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Embarking on a journey from Nashville to New Orleans is a cultural rite of passage. This iconic corridor weaves through the musical heartland of the American South, offering an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and culinary excellence. Over 10 days, you will transition from the country music capital of the world, through the soulful Mississippi Delta, and down into the vibrant, jazz-filled streets of the Big Easy.
| Trip Detail | Overview |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Distance | 896 mi |
| Start / End | Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA |
| States Crossed | Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana |
| Ideal For | Music enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a culturally rich road trip |
| Best Season | Spring and Fall (ideal weather for outdoor attractions and comfortable driving) |
The journey from Tennessee through Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana is tailor-made for the RV lifestyle. Covering 896 mi over 10 days allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel. Rather than rushing from one hotel to the next, your motorhome becomes a rolling front porch, offering a consistent home base as the landscapes shift from rolling hills to lush bayous.
This route is incredibly RV-friendly. The highways connecting these major cultural hubs are well-maintained and feature plenty of wide-open spaces, making it an excellent choice for both first-time renters and seasoned drivers. The abundance of state parks and private RV resorts along the Mississippi River means you are never far from a scenic place to hook up your rig. Furthermore, having your own kitchen allows you to balance indulgent Southern dining experiences with relaxed, home-cooked meals under your RV awning.
To truly appreciate the deep heritage and diverse attractions of this region, we recommend breaking your 896 mi journey into distinct regional stages. This approach ensures you spend less time behind the wheel and more time soaking in the local atmosphere. Keep in mind that a detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available directly inside RV PLANET.
Your journey begins in the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville. The initial stage of your trip focuses on leaving the bustling city behind and finding your rhythm on the open road. As you head west across Tennessee, the landscape begins to flatten, and the cultural focus shifts toward early rock-and-roll and blues. This leg is about getting comfortable with your RV and enjoying the scenic drive toward the Mississippi River.
As you approach the Arkansas and Tennessee borders, the mighty Mississippi River takes center stage. This phase of the trip is rich with historical sites, traditional markets, and family-friendly attractions. You will spend your days exploring legendary recording spaces and enjoying riverfront activities. The pacing here should be leisurely, allowing plenty of time for day tours and soaking up the area's profound musical legacy.
Moving southward into Mississippi, the route takes you deep into the Delta. This is the heart of the Blues Highway. The driving distances between points of interest here are manageable, giving you ample opportunity to pull over and explore small-town heritage sites, hiking areas, and nature parks. The rhythm of this stage is deeply relaxed, mirroring the slow, meandering flow of the river itself.
The final stage brings you into Louisiana, where the cultural flavor shifts toward Cajun and Creole traditions. As you navigate toward New Orleans, the scenery transforms into lush wetlands and historic architecture. This leg balances thrilling family attractions with sophisticated culinary experiences, culminating in the historic markets of your final destination.
This 10-day itinerary offers a remarkably diverse array of experiences. By grouping your stops by theme, you can ensure every traveler in your group finds something to love.
The soul of this trip lies in its musical roots. You will have the opportunity to step back in time at Elvis Presley's Recording Room, experiencing the very space where rock-and-roll history was made. Further down the road, the Highway 61 Blues Museum offers a profound look into the origins of America's most influential music genre. These historical sites provide vital context for the culture of the region.
Traveling by RV allows you to seamlessly blend city exploration with outdoor adventure. Cypress Grove Nature Park offers a tranquil hiking area perfect for stretching your legs after a morning drive. Families will absolutely love spending a day at the Memphis Zoo, which boasts world-class exhibits. When the Southern weather warms up, a stop at the Blue Bayou Water Park provides thrilling, splash-filled entertainment for all ages.
The South is famous for its food, and this route does not disappoint. Treat yourself to a traditional visit at The Arcade Restaurant, a legendary diner steeped in nostalgia. As you reach the end of your journey, the French Market Corporation in New Orleans awaits, offering a bustling traditional market experience where you can sample local delicacies and shop for unique artisan goods.
To truly capture the essence of the South, take advantage of the unique day tours available along the route. Enjoy the gentle pace of Southern Carriage Tours to see historic districts from a new perspective, or take to the water on the Memphis Riverboats for a classic cruise terminal and sailing experience that highlights the importance of the Mississippi River to the region's development.
Proper preparation is the key to a seamless RV adventure. Here are the answers to the most common planning questions for this specific route.
We highly recommend dedicating a full 10 days to this journey. While you could technically drive 896 mi in a couple of days, doing so would mean missing the essence of the Blues Highway. Ten days allow for a comfortable pace of roughly 90 miles per day, leaving ample time for museums, nature parks, and leisurely Southern meals.
Absolutely. This route is considered one of the great American road trips. It offers an unparalleled mix of music history, diverse culinary traditions, and beautiful Southern landscapes. Traveling it by RV adds a layer of comfort and flexibility that transforms a standard road trip into a personalized vacation.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. It is a bucket-list trip for music lovers and history buffs. However, with the inclusion of aquariums, zoos, and water parks, it is also highly recommended for families traveling with children. The straightforward driving conditions make it suitable for couples and groups of friends alike.
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the optimal times for this route. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities like hiking and carriage tours highly enjoyable. Summer can bring intense heat and humidity to the South, which may require running your RV's air conditioning frequently. If you travel in summer, ensure your chosen campgrounds offer reliable electrical hookups.
When planning your budget and booking your RV for the Nashville to New Orleans route, there are a few key logistical factors to keep in mind.
First, because you are starting in Tennessee and ending in Louisiana, this is a one-way trip. Most rental fleets will apply a one-way drop fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. When reviewing prices, be sure to check if this fee is included in your initial quote or added at checkout. Additionally, review your mileage package. Your base route is 896 mi, but you will need extra miles for side trips, campground detours, and local exploring. We recommend securing a mileage package of at least 1,100 miles to ensure you have plenty of buffer.
Regarding RV size, a Class C motorhome is a fantastic choice for families, offering a great balance of living space and drivability. If you are traveling as a couple and plan to spend more time navigating the tighter, historic streets of New Orleans, a nimble Class B campervan might be more suitable. Whatever you choose, book well in advance—especially if you plan to travel during the peak spring or fall seasons, as one-way rentals are in high demand.
For precise, real-time pricing on vehicles available for these dates and locations, refer to the live pricing tools provided below.
From the recording studios of Tennessee to the vibrant markets of Louisiana, this 10-day adventure offers a lifetime of memories. By traveling in an RV, you secure the ultimate freedom to explore the American South at your own pace. To finalize your plans, view the complete day-by-day itinerary, and secure the perfect motorhome for your journey, visit RV PLANET 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 (Nashville), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Nashville) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $300–$400 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $360–$720 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $400–$600 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state and private campgrounds over 9 nights, and a family of four traveling during the 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.
Settle into your motorhome and embrace the rolling landscapes of Tennessee as you transition from country roots toward the birthplace of the blues.
Slow down to explore the cultural and musical legacy anchored along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
Enjoy relaxed, scenic driving through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, with plenty of time for nature hikes and historic detours.
Navigate the lush wetlands of Louisiana, balancing family-friendly attractions with a leisurely arrival into the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans.
Total cost for this 10-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 896 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Nashville → New Orleans 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 → New Orleans route.
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