Weekly RV Itinerary in Salt Lake City - 7-Day Plan 2026

Best Salt Lake City RV Itinerary for weekly rv rental — Overview

A 7-day RV itinerary from Salt Lake City typically covers 400-500 km (250-310 miles) round trip, offering a perfect blend of city exploration and breathtaking natural wonders. This relaxed pace, averaging less than 100 km per day, allows you to truly immerse yourself in the landscape without feeling rushed. An ideal duration for this kind of trip is between 7 and 10 days, giving you ample time to explore urban highlights and natural beauty without spending all your time behind the wheel.

The best time to embark on this journey is during the shoulder seasons. Late spring (April-May) greets you with pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, while early fall (September-October) offers crisp air, stunning autumn colors, and fewer crowds at popular spots like Antelope Island State Park and Park City. These periods provide the most comfortable conditions for both driving your rented RV and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. This itinerary is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone from first-time renters to seasoned road-trippers, creating a perfect week-long escape.

7-Day Classic Route in Salt Lake City

This classic 7-day route is the perfect introduction to the region, combining Salt Lake City's top attractions with the stunning natural beauty just beyond the city limits. It's a journey of short drives and long, memorable days.

• Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration. Pick up your rented motorhome near Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Get settled in and then head downtown to explore Temple Square and the impressive Utah State Capitol. For your first night, established campgrounds like the Salt Lake City KOA Journey or Pony Express RV Resort offer full hookups and convenient access to the city.
• Day 2: Antelope Island State Park (70 km / 45 mi). A short drive takes you across the causeway to this unique island in the Great Salt Lake. Spend the day hiking, watching for the island's famous free-roaming bison and antelope, and taking in the otherworldly sunsets. Camp overnight right in the park at one of the designated campgrounds.
• Day 3: To the Mountains in Park City (100 km / 60 mi). Drive east into the Wasatch Mountains to the historic mining town of Park City. Stroll down charming Main Street, filled with galleries and boutiques, and visit the Utah Olympic Park. Jordanelle State Park, located just outside Park City, is an excellent spot for overnight camping with beautiful reservoir views.
• Day 4: Provo Canyon's Waterfalls (70 km / 45 mi). Head south to the scenic Provo Canyon. The highlight is the majestic Bridal Veil Falls, easily accessible from the road. You can also explore the trails around Sundance Mountain Resort. For the night, consider Utah Lake State Park or a private RV park near Provo.
• Day 5: Historic Ogden (100 km / 60 mi). Drive north to Ogden, a city with a rich railroad history. Explore the beautifully restored Historic 25th Street and visit the museums at Ogden Union Station. Nearby Willard Bay State Park offers waterfront camping and is a great base for the night.
• Day 6: The Great Salt Lake Experience (70 km / 45 mi). Circle back towards the Great Salt Lake State Park. Visit the marina and visitor center to learn about the lake's unique ecosystem. If you're brave, take a dip and experience the incredible buoyancy of the hypersaline water. The park has a small campground for an unforgettable last night by the lake.
• Day 7: Return to Salt Lake City (30 km / 20 mi). Enjoy a final breakfast with a lakeside view before the short drive back to Salt Lake City to return your mobile home, filled with a week's worth of amazing memories.

14-Day Extended Journey in Salt Lake City

An extended 14-day motorhome journey allows you to dive deeper into Northern Utah's treasures at a truly leisurely pace, combining the classic 7-day route with stunning scenic byways and less-traveled gems. This itinerary is all about slow travel and soaking in the culture and scenery.

Week 1: Salt Lake City & Wasatch Wonders (Days 1-7)
Follow the 7-day itinerary above, but take your time. Spend an extra day in Park City to enjoy more hiking, or dedicate a full day to exploring the museums in Ogden. This slower pace allows for spontaneous stops and a deeper connection with each location.

Week 2: Canyons, Byways, and Lakes (Days 8-14)

• Days 8-9: Logan and Bear Lake (90 km / 55 mi from Ogden). Drive north to Logan and take the stunning Logan Canyon Scenic Byway. This route offers incredible vistas and hiking opportunities. Continue on to the "Caribbean of the Rockies," Bear Lake, known for its brilliant turquoise water. Camp at one of the state park campgrounds along its shore.
• Days 10-11: The Mirror Lake Highway. From the Bear Lake area, head towards Kamas to drive the famous Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (U-150), which cuts through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This high-altitude road (closed in winter) is lined with pristine lakes, trailheads, and rustic forest campgrounds. It's a perfect place for hiking and fishing.
• Days 12-13: Utah Lake Relaxation (120 km / 75 mi). Descend from the mountains and head towards Utah Lake, south of Salt Lake City. This is a great time to relax, enjoy some boating or fishing, and reflect on your journey. Stay at Utah Lake State Park or a nearby private RV park.
• Day 14: Return to Salt Lake City (100 km / 60 mi). After two weeks of incredible sights, make the easy drive back to the Salt Lake City rental depot to return your RV.

