The South is full of wonders, and none of them are more remarkable than when you take the road in your RV. Luckily, there’s no shortage of great RV trips in this region, and we’ll tell you about ten of our favorites. Here are ten suggestions for the best RV trips in the South:
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1. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and is a great place to visit in the fall if you want to see the leaves change color. The park has many trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can also take a carriage ride through Acadia.
If you prefer to stay inside your vehicle while driving around Acadia, several drive-in campgrounds are available with hookups for your RV. Many hotels, motels, and restaurants also cater to tourists visiting Acadia National Park during this time of year.
2. Nashville to Memphis
One of the best ways to explore the South is on an RV road trip. And one of the best runs through some of its most beautiful and historic areas: Nashville to Memphis.
Stopping in Birmingham, Alabama, you can visit the Civil Rights Institute, a museum that showcases Birmingham’s role in civil rights history. If you’re into music, it’s worth checking out Five Points South for live shows at trendy restaurants and bars, and also check out The Yardbird Southern Table & Bar for some southern comfort food with a twist.
Next up is Memphis, Tennessee—the home of Elvis Presley and Graceland, where he lived until his death in 1977. It’s also known as “Blues City,” so don’t miss out on Sun Studio (where Elvis recorded his first record), Beale Street (home to many blues clubs), or The National Civil Rights Museum (dedicated to preserving American history).
Afterward, head west toward Little Rock, where there are tons more attractions, including sporting events like soccer matches at War Memorial Stadium and concerts at Verizon Arena.
3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful place to visit. It’s known for its rolling mountains, scenic vistas, and abundance of wildlife. Visitors can hike through the park’s vast wilderness or bike along many trails on their way to one of the many campgrounds in Shenandoah. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, plenty of cabins are available for rent throughout the year that can be reserved online at recreation.gov.
4. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge might be the most beautiful place in the South. Of course, you can see alligators and bald eagles, but don’t worry if you don’t spot them—you will still enjoy this unique ecosystem.
The Okefenokee is a swamp covering over 700,000 acres of remote forest land. It’s home to alligators, crocodiles, and black bears, as well as more than 300 species of birds (including whooping cranes).
The refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1937 so that people could enjoy this nature preserve without destroying it or harming its inhabitants. Today it remains one of Georgia’s most popular tourist destinations for locals and tourists alike.
5. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a series of islands off the coast of Florida. They’re known for their beautiful beaches and perfect weather. The Keys are a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
You can go snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or boating; there are even dolphin tours! If you want to take it easy instead of going out on the water yourself, there are spas and resorts where you can enjoy massages and other treatments while enjoying ocean views from your room window.
Besides being known as one of the top vacation spots in America due to its many attractions (like Key West), this area is known for being one of the most romantic destinations around, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that feels like paradise with an island vibe but without actually having to get on an airplane.
6. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains are a great place to go camping, hiking, and kayaking. There are also plenty of other things to do in the area. White water rafting on the Nantahala River is very popular but be sure you’re comfortable with your guide as some rapids can be challenging.
If you’d rather stay dry, visit one of the beautiful waterfalls or go hiking in one of many national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Cherokee National Forest.
7. Myrtle Beach to Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and it’s loaded with history. In addition, the city has a thriving food scene and vibrant nightlife, making it a great destination for travelers who want to get out of their RV and explore.
The best time to visit Charleston is during spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot, but plenty of attractions are open for business. Spring also brings thousands of visitors from across America who come to see Azaleas bloom and participate in other festivities throughout the region.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is an excellent destination for RV travelers. The city’s food scene is fantastic, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best barbecues you’ll ever find in your life. There are also lots of music venues, museums, shopping malls, and other attractions that will keep you busy while you’re there.
New Orleans is also a great place to stop if you’re looking for some history or culture on your RV trip through this part of the country. Several historical sites are worth visiting here, including Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral (built over an older cathedral). You’ll find some beautiful colonial buildings around town as well.
9. Tennessee Gulf Coast
This area is a great place for all types of travelers. Whether you’re in your RV with the whole family or traveling solo, there’s something for everyone on the Tennessee Gulf Coast.
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing but don’t want to stay out on the water all day, check out South Red Bay Marina and RV Park in Orange Beach, Alabama. The marina offers boat tours that take visitors to Pensacola Bay, where they can fish off their boats or from a kayak.
- Boating: If you prefer to be at sea over land, head to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where you’ll find plenty of waterside accommodations, including campgrounds like Camping World Mobile RV Park & Resort and Best Western Plus Mobile Suites Hotel & Convention Center. Both places have pools and restaurants nearby, so once you’ve gotten some sun on your face during your morning swim session at one of these locations (and possibly caught an elusive red snapper), it’s time for lunch.
- Swimming: Beaches aren’t just for tourists; locals love them too! And if you want some peace and quiet away from large crowds of people clamoring for deck chairs next to each other—or worse yet—away from small children who seem not only incapable of listening but also incapable of being quiet themselves well, then this stretch along Highway 98 might be perfect for someone like yourself.
10. Mobile to Gulf Shores, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama, is an ideal place to begin your RV trip. Located on the Gulf Coast, Mobile features plenty of things to do and see in its own right. You’ll also be able to take advantage of this city as a base for exploring other areas of the South.
The Mobile-Baldwin County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers plenty of information on what there is to see and do while you’re here. Highlights include:
- The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in downtown Mobile
- Fort Conde de Leon Museum (a recreation of one of Mobile’s historic forts)
- The City Museum (an eclectic collection of art and oddities)
The South is full of great RV destinations.
The South is an excellent place for RV travel. With its diverse landscape and cities, history, food, and fun activities, there are plenty of reasons to spend your RV vacation in the South.
The weather is one of the most important factors when choosing where to go on an RV trip. While some places may be too hot or cold for you during certain times of the year, the South offers a wide range of climates that will suit any traveler’s needs.
Some areas can get extremely hot in the summer but also have comfortable winters with pleasant temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius). The climate in this region varies from coast to coast—for example, Florida has tropical weather while Louisiana has subtropical weather.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s much to be said for the South. These are just a few of our favorite destinations, but we hope they inspire you to take your RV on an exciting road trip. What are your favorite southern locations? Where do you want to go next?