Las Vegas to Portland Road Trip Guide

Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, this stunning desert landscape offers dramatic red sandstone formations, scenic drives, and excellent hiking trails—the perfect introduction to your Western adventure.

This 195,000-acre conservation area showcases the Mojave Desert's beauty with its iconic red and orange sandstone formations rising dramatically from the desert floor. The 13-mile scenic drive provides spectacular views accessible to all RV sizes, while numerous hiking trails offer closer exploration of slot canyons, petroglyphs, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Popular activities include photography at Calico Hills, hiking the easy Sandstone Trail, and exploring the Visitor Center's educational exhibits. The area remains open year-round with moderate temperatures making it perfect for early morning or late afternoon exploration before continuing north toward Reno.

Of course, Nevada does border Oregon to the north. However, there won’t be much to see as you are driving through much of the Silver State. So let’s make this road trip a lot less boring and take a detour through California. Drive up US Route 95 and switch off at the small town of Beatty, Nevada, onto Route 374. In minutes, you’ll cross into the Golden State and into Death Valley National Park. Death Valley needs no introduction. It’s one of the hottest places in the world. And it’s a below-sea-level basin with gorgeous landscapes. Despite the name, there is plenty of wildlife that lives here. And it’s also the perfect place to hike, take pictures, and take in the scenery. Just be sure to keep cool and try not to stay in the hot sun for too long.

There are some campsites that are situated throughout Death Valley National Park. But if you are willing to go a little out of the way and outside of the park, you might want to check out the Boulder Creek RV Park. Just go through California State Route 190 and hop back on US Route 395 until you reach the south end of Lone Pine.

You are now smack dab in the middle of a place where everything is huge. We’re talking mountains (by the way, you’ll be near Mount Whitney, which is the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states). But you do not want to miss the chance to check out some of the tallest trees on earth at Sequoia National Park. You can hike and walk amongst the giant trees that will tower close to 300 feet. Prepared to be amazed by the sight of these trees when you set foot here.

Here’s a pro-tip for you if you are crunched for time: you can leave Las Vegas before dawn and get to Death Valley and do some exploring. Also, if you have enough time, you can explore Sequoia National Park. If not the same day, do it the next day before you head out. Either way, you’ll probably be staying at the same RV park that was recommended in the last POI. Sequoia National Park does have RV parks, but they are on the western edge of the park and might be a little too out of the way.

Ah yes, good old Yosemite. Probably one of the most popular national parks in America. If there was a Mount Rushmore of National Parks, you better believe that Yosemite would be up there. This park covers 1,200 square miles and has plenty of sequoia trees, rock formations, mountains, and so much more. You would be hard-pressed to find any other place to hike, walk, bike, camp, and explore. You might end up spending a day or two if you’re up to the task. There is a lot of ground that you absolutely should cover.

As expected, there’s a whole slew of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from. Some of them are on a first-come, first-serve basis so choose wisely.

This pristine alpine lake straddling California and Nevada offers crystal-clear waters, mountain recreation, and numerous RV-friendly campgrounds with stunning lakefront and forest settings.

Lake Tahoe's 22-mile length and 12-mile width create a massive mountain playground at 6,200 feet elevation. The lake's famous clarity allows visibility to depths of 75 feet, while surrounding peaks provide endless recreation opportunities. Popular activities include hiking to Eagle Falls, exploring Emerald Bay State Park, and enjoying the scenic drive around the entire lake perimeter.

Multiple RV campgrounds offer full hookups and lake access, including Zephyr Cove Resort & Campground—an award-winning lakefront RV park on Lake Tahoe's southeast shore with marina access, wooded setting, and stunning lake views. Nevada Beach and Tahoe Valley RV Resort provide additional options. The area provides excellent fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities while serving as a perfect midpoint rest stop with mountain town amenities in South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City.

Oregon's iconic volcanic peak dominates the eastern horizon near Portland, offering year-round recreation from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and camping in pristine mountain wilderness.

Mount Hood's 11,240-foot elevation makes it Oregon's highest peak and a prominent landmark visible from Portland on clear days. The surrounding Mount Hood National Forest. provides numerous camping opportunities, hiking trails, and scenic drives including the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. Popular activities include visiting Timberline Lodge, exploring Mirror Lake, and driving the scenic loop through Government Camp.

Several campgrounds accommodate RVs with varying levels of amenities, from primitive forest service sites to full-hookup private resorts. The area offers excellent hiking, fishing, and photography opportunities while providing easy access to Portland's urban attractions and services.

California's capital region offers urban amenities, agricultural landscapes, and serves as the perfect transition zone between Sierra Nevada mountains and Oregon's volcanic wonders.

Sacramento provides excellent RV services, grocery shopping, and cultural attractions while maintaining easy Interstate access. The American River Parkway offers urban outdoor recreation, while Old Sacramento provides historic charm and riverfront dining. This stop allows for RV maintenance, supply restocking, and exploration of California's political and cultural heart.

The region features numerous RV parks with full hookups and resort amenities, making it an ideal overnight stop before the final push into Oregon. Many travelers use Sacramento as a rest day destination to explore the Crocker Art Museum, California State Railroad Museum, or take day trips to nearby Gold Country attractions.

Oregon's crown jewel features the deepest lake in the United States, formed by a collapsed volcano and surrounded by dramatic cliffs rising 1,000-2,000 feet above the pristine blue waters.

Crater Lake's incredible depth of 1,943 feet and intense blue color create one of America's most photographed natural wonders. The 33-mile Rim Drive (open roughly July-October) provides numerous viewpoints showcasing the lake from different perspectives, while boat tours offer close-up exploration of Wizard Island and the lake's unique ecosystem.

Mazama Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with over 200 sites available through reservation. The park's elevation of 6,000-8,000 feet provides cool summer weather perfect for hiking, photography, and stargazing. Winter visitors can access the South Rim year-round, though Rim Drive closes due to heavy snowfall.

For comprehensive planning information, check out our detailed Crater Lake National Park RV guide for camping, hiking, and seasonal access details.

This dramatic river canyon forms the natural border between Washington and Oregon, featuring massive waterfalls, world-class windsurfing, and the historic Columbia River Highway with numerous scenic overlooks.

The Columbia River Gorge extends 80 miles east from Portland, showcasing over 90 waterfalls including the famous 620-foot Multnomah Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway provides access to numerous viewpoints and hiking trails, while the modern I-84 offers efficient RV travel with occasional scenic stops.

Popular attractions include Bonneville Dam with its fish viewing windows, Hood River's windsurfing culture, and numerous hiking trails to waterfalls and canyon viewpoints. Several RV parks provide full hookups with gorge views, while state parks offer more rustic camping experiences. The area serves as Portland's dramatic eastern approach, building anticipation for the Pacific Northwest's largest city.