Founded in 1881, the town of Williams was named for its founder, William Sherley "Old Bill" Williams. He was a famous trader, scout, mountain man, and trapper who frequented the area. You can find a statue of Old Bill in Monument Park on the western side of the city as well as another tribute to the city's founder in the form of a large mountain named Bill Williams Mountain. Williams was officially incorporated as a city in 1901. As the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is a city that thrives on tourism. There are many outdoor recreational activities to enjoy, such as fishing in the lake or hiking up Bill Williams Mountain. During the colder months, Williams is a winter paradise with its cross-country ski trails and alpine ski areas. The weather provides four seasons and ample opportunities to spot some of the native wildlife in the area.
Williams is known for its ties to Route 66. When talks of bypassing the historic road initially surfaced, the city of Williams filed a lawsuit. As a result, it was the last city to have a designated stretch of Route 66, until 1984. The following year, Route 66 was officially decommissioned in the United States. You can still see parts of the road if you travel to the preserved Main Street section in the Historic Downtown District. The district covers over six city blocks, and it showcases a blend of the historic Mother Road and the city's Old West heritage. With its historical roots, the Williams Business District and Urban Route 66 were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
There are several parks to visit throughout the area. At the Williams Aquatic Center, visitors and locals can enjoy the seasonal indoor swimming pool. This swimming pool is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Recreation Center & Skate Park is home to plenty of activities geared to younger visitors, and it even features an indoor skate park known as The Shed. Cureton Park is home to a basketball court, picnic areas, and baseball fields. More recreational opportunities can be found at Buckskinner Park, which even has a lake that's stocked on a regular basis. Hikers will also want to hit the trailhead at this spot. Another great point is Cataract Lake County Park with its playgrounds, barbecue pits, and fully stocked lake. Don't forget to stop by the Dogtown Reservoir to fish for trout, sunfish, catfish, and bass. If that isn't enough, the city also maintains its own rodeo facility, which is the home of the annual Williams Reunion Rodeo.
Flagstaff, Arizona - Flagstaff is the ideal spot for an outdoor adventure. It's surrounded by mountains, forests, and other natural wonders. This Arizona town is packed full of activities that will rejuvenate the mind and soul.
50+ Restaurants
20+ Gas Stations
2 Rest Areas
30 Campgrounds
1 Nearby National Forest
2 Nearby State Parks
12 Nearby RV Parks
2 Dump Stations within 20 miles
Seligman, Arizona - Seligman is a historic town that has blended its roots with the Old West and the Mother Road. The town has revitalized itself to showcase its Americana charm to visitors from all over the world.
15 Restaurants
7 Gas Stations
1 Rest Area
2 Campgrounds
5 Nearby National Forests
2 Nearby State Parks
2 Nearby RV Parks
1 Dump Station within 20 miles
Winslow, Arizona - Winslow might be known for its mention in "Take It Easy" by The Eagles, but there's more to the town than that. This city is another important stop on Route 66, and it's a popular location with both motorists and motorcyclists.
20+ Restaurants
10+ Gas Stations
1 Rest Area
7 Campgrounds
3 Nearby National Forests
2 Nearby State Parks
4 Nearby RV Parks
1 Dump Station within 20 miles
Arizona is home to one of the most famous national parks in the country: Grand Canyon National Park. This national park covers over 1.2 million acres, and it hosts the famous namesake canyon. Visitors can take a backpacking adventure down to the canyon or just take a look over the edge of the canyon rim.
While visiting Williams, make a stop at Petrified Forest National Park. This park covers several miles of fossilized wood, but there's plenty more to see at this location. Petrified Forest National Park also features several petroglyphs and paleontological exhibits; in fact, there are about 600 archaeological sites located within the park. Animal lovers might get a chance to see pronghorns, coyotes, and bobcats roaming through this forest.
Another gem in Arizona is the Saguaro National Park. This national park is the best place to view the stunning saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert. When you're there, make sure to prepare for the hot and dry weather.
You can find a couple of state parks within an hour's drive from Williams, and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is one such fascinating place to visit. The duplex-style mansion was built in 1904. It features indoor plumbing, electricity, and heating, amenities that were rare at the time.
Originally an apple orchard, Slide Rock State Park is another excellent state park. Visitors can enjoy the waters in Oak Creek or pick apples from the orchards. Plus, there are several hiking trails to explore.
