RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Start / End | Salt Lake City to New Orleans |
| Duration | 20 Days |
| Distance | 2,570 mi |
| States Crossed | Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana |
| Ideal Traveler | Families, photographers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers |
The journey from the towering peaks of Utah to the vibrant, musical streets of Louisiana is a masterclass in contrasting landscapes. A 20-day timeline across 2,570 mi provides the ultimate foundation for slow travel, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the changing scenery without the stress of rushing from point A to point B. By traveling in an RV, you carry your home with you as the view out your window shifts from ancient red rock formations and deep canyons to expansive desert highways, and finally to the lush, coastal bayous of the Deep South. This route perfectly balances remote natural beauty with rich cultural touchpoints, making it an ideal one-way adventure for those who want to experience the true breadth of the American landscape.
To make the most of this cross-country expedition, we recommend breaking your trip into four distinct stages. This ensures you maintain a comfortable driving pace while leaving ample time for exploration.
Your adventure begins by leaving the city behind and easing into the dramatic landscapes of Utah. The pace here should be slow and deliberate. Short driving days allow for extensive hiking and photography as you navigate scenic highways and marvel at unique geological formations. This stage is all about grounding yourself in nature.
As you cross into Arizona, the scale of the landscape expands dramatically. Expect slightly longer drives between major landmarks, but plan for full-day stops. You will want to park the RV and dedicate entire days to guided tours and soaking in the views from the edge of world-renowned natural wonders.
Transitioning into New Mexico, the rhythm shifts from natural exploration to cultural immersion. You will log moderate miles along historic American highways, stopping frequently in charming towns. This stage is perfect for exploring local markets, heritage sites, and enjoying regional cuisine.
The final leg through Texas and into Louisiana involves the longest stretches of open highway. However, the changing environment—from arid plains to humid, vibrant wetlands—keeps the drive engaging. The pace quickens slightly on the road, but culminates in a relaxed, celebratory arrival in the heart of the South.
While the full day-by-day itinerary is available exclusively inside RV PLANET, here is a preview of the diverse experiences you will encounter:
This route is a geological showcase. You will cruise down US Route 89, a scenic corridor that reveals breathtaking transitions from mountainous terrain to expansive valleys. Prepare to be awestruck by the hoodoos, spires, and red rock amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon. Further south, guided tours through the mesmerizing slot canyons of Antelope Canyon offer a magical display of light and shadow, while the sheer vastness of the Grand Canyon provides an unforgettable, iconic experience.
History comes alive on this journey. Early in the trip, Fremont Indian State Park and Museum offers a fascinating dive into Native American history, complete with ancient rock art. As you push east, the nostalgia of Route 66 takes over. You will traverse the "Mother Road," passing classic diners and landmarks that define the American road trip spirit. In New Mexico, the vibrant culture and local traditions of Albuquerque provide a colorful mid-trip highlight.
Beyond sightseeing, this route is packed with active pursuits. Whether your family enjoys horseback riding, exploring caves, kayaking along coastal waterways, or visiting aquariums and botanical gardens, the diversity of the states crossed ensures there is an activity for every interest level.
To comfortably cover 2,570 mi, 20 days is the sweet spot. This allows you to average just over 125 miles of driving per day. By keeping your daily mileage low, you have the flexibility to spend multiple nights at major destinations like the Grand Canyon or Albuquerque, embracing the philosophy of slow travel.
Absolutely. If you want to experience the stark contrast between the American West and the Deep South, this one-way route is unmatched. It offers a rare combination of world-class national parks, iconic road-trip nostalgia, and vibrant city cultures, making every mile engaging.
This itinerary is tailor-made for families seeking educational and outdoor activities, photographers chasing unique landscapes, and history buffs eager to trace the roots of Route 66 and Native American heritage.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) are the ideal seasons for this journey. You will avoid the intense summer heat of the Southwest and the heavy humidity of the Gulf Coast, ensuring comfortable hiking weather and pleasant evenings at your campsites. For specific seasonal campground availability, always check rvplan.net.
Planning a 20-day, one-way journey requires careful attention to your rental agreement. When booking your RV, you will need to account for a one-way drop fee, which covers the logistics of returning the vehicle to its origin. Additionally, because this trip covers 2,570 mi, it is crucial to review your mileage package. Purchasing an unlimited mileage package or pre-booking a block of miles is often the most cost-effective strategy.
Campground costs will vary depending on your preference for state parks versus private resorts with full hookups. We highly recommend booking your campsites well in advance, especially near major attractions like the Grand Canyon. For exact vehicle availability, live pricing, and detailed fee structures, refer to the booking tools appended below.
Ready to hit the road? Unlock the detailed day-by-day itinerary, view interactive maps, and secure your vehicle by visiting the full Salt Lake City to New Orleans route on RV PLANET.
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 | Native Campervans-24 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), El Monte-2026-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $850–$1,100 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $760–$1,520 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state and private campgrounds, and peak season travel. 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.
Ease into the journey by navigating through towering spires and ancient canyons at a relaxed pace.
Transition from breathtaking natural abysses to the nostalgic stretches of historic American roadways.
Embrace the vibrant heritage and expansive desert skies while taking time to explore local traditions.
Roll into the final stretch where the arid landscapes give way to lush bayous and rich musical heritage.
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 2,570 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Salt Lake City → New Orleans 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 Salt Lake City 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 |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Salt Lake City → New Orleans route.
Picking up in Salt Lake City but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: