RV Rental Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee RV Rentals

You don’t have to be a country music fanatic to visit Nashville, Tennessee, although it sure does help. The self-proclaimed “Country Music Capital of the World” offers everything a country music fan could ever hope to experience on vacation. 

However, there are many more reasons to tour this fun-loving and exciting city. Welcoming people, tons of activities, stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, and amazing music from all genres are just a few of the reasons that you should add Nashville to your list of top RV road trip contenders.

With so much to see and do, RV rentals in Nashville are becoming an increasingly popular choice for tourists looking to explore this diverse area. You’ll find no shortage of affordable and comfortable RV options, as well as gorgeous campgrounds to park them in.

If you still need some convincing that Nashville should be at the top of your list of places to visit, check out just a few of the amazing and fun attractions and events the city has to offer. With so much going on, this list barely skims the surface of the best must-see stops.

Popular RV Destinations in Nashville

The Grand Ole Opry

One of the most famous landmarks in all of Nashville, the home of country music is part of a larger group of attractions known as “Opryland”, which also includes the massive Opry Mills shopping mall, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, and the General Jackson, a paddle-wheel showboat. For over 95 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been connecting music artists and fans in an intimate setting.

Grand Ole Opry shows have been broadcast live since as far back as 1925. Today, visitors can still enjoy some of country music’s top talent and even sign up to take a guided backstage tour. It’s pretty amazing to walk the same halls and stand on the same stage as so many of country music’s biggest legends. This venue just oozes history and charm and definitely deserves some of your time, whether you’re a country music lover or not.

The Nashville Parthenon

Another iconic landmark that you might want to check out is the Nashville Parthenon, the famous reproduction of the real Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It's conveniently located in Centennial Park, just a short walk from the city center. The structure was originally constructed from wood, in 1897, to commemorate the state’s centennial.

It has since been massively rebuilt in cement to stand as an accurate, full-scale replica of the original Greek structure. Inside, you will see a large and comprehensive permanent art installation that highlights 19th- and 20th-century American artists. The 63-piece collection is presided over by a 42-foot gold leaf covered replica statue of the Greek goddess Athena; it’s quite an impressive sight to behold.

Music Row

Music Row is located smack dab in the heart of downtown Nashville, and it’s where you will find some of the top recording studios, record label offices, and radio stations in the country. In fact, it’s the heart and soul of the US music industry. It boasts countless souvenir shops, music-themed museums, memorials, and memorabilia boutiques to prove it. You could wander for hours taking in numerous displays of instruments, artifacts, and tchotchkes owned by famous musicians from every era or American music.

Be sure to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and the iconic RCA Studio B, which is known to be the birthplace of the “Nashville sound” that began distinctly defining country music back in the 1960s. This area of town doesn’t only showcase country music though. You will find homages to gospel, bluegrass, and many other styles along the way.

Fort Nashborough

If you’re looking for something slower-paced and completely free, Fort Nashborough sits on the picturesque banks of the Cumberland River and has been recently renovated to provide tourists with a close-up and accurate depiction of pioneer life in Tennessee. Established in 1780, this venue gives you an authentic and sobering feel for what it must have been like for early settlers trying to survive in the often harsh Tennessee climate.

Fort Nashborough features a number of historical replica buildings, like log cabins, block houses, and fortifications. A perfect place to begin your tour is at the interpretive center, which offers amazing views of the Cumberland River, as well as displays regarding local Native American history, and some of the trials and tribulations of early Nashville settlers.

Belle Meade Plantation

Quite close to the city center, you can find the regal and impressive Belle Meade Plantation. This perfect example of Greek-Revival architecture was constructed in 1845 and has been painstakingly restored and maintained to showcase the splendor of the time. This mansion boasts a unique claim to fame in that it still shows evidence of gunfire in the front stone columns that was a result of the famous two-day Civil War Battle of Nashville, which was fought on the mansion’s front yard in 1864.

