Speedy Campervan Journey Suggestions Beginning from Phoenix:
Venture Out in a Campervan
Are you searching for an epic desert adventure? Look no further than Phoenix, Arizona. With its otherworldly landscapes, prickly plants, and stunning vistas, Phoenix is the ideal launching pad for a campervan journey that'll take your breath away.
Grab your campervan from the convenient Phoenix camper van rental location and prepare to explore some astonishing destinations within just a stone's throw of the city. In no time at all, you'll be surrounded by cacti, wildflowers, and breathtaking sunsets galore.
Here are a few must-see places and exciting road trip ideas from Phoenix to ensure you have the ultimate campervan adventure.
Parks Within An Hour of Phoenix
From hiking and biking trails to scenic lookouts, campgrounds, and even river tubing, there's a multitude of parks within easy reach of Phoenix. Check out these camper van road trip ideas and hikes near Phoenix to maximize your exploration:
- Lost Dutchman State Park - Just 40 minutes east of Phoenix, you can find camping, bathrooms, showers, and exhilarating hikes into the Superstition Wilderness. Experienced hikers may want to tackle the Siphon Draw trail, a unique challenge offering stunning views.
- South Mountain Park - A mere 15 minutes from the camper van rental depot, this massive park boasts 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. Take a ride to Dobbins Lookout for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park - 45 minutes northeast of Phoenix, this park offers campground facilities, hiking and biking trails, and a Nature Center.
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park - Uphold the adventure for 45 minutes west of Phoenix by visiting this park situated at the edge of the White Tank Mountains. There's a campground, trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Lake Pleasant - Inner Lake Pleasant park offers tent and RV camping as well as walking trails and swimming areas. Just 45 minutes north of Phoenix, this is an excellent spot for a refreshing dip after a day of desert hiking.
- Cave Creek Regional Park - Another Maricopa County park located near McDowell Mountain Regional Park and Lake Pleasant, Cave Creek offers camping facilities along with hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve - Take a quick trip north out of the city to the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve for a leg-stretching hike in the heart of the desert.
- Coon Bluff - A scenic 35-minute drive west of the camper van rental depot takes you to the beautiful Coon Bluff camping and recreation area in the Tonto National Forest. Perfect as a base camp for paddling and tubing on the lower Salt River.
- Picacho Peak State Park - An hour southwest of Phoenix, you'll find Picacho Peak State Park, offering camping and hiking. Don't miss it as you travel toward historic Tucson.
2-Hour Road Trip from Phoenix to Tucson
Two hours south of Phoenix, you'll find the vibrant community of Tucson, bursting with colorful murals, lively breweries, unique shops, and outdoor spaces. The beautiful Saguaro National Park's two districts (East and West) are just outside of the city, boasting miles of trails among the towering cacti.
Mount Lemmon, soaring over 9,000 feet in elevation, offers a scenic mountain drive, camping, hiking, and a ski mountain. Stop by Catalina State Park or Gilbert Ray Campground for tent or RV camping sites and stunning wildflower views.
Wander the Red Rocks of Sedona
Just a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix, Sedona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and jeep tours, all amidst stunning red rock landscapes. Find your sense of peace and harmony amid the famed vortexes, believed to exude healing energy.
The Coconino National Forest surrounds Sedona, with options for both dispersed and pleasant camping along route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. For even more road trip ideas, check out the Destinations To Explore page on the Escape website!
Explore Flagstaff
Heading north from Sedona, you'll encounter beautiful Flagstaff, situated at 7,000 feet elevation and offering cooler mountain breezes in the summer and snow-sport opportunities in the winter. There's ample dispersed and campground camping on the surrounding National Forest lands.
In the Fall, take the Inner Basin trail for a hike through the stunning aspen groves. For food, be sure to grab a Dark Sky Brewing brew and a slice of pizza from Pizzicletta in downtown Flagstaff.
Discover the Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim offers another amazing road trip opportunity, with scenic forest roads leading to lakes, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. Start your journey on route 260 and turn onto Forest Road 300 (the Rim Road) for a scenic drive filled with opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. Enjoy the cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, and solitude this more remote location provides.
Marvel at the Grand Canyon South Rim
A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix will take you to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim, accessible all year-round for sightseeing, camping, and hiking. Experience unparalleled views from the 6,000-foot elevation, and spend a night at Mather Campground, open year-round.
Wander the Antelope Slot Canyons and Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona, unveils Antelope Canyon, featuring slot canyons on Navajo tribal lands that require guided tours. These stunning formations draw adventurers from all over. Nearby, pay a visit to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument for even more breathtaking scenery.
Book your campervan and start planning your desert getaway now! There are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Bonus Tip:Looking to elevate your campervan adventure even further? Check out some exceptional hiking trails such as Camelback Mountain, Superstition Mountains, Catalina State Park, Fire Wave Trail and White Domes Loop, and Thompson Trail. These trails encompass diverse landscapes, including urban desert hills, challenging uphill hikes, desert canyons, wooded mountains, and stunning slot canyons, all easily reachable via campervan.
- Embark on a national park adventure with your campervan, starting from the Phoenix camper van rental location.
- Consider a hike in Lost Dutchman State Park, located just 40 minutes east of Phoenix for an exhilarating journey.
- After your hike in Lost Dutchman State Park, take a scenic drive to Tucson for a vibrant blend of outdoor living and home-and-garden culture.
- For outdoor enthusiasts, wander the red rocks of Sedona, famed for its hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and jeep tours.
- On your way north, stop by Flagstaff for a cooler mountain retreat, offering dispersed and campground camping, and the opportunity to hike through aspen groves.
