California’s National Parks Campervan Adventure from San Francisco

Your trip begins in San Francisco, and as you head east and leave the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and rolling hills of the city behind, a three-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States ever since it was given national park status in 1890, and it’s easy to see why, with granite monoliths, flower-filled meadows, and incredible waterfalls all waiting to be explored.

Top spots here include El Capitan and Half Dome, and you can also hike to the base of Yosemite Falls or take the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. You won’t want to miss the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias while you’re here, either, where trees over 1000 years old stretch almost endlessly into the sky.

When it’s time to unwind, North Pines Campground is one of the best Yosemite campgrounds to pull up for a night or two. The sites here are spacious and shaded, and you’ll have a picnic table, fire pit, and bear-proof lockers to keep your food safe. There are also flush toilets and potable water available, and since it’s just 25 minutes from Yosemite, it’s in a great location. There’s even a shuttle bus service that runs directly from the campground to the national park, adding to its convenience. Just keep in mind that it’s only open from April through early October, so if your vacation falls outside of this period, you’ll need to find another Yosemite National Park campground.

From Yosemite, it’s a 3 hour drive south to Sequoia National Park. This is a truly magical place and one that will really put things in perspective, with the biggest trees on Earth as the main attraction, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which has been around for thousands of years and offers you a humbling experience that you won’t soon forget.

As you wander through the Giant Forest, you’ll find yourself craning your neck constantly to take in the full height of these colossal trees, and if you’re looking for an incredible view (and don’t mind a bit of a climb), Moro Rock is the place to go. This staircase to the top might leave you feeling a bit breathless, but the panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada below is well worth it.

After a day of exploring, you can set up camp at Lodgepole Campground, which is located right along the Kaweah River and is just 20 minutes from Sequoia National Park. This campground is very well-equipped, with seasonal flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, a seasonal dump station, and food storage lockers. There aren’t any hookups available, but that adds to the rustic experience, and there is a seasonal on-site camp store where you can pick up essentials like firewood. However, it is closed between December and May, so you’ll need another option if you’re taking a winter or spring road trip.

As you leave the forests of Sequoia behind, you’ll notice that the landscape dramatically changes as you head east toward Death Valley National Park. This four-and-a-half-hour drive takes you to one of the most extreme environments in the world, and while it may be the hottest place on Earth at certain times of the year, it’s also one of the most beautiful.

One of the best things to do here is visit the salt flats of Badwater Basin, where standing 282 feet below sea level and looking out at the sheer expanse will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. You can also take the scenic Artist’s Drive to see the Artist’s Palette, or if you’re an early bird, catch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point and witness the magic of the light playing across the desert landscape.

There are many Death Valley campgrounds to choose from, but Furnace Creek Campground is a fantastic choice. It’s only 20 minutes away from Death Valley and is the perfect little oasis in this otherwise arid area. You’ll have access to full hookups here, as well as flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for that idyllic camping experience. It’s also surrounded by palm trees, offering shade when it’s most needed, and since you’re only a 15-minute walk from Furnace Creek Visitor Center, it’s easy to chat with park rangers and get recommendations on what to see and do.

DISCLAIMER: We do have strict restrictions for traveling through the Death Valley. This is really more for your & the campervan’s safety – 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) is simply too hot. As such we don’t allow any travel through the Death Valley between the 1st of May to 30th of September each year; at any other time, you are more than welcome to explore Death Valley.

Moving away from Death Valley, almost four hours on the road takes you to Joshua Tree National Park, where the desert landscape is filled with twisted Joshua Trees and incredible rock formations. This is the place to go if you’re into hiking or climbing, and since the night skies here are notoriously clear, it’s also a wonderful spot for stargazing and astrophotography.

One must-do here is taking a sunset walk through the Cholla Cactus Garden (around 25 minutes from the North Entrance Station), where the golden light makes the spiky plants glow like lanterns. Hidden Valley is another must-see, with its gigantic boulders and trails that are suitable for hikers looking for less challenging routes. Also, for a fun photo op, head to Skull Rock, a natural rock formation that looks exactly like its name!

As far as your camping options are concerned, Black Rock Canyon Campground is one the best options around. While there aren’t any hookups, it is just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree and is remote and peaceful, with stunning views of the desert and Joshua trees scattered throughout. It’s not completely without amenities, though, and you’ll have access to flush toilets, a dump station, drinking water, picnic tables, and campfire rings.

The shortest leg of your journey so far, Palm Springs is under an hour away from Joshua Tree but feels worlds apart. This chic desert town has a retro vibe and a 1950s feel that you just have to immerse yourself in.

A visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway should definitely be on your to-do list while you’re here, which is a rotating tram car that takes you from the desert floor to the cool alpine climate of the San Jacinto State Park in just 10 minutes, giving you plenty of amazing photo opportunities along the way. As you reach the top, you’ll find a network of hiking trails, as well as a restaurant with unbeatable views. Or, if you’re into architecture, you can take a self-guided tour of the city’s famous mid-century modern homes in neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas. Looking for something more active? Coachella Valley is 30 minutes away and home to some awesome trails like the Pushawalla Palms Loop and the Moon Country Loop.

Whatever you choose to do, one of the best places to relax after a full day of exploring is the Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA. This RV resort is 20 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs and feels more like a luxury retreat than a campground, and you’ll have access to full hookups, restrooms, showers, and free WiFi. But that’s not all – there are also some high-end facilities on offer, including a swimming pool, mineral hot spring pools, and a sauna. It’s a fantastic spot to camp if you’re traveling with kids, too, with an on-site playground and activities like movie nights and craft workshops running throughout the week.

From Palm Springs, a 297-mile trip takes you to the beautiful Central Coast city of San Luis Obispo. This 5-hour drive might seem like a long stretch, but as you travel through the various landscapes and rolling hills, the time will fly past, and you’ll arrive at a fresh sea breeze and the promise of a slower pace compared to Palm Springs.

Often affectionately referred to as SLO and even more affectionately as the “Happiest City in America” by locals, San Luis Obispo has a perfect mix of culture, natural beauty, and opportunities for relaxation. A must-visit here is Misson San Luis Obispo de Toloas, which was founded in 1772 and is one of California’s oldest Spanish missions. The town’s historic center is also a delight to wander through, with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants offering everything from farm-to-table to fine dining experiences. You also can’t visit San Luis Obispo without visiting the famous Bubblegum Alley, a narrow passageway filled with colorful, sticky “contributions” from visitors. There’s also the coast to explore, and a 15-minute drive will take you to Morro Bay, where you can kayak alongside otters or stroll by Morro Rock.

For camping, head to El Chorro Regional Park Campground, which is just 10 minutes out of town. There are full hookups here, as well as picnic tables and barbecue grills, making it an ideal spot to settle in for the evening. You can also reserve one of the 43 available spots in advance, and each site can accommodate up to 8 people. The only thing to keep in mind is that the maximum RV length at some sites is 40 feet, so if you’re in a vehicle longer than this, it’s best to contact the campground for availability first.

After a couple of days exploring San Luis Obispo, a 2-hour drive inland takes you to Pinnacles National Park, a lesser-known area among California’s national parks but one that is definitely worth visiting. Even as you approach, the drive takes you through agricultural valleys and golden hills dotted with oak trees, giving you a glimpse of what’s ahead and a closer look at rural California.

Pinnacles National Park takes its name from the dramatic volcanic rock formations that dominate the landscape, many of which are remnants of an ancient eruption some 23 million years ago. The park is divided into two sections, and the eastern section is where you’ll want to base yourself if you’re into wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see endangered California condors soaring overhead. You can also take a hike along the High Peaks Trail, which offers amazing views of the pinnacles and their surrounding valleys, or explore the Bear Gulch Caves, a unique talus cave system formed by massive boulders and home to a colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats.

The eastern section also has some fantastic camping options nearby, including the Pinnacles Campground, which is open all year round. Just 5 minutes away and located just off Pinnacles Highway, there are electric hookups on offer here, as well as flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, picnic tables, food lockers, and fire pits. There is WiFi and an on-site grocery store, too, giving you the opportunity to check in back home and pick up some supplies before heading on to the next leg of your journey.

