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Gulf Coast Tour
California → New Orleans | 10–12 Days, One-Way (flight or train ride back home)
This is the one that started it all.
From California to the Gulf Coast, this one-way journey takes you through Lake Havasu, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, and New Orleans — with stops for gator tours, BBQ, beach rides, and late-night jazz. Includes a full day in the French Quarter and optional train or flight home.
🎺 Culture, food, slow towns, real stories
🐊 Gator boat ride + Trail Partner experiences
🛫 Includes optional fly-back or Amtrak ride
📍 Ends in New Orleans — or just begins there...
Itinerary
Day 1 Bakersfield, CA → Lake Havasu, AZ
Distance: ~310 miles
Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Departure: 8:30 AM
Arrival: ~3:30–4:00 PM (with 2 short rest stops)
🕖 Goal for the Day:
We’re rolling out of California and getting into the desert. This is the day where everything begins — your first miles with the crew, your first RV setup, your first campfire.
You’re not flying over the Southwest… you’re driving through it.
🧭 Plan:
Depart Bakersfield around 8:30 AM
Two rest stops along the way — think coffee, dogs, stretch
Arrive at Lake Havasu by late afternoon
Set up RVs, open the slides, kick off the first night with a cookout
Bikes and chairs out — enjoy your first real night on the road
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Start with a full tank
Optional top-off near Needles, CA (~230 miles in)
🏕️ Overnight:
Full hookup campground near the lake
Great spot for photos, sunsets, and a relaxing welcome night
🍳 Included:
First night welcome cookout (BYO drink, Trail South handles the food)
Trail Partner checklist + guide handout
Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Departure: 8:30 AM
Arrival: ~3:30–4:00 PM (with 2 short rest stops)
🕖 Goal for the Day:
We’re rolling out of California and getting into the desert. This is the day where everything begins — your first miles with the crew, your first RV setup, your first campfire.
You’re not flying over the Southwest… you’re driving through it.
🧭 Plan:
Depart Bakersfield around 8:30 AM
Two rest stops along the way — think coffee, dogs, stretch
Arrive at Lake Havasu by late afternoon
Set up RVs, open the slides, kick off the first night with a cookout
Bikes and chairs out — enjoy your first real night on the road
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Start with a full tank
Optional top-off near Needles, CA (~230 miles in)
🏕️ Overnight:
Full hookup campground near the lake
Great spot for photos, sunsets, and a relaxing welcome night
🍳 Included:
First night welcome cookout (BYO drink, Trail South handles the food)
Trail Partner checklist + guide handout
Day 2 🚐 Lake Havasu, AZ → Deming, NM
Distance: ~525 miles
Drive Time: ~8 hours (plus ~2 hours of stops, optional activities)
Departure: 7:30 AM
Arrival: ~8:00–8:30 PM
🕖 Goal for the Day:
This is your first “real” travel day. It's long, but it gives you the full experience of what RV travel actually is — the open road, music, rest stops, and a night sleeping wherever you land.
🧭 Plan:
Leave Lake Havasu by 7:30 AM
Morning pass through Phoenix + Tucson (possible Trail Partner lunch stop in Tucson park)
Optional midday break for groceries or picnic
Stop at a Walmart for supplies before evening
Overnight at a rest stop or boondock-safe area in Deming, NM
This is a "road life" day — not a luxury hotel stop. You’ll cook in the RV, shower in your rig, and settle into the rhythm of this lifestyle.
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Fuel 1: Phoenix outskirts (~200 miles in)
Fuel 2: Lordsburg, NM (~470 miles in)
🛏️ Overnight:
Rest stop, Cracker Barrel, or open overnight lot
Focus is on quiet, quick, safe stop and early sleep
📝 Final Notes for Day 2:
This is a push day that sets up the next stage of the tour
You’ll feel a little tired — and a lot accomplished
Expect laughter, truck-stop snacks, and real road bonding
Drive Time: ~8 hours (plus ~2 hours of stops, optional activities)
Departure: 7:30 AM
Arrival: ~8:00–8:30 PM
🕖 Goal for the Day:
This is your first “real” travel day. It's long, but it gives you the full experience of what RV travel actually is — the open road, music, rest stops, and a night sleeping wherever you land.
🧭 Plan:
Leave Lake Havasu by 7:30 AM
Morning pass through Phoenix + Tucson (possible Trail Partner lunch stop in Tucson park)
Optional midday break for groceries or picnic
Stop at a Walmart for supplies before evening
Overnight at a rest stop or boondock-safe area in Deming, NM
This is a "road life" day — not a luxury hotel stop. You’ll cook in the RV, shower in your rig, and settle into the rhythm of this lifestyle.
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Fuel 1: Phoenix outskirts (~200 miles in)
Fuel 2: Lordsburg, NM (~470 miles in)
🛏️ Overnight:
Rest stop, Cracker Barrel, or open overnight lot
Focus is on quiet, quick, safe stop and early sleep
📝 Final Notes for Day 2:
This is a push day that sets up the next stage of the tour
You’ll feel a little tired — and a lot accomplished
Expect laughter, truck-stop snacks, and real road bonding
Day 3🚐 Route: Deming, NM → El Paso, TX
Distance: ~115 miles
Drive Time: ~2 hrs
Departure: 9:00 AM (flexible, sleep in a little)
Arrival: ~11:00 AM–12:00 PM
🕖 Goal of the Day
Because we earned it. After yesterday’s long haul, today is about slowing down, enjoying the ride, and getting some real time to explore. El Paso’s unique — border-town culture, desert charm, and just the right size to roll in and enjoy without stress.
🧭 Plan:
Leave Deming by 9:00 AM
Light morning drive through wide-open desert
Arrive midday at a local campground in El Paso
Set up rigs: Open slides, plug in, relax
Unhook trucks + golf carts
Optional: Shower, nap, or chill
🍽️ Evening Plan:
6:00 PM group outing to a Trail Partner Restaurant
(Local Mexican, BBQ, or New Mexican fusion — something memorable)
Option to take your truck/golf cart or rideshare
Back to camp for a wind-down under the stars
⛽ Fuel Stops:
None required today (carryover from yesterday’s fill-up)
Optional top-off near campground for tomorrow’s long leg
🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Campground in El Paso
Hookups available
Optional laundry, campfire, stargazing
Quiet night before we saddle up again
🍳 What We Do Today:
Midday free time to explore, clean up, recharge
Optional downtown El Paso visit, museum, or park walk
Use this day to repack, check tires, charge devices, and breathe
📝 Final Notes for Day 3:
Some trips move fast — we move intentionally. Day 3 gives you the space to feel the rhythm of RV travel: the joy of setting up, kicking back, and knowing there’s nothing on the schedule but enjoying where you are.
Drive Time: ~2 hrs
Departure: 9:00 AM (flexible, sleep in a little)
Arrival: ~11:00 AM–12:00 PM
🕖 Goal of the Day
Because we earned it. After yesterday’s long haul, today is about slowing down, enjoying the ride, and getting some real time to explore. El Paso’s unique — border-town culture, desert charm, and just the right size to roll in and enjoy without stress.
🧭 Plan:
Leave Deming by 9:00 AM
Light morning drive through wide-open desert
Arrive midday at a local campground in El Paso
Set up rigs: Open slides, plug in, relax
Unhook trucks + golf carts
Optional: Shower, nap, or chill
🍽️ Evening Plan:
6:00 PM group outing to a Trail Partner Restaurant
(Local Mexican, BBQ, or New Mexican fusion — something memorable)
Option to take your truck/golf cart or rideshare
Back to camp for a wind-down under the stars
⛽ Fuel Stops:
None required today (carryover from yesterday’s fill-up)
Optional top-off near campground for tomorrow’s long leg
🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Campground in El Paso
Hookups available
Optional laundry, campfire, stargazing
Quiet night before we saddle up again
🍳 What We Do Today:
Midday free time to explore, clean up, recharge
Optional downtown El Paso visit, museum, or park walk
Use this day to repack, check tires, charge devices, and breathe
📝 Final Notes for Day 3:
Some trips move fast — we move intentionally. Day 3 gives you the space to feel the rhythm of RV travel: the joy of setting up, kicking back, and knowing there’s nothing on the schedule but enjoying where you are.
