Ultimate Road Trip: Vegas to Laughlin, Lake Havasu & Kingman
Dreaming of ditching the Strip for wide-open desert highways, river sunsets, and classic Route 66 vibes? A campervan road trip from Las Vegas to Laughlin, Lake Havasu, and Kingman is the perfect escape. With DeVanRentals fully equipped campervans, you get the freedom to boondock by the Colorado River, wake up to lake views, and explore historic towns—without hotel reservations or rigid schedules.
This ~400-mile scenic loop is ideal for a 4–7 day trip. You’ll enjoy easy drives (1.5–2 hours between stops), stunning river and desert scenery, and endless photo ops. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, couple, or family, your DeVanRentals campervan makes it simple, affordable, and unforgettable.
Trip Overview & Suggested Itinerary
Total driving distance: ~400 miles round-trip
Best time to go: Spring (March–May) or fall (Sept–Nov) for mild temps
Recommended duration: 6–7 days (2 nights Laughlin + 2–3 nights Lake Havasu + 1–2 nights Kingman)
Day-by-day plan (flexible - you can extend anywhere!):
Day 1: Las Vegas → Laughlin (95 miles, 1.5 hours)
Days 1–2: Explore Laughlin
Day 3: Laughlin → Lake Havasu City (68 miles, 1.5 hours)
Days 3–5: Lake Havasu adventures
Day 6: Lake Havasu → Kingman via Oatman (scenic ~60 miles, 1.5–2 hours with stops)
Day 6–7: Kingman + return to Las Vegas (106 miles, 2 hours)
PRO TIP: Fill your fresh water tank and propane before leaving Vegas—services get sparse in the desert!
1. Laughlin, NV – Riverfront Casinos & Canyon Wonders (1–2 nights)
Start your campervan adventure just 95 miles south of Las Vegas. Laughlin delivers a laid-back casino vibe right on the Colorado River.
Where to stay:
Riverside Resort RV Park – 740 full-hookup sites (30/50 amp), pull-throughs, laundry, showers, and river views. Walk to casinos!
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area – 24 spacious RV sites with full hookups, shade ramadas, and direct river access (reservations recommended).
Budget boondocking – Casino dry-camping lots (Harrah’s or Tropicana—often free for 14 days with casino play) or free dispersed spots at Lake Mohave’s Nevada Telephone Cove (vault toilets, lakeside views).
Must-see locations:
Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum (vintage rides and cool AC!)
Grapevine Canyon (short hike to ancient petroglyphs)
Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail & Riverwalk (easy 3-mile paved path linking casinos)
Lake Mohave for swimming, kayaking, or a sunset jet-ski rental
Best places to eat:
Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho (at Harrah’s) – bold Mexican flavors with river views
Range Steakhouse (Harrah’s) – upscale steaks and prime rib
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or Beach Café – casual riverfront seafood and burgers
How long to stay: 1–2 nights gives you time to unwind by the river and hit the highlights without rushing.
2. Lake Havasu City, AZ – London Bridge & Endless Water Play (2–3 nights)
Cross into Arizona for the trip’s watery highlight. Lake Havasu’s clear blue waters and the iconic London Bridge make it a campervan paradise.
Where to stay:
Cattail Cove State Park – 139 sites with electric/water hookups, sandy beaches, boat ramp, and showers (book early!).
Lake Havasu State Park – full hookups and lakefront access.
Free boondocking – Craggy Wash, Blankenship Wash, or Lone Tree dispersed BLM sites (stunning desert sunsets, 10–15 minutes from town).
Must-see locations:
London Bridge – walk across the real deal and snap photos at Bridgewater Channel
Lake Havasu State Park beaches for swimming, paddleboarding, or renting a boat
Explore hidden coves and rock formations by kayak or jet ski
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and peaceful paddling
Best places to eat:
Juicy’s The Place with the Great Food – massive burgers and friendly vibes
Cha Bones – juicy steaks and lively atmosphere
Shugrue’s Restaurant and Bakery – waterfront views with fresh seafood and killer desserts
How long to stay: 2–3 nights minimum. You’ll want full days on the water—your DeVanRentals campervan makes it easy to park and play!
3. Kingman, AZ – Historic Route 66 Charm (1–2 nights)
Head east on the original Mother Road for a nostalgic finale. Kingman is pure Route 66 Americana with mountain backdrops.
Where to stay:
Kingman KOA Journey – pull-through sites, pool, Wi-Fi, and easy highway access (perfect for RVs and campervans).
Fort Beale RV Park or Sunrise RV Park – full hookups, clean facilities, and right in the heart of historic Kingman.
Dispersed BLM options nearby for true off-grid nights under the stars.
Must-see locations:
Route 66 Museum & Visitor Center (free or low-cost history dive)
Locomotive Park and historic downtown murals
Oatman Ghost Town (must-stop on the drive from Lake Havasu) – wild burros, gunfights, and classic Route 66 shops
Best places to eat:
Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner – classic burgers, milkshakes, and retro vibes
Local spots along Andy Devine Avenue for hearty Southwest fare
How long to stay: 1 solid night (or 2 if you love history) before the easy 2-hour drive back to Las Vegas.
Bonus Stops Along the Way
Vegas → Laughlin: Quick detour to Nelson Ghost Town (abandoned mines + cool photo ops).
Laughlin → Lake Havasu: Topock Gorge or Needles for a quick river break.
Lake Havasu → Kingman: Oatman is the star—plan 45–60 minutes to wander.
Kingman → Las Vegas: Optional Hoover Dam pull-off (stunning views, 30-minute stop).
Campervan Tips from DeVanRentals.com
Road conditions: All paved highways—your campervan will cruise easily. Watch for desert winds and summer heat.
Fuel & supplies: Gas up in Laughlin and Kingman. Stock your fridge with groceries before leaving Vegas.
Boondocking etiquette: Pack out what you pack in; use established spots.
Why rent with us? Our Las Vegas–based campervans come stocked with everything you need (kitchen gear, bedding, fridge) so you hit the road stress-free.
Ready to trade Vegas neon for desert sunrises and river sunsets? Book your campervan today at DeVanRentals.com and start planning the ultimate Southwest road trip. Laughlin, Lake Havasu, and Kingman are calling—and your perfect campervan adventure awaits!
Safe travels, happy camping, and see you on the road! 🚐✨ #DeVanRentals #CampervanLife #SouthwestRoadTrip #LaughlinNV #LakeHavasu #Route66Kingman
