The American West has been the backdrop for centuries of lore, and for good reason. The region is packed with soaring peaks and rugged passes, wide deserts and alluring oases, high alpine meadows and long winding rivers. Our RV itinerary for a Western US road trip was developed to see it all and get a true slice of our beloved Western landscapes.
This trip begins and ends in Denver, creating a loop through most of Utah and Colorado. Each campground is a treasure in itself and is close to many noteworthy spots such as National Parks for additional days of adventure.
Recommended: Mountain States Road Trip
1. Rifle Gap State Park, Colorado
- 3 hours’ drive from Denver
To kick off our Western US RV itinerary, we’re taking you west of Denver. Located at approximately 6,000 feet of elevation, Rifle Gap State Park is set amidst a high semi-arid landscape of pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush shrubland, all surrounded by piñon and cedar-covered mountains. The park is home to a great deal of wildlife including mule deer, elk, and great horned owls. The park is situated alongside a reservoir with clean, clear waters. Some of the best scuba diving, boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing in Colorado can be had here. There is also plenty of hiking through the park and adjacent region. Wintertime brings plenty of cold weather activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing. There are 89 campsites that can accommodate tents, small trailers, RVs, and pop-up campers.
2. Green River State Park, Utah
- 2.5 hours’ drive from Rifle Gap State Park
The second stop on our RV Itinerary in the Western US is Green River State Park, a destination for river runners, golfers, and wildlife lovers alike. The park is an entrance point for the 120-mile float through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons. This section is rated for beginners and intermediate boaters and takes you through stunning desert and canyon country. Anglers can cast a line for catfish, carp, and four unique native fish that are threatened with extinction and protected, although these fish should be released.
The community fishing pond also has Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and BlueGill. The park also has a challenging nine-hole golf course, and many major attractions are within a two hours drive, including Arches and Canyonlands. The campground has 51 sites, including a cabin, and is shaded by tall cottonwood trees that attract numerous bird species.
Recommended: Itinerary: New England RV & Camping Trip
3. Great Salt Lake State Park, Utah
- 3 hours’ drive from Green River State Park
What RV trip out west itinerary could be complete without a stop off at the Great Salt Lake? This iconic piece of Western Americana is actually a remnant of the much larger lake that spanned an astonishing 20,000 square miles during the last ice age. The modern lake is about 75 miles north to south, and 35 miles east to west. Learn all about the lake and its history at the visitor center. Visitors can also go boating, kayaking, or swimming in the waters, or go for a walk along its shores. The campgrounds are located on the southern edge of the lake and have picnic areas and pleasant views of the harbor and lake. There are a handful of campsites, including five RV sites, so get your spot now!
4. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Utah
- 5 hours’ drive from Great Salt Lake State Park
Set along rolling hills of varied color, with a deep blue lake at its center, Escalante Petrified ForestState Park is classic arid southern Utah topography. In addition to the beauty of the area and the park’s proximity to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the big attraction at Escalante Petrified Forest is of course the fossilized trees. The wood is kaleidoscopic in color, which was created over millions of years. The helpful visitor center has fantastic displays with petrified wood, petrified dinosaur bones, ammonite, and shell fossils to learn more about the park’s unique and deep history. Take one of the short hiking trails and enjoy expansive vistas of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. Afterward, go fishing, boating, or canoeing in Wide Hollow Reservoir. There are 20 campgrounds and an RV park.
Recommended: Itinerary: Blue Ridge Parkway RV Road Trip
5. Mancos State Park, Colorado
- 6.5-hour drive from Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
This last section of the RV Itinerary Western US takes you back up into a part of the Rockies. Nestled within the majestic San Juan Mountains, Mancos State Park is an inviting southwest Colorado destination. Visitors come for the excellent fishing and camping, and pleasant year-round temperatures. Its location is also convenient to visit Mesa Verde National Park, just 14 miles away. Sleep beneath the Ponderosa pines that dot the campgrounds and extend into the surrounding forest. Go for a hike, spot local wildlife, or simply kick back and enjoy the view of the glistening lake and mountains. There are 25 basic RV sites and two yurts.
6. Ridgway State Park, Colorado
- 2.5 hours’ drive from Mancos State Park
- 5 hours’ drive to Denver
The final stop on this RV Itinerary Western US is set in a peaceful and sunny part of Colorado dubbed the “Switzerland of America.” Ridgway State Park beckons outdoor lovers far and wide. The mountain scenery creates the backdrop for an extensive trail system and plenty of wildlife viewing. The five-mile long reservoir is beloved for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. There are 232 RV sites and three yurts for rent.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!