There’s no denying the truth that Phoenix is an incredible place to be. There are such a lot of superior issues to do and see within the metropolis that it could be arduous to get bored. That stated, generally you simply need to escape the town and discover some soothing pure areas and even simply discover a change of surroundings. In these instances, it’s good to know there are many issues to do round Phoenix.
Trying to get out of Phoenix and take a fast weekend RV journey for a change of tempo? Under are our favourite weekend locations for these leaving from Phoenix.
Tucson, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Sure, we all know you’re making an attempt to flee the town, however hear us out. Tucson is a superb place to hang around for a weekend in order for you lots to do whereas nonetheless getting that change of surroundings.
Should you’re on the lookout for nature, you’ll be able to escape into the gorgeous Saguaro Nationwide Park, which is nicely definitely worth the journey all by itself. That stated, there are additionally loads of issues to do in Tucson itself. These embrace the superb Reid Park Zoo, the Pima Air & House Museum, and loads of eating alternatives.
The place to Keep
On the lookout for free tenting? Snyder Hill BLM is a well-liked place for boondockers to park. You may camp without cost for as much as 14 days, however there aren’t any facilities by any means.
If you need facilities, we suggest Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort.
Tonto Nationwide Forest
Distance from Phoenix: About 1 hour, relying on precise vacation spot
Hoping for a quieter escape? Why not head to the stunning Tonto Nationwide Forest? Right here you’ll discover mountains, canyons, cacti, pine bushes, and even a lake, making this an absolute paradise for nature-lovers. Whilst you’re there, you’ll want to go to the Apache Path Scenic Drive for some beautiful views. You may additionally need to take a look at the Tonto Nationwide Monument for a implausible historical past lesson.
The place to Keep
Indian Level Campground is a superb place to park an RV when visiting Tonto Nationwide Forest. It’s run by the Forest Service and is free to make use of for as much as 14 days. There aren’t any facilities other than vault bathrooms right here.
Should you’re on the lookout for hookups, take into account going to Roosevelt Lakeview Park.
Sedona, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours
One other the most effective issues to do outdoors Phoenix is to jump over to the beautiful city of Sedona, AZ. Take a look at the outlets, artwork galleries, and spas of the uptown space, or persist with the large variety of trails scattered across the outskirts of city. Both method, you’re certain to fall in love with the red-rock buttes, steep canyon partitions, and pine forests that encompass this artsy little city.
The place to Keep
The closest free tenting choice to Sedona is the Javelina Designated Dispersed Tenting. It is a in style free tenting space the place you’ll be able to 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, take into account 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 actually, we suggest dedicating not less than a whole weekend to every. Whereas in Flagstaff, you’ll want to go to the superb Lowell Observatory to take a look at the night time sky. You can even take a look at the lava tubes close by and even hit the slopes within the winter months.
It also needs to be famous that temperatures in Flagstaff are typically 20 levels cooler than temperatures in Phoenix, making this an incredible summer season escape.
The place to Keep
Fort Valley Dispersed Tenting is the place to go if you wish to camp without cost. Once more, the keep restrict is 14 days and you shouldn’t count on facilities at this campsite.
These on the lookout for facilities ought to take a look at Flagstaff KOA Vacation.
Lake Havasu
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours
Talking of nice summer season escapes, Lake Havasu is one other great place to flee the town and funky off when the climate is sizzling. This 30-square-mile turquoise lake is the place to go for water sports activities whereas in Arizona.
Right here you’ll be able to hire a jet ski or boat for the day and head out to the secluded coves of the lake—or simply calm down on the seaside, hopping within the water every so often to chill off. Both method, be sure you apply loads of sunscreen as a result of there may be little to no shade.
The place to Keep
Free of charge tenting, head to Craggy Wash Dispersed Tenting 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 out there at Lake Havasu State Park in addition to Campbell Cove RV Resort.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and half-hour
Should you’re searching for shade, Lake Havasu is probably not your house. As a substitute, you would possibly need to take into account visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park the place you’ll be able to escape the solar by going underground. These superior caverns had been first found in 1974 and have become a state park in 1999. Visitors are invited to tour the cave and find out about its historical past and the bats that stay there. Should you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even get to see a few of these bats!
The place to Keep
The very best place to remain when visiting the caverns is in Kartchner Caverns State Park. The websites are clear and completely reasonably priced. 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 got one other good spot you’ll need to go to: Tombstone, AZ. Tombstone was initially a mining boomtown, and shortly sufficient, the place attracted prospectors and outlaws. Today, guests are invited to expertise Wild West reenactments, go to the saloon for lunch or an ice cream cone, and even take a experience in an outdated stagecoach.
The place to Keep
In terms of tenting in Tombstone, we’ve got to suggest staying at Tombstone RV Park and Campground. This spot is primary however contains all the things you want for a snug keep when you discover the city.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Distance from Phoenix: 3–4 hours, relying on precise vacation spot
Should you’re prepared to drive a bit farther from the town to see one thing really superior, you would possibly need to take into account Joshua Tree Nationwide Park as your weekend escape. That is a completely lovely park with a few of the most unimaginable rock formations and superb views on the market. There are many nice mountain climbing trails to discover, and when you keep within the park after darkish, you’ll be handled to a implausible present within the night time sky.
The place to Keep
In case 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’s a small charge to dry camp contained in the park, however you may be handled to some superb views in the course of your keep.
Different choices close by embrace dry tenting on the Joshua Tree South Dispersed Tenting BLM Land or heading to Palm Springs RV Resort.
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and half-hour
An alternative choice that requires a bit extra driving (however is nicely value the additional effort) is Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Should 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.
Actually, even if in case you have been beforehand, it’s all the time value going once more to be able to take a look at some completely different views of the canyons and hike one other path or two. Ensure that to catch a dawn over the canyon for the last word Grand Canyon expertise!
The place to Keep
As soon as 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.
Extra Issues to Do Exterior Phoenix
The strategies above are our favourite issues to do outdoors of Phoenix, however they’re removed from the one choices. Should you’re on the lookout for extra weekend getaway concepts and even just a few Phoenix day journeys, you would strive Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument, Organ Pipe Cactus Nationwide Monument, Winslow, Jerome, or hunt down a bit identified hidden gem that isn’t listed right here in any respect.
It doesn’t matter what you select, we’re certain you’re going to have an incredible time exploring the beautiful state of Arizona!