
Days 1-5 — Jazz, Bayous, and Cajun Country
~250–350 mi across this legSavor the vibrant culture of New Orleans before heading into Lafayette for authentic Cajun cuisine and bayou exploration.
RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This diverse itinerary caters to a wide array of interests, ensuring every traveler in your group finds something to love.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) | $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 & pricing | Check 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.
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.

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

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

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

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

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