Leaving the Pinnacles behind, your next destination is Big Sur, one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in the world. The 2-hour drive here takes you west through small agricultural towns before you hit the Pacific coastline, and once you’re on Highway 1, the winding road offers you spectacular views of cliffs plunging into the ocean on one side and massive redwoods on the other.

Big Sur is a place where you can completely immerse yourself in nature. One of the most popular spots here is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto the beach below, as well as Pfeiffer Beach which is famous for its purple sand beaches and the Keyhole Rock formation. You should also take the 20-minute trip to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park while you’re here, especially if you love hiking, as you’ll find plenty of trails that take you through redwood forests and along cliff edges with ocean views.

Your camping base in Big Sur should be the Big Sur State Park Campground, which is 10 minutes away and is surrounded by redwoods, giving you a good sense of privacy. There aren’t any hookups, but that just adds to the wild camping experience, and there are still plenty of amenities on offer for a comfortable stay, including toilets, showers, picnic tables, and potable water. You can also book a spot here, taking some of the stress out of finding a place to stay, and while there are 189 sites, it’s best to book as early as possible, as this is quite a popular site!

After you’ve soaked in all the natural beauty Big Sur has to offer, it’s time to hit the road and continue along Highway 1, where a 45-minute drive will take you to Monterey. Don’t rush this part of your road trip, though, as there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in some incredible views along the way at viewpoints like Bixby Bridge, which is also one of California’s most photographed landmarks.

Once you’re in Monterey, make a beeline for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the best aquariums in the world and a great way to learn more about the ecosystems of California’s coast. After that, take a stroll along Cannery Row, a historic street made famous by John Steinbeck, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Or, if you’re traveling with a bike or feel like a leisurely walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail takes you on a path with some amazing ocean views and even the opportunity to spot wildlife like otters, seals, and whales.

After a day of exploring Monterey’s wonders, the Moss Landing KOA Express is just 20 minutes away and is a peaceful campsite close to the beach. There are 50-amp hookups available here, as well as restrooms with hot showers, a 24-hour laundry room, a playground, cable TV, and high-speed WiFi. Also, not only is it close to Monterey, but it’s 20 minutes from Elkhorn Slough, a wildlife haven where you can kayak alongside sea otters and pelicans, making it a perfect base for wildlife-loving RV campers. Don’t worry if you can’t grab a space here, though, as there are still some other excellent Big Sur Campgrounds to choose from.

The final leg of your epic journey takes you back to San Francisco on a 2-hour drive along Highway 1. But before you return your campervan and head back into normal life, consider taking one last detour through Half Moon Bay (30 miles from San Francisco) or stopping in Santa Cruz for a stroll along the iconic boardwalk (70 miles from San Francisco). After all, there’s no reason to rush back! And, when you do arrive back in San Francisco, you can celebrate the end of your adventure by revisiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Not ready to head home just yet? Spend one last night in your trusty campervan at San Francisco RV Resort and end your vacation in a little luxury, with full hookups, a swimming pool, and picnic and BBQ areas among the facilities, just 20 minutes from the city.

The journey from San Francisco and back has taken you through forests, deserts, and along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Not to mention the opportunity to stay in some awesome campgrounds and RV parks near San Francisco. But, to make the most of this journey, you’ll need to be in a reliable, comfortable campervan, giving you a way of getting to each place and having a space to call home, no matter how long you’re on the road. At Travellers Autobarn, we have a huge selection of campervans for rentals, each of which comes with free unlimited miles, making it possible to explore the open road without any distance restrictions. All you need to do now is get a quick quote for your campervan rental and then decide when to hit the road!

Check out more San Francisco road trips here, or if you’re looking for other Californian road trips, take a look at these articles:

• Ultimate Girls’ Weekend Road Trip in California
• Best Beach Campgrounds & RV Parks in California
• Best Campervan Campgrounds in California
• 7 Unforgettable Family Camping Spots in California

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.