Southern Cross-Country
Desert sunshine and warm winters from California to Florida
5 states
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida
2,800 mi
21-30 days
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Route Overview
The Southern Cross-Country route is the ultimate winter escape. When northern states are buried in snow, this route follows the warm southern tier across some of America's most unique landscapes.
Starting in the California desert, you'll discover why thousands of snowbirds flock to Quartzsite each winter. The journey continues through Arizona's red rock country and New Mexico's otherworldly White Sands before entering Texas — a state so large it deserves its own trip. The route ends in Florida, where the Everglades and Keys provide a tropical finale.
This is the route that full-time van lifers dream about. Warm temperatures, cheap BLM camping, and some of the most affordable living in America. You'll pass through small desert towns, Native American reservations, and cowboy country. Every state offers a completely different experience.
Route Highlights
Van Life Tips for This Route
Winter is peak season in the Southwest — popular BLM areas near Quartzsite fill up by October
Water is scarce in the desert — always carry 5+ gallons and know your next refill point
Texas has surprisingly good free camping along the Rio Grande and in the Hill Country
Florida is the hardest state for free van camping — budget for state parks at $20-30/night
Cell service is spotty in Big Bend and White Sands — download offline maps
The best desert camping is November through March — summers are dangerously hot
Route FAQ
How long does the Southern Cross-Country take?
The Southern Cross-Country covers 2,800 miles through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida. We recommend 21-30 days to fully experience the route with time for sightseeing, hiking, and rest.
When is the best time to drive this route?
The best season for this route is Winter (Nov-Mar). This timing offers optimal weather conditions, road accessibility, and the most scenic views along the way.
What will this route cost?
Estimated costs: fuel ~$450, camping ~$84, food ~$1575. Total estimated budget for the trip: ~$2109. You can save significantly by choosing free BLM and national forest camping.
States on This Route
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