One of the Best RV Road Trips in the American Southwest

Ok, so here we go with one of the best RV road trips in the southwest of the U.S.

I’ve put together this loop that takes in Utah’s famous “Mighty 5” parks, including Canyonlands and the Grand Canyon.

Expect to see endless red rock views including: Delicate Arch at sunrise, the Colorado River canyon, Monument Valley and Zion’s towering cliffs, to name just a few.

I’ve started and finished the loop in Moab, Utah, but obviously tailor the route to suit you.

I’ve picked out some great RV parks and campgrounds along the route, as well as points of interest.

Region: Southwest U.S.A (Utah and Arizona)

Best Time: May till October

Loop Starts and Ends: Moab, Utah.

Approx Total Miles: 1,200

Trip Length: 12 – 14 Days (Allows 2 – 3 days at each stop)

Suggested Itinerary

I’ve put together a suggested itinerary that covers many famous locations and activities along this route.

There’s something for everyone on this RV road trip, adventure seeking families and retirees alike. There’s kid friendly hikes and amazing scenery for all ages.

I’ve suggested an RV park or campground at each location, but I’ve also listed quite a number of free dispersed camping (BLM) spots around the route. 

A – Moab, Utah.

Moab is a great starting point for one of the best RV road trips in the American Southwest. It’s known for its amazing red rock landscapes and easy access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. 

Moab is a definite hub of outdoor adventure and you’ll find everything you need to start your trip. Moab is a charming little town where you can stock up on supplies before hitting the road.

I’ve picked out Village Camp Moab (formally Portal RV Resort) for an overnight stay if you want to stay in Moab. I can also recommend the Love Muffin Cafe (pinned) for a great breakfast!

B – Arches National Park

I think the Arches National Park is one of those must visit locations of the American Southwest. It’s only a short drive from the town of Moab and has over 2,000 stone arches, the most famous being Delicate Arch. This place has some incredible photo opportunities.

If you’re hiking and sightseeing, I’d advise setting off as early as possible to beat the crowds (and the heat). 

There are some amazing driving routes throughout the park and spectacular sunset views. The entire park is a surreal landscape and a great starting point for the road trip.

N.B. Reservations are essential at Arches’ Devils Garden Campground. It’s the parks’ only campground and it’s open from Mar – Oct.

C – Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District)

Island In The Sky district of the Canyonlands National Park is around 40 mins drive from Moab, and probably the easiest part of Canyonlands to see in a shorter time frame.

The area is situated on top of a mesa, with massive views over huge canyons made by the Colorado and Green rivers.

The main scenic route in is easy even for larger RVs, with lots of pullouts with amazing views. This area is a little quieter than the Arches national park, and it’s easier to get a little solitude if you want it. Space is limited at Island In The Sky Campground, but there is nearby BLM land for off grid camping.

Ideal for a half or full day visit on your RV road trip.

D – Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is way less crowded than Utah’s other parks, making it a peaceful stop on the road trip. It’s known for its dramatic canyon walls and domes.

The Fruita Campground is a hidden gem in the park, set among fruit orchards and historic buildings. It’s a quiet grassy campground with paved RV sites. You’re surrounded by canyon walls and the place is perfect for dark sky stargazing.

It’s a pretty easy hike to the famous Hickman Bridge and you’re also not too far from the Fremont petroglyphs.

You also have to try the fruit pies at the Gifford House!

E – Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing high elevation park famous for towering “hoodoos” (spire shaped rock formations). There are a ton of must see sights here, and it’s worth taking some extra time to see them.

Sunrise Point, Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point all have unforgettable views.

North Campground is a great base to see all this good stuff, and although there are no hookups, there are water and dump stations. It’s cooler here at altitude so you’ll get a decent night’s sleep.

Bryce is also an official International Dark Sky Park, and you’ll see some stunning night skies.

F – Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world renowned stop on this RV road trip. Sheer sandstone cliffs, emerald river canyons, and amazing desert hikes are the reason so many flock here.

Watchman Campground is the most convenient base to see everything there is to see here. It’s located just inside the South Entrance and has electric hookups and clean facilities and amazing views all around.

From here you can jump on the Zion Canyon Shuttle which will get you to all the must see sights – Angels Landing, The Narrows and the Pa’rus Trail to name a few.

Get a drink or a meal at the Zion Brew Pub and then relax under the stunning night skies.

