RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 22 Days |
| Distance | 1,864 mi |
| Start / End | Billings, MT / Las Vegas, NV |
| States Explored | Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming |
| Best For | Families, couples, and groups seeking slow travel and natural wonders |
Connecting the rugged northern plains of Montana to the neon glow of Nevada, this 22-day USA road trip is a masterclass in slow travel. Traveling by RV gives you the absolute freedom to move at your own pace, stop when a sweeping vista catches your eye, and spend your evenings stargazing from your private campsite. For families, couples, or groups of friends, taking a motorhome or campervan along this route is not just a convenient lodging solution—it is the core of the adventure itself.
With an expansive 1,864 mi ahead of you, having your kitchen, bathroom, and beds on board means you can transition seamlessly from high-altitude mountain passes to arid desert floors without the constant hassle of unpacking. Whether you are prepping picnic supplies in your motorhome fridge for a day in Yellowstone or pulling over to admire snow-dusted alpine lakes, the RV lifestyle elevates this journey from a simple drive into a true expedition.
Attempting to rush a six-state route is a disservice to the majestic landscapes of the American West. By breaking this trip into regional stages, you allow yourself the time to truly absorb the environment.
Your journey begins in Billings, Montana, where ancient history sets a reflective tone for the miles ahead. The initial driving rhythm is unhurried, allowing you to acclimate to your vehicle while navigating spectacular, winding mountain roads. This stage is about gaining elevation and embracing the crisp mountain air before dropping into the frontier towns of Wyoming.
As you enter Wyoming, the pace slows significantly. This region demands full-day explorations rather than long driving stints. You will spend your days walking boardwalks over steaming geysers, watching for local wildlife, and immersing yourself in the rich lore of the Wild West. Campgrounds here serve as excellent multi-night basecamps.
Leaving the northern Rockies, the route stretches out across Idaho and Utah. The daily mileage increases slightly, but the driving is highly scenic. Forests give way to expansive valleys and eventually the iconic red rock geology of the Southwest. This stage offers a brilliant mix of outdoor recreation and serene, open-road cruising.
The final leg transitions through the dramatic landscapes of Arizona and Nevada. The rhythm here is one of anticipation, moving from the quiet solitude of the desert toward the vibrant, bustling energy of Las Vegas. The contrast between ancient natural features and modern entertainment makes for an unforgettable conclusion.
This route is exceptionally diverse, offering a blend of natural phenomena, rich history, and family-friendly activities. While the detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available on RV PLANET, here are the core themes you will encounter.
The journey is steeped in heritage. In Billings, the mysterious Pictograph Cave State Park features ancient rock art, reminding travelers of the generations who traversed these lands long before modern highways. Further south in Cody, Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Old Trail Town offer a fantastic leap into frontier charm. Walking past historic saloons and wagons provides an immersive experience that sparks the imagination of travelers of all ages.
Nature takes center stage on this route. The Beartooth Highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the United States, presenting drivers with snow-dusted peaks and pristine alpine lakes. Inside Yellowstone, the landscape feels almost otherworldly. You will marvel at the steaming Norris Geyser Basin, the vivid rainbow colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the clockwork reliability of Old Faithful erupting against a deep blue sky.
Beyond the viewpoints, this route is an active traveler's dream. The itinerary is packed with opportunities for hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and even canoe or kayak excursions. For families, the mix of botanical gardens, science sites, aquariums, and amusement parks ensures that driving days are perfectly balanced with engaging, hands-on activities.
Committing to a 22-day road trip is a significant investment of time, but the payoff is unparalleled. You are not just visiting one destination; you are traversing a cross-section of the most celebrated landscapes in North America.
While the distance is 1,864 mi, allocating the full 22 days is highly recommended. This averages out to less than 100 miles per day, which is the golden rule of slow travel. It ensures you have ample time for day tours, wildlife watching, and simply relaxing at your campsite without feeling rushed to reach the next destination.
This itinerary is incredibly versatile. Families will appreciate the educational historical sites and extreme activities that burn off energy. Couples will love the romantic isolation of mountain campsites and scenic drives. Groups of friends will find plenty of adventure in the hiking areas and local industry tours scattered along the way.
Because this route includes high-elevation passes like the Beartooth Highway and the heart of Yellowstone, summer and early fall are the most reliable seasons. Snow can close mountain roads from late fall through late spring. Always check seasonal road closures and utilize a camper route planner, as mountain weather can shift rapidly even in the summer months.
Securing the right vehicle is the first step in your adventure. For a trip of this length, comfort is key. Families and groups typically opt for Class C motorhomes, which offer cab-over beds and spacious living areas, while couples might prefer the nimbleness of a campervan.
When planning your costs, remember that this is a one-way journey from Billings to Las Vegas. Most rental fleets will apply a one-way drop fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle. Additionally, carefully review your mileage package. Your base route is 1,864 mi, but you should factor in extra miles for scenic detours, campground runs, and exploring national parks. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for summer travel, to ensure vehicle availability and secure your preferred campground reservations inside the popular state and national parks.
Ready to hit the road? Discover the full day-by-day itinerary, view recommended campgrounds, and lock in your vehicle by visiting RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Cruise America- 26-E (Billings) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$800 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $1,050–$1,680 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$600 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and peak summer travel. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Settle into your RV and transition from ancient history in the plains to breathtaking high-altitude mountain passes.
Dedicate extended time to exploring the geothermal marvels, abundant wildlife, and frontier heritage of the region.
Shift from dense alpine forests to expansive valleys and the striking geology of red rock country.
Navigate through iconic southwestern desert scenery before descending into the vibrant, modern energy of Nevada.
Total cost for this 22-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,864 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Billings → Las Vegas pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Billings pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| CA-25 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 24.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-21 Compact Plus Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 4 | 21.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Ultra Compact C18 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class TC - Truck Camper | 2 | 19.5 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Billings → Las Vegas route.
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