Camper Van Rentals in Memphis, TN

Memphis sprawls along Mississippi River bluffs where blues music seeps from neon-lit clubs and smokehouses perfume the air with hickory. This city birthed rock and roll at Sun Studio, soul at Stax, and a barbecue culture that treats pulled pork like religion. Skip the hotel check-in counter and make your trip truly unique with a conversion camper van rental for a mix of blues, BBQ, and outdoor adventure.

1. Why rent an RV in Memphis?

Memphis sits at the crossroads of American music and BBQ culture. A camper van lets you explore Graceland, Sun Studio, and Mississippi Delta blues country while avoiding downtown parking hassles. You'll stay mobile enough to chase juke joints in Clarksdale, explore Shiloh battlefield, or follow the Natchez Trace without paying hotel prices.

2. Where should I go on a Memphis camper van road trip?

There are a bunch of great spots to see around Memphis, but it depends on how far away you're willing to go. If you want to stay within a two-hour drive, these are the spots to visit:

• Graceland: Elvis Presley's mansion offers self-guided tours through the King's home, car collection, and custom jets. It's the second most-visited house in America after the White House.

• Shelby Farms Park: At 4,500 acres, this massive urban park features trails, paddling lakes, bison herds, and zipline courses just 15 minutes from downtown Memphis.

• Shiloh National Military Park: Located 90 miles east, this Civil War battlefield preserves the site of the April 1862 battle with a self-guided auto tour and national cemetery holding 3,600 Union soldiers.

If you're game to drive a little longer, check out these spots:

• Natchez Trace Parkway: This 444-mile scenic route from Nashville to Natchez winds through forested corridors with free primitive campgrounds and historic sites like Emerald Mound.

• Mississippi Delta Blues Trail: Explore some (or all) of the Mississippi Delta Blues Trail from Memphis to Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Just 70 miles south is Clarksdale, the heart of Delta blues, where you can visit Ground Zero Blues Club, the Delta Blues Museum, and authentic juke joints like Red's Lounge.

3. What are Memphis's best RV parks and campgrounds?

• Graceland RV Park: Adjacent to the Graceland mansion, the RV park offers full hookups, a pool, and internet.

• Tom Sawyer's RV Park: A West Memphis treasure with riverfront sites and beautiful skyline views.

• Agricenter RV Park: Near Shelby Farms, this peaceful RV park has full hookup sites and is a short walk from Agricenter’s Farmers Market.

• Meeman-Shelby Forest: 49 water/electric sites amidst a beautiful forest that turns brilliant colors in the fall.

4. What BBQ joints should I try in Memphis?

Now you’re asking the important questions! BBQ is something you absolutely have to try when visiting Memphis. And honestly, you should probably try it more than once. These are a few favorite spots:

• Central BBQ: A locals' favorite. Try the pulled pork nachos.

• The Bar-B-Q Shop: Voted #1 ribs in America by the Food Network. This spot is known for its incredible sauces and dry seasonings.

• Payne's Bar-B-Que: Simple but insanely good. This spot specializes in authentic chopped pork sandwiches.

• Cozy Corner BBQ: This spot is a classic that you have to check out. It’s some of the best.

• Interstate Barbecue: Run by owner James Neely, this classic spot has been around for over 15 years and serves up some of the best BBQ in Memphis.

5. What size camper van works best for Memphis roads?

Class B RVs under 22 feet handle Memphis streets easily. Interstates accommodate larger rigs. Natchez Trace welcomes all sizes. Meeman-Shelby's roads are narrow, which can be challenging for rigs over 35 feet. Sprinter vans balance city and highway use well here.

6. Are there dispersed camping options near Memphis?

Unfortunately, Tennessee doesn’t offer a whole lot of dispersed camping, though it is allowed on public land and there are a few. Holly Springs National Forest (~50 miles south-east) allows free primitive camping. You can also head east to Cherokee National Forest or west to Ozark National Forest.

Related blog post: Stealth and Dispersed Camping

7. Can I rent a luxury Sprinter van in Memphis?

Memphis has luxury Sprinter options via peer-to-peer platforms, though options are pretty limited at the moment. While not a Sprinter, this luxury Winnebago Class B RV comes with all the perks, including a wet bath, stove, sink, and seating area.

8. What gear should I pack for a Memphis Sleeper Van Trip?

The nice thing with renting a camper van is it often includes a lot of the camping gear you’d normally need—cooking and cleaning gear, towels, sheets, bed, shelter, etc. With those essentials sorted, all you really need to bring are your personal belongings. However, a few things you definitely won’t want to forget include:

• Bug spray (mosquitoes peak May-September)

• Layers for spring

• Rain gear

• Walking shoes

• Tick tools

• Sun protection

9. Are campfires allowed at Memphis area campgrounds?

State parks permit fires in designated rings unless drought bans apply. Meeman-Shelby provides rings. Private campgrounds allow fires, though that’ll be on a case by case basis. Bring firewood or buy on-site. Check restrictions in dry summers and never leave any fire unattended.

10. Where can I find dump stations in Memphis?

Agricenter, Graceland, and Meeman-Shelby provide dumps for guests. Flying J on Airways offers $10 service. Pilot and Love's charge $10-$15. Tennessee Welcome Center on I-40 westbound has free dumps. Private campgrounds often allow non-guest dumping for $15-$25.

Ready for an Unforgettable Memphis Van Trip?

If the blues and BBQ are singing your name, pack your bags and set your sights to Memphis. Camp down by the river, try your hand fishing, and taste your way through the city from the comfort of your home on wheels.

Also browse nearby van rentals in Nashville or Tennessee overall.