive into distinct regional stages rather than focusing on a strict daily mileage quota. For the comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary with exact stops, check the full plan on RV PLANET.
Begin your adventure in the heart of music country. Spend your first few days soaking in heritage sites and museums before transitioning to the state's lush hiking areas and natural points of interest. The driving here is scenic and relatively short, allowing you to settle into your RV routine.
As you cross into Arkansas and Mississippi, the landscape flattens and the history deepens. This leg is all about the Blues Highway and traditional southern heritage. Expect slightly longer driving stints punctuated by stops at historical sites and traditional restaurants.
Moving south into Louisiana, the pace slows down again. The focus shifts to unique wildlife watching, traditional visits, and fine dining. You will find plenty of opportunities for day tours and exploring vibrant local markets.
The final stretch brings you into Texas, transitioning from the quiet bayous to the dynamic energy surrounding Houston. This stage offers a mix of science sites, aquariums, and family-friendly attractions as you conclude your 1,319 mi journey.
This route is exceptionally diverse, offering a rich blend of nature, history, and modern entertainment. Based on the trip data, you can expect to encounter the following themes:
We highly recommend 13 days. Covering 1,319 mi in less time forces you to skip over the rich cultural and natural attractions that make this route special. Slow travel is key to enjoying the RV lifestyle.
Absolutely. It offers an unparalleled cross-section of Southern American culture, moving from the music capital of the world through the historic Delta, into the unique ecosystem of Louisiana, and finishing in the space city of Houston.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. History buffs will love the museums and heritage sites, families will appreciate the zoos, aquariums, and water parks, and couples can enjoy the fine dining and scenic sailing opportunities.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for this journey. The summer months in these southern states can bring intense heat and humidity, which can make hiking and outdoor wildlife watching less enjoyable.
When planning your budget for this 13-day adventure, there are several factors to consider. First, decide on the type of RV. A Class C motorhome is a great middle-ground for families, offering space and maneuverability, while a larger Class A provides maximum comfort for longer stays. Campervans are excellent for couples looking for easy parking at heritage sites.
Because you are starting in Nashville and ending in Houston, this is a one-way trip. Most rental fleets will charge a one-way drop fee to return the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, your total distance is 1,319 mi, so you will need to review the mileage packages offered by the rental company to ensure you have enough miles covered without incurring high per-mile overage charges. For specific pricing on rentals, one-way fees, and mileage packages, refer to the live pricing tool below.
From the rolling hills of Tennessee to the vibrant streets of Houston, this 13-day road trip offers a lifetime of memories. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary, exact campground recommendations, and to secure your vehicle, visit the full route guide 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 (Nashville), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Nashville) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $420–$550 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$850 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$700 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 MPG, $3.50/gal fuel, a mix of state parks and private campgrounds at $55/night, and travel during 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.
Ease into your journey by exploring the rich musical heritage and rolling natural landscapes surrounding your starting point.
Follow the mighty river south through legendary blues history, stopping to appreciate deep-rooted cultural and historical sites.
Slow your pace to savor traditional southern fine dining, vibrant local markets, and unique wetland wildlife encounters.
Transition from peaceful nature reserves to dynamic urban attractions and world-class science sites as you approach your final destination.
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 1,319 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Nashville → Houston 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 Nashville 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 Nashville → Houston route.
Picking up in Nashville but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: