Here’s another RV road trip, this time an epic route around California.
This loop starts just south of San Francisco, and goes north up the Pacific coast, back around to Yosemite, down to The Big Sur coast and back up to El Granada, just south of San Francisco.
There’s some amazing stuff to see and do – the Pacific coast, giant redwoods, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe among them.
The loop starts off and finishes up in the San Francisco area, but this is just a guide, tailor the trip to suit your preference.
Region: California
Best Time: May till October
Loop Starts and Ends: Southern San Francisco
Approx Total Miles: 1,200
Trip Length: 10 – 12 Days
Suggested Itinerary
The following itinerary includes many famous sights along the route, but there are lots more besides.
I’ve recommended campgrounds or RV parks around the route but there are plenty to choose from. There are also a handful of dispersed camping options as well.
A – El Granada (San Francisco)
El Granada, just south of San Francisco is the starting point for this California road trip.
This coastal town is a perfect starting point for your west coast journey from Pillar Point RV Park. This laid back seaside community has dramatic ocean views, easy beach access, and a small town vibe perfect for a first stop. You can get on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail for walking or biking along the bluffs, and Pillar Point Harbor is a great place for fresh seafood and kayaking.
If you want to grab some food, try Sam’s Chowder House (pinned) for their fab lobster rolls.
Just off the point is the world famous Mavericks surf break, where you can see some of the world’s best surfers take on the huge winter swells. If you’re there at the right time of year, definitely worth seeing. This easy going coastal town is a great place to start your west coast trip north.
X Shoreline Highway-Midway Stopover
The stretch from El Granada on the way to the Redwood National Parks is a long one, so Westport Beach is a great halfway stop on the Shoreline Highway.
Staying at Westport Beach RV Park and Campground, you’ll be parked up on a quiet stretch of private beach, perfect for beachcombing, bonfires, or chilling out to the sound of the waves.
This is a place of dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views. Just before you arrive in Westport, the road winds through stunning bluffs and redwood groves – lots of photo opportunities.
Westport is a small laid back town with a long logging history and makes for a refreshing stop along the West Coast.
B – Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood State and National Parks are a breathtaking stop on this rv road trip.
Staying at Elk Creek Campground you’ll be in the heart of the Redwood National Park, where elk will often graze right outside your RV.
One of the most popular trails here is the Fern Canyon Trail, famous for its lush, green walls and because of its use in the film Jurassic Park.
There is also the super scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway, which runs right by the campground. This is a must do if you get the chance. There are so many amazing views and lots of wildlife.
This is a beautiful stop in a cool coastal climate, and the Redwoods make for an unforgettable stop. A true highlight of this RV road trip along the northern California coast.
C – Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
This is where we’re going to take a little detour into southern Oregon.
About midway between Redwood National Parks and Crater Lake, stop at Trillium Bakery, (pinned) you won’t be disappointed!
Crater Lake is definitely a must visit on this RV road trip.
Stopping over at Mazama Village Campground, which is just seven miles from the crater’s rim, gives you access to one the natural wonders in the U.S.
The crater was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago, and the lake is well known for its intense blue color and clarity. It’s also the deepest lake in America. There are scenic drives along Rim Drive, with pullouts for photos and short hikes.
Don’t miss Watchman Overlook at sunset or the boat tours to Wizard Island (only in summer months). There are a range of hiking opportunities here from really easy to harder climbs to Garfield Peak.
Crater Lake is a stunning stop along this RV route, with dramatic night skies and crisp mountain air.
D – Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is California’s second largest lake and the next stop on this RV road trip, it’s peaceful and scenic, and an ideal breather before Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.
Merrill campground is situated on the southern shore of Lake Eagle in Lassen National Forest. The campground is well equipped, with spacious sites, hookups, and shady areas under the pines.
Eagle Lake is home to the prized Eagle Lake rainbow trout, so if you’re an angler, it’s time to get the rod out. There are some nice lakeside hikes, wildlife watching (osprey and bald eagles are a highlight), and swimming in the crystal clear water. There’s a 5 mile paved walking and biking path that links the campground to other recreation areas, perfect for seeing the area.
