Here’s a 3-day itinerary for Arizona van campers

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Arizona is one of those states that seems to have it all, and van camping is a great way to make the most of it. 

In just three days, you could climb rocks in the desert, hike through pine forests, and lounge on a sandy beach. 

Here’s a 3-day Arizona van camping itinerary from Las Vegas

Since Arizona is such a popular destination for RV travelers, you’ll find a lot of vehicle-friendly campgrounds. 

Try to make reservations before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during winter when the snowbirds come down for the warm weather. 

If you follow this trip itinerary in order, plan on about 750 miles on the road altogether. 

These destinations are near towns that will have larger retail stores, restaurants, and gas stations, so don’t worry if you forget to pack something. 

(If you're visiting more than one park, consider the NPS annual pass. Military, seniors, and a few other discounts are also available)

Lake Havasu City is less than three hours south of Las Vegas bordering a Colorado River reservoir. 

When you get into town, stretch your legs with a hike through SARA Park, or try a more challenging adventure on the Dead Burrow Canyon Trail in Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. 

On the way back to camp, take a drive to the city’s most interesting historic attraction, the London Bridge. The bridge, which actually once stood in London, now connects the city’s mainland to a small island on the Colorado River. Take a loop around the island and stop at one of the waterfront resorts for dinner and a drink.

Camp at Lake Havasu State Park on the banks of Lake Havasu where you can enjoy an iconic Arizona sunset from the sandy beach. 

Pack up and make your way east to Prescott, which is about 3.5 hours from Havasu. 

Camp in Prescott National Forest, a 1.25 million-acre mountainous wilderness outside the city.

Then, embark on an easy, 2.6-mile hike along the Lynx Lake Loop Trail, or take Groom Creek Loop to Spruce Mountain for a more challenging, 5-hour hike. You can stop to learn about the local wildlife at the Highlands Center for Natural History in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area. 

Granite Mountain in Prescott National Forest is a popular spot for mountain climbers, but note that the mountain closes from Feb. 1 to July 15. 

After a day of exploring the forest, spend the evening in downtown Prescott for food and drinks on Whiskey Row, or stick around camp. 

It’s your last day of vacation, and you’re spending it in eclectic Sedona, an easy 1.5-hour drive from Prescott.

Stop for a photo at Red Rock Crossing at the base of Cathedral Rock on your way. While you’re there, try a short but challenging hike along Cathedral Rock Trail.

From Cathedral Rock, keep driving up to Airport Mesa for more panoramic views of the desert landscape. One of Sedona’s famous vortex sites is a short hike from the mesa. 

When you’re ready, head downtown for coffee, art, food, and shopping. If you’re feeling a little drained from your road trip, book a massage at one of Sedona’s famous spas. 

Rather spend the night in Sedona before the 4.5-hour drive back to Las Vegas? Reserve a campsite in Red Rock State Park.