Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip Guide

This otherworldly 790,000-acre wonderland marks your first major desert immersion, where two distinct ecosystems create unique landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth. The park's signature Joshua trees, towering rock formations, and diverse wildlife provide endless exploration opportunities just 40 minutes from Palm Springs. Key attractions include Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Keys View lookout, offering panoramic desert vistas.

The park features nine developed campgrounds with over 300 sites, though most operate seasonally from October through May. Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, while Belle and White Tank offer more spacious sites. Reservations are essential during peak season, and primitive camping requires self-sufficiency with water and waste management.

With over 1,200 animals, the Phoenix Zoo is a great place to stop, whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re going solo. This zoo is located in the heart of Phoenix and is a great pit stop between Joshua Tree National Park and your next destination. The Phoenix Zoo has African lions, giraffes, Mexican grey wolves, zebras, and more. There are themed exhibit trails to make it as easy as possible to see your favorite animals first!

You’ll also find a specific area for children that has farm animals such as cows and pigs. You can fuel up at the zoo food court and swing by the gift shop to get something to remember the trip by!

There are plenty of different spots to camp around Phoenix. It’s a large city that has a lot of options that are right off the interstate. This is perfect if you just want somewhere to park overnight. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to another amazing spot!

After a day or two at Disney and Joshua Tree, you’ve likely had your fair share of large crowds and loud environments. While you’re on your way to Texas, you can visit Coconino National Forest. It’s around 200 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, making it a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. If you’re traveling with children, you'll know that they’ll have plenty of pent-up energy to burn off. Coconino National Forest is a beautiful area for just that! There are over two million acres of land that make up this forest.

You’ll see rolling hills, towering trees, and stunning landscapes. If you love to watch the sunset or rise, this is a great spot to do just that. The scenery makes the perfect backdrop for a family photo as well. After you’re done exploring the beautiful forest, you won’t be too far away from a quick bite to eat!

Less than 350 miles later, you’ll find yourself in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while driving through this area of the country. ABQ BioPark is a beautiful and fun zoo and museum that the entire family will enjoy. It has been open for nearly 100 years and offers plenty to see. There is a 250,000-gallon oceanic tank that has water from the Gulf of Mexico in it, along with some critters from the area as well.

In addition to the aquarium, there is also a botanical garden, beach, and zoo to explore. After a fun day at the Albuquerque Bio Park, you’ll probably be worn out and ready to park the van to get some rest before another long day on the road. While there are plenty of places to do just that, the Albuquerque KOA Journey is a solid option. There you’ll be able to shower, swim, and relax before you continue on to Dallas.

Another option for you and your family to enjoy in Albuquerque is Explora. This is an interactive museum that is fun for both adults and kids. You’ll be able to enjoy 200 hands-on exhibits when visiting here. There are exhibits based on science, math, and art. It is located in Old Town Albuquerque and is named after the Spanish word for “explore”.

Another great thing about stopping at Explora during your trip is that it’s affordable. You won’t have to worry about spending hundreds of dollars to be entertained for an entire afternoon. As a result, this is a great place to stop for a few hours. While there are plenty of RV camping spots in the area, it’s a quick stop that can get the kids worn out for your next leg of the road trip.

If you head out from New Mexico in the morning or early afternoon, you’ll make it to the panhandle of Texas just in time to spend a few hours at Canyon Aqua Waterpark. Near Canyon, Texas, this waterpark is the perfect place for kids to play and get out their energy, making the rest of the road trip much more peaceful. There are two large water slides that older kids and adults will love!

The lazy river at Canyon Aqua Waterpark is the best way to sit back and float away your troubles. Your road trip to Dallas is almost over, so enjoy what’s left of it! There are also smaller areas that are great for younger kids to play in shallow water. If you need to rest your head one last time, consider staying at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s not far from the water park and won’t take you too far off the route to Dallas.

The last stop before you make it to your destination is Lake Arrowhead State Park. This is right in between Canyon Aqua Waterpark and Dallas, Texas. Lake Arrowhead State Park is a beautiful place to explore. There are plenty of trails for your family to enjoy a relaxing afternoon immersed in nature. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are areas where you can go swimming, boating, or even fishing. This is a must-see when your road trip is during the warmer months.

You can relax and enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables available. Travelers of any age will love to view all of the wildlife in the area as well. There are also 50 primitive camping sites available at this state park. Each of them has a fire ring and other amenities for your camping needs. Park the van and set up a tent to experience an evening under the Texas stars.

Located just five minutes off your route into Tucson, this park showcases the iconic saguaro cactus alongside diverse desert wildlife, wildflowers, and mountain vistas. Two district areas provide different experiences: the western section features dense saguaro forests, while the eastern section offers more varied terrain with hiking trails and scenic drives.

The park's proximity to Tucson makes it perfect for a half-day visit without significant route deviation. Multiple viewpoints and short trails accommodate various mobility levels, while the scenic drives provide excellent photo opportunities from the comfort of your RV.

Venture 50 minutes south from Las Cruces to experience this surreal landscape of pristine white gypsum dunes stretching to the horizon. The park's unique sand composition creates an almost snow-like appearance year-round, providing exceptional photography opportunities and family-friendly sledding activities on the dunes.

Limited services within the park require advance preparation, but the nearby city of Las Cruces offers full RV amenities and serves as an excellent overnight stop. The park's accessibility makes it suitable for short visits while maintaining your eastward progress toward Texas.

Before reaching Dallas, immerse yourself in authentic Western heritage at this historic district featuring original brick walkways, daily cattle drives, and the entertaining Legends of Texas Gunfight shows. The area showcases Texas's livestock industry heritage through interactive exhibits, authentic steakhouses, boot shops, and traditional saloons.

The Stockyards area provides easy RV access and serves as the perfect introduction to Texas culture and hospitality. Multiple campgrounds in the Fort Worth area offer convenient bases for exploring both the Stockyards and preparing for your Dallas arrival.

For more Southwest adventure inspiration, explore our comprehensive Los Angeles to Albuquerque road trip guide and discover Texas departures with our Dallas to Santa Fe guide. Planning additional California exploration? Check out our Los Angeles to Phoenix road trip for alternative desert routes.

Looking to explore Dallas area attractions? Consider Fort Worth RV rentals for extended Texas adventures and urban exploration throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.