Renting an RV in Arizona
There’s one very large, and very deep reason that many families flock to Arizona for an unforgettable vacation. The Grand Canyon, with its spectacular views and mind-blowing expansiveness, is a ‘must-visit’ for any nature enthusiast.
Although the Grand Canyon has to be priority number one for your Arizona visit, many folks aren’t aware that the great state of Arizona has far more to offer travelers, including a rich Native American history and other natural splendors, such as petrified forests and meteoric craters.
Renting an RV is a surefire way to make sure you can enjoy all of Arizona’s gems in comfort and style. Geographically, Arizona’s cities and attractions are fairly spread out, and being in complete control of your lodging and transportation is a luxury you won’t regret.
In Arizona, specifically, you will be in awe as you take in the nighttime views as the sun begins to set. Grab a couple of lawn chairs, step right outside your door, and marvel over the gorgeous rocky landscape as the famous desert sunset washes over the sky, painting vivid pinks and purples that will take your breath away.
Arizona is first and foremost a desert state, with incredible natural rocky features and a seemingly endless sky. A few powerful rivers have created expansive canyons that offer incredible hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
Many of the monuments and state parks are also rich with historical significance, providing valuable educational opportunities for children and history buffs, alike.
Here is a guide to the top ten RV destinations in Arizona to make your trip unforgettable.
Learn more about Grand Canyon National Park.
Learn more about the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
Learn more about Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Learn more about Petrified Forest National Park.
Sure, there’s plenty of desert beauty as you look around the great state of Arizona. But did you know that there’s an amazing world below the surface? You owe it to yourself to check out Kartchner Caverns, an expansive series of caves with impressive formations nestled in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains.
There is plenty of hiking, wildlife, cave, and camping activities offered by the park so an overnight stay is recommended. The RV sites within the park have full electrical and water hookups for maximum comfort and convenience. Learn more about Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Learn more about Saguaro National Park.
Learn more about Antelope Canyon.
Learn more about Sedona.
About forty miles outside of Flagstaff, the Meteor Crater is a great reminder that Earth is just one small part of the vast cosmos. Almost four thousand feet wide and five hundred sixty feet deep, the meteor that created this vast crater struck the Earth approximately fifty thousand years ago. Learn all about the science of these space missiles in an interactive experience at the museum and walk around the rim of the crater to take in its immense size. Save a few bucks by purchasing discounted tickets online rather than at the window.
The crater hosts its own RV park 5 miles offsite. Camping here earns discounts at the museum and easy access to I-40. Pets are also welcome guests (dogs on leash, please) and WIFI access is available. Learn more about Meteor Crater.
Learn more about Vermillion Cliff National Monument.
Luckily, there are a fair number of parks, monuments, and attractions that offer onsite RV camping in Arizona.
Those that do not offer onsite RV camping have a nice variety of privately-run parks pretty close by. For options outside the parks themselves, check out the list of great options all over Arizona from Good Sam.
Whether you are looking for an authentic camping experience in the wilderness, or you would rather be near a city, you can find exactly what you’re looking for as you travel throughout the Grand Canyon State. Check out the Good Sam Campgrounds in the area here.
Remember, Arizona is a desert state and it gets HOT! Average highs hit triple-digit temperatures in the summer months, so make sure to keep yourself hydrated and take proper precautions when it comes to sun exposure (e.g. sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.). In fact, you may want to consider whether summer is the right time to visit because the winter and spring months are quite comfortable.
The dry desert air and lack of cloud cover also mean it can get quite cold at night (with temperature swings sometimes over thirty degrees) and if you’re having too much fun, this cool-down can sneak up on you. As you are out and about in the evenings, be sure to have a light jacket or hoodie with you to keep you comfortable.
If you enjoy a nice campfire to wind down your RV evenings, be sure to double-check your campground’s policies and fire advisories as these can change daily, based on environmental conditions. Unfortunately, wildfires are particularly common and destructive in Arizona due to the natural dry heat. This is why it is very important to be careful and respectful of all fire advisories.
If you are looking to get "away from it all," dry camping or “boondocking” is your best RV option to isolate yourself. Boondocking means that there are no hookups available (e.g. sewer, electrical, water), and your RV unit is operating independently.
Due to significant fire hazard concerns, dry camping is not fairly common in Arizona parks and is somewhat discouraged (especially for novice RVers). Also, because it is mostly desert, boondocking could be dangerous if an emergency did arise. Some businesses, however, will allow you to dry camp in their parking lots if you obtain permission.