RVing to the Grand Canyon is an adventure unlike any other. Renting a motorhome can help you save money on accommodation, and it’s a fun way to get around, especially in the Southwest USA.
If it’s your first time traveling by RV in the Grand Canyon (or RVing in general), don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the different rental options and provide ideas for your road trip itinerary, including suggested routes, parking information, and recommended campgrounds.
We’ve had our fair share of motorhome and campervan experiences, trying some of the best RV rentals in the USA and traveling around the Grand Canyon and the West Coast.
Fortunately, the national park is RV-friendly, and there are several places to rent an RV near the Grand Canyon. So, let’s dive right in and help you organize your trip!
Guide to Grand Canyon RVing
Whether it’s your first time RVing to the Grand Canyon or renting an RV in general, I’m here to help. This guide will cover everything you must know about bringing an RV to the Grand Canyon. I’ll also share my tips to help you make the most of your time!
- Where to rent an RV near the Grand Canyon
- Best Grand Canyon RV rental companies
- Grand Canyon RV rental prices
- RV camping in Grand Canyon National Park
- Road trip itinerary ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon by RV
- Tips for the ultimate RV trip to the Grand Canyon
Where to rent an RV near the Grand Canyon
First things first: you won’t find RV rentals in the Grand Canyon, but there are nearby locations where you can pick up your campervan, RV, or motorhome rental. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Williams are a few cities close to the national park that offer multiple rental services.
Las Vegas, the most popular city to start an epic RV trip to the Grand Canyon
Las Vegas is 280 miles from Grand Canyon Village and is one of the most popular starting points for RVers. Several companies operate out of Vegas, including Outdoorsy, Motorhome Republic, Travellers Autobarn, RVshare, Escape Campervans, USA RV Rentals, and Cruise America. So, it won’t be hard to find the perfect motorhome or campervan rental for the Grand Canyon.
Las Vegas, the most popular city to start an epic RV trip to the Grand Canyon
In addition to being an exciting destination, Sin City is close to other outdoor attractions, so many tourists choose to take a road trip from Las Vegas. Later, I’ll share some itinerary ideas that start in Vegas and go to different national parks near the Grand Canyon.
Phoenix, another great place to rent an RV for your Grand Canyon road trip
Phoenix, a city conveniently located 230 miles from Grand Canyon Village, is a hub for Grand Canyon RV rentals. Here, you’ll find a variety of reputable companies, including Outdoorsy, Motorhome Republic, RVshare, Escape Campervans, USA RV Rentals, and Cruise America, ready to cater to your road trip needs.
Phoenix, another great place to rent an RV for your Grand Canyon road trip
As a bustling metropolitan city, Phoenix offers a wide range of vehicle types for rent throughout the year. This variety allows you to choose the perfect RV for your Grand Canyon adventure and even explore other fascinating destinations along the way, such as Sedona.
Williams, Flagstaff, and other nearby places to rent RVs near the Grand Canyon
Williams is just 60 miles from Grand Canyon Village, so it’s a convenient place to find RV rentals by the Grand Canyon. Outdoorsy and RVshare operate out of Williams.
There is even a campsite here that accommodates motorhomes. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is right off Route 40 and has a convenience store, laundry facilities, showers, and free Wi-Fi. There are 124 campsites with full hookups, and guests can enjoy easy access to the Grand Canyon Railroad, which travels from Williams to the South Rim.
Williams, Flagstaff, and other nearby places to rent RVs near the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff is another city where you can find rentals and begin your RV trip to the Grand Canyon. Outdoorsy and RVshare offer vehicle rentals here, and Flagstaff is just 80 miles from Grand Canyon Village.
You can also use these two companies in Sedona. Located 110 miles from Grand Canyon Village, Sedona is known for its striking red sandstone formations, making it a great place to begin a scenic road trip.
Best Grand Canyon RV rental companies
If you want to rent an RV in the Grand Canyon, you’re in luck. Several reputable companies operate in this area, so no matter what kind of motorhome or campervan you’re looking for, you’ll find it.
