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Road Genius compares campervan rentals across multiple companies so you can choose the right vehicle for a California road trip. Main pick-up hubs include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and San Diego (SAN). California stretches from redwood forests to desert parks, so plan for sharp changes in weather and driving distances.
RV rental costs in California depend on factors like RV size, age, features, booking duration, season, and pick-up/drop-off locations.
Daily rates typically range from $75 to $260. Popular destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose.
One-way RV rentals are also possible. Popular routes include LA to San Francisco, San Diego to San Francisco, San Francisco to LA, and San Francisco to Seattle, WA.
Check current rates using our search tool for the most accurate pricing. Additionally, consider extra costs such as fuel, campsite fees, and any extras like GPS or additional drivers.
| Season | Avg High °F / °C | Good time to visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 65–75 °F / 18–24 °C | Yes – wildflowers, mild coast |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–105 °F / 24–40 °C | Coast yes; inland very hot |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 65–85 °F / 18–29 °C | Best balance, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 55–65 °F / 13–18 °C | Good at low elevations; mountain passes may close |
65 mph / 105 km/h is the standard freeway speed limit; campervans with three axles or towing are limited to 55 mph / 90 km/h.
Keep 500 ft / 150 m between you and the vehicle ahead on steep grades; this is enforced on parts of I-5 (Grapevine section) and I-80 (Donner Pass).
Many Bay Area and Southern California bridges use cashless tolling. Record your license plate online within 48 hours to avoid penalties.
Mountain highways display "Chains Required" signs after snow; carry tire chains November through April if traveling to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
| Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State Park Campgrounds | Water+Electric | Ocean, lake and redwood sites; ranger security | Book 6 months in advance; small sites for vehicles over 25 ft / 7.6 m |
| National Forest Campgrounds (Sierra, Los Padres, etc.) | None | Shaded, cooler elevations; low fee | No dump station; rough access roads |
| BLM Dispersed Camping (e.g. Alabama Hills, Mojave) | None | Free; wide open space; 14-day stay limit | No services, pack out all waste |
| Private RV Resorts along Pacific Coast Highway | Full | Level pads, Wi-Fi, laundry, sea views | Highest nightly cost; reserve in peak season |
| City/County Fairgrounds RV Lots | Full | Easy last-minute stop, often near towns | Limited shade; events may block availability |
Many California State Parks and some rest areas have public dump points; fee is typically USD 10.
Large municipal marinas (San Diego, Long Beach, San Francisco) sell fresh water for a small fee at fuel docks.
Summer and fall bring high wildfire risk; check Cal Fire updates and expect fire-ban alerts at campgrounds.
Earthquake preparedness: know the "Drop, Cover, Hold" drill and keep an emergency kit secured inside the van.
Dial 911 for emergencies; for roadside help on state highways use the call boxes or dial 511 for traffic information.
Overnight street parking is restricted in many cities; look for posted "No Parking 2–6 am" signs before parking overnight.
In the USA, most campervan rental companies require a minimum age between 21 and 25 years old. If you're younger, you might face extra fees or rules. Be sure to confirm the age policy with the rental company you choose.
Just enter your age in our search tool and we'll show you vehicles that fit your criteria.
Many campervan rental companies in the USA are conveniently located at or near major airports. This allows you to easily pick up your campervan right after you land. Some companies even provide shuttle services from the airport to their rental sites.
In the USA, you usually just need a standard car driver's license from home to rent a campervan. Foreign licenses are fine if they're in English or come with an official English translation. If not, arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular license.
Yes, you can rent a motorhome for a one-way trip in the USA. This means you can collect the motorhome in one city and return it in another. Keep in mind, though, that extra charges might apply for one-way rentals and availability can differ depending on the rental company and location.
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