Stevens Family

🚍 Stevens Family RV Adventure

Atlanta, GA → Kalamazoo & Northern Michigan → Home

📅 July 11-23, 2026 • 8-12 Days
~1,600
Total Round-Trip Miles
8-12
Days on the Road
5-7
States Visited
10+
Epic Stops
💡
Trip Planner Tip: Use the Routes tab to compare 3 different trip options. Each one has a different vibe... adventure-heavy, festival-aligned, or a Northern Michigan explorer. Pick a route, then check the Itinerary tab for the full day-by-day breakdown with driving times and stops.

📆 Choose Your Departure Date

Fri
July 11
Sat
July 12
Sun
July 13
Mon
July 14

Trip Architecture Options

Three ways to structure this adventure. Click any route to see the full breakdown.

🏔
The Southern Adventure
Scenic route up through TN/KY with caves, ziplines, and stops. Visit family. Drive home.
🚗 ~850 mi up ⏱ 3-4 days driving ⭐ Max activities
🌊
Northern Michigan Explorer
Quick route to Kalamazoo, visit family, then RV north to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear, maybe UP.
🚗 ~750 mi up ⏱ 4-5 days north ⭐ Lake Michigan
🌟
Best of Both Worlds
A few epic stops on the way up, family time in Kalamazoo/Holland, then 2-3 days in Northern MI.
🚗 ~900 mi total ⏱ 10-12 days ⭐ Everything

Compare Route Options

Each route has a different personality. Pick the one that matches your vibe.

🏔
The Southern Adventure
Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → Mammoth Cave → Louisville → Indianapolis → Kalamazoo
🚗 ~850 mi ⏱ 3-4 days 🏕 6-8 stops
🌊
Northern Michigan Explorer
Atlanta → Kalamazoo (direct) → Holland → Grand Rapids → Traverse City → Sleeping Bear → Petoskey → Mackinac
🚗 ~750 mi up + 350 north ⏱ 4-5 days north 🏕 5-7 stops
🌟
Best of Both Worlds
Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → Kalamazoo → Holland → Traverse City → Home
🚗 ~900 mi ⏱ Best balance 🏕 8-10 stops

🏔 The Southern Adventure Route

Atlanta → Chattanooga → Nashville → Mammoth Cave → Louisville → Indianapolis → Kalamazoo. ~850 miles over 3-4 driving days with epic stops along the way.

Day 1: Atlanta → Chattanooga ~120 mi, 2 hrs

Easy morning start. Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway. Family-friendly caves and views. Camp at Raccoon Mountain Campground (full RV hookups, pool).

Day 2: Chattanooga → Nashville ~135 mi, 2.5 hrs

Music City. Grand Ole Opry, Broadway honky-tonks, Nashville Zoo. Camp at Nashville KOA or Two Rivers Campground (walkable to Opryland).

Day 3: Nashville → Mammoth Cave → Louisville ~180 mi, 3.5 hrs total

World's longest cave system. Take the Domes & Dripstones tour (kids love it). Louisville Slugger Museum. Camp at Louisville South KOA.

Day 4: Louisville → Indianapolis → Kalamazoo ~400 mi, 6 hrs

Longest driving day. Optional stop: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (Brayden will love it). Arrive Kalamazoo by evening for family time.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Your complete trip timeline with driving distances, stops, and activities.

💡
Recommended: "Best of Both Worlds" route. This gives you adventure stops on the way up, solid family time in Kalamazoo/Holland, and 2 days exploring Northern Michigan. Select a route on the Routes tab for the detailed day-by-day breakdown.
Day 1 — July 11
Atlanta → Chattanooga
🚗 120 mi ⏱ 2 hrs ⛽ Easy drive

Morning departure from Atlanta. Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Kids can explore Rock City's Enchanted Trail.

🏕 Raccoon Mountain Campground — full RV hookups, pool, cave tours on-site.

Day 2 — July 12
Chattanooga → Nashville
🚗 135 mi ⏱ 2.5 hrs 🎵 Music City

Nashville Zoo (great for Ella & Brayden), walk Broadway, catch live music. Grand Ole Opry if timing works.

🏕 Two Rivers Campground — walkable to Opryland, full hookups, laundry.

Day 3 — July 13
Nashville → Kalamazoo
🚗 480 mi ⏱ 7 hrs 📍 Optional: Indy

Longest driving day. Optional stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (Brayden will love the race cars). Push through to Kalamazoo by evening.

🏕 Kalamazoo area — Markin Glen County Park or Tri-Lakes Trails Campground.