These are the 7 best companies offering Grand Canyon RV rentals. I’ll share more about each one below.
- Outdoorsy
- Motorhome Republic
- Travellers Autobarn
- RVshare
- Escape Campervans
- USA RV Rentals
- Cruise America
1. Outdoorsy, the best place for RV rentals in the Grand Canyon
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer platform that puts you directly in touch with vehicle owners. It’s cheaper than going through a rental company, and some owners will deliver the motorhome to you. Plus, you can find a variety of vehicles here, including large motorhomes, RVs, and smaller campervan rentals in the Grand Canyon.
One of the standout features of Outdoorsy is its user-friendly website. With just a few clicks, you can select your pick-up location and specify the length of your trip. The website also offers handy filters to help you narrow down your search according to your preferences, making the whole process a breeze.
1. Outdoorsy, the best place for RV rentals in the Grand Canyon
Outdoorsy operates nationwide, and we’ve used it a couple of times to rent an RV in Las Vegas. Here, you can find the cheapest RV rentals for your trip to the Grand Canyon, and you can even get $50 off your rental with the coupon code CAPTURETHEATLAS.
The service offers free roadside assistance, and some owners even offer free unlimited miles. Others provide a certain number of free miles daily, followed by a charge-per-mile rate.
Overall, I highly recommend Outdoorsy, especially if you’re taking an out-and-back trip, since you must return the vehicle to the same pick-up spot. For one-way trips, it’s better to use Motorhome Republic.
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2. Motorhome Republic, a popular Grand Canyon RV rental site (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
Motorhome Republic is our preferred choice for one-way trips, like the one we took during our first visit to Las Vegas. I highly recommend this company if you want to rent an RV in the Grand Canyon and return it to a different location. Just be aware that delivery service is not available, so you must pick up the vehicle in person.
2. Motorhome Republic, a popular Grand Canyon RV rental site (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
Motorhome Republic has a streamlined website where you can see the top-rated RV and motorhome rentals in a specific area. It offers excellent prices, and I like that you can access newer models. Some rentals include free unlimited miles, while others give you a certain number of free miles daily, followed by a charge-per-mile rate.
We’ve never had problems with this service, but if you run into any issues, customer support is available 24/7.
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3. Travellers Autobarn, the best site for campervan rentals near the Grand Canyon (Las Vegas)
If you’re interested in campervan rentals at the Grand Canyon, I recommend Travellers Autobarn. We’ve used this company for one-way and round-trip adventures in the U.S. and New Zealand, and you can read our full Travellers Autobarn review for all the details.
3. Travellers Autobarn, the best site for campervan rentals near the Grand Canyon (Las Vegas)
In addition to the competitive rates, Travellers Autobarn offers a complimentary delivery service and free unlimited miles with each rental. Its fleet of vehicles isn’t as varied since it’s limited to campervans, but they are newer models and super comfortable.
Travellers Autobarn goes the extra mile to enhance your campervan rental experience. They offer 24/7 roadside assistance, a free campground app to help you plan your itinerary and a 10% discount at select campsites. The only potential downside is the 4-day minimum rental period.
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4. RVshare, another place to rent an RV at the Grand Canyon
RVshare is another place to find cheap RV rentals in the Grand Canyon. It’s similar to Outdoorsy in that it connects you with vehicle owners so you can organize the rental process directly. The website works in much the same way, with filters that let you narrow down your choices. You can see things like vehicle age, make, and model, as well as customer reviews and ratings.
4. RVshare, another place to rent an RV at the Grand Canyon
Another similarity is that some owners offer delivery service and free unlimited miles. You’ll also get 24/7 roadside assistance should you need help with things like broken-down vehicles, flat tires, or questions about hookups.
We used RVshare once and had a positive experience. However, we noticed that there were fewer options compared to Outdoorsy, and there was a wide range in vehicle age and quality.
