Road Trip with RVshare Provo to San Francisco

As you begin your road trip from Provo to San Francisco, you are going to find a lot of state parks along the way that are worth visiting. However, there is only one national park that is directly on this route. As you progress south along the route, you will find several places that could take a bit of time to explore. If you would like to spend some time at Lake Tahoe or some of the amusement parks that you will hit as you travel through California, make sure that you plan a few extra days. This is an excellent trip to make in an RV, and the road trip itinerary from Provo to San Francisco is full of fun places that you can camp along the way.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka is a town in Nevada known to be one of the friendliest you will pass through during your road trip. It is small in size, but there is plenty to enjoy during your visit. If you like seeing plays and operas, check to see what is playing at the Eureka Opera House. There are plenty of historic buildings and museums in the town as well. You will also find plenty of Nevada RV parks and campgrounds in the area that you can stay at if you need a place to rest for a night.

Reno, Nevada

Reno is another city that you will want to make a point to stop at during your Provo to San Francisco RV road trip. If you like the feel of Las Vegas, you will want to hit up some casinos in Reno and try your luck. If you are looking for more of a cultural stop, try exploring the local galleries and wine shops at the Riverwalk in downtown Reno. There is also a museum of art, an automobile museum, and a zoo that you can enjoy here as well.

Reno campgrounds, like the Shamrock RV Park and the Keystone RV Park, give you easy access to night entertainment in the city. If you need to dump your waste in Reno, most campgrounds offer free use of the dump station to guests, but there are also several other Reno dump stations in the area that may be more convenient to use.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento is now the capital of California, but it was once a gold rush city, and when you visit, you can still learn about those roots. There is a lot of culture in the city, and you can learn a lot about the founder of the city and its history at the Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. McKinley Park and the Sacramento Zoo are also great places to visit if you have kids.

If you need to find a Sacrameto campground to stay for a night or two, there are plenty in the area. The Cal Expo RV Park is ideal for outdoor adventure, and the Sac West RV Park and Campground have activities that the kids will love. There is a water slide and paddleboats that are great for cooling off on a hot day. There are also a lot of Sacramento dump stations that you can use to offload your gray and black water before you leave the city.

National Parks

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is a place that is full of fauna and flora that let you experience nature during your trip. The Great Basin region is over 77,000 acres, and on this land, you can find pine trees to hike through, caves to explore, and even a glacier to add to your photographs of the trip. You can hike Wheeler Peak, which has an elevation of about 13,000 feet, and at night, you can enjoy some of the best star-gazing opportunities that you will find in the country.

Nearby State Parks

Utah Lake State Park

Utah Lake State Park is a great place to stop if you would like to enjoy some water sports or lake activities during your RV trip. Utah Lake is the largest lake on the western side of the United States, and the park is positioned on the eastern side of the lake, giving you plenty of access to the water. Besides boating, swimming, and fishing, you can hike and explore a number of trails. Rental boats are available, and there is even a class that you can attend to help you learn how to sail. Salt Lake City is only about 45 miles from the park, so if you stay for a while, you can always make a trip into the city before continuing on the trip.

Yuba State Park

If you love blue water, then make sure that you visit Yuba State Park. The lake has some of the most incredible blue water that you will see outside of a tropical location. Fishing is great in this water, but some prefer to take a boat out on the water or to go for a swim. You can soar along the zip lines in the park to get a wonderful view of the park from above. Hiking and bird watching are also popular activities that you can enjoy in the park.

Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park is a state park that is situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It overlooks Donner Lake, which provides scenic trails and the option to go swimming or fishing in the lake. In fact, this is an area that is stocked with trout, so you are likely to have some luck. Paddleboats and kayaks can also be rented in the park. There is also a museum in the park that allows you to learn a little more about this area's history.

Along the Way

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a historic passenger railroad that uses steam-powered engines that are over a century old to offer train rides. It's a registered historic landmark that has trains, tracks, stations, and other buildings. Train rides are about 90 minutes in length, and there is a "be the engineer" experience that allows you to operate the train. If you are a train enthusiast, this is a stop that you will not want to miss.

Lake Tahoe

On your road trip from Provo to San Francisco, make sure that you spend some time exploring the area around Lake Tahoe. There is so much that you can explore in this area, whether it is hiking the trails, enjoying some water activities, or going down the slopes in the winter. If you plan on spending a few nights in the area, there are even nighttime activities that you can enjoy during your trip. Lake Tahoe is home to Emerald Bay State Park, which has some of the most stunning lake views that you will see. There are also casinos in the area, so test your luck if you would like to enjoy some adult gaming.

If you enjoy hiking, make sure you explore the Cascade Falls Trail and the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail while visiting. You can also enjoy a boat cruise through Lake Tahoe. Scuba diving is an option in this area, but you will want to be properly trained before attempting a dive.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a great amusement park for the entire family to enjoy, and it will give you a full day of exercise. There are thrill rides in the park, like the Dare Devil Chaos Coaster and the Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster. If fast-paced rides are not your thing, there are also family rides like Monsoon Falls and the Penguin, both of which are fun water rides to help you stay cool. Don't forget to check out the animal attraction in the park before you leave.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Provo to San Francisco, 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 Provo or San Francicso.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Provo to San Francisco?

To plan an RV road trip from Provo to San Francisco, 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 Provo to San Francisco 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 Provo to San Francisco. 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!