RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Start / End | New Orleans to Chicago |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Distance | 1,651 mi |
| States Crossed | Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee |
| Best For | Families, Music Lovers, History Buffs |
There is no better way to experience the story of American music than by taking the scenic route from New Orleans to Chicago in an RV, campervan, or motorhome. Following the legendary Blues Highway along US-61, this journey is a vibrant blend of rhythm, history, and down-home hospitality. Traveling by RV allows you to absorb the cultural shifts at your own pace, turning the road into a rolling classroom and dance floor for the whole family. Instead of rushing between hotels, your motorhome becomes a front-row seat to the changing landscapes of the Deep South and the Midwest, offering the flexibility to linger in towns where the blues were born.
This 1,651 mi journey is best savored slowly. Over 14 days, you have ample time to transition from the sultry jazz clubs of Louisiana to the bustling streets of Illinois. Here is how the regional flow unfolds:
This route is packed with diverse experiences that appeal to all ages. While you will find a detailed day-by-day plan inside RV PLAN, here are the core themes you will encounter:
Music is the heartbeat of this road trip. In Louisiana, the New Orleans Jazz Museum offers a fun and educational look at the genre's roots. Further north in Indianola, Mississippi, the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center pays interactive tribute to the King of the Blues. Live music thrives along the way, highlighted by legendary spots like Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.
The history along US-61 is layered and complex. A guided Southern Carriage Tour in New Orleans introduces the family to wrought-iron balconies and Spanish moss. The Oak Alley Plantation provides a dramatic view into antebellum history. In Mississippi, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians serves as an inspiring cultural stop showcasing indigenous roots.
Beyond history and music, the route offers plenty of interactive fun. The French Market is perfect for letting the kids pick out a praline while listening to street jazz. The region also boasts opportunities for extreme activities, water parks, zoos, hiking areas, and canoeing or kayaking for those looking to stretch their legs in nature.
We highly recommend dedicating a full 14 days to this trip. Covering 1,651 mi requires a steady pace, and two weeks allows you to keep daily driving manageable while leaving plenty of time to explore museums, historical sites, and live music venues without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. If you have any interest in American history, indigenous culture, or the evolution of jazz and blues, this is a bucket-list journey. The juxtaposition of southern hospitality and the vibrant energy of Chicago provides a perfectly balanced road trip.
Spring and autumn are ideal for the Blues Highway. The weather in the Deep South is comfortable, avoiding the intense heat and humidity of mid-summer, while the northern sections in Illinois and Missouri will offer pleasant driving conditions.
Planning an RV trip from New Orleans to Chicago involves a few specific logistical considerations. Because this is a one-way journey, you will need to account for a one-way drop-off fee in your rental agreement. These fees vary by fleet provider but are standard for cross-country routes.
Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package. The base distance is 1,651 mi, but you should factor in extra miles for scenic detours, campground commutes, and exploring local towns. Purchasing a pre-paid mileage package is often the most cost-effective strategy.
For your overnight stays, a mix of state parks (which offer natural beauty and space) and private RV resorts (which provide full hookups and family amenities) will balance your campground budget. For specific campground recommendations and permit requirements, always consult the full itinerary on RV PLANET.
Ready to hit the Highway of Soul? Dive into the complete day-by-day details, check live availability, and secure your vehicle for this unforgettable journey by visiting RV PLAN.
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 (New Orleans), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (New Orleans) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$650 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $630–$1,190 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $560–$840 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a 14-day trip for a family of four, assuming a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg at $3.50/gallon, with a mix of state park and private campground stays. 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.
Explore the vibrant streets of jazz, historic markets, and grand plantations before heading north.
Transition into Mississippi to uncover rich indigenous history and the cultural foundations of the region.
Immerse yourself in the birthplace of the blues, exploring museums and legendary live music venues.
Cross through Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Illinois, trading southern rhythm for northern cityscapes.
Total cost for this 14-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,651 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Chicago 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 New Orleans 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 Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 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 New Orleans → Chicago route.
Picking up in New Orleans but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: