RV trip full route plan from New Orleans

This trip passes in the following countries: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas
RV trip full route plan from New Orleans
  • Amusement Park 1
  • Animals Show / Wildlife watch 1
  • Aquarium 1
  • Art Gallery 1
  • Beach 1
  • Bike Rental 1
  • Botanical garden 1
  • Cable Railway 1
  • Canoe / Kayak / Rafting 1
  • cave 1
  • Cruise Terminal / Sailing 1
  • Day Tour 1
  • Extreme Activity 1
  • Family Activity 1
  • Heritage 1
  • hiking area 2
  • Historical Site 2
  • Horseback Riding 1
  • Local Industry 1
  • Museum 2
  • Natural Feature 1
  • Park 1
  • Picnic Area 1
  • Scenic Route 1
  • Science Site 1
  • Tourist Attraction 1
  • Traditional Market 1
  • Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining 2
  • Traditional Visit 2
  • Water Park 1
  • Zoo 1

Route Snapshot: New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond

Start / End City New Orleans, Louisiana (Roundtrip)
Duration 21 Days
Total Distance 2,769 mi
States Crossed Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas
Best For Families, History Buffs, Culture Seekers, Music Lovers

Why This Deep South and Texas Route Works for RV Travel

Embarking on a 21-day motorhome adventure from New Orleans through the heart of Texas and across the Deep South offers an unparalleled blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic landscapes. This route works beautifully for RV travel because it allows you to transition seamlessly from the lively streets of the French Quarter to the serene natural features of Cajun Country, and onward to expansive Texas horizons. The pacing of a three-week trip encourages slow travel, giving you ample time to set up camp, explore local industries, visit botanical gardens, and immerse yourself in regional cuisines without feeling rushed. A roundtrip itinerary from New Orleans also simplifies logistics, allowing you to return your motorhome to the same location while experiencing a diverse loop through six different states.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 21-Day Expedition

To truly appreciate the 2,769 mi ahead, this journey is best experienced in distinct regional stages. The full day-by-day plan is available on RV PLANET, but here is a look at the overall flow of the route.

Stage 1: Jazz, Bayous, and Cajun Country

Your journey begins in the birthplace of jazz. After soaking in the Creole cuisine and unique culture of New Orleans, the route sweeps west into Lafayette. This leg introduces you to authentic Cajun Country charm and the beauty of Bayou Vermilion. Expect relatively short drives here, giving you time to explore local historical sites and perhaps rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the tranquil waterways.

Stage 2: Space Centers and Cowboy Culture

Leaving Louisiana, the route pushes deep into Texas. The rhythm shifts from slow bayou living to the dynamic energy of massive cities and wide-open spaces. You will dive into science and history in Houston, then head toward Fort Worth to embrace the Old West. This stage involves slightly longer driving days, but the payoff includes world-class museums, amusement parks, and real-life cattle drives.

Stage 3: Musical Heritage in Northern Louisiana

As you loop back eastward, the itinerary takes you through Shreveport. This stage is all about musical melodies and regional heritage. The driving pace moderates as you explore art galleries, local history museums, and scenic routes that highlight the transition from Texas cowboy country back to the piney woods of the South.

Stage 4: Civil Rights History in the Deep South

Crossing through Mississippi and Alabama, the route turns toward Georgia. This powerful segment of the trip is anchored by Atlanta, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. The rhythm here is reflective and educational, with ample opportunities to walk through profound historical sites, visit aquariums, and enjoy expansive city parks.

Stage 5: The Florida Panhandle to the Big Easy

The final leg brings you south into Florida to experience the historic marvels of Tallahassee before hugging the Gulf Coast back to New Orleans. This coastal stretch is perfect for beach visits, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The drives are scenic and relaxing, providing a gentle wind-down to your epic three-week adventure.

Key Locations and Themes to Discover

This diverse itinerary caters to a wide array of interests, ensuring every traveler in your group finds something to love.

