Las Vegas is a beautiful city, but it’s also a great place to begin an RV journey. One of the Southwest’s more interesting towns is Tucson, AZ, and the trip from Vegas to Tucson will expose you to some beautiful state parks, a national park, and some truly memorable cities. By RV, a Las Vegas to Tucson road trip will not only provide you with an easy way to travel, but when it’s time to tuck in, you also have all of your necessary accommodations. It’s just important to remember that a trip like this will have you traveling through some pretty arid areas, especially if you’re traveling in the warmer months. Make sure to bring a lot of provisions and to use a campground or two along the way to split the trip up into segments.
Saguaro National Park
You’ll be hitting one national park along this route. While you may not find a high quantity of parks, Saguaro National Park has all the quality that you’ll ever need. This park is the home of the saguaro cactus, which can only be found in the Sonoran Desert, which is where you find this national park. In total, the park is 149.2 square miles in size, so expect to spend the entire day here exploring. Temperatures vary significantly here; the average day hovers in the 60s, but you can expect temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park was the first working ranch in Las Vegas County. Now, as part of the Nevada State Park System, the ranch is still in operation but also serves as a place for tourists to explore. Some of the oldest buildings in the state are here. Some were built as early as the 1860s during the nationwide expansion westward. Expect to see expansive vistas and to go on beautiful nature hikes at this state park. There are also Super Summer Theater events to experience between May and September.
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake State Park was established in 1969. While in the park, make sure to visit the namesake Alamo Lake, which has a surface area of 17,000 acres when it’s at its fullest. This state park is one of the best in Arizona for observing the American bald eagle, which you may see snatching fish from the water. You can even join the birds in fishing; the lake is stocked with channel catfish and largemouth bass.
Picacho Peak State Park
When you’ve reached Picacho State Park, you’ll be almost to your final destination in Tucson. This is a popular choice because of the namesake peak, which has an elevation of 1,500 feet. While making your way on your road trip from Las Vegas to Tucson, this is a great place to make a stop because there are several RV campgrounds and parks to consider in the area.
Catalina State Park
The final state park that you’ll see on your road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Tucson is Catalina Lake State Park. This park is positioned at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is known for its vast desert plains. Like the previously mentioned national park, Catalina is home to the Saguaro cactus due to its position in the Sonoran Desert. The park offers hiking, biking, and tours, so set some time aside to explore.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Before leaving Vegas, check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The aquarium is home to more than 2,000 animals, and not all are sharks. Some examples of animals you might see are manta rays and stingrays, sea turtles, and near-water species like the komodo dragon. Check out the underwater tunnel that allows you to travel among the swimming species; it’s easy to see a Great White swimming directly above or beside you here. If you’re a Nevada resident, you can also take advantage of special rates.
Hoover Dam
Named after President Herbert Hoover, the Hoover Dam is a major generator of hydroelectric power in California, Arizona, and Nevada. This dam is also the tallest on the earth, and it's truly a sight to behold when you see its full 726.4 feet. Numerous tours are available in the area, so if you want to learn a little more about the history of the historic dam, like the German plot to destroy it during WWII, sign up for a guided visit.
Black Mountains
Not to be confused with the mountains of the same name in North Carolina, Arizona’s Black Mountain Range is located in Kingman, Arizona, and is known for its varied wildlife and picturesque lowlands. Here, you’ll find several hiking trails that extend along the 75-mile mountain range. Part of the range lies along the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and you can find lots to do in this part of Kingman. Also, don’t forget to check out the boundary cone here; it’s a major tourist attraction.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park
Wildlife World is in Litchfield Park, AZ, and has over 215 acres of land packed with various animal species. You can even go on safari in the Safari Park, where you will get up close and personal with species like the ultra-fast cheetah.
Boulder City
Located about 26 miles from where you start on your Las Vegas to Tucson RV road trip, Boulder City, AZ, is a large town that began its life back in 1931. Boulder City is quite different from places like Las Vegas, making it a great spot to hit while you work your way toward Tucson. Money Magazine has deemed Boulder City one of the best places to retire thanks to its medical care, tax rates, and affordable housing. When you’re there, you’ll love the rich arts, entertainment, and parks and recreation scene.
More than one of the top Arizona campgrounds are in or around Boulder City. Some good examples include Boulder Beach Campground, Canyon Trail RV Park, and Las Vegas Bay Campground. Each of these has ample spaces for most types of RVs, and each also has electrical hookups that you can use while you relax.
Kingman
Found in the Hualapai Valley, Kingman, AZ, is known for its small-town styling and beginnings as a railroad siding in the early 1900s. Kingman has a population of 28,000 people and features vibrant art and culture. The history is also rich in this area; Route 66 ran through Kingman, and the world-famous Beale Hotel is located within the city limits. For those looking to experience history, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts is here as well.
Several of the Mohave County campgrounds are in Kingman. This includes Zuni Village RV Park, which has well-maintained roads and sites that are easy to get in and out of. The park also has tours throughout the area that go to places like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The sites here can even accommodate larger RVs.
Phoenix
Located in the center of the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is one of the more popular cities in the state of Arizona. In town, you can easily check out some truly captivating local attractions. These include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum. Phoenix also has several hot air ballooning opportunities, so if you’re looking for an aerial adventure, consider a stop in this town during your Las Vegas to Tucson RV road trip.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Tucson, 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 Tucson.
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