Roadtrip with RVshare Washington, D.C. to Pensacola

Experience the excitement and wonder of some of America's most incredible sights, sounds, and tastes as you venture from D.C. to the Sunshine State. Take your time as you explore the nightlife, wild attractions, and historical roots of Richmond, Charlotte, and Atlanta at unforgettable destinations such as the EpiCentre, the Virginia State Capitol, and Six Flags Over Georgia. Then, follow your adventurous side to a couple of iconic national parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. You'll also enjoy visits to the lavish Biltmore Estate, Dollywood, and the Victorian-style Maymont Estate. 

Nearby National Parks

Enjoy the natural beauty of some of America's most iconic national parks on your road trip from Washington, D.C., to Pensacola. 

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is filled with lush forests that cover 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the iconic Appalachian Mountain Range. At this park, you can explore prominent natural attractions at Hawksbill Mountain, Stony Man, Skyline Caverns, and Overall Run Falls. Featuring interactive maps and educational videos, the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and Massanutten Lodge can prepare you for your Shenandoah experience. Throughout the park, you can also enjoy 516 miles of hiking trails, fishing on Thornton River, and incredible stargazing spots in the Big Meadows area. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see sight that's just two hours and 40 minutes from Charlotte. Here, you'll have opportunities to explore the Smokies on breathtaking trails that take you to beautiful locations such as Clingmans Dome, the Newfound Gap, Indian Creek Falls, and the Sinks. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the local wildlife, which includes black bears, white-tailed deer, groundhogs, and more than 200 species of birds. You can also climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to enjoy the park from the comfort of a steam-powered train that serves lunch and mimosas as you soak in the Appalachian vibes. 

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park comprises several biodiverse areas that feature some of the oldest and tallest bottomland hardwood forests in South Carolina. Start your journey at the Congaree Visitor Center for important park info, an introductory video, and a few fascinating interactive exhibits before heading outside to experience the mysteries of this park's unique ecosystem on a self-guided kayak or canoe adventure down Cedar Creek. If you're a land lover, you can explore Congaree on a couple of popular trails that take you further into the wilderness; these include the Weston Loop Trail, the Kingsnake Trail, and the Oakridge Trail. Fishing, bird-watching, and camping are also available here, and you can enjoy the dance of the synchronous fireflies if you're visiting during the spring.

Nearby State Parks

Stop at a few fun and historic state parks on your Washington, D.C., to Pensacola RV road trip. 

Chippokes Plantation State Park

Chippokes Plantation State Park allows you to experience history in the great outdoors on tours of the 17th-century plantation and formal gardens. Hiking, biking, and picnicking are also available within the park, and you can enjoy a dip in the Olympic-size swimming pool during the summer season. 

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park is a nature-lover's paradise that features four beautiful lakes, 15 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and plenty of natural wonders. Water activities include boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking on Lake Placid, Buckhorn Lake, Mountain Lake, and North Lake. Visit the park's education center for the cool interactive exhibits, and then take a walk to a couple of historic burial sites to complete your adventure. 

Mistletoe State Park

Mistletoe State Park is a huge 41,000-acre bass-fishing mecca with three boat ramps, miles of sandy beaches, and plenty of fun places to explore by kayak or canoe. You'll also have access to five spacious picnic shelters and 15 miles of scenic hiking trails. 

Along the Way

Maymont

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and educational complex that features fascinating tours of the main mansion and surrounding buildings with a particular focus on Gilded Age fashion, food, and technology. Outside, you can explore the Italian and Japanese Gardens and take a stroll to visit the animals at the Robins Nature Center and Maymont Farm. 

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is an impressive architectural marvel that features 250 exquisitely decorated rooms, a stunning rooftop terrace, and a relaxing spa. Tours of the French renaissance chateau, red wine and chocolate tastings at the Biltmore Winery, and self-guided walks through the colorful gardens are available. You'll find this unique attraction just two hours west of Charlotte. 

Dollywood

At Dollywood, you'll experience thrilling roller coasters that'll have you squealing with delight as you head down Daredevil Falls, Mystery Mine, and Thunderhead. At Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans, you can taste the best of the South as you eat a hearty plate of meatloaf with cornbread before you gobble up a slice of Dolly's famous 25-pound apple pie. When you're ready to wind down, you can catch the Smoky Mountain String Band or experience the Wings of America Birds of Prey show. To enjoy Dollywood, expect a three-hour-and-40-minute drive from Charlotte. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Richmond, Virginia

Stop in Richmond for the history and artsy Southern atmosphere as you hop from bar to bar sampling some of the best brews in town at The Veil Brewing Co. and Ardent Craft Ales. Jump onto the RVA Trolley for an unforgettable ride around the city that takes you to fabulous shopping and restaurant locations. Then, head to the Virginia State Capitol for an exciting tour of the historic building and grounds. A visit to Short Pump Town Center treats you to a few fine dining experiences at Nama and Firebirds Woodfired Grill, a live comedy show at the Richmond Funnybone Comedy Club, and amazing treasure hunts at some locally owned boutiques. 

Picture Lake Campground offers a variety of fantastic amenities in a peaceful wooded setting. These amenities include a sparkling swimming pool, roomy pull-through sites, a camp store, and a convenient on-site dump station. 

Charlotte, North Carolina

In Charlotte, you can add about a million things to your Washington, D.C., to Pensacola road trip bucket list, starting with a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This spot features vintage race cars, tons of memorabilia, and cool interactive exhibits. Get your morning wake-up call at the Smelly Cat Coffee House & Roastery before setting off for an all-day adventure at Carowinds Amusement Park. A fun day spent at the rink in the Extreme Ice Center rewards you with a sudsy afternoon on-tap treat at the Center Ice Tavern upstairs. For a little nightlife, head uptown to the EpiCentre for a heck of a good time as you practice your riding skills on the mechanical bull at Whisky River. Then, check out the fine craft cocktail scene at Queen Park Social. 

Lake Meyers RV & Camping Resort features plenty of fun activities, such as fishing, shooting hoops, and playing mini-golf. The resort also offers access to shower and laundry facilities and a dump station. 

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta welcomes you with sprawling Southern estates, out-of-this-world eateries, and tons of exciting attractions. Get started at the Atlanta History Center, where you can explore 33 acres of picturesque gardens and historic houses with six fantastic, educational exhibitions that include interactive activities. Then, cruise over to the Busy Bee Café for the best fried chicken and mac 'n' cheese in Atlanta. Get your scream on at Six Flags Over Georgia, and wander through more Coke memorabilia than you can handle at World of Coca-Cola. Simmer things down with an early evening cocktail at Kimball House before you dance the night away at the Opera nightclub. 

Atlanta South RV Resort is a great place to set up camp as you explore plenty of nearby attractions. This park features a refreshing swimming pool, propane refills, two bathhouses, and a dump station. 

Find Adventure from Washington, D.C. to Pensacola

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Washington, D.C., to Pensacola, 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 Washington, D.C., or Pensacola.