Working for the Weekend: Best Short Weekend Getaways

The best short weekend getaways will have you hitting the road in no time! It can feel like most months you don’t get to enjoy your RV as much as you should. There’s a lot of things on your to-do list that make long trips impossible after clocking out of your day job on Fridays. Working for the weekend was meant to be something you did to enable you to hit the road on Saturdays and Sundays, but who has the time or energy most weeks?

What if I told you that there are places near you that make getting the family together for the weekend easier, lighter, and less stressful? I’ve developed a list of short road trips from some of the major cities here in the U.S. to help the wannabe RVer get behind the wheel, even if it’s just for the weekend. Here are a few of the short trips you can take between 5 PM on Friday to 8 AM on Monday without burning up the tires on your way home.

Weekend Getaways from Phoenix, AZ
Arizona is one of the most diverse states in the U.S., as it’s home to desert, mountains, lakes, and canyons. There are tons of places to visit in Arizona, which means that RVers in the area have a ton of options when it comes to weekend getaways.

For a Weekend Away from the Heat try:

• Pine, Arizona -- A small town feel mixed with all the nature and mountains you can handle. This tiny town is roughly two hours from the heart of Phoenix and has access to several hiking and biking trails. In the Winter, you can expect to see snow and enjoy all four seasons as the year progresses.

• Payson, Arizona -- A short drive from Pine, Payson is another small town not too far from Phoenix. You’ll have access to the Mogollon Rim and several campgrounds if you make your way a little outside of city limits. There are lakes, trails, and views for days here.

Check Out: Quail Ridge RV Resort


For a Fun Time in the Desert try:
Superstition Mountains -- Not too far from Phoenix’s city center, you’ll find the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. This area is full of nature and offers a small town vibe with kitschy ghost towns and gold mines. You can find a place to camp for free alongside dirt roads or make yourself right at home at Lost Dutchman RV Resort.

• Mount Lemmon -- Mount Lemmon is a mountain not too far from Tucson. As you make your way up the mountain, you’ll get the best of both worlds: desert and forest. The climate at the top will be much different than at the bottom, so it’s best to prepare for all weather when traveling up the mountain. If you’re looking for a quiet place near the city, this is a great place to stay for the weekend.

Weekend Getaways from Durango, CO:
Durango, Colorado, has become a hub for van-lifers and RVers. But what if you want to get away from the bustling town and find new places to visit for the weekend?

Historical Stops near Durango, CO:

• Silverton, CO -- Silverton is a small town just up the road from Durango. Here you’ll be able to feel the history of Colorado’s mining as you pass by mines alongside the highway. You’d be surprised to know that many veer off side roads to camp for the evening along the Million Dollar Highway to spend a little more time taking in the sights and exploring old mines.

• Mesa Verde National Park -- This UNESCO World Heritage site gives travelers the chance to see how ancient Puebloans lived. This park is known for the preserved cliff-dwellings that the Anasazi Indians lived in. With over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff-dwellings to see, you’ll spend most of your day here learning about the history of Colorado’s natives.

Check Out: San Juan National Forest - Columbine District


Relaxing Stop near Durango, CO:

• Ouray, CO -- This small town thrives due to the miners who live in it. This area is home to several hot springs, trails, and fishing holes. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may see wildlife waking from a long winter or experience the adventure of ice-axe competitions in the local ice park. Stop here for a bite to eat, a good brew, and beautiful views of the mountains all around.

Weekend Getaways from San Diego, CA:
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city can be difficult, but there are several options for RVers near San Diego to slow down and take a beat over a quick weekend trip.

Short Stops near San Diego:

• Coronado Island -- This island is just a quick stop over the bridge of downtown San Diego. Here you’ll find fine dining and relaxation as close to the beach as you can get. Silver Strand State Park is located on the island and is a great place for RVers to camp for an evening of sand between their toes.

• Laguna Mountains -- To find yourself a little further away from the city, try the hour-long drive to the Laguna Mountains. You can spend the weekend relaxing at your campsite or exploring the nearby trails featuring endangered species of butterflies and other wildlife. RVs are allowed here, but be sure to double check the size limitations before making your way to the recreation area.

Surf Stop near San Diego:

• Oceanside, CA -- This little surf town is a short trip north of San Diego. Here you’ll find access to beaches aplenty. This area is more laid back than the city, but it offers even better views of the coast. Many consider this area to be Paradise of the Sea, but it’s well-known for its good waves and even more hospitable people. Bring your boards and make a weekend of surfing alongside the pier.

I know that getting out for a weekend with a big rig can be difficult. The setup, take down, and preparation can take hours of work, but at the end of the weekend, you’ll be happy you took the time to get out and go somewhere. Many people who decide to buy an RV love the idea of having one but don’t use it often enough to see the value in keeping it long term. Instead of letting your investment go to waste, take a weekend a month to see new places just around the bend.

What places near your city do you visit frequently? I’d love to hear your favorite places to go that aren’t too far from your front door.