Don’t Have Much Time But Want to Get Away?

Check out these weekend trips just hours from the Las Vegas area!

Have you been staring at your RV or camping gear with dreams of sitting around the fire or gazing up at the stars? Don’t despair! There are plenty of trips you can take over any weekend that are practically in your own backyard. The beauty of Las Vegas is that in addition to being a world-renowned destination for fun, we’re smack dab in the middle of some of the most impressive natural wonders in the country. Grab your gear, pack up the fam’, and get out and make some memories this weekend!

Here are our favorite spots for last-minute getaways from city life.

In your backyard

These destinations take just three hours or less to visit!

Dixie National Forest, UT

The largest national forest in Utah, Dixie offers mountain views, relaxed camping, lake fishing, and hiking for all levels. Enjoy the red sandstone formations, then take a hike on the Powell Point trail. You’ll reach a breathtaking vista that spans views of three different states. This quiet national forest is just a few hours from Las Vegas. Visit in the fall to see the colorful Spruce and Aspen Trees transforming into an autumn paradise. Stay at Indian Peaks RV Resort to enjoy a gorgeous mountain backdrop and to reconnect with nature on the 1800 square foot property. This park has no internet, but you won’t miss it because you’ll be too busy hiking in the day and gazing at the stars in the evening. Or stay just 12 miles from the forest at The Riverside Ranch, which has 27 full hookup sites, plus 12 riverfront sites with water and power only.

Zion National Park, UT

Zion is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, and it’s no wonder. This massive park boasts sandstone cliffs, tons of wildlife, amazing hikes, and sites such as the Kolob Arch. The Kolob Arch is the second largest freestanding arch in the country, and the fourth largest in the world! While Kolob requires backcountry hiking to access, you can still see plenty in Zion if you don’t feel up to straying off the beaten paths. Zion offers world-class hiking trails including Angels Landing, Observation Point, the Narrows, and many more. Enjoy the beautiful canyon features and the ample plants and wildlife in Utah’s first national park! Set up in the park, or enjoy a few nights at Zion River Resort and RV Park and Campground, Zion’s only five star nature retreat. Another great option is Springdale’s only Campground, Zion Canyon Campground.

Lake Havasu, AZ

Check out Lake Havasu State Park and reserve a beautiful campsite with RV hookups, right on the lake! Relax on the beach, enjoy a nature trail, or take your boat and a pair of water skis out for a day on the water. The lake is full of different kinds of fish, from bass to catfish, and the family-friendly park is sure to be a favorite spot you’ll want to return to again and again. Are you into 4×4’ing? The Lake Havasu area is home to some amazing off road trails as well! Bring the dirtbike, or the side-by-side and you will not be disappointed. Don’t worry about making it before the sun goes down. Stop for a night at Pirate’s Den Resort in Parker, AZ—it’s on the Colorado River, but it feels like the Carribean. As you sip a cocktail and watch the sunset, you might feel inspired to stay a while. Or get right on the lake and stay at Sam’s Beachcomber RV resort, which has lake access, a boatslip, rentals, a pool for warm days, and a hot tub for chilly evenings.

Have a long weekend?

If you’re willing to go just an hour longer, you can travel and camp at some of the top destinations in the West.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Famous for its desert beauty, the small yucca trees that dot the landscape give this park its name. Camp inside the park if you want to enjoy the desert wildlife, and sleep under a canopy of stars. As this park fills up fast, you may want to book in advance. You can make a reservation ahead of time at reservecalifornia.com Can’t find a spot in the park? Check out Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground, which offers views of Joshua Tree National Park, a fishing pond, sites with water and electricity, and a dumping station. Be sure to check out the calendar of events before you book, as you might find yourself in the middle of a music festival if you don’t plan carefully. Another great option is Twenty Nine Palms RV Resort, just two miles from the eastern entrance of Joshua Tree.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Bryce Canyon is a perfect park to explore over a short weekend getaway. Known for its natural rock amphitheaters and hoodoos, you’ll have to see Bryce Canyon to believe it. It’s easy to drive from one end of the park to the other, and there are several hiking paths for different skill levels. Riverside Ranch warrants another mention, as it’s closeby and makes a great basecamp for exploring the entire area. You can visit Bryce, Zion, and Dixie National Forest all from one convenient homebase. Located about an hour from Bryce is Beaver KOA, where you can rest and restock at the camp store and swim in the heated pool.

Flagstaff, AZ

If you’re looking for outdoor activities with a bit of city fun, Flagstaff is a winning destination. From Vegas, it takes just under four hours to get to this outdoor paradise. It’s also nearby other great destinations, including Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and is about two hours away from the entrance to the Grand Canyon. Stay at the Flagstaff KOA, which sits right below the San Francisco Peaks and is nestled among ponderosa pines. Plus, the KOA is just down the street from an indoor water park! Circle Pines KOA is just an hour from the Grand Canyon and still close to Flagstaff. It has plenty to keep the family occupied, such as an indoor pool, a gameroom, and mini golf.

Up for a drive? You can get to these incredible spots in just a few more hours!

• Sedona, AZ (Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes)

• • Nearby RV Parks: Rancho Sedona RV & Manzanita Campground

• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes)

• • Nearby RV Parks: Grand Plateau RV Resort & Temple View RV Resort

• Yosemite National Park, CA (Approximately 7 hours)

• • Nearby RV Parks: Paradise Shores Camp & Yosemite RV Resort

• Moab, UT (Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes)

• • Nearby RV Resorts: Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground & Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground

These locations are just the tip of the iceberg. Living in the Las Vegas area puts you in the center of numerous amazing towns, parks, and monuments. And the beauty of RVing is that it’s always easy to find a spot to camp, even if that means a Walmart parking lot (with manager approval), or a government state rest stop (dry-camping anyone?).

Don’t think too hard about it. Just throw some food and drinks in the RV and get out there. When you’re back in the office on Monday, you’ll be glad you got away for a few days!