RV Trip Itinerary: Georgia to Grand Teton Road Trip Guide
In May 2025, we hit the road for a cross-country RV trip from Cumming, Georgia to the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. With our 3500 dually truck and 44-foot Fifth Wheel in tow, we set out to cover nearly 1,945 miles of American highway.
This was a carefully planned pet-friendly RV itinerary built for big rigs, full of scenic stops, campground reviews, and practical tips for anyone taking a similar route.
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or weekend warrior, this guide will walk you through our exact route, the RV parks we stayed at, and how to prepare for long-haul travel through multiple states.
If you are planning an RV trip from the southeast to Grand Teton NP (or Yellowstone NP), or even just part of this path, we hope this detailed itinerary helps make your own adventure smoother, safer, and even more fun.
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Route Overview: From Georgia to Wyoming in an RV
Our RV journey from Georgia to Grand Teton National Park covered 1,945 miles and took us through eight states: Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa (it was maybe 10 miles but it still counts!), Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Our Route from Georgia to GTNP
Here’s a quick breakdown of each leg of the trip:
- Cumming, GA to Nashville, TN – 247 miles
- Nashville to Lake of the Ozarks, MO – 491 miles
- Lake of the Ozarks to Nebraska City, NE – 316 miles
- Nebraska City to Cheyenne, WY – 489 miles
- Cheyenne to Moran, WY (near Grand Teton) – 402 miles
While traveling in our rig, we often stop at Rest Areas (pictured above) and Truck Stops because we know they are big-rig friendly. We have found many nice Rest Areas across the country that are the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
Fuel & DEF Costs for this Cross-Country Trip
Our total cost for diesel and DEF was $982, which included some additional driving at a few of the destinations where we stayed for longer than 1 night.
Fuel prices varied widely by state. Nebraska offered some of the best prices (diesel was $2.94 per gallon!), while others, like Wyoming, were on the higher side in many areas.
Planning our Exact Route
To map out our trip and avoid tight turns, low clearances, and inaccessible fuel stations, we used RV Trip Wizard (part of RV Life Pro). It’s a fantastic planning tool that helps RVers customize routes based on their rig size, preferences, and stop-over needs.
We highly recommend it if you’re planning a multi-state RV trip with a large setup. One of our favorite features is it can estimate when you will need to stop for fuel so you can even plan those stops if you prefer.
Download a FREE copy of our RV Essentials Checklist to make sure you do not forget any important items on your upcoming trip to Wyoming!
Stop #1: Nashville, Tennessee – Elm Hill RV Resort
Our journey kicked off from Bald Ridge Campground in Cumming, Georgia, with our first overnight stop 247 miles away at Elm Hill RV Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. This waterfront resort sits on the shores of Percy Priest Lake and offered one of the most scenic overnight stops of our trip.
We chose a premium back-in site with full hookups (FHU) and an incredible lake view which cost us $141.58 for one night. Yes, it is a little pricey but we chose to pay a lock fee to guarantee a specific site… and here is why!
Elm Hill does offer more economical options but we splurged here for the relaxing atmosphere and unbeatable view.
The resort includes a pool and direct lake access which makes it a great spot to cool off or unwind after a travel day. Most of the sites are back-in, and while the roads aren’t especially wide, they are manageable for a big rig like our 44′ Fifth Wheel.
Elm Hill is located just a short drive from downtown Nashville so you can enjoy city fun or simply relax lakeside before continuing west.
Stop #2: Lake Ozark, Missouri – Ozarks Landing RV Resort
Our second stop took us nearly 500 miles northwest to Lake Ozark, Missouri, where we spent three nights at Ozarks Landing RV Resort.
This honestly was not a convenient midpoint but we planned an extended stay here specifically to explore the Lake of the Ozarks region and it was well worth our time.
That said, if you’re focused on getting to Grand Teton quickly, you could easily shorten this leg and stop around Kansas City instead for a more direct route.
The drive here wasn’t without challenges… Kentucky’s roads were rough and Illinois was full of highway construction which slowed us down a good bit. This was a LONG day in the truck so we goofed off some when we took breaks.
But once we made it to Missouri, we were greeted with a beautiful, winding lake setting and Missouri’s quirky lettered highway signs like HH and H… that kept things interesting.
Ozarks Landing sits directly on the Osage River and features full hookups (FHU) in a cozy, community-style setting. The sites were tight for a big rig like ours but we made it work with some patience and careful maneuvering. We paid $214 total for three nights since the rates typically run around $65 per night (May 2025) depending on the site-type and season.
