Hitting the open road in an RV and exploring Arizona’s great outdoors is nothing short of incredible. This state has it all for anyone who loves nature, and the variety is stunning. It’s easy to drive the open roads and fantastic for those that love dark skies.
Starting in Northern Arizona, the cool pine forests and endless plateaus are a refreshing escape. You feel like you’re breathing in pure wilderness up here. Then, rolling into Central Arizona, the scenery changes dramatically. The iconic red rocks of Sedona and the lush Verde Valley take center stage—trust us, there’s nothing like waking up to those views from your RV window. There are so many different types of vehicles that regardless of whether you are a solo traveler a couple or a family, the right vehicle is available for you to rent.
Lake of the Woods – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism, AdventurePiece 2020
As we continued south, the desert landscapes opened up to endless stretches of towering saguaros, and the rock formations—both above and below ground—are awe-inspiring. In Western Arizona, surprisingly, you’ll find yourself at the beach, enjoying water sports along the Colorado River. Don’t you think travel is about being surprised by contrast? that’s certainly the case in Arizona.
Catalina State Park – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism
Eastern Arizona is the perfect mix of everything. One moment you’re driving through thick green forests, and the next, you’re surrounded by ancient petrified wood and centuries-old petroglyphs. It’s like every corner of Arizona has its own unique experience, and you will love that RV rental let you take it all in at our own pace and at a price that will mean you have the budget left to do all the activities on offer.
Pro tip: make sure to check each State and National park’s website for hours, fees, and services. Some parks are pretty remote, which is great for peace and quiet, but you’ll want to be well-prepared, especially if you’re heading into the backcountry. Also, if you’re visiting parks on tribal lands, plan ahead for permits or guides.
Arizona has so many parks to explore, from the iconic cacti to the hidden gems in the Sky Islands down south. We’ve been using the Arizona Parks Passport to make sure we don’t miss a thing. And while you’re at it, share those epic RV moments with #AZParksPassport—you might even get a little surprise from them! If you are visiting more than just Arizona buy the America the Beautiful National Parks pass.
Tombstone – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism
An RV trip through Arizona will without doubt be the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. We will put more detailed post about each of the major national and state parks for you to explore, We didn’t even mention The Grand Canyon yet!! To plan your trip go to the states tourism site – Visit Arizona for lots more detail.
Look at this interactive guide to parks and sights in Arizona
Every stop offers something new and unforgettable!
Remember when you travel in these unique and fragile environments to only take photos and only leave foot prints.
The Grand Canyon is likely the most famous National Park in the United States and is visited by more than 6 million people a year. The park is located in Northern Arizona near Utah and Nevada. The Parks main feature is a 277 mile (446 km) long canyon that separates the park into South and North Rims which has been carved out by the Colorado River flowing through the bottom of it. The canyons layered bands of red sedimentary rock and awe-inspiring size tells the story of millions of years of geological history. Let’s see everything that this famous park has to offer as we look at RVing the Grand Canyon.
RVing Grand Canyon South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located on the Arizona side. This side receives the majority of the park’s visitors and therefore has the best tourism infrastructure such as a visitors center, family activities, hotels, museums, restaurants, and bike rentals. Park entrance fee is $35 for the South and North Rims and is valid for 7 days.
Stop by the South Rim’s twelve main viewpoints to look-out over the canyon. Visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology to view exhibits about the geological history of the area. Bike along Hermit Road for 7 miles (11 km) stopping at viewpoints along the way. Hike below the rim on Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. Walk the South Rim Trail, a 13 miles (21 km) long trail that is mostly flat and paved and follows the edge of the rim. Take a helicopter flight over the canyon. Explore the canyon by guided horseback tour.
Where to Stay/Getting Around South Rim
I recommend that you make all lodging reservations well in advance.
