Las Vegas to Tucson Road Trip Guide

As you head south to Tucson, take a quick side trip off Interstate 93 for fabulous RV camping at the Prescott National Forest, Lynx Lake Campground. The national forest is 1.25 million acres in size and contains a variety of wilderness habitats and ecosystems, from low elevation desert to treed areas at higher elevations.

The Verde River runs through the park and provides rafting and boating opportunities, although there are significant rapids on this “Wild and Scenic River” so use caution. Hiking trails and OHV off-roading trails thread through the park. There is even a hang gliding area. Take your family to view the hang gliders when conditions are good, and watch the colorful gliders launching off the cliffs.

To reach the Lynx Lake Campground take Route 71 east from Route 93, onto Route 89 through Prescott then take Route 69 east.

The Lynx Lake Campground boasts 35 individual sites and four double sites. Campsites have fire rings and grills, picnic tables, and large cleared areas that accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. There are some pull-through sites for easier access, and they may be able to accommodate larger units. You can make reservations ahead of time to make sure you secure a spot.

You won't find RV hookups here, but there are drinking water supplies, flush toilets, and vault toilets. Be aware that there are bears in the area so you will need to store food in bear-proof containers. The campground is on Lynx Lake, which is 55 acres in size and provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. A store and marina are located on the lake and you can rent watercraft during the summer when these facilities are open.

Looking for a unique way to take in the bright lights and activities on Las Vegas’s magnificent “Strip” that is appropriate for all family members? Take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel. This giant Ferris wheel, at the LINQ Promenade right on the Vegas Strip, is the world's tallest observation wheel! At 550 feet high, the High Roller has 28 air-conditioned, “see-through” pods that can hold 40 passengers each, and provide amazing 360-degree views of the city.

A rotation takes about 30 minutes, but you should plan for about one hour, to allow for entering and exiting the “wheel” There are special rates for young people, and best of all, children six and under are free! You can even get a commemorative photo of your High Roller experience, a great family keepsake to remember your Las Vegas trip by, or pick up souvenirs at the store on site.

Arizona's capital city provides urban amenities, cultural attractions, and desert recreation within a major metropolitan setting. Phoenix Zoo, Heard Museum, and Desert Botanical Garden offer family-friendly stops, while South Mountain Park and Camelback Mountain provide hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Phoenix RV parks offer resort-style amenities and easy access to major attractions. Consider staying at Mesa/Apache Junction KOA for proximity to Superstition Mountains or downtown Phoenix locations for urban convenience.

Just 30 minutes west of Las Vegas, this 195,000-acre conservation area showcases spectacular red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. The 13-mile scenic drive accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though larger rigs should check current road conditions. Multiple hiking trails range from easy nature walks to challenging desert scrambles.

Red Rock Canyon Campground offers 53 sites with basic amenities, though sites fill quickly during peak season. The area provides an excellent desert camping introduction for first-time RV renters, with stunning sunrise and sunset photography opportunities from your campsite.

America's largest reservoir offers a refreshing contrast to desert landscapes, with 1.5 million acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. Multiple campgrounds accommodate RVs, including Las Vegas Bay and Callville Bay, with full hookups and marina access. Swimming, fishing, and boating provide welcome relief from desert heat.

The area serves as an excellent halfway point for families traveling with pets, offering shaded picnic areas and lake access for four-legged travelers. Several campgrounds feature dedicated dog areas and water access points.

Located directly between Phoenix and Tucson on I-10, this distinctive landmark offers challenging hiking trails and panoramic desert views. The park's campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet with electrical hookups and serves as an ideal overnight stop for this route.

Picacho/Tucson NW KOA provides additional camping options nearby with full amenities and easy highway access. The area offers excellent birding opportunities and spring wildflower displays during favorable rainfall years.

Tucson's crown jewel protects thousands of iconic saguaro cacti in two distinct districts separated by the city. The Tucson Mountain District (west) offers superior sunset viewing, while the Rincon Mountain District (east) features the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive, suitable for most RVs under 35 feet.

While the park doesn't offer RV camping, nearby Catalina State Park provides excellent camping facilities with full hookups and serves as an ideal base for exploring both Saguaro districts and Tucson's attractions.