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17 Day Southern Highlands Motorhome Itinerary: Orlando to the Smokies Route Planner

Leaving the theme park capital of the world in your rearview mirror and pointing your compass toward the mist-shrouded peaks of the Appalachian Mountains sets the stage for a spectacular American adventure. Charting a sprawling, 17-day circular voyage from Orlando through six magnificent states, this journey beautifully blends the sun-drenched Atlantic coastline with the deep, mountainous heart of the South. Piloting a motorhome along this epic route immerses you in historic colonial streets, subterranean lakes, and towering mountain ridges, making it the absolute perfect canvas for an unforgettable campervan getaway. Embracing "The Green Road" by prioritizing responsible travel throughout these vast, protected wilderness areas ensures your camper holiday preserves the delicate Southern ecosystems for generations to come.

As an AI assisting you with your travel plans, it is vital to emphasize the seasonal realities of a Deep South and Appalachian crossing. While the incredible indoor aquariums and historic markets remain welcoming year-round, outdoor highlights like the Smoky Mountains and the Florida springs shift dramatically with the seasons. If you are traveling during the sweltering summer months, your motorhome trip route planner will guide you toward high-altitude mountain breezes and refreshing subterranean cave dives. An RV journey through these dynamic landscapes ensures your holiday is comfortable and safe, giving you a cozy, climate-controlled retreat whether you are facing the humid lowcountry or a cool mountain evening.

To drive comfortably and leisurely, utilizing a dedicated camper route planner is an absolute must for a 17-day, multi-state crossing. This detailed itinerary was specifically tailored to the needs of a campervan traveler to ensure safe passage, steep grade awareness in the mountains, and strategic parking in notoriously tight historic districts. By letting a professional route planner handle the logistics, your motorhome getaway becomes a relaxing and memorable experience. An RV road trip effortlessly connects the pristine nature reserves of the Florida coast with the soaring peaks of Tennessee and North Carolina.

If you are flying into the region to start your journey, securing your vehicle is simple. You can easily rent a camper in Orlando to begin your scenic drive before pointing your compass north along the Atlantic coast.

Itinerary Summary at a Glance

Day	Region	Primary Highlight	Vehicle Tip
1-3	FL Atlantic Coast	St. Augustine & MOSH	Park your motorhome at the large St. Augustine Visitor Center garage
4-6	GA & SC Lowcountry	Savannah & Fort Sumter	Leave your camper at a suburban lot; take the trolley into historic Charleston
7-9	Carolinas to Asheville	Historic Camden & Biltmore	Utilize the dedicated oversized vehicle parking available at the Biltmore Estate
10-12	Great Smoky Mountains	Sugarlands & The Lost Sea	Arrive at the national park visitor centers before 8:00 AM to secure an RV spot
13-14	Atlanta Metro Area	Georgia Aquarium & Stone Mtn	Park your campervan at a MARTA station rather than navigating downtown Atlanta
15-17	FL Springs & Gulf Coast	Devil's Den & Busch Gardens	Secure your motorhome at the outlet mall for final souvenir shopping in Orlando

Ancient Cities and the Atlantic Shores

The transition from Central Florida to the historic Atlantic coastline offers a vibrant beginning to your journey. Your adventure ignites as you interact with exotic wildlife at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens before driving your motorhome east to feel the ocean breeze at the Daytona Beach Main Street Pier.

Pushing north, you will arrive in the nation's oldest city. Because navigating the narrow brick streets of St. Augustine in a campervan is nearly impossible, park at the main visitor center and hop on the Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine. After catching a live show or exploring the grounds of The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, your RV route heads inland to reflect on Civil War history at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. Finally, diving into interactive science and regional history at MOSH (Museum of Science & History) in Jacksonville caps off your Florida coastal leg.

Lowcountry Charm and Coastal History

Crossing into Georgia and South Carolina, the landscape transforms into a romantic canvas of Spanish moss, historic architecture, and vibrant Southern culture. Arriving in Savannah, you will learn the fascinating history of bootlegging at the American Prohibition Museum and pedal your way through the city's famous squares on a Savannah Slow Ride.

Driving your motorhome north into South Carolina, a fascinating cultural stop awaits at the Oyotunji African Kingdom, an authentic Yoruba village. Entering the elegant city of Charleston, taking to the water with Fort Sumter Tours offers a profound look at American history. You will wander the bustling stalls of the Historic Charleston City Market and take a peaceful sunset stroll past the famous Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

Carolina Foothills to the Appalachian Peaks

Leaving the coast, your campervan route climbs steadily into the rolling foothills and dramatic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You will step back into the 18th century at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War site before driving your RV west to hike to the sweeping, panoramic views atop Chimney Rock State Park.

Arriving in the vibrant mountain city of Asheville, you will spend a full day exploring the opulent, 250-room French Renaissance chateau of the Biltmore. The estate is incredibly accommodating to the camper traveler, offering massive, dedicated parking lots where you can leave your vehicle while you explore the manicured gardens and winery.

The Great Smoky Mountains and Subterranean Lakes

Entering the most visited national park in the United States requires an early start and a spirit of adventure. You will cool off by navigating the gentle river rapids with the Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost in Townsend. Driving your motorhome into the park, the Sugarlands Visitor Center provides crucial trail information and excellent oversized parking.