This extended plan truly embraces our philosophy: travel slowly, max 100-150 km per day. Take time to feel the place, connect to the culture, the food, and the scenery.

Recommended RVPlan Trip for Salt Lake City

You can explore various pre-built itineraries on RV PLANET (rvplan.net) that start, end, or pass through Salt Lake City for a seamless and professional trip-planning experience. As true RV specialists, we've poured our decades of knowledge into creating routes that make sense for motorhome travel, ensuring roads are suitable and stops are well-paced. This is a core part of our Rent&Plan service, designed to take the stress out of your vacation.

The platform offers a wide range of route plans, from short regional loops to epic cross-country adventures. Each itinerary provides detailed daily breakdowns, suggesting points of interest, hiking trails, museums, and, most importantly, overnight stops at RV-friendly campgrounds. You get a proven plan crafted by experts. Plus, if you find a route you love, you can use RV PLANET's powerful tools to customize it, adding or removing stops to perfectly match your family's interests and preferred travel rhythm for your weekly rental. Get inspired for your next trip and plan it with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)

To truly experience the soul of Utah, you have to go beyond the main attractions. Here are some of my personal recommendations for making your Salt Lake City RV trip authentic and memorable.

• Visit a Local Industry: Utah has a fascinating culture of craftsmanship. Seek out local artisan food producers, like the cheese makers in Heber Valley, or visit one of the many craft breweries that have popped up around Salt Lake City for a taste of local innovation.
• Eat at a Traditional Restaurant: Don't miss out on authentic local flavors. In Salt Lake City, look for restaurants serving classic Mormon heritage dishes. In the surrounding towns, ask locals for their favorite diner or cafe—it's often where you'll find the best and most genuine food.
• Hike to a Natural Feature: The Wasatch Mountains are crisscrossed with trails. Go beyond the parking lot viewpoints. Take a family-friendly hike to a waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon or find a trail leading to a hidden alpine lake. The reward is always worth the effort.
• Explore a Niche Museum: Salt Lake City has world-class museums, but don't overlook the smaller ones. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a must-see for its stunning architecture and regional exhibits. For a deep dive into local history and science, these visits are both educational and highly entertaining.

Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Salt Lake City

We always recommend a maximum average driving distance of 100-150 km (about 60-90 miles) per day to truly enjoy your journey and avoid fatigue. The freedom of a rented motorhome isn't about rushing from point A to B; it's about the experiences you have in between. Traveling slowly gives you the time to pull over at a scenic overlook, explore a charming small town you happen upon, or simply relax at your campsite and appreciate the magnificent landscapes around Salt Lake City.

The routes around Salt Lake City are perfect for this style of travel. For example, the drive from Salt Lake City to Park City is only about 50 km (30 miles), taking just 40-50 minutes. Similarly, Salt Lake City to Ogden is around 60 km (37 miles) and takes less than an hour. These short travel times mean you spend less time driving and more time living. God is in the small details, and by traveling slowly, you give yourself the chance to notice and appreciate them.

Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks

Choosing the right rented motorhome is key to a comfortable and enjoyable trip, and the best choice often depends on your group size. For a Salt Lake City adventure, a standard car driver's license is all you need for any class of motorhome, making it easy to get on the road.

For couples, a versatile Class B campervan or a compact Class C motorhome is often ideal. These vehicles are nimble, easy to drive, and offer all the essential amenities for two travelers. They provide a perfect balance of comfort and maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate both city streets and mountain roads.

Families renting a motorhome in Salt Lake City will find the Class C motorhome to be an excellent choice. Typically sleeping 4-7 people, these mobile homes offer ample space, a dedicated over-cab bed for the kids, and a larger kitchen and living area. This ensures everyone has their own space to relax after a day of exploring. If you're looking for even more room, a Class A motorhome provides a bus-style experience with expansive living quarters and panoramic windows to take in Utah's stunning scenery. To simplify your planning, our 'Rent&Plan' service can pair your ideal vehicle with a professionally designed itinerary, ensuring a perfect match for your travel style.

What are the best RV campgrounds near Salt Lake City

The best RV campgrounds near Salt Lake City offer a variety of settings and amenities, with top-rated options including the Salt Lake City KOA Journey, Pony Express RV Resort, and the more rustic Antelope Island State Park Campground. The KOA and Pony Express are perfect for those who want full hookups (water, electricity, sewer), laundry facilities, and sometimes even pools, making them great bases for exploring the city. Antelope Island, on the other hand, provides a more natural setting with incredible wildlife and lake views, though with more limited amenities.

When choosing a campground, consider its proximity to the attractions on your itinerary and the level of comfort you desire. Check for site sizes to ensure they can accommodate your rented RV class, especially if you have a larger Class A. For finding available campsites during your trip, we recommend using RV PLANET (rvplan.net)—it's an excellent resource for locating spots along your route. It's always wise to call ahead before driving, especially during peak season, as many parks reserve only a portion of their sites, leaving the rest as first-come, first-served.

