Arizona RV Rental: The Grand Canyon, Red Rocks and Desert Sun
Arizona is one of the most popular RV states in the country, and it’s easy to see why. You can camp near the rim of the Grand Canyon, wander the red rocks of Sedona, watch the sun set over Monument Valley and explore the saguaro forests of the Sonoran Desert. Mild winters bring thousands of snowbirds to southern Arizona every year, while the cool pine forests around Flagstaff are a summer escape from the desert heat.
Arizona also has some RV challenges. Summer temperatures in the desert can be dangerous, monsoon storms bring flash floods and dust storms, and popular campgrounds at the Grand Canyon book up far in advance. This guide covers where to pick up an RV, the best routes, where to camp and how to drive the Grand Canyon State.
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Arizona RV Rental at a Glance
| Main pickup areas | Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff; nearby Las Vegas |
| Top destinations | The Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley, Page and Lake Powell, Route 66, Saguaro National Park, Lake Havasu |
| State park camping | About $25–$35 for non-electric sites, $35–$50 for electric and about $50 for full hookups, plus a small reservation fee |
| Free camping | Plenty of BLM and national forest land, plus low-cost long-term winter areas |
| Best seasons | October to April in the desert; May to October in the high country |
| Watch for | Extreme summer heat, monsoon flash floods and dust storms, winter snow in the mountains |
Source: Arizona State Parks fee schedule. Fees are rounded estimates.
Best Places to Pick Up an RV in Arizona
Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa
The Phoenix metro has the most rentals in the state and a major airport. Sedona is about two hours north, and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is about three and a half hours away. In summer, plan to head for higher elevations quickly.
Tucson
Tucson is the gateway to Saguaro National Park, Kartchner Caverns, Tombstone and the sky islands of southeast Arizona. It’s especially popular for winter trips.
Flagstaff
At about 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is cool in summer and close to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Route 66. It’s a great pickup point for a northern Arizona loop. In winter, see our list of sledding spots near Flagstaff.
Las Vegas and Nearby States
Many Grand Canyon trips start in Las Vegas, about four and a half hours from the South Rim. See our Nevada, Utah and New Mexico RV rental guides.
Arizona’s Best RV Road Trips
The Grand Canyon
The South Rim is open year-round and is where most RV travelers go. Trailer Village is the only campground in the park with full hookups and takes larger rigs. Mather and Desert View campgrounds have no hookups and limit RVs to about 30 feet. If your RV is bigger, stay in Tusayan, Williams or Flagstaff. The North Rim is open only in summer, is about five hours from the South Rim by road, and has had limited services after recent wildfire damage, so check the park’s website before you go. Read our Grand Canyon camping questions answered.
Source: Outdoorsy Grand Canyon RV guide
Sedona and the Verde Valley
Sedona’s red rock buttes are some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest. Parking at trailheads is limited and not built for RVs, so camp nearby and explore in a smaller vehicle or on the town’s shuttle. Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood is a great RV base.
Page, Lake Powell and Monument Valley
In the far north, visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon near Page, camp beside Lake Powell, then drive to Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation for its famous sandstone buttes. Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour.
Route 66
Arizona has one of the longest remaining stretches of original Route 66, running through Williams, Seligman, Hackberry and Kingman, with classic diners and neon signs along the way.
Southern Arizona
Explore Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson, the caves of Kartchner Caverns State Park, the Old West town of Tombstone and the rock pinnacles of Chiricahua National Monument. These are best visited from fall through spring.
The Colorado River
Lake Havasu, Parker and Yuma are winter hot spots for boating and sunshine, and Quartzsite becomes one of the biggest RV gatherings in the country every January.
Planning a hike? See our guide to the best time to hike Havasupai Falls.
