Baton Rouge to Savannah Road Trip Guide
Introduction
As the state capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge simply drips with history, culture, and southern charm. Located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this town has been a significant settlement in the South for its entire existence.
The castle-like structure of the old State Capitol is always worth a visit and is one of Baton Rouge’s most popular attractions. The current State Capitol with its impressive viewing deck is also a good place to check out. For more history, the USS Kidd allows you to visit a real battleship, and Magnolia Mound Plantation provides a window on life in the old South.
If you’re after something a bit more fun, the Blue Bayou Waterpark is a great way to spend a hot summer day. And if you want to get out of town and see some nature, Bluebonnet Swamp allows you to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
But while Baton Rouge has plenty to offer as a tourist destination, there are other places nearby that are also worth exploring. Next time you find yourself with a weekend free, why not jump in an RV and head out for a road trip through the South to Savannah? See for yourself what makes this part of the country so unique.
Point of Interest
Mobile
As you travel along the Gulf Coast heading east toward Savannah, don’t be surprised if you feel the call of New Orleans. After all, the Big Easy is not only Louisiana’s largest city, but it’s also one of the most unique and well-loved cities in the entire country.
But smaller towns can be just as interesting as big cities. Two hundred miles from Baton Rouge, pull in to Mobile for something new.
Mobile has the same carnival culture you’ll find in New Orleans, and you can learn more about this fascinating tradition at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Get an up-close look at the costumes and floats that make Mardi Gras what it is, and learn more about the history of this ancient festival.
Another site worth visiting is the Gulf Coast Exploreum, a science center that offers tons of hands-on interactive exhibits that help to cultivate a sense of wonder at the world we live in. It’s a great place to bring kids, and so entertaining that they may not even realize they’re also being educated.
Despite being a good-sized city, Mobile offers a surprising amount of RV parks where you can stay for a night. Ace’s RV Park is one of the closest to the downtown core and offers electrical hookups and some pull-through sites.
Tuskegee National Forest
After exploring Baton Rouge and Mobile, you’re probably ready to spend some time in nature. Luckily, Tuskegee National Forest lies along your route, and makes a perfect place to experience the great outdoors.
Tuskegee may be America’s smallest National Forest, but at over 11,000 acres, it still offers plenty of space for exploration. The trails that wind through the Forest add up to over 100 miles of hiking adventure, so you don’t need to worry about running out of room. There’s also exceptional fishing thanks to the presence of Chewacla Lake and a number of well-stocked ponds. You'll also find a shooting range where you can practice your aim and work on your marksmanship.
If Tuskegee appeals to you and you find yourself wanting to stay longer, there are plenty of campgrounds available. Nearby Chewacla State Park has 36 full hookup sites available for reservation and can accommodate RVs up to 80 feet in length. Alternatively, Wind Creek State Park has a sprawling campground with over 500 individual sites to choose from.
Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area
If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, you’re in luck. Ocmulgee wildlife management area lies on your path to Savannah, and as the name implies, it’s a great place to interact with the wildlife that makes Georgia its home.
Deer, alligators, turkeys, and even feral hogs can all be found here. This makes it a popular place for hunting, and the park also contains a shooting range where you can practice your aim and maintain your firearms. But out of season, the wildlife management area also makes a great place to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Raccoons, coyotes, and even bobcats are regularly seen here, along with majestic bald eagles.
The park also offers great fishing, and the Deep Fork River is known for gigantic catfish.
National Tick Collection
One of the advantages road trips have over other forms of vacation is the ability to stop off at lesser-known places along the way that you might otherwise never see. The country is full of roadside attractions that range from the prosaic to the utterly bizarre.
Statesboro isn’t exactly on the way to Savannah; it will require a slight deviation from your route to get there. But if you’re a fan of creepy crawlies, or just have an interest in the bizarre, you might feel the journey is worth it to see the US National Tick Collection.
That’s right. This collection is dedicated to the bloodsucking bugs that unfortunate hikers sometimes encounter in the woods. These disease-spreading arachnids can be a major health hazard, and so scientists make a serious study of them in order to develop treatments. In fact, this is not only the US National Collection, but is also the largest collection of ticks in the world. There are over one million tics here, representing 860 different species. It’s a place that is guaranteed to leave you feeling itchy and grossed out. But maybe also with a newfound respect for these unpleasant creatures.
Summary
The coastal city of Savannah awaits you at the end of your trip. And there are few better places to find yourself with time on your hands. Savannah is a city awash with southern charm, and strolling the cobblestone streets of the historic district is like taking a step back in time. Don’t miss the opportunity to go for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage while you’re there. As you listen to the gentle rhythm of the hooves, the modern world will seem very far away.
