We are relocating a camper van as a 2 week one-way rental from Forest City Iowa to Las Vegas in late March/early April. The most direct route has us going from Omaha-Denver-Moab-Las Vegas. This would be a great chance to spend time in Utah NPs but there is concern for snow on I-70 and cold weather for camping. We are now considering driving 20hrs from Iowa to Big Bend NP and then 20hrs from Big Bend NP-Tuscon-Phoenix-Las Vegas to enjoy warmer temperatures. Our RV comes "winterized" but perhaps we can de-winterize in warmer climes. We are unfamiliar with RVs and have received mixed messages regarding toilet use (the one water feature of importance to us) in winterized RVs.

Any advice as to the best route to take for our trip? I'm concerned that 40hrs over 2 weeks may be too much driving but thinking camping for first timers might be more enjoyable in warmer locations..

I've never been to Big Bend but it was a favorite of my husband's, a park planner for the National Park Service. It's a long drive & keep in mind you'll have the possibility of bad weather either on the way there or heading more west. In my experience the threat of snow & cold doesn't let up until you're south of I-40, having been caught in a blizzard once on I-40 in Arizona.

My suggestion would be to keep your options open, pay close attention to weather forecasts & travel accordingly. If it were me I'd get to Tucson by the most practical route when the time comes & enjoy the desert & the city, a very nice place in so many ways, including accommodations for snow birds, some of whom will be heading home by then & making room for you. If the weather holds then you can revert to your original plan. Late March isn't a good time for inflexibility when it comes to driving in that big cold middle of the country, especially in an unfamiliar vehicle.

Moved to US Forum and added state tags

You will have plenty of time. I assume you will be driving down I-35 which will take you close to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve west of Emporia, KS. It is operated by the National Park Service and has trails through the tallgrass prairie where there is a bison herd. Camping available in nearby Chase State Lake. In Oklahoma you can stop at the Arbuckle Mts.and camp at Turner Falls Park which has one of the tallest waterfalls in OK. In the Hill Country of Texas you can camp at Pedernales Falls State Park or Lost Maples State Natural Area. North of Sedona, AZ which is the Day Hike Capital of America you can camp along scenic Oak Creek Canyon. You can camp at the Grand Canyon (might be a little nippy). Since this will be off season you shouldn't have any trouble finding campsites.