Trips

Best RV Road Trip Towns in the Western U.S.

January 22, 2025

RV vacations out west are popular because of the majestic landscapes, towering red rocks, desert views, lively cities and endless adventures that western states feature. Stay at Kampgrounds of America around the following locations to plan the best western U.S. RV road trip.

1. Denver, Colorado

There are many ways you can plan RV trips out west, but Colorado is a fantastic starting point. Begin your journey in Denver to experience an exciting walkable city surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Denver is most famous for Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, where you can hike around ancient rock formations or catch an unforgettable concert under the night sky.

While in Denver, you can visit the Golden Triangle Creative District, which is home to the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and several art galleries. You can also see incredible animals up close at the Denver Zoo, walk through the gorgeous oasis of the Denver Botanic Gardens and experience the fascinating Denver Museum of Nature & Science when you visit this vibrant city.

Nearby KOAs:

Denver East / Strasburg KOA Holiday

Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is home to the massive red rock formations known as Garden of the Gods, where you can hike, enjoy scenic views and watch the sun set behind stunning rock formations. Erosion sculpted these towering sandstones over millions of years, making them a fascinating part of Colorado’s geology and history.

Nearby KOA:

Colorado Springs KOA Holiday

The Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, NM.

3. Albuquerque, New Mexico

As you make your way into New Mexico, stop in Albuquerque to experience one of the state’s most beautiful cities. Witness 400 to 700-year-old petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument, or take a spectacular hot air balloon ride over stunning vistas and the enchanting Rio Grande. You can also visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History to learn about the history of the Atomic Age, from early nuclear development research to today’s peaceful nuclear technology applications.

Nearby KOA:

Albuquerque KOA Journey

4. Alamogordo, New Mexico

Alamogordo is close to White Sands National Park, the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Hike along winding trails through vast sand dunes, or sled down the slopes for a one-of-a-kind experience. After your desert dunes adventure, you can explore the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Visit this fascinating museum to learn more about the space science developments in New Mexico that made space exploration possible and how mankind has adapted to the extreme environmental challenges of space missions.

Nearby KOA:

Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey

5. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, is known for its Mexican cuisine, rich history, vibrant nightlife and gorgeous scenery. You can try delicious chimichangas and green chile enchiladas, go horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert and grab refreshing drinks downtown. Don’t forget to experience the city’s history and culture at attractions such as the Tucson Museum of Art and the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church and Museum.

Nearby KOA:

Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is near many of Arizona’s beautiful natural attractions, and it is a fantastic stop before leaving the state. You can hike through the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, marvel at the flowing sandstone formations and enjoy breathtaking high desert landscape views at Grand Canyon National Park. Another incredible site near Flagstaff is Petrified Forest National Park, where you can see fossils from the Late Triassic Epoch and enjoy the Painted Desert’s vibrant colors.

Nearby KOAs: 

Flagstaff KOA Holiday

Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA Holiday

Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is an iconic, can’t-miss stop on any road trip. Stroll Fremont Street for drinks and live music, try your luck at a casino, catch an unforgettable live show and ride the world’s largest observation wheel. Vegas is also home to quirky museums such as the Museum of Illusions, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, The Mob Museum and the hands-on Pinball Hall of Fame.

To experience Vegas’s nearby outdoor adventures, consider flying over Grand Canyon West, walking across the Grand Canyon Skywalk, riding ATVs in the Mojave Desert or kayaking to Emerald Cave and its beautiful green waters.

Nearby KOA:

Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam’s Town

8. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a luxurious California stop on your road trip itinerary, featuring gorgeous desert scenery, upscale shopping and Hollywood history. Hollywood stars have frequented Palm Springs since the 1920s, and you can see the previous homes of icons such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.

While in Palm Springs, you can explore Tahquitz Canyon for enchanting waterfall views or explore Palm Springs attractions such as the Palm Springs Art MuseumMoorten Botanical Garden and The Living Desert Zoo.

Nearby KOA:

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday

9. San Diego, California

San Diego’s stunning beaches make it a must-see destination during your time in California. Snorkel or kayak in La Jolla sea caves, watch a breathtaking sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park or hike through the beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. San Diego is also home to the country’s most-visited zoo, exciting nightlife and museums such as the San Diego Museum of Art.

Nearby KOA:

San Diego Metro KOA Resort

The Embarcadero Building at dusk in San Francisco, California.

10. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is full of breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. Add this city to your road trip itinerary so you can take a photo by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, watch resting sea lions at Pier 39 and hike up Hawk Hill for an incredible sunrise. San Francisco is also home to Alcatraz, the famous prison that housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone from the 1930s to the early 1960s. You can take a ferry to Alcatraz, explore the island and learn more about the prison through special tours.

Nearby KOA:

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA Resort

11. Reno, Nevada

Reno is the vibrant hub of Northern Nevada. From Reno, you can easily reach Lake Tahoe for hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. In the city, you can experience Reno’s exciting casino culture or visit fascinating museums such as the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum.

Nearby KOA:

Reno KOA Journey at Boomtown

12. Cascade Locks, Oregon

Add Cascade Locks to your road trip itinerary if you want to experience the best of Oregon’s natural beauty and eclectic culture. This scenic mountain village is just a short drive from Portland, so you can explore vast forests, sweeping vistas and the charm of the city’s quirky features. Hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, marvel at captivating waterfalls and stop at a brewery for a refreshing craft beer.

If you make your way to Portland, you can shop at the world’s largest independent bookstore, try a unique doughnut flavor from Voodoo Doughnuts or stroll through the serene Portland Japanese Garden. Don’t forget to grab a “Keep Portland Weird” bumper sticker to remember your trip.

Nearby KOA:

Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA Holiday

13. Leavenworth, Washington

You will feel like you landed in a European village when you arrive in Leavenworth. This charming city features enchanting Bavarian architecture and is surrounded by mountain scenery, making it look more like a fairytale location than a Washington municipality. Stop here to try some delicious German-inspired food, stroll down picturesque streets and hike to a dazzling alpine lake. Leavenworth is especially magical during the holiday season due to its delightful Christmas markets, fun sleigh rides and exciting ski slopes.

Nearby KOAs:

Leavenworth / Pine Village KOA Holiday

Ellensburg KOA Journey

Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday

A thermal spring shows bright blue and yellow in the Black Sand Basin area of Yellowstone National Park.

14. Yellowstone, Wyoming

A western road trip isn’t complete without a stop at Yellowstone National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world’s most magnificent thermal features, such as the Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring and Steamboat Geyser. Driving through Yellowstone is the perfect opportunity to see if you can spot wolves, grizzly bears, bison and elk, and you can marvel at sweeping landscape views on the park’s various trails.

Nearby KOAs:

Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

Cody KOA Holiday

15. Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Lava Hot Springs is famous for its natural hot pools where you can soak and relax in geothermal mineral water. When you visit, you can also soar over a breathtaking valley with Lava Zipline and Ropes Course Adventure, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and home-cooked food at Baker Ranch or tube down the Portneuf River. If you enjoy thrilling waterslides, stop at Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex for an exhilarating water park experience.

Nearby KOAs:

Lava Hot Springs East KOA Holiday

Lava Hot Springs West KOA Holiday

16. Salt Lake City, Utah

Stop in Salt Lake City to experience the surreal Bonneville salt flats, an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography. This visually striking natural wonder creates gorgeous dramatic effects when the light hits it, making it the perfect spot to watch a sunset or sunrise.

Visit Salt Lake City’s Antelope Island State Park to see desert animals such as free-ranging mule deer, bison, antelope and bighorn sheep. The city also features exciting activities and attractions such as the Natural History Museum of Utah, Hogle Zoo, Clark Planetarium and Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.

Nearby KOA:

Salt Lake City KOA Holiday

17. Moab, Utah

Moab is close to Arches National Park, where you can see over 2,000 red rock arches, balanced rocks and towering pinnacles. Many people visit to snap a photo in front of the iconic Delicate Arch, but the entire park is full of stunning sights and diverse trails to explore. If you are looking for an exhilarating adventure, book a Moab off-roading tour for exciting challenges and views of the breathtaking red rock canyons.

Nearby KOA:

Moab KOA Holiday

Stay at KOA Locations Across the West’s Most Exciting States

Traveling out west by RV is an unforgettable experience. Vast desert landscapes, towering red rocks, exciting nightlife, beautiful beaches, relaxing hot springs and magnificent thermal wonders wait for you to experience them across the western states. KOA offers various ways to stay in or near each destination, so you have convenient amenities, fun recreational activities and food options within easy reach. Reserve a stay at KOA to start your western road trip adventures.


About the Author: Kampgrounds of America

Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.

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