Road Trip with RVshare San Diego to Phoenix

When you venture on an RV journey from San Diego to Phoenix, you’ll travel through striking desert landscapes, quiet small towns, and RV-friendly recreation areas, including the Imperial Sand Dunes and scenic overlooks along I-8. This route offers smooth driving, easy access to fuel and services, and plenty of campgrounds where you can stop and unwind. You can also add simple RV-friendly detours to places like Wickenburg or Joshua Tree if you want to extend your adventure. This is just one of many road trip options from San Diego.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

When you start your RV journey, you’ll see stunning desert landscapes that will transition from coastal foothills to the saguaros and unique rock formations. While traveling in San Diego, you’ll see brushy chaparral and thinning vegetation as the climate becomes more arid. Some of the sights you will discover are Imperial Valley, Colorado Desert, and the Gila River Indian Community. During your trip, you will find many campgrounds offering RV hookups and other terrific amenities.

Seeley, CA 

During your RV trip to Phoenix, consider a stop in Seeley, CA. You'll find many attractions that are perfect for an RV trip, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Salton Sea State Recreation Area, and Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. You can stock up on food and necessities by stopping by Seeley Market. Seeley doesn’t have a store dedicated to camping supplies only. However, you can find supplies at big box stores like Target and Walmart nearby. The local restaurants offer delicious menu options when you want a break from cooking at the campground. Some to consider include Celia’s Restaurant, Junior’s Cafe, and La Pasadita.

RV Info & Tips:

● Campgrounds: When visiting, you can find several RV-friendly campgrounds, including Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort, Sunbeam Lake RV Resort , and Desert Trail RV Park. The amenities include full hookups, swimming pools, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. 

● Seasonality: The RV campgrounds in Seeley are open from April to just before Thanksgiving. There are some seasonal and extended stay options. 

● How Long to Stay: You should stay about two to three days to visit all the local attractions. Three days can give you a more relaxed pace, allowing you to take in all the natural beauty. 

Wellton, AZ 

Consider a stop in Wellton, AZ and explore many RV-friendly and local attractions, like the Naked Date Farm. While you are visiting this small town, you can stock up on groceries and essentials at Del Sol Market and Dollar General, and you can find camping supplies at Sportsman’s Warehouse nearby in Yuma. Instead of cooking at your campground, you can dine out at one of the local restaurants in Wellton, including High Tanks Brewing Taproom & Pizzeria and The Hive Restaurant. 

RV Info & Tips:

● Campgrounds: When staying in Wellton, you have a couple of RV-friendly campgrounds available to you, including Sun Country RV Park and Lazy Coyote RV Village. The amenities you can expect include full hookups, laundry rooms, swimming pools, community centers, and camping supplies. 

● Seasonality: Most campgrounds in Wellton are open year-round. You can find seasonal and extended stay options if you want to remain in the city for a few days. 

● How Long to Stay: Since it’s a smaller town, we recommend staying in Wellton for at least one day.

Buckeye, AZ

Make a stop in Buckeye, AZ, and enjoy a variety of local attractions. Some highlights include Skyline Regional Park, Verrado Golf Club, and the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena. During your visit, you can stop at ALDI, Fry’s Marketplace, and Butcher & Farmer Market to get groceries and necessities. If you need to stock up on camping supplies, you can visit Big 5 Sporting Goods. For a little local flavor, you can dine at some of Buckeye's most popular restaurants, including Rooftop on Miller, The Heritage @ Old Town, and Monroe’s Kitchen.

RV Info & Tips:

● Campgrounds: When staying in Buckeye, you’ll have many choices when looking for an RV-friendly campground. Local choices are Leaf Verde RV Resort, Buckeye Ranch RV Resort, and Covered Wagon RV Park. The amenities you will find include heated pools, clubhouses, restrooms, showers, full hookup camping spots, and volleyball courts. 

● Seasonality: The RV campgrounds in Buckeye are open year-round. 

● How Long to Stay: Since Buckeye has many terrific attractions, we recommend staying in the area at least three days. 

Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

You can enjoy your RV trip from San Diego to Phoenix more by following helpful tips. Our tips can help you plan out your trip and travel smarter. These options help you find everything you need when traveling east to Phoenix. 

Alternate Route Options

The fastest route from San Diego to Phoenix starts on I-8 East, traveling out of San Diego. However, you can also travel to Phoenix via I-10 East and travel through Beaumont, just south of the San Bernardino National Forest. This alternative route will take seven hours to complete and offers more scenic views and stops. 

Fuel & Supplies Along the Way

On this route, you will see many 24-hour gas stations and convenience stores, including Circle K, 7-Eleven, and Love’s Travel Shops. You can also stop at local stores in rural areas during the day. You’ll find camping stores, where you can get supplies up until 9 p.m. 

Campground Reservation Considerations

We recommend booking a reservation for RV camping spots during peak seasons. These camping spots can fill up quickly, and booking a reservation will secure your spot. Consider booking these reservations a few days in advance. 

RV Logistics List:

● Seasonal driving conditions: You can follow this route year-round since winters in California and Arizona are mild. However, pay close attention to weather alerts and road closures when traveling. 

● Fuel availability or long stretches without services: You should find plenty of 24-hour gas stations and convenience stores along this route. Most camping stores open in the morning and close around 9 p.m. 

● RV-friendly campgrounds or overnight stays: The RV-friendly campgrounds you’ll see on this route include Stagecoach Trails RV Resort, Sonoran Desert RV Park, and Desert Oasis Campground.

An RV trip from San Diego to Phoenix can become an incredible adventure through beautiful landscapes. You’ll make lasting memories and return home relaxed and rejuvenated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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