Los Angeles to Las Vegas RV Trip — 5-Day Mojave + Death Valley Route
Typical rate: $1,800-$2,400 all-in for two people, 5 days
The Los Angeles to Las Vegas RV trip is one of the most accessible 5-day desert routes in the country. You leave LA, cross the Mojave Desert, visit Death Valley, and end at Las Vegas — high commercial intent for renters who want a one-way pattern.
The route at a glance
- Length: 5 days
- Origin: Los Angeles, CA
- Destination: Las Vegas, NV
- Distance: ~400 miles total
- Recommended class: Class C 25-30 ft (fits Death Valley campgrounds, manageable on Mojave roads)
- All-in budget: $1,800-$2,400 for two people
- Best months: November-March (avoid summer heat at Death Valley; can be 120°F+ June-September)
Day-by-day route
Day 1: LA pickup → Mojave Desert
- Morning: Pick up RV at LA rental (see Los Angeles city guide)
- Drive: LA to Lone Pine, CA (Eastern Sierra gateway) — 215 miles, 4h via I-405 and I-5 North, US-395 North
- Afternoon: Lone Pine area; Alabama Hills (movie filming location)
- Evening: Camping at Tuttle Creek Campground (BLM) or Diaz Lake
- Camp: Tuttle Creek Campground ($14/night, BLM)
Day 2: Lone Pine → Death Valley (Stovepipe Wells)
- Drive: Lone Pine to Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley — 60 miles, 1h 15min via CA-190 East
- Afternoon: Set up at Stovepipe Wells Campground
- Evening: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes; classic Death Valley sunset
- Camp: Stovepipe Wells Campground ($14/night, no reservations)
Day 3: Death Valley full day
- Morning: Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America, -282 ft)
- Afternoon: Artists Palette + Devils Golf Course + Zabriskie Point
- Evening: Dante’s View sunset (5,475 ft overlook)
- Camp: Stovepipe Wells
Day 4: Death Valley → Las Vegas
- Drive: Stovepipe Wells to Las Vegas — 135 miles, 3h via CA-190, CA-127, I-15 South
- Stops: Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Pahrump (NV) for fuel
- Afternoon: Arrive Las Vegas; set up at Las Vegas RV Resort or KOA
- Evening: Strip walking tour
- Camp: Las Vegas RV Resort ($65-95/night, full hookup)
Day 5: Las Vegas + return
- Morning: Final activity in Vegas (Hoover Dam day trip, Red Rock Canyon, etc.)
- Late morning: Empty tanks at dump station, refuel
- Afternoon: Return rental at Las Vegas (verify one-way fees in advance)
One-way pricing math
LA-to-Vegas is one of the more popular one-way RV routes:
- Cruise America: $400-$700 typical surcharge for LA → LAS
- El Monte RV: limited one-way options; verify before booking
- Outdoorsy / RVshare: one-way rare; some owners allow for premium
The one-way premium is usually less than the cost of a return drive (300 mi back) plus fuel and additional rental days.
All-in budget breakdown
For two people, 5 days, Class C 25-28 ft:
| Line item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class C rental: $175/night × 5 nights | $875 |
| One-way drop-off fee | $400-$700 |
| Booking fees + insurance + cleaning | $350-$500 |
| Fuel (400 miles @ 8 mpg @ $4.50/gal CA fuel) | $225 |
| Campground fees (mix of BLM, NPS, private) | $125-$200 |
| Food, propane, dining (2 people) | $300-$500 |
| All-in 5-day trip | $2,275-$3,000 |
Reservation timing
- Stovepipe Wells, Sunset, Texas Spring: first-come, first-served (no reservations needed)
- Furnace Creek Campground: opens 6 months ahead via Recreation.gov; books fast for cool months
- Las Vegas RV Resort: book direct, 3-4 weeks ahead for non-event weeks
- Event weeks (NFR December, EDC June, F1 November): 4-6 months ahead minimum
When to do this trip
- Snowbird itinerary: November-March mild Death Valley temperatures
- Photography: spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley (rare years)
- Stargazing: International Dark Sky Park designation
- First-time RV renters: short and well-paved route
When to skip
- Summer (May-September): Death Valley records 120°F+. Most rental AC can’t keep up.
- Class A 35+ ft: limited campground access at Death Valley
- First-time RV renters in summer: heat dangerous, AC failure possible
Variations
Extended 7-day version
- Add 2 days at Ridgecrest / Alabama Hills area
- Add Calico Ghost Town stop
- Add Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Shorter 3-day version
- Skip Death Valley
- LA → Vegas direct via I-15 (250 mi, 4h)
- Add Mojave Desert day trip from Vegas
Off-season alternative
- Winter (December-February): cold nights, sometimes snow at higher elevations, mild day temperatures
- March-April: spring wildflowers possible
- November: pleasant temperatures, no event surge
Class choice math
| Class | LA-to-Vegas fit |
|---|---|
| Class B | Fits everywhere; LA/Vegas parking flexibility |
| Class C 25-30 ft | Sweet spot — fits all campgrounds |
| Class A 32+ ft | Limited at Death Valley NPS campgrounds |
Bottom line
The 5-day LA-to-Vegas trip is a great accessible desert RV experience. Budget $2,500-$3,000 for two people including one-way fee. Class C 25-28 ft. Avoid summer.
See related: Los Angeles city guide, Las Vegas city guide, Death Valley NP guide, One-way RV rentals guide.