Roadtrip with RVshare Boston to Atlanta
A Boston to Atlanta road trip can make for the perfect weeklong vacation, especially when you do it in an RV. There are many exciting things you can do along the way, such as visiting the United States Capitol and the Statue of Liberty. Stop in Philadelphia and see the Liberty Bell. Then, head through the Shenandoah Valley and the Great Smoky Mountains to take in some true scenic beauty. Consider following this Boston to Atlanta RV road trip itinerary.
Boston to Atlanta Road Trip Itinerary
- Trip Length: You'll want to take about seven days or so to see everything along this route.
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- Mileage: It's 1,078 miles between Boston and Atlanta.
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- Fun Fact: The Liberty Bell has a crack in it because the metal is too brittle.
Nearby National Parks
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Think about starting your visit here at the visitor’s center to see what events are happening on the day of your visit. You need timed entry tickets for many buildings. If you have not already arranged them, you can take care of that here before heading on to see Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Then, head to Liberty Center to see the Liberty Bell, or visit the President’s House site where outdoor exhibits encourage you to examine the difference between slavery and freedom. Try to include a stop at the Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and Carpenter Hall in your itinerary.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park covers more than 200,000 acres, and it's located 75 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Take a scenic drive on the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, or stop at Rapidan Camp to see the summer retreat of President Herbert Hoover. You can also watch a Birds of Prey show. There are many miles of hiking trails, so get an early start and watch the fog roll in during the morning hours.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are over 90 historic structures in the Great Smoky Mountains, and you can see some of them along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and near Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee. Over 2,100 miles of streams are in the park, including those with the last wild trout population in the Eastern United States. Park vendors offer horse-drawn hayrides and horseback trail rides. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails, and these include over 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail, where you can see approximately 100 waterfalls.
Nearby State Parks
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park near Madison, Connecticut, is the largest shoreline park in the state, and you can find a beach over 2 miles long there. Stop at the Meigs Point Nature Center to see a variety of local animals, and come back at night for their stargazing parties on special days. View this park’s geology by taking the nature trail, or go on a family bike ride. Anglers are welcome to fish at Meigs Point Jetty and West Beach Jetty.
Fort Washington State Park
The 493-acre Fort Washington State Park in eastern Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, takes its name from George Washington as it was one of the last places that he camped before taking his troops to Valley Forge. Challenge your crew to a round of disc golf, or explore the beautiful scenery along the Wissahickon Creek. In the winter, this 2.5-mile path that connects with other nearby trails is used for cross-country skiing. From September 1 to October 31, many people go to this park to watch for raptors as over 15 species can be spotted. The park also becomes a favorite sledding destination in the winter.
First Landing State Park
The first English colonists landed at this site in 1607, and you can have a great time exploring it today. Over 20 miles of trails are available at First Landing State Park, including fitness trails. Consider exploring some of them on a ranger-led hike. This park is also a superb place to swim in the Chesapeake Bay. At this park located close to Virginia Beach, Virginia, you can also launch a boat.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park is located near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. People come to this state park for the many hiking opportunities, including on the Ridgeline Trail, which allows you to hike to North Carolina’s Kings Mountain State Park and South Carolina's Kings Mountain National Military Park. If you're looking for a family-friendly hike, consider the Pinnacle Trail as your children are likely to love climbing over the rocks on the way to the top with stunning scenery being the reward for everyone’s hard work.
Along the Way
Statue of Liberty
One of the likely highlights on your road trip from Boston to Atlanta would be to see the Statue of Liberty. The statue, located on Ellis Island, will require at least five hours to visit. The only way to get to the island is to take the ferry, and you should go as early in the day as possible. While the Statue of Liberty is fully accessible, you may want to consider climbing the 206 stairs to her crown. Before you go, you will have to decide how high you want to go as seeing the inside of her crown costs extra. Enhance your visit by taking the free ranger-led Liberty Island tour.
Central Park
Central Park is spread across 843 acres, and you can find plenty to do here. A great place to start your visit is at Belvedere Castle, which was originally constructed in 1869. Stopping here first allows you to see the visitor’s center, where you can learn additional information. You may then want to head to the 6.5-acre Central Park Zoo. You may also want to visit John Lennon’s memorial Strawberry Fields, where 161 plants are featured with one from every country at the time the memorial was constructed. Ride the carousel in the park, just like people have been doing since the first one opened in 1871.
The White House
If you've always wanted to visit the White House, you can easily make it part of your road trip from Boston to Atlanta. You must request the tour through your congressperson. Tours happen between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. After passing through security, you'll get doorway views of the Library, the China Room, the Map Room and Vermeil Room on the first floor before going to the second floor, where you will tour the East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and the State Dining Room. There are no tour guides, but you can ask the Secret Service agents questions. Enhance your visit by requesting a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol on your tour's day.
Assateague Island
While there are many reasons to visit Assateague Island, the main one may be to see the band of wild horses that live on this island comprising parts of Maryland and Virginia. With the proper permit, you can also drive on 12 miles of sand. Other popular activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, surfing, and shell collecting.
Historic Jamestown
There are 19 monuments, buildings, and other locations to explore at Historic Jamestown in Virginia, including seeing the 17th-century bell tower, which is the last remaining above-ground structure from when Jamestown served as Virginia’s capital. You may also want to watch the visitor center's films to get a better idea of what life was like before the pilgrims arrived. Stroll through the Powhatan Indian Village before heading to see the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery ships. You can also watch the archaeologist at work and see some of the 200 million artifacts they have already uncovered. Don't head out without seeing some of the craftspeople performing tasks, like forging tools from metal.
Main Cities You Will Pass Through
New York City
The biggest city you'll pass through is New York City. Consider visiting Liberty State Park to catch the ferry to Ellis Island and see their science museum. Go camping on Governors Island with its 50,000-square-foot adventure playground that's open on weekends, or visit the seasonal Audubon Nature Center. Camp at Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. There are dump stations at the Huntington Treatment Plant in Halesite, New York, and at Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge, New York.
Philadelphia
After a full day of exploring Philadelphia, you'll want to consider staying in a nearby campground. Great options in the area include Lazy K Campground, with its stocked fishing pond, or Lake Nockamixon State Park, with its large lake. Dump stations are available at Flory’s Cottages & Camping and at Mills Bridge Village and Camp Resort.
Washington, D.C.
When traveling through Washington, D.C., consider camping at Lake Fairfax Park, which has a 1-acre activity pool, or Washington, D.C. / Capitol KOA, where ice cream socials happen in the summer. You can use the dump station at Sandy Hill Family Camp or nearby Pocomoke River State Forest and Park.
Norfolk, Virginia
Consider putting a stop in Norfolk on your road trip itinerary from Boston to Atlanta. You can camp at The Colonies RV and Travel Park, located about five minutes from the beach, or at the Virginia Beach KOA Holiday. Prepare for the next leg of your journey by using the dump station at Little Creek MWR RV Park or Gosnold's Hope Park Campground.
Durham, North Carolina
One of the last major cities you will pass through on your Boston to Atlanta road trip is Durham, North Carolina. Jordan Lake SRA/Parkers Creek Campground is a great spot to camp if you're an angler. Additionally, you may want to camp at Coopers RV Park, conveniently located close to shopping. There are dump stations available at Triangle RV Park and at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.