Days 4-6 — July 14-16
Kalamazoo & Holland — Family Time
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family 🏖 Beaches ✈️ Air Zoo

Family time base. Air Zoo Aerospace Museum (flight simulators, real planes). Day trip to Holland for Lake Michigan beaches, Dutch Village. Visit Cindy's sister. Bell's Brewery for Brad.

🏕 Stay at same campground — no packing/unpacking stress.

Day 7 — July 17
Kalamazoo → Traverse City
🚗 180 mi ⏱ 3 hrs 🍒 Cherry Capital

Drive up the coast. Optional stop in Grand Rapids (Founders Brewing, Gerald R. Ford Museum). Traverse City for cherry orchards, Clinch Park Beach, and downtown shops.

🏕 Traverse City State Park — beachfront on Grand Traverse Bay, full hookups.

Day 8 — July 18
Sleeping Bear Dunes
🏖 Dunes 🚗 30 mi from TC ⭐ Must-See

One of the most stunning spots in America. Dune Climb (450 ft of sand... Ella and Brayden will race up it). Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for breathtaking Lake Michigan overlooks. Glen Haven Beach for swimming.

🏕 Return to Traverse City State Park or Platte River Campground (right at the dunes).

Day 9 — July 19 (Optional)
Petoskey & Mackinaw City
🚗 110 mi ⏱ 2 hrs 💎 Petoskey Stones

Hunt for Petoskey stones on the beach (Michigan's state stone... the kids will dig it). Mackinaw City for views of the Mackinac Bridge. Optional: ferry to Mackinac Island (no cars, just bikes and horses).

🏕 Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping — waterfront, views of the bridge, pool and mini golf.

Days 10-12 — July 20-23
Head Home
🚗 ~700 mi ⏱ Split 2 days 🏠 Atlanta bound

Two options: (A) Retrace I-75 south through Ohio, overnight near Cincinnati or Lexington. (B) Cut west to I-65, overnight in Louisville or Nashville for one last stop. Either way, arrive Atlanta July 22-23.

🏠 Home sweet home. Unpack, decompress, campfire stories in the backyard.

Events & Festivals

What's happening July 11-23 along your route

🎵 MUSIC
Jul 10-12 • Nashville, TN
CMA Fest Week Residual Shows
📍 Broadway & Lower Broad honky-tonks
Free live music on every corner of Broadway. Nashville's honky-tonk scene is always on, but mid-July brings extra acts. Walk the strip with the kids during the day.
FreeKid Friendly
🍔 FOOD
Jul 11-13 • Traverse City, MI
National Cherry Festival
📍 Open Space / Clinch Park, Traverse City
One of the top festivals in the Midwest. Cherry pie eating contests, air shows, parades, carnival rides, fireworks, and live concerts on the bay. Huge family event.
Must SeeKid Friendly
🎠 FAIR
Jul 12-19 • Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo County Fair
📍 Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds
Classic county fair with livestock shows, demolition derby, carnival rides, fried food, and 4-H exhibits. Perfect timing with your Kalamazoo stay.
Kid FriendlyLow Cost
🌲 OUTDOOR
Jul 11-23 • Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes Ranger Programs
📍 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Free ranger-led hikes, Junior Ranger programs for Ella and Brayden, sunset beach walks, and stargazing nights throughout July.
FreeKid FriendlyMust See
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY
Daily • Chattanooga, TN
Ruby Falls & Lookout Mountain
📍 Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga
Underground waterfall (tallest in the US open to public), Rock City's Enchanted Trail, and the steepest passenger railway in the world (Incline Railway). All within walking distance.
Kid FriendlyMust See
🏎 AUTO/RC
Daily • Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
📍 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis
See 75+ race cars including Indy 500 winners. Brayden can do a simulated lap on the track. Gift shop has great model cars and RC stuff. Optional: narrated bus tour around the actual track.
Kid Friendly
🍔 FOOD
Jul 11-23 • Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Beer & Food Trail
📍 Downtown Grand Rapids ("Beer City USA")
80+ breweries in one metro area. Founders Brewing is a must. Family-friendly taprooms with outdoor patios and food trucks. Kids eat free at several spots.
Free to Walk
🎵 MUSIC
Jul 18-19 • Petoskey, MI
Petoskey Festival on the Bay
📍 Bayfront Park, Petoskey
Live music overlooking Little Traverse Bay, local artisan vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. Free admission. Beautiful sunset venue.
FreeKid Friendly

