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| Duration | 16 Days |
| Distance | 1,867 mi |
| Start / End | Orlando, Florida (Roundtrip) |
| States Covered | Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi |
| Best For | Families, couples, and snowbirds seeking coastal scenery and rich southern culture |
| Best Season | Winter (for manatee viewing) or Spring/Fall for comfortable outdoor exploration |
Trading the bustling theme parks of Orlando for the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans is a spectacular American adventure. A 16-day roundtrip across the Deep South in a comfortable RV allows you to experience the coastal United States at a leisurely, highly personalized pace. Because this route is a roundtrip beginning and ending in Orlando, travelers can conveniently pick up and drop off their motorhome at the same depot, simplifying logistics and often providing excellent value compared to one-way journeys.
This epic journey weaves through some of the most culturally and ecologically diverse regions in the country. You will transition from the pristine white sands of Florida's Emerald Coast to the deep, mysterious bayou swamps of Louisiana. Traveling in a motorhome means you carry your accommodations with you, ensuring you always have a comfortable, air-conditioned retreat after a long day of exploring historic coastal forts or vibrant city centers. Whether you are seeking a quiet camper holiday or an action-packed family road trip, the flexibility of this route makes it a standout choice on RV PLANET.
Covering 1,867 mi over 16 days provides a fantastic balance of driving and discovery. This is not a rushed interstate dash; it is a carefully paced exploration designed for slow travel. While the comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary—including specific stops, campgrounds, and driving directions—is exclusively available inside RV PLAN, the overall rhythm of the journey unfolds in four distinct stages.
This route is incredibly diverse, offering a rich tapestry of attractions that cater to all ages and interests. By utilizing your RV PLAN route planner, you can seamlessly integrate these experiences into your daily drives.
Nature lovers will find endless opportunities for discovery. The route features exceptional animal shows and wildlife watching, most notably the chance to see gentle manatees gathering in warm, crystal-clear Florida springs during the cooler winter months. You can also explore botanical gardens, hike through scenic park areas, or rent a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle down a river. For the more adventurous, there are even fascinating caves to explore along the way.
The Deep South is steeped in history. Your motorhome journey will take you past historic sites, including coastal forts that have guarded the shores for centuries. In New Orleans, traditional visits to historic districts and vibrant traditional markets offer a glimpse into the region's unique heritage. Food enthusiasts will relish the traditional restaurants and fine dining options, where you can sample authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, or simply enjoy fresh Gulf seafood cooked right in your RV kitchen.
Beyond nature and history, this route delivers serious entertainment. From world-renowned amusement parks in Orlando to massive aquariums and interactive science sites (including space centers), there is no shortage of tourist attractions. Whether you are marveling at Mardi Gras floats on display or watching cruise terminals and sailing ships along the coast, the variety of points of interest ensures every day brings something new.
We recommend a full 16 days for this 1,867 mi roundtrip. This timeframe allows you to comfortably average just over 100 miles per day, ensuring you have ample time to set up camp, explore local attractions, and truly relax without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. The contrast between the entertainment hubs of Florida, the serene beaches of the Emerald Coast, and the rich, jazzy culture of New Orleans makes this one of the most dynamic road trips in the United States. Traveling by motorhome elevates the experience, giving you a front-row seat to the changing landscapes.
This itinerary is highly versatile. Families will love the amusement parks, aquariums, and beaches. Couples will appreciate the fine dining, historical sites, and romantic sunsets over the Gulf. Snowbirds will find the mild winter climate and leisurely pace ideal for an extended getaway.
As noted in our trip review, seasonal realities are important. Winter is the absolute best time for manatee viewing in the northern Florida springs, and the cooler weather makes exploring historic districts very pleasant. If you travel in the summer, you will want to take full advantage of your RV's air conditioning, visit indoor museums, and cool off at outdoor waterparks or beaches.
When planning your Orlando to New Orleans adventure, it helps to understand the primary cost categories. Because this is a roundtrip, you typically avoid the one-way drop fees that can accompany linear routes, making it a highly cost-effective choice for a 16-day holiday.
Your main expenses will include the nightly motorhome rental rate, campground fees (which can vary depending on whether you choose rustic state parks or resort-style private RV parks), and fuel for the 1,867 mi journey. Additionally, budget for attraction entrance fees—such as space centers or swamp tours—and groceries. Having a kitchen on wheels allows you to prepare many of your own meals, which is a fantastic way to manage dining costs while traveling with a family. For the most accurate, live pricing on RV rentals tailored to your specific travel dates, be sure to use the search tools provided by RV PLANET.
The journey from the theme parks of Florida to the bayous of Louisiana is a quintessential American road trip. With careful planning and the right motorhome, your 16-day adventure will be filled with unforgettable memories. To view the detailed, day-by-day itinerary and secure the perfect vehicle for your trip, visit RV PLAN and start building your dream vacation 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 | Britz USA-25/26-E (Orlando (MCO area)), El Monte-2026-E (Orlando (MCO area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Orlando (MCO area)), Road Bear RV-26 E (Orlando (MCO area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Orlando (MCO area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$750 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $750–$950 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $800–$1,200 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates are based on a 16-day trip, 10 MPG fuel economy, average US gas prices, a mix of state and private campground rates, and standard family-of-four consumption. 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.
Depart the theme park hub of Orlando and travel northwest, transitioning toward the pristine white sands of the Florida panhandle at a relaxed pace.
Trace the shoreline through historic coastal forts and breathtaking beaches before crossing into the rich cultural landscapes of Alabama.
Journey through coastal Mississippi and into the deep bayous, immersing yourself in the jazz-filled streets and unique heritage of New Orleans.
Loop back across the Deep South toward Orlando, taking time to enjoy crystal-clear manatee springs and fascinating science sites along the way.
Total cost for this 16-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,867 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Orlando → Orlando 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 Orlando 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 |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Orlando → Orlando route.
Picking up in Orlando but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: