# Natchez Trace Parkway

> A 444-mile parkway from Natchez to Nashville, run by the National Park Service. RVs are welcome, commercial vehicles are not, and camping is only allowed in d

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/natchez-trace/

A 444-mile parkway from Natchez to Nashville, run by the National Park Service. RVs are welcome, commercial vehicles are not, and camping is only allowed in designated, free campgrounds.

- **Length:** 444 mi
- **Start / end:** Natchez, MS – Nashville, TN
- **Speed limit:** 50 mph (80 km/h)
- **Best season:** Spring–fall (ice and snow possible in winter)

## Before you go

- The speed limit is 50 mph unless posted otherwise. Plan at least 10 hours of driving from end to end.
- The park service gives a maximum vehicle length of 55 ft (about 16.8 m, including towed units) and a height limit of 14 ft (about 4.3 m).
- Dispersed camping is not allowed. The three parkway campgrounds are first-come, first-served, with no electricity, showers or dump stations.

## Planning

The parkway runs through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee and is marked with mileposts. Trips between intermediate points take roughly 3.5 to 6 hours. The Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo is open daily during set hours and closes on major holidays. Services along the road are limited, so use the towns off the parkway for fuel and shopping. Check the park service page for current closures before you set out.

## Camping

The park manages three primitive campgrounds for vehicles: Rocky Springs (milepost 54.8) between Natchez and Jackson, Jeff Busby (milepost 193.1) between Tupelo and Jackson, and Meriwether Lewis (milepost 385.9) near Nashville. According to the park service they are free, accept no reservations and have no electricity, showers or dump stations. Stays are limited to 14 days per campground per calendar year. Private campgrounds near the parkway offer hookups.

## The drive

Recreational vehicles are permitted on the parkway, but commercial vehicles are prohibited and only recreational hauling is allowed. The 55 ft length limit includes anything you tow, and the height limit is 14 ft. The route is also a designated bicycle route, so watch for cyclists. Plan stops at the pullouts instead of long single days, since the 50 mph limit makes progress slower than on interstates.

## FAQs

**Can I drive an RV on the Natchez Trace Parkway?**
Yes. Recreational vehicles are permitted. Maximum length is 55 ft including towed vehicles and the height limit is 14 ft. Commercial vehicles are prohibited.

**Can I camp wild along the parkway?**
No. The park service states that dispersed camping is not allowed and all camping must take place in the designated campgrounds. There are three for vehicles, all primitive and first-come, first-served.

**How long does the whole parkway take?**
The park service advises at least 10 hours of driving end to end, at a 50 mph speed limit. Segments between intermediate points take about 3.5 to 6 hours.

## Places to see

- [National Civil Rights Museum](https://camping-spirit.com/places/civil-rights/)
- [Mammoth Cave](https://camping-spirit.com/places/mammoth-cave/)
- [Ryman Auditorium](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ryman/)
- [Graceland](https://camping-spirit.com/places/graceland/)
- [Café du Monde](https://camping-spirit.com/places/cafe-du-monde/)
- [Natchez Trace double arch bridge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/double-arch/)
- [Whitney Plantation](https://camping-spirit.com/places/whitney-plantation/)
- [Avery Island](https://camping-spirit.com/places/avery-island/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Tennessee](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/tennessee/)
- [All campsites in Mississippi](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/mississippi/)
- [All campsites in Louisiana](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/louisiana/)
- [All campsites in Kentucky](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/kentucky/)