What is the best time of year to RV in Utah

The best time of year to RV in Utah, especially in the Salt Lake City area, is during the late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). During these months, daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, and the intense heat of the summer has not yet arrived or has already passed. Furthermore, these shoulder seasons see fewer crowds at popular destinations, giving you a more peaceful and personal experience.

Traveling outside of these ideal windows requires some planning. A winter motorhome trip can be fantastic for skiing adventures at resorts near Park City, but you must be prepared for cold weather and check road conditions, as high-altitude passes like the Mirror Lake Highway will be closed. Summer travel is popular but be ready for high temperatures, especially around the Great Salt Lake. Spring offers the beauty of snow-capped mountains and green valleys, while fall delivers a spectacular display of autumn colors in the canyons, making either season a wonderful choice for your road trip.

How much does it cost to rent an RV in Salt Lake City

The cost to rent an RV in Salt Lake City is dynamic and can range from approximately $150 to over $400 per night, influenced by the vehicle class, time of year, and rental duration. Just like airline tickets, prices change based on availability and demand, with summer being the peak season. A compact Class B campervan will generally be more affordable than a large, luxurious Class A motorhome. For the most current pricing, it's best to check a comparison tool; our page on RV Rental in Salt Lake City - Prices and Best Deals 2026 provides up-to-date information.

When budgeting for your trip, remember to account for ancillary costs beyond the rental fee itself. These include fuel (a Class C motorhome might average 25-35 liters per 100km), campground fees (typically $30-$70+ per night), propane, and groceries. Cooking meals in your rented RV is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy cozy evenings; our RV-friendly recipes playlist has some great ideas. To easily track all these expenses for accurate budgeting, you can use the tools available on RV PLANET routes to itemize every cost along the way. On the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.

What are the pet friendly RV parks in Salt Lake City

Many RV parks in the Salt Lake City area are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your four-legged family members along on the adventure. Highly-rated options like the Salt Lake City KOA Journey and Pony Express RV Resort welcome pets and often provide convenient amenities such as designated pet relief areas or fenced-in dog parks where your pup can run off-leash.

Before booking, always call the campground directly to confirm their specific pet policies. Some parks may have restrictions on breed, size, or the number of pets allowed per site, and nearly all require pets to be leashed when outside your rented RV. For outdoor recreation, many trails in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest are dog-friendly, but be sure to check trailhead signage for any specific rules. With a little planning, your Salt Lake City RV trip can be a fantastic experience for the whole family, pets included.

Are RVs allowed in downtown Salt Lake City

Yes, you can absolutely drive a rented RV in downtown Salt Lake City. The city is laid out on a grid system with wide streets, such as State Street and South Temple, which makes navigation more straightforward than in many older cities. The key is to drive slowly and carefully, and you can get to most places without any issues. No need to stress—just use common sense and pay close attention to your surroundings, especially when making turns.

While driving is manageable, parking a large motorhome downtown can be the main challenge. Dedicated RV parking spaces are rare. A great strategy is to park at a campground on the city's outskirts, like the Salt Lake City KOA, and use the city's excellent TRAX light rail system to get downtown. This allows you to explore attractions like Temple Square, City Creek Center, and various museums without the worry of finding parking for your large vehicle. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: a comfortable home base and easy access to urban exploration.

Where can I dump my RV tanks in Salt Lake City

You can find RV dump stations at numerous locations in and around Salt Lake City, ensuring you can easily manage your black and grey water tanks during your trip. Most commercial RV parks and campgrounds, such as Salt Lake City KOA Journey and Pony Express RV Resort, have on-site dump stations for their guests; some may allow non-guests to use them for a small fee, typically $10-$25. Some gas stations and truck stops along major highways like I-15 and I-80 also offer this service.

For finding the nearest facility, we recommend using RV PLANET (rvplan.net), which can help you locate dump stations, propane refill locations, and other essential services along your route. Always call ahead to confirm operating hours and fees, especially if you are not a registered guest at a campground. Regular maintenance of your tanks is a simple but crucial part of a smooth and enjoyable motorhome rental experience.

Can you boondock in Utah

Yes, you can absolutely boondock, or do dispersed camping, in Utah, as the state is home to millions of acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Forest Service. These areas often allow you to camp for free outside of designated campgrounds, offering an incredible sense of freedom and solitude. One of the best options near Salt Lake City is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, with numerous access roads leading to suitable spots.

When boondocking, it's essential to be self-sufficient, as there will be no hookups for water, electricity, or sewer. Always follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in, camp on durable surfaces, and respect wildlife. Before heading out, check with the local ranger district for any fire restrictions, road conditions, and specific regulations for the area you plan to visit. With a little research, you can find stunning, free campsites that will be a highlight of your Salt Lake City RV adventure.