Last Updated: June 6, 2026
From Las Vegas, Nevada we made our way south and west to Palm Springs, California, stopping along the way at Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The drive through the Mojave Desert is one of our favorites — wide open skies, vast desert vistas, and the feeling that the American Southwest always has something remarkable around the next bend.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Visitor Information: London Bridge is located at 1340 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. The bridge and surrounding English Village are free to visit and open year-round. Lake Havasu State Park is at 699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Hours: Open year-round; day-use areas generally open sunrise to 10 PM. Admission: Approximately $15–20 per vehicle for day use; camping fees vary by site. Phone: (928) 855-2784. Website: azstateparks.com/lake-havasu.
It was a unique experience driving over the London Bridge. It is hard to believe this bridge once spanned the River Thames in London, England, and now links a man-made island in the Colorado River to Lake Havasu City. The story behind it is remarkable — Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge from the City of London in 1968 for $2.46 million. Each granite block was carefully numbered, dismantled, and shipped to the Arizona desert, where it was painstakingly reassembled stone by stone, reopening in 1971. When we visited in December 2018, it was beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Lake Havasu State Park
We stayed at Lake Havasu State Park and it exceeded our expectations. There was good spacing between RV sites, the views of the lake were stunning, and each evening the sky ignited with brilliant desert sunsets. The only real downsides were the lack of sewer hookups and no WiFi — minor inconveniences given the scenery.
One unexpected delight was the Lighthouse Trail — a walking path scattered with 25 scaled reproductions of lighthouses from across the United States. Sandy had a wonderful time discovering each one. It is a charming and quirky attraction that catches most visitors completely by surprise.
Palm Springs, California
Visitor Information — Outdoor Resort Palm Springs: 69-411 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234. Hours: Open year-round. Phone: (760) 324-4005. Website: orps.com. Joshua Tree National Park — West Entrance at 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 (approximately 45 miles east of Palm Springs). Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours. Admission: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass); America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted. Phone: (760) 367-5500. Website: nps.gov/jotr.
We had visited Palm Springs many times over the previous 30 years, but this was our first time experiencing it by RV. It is a beautiful location — a breath of fresh air just a few hours from San Diego or Los Angeles, with the snow-capped San Jacinto Mountains rising dramatically to the west.
Outdoor Resort Palm Springs
Built in 1985, Outdoor Resort Palm Springs was a perfect home base — other than the lack of WiFi. The property spans 137 landscaped acres with 1,213 sites; we even briefly entertained the idea of buying a pad. The amenities are exceptional: multiple pools, hot tubs, a full gym, an Italian restaurant on-site, a 9-hole pitch-and-putt, and an 18-hole par-3 golf course. The snow-capped San Jacinto Mountains, which top out at 10,800 feet, frame the entire resort beautifully. Costco was just 10 minutes away. We could easily have settled in for the next five months.
We backed our motorhome against a tee box with sweeping views of the golf course and mountains — it does not get much better than that. The resort permitted vehicle washing, so we took the opportunity to clean both the Jeep and the motorhome. Jake absolutely loved the individual dog runs and made many new friends.
Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is unlike anywhere else we have ever visited. The park straddles two distinct desert ecosystems — the Mojave and the Colorado — and the result is a surreal landscape of twisted Joshua Trees, massive boulder fields, and vast open desert sky. The park’s iconic rock formations were shaped over millions of years as groundwater filtered through the joints of the granite, slowly eroding corners and edges to create the rounded, tumbled boulders that rock climbers from around the world come to tackle.
We enjoyed several short hiking trails, which gave us a wonderful feel for the park without covering too many miles. The Joshua Trees themselves are remarkable — each one a different shape, as if individually sculpted by the desert wind.
Among the quieter discoveries on our hike were a small desert oasis pond — a rare find in this arid landscape — and a collection of ancient Native American pictographs. It is a reminder that people have been drawn to this extraordinary place for thousands of years.
Practical Tips
Visit Joshua Tree in the cooler months. Fall, winter, and spring are ideal for hiking. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and can be dangerous on the trails. December is a wonderful time — comfortable temperatures, thinner crowds, and beautiful low desert light for photography.
Reserve your Lake Havasu State Park campsite early. Lakeside sites with sunset views fill quickly, especially on weekends and during holiday periods. Book online through Arizona State Parks well ahead of your trip.
Consider the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. At $80, this pass covers entrance to all national parks and monuments including Joshua Tree and pays for itself quickly. It is invaluable for RV travelers exploring the Southwest.
Outdoor Resort Palm Springs books up fast in winter. The Coachella Valley is a snowbird destination and this resort fills up between November and March. Reserve as early as possible if visiting during peak season.
Pets are welcome in parts of Joshua Tree. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, on paved roads, and on some trails, but must remain on a leash at all times. Lake Havasu State Park campground is also dog-friendly — Jake made the most of both stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk or drive across the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City? Yes — the London Bridge carries active vehicle traffic and is also open to pedestrians. The English Village surrounding it, with waterfront walkways and shops, is free to explore any time of day. It is one of the most visited attractions in Arizona.
Is Joshua Tree National Park worth visiting in December? Absolutely. Winter is one of the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking, crowds are lighter than in spring, and the clear desert air makes for outstanding photography. The park is open year-round.
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs? The west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 45 miles from downtown Palm Springs — about a 50-minute drive. It makes an easy and highly rewarding day trip from any Palm Springs area base.
What are Joshua Trees, and why are they unique? Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) are not actually trees but a species of yucca native to the Mojave Desert. They can live for hundreds of years and are identified by their distinctive branching arms tipped with spiky leaf clusters. Mormon pioneers gave them their name, feeling the outstretched branches resembled the biblical figure of Joshua pointing toward the promised land.
Is Outdoor Resort Palm Springs open to all RVers? Outdoor Resort Palm Springs is primarily a membership and ownership community, but transient sites are available for nightly and weekly stays. It is extremely popular in winter, so reservations well in advance are strongly recommended between November and March.