Inside, treat yourself to a unique and highly educational guided tour that even includes a telling of the history of the estate from a slave’s perspective as they served as indentured servants. Along with this eye-opening take on the history of the house, you can also attend seasonal programs and culinary experiences. Be sure to check out the delicious lunch or dinner menu offered at the mansion’s Harding House Restaurant.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

One of the most picturesque attractions in all of Nashville is the former home of Andrew Jackson, America’s seventh President. Conveniently located close to the city center, the fully-rebuilt Hermitage was originally constructed in 1819 but was decimated in a fire, only to be reconstructed 25 years later. The Hermitage was Jackson’s home from 1837 to 1845, and is restored to look exactly as it did back then.

The grounds are stunning, filled with lush and full flowerbeds and pristinely manicured lawns, as well as the final resting place of Jackson and his wife. You can also enjoy a formal guided tour that will highlight in detail the colorful history and nuances of this historic landmark. Keep a lookout, too for fun themed events like ghost tours and wagon rides offered at various times throughout the year.

Events and Entertainment in Nashville

Tin Pan South

You’ll be hard-pressed to experience anything like Tin Pan South, the world’s largest songwriter festival that is held each year in the nation’s Music City. This unique event gives fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the music and songwriters they love. The five-day event is hosted at various venues throughout the city and features some of the top songwriters performing many of their biggest hits.

The festival doesn’t just focus on country music songwriting, either. It showcases all genres of music, with both professionals and amateur songwriters from countries all over the world, giving participants a truly diverse and unparalleled look into who and what makes amazing music. Take part in songwriting seminars, symposiums, and panel discussions throughout the full five days, and maybe you’ll find your own inner songwriter bursting with inspiration.

East Nashville Beer Festival

Celebrate the glory of craft beer at the annual East Nashville Beer Festival, usually held in April. The all-day festival takes place at East Park and features plenty of local craft beers to sample, as well as traditional Belgian and German beers and even a wine merchant tent. Experience over 150 unique pours offered by more than 60 breweries; you’ll have trouble deciding which is your favorite with so many delicious samples.

Of course, a true beer festival offers plenty of diverse and yummy food options, and you can enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights from the numerous food trucks to help offset the effects of your beer sampling. Let’s not forget the talented live music that plays throughout the event on the large center stage in order to perfectly round out this much-loved event.

Iroquois Steeplechase

Traditionally held in May, the Iroquois Steeplechase is Nashville’s rite of Spring and attracts over 20,000 spectators and participants annually since its inaugural race in 1941. Also known as the “Iroquois Hurdle Stakes”, the exciting horse race is an American Grade 1 NSA-sanctioned event that takes place each year at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. It's named for the American-bred thoroughbred Iroquois, the winner of the prestigious Epsom Derby.

This race pits some of the top racehorses and jockeys in the world as they pound down a three-mile turf track and jump hurdles along the way. It’s an experience you’ll remember for a long time, especially with all the fun and fancy fashions, time-honored traditions, and talented live music that bookends this auspicious event. Since 1981, this event has donated over $10 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

CMA Fest

One of the biggest and most-anticipated events in all of Nashville is the Country Music Association's annual four-day music festival. Unlike some other festivals, CMA Fest focuses solely on country music and attracts more than 400 artists and celebrities who perform concerts, host autograph sessions, and more. Half of the proceeds from this huge festival are donated to charity, with the other half being used for the advancement of country music by the CMA.

This popular event draws tens of thousands of people of all ages, races, and nationalities every year, solidifying Nashville’s moniker as “Music City”. This nationally televised special features more than 100 hours of concerts presented by some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as family activities, interactive exhibits, games, celebrity sports competitions, and organized meet-and-greets.

Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue

The annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is held in Lynchburg, about an hour and a half drive from Nashville. But you’ve got an RV for a reason, right? We believe this festival is worth pulling up camp and seeing the sights for. 

For one weekend each October, the nation’s most famous whiskey-producing town welcomes more than 40,00 spectators and competitors to fully immerse themselves in the competitive and delicious world of barbecue. Aside from the huge main event, the entire town is filled with displays and booths all over that allow you to sample the best barbecue in the world. 

FAQs

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Nashville can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Nashville?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Tennessee is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Nashville. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Nashville will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Nashville?

Many RV and camper rentals in Nashville are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.