In the state of Arizona, chances are more times than not you’ll be searching for cooler weather. And if you’re looking for destinations aside from the usual Grand Canyon trip, this is the perfect list for you.
So, let’s start at the bottom and work our way up to the northern sights. Spend less time planning and more time exploring by using this handy list of most underrated RV-friendly spots worth stopping at!
Note: If you have not already experienced the Grand Canyon and Sedona, or just want to visit again, please refer to this blog post for more information.
Biosphere 2
32540 S. Biosphere Rd | Oracle, AZ
Tour one of the world’s most unique facilities that serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, meaning you get to experience the major types of biomes including tropical rainforest, savanna, and marine climates. The Biosphere 2 is an educational experience, but not like a boring science class!
After you’ve spent a day at this Earth system science research facility, we recommend enjoying the actual outdoors at the Saguaro National Park. In under an hour’s drive, you can take in the beauty of the largest cacti in the U.S., which is protected in this national park.
RV Park Recommendation: Saguaro National Park itself is not RV-friendly, so you’ll need to book a RV park. Here’s a nearby recommendation.
Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd | Scottsdale, AZ
Dubbed “Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory in Arizona,” Taliesin West is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and history. Famous for designing more than 11 unique buildings in Arizona alone, FLW lived here as his winter home and took apprentices under his wing.
There are a broad range of tours for this registered National Historic Landmark and reservations are highly recommended. It is also inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so we definitely advise adding this to your bucket list!
RV Park Recommendation: Right by the nationally recognized event venue, WestWorld, there’s the convenient WestWorld Campground that offers electric, water, and a dump station.
Watson Lake
3101 Watson Lake Rd | Prescott, AZ
Towing a boat, or looking to rent one to beat the heat in Arizona? Watson Lake is the perfect picturesque option to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and more, just a few miles from a historic downtown with character. It will likely be less crowded than a lake in the Valley as well.
When the sun goes down, enjoy the small town vibe of Prescott and stop by their “Whiskey Row” downtown for a cocktail or local craft beer, steak at a family-owned restaurant, candle-making at the former Prescott National Bank, get sweets at Pralines of Prescott, and check out other historic shops and art galleries.
RV Park Recommendation: Just a short hike from Watson Lake Park is the highly rated Point of Rocks RV Campground, which offers a continuation of those breathtaking views after the day at the lake is done.
Bearizona
1500 E. Rte 66 | Williams, AZ
As a nature-lover, you can’t miss this opportunity to be as close as (safely) possible to the natural wildlife of northern Arizona. Bearizona is unlike any zoo you’ve ever been to and is in fact RV-friendly to even drive through the park.
In addition to seeing more black bears in one place than you’ll probably ever see, there’s also White Bison, reindeer, Rocky Mountain Goats, Burmese Pythons, African Crested Porcupines, American Burros, Rocky Mountain Elk, and more to experience here across 160 acres.
RV Park Recommendation: Nearby and just an hour from the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the popular Kaibab Lake Campground. As the name suggests, it is at the Kaibab Lake, which is a hotspot for fishing, picnicking, and other recreational activities.
Antelope Canyon
22 S. Lake Powell Blvd. | Page, AZ
A lesser known canyon to the Grand one, is the colorful and adventurous Antelope Canyon masterpiece. Also known as the Corkscrew Canyon for its twists of sandstone you won’t believe the pictures until you experience it for yourself.
Please note: The only way to visit this slot canyon is by making a reservation through an authorized tour company listed on the website. The fully guided tours into the Upper Antelope Canyon will provide the transportation you need in comfortable four-wheel drive trucks.
RV Park Recommendation: In this area, you’ll want to take advantage of the proximity to Lake Powell, so park at Wahweap RV & Campground. Located just a quarter-mile from the lake shore, this spot offers a wide variety of powerboats and water toys, a restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort.
So, if you’re looking for something different from your typical Sedona to The Grand Canyon RV trip, try out some of these less touristy but must-see sights on your next search for cooler weather from southern to northern Arizona.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for recommendations or services provided by a licensed professional.