If you are interested in spending some time at Lake of the Ozarks, here are three related posts that can help you explore this destination more:
- Review of Ozarks Landing RV Resort
- Lake of the Ozarks Weekend Getaway Itinerary
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park Adventure
We loved our time here but this stop can be customized based on your travel pace.
Stop #3: Nebraska City, Nebraska – Hidden Falls Cabins & RV Resort
After a 316-mile drive from Lake Ozark, we landed at Hidden Falls Cabins & RV Resort in Nebraska City, Nebraska. This was a low-key, convenient stopover to break up the longer western leg of the route.
This park offered large, level concrete pads, full hookups (FHU), and a relatively quiet atmosphere, which made it a perfect place to rest and recharge. We paid $60 for a 50 Amp full hookup (FHU) site.
Not a bad price but seemed a little bit high to us for a campground with limited amenities.
One potential benefit of Hidden Falls is that they also offer cabins and motel-style rooms, which can be helpful if you’re traveling in a group or need extra indoor space. There’s also a laundry facility on-site with decent pricing at only $1.50 to wash and $1.50 to dry making it an affordable spot to knock out a load or two before continuing west.
Overall, this leg was probably our least favorite on this RV trip across the country. We left Lake of the Ozarks which we absolutely LOVED – Morgan was even looking at property for sale there – and landed in a place that didn’t quite live up to our previous destination.
Please note: there was nothing wrong with this campground or location. We just had the “vacation is over” blues.
Stop #4: Cheyenne, Wyoming – Cheyenne RV Resort by Rjourney
From Nebraska City, we continued west for 489 miles to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where we stayed at Cheyenne RV Resort by Rjourney. This stop marked the transition into more rugged western terrain and more challenging driving conditions.
Once you hit Wyoming (YES! You finally made it to Wyoming!), the wind becomes a real factor, especially if your setup is under 20,000 pounds. Look out for high wind advisories before you hit the road as we saw several signs that read “Extreme Blow Over Risk”… talk about nerve-racking!
This campground is located just off I-80 which makes it an easy and practical stop on the journey to Grand Teton National Park. All of their RV sites are pull-through which is a major perk when towing a big rig!
While the sites are plenty long enough, there are some downsides. They are fully gravel and relatively narrow, offering limited personal space. Luckily the campground does have grassy community areas and a small dog park which was a welcome bonus for Coco to stretch her legs.
We actually stayed here for two nights and paid $65 per night but one night would have been more than sufficient. There are several fuel stations off the exit that are big-rig friendly, so it’s a great place to top off both diesel and DEF before the final push into the mountains of Wyoming.
Provisioning (Food and Fuel) in Wyoming
Cheyenne is also an ideal provisioning stop if you’re heading straight into Grand Teton afterward. There’s a Walmart, grocery stores, and other shopping options nearby making it your last easy opportunity to stock up on essentials.
REMINDER: Once you depart Cheyenne, your fuel and provisioning options decrease dramatically and are much farther apart. Plan ahead for this leg!
If you’re hungry after a long drive, don’t miss T-Joe’s Steakhouse & Saloon! It is located just a few minutes from the campground and has amazing food and staff!
Stop #5: The Final Push to Moran, Wyoming
(Just South of Grand Teton)
The final leg of our journey covered 402 miles from Cheyenne to Moran, Wyoming, located just a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park. This stretch brought some of the most beautiful (and remote!) terrain of the entire trip.
It also required the most logistical prep… you don’t want to run out of fuel when you are in the middle of no where with limited to no cell service.
Right out of the gate, you’ll see I-80 warning signs about extreme wind conditions, particularly for RVs or trailers under 20,000 pounds. Make sure to monitor weather conditions and avoid travel if wind advisories are in effect.
After exiting the interstate, the route takes you through long, desolate stretches of Wyoming highway, where services are few and far between. Sweetwater Station Rest Area off Hwy 789 is a crucial bathroom break opportunity for both humans and our 4-legged friends.
Eventually, you’ll reach Lander, which is the first proper town with fuel, restaurants, and services. We grabbed some snacks and used the restroom again here.
Dubois Wyoming
After that, you’ll eventually reach Dubois (pronounced Dew-Boys). We highly recommend you top off your fuel tank in Dubois for two reasons.
- Fuel prices in Moran are significantly higher!
