Roadtrip with RVshare New York to Atlanta

If you are in New York, consider getting out of the city for your next vacation on a New York to Atlanta road trip. There are many beautiful national and state parks to stop at, and you can also take in some fascinating points of interest along the route, see things that you have never seen before, and learn about America's history. The natural landscape of the drive is impressive, but you also have the opportunity on your road trip from New York to Atlanta to see some larger cities. The best way to take the journey is in an RV.

Nearby National Parks

You can easily add many national parks to a New York to Atlanta road trip. 

Independence National Historical Park  

Learn why the Liberty Bell has a crack in it and some of the stories behind the U.S. Constitution's signers by stopping at Independence National Historical Park. You can also see the foundation of the first capitol, see the Franklin Court, and learn about our country's formative years at this national historical park in Philadelphia. Timed tickets are required to enter most buildings, so plan this portion of your trip ahead of time.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park  

Consider participating in one of the historic trade workshops, like blacksmithing, tin-making, and gardening, when visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Then, head out on one of the hiking trails. The ones near the river are excellent for picnicking. Finally, finish your stop by going on one of their docent-led history tours. 

Shenandoah National Park  

Shenandoah National Park covers more than 20,000 acres, and you can find a lot to do there, including hiking on over 500 miles of trails, riding horses on 180 miles of trails, and fishing in dozens of mountain streams. Many people choose to explore the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive while listening to audio tours to learn more about what they see. Visitors also opt to bike along this road to enjoy its scenic beauty at a slower pace. This park is located only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., but you will feel like you have escaped the city rat race totally when you include this stop on your road trip from New York to Atlanta. 

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park  

Parts of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lie in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. You will find over 80 miles of hiking trails at this park, with many of them leading to historical structures, like Hensley Settlement. Be sure to leave time to visit Gap Cave, which was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Head to the visitors center to see films about the important role this park’s land played throughout history. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 522,000 acres, and it is divided almost evenly between North Carolina and Tennessee. The recreational opportunities at this park are almost endless, including hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, canoeing, swimming, and many more. For those looking for a more adventurous stop to include on their road trip itinerary from New York to Atlanta, consider skydiving, ziplining, and bouldering at this park. 

Nearby State Parks

Every state that you pass through has outstanding state parks where you will want to stop and play, so be sure to include them in your New York to Atlanta RV road trip. 

Cheesequake State Park  

You can have a great day at the beach when you stop at Cheesequake State Park, near Matawan, New Jersey. After swimming in the 6-acre Nooks Creek Lake and building sandcastles, head to Crabbing Bridge to catch some crabs for supper. You may also want to go on a hike through the hardwood forest. 

Gathland State Park  

Once the mountain home of Civil War journalist George Alfred Townsend, Gathland State Park near Jefferson, Maryland, is an excellent place to stop on a New York to Atlanta RV road trip. If you want to hike along part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then consider starting here. This park is also frequently the home to Civil War reenactments and living history programs, so check their calendar. There are also many nearby Maryland state parks that you may want to visit. 

Douthat State Park  

A 50-acre lake at Douthat State Park located near Clifton Forge, Virginia, offers a great place to go trout fishing. Boat rentals are available so that you can explore the lake from shore or on the water. You can also go swimming in the lake along with playing on the sandy beach. This park has over 43 miles of multi-use trails, so everyone can find a horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking trail that they want to explore. 

Norris Dam State Park  

The main reason that most people come to Norris Dam State Park is to play on the 4,000-acre Norris Reservoir. You can bring your boat or rent a pontoon or houseboat at this park’s marina. This park near Rocky Top, Tennessee, also offers over 800 miles of shoreline, which is the perfect spot to go hiking, fishing, or have a picnic. There are 11 mountain bike trails for all ability levels. Be sure to visit the Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex containing a threshing barn, rice grist mill, and pioneer museum before leaving this Tennessee state park. After a full day of exploring, cool off in this park’s swimming pool. If this does not sound like the perfect Tennessee state park option, then check out other choices. 

Along the Way

Betsy Ross House  

The Betsy Ross House is located within Philadelphia’s Historic District, and it may be the spot where George Washington asked Betsy to make the country’s first flag. Try to time your visit to watch Betsy Ross working in her upholstery shop and see all the tools that she used to make flags and other items. 

Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry  

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is located on the site where the University of Maryland’s first Dental Infirmary and Laboratory Building sat. You will see over 40,000 items related to the practice of dentistry since the school was created in 1882. You will also learn that George Washington’s teeth were not wooden as some suggest but were made from hippo ivory. This museum is the largest of its type in the world. 

Virginia Museum of Transportation  

See a collection of old steam engines, cars, planes, and model ships at this Roanoke, Virginia, museum. You will also learn about the people who invented them and the people who used them daily to bring supplies to early Americans. See over 48 train cars and engines, including many that were built in Roanoke. 

Dollywood  

Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers over 40 thrill rides. Spend time playing in the water park before watching entertaining shows. Let your children attend Camp DW, where their creative talents will be brought out in entertaining ways. Shop and dine before leaving this attraction. 

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies  

View over 10,000 sea creatures from over 350 species at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While some experiences cost extra, you can also have your photo taken with a penguin, swim with stingrays, and feed the turtles. You can even have a paint party with one of the aquarium’s penguins. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  

There is so much to do in Philadelphia, including visiting Franklin Square, where you can ride a carousel, play miniature golf, and watch a fountain show. Guests have been camping at the Little Red Barn Campground since 1970, and it is an awesome place to base your time in Philadelphia. There are many other campgrounds near Philly, so you'll definitely find one to suit your needs. There are also plenty of dump stations located nearby. 

Baltimore, Maryland  

The Star-Spangled Banner was written near this city’s harbor, and Baltimore, Maryland, is very proud of its friendly neighborhoods. Spend some time exploring this city, and you will discover that it has many things to be proud of despite often being overlooked. Consider staying at the Patapsco Valley State Park, Camp Meade RV Park, or one of the other Baltimore campgrounds. There are dump stations available at Patapsco Valley State Park and Gunpowder Falls State Park. You can also find other Maryland RV dump station options. 

Roanoke, Virginia  

Roanoke, Virginia, is a charming Southern city to visit, and you may be surprised at the number of cultural groups that have settled in this community. Nearby, you can find exciting Roanoke, Virginia, campgrounds to stay at, including visiting the Peaks of Otter Campground. Numerous RV dump stations, including one at the Bedford Welcome Center, are available to use before continuing your New York to Atlanta road trip. 

Find Adventure from New York to Atlanta

Find your One-Way Rental

Going on a New York to Atlanta road trip lets you reconnect with nature, learn more about history, and build beautiful memories. Get your RV packed and head out as the open highways are waiting on you to complete your road trip from New York to Atlanta. If you do not have an RV, then rent one in New York or Atlanta.