Roadtrip with RVshare Louisville to Portsmouth

Get ready for nonstop adventure as your road trip from Louisville to Portsmouth takes you to a long list of exciting destinations in a few of the coolest cities in America. Time spent in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Boston has you exploring fun local haunts at Bar 11 and Hofbrauhaus as well as a couple of iconic museums. You'll get your great outdoors fix at some of the most fascinating national parks as you trek through the wilderness at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and delve into the mysteries of Mammoth Cave National Park. The good times keep rolling at the German Village in Columbus, where you'll feast on chocolatey treats and experience savory wine tastings before setting off for spooky stories at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem. 

Nearby National Parks

Visit a couple of the most incredible national parks the South has to offer on your Louisville to Portsmouth RV road trip. 

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is a must-experience destination that's just one hour and 30 minutes away from Louisville. At this park, you'll go on adventure after adventure as you choose from 19 different cavern tours that take you deep within the longest cave system in the world. Topside, you can explore the park from a new perspective on popular treks that include the Sinkhole Trail and the Green River Bluffs Trail. You can also spend a few days paddling on the river, fishing, biking, and horseback riding in this geologically diverse area. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well worth the four hours and 30 minutes south of Louisville. Here, you'll have the run of over half a million acres and popular attractions such as Clingmans Dome, Mount Le Conte, the Ober Gatlinburg, and Cades Cove. Wildlife viewing is phenomenal in the Smokies, and you may see black bears, elk, bobcats, and coyotes as you hike any number of the park's 150 picturesque trails. A leisurely ride on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is an excellent way to see hidden parts of this iconic mountain range, and you can check out more scenic spots from the comfort of your own rig on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and Foothills Parkway. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is another amazing place that you'll want to check out that's only two hours north of Columbus. Enjoy a fun day of questing as you follow a map, which can be downloaded or found at the Boston Mill Visitor Center, and rhyming clues to hidden quest boxes that hold unique stamps for you to keep. Grab your kayak, and hit the Cuyahoga River for a few exciting paddling adventures before you relax on a picnic near the shore. Hiking, biking, and fishing are also available, and you'll find two fantastic golf courses close to Cuyahoga Valley if you want to get in a round or two. 

Nearby State Parks

Relax at some beautiful state parks on your Louisville to Portsmouth road trip. 

Buckeye Lake State Park

Buckeye Lake State Park near Millersport, Ohio, offers 3,300 acres of perfectly wooded land and exciting boat action that allows you to rev it up on its unlimited horsepower lake, but if you prefer slower speeds, pontoons and rowboats are great alternatives. Swimming is another great way to enjoy the water, and if you're an angler, you'll have plenty of chances to catch bass, crappie, and bullhead catfish. 

Tobyhanna State Park

Tobyhanna State Park lets you experience the beauty of the Pocono Mountains as you hike and bike through three unique ecosystems and spend time fishing or swimming on Tobyhanna Lake. Wildlife viewing is excellent here, and you'll likely see black bears and a colorful variety of birds. 

Ashland State Park

Ashland State Park, near Ashland, Massachusetts, offers miles of pristine hiking and mountain biking trails around its main feature, Ashland Reservoir, in addition to fun water activities that include kayaking and swimming. Boating is available with nearby ramp access along with fishing. 

Along the Way

Loveland Castle and Museum

The Loveland Castle and Museum is a hidden gem with exciting secrets to explore as you tour the medieval-style structure that's also known as Chateau Laroche. Inside, you'll view incredible swords and weapons exhibits from the Middle Ages while you listen to ghost stories and discover more of the castle's mysteries in secret rooms and towers. You can also head outside to walk along the scenic hiking paths before you enjoy a picnic in the colorful flower gardens. 

German Village

A stop at the German Village is a must as you drive through Columbus. In this special part of town, you can indulge your sweet tooth with some of the best chocolates in the state at Schmidt's Fudge Haus. Then, check out Via Vecchia Winery for a memorable afternoon wine tasting. A walk through Schiller Park takes you to a beloved local landmark, the Umbrella Girl fountain, where you can snap a few pics and enjoy a relaxing picnic. Be sure to add visits to The Book Loft and Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees to your list of places to experience in the German Village. 

House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables is one of Salem's most significant landmarks that features one-of-a-kind tours with over 350 years of history made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. At this intriguing destination, you'll view educational exhibits that explore the dark past of one of America's most haunted cities and houses before you head outside to peruse an interesting collection of historic 17th-century buildings. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Cincinnati, Ohio

The fun in Cincinnati never ends as you explore exciting attractions at Coney Island, BB Riverboats, and the Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Take a delicious whirl around the city on a Cincy Top 10 Tour that whisks you away on a three-hour excursion to a few famous sights and several foodie stops, and then pop over to the Cincinnati Art Museum to marvel at 67,000 ultra-fine works in some free galleries. You'll also want to check out the Krohn Conservatory, the American Sign Museum, and the Spring Grove Cemetery before you hit the road. 

Winton Woods Campground is a relaxing oasis that's just 25 minutes away from Cincinnati with amenities that include fitness trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, a snack bar, and a dump station. 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Let Pittsburgh dazzle you on visits to some of the city's coolest hotspots such as Bar 11, where you'll be served tasty craft cocktails with toy rubber duckies and candy necklaces on the side. Check out the Andy Warhol Museum for the interactive exhibits; then, hop on the Victorian-style PNC Carousel at Schenley Park. At Hofbrauhaus, you can enjoy the sudsy goodness of some truly fine beers while listening to some sweet polka music. Follow this up with an impromptu trip to The Weeping Glass to have your tarot cards read. Don't forget to hit up Liberty Magic for some sleight-of-hand excitement and The Original Oyster House for the best fried oysters in the city. 

Mountain Top Campground features fantastic events and amenities that include free Wi-Fi, clean showers, and an on-site dump station. 

Boston, Massachusetts

In Boston, you'll have a blast while you walk the historic streets of downtown and stop by some of its most beloved landmarks at Fenway Park and Quincy Market. Check out the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum to reenact a part of history as you throw tea overboard and continue your exploration of these wonderfully restored tea ships. Brewery tours are great for getting to know Boston on a personal level with visits to four breweries that'll blow your mind with award-winning ales and pilsners. More to see and do while you're in the Cradle of Liberty includes visits to Old North Church, the Boston Harbor, and Harvard Square.

Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday is a great place to stay with fun activities like mini-golf and a jumping pillow to enjoy. You'll also have access to a dog park, camping supplies, and a dump station.

Find Adventure from Louisville to Portsmouth

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Louisville to Portsmouth, 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 Louisville or Portsmouth.