RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Total Days | 19 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 2,704 mi |
| Start & End | New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA |
| States Explored | Arizona, California, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas |
| Best Season | Spring and Fall (avoiding extreme summer desert heat) |
| Ideal Traveler | Families, history buffs, nature lovers, and cross-country adventurers |
Embarking on a 19-day cross-country journey from the vibrant bayous of Louisiana to the sun-soaked shores of Southern California is the ultimate American road trip. This route perfectly balances cultural immersion with breathtaking natural wonders. Traveling by motorhome allows you to transition seamlessly from the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans through the expansive plains of Texas, into the striking desert landscapes of the Southwest, and finally to the Pacific coast. The southern highway corridors are well-equipped for RVs of all sizes, offering wide roads, abundant camping options, and easy access to both metropolitan science centers and remote subterranean caves. By embracing a slow travel approach, you can fully appreciate the shifting geology, diverse cuisines, and rich local histories spanning 2,704 mi.
To truly enjoy a trip of this magnitude, pacing is critical. Rather than rushing from coast to coast, this itinerary is designed to let you linger in distinct regional zones. The day-by-day specifics are available exclusively within the RV PLAN app, but here is the general rhythm of the journey.
Your journey begins with a relaxed pace through the heart of Louisiana. This stage is all about sensory experiences—listening to jazz, tasting authentic Creole and Cajun dishes, and exploring living history museums. Driving distances are short, allowing you to settle into your RV and soak up the local atmosphere before the vast horizons open up.
As you cross into Texas, the landscape and the pace begin to shift. You will navigate a mix of coastal relaxation and engaging science exhibits before moving inland toward serene nature preserves and sprawling wildflower fields. Expect moderate driving days with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from kayaking to beachcombing.
This is where the true cross-country driving begins. The miles stretch out as you traverse the expansive landscapes of West Texas and New Mexico. The rhythm here is defined by longer stretches of scenic highway, punctuated by awe-inspiring natural features, subterranean cave explorations, and the quiet beauty of the desert skies.
The final leg of your journey delivers immense geological payoffs, including majestic canyons, before descending into the bustling, vibrant environment of Los Angeles. The driving is incredibly scenic, transitioning from high-altitude desert plateaus to the coastal breezes of the Pacific, bringing your epic 2,704 mi adventure to a memorable close.
This route is packed with a diverse array of attractions. While you can customize your daily stops using RV PLANET, the journey highlights several key themes:
We highly recommend dedicating at least 19 days to this route. Covering 2,704 mi requires significant drive time, and a 19-day window allows you to average a comfortable distance per day while leaving ample time to explore museums, national natural landmarks, and cultural sites without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. It is one of the most diverse cross-country routes available. You will experience a massive transition in geography, culture, and climate—from the humid, vibrant swamps of Louisiana to the arid, towering monuments of the Grand Canyon region, ending at the iconic beaches of Los Angeles.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. Families will love the amusement parks, water parks, space centers, and dolphin tours. Couples and solo travelers will appreciate the fine dining, historical sites, art galleries, and serene botanical gardens along the way.
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the optimal seasons for this journey. You will avoid the intense summer heat of the Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona deserts, making outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and exploring traditional markets much more comfortable.
Planning a multi-state, one-way RV trip requires careful attention to logistics. Because you are starting in New Orleans and ending in Los Angeles, you will need to book a one-way rental. Be aware that one-way fees are standard in the industry to cover the cost of returning the vehicle. Additionally, with a total distance of 2,704 mi, you must carefully review the mileage packages offered with your rental. Purchasing unlimited mileage or pre-buying bulk miles is often the most cost-effective strategy for a trip of this length.
When selecting your motorhome, consider the size of your travel party. A Class C motorhome is excellent for families needing overhead sleeping space, while a Class A provides expansive living areas for longer journeys. For exact availability, seasonal rates, and to lock in your dates, check the live search tools below.
Ready to turn this cross-country dream into a reality? Secure your motorhome today and get access to the complete, day-by-day itinerary by visiting RV PLANET to book your perfect vehicle.
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) | $950–$1,450 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $350–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $750–$1,100 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, 18 nights at a mix of public and private campgrounds, and peak spring/fall travel rates. 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 rich culinary and musical heritage of the bayou at a relaxed, immersive pace.
Transition from coastal waters to sweeping wildflower plains with moderate driving days.
Experience vast desert landscapes and subterranean wonders as the horizon opens up.
Marvel at immense geological formations before descending into the vibrant California coast.
Total cost for this 19-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,704 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Los Angeles 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 → Los Angeles route.
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