Days 1 & 2 Los Angeles
We’ll kick off our adventure in Los Angeles, the birthplace of movie magic. Before you pick up your campervan hire, take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take a few pictures of the Hollywood Sign.
It’s then time to pick up your camper and head towards Malibu Creek State Park. This peaceful base was once the setting for MASH. Spend the night under the stars, only a short drive from the city but a world away in ambiance.
Days 3 & 4 Palm Springs and Joshua Tree
Leave the coast behind and drive east to Palm Springs, where retro motels, mid-century houses and desert palms make it feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set. It’s got that Ocean’s Eleven or A Single Man vibe.
Next stop: Joshua Tree National Park. It’s otherworldly here with strange rock formations and twisty Joshua Trees that look like something out of a music video (and often are). Camp inside the park or nearby at Joshua Tree Lake Campground and enjoy some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.
Days 5 & 6 Route 66 to Oatman
Jump on old Route 66 and head towards Oatman, Arizona, a quirky little place where wild burros wander the streets and wooden-fronted buildings feel like they’ve been pulled straight out of a Western.
On the way, you’ll pass classic roadside diners and vintage petrol stations that have popped up in films for decades. Stop for a milkshake and you might half-expect James Dean to be sitting at the counter.
Days 7 & 8 Monument Valley
Head north to Monument Valley, the iconic landscape that’s appeared in countless Westerns – from Stagecoach to The Searchers. It’s also where Forrest Gump finally stopped running.
Book a pitch at The View Campground or Goulding’s RV Park, both offering amazing views of those famous red sandstone buttes. Watching the sun go down here feels like stepping into a movie scene.
Days 9 & 10 Moab
Cross into Utah and arrive in Moab, a favourite backdrop for action films. Thelma & Louise, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Mission: Impossible 2 all shot scenes in these red rock landscapes.
Spend your days exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s all campervan-friendly, with plenty of spots to stay and more photo-worthy views than you can count.
Days 11 & 12 Las Vegas
Drive west into Las Vegas and swap peaceful desert for full-on neon. Films like Casino, The Hangover, and Ocean’s Eleven all captured the city’s madness and energy.
Park up at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, where there’s room to stretch out, relax by the pool and take a breather from the Strip’s 24/7 chaos.
Days 13 & 14 Red Rock Canyon
Finish your trip with a slow cruise through Red Rock Canyon, just outside Vegas. The deep reds and winding roads make it the perfect last shot of your journey.
Park up, make a brew, and soak in the view one last time before heading back to Los Angeles.
Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Driving Tip: Keep your camera handy, many of the best moments appear unannounced on the open road.
Rental Tip: Compare options in both LA and Las Vegas using Campervan Rental Guide to find the best value, included extras and one-way drop-off fees.
