Roadtrip with RVshare Washington D.C. to Ozark National Forest

A Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip provides convenient access to multiple tourist destinations along the way. This route takes you by fun attractions in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansas, ensuring you can add a fun and diverse cultural experience to your itinerary. You can commence by sightseeing different national parks and zoos in Washington, D.C.; sample Tennessee delicacies; and partake in lakeside games and relaxing picnics around Arkansas towns before finishing with a scenic trip around the famous national forest in Russellville.

Nearby National Parks

Shenandoah National Park

At Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, you can appreciate fields of wildflowers and wooded hollows that offer spectacular views. You can hike on multiple trails to combine workouts with leisure, allowing you to access cascading waterfalls in the area. Also, this park features protected lands that host various wildlife, such as black bears, deer, and songbirds for animal lovers. 

New River Gorge National Park

Another place you can visit early on during this Washington to Ozark National Forest RV road trip is New River Gorge National Park in Glen Jean, West Virginia. The rugged and whitewater New River flows through deep and remarkable canyons from Bluestone Dam to Hawk's Nest Lake, enabling you to appreciate one of the world's oldest rivers in style. In addition, the region offers various sporting activities like hiking, rafting, and biking, giving you a unique chance to view beautiful surroundings and scenes from multiple viewpoints.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during your voyage through Tennessee on your Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip, and you can view impressive ancient mountains covered in lovely forests. The park is famous for its various plant and animal species, making it suitable for educational yet relaxing tours. You can also go to the Cades Cove, which is the famous valley surrounded by ridge upon ridge of forests and a sightseeing spot for animals like raccoons, coyotes, black bears, and skunks.

Hot Springs National Park

At Hot Springs National Park, you can find incredible geology and ancient thermal springs, making it a haven for appreciating nature's wonders. Also, the numerous hiking routes and creeks ensure that you can enjoy a comfortable stroll with your companions while taking in breathtaking mountain sceneries. 

Gateway Arch National Park

You can extend your trip from Russellville to add Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri to your Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip itinerary. Here, you can learn about Dred Scott, a slave who sued for his freedom at the Old Courthouse, and Thomas Jefferson's role in making the West accessible to the pioneers. You can also take the tram and ride to the arch's top, which is a fun experience for adults and kids alike.

Nearby State Parks

Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park features several nature routes throughout the area, providing convenient sightseeing opportunities of various habitats. You can reach Claytor Lake's shores to see rare waterbirds such as ospreys, terns, and gulls that visit the location year-round. Birdwatchers can also see different species during walks in the woodlands, where they can spot northern flickers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and blue jays.

Bledsoe Creek State Park

You can take a short drive while on your road trip from Washington to Ozark National Forest to Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin near Nashville, Tennessee, which provides multiple campsites for a comfortable overnight trip. The park features Old Hickory Lake, where you can engage in water recreation activities like boating and fishing, enhancing your fun when traveling with others. Additionally, you can choose to hike on any of the venue's trails that incorporate different difficulty levels with accompanying scenic streams and lake views.

Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park displays the ancient geology of the well-known Petit Jean Mountain, creating natural beauty with impressive sceneries. You can stay at the historic Mather Lodge that overlooks Cedar Creek Canyon and that has a gift store and restaurant. Besides rustic cabins with modern amenities, you can hike along the trails through meadows, forests, and streams to beautiful overlooks and waterfalls.

Mount Nebo State Park

You can include Mount Nebo State Park with its outdoor attractions in your Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip itinerary. This park has tennis courts and a swimming pool that provides a comfortable resting area for those journeying with children. Moreover, you can stroll or bike on the multiple pathways designed with ranging intensity, allowing you to challenge your fitness. 

Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park provides facilities that support a wide range of sports, including horseback riding, biking, ATV riding, backpacking, and hiking. In addition, you can walk to the scenic overlooks with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Also, the park has wildlife that you can see on your trip, including wild turkey, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and bobcats. 

Along the Way

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

You can travel to one of Washington's most popular tourist sites at the Smithsonian National Zoo, where you can see around 2,700 animals of over 390 species, including reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and birds. Furthermore, this zoo has an Animal Care Sciences section that teaches you how to care for animals, to study their behavior, and to learn about wildlife nutrition. You can also view the endangered species and see how the center saves these animals from extinction at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Explore More Discovery Museum

The Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an excellent stop for families on a road trip from Washington to Ozark National Forest. Children can utilize the ergonomic and interactive exhibits to play, learn, and grow, and the museum delivers a fun and informative environment for all visitors. You can also purchase award-winning educational toys and games at the museum's gift shop, allowing you to take a thoughtful souvenir for your kids or relatives at home.

Segway Tour

You can enjoy an exciting Segway tour around Nashville to access various downtown attractions. The ride includes a short introductory session and covers a five-mile-long ride, allowing you to pass by the Nashville Farmer's Market and the iconic Tennessee State Capitol building. You can visit different restaurants and dine on several local foods, such as savory barbecues at the Peg Leg Porker BBQ.

Beaver Fork Lake

In Conway, Arkansas, Beaver Fork Lake has a swim beach that permits you to cool off during hot summer trips. You can also access a picnic site that has a playground, two pavilions, and grills, making it an ideal venue for group travels. You can also engage in friendly competition on the lighted softball field and sandy volleyball courts. 

Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary

This site features a five-mile pathway integrated with a 20-step course, enhancing your exercise during your walk around the trails. Additionally, Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary includes maps at various points along the routes to facilitate safe and convenient self-guided tours. This attraction has acres of low woods and wetlands that form lovely vistas perfect for sightseeing and photography, making it a must for your Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip itinerary.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson allows you to have a pleasant experience with kids by offering exciting venues like the Cypress Grove Nature Park. If you travel with friends, you can stop by the Crown Winery for quality wine tasting. Jackson also has several campgrounds and dump stations to enhance your convenience and efficiency when driving through one of Tennessee's largest towns. 

Nashville, Tennessee

You can tour Nashville on your Washington to Ozark National Forest RV road trip and see a full-size replica of a Greek landmark at The Parthenon. This city features the Frist Art Museum, where you can look at classic art decorations with fine artwork. The Nashville campgrounds and dump stations ensure that you can comfortably stay overnight and have an exciting tour around Tennessee's capital. 

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock provides multiple exciting and educational opportunities via museums such as the Old State House Museum and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. Furthermore, you can partake in various outdoor recreational activities by touring the Pinnacle Mountain State Park. You can drive hassle-free around Little Rock on your Washington to Ozark National Forest road trip and utilize the different dump stations and campgrounds in town.

Find Adventure from Washington D.C. to Ozark National Forest

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Washington to Ozark National Forest, 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 Washingtonor Ozark National Forest.