Planning a road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks is a bucket-list adventure for many RV travelers. From the red rock arches of Moab to the towering canyon walls of Zion, this iconic route packs an incredible amount of scenery into a relatively compact loop. But one big question always comes up first:
How much does a Mighty 5 RV trip actually cost?
To help answer that, we’ve put together a complete cost breakdown for a 12-day RV road trip through all five Utah national parks, based on real-world rental rates and travel expenses for 2026. Here’s how the numbers shake out and what to expect when planning your own trip.
Total Cost for a Utah Mighty 5 RV Trip
For two travelers spending 12 days exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 in an RV rented through RVshare, the estimated total cost comes out to $4,590.
That estimate includes:
- RV rental
- Fuel
- Campgrounds
- National park access
- Food
- Insurance and common add-ons
While every trip is different, this breakdown gives you a realistic planning baseline for one of the most popular RV itineraries in the U.S.
Complete Cost Breakdown for a 12-Day RV Adventure
Here’s how that $4,590 breaks down across major expense categories.
RV Rental: $2,100
The largest portion of the budget is the RV itself.
- 12 nights at an average of $175 per night
- Accounts for about 38% of the total trip cost
Class C motorhomes are the most popular choice for this route, thanks to their balance of comfort, drivability, and campsite compatibility. Travel trailers and Class A motorhomes are also options, depending on your group size and travel style.
Gas and Fuel: $680
Fuel costs are based on:
- Approximately 1,200 miles driven
- An average of 10 miles per gallon
Fuel prices and RV efficiency vary, but this estimate reflects a typical Mighty 5 loop starting and ending in Utah.
Campgrounds: $540
Camping fees are surprisingly reasonable when traveling by RV.
- 12 nights at an average of $45 per night
- Mix of national park campgrounds and nearby options
Staying inside or near the parks reduces daily driving and lets you experience sunrise and sunset without fighting crowds.
Park Passes: $80
Instead of paying individual entrance fees, this itinerary assumes the America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
- Covers entrance to all five national parks
- Pays for itself quickly on a Mighty 5 trip
Food and Dining: $840
Food costs are estimated at:
- $70 per day for two people
- Combination of groceries cooked in the RV and occasional meals out
One of the biggest advantages of RV travel is having your own kitchen, which helps keep food costs predictable.
Insurance and Extras: $350
This includes:
RVshare’s protection plans provide peace of mind, especially when navigating long desert highways and mountain roads.
Budgeting for Extras
While many of Utah’s best experiences are free, it’s smart to budget an extra $200–$400 for:
- Souvenirs
- Gear rentals
- Optional tours or activities
- Unexpected detours and discoveries
Ranger-led hikes, scenic drives, and stargazing programs are free and often become trip highlights.
The 12-Day Utah Mighty 5 RV Itinerary
This route is designed as a logical loop that minimizes backtracking and maximizes time inside the parks.
Days 1–2: Arches National Park
Highlights include Delicate Arch at sunrise, Devils Garden, and the Windows Section. Camping near Moab makes it easy to explore early and late in the day.
Days 3–4: Canyonlands National Park
From Mesa Arch to Island in the Sky viewpoints, Canyonlands delivers vast landscapes and unforgettable overlooks. Optional guided 4×4 tours are available for those looking to explore deeper.
Days 5–6: Capitol Reef National Park
A quieter stop with incredible geology, scenic drives, and historic orchards. Fruita Campground offers a classic national park camping experience.
Days 7–9: Bryce Canyon National Park
Known for its hoodoos and amphitheaters, Bryce rewards hikers who explore the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails. Cooler temperatures make this a refreshing midpoint.
Days 10–12: Zion National Park
Zion’s dramatic cliffs, famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, and efficient shuttle system make it a memorable finale to the trip.
If you want to test out or tweak this itinerary, a Reddit thread is a great way to gather more opinions!
Choosing the Right RV on RVshare
RVshare connects travelers with trusted RV owners across Utah, offering a wide range of rental options.
Popular RV Types for the Mighty 5
- Class C Motorhomes
Ideal for couples or small families. Easy to drive, fuel-efficient for their size, and compatible with most campsites. - Travel Trailers
A more affordable option with lower nightly rates. Best for travelers who already have a capable tow vehicle. - Class A Motorhomes
Spacious and luxurious, but larger size and fuel consumption make them better suited for experienced RVers or larger groups.
RV owners on RVshare also offer optional add-ons like mileage packages, kitchen kits, generator usage, and protection plans to customize your rental. Be sure to review the listing details for the RV you want to rent to see which amenities are included.
Planning Tips for a Smooth 2026 Trip
Best time to go:
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and smaller crowds. Summer is peak season, so booking your RVshare rental six months in advance is recommended.
Save money:
The America the Beautiful Pass covers all five parks. Cooking in your RV and focusing on free hikes and scenic drives keeps costs down.
Plan your route carefully:
Pick up your RV in Moab or Salt Lake City and travel south in a loop. Gas stations can be sparse between parks, so fill up whenever you can.
Be prepared:
Arrive at popular trailheads early, pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, and download offline maps since cell service is limited in many areas.
Ready to Explore Utah’s Mighty 5?
An RV trip through Utah’s national parks offers flexibility, comfort, and unforgettable scenery, and with the right planning, it can be surprisingly budget-friendly.
Explore RV rentals on RVshare, compare options that fit your travel style, and start mapping out your 2026 adventure through one of America’s most iconic road trip routes.
All costs are estimates based on average 2026 rates for two travelers. Actual expenses may vary depending on season, RV selection, and travel style.