New Orleans to Nashville - Blues Highway

Route Snapshot: New Orleans to Nashville

Embarking on a motorhome road trip from New Orleans to Nashville promises a journey filled with diverse experiences, deep musical roots, and cultural gems. This 10-day itinerary guides you through the heart of the American South, tracing the legendary Blues Highway.

Why the Blues Highway is Perfect for RV Travel

This route is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the South's most iconic attractions at your own pace. RV travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in the changing landscapes, from the bayous of Louisiana to the rolling hills of Tennessee. By taking your accommodation with you, you can linger in small towns, wake up near historic sites, and enjoy the ultimate freedom of slow travel. The generous 10-day timeline ensures you never feel rushed, providing ample time to savor Creole cuisine, dive into indigenous history, and let the rhythm of the blues dictate your schedule.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 10-Day Journey

To truly appreciate this 885 mi journey, we recommend breaking the drive into distinct regional stages. This prevents long, exhausting driving days and allows you to absorb the local culture.

• Stage 1: Louisiana Beginnings. Start with a deep dive into the vibrant culture of the Crescent City before transitioning into the grand architecture and serene landscapes of plantation country. Expect short driving stints and high cultural immersion.
• Stage 2: Mississippi River Heritage. As you cross into Mississippi, the pace slows down. This leg is defined by charming historic towns, indigenous history, and scenic riverside drives.
• Stage 3: The Heart of the Delta. Moving northward, the focus shifts entirely to the musical legacy of the region. The driving distances remain manageable, giving you time to explore interpretive centers and legendary musical landmarks.
• Stage 4: Onward to Tennessee. The final stretch transitions from the birthplace of the blues to the capital of country music. The driving days here are slightly longer but highly rewarding as you approach your final destination.

For the complete, day-by-day itinerary with specific campground recommendations and detailed driving routes, check the full plan on RV PLANET.

What to See Along the Route: Key Themes and Locations

This route is heavily layered with history, music, and family-friendly activities. Here is a look at the key themes and highlights you will encounter:

Music and Heritage

Music is the lifeblood of this journey. Starting in the vibrant city of New Orleans, a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum is essential to understand the genre deeply rooted in the city's culture. As you travel through Mississippi towards Memphis, the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center offers an incredible look into the roots of the blues, including an opportunity to pay your respects at the legendary B.B. King's grave.

Historical Sites and Architecture

The South is dotted with powerful historical landmarks. The Oak Alley Plantation showcases the grandeur and complex history of antebellum life, featuring an iconic oak-lined entrance that provides a memorable photo opportunity. Further north, explore the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians to learn about the fascinating history of the region's indigenous peoples. A Southern Carriage Tour through historic Natchez is also highly recommended to immerse yourself in the area's charming architecture and local stories.

Family Fun and Culinary Delights

This route is incredibly family-friendly. In New Orleans, stroll through the French Market Corporation to savor delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine while picking up unique souvenirs. For a more adventurous and refreshing stop, the Blue Bayou Water Park is perfect for family fun and cooling off on a warm Southern day.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your Southern Adventure

How many days do I need for this route?

We strongly recommend 10 days for this 885 mi journey. This allows you to travel at a relaxed pace, averaging less than 100 miles of driving per day, giving you plenty of time to explore museums, take guided tours, and enjoy leisurely meals.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. If you have any interest in American music history, Southern cuisine, or historic architecture, this is one of the most culturally rich road trips in the United States. Traveling by RV adds a layer of comfort and flexibility that makes the experience even better.

Who is this trip best suited for?

This itinerary is highly versatile. The mix of water parks, carriage rides, and interactive museums makes it excellent for families, while the deep dive into jazz and blues history makes it a pilgrimage for music enthusiasts.

What is the best season to travel?

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the ideal times to tackle this route. The weather is pleasant and mild, perfect for walking tours and outdoor attractions. Summer can be intensely hot and humid in the South, while winter can occasionally bring unpredictable cold fronts.

Booking Your RV and Managing Route Logistics

When planning a one-way trip from New Orleans to Nashville, selecting the right RV is crucial. A Class C motorhome is a popular choice for families, offering a great balance of living space and maneuverability for navigating historic town centers. If you are traveling as a couple, a Class B campervan might provide all the comfort you need while being incredibly easy to drive and park.

Because this is a one-way journey, be aware that rental fleets typically apply a one-way drop fee to cover the cost of repositioning the vehicle. When you review live pricing, ensure you check whether this fee is included in your initial quote or paid at the counter. Additionally, while the base distance is 885 mi, you will want to select a mileage package that accounts for detours, exploring national forests, and driving to off-highway campgrounds. For specific vehicle availability, one-way fee structures, and mileage packages, consult the live search tools on RV PLANET.

Ready to Hit the Road?

From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the bustling honky-tonks of Nashville, this 10-day Blues Highway adventure is a trip of a lifetime. Start planning your Southern getaway and secure your ideal motorhome today by visiting the full itinerary at 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 1-3 — Louisiana Beginnings

~100–150 mi across this leg

Exploring the rich musical beginnings and historic architecture of Louisiana before heading north.

Days 4-5 — Mississippi River Heritage

~150–200 mi across this leg

Slow travel through the charming towns and indigenous heritage sites along the lower Mississippi River.

Days 6-8 — The Heart of the Delta

~200–250 mi across this leg

Immersing in the deep musical roots and cultural legacy of the Mississippi Delta region.

Days 9-10 — Onward to Tennessee

~250–300 mi across this leg

Transitioning from the blues to country music capitals as you complete the final stretch.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 89 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 3 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 3 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 10-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 885 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Nashville pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in New Orleans for this route

These are real vehicles in our New Orleans 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 New Orleans → Nashville route.

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