There are some Arizona landmarks both inside and outside of the city. Monument Park is nestled between Route 66 and surrounded by trees. This park is home to a couple of monuments dedicated to the city's founders and war veterans. Railroad enthusiasts will want to visit the Grand Canyon Railway. On most days, visitors can take a ride in the restored rail cars while getting serenaded by musicians and hearing old cowboy tails.
Annual Historic Route 66 Car Show - This upcoming event is a must-see for car enthusiasts, and it takes place every June.
Cowpunchers Reunion Rodeo - Visitors and locals have the opportunity to check out the best rodeo riders in the state.
Patriot Day Parade - Celebrate America's pride with a parade hosted by the city.
Devil's Bridge Trail - This moderate hiking trail takes visitors through a field of spectacular wildflowers.
Kaibab National Forest - Experience Arizona’s diverse landscape and ecosystem along with a breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon.
Bill Williams River - This short river winds through the Alamo River to the Buckskin Mountains.
This area provides some wonderful places to park your RV for the night. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is only two blocks from the downtown section of Williams. All RV sites feature WiFi access, high-definition digital TVs, and plenty of space to spread out for the night. Another great spot is Railside RV Ranch. This pet-friendly location offers plenty of amenities, such as spacious pull-through lots, free Wi-Fi, and on-site propane.
If you're searching for Arizona dump stations near Williams, there are a few options where you can clean out your tanks. At Ash Fork Grand Canyon RV Park, the dump station facilities are open throughout the year. There is a nominal fee to use the station. The 76 Gas Station is a big rig-friendly dump station; however, you'll have to pay $10 to use these facilities.
Williams is home to several RV storage facilities where you can park the camper in a safe location. Williams Grand Canyon RV Storage offers a space for your rig and belongings. Lone Elk RV Storage is another fantastic choice that can accommodate rigs of every size.
Flagstaff is an easy 35-minute drive from Williams. This city is home to the Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff Community Market. Prescott and Prescott Valley are both a little under 70 miles to the south of Williams. Sedona, which boasts an impressive selection of green spaces and eateries, is a little more than an hour southeast.
Less than four miles from Williams, the privately owned Bearizona is a drive-through wildlife park that is popular with visitors to the area. It has more than 150 animals including large predators like mountain lions, bears and wolves. This facility's primary goal is to provide a safe shelter to animals that have suffered from mistreatment. Their planned animal encounter experiences are subject to change based on the animal's willingness to participate.
The Ash Fork Historical Society Museum is 10 minutes from downtown and a block from I-40. This is a must-stop location if you're looking for more local information on Williams and other nearby cities. They also have a room filled with historical artifacts and offer free Route 66 stamps.
Buckskinner Park, less than a mile away, is open for day use during the summer months. The park boasts two cabanas and several barbecue pits perfect for family picnics. You're also free to use the horseshoe pits or volleyball and basketball courts. The on-site lake is routinely stocked with fish. A few well-maintained nature trails meander around the lake's perimeter.
Explore the exciting state parks and historic landmarks around Williams, AZ in an RV rental. Many available RVs allow pets and some can be delivered or dropped at a different location than pickup. The perfect RV for your adventure depends on your itinerary and the size of your party. Families should consider snagging a Class A or a Class C. These rigs can fit six to eight people comfortably. Class A RVs are the more deluxe option and usually come with luxuries such as laundry, a fireplace and superior entertainment systems. The smallest driveable RV is a Class B campervan. Ideal for one to four people, these are perfect for camping in a dispersed area with limited amenities. If you're interested in towable options, be sure to browse RVshare’s selection of popups, fifth-wheel trailers and toy haulers.
Williams is a popular tourist town not far from hotspots like Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. While in the area, you won't want to miss stopping by Slide Rock State Park and Jerome State Historic Park. The nearby Tuzigoot National Monument is home to ancient stone structures that the Sinagua people made more than 1,400 years ago.
Fortunately, there are plenty of superior camping accommodations near Williams including Canyon Motel & RV Park and Woody Mountain RV Park & Campground. You can count on these campgrounds to offer laundry facilities, great rates and clean showers. Williams is also in an ideal location for RV explorers to start road trips from Flagstaff to Roswell, Flagstaff to Las Vegas and Flagstaff to Yosemite National Park.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Williams, AZ, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Williams?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Williams from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Williams?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.