Top 9 Road Trip Destinations In The South
All across America, the things to see and do are endless. Each state offers a menu of interesting attractions, historical sites, diverse cultures, and abundant natural beauty. Having road trips in the south, there’s an added ingredient to the recipe that creates intriguing and pleasurable travel time, and it’s called southern hospitality.
1. Kick Back And Relax At Paul Grist State Park (Alabama)
1546 Grist Road
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 872-5846
Surrounded by towering trees, winding paths, and gentle breezes across the 100-acre lake, Paul Grist State Park is an oasis for relaxing and enjoying nature. A trip to Selma provides many historical sites and events for day adventures.
The park is home to numerous wildlife species and is part of the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail, which offers numerous photo opportunities for the many winged inhabitants. Guests have plenty of activities to fill the days, such as swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. Boat rentals are available for quiet adventures exploring the lake.
At the state park, 11 campsites overlooking the lake are equipped with 50-amp accessibility. Call ahead and reserve one of the scenic sites overlooking the lake.
2. Have A Gator Encounter At Everglades National Park (Florida)
4001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
(305) 242-7728
Immerse yourself in the true landscape of old Florida with a stay at the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of the park’s two campgrounds – Lone Pine Key and Flamingo.
While staying in the park, explore the area by boat, kayak, or canoe. Take a guided airboat ride or walk on the wild side with a naturalist. Wildlife enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities for bird watching and observing wildlife inhabitants. Drop a fishing line, go geocaching, and spend some time on the many interpretive and longer hiking trails.
The park offers 65 RV sites, electric hookups, a dump station, potable water, a camp store, and year-round on-site staff. The maximum RV length allowed is 35 feet.
3. Take In The Majesty Of Vogel State Park – Chattahoochee National Forest (Georgia)
405 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
(706) 745-2628
One of the oldest parks in Georgia offers travelers an exceptional destination steeped in history, the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the majesty of Blood Mountain, and its role in the Appalachian Trail, and an abundance of nearby things to see and do.
Within the park, enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, miniature golf, a playground, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, and nearly 20 miles of hiking trails.
Open year-round; the park offers both pull-through and back-in campsites equipped with electric hookups. Campsites are dog friendly.
4. Discover This Little Known Destination – Mammoth Cave Campground – Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
One Mammoth Cave Pkwy.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
(270) 758-2424
For an adventure that won’t be forgotten, plan to stay in Mammoth Cave National Park, where campers can access guided tours of the underground caves. The UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve is known for its cave system, which is over 400 miles long and is noted as the world’s longest network of caves.
Along with winding your way through the network of underground caves, above ground, there are many activities to experience. On the water, go kayaking, boating, and canoeing, or drop a fishing line to catch “the big one.” Explore the hiking trails on foot or by bicycle or discover what there is to see along 60 miles of trails on horseback. At night, join a ranger-led Night Sky program dedicated to stargazing, planet viewing, and catching a glimpse of the International Space Station via provided telescopes.
The over 100 campsites are nestled beneath canopies of trees with easy access to the Visitor Center and the Caver’s Camp Store. Sites are paved and provide many amenities, such as water, electricity, sewer hookups, and a dump station.
5. Take In Some Golf At Mayes Lake Campground – Le Fleur’s Bluff State Park (Mississippi)
3315 Lakeland Terrace
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-3923
The 305-acre park is a mini-gem that offers an oasis amid the urban activities of Jackson, which was originally named LeFleur’s Bluff after trader Louis LeFleur. With its location in Jackson, campers have easy access to area attractions, such as museums, cultural centers, a planetarium, gardens, and tours of the state capitol.
Within the park, campers have access to a 9-hole golf course and driving range, fishing on Mayes Lake with licenses available at the park, disc golf, and a boat launch.
There are 28 sites equipped with electrical hookups and water. A dump station is also available.
6. See Why The Smokemont Campground – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina) Is The Most Popular Park In America
Oconaluftee Ranger Station
60 Enloe Floyd Bottoms Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 497-9270
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is a popular choice for many reasons.
Within the park, campers can fish, hike, and go horseback riding. In nearby Cherokee, visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and Harrah’s Casino. Less than an hour’s drive away, spend the day in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and take in the attractions, such as Dollywood and Ober Gatlinburg.
There are several campgrounds within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for RV travelers. The Smokemont Campground offers sites that can handle the larger RVs. Motorhomes up to 40 feet and trailers up to 35 feet are welcome.
7. Experience Paradise At Edisto Beach State Park (South Carolina)
8377 State Cabin Road
Edisto Island, SC 29438
(843) 869-2156
Set along the east coast and the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Edisto Beach State Park has something for everyone who enjoys the beach and water activities.
Take a slow stroll on the beach in search of the perfect seashell, create your own sand art, go fishing from the pier, or hop aboard a boat and take a sunset tour or go in search of dolphins. There are also hiking and biking trails and exhibits and interactive displays at the environmental education center.
Open year-round, there are over 100 sites for RVs, including pull-through sites equipped with water and electric hookups. Sites also include a grill, table, and fire ring.
8. Get Your Cameras Ready At David Crockett State Park (Tennessee)
1400 W. Gaines Street
Lawrenceville, TN 38464
(931) 903-2323
Most people know that Davy Crockett was a pioneer but may not know he was also a colonel and state politician. Crockett was also one of the participants at the Alamo. The site of the park is where Crockett established several industries while living in Lawrence County.
During a stay at the 1,100-acre park, campers stay busy from morning until night. Start the day with a rental boat and enjoy leisurely paddle time or fishing on Lake Lindsey. Bring a camera and get a few photos of the more than 100 species of birds that inhabit the park. Paved bike trails are ideal for exploring, or bring a pair of hiking boots and explore the 10 miles of scenic trails that provide views of Crockett Falls and Shoal Creek.
The park offers two campgrounds; both are equipped with electric and water hookups. One campground is open year-round, and the other is open from mid-March through the end of November.
9. Discover this Gem That Few People Know – Caddo Lake State Park (Texas)
245 Park Road 2
Karnack, TX 75661
(903) 679-3351
Caddo Lake State Park is one of those hidden gems where campers may feel like they’ve stepped back to a time long ago. The landscape is ancient, with towering bald cypress trees majestically rising out of the water decorated with streaming strands of Spanish moss.
Each day offers something new and exciting to do, discover, or explore. For anglers, Caddo Lake has a fishing pier and a boat ramp. If you want to leisurely explore the paddling trails winding their way through the 28,810-acre lake, canoe rentals are available. Explore the forest on foot with a hiking excursion on one of the easy or moderate-level trails.
There are 8 full hookup campsites available in the Woodpecker Hollow campground available for RVs. The sites provide 50-amp electric, sewer hookup, water hookup, an outdoor grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table. If needed, restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
PS – Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
Whether sipping a mint julep in Virginia, Drinking an Old Fashioned in Georgia, dining on Texas-style barbecue, or lounging by the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, RVing through the southern states has more than a few delights to create memorable travel experiences. Start your trip by Renting your RV through RVnGO and save around 30% over other RV rental companies.
And it is STILL Less Expensive than staying at a resort.
Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips.