Las Vegas to Corpus Christi Road Trip Guide

Introduction

For families looking to enjoy their next great RV adventure, a seven-day road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada to Corpus Christi, Texas is sure to delight.

Las Vegas, a cosmopolitan area sometimes referred to as "Sin City," is a great place for RV campers to spend a few days before heading out en route to Corpus Christi. The city's name translates to "the Meadows." Nestled within the heart of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is associated with the resort life. A glitzy and glamourous city, Las Vegas is best known for its famous Strip, an area that is lined with tourist attractions, casinos, resorts, entertainment venues, world-class restaurants, and much, much more.

Las Vegas markets itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World, a title that is well-deserved. Hospitality is its main industry. But Las Vegas is far more than a place to gamble and enjoy the luxury shopping experience. This metropolitan city is also one of the top locales in the United States for large scale business meetings such as conventions.

A city that was founded in 1905, Las Vegas has seen a population explosion since the late 20th century. Its climate is a big draw for many. Described as subtropical and desert-like in nature, Las Vegas is the ideal place for sunseekers looking to enjoy days lounging by the pool or at the beach. The winters in Las Vegas offer milder temperatures with evenings falling even cooler still.

Though it is difficult to navigate an RV through some of Las Vegas' more heavily trafficked areas, there is an excellent transportation system in place. RV campers can safely park their rig at their campground and take a taxi, a bus, or even a tram into the city to enjoy the many attractions there.

For those looking to enjoy a few nights' stay to really get to know Sin City, consider stopping by Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town Journey or Red Rock Campground.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: motorhome
audience: family

Point of Interest

Padre Island

The last leg of the journey to Corpus Christi takes RV travelers 189 miles to enjoy the beautiful Padre Island. Padre Island has been declared the world's longest barrier island and is the largest of its kind found in Texas. Padre Island rests along the Gulf of Mexico. Its main attraction is its plethora of incredibly beautiful white-sand beaches.

Padre Island takes its name from the Spanish word which translates to father. The property bears the name of Father Jose Nicolas Balli, a man who traveled to the island to serve its people as a missionary. He later assumed the role of the gatherer of the finances for all of the area churches.

Padre Island is 113 miles in total length and has become a popular attraction for families looking to enjoy some R&R. RV camping is permitted on the island year-round. There are many camping facilities throughout the entirety of the island.

This island paradise is home to many different varieties of migratory birds. Some of the most commonly seen species include the shore, the marshbirds, raptors, and songbirds.

An endangered species known as Kemp's Ridley sea turtle has been found on Padre Island at its national seashore. This rare and unusual creature is protected under the law.


Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Located just outside the Alamo and only 17.3 miles away is Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This popular amusement park consists of 200 acres of property. It is located in the heart of San Antonio and is close to many great attractions including restaurants, shopping centers, and live entertainment venues.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers many exciting rides for families to enjoy. Some of the most beloved adventure rides include the Iron Rattler and Batman roller coasters. A water park is also housed on the grounds for those that enjoy waterslides and other water fun.

Throughout the years, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has been renowned for its world-class entertainment that is proudly showcased on the park grounds. Visitors to this theme park are also treated to many different characters wandering the grounds such as the DC Comics superheroes and the Looney Tunes cast.

After a day of fun in the sun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, park the RV for a night's stay at Medina Lake RV Campground.


The Alamo

The stretch from Las Cruces to the Alamo is extremely lengthy at 596 miles. There are very few stopping points along the route, so families should be sure to get a good night's rest in Las Cruces before heading out to spend the day exploring this historic landmark.

December 1835 saw Texas battling Mexico to earn its independence. During this time, a team of soldiers from Texas took occupation of a property known as the Alamo. The Alamo was previously used as a Franciscan mission and sat quite near to the large city now known as San Antonio.

In February of 1836, a large group of Mexican troops commandeered by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led a charge to attempt to take hold of the fort. The Alamo forces were greatly outnumbered but still managed to hold their ground for an impressive 13 days before being defeated.

Though unsuccessful in their attempts to hold their fort, the Battle of the Alamo became a point of pride for Texans who saw the event as proof of their state's heroism in the face of adversity. The state of Texas did officially win their fight for independence later that year.

After such a lengthy drive to reach the Alamo, families will definitely want to spend at least one night camping in the area. Among the best spots to park the RV for a night or two are San Antonio/Alamo KOA Holiday or Braun Oaks Campground.


New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

The next stop is 273 miles down the road, meaning a lengthy day in the RV. However, a trip to New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is well worth the effort. This popular museum has exhibits both indoors and outdoors for families to enjoy during their visit.

There are many different interactive demonstrations as well as tours of the livestock stalls where families can interact with the animals that make the farm their home. Since many of the most popular activities are found outside, it is important for families to come prepared for the weather conditions on that day.

With so many amazing sights to see at the museum, bringing along a camera is an excellent idea. Though photographing exhibits is permitted in most areas, there are a few spots where families are asked to refrain from using their cameras.

There is a souvenir shop on the grounds called the Heart of the Desert Gift Shop where all kinds of novelty items can be purchased as well as snacks and drinks. The parking lot is large enough to accommodate RVs, but no overnight parking is permitted on the grounds.

For a great place for an RV stay while in Las Cruces, stop by Las Cruces KOA Journey.


