USA RV road trip plan from San Francisco to Las Vegas motorhome trip route

The Best of the American Southwest: A Family RV Adventure from San Francisco to Las Vegas

If you’ve ever dreamed of towering redwood forests, sunbaked canyons, and neon-lit desert cities all in one trip, this round road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas is exactly the route to plan. We did it in a campervan, and it was the perfect blend of natural wonder, family fun, and classic Americana. Using a solid camper route planner and a few motorhome travel tips, we hit the road for 18 unforgettable days that truly captured the magic of the Southwest.

Kicking Off in San Francisco

Our journey started beneath the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point South, a postcard-perfect view to kick off our motorhome adventure. A tour with Alcatraz Cruises offered the kids a hauntingly exciting glimpse into history, and the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park gave us some peaceful moments before heading into nature.

A top tip when planning a motorhome trip in the USA: make sure you choose a campervan-friendly campground just outside the city. San Francisco is charming, but it’s not the easiest for oversized vehicles. Parking in a nearby town and using public transit worked great for us.

Into the Mountains: Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

Our first big nature stop was Yosemite National Park. The Glacier Point Trailhead, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Valley offered some of the most iconic vistas in the world. We even spotted some deer near The Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park, where the Giant Forest Museum helped the kids understand just how ancient and grand these trees truly are.

For fellow RV travelers: Moaning Caverns Adventure Park made a great break in the drive between parks — a fun mix of geology and adrenaline.

Into the Desert: Death Valley to Zion

Leaving the forests behind, we crossed into the otherworldly landscape of Death Valley National Park. Even in the heat, the views at Zabriskie Point, Artist's Palette, and Mosaic Canyon were jaw-dropping. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center was a great educational stop for the kids and helped us understand how to explore the desert safely.

From there, our road trip planner pointed us toward Utah, where Zion National Park took our breath away. We parked the RV at the Visitor Center and hopped on the shuttle to explore Alpine Pond Trail and the surrounding red rock canyons.

If you're wondering how to plan a motorhome trip in the USA that mixes thrill and comfort — look no further than Ruby's Inn outside Bryce Canyon. Between ATV tours, the Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, and watching the sunset at Paria View, it became one of the highlights of our campervan journey.

Native Cultures, Slot Canyons, and Red Rocks

We made time to learn and play. At Dixie's Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, the whole family marveled at narrow slot canyons carved by water and wind. The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum provided cultural context that made the desert feel even more meaningful.

In Arizona, we cruised along scenic highways to Lake Powell, where the boat tour gave us a chance to relax and soak in the blue waters flanked by red stone cliffs. The kids especially loved spotting wildlife at Bearizona Wildlife Park before we descended into the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon: The Crown Jewel

No words prepare you for the first look into the Grand Canyon. Mather Point, Trail of Time, and the Bright Angel Trailhead gave us views and hikes we’ll never forget. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center had exhibits the kids actually enjoyed, and our motorhome campground nearby had the clearest night skies we’ve ever seen.

Pro tip: when road trip planning through the Southwest in a motorhome, make sure to book Grand Canyon RV sites early — they fill up months in advance, especially in summer.

The Final Stretch to Las Vegas

After exploring Grand Canyon Caverns, we drove the final leg to Las Vegas — a surreal shift from nature to neon. Our favorite stops included The Mob Museum, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and of course, the Las Vegas Strip. For families, Madame Tussauds was a hit with the teens, while the dazzling lights and fountains entertained everyone.

Las Vegas also made a great final base for cleaning up the RV and enjoying full-hookup campgrounds before the return leg to San Francisco.

Tips on How to Plan a Motorhome Trip in the USA from San Francisco to Las Vegas:

• Camper Route Planner: Use tools like Roadtrippers or Google Maps with RV filters to plot fuel, food, and overnight stops. Don’t forget to check altitude changes — especially in Yosemite and Bryce Canyon.

• RV Rentals: San Francisco has a wide range of motorhome rental options. Book early, especially if you need a family-sized unit.

• Packing Essentials: Bring layers — you’ll go from mountain mornings to desert heat. Keep a cooler and plenty of water onboard.

• Reserve Campgrounds Early: National parks book up fast, so plan your route and stays at least 3–6 months in advance when possible.

From the ancient redwoods to the Grand Canyon's depths, and from quiet canyons to the buzz of Vegas, this Southwest road trip was everything we hoped for — and more. Whether you choose an RV, campervan, or full-size motorhome, with a little road trip planning, this route can become your family’s adventure of a lifetime.

If you're planning your own USA camper adventure from San Francisco to Las Vegas, use this as a base for your own route planner. The road is waiting.