Sacramento is a lovely place to live and to spend the majority of your time. We love the history of this town, and the feel of being in a city without a large amount of hustle and bustle is wonderful. That said, sometimes you just want to escape the city. That’s where RV weekend trips near Sacramento come into play.
In our opinion, part of the appeal of living in California’s capital city is the fact that there are so many things to do around Sacramento. This means there are tons of amazing Sacramento day trips out there, as well as some pretty awesome weekend getaways.
Not sure where to begin researching things to do outside Sacramento? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Sacramento getaways.
Yosemite National Park
Distance from Sacramento: 2.75 hours
Yosemite National Park is a must-visit spot for everyone. The incredible views, spectacular waterfalls, and amazing hikes found in this park are truly wonderful. Luckily for residents of Sacramento, paying a visit to this amazing park requires only a quick trip.
During your time in Yosemite, be sure to check out Yosemite Falls and see the other attractions in Yosemite Valley, such as Half Dome and El Capitan. Outside of the valley, be sure to take a drive up Glacier Point Road for some beautiful views and then cruise down Tioga Pass for some lovely scenery. If you’re into hiking, there are plenty of memorable places to get out and explore on foot as well.
Where to Stay
We always recommend staying within the gates of any national park you visit if possible. This allows you to get the full experience and really immerse yourself in nature.
In the case of Yosemite National Park, there are a number of NPS campground choices within the park. One of our favorites is the Upper Pines Campground, which is open all year and can accept RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground has potable water available as well as flush toilets, and reservations open five months in advance.
Lake Tahoe
Distance from Sacramento: 2 hours
Another ideal place for those in Sacramento to escape into nature? Lake Tahoe, of course! This is one of the most visited lakes in the country for a reason: It is beyond beautiful.
While in Lake Tahoe, be sure to do some paddling out on the water in order to experience being totally surrounded by the waters of this amazing lake. Fishing is another popular activity, and if it’s warm enough, swimming can be a lot of fun. Of course, you’ll also want to take advantage of the countless hiking trails all around the lake, which offer gorgeous views of the water and the surrounding area.
Where to Stay
There are several great places to stay near Lake Tahoe. One awesome option is Camp Richardson Resort & Marina, an RV park that offers full-hookup sites as well as dry camping sites. All are nestled amongst the trees, and access to the lake is available in the campground. Whether you want to paddle, fish, or just relax lakeside, this is a wonderful place to stay.
San Francisco, CA
Distance from Sacramento: 2 hours
This one might be an obvious addition to the list RV weekend trips near Sacramento, but we couldn’t leave it out. San Francisco is an incredibly unique city and a great place to escape for the weekend if you’re looking for excitement rather than tranquility.
You will of course want to snap a photo of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and visit Golden Gate Park, and a trip over to Alcatraz is always exciting. Those visiting with kids will love the Exploratorium, and the Japanese Tea Garden is a fantastic place for a relaxing stroll. We also highly recommend a visit to Pier 39 to visit the sea lions and do a bit of shopping.
Where to Stay
The absolute best place to stay in an RV when visiting San Francisco is the San Francisco RV Resort. Honestly, it’s not that the campground itself is anything to write home about; it’s basically a parking lot with some really tight RV parking and hookups. However, the location cannot be beat. You can see the ocean from the park, and the commute into the city is short and sweet.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance from Sacramento: 3 hours
Another national park that is perfect for a weekend getaway from Sacramento, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a lovely place to explore in the late spring, summer, and early fall. It’s also a great camping destination, making it great for those traveling by RV.
Not sure what to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park? There are tons of options! For one, we highly recommend a visit to Bumpass Hell, the hottest and most active geothermal feature in the park. The Fantastic Lava Beds are…well, fantastic, and going underground to explore the Subway Cave Lava Tube is always an exciting adventure.
Of course, you also have to check out the park’s namesake, Lassen Peak.
Where to Stay
Once again, we have to recommend staying in the national park rather than outside of it. In this case, our top pick would have to be the Manzanita Lake Campground. While this campground does not provide any hookups, it does have potable water and restrooms available to guests. It also has a location that really cannot be beat, making exploring the park a cinch.
Half Moon Bay
Distance from Sacramento: 2.5 hours
Hoping for an escape to the beach? Not to worry, Half Moon Bay is there for you and is a wonderful place to escape the day-to-day, soak in the beauty of the ocean, and just relax.
Obviously, the number one thing to do when visiting this area is simply to enjoy the beach. Play in the sand, get your feet wet, or just lay back and enjoy the sound of the ocean.
We highly recommend walking the California Coastal Trail while in Half Moon Bay, and a visit to the nearby Pigeon Point Light Station State Park is a great way to fill some of your relaxing weekend. If you want to eat or shop, a visit to the historic downtown area is the perfect way to end each day!
Where to Stay
By far the best place to park an RV when visiting Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay State Beach is a state park that offers amazing beachside camping that you won’t soon forget. The sites at this park are so close to the water that you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean, and walking to the beach is quick and easy.
There are electric hookups available, and bathrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers are onsite. There is also a dump station that guests can pay to use.
Mount Shasta, CA
Distance from Sacramento: 3.25 hours
Prefer weekend RV trips near Sacramento in the mountains? Why not head to Mount Shasta? Mount Shasta is both a prominent California landmark and a thriving city, and a visit to the area is sure to be fun for everyone.
You will definitely want to spend some of your visit exploring the many hiking trails in the area. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is chock-full of great trails, including Black Butte, Bunny Flat, Panther Meadow, and more. The Mount Shasta Golf Course is the perfect spot for golfers, and Lake Siskiyou is just perfect in summer.
Skiing is an option in the wintertime, and the adorable downtown area is a great place to shop, eat, and explore all year round.
Where to Stay
Our top pick for places to stay in Mount Shasta? Mount Shasta City KOA. We always love KOA parks for their excellent amenities and we find this one is just as good as the rest. Clean, full-hookup sites, a dog park, a pool, sports courts, and excellent Wi-Fi are just some of the awesome things you can expect when visiting this park.
Fort Bragg, CA
Distance from Sacramento: 3.75 hours
Another seaside town, Fort Bragg is another one of the great things to do outside Sacramento. There are tons of things to do in this area and it is far enough away to feel like a true escape without being too far for a quick getaway.
The most popular thing to do in Fort Bragg is visit Glass Beach, where you can find an endless supply of beautiful, colorful sea glass. This place makes for some epic photos and gorgeous sunset strolls. Other great options for things to do nearby include MacKerricher State Park, the Guest House Museum, the California Coastal Trail, and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Where to Stay
Wondering where to stay while in Fort Bragg? We recommend Harbor RV Park. While the facilities are basic, the prices can’t be beat and the views of the harbor are spectacular. You can expect spacious sites, full hookups, and clean bathrooms. Fort Bragg is just minutes away and there is a coastal walking trail that runs right by the campground.
Monterey, CA
Distance from Sacramento: 3 hours
Last on our list of fantastic places weekend RV trips near Sacramento? Monterey, CA. This is another lovely seaside city that offers tons of exciting things to do and see, making it the ideal vacation destination.
The obvious thing to do while visiting this town is head to Monterey Bay Aquarium. This world-famous aquarium is absolutely wonderful and needs to be on your list of must-see attractions. Other great options include walking down Cannery Row, checking out Old Fisherman’s Wharf, taking the kids to the unique Dennis the Menace Playground, and exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Where to Stay
You will of course need a place to stay while visiting Monterey. Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of RV parking options in the city. That said, Veterans Memorial Park Campground is located right in the middle of the action and is pretty fantastic. This city-run park offers dry camping, potable water, and showers. There is also a playground onsite and walking trails for all to enjoy.
More Things to Do Outside Sacramento
All of the options listed above are fantastic. That said, they are far from the only things to do outside Sacramento. If you want even more awesome things to explore near the city, try the city of Berkeley, Napa Valley, or El Dorado National Forest. No matter where you go, you’re sure to have an amazing time when you escape the city to have some RV adventures.
Of course, in order to take one of these RV weekend trips near Sacramento, you’re going to need an RV. The good news? We have plenty of wonderful RVs to share. Check out these Sacramento RV rentals to find the perfect trailer or motorhome for your adventures!
