Family-Friendly RV Trips near Phoenix, AZ: 4 Unforgettable Destinations

There’s nothing quite like loading up the RV, packing the snacks, and hitting the open road with your favorite little people in tow. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full-blown family vacation, the area around Phoenix offers some of the best destinations for memory-making adventures.

With beautiful parks, interactive museums, and safe, kid-friendly RV campgrounds, family RV trips near Phoenix, AZ make road-tripping with kids easier—and more fun—than ever. From desert hikes to lake swims, these four destinations are sure to delight travelers of all ages.

And don’t worry—prepping your RV rental for a family is easy with the right setup and a few simple tips (more on that below).

1. Verde Valley & Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Distance from Phoenix: ~1.5 hours / 100 miles
Why It’s Great for Families: Wild animals, train rides, riverside fun

Tucked between Sedona and Cottonwood, Verde Valley is a family RV dream come true. The highlight? A day at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where kids can ride a safari bus, watch a tiger splash in a pool, or feed a giraffe right from the palm of their hand. It’s educational, exciting, and unforgettable.

Camp at Verde Valley RV Resort, a family-friendly park nestled along the Verde River, complete with a pool, playground, mini-golf, and safe, shaded RV sites. After a busy day with the animals, you can roast marshmallows by the campfire or float down the river.

Kid Favorites:

• The Giant Snake Show at Out of Africa
  
  
• Campground movie nights and s’mores
  
  
• Easy family hikes in Dead Horse Ranch State Park
  
  

2. Williams & Bearizona Wildlife Park

Distance from Phoenix: ~2.5 hours / 180 miles
Why It’s Great for Families: Drive-through wildlife park, train rides, Route 66 charm

For a high-country adventure, head north to Williams, a Route 66 gem and gateway to the Grand Canyon. The town is home to Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park where you can see bears, wolves, bison, and more—all from the safety of your RV or car. There's also a walk-through area with otters, birds of prey, and a petting zoo.

Stay nearby at Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, where you can catch the historic train to the Grand Canyon (a huge hit with kids). The park offers full hookups, laundry, and easy access to the charming downtown full of diners and souvenir shops.

Kid Favorites:

• Watching bears climb trees at Bearizona
  
  
• Riding the Grand Canyon Railway
  
  
• Playing at the Williams Skate Park or city pool
  
  

3. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Distance from Phoenix: ~45 minutes / 50 miles
Why It’s Great for Families: Swimming, kayaking, and easy nature trails

You don’t have to go far for a great family RV trip near Phoenix, AZ. Lake Pleasant is a perfect quick getaway with calm waters, wide-open spaces, and safe, well-maintained RV campgrounds.

Families can swim in the lake’s coves, rent kayaks or paddleboards, and spot wild burros roaming the shore. Camp at the Desert Tortoise Campground or Roadrunner Campground, both of which offer picnic tables, grills, and kid-safe walking paths.

Kid Favorites:

• Splashing in the shallow swimming coves
  
  
• Wildlife watching (especially donkeys!)
  
  
• Sunset picnics with grilled hot dogs
  
  

4. Kartchner Caverns & Southern Arizona Adventure

Distance from Phoenix: ~3 hours / 180 miles
Why It’s Great for Families: Caves, science, and camping under the stars

Take your family underground—literally—on an RV trip to Kartchner Caverns State Park, home to one of the most stunning cave systems in the country. The guided tours are perfect for kids, offering fascinating rock formations, glowing crystals, and cool temps even in the summer.

The park’s RV campground is clean, quiet, and safe, with electric hookups and a visitor center full of educational exhibits. Bonus: Nearby attractions like Tombstone and The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offer even more reasons to extend your trip.

Kid Favorites:

• Cave tours with bats and glowing formations
  
  
• Campfire storytelling under starry skies
  
  
• Cowboy fun in Tombstone
  
  

Tips for Prepping a Family RV Rental

Before you hit the road, make sure your RV rental for families is set up for comfort and fun:

• Choose the right size: Look for RVs with bunk beds or convertible dinettes to maximize space.
  
  
• Pack smart: Bring games, kid-approved snacks, sunscreen, and portable fans for summer heat.
  
  
• Plan ahead: Book your campgrounds early, especially during school breaks and holidays.
  
  
• Stay flexible: Build in time for extra stops, nap breaks, and unexpected kid-approved detours.
  
  

Start Your Family RV Adventure Today

There’s no better way to bond, explore, and make lifelong memories than with a family RV trip. These four destinations offer the best of nature, wildlife, water fun, and small-town charm—perfect for road-tripping parents and curious kids alike.

Looking for the best RV rental option in town? Check out AZ RV Rentals, your trusted local expert for family-sized RVs near Phoenix. With clean, fully-equipped RVs and flexible rental options, they’ll help you find the perfect fit for your crew—whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.