Whether your goal is to save money, make new friends, or simply sit back and enjoy the sights, Southwest RV parks are the way to go. And with all the information available online, campsites in the Southwest are easy to find. Website directories and reviews offer endless tips on where to stay — and where to avoid — near all of America's greatest destinations.

8 Best RV Parks in the Southwest

The “American Southwest” generally refers to parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. In this guide, we share the best RV parks in the Southwest by state. Read on to find your next RV destination!

Arizona - Mather Campground

We can’t talk about campsites in the Southwest and not mention the Grand Canyon, right? This large Southwest RV park is a close drive from Grand Canyon National Park. At Mather Campground, there are 327 campsites that lie under the shade of Ponderosa pines. Campers can access the Greenway to go hiking or biking during the day and book a mule riding trip in the Grand Canyon!

California - Potwisha Campground

The Potwisha Campground is just four miles past Ash Entrance Station in an open stand of Oak trees. Some sites are first-come, first-served and others are reservable. The fee for each site is $22 per night and includes camping for up to six people. See the giant Sequoia trees and stand in awe of their beauty at Sequoia National Park. 

Colorado - Black Canyon RV Park and Campground

RV camping in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a blast, and there is nowhere better to stay than at Black Canyon RV Park and Campground. Each pull-through site has standing charcoal grills, picnic tables, and epic sunset views. Wi-Fi is included with your stay and there is a horseshoes area and golf recreation area. 

Nevada - Upper Lehman Campground 

Within Great Basin National Park lies Upper Lehman Campground, with RV campsites only a 10-minute drive from Lehman Caves. For $20 per night, campers can enjoy driving the stunning Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, fishing in Stella and Theresa Lakes, and touring the Lehman Caves. Your furry friends are allowed in the campground, and sites have campfire rings and picnic tables. 

New Mexico - Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park

Close to Santa Rosa Lake State Park, this Southwest RV park is Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park. It can accommodate up to 90-foot RVs in pull-through spots and has up to 50-amp service. There is even a western BBQ restaurant on-site! Enjoy many nearby attractions in historic Santa Rosa, New Mexico at this Southwest RV park.   

Oklahoma - Black Mesa State Park Campground

Black Mesa State Park gets its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa around 30 million years ago. The campground on-site gives campers access to the 1,600-acre nature preserve, where they can hike to the highest point in Oklahoma. There are 30-amp electric hookups, clean restrooms and showers, and the Southwest RV park offers a 10% military discount. 

Texas - Chisos Basin Campground

The Chisos Basin Campground is located inside Big Bend National Park in Texas. It is open year-round and is recommended for RVs 24 feet and under because of the narrow winding roads. Popular hiking trails are nearby to this campground for campers to explore, and the campsite fee is $16 per night. 

Utah - Sun Outdoors Arches Getaway

These campsites in the Southwest start at $56 per RV site/night and offer guests easy access to Utah’s famous Arches National Park. There are stunning views from anywhere in the RV park and plenty of fun amenities, including lifesize chess and checkers. 

Tips for South RV Park Camping

With a Cruise America RV rental — or even your own motorhome from one of our nationwide RV sales centers — RV parks in Las Vegas and other popular tourist towns are a great way to enjoy the thrills on a budget. Or if a slower pace is more your style, you'll find countless RV parks near scenic lakes, national parks, and other attractions. But before you reserve a spot, read our tips below for a great RV park stay.

• Prioritize your amenities. If you're just looking for the basics, don't pay for the extra bells and whistles of an RV resort. However, do make sure even a barebones RV park offers hookups and dump stations. Otherwise, you're probably better off roughing it in a state park or simple campground. At the same time, if you're craving a dip in a crystal-clear pool or a leisurely soak in a hot tub, it's usually worth it to find an RV park that offers those little extras. While it costs a little more, it's still a lot less than comparable hotel amenities.
• Check locations carefully. This is especially important when you make your reservations sight-unseen online. RV parks located near major attractions like Disneyland or the Grand Canyon may not be convenient to the park at all. Double-check exactly how far away you'll be staying — and whether trips from your campsite to your destination will be convenient.
• Consider out-of-the-way destinations. For example, instead of looking for Dallas RV parks, consider staying outside the city at one of the area's scenic lakeside RV parks — Texas is full of options. The same is true in bustling hubs like Las Vegas. RV parks in Las Vegas can be cramped, but scenic options are available in nearby Boulder City or along with Lake Mead — and they still offer proximity to fun gaming and entertainment options.
• Just wing it! Sure, making plans and reservations can be great, but there's something to be said for simply hopping in the RV and hitting the open road. The great thing about RV parks is that there are so many of them out there — and they're usually easy to find. Just be on the lookout while you cruise the Interstate, check out brochure racks at rest stops, or ask a friendly local for advice.

Whether it's a tour of the Alaskan Highway or a trip to Zion National Park in Utah, RV parks are a great alternative to rugged campsites. And whether you choose to find a place to stay on the fly or do extensive research online, RV parks are easy to find and easy to book.

For more great vacation planning advice, visit Cruise America. As the nation's number-one RV rental and sales company, we make renting or buying a motorhome simple and hassle-free. Contact us today!