Day 4 🚐 Route: El Paso, TX → San Antonio, TX
Distance: ~550 miles
Drive Time: ~9–10 hrs driving
Total Day Time: ~12–13 hrs (with stops)
Departure: 6:30–7:00 AM
Arrival: ~7:00–8:00 PM
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the last big push of the trip — and once we land in San Antonio, we stay for two nights. This day is about grinding the miles so you can chill hard after. And trust us, the brisket, Riverwalk, and slower pace are worth every mile.
🧭 Plan:
Leave campground by 6:30–7:00 AM
Grab breakfast onboard or at a roadside stop near Van Horn
Long stretch through West Texas with 2–3 key stops:
Fort Stockton for fuel + stretch
Junction for lunch, snacks, and supplies
Arrive at San Antonio campground in the evening
Set up, order food or relax — no pressure after arrival
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Stop 1: Fort Stockton (~250 miles in)
Stop 2: Junction (~200 miles later)
Optional top-off just outside San Antonio
🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Campground in/near San Antonio (2 nights)
Full hookups
Room to unhook trucks, ride bikes, or scooter into the city
Laundry, showers, and nearby grocery if needed
🍳 What We Do Today:
Eat light on the road — use onboard snacks/meals
Enjoy music, podcasts, and desert-to-city transitions
Regroup at camp with optional group dinner or chill night
Big exhale after a long day
📝 Final Notes for Day 4:
The miles are long, but the reward is sweet. Tomorrow is yours to sleep in, explore San Antonio, or even drive out to Austin for the night. Welcome to the South — you earned this part.
Drive Time: ~9–10 hrs driving
Total Day Time: ~12–13 hrs (with stops)
Departure: 6:30–7:00 AM
Arrival: ~7:00–8:00 PM
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the last big push of the trip — and once we land in San Antonio, we stay for two nights. This day is about grinding the miles so you can chill hard after. And trust us, the brisket, Riverwalk, and slower pace are worth every mile.
🧭 Plan:
Leave campground by 6:30–7:00 AM
Grab breakfast onboard or at a roadside stop near Van Horn
Long stretch through West Texas with 2–3 key stops:
Fort Stockton for fuel + stretch
Junction for lunch, snacks, and supplies
Arrive at San Antonio campground in the evening
Set up, order food or relax — no pressure after arrival
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Stop 1: Fort Stockton (~250 miles in)
Stop 2: Junction (~200 miles later)
Optional top-off just outside San Antonio
🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Campground in/near San Antonio (2 nights)
Full hookups
Room to unhook trucks, ride bikes, or scooter into the city
Laundry, showers, and nearby grocery if needed
🍳 What We Do Today:
Eat light on the road — use onboard snacks/meals
Enjoy music, podcasts, and desert-to-city transitions
Regroup at camp with optional group dinner or chill night
Big exhale after a long day
📝 Final Notes for Day 4:
The miles are long, but the reward is sweet. Tomorrow is yours to sleep in, explore San Antonio, or even drive out to Austin for the night. Welcome to the South — you earned this part.
Day 5
🛏️ Location: Full Day in San Antonio, TX
Driving: None (unless optional)
Departure: Whenever you feel like it 😎
This Day Is About: Relaxing, exploring, and recharging
🕖 Goal for the day
After two major push days, this is where the trip settles in. We stay planted so you can stretch out, shower long, catch up on laundry, walk the Riverwalk, or even make a detour to Austin if you want a wild night and a hotel bed.
🧭 Plan:
Morning: Sleep in or walk the campground
Breakfast: Trail South provides burritos, donuts, or coffee (or all three)
Midday Options:
Ride-share or drive to the Riverwalk
Visit the Alamo or Market Square
Explore missions or grab a local brewery lunch
Austin Adventure (Optional):
Take your truck for a solo or group overnight
Explore live music, food trucks, nightlife
Stay in a hotel if you want a change of scene
Evening at Camp (for those who stay):
Light dinner
Fire pit / group hang
Optional: laundry catch-up, mobile tech Q&A, games
🛠️ Optional Extras / Add-Ons:
Kala’s Pick: Scoot or bike along the Riverwalk trail
Trail Partner Spotlight: Local taco spot or hidden BBQ joint
Mobile RV Check-In: Optional service checkup or tune-up if needed
📝 Final Notes for Day 5:
This is the turning point — when the trip becomes more than just movement. You’re in the South now: warm people, slow mornings, big flavors, and stories waiting around every corner. Do what feels right today… the road will still be there tomorrow.
