Road Trip with RVshare San Diego to Tulsa

San Diego is a lively metropolitan city positioned along the coastline of California. The area has a vast array of attractions and recreational activities, so you won't have a shortage of things to see to get your San Diego to Tulsa road trip off to a great start. Traveling in an RV provides you with an excellent opportunity to explore notable stops. These include museums, national parks, and state parks that feature local landmarks, exceptional cuisine, and much more. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Phoenix, Arizona  

Phoenix is a desert city full of beautiful vistas and hospitable residents. It also hosts a wide range of local attractions like the Heard Museum, Phoenix Zoo, and the Phoenix Art Museum. The city receives more sun on average than many others in the United States, making it an ideal place for RV campers who want to escape chilly weather. The North Phoenix Campground is a perfect RV camping site that hosts many admirable features, including a swimming pool. As a popular travel hub, the city has no shortage of dump stations as well.

Winslow, Arizona

Winslow, located in Arizona, has been a significant stop-over point for travelers for years because of its ideal local attractions. These include the Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon, and the Homolovi Ruins State Park. You can also find convenient options for campgrounds and dump stations nearby as well. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Besides being the largest city in Oklahoma, Oklahoma City also hosts the largest livestock market in the world. The city and its surrounding area also feature a heartland-rich culture that you can see and feel when you visit various attraction sites such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. When you visit the Red Earth Art Center, you'll get to see firsthand the profound Native American impact that still exists to date. When looking for a campground or dump station, Oklahoma City has you covered. The city has ideal sites for RV travelers whether they want a long-term or short-term stay. 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is a well-known city with a deep traditional heritage combining Mexican and American culture. You can sample some of these influences by visiting historical sites, opera houses, stadiums, museums, and art centers throughout the area. If you plan to spend a night in Albuquerque or pass through to Texas or California, the city has a wide range of safe campgrounds for your rental RV. American RV Resort is among the top campgrounds in Albuquerque, offering an array of amenities that include a playground for kids, a heated swimming pool, and a clubhouse. Dump stations are widely available in the area as well.

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park  

This national park that spans across more than 1,200 miles of California is comprised of a varied landscape characterized by the merging of the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Joshua Tree National Park offers exclusive rock formations, stunning mountain views, and cactus-dotted sand sweeps. It also has rugged and surreal vistas that result from the numerous parallel faults passing through the national park. You can visit the park at any time of the year, although summers can be scorching. Although the park is in a remote area, you can find lodgings and other camping facilities in the small towns surrounding the area. 

Saguaro National Park  

If you want to see the breathtaking saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park is your go-to place. You can only find these cacti in the Sonoran desert located in Pima County, AZ, so many tourists from across the globe visit this place to hike and drive in search of these majestic plants. Since the park is in a desert, you should expect summer temperatures to be quite high during the day and chilly throughout the night. 

 Grand Canyon National Park  

The Grand Canyon National Park is the topmost state attraction that draws millions of travelers annually. Visitors flock to this area to gaze over the rim’s edge or take an adventurous tour into the canyon. Since the park rests in the high deserts of Arizona, the canyon experiences a variety of weather effects, so be sure to check the conditions before you visit during your road trip from San Diego to Tulsa. At the Grand Canyon, you can engage in cycling, backpacking, hiking, and rafting. You can also participate in ranger-led activities, including geological lectures, wildlife talks, and hikes. 

 White Sands National Park  

White Sands National Park is an ancient federal monument that rests in New Mexico. Apart from its spectacular beauty, the bizarre field of dunes boasts plenty of fascinating cultural and historical context surrounded by military installments. The area is a pleasant place where families gather to take on adventurous hikes to the sand, sled down the dunes, and ride horses. The site also has fossilized footprints of ancient citizens such as saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and dire wolves. 

Nearby State Parks

Lake Thunderbird State Park

Lake Thunderbird State Park covers almost a quarter of its namesake lake, which is located in the state of Oklahoma. Annually, over 600,000 people travel to see the lake, making it a leading attraction. At first, the government designed the lake to serve as a reservoir for Dell City, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Midwest City, but this changed after the area became a popular spot for tourists. Currently, the park is home to 11 camping areas, two swimming beaches, nine boat ramps, and two marinas. 

Santa Rosa Lake State Park  

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is an ideal getaway spot located 124 miles outside of Albuquerque. Positioned on the plains of New Mexico, the park provides a variety of opportunities for adventure seekers. Paddling your kayak on the lake will make you feel like an explorer as you head towards the island. If you're a professional water skier, you can practice your skills at this lake during the summer. You can also pursue fishing activities and catch some sunfish, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, and crappie. 

Homolovi State Park  

If you love learning about Native American History, this park will offer a wide range of engaging activities. The Homolovi State Park provides travelers with some excellent insight into the Hopi migration that occurred between the 1200s and the 1300s. Walking through the campsite will enable you to see archeologists as they dig out historic ruins of the ancient people who walked on those paths. The park also provides other wild desert experiences, including the chance to take in an enormous pageant of stars at night and enjoy the remarkable display of sun rays as the sun goes down in the evening. You can also opt to hike through the rocky and rugged terrain on the designated and well-maintained areas. 

Along the Way

Bricktown  

Found in Oklahoma, Bricktown is an ideal place where families can spend the last day of their road trip from San Diego to Tulsa. Bricktown has a plethora of great clubs and restaurants, making it an ideal stopover point for a remarkable show and dinner before camping at night in your RV. Plan your road trip for the summer if you want to experience a water taxi ride, but it does come with a fee. 

McHood Park

McHood Park rests on an artificial reservoir lake that hosts various activities such as canoeing, swimming, and kayaking. Anglers also have the chance to take a boat on the lake or fish on the banks. You can also go hiking and try to see a wide variety of birds present in the area.

Old Town Albuquerque

The area of Old Town Albuquerque is a terrific place for families who want to enjoy the attractions and beauty of this antiquated part of town. Founded in 1706, this region is among the top places Albuquerque guests visit to experience its renowned art galleries, excellent restaurants, and boutique shopping. While in Old Town Albuquerque, you can enhance your road trip experience by visiting the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Diego to Tulsa, 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 San Diego or Tulsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Diego to Tulsa?

To plan an RV road trip from San Diego to Tulsa, 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 San Diego to Tulsa 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 San Diego to Tulsa. 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!