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5. Escape Campervans, a site with cheap RV rentals in the Grand Canyon (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
Escape Campervans is another option to consider if you’re looking for campervan rentals in the U.S. The service is suitable for one-way and circular RV trips to the Grand Canyon and has locations throughout the country.
5. Escape Campervans, a site with cheap RV rentals in the Grand Canyon (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
The company boasts a large selection of newer and older models, so you’re sure to find a van that meets your needs. There are also hand-painted vans with fun, creative designs that are perfect if you want your vacation to be especially photo-worthy. Of course, plain white campervans are also available.
Your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance and insurance, with the option to upgrade your coverage. On the downside, some of the older vehicles from this company are over a decade old, and there is a fixed charge for estimated mileage ($30-$36/day), followed by a pay-per-mile fee for any excess miles (30-36 cents/mile). If you want a Grand Canyon campervan rental with unlimited mileage, I recommend Travellers Autobarn.
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6. USA RV Rentals, an app with luxury Grand Canyon RV rentals (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
USA RV Rentals has a wide selection of luxury, high-performance motorhomes. You’ll also find smaller RVs and campervans from top brands. The service allows renters to make one-way and round-trip routes, so it’s a very convenient option.
USA RV Rentals is renowned for its extensive variety of makes and models, and its RV depots are conveniently located across the country. So, finding a Grand Canyon RV rental with them should be a breeze. Just keep in mind that there is a 3-night minimum rental period.
6. USA RV Rentals, an app with luxury Grand Canyon RV rentals (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
Although the USA RV Rentals website advertises that it has no booking fees, there are other hidden charges you should be aware of. For example, the rental rate doesn’t take into account things like accessories, “preparation fees,” and additional taxes. Also, you must estimate your mileage and specify this when reserving your vehicle.
Overall, unless you want a luxury motorhome, you’re better off going with Motorhome Republic.
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7. Cruise America, another top-rated site for Grand Canyon RV rentals (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
Lastly, Cruise America is another convenient app for renting an RV near the Grand Canyon. Its easy-to-use platform lets you peruse various RVs and motorhomes, although they range in age and quality. Check the listing thoroughly to see which amenities and accessories are included!
7. Cruise America, another top-rated site for Grand Canyon RV rentals (Las Vegas or Phoenix)
One of the key advantages of renting from Cruise America is that all rentals include free insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring you’re always protected on your journey. Just remember to book for a minimum of 3 nights, as per the company’s policy.
Overall, Cruise America has mid-price RVs for round-trip and one-way routes. However, the one-way options are limited, and delivery service and unlimited miles are unavailable. Motorhome Republic is a better alternative from my experience.
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Grand Canyon RV rental prices
To give you a better idea of the different RV rentals in the Grand Canyon, I created a chart showing each company’s prices. To calculate the prices, I used the example of a 10-day round-trip journey from Las Vegas in a 20-foot motorhome for two people. I also included basic amenities like cookware, linens, and a generator.
Rental price | $1,321 | $1,339 | $1,333 | $1,936 | $1,162 | $1,937 | $1,782 |
Insurance | $250 | $250 | $297 | Included | $440 | $225 | Included |
Total price | $1,571 | $1,589 | $1,630 | $1,936 | $1,602 | $2,162 | $1,782 |
Roadside assistance | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Unlimited miles | Depends on owner | Depends on owner | Yes | Depends on owner | No | No | No |
Delivery | Included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included |
GRAND CANYON RV RENTAL PRICES |
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Outdoorsy is the cheapest option, and I highly recommend it if you’re on a budget and doing a round-trip or out-and-back route. Motorhome Republic isn’t far behind, and I think it’s the best choice if you need a large RV and want to drop off the vehicle at a different location.
Escape Campervans is another well-priced option if you prefer renting a campervan, but it charges a fixed rate for estimated mileage. I much prefer Travellers Autobarn, which is similar in price and includes free unlimited miles with every campervan rental.
RV camping in Grand Canyon National Park
We have a complete guide to RV parks at the Grand Canyon, but I’ll give you an overview of the best options below.
