From the Windy City to the Desert Sun: A Great American Southwest RV Adventure"
Rolling out of Chicago with the city skyline in our rearview mirror, our family RV was packed with anticipation and snacks—ready for a 19-day journey through the heart of the country, all the way to the desert landscapes of Phoenix, Arizona. This wasn’t just any road trip; it was a cultural ride through the rhythms of Route 66, the wide skies of Texas, and the canyons and spiritual stillness of the Southwest—an unforgettable campervan journey through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
We kicked off by soaking in Chicago’s best: Shedd Aquarium, a magical undersea world for kids and adults alike, and the iconic South Lake Shore Drive—perfect for that classic Chicago skyline photo. Just a few hours down the road, a sweet detour led us to Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup Farm—yes, sirup with an “i”—where we learned how nature turns into syrup and stocked up on a few bottles for breakfast stops along the way.
In Springfield, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site made for a powerful educational stop that even our youngest appreciated. Meanwhile, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis soared above us, a symbol of our westward route to come. As we passed through Missouri, quirky roadside attractions like Uranus Fudge Factory and underground wonders at Meramec Caverns kept spirits high.
Using a reliable RV route planner, we mapped out safe, scenic, and camper-friendly roads with campground stops along Route 66. In Oklahoma, the Route 66 Museum and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offered a hands-on dive into Americana, while the playful Factory Obscura: Mix-Tape in Oklahoma City delighted the kids with colorful, interactive art.
Crossing into Texas, we embraced the wide open space. The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo didn’t disappoint (and yes, someone at the table tried the famous 72-ounce steak challenge). A peaceful trail ride at Palo Duro Riding Stables and a flower-filled break at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens gave us a taste of Texas charm and hospitality.
In New Mexico, history and geology collided. We explored Native culture at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, cooled down inside the New Mexico Mining Museum, and wandered the surreal lava fields and icy caves at the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano. Don’t skip the Zuni Visitor Center—it’s a cultural treasure for understanding the Southwest’s Indigenous heritage.
Then came the landscape shift. Northern Arizona greeted us with a jaw-dropping stop at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark—a spot where science meets silence. And then... the Grand Canyon. From the Bright Angel Trailhead to Maricopa Point, we wandered, gawked, and whispered at the immensity of it all. This was the part of the journey where the motorhome gave us true freedom—we parked near the rim, made lunch, and let the kids nap while we took in sunset views.
The final leg of our route ran through the Mormon Corridor, rich with history and spirituality. We met friendly alpacas at Alpacas of the Southwest, cruised through desert waterways on a Bluewater Jetboat Tour, and paddled through calm waters via Northshore WaterSport Rentals. Each stop reminded us how this region blends the sacred with the scenic.
Finally, Phoenix welcomed us with a desert breeze and retail therapy at Phoenix Premium Outlets. After days of campgrounds, natural wonders, and historical sites, it was the perfect soft landing before flying home—or continuing the journey farther west.
Tips for Road Trip Planning from Chicago to Phoenix
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How to plan a motorhome trip in USA from Chicago to Phoenix: Start by choosing an RV rental that suits your family size—whether a compact campervan or full-size motorhome. Look for pick-up options in Chicago and drop-off flexibility in Phoenix.
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Use a camper route planner to avoid mountain passes, toll roads, and find gas stations and dump sites. Apps like RV Life or Roadtrippers are excellent for this.
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Book campgrounds ahead—especially near national parks like the Grand Canyon or popular spots like Amarillo or Flagstaff.
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Keep flexible days in your road trip planning to account for weather, rest, and detours. Some of the best memories happen off-script!
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Stock up on local specialties along the way: maple syrup in Illinois, barbecue in Missouri, Tex-Mex in Texas, and Hatch chiles in New Mexico.
This Chicago-to-Phoenix campervan journey is more than just a drive—it's a family tale of history, flavor, and freedom on wheels. Whether you're navigating the cornfields of Illinois or the red canyons of Arizona, the joy of RV travel is in the moments in between. Happy travels!
