Roadtrip with RVshare Baton Rouge to Aspen

When you’re looking for a trip that will show you much of what the continental United States has to offer, consider a Baton Rouge to Aspen road trip by RV. A drive like this will allow you to see a portion of the country’s Gulf Coast, and you’ll also have a chance to take in some of the more mountainous areas as well. While you’re making your way west and then north, you’ll be able to see places like San Antonio, as well as visit three national parks along the way. In addition, you can explore a few state parks while enjoying the true comfort of staying in a recreational vehicle. 

Nearby National Parks

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The first national park you’ll hit along your route is Guadalupe Mountains. This Texas park is home to the highest point in the state, Guadalupe Peak, which is almost 9,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures throughout the year are very mild as the daytime weather usually hovers around the 60s but can go somewhat higher into the 70s and 80s. If you're visiting at night, you may need to bundle up since temperatures can dip as low as the 30s after the sun goes down.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns is unique thanks to the fact that it is an almost entirely underground national park. While here, you’ll be able to explore limestone caverns that have been forming over millions of years. One of the best features of exploring a cave system is the consistent temperature; no matter how warm it is outside the caverns, they maintain a consistent temperature that hovers in the 50s.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of two national parks that features dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly a sight to behold. This beautiful park spans over 100,000 acres and is open all year. During the closing leg of your Baton Rouge to Aspen RV road trip, consider a trip here so that you can take a slide down the massive dunes that earned this park its name. Just remember that the weather can get quite cold in this Colorado national park, so if you’re visiting in the winter, don’t forget to bundle up.

Nearby State Parks

Sea Rim State Park

As the name indicates, Sea Rim State Park is on the coast of Texas. You’ll find this park on the south of Port Arthur, and it spans about 4,100 acres. This is a great place for water sports and fishing, and if you have a little one, the beach itself is usually littered with collectible seashells. In addition, the park is on the migratory path of monarch butterflies, and it is also easy to find other wildlife, including bats, coyotes, and alligators, within the area.

Palmetto State Park

Named for the local palmetto plants, Palmetto State Park is a beautiful park that is known for its verdant environment. The park is about an hour from San Antonio, and since you’ll pass through this city on your road trip from Baton Rouge to Aspen, it is well worth stopping in. The namesake dwarf palmettos that call this state park home only grow about a meter in height, which makes them some of the smallest trees in the country. 

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Based in New Mexico, Bottomless Lakes State Park is known for its beautiful water. Despite the name, the lakes found here only reach a depth of 90 feet, but the unique coloration makes them appear bottomless. One of the popular trails here at the state park is Skidmarks Trail, which covers three miles in total. This is also a trail that works well for both bikers and those looking for a challenging hike.

Sylvan Lake State Park

Located in your destination state of Colorado, Sylvan Lake is just as placid as its name indicates. The large lake is perfect for anglers thanks to the trout that call it home. In addition, you can engage in any non-motorized water sports, and there are also miles of trails to take advantage of while you visit. 

Along the Way

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Situated in La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has been in operation for almost three decades. While in the park, you and your family will enjoy food, games, and, of course, plenty of thrill rides. Rides in the park include Superman: Krypton Coaster, the Crow’s Nest Ferris Wheel, and Scream, which is the most famous ride in the park. The layout of the park is quite unique in that it is one of the few in the country that is almost entirely surrounded by a rock quarry wall.

Caverns of Sonora

If you enjoy spelunking, these caverns will help make this trip truly memorable. This cave system spans more than seven miles, and it is easy to see some truly gigantic formations as you explore. Just like at Carlsbad, you can expect year-round temperature consistency inside this cave system. No matter when you come, expect temperatures in the 50s at Sonora. 

Hanging Lake Park

Known by many as the Hanging Lake Trail, Hanging Lake Park is a hiking-friendly park in the White River National Forest. The trail itself is three miles in length and sits at an elevation of over 1,100 feet. While you hike it, you will be privy to a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. When you're here, feel free to fish and explore, and there are picnic areas that you can use in the area as well. Be forwarned, however, that the hike has gotten so popular that visitors must now make a reservation before heading to the trail.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Houston, TX

There are a wide variety of things to do in Houston. If you are a fan of space, consider the fact that the city is not just the home to the Space Center but is actually the home of NASA itself. Houston isn’t just for fans of aeronautics, though; in the city, you’ll find the Houston Zoo, the Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Water Wall. On top of this, the 2.3 million Houston residents are considered very friendly, so take as many opportunities to interact as you can while you’re in town. Houston RV parks are relatively varied as spots like Southlake RV Resort and AllStar RV Resort have hundreds of sites to use with both back-in and pull-through configurations. In addition to what you’ll find in the city, there are also comparable campgrounds like Katy Lake RV Resort in nearby cities.

San Antonio, TX

Of the 60 major cities in Texas, San Antonio is the second largest. You can find historical sites like the Alamo and the former Spanish Governor’s Palace, as well as a SeaWorld location when you're looking to entertain the entire family. With a population of 1.4 million, you’ll have plenty of company. San Antonio campgrounds include a KOA option, Greenlake RV Resort, Admiralty RV Resort, and Mission City RV Park, among others. Many of these have RV sites in the hundreds, so as you work your way through your road trip itinerary from Baton Rouge to Aspen, plan a stop at one of these for the night. There are also multiple dump stations in the area that you can use if you need to get rid of your wastewater.

Roswell, NM

Roswell has a history heavily associated with UFOs, but this town has a lot more to offer any visitor. For example, Bottomless Lake Park is only a few miles from the city. This New Mexico city has a rich history that’s just waiting to be experienced; you may not even have known that Roswell was the site of a POW camp during World War II. Roswell campgrounds in the city and in the surrounding micropolitan area are numerous. For example, Mescalero Sand North Dune OHV Area has showers and is pet friendly. Red Barn RV Park is another Roswell-area park that's also pet friendly and has back-in and pull-through sites to use.

Find Adventure from Baton Rouge to Aspen

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Baton Rouge to Aspen, 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 Baton Rouge or Aspen.