Where to Camp in Your Rental
Arizona State Parks
Arizona’s state parks have excellent RV campgrounds, especially along the Colorado River and in the Verde Valley. Expect roughly $25–$35 a night for non-electric sites, $35–$50 for electric and about $50 for full hookups, with a few oversize sites costing more. A small reservation fee applies to each booking. Parks like Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove, Dead Horse Ranch, Lost Dutchman and Kartchner Caverns are popular in winter and spring.
Source: Arizona State Parks
National Park and National Forest Campgrounds
The Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and the Coconino, Kaibab, Tonto, Prescott and Coronado national forests have many campgrounds, most without hookups. High-country campgrounds around Flagstaff are usually open from late spring through fall.
Free and Long-Term Camping
Arizona is one of the best states for free camping. Much of the state’s BLM and national forest land allows dispersed camping, often with stunning views. In winter, the BLM’s Long-Term Visitor Areas near Quartzsite and Yuma offer low-cost seasonal permits for snowbirds. Learn more in our guide to finding free and low-cost campsites.
Private RV Parks and Resorts
Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Mesa and Apache Junction have many RV resorts geared toward winter visitors, with full hookups, pools and activities. Book early for January through March.
Driving an RV in Arizona
- Take the heat seriously. Desert temperatures often top 110 degrees in summer. Carry plenty of water, check the RV’s tires and cooling system, and don’t rely on the generator alone to keep pets or people cool.
- Watch for monsoon storms. From summer into early fall, storms can bring flash floods and dust storms. Never drive into a flooded wash, and if a dust storm hits, pull off the road, turn off your lights and take your foot off the brake.
- Plan for elevation changes. Roads climb from desert to mountains above 7,000 feet, with long grades. Use low gears on the way down, and expect snow and ice in the high country in winter.
- Fill up before remote stretches. Services can be far apart, especially on the Navajo Nation and in western Arizona.
- Respect tribal lands. Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon are on Navajo land, with their own rules, fees and permit requirements.
- No toll roads. Arizona has no toll roads.
New to RVing? Start with our tips for new RV owners and our guide to satellite internet for RV travelers.
When to Rent an RV in Arizona
- Winter (December to February): Peak snowbird season in southern Arizona, with warm days and cool nights. The high country can be snowy.
- Spring (March to May): Wildflowers in the desert and pleasant temperatures almost everywhere. A great time for a statewide loop.
- Summer (June to September): Very hot in the desert, so focus on Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and the White Mountains. Monsoon storms are common.
- Fall (October to November): Comfortable temperatures return to the desert, and crowds are lighter.
How Much Does an RV Rental Cost in Arizona?
Rental prices depend on the type of RV, the season and how far ahead you book. Winter and spring are the busiest seasons in southern Arizona, while summer is busiest near the Grand Canyon. Campervans and small motorhomes are easiest for national park campgrounds, while larger RVs suit full-hookup resorts. Check live Outdoorsy prices for your dates.
Beyond the nightly rate, budget for:
- Mileage and generator fees beyond the included allowance
- Insurance or a protection plan
- Delivery, cleaning and dump fees
- Campsite fees, park entrance fees and tribal park fees
- Fuel, which adds up over long desert drives
Comparing platforms? Read our RVshare vs. Outdoorsy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp with full hookups at the Grand Canyon?
Trailer Village on the South Rim is the only campground inside the park with full hookups. Private parks in Tusayan, Williams and Flagstaff are good alternatives.
How big an RV can I take to Mather Campground?
Mather and Desert View campgrounds limit RVs to about 30 feet, and only a few sites fit rigs that long.
How much does it cost to camp at an Arizona state park?
About $25–$35 a night for non-electric sites, $35–$50 for electric and about $50 for full hookups.
Can I camp for free in Arizona?
Yes. Much of Arizona’s BLM and national forest land allows dispersed camping, and the BLM’s Long-Term Visitor Areas offer low-cost winter permits.
When is the best time to rent an RV in Arizona?
October through April for the desert and southern Arizona, and May through October for Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.
Heading west? See our California RV rental guide.
