Las Vegas to Kansas City Road Trip Guide

Introduction

There are so many fantastic RV road trips that can be done across the United States by a couple, but one of the most underrated destinations to start is Las Vegas. Combining the razzle-dazzle of The Strip and the gorgeous surrounding desert means that you will have plenty to see and do when visiting the 28th most populated city in the country.

Starting a seven day RV road trip from Las Vegas means that you have plenty of options as to where you can travel. Heading west to the coast is always popular, but heading east from Las Vegas is a wonderful choice for nature lovers.

This route gives you the chance to see several state parks, national monuments, and forests that are unique to the middle of the country. The terrain will vary from dry desert to soaring mountains, and rolling fields once you are nearing the end of your trip.

Seven days after departing from Las Vegas will mean that you will end up in the largest city in the state of Missouri, Kansas City. Home of the Chiefs NFL team and known for its amazing barbecue and jazz history, Kansas City is well worth checking out no matter what time of the year that you are traveling. So, what are you waiting for? Its time to hit the road with your partner and explore what's on offer between Las Vegas and Kansas City.

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Details

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

Point of Interest

Eating Along the Strip

Yes, it's the most popular thing to do in Vegas and can be a little tacky sometimes, but if you are in the city you need to walk down the strip at least once in your life. The amount of food, drink, and gambling on offer along this roughly four-mile stretch is enough to keep you entertained for months, but there are some incredible experiences to be had if you stay away from the party-goers.

Vegas is known as a foodie city, and for good reason! Whether you are after a cheap meal or want to go all out on something more expensive there are so many options. Mr. Mamas is great for American-style food, while if you want to spend a bit more money you should check out Edge Steakhouse or Japanese sushi restaurant Kabuto. If you are seeking a buffet you can't beat The Buffet at Wynn.

Finding an RV campground is also super easy with the Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town only a few minutes away from The Strip. It is the perfect place for you and your couple to spend the night before you hit the road.


Dixie National Forest

Once you head out of Las Vegas there are two main routes that you can take to Kansas City. You could head east towards the Grand Canyon and then continue through New Mexico on your way to the destination, or you can head northeast through Utah and Colorado.

Heading through Utah will give you the chance to see some incredible natural areas, including the Dixie National Forest. Featuring around two million acres and stretching across 170 miles, Dixie National Forest is a must-stop for RV couples who want to do some adventuring.

There are so many things to see and do that it would take weeks to fully explore the park, but since you are just having a quick visit be sure to check out the hiking opportunities in the juniper and pinyon forests and pay a visit to the impressive Navajo Lake.

Dixie National Forest is also the perfect place for you and your partner to rest your heads with too many campgrounds to name within the area. Most of the campgrounds will be dry-camping only and expect snow if you are visiting during the winter.


Arches National Park

As you continuing to drive your motorhome across Utah you will notice some of the amazing landscapes that are greeting you at every turn. One of the most beautiful areas in the state is on the way to Kansas City and it is an ideal place to stop.

As the name suggests, Arches National Park is famous for over 2,500 stone arches that encompass the park, along with many balancing rocks and pinnacles. If you love to take photos the park is an absolute must-visit. The sunsets are superb and are also the perfect backdrop for a proposal to your special someone if you are thinking of tying the knot. There are also numerous hiking trails if you are feeling a bit more adventurous or plenty of spots for a relaxing picnic.

The Devils Garden Campground is a great choice if you don't mind primitive camping for the night, but you could also head to the Moab KOA Holiday if you want more amenities.


Grand Junction Breweries

Since you and your partner have been out in nature for the last few days you might be craving a brew or two once you return to civilization. Within the city of Grand Junction, just past the border in Colorado, there are some wonderful breweries that offer a range of tastings and tours.

There are over 10 breweries available for visits, so you really will be spoilt for choice! Copper Club Brewing Company is the most well-known and has 11 beers on tap, or you could visit the Edgewater Brewery and go on a tour. The city also has some great food, so if you are after some classic American eats check out Bin 707 Foodbar or 626 on Road, or if you feel like some Indian you must head to Namaste Nepal Restaurant.

The Grand Junction Holiday KOA is the best campground in the area if you want to kick back and relax. Here you will find cable TV, WiFi, full hookups, and even mini golf to keep you entertained.


White River National Forest

Since you are driving through Colorado on the way to Kansas it is fitting that you take a detour on your RV adventure to check out the most visited National Forest in the United States, White River National Forest.

Located around a two-hour drive from Grand Junction, White River National Forest is full of fun for all ages. The terrain in the park is very different from Arches National Park, so get ready for some mountain views and plenty of forested areas for you and your partner to explore.

Over ten million people visit the area each year, and for good reason. There are eight different wilderness areas, 12 ski resorts, and even hot springs that you are welcome to use. During the summer months, you can also go swimming, mountain biking or hunting, while the winters are perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

The Chapman Campground is one of the most popular within the forest and contains 83 sites suitable for RVs 30 feet in length or smaller. This will be the last area of forest that you experience on your road trip, so enjoy it!


Denver Nuggets NBA Basketball

Denver is an incredible city known for many great outdoor experiences, but since you have been on the road for a while now you may feel like kicking back and enjoying some leisure.

The city is home to the Denver Nuggets NBA team, and if you are visiting from the period between late October until late November you might be able to catch them play a home game while you are in town. Going to an NBA game is something everyone should experience at least once, and even if you aren't a fan of the sport the in-game entertainment is so much fun.

After the game has finished there are many bars around the arena that you can enjoy, or you could head to one of the many private campgrounds in the surrounding area. If you want to stay at a public campground you can stay at the Cherry Creek State Park Campground that is around 18 miles southeast from the Denver Nuggets arena.


Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark

Welcome to Kansas! As you get closer to Kansas City you will notice that the landscape becomes very flat with vies as far as the eye can see. One of the best ways to break up the drive between Denver and Kansas City is to check out the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark.

Thought to be over 80 million years old and formed by sea erosion, the Monument Rocks (also known as the Chalk Pyramids) are around 70 feet tall and are free to visit thanks to the owners who are welcoming of tourists. They really are a sight to behold and their existence creates many memorable photo opportunities. They were also the first place to be designated as a National Landmark within Kanas and you can easily see fossils within the massive rocks.

Since you can't stay at the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark overnight you will have to head somewhere else to rest. The closest campground is at Lake Scott State Park which is around 18 miles south of the monument, or you could stay closer to the highway at the privately owned High Plains Camping.


Oz Museum

We're not in Kansas anymore! Actually, you still are, but you are in one of the most interesting museums that the state has to offer. The Oz Museum is dedicated to The Wizard of Oz movie that has captivated viewers of all ages for many decades, and since you will have to take the I-70 to reach Kansas City you should also make the quick detour to the museum.

Open every day of the year besides Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Sunday, the Oz Museum contains over 2,000 artifacts from the classic movie and book along with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions you may have about your visit. There is also a store at the museum where you can purchase memorabilia and collectibles, so if you have family or friends who are fans of The Wizard of Oz you won't find a better place to buy them a gift than right here.


Summary

You've made it to the end of your road trip, so welcome to Kansas City. To finish off your RV road trip through the middle of the United States you can't wish for a better final destination than Kansas City. The city is small enough that you can attend most of the major attractions in one day, but large enough where you could take it easy and still have enough to do for a multi-day trip.

There are many awesome museums in Kansas City, including the National WWII Museum and Memorial, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. The city is also home to the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team, Kansas City Royals MLB team, and the Sporting Kansas City MLB team.

Bars and restaurants are also available in spades, but if you and your partner want to take it easy you can head to one of the many private RV campgrounds within the city.

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