G – Lake Powell (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon)

Wahweap RV & Campground is a great place to take a breather and relax on the shores of Lake Powell. This is a full hookup campground with stunning views of the lake and the nearby rock formations.

There are boat tours and kayaking available on the lake, or you can just chill out and take in the views.

The town of Page is close by and ideal for booking a tour of Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam.

Lake Powell is a great place to recharge before continuing the road trip.

H – Grand Canyon South Rim (Grand Canyon Village)

So here we are at the legendary Grand Canyon National Park. Mather campground in Grand Canyon Village puts you right in the centre of the park, a short walk from all the iconic viewpoints – Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Bright Angel Trailhead.

There are no hookups but there is water and a dump station. The campground has nice shady sites, and there is easy access to groceries and bike rentals.

Hiking a short stretch of the Rim Trail will give you views you’ll never forget. It’s a great base to see one of the world’s natural wonders.

See my guide on other places to stay around the Grand Canyon here.

I – Monument Valley

Monument Valley is probably one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest, and the last stop on this RV road trip before completing the loop back at Moab.

The View Campground is within the Navajo Tribal Park, and you’ll get a front row seat to this amazing scenery (especially at sunrise and sunset). The campground doesn’t have hookups, but to be honest, that’s the last thing you’ll be thinking about.

You can take a guided Navajo tour for a real look into the area’s culture and geology. There’s a nearby visitor center with a small museum and a gift shop. You can also take drive out to Linda’s for a traditional Fry Bread.

Monument Valley is a powerful and memorable last stop on this RV road trip through the Southwest.

J – Return to Moab (UT -163 N and US -191 N)

There are a couple of stops on the route back to Moab that you may be interested in.

The first is Goosenecks State Park. There are some amazing views over a number of river bends made by the San Juan River. There’s an overlook with parking suitable for RVs, and if you want to stay overnight there’s a small fee.
Natural Bridges National Monument is the next location, it’s a bit of a detour, but if you have the time it’s well worth a look. There are three massive natural stone bridges to see, and there is a campground if you want to stop over.

(If) you get back to Moab, maybe celebrate with a beer at the Moab Brewery

If you find the National Parks and campgrounds are really busy or booked up (and they often are), there are some great dispersed camping options around the route (green pins on the map).

I’ve listed all these spots on the map ledger, working anti clockwise from the starting point in Moab.

Moab Area

Willow Springs Road (BLM 378)

You’ll find this place about 13 miles north of Moab, there’s lots of sites suitable for RVs. It’s a pretty popular spot due to its closeness to Arches National Park.

Dalton Wells Road

Just off US -191, this area has several camping spots with easy access to the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Lone Mesa Area (BLM 137)

Located along UT – 313, this area has lots of sites suitable for larger RVs.

Capitol Reef National Park

Route 24 Dispersed Camping

Located near Torrey, Utah, this is a rugged area just outside Capitol Reef National Park.

Dispersed Campsite Near Capitol Reef National Park

Another rocky campsite with sparse vegetation close to the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Great Western Trail Dispersed Camping

A peaceful place near Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Fork Sevier River Dispersed Campsites

Dispersed camping sites are located on the river south of the lake, a quiet setting near Bryce Canyon. 

Zion National Park

Gooseberry Mesa

You’ll find this place near Apple Valley, Utah. This area has dispersed camping with panoramic views and mountain bike trails.

Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway

This area has epic views of Mt. Kinesava and some stunning night skies, a great base for exploring Zion.

Lake Powell

Corral Dispersed

This is a great location if you’re looking for a quiet place with stunning views, close to Page, Arizona.

Glen Canyon Dam Bridge Outlook

Another location with beautiful views, located near Page, Arizona. 

Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

Forest Road 688

This is a well known and well maintained dispersed camping spot just off AZ – 64. This location puts you within 10 minutes of the South Rim entrance.

Monument Valley

Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

Located close to the west entrance of the Valley Of The Gods. You’ll find lots of dispersed campsites with stunning views.

Old Hwy 163 Dispersed Camping

Located near the Utah / Arizona border, this is a flat desert terrain area with sparse vegetation, a quiet stop over place.

This amazing RV road trip through the American Southwest takes in some of the world’s best known natural wonders.  Red rock canyons and Zion sunrises to Navajo heritage – an unforgettable experience.

Safe travels.