  • History and Heritage: Delve into Texas history at the San Jacinto Monument, witness the Old West at the Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth, and walk in the footsteps of giants at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta.
  • Science and Space: Discover the wonders of the universe at Houston's Space Center and explore various science sites and museums scattered along the route.
  • Music and Culture: Savor the jazz and Creole flavors of the French Quarter, the Cajun charm of Lafayette, and the deep musical roots at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
  • Nature and Outdoor Activities: From hiking areas and caves to botanical gardens and beaches, the natural features across these six states are stunning. Enjoy horseback riding, extreme activities, or simply relaxing in picturesque picnic areas.
  • Family Entertainment: The route is packed with family activities, including amusement parks, animal shows, aquariums, and day tours that will keep all ages engaged.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your Southern RV Adventure

How many days do I need for this route?

To comfortably cover the 2,769 mi across six states, 21 days is the ideal duration. This allows for a balanced pace, ensuring you have enough time to explore major cities like Houston and Atlanta while also enjoying the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast and Cajun Country without spending every daylight hour behind the wheel.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. If you are looking for a trip that combines profound American history, diverse ecosystems, and legendary musical and culinary traditions, this route is unmatched. It seamlessly blends the educational value of museums and historical sites with the pure fun of amusement parks and beaches.

Who is this trip best for?

This itinerary is highly recommended for families, history enthusiasts, and culture seekers. The wide variety of place types—from cable railways and cruise terminals to art galleries and local industry tours—ensures that both children and adults will remain captivated throughout the journey.

What is the best season to travel?

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the optimal seasons for this route. The weather across the Deep South and Texas is generally mild and pleasant during these months, allowing you to comfortably enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and city walking tours while avoiding the intense heat and humidity of the peak summer.

Booking & Budget Framing for Your Journey

When planning your budget for this 21-day expedition, several factors come into play. Because this is a New Orleans roundtrip, you will naturally avoid one-way drop fees, which is a significant cost-saving advantage. However, given the total distance of 2,769 mi, you must carefully review the mileage policies of your RV rental. Many base rentals include a limited number of daily miles, so purchasing an unlimited mileage package or a bulk mileage add-on during checkout is highly recommended to avoid per-mile overage charges.

Campground costs will vary depending on your preference for full-hookup private RV resorts near major cities versus more natural, serene state parks along the coast and bayous. Booking your campsites well in advance is crucial, especially near popular destinations like the Space Center in Houston or the historic districts of Atlanta.

For exact figures on RV rental rates, mileage packages, and seasonal availability, refer to the live pricing tools provided below. If you are ready to hit the road and experience the ultimate Southern and Texas adventure, view the detailed day-by-day itinerary and book your RV on RV PLANET today.

Interactive route map

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Official RV PLAN route map

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond
Static route overview for New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond as published on RV PLAN.

Budget & planning snapshot for this route (21-day trip)

Nearby RV rental stationsCruise 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)$900–$1,150
Estimated campground cost (total)$800–$1,600
Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4$400–$800
Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4$600–$900
Live availability & pricingCheck live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome →

Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds at $40–$80 per night, and travel during shoulder seasons. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.

Route rhythm at a glance

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.

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond — New Orleans RV road trip landscape

Days 1-5 — Jazz, Bayous, and Cajun Country

~250–350 mi across this leg

Savor the vibrant culture of New Orleans before heading into Lafayette for authentic Cajun cuisine and bayou exploration.

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond — New Orleans scenic landscape

Days 6-10 — Space Centers and Cowboy Culture

~400–600 mi across this leg

Journey into Texas to discover Houston's historic space legacy and Fort Worth's legendary western heritage.

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond — national park landscape

Days 11-14 — Musical Heritage in Northern Louisiana

~300–450 mi across this leg

Loop back toward Shreveport to explore its deep musical roots and rich regional history.

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond — campground with a motorhome

Days 15-18 — Civil Rights History in the Deep South

~700–900 mi across this leg

Cross through Mississippi and into Georgia to experience the profound historical significance of Atlanta.

New Orleans roundtrip - New Orleans to the Heart of Texas and Beyond — New Orleans travel scenery

Days 19-21 — The Florida Panhandle to the Big Easy

~400–550 mi across this leg

Enjoy the coastal and historic charm of Tallahassee and the Gulf Coast as you make your way back to New Orleans.

Verified RV logistics for this route

  • Average daily drive: roughly 132 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
  • Fuel stops: expect at least 8 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
  • Dump stations: plan 7 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
  • Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
  • Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 21-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,769 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → 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.

Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome →

Motorhomes available in New Orleans for this route

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.

MotorhomeClassSleepsLengthTransmission
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

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the New Orleans → New Orleans route.

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