RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Total Distance | 2,950 mi |
|---|---|
| Suggested Duration | 20 Days |
| Start & End Points | New Orleans, LA to Billings, MT |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming |
| Ideal Traveler | History buffs, nature lovers, space enthusiasts, and slow travelers |
| Best Season | Spring or Fall |
Embarking on a 20-day motorhome road trip from New Orleans to Billings is a magnificent journey filled with the promise of adventure and discovery. This route offers an unparalleled cross-section of the American landscape, transitioning from the soulful, jazz-filled streets of the Gulf Coast to the sweeping, wide-open plains of Texas, and finally culminating in the rugged majesty of the Rocky Mountains. Traveling this 2,950 mi route in an RV provides the ultimate freedom to embrace slow travel, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, savor regional cuisines, and connect with nature at your own pace.
Because this itinerary spans seven states—Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming—an RV is the perfect basecamp. You can wake up near serene coastal wetlands one week and fall asleep under the vast, starry skies of the high desert the next. With the comforts of home always in tow, the journey itself becomes just as rewarding as the destination.
To truly appreciate the 2,950 mi ahead, we recommend dividing your 20-day trip into distinct regional stages. This approach ensures a comfortable driving pace and leaves ample time for exploration. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary, be sure to unlock the full plan on rvplan.net.
Your adventure begins in the vibrant heart of the South. Spend your first few days soaking in the city's rich musical heritage and lively culture before transitioning westward into historic Cajun and Creole country. The driving here is easy and scenic, with opportunities to pull over and explore serene wetlands teeming with wildlife.
As you cross into Texas, the landscape begins to open up. This stage balances urban exploration with natural beauty. You will navigate through dynamic cities offering world-class science centers, space exploration exhibits, and expansive botanical gardens. The pacing here allows for full-day stops to engage with immersive educational and natural attractions.
Leaving the central cities behind, the route stretches into the High Plains. This leg is characterized by longer, meditative drives across vast horizons. Take time to enjoy the region's hidden gems, from thriving local wine country to fascinating science museums, before finding a tranquil lakeside respite in New Mexico to break up the journey.
Heading north through Colorado and into the Dakotas and Wyoming, the elevation climbs and the scenery dramatically shifts to towering peaks and rolling foothills. This stage requires a reliable motorhome to handle the changing gradients, rewarding you with some of the most spectacular scenic routes and hiking areas in the country.
The final stretch brings you into Montana. The driving distances are manageable, allowing you to savor your last few days in the true wilderness before arriving in Billings. It is the perfect conclusion to an epic cross-country expedition.
This route is packed with diverse points of interest. Whether you are traveling with family or as a couple, there is something to captivate every passenger.
The journey is deeply rooted in American history. In Louisiana, immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms at the New Orleans Jazz Museum and experience the iconic energy of Bourbon Street. As you head west, step back in time at the Vermilionville Historic Village to explore authentic Cajun and Creole heritage. Further along in Texas, The Grace Museum in Abilene offers an impressive collection of regional art and history.
For those fascinated by the natural world and beyond, this route delivers. Begin with the serene Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk in Beaumont. In Houston, the Downtown Aquarium provides an underwater adventure, while Space Center Houston ignites a passion for the cosmos. Animal lovers will appreciate a stop at the Austin Zoo, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center beautifully showcases native Texas flora. In Lubbock, the Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater offers a brilliant blend of science and entertainment.
No road trip is complete without regional flavors. Satisfy your cravings for authentic Southern fare at Bon Temps Grill in Louisiana. Later, as you cross the Texas plains, English Newsom Cellars provides a refined taste of the local wine country. When it is time to rest, Park Lake Santa Rosa in New Mexico serves as a perfect, tranquil lakeside oasis.
How many days do I need?
Covering 2,950 mi requires time. A 20-day timeframe is highly recommended to keep daily driving manageable and to allow for meaningful stops. Attempting this in fewer days turns a relaxing vacation into a grueling driving marathon.
Who is this route for?
This itinerary is fantastic for families seeking educational stops, couples looking for a mix of city culture and natural beauty, and anyone who appreciates the changing tapestry of the American West. The variety of attractions—from water parks and extreme activities to fine dining and art galleries—ensures universal appeal.
When is the best season to travel?
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) are ideal. Summer in the Southern states can be intensely hot, while winter in the Northern Rockies brings heavy snow and potential road closures. Traveling in the shoulder seasons offers mild weather across the entire route.
Planning a multi-state, one-way RV trip requires careful attention to logistics. Because you are picking up the motorhome in New Orleans and dropping it off in Billings, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee. These fees vary by fleet provider, so it is essential to review the terms carefully.
Additionally, a 2,950 mi journey means you must pay close attention to mileage packages. Standard RV rentals often include a limited number of miles per day. For a trip of this length, purchasing an unlimited mileage package or pre-buying extra miles is usually the most economical choice to avoid high per-mile penalties at drop-off.
When budgeting, factor in fuel costs for a Class C or Class A motorhome, campground fees (mixing state parks with private RV resorts can help balance costs), and admission to major attractions like the Space Center and various museums. For specific pricing, vehicle availability, and fleet options, refer to the live pricing tools provided below.
From the jazz clubs of Louisiana to the majestic peaks of Montana, this 20-day expedition is a true bucket-list experience. For the complete day-by-day itinerary, interactive maps, and to secure your ideal motorhome, head over to RV PLANET and start planning your New Orleans to Billings adventure 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) | $950–$1,200 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $750–$1,000 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $700–$950 |
| 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 park and private campground stays, and travel 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.
Transitioning from vibrant city culture and jazz history into serene coastal wetlands.
Navigating space exploration centers, aquariums, and the rich flora and fauna of the Texas plains.
Enjoying local wine country, science museums, and tranquil lakeside respites before hitting the high desert.
Climbing into higher elevations with sweeping mountain views and expansive scenic routes.
The final stretch through rugged northern landscapes, ending the adventure in Big Sky Country.
Total cost for this 20-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,950 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Billings 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 → Billings 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: