8 Weekend Road Trips on the Outskirts of Las Vegas

From the glitzy and lively nightlife of Sin City, take a journey to some of the United States’ most iconic desert landscapes.

Within just a matter of hours, you can go from the glamour of the Las Vegas strip to the natural beauty of the national parks of Nevada and the southwest.

There’s no better way to explore the great outdoors than sleeping under the stars, and there’s no better way to do this than a campervan! Get a rental at Travellers Autobarn in Las Vegas, which has very well-equipped campervans (and, amazingly, the rental fee includes free unlimited mileage!), and comfortably hit the road to any of these weekend camping trip destinations.

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK – NEVADA

Want to explore out-of-this-world landscapes in the oldest and largest state park in Nevada? Valley of Fire State Park is a must-visit for a weekend away in a campervan. It’s also one of the most impressive parks, with its incredible, ancient sandstone formations creating the illusion of red fire when hit by the sunlight. Your road trip will take you along the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway – an iconic road that is a photographer’s dream – and into the heart of the state park

There are several state-run RV camping grounds within the Valley of Fire State Park, some of which have water and power hookups available.

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – NEVADA

If a weekend full of outdoor recreation is what you’re after, Lake Mead is the place to be. Formed by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the country’s largest manmade lake, with some 550 miles of shoreline and plenty of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy. Swim, kayak, hike, cycle, and fish the day away, before you set up camp for the night at one of several nearby campgrounds.

All campgrounds in Lake Mead National Recreation Area are run by National Park Service and offer restrooms, running water, dump stations, grills, picnic tables, and shade. You can get to Lake Mead in around 30 minutes from Las Vegas, making it an excellent weekend camping trip option.

HOOVER DAM – NEVADA

Another great option just nearby is the world-famous Hoover Dam, on the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona. The arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River is a sight to behold … Constructed in the 1930s after the Great Depression, it was an architectural feat that remains as America’s largest reservoir to this day.

Hoover Dam is just 30 minutes southwest of Las Vegas and there are several camping options in the surrounding area.

SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – NEVADA

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is found within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The locals know it as Mount Charleston, the tallest peak of the Spring Mountain range. Just 45 minutes’ drive from the strip, this national forest makes a speedy escape from the heat of the desert, thanks to its 7,500 ft elevation.

There are several state-run RV camping sites here.

RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA – NEVADA

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just 20 miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses almost 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. A distinct contrast from its nearby town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock Canyon is well known for its abundance of outdoor adventure.

To get to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, you’ll head down a 13-mile scenic drive. When you’re ready to settle down for the evening, nearby Red Rock Canyon Campground is a good choice. The government-run site is suitable for campervans, RVs, and tent camping.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – ARIZONA

If you live in the southwest of the United States, or even if you are visiting from elsewhere, we’re almost certain the Grand Canyon is a place you have on your to-do list. But have you considered renting a campervan and spending a few days here camping out? It’s the most epic way to enjoy this incredible geological marvel. In under 2 hours from Las Vegas, you can visit this wonder of the world and camp, hike, and sightsee to your heart’s content. When you’ve finished your day of adventure, head back to your campervan for a warm meal, and sleep under the stars.

For options on where you can stay overnight, check the camping options on the National Park Service website. Camping in the Grand Canyon is very popular, so make sure you’re booking well in advance.

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK – CALIFORNIA & NEVADA

Death Valley has earned its name by being the hottest, driest, and lowest region in the United States. It lies on the border between the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert. Despite the name, this desert still holds plenty to see and explore.

Some must-visits include Artists Drive – where you’ll find rainbow-colored rock formations and Badwater Basin – iconic salt flats that take you to an alien world. If you’re a Star Wars fan, Death Valley National Park made up the backdrop of Tatooine in the movies, go on a tour to find some of these special locations.

Experience campervan camping in one of the world’s harshest environments in comfort at Furnace Creek Campground. There are 18 RV sites available with full hookups and flush toilets. Spots are usually in high demand, so be sure to make reservations early.

ZION NATIONAL PARK – UTAH

Zion National Park is the perfect destination for a weekend of camping and outdoor activities. Though relatively small, Zion attracts millions of visitors every year, due to its unique and breathtaking landscapes of red cliffs, mountains, and forests offer plenty of opportunities to photography enthusiasts, hikers, and rock climbers.

Located in southwest Utah, you can get to Zion National Park in less than 3 hours from Las Vegas.

If you’re looking for an epic campground to book, we recommend South Campground due to its close proximity to the best hiking trails.

There’s so much to explore around Las Vegas, so book your campervan and hit the open road to one of these incredible destinations!