Road Trip with RVshare Tucson to Fishlake National Forest

When you take a road trip from Tucson to Fishlake National Forest, you'll drive through some of the Southwest's most fascinating desert and forest areas. You'll begin in the mountains of Arizona among the saguaro cacti that are so symbolic of the area. This region is home to two of Arizona's most famous natural wonders, the Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon. In Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, the sandstone cliffs, spires, buttes and plateaus will be a memorable part of your journey. When you arrive at Fishlake National Forest, you'll experience breathtaking views of its mountains, lakes and woods.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Phoenix

If you visit Phoenix, AZ, on your road trip from Tucson to Fishlake National Forest, you can pay a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, a popular place to see the desert in all its glory throughout the year. The city has over 200 golf courses and numerous museums.

When you're RVing through Greater Phoenix, you'll find that there are many local campgrounds that offer a variety of options for campers and RVers. If you're not camping, but you need access to RV facilities, there are plenty of local dump stations too.

Prescott

The Prescott, AZ, area is home to Watson Lake and Prescott National Forest. There's lots of nature to enjoy at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and plenty of history to be experienced at local museums.

Here's our list of campgrounds in Prescott. Some of these campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, and some don't, so be sure to check the options and amenities when you need a place to park for the night. Several Prescott-area dump stations are found in convenient locations in addition to campgrounds.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ, is home to various hiking tours, historic sites, and monuments. Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff for more than a century, is a popular place for stargazing and solar viewing.

For camping and RVing, you'll find plenty of Flagstaff-area campgrounds. Most of these offer full hookups for RVs. There also are several dump stations in nearby Prescott.

Kanab

You'll pass through a lot of little towns on your way through Southern Utah. Kanab, UT, as one of the bigger small towns, is conveniently situated at a crossroads along your route. The town is also centrally located in between several of the parks and campgrounds in Southern Utah. If you need to dispose of wastewater, you can find dump stations in nearby St. George. 

National Parks

Saguaro National Park

You can begin your Tucson to Fishlake National Forest RV road trip with a scenic hike or drive through Saguaro National Park, which is located just outside of Tucson. The giant saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert, and this national park is one of the best places to see this famous cactus species.

Petrified Forest National Park

If you have time to drive a short distance east of the main route, visit the Petrified Forest National Park while you're on your Tucson to Fishlake National Forest road trip. The park has hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, but you can also drive through and stop at scenic overlooks. The Petrified Forest is famous for its giant petrified logs. Other interesting features of the park include historic petroglyphs and the Painted Desert badlands.

Grand Canyon National Park

As one of the country's most famous national parks, Grand Canyon National Park is a destination that's visited by nearly 6 million people a year. Visitors enjoy the stunning views in all kinds of ways: driving to scenic viewpoints along the rim, hiking, and camping in and near the canyon, and experiencing outdoor adventure trips deep into the canyon. The Grand Canyon is definitely a must-see destination on your Tucson to Fishlake National Forest road trip itinerary.

Bryce Canyon National Park  

Every year, more than 2 million people visit Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. Popular recreation activities include backpacking, camping, and horseback riding. Bryce Canyon also has a free shuttle service that provides convenient access to the park's most popular trails and overlooks.

Zion National Park

When you visit Zion National Park, you'll be amazed at the beautiful landscape that's filled with Utah's iconic sandstone cliffs. Popular activities at Utah's first national park include rock climbing, canyoneering, and stargazing. 

Nearby State Parks

Picacho Peak State Park

You will come across this state park during the early part of your Tucson to Fishlake National Forest RV road trip. Picacho Peak State Park is known for its namesake, a 1,500-foot peak that has been recognized as a landmark for centuries. Hiking is popular at the park, and the many trails offer scenic and challenging options. The park also has a visitor center, a campground, picnic areas, and more.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

When you visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you'll be glad to find that it's somewhat of an oasis in the area. The park has a large campground with over 100 RV sites. Wildlife viewing is popular, and there are many trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use along the riverfront and through the forested areas.

Slide Rock State Park

In addition to its famous natural waterslide, Slide Rock State Park is home to beautiful orchards and trails in Oak Creek Canyon. Hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching are popular things to do at Slide Rock State Park.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

There's an amazing array of desert geology to see at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. With its famous pink sand, this stop is an opportunity for an unforgettable experience. The area is popular for its trails, camping, and scenic overlooks. The dunes are open for hiking and playing, and most of the dune areas can be used for ATV riding too.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Although it's a short distance from your main route, Kodachrome Basin State Park is well worth the visit. It gives you the chance to experience more of Utah's unique geology. The park provides an amazing view of the sandstone formations known as sedimentary pipes. This park's varying colors, layers, and spires of sandstone make this park a great addition to your Tucson to Fishlake National Forest road trip itinerary.

Along the Way

Coconino National Forest

This national forest is a wealth of mountains, canyons, pine forests, red desert rocks and streams. Recreation options at Coconino National Forest include scenic driving, hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, water sports and more.

The Grand Canyon

Even if you're not planning to stay at Grand Canyon National Park, you'll want to take the time to drive to one of the scenic overlooks along the rim of the Grand Canyon. You can drive along part of the canyon's edge on SR 64 and take in the stunning views of one of nature's great wonders from convenient canyon viewpoints, pullouts and picnic areas. 

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

This is a rugged and undeveloped place to visit to appreciate the area's various rock formations, such as plateaus, buttes, cliffs and canyons. This monument in Northern Arizona is mostly remote and without paved roads, but there are campgrounds outside the monument and opportunities for wilderness backpacking with permits. 

Lake Powell

Located on the Colorado River near the Arizona-Utah border, Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. Visited by about 2 million people every year, it is a popular place for water sports, camping and recreation. 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

With an area comprising just over 1 million acres, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument has the distinction of being among America's largest national monuments. The area boasts cliffs, terraces, river canyons and arches. Evidence of the rich history of ancient civilizations can be seen in the rock art and occupation sites. Significant fossil excavations have taken place in the area as well.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tucson to Fishlake National Forest, 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 Fishlake National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Tucson to Fishlake National Forest?

To plan an RV road trip from Tucson to Fishlake National Forest, 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 Fishlake National Forest 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 Fishlake National Forest. 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!