LA to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Heading out in your RV and leaving LA behind, Palm Springs makes the perfect first stop to ease yourself into road trip mode. Just under 2 hours away, this desert resort town is home to palm-lined streets, mid-century modern architecture, and a mountain backdrop that has made it a favourite escape for road trippers.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained here, but a great place to start is the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is just 5 minutes from town. Or, if you’re longing to do something a little more outdoorsy, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 15 minutes out of town is a must, whisking you up 8,500 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto, where the temperature drops dramatically but the views are absolutely incredible.

Before you head to Joshua Tree, check out Idyll Campground in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Idyllwild Campground is an excellent spot to camp in the mountains, but it is still close enough to town for your convenience. Nestled among tall pines, the campground has sites for tents, trailers, and small RVs up to 24 feet.

It’s a laid-back place to enjoy cool mountain air, explore nearby hiking trails, or relax under the trees. Fire restrictions are common, so you will likely need to stick with gas stoves or lanterns instead of campfires. With over 50 miles of trails in the park and sweeping views from the surrounding peaks, Idyllwild Campground is perfect for campers who want a mix of nature, convenience, and adventure.

Less than an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a destination you can’t miss as you head toward the Grand Canyon, and it also deserves at least a full day to experience it properly. This is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, and as its name suggests, the landscape here is dotted with twisted Joshua trees and giant boulders just inviting you to explore.

You could spend hours exploring the park’s many trails, each offering something different, but if you’re looking for one of the most popular, Hidden Valley is the path to head out on. Or, for incredible views all the way across to the San Andreas Fault, take a 25-minute drive from Park Boulevard to Keys View.

To keep in line with the natural beauty Joshua Tree National Park brings to this road trip, your camping experience here should be a “back-to-basics” deal, and Black Rock Campground within the park itself gives you just that. Surrounded by its namesake Joshua trees, it feels wonderfully secluded yet still has the amenities you need, including flushing toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. Just keep in mind it’s closed between June 1st and August 28th, so plan your stay accordingly.

From Joshua Tree, the drive east brings you into Arizona and to Lake Havasu City, a desert oasis that is best known for its namesake lake and a surprising slice of English history. This is where the original London Bridge now stands, having been transported stone by stone from England in the late 1960s, and you can walk across it and take photos of one of the landmarks that make Lake Havasu a truly memorable stop on your road trip.

Once you’ve explored the bridge, get close up and personal with the waters of Lake Havasu, which stretch for miles and are home to multiple coves and beaches that are perfect for swimming, boating, or just lazing in the sun. The city has a lively atmosphere too, with plenty of restaurants on offer, including the popular The Red Onion, which is less than 5 minutes from town and serves everything from brunch pancakes to steak sandwiches.

Once you’re done exploring, head to Lake Havasu State Park for a comfortable place to rest up. It’s 10 minutes from town and offers sites right along the water with beautiful views, as well as easy access to the beach and amenities that include full hookups, restrooms and showers. This campground is also pet-friendly, making it a great option if you’ve got your canine companion in tow.

Heading further along the route, your next stop is Kingman, a city that sits on the historic Route 66. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in Americana, with neon signs, classic diners, and a dose of nostalgia. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of history and will make you appreciate the road beneath your wheels.

One of the best ways to get a feel for Kingman is by visiting the Arizona Route 66 Museum, which is right in the heart of town and tells the story of the highway and the people who travelled it. There’s also the Locomotive Park to explore, which is home to a massive steam engine that pays tribute to the town’s railroad past. And, once you’ve visited both of those, head over to the Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center, which is worth stopping by, where you’ll find a ton of information on what to do next, along with the opportunity to visit a building that is a piece of Kingman history in itself.

For a spot close to town, do yourself a favor and book a site at Kingman KOA, situated just off Route 66, which makes for a comfortable home base while you explore the area. The sites are roomy and shaded, with full hookups available, and there’s a pool for cooling off on hot afternoons, and mini golf to keep everyone entertained.

The campground has that classic KOA atmosphere, friendly, well-kept, and easy to settle into. After a day of checking out the museums, historic downtown, or the wide open desert roads, you’ll have a relaxing spot to return to, where everything you need is right at hand.

The penultimate stop on your drive to Grand Canyon National Park, Williams is a little town that proudly calls itself the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”. There’s a good reason for this, too, as it’s the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by the interstate, so much of its old-school character remains intact.

Start your visit here with a stroll down Main Street, which is like taking a trip back in time, with neon-lit motels, vintage signs, and Western-themed shops. The town is also famous for the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs daily trips to the South Rim. And, if you’re an animal enthusiast, Bearizona Wildlife Park is only 5 minutes from town and is a fun, family-friendly stop where you can drive through and see bison, wolves, and bears roaming in natural habitats.

Before you make your way to the Grand Canyon National Park, stop off at Kaibab Lake Campground. This campground is a peaceful forest getaway just a few miles outside of Williams, Arizona, and a short drive from the Grand Canyon. It sits right on Kaibab Lake, making it a great spot for fishing, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water. Sites are tucked under tall ponderosa pines, giving plenty of shade and that classic Arizona high-country feel.

It’s a family-friendly campground with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby trails to explore. Summer days are warm, but evenings cool off nicely, perfect for sitting out under the stars. Like much of northern Arizona, afternoon monsoon storms can roll in during July and August, so packing rain gear is smart.

Kaibab Lake is especially popular with anglers and anyone who wants a quieter basecamp close to both the Grand Canyon and the quirky little Route 66 town of Williams. If you’re looking for a spot where you can unwind in nature but still be close to adventure, Kaibab Lake Campground is a solid choice.

At last, you’ve reached your final destination, Grand Canyon National Park itself. Most travellers head for the South Rim, which is open year-round and packed with viewpoints, hiking trails, and visitor centres. Among the most popular is Mather Point, which is usually the first stop for most explorers, and it’s an incredible introduction to the canyon with unbeatable views.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Bright Angel Trail takes you partway down into the canyon, offering a completely different perspective. But, even if you’ve decided you’d prefer to stick to the rim, there are still countless places to simply sit, breathe, and take it all in.

For a fantastic place to get some rest, Desert View Campground is a great choice. Located on the eastern edge of the South Rim, Desert View has some epic views of the Colorado River and a spectacular view of the canyon. It’s also further away, so there are fewer crowds, making for a more relaxing evening.

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and you’ll have access to running water and restrooms. Unfortunately, there aren’t any hook-ups, but with views like these the trade off is worth it.

Make your LA to Grand Canyon adventure as smooth and memorable as possible with affordable campervan hire in Los Angeles. Every rental comes with free unlimited miles, giving you the freedom to linger at your favourite stops and soak up every stretch of the open road without stressing about hidden costs.

Looking for some more epic Los Angeles road trips? Here are some other itineraries you should check out:

• Los Angeles to Dallas Drive – Road Trip Itinerary
• LA to Sacramento Road Trip
• Los Angeles National Park Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary
• Los Angeles to Palm Springs – Best Drive Itinerary

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