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| Start / End | Orlando, FL to Phoenix, AZ |
| Distance | 2,701 mi |
| Duration | 19 Days |
| States Crossed | Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, and Snowbirds |
Embarking on a cross-country journey from the lush, subtropical landscapes of Florida to the arid, towering monuments of the Arizona desert is a quintessential American RV experience. This 2,701 mi route works beautifully for RV travel because it seamlessly blends diverse environments, transitioning from pristine Gulf Coast beaches and deep bayous to vast Texas plains and striking Southwestern deserts. Along the way, travelers are treated to a rich tapestry of American history, vibrant regional cultures, and world-class family attractions. By stretching the journey across 19 days, this itinerary champions the philosophy of slow travel, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the local heritage, cuisine, and natural wonders of the South and Southwest rather than just watching them blur past your windshield.
To make the most of this massive cross-country expedition, pacing is everything. This journey is broken down into regional stages, ensuring you have ample time to unhitch, explore, and relax. For the complete, detailed day-by-day itinerary, be sure to check inside the RV PLAN.
This 19-day odyssey offers an incredible variety of stops, perfectly suited for families and curious explorers. Here are the key themes and highlights you will encounter:
The trip kicks off with pure magic at Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, setting a high bar for family fun. As you make your way into Texas, the Space Center Houston offers a thrilling look into space exploration with interactive exhibits and real spacecraft. These major stops are complemented by various aquariums, science sites, and amusement parks dotting the southern route.
Nature lovers will find plenty to marvel at along this route. Fort Pickens, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers a blend of coastal beauty and historical intrigue along pristine beaches. Further west, the journey dips underground to explore spectacular caves like the Caverns of Sonora. The route also features numerous parks, botanical gardens, and hiking areas perfect for stretching your legs.
The Deep South is rich with history and unique local industries. In Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Museum provides an immersive look into Florida's natural and cultural heritage. New Orleans invites you to experience the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras World, where you can tour the famous float dens. Just a bit further west, Avery Island offers spicy insight into local industry with the world-famous TABASCO Factory Tours.
We recommend dedicating a full 19 days to this route. Covering 2,701 mi is a significant undertaking, and taking nearly three weeks allows you to keep daily driving distances manageable. This slow-travel approach ensures you have the energy to enjoy the diverse attractions across six states without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. The transition from the humid, vibrant Southeast to the dry, majestic Southwest offers one of the most dynamic visual changes in North America. It is a bucket-list journey that perfectly balances theme parks, space centers, historic forts, and natural wonders.
This route is exceptionally well-suited for families seeking a mix of educational and thrilling stops, as well as snowbirds looking to migrate between two warm-weather hubs. The variety of activities—from horseback riding and kayaking to art galleries and traditional markets—means there is something for every generation.
Spring and Fall are the ideal seasons for this southern route. Traveling during these shoulder seasons helps you avoid the extreme humidity of the Gulf Coast summer and the intense heat of the Arizona desert, making outdoor activities and campground stays much more comfortable.
Planning a multi-week, one-way RV trip requires careful consideration of several cost categories. Because you are starting in Orlando and ending in Phoenix, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee, which varies by fleet provider. Additionally, with a total distance of 2,701 mi, you should review the mileage allowance on your rental to ensure you have enough miles covered without incurring heavy overage charges.
Beyond the rental itself, your budget should factor in fuel costs for a heavy vehicle, nightly campground fees (which will vary depending on whether you choose state parks or resort-style private RV parks), and the entrance fees for premium attractions like theme parks and space centers. For the most accurate, up-to-date pricing on vehicles that fit your family's needs, always check the live inventory and rates on RV PLANET.
Ready to turn this cross-country dream into a reality? Secure your vehicle and dive into the full day-by-day itinerary by booking through 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 | 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) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $800–$1,450 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$1,200 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $950–$1,500 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg in a Class C motorhome, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and standard family-of-four admission costs during peak travel 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.
Transitioning from world-famous theme parks to the serene coastal history of the panhandle.
Embracing the vibrant cultural heritage, historic sites, and unique local industries of the Deep South.
A massive stretch featuring science history, vast landscapes, and subterranean natural wonders.
Climbing into the arid, stunning beauty of the Southwest, traversing high deserts to reach Phoenix.
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 2,701 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Orlando → Phoenix 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 → Phoenix route.
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