Ready for Day 6: San Antonio → Houston next? That’ll be an easier ride with some new scenery and Gulf Coast flavor. Let’s keep your dream trip unfolding step by step.
Departure: Whenever you feel like it 😎
This Day Is About: Relaxing, exploring, and recharging
🕖 Goal for the day
After two major push days, this is where the trip settles in. We stay planted so you can stretch out, shower long, catch up on laundry, walk the Riverwalk, or even make a detour to Austin if you want a wild night and a hotel bed.
🧭 Plan:
Morning: Sleep in or walk the campground
Breakfast: Trail South provides burritos, donuts, or coffee (or all three)
Midday Options:
Ride-share or drive to the Riverwalk
Visit the Alamo or Market Square
Explore missions or grab a local brewery lunch
Austin Adventure (Optional):
Take your truck for a solo or group overnight
Explore live music, food trucks, nightlife
Stay in a hotel if you want a change of scene
Evening at Camp (for those who stay):
Light dinner
Fire pit / group hang
Optional: laundry catch-up, mobile tech Q&A, games
🛠️ Optional Extras / Add-Ons:
Kala’s Pick: Scoot or bike along the Riverwalk trail
Trail Partner Spotlight: Local taco spot or hidden BBQ joint
Mobile RV Check-In: Optional service checkup or tune-up if needed
📝 Final Notes for Day 5:
This is the turning point — when the trip becomes more than just movement. You’re in the South now: warm people, slow mornings, big flavors, and stories waiting around every corner. Do what feels right today… the road will still be there tomorrow.
Ready for Day 6: San Antonio → Houston next? That’ll be an easier ride with some new scenery and Gulf Coast flavor. Let’s keep your dream trip unfolding step by step.
Day 6 🏕️ Location: Day at San Antonio Campground
Driving: None (unless you went to Austin and are coming back)
Wake-Up: Casual (return by 10:00 AM recommended)
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the regroup day. Some folks are coming back from their hotel or Austin detour, others are enjoying another easy morning at camp. Either way, this is when the trip hits its rhythm: no rush, no drive, just time to breathe and reset before we roll again tomorrow.
🧭 Plan:
Morning:
Coffee, stretch, cleanup
Those returning from Austin/hotels check back in
Optional light breakfast from Trail South (leftover burritos/donuts/fruit spread)
Midday:
Explore more of San Antonio
Visit a local market, the Alamo, or bike a nearby trail
RV maintenance check-in (water, propane, dump, etc.)
Evening:
Optional group dinner or cookout at the campground
Fire pit hang, music, stargazing
Early night if desired — tomorrow we roll again
🛠️ Trail South Tips:
Use this day to repack, organize, do laundry
If you’ve been in the RV non-stop, go walk a trail or grab a solo moment — this day is yours
Optional add-on: Mini tech talk or RV Q&A session
📝 Final Notes for Day 6:
This is the pause that makes the trip sing. The space between big drives, the breath before more miles. Take it easy, or make it count — either way, you’ll be glad we stopped here a while longer.
Wake-Up: Casual (return by 10:00 AM recommended)
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the regroup day. Some folks are coming back from their hotel or Austin detour, others are enjoying another easy morning at camp. Either way, this is when the trip hits its rhythm: no rush, no drive, just time to breathe and reset before we roll again tomorrow.
🧭 Plan:
Morning:
Coffee, stretch, cleanup
Those returning from Austin/hotels check back in
Optional light breakfast from Trail South (leftover burritos/donuts/fruit spread)
Midday:
Explore more of San Antonio
Visit a local market, the Alamo, or bike a nearby trail
RV maintenance check-in (water, propane, dump, etc.)
Evening:
Optional group dinner or cookout at the campground
Fire pit hang, music, stargazing
Early night if desired — tomorrow we roll again
🛠️ Trail South Tips:
Use this day to repack, organize, do laundry
If you’ve been in the RV non-stop, go walk a trail or grab a solo moment — this day is yours
Optional add-on: Mini tech talk or RV Q&A session
📝 Final Notes for Day 6:
This is the pause that makes the trip sing. The space between big drives, the breath before more miles. Take it easy, or make it count — either way, you’ll be glad we stopped here a while longer.
