Road Trip with RVshare Las Vegas to Badlands National Park

Everywhere you look, when you journey from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park, there is rock. Whether in the desert surrounding Las Vegas, where rocky outcrops seem to jump from the ground, or in the Badlands with its massive spires and incredible clefts, rock is central to the journey. To enjoy these features, follow this Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip itinerary. Along the way, there are four national parks, three state parks and three major cities, each of which features rock in one way or another.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Saint George, Utah

Though one of the least-known cities in Utah, Saint George provides an interesting stop for anyone taking a Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip. Surrounded by immense cliffs, this community is the gateway to better-known locations like the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. While you are here, take advantage of one of its dump stations. Stay a night or two at one of the campgrounds in the area.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest and most famous town, sits on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. The city offers a unique blend of restaurants and shops indicative of the entrepreneurial spirit at the center of the Mormon faith. Drop by Lone Star Taqueria for some of the most innovative tacos found on this journey. While you are here, take advantage of the numerous dump stations and campgrounds that Salt Lake City offers.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne is a storied community that grew in importance thanks to the intercontinental railroad. With its central location along the railroad, Cheyenne grew to become a significant city with stockyards, warehouses, and assay businesses contributing to the economy. Restaurants and shops, many of which still exist today, flourished in this town as travelers rode the rails east and west. While you are in the city, take the time to clean your tanks at one of the local dump stations before taking off for Mammoth Cave National Park. To stay a night or two and enjoy Cheyenne’s sights, register at one of the many campgrounds in the area.

National Parks

Grand Canyon National Park

When you reach Saint George, Utah, 119 miles into your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip, take a 93-mile detour south to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Known for its spectacular canyons, big sky, and the tumbling Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is a significant contributor to the rock theme of this journey. The 1,218,375-acre park draws over 6 million visitors each year with its intense rainbow colors on the rocky face, fantastic wildlife, and the clear blue river that caused it all at the bottom of the deep canyon.

Zion National Park

Though smaller than the Grand Canyon, the 124,406-acre Zion National Park contributes impressive experiences to your road trip from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park. Located 40 miles northeast of Saint George, UT, this park varies in elevation from the valley floors at 3,666 feet to its highest peaks reaching 8,726 feet. Along with traditional hiking trails that wander throughout the park, Zion beckons visitors to wade through the iconic Narrows, where the Virgin River carved a slender cleft between towering cliffs.

Rocky Mountain National Park

When you reach Laramie, Wyoming, you are 783 miles into your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip. In Laramie, detour south 136 miles to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The 265,795-acre park exists at an extremely high elevation even by Colorado standards. Its lowest point sits at 8,864 feet with peaks rising above 14,000 feet. Over 300 miles of hiking trails twist through the park. With 12 quality ski slopes operating inside the park, many of the location’s 3.31 million yearly visitors come during the winter to enjoy the downhill slopes, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. The park proves challenging to rock climbers with several vertical cliffs. 

Wind Cave National Park

In Hot Springs, South Dakota, 1,082 miles into your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park RV road trip, you will come across Wind Cave National Park. The 28,295-acre park is comprised of a series of rolling hills where one of the last herds of buffalo roam. Miles of hiking trails run along the surface, up and down the slow inclines of the hills, around bends, and into small groves of Ponderosa pine. Here, travelers view wildlife in its natural habitat with elk and deer leisurely walking amongst buffalo herds grazing on the succulent prairie grass. However, there is more to this park than what lies on the surface. In keeping with the rock theme on this Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip, step into Wind Cave, one of the world's most complex and lengthy cave systems. Even when the hot summer sun of South Dakota heats the land above, the temperature in the caves remains constantly cool. By climbing into this cave, you immerse yourself in solid rock with views of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. 

Nearby State Parks

Valley of Fire State Park  

When you leave Las Vegas on your road trip from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park, you find a spectacular introduction to the rock theme of the journey at Valley of Fire State Park. Located only 50 miles north of Las Vegas, this park is a fiery red due to the red Aztec sandstone formed millions of years ago. In places, you can still see where the flow of the rock twists back on itself in a magnificent display of the power of nature. Hiking trails lead to numerous petroglyphs that demonstrate that you’re not the first to visit this fantastic site. 

Curt Gowdy State Park

Located midway between Laramie and Cheyenne, WY, 3,395-acre Curt Gowdy State Park provides a much-needed rest on your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park RV road trip. Huddled amongst rolling hills and massive granite rock outcrops, the park features three lakes where the fishing is excellent. With over 35 miles of trails, the park invites hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to venture past the campgrounds to view the wide-open plains beyond. 

Custer State Park

Located just 40 miles from Badlands National Park, Custer State Park is an ideal spot to camp during the nights while exploring the Badlands during the day. Covering 71,000 acres of the Black Hills, it is the largest state park in South Dakota. It features a series of stunning landscapes, including pristine lakes, rushing streams, and immense granite spires. Operating as a wildlife preserve, the park provides excellent views of elk, deer, antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild burros, wild turkeys, and prairie dogs. Rock climbers in training often come to this park to accept the challenge of the granite spires and rocky outcrops.

Along the Way

Bellagio Fountains

Before you depart Las Vegas on your road trip to Badlands National Park, be sure to add the Bellagio Fountains to your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip itinerary. Constructed in front of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, these fountains are choreographed to dance with music, creating fantastic shapes in midair. The displays vary with the music playing in the background.

Natural History Museum of Utah

When you reach Salt Lake City, 420 miles into your Las Vegas to Badlands National Park road trip, stop long enough the visit the Natural History Museum of Utah. The museum occupies 40,000 square feet of space inside a copper-clad building. Displays include dinosaur fossils, a three-story artificial canyon and a digital globe. The views of the city from the observation deck atop the tower are spectacular.

Big Boy Steam Engine

Cheyenne, WY, is 833 miles into your road trip from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park. Within the city lies an industrial treat. The Big Boy Steam Engine is the largest steam locomotive built. It pulled up to 3,600 tons of railcars across the steep grades from Cheyenne, WY, to Ogden, UT, without a pause. This locomotive was responsible for delivering many of the products used to build the newer buildings in Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park, 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 Las Vegas or Badlands National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park?

To plan an RV road trip from Las Vegas to Badlands National Park, 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 Las Vegas to Badlands National Park 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 Las Vegas to Badlands National Park. 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!