Your Complete Guide to Motorhome Rentals in Phoenix, Arizona (2026)
Phoenix is one of the best starting points for a motorhome adventure in the American Southwest. With over 300 days of sunshine, direct access to iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon and Sedona, and a well-maintained highway network radiating in every direction, the Valley of the Sun is perfectly positioned for RV road trips year-round.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Sedona’s red rocks or a week-long journey to the Grand Canyon, renting a motorhome in Phoenix gives you the freedom to explore Arizona at your own pace. At GoGo Rental, we’ve helped thousands of travelers hit the road from our Phoenix location at 5201 W Peoria Ave in Glendale — and in this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to plan the perfect motorhome trip.
Use code SAVE25 at checkout for 25% off your Phoenix motorhome rental.
Why Phoenix Is the Ideal Starting Point for a Motorhome Trip
Phoenix sits at the center of Arizona’s highway network, making it the natural launchpad for RV road trips in any direction. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Year-round rental availability — Phoenix’s mild fall-through-spring climate means the motorhome season stretches far longer than most U.S. cities
- Hub access — Interstate 10, Interstate 17, and US-60 connect you to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Tucson, Lake Havasu, and dozens of other destinations within a few hours
- Diverse terrain — Drive two hours in any direction and you’ll find red rock canyons, alpine forests, desert lakes, and mountain trails
- Affordable camping — Arizona offers abundant BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land where dispersed camping is free for up to 14 days, plus state parks and RV resorts at every price point
Phoenix also offers the logistical advantage of Sky Harbor International Airport, making it easy for fly-and-drive travelers to pick up a motorhome rental and start exploring immediately.
Choosing the Right Motorhome for Your Phoenix Trip
Not all motorhomes are created equal, and the type you choose affects your comfort, budget, and where you can camp. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Class A Motorhome | Class C Motorhome | Class B Camper Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 25–45 ft | 20–33 ft | 17–24 ft |
| Sleeps | 4–8 | 4–8 | 2–4 |
| Best For | Families, extended trips | Families, first-timers | Couples, solo travelers |
| Fuel Economy | 6–10 MPG | 10–14 MPG | 15–20 MPG |
| Maneuverability | Limited on narrow roads | Moderate | Excellent |
| Typical Daily Cost | $200–$400+ | $150–$300 | $100–$200 |
Our recommendation for first-time renters: A Class C motorhome offers the best balance of living space, driveability, and value. It’s large enough to sleep a family comfortably, yet maneuverable enough for mountain switchbacks and smaller campground sites.
At GoGo Rental Phoenix, our motorhome fleet includes options across all classes to match your group size, trip length, and budget. Browse our Phoenix motorhome inventory to see current availability and pricing. We also offer travel trailer and toy hauler rentals in Phoenix for campers who prefer towable rigs.
Top 10 RV Destinations Within Driving Distance of Phoenix
One of the biggest advantages of a Phoenix motorhome rental is the sheer number of world-class destinations within a half-day’s drive. Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Sedona (115 miles / ~2 hours north)
Sedona’s red rock formations are among the most photographed landscapes in the Southwest. Beyond the views, you’ll find vortex sites, Jeep tours, hiking trails at every difficulty level, and charming galleries and restaurants.
Where to camp: USFS campgrounds near Sedona include Cave Springs Campground (creekside sites with BBQ grills, restrooms, and showers) and Manzanita Campground (18 creekside sites along Oak Creek). Book early — these fill up fast from October through April.
RV tip: The scenic route from Sedona to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon (AZ-89A) is steep with tight switchbacks. If your motorhome is over 35 feet, take I-17 to Flagstaff instead.
2. Grand Canyon South Rim (230 miles / ~3.5 hours north)
No Arizona motorhome trip is complete without a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The South Rim is open year-round and offers the most accessible viewpoints, visitor services, and campground options.
Where to camp: Mather Campground (year-round, sites accommodate RVs up to 30 ft) and Trailer Village (full-hookup RV sites — one of the few at a national park). Reserve well in advance, especially for spring and fall visits.
3. Flagstaff (145 miles / ~2 hours north)
At 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is the gateway to the Grand Canyon and a welcome escape from Phoenix’s summer heat. The town offers Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater, and Coconino National Forest with multiple RV-accessible campgrounds.
4. Prescott (100 miles / ~1.5 hours north)
Historic Whiskey Row, Prescott National Forest, and a cool mountain climate make Prescott a favorite weekend motorhome destination. Multiple RV parks and USFS campgrounds are scattered through the surrounding ponderosa pine forests.
5. Apache Junction and Superstition Mountains (35 miles / ~45 minutes east)
For a quick overnight trip, the Superstition Mountains offer dramatic desert scenery just east of the metro area. Lost Dutchman State Park (40 miles east of Phoenix, surrounded by Tonto National Forest) provides desert camping with mountain views. Nearby Canyon Vistas RV Resort holds a 10/10/10 rating from Good Sam.
6. Lake Powell and Page (275 miles / ~4.5 hours north)
Lake Powell’s turquoise water set against red sandstone cliffs makes it one of Arizona’s most stunning destinations. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are both located in Page, making this a must-visit stop on a northern Arizona loop.
RV tip: Camping at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is limited to 14 consecutive days (30 days total per calendar year). Fuel up in Flagstaff — long stretches of US-89 have limited services.
7. Monument Valley (300 miles / ~5 hours northeast)
The iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley have appeared in countless films and photographs. The View Campground within the Navajo Tribal Park offers RV spaces with one of the most breathtaking campsite backdrops anywhere.
Important: This is Navajo Nation land. Separate permits are required, alcohol is prohibited, and photography of residents or private property requires permission.
8. Tucson and Saguaro National Park (115 miles / ~1.5 hours south)
Saguaro National Park is home to the world’s largest saguaro cacti, but there is no vehicle camping inside the park itself. Use Tucson-area RV parks as your base for day visits, and add the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and a day trip to Tombstone to round out the itinerary.
9. Lake Havasu City (200 miles / ~3 hours west)
London Bridge, water sports, and Lake Havasu State Park campground make this western Arizona destination ideal for winter and early spring trips. Temperatures here rival Phoenix in summer, so plan accordingly.
10. Payson and Mogollon Rim (90 miles / ~1.5 hours northeast)
The Mogollon Rim offers dramatic cliff views and pine forests at elevations above 7,000 feet. Multiple USFS campgrounds along the rim make this a top summer escape, with temperatures running 20–30 degrees cooler than the Valley floor.
Best Phoenix-Area RV Parks and Campgrounds
If you want to use Phoenix itself as a home base and take day trips, these top-rated campgrounds are excellent choices:
| Campground | Location | Rating | Price From | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Vistas RV Resort | Gold Canyon | 10/10/10 (Good Sam) | $52/night | Superstition Mountain views, fitness center, pitch-and-putt golf |
| Mesa Regal RV Resort | Mesa | 10/10/10 (Good Sam) | $46/night | Four pools, spa, tennis, bocce ball, pickleball |
| Weaver’s Needle RV Resort | Apache Junction | 9.5/10/10 (Good Sam) | $65/night | Heated pools, 6-hole golf, crafts, hiking club |
| Arizonian RV Resort | Apache Junction | 9.5/10/10 (Good Sam) | $67/night | Big rig friendly, ATV trail access, live entertainment |
| Lost Dutchman State Park | Apache Junction | State Park | Varies | Desert camping at the base of the Superstition Mountains |
| Lake Pleasant Regional Park | Peoria | County Park | Varies | Sailing, fishing, wakeboarding north of Phoenix |
Budget option: Arizona’s BLM land south of Apache Junction and around the Sonoran Desert National Monument area allows free dispersed camping for up to 14 days. No hookups, but you can’t beat the price.
Seasonal Guide: When to Rent a Motorhome in Phoenix
Timing your trip makes a significant difference in comfort, availability, and cost. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown:
Peak Season: October Through April
This is the ideal window for Phoenix motorhome travel. Daytime highs range from the 60s to low 80s, making desert camping comfortable. This is also snowbird season — many RV resorts fill up with winter visitors from October through March, so reservations are essential.
Key events:
- February–March: Cactus League Spring Training (15 MLB teams across multiple Valley stadiums)
- January–February: WM Phoenix Open golf tournament
- March–April: Peak wildflower season in the Sonoran Desert
Shoulder Season: September and May
Heat begins to moderate in late September, and May still offers comfortable mornings and evenings. Crowds thin and campground rates often drop. This is an excellent value period if you can handle daytime highs in the 90s.
Summer Strategy: June Through August
Phoenix summers regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. But here’s the insider move: rent your motorhome in Phoenix and drive to higher elevations. Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, and the Mogollon Rim all sit above 5,000 feet with temperatures 20–30 degrees cooler.
Monsoon alert (July–September): Arizona’s monsoon season brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, flash flood risk in desert washes and slot canyons, and spectacular lightning displays. Never park or camp in dry washes, and always check weather forecasts before heading into canyon country.
6 Scenic Road Trip Routes From Phoenix
Planning your route in advance helps you maximize time and minimize backtracking. Here are six tried-and-tested road trips that start from Phoenix:
Route 1: Classic Arizona Loop — Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon
- Distance: ~230 miles one-way
- Drive time: 3.5–4 hours
- Highlights: Red rock formations, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Grand Canyon viewpoints
Route 2: Northern Arizona Epic — Phoenix to Lake Powell and Monument Valley
- Distance: ~300 miles to Monument Valley
- Drive time: 5+ hours
- Highlights: Wupatki National Monument, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley
Route 3: Mountain and Mining Town Loop — Prescott, Jerome, and Verde Valley
- Distance: ~250 miles loop
- Drive time: 5–6 hours total
- Highlights: Whiskey Row, Jerome ghost town, Tuzigoot National Monument, Verde Valley wine tasting
RV warning: Jerome’s switchback roads are extremely narrow. Leave your motorhome in Prescott or Cottonwood and drive a tow vehicle to Jerome.
Route 4: Southern Arizona — Tucson and Saguaro National Park
- Distance: ~115 miles one-way
- Drive time: 1.5 hours
- Highlights: Picacho Peak, saguaro forests, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns
Route 5: Western Water Route — Lake Havasu and Parker
- Distance: ~200 miles one-way
- Drive time: 3 hours
- Highlights: London Bridge, watersports, Bill Williams River NWR, Parker Strip river recreation
Route 6: Apache Trail Scenic Loop (Weekend Trip)
- Distance: ~120 miles loop
- Drive time: Half-day with stops
- Highlights: Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument
RV warning: The unpaved section between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake is rough and narrow — not recommended for motorhomes. Take the paved route via US-60 to Globe instead.
Essential Desert RV Travel Tips From Our Phoenix Team
Our team at GoGo Rental Phoenix has helped thousands of renters prepare for desert road trips. Here are the tips we share with every customer:
Heat Management
- Use reflective windshield and window covers to reduce interior heat buildup when parked
- Keep your roof-mounted AC unit serviced — carry the rental company’s emergency number in case of issues
- Monitor tire pressure each morning before driving. Hot pavement increases PSI, and underinflated or overinflated tires on desert highways can lead to blowouts
- An exterior awning is essential for creating shade at your campsite
Water and Hydration
- Plan for 1.5–2 gallons of water per person per day in desert conditions (the NPS recommends a minimum of 1 gallon)
- Fill your freshwater tank completely before leaving the Phoenix metro area, especially when heading to remote destinations like Monument Valley or Lake Powell
- Bring a quality water filter — some campground water sources in Arizona have heavy mineral content
Fuel Planning
- Fill up before leaving metro Phoenix. Gas stations can be 60–100+ miles apart in rural Arizona, particularly on US-89 toward Page and throughout the Navajo Nation
- Keep the tank above half at all times in remote areas
- Diesel availability is limited outside major highway corridors — plan ahead if your motorhome runs on diesel
- Fuel prices on the Navajo Nation and in remote areas are typically higher than in the Phoenix metro
Desert Safety
- Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas (long stretches of US-89, Navajo Nation, Mogollon Rim, BLM land). Download offline maps before departing
- Watch for dust storms (haboobs) from May through September. If visibility drops, pull completely off the road, turn off your lights, and take your foot off the brake
- UV exposure is extreme year-round — sunscreen, hats, and shade are essential even during winter months
- Always check current fire restriction status before your trip. Arizona implements staged fire restrictions (particularly May–September) that may prohibit campfires, charcoal grills, and even smoking in national forests
Arizona RV Regulations You Should Know
Before hitting the road in your rental motorhome, keep these Arizona-specific regulations in mind:
- License requirements: Arizona does not require a special license to drive a Class C motorhome. A valid standard driver’s license is sufficient for most rental units
- Vehicle length: Arizona follows federal standards with a combined vehicle-and-trailer length maximum of 65 feet
- Headlights: Must be on whenever windshield wipers are in use
- Overnight parking: Walmart policies vary by location (always ask management). Rest area overnight stays are generally limited to emergency stops, not extended camping
- Fire restrictions: Check fire restriction levels before any campfire — violations carry significant fines
- Navajo Nation: Separate permits required for camping and backcountry travel. Alcohol is prohibited on all Navajo Nation land
Outdoor Activities to Pair With Your Motorhome Trip
Phoenix and the surrounding region offer far more than scenic drives. Here are the top outdoor activities that pair naturally with a motorhome trip:
Hiking: Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park and Preserve (one of the largest municipal parks in the country), Piestewa Peak, Superstition Mountains, and Papago Park all offer trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Water recreation: Salt River tubing and kayaking (seasonal), Saguaro Lake paddleboarding, Canyon Lake steamboat cruises, and Lake Pleasant sailing and wakeboarding.