There are many lodges ranging from rustic to contemporary including Kachina Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, Red Feather Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, Thunderbird Lodge, and Phantom Ranch. Some popular hotels include El Tovar Hotel, Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire, and Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
Free shuttles make regular stops around the park at the visitors center, Market Plaza, the train depot, lodges, restaurants, trailheads, and viewpoints. It is a 5-hour drive between South Rim Village and North Rim Village. The Trans Canyon Shuttle runs between the Rims one time each direction each day.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
Phoenix AZ- Driving from Phoenix to the South Rim visitors center is 229.1 miles (368 km) and takes 3 hours 27 minutes via the I-17 N.
Las Vegas NV- Driving from Las Vegas to the South Rim visitors center is 280miles (450 km) and takes 4.5 hours via the US-93 S and I-40 E.
RVing Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim is located on the Utah side and is a little more difficult to get to, making it more remote. The North rim is about 10 degrees cooler, due to the rise in elevation, allowing it to support more abundant plant and animal life. The north side is ideal for those looking for more of a rugged wilderness adventure and to escape the crowds of the more popular South Rim.
The main activities on the north side are hiking, sightseeing, and participating in ranger-led activities. There are three main viewpoints to visit, Cape Royal, Point Imperial, and Bright Angel Point. Cape Royal offers the most panoramic views and is very popular at sunset, Point Imperial is the highest and northernmost view of the canyon. Bright Angel Point is the most popular of the northern viewpoints and offers views of the south rim.
Where to Stay/Getting Around North Rim
The closest place to stay in the canyon is The Grand Canyon Lodge. Around the lodge, there are a variety of large and small rustic, western cabins and motel rooms. The Lodge itself houses a saloon, restaurant, gift shop, and store.
Kaibab Lodge is located 18 miles from the North Rim on the AZ-67 in the North Kaibab National Forest. The main lodge has a restaurant and is surrounded by a variety of cabins. This is the ultimate place to disconnect because there is no cell phone service or and no phones or TVs in the rooms. Jacob Lake Inn is 44 miles from the North Rim and surrounded by the towering pines of the National Forest. It has been family-owned and operated since 1923. Cozy cabins, hotel rooms, or motel rooms are available.
The North Rim Campground is located on Arizona State Route 67, 1 mile north of The Grand Canyon Lodge. The campsites are shaded by trees and have some distance between them. There are hookups and a water refill station but no dump station is available.
The Grand Canyon Lodge offers a free shuttle for hikers from the lodge to the North Kaibab Trailhead twice a day.
Bicycles are a great way to get around at the North Rim due to the parks 35mph speed limit but are only allowed on blacktop roads.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
Phoenix AZ- The drive from Phoenix to the North Rim visitors center is 5 hours 56 minutes 353.9 miles (570 km) via the I-17 N and US-89 N.
Las Vegas Nevada- Driving from Las Vegas to the North Rim Visitors Center is 266 miles (428 km) and takes 4 hours 38 minutes via the I-15 N.
RVing Grand Canyon West Rim
The Hualapai Indian Tribe manages Grand Canyon West and is located 241 miles west of the South Rim, approximately a 4.5-hour drive. The National Parks Service Pass is not valid here and the general admissions fee for an adult, including shuttle service and access to all three viewpoints (Eagle Point, Guano Point, Hualapai Ranch), is $56.00. Extras can be added to your ticket such as the Skywalk, meal tickets, and ziplining for an additional fee.
The main attraction at the West Rim is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that takes you 70 ft out over the grand canyon with nothing else under your feet until the Colorado River. Take the time to look at the Hualapai history exhibit on the walls inside the Skywalk building for a better understanding of Hualapai culture and connection to the land.
Hualapai Ranch is the hub of West Rim activities. There is a food hall, gift shop, and rustic cabins to spend the night in. At the ranch, you will also find wagon rides, horseback rides, gunfight shows, and other activities. Havasu Falls hike is famous for its aqua-blue waters spilling over the red-orange cliffs into pools below. This is an oasis in the middle of the vast desert is a 10-mile hike and requires proper permits.
Where to Stay/Getting Around West Rim
There are two places to stay while visiting the West Rim, Hualapai Ranch and Hualapai Lodge.
