This Arizona RV road trip itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of national parks, scenic drives, and RV-friendly routes without rushing from place to place.This 10-day Arizona RV itinerary solves that problem with a realistic, well-paced loop covering the state’s most iconic desert landscapes, red rock towns, and legendary canyons.
This guide is written from an RV traveler’s perspective, not a tour company brochure. No rushed days. No impractical drives. Just a route that works. For official park updates and camping rules, always check the National Park Service website before your Arizona RV road trip.
Quick Overview: Arizona RV Route at a Glance
- Saguaro National Park – 1 Day
- Lost Dutchman State Park – 1 Day
- Sedona – 2 Days
- Grand Canyon National Park – 2 Days
- Antelope Canyon – 1 Day
- Horseshoe Bend – 1 Day
- Monument Valley – 2 Days
Total: 10 days
Best for: RV beginners, families, slow travelers, photographers
Day 1: Saguaro National Park (Tucson) — 1 Day
Your Arizona RV trip begins in the Sonoran Desert.
Why stop here
- Massive saguaro cacti found nowhere else
- Flat scenic drives ideal for RVs
- Easy desert hikes with big views
RV tip:
There are no large RV campgrounds inside the park. Stay in Tucson or nearby RV parks and explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. One of the biggest advantages of following this Arizona RV road trip itinerary is that it minimizes backtracking while covering the state’s most iconic desert and canyon landscapes.
Day 2: Lost Dutchman State Park — 1 Day
Located near Phoenix, this park is often skipped—and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting.
What makes it special
- Dramatic Superstition Mountain views
- Quiet hiking trails
- Incredible desert sunsets
Why this stop matters
It breaks the drive north and gives you a calm nature day before Sedona.
Days 3–4: Sedona — 2 Days
Sedona is not a drive-through destination. Two days is the minimum.
Day 3
- Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive
- Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock
- Sunset viewpoints
Day 4
- Easy hikes or jeep tours
- Art galleries and cafés
- Relaxation day
RV reality:
Parking is tight in town. Base your RV just outside Sedona and drive a smaller vehicle in.
Days 5–6: Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) — 2 Days
One of the biggest mistakes RV travelers make is rushing the Grand Canyon.
Day 5
- South Rim viewpoints
- Shuttle routes (no stress driving)
Day 6
- Rim Trail walk
- Sunrise or sunset (non-negotiable)
RV advice:
Campgrounds inside the park book months ahead. Tusayan is a good backup option.
Day 7: Antelope Canyon (Page) — 1 Day
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed places in Arizona—and for good reason.
Important things to know
- Guided tours only
- Midday tours offer the best light
- Book in advance
This pairs perfectly with nearby Lake Powell viewpoints.
Day 8: Horseshoe Bend — 1 Day
A short walk with one of the biggest visual payoffs on the trip.
Tips
- Go early morning or near sunset
- RV parking is available but fills fast
- Combine with Page sightseeing
Days 9–10: Monument Valley — 2 Days
This is where Arizona turns cinematic.
Day 9
- Scenic drive through the valley
- Classic viewpoints
Day 10
- Navajo-guided tour (highly recommended)
- Sunrise or sunset photography
RV note:
Private vehicles aren’t allowed deep into the valley. Park and use guided tours.
If you enjoy long scenic drives and classic American road trips, our Ultimate Route 66 Travel Guide is a great next read.
Why This Arizona RV Itinerary Works
- Logical route with minimal backtracking
- Manageable daily drive times
- Balanced mix of iconic sights and rest days
- Suitable for first-time RV travelers
This is not a rushed influencer itinerary—it’s designed for real road travel.
Best Time for an Arizona RV Road Trip
- Best months: March–May, September–November
- Summer: Possible but very hot in desert areas
- Winter: Great for southern Arizona; colder near the Grand Canyon
RV Rentals & Travel Resources
If you don’t own an RV, renting one is an easy way to follow this Arizona RV road trip itinerary without long-term commitment. I’ve curated a list of RV rental options, travel tools, and road trip resources that work well for routes like this, especially for first-time RV travelers.
Final Thoughts
IIf you’re planning a longer desert drive, our Arizona RV road trip itinerary shows how to combine national parks and scenic routes into one realistic journey. Follow it exactly, or use it as a base and customize your stops. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or revisiting the Southwest, this Arizona RV road trip itinerary offers a practical, experience-based route that works for real RV travelers.
This is one of the most rewarding RV trips in the American Southwest—and it’s perfect for travelers who want depth, not just photos.