Road Trip with RVshare Joshua Tree to Long Beach

The California coastline makes for a beautiful sight to take in during any season, which is why more than 6 million tourists visit Long Beach, CA, every year. RVs make for especially fun trips, so why not take one on a Joshua Tree to Long Beach road trip? While you’re traveling westward, you’ll be able to visit a national park, as well as several state parks. During your road trip, you’ll also always have a place to lay your head, and there’s nothing that compares to the freedom of traveling via RV. While this is a relatively short trip totaling a distance of just 135 miles, there's no shortage of stops to make that will ensure it's quite a memorable one.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino is a truly welcoming city of 215,941 people. While here, make sure to visit places like the San Bernardino National Forest, where you’ll have fun exploring more than 800,000 acres of land. The city itself is also home to several museums, nature parks, and outdoor activities. The town is even home to the original McDonald’s. San Bernardino-area campgrounds can mostly be found in the surrounding cities and towns. An example of this would be Calico Ghost Town and Campground, which is in Yermo. Not only will you have access to more than 250 campsites that are both back-in and pull-through, but you’ll also be able to check out the namesake ghost town. Consider one of the local dump stations when it’s time to offload your wastewater.

Irvine, CA

Located in Orange County, CA, Irvine is home to some truly beautiful vistas. While here, consider a visit to places like the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks area. This area is packed with public parks that you can visit with the family. If you want an aerial view, you can book a trip with one of the local hot-air balloon companies that do business in the city. When you’ve landed again, pay a trip to the Irvine Spectrum Center, which is a massive mall with its own Ferris wheel. Irvine campgrounds include places like the OC Fair and Event Center Campground and O’Neill Regional Park, both of which have numerous spaces and RV hookups to use. Most places in the area will also accommodate any RV — from travel trailers to motorhomes.

Orange, CA

Situated north of Santa Ana, Orange is a city with a population of 139,484. Often called a “major city with a small-town ambiance,” Orange is a great place to relax for a day or two. Check out places like the Orange County Zoo or the Black Star Canyon Trail if you’re looking for some fun family activities. Several California campgrounds are a mere stone’s throw from Orange. A good example of this would be Orangeland RV Park, which is in the city. This park has 212 campsites, 30- and 50-amp connections, and options for both back-in and pull-through rigs.

National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located about five miles from the town of Joshua Tree. This massive national park spans over 1,200 miles, so when you're in the area, make sure to bring plenty of hydration and some good walking shoes. In the park, you’ll encounter an abundant array of wildlife that has made the desert home. This includes various lizard species, black-tailed jackrabbits, bats, coyotes, and even the desert tortoise. For those who love ornithology, there are more than 250 species of birds to watch while you’re exploring the great desert national park.

Nearby State Parks

Mount San Jacinto State Park

One of the defining features of Mount San Jacinto is its utter massiveness. In total, the park spans over 14,000 acres and has one of the tallest peaks in the country. At its highest point, San Jacinto Peach is almost 11,000 feet above sea level. For those who aren’t climbers, there are a ton of activities to take part in at Mount San Jacinto. This includes horseback riding, hiking, and skiing when the snow is on the ground. 

Wildwood Canyon State Park

Wildwood Canyon is a unique entry in the list of California's state parks because of the sheer magnitude of the area and its gorgeous views. Since the park is situated in a canyon, you’ll have massive panoramic views of the surrounding valleys as well as the San Bernardino Mountains. This canyon is also coated in grasslands that are home to various species and plants. While here, you may even feel a bit of the pioneering spirit because this area was home to many of the homesteads established during the drive west. Wildwood Canyon is also wetter in the spring and fall than surrounding Californian areas; it receives far more rainfall thanks to its elevation at 3,000 feet.

Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park is about 37 miles from Los Angeles, which makes it a great place to make a stopover during your Joshua Tree to Long Beach RV road trip. There are miles of hiking trails in the park, and there are fields of beautiful plants that include poppies and phacelias. There are also several local campgrounds to stay in while you’re enjoying your RV adventure.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park lies to the south of your final destination in Long Beach. This park is very much worth the trip since it’s primarily situated on the beach. Birds and reptiles call this place home, so don’t be surprised if you see a lizard walking his or her way across the dunes while you relax. The cove is definitively crystalline; the waters are reflective and clear, so it’ll be easy to see ocean life as you wade.

Along the Way

Carbon Canyon Regional Park

While not part of the California state park system, if you’re planning on enjoying nature during your road trip from Joshua Tree to Long Beach, then you should give Carbon Canyon a visit. This park is upstream of the famous Carbon Canyon Dam and features a beautiful lake where you can fish and paddle. The canyon also features distinct redwoods that are majestic and massive. While here, consider one of the guided tours to better understand the topography and history of the area.

University of California, Irvine

Known throughout the state as UCI, the University of California, Irvine, is the crown of Anteater Country. Not just for students, the campus has extensive sporting events and is home to a vibrant art scene. If you want to see a show, consider the Irvine Barclay Theater. There, you can watch ballet, a full Broadway-style production, or see scholars and celebrities speak. Its home city, Irvine, is also considered one of the safest cities in the country.

Bonita Canyon Sports Park

Located in Newport Beach, the Bonita Canyon Sports Park has basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. This is a great option for the kids, and there are also playgrounds throughout for children who don’t want to take part in any of the sports fields' activities. There are also picnic tables for families, and you can even barbecue at the grills present throughout the sports park.

Buck Gully Reserve

Also found in Newport Beach, Buck Gully Reserve is a coastal canyon that's home to thousands of wildlife species. Throughout the reserve, you’ll see species like jackrabbits, tortoises, and a plethora of birds. This land was set aside for conservation, but many spaces also provide recreational opportunities for visitors. As a result, you can visit this area and comfortably observe wildlife.

San Joaquin Hills

As you close in on the end of your road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Long Beach, consider a stop in the San Joaquin Hills. Located in Laguna Niguel, CA, these hills are a low mountain range near the state's coast. You’ll encounter a variety of topographies throughout these beautiful hills that include wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. In the area, you can also find the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road, where several key fossil finds have occurred.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Long Beach, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Joshua Tree or Long Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Joshua Tree to Long Beach?

To plan an RV road trip from Joshua Tree to Long Beach, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Joshua Tree to Long Beach without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Joshua Tree to Long Beach. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!