Road Trip with RVshare Joshua Tree to St. George

Taking a road trip from Joshua Tree to St. George will allow you to visit different types of cities along the way that range from large urban areas to small, quirky towns. Many of the regions that you will pass through are near natural preserves that contain desert terrain. You will begin your journey at the Joshua Tree National Park, which is a must-see site to add to your Joshua Tree to St. George road trip itinerary. You will get to see historic Route 66 and the resort city of Las Vegas. The surrounding landscapes are a mix of deserts, mountain ranges, and rivers that offer plenty of natural recreation.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Needles, California

The city of Needles began life in the 1800s as a tent city for railroad construction workers, but it quickly became the largest port on the Colorado River above Yuma, AZ. In the early half of the 20th century, Needles was a main stop on Route 66, the historic road that led immigrants to California. Today the city is a tourist site and has many historic buildings from different eras, and it is also the eastern access point for the Mojave National Preserve. Staying at the Arizona Charlie’s Boulder RV Park is fun because of its numerous restaurants and bars, and because it is fairly close to Needles, and you can take advantage of the various dump stations in the area.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a large urban area that is famous for its resort gaming and entertainment venues. It is also surrounded by the beautiful Springer Mountains, so visitors can take their pick of in-town entertainment and outside recreational activities. Las Vegas is located about midway on your Joshua Tree to St. George road trip, and you will have many opportunities to utilize a dump station if needed. If you are thinking about staying in the area while on your road trip from Joshua Tree to St. George, Lake Mead RV Village is a large RV park on Lake Mead, one of the biggest lakes in the American West.

Bunkerville, Nevada

Bunkerville is located near the Nevada and Arizona borders and is home to many different types of venues and activities, like parks, museums, national landmarks, casinos, hiking trails, and more. The  Hitchin' Post RV Park & Motel is a huge RV park on the outskirts of Las Vegas and is a convenient site for accessing the area's attractions. If you want to use a dump station before arriving at St. George, you will have ample choices.

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a large preserve located in southern California. It is named for the Joshua Tree, which is a yucca plant in the agave family. Over the centuries, the Joshua Tree has been utilized by Native Americans for clothing, food, and utilitarian uses. The park contains portions of two distinct deserts called the Sonoran and the Mojave. The Sonoran is a "low desert," which is hot and arid with minimal vegetation of creosote bushes, cholla cactus, and flowering ocotillo. The Mojave is a "high desert," which possesses a higher humidity and more vegetation. Many different species of animals roam throughout the park, and you can often see bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and more. If you enjoy birdwatching, you will often see flocks of birds as they migrate along the Pacific migratory bird flyway.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is the home of the Grand Canyon, the largest canyon in North America. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 18 miles at its widest point, and 277 miles long. The South Rim is 7,000 feet in elevation, and the North Rim is 8,000 feet in elevation. While these statistics are amazing, the sheer size and beauty of the Grand Canyon has to be seen to be truly experienced. The access points to the park are the South Rim, the North Rim, the Grand Canyon West Rim, and Havasupai Falls. The National Park Service manages the South Rim and the North Rim, the Havasupai owns the rights to Havasupai Falls, and the Hualapai manages the Grand Canyon West Rim. Visitors to the park can view the canyon in a myriad of ways, such as hiking into the interior, hiking along the rims, visiting the Grand Canyon Skyway, riding a mule, rafting the Colorado River, and taking a helicopter ride. Many of these activities will require special advance permits, and the privately managed activities may be fee-based.

Nearby State Parks

Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park is located on Lake Havasu, a man-made reservoir formed by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River. The park is next to Lake Havasu City, a unique resort destination that is home to the prior London Bridge, which was sold by the U.K. to a private party in the U.S. in 1967. Within the park, visitors can boat, fish, and swim. You can hike on various trails, including the Mohave Sunset Trail, and tour the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden.

Wildwood Canyon State Park

Spending time in Wildwood Canyon State Park is a great way to explore the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on your Joshua Tree to St. George RV road trip. The park has a varied landscape of live oaks that are hundreds of years old, grasslands and chaparral, and sage scrub. The park is part of a box canyon that is home to hundreds of wildlife species and native plants, many of which are rare. Visitors can also tour original ranches and homesteads while in the park.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located in the Mojave Desert in Nevada and is named because of the resident red sandstone cliffs and peaks. It also contains rock formations like the Keystone Thrust Fault, which is a layer of gray Paleozoic limestone on top of younger buff and red Jurassic sandstone, and Native American petroglyphs. There is a 13-mile scenic drive that has a number of viewing pull-outs, and there are numerous hiking trails nearby.

Along the Way

The Palm Spring Aerial Tramway

You will get a great view of the Chino Canyon when you ride the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway. The tram ascends 2,643 feet from the bottom of the canyon at Valley Station to the Mountain Station at the top. The rotating cars were added in 2000, and they rotate two full revolutions during the trip. You will pass through five ecologically distinct areas that begin with the Sonoran Desert and end with the alpine forests of Mount San Jacinto. When you arrive at the top, you can visit the ski center and snack bar and journey further along to the hiking trail system.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a familiar landmark sight in Los Angeles and is one of its most enduring attractions. It was originally built as a public astronomical observatory, and it is located on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park above the Los Feliz neighborhood. From the Observatory, you will get a great view of the Hollywood sign. The Observatory has the original 12-inch refracting Zeiss telescope that is now doubled with a 9-inch refracting telescope, solar telescopes, and free-standing telescopes for viewing the sky. There are also coin-operated telescopes for viewing the surrounding landscape.

Caesar's Palace

One of the most iconic sights in Las Vegas, Caesar's Palace, has been entertaining people for years. Built in 1966, Caesar's Palace has a recurring Roman theme that is grandiose in a Hollywood movie style of presentation. Over the years, many famous people have performed here, and you can always find exciting events happening at this fun and lively venue. Besides the scheduled shows, you can also enjoy the casinos and the restaurants any day of the week.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to St. George, 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 Joshua Tree or St. George.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Joshua Tree to St. George?

To plan an RV road trip from Joshua Tree to St. George, 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 Joshua Tree to St. George 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 Joshua Tree to St. George. 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!