Mather Campground
Mather Campground is the only campsite in Grand Canyon Village, so it’s very popular. It’s open year-round and offers plenty of shade, great views, and lovely scenery. In addition to its convenient location, which is just a mile from the South Rim, Mather Campground is close to a general store and the shuttle bus to the Visitor Center.
Mather Campground
Each site at Mather Campground can accommodate up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles. There are no electric hookups, but the neighboring Trailer Village has hookups and can fit larger RVs.
- Number of sites: 327 (tent and RV)
- Price from: $18/night
- Electric hookup: No
- Dump station: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
- Amenities: Equestrian Sites, Flush Toilets, Recycling, Grills, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, BBQs, Fire Pits, Utility Sinks, Campfire Rings, Laundry Facilities, Showers
Trailer Village Campground
Located next to Mather Campground, the Trailer Village Campground is another popular option for RVers in the Grand Canyon. It’s the only RV campsite in the park with full hookups (electric, sewage, and water) and pull-through sites for motorhomes up to 50 feet long.
Trailer Village Campground
- Number of sites: 123 (RV)
- Price from: $61/night
- Electric hookup: Yes
- Dump station: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
- Amenities: Pull-thru Sites, Tent Camping, Electric 50 Amp, Electric 30/20/15 Amp, Restrooms, Showers, Grills, Picnic Tables, Cable TV, Campground Host, Drinking Water, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grocery Store, Recycling Center
North Rim Campground
The North Rim Campground has a rustic, peaceful environment, so it’s perfect if you want more seclusion. It’s just a short walk from the rim and camp store, and the North Rim Visitor Center is a mile away. Each campsite accommodates up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles.
North Rim Campground
Since it’s at the North Rim, this campground is only open from mid-May to mid-October. Also, it’s only suitable for smaller motorhomes, and some of the spots have rocky or uneven terrain.
- Number of sites: 90 (tent and RV)
- Price from: $18/night
- Electric hookup: No
- Dump station: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
- Amenities: Accessible Sites, Campfire Rings, Amphitheater, Drinking Water, Picnic Tables, Coin Showers, Flush Toilets, General Store, Laundry Facilities, Utility Sinks, Vault Toilets, BBQ
Desert View Campground
The Desert View Campground is 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village in the Desert View area. It’s similar to Mather Campground but has fewer amenities, and it’s only open from mid-April to mid-October. The campsites can accommodate up to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles. RVs up to 30 feet long will fit here, but be aware that there aren’t any electric, sewage, or water hookups.
Desert View Campground
- Number of sites: 50 (tent and RV)
- Price from: $18/night
- Electric hookup: No
- Dump station: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
- Amenities: Cell Phone Service, Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Grills, Paved Parking, Paved Sites, Picnic Tables, Utility Sinks, Water Spigots
Other Grand Canyon RV campsites nearby
Besides the RV campgrounds inside the national park, there are some other options in the surrounding area:
Grand Canyon Camper Village
Grand Canyon Camper Village is in Tusayan, just 7 miles from Grand Canyon Village. While there is no dump station, the campground has laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and a general store. The campsites can accommodate up to 6 people. Keep in mind that the 30-amp hookup sites fit motorhomes up to 33 feet long, so if you have a larger RV, you must book a 50-amp site (some of them are double-wide).
Grand Canyon Camper Village
- Number of sites: 96 (tent and RV)
- Price from: $30/night
- Electric hookup: Yes
- Dump station: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
- Amenities: Pull-thru Sites, Tent Camping, Electric 30/20/15 Amp, Restrooms
Raptor Ranch Campground
The Raptor Ranch Campground is in Valle, about 20 minutes from the South Rim entrance. It’s open year-round, with limited services from December through March. The campground has RV spots and glamping sites, as well as a lounge with free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a grocery store.
Raptor Ranch Campground
Each campsite can accommodate up to 4 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles, and there is a maximum RV length of 60 feet. Your reservation includes a complimentary ticket to Bedrock City, a Flintstones-themed roadside attraction.
