Road Trip with RVshare Tucson to Grand Isle State Park

If you are looking to explore the southern border, this Tucson to Grand Isle State Park RV road trip is right up your alley. There are several national and state parks that you can visit during your trip, and there are even amusement parks for when you want to feed your thrill-seeking side. Most of the trip takes you across Texas, so make sure to find tasty Tex-Mex food and some good Texas BBQ before leaving the state. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

El Paso, Texas

An array of exciting sights await your time and attention in El Paso. Some of the highlights include the El Paso Mission Trail, the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of Archeology, and the El Paso Zoo. If you are looking for a campground in the area, Mission RV Park, Fort Bliss RV Park, and Desert Oasis Park are located right in the city. You can even find a local dump station where you can get rid of your wastewater.

San Antonio, Texas

There is a lot of history to explore in San Antonio, and one way to do it is to tour the Alamo during your visit. You can also check out the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park or enjoy some time at one of the zoos and theme parks in the area. There are several campgrounds in San Antonio where you can stay. Some great options in the city include San Antonio KOA Campground, Greenlake RV Resort, and Admiralty RV Resort. Many of the local campgrounds also have dump stations that guests can use for free to get rid of their wastewater.

Houston, Texas

One of the last major cities you will stop at in Texas during this road trip is Houston. It is the fourth-largest city in the United States and full of unique things to do during your visit. Some highlights to explore in Houston include Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There are also quite a few museums to make time for in this city; in fact, there are 19 in the downtown area alone. There are several Houston campgrounds where you can stay, including locations like Southlake RV Resort, Fallbrook RV Resort, and Westlake RV Resort. Dump stations in Houston are also fairly easy to find so that you can get rid of your wastewater before getting on the road again.

National Parks

Saguaro National Park

The first national park you want to include on your road trip itinerary from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park is located in Tucson. Saguaro National Park is a great place to see saguaro cactus plants; in fact, they can only be found in the Saguaro Desert. If you are looking to get some amazing pictures with the cacti, visit the western section of the park called the Tucson Mountain District. The Rincon Mountain District of the park also has some nice picturesque trails that you may want to explore, and 800-year-old rock art can be found in the park. There are also scenic drives you can enjoy if the desert heat is too much for a hike.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park was only designated a national park in 2019, but it is a great place to take in the dunes and enjoy the desert atmosphere. While you are visiting the park, hike one of the five trails found in the dunes. You can also sled down the dunes; if you do not have a sled to use, they are sold at the visitor's center. Playing in the sand is also a great option for kids to enjoy, but be careful because the sand can get very hot in these desert temperatures.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is where you can find four of the highest peaks in Texas, and since it is mostly flat land surrounding the park, these mountain ranges create some very picturesque views. While you are visiting, hike through McKittrick Canyon, which is about 15 miles round trip; the Devil's Hall Trail is also a great place to hike. You will also want to take a tour of the Frijole Ranch that can be found in the park. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is made up of 119 limestone caves. You can take a self-guided tour of the caves or take a tour with a park ranger who knows a lot about the cave formations. Make sure you check out the Big Room and the Natural Entrance while you are here. There are six ranger-led tours that you can take, and there are also trails on the surface that you can enjoy hiking as well. If you visit between April and October, try to stay in the park until it gets dark so that you can see the bats fly out of the entrance of the cave for their migration.

Nearby State Parks

Kartchner Caverns State Park

The first state park that you will want to visit on this Tucson to Grand Isle State Park road trip is Kartchner Caverns State Park. The park has over 2.5 miles of underground passageways. In addition to exploring the caves, there are plenty of trails to hike above ground. Do not forget your binoculars so that you can look for wildlife around the caves.

South Llano River State Park

South Llano River State Park is a great place for anglers, thanks to the river. Since the park has more than 2 miles of water access, you can also take a boat or a raft out into the water and enjoy floating. This park is also a great place to go birding as more than 250 species of birds are found in this area. Other activities enjoyed in the park include biking, hiking, and stargazing.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park consists of 1,087 acres with quite a bit of wildlife that lives in the area. There are over 200 species of birds in the park, so be sure to pack your binoculars. There are five trails that you can hike and explore as well as a few waterways where you can drop a kayak or a canoe into the water and enjoy fishing or simply floating along. 

Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park is a great location for deep-sea anglers to enjoy. In fact, if you are in the park during July, you can take part in an offshore fishing competition. Crabbing is also enjoyed in this park. The gulf water is warm all year long, so you can take a dip in the water during your visit. If you prefer to stick to land, there is a 2.5-mile trail that you can hike. 

Along the Way

Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument is a wonderland of rocks that you can explore. It is part of Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains, and to see the monument fully, you can take an 8-mile scenic drive or a 17-mile hike on the trails in the area. There is also a visitor's center where you can learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

To get your thrills during this road trip from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park, make a stop at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Enjoy rides like Batman: The Ride, Goliath, and Poltergeist. There is also a water park at this location.

Seismique

Seismique is a museum where immersive experiences make you a part of the exhibits. There are 40 unique galleries that you can explore to stimulate your creativity and make learning fun. There is also a café and a gift shop that you can check out during your visit.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tucson to Grand Isle State 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 Tucson or Grand Isle State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park?

To plan an RV road trip from Tucson to Grand Isle State 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 Tucson to Grand Isle State 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 Tucson to Grand Isle State 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!