Your Trip At a Glance
- Trip Length: 13 hours, 34 minutes
- Mileage: 817 miles
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Fun fact: In Dallas, you'll find a 52-foot cowboy that welcomes patrons every year during the State Fair of Texas, which has been held since 1886.
An RV trip from Dallas to Colorado is a great way to ease into longer-distance RV travel while still having plenty to see along the way. The route is straightforward and RV-friendly, with a mix of wide highways, small towns, and natural stops that make it easy to pace the drive. Some sights you can visit along the way include Capulin Volcano National Monument, Caprock Canyons State Park, Garden of the Gods, and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Starting in Dallas and heading northwest, you'll pass through parts of Texas and New Mexico before climbing into Colorado, where cooler temperatures and mountain scenery make the payoff especially rewarding. Along the route, RVers will find accessible campgrounds, convenient places to restock supplies, and memorable attractions that work well with an RV setup.
Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route
When traveling to Colorado from Dallas, you'll see dramatic canyons in the Texas plains. As you pass through New Mexico, you'll see breathtaking volcanic landscapes in the Capulin region, and finally as you arrive in Colorado, you'll discover the unique red rock formations within the Rocky Mountains. This route offers many vast forests, peaks, canyons, and parks at higher altitudes. You can stay at one of the many campgrounds as you find impressive places to stop and explore.
Wichita Falls, TX
Make a stop in your RV at Wichita Falls and enjoy the many local attractions, such as The Falls, River Bend Nature Center, Lake Arrowhead State Park,
the World's Littlest Skyscraper, and Castaway Cove Waterpark. While visiting, you can stop in at ALDI, Market Street, or United Supermarkets to grab a few essentials. You can cook in your RV or grill out during your visit. If you want to dine at a local restaurant, your options include Backporch Drafthouse, Bricktown Tap House, and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.
RV Info & Tips:
Campgrounds: Wichita Falls has several RV-friendly options, including Crossroads Luxury RV Park, Phillips RV Park, Whispering River Ranch RV Park, and Burkburnett KOA Journey.
Seasonality: Campgrounds are generally open year-round, with the busiest travel season running from May through August.
How Long to Stay: Two days is enough to see the main attractions, while a three-day stay allows for a slower pace.
Trinidad, NM
During your road trip, stop by Trinidad, New Mexico, and visit local RV-friendly attractions, including Trinidad Lake State Park, Trinidad History Museum, Simpson's Rest, Ave Maria Shrine, and Temple Aaron. While you are in the city, you can find groceries at Walmart and Ringo Market. If you need camping supplies or equipment, you can visit Fishers Peak Outfitters or Big R Stores. Most campgrounds offer grills if you want to cook out, or you can cook in your RV. If you want to dine on the local cuisines, you can visit The Hive, Trinidad Smokehouse, or AIMack's Kitchen.
RV Info & Tips:
Campgrounds: RV travelers can stay at Cawthon RV Park & Motel, Summit RV Park, or Trinidad Lake State Park RV and Campground, which offer convenient access to town and nearby outdoor areas.
Seasonality: Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter availability may be limited at higher elevations.
How Long to Stay: A two-day stop works well for exploring the town and nearby parks.
Colorado Springs, CO
While exploring cities in Colorado, you should stop in Colorado Springs and visit the local attractions, including Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Local grocery stores you can visit for food and snacks are Trader Joe's and King Soopers Market. If you want a break from cooking, you can visit local restaurants, including The Rabbit Hole, Shuga's, and Edelweiss German Restaurant.
RV Info & Tips:
Campgrounds: Colorado Springs offers several RV-friendly campgrounds, including Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Colorado Springs KOA, Foot of the Rockies RV Campground, and Peak RV Resort.
Seasonality: Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September.
How Long to Stay: A stay of five to seven days allows time to explore the area's parks, mountain drives, and nearby towns.
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Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
You can enhance your experience on an RV adventure from Dallas to Colorado by planning routes and timing with RV travel in mind. There are several route options between Dallas and Colorado, so RV travelers can choose the path that balances efficiency, scenery, and access to campgrounds and fuel stops.
Take the Scenic Route Out
US-287 North is the most efficient option for RV travel, with steady grades and frequent towns that make fuel and overnight stops straightforward. On the return trip, I-70 offers more dramatic scenery and established rest areas, but the drive stretches beyond 14 hours and works best when broken into multiple days. This route is well suited for RVers who plan ahead for campground reservations and want to add sightseeing stops in Oklahoma or Kansas.
Alternate Route Options
Taking I-35 north through Oklahoma and Kansas provides wide, RV-friendly highways and consistent access to fuel and services. Although the drive takes about 14 hours and 29 minutes, it allows for easy detours to cultural stops like the Cherokee Heritage Center without navigating narrow roads or complicated parking.
Fuel & Supplies Along the Way
Fuel planning is especially important on this route, as long rural stretches can limit late-night options. Larger cities are more likely to have RV-accessible fuel stations open 24 hours, while smaller towns often close by 9 p.m. Stock up on groceries and camping supplies earlier in the day to avoid searching for services after dark or adjusting your overnight plans.
Trip Logistics:
Seasonal driving conditions: Winter travel can bring icy roads and snowfall in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, while summer storms may cause flooding or temporary campground closures.
Fuel availability: This route includes rural stretches with limited services, so fueling up whenever stations are available helps avoid range concerns.
RV-friendly campgrounds: Overnight options along the way include Campers Paradise RV Park, Colorado Bend State Park, and Caprock Canyons State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plan an RV road trip from Dallas to Colorado?
To plan an RV road trip from Dallas to Colorado, 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 Dallas to Colorado 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 Dallas to Colorado. 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!