Day 7 🚐 Route: San Antonio → Houston, TX
Distance: ~200–225 miles
Drive Time: ~3.5–4.5 hrs (depending on traffic)
Departure: 9:30–10:00 AM
Arrival: ~2:00–3:00 PM (with lunch + fuel stop)
🕖 Goal for the Day
We’re trading Alamo vibes for Gulf Coast flavor. This is an easy ride — just long enough to feel the miles but short enough to settle in early at camp. It’s also a great time to highlight Trail Partners in Houston and give folks a taste of big-city South.
🧭 Plan:
Depart campground by 9:30–10:00 AM
Fuel + stretch stop halfway in Sealy or Columbus, TX
Optional group lunch stop: classic BBQ or food truck (Trail Partner tie-in)
Arrive in Houston mid-afternoon
Set up at campground, rest or ride around
🏕️ Campground Setup:
Location: Houston or just outside (quiet but close to the action)
Hookups, laundry, and space to chill
Optional golf cart or bike rides
Dogs walk, slides out, chairs down — we’re parked for 2 nights here
🍽️ Evening Option:
Group dinner at a Trail Partner restaurant (BBQ, Tex-Mex, or seafood)
Or: chill dinner on your own, cookout at camp, or food delivery
Optional: city lights cruise or brewery hang
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Single top-off midway in Sealy or near Katy, TX
Optional top-up on arrival for Day 9 departure
📝 Final Notes for Day 7:
You’re halfway through the trip and deep into the South. The pace slows, the food gets richer, and the vibe turns soulful. We rest here for a reason — Houston’s big, bold, and built for a good time. Let’s take a day or two to enjoy it.
Drive Time: ~3.5–4.5 hrs (depending on traffic)
Departure: 9:30–10:00 AM
Arrival: ~2:00–3:00 PM (with lunch + fuel stop)
🕖 Goal for the Day
We’re trading Alamo vibes for Gulf Coast flavor. This is an easy ride — just long enough to feel the miles but short enough to settle in early at camp. It’s also a great time to highlight Trail Partners in Houston and give folks a taste of big-city South.
🧭 Plan:
Depart campground by 9:30–10:00 AM
Fuel + stretch stop halfway in Sealy or Columbus, TX
Optional group lunch stop: classic BBQ or food truck (Trail Partner tie-in)
Arrive in Houston mid-afternoon
Set up at campground, rest or ride around
🏕️ Campground Setup:
Location: Houston or just outside (quiet but close to the action)
Hookups, laundry, and space to chill
Optional golf cart or bike rides
Dogs walk, slides out, chairs down — we’re parked for 2 nights here
🍽️ Evening Option:
Group dinner at a Trail Partner restaurant (BBQ, Tex-Mex, or seafood)
Or: chill dinner on your own, cookout at camp, or food delivery
Optional: city lights cruise or brewery hang
⛽ Fuel Stops:
Single top-off midway in Sealy or near Katy, TX
Optional top-up on arrival for Day 9 departure
📝 Final Notes for Day 7:
You’re halfway through the trip and deep into the South. The pace slows, the food gets richer, and the vibe turns soulful. We rest here for a reason — Houston’s big, bold, and built for a good time. Let’s take a day or two to enjoy it.
Day 8🏙️ Location: Day in Houston, TX (campground day)
Driving: Optional (caravan or rideshare into the city)
Departure: ~10:00 AM
Return: ~3:00 PM
Evening: Free time at the campground
🕖 Goal for the Day:
This is your chance to see a different side of Texas — art, science, history, and flavor all packed into one big day. We take it easy but make it count: one great museum, one solid Trail Partner lunch, and back to camp for evening vibes.
