Exploring the West: Our Epic Family RV Trip from Arizona to Montana

Exploring the West: Our Epic Family RV Trip from Arizona to Montana


Have you ever wanted to take an epic RV road trip with the family but weren't sure where to start? Our full-time travel family of 5 did, and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Our travel family packed up our RV in Tucson, Arizona and drove all the way to Montana traveling over 3,200 miles and stopping at multiple bucket list locations along the way. This epic RV Trip was a journey full of family adventure and memories that will last a lifetime. Read on for more details about our epic family RV trip out West! 

After spending the spring in Tucson, Arizona at the KOA we headed north. Our first stop on our journey was Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, AZ. This is a great spot for camping, paddle boarding with the family in the lake and kayaking along the Verde River. The kids had a blast exploring the state park and taking in all its beauty. Not only is this state park a great option for enjoying the outdoors with the family, but it is close to Sedona where we did multiple hikes including Soldier's Pass and explored the cute town of Cottonwood, Arizona.

From Cottonwood, Arizona the family made our way to Williams, AZ where we camped at Grand Canyon KOA. This is an amazing spot right near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. There is a playground that is perfect for the kids to play at however if you are planning to get some work done, the cell service was not great at this campground. 

After a family trip to the Grand Canyon, we drove to Page, AZ where we stayed at Wahweap RV Park and boondocked one night at Beehives Campground. Both spots offer breathtaking views of Lake Powell - definitely worth checking out if you're ever in this area! Our RV family used this location to take in as much family outdoor adventures that we could. This family trip included seeing Horeshoe Bend, hiking Wire Pass trail to Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyons, kayaking Lake Powell and a family hike into lower Antelope Canyon along some beach days at Lake Powell. 

An amazing outdoor family adventure in Page, AZ we then headed to Monument Valley, Uta which is home to iconic red rock formations that are sure to take your breath away.  After taking in all that nature has to offer here and enjoying our time at the Monument Valley KOA, hop back into your RV and make your way down to Goosenecks State Park where you can boondock for the night and enjoy stargazing under a blanket of stars. The views here are incredible - definitely a highlight stop of a trip! From boondocking in Blanding head towards Moab, Utah and stay at Moab KOA for a couple nights. Explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands before going over to Wonderland RV Park & Resort in Torrey. We loved staying here; it's very close to Capitol Reef National Park and there are loads of hiking trails nearby.

Through this RV route of exploring the west, from Capital Reef National Park head over to a fabulous boondocking spot at Toms Best Spring Road if you're looking for a free spot that doesn't require any reservations ahead of time. From this boondocking spot it is a short drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Then make your way towards Midway, Utah where Deer Creek State Park awaits offering up stunning views while also giving campers access showers and laundry facilities making it perfect for those who need more amenities than what boondocking offers. This stop is a great place to explore Midwest, head to Park City and explore Salt Lake City with the family. 


After exploring Utah, next venture northwards towards Victor, Idaho where Teton Valley Resort awaits you and your family with its mountain-scapes scenery as well as its access to several lakes perfect for swimming or fishing during hot summer months! Here the family can enjoy Teton National Park and head into Jackson Hole Wyoming. A short, 188 mile RV travel day you can stay in Three Forks, Montana and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park which offers incredible limestone caverns perfect for exploring during our visit! 


Lastly but certainly not least, complete the epic journey of exploring the west with your family by heading west towards West Glacier RV Park. This RV park boasts stunning views of mountains, lakeside cabins as well as access trails leading up into the mountains nearby! This RV park is a great option if you and your family are looking to spend time at Glacier National Park. It is a very short drive to the National Park and there's a cute town to explore in. Then finish off this awesome experience by heading south towards Billings, Montana staying at the Billings KOA where you can stock up on supplies before heading back home!


If you're looking for a fun, family road trip exploring the west that will make lasting memories with your family, then RVing out west is definitely something you should consider! There are so many scenic spots to explore along the way - each with its own unique beauty waiting to be discovered!

  

Below are our list of stops with distance: 

Tucson, AZ to Cottonwood, AZ

  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park
  • 225 miles

Cottonwood, AZ to Williams, AZ

  • Grand Canyon KOA
  • 97 miles

Williams, AZ to Page, AZ

  • Wahweap RV Park
  • boondocked one night at Beehives Campground
  • 177 miles

Page, AZ to Monument Valley, UT

  • KOA Monument Valley
  • 131 miles

Monument Valley, UT to Blanding, UT

  • Boondocked at Goosenecks State Park

Blanding, UT to Moab, UT

  • Moab KOA
  • 72 miles

Moab, UT to Torrey, UT

  • Wonderland RV park
  • 160 miles

Torrey, UT

  • Boondocked at Toms Best Spring Rd

Torrey UT to Midway, UT

  • Deer Creek State Park
  • 266 miles

Midway UT to Victor ID

  • Teton Valley Resort
  • 328 miles

Victor, ID to Three Forks, MT

  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
  • 188 miles

Three Forks, MT to West Glacier

  • West Glacier RV Park
  • 284 miles

West Glacier to Billings, MT

  • Billings KOA
  • 416 miles

 Billings, MT to Akron, IA

  • Lazy H RV
  • 720 miles