Roadtrip with RVshare Barstow to Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona, is a fun, diverse city that experiences all four seasons. It's located in the world’s largest contiguous pine forest, and you can pursue many outdoor adventures in the area. A Barstow to Flagstaff RV road trip is a great way to see Flagstaff, and you can also have a lot of fun at Death Valley and Grand Canyon national parks. There are also a variety of California and Arizona state parks where you'll want to stop and play. Along the way, you can see many exciting points of interest in both states where history and outdoor recreation meet in interesting ways. 

Nearby National Parks

Death Valley National Park  

You'll have to go a little north to reach Death Valley National Park on your road trip from Barstow to Flagstaff. This park in California is the driest and hottest national park in the United States, and it also has the lowest point in the entire country at Badwater Basin. Explore the Borax Museum, Charcoal Kilns and Eureka Mines. Play a round of golf at Furnace Creek Golf Course or go horseback riding at the stables. There are also some amazing natural sites to check out here, including Artists Palette, Golden Canyon and Natural Bridge Canyon. 

Grand Canyon National Park  

The Grand Canyon is the longest canyon in the United States. A great way to see all that Grand Canyon National Park offers is to visit areas near each of its visitor centers. The Kolb Studio contains some of the most iconic art inspired by the Grand Canyon. Learn the history of the park by stopping at the Verkamp’s Visitor Center. Learn more about the park’s geology and see the canyon's stunning views at the Yavapai Museum of Geology. Stop at the Desert View Visitor Center to see the cultural exhibits and climb the observation tower. This park offers a wide variety of activities, including mule and hiking trips into the canyon and paddling adventures.

Nearby State Parks

Lake Havasu State Park  

Lake Havasu State Park, near Lake Havasu, Arizona, is a 19,000-acre impoundment of the Colorado River. National bass fishing tournaments often occur here, where it's not unusual to catch a 30-pound bass. Five boat ramps make it easy to launch your vessel into the water, and you can use all types of boats on the lake. Enjoy a day of beach fun at the white sandy beach or go swimming anywhere at this park, except near the boat ramps. 

River Island State Park  

Head to Parker, Arizona, to visit River Island State Park. This location tucked away in a cove off the Colorado River is a fantastic place to go swimming. River Island offers outstanding fishing opportunities throughout the year, especially for bass and catfish. Many people enjoy playing on their Jet Skis at this location, and it's easy to launch them from the boat ramp. The short hiking trail is a great place to see coyotes, desert bighorn sheep and various bird species. You can often spot birds of prey circling over this park. 

Alamo Lake State Park  

If you love solitude, then Alamo Lake State Park, 37 miles north of Wenden, Arizona, is perfect for you. Drop a line in the lake at this park to catch bass and settle back to enjoy its beautiful mountain scenery. If you get lucky, you may spot coyotes, mule deer and wild burros. You can go for a swim in the lake or launch your boat from the park’s three boat ramps. The boat ramp off Lakeview Drive is always available while the other two may be open depending on water levels. Stay until dark to enjoy amazing stargazing at this isolated location. 

Dead Horse Ranch State Park  

Hikers will adore visiting Dead Horse Ranch State Park located near Cottonwood, Arizona. The four main trailheads at this park all provide access to well-maintained trails leading up to the Coconino National Forest. Mountain bikers often enjoy riding on the south side of Roadrunner Road. Going on a one- or two-hour guided trail ride is a wonderful way to experience this park. Part of the Verde River runs through the park, and it makes a terrific place to go fishing. 

Slide Rock State Park  

If you're looking for a natural adventure, stop at Slide Rock State Park near Sedona, Arizona. This park originally became a homestead in 1910, and you can see many innovations added to the area, which was an apple orchard for a long time. Follow the short trail to see the historic cabins, apple-picking barn and some apple trees that may be over 100 years old. Climb up the large slide rock and slide down into the cool waters below. Hike up the stream from the slide rock and find outstanding brown and trout fishing. Visit the memorial dedicated to the firemen who lost their lives fighting a wildfire near this location.

Along the Way

Mojave National Preserve  

Covering more than 1.5 million acres between Barstow and Las Vegas is the Mojave National Preserve, so spend some time visiting it on your road trip from Barstow to Flagstaff. This preserve is a fascinating place to go four-wheeling. You can use back roads to get to the highest point in this preserve and enjoy a picnic lunch in the white fir forest. Alternatively, follow the road to the lava tube and use the ladder to climb into it. Numerous short hiking trails make it easy to explore this preserve. You may also want to create paths to visit the world’s largest stand of Joshua trees or hike to the ruins of Fort Piute while stopping to see the wildlife that lives near the stream. 

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge  

Located on the Pacific Flyway near Needles, California, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is an important stop for migratory birds because it is 30 miles of rivers. Go birding on the 20 miles of the Lower Colorado River running through the Topock Gorge, with over 300 species of birds being spotted here. Many people describe the gorge as a mini Grand Canyon, and you can boat through it while surrounded by steep canyon walls. If you love fishing, then the Topock Marsh offers plenty of marvelous opportunities. The Havasu Wilderness Area is a fascinating place to go hiking. 

Moabi Regional Park  

In Needles, Moabi Regional Park is an awesome place to rent a boat or Jet Ski on the Colorado River. Over 3,200 acres of land are available for off-roading, and you can rent a vehicle to use. Hiking, swimming and fishing are popular activities at this park. 

Arizona Route 66 Museum  

Stroll back in time by visiting the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona. Watch the one-hour movie telling the story of the building of Route 66 in Arizona. See the cars in the electric car collection with new and old vehicles included. 

Grand Canyon Railway  

Since 1901, people have been riding the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon itself. Six unique classes of tickets are available, and you'll have a three-hour layover on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. During your ride in the restored train cars, listen to live performances by cowboy poets and musicians. The antics of the cowboys will try to catch you off guard. The constantly changing scenery and the rocking of the tracks make this a very relaxing experience.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Bullhead City, Arizona  

The outdoor recreational lover will love stopping at Bullhead City to enjoy playing on the water at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. Great shopping and dining can be found in this city located just across the state line from Laughlin, Nevada, where you may want to test your gambling skills. Great Bullhead City campground options include Colorado River Oasis RV Park and Moon River RV Resort. Find Bullhead City RV dump stations at Warden’s RV Repair, Davis Camp RV Park and other Arizona locations. 

Kingman, Arizona  

Located on Historic Route 66, Kingman is where you can find terrific places to visit, including the Mohave Museum of History & Arts, Kingman Railroad Museum and Bonelli House. There are many great campgrounds in Mohave County, including Happy Together RV Resort, Riverside Adventure Trails and Golden Shores RV Park. You can find RV dump stations at Adobe RV Park and Blake Ranch RV Park. 

Williams, Arizona  

Williams bills itself as the entrance to the Grand Canyon, but you can find other terrific things to do in the area, including visiting the Planes of Fame Air Museum, Grand Canyon Deer Farm and Sycamore Canyon. There are terrific campgrounds in Williams like Circle Pines KOA Holiday and Kaibab Lake Campground. You may also want to consider other Grand Canyon campgrounds. Williams RV dump stations include Canyon Motel and RV Park, the 76 gas station and Love’s Travel Stop.

Find Adventure from Barstow to Flagstaff

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Barstow to Flagstaff, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Barstow or Flagstaff.