Road Trip with RVshare Cedar Rapids to Phoenix

You may be trying to escape Cedar Rapids’ cold winter weather, needing to go to a business meeting, or just looking for a terrific vacation idea. If so, a Cedar Rapids to Phoenix road trip can hold plenty of memory-making experiences. Once you arrive, you can find a lot to do in Phoenix, including visiting the Musical Instrument Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Herd Museum. There are many hiking trails in the Phoenix area, like the ones running up Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and Hole in the Wall. Regardless of what you want to do when you get to Phoenix, stop and enjoy amazing parks and attractions along the way. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Kansas City, Missouri  

Kansas City lies on both sides of the Missouri River, and you may want to visit both sides of this city. There are awesome campgrounds in Kansas City, like the Worlds of Fun Campground at the amusement park or Stadium Park & Campground located only 1 mile off the interstate. Find Kansas City RV dump stations at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, where you can see a historic textile factory, and at Basswood Country RV Resort, where you can enjoy a fun meal in the pizza parlor. 

Topeka, Kansas  

Beat the summer heat at shaded Topeka campgrounds, like Deer Creek Valley RV Park and Sycamore Acres RV Park. These facilities, and others like them, are also great places to camp when the wildflowers are in bloom or when the leaves are turning colors. Find Topeka RV dump stations at Topeka Hilltop Campground. 

Albuquerque, New Mexico  

Albuquerque has so many exciting things to do, like riding the Sandia Peak Tramway and exploring the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, that you need to include this stop on your Cedar Rapids to Phoenix road trip. With all the fun that you can have at Albuquerque campgrounds, such as swimming in the pool at Balloon View RV Park and participating in the special events at Albuquerque Central KOA, you may never want to leave your campsite. RV dump stations are available at Giant Service Station 3 and Flying J Travel Plaza, making it easy to dump your tanks when buying gas on your road trip from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix.

National Parks

Guadalupe Mountains National Park  

Once you get to Tucumcari, New Mexico, consider getting on U.S. Highway 285 South and going about five hours south to cross back into Texas, and visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park near Salt Flat, Texas. This park is a fascinating place to go hiking because it offers desert and mountain opportunities. Climb the natural staircase and hike between the deep canyon walls on the Devil’s Hall Trail. This trail and others offer outstanding opportunities to go birdwatching. Since this park is in an isolated location, you will love the stargazing. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park  

You may also want to go south from Tucumcari, New Mexico, for about four hours to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This location near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is located only about 60 minutes west of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. One of the main reasons that people go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park is to see the main cave. While the park area was underwater during the middle Permian era, sulfuric acid formed this cave, which the Native Americans may have used as early as 14,000 years ago. Before the cave and the area surrounding it were a popular tourist attraction, people came here to collect bat feces, or guano. The cave is still home to 17 different bat species. You can learn more about them during the summertime bat presentations at sunset when the bats are leaving the cave to hunt for their meals. Explore the hiking trails before leaving this park. Watch for pictographs left by early Native Americans in the area as you hike. 

Grand Canyon National Park  

The Grand Canyon National Park is home to the deepest canyon in the United States. There are lots of ways that you can explore this location. On your Cedar Falls to Phoenix RV road trip, consider visiting the north rim first. Only about 10% of all tourists going to the park visit this location, but you will want to be one of them so that you can stroll along the half-mile Bright Angel Point Trail to see the canyon. Then, drive along the North Rim Scenic Drive to view the canyon. The North Rim is a fantastic place to start a hike to Phantom Ranch at the canyon’s base if you love hiking. Another fabulous place to visit at the Grand Canyon that many people miss is the Toroweap Overlook, which is on top of a 3,000-foot vertical wall with the Colorado River at its base. A great way to access the scenic drive in this area is to start 6 miles east of Pipe Spring National Monument and to follow County Road 109 into the park. There are many other activities besides hiking and scenic driving to do here, including canoeing, mule riding, and biking.

Nearby State Parks

Rock Creek State Park  

Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg, Iowa, is a great place for a boating adventure. You can also relax on the beach and swim in the lake, which is one of the largest manmade lakes in the state. This park offers over 15 miles of shoreline for fishing. Hikers will love exploring the hiking trails that are running around the lake. 

Perry State Park  

There are over 20 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails through the gently rolling hills at this Kansas state park near Ozawkie. Over 1,250 acres of this 26,500-acre park is on Perry Reservoir’s shores. Catch crappie and channel catfish in the reservoir and the creeks feeding it. This park is divided into two areas with part of it being left as wilderness where people can hunt seasonally. The Perry Wilderness Area is a fascinating place to go birdwatching because water is piped into the area when necessary to ensure a proper habitat for the birds. 

Caprock Canyons State Park  

Be sure to include a stop at Caprock Canyons State Park near Quitaque, Texas, on your road trip itinerary from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix. There are over 90 miles of trails with many running across prairie land where bison roam freely. Many of the trails are also open for horseback riding and mountain biking. Go wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming on the 120-acre Lake Theo. A great way to explore this park is on a scenic drive. This park is also a fantastic place to try geocaching. 

Bluewater State Park  

Bluewater State Park near Grants is another excellent New Mexico state park to stop at for water sports. Bluewater Lake is a terrific place to go muskie fishing. You will love hiking and horseback riding on the trails lined with pinyon and juniper trees. The lake’s clear waters attract many species of birds to this New Mexico state park. 

Homolovi State Park  

You may think you hear a Hopi Native American talking in the background when you visit Homolovi State Park near Winslow, Arizona. This park is filled with the ruins of seven Anasazi pueblos that the tribe used about 1300 C.E. After visiting the ruins, hike along the trails running along the Little Colorado River. Many of the trails allow you to see ancient petroglyphs. 

Along the Way

Haskell Indian Nations University Cultural Center & Museum  

In Lawrence, Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University was started as a Native American boarding school and has transformed into a university. You will want to view the exhibits at their cultural center and museum. You can also view cultural items dating back to 1864 at this location. 

Coronado Quivira Museum  

Learn more about the Native Americans and early settlers of Rice County, Kansas, by touring the Coronado Quivira Museum in Lyons. Learn about Quivira, Coronado’s journey north from Mexico in 1541. This small history museum has been collecting the area’s history since 1923. 

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center  

Experience some of the 19 pueblos making up New Mexico by stopping at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The museum contains many historical artifacts, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Watch Native American dancers perform dances in traditional clothing on the plaza. Sample Native American foods at the café, and shop in the bookstore. 

Acoma Pueblo  

Get your ideas of how and where America started with a visit to the Acoma Pueblo, which is located about 60 miles west of Albuquerque. This location is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Tour the community where about 50 tribal members live year-round without running water or electricity. Learn the story of how men carried massive logs to build the gigantic San Estévan del Rey Mission in 1640. View Pueblo pottery and Southwest Indian artwork at the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Cedar Rapids or Phoenix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix?

To plan an RV road trip from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!