Roadtrip with RVshare Columbia to St. Augustine

Traveling on Interstate 95 provides access to almost all of the Eastern Seaboard, and a quick drive from South Carolina to Florida provides a beautiful route with many places to stop along the way. This trip could include stops at lakes, coastal areas, mountains, forests, big cities, and protected wildlife areas. The itinerary includes some favorite stops and helpful information for anyone making this trip in an RV. Although this drive could easily be a one-day jaunt, there are also plenty of opportunities to stretch out the drive, include detours to national and state parks.

Nearby National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This national park is a bit of a drive northwest of Columbia, but it is well worth the three-hour trip for anyone interested in seeing this sprawling park that straddles two states. It’s the most visited national park in the country, and once you get there, you'll understand why. If you do decide to visit one of the various RV-accessible parts of this area, you’re also going to share it with many black bears, so be sure to secure all strong-smelling and food items and follow the protocol laid out by the park rangers. In addition to people and bears, Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a diverse salamander population, so much so that it is known as the Salamander Capital of the World. The park also offers beautiful views and plenty of activities to enjoy, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. 

Congaree National Park

Before leaving South Carolina, be sure to visit the state’s only national park, Congaree National Park. Amateur arborists will love the forests here. Since Congaree wasn’t subjected to the lumber boom of the 1800s, some of the tallest trees on the East Coast can be found in this protected area. It’s hot and humid throughout the spring and summer, so be sure to stay hydrated as you wander through this diverse ecosystem. 

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

While many national parks have been designated as protected areas for quite some time, there are recently designated areas that are worth adding to your road trip from Columbia to St. Augustine. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park was established in 2017 and is the first national monument or park dedicated to preserving the history of the Reconstruction period after the American Civil War. Spread out over four historic sites in Beaufort County, South Carolina, this park is dedicated to preserving the history of the American civil rights movement. Detour off of I-95 at Yemassee, Exit 38, and continue on toward the coast to Beaufort in order to experience this unique national park.

Nearby State Parks

Colleton State Park

South Carolina’s smallest state park is a great day-use park for the water lover. Colleton State Park provides easy access to the Edisto River and is a great destination for kayakers and canoers who are looking to float and relax. This free-entry park is open from sunrise to sunset, and its proximity to Walterboro makes it a great place to resupply.

Crooked River State Park

Park your RV at Crooked River State Park and spend a day or two exploring all the nature in this area. Rent bikes, kayaks, or boats, and if you love spending time with people who really know the area, sign up for guided tours. This park offers great access to the ferry dock that will take you over to Cumberland Island National Seashore for even more adventures.

Anastasia State Park

Nearer to the end of this trip, surf, swim, and bird-watch in Anastasia State Park, which spans 1,600 acres of the Florida coast and marshlands. Heavily influenced by the Spanish settlers, this park is home to the Spanish Coquina Quarries. Since the coquina, a limestone-like mineral, is prevalent in that area, many of the local buildings are built from it, which gives the surrounding area a unique architectural feel.

Along the Way

Lake Marion

Even though this is a coastal trip, if lakes are more your speed, South Carolina’s Lake Marion has you covered! Lake Marion is the largest lake in the state, spanning over five counties. There are many places to park your RV and explore lakefront living for a few hours or days before heading east toward the Atlantic.

Downtown Savannah

When James Oglethorpe founded Savannah, he declared, “No Liquor! No Slaves! No Lawyers! No Catholics!” He hoped to build a utopia in the American South, and while his vision for this beautiful city of Spanish moss didn’t last, it is one of the most-visited tourist locations in Georgia. With something for everyone, be it historical sites, ghost tours, amazing food, or family-friendly activities, downtown Savannah should be part of your Columbia to St. Augustine RV road trip.

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island offers 10 miles of naturally preserved beauty, but Driftwood Beach provides an experience that is ethereal and otherworldly. As the tide comes in and out, ancient pieces of driftwood rise out of the ocean, showcasing a natural jungle gym of trees. It has public parking and is pet-friendly, so there’s no excuse not to capture some amazing photos at this surreal spot. 

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Not far from this can't-miss beach is a sea life sanctuary that offers interactive exhibits and a chance to see rescued sea turtles up close and personal. Committed to ocean preservation and sea turtle rehabilitation, this refuge is a wonderful experience for conservationists of all ages, and a visit to the center won't break the bank. Tickets for admission range from $8 to $10, but you can also support the center's work by purchasing items in the gift shop or sponsoring one of their turtle rescues and receiving updates on the turtle's progress!

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Savannah, Georgia

We already mentioned Savannah, Georgia, for its history and wide array of activities, but it is also a great city to take care of some of the bare necessities of RV travel. There are multiple dump stations in and around Savannah. If you want to spend more than one day in this city, perhaps trying to hit all of the 22 squares that make the downtown area unique and beautiful, there are plenty of spots to park your RV and camp for the night so that you don’t miss any of the sites and sounds of historic Savannah.

Brunswick, Georgia

Lovers of Brunswick stew might want to visit the port city that claims to be the birthplace of that dish. Traveling south from Savannah, it’s not far to Brunswick, and as such, the town offers a lot of the same vibes as Savannah but on a somewhat smaller scale. Industry lovers might know that this town is the third-busiest port in the United States, with only the ports in Los Angeles, California, and Newark, New Jersey, doing more roll-on/roll-off business per day. Despite that, tourism is the top economic driver in Brunswick, and so the city offers RV campgrounds with dump stations, sports events, arts festivals, and even a bed and breakfast dedicated to hand-blown Radko Christmas ornaments! Brunswick House boasts a Christmas tree featuring over 1,000 of these ornaments, so it is a must-see for holiday enthusiasts during that season. 

Jacksonville, Florida

Football fans will know that Jacksonville hosts both college and pro games, but the annual Florida-Georgia game between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia has been a huge draw for tourism in the city since 1933. As a midpoint between the two schools, it offers a somewhat neutral spot for this rivalry game, and fans from both schools show up to cheer on either the Gators or the Bulldogs. If tailgating is a part of your road trips, Jacksonville offers space to overnight camp and dump stations where you can empty your RV. But like any major metropolitan area, Jacksonville is home to a huge variety of activities with something for everyone, and it is definitely a great place to stop before ending your trip in St. Augustine.

Find Adventure from Columbia to St. Augustine

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Columbia to St. Augustine, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Columbia or St. Augustine.