If you enjoy going to the beach, there is not a better trip to take in an RV than this Charlotte to Orlando road trip. Along the way, you can stop at Hilton Head Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Daytona Beach, and more. There are also several state parks close to the route that you can check out. For this itinerary, you will start by traveling down I-77, and then right before Congaree National Park, shift east toward I-95.
Congaree National Park
The only national park that is directly on this road trip itinerary from Charlotte to Orlando is Congaree National Park. It is located only about 30 minutes from the capital of South Carolina, and it is home to some of the tallest trees on the East Coast. In the park, there are plenty of trails to explore, which range from short trails that are only 0.3 miles long to trails that are almost 12 miles long. These longer trails are ideal for birdwatchers to enjoy as well.
Sesquicentennial State Park
One of the first state parks that you will encounter during your trip is Sesquicentennial State Park. It is not that far away from Columbia, South Carolina, and it is a great place to explore nature. There are several trails to wander along as well as places to ride a bike or sit down and enjoy some fishing. You can even rent a kayak or a canoe to take out on the water.
Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park consists of more than 5,000 acres of beach and maritime forest that you can explore. There is a very picturesque lighthouse that you can climb to the top of as well, which is about 167 steps. The park also offers a pier that you can fish from and a lagoon to swim in.
Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park is a great stop for history buffs to consider during this trip. It was a strategic point during the Civil War, and today, there are battlefield demonstrations that you can see during the first weekend of every month. There is also plenty of biking and hiking trails throughout the park to enjoy. Over 100 species of birds can be found here as well, which makes it an ideal stop for birdwatchers to make.
Anastasia State Park
Located in Florida, Anastasia State Park is more than 1,600 acres of sandy land and beaches. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are activities that are commonly enjoyed here, but you can rent a boat and go kayaking or canoeing as well. Surfing is also possible here if you feel confident in the waves.
Blue Spring State Park
If you like seeing animals in their natural environment, then Blue Spring State Park is a must-see location during your road trip. It is known as Florida’s premier manatee refuge, and there are several animals that you can see in the park in addition to the manatees. It is also perfectly warm all year so that you can enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the water. Boats can be rented in the park, and certified divers are permitted to scuba dive. If you would like to take a tour, there are narrated cruises that you can take down the St. Johns River to learn more about nature.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
If you enjoy learning about military history in the country, then the Kings Mountain National Military Park is a great place to visit during your road trip from Charlotte to Orlando. The battle that was here is considered a turning point during the Revolutionary War. In the park, you can check out the exhibits, watch films on the battle, and walk a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through the battlefield where you can see monuments honoring those who fought in this important battle.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
The Savannah Botanical Gardens is another point of interest that you will want to enjoy along the way. In the gardens, you can see a myriad of plants that consist of annuals, perennials, roses, and more. There is also a 2-acre pond and an amphitheater. Throughout the gardens, there are trails that you can take to enjoy nature.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Another place to visit that has lots of animals to check out is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. At the zoo, you can see every species of crocodile as well as birds and reptiles. There are wildlife shows to stop and see throughout the day, or you can simply explore on your own.
Daytona International Speedway
If you like NASCAR, then the Daytona International Speedway is a must-see location, especially if there is a race planned during your trip. If you happen to be there with time to spare before the race, then there are tours and tram rides that you can experience to learn more about the track and racers that frequent the Daytona International Speedway.
Columbia, SC
Columbia is the second-largest city in South Carolina, and it has several museums, parks, and outdoor activities to enjoy whether you plan to stay for the night or a couple of hours. While you are here, stop by the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to see 170 acres of plants and animals. There are also tours of historic homes in the area.
If you do want to stay in Columbia overnight, there are plenty of campgrounds nearby that you can book. Magnolia RV Park and Campground has activities for the kids as well as a saltwater pool that the whole family can enjoy. There are also a number of dump stations in the area for you to use.
Savannah, GA
The next city that you will travel through is Savannah, which is located in Georgia, just south of the South Carolina state line. While you are in the city, you will want to take a walk in Forsyth Park. There are also trolley tours in the city that you can enjoy. If you like looking at religious buildings, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has jaw-dropping architecture.
Since this area is full of wonders, you will want to stay the night in a Savannah campground. The Red Gate Campground and RV Park has several lakes nearby, so it’s ideal for guests who like to fish. If you prefer to go boating, Biltmore Gardens RV Park may be more your speed. Additionally, Love's Travel Stop has a dump station that you can use to keep your RV clean.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is a city that consists of 22 miles of beaches, but there are also other things to explore before you continue on your road trip. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways. There are also zoos, museums, river walks, and national monuments that you can explore in this city.
If you decide to stay in Jacksonville, there are plenty of campgrounds to call home for a night or two. Pecan Park RV Resort has a large lake that is great for fishing or swimming. However, if you are looking for an RV park that’s close to the attractions, then the Fleetwood RV Park is right up your alley.
Daytona Beach, FL
After you hit up a NASCAR event at the Daytona International Speedway, you may want to enjoy more of Daytona. Daytona Beach is a beautiful place to visit with 23 miles of coastline to explore. Do you like to be in the water? Daytona has the Mimi Munro Surf Camps that allow you to hang 10 while making a stop on your way to Orlando.
Daytona Beach campgrounds also have a lot to offer. Daytona’s Endless Summer Campground has a dump station, 360 RV sites, and full hookups for you and your family to use. The RVers who frequent this campground are all very friendly, and there are several activities to keep your family busy. If you don’t mind traveling a few miles to Flagler Beach, then you can also try out Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort, which is a great place to fish and enjoy watersports.
This Charlotte to Orlando road trip is full of fun and interesting things to do. If you have an RV, there are plenty of places to stay that will be more economical than a hotel, especially if you are traveling with your family. If you don’t own an RV or a travel trailer, then RVshare is the perfect option for renting one. There are options to rent in Charlotte as well as Orlando, so whichever way you would like to take this trip, you can book an RV on RVshare that accommodates your needs.
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