Hualapai Ranch offers the closest accommodations to the canyon. Spend the night in a rustic cabin allowing you to wake up and watch the sunrise over the canyon in the morning.
The second option is staying at the Hualapai Lodge which is approximately 130 miles (209 km) from the West Rim located in Peach Springs.
Your entrance fee includes a hop on-hop off shuttle service within Grand Canyon West.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park West Rim
Phoenix AZ- The drive from Phoenix is 259.5 mies (418 km) which takes 4 hours 11 minutes via the US-93 N.
Las Vegas NV- It is a 125.6 mile (202 km) drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim which takes 2 hours 4 minutes via the US-93 S.
Best time to visit the Grand Canyon
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon depends on the kinds of activities you want to do and what you want to see.
Spring
The Springtime allows for thinner crowds, cooler weather, and a chance to see the wildflowers bloom. Daytime temperatures range from 50°F-60°F (10°C-15°C) and may even reach into the ’80s (26°C) on the West Rim. Some disadvantages are that nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. There may be unpredictable weather such as rain or snowstorms. The North Rim is closed for the winter from October 15 until May 15. During the winter months backpackers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers are allowed to use the North Rim Campground with a backcountry use permit.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit the park due to the long summer days. Access to all of the tourism services allows you to participate in many of the different activities. Temperatures at the South Rim range from around 70°F-85°F (20°C-30°C). The North Rim will be open at this time and its higher elevation offers an escape from the heat. Heavy but short rainstorms are common from July to September. It may be difficult to book lodging at this time of year due to the crowds.
Autumn
The Autumn invites in milder weather and smaller crowds. Day time temperatures range between 50°F-60°F (10°C-15°C) and night may get cool. The fall colors of the foliage are beautiful and the shorter days make it more likely for you to catch the sun setting over the canyon. The weather can be unpredictable with warmer than usual temperatures or early rain and snow so be prepared and pack accordingly.
Winter
The colder months come with a lot of advantages. The crowds will be at their thinnest at this time making it easy to book your preferred accommodations and activities. You may also find discounted lodging due to the lack of guests. The South Rim trails stay open during the winter. You may get to see the breathtaking sight of the canyon dusted by snow. The North Rim will be closed and the weather may obstruct some views or challenge your hike into the canyon. Daytime temperatures at the South Rim average around the low 40°F (5°C) and below 20°F (-6 ) during the night. Check out the West Rim for slightly higher temperatures averaging between 60°F-70°F (15°C-20°C) during the day.
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Arizona is easily one of the top RV camping destinations in North America. Consistent warm temperatures, incredible sightseeing, and beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for? The landscape is perfect for outdoor adventures, offering a little bit of everything. The area is home to lakes, mountains, deserts, canyons, and even a volcano! From natural wonders and culinary treats, Arizona will give you everything you’re looking for in an RV adventure. Here we’ll give you some of the best RV parks to check out to make your trip around Arizona as memorable as possible.
Desert Shadows RV Resort
Photo Credit: Good Sam
Desert Shadows is the king of RV parks, which is why the term ‘resort’ is more fitting, you’ll understand why when you see the size of the site. This RV resort is in an ideal location to explore all that Phoenix has to offer, such as shopping malls, golfing, entertainment, restaurants, and beautiful views. However, when you’re staying at the first-class Shadows RV resort, you may never want to leave!
This 55+ resort includes a wide array of amenities to ensure you are well taken care of for a short-term or long-term stay. They even have a full-time social activities director coordinating fun events! If you’re into music festivals, potlucks, arts and crafts, or aerobics classes, this is a destination for you. Even if you just want to sit back and relax, you can hang out in their lobby which offers all you can drink complimentary coffee and tea. In the evening consider catching a fun game of bingo or billiards and connect with other travelers. Shadows Resort has it all. This is definitely one of the top camping destinations in Arizona.