Off-roading: Bulldog Canyon OHV Area (permit required from Tonto National Forest), Table Mesa OHV Area, and the Arizona Peace Trail for multi-day off-road adventures. Several Phoenix-area RV resorts offer direct ATV trail access. Our toy hauler rentals are ideal for hauling ATVs and UTVs to these trails.
Golf: The Phoenix-Scottsdale area has over 200 golf courses, including championship layouts and the famous WM Phoenix Open course.
Spring training: Every February and March, 15 MLB teams play Cactus League games at stadiums throughout the Valley — a perfect pairing with an RV trip.
Stargazing: Arizona has some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, especially south and east of Phoenix. Head to Picacho Peak, the Mogollon Rim, or the BLM land south of Apache Junction for unforgettable night sky viewing.
How to Book Your Phoenix Motorhome Rental With GoGo Rental
Getting on the road is straightforward:
- Browse our Phoenix fleet at gogorental.com/phoenix to see available motorhomes, travel trailers, and toy haulers
- Select your dates — we recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (October through April)
- Choose add-ons if needed — generators, camping gear packages, and other equipment are available
- Pick up at our Phoenix location: 5201 W Peoria Ave, Suite 2, Glendale, AZ 85302
- Hit the road with a full orientation from our team covering everything from systems operation to our top route recommendations
Questions? Reach our Phoenix team via live chat on our website—it connects directly to our support staff by text—or call 866-407-5569.
Save on your rental: Use code SAVE25 at checkout for 25% off all Phoenix rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Motorhome Rentals
Do I need a special license to rent a motorhome in Phoenix?
No. A valid standard driver’s license is sufficient for most Class B and Class C motorhome rentals in Arizona. Class A motorhomes over 26,000 lbs GVWR may have additional requirements — check with us when booking.
What’s the best time of year to rent a motorhome in Phoenix?
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for desert camping and road trips. Summer rentals are great for escaping to higher-elevation destinations like Flagstaff, Prescott, and the Mogollon Rim.
How far in advance should I book?
During peak season (October–April), we recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead. Holiday weekends and spring training season (February–March) book up fastest. Summer availability is typically more flexible.
Can I take a Phoenix rental to the Grand Canyon?
Yes. The Grand Canyon South Rim is approximately 3.5 hours from Phoenix and is one of our most popular destinations. Trailer Village at the South Rim offers full-hookup RV sites, and Mather Campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet.
Where can I camp for free near Phoenix?
BLM land in Arizona allows free dispersed camping for up to 14 days. Popular areas near Phoenix include land south of Apache Junction and areas around the Sonoran Desert National Monument. No hookups are available at dispersed camping sites.
What should I bring for a desert motorhome trip?
Extra water (1.5–2 gallons per person per day), sunscreen, hats, reflective window covers, a portable phone charger, offline maps, and a basic emergency kit. Your GoGo Rental motorhome comes equipped with the essentials, but desert travel requires extra preparation for heat and remote conditions.
Does GoGo Rental offer one-way motorhome rentals from Phoenix?
Contact our Phoenix team at 866-407-5569 or use our live chat (which lets you text directly with our support staff) to discuss one-way rental options and availability.
GoGo Rental operates from our Phoenix location at 5201 W Peoria Ave, Suite 2, Glendale, AZ 85302. We offer motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, UTVs, boats, jet skis, generators, and utility trailers for rent. Our team has been helping adventurers explore Arizona’s landscapes since day one — and we’re ready to help you plan your next trip.
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