Saguaro National Park

109 miles from Mesa, RV campers will find Saguaro National Park. Located in the big city of Tucson, Arizona, this public recreational center is a favored ground for viewing some of the biggest cacti in the country. The saguaro has become the internationally recognized sign for life in the American West. The saguaro is a protected species, and each plant is under the watchful eye of the park's officials.

The park undergoes a very dramatic rise in elevation, progressing from 2,670 feet to 8,666 feet in total. Though the region can be hiked, families will need to be in good physical condition to do so. Hikers should also bring an ample supply of drinking water with them to avoid dehydration.

There are several different dangerous animals that can be spotted at higher elevations. These include the black bear and the Arizona mountain kingsnake

.Tired out from the day's adventures? Great RV spots can be found at Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort or Douglas Spring Campground.


Golfland Sunsplash

After a good night's rest, families can load up the RV and drive 17 miles to one of Mesa's greatest attractions: Golfland Sunsplash. This amusement park contains 30 rides that are sure to bring a smile to the lips of every member of the family.

But more than just a park with fun rides to enjoy, Golfland Sunsplash is home to many other fun activities including waterslides and a miniature golf course.

King Bens Castle is a popular spot for those that enjoy the thrill of an arcade. There are over 200 video games to choose from at this spot. For those looking for something a little more active, why not enjoy a rousing bout of laser tag?

Other activities to enjoy include the Fastcar Raceway, bumper boats, bumper cars, and the Golfland Splash Pad.

For those that enjoy rides that send chills up their spines, Golfland Splash will not disappoint. Give the Double Dare a try, a ride that takes families up seven stories before propelling them towards the ground in a freefall. Prefer to enjoy activities in the water? Thunder Falls provides the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Double Dare only in a raft careening down a waterslide to one of three impressive drops.

After a day of fun in the sun; spending the night in Mesa might be just what the doctor ordered. Consider an RV stay at Usery Park Campground.


South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve is 201 miles from Kingman's Arizona Route 66 Museum and offers RV campers the perfect place to stretch their legs and enjoy some outdoor activities while en route to Corpus Christi. This recreational area consists of over 16,000 acres of property and has earned the distinction of being one of the biggest public parks in the United States. Found on the grounds is the South Mountain Environmental Education Center where families can learn more about the region and its unique topographical features.

South Mountain Park and Preserve is home to over 51 miles of trails with something sure to suit the activity level and preferences of each member of the family. Each of these paths is suited to hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. There is also a road that permits vehicle access that leads to the top of South Mountain from which incredible views can be glimpsed during the climb.

Picnicking, photography, and the viewing of wildlife are also popular attractions here.

Tuckered out from a day hiking the park's trails? Why not spend the night at Lost Dutchman State Park?


Arizona Route 66 Museum

Just 108 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip, RV campers will find the Arizona Route 66 Museum. This historic property opened to the public in 2001. Its primary purpose is to pay homage to the iconic highway and its role in history and pop culture.

Arizona Route 66 Museum rests in the town of Kingman, Arizona in a building known as the Historic Powerhouse. The property outlines the history and development of the highway.

The museum houses incredible artist renderings of Route 66, its unique road signs, and the people groups that have traveled many miles along what is sometimes referred to as the Mother Road.

One of the most unique features of the museum is that its home is a historical property that once provided all of the overhead lighting for travelers along this section of Route 66. The building was constructed between the years 1907 and 1911 and was owned and operated by the Desert Power and Light Company. This business was not only responsible for the electricity for Route 66 but also for the nearby Hoover Dam until the Dam began to produce its own power in the mid 20th century.

A new addition to the grounds is the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum.

With a long drive for RV campers in the day ahead, it might be worth spending the night at Circle S Campground or Kingman KOA Journey.


Las Vegas Strip

No trip that starts in Las Vegas would be complete without spending some time enjoying the city's famous Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is actually a portion of a larger road known as South Las Vegas Boulevard. It is 4.2 miles in total length and is home to some of the city's premier resorts and casinos.

The Las Vegas Strip sits just outside the city's limits and stretches through two towns known as Paradise and Winchester. The Strip is renowned worldwide for its glitz and glamour, giving it a mass appeal. The landscape is littered with buildings designed in the contemporary style.

An area that attracts a vast array of tourists year-round, the Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the finest live entertainment in the country. The Strip can be a challenging spot when it comes to driving an RV. Thankfully, the city has an excellent transportation system. RV campers can leave their rigs in one of the parking lots outside the city or at their campground and take a bus, shuttle, taxi, or tram to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Strip on foot.


Summary

After seven days on an exciting RV road trip, campers will be ready to spend a few days relaxing at their campground in Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi rests along the Gulf of Mexico in a sheltered bay area. One of the most popular attractions at this urban center is its many beaches that feature rich, white sand. Two of the areas found along the shore which offer excellent water recreational opportunities as well as camping and other outdoor activities are the Mustang and Padre Islands.

Visitors to the region are often drawn to the Padre Island National Seashore, an area that attracts a large number of migratory birds each year. In addition to its avian population, Padre Island is also frequented by a very rare and protected variety of turtle known as Kemp's Ridley sea turtle.

Other attractions to enjoy in Corpus Christi include the Texas State Aquarium and the aviation museum which is home to an airplane used in WWII known as the USS Lexington.

Corpus Christi is home to many great campgrounds that permit RV stays. Among the most popular are Corpus Christi KOA and I.B. Magee Beach Park.

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