3 epic camper van road trips from Salt Lake City

Utah's wild deserts and towering alpine peaks make it a road tripper's dream playground.

With five national parks, endless scenic byways and hidden campgrounds, adventure is around every bend.

Salt Lake City is the perfect launchpad to explore it all — especially in a camper van.

Photo: roadsurfer

Camper vans give you the freedom to chase epic views, stay off the beaten path and travel on your own terms.

No hotel check-ins, no schedules — just you, the open road and everything you need packed into your mini home on wheels.

As the global leader in RV and camper van rental, roadsurfer has just opened its first Utah rental station in Salt Lake City.

The fully equipped camper vans are ready to roll—compact, comfortable, and adventure-ready with kitchens, bathrooms, and all the essentials.

The only question is where to go. To get you started, here are three unforgettable camper van road trip itineraries from Salt Lake.

3 days through Utah's West Desert

For a quick escape that feels like another planet, head west.

This three-day camper van road trip through Utah's West Desert is perfect for off-the-grid explorers, stargazers and anyone craving crow-pleasing landscapes — without the crowds. Get ready for salt, sand and solitude.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Tule Valley and Notch Peak

Cruise southwest to Tule Valley, where you can hike near Notch Peak — Utah's dramatic limestone monolith that one Google reviewer claimed "will change your life." End the day camping beneath a blanket of stars in complete desert silence.

Don't forget to bring extra water and fuel — this is true off-the-grid territory.

Photo: Chris - stock.adobe.com

Day 2: Tule Valley to the Bonneville Salt Flats

Next stop: the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats. Ride bikes, snap photos, or just wander into the vast void of white.

If you're lucky, recent rain will create a shimmering mirror effect — turning the flats into a dreamlike reflection of the sky. Spend the night boondocking on public land or at the nearby Wendover KOA for easy access and amenities.

Day 3: Salt Flats to Little Sahara Recreation Area

Finally, roll southeast to the dunes of Little Sahara. Climb, sandboard, or sip cocoa while you watch the sunrise.

Camp at White Sands, then cruise the two hours back to Salt Lake — dusty, happy and recharged.

Photo: roadsurfer

A 5-day, 1-way adventure to Denver

Not every road trip needs to end where it began. With roadsurfer's flexible one-way rental option, you can start your journey in Salt Lake City and finish in Denver, making the most of your time on the road.

This route packs in mountain views, red rock canyons, hot springs and high-country charm — all without the need to double back.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Flaming Gorge

Pick up your van and cruise to Flaming Gorge — a red rock canyon with sparkling blue water. Camp at Lucerne Valley Campground, and don't miss watching the sunset at Red Canyon Overlook.

Day 2: Flaming Gorge to Dinosaur National Monument

Explore prehistoric fossils and towering cliffs as you hike through Echo Park. End the day camping riverside at Green River Campground and keep your eyes peeled when the sun goes down. According to the National Park Service, "A spectacular display of stars is visible in the night sky due to the lack of light pollution from towns and cities."

Photo: Jim Glab - stock.adobe.com

Day 3: Dinosaur to Steamboat Springs

Cross into Colorado and take a soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Camp nearby and enjoy a night under the pines, or head for Stagecoach State Park.

Day 4: Steamboat Springs to Boulder

Take the scenic backroads to Boulder and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Boulder Creek Path.

For a change of pace, head to the NCAR trails where sweeping mountain views await. After a day of exploring, settle in at a campground near Gross Reservoir.

Day 5: Boulder to the Denver drop-off

Wrap up your trip with a walk through Denver Botanic Gardens before dropping off your camper at the roadsurfer Denver station.

Photo: rmbarricarte/Adobe Stock

Seven days to Yellowstone

This scenic seven-day camper van route from Salt Lake to Yellowstone packs in a greatest-hits reel of the American West — think alpine lakes, rugged peaks, wildlife sightings and geysers that shoot sky-high.

It's a week of bucket-list stops you'll be glad you didn't skip.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls

Pick up your camper van and head straight to Idaho Falls. Stretch your legs along the scenic Snake River Greenbelt, explore nearby lava fields and enjoy small-town charm. It's a great place to relax and fuel up for the mountain roads ahead.

Day 2: Idaho Falls to Jackson, Wyoming

Drive to Jackson, where mountain-town energy meets western heritage. Take a selfie under the elk antler arches, hike Snow King Mountain, or explore the National Museum of Wildlife Art. If you've still got some energy, there's no shortage of shopping and dining options in the town square.

Day 3: Jackson to Grand Teton National Park

Arrive at Grand Teton National Park and prepare yourself for breathtaking scenery.

Spend the afternoon hiking around Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake, soaking in towering peaks reflected in crystal-clear water. Watch for moose and other wildlife in the meadows.

Day 4: Grand Teton National Park

Spend a full day in the Tetons paddling calm alpine lakes, exploring historic spots like Menor's Ferry, or taking quiet forest trails. Sunrise at Oxbow Bend is a must-see for spectacular mountain reflections.

Photo: skiserge1/Adobe Stock

Day 5: Grand Teton to Yellowstone National Park

Time to cross into Yellowstone, the land of geysers, hot springs and wildlife. Catch Old Faithful's famous eruptions and explore the colorful, eye-popping Grand Prismatic Spring. Pro tip: While you have several camping options throughout the park, Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer and electrical hookups. Reservations are required in advance!

Day 6: Yellowstone National Park

Explore Lamar Valley at sunrise for incredible wildlife viewing, including bison and wolves. Next, visit Mammoth Hot Springs' terraces, and hike trails overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. As one Google reviewer said, "The vibrant yellow and orange canyon walls, paired with the powerful Upper and Lower Falls, create a scene that's nothing short of spectacular."

Day 7: Yellowstone to Salt Lake City

Enjoy a final morning in Yellowstone before heading back to Salt Lake City.

Drop off your camper van and savor the memories of this unforgettable western adventure while you start planning your next trip.

For more ideas on where to go and what to eat on this weeklong adventure, click here.

Photo: roadsurfer

Ready to hit the road? Start your adventure with roadsurfer

The freedom of the open road has never been easier — or more exciting — thanks to roadsurfer.

Now open in Salt Lake City, Roadsurfer offers fully equipped, easy-to-drive camper vans designed for unforgettable journeys through the Western U.S.

Here's what sets them apart:

• The camper vans are fully equipped with kitchenettes, bathrooms (including a toilet and shower) and sleeping space for two to five people.
• You get unlimited miles, so you can explore as far and wide as you want!
• The second driver is free, allowing you to take turns behind the wheel at no extra cost.
• The camper friends are dog-friendly — your four-legged friends are welcome.
• One-way rentals are available — pick up in Salt Lake City and drop off in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix or Seattle.
• Free extras, such as camping chairs, a table, a kitchen kit and a welcome goodie bag are included with every rental.
• Low introductory rates start at $99 per night with frequent deals available online.
• Their eye-catching, colorful van designs stand out and inspire adventure!
• Coming this fall: a new station in Miami, making your next adventure to or from that area more flexible than ever!

Founded in Germany and now operating globally, roadsurfer blends European design with American wanderlust, offering a budget-friendly and comfortable way to explore the open road on your terms.

Book your road trip now at roadsurfer.com and make your next adventure unforgettable! Book until Sept. 20 and save 11% with discount code RSFXUTAH. The promotion is only valid for United States locations.

Photo: roadsurfer