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Plan your camper trip from Phoenix – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan rentals across many suppliers so you can choose the vehicle, price and pick-up point that fit your trip. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the main gateway, but Las Vegas and Tucson also work for one-way trips through the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix sits at only 1,086 ft (331 m) above sea level, so winters stay mild while summers become extremely hot. Plan your trip with both heat and dust in mind.

Campervan Pickup Locations

Map of campervan rental depots near 611534

Best Time for a Campervan Trip

Season Average High Temperature (°F │ °C) Good time to visit?
Winter (Dec–Feb) 64–72 │ 18–22 Yes, dry and sunny
Spring (Mar–May) 77–94 │ 25–34 Yes, wildflowers bloom
Summer (Jun–Sep) 99–106 │ 37–41 No, extreme heat and monsoon storms
Fall (Oct–Nov) 76–92 │ 24–33 Yes, warm but manageable

Driving Tips

  • Expect daytime desert temperatures above 100°F (38°C) from June to September. Carry extra engine coolant and at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water per person.
  • Interstate speed limits are 75 mph (120 km/h) outside metro areas and 55 mph (89 km/h) in urban areas. Photo-radar cameras operate on some roads.
  • Watch electronic signs for "Dust Storm – Pull Aside, Stay Alive". Visibility can drop to zero within minutes.
  • State Route 88 (Apache Trail) is scenic but narrow, with unpaved sections. It is not suitable for large vehicles over 24 ft (7 m).
  • Interstate 17 climbs 4,500 ft (1,370 m) to Flagstaff. Use lower gears early to avoid brake or engine overheating.
  • Arizona has no electronic toll system. All major highways around Phoenix are toll-free.
  • Free overnight parking is rare inside city limits. Many shopping centers have No RV Overnight signs. Plan to stay at campgrounds instead.

Camping and Overnight Stops

Place Utility Hook-ups Pros Cons
Desert Shadows RV Resort, North Phoenix Full Large parking spaces, pool, city bus nearby Book 3+ months ahead in winter
Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction Water + Electric Superstition Mountain views, hiking trails 35 ft vehicle limit, fills quickly in spring
Usery Mountain Regional Park Water + Electric Quiet desert setting only 30 minutes from downtown No sewer at site, 14-day stay limit
Lake Pleasant Regional Park – Desert Tortoise Campground None Lakeside with boat rentals, 2 dump stations in park Generators off 10 pm–6 am, summer temperatures high
Tonto National Forest dispersed areas (e.g., Four Peaks Road) None Free 14-day stays, wide open space Rough access roads, no services, pack out waste

Fuel, Water, Waste

  • Love's and Pilot/Flying J travel centers on Interstate 10 and Interstate 17 offer 24-hour diesel, drinking water and paid dump stations.
  • City of Phoenix 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant provides a public RV dump station (small fee, daylight hours only).
  • Maricopa County regional parks have dump stations that non-campers can use for a fee at the entry gate.

Did You Know?

  • July–September monsoon storms can create flash floods. Avoid dry creek beds after heavy rain.
  • A "haboob" is a fast-moving wall of dust. Pull safely off the road, turn lights off and keep your foot off the brake so approaching drivers do not follow your lights.
  • City and county parks enforce quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am. Generators and loud music must be turned off.
  • Open fires are often banned in late spring due to wildfire risk. Always check the current "Stage 1 or 2 Fire Restrictions".
  • For road conditions dial 511 statewide. For emergencies call 911.
  • Rattlesnakes are active from March to October. Stay on clear paths and keep pets on leashes.

FAQs

What are the age requirements to rent an RV in the USA?

In the USA, most campervan rental companies require a minimum age between 21 and 25 years old. If you're younger, you might face extra fees or rules. Be sure to confirm the age policy with the rental company you choose.

Just enter your age in our search tool and we'll show you vehicles that fit your criteria.

Can I pick up my RV at the airport?

Many campervan rental companies in the USA are conveniently located at or near major airports. This allows you to easily pick up your campervan right after you land. Some companies even provide shuttle services from the airport to their rental sites.

What kind of license do I need to rent an RV in the USA?

In the USA, you usually just need a standard car driver's license from home to rent a campervan. Foreign licenses are fine if they're in English or come with an official English translation. If not, arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular license.

Are one-way RV rentals available in the USA?

Yes, you can rent a motorhome for a one-way trip in the USA. This means you can collect the motorhome in one city and return it in another. Keep in mind, though, that extra charges might apply for one-way rentals and availability can differ depending on the rental company and location.