Las Vegas to Palm Springs Road Trip
Hit the road from Las Vegas to Palm Springs for an easy long weekend adventure.
Palm Springs, California
For a scenic and adventure-packed long weekend getaway, a road trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is perfect for RV travelers.
The route below showcases incredible desert landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and fantastic RV camping options.
Las Vegas to Palm Springs Route Overview
Total Distance (One Way): 230 miles
Total Drive Time: 4.5 hours (not including stops)
Best Time to Go: Fall through spring (October to April) for cooler temperatures in the low valleys of the Nevada and Southern California deserts.
This small but mighty tour of the Nevada/California desert heads southwest from Las Vegas to the Mojave Desert, then south to Joshua Tree National Park, then west to Palm Springs, before making the return journey northeast back to Las Vegas.
The highways are paved the entire way, making RV travel a breeze. If you plan to go between April–October, book campsites well in advance.
4-Day Itinerary: Las Vegas to Palm Springs
Kelso Dunes Mojave National Preserve
Day 1: Las Vegas to Mojave National Preserve
Drive Distance & Time: 85 miles, 1.5 hours
Your first stop is California’s Mojave National Preserve, an often-overlooked desert gem filled with Joshua trees, towering sand dunes, and lava tubes. RV parking is available throughout the preserve.
Things to Do
Kelso Dunes: Hike up these massive dunes for an incredible desert sunset.
Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail: A short but adventurous 1.4-mile loop trail with metal ring handles to help you climb rocky sections. The trail is moderately challenging and has little shade. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Where to Camp
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground has campsites with sites for RVs up to 30 feet. There are no hookups. Vault toilets, water, and a dump station are available.
Day 2: Mojave National Preserve to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Drive Distance & Time: 110 miles, 2.5 hours
Heading south, you’ll enter the famous Joshua Tree National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and rock climbers. RVs are welcome and parking is plentiful, but lots fill up fast during peak season of October–May, especially on the weekends. Plan to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid large crowds.
Things to Do
Cholla Cactus Garden: Stroll through this garden for a variety of desert flora dominated by teddybear cholla. It’s a wonderful sunrise or sunset stop and the perfect opportunity for photography.
Hidden Valley Trail: Take this scenic 1-mile loop through boulders and Joshua trees.
Keys View: Stop at this lookout point at sunrise or sunset for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
Where to Camp
Black Rock Campground is RV-friendly, with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. It also has water, restrooms, a day-use picnic area, and dump station.
Cottonwood Campground is a dry campground (no hookups) but has potable water and flush toilets. Reservations are required
Boondocking Option: Find free dispersed camping on BLM land just outside the park near Joshua Tree’s North Entrance.
Day 3: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Drive Distance & Time: 40 miles, 1 hour
Your final destination, Palm Springs, California, is RV-friendly and known for its Mid-Century Modern architecture, golf courses, shopping, spas, and a scenic tram ride.
Things to Do
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride to the 8,516-feet-high Mountain Station on Mt. San Jacinto for incredible views and hiking in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Shop on Palm Canyon Drive: Browse for unique clothing, artwork, jewelry, home goods, and much more on Palm Springs’ main drag.
Soak in the nearby spa town of Desert Hot Springs: Try a mineral spring resort like Two Bunch Palms or The Spring Resort and Spa.
Where to Camp
Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA is a full-service resort and has full hookups, a pool, hot tub, and rec room.
Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort is another good option with spacious RV sites, a pool, restaurant and general store on site.
Ride in comfort with a Blacksford RV!
Day 4: Drive Back to Las Vegas
Drive Distance: 230 miles
Drive Time: 4.5 hours
You can either take the I-15 straight back to Las Vegas or make a scenic detour through Route 66 for one last desert adventure.
Alternative Route 66 Detour
Drive Distance & Time: : 250 miles, 5.5–6.5 hours (without extended stops)
Road Conditions: Mostly well-paved highways; some stretches of Route 66 are more rugged.
Fuel & Supplies: Services between Twentynine Palms and Needles are limited, so fuel up in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.
From Palm Springs take CA-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) east to Amboy via Route 66. Amboy, California is a classic Route 66 town known for Roy’s Motel & Café, a historic Route 66 gas station and motel. This is a great place for a photo op and a quick refresh.
Just west of Amboy, Amboy Crater National National Natural Landmark is a volcanic cinder cone that has a rewarding 1.5-mile (one way) hike to the crater rim for epic desert views. There’s a small parking lot with some room for RVs.
After the crater, rejoin Route 66 east toward Needles, about 75 miles. Needles is a good stop for fuel, food, and supplies before heading into the Mojave Desert toward I-40 east, and then north on US-95 back to Las Vegas.
Road Trip to Palm Springs in an RV
A trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs has the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, quirky roadside attractions, and scenic camping for RV travelers. It’s all about enjoying the journey!
Reserve your Blacksford RV today to travel and explore in ultimate comfort and peace of mind with 24/7 on-trip support throughout your entire vacation.