Exploring the Southwest by camper van is a unique bliss. Pick up a GoCamp camper van in one of our many Southwest locations, such as Flagstaff, Reno, Las Vegas, Tucson, or Salt Lake City, and explore this unique region of the United States. Here’s a list of five must see destinations for your road trip in the Southwest.
grand canyon national park
Southwest by Camper Van
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, known as “Arizona’s Playground” is an ideal launching off place for any sort of water activity or hiking in the Sonoran Desert. Whether you rent a boat, or just go for a swim, the cool lake is sure to be a welcome escape from warm Arizonan temperatures, even in the winter.
The lake provides enough activities to keep you busy for days, but don’t miss the fun hikes in the area.
Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument is home to over 800 ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites. This fascinating site was once a cultural hub when the Hopi and Zuni Puebloan communities inhabited the area.
The red rocks make for a gorgeous backdrop as you explore the history of the park. While you’re there, make sure to check out Sunset Crater Volcano, just 20 miles away.
Coconino National Forest
No Southwest road trip would be complete without a visit to the Coconino National Forest, one of the most diverse national forests in the country. As you hike the area, you’ll be able to explore desert and tundra landscapes, red rocks landscapes and ponderosa pine forests.
Coconino National Forest is also a good place for dispersed camping, but take note that over use in this area is becoming a major issue. Make sure you check out the Scenic Mogollon Rim Drive.
Vermillion Cliffs
Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably seen pictures of the iconic wave in Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. That awe-striking feature is a little hint of all there is to explore in the vast expanse of pristine wilderness in this area.
When you visit, you’ll be treated to some of the most interesting hikes and breathtaking night skies in the United States. Many of the hikes require permits and are on Reservation lands, so plan ahead if you want to do one of those hikes.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon offers jaw dropping views and amazing, virtually unlimited, hiking. It certainly is well deserving of its title as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The National Park is extremely busy in the summer, but you’ll be able to enjoy the area with much more solitude in the winter.
The North Rim receives fewer visitors and is a great addition to any Southwest road trip, particularly if you are visiting the Vermillion Cliff area.