🧭 Plan:
Morning departure from campground at 10:00 AM
Head into the city to visit one of Houston’s standout museums:
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Museum of Fine Arts
Space Center Houston (optional switch if group prefers)
Group arrival, tour, and browse time
Lunch stop at a Trail Partner restaurant (BBQ, food hall, or Tex-Mex) around 1:30 PM
Return to camp by 3:00–3:30 PM for rest, laundry, naps, bikes, or solo time
🏕️ Evening at Camp:
Free time — cook dinner, order in, or join a low-key group fire
Optional:
Group hangout
In your RV Movie night
RV maintenance tips / Kala chill mode 🐾
📝 Final Notes for Day 8:
Today’s the kind of day that sneaks up on you — fun, low pressure, and full of little surprises. We touch the city, enjoy some food, and get back in time to remember why RV life is the best life.
Departure: ~10:00 AM
Return: ~3:00 PM
Evening: Free time at the campground
🕖 Goal for the Day:
This is your chance to see a different side of Texas — art, science, history, and flavor all packed into one big day. We take it easy but make it count: one great museum, one solid Trail Partner lunch, and back to camp for evening vibes.
🧭 Plan:
Morning departure from campground at 10:00 AM
Head into the city to visit one of Houston’s standout museums:
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Museum of Fine Arts
Space Center Houston (optional switch if group prefers)
Group arrival, tour, and browse time
Lunch stop at a Trail Partner restaurant (BBQ, food hall, or Tex-Mex) around 1:30 PM
Return to camp by 3:00–3:30 PM for rest, laundry, naps, bikes, or solo time
🏕️ Evening at Camp:
Free time — cook dinner, order in, or join a low-key group fire
Optional:
Group hangout
In your RV Movie night
RV maintenance tips / Kala chill mode 🐾
📝 Final Notes for Day 8:
Today’s the kind of day that sneaks up on you — fun, low pressure, and full of little surprises. We touch the city, enjoy some food, and get back in time to remember why RV life is the best life.
Day 9🚐 Route: Houston, TX → Lake Charles → Lafayette, LA
Distance: ~240 miles total
Drive Time: ~5 hrs total (split into two legs)
Departure: 9:30 AM
Lake Charles Stop: Midday BBQ
Arrival in Lafayette: ~5:00–6:00 PM (before dark)
🕖 Goal of the Day:
Today’s the glide — soft miles, big views, and a rolling transition from Texas BBQ into Louisiana bayou life. We break it up right: first half is food and lakeside chill, second half is settling in for what’s coming next.
🧭 Plan:
Morning: Depart Houston around 9:30 AM
Arrive at Lake Charles for lakeside BBQ lunch (around 12:30 PM)
Enjoy a few hours relaxing, snacking, and socializing
Fuel stop in Lake Charles before heading out
Afternoon: Roll into Trail Partner Campground near Lafayette around 5:30–6:00 PM
Arrive before dark
Unhook rigs, quick setup, dinner on your own or small group meal
🏕️ Evening Vibe:
Casual night — maybe a short walk, small fire, early rest
Remind folks: Gator tour kicks off early tomorrow! 🐊
📝 Final Notes for Day 9:
This is a soft landing kind of day. Just enough drive, just enough play. We cruise through the lake, the country, and into something a little wilder tomorrow. Welcome to deep Louisiana.
Drive Time: ~5 hrs total (split into two legs)
Departure: 9:30 AM
Lake Charles Stop: Midday BBQ
Arrival in Lafayette: ~5:00–6:00 PM (before dark)
🕖 Goal of the Day:
Today’s the glide — soft miles, big views, and a rolling transition from Texas BBQ into Louisiana bayou life. We break it up right: first half is food and lakeside chill, second half is settling in for what’s coming next.
🧭 Plan:
Morning: Depart Houston around 9:30 AM
Arrive at Lake Charles for lakeside BBQ lunch (around 12:30 PM)
Enjoy a few hours relaxing, snacking, and socializing
Fuel stop in Lake Charles before heading out
Afternoon: Roll into Trail Partner Campground near Lafayette around 5:30–6:00 PM
Arrive before dark
Unhook rigs, quick setup, dinner on your own or small group meal
🏕️ Evening Vibe:
Casual night — maybe a short walk, small fire, early rest
Remind folks: Gator tour kicks off early tomorrow! 🐊
📝 Final Notes for Day 9:
This is a soft landing kind of day. Just enough drive, just enough play. We cruise through the lake, the country, and into something a little wilder tomorrow. Welcome to deep Louisiana.