Premium RV Parks & Campgrounds

Top-rated parks along your route with full hookups, amenities, and reviews

⭐ Premium
Raccoon Mountain Campground
📍 Chattanooga, TN — Day 1 stop
⚡ Full Hookup 🏊 Pool 🕳️ Cave Tours 📶 WiFi
⭐ 4.5/5 — 2,100+ reviews
$45-65/night
⛺ KOA
Nashville KOA Resort
📍 Nashville, TN — Day 2 stop
⚡ Full Hookup 🏊 2 Pools 🎮 Game Room 🛝 Playground
⭐ 4.4/5 — 1,800+ reviews
$55-85/night
⛺ KOA
Louisville South KOA Holiday
📍 Louisville, KY — Day 3 stop (Adventure route)
⚡ Full Hookup 🏊 Pool 📶 WiFi 🐕 Dog Park
⭐ 4.3/5 — 900+ reviews
$45-65/night
🐻 Jellystone
Jellystone Park™ — Kalamazoo
📍 Kalamazoo, MI — Family base camp
⚡ Full Hookup 💦 Water Park 🎯 Mini Golf 🛝 Jumping Pillow
⭐ 4.6/5 — 1,500+ reviews
$60-95/night
🌲 State Park
Traverse City State Park
📍 Traverse City, MI — Northern MI base
⚡ Electric 🏖️ Beach 🚶 Trail Access 🌅 Bay Views
⭐ 4.5/5 — 2,400+ reviews
$33-43/night + vehicle pass
🌲 State Park
Platte River Campground
📍 Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI — Dunes day trip base
⚡ Electric 🏖️ Beach Walk 🛶 River Float 🌲 Wooded Sites
⭐ 4.7/5 — 1,900+ reviews
$33-43/night + vehicle pass
⭐ Premium
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
📍 Mackinaw City, MI — Bridge views
⚡ Full Hookup 🏊 Pool ⛳ Mini Golf 🌉 Bridge Views
⭐ 4.6/5 — 3,200+ reviews
$50-80/night
⭐ Premium
Petoskey State Park
📍 Petoskey, MI — Stone hunting
⚡ Electric 🏖️ Beach 💎 Petoskey Stones 🌅 Sunsets
⭐ 4.7/5 — 2,700+ reviews
$33-43/night + vehicle pass

Kid-Friendly Adventures

Caves, ziplines, water parks, and unforgettable experiences along the way

🕳️ CAVES
Day 1 • Chattanooga, TN
Ruby Falls
📍 1720 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain
145-foot underground waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain. Guided cave walk through stalactites and rock formations. Light show at the falls. Ella and Brayden will be amazed.
Kid FriendlyMust See
🕳️ CAVES
Day 3 • Cave City, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park
📍 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Cave City
World's longest known cave system (420+ miles mapped). Domes & Dripstones tour is perfect for kids (2 hrs, moderate). Junior Ranger program available. Free above-ground trails too.
Kid FriendlyMust See
🏔️ ZIPLINE
Day 1 • Chattanooga, TN
Lookout Mountain Flight Park
📍 Rising Fawn, GA (20 min from Chattanooga)
Hang gliding and tandem flights off Lookout Mountain. For Brad and the brave ones. Also offers zipline courses for kids 10+. Stunning views of the Tennessee Valley.
Thrill Seekers
🏊 WATER
Days 4-6 • Kalamazoo, MI
Lake Michigan Beaches
📍 Holland State Park & South Haven
Crystal-clear freshwater beaches with sand dunes. Holland State Park beach is one of the best in the state. South Haven has a classic lighthouse pier for jumping. Water warms up nicely by mid-July.
FreeKid FriendlyMust See
✈️ UNIQUE
Days 4-6 • Kalamazoo, MI
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
📍 6151 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo
Real WWII planes, flight simulators, 4D theater, space exhibits. Brayden can "fly" an F-18 in the sim. Indoor rides and interactive exhibits. Half-day easy. One of the best aerospace museums in the Midwest.
Kid FriendlyMust See
🏖️ NATURE
Day 8 • Empire, MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes — The Dune Climb
📍 6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor
450-foot sand dune overlooking Glen Lake. Race the kids to the top. From the summit you can see Lake Michigan. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive has jaw-dropping overlooks. Voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America.
Must SeeKid Friendly
🏝️ UNIQUE
Day 9 • Mackinac Island, MI
Mackinac Island Day Trip
📍 Ferry from Mackinaw City (15 min)
No cars allowed on the island. Only bikes, horses, and walking. Rent bikes and ride around the 8-mile loop. Famous fudge shops everywhere. Fort Mackinac has cannon-firing demos. Like stepping back in time.
Kid FriendlyMust See
💎 NATURE
Day 9 • Petoskey, MI
Petoskey Stone Hunting
📍 Petoskey State Park Beach
Michigan's state stone (fossilized coral, 350 million years old). Hunt for them on the beach... they're everywhere when you know what to look for. Kids love finding and keeping them. Free and unforgettable.
FreeKid Friendly

