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Spanning coastal California, the vast Mojave Desert, and the rolling plains of Texas, this cross-country adventure offers a remarkable cross-section of the American Southwest. Here is a quick look at the logistics for your upcoming journey.
| Start / End | Los Angeles, California to Austin, Texas |
| Duration | 13 Days |
| Distance | 1,991 mi |
| States Crossed | California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
| Ideal Traveler | Families, couples, and road-trip enthusiasts seeking diverse landscapes |
| Best Season | Spring and Fall |
There is a unique freedom in taking a motorhome from the Pacific Coast all the way into the heart of Texas. This 1,991 mi corridor is tailor-made for RV travel because it offers vast, open highways interspersed with iconic roadside attractions, state parks, and vibrant cities. Having your kitchen, bathroom, and bed with you means you can comfortably transition from the neon lights of Las Vegas to the remote, starlit skies of the desert without ever having to pack and unpack a suitcase. Embracing a slow travel mindset on this route allows you to truly appreciate the shifting geology, flora, and culture across five distinct states.
To comfortably cover 1,991 mi over 13 days, you will want to average about 150 miles of driving per day. However, it is much more enjoyable to break the trip into manageable regional stages rather than driving an equal distance every single day. The detailed day-by-day plan is available on RV PLANET, but here is how the pacing generally flows:
While the exact itinerary is customizable, this route is packed with distinctive themes that make the drive unforgettable.
The desert has long been a canvas for both scientific exploration and artistic expression. Early in your trip, you can marvel at the Goldstone Deep Space Network Visitor Center, a true highlight for science enthusiasts. Later, the brightly colored boulders of Seven Magic Mountains provide a stunning contrast against the natural desert backdrop, offering an incredible photo opportunity.
No trip across the Southwest is complete without a nod to Route 66. Pulling your RV into Mr D'z Route 66 Diner offers a delicious step back in time. Contrast this classic nostalgia with the modern spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip, where you can rise and shine surrounded by world-class entertainment and dining.
Nature lovers and families will find plenty to cheer about. You can visit the impressive 117,000-gallon tropical aquarium at the Silverton Hotel—complete with sharks, stingrays, and mermaids. As you move further east, the El Paso Zoo provides a fantastic family-friendly stop. Perhaps the most surprising natural feature on the route is Balmorhea State Park in Texas, where a 1.75-acre spring-fed swimming pool serves as a brilliant oasis in the middle of a 45-acre desert park.
We recommend 13 days for this 1,991 mi journey. This allows you to drive a comfortable distance each day while leaving ample time for hiking, exploring museums, swimming, and relaxing at your campgrounds.
Absolutely. The transition from the Pacific Coast through the Mojave Desert, across the high deserts of New Mexico, and into the Texas Hill Country provides an incredible variety of scenery. The mix of natural features, caves, botanical gardens, and unique roadside attractions ensures there is never a dull moment.
This itinerary is highly versatile. Families will love the zoos, aquariums, and swimming holes. Couples and retirees will appreciate the fine dining, art galleries, and the leisurely pace of cruising through historic towns.
Spring and Fall are the optimal seasons for this route. Traveling during these shoulder seasons helps you avoid the extreme summer heat of the Mojave and West Texas deserts, making your outdoor activities and RV camping much more comfortable.
Planning the financial side of a cross-country RV trip requires looking at a few key categories. First, consider the size of your vehicle. A Class C motorhome is fantastic for families needing extra sleeping space, while a campervan might be perfect for a couple. Because this is a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Austin, you must account for a one-way drop fee imposed by the rental fleet, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin.
Additionally, pay close attention to mileage packages. Covering 1,991 mi is a substantial distance, so purchasing a generous mileage package upfront is highly recommended to avoid per-mile overages at the end of your trip. For exact fleet availability and live pricing for your specific dates, use the search tools provided below.
This 13-day adventure from the West Coast to the heart of Texas is packed with unforgettable sights, from neon-lit strips to tranquil desert oases. To view the complete, day-by-day interactive itinerary and secure your perfect motorhome, visit the full Los Angeles to Austin RV route on 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 | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Travellers Autobarn USA-26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), El Monte-2026-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $650–$850 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $550–$800 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$450 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $450–$650 |
| 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 stays, and shoulder-season 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.
Transition from the bustling California coast into the vast, artistic expanses of the Mojave Desert before experiencing world-class entertainment.
Savor classic Americana culture and wind through iconic, sweeping desert landscapes at a leisurely pace.
Cruise through the high desert, enjoying regional heritage, unique wildlife parks, and vast open skies.
Discover surprising desert swimming holes and sweeping plains before rolling into the vibrant heart of Austin.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,991 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Austin 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 Los Angeles 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Austin route.
Picking up in Los Angeles but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: