RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
Embark on an epic cross-country adventure that bridges the warm waters of the Gulf Coast with the rugged, wide-open spaces of the American West. This 22-day motorhome journey offers the ultimate family road trip experience.
| Total Days | 22 Days |
| Total Distance | 3,048 mi |
| Start / End | Tampa, FL to Billings, MT |
| States Crossed | Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Wyoming |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Ideal For | Families, History Buffs, and Nature Enthusiasts |
Traveling from Tampa to Billings is a masterclass in regional diversity. Spanning 3,048 mi, this route perfectly balances the thrill of slow travel with an ever-changing landscape. Instead of rushing from coast to coast, a 22-day timeline allows you to genuinely experience the transition from Florida's lush, prehistoric springs to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the expansive skies of Montana.
For RV travelers, this itinerary offers an excellent mix of infrastructure and exploration. You will find well-equipped state parks, scenic routes, and RV-friendly museum parking lots along the way. Because the journey crosses nine different states, the changing scenery keeps driving days engaging, while the carefully spaced attractions ensure that every member of the family—from young children to history-loving adults—has something to look forward to.
This journey is best enjoyed when broken into manageable regional stages. While the full day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLANET, here is a look at the overall rhythm of your trip.
This 3,048 mi journey is packed with diverse experiences. Depending on your family's interests, you can tailor your stops around several key themes.
Nature lovers will be captivated from the very start. In Florida, the Glass Bottom Boat Tours at Silver Springs offer a chance to spot manatees and alligators, while Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring invites you to explore an underground cave system rich with ancient fossils. Further north in Tennessee, you can venture deep underground to witness Ruby Falls, a stunning 145-foot subterranean waterfall.
History buffs will find endless fascination along this route. In Georgia, the Museum of Aviation provides a comprehensive look at the history of flight, and Atlanta's World of Coca-Cola offers a deep dive into an iconic brand. Music fans will love exploring the legendary lives of Johnny Cash and BB King in Tennessee. As you move west, the Museum of Art and Archaeology in Missouri offers incredible cultural insights, while the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Wyoming and the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center in Montana provide powerful perspectives on the history of the American West.
If you are traveling with children, this route is loaded with high-energy fun. Six Flags St. Louis delivers thrilling rides, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City is a guaranteed hit for younger kids. For a touch of whimsy, the OZ Museum in Kansas brings the famous story to life, and a stop at Hammond's Candies in Denver will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.
How many days do I need?
To comfortably cover 3,048 mi without feeling rushed, 22 days is the ideal timeframe. This allows for multiple multi-night stays and keeps daily driving distances manageable for the whole family.
Is this route worth it?
Absolutely. It is a rare opportunity to see the deep South, the Midwest, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountains all in one cohesive trip. The sheer variety of place types—from botanical gardens and traditional markets to extreme activities and historical sites—makes it a highly rewarding investment of your time.
Who is this trip for?
This route is exceptionally family-friendly. The blend of interactive museums, water parks, hiking areas, and historical sites means that multi-generational travelers will all find something to enjoy.
When is the best time to go?
Late spring through early fall is optimal. Summer provides the best access to amusement parks and northern state parks, though you should be prepared for heat in the southern states during July and August. Early fall offers spectacular foliage as you reach Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.
Planning a 22-day cross-country expedition requires thoughtful preparation. Because this is a one-way trip from Tampa to Billings, you will need to account for one-way drop fees, which vary by fleet provider. When selecting your motorhome, consider a mileage package that comfortably covers the 3,048 mi distance, plus extra miles for scenic detours to trailheads and state parks.
Your primary expenses will be divided among fuel, nightly campground fees, groceries, and attraction tickets. By utilizing your RV's kitchen for meals and mixing stays between fully-equipped private RV resorts and scenic state parks, you can effectively manage your daily spending. For specific pricing on rentals, one-way fees, and mileage packages, refer to the live pricing tools provided below.
From the prehistoric waters of Florida to the majestic skies of Montana, this 22-day journey is the road trip of a lifetime. To unlock the detailed day-by-day itinerary, secure your ideal motorhome, and review real-time availability, visit RV PLANET and start planning your unforgettable American West adventure 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 | Use Rent Motorhome to find the closest pickup stations |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $950–$1,250 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $900–$1,400 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $800–$1,100 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C RV, average US gas prices, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and a family of four traveling during the summer season. 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.
Transition from prehistoric underwater caves and glass-bottom boats to the historic aviation and iconic brands of Georgia.
Immerse yourself in the musical legends of Tennessee before crossing into Missouri for world-class amusement parks and cultural museums.
Navigate the sweeping plains of Kansas with stops at whimsical museums, then climb toward the majestic landscapes of Colorado.
Trace the historic routes of the American West through Wyoming, culminating in the rich tribal heritage and expansive skies of Montana.
Total cost for this 22-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 3,048 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Tampa → Billings 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.
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Tampa → Billings route.
Picking up in Tampa but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: