The Canadian's Guide to an American RV Road Trip from Atlanta
Canada has incredible camping. But there's something about the American South that's different — the history, the food, the mountains, the coastline, the sheer variety of landscape within a few hours' drive. Atlanta is one of the best gateways into it, and renting an RV here is one of the most straightforward ways to see it all.
Here's what you need to know.
Getting Here
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport has direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. It's a short flight from most Canadian cities, and once you land, our pickup locations in Cumming and McDonough are within 45 minutes.
The exchange rate works in your favour right now — US prices on fuel, campgrounds, and groceries are reasonable, and the overall cost of an RV road trip in Georgia compares very favourably to renting a cottage in Muskoka for the same period.
Your Driving Licence
Your Canadian driver's licence is fully valid in Georgia and throughout the United States. No International Driving Permit required, though you're welcome to carry one. You'll feel right at home on the roads — driving on the right, similar highway conventions, and road signs you'll recognize.
Minimum age: 25 years to rent with Scamper RV Rentals.
What's Different from Driving in Canada
Not much, honestly. A few things worth noting:
Right turn on red is legal throughout Georgia and most US states (unless signed otherwise) — same as most Canadian provinces.
Speed limits in mph. The interstate limit is typically 65–70 mph. In the RV, plan to cruise at 60–65 mph.
Four-way stops work the same as in Canada — first arrived, first goes.
Fuel is cheaper. At $3–4 per gallon (roughly $0.80–1.10 CAD per litre), you'll notice the difference at the pump.
Which RV to Choose
Entegra Odyssey 27U — Cumming location. Class C motorhome, sleeps 6, full kitchen, rear bedroom. No towing required. The most popular choice for families and couples. From $305 USD/night.
Forest River Redhawk SE 26XD — Cumming location. Similar to the Odyssey with a slide-out for extra space. Sleeps 6. From $305 USD/night.
Forest River Wolf Pup 17JW — McDonough location. Travel trailer, requires a tow vehicle. Great for smaller groups. From $199 USD/night.
Where to Go from Atlanta
The Smoky Mountains (3 hours) — Canadians tend to love the Smokies. The scale is different from the Rockies, but the fall colour is extraordinary — arguably the best in North America. Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls. Go in October if you can.
Nashville (4 hours) — Broadway, the Ryman, hot chicken, and the Natchez Trace Parkway on the way back. A 4-day trip from Atlanta that punches well above its weight.
Savannah and the Georgia Coast (4 hours) — One of the most distinctive cities in the US. Spanish moss, antebellum squares, excellent seafood. Continue to the Golden Isles for some of the quietest beaches on the East Coast.
The Gulf Coast (7–8 hours) — Destin, Panama City Beach, and the Emerald Coast. White sand, warm water, and far less crowded than the Atlantic side of Florida. Best in spring and fall.
Practical Notes
Campground bookings: Recreation.gov for national and state parks. Campspot for private campgrounds. Book ahead — popular sites fill up fast in summer.
Grocery stocking: We offer a pre-order service. Order your groceries online, ship them to us, and we'll stock the RV before your pickup. You drive off the lot ready to go.
Cell service: Your Canadian carrier likely has US roaming plans. Check before you leave — or grab a US SIM at the airport for a longer trip.
Booking
Book online at scamperrv.com/rentals [blocked] or call +1 833-722-6737 (833-SCAMPER). 3-night minimum. We recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead for summer and fall trips.
Any questions about routes, campgrounds, or what to expect — give us a call. We're happy to help plan the trip.