Campervan Rental in Phoenix

RV Rental Phoenix

The capital of Arizona, Phoenix is also the state’s most populous city with over 1.6 million residents. It was settled in 1867 as an agricultural community near the confluence of the Gila and Salt rivers and became a proper city in 1881.

Located in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, it enjoys a hot desert climate year-round. Despite this, the original settlers were able to establish a thriving farming community due to the area’s canal system.

Today, Phoenix is known for its mountain parks, luxury hotels, and nearby lakes. Tourists visit from all over the world to enjoy outdoor and indoor pursuits ranging from picturesque hikes to Michelin-starred dining to world-class museums.

Phoenix plays a leading role in the economy of the Mountain West region of the United States, acting as a communication, financial, and transportation hub. Culturally, Phoenix is a heavy-hitter, with the Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra both commanding a program of notable visiting artists and touring exhibits.

Getting there

The backbone of Phoenix’s highway system is made up of three major highways – U.S. Route 60, Interstate 10, and interstate 17. As the transcontinental route between Florida and California, Interstate 10 is the most heavily trafficked highway in the area.Alternatively, you can take the plane to get to Phoenix. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is just 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix and serves as the international and domestic flights hub for the area.Phoenix remains the biggest city in the U.S. without Amtrak service, so if you don’t want to drive or fly in, you’re looking at a bus route. Greyhound is the biggest server of the area and your best bet for hitching a lift via bus.

Places to visit

• Heard Museum: The Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of Native American art. Its huge collection includes more than 40,000 pieces of stunning works ranging from Navajo textiles to Zuni jewelry to Hopi katsina dolls. As Phoenix has a strong Native American influence, this is one of the best places to go to learn more about the area.
• Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat: The Dolly Steamboat has operated since 1983, offering mind-blowing tours on the beautiful Canyon Lake. The ship offers dinner boat and ightseeing cruises as well as private tours. There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the area than on the Dolly Steamboat.
• Goldfield Ghost Town: The Goldfield Ghost Town is the product of a small township that died a slow death and was vacated around 1926 after the closing of the local mine. Today, you can enjoy a picturesque stroll down Main Street to take in a bygone era.

Parking in Phoenix

Phoenix has metered parking throughout the city. If you park between 10 pm and 8 am you can score a spot for free, otherwise you’re looking at $1.50 per hour. There are also a few non-metered spots left in the downtown area, including the side streets on south Central Ave and Lincoln Street.

If you don’t mind hopping the train, a good trick is to park at one of the city’s surrounding light rail stations and hop a train into the center from there.

Phoenix is also home to a number of dedicated parking garages. Rates will vary but tend to get more affordable the further out of the city you travel.

Annual Events in Phoenix

• Tour de Fat: The first weekend of October sees the Tempe Beach Park turn into a two-wheeled celebration featuring bands, beers, and, yes, bicycles. Thousands of beer and bike lovers don creative costumes and spend the day enjoying comedians, live musicians, and cirque performers. If you’re into bikes or pints, this is a day you can’t miss.
• Arizona State Fair: The Arizona State Fair takes place over three weeks in October and features all the best things about fairs: rides, crazy food, and cute animals. It also sports a great lineup of live concerts with chart-topping artists like the Flaming lips and Awolnation having taken over the stage in recent years.
• Phoenix Pride: Because of the heat, Phoenix celebrates Pride in April rather than June, but the celebration is no less exorbitant. Phoenix’s Pride festival offers dozens of performances across multiple stages as well as hundreds of exhibitors with food, wares, and information on community resources.

Camping in Phoenix

• Covered Wagon RV Park: Located just outside the city limits, the Covered Wagon RV Park boasts a lot of family-friendly features including a swimming pool. It’s close to several shopping complexes and is a stone’s throw from the Phoenix Art Museum. Rates range from $49.95 to $54.95 plus tax.
• Desert Sands RV Park: The Desert Sands RV Park is located just outside Phoenix and sports resort-like amenities. You’re looking at $50 per day to stay here with a maximum of four people.
• Desert’s Edge RV – Purple Park: This RV park is far enough from the city to give you a peaceful atmosphere but is still close enough to several local attractions to ensure you get the best of both worlds. A pull-through park will set you back $60 per day while a back-in park will go for $65 per day.