Pack up your Airstream rental and explore areas of the city where ancient inhabitants left behind evidence of their existence. Hike the Waterfall Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountains or the Hayden Butte Preserve to find petroglyphs left behind by the Hohokam people. Then, take the family to the Heard Museum, where you can view American Indian art and take part in interactive experiences such as weaving and creating wearable art. Since many of these areas have limited parking, consider leaving your RV at the campground and taking the Valley Metro Light Rail or other public transportation.
Animal lovers who want to learn about the desert’s native species should spend the day at the Phoenix Zoo. The Phoenix Zoo is more than a place to see the world’s most recognized and loved animals; it’s a place where you can learn about and participate in the facility’s conservation and protection efforts. After the zoo, stop by the Desert Botanical Garden for a nature walk through the gardens or a staff-led, family-friendly activity. Before your visit, call to ask about RV parking. Although the parking lots are large enough to handle bigger vehicles, special events may prohibit oversized parking.
Are you looking to enjoy some fun on the water? In Phoenix, water activities are almost as abundant as golf courses and outdoor shopping areas. City campers might like to leave their rig at the campground to spend a day on the water at Tempe Town Lake or visit Encanto Park for a pedal boat rental. Desert dwellers should check out Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Paddlers can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards onsite. At Lake Pleasant, RV parking is easy. Park for the day or camp overnight at either the regional park campground or Pleasant Harbor RV Resort.
When the temperatures start to soar in Phoenix, beat the heat by heading to Arizona’s high country, home of Sedona’s red rocks, Payson’s Ponderosa pines, Flagstaff’s alpine tundra, and Grand Canyon National Park. Arizona’s higher-elevation locations have a colder, sometimes snowy winter, and warm days, and cooler nights during the summer.