There’s no denying the truth that Phoenix is an incredible place to be. There are so many superior issues to do and see within the metropolis that it will be exhausting to get bored. That stated, typically you simply need to escape the town and discover some soothing pure areas and even simply discover a change of surroundings. In these circumstances, it’s good to know there are many issues to do round Phoenix.
Looking to get out of Phoenix and take a fast weekend RV journey for a change of tempo? Below are our favourite weekend locations for these leaving from Phoenix.
Tucson, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Yes, we all know you’re attempting to flee the town, however hear us out. Tucson is a superb place to hang around for a weekend if you’d like a lot to do whereas nonetheless getting that change of surroundings.
If you’re on the lookout for nature, you possibly can escape into the gorgeous Saguaro National Park, which is properly well worth the journey all by itself. That stated, there are additionally loads of issues to do in Tucson itself. These embody the wonderful Reid Park Zoo, the Pima Air & Space Museum, and loads of eating alternatives.
Where to Stay
Looking at no cost tenting? Snyder Hill BLM is a well-liked place for boondockers to park. You can camp at no cost for as much as 14 days, however there aren’t any facilities in any respect.
If you need facilities, we suggest Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort.
Tonto National Forest
Distance from Phoenix: About 1 hour, relying on precise vacation spot
Hoping for a quieter escape? Why not head to the beautiful Tonto National Forest? Here you’ll discover mountains, canyons, cacti, pine timber, and even a lake, making this an absolute paradise for nature-lovers. While you’re there, you should definitely go to the Apache Trail Scenic Drive for some attractive views. You may additionally need to take a look at the Tonto National Monument for a implausible historical past lesson.
Where to Stay
Indian Point Campground is a superb place to park an RV when visiting Tonto National Forest. It is run by the Forest Service and is free to make use of for as much as 14 days. There aren’t any facilities except for vault bathrooms right here.
If you’re on the lookout for hookups, contemplate going to Roosevelt Lakeview Park.
Sedona, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours
Another the most effective issues to do exterior Phoenix is to jump over to the attractive city of Sedona, AZ. Check out the retailers, artwork galleries, and spas of the uptown space, or persist with the large variety of trails scattered across the outskirts of city. Either approach, you’re certain to fall in love with the red-rock buttes, steep canyon partitions, and pine forests that encompass this artsy little city.
Where to Stay
The closest free tenting choice to Sedona is the Javelina Designated Dispersed Camping. This is a well-liked free tenting space the place you possibly can park for as much as 14 days. No facilities can be found, however the views are pretty.
For hookups or to remain on the town, contemplate Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Flagstaff, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and quarter-hour
Not removed from Sedona is the town of Flagstaff. A go to to Flagstaff might simply be mixed with a go to to Sedona, however truthfully, we suggest dedicating at the very least a whole weekend to every. While in Flagstaff, you should definitely go to the wonderful Lowell Observatory to take a look at the night time sky. You also can take a look at the lava tubes close by and even hit the slopes within the winter months.
It must also be famous that temperatures in Flagstaff are typically 20 levels cooler than temperatures in Phoenix, making this a fantastic summer season escape.
Where to Stay
Fort Valley Dispersed Camping is the place to go if you wish to camp at no cost. Again, the keep restrict is 14 days and you shouldn’t count on facilities at this campsite.
Those on the lookout for facilities ought to take a look at Flagstaff KOA Holiday.
Lake Havasu
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours
Speaking of nice summer season escapes, Lake Havasu is one other fantastic place to flee the town and funky off when the climate is scorching. This 30-square-mile turquoise lake is the place to go for water sports activities whereas in Arizona.
Here you possibly can lease a jet ski or boat for the day and head out to the secluded coves of the lake—or simply chill out on the seaside, hopping within the water now and again to chill off. Either approach, ensure you apply loads of sunscreen as a result of there’s little to no shade.
Where to Stay
For free tenting, head to Craggy Wash Dispersed Camping or one of many different BLM websites close by. As normal, these websites don’t present facilities, however they’re free!
Paid tenting with facilities is accessible at Lake Havasu State Park in addition to Campbell Cove RV Resort.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and half-hour
If you’re searching for shade, Lake Havasu might not be your home. Instead, you may need to contemplate visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park the place you possibly can escape the solar by going underground. These superior caverns had been first found in 1974 and have become a state park in 1999. Guests are invited to tour the cave and find out about its historical past and the bats that stay there. If you’re fortunate, you could even get to see a few of these bats!
Where to Stay
The very best place to remain when visiting the caverns is in Kartchner Caverns State Park. The websites are clear and completely inexpensive. There are water and electrical hookups accessible, and restrooms with showers are onsite.
Tombstone, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours
The historical past of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating, and if it’s historical past that pursuits you, we’ve one other great place you’ll need to go to: Tombstone, AZ. Tombstone was initially a mining boomtown, and shortly sufficient, the place attracted prospectors and outlaws. These days, guests are invited to expertise Wild West reenactments, go to the saloon for lunch or an ice cream cone, and even take a journey in an outdated stagecoach.
Where to Stay
When it involves tenting in Tombstone, we’ve to suggest staying at Tombstone RV Park and Campground. This spot is primary however consists of every part you want for a snug keep when you discover the city.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance from Phoenix: 3–4 hours, relying on precise vacation spot
If you’re keen to drive a bit farther from the town to see one thing actually superior, you may need to contemplate Joshua Tree National Park as your weekend escape. This is a completely stunning park with a number of the most unimaginable rock formations and wonderful views on the market. There are loads of nice mountain climbing trails to discover, and for those who keep within the park after darkish, you’ll be handled to a implausible present within the night time sky.
Where to Stay
If your RV is sufficiently small, we extremely suggest staying within the park at Jumbo Rocks Campground or one of many different in-park campgrounds. There is a small payment to dry camp contained in the park, however you’ll be handled to some wonderful views in the course of your keep.
Other choices close by embody dry tenting on the Joshua Tree South Dispersed Camping BLM Land or heading to Palm Springs RV Resort.
Grand Canyon National Park
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and half-hour
Another choice that requires a bit extra driving (however is properly value the additional effort) is Grand Canyon National Park. If you’ve by no means visited this park and seen the majesty of this place earlier than, you’ll completely need to make this your getaway.
Honestly, even you probably have been beforehand, it’s all the time value going once more as a way to take a look at some completely different views of the canyons and hike one other path or two. Make certain to catch a dawn over the canyon for the final word Grand Canyon expertise!
Where to Stay
Once once more, we extremely suggest tenting inside the park if doable. There are a number of tenting choices throughout the park, and you could find spots for RVs of all sizes. No nationwide park campgrounds have hookups, however Trailer Village in South Rim Village has spots with full hookups.
More Things to Do Outside Phoenix
The ideas above are our favourite issues to do exterior of Phoenix, however they’re removed from the one choices. If you’re on the lookout for extra weekend getaway concepts and even just a few Phoenix day journeys, you may strive Montezuma Castle National Monument, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Winslow, Jerome, or search out somewhat recognized hidden gem that isn’t listed right here in any respect.
No matter what you select, we’re certain you’re going to have an incredible time exploring the attractive state of Arizona!