The Australian's Guide to an American RV Road Trip from Atlanta
Australians are among the most enthusiastic road trippers on the planet. You've done the Great Ocean Road, the Nullarbor, the Red Centre. An American road trip is the natural next step — and Atlanta is one of the best places in the country to start one.
Here's what you need to know before you fly in and hit the road.
Why Fly Into Atlanta?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (typically via Los Angeles or Dallas). It's one of the most connected airports in the US, and once you're through customs, you're within 45 minutes of our RV pickup locations in Cumming and McDonough, GA.
From Atlanta, you can reach the Great Smoky Mountains in under 3 hours, Nashville in 4, Savannah in 4, and the Florida Gulf Coast beaches in 7. The geography of the American South is perfectly suited to a 1–3 week road trip without covering the same ground twice.
Your Driving Licence
Your Australian driving licence is valid in Georgia and throughout the United States. We recommend carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your Australian licence, particularly if you plan to cross multiple state lines. IDPs are available through the NRMA, RACV, RACQ, or your state's equivalent motoring club. They cost around AUD $40 and take a few days to process.
Minimum age: 25 years to rent with Scamper RV Rentals.
Driving on the Right
You already know what it's like to drive on the left, so switching sides takes a bit of adjustment. The most common mistake is drifting left at intersections — stay conscious of this, especially when turning. Once you're on the interstate, it becomes second nature quickly. American highways are wide and well-signed.
Key differences from Australian roads:
Right turn on red. You can turn right at a red light after stopping, unless a sign says otherwise. This is legal in most US states.
Four-way stops. Common at suburban intersections. First to arrive, first to go. If two arrive together, the car on the right goes first.
Speed in miles per hour. Interstate limit is typically 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h). Plan to cruise at 60–65 mph in the RV.
Fuel is "gasoline." Our Class C motorhomes run on petrol. At around $3–4 per gallon (roughly AUD $1.20–1.60 per litre), it's considerably cheaper than back home.
Which RV to Choose
For most Australian visitors, the Class C motorhomes are the simplest option — self-contained, no towing required, drive them like a large van.
Entegra Odyssey 27U — Cumming location. Sleeps 6, full kitchen, rear bedroom. The most popular choice for couples and families. From $305/night.
Forest River Redhawk SE 26XD — Cumming location. Slide-out for extra living space. Sleeps 6. From $305/night.
Forest River Wolf Pup 17JW — McDonough location. Travel trailer requiring a tow vehicle. Great for smaller groups comfortable with towing. From $199/night.
Suggested Itineraries
The Appalachian Mountains Loop (7–10 days) Head north from Atlanta into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amicalola Falls, Blue Ridge, GA, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, NC. This is spectacular country — comparable to parts of New Zealand or Tasmania in terms of scenery, but with better roads and more campgrounds.
The Lowcountry and Coast (7–10 days) Head east and south. Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in America — Spanish moss, antebellum architecture, and excellent food. Continue to Charleston, SC, then down the Georgia coast. Ideal for those who want history and culture alongside the road trip.
The Gulf Coast (10–14 days) Head south to Florida. Destin and the Emerald Coast have some of the whitest sand and clearest water you'll find anywhere in the world. Continue to Tampa Bay and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Best in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) — summer is hot and humid, even by Queensland standards.
Practical Notes
Electrical: US outlets are 120V with two flat pins — different from Australian plugs. Bring a universal travel adaptor. The RV connects to campground shore power at 30 or 50 amps.
Mobile data: Get a US SIM at the airport or set up an eSIM before you leave. Google Maps is your best friend for RV navigation.
Campground bookings: Use Recreation.gov for national and state park sites. Campspot and The Dyrt are good for private campgrounds. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for popular sites.
Grocery stocking: We offer a pre-order grocery service. Order online, have it delivered to us, and we'll stock the RV before you pick it up.
Booking
Book at scamperrv.com/rentals [blocked] or call +1 833-722-6737. We recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance for summer and autumn trips. 3-night minimum applies.
Questions about routes, campgrounds, or what to pack? We're happy to help. We've had plenty of Australians come through — you'll fit right in on the American road.