On The Beach RV Park
Photo: onthebeachrvpark.com
On The Beach RV Park, the name says it all. Wake up to the sound of the ocean while you’re relaxing in a full hookup site that includes cable TV and free high-speed wireless internet, all while being surrounded by award-winning landscaping. Can life get any better than this? You bet it can. During the winter season the park offers dinners, movie nights, and mixers for evening entertainment. One of the best activities to do at this park is to go boating, and it’s not your average boating experience. Port Aransas is among the best locations for dolphin watching. However boating isn’t the only way to experience the Texas coast, you can also enjoy kayaking, parasailing, surfing, and kiteboarding. If you don’t have your own gear, no problem, you can rent out any equipment you need. You won’t find any other RV park closer to the beach than this one.
Desert’s Edge RV Park
Photo: Yelp, Jazzy, M.
For another top camping destinations in Arizona watch for the flashy Desert’s Edge neon sign off the 1-17 and check out this retro-inspired RV park. The site is located in close proximity to downtown Phoenix for easy accessibility to major league events, classic car auctions, desert botanical gardens, the OdySea Aquarium Foundation, the Butterfly Wonderland and so much more! The park hosts many parties and special events directly on the property in their expansive recreation room and recreation hall. Desert’s Edge is very pet friendly, equipped with two dog parks and a dog run as well as a dog grooming station. They also have family parks, a newly installed covered barbeque area, and a heated family swimming pool for all year family fun!
Grand Canyon/Williams KOA
Photo: Trip Advisor, Management
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA is the perfect base camp for RVers. The landscape surrounding the area encompasses everything that Arizona has to offer, from the Indian ruins and Sedona red rocks to the Sunset Crater and historic towns. Only two blocks from Route 66, very close to downtown Williams and undoubtedly convenient for Grand Canyon access makes the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA a must hit RV park!
Being adequately distanced from the hustle and noise of trains and interstates allows you to relax at night around a campfire and gaze at the sky’s constellations. Enjoy scenic nature hikes, hunting trips, or a tour of the Grand Canyon via train, bus, or helicopter during the day. In the evening, book a family dinner on route 66 or a romantic night at El Tovar Hotel. The team at Grand Canyon/Williams KOA will ensure you have a trip to remember.
Meteor Crater RV Park
Known for its stunning night skies, Meteor Crater RV Park is located 20 miles West of Winslow allowing for an undisturbed, unpolluted star gazing experience. Here, it’s easy to capture those dazzling starry night shots. To further your space adventures, as the name indicates, this park is just a 5-mile drive to the best-preserved meteor impact site in the world, the Meteor Crater visitor center. This world-famous attraction is open for exploration, and there is a lot to explore, the crater is over 1 mile wide and 500 feet deep! Truly a magical experience.
Photo Credit: Good Sam
Rancho Sedona RV Park
This RV parks let you do the unthinkable in Arizona…escape the sun! Rancho Sedona Park is fully shaded for a much-needed breath of cool air. Breathtaking cottonwood and grand sycamore trees shade the park creating a tranquil setting that is unique to Arizona. Your dogs will thoroughly enjoy this break from the sun while they run free in the fenced dog park. The park is situated adjacent to Oak Creek creating a soothing sound of running water while you sit back and relax in the spacious sites provided by the park. More than relaxation, Rancho Sedona RV park is also great for biking, hiking, and trout fishing all year long! These are some of the many things that make this park one of the top camping destinations in Arizona.
Photo: Trip Advisor
Eagle View RV Resort
For a luxurious home base less than 25 miles from Phoenix, check out Eagle View RV Resort. This location is fantastic for exploring the surrounding area of Fort McDowell and provides exceptional scenery. Views of Verde River, Four Peaks, and majestic surrounding mountains will leave you breathless as you take in the peaceful fresh air that Fort McDowell offers. A quick drive to Scottsdale and other attractions such as the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and the Fort McDowell Casino. If you want to stay in, you can relax in the resort’s swimming pool or hot tub and enjoy family-friendly games with free coffee and pastries!
Photo: eagleviewrvresort.com
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