- This is the last town before you begin climbing the Togwotee Pass. Be aware: our miles per gallon dropped significantly during this stretch!
This is where you’ll cross the Continental Divide at a shocking 9,858 feet! This is a winding, beautiful section of road that’s manageable for a big rig (18-wheelers drive it every day). Just take it slow and, if there is snow on the ground, don’t pull off the main road… you might get stuck!
We stayed at Fireside Buffalo Valley in Moran, WY. This is a convenient basecamp for Grand Teton exploration and is nestled in a quiet valley with stunning views.
Wildlife in Wyoming
One last tip: watch closely for wildlife on this part of the drive. You’re entering prime habitat for pronghorn, deer, elk, moose, bear, wolves, and coyotes.
It’s one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the journey but also one where you’ll want to stay alert behind the wheel.
Gear Tips & Planning for Big Rigs
Towing a 44′ fifth wheel across eight states isn’t something you want to do without a solid plan and the right tools. Here are a few gear and planning insights that helped make our cross-country journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Use RV Trip Wizard to Map Your Route
One of the best planning tools we used was RV Trip Wizard (part of RV Life). It allowed us to customize our route based on the size of our rig, avoid low clearances or tight roads, and identify big-rig-friendly fuel stops along the way.
It also made it easier to estimate travel days and find campgrounds in advance. We highly recommend this tool for a trip of this scale.
Choose Campgrounds with Full Hookups and Pull-Through Options When Possible
While not every stop had wide or spacious sites, we prioritized full hookups (FHU) and pull-through access wherever available to make setup easier.
Having sewer, water, and 50 Amp electric on hand at each stop was key to staying comfortable, especially when traveling with a pet and managing long travel days.
Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome for Extra Overnight Flexibility
Although we ended up sticking to campgrounds for this trip, we considered using Harvest Hosts on a few different legs. It is a fantastic backup or alternative option for overnights, especially in areas with limited RV park availability OR if you are trying to limit your travel costs.
If you are unfamiliar with Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome, they offer annual memberships but allow you to camp at destinations across the US for free for at least one night. Some hosts will allow you to stay for additional nights for a nominal fee.
Use code MOTM20 to save 20% off on Harvest Hosts and/or Boondockers Welcome!
Harvest Hosts include everything from wineries and farms to museums and breweries, it’s a unique way to travel and adds a local flavor to your route.
Planning for Pets
Traveling with Coco pup meant planning stops with space to stretch and play.
Most of the parks we chose were dog-friendly, and we loved the added perk of a dog park at Elm Hill RV Resort and Cheyenne RV Resort.
When traveling long distances with a pet, access to grass, shade, and walking areas really helps break up the drive for everyone.
RV Trip Planning
Are you newer to traveling in an RV? Check out our list of must-have items for any RV road trip and things to know before you travel across the US in an RV.
Closing Thoughts: Lessons Learned from the Road
This 1,945-mile journey from Georgia to Grand Teton wasn’t just a means to an end… it was an adventure in and of itself!
Here are a few key takeaways from the trip:
- Don’t rush it! If you’ve got the time, stretching your travel days apart (like we did in the Lake of the Ozarks) can make the journey more enjoyable and less exhausting.
- Plan for fuel and services in remote areas. This was especially important between Cheyenne and Moran where towns are few and far between.
- Use smart tools. RV Trip Wizard was essential for planning our route, finding big-rig-friendly campgrounds, and helping avoid surprises.
- Flexibility matters. Weather, road construction, and personal energy levels all affect how each day unfolds. Having flexible stops and a backup plan gives you more room to enjoy the ride.
- Big rigs can do big trips. With the right prep, even a 44′ fifth wheel can handle high passes, tight turns, and multiple-state hauls. Just take it slow and smart.
Whether you’re taking this exact route or using it as a framework to plan your own adventure, we hope this post helps you feel more confident about hitting the road from Georgia to Grand Teton.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us at hello@middletonsonthemove.com if you have any questions!
Looking Ahead: Exploring Grand Teton and Beyond
Once you arrive in Moran, you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most stunning parts of Wyoming’s wild landscape. From scenic drives to wildlife sightings and charming small towns, there is no shortage of adventures waiting just beyond your RV door.
If you are looking for things to do in the area, we will be sharing more detailed posts soon about:
- Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- What to See in Dubois, WY
- Hidden Gems Around Moran and Jackson Hole
Check back soon for those guides. We will update this section with links as they go live!
