Road Trip with RVshare Houston to Los Angeles

If you want to travel from the Gulf Coast to the California Coast, an RV trip from Houston to Los Angeles offers a diverse mix of landscapes and attractions. You'll pass through vibrant cities, scenic deserts, unique caves, rivers, and forests. This route offers plenty of RV-friendly campgrounds and attractions in the towns along the way. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Traveling from Houston to Los Angeles offers deserts, mountains, rivers, and fascinating attractions along the way. These stops highlight unique scenery and RV-friendly campgrounds.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, along I-10, is the second-largest city in Texas. It offers accessible roads and wide highways, perfect for RV travel. You can explore the Alamo, stroll along the River Walk, or visit SeaWorld San Antonio. Campgrounds are located near both the city center and the outskirts for easy access. For a scenic drive, take Highway 90 West out of the city toward Del Rio. 

RV Info & Tips

Campgrounds:  Traveler's World RV or  San Antonio / Alamo KOA (Full hookups and dump stations)

Seasonality: Spring and fall are ideal. Summers can be very hot.

Roads: I-10 is RV-friendly, but downtown streets can be tight.

How Long to Stay: 1-2 nights should give you plenty of time for exploring.

El Paso, Texas

El Paso sits on the Rio Grande with wide highways perfect for RV travel. Visit the historic Ysleta Mission, explore downtown museums, or hike the Franklin Mountains. Take I-10 West for scenic desert landscapes, and plan a stop at Hueco Tanks State Park for rock climbing and petroglyphs.

RV Info & Tips

Campgrounds: El Paso Roadrunner RV Park and Mission RV Park offer full hookups.

Seasonality: Spring and fall offer milder temperatures for a more comfortable camping experience.

Roads: I-10 and US-54 provide easy RV access.

How Long to Stay: 1 night for sightseeing and hiking.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is located along I-10 and US-191. The city offers Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Pima Air & Space Museum. RV travelers can enjoy scenic desert drives or take the Catalina Highway toward Mount Lemmon for gorgeous mountain views.

RV Info & Tips

Campgrounds: Catalina State Park has water and electric hookups, and Gilbert Ray Campground has water hookups. 

Seasonality: Fall and spring are best because summers can get dangerously hot.

Roads: I-10 is RV-friendly. Some mountain roads have steep grades.

How Long to Stay:2 nights to explore museums and desert trails.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix has arts districts, museums, and cuisine stops accessible via I-10 and Loop 101. RV travelers can park near downtown or stay at campgrounds on the city outskirts. South Mountain Park/Preserve offers hiking and scenic overlooks, and driving north takes you to desert preserves and golf courses.

RV Info & Tips

Campgrounds: Desert's Edge RV Park and Desert Shadows RV Resort are popular choices, and both offer full hookups.

Seasonality: Fall through spring are the most comfortable times to visit.

Roads: Major roads and highways are RV-accessible. Downtown streets are too tight for RVs.

How Long to Stay: 1-2 nights to see the city and parks.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs offers sunshine, mountain hikes, and desert preserves. Drive along I-10 and CA-111 to reach campgrounds or access Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the Palm Springs Air Museum, or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views.

RV Info & Tips

Campgrounds: Thousand Trails Palm Springs and Happy Traveler RV Park offer full hookups. 

Seasonality: Winter and spring are the most comfortable and least crowded.

Roads: I-10 is RV-friendly, but some downtown areas are too narrow and crowded.

How Long to Stay: 1-2 nights to visit the sites and have time for hiking.

Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

By following these pro tips, your trip from Houston to Los Angeles will be full of exciting adventures and memorable sights. You do not always have to follow the main roads; some of the most incredible adventures begin off the beaten path.

Take the Scenic Route Out

If you want a break from I-10, try a short detour through Texas Hill Country. Head northwest from San Antonio on US-281 or I-10 toward Kerrville for rolling hills, river views, and peaceful small towns. Highway 90 remains a good option for quiet desert scenery as you travel toward Del Rio, but it does not pass through the Hill Country. If you want a dramatic desert change later in the drive, consider a short detour to Sedona. This is only for those with smaller RVs, because Highway 89A includes steep grades and tight switchbacks near Oak Creek Canyon.

In Arizona, you can explore red rock views near Sedona using Highway 179, which is more RV-friendly than Highway 89A. This route offers scenic overlooks without requiring the dangerous switchbacks found on Highway 89A north of town. This option adds time, but it creates a beautiful break from long desert stretches.

Alternate Route Options

Some RV travelers prefer avoiding heavy traffic near Phoenix. You can bypass the city using Loop 303 and rejoin 1-10 West. If you want mountain views, take US-60 through Globe and reach Phoenix from the northeast. Drivers with extra time can visit Big Bend using US-385 before returning to I-10. Each alternate path changes the scenery and offers more rural driving.

Fuel and Supplies Along the Way

Always fuel up before leaving major Texas cities because distances between stations increase west of Kerrville. Van Horn, Fort Stockton, and Lordsburg are reliable refueling points with RV-friendly stations. In Arizona, stop in Benson or Casa Grande because long stretches on I-10 make it hard to find a place to stop. Stock up on water before crossing into California, where prices rise fast. Keep extra coolant on hand, and monitor temperatures in summer because desert heat can stress engines.

Trip Logistics

Steep Passes: Most elevation changes begin west of Fort Stockton. The grade increases sharply near Kent as I-10 climbs toward the Guadalupe foothills. New Mexico's climb into Las Cruces also brings steady grades along the Organ Mountains. Arizona's Texas Canyon, near Benson, includes tight curves and short but noticeable climbs. California's Chiriaco Summit, east of Indio, reaches over 1,700 feet and can strain heavy RVs.

Seasonal Driving Conditions: West Texas gets sudden winter ice, especially between Ozona and Van Horn. New Mexico's higher elevations near Las Cruces see occasional snow and strong crosswinds. Arizona's desert corridor becomes extremely hot in summer, especially near Quartzsite and Buckeye. California's San Gorgonio Pass delivers powerful winds throughout the year, so be careful when traveling through this area in your RV.

Road Surface Notes: West Texas pavement shifts between smooth and older sections near Balmorhea. New Mexico construction zones appear frequently near Las Cruces. Arizona's I-10 pavement roughens in parts of Phoenix, then smooths near Buckeye. California's surface improves as it approaches Redlands but becomes crowded near the downtown connectors.

Traveling in your RV from Houston to Los Angeles offers an unforgettable journey. Whether you enjoy the mountain scenes, prefer city views, or enjoy vast stretches of desert landscape, this trip has it all. If you want to travel comfortably, consider an RV rental from RVshare. With a wide selection of small and large RVs, you're sure to find the rig that works for your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Houston to Los Angeles?

To plan an RV road trip from Houston to Los Angeles, 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 Houston to Los Angeles 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 Houston to Los Angeles. 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!