Las Vegas to New Orleans

Route Snapshot: Las Vegas to New Orleans

Why This RV Route Works

If you want to move away from stress and have a lot of fun time to relax, then go ahead on this driving RV route from Las Vegas to New Orleans. Spanning an impressive 2,018 mi across five distinct states, this journey allows you to transition from the glowing neon of the desert to the moss-draped bayous of the Deep South. Traveling in a motorhome gives you the freedom to set your own pace, turning long driving days into an opportunity for discovery. With a diverse array of activities ranging from extreme outdoor adventures to traditional family farm visits, this 16-day itinerary is perfectly designed to keep everyone entertained while embracing the philosophy of slow travel.

Route Rhythm: A 16-Day Journey in Stages

Covering 2,018 mi over 16 days means you will average around 125 miles per day. This is the sweet spot for RV travel, ensuring you spend more time exploring and less time staring at the highway. The route flows naturally through four distinct regional stages. You will begin by leaving the bustling Nevada entertainment hubs for the rugged, open deserts of Arizona. From there, the elevation shifts as you enter the volcanic and cavernous highlands of New Mexico. The third stage requires crossing the vast, expansive plains of Texas, where driving days might feel a bit longer but are broken up by vibrant city stops. Finally, the pace slows down entirely as you enter the dense, relaxing water forests of Louisiana, culminating in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans. For the exact day-by-day plan, consult the detailed itinerary on RV PLANET.

What to See Along the Route: Key Locations and Themes

This cross-country adventure is packed with diverse attractions. To help you understand the scope of the journey, here are the key themes and highlights you will encounter:

Museums and Historical Sites

The route is rich with cultural and historical stops. Early in the trip, you can explore the famous Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. As you push into Arizona, the Kingman Railroad Museum offers a glimpse into the region's locomotive history. Further along, the Rainbow Forest Museum provides educational insights into the natural history of the Southwest.

Natural Features and Hiking Areas

Nature lovers will find plenty of breathtaking destinations. For some adventure time, you will find the Monolith Garden Trail, perfect for stretching your legs. In New Mexico, prepare to be stunned by what you watch at the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano. The breathtaking Blue Hole offers a unique natural water feature, while Captain Ron's Swamp Tour provides an easy, relaxing tour of Caddo Lake and the surrounding water forest.

Family Activities and Amusement

If you are traveling with children, this route is packed with family activities. Your first point is the Las Vegas Strip, complemented by engaging Las Vegas Walking Tours. You will also have cheer time at Segway Nation Dallas. Animal lovers can make a visit to the ABQ BioPark – Zoo. For a splash of fun, never miss the Castaway Cove Waterpark. Finally, you can enjoy a multitude of family activities at Dixie Maze Farms, which features Fall Festival Tickets, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Murder Mystery events, Dinner Events, and Barnyard Attractions.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your Southwest to South Journey

How many days do you need for this trip?

We strongly recommend dedicating the full 16 days to this route. Covering 2,018 mi requires a steady pace, and spreading the drive over two weeks allows for deep exploration without driving fatigue.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. The sheer variety of landscapes—from arid deserts and volcanic ice caves to lush swamp forests—makes this one of the most dynamic cross-country routes available. It perfectly balances natural wonders with urban amusement.

Who is this trip best suited for?

This itinerary is ideal for families and groups who enjoy a mix of traditional sightseeing, museum visits, and outdoor hiking. The abundance of water parks, zoos, and farm attractions makes it especially appealing for travelers with children.

What is the best season to travel?

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to tackle this route, allowing you to avoid the extreme summer heat of the Southwest and the heavy humidity of the Louisiana bayous. Check rvplan.net for specific seasonal recommendations and festival dates (like the Fall Festival at Dixie Maze Farms).

Booking Your RV and Budgeting

Planning a one-way trip across five states requires careful budgeting. When booking your motorhome, you will need to account for one-way drop fees, which are standard when picking up an RV in Las Vegas and returning it in New Orleans. Additionally, ensure your rental package includes sufficient mileage to cover the 2,018 mi distance, plus extra miles for detours to places like Caddo Lake or the Bandera Volcano. Fuel costs will be a significant portion of your budget, alongside campground fees, which will range from scenic state parks to full-hookup private resorts. For the most accurate, real-time pricing and to secure the best vehicle for your family, utilize the live pricing tools below.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Your unforgettable journey from the neon lights of Nevada to the historic charm of Louisiana awaits. To view the complete, day-by-day routing, access exclusive campground recommendations, and finalize your booking, visit the full itinerary on RV PLANET.

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

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.

Days 1-4 — Nevada to the Arizona Desert

~350–450 mi across this leg

Ease into the journey by leaving the bright city lights behind for a relaxed drive through expansive desert landscapes and historic railway regions.

Days 5-8 — The New Mexico Highlands

~450–550 mi across this leg

Maintain a steady, unhurried pace as you climb into high-desert ecosystems filled with ancient volcanic features and subterranean wonders.

Days 9-12 — Crossing the Texas Plains

~650–750 mi across this leg

Enjoy long, open stretches of highway that connect vibrant urban centers with vast natural water features and family-friendly agricultural regions.

Days 13-16 — Louisiana Bayous to the Big Easy

~300–400 mi across this leg

Slow your travel rhythm to a crawl as you explore dense swamp forests and traditional southern landscapes before arriving at your final destination.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 126 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 6 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 5 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 16-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,018 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Las Vegas → New Orleans pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in Las Vegas for this route

These are real vehicles in our Las Vegas 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.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Las Vegas → New Orleans route.

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