Day 10 🚐 Route: Lafayette → Alligator Tour → New Orleans, LA
Distance: ~140–160 miles total (with swamp detour)
Drive Time: ~3.5–4 hrs (including backroad travel)
Departure: 8:30 AM for tour
Arrival in NOLA campground: ~4:00–5:00 PM (easy setup evening)
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the swamp day. The wild, fun, offbeat slice of Louisiana that makes you forget about hotels and highways. Then, after a muddy thrill and a plate of something spicy, we roll into New Orleans — slow, happy, and ready to close it out right.
🧭 Plan for the Day:
🌅 Morning: Alligator Tour
Depart campground by 8:30 AM
Trail Partner swamp tour (1–2 hours):
Boat ride through real bayou country
Gators, birds, maybe a turtle or two
Optional snacks/drinks after
Return to RVs around 11:30 AM
🥘 Lunch Stop (Optional):
Quick bite at a Trail Partner diner or gas-up and eat in the RV
🚐 Afternoon: Drive to New Orleans
Light drive (~2.5 hours) through scenic backroads or I-10
Cross over marshes, rivers, and raised highways
Arrive at New Orleans campground (Bayou Segnette or similar) by ~4:00–5:00 PM
🏕️ Evening at Camp:
Chill setup: unhook, slides out, deep breath
Optional group dinner or cookout
Maybe even a short Uber ride into town for those who want a preview
📝 Final Notes for Day 10:
We started the day in a swamp and ended it near jazz. That’s Trail South. It’s the contrast — the bite of the airboat followed by the calm of the river, the hot sun on your neck followed by the breeze coming off the Mississippi. Tomorrow we hit the Quarter. Tonight, we rest.
Drive Time: ~3.5–4 hrs (including backroad travel)
Departure: 8:30 AM for tour
Arrival in NOLA campground: ~4:00–5:00 PM (easy setup evening)
🕖 Goal for the Day
This is the swamp day. The wild, fun, offbeat slice of Louisiana that makes you forget about hotels and highways. Then, after a muddy thrill and a plate of something spicy, we roll into New Orleans — slow, happy, and ready to close it out right.
🧭 Plan for the Day:
🌅 Morning: Alligator Tour
Depart campground by 8:30 AM
Trail Partner swamp tour (1–2 hours):
Boat ride through real bayou country
Gators, birds, maybe a turtle or two
Optional snacks/drinks after
Return to RVs around 11:30 AM
🥘 Lunch Stop (Optional):
Quick bite at a Trail Partner diner or gas-up and eat in the RV
🚐 Afternoon: Drive to New Orleans
Light drive (~2.5 hours) through scenic backroads or I-10
Cross over marshes, rivers, and raised highways
Arrive at New Orleans campground (Bayou Segnette or similar) by ~4:00–5:00 PM
🏕️ Evening at Camp:
Chill setup: unhook, slides out, deep breath
Optional group dinner or cookout
Maybe even a short Uber ride into town for those who want a preview
📝 Final Notes for Day 10:
We started the day in a swamp and ended it near jazz. That’s Trail South. It’s the contrast — the bite of the airboat followed by the calm of the river, the hot sun on your neck followed by the breeze coming off the Mississippi. Tomorrow we hit the Quarter. Tonight, we rest.
Day 11🏙️ Location: New Orleans, LA - Explore NOLA
Driving: None
Departure: Whenever you’re ready to roll (streetcars are calling)
Evening: Optional group send-off dinner or solo explore
🕖 Goal for the Day:
Because it’s New Orleans — and Trail South doesn’t just drive through, we show up. This is your day to explore, eat, wander, and feel the soul of the city. Take a streetcar, ride a bike, sit with a beignet, or dance in the Quarter — this is the part you’ll remember forever.
🧭 Plan:
🌄 Morning:
Coffee at camp or local café
Optional: Trail South breakfast spread (pastries + strong chicory coffee)
Ride-share or streetcar into the French Quarter
🗺️ Midday Adventures:
Explore the French Quarter:
Jackson Square, local shops, historic homes
Live jazz on Royal or Frenchmen Street
Trail Partner Lunch Stop: Gumbo, po’ boys, or oysters
Optional: museum visit, garden district tour, or park ride
🌆 Evening Options:
Group Send-Off Dinner at a Trail Partner spot
OR: choose your own adventure
Late-night jazz bar, ghost tour, or quiet campfire back at base
🏕️ Campground Notes:
Laundry, final showers, gear check
Prepping to drop off RVs next morning
Charging devices, repacking, story-swapping
📝 Final Notes for Day 11:
You’ve driven deserts, seen stars over the bayou, eaten with strangers who became friends, and now… here you are. New Orleans, not as a tourist — but as a traveler. Welcome to the end of the road. You made it.