Descending the western slopes of the mountains into Tennessee, you will embark on a fascinating underground boat ride across America's largest underground lake at The Lost Sea Adventure. Reaching Chattanooga, taking the steep, thrilling ride up the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway provides breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley, though the access roads require careful, slow driving in a large RV.

Atlanta Wonders and Granite Mountains

The journey south back into Georgia blends quirky folk art, world-class aquatic habitats, and massive geological monuments. In Calhoun, wandering the tiny, intricately crafted stone cathedrals of the Rock Garden provides a serene, unique morning walk outside your campervan.

Arriving in the sprawling metropolis of Atlanta, you will marvel at the massive whale sharks and aquatic exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium. Just steps away, tasting global beverages and learning the history of an iconic brand at the World of Coca-Cola is brilliant fun for an RV family. Before leaving the Atlanta metro area, you will park your motorhome at the Stone Mountain Park Main Gate Entrance to ride the Summit Skyride to the top of the massive exposed granite dome.

Florida Springs, Rollercoasters, and the Return

The final stretch of the journey brings your campervan back into Florida, weaving through historic missions, prehistoric springs, and thrilling theme parks. Arriving in Tallahassee, you will explore the 17th-century Spanish colonial history of Mission San Luis and wander the stunning floral reflections at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

Driving your RV south, you will descend into the miniature rainforest of the Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park sinkhole. For an unforgettable aquatic adventure, snorkeling the crystal-clear, subterranean waters of Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is an absolute must. The geographical transition pushes your motorhome toward the Gulf Coast, where adrenaline seekers will spend a full day conquering world-class roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and catching a Gulf Coast sunset at Sunset Beach. The grand finale brings you back to Orlando. Enjoying premium retail therapy at the Orlando International Premium Outlets officially concludes your spectacular 17-day southern masterpiece.

Expert Insights from Avi Bandana

As the owner of Bandana Caravan and an advocate for open road travel, Avi Bandana has guided many families across this exact Southeastern circuit. Here are his top vehicle-specific tips for this route:

Location	Avi's Travel Tip
St. Augustine Historic District	"To drive comfortably, avoid the narrow streets of the oldest city. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility accommodates a motorhome and puts you right next to the trolley stops."
Charleston City Market	"Navigate leisurely by avoiding downtown Charleston with your camper. Park at the massive Visitor Center lot on Meeting Street and walk or take the free DASH shuttle."
The Biltmore Estate (Asheville)	"This massive estate is incredibly accessible. They have dedicated oversized lanes and parking lots specifically designed to accommodate a campervan or tour bus."
Great Smoky Mountains NP	"Avoid driving a large RV through the chaotic, tourist-heavy strip of downtown Gatlinburg if possible. Use the park bypass to reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center directly."
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay	"The theme park is highly optimized for larger vehicles. When you arrive at the toll plaza, you will be directed to specific oversized parking areas for your motorhome."

Frequently Asked Questions for Deep South Road Trips

Do I need a reservation to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

While the park does not charge an entrance fee or require a timed-entry reservation to drive through, they have recently implemented a mandatory Parking Tag system. If you plan to park your campervan anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes, you must purchase and display a daily parking tag.

Can I drive my RV on the scenic mountain routes in North Carolina?

Yes, the Blue Ridge Parkway and major highways are accessible for a motorhome. However, be highly aware of your vehicle's height, as some historic tunnels on the Parkway have low clearances. Always rely on a specialized RV GPS, not standard car navigation.

Are the Florida springs accessible for oversized vehicles?

Most state parks, like Devil's Millhopper, have dedicated oversized parking. However, private natural attractions like Devil's Den can have tighter, unpaved parking lots that fill up quickly. Arrive early in the morning to easily maneuver your RV.

The Green Road: Why Responsible Travel is a Win for the Planet

Embracing the camper lifestyle is a thoughtful way to engage in Responsible Travel and protect the beautiful lands you visit. On "The Green Road", taking a campervan road trip can significantly lower your environmental impact compared to flying between multiple cities and staying in resource-heavy hotel resorts. Because you carry your living space with you in a motorhome, you achieve remarkable energy savings and reduce your overall carbon footprint by minimizing single-use travel amenities.

Living in an RV inherently encourages responsible travel by making do with less water and electricity, fostering a closer connection to nature, and heightening awareness of resource consumption. The routes mapped out in a professional camper route planner are designed specifically for eco-conscious travelers. The platform takes into account your campervan size and maneuverability to ensure you take the most efficient paths, meaning you never waste fuel while exploring the fragile coastal wetlands of the Lowcountry or the misty, ancient forests of the Smoky Mountains.

The Ultimate Road Trip Across the Southern Highlands

Get inspired for your next motorhome road trip and discover how simple multi-state travel can be with the right tools. Use our RV route planner Free Trial to map out every viewpoint and eco-friendly campground day by day.

Plan your camper road trip now and dive into an unforgettable adventure. With our dedicated planner, you can create a campervan road trip route that suits your unique style. Plan a motorhome road trip today and experience the recommended road trip routes that travelers are raving about. This is an ideal RV road trip for beginners because it perfectly balances rugged mountain wilderness with expert-guided, highly accessible highways.

 

Orlando Roundtrip - Orlando to Appalachia & Smoky Mountains