With its big skies and crisp mountain air, Eagle Lake is an underrated gem in California’s high country.
E – Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, on the California / Nevada border, is a jewel of the Sierra Nevada, and is a must see on this road trip.
Camp Richardson is the perfect place to stay in an RV and enjoy the best of Tahoe’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Located on the south shore, Camp Richardson has direct beach access with RV sites under the pines. You can be as active or inactive as you want to be, go kayaking or paddle boarding, or just take in the breathtaking views.
There are a good number of hiking trails, ranging from really easy to pretty challenging.
There’s an onsite marina, general store, and lakeside restaurant where you can take in the sunset over the lake. Or enjoy live music at The Beacon Bar & Grill.
Camp Richardson has a rustic feel with all the modern comforts, perfect for an RV stopover.
F – Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is rightfully one of America’s most iconic natural treasures, and is the next stop on the route.
Upper Pines Campground will give you really easy access to all the famous sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. From the campground you’ll be able to hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls or take a scenic drive up to Glacier Point.
Upper Pines Campground is really the only place you can stay in the valley. It really is a wilderness experience with lots of wildlife, and has only basic amenities.
The location is pretty much unmatched and is a highlight of this RV road trip through the Sierra Nevada.
G – Kings Canyon
The next stop is an ideal peaceful stopover after the excitement of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. You’ll find the town of Bishop along the spectacular Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway.
Staying at Bishop Highland’s RV Park, you are just minutes away from Bishop Creek Canyon and the sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. You’ll be able to check out nearby trailheads with easy access to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks.
The RV park itself has full hookups, with a friendly atmosphere in a peaceful riverside location, making it a relaxing stopover in the high desert.
In the town there are a couple of great eateries – Taqueria mi Guadalajara and the Indiego Tasting House (pinned), definitely worth checking out.
Overall, a nice relaxing RV stop on the route through California’s Eastern Sierra.
H – Avila Beach
So here we are back on the California coast. Avila Beach is a small town with coastal trails and sandy beaches. A perfect spot to relax after the last few days.
Staying at Avila Pismo RV Resort & Campground you are a stone’s throw from the beach and some scenic hiking trails. The Bob Jones Trail follows the dunes to either the north or south beaches.
You can go see the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which is close by, and there are a number of good eateries in the town.
It’s very possible to see whales off the coast here, use binoculars from the beach, or you can book a whale watching boat tour to get closer.
Avila Beach is a great place to start on the road back to San Francisco.
I – Big Sur
Big Sur is one of California’s most breathtaking coastal stretches, where cliffs drop into the ocean, and Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway) winds along it at high elevation.
Staying at Kirk Creek Campground you’ll have front row seats to epic views high over the ocean, definitely one of the best campgrounds on the west coast.
The drive along Highway 1 is famously beautiful but also notoriously unpredictable. Landslides and road closures are common, especially in winter and early spring, so always check conditions before traveling.
The best place to get up to date info on the state of the road is BigSurCalifornia.org. Here you’ll get the very latest.
If you can avoid the road closures, this is a highlight of the trip.
J – Return to Surfers Beach (San Francisco)
At the time of writing, Highway 1 was closed for major repairs along the route north of Kirk Creek Campground, so I opted for a detour inland and back to the coast at Moss Landing.
Keep an eye on the route and you may find you can drive the entire Big Sur coastline.
This is a nice relaxing drive back to southern San Francisco with lots of photo stops along the way. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a notable stop on the route.
Dispersed Camping Around The Route
I’ve listed a handful of verified dispersed camping options around the route.
These are pinned on the map.
Check out thedyrt.com’s list of boondocking spots around this route.
This RV road trip around California has it all, epic coastlines, towering redwoods, alpine lakes, and iconic national parks.
Whether you’re relaxing by the ocean, taking in the mountain views, looking up in wonder in the redwoods, this is an unforgettable trip.
Safe travels.