Departure: Whenever you’re ready to roll (streetcars are calling)
Evening: Optional group send-off dinner or solo explore
🕖 Goal for the Day:
Because it’s New Orleans — and Trail South doesn’t just drive through, we show up. This is your day to explore, eat, wander, and feel the soul of the city. Take a streetcar, ride a bike, sit with a beignet, or dance in the Quarter — this is the part you’ll remember forever.
🧭 Plan:
🌄 Morning:
Coffee at camp or local café
Optional: Trail South breakfast spread (pastries + strong chicory coffee)
Ride-share or streetcar into the French Quarter
🗺️ Midday Adventures:
Explore the French Quarter:
Jackson Square, local shops, historic homes
Live jazz on Royal or Frenchmen Street
Trail Partner Lunch Stop: Gumbo, po’ boys, or oysters
Optional: museum visit, garden district tour, or park ride
🌆 Evening Options:
Group Send-Off Dinner at a Trail Partner spot
OR: choose your own adventure
Late-night jazz bar, ghost tour, or quiet campfire back at base
🏕️ Campground Notes:
Laundry, final showers, gear check
Prepping to drop off RVs next morning
Charging devices, repacking, story-swapping
📝 Final Notes for Day 11:
You’ve driven deserts, seen stars over the bayou, eaten with strangers who became friends, and now… here you are. New Orleans, not as a tourist — but as a traveler. Welcome to the end of the road. You made it.
Day 12 🚐 Route: New Orleans → Storage Lot + Airport/Amtrak
Distance: Minimal driving
Departure: Staggered by flight/train time
RV Drop-Off Time: ~9:00–11:00 AM window
Transport Provided: Uber/Lyft arranged by Trail South
🕖 Goal for the Day:
It’s not just the end — it’s the hand-off back to the real world, done Trail South style: calm, organized, and just a little sentimental. Today we close the loop — drop off the rigs, swap some hugs, and send folks off with full hearts and dirty shoes.
🧭 Plan for the Day:
🌄 Morning:
Wake up, final breakfast (on your own or light group spread)
Pack bags, clean RVs, trash out
RV Drop-Off at Trail South Storage Lot
Easy pull-in and park
Walkthrough with Trail South rep
🚙 Guest Transport:
Trail South arranges Uber/Lyft to:
New Orleans Airport (MSY)
Amtrak Station (Union Passenger Terminal)
Departures are staggered based on guest schedule
Group goodbyes happen naturally as folks head out
📦 Trail South Optional Add-Ons:
Ship home souvenirs or leftover gear
“Come Back” discount code for next tour
Option to extend your stay with Trail Partner hotel or campground
Departure: Staggered by flight/train time
RV Drop-Off Time: ~9:00–11:00 AM window
Transport Provided: Uber/Lyft arranged by Trail South
🕖 Goal for the Day:
It’s not just the end — it’s the hand-off back to the real world, done Trail South style: calm, organized, and just a little sentimental. Today we close the loop — drop off the rigs, swap some hugs, and send folks off with full hearts and dirty shoes.
🧭 Plan for the Day:
🌄 Morning:
Wake up, final breakfast (on your own or light group spread)
Pack bags, clean RVs, trash out
RV Drop-Off at Trail South Storage Lot
Easy pull-in and park
Walkthrough with Trail South rep
🚙 Guest Transport:
Trail South arranges Uber/Lyft to:
New Orleans Airport (MSY)
Amtrak Station (Union Passenger Terminal)
Departures are staggered based on guest schedule
Group goodbyes happen naturally as folks head out
📦 Trail South Optional Add-Ons:
Ship home souvenirs or leftover gear
“Come Back” discount code for next tour
Option to extend your stay with Trail Partner hotel or campground
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