Road trip itinerary ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon by RV
When you’re RVing to the Grand Canyon, you need to plan a bit more than you would if you were in a car. RV parking is harder to find, and some areas aren’t as navigable for larger vehicles. Fortunately, most areas of the national park are RV-friendly!
road trip itinerary ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon by RV
Planning ahead will help the trip go smoothly so you can focus on enjoying yourself and the incredible sights. Below are my top Grand Canyon road trip ideas that you can take in a car or motorhome.
2-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon South Rim from Flagstaff
♦ 190 miles, 3 hrs 45 mins total driving – 2 days, 1 night – Loop – Departing & arriving in Flagstaff or Sedona
| Flagstaff → Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument → Wupatki National Monument → Grand Canyon South Rim (Grand Canyon Village) → Flagstaff |
This fun weekend trip starts from Flagstaff, but you could also start from Sedona. First, you’ll explore the natural monuments around Sedona, like the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument, before visiting the South Rim.
Road trip to Grand Canyon South Rim in an RV rental
It’s not a long drive (1.5 hours), so you can enjoy your time in Grand Canyon Village, traveling along Desert View Drive, checking out the Visitor Center, and admiring some South Rim viewpoints. You can even take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour to see this natural wonder from the air.
3-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas
♦ 560 miles, 9 hrs 20 mins total driving – 3 days, 2 nights – Loop – Departing & arriving in Las Vegas
| Las Vegas → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Route 66: Kingman to Seligman → Williams → Grand Canyon South Rim → Las Vegas |
Las Vegas is a popular starting point for many Southwest road trips, including RV trips to the Grand Canyon. This round-trip adventure starts with a visit to some interesting attractions outside Las Vegas: the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Hoover Dam, a place to visit in a Grand Canyon RV rental
Then, take a detour along Historic Route 66 as you make your way to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Vegas is about 4.5 hours from Grand Canyon Village, so you’ll have enough time to go to the Visitor Center and enjoy some hikes to various lookout points.
3-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon from Phoenix
♦ 490 miles, 8 hrs 20 mins total driving – 3 days, 2 nights – Out & back – Departing & arriving in Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tucson
| Phoenix → Sedona → Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument → Wupatki National Monument → Grand Canyon South Rim (Grand Canyon Village) → Phoenix |
Phoenix is another good starting point for a Grand Canyon RV trip since the city is just 3.5 miles from Grand Canyon Village. I recommend taking advantage of Phoenix’s proximity to Sedona by admiring the fiery sandstone formations at Red Rock State Park. You can also drive past the Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Phoenix, a city with RV rentals near the Grand Canyon
Then, spend some time soaking in the viewpoints and natural beauty of the Grand Canyon South Rim. As the most popular part of the national park, there is plenty to see here, from the Tusayan Ruins and Visitor Center to aerial views of the park from a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
4-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon from Los Angeles
♦ 1,050 miles, 17 hrs 5 mins total driving – 4 days, 3 nights – Out & back – Departing & arriving in Los Angeles
| Los Angeles → Joshua Tree National Park → Mojave National Preserve → Route 66: Kingman to Seligman → Williams → Grand Canyon South Rim → Los Angeles |
Many RV rental services are available in Los Angeles, so it’s another great starting point for a road trip. If you’re departing from LA, take some time to go to Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve. These two parks are in the beautiful Mojave Desert, where you can find unique vegetation, spot wildlife, go stargazing, and camp under the night sky.
Mojave National Preserve via a Grand Canyon RV rental
Then, travel along Historic Route 66 as you make your way to Grand Canyon National Park, where you can get to know the Grand Canyon South Rim and its breathtaking lookout points.
6-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
♦ 1,040 miles, 19 hrs 20 mins total driving – 6 days, 5 nights – Loop – Departing & arriving in Las Vegas
| Las Vegas → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West Rim → Route 66: Kingman to Seligman → Grand Canyon South Rim → Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend → Vermilion Cliffs National Monument → Grand Canyon North Rim → Zion National Park → Valley of Fire State Park → Las Vegas |
If you have a few more days, you can extend your Las Vegas RV trip to the Grand Canyon.
