There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in our Van Voyage adventure van; chasing sunsets and waking up to most breathtaking desert landscapes! If you’re craving a journey filled with red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and starry skies, this 5-day van camping trip is the perfect escape. Any of these spots can easily support more than 1 night. So, use this article as a reference and instead of one night at each spot, you can skip one and spend 2 nights at another if you want to keep the trip to 5 days.
Day 1: San Diego to Sedona – Red Rocks & Rugged Trails
The road trip kicks off before dawn from San Diego, heading east through the California desert and into Arizona. By the time you reach Sedona, the iconic red rock formations will be calling your name. Cathedral Rock Hike is incredible and short but the steep climb will reward you with jaw-dropping views. One of the best dispersed camping spots in Sedona is Loy Butte Road (FR 525) It offers wide-open views of the red rocks, perfect for an adventure van setup. Keep an eye out about 1.75 miles North past Loy Butte rd Windmill Designated Campground. (you can pass Dispersed Camping Area #2 and there are a number of locations for about a mile.) Or simply paste this into google (34.879946393831936, -111.90845096331023) Arrive early to snag a prime spot!
Day 1 Alternative: San Diego to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge – Palm Canyon (5 hours instead of 7.5)(skipping Sedona and then heading to the Grand Canyon)
If looking for a bigger adventure that is really off the map, check out Kofa National Wildlife refuge! Rugged desert landscapes, striking rock formations with incredible exploring options will be found in the desolate mountains of Arizona. There is wide open van camping options out there! Google “Skull rock in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.” From Highway 95, head east on Palm Canyon Rd. In about 3.3 miles, turn left at Kofa Queen Canyon Road and go about 6-7 miles to Skull Rock, a great spot is 1/3 miles past Skull Rock. (33.3724971857326, -114.06488645967889) – paste this into Google and click on Maps.
Day 2: Grand Canyon – Rim Views & Epic Trails
After soaking in the morning desert glow, it’s time to hit the road toward one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth: the Grand Canyon. The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is a treat in itself, winding through lush pine forests before transitioning to high desert. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon on the South Rim is Desert View Drive. Which is a scenic stretch with stunning overlooks like Moran Point and Navajo Point. Then check out the South Kaibab Trail! Hike down to Ooh Aah Point (0.9 miles) or Cedar Ridge (3 miles) for breathtaking canyon views. There is free dispersed camping just outside the park in Kaibab National Forest (also known as Forest Road 306), which is located about 3 miles South of the Roundabout with the Tusayan sign – turn right and start looking. (the sign is near Grand Canyon National Airport). It is quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by pine trees; perfect for a night under the stars. Another dispersed camping option is Coconino Rim Road. (Forest Road 310), located 2 miles Southeast past the Grandview Point turnoff from Desert View Dr. (Highway 64). Or about 4 miles Southwest past the Moran Point lookout turnoff.
Day 3: Page, AZ – Canyons, Cliffs & Lake Powell
Rise early to catch the sunrise at Mather Point, then hit the road toward Page, AZ. A small town with some of the most iconic desert landscapes in the Southwest. With so many amazing things to check out, it will be hard to fit it all in. Horseshoe Bend is a short hike to one of the most famous viewpoints in Arizona. Antelope Canyon is famous among photographers. If you’ve booked a tour, this slot canyon is an absolute must-see!
Then Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Powell where you can launch from Lone Rock Beach for an epic paddling experience. Which is also a great dispersed camping area that sits right on the shores of Lake Powell. The sunsets here are unreal, and you can park your van just feet from the water. Paste into Google Maps (37.01695747088684, -111.54127217110076)
Day 4: Zion National Park – Cliffs, Canyons & Legendary Hikes
After a peaceful night by the lake, it’s time to head to Zion National Park. The drive takes you through Utah’s dramatic landscapes, including the breathtaking Mt. Carmel Tunnel; the scenic gateway into Zion. The best hike in Zion is Angels Landing (permit required). It is actually one of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S., featuring a narrow ridge-line with stunning valley views. The Narrows Hike through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls, is stunning. Kolob Terrace Road has BLM Land which is free, dispersed camping with unreal views and no crowds. Located near Kolob Campground which is on the Kolob Reservoir. Additionally, the Zion Scenic Byway Dispersed camping (BLM-SR-9) is another option as well. Paste (37.26268058581678, -112.77223348153304) into Google and hit maps. About 2.3 miles past Zion Mountain Ranch Hotel (located at 9065 West Highway 9, Mt Carmel, UT 84755).
Day 5: Zion to San Diego – One Last Adventure Before Heading Home
Before saying goodbye to Zion, squeeze in one last adventure: The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short, rewarding sunrise hike with an epic view over the canyon. Then, it’s time to fuel up, hit the highway, and make the scenic drive back to San Diego, reflecting on an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, epic landscapes, and the freedom of the open road.
This 5-day van camping trip is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, taking you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest. With incredible dispersed camping spots, epic hikes, and unforgettable views, it’s a road trip you’ll never forget.
Condensed 5-day version
Day 1: San Diego → Sedona (1st Night) – Depart at Dawn (8 hour drive)
• Explore the Cathedral Rock Hike, an incredible hike through unreal landscape
• Dispersed camping at Loy Butte Road (FR 525)
Day 1 Alternative: Kofa National Refuge – Depart at Dawn (4.5 hour Drive)
• Explore desolate dramatic mountains of Arizona
Day 2: Sedona → Grand Canyon (2.5 hour Drive North)
• The scenic Desert View Drive with stunning overlooks like Moran Point
• Head to South Kaibab Trail for a hike
Day 3: Grand Canyon → Page, AZ (2.5 hour Drive North)
• Horseshoe Bend is a short hike to the most famous viewpoints in Arizona
• Antelope Canyon is famous among photographers
• Then Paddleboard on Lake Powell – launch from Lone Rock Beach
• Plenty of wide open dispersed camping at Lone Rock Beach
Day 4: Page → Zion National Park (2 hour Drive West)
• Last night camping under the stars
• Hike Angels Landing – one of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S.
• Narrows Hike through the Virgin River
Day 5: Zion → San Diego (7 hour Drive West, 470 miles)