RV Rental Options

Available RVs on RVshare.com for pickup in the Atlanta area

💡
Pro tip for a family of 4: A Class C motorhome (25-32 ft) is ideal. Easy to drive, has a sleeping bunk over the cab that kids love, full bathroom, and enough room for everyone without being too big for RV parks. Budget ~$200-350/night on RVshare.
Class C Motorhome
25-32 ft • Sleeps 6-8 • Full kitchen & bath
✅ Over-cab bunk (kids love it) • Easy to drive
✅ Most popular for families on RVshare
$200-$350 /night on RVshare
Browse Class C in Atlanta →
Travel Trailer
24-30 ft • Sleeps 4-8 • Needs truck to tow
✅ More living space • Unhitch and explore
⚠ Requires tow-capable vehicle
$100-$225 /night on RVshare
Browse Trailers in Atlanta →
Class A Motorhome
30-38 ft • Sleeps 6-10 • Full luxury
✅ Most space • Multiple slideouts
⚠ Bigger = harder to park, more gas
$275-$500 /night on RVshare
Browse Class A in Atlanta →
💰
Budget estimate for 10-day trip: RV rental (~$2,500-3,500) + Gas (~$400-600) + RV parks (~$50-100/night = $400-800) + Food & activities (~$1,000-1,500). Total: ~$4,300-$6,400 vs. flights alone for 4 people at current prices ($2,000+). Plus you get the adventure.

Northern Michigan Extension

Take the RV north from Kalamazoo for an epic Lake Michigan adventure

🌊
The idea: After visiting Cindy's parents in Kalamazoo and her sister in Holland, load up the RV (bring the parents/sister's family if they want!) and head north. Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Petoskey, maybe even Mackinac Island and the UP. Some of the most beautiful RV camping in the entire country is up here.
🍒 TRAVERSE CITY
Cherry Capital of the World
📍 180 mi north of Kalamazoo (~3 hrs)
Cherry orchards everywhere, wine tasting (Chateau Grand Traverse), Clinch Park Beach on Grand Traverse Bay, charming downtown shops and restaurants. Traverse City State Park has beachfront RV sites.
Kid FriendlyBase Camp
🏖️ SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
National Lakeshore — "Most Beautiful Place in America"
📍 30 min west of Traverse City
The Dune Climb (450 ft of pure sand), Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (Lake Michigan overlooks that'll blow your mind), Glen Haven Beach for swimming, Empire Bluffs Trail for a quieter hike. Full day here minimum.
Must SeeKid FriendlyFree (vehicle pass)
🏘️ CHARLEVOIX
"Charlevoix the Beautiful"
📍 55 mi NE of Traverse City
Earl Young's famous mushroom houses (quirky stone architecture kids love spotting), downtown on the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, great ice cream shops, sunset pier walks.
Kid FriendlyFree
💎 PETOSKEY
Petoskey Stones & Gaslight District
📍 75 mi NE of Traverse City
Hunt for Petoskey stones (350-million-year-old fossilized coral) on the beach. Walk the charming Gaslight District downtown. Petoskey State Park has beautiful RV camping right on Little Traverse Bay.
Kid FriendlyMust See
🌉 MACKINAW CITY
Mackinac Bridge & Island
📍 110 mi NE of Traverse City (tip of Lower Peninsula)
Views of the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge (3rd longest suspension bridge in the world). Ferry to Mackinac Island... no cars, just bikes and horses. Famous fudge shops. Fort Mackinac cannon demos. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping has bridge-view RV sites.
Must SeeKid Friendly
🌊 TUNNEL OF TREES
M-119 Scenic Drive
📍 Harbor Springs to Cross Village (~20 mi)
One of America's most scenic drives. A narrow, winding road with a canopy of trees so thick it feels like a tunnel. Lake Michigan peeks through on the left. Legs Inn at the end (Polish restaurant with wild folk art exterior). Not RV-friendly... take the car if towing one.
Scenic Drive