First, make a brief stop at the Hoover Dam before continuing to the Grand Canyon West Rim. Then, take Route 66 to Grand Canyon Village, where you can explore the best views of the South Rim.
Zion National Park is a place you can drive to in a Grand Canyon RV
After the Grand Canyon, it’s time to visit the picturesque Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. As you near the Arizona-Utah border, check out the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, then loop around to see the Grand Canyon North Rim.
The tail end of this road trip includes a stop at Zion National Park and the Valley of Fire before returning to Las Vegas.
11-Day RV trip to the Grand Canyon & Southwest National Parks
♦ 2,265 miles, 39 hrs 5 mins total driving – 11 days, 10 nights – One-way – Departing from Las Vegas & arriving in San Francisco
| Las Vegas → Valley of Fire → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Capitol Reef National Park → Goblin Valley State Park → Arches National Park → Dead Horse Point State Park → Canyonlands National Park → Monument Valley → Antelope Canyon → Horseshoe Bend → Grand Canyon → Red Rock Canyon → Death Valley → Alabama Hills National Scenic Area → Yosemite National Park → San Francisco |
For something different, I like this one-way trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco, which makes a detour to the Grand Canyon and other national parks in the Southwest.
I recommend beginning the itinerary with a visit to Valley of Fire State Park. Then, tour some of the best national parks near the Grand Canyon, such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. You can also take advantage of your time to visit lesser-known state parks like Goblin Valley and Dead Horse Point.
Monument Valley, a site to see when renting an RV at the Grand Canyon
Later, take in the natural wonders of the American Southwest: Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the magnitude of the Grand Canyon. After that, you’ll head back towards Vegas, making a stop at Red Rock Canyon.
The final leg of the trip includes visits to some California landmarks, such as Death Valley, Alabama Hills, and Yosemite National Park, before ending up in San Francisco.
12-Day RV trip to Grand Canyon from Denver
♦ 2,145 miles, 37 hrs 40 mins total driving – 12 days, 11 nights – Loop – Departing & arriving in Denver
| Denver → Rocky Mountain National Park → Arches National Park → Dead Horse Point State Park → Canyonlands National Park → Monument Valley → Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend → Grand Canyon → Route 66 (Seligman to Kingman) → Las Vegas → Valley of Fire → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon → Goblin Valley State Park → Moab → Denver |
Starting your trip further east? No problem! This 12-day round-trip journey begins in Denver and stops in Rocky Mountain National Park before heading to the desert. There, you can visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands, two of the best attractions in Utah. You can also see the beautiful Dead Horse Point State Park.
Then, drive to Arizona to see more amazing sites, including Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
Las Vegas, another city with plenty of Grand Canyon RV rentals
Next, it’s time to enjoy the majesty of the Grand Canyon – its viewpoints, hiking trails, and natural structures.
After that, head to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66. Before returning to Denver, take some time to explore the best national parks near Vegas, such as the Valley of Fire, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
14-Day Route 66 RV trip with Grand Canyon detour
♦ 2,740 miles, 39 hrs 20 mins total driving – 14 days, 13 nights – One-way – Departing from Chicago & arriving in Los Angeles
| Chicago → Springfield, IL → St. Louis → Springfield, MO → Tulsa → Oklahoma City → Amarillo → Albuquerque → Petrified Forest National Park → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Williams → Route 66 (Seligman to Kingman) → Hoover Dam → Las Vegas → Mojave National Preserve → Los Angeles |
Finally, this 2-week route is an ambitious RV trip to the Grand Canyon via old Route 66, departing from Chicago and ending in Los Angeles.
First, discover Midwest cities like St. Louis and Oklahoma City. Then, get to know the American West by visiting Albuquerque, Petrified Forest National Park, and Sedona.
Route 66, the most popular highway to travel by Grand Canyon RV
After that, take in the splendor of the Grand Canyon South Rim. From there, you can drive along Historic Route 66 to the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas.
The final leg of this route includes a stop at the beautiful Mojave National Preserve before ending in Los Angeles, where you can spend some time exploring the city and Hollywood.
Tips for the ultimate RV trip to the Grand Canyon
Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind for your RV trip to the Grand Canyon. These are especially useful if it’s your first time RVing!
- Try to park in one of the Grand Canyon campsites, then use the park shuttles to get around. This way, you don’t have to worry about driving the RV around and finding parking.
- Take it slow and use your brakes sparingly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.
- While this shouldn’t be an issue in the Grand Canyon, you should still be mindful of height restrictions, particularly at campsites or if you include Zion on your itinerary.
Tips for the ultimate RV trip to the Grand Canyon
- Use your mirrors and be aware of blind spots when driving to keep everyone safe on the road.
- Check for RV parking ahead of time to avoid tickets and violations. Make campsite reservations in advance.
- Be aware that some campsites are pull-through while others are back-in. Pull-through sites allow you to drive right into the spot without having to unhook. Back-in sites require you to unhook and back into the site, so it’s not as convenient.
- Download some useful apps to make your RV rental experience as smooth as possible. We use iOverlander to find dump stations and the iExit app to locate nearby lodging, food, and gas. Free Campsites helps with finding a place to park an RV for free, and EIA lets you check gas prices and better estimate your mileage. To find the country’s best RV parks and campgrounds, use FreeRoam or the RV Life app. Finally, RV Trip Wizard is an excellent app for planning your road trip itinerary.
FAQs – RVing in the Grand Canyon
If you’re still hesitant or have concerns, these answers to some common questions should clear things up:
Where can you rent an RV near the Grand Canyon?
RV rentals for a Grand Canyon trip are available in nearby cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Williams. Several great rental companies are located in these places, including Outdoorsy, Motorhome Republic, Travellers Autobarn, RVshare, Escape Campervans, USA RV Rentals, and Cruise America.
What is the best company to rent an RV near the Grand Canyon?
I recommend Outdoorsy for one-way rentals and Motorhome Republic for round-trip journeys. Travellers Autobarn is also one of the best options if you prefer a campervan, and we’ve had great experiences with them in the U.S. and abroad for round-trip and one-way trips.
How many RV campsites are in the Grand Canyon?
There are several campsites for RVs in the Grand Canyon, including Mather Campground, North Rim Campground, Desert View Campground, and Grand Canyon Camper Village. Trailer Village Campground and Raptor Ranch Campground specifically cater to RVers.
Is there RV parking at Grand Canyon?
Yes, there are three lots in the Grand Canyon that allow RV parking: Grand Canyon Visitor Lot 1, Market Plaza, and the Backcountry Office in Grand Canyon Village.
Is the Grand Canyon RV -friendly?
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is very RV-friendly. The West Rim and North Rim are also RV-friendly, but the North Rim has dense forests, so it’s not great for larger motorhomes.
Where is the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon with an RV?
The South Rim is the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon with an RV. There are several RV-friendly campsites here, and navigating this area in a campervan or motorhome is easy.
What size RV is allowed in Grand Canyon National Park?
In general, most parts of the park can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long. Some campgrounds allow motorhomes up to 50 feet long.
What is the best itinerary for RVing to the Grand Canyon?
It depends on how much time you have. Ideally, you should spend at least 2 days at the Grand Canyon to see all the highlights. I recommend looking at our Grand Canyon road trip itineraries for inspiration.
Is it worth exploring the Grand Canyon by RV, or is it better to rent a car?
If you want more flexibility, you’re better off renting a car. Getting around will be easier, and you can stay at a campsite or Grand Canyon hotel. That said, an RV trip to the Grand Canyon can help you save money on accommodation.
That’s it from me! I hope this article helps you out and that you have a fantastic time RVing to the Grand Canyon. If you have any questions about these RV rentals in the Grand Canyon or anything else, leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help!
Stay safe, and enjoy Grand Canyon National Park!
