Roadtrip with RVshare Tucson to Grand Isle State Park

If you are looking to explore the southern border, this Tucson to Grand Isle State Park RV road trip is right up your alley. There are several national and state parks that you can visit during your trip, and there are even amusement parks for when you want to feed your thrill-seeking side. Most of the trip takes you across Texas, so make sure to find tasty Tex-Mex food and some good Texas BBQ before leaving the state. 

Nearby National Parks

Saguaro National Park

The first national park you want to include on your road trip itinerary from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park is located in Tucson. Saguaro National Park is a great place to see saguaro cactus plants; in fact, they can only be found in the Saguaro Desert. If you are looking to get some amazing pictures with the cacti, visit the western section of the park called the Tucson Mountain District. The Rincon Mountain District of the park also has some nice picturesque trails that you may want to explore, and 800-year-old rock art can be found in the park. There are also scenic drives you can enjoy if the desert heat is too much for a hike.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park was only designated a national park in 2019, but it is a great place to take in the dunes and enjoy the desert atmosphere. While you are visiting the park, hike one of the five trails found in the dunes. You can also sled down the dunes; if you do not have a sled to use, they are sold at the visitor's center. Playing in the sand is also a great option for kids to enjoy, but be careful because the sand can get very hot in these desert temperatures.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is where you can find four of the highest peaks in Texas, and since it is mostly flat land surrounding the park, these mountain ranges create some very picturesque views. While you are visiting, hike through McKittrick Canyon, which is about 15 miles round trip; the Devil's Hall Trail is also a great place to hike. You will also want to take a tour of the Frijole Ranch that can be found in the park. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is made up of 119 limestone caves. You can take a self-guided tour of the caves or take a tour with a park ranger who knows a lot about the cave formations. Make sure you check out the Big Room and the Natural Entrance while you are here. There are six ranger-led tours that you can take, and there are also trails on the surface that you can enjoy hiking as well. If you visit between April and October, try to stay in the park until it gets dark so that you can see the bats fly out of the entrance of the cave for their migration.

Nearby State Parks

Kartchner Caverns State Park

The first state park that you will want to visit on this Tucson to Grand Isle State Park road trip is Kartchner Caverns State Park. The park has over 2.5 miles of underground passageways. In addition to exploring the caves, there are plenty of trails to hike above ground. Do not forget your binoculars so that you can look for wildlife around the caves.

South Llano River State Park

South Llano River State Park is a great place for anglers, thanks to the river. Since the park has more than 2 miles of water access, you can also take a boat or a raft out into the water and enjoy floating. This park is also a great place to go birding as more than 250 species of birds are found in this area. Other activities enjoyed in the park include biking, hiking, and stargazing.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park consists of 1,087 acres with quite a bit of wildlife that lives in the area. There are over 200 species of birds in the park, so be sure to pack your binoculars. There are five trails that you can hike and explore as well as a few waterways where you can drop a kayak or a canoe into the water and enjoy fishing or simply floating along. 

Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park is a great location for deep-sea anglers to enjoy. In fact, if you are in the park during July, you can take part in an offshore fishing competition. Crabbing is also enjoyed in this park. The gulf water is warm all year long, so you can take a dip in the water during your visit. If you prefer to stick to land, there is a 2.5-mile trail that you can hike. 

Along the Way

Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument is a wonderland of rocks that you can explore. It is part of Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains, and to see the monument fully, you can take an 8-mile scenic drive or a 17-mile hike on the trails in the area. There is also a visitor's center where you can learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

To get your thrills during this road trip from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park, make a stop at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Enjoy rides like Batman: The Ride, Goliath, and Poltergeist. There is also a water park at this location.

Seismique

Seismique is a museum where immersive experiences make you a part of the exhibits. There are 40 unique galleries that you can explore to stimulate your creativity and make learning fun. There is also a café and a gift shop that you can check out during your visit.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

El Paso, Texas

An array of exciting sights await your time and attention in El Paso. Some of the highlights include the El Paso Mission Trail, the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of Archeology, and the El Paso Zoo. If you are looking for a campground in the area, Mission RV Park, Fort Bliss RV Park, and Desert Oasis Park are located right in the city. You can even find a local dump station where you can get rid of your wastewater.

San Antonio, Texas

There is a lot of history to explore in San Antonio, and one way to do it is to tour the Alamo during your visit. You can also check out the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park or enjoy some time at one of the zoos and theme parks in the area. There are several campgrounds in San Antonio where you can stay. Some great options in the city include San Antonio KOA Campground, Greenlake RV Resort, and Admiralty RV Resort. Many of the local campgrounds also have dump stations that guests can use for free to get rid of their wastewater.

Houston, Texas

One of the last major cities you will stop at in Texas during this road trip is Houston. It is the fourth-largest city in the United States and full of unique things to do during your visit. Some highlights to explore in Houston include Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There are also quite a few museums to make time for in this city; in fact, there are 19 in the downtown area alone. There are several Houston campgrounds where you can stay, including locations like Southlake RV Resort, Fallbrook RV Resort, and Westlake RV Resort. Dump stations in Houston are also fairly easy to find so that you can get rid of your wastewater before getting on the road again.

Find Adventure from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tucson to Grand Isle State Park, 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 Tucson or Grand Isle State Park.