Road Trip with RVshare Reno to Bend

Making a trip from Reno, NV, to Bend, OR, will be a fun excursion if you know where to stop along the way. You and your family can learn more about volcanoes and the volcanic activity that happened along the west coast of the United States. A Reno to Bend road trip will have you passing through Lassen Volcanic Park and Crater Lake, which are two truly beautiful locations in the national park system. In addition to this, you can learn more about the geological history of the west coast at places like Ahjumawi Lava Springs and the Lava Cast Forest Trail. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Cold Springs, NV

Cold Springs, NV, is located in Washoe County and serves as a suburb of Reno. While here, consider hitting the links at the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club.

Cold Springs is located close enough to Reno that you can easily use any of the comfortable Reno campgrounds. River Rest Resort and Sparks Marina RV Park provide full hookups and both pull-through and back-in sites.

Susanville, CA  

Located in northern California, Susanville is a city of 17,974 that has beautiful weather throughout the year. This city began its life as a logging town and has since developed into a smaller-sized city with a friendly population. There are two state prisons in the town, but it's still a great place to visit with a family, especially if you have an RV. 

Sunsanville campgrounds include places like Eagle Lake RV Park, Susanville RV Park, and Merill Campground. Each of these has over 50 back-in and pull-through sites, and each has full hookups for RVers. 

Do you need a place to get rid of your wastewater? There are a few dump stations in California to use. You may even be able to find some at the campgrounds you'll be using along the way during your road trip from Reno to Bend.

La Pine, OR

The final stop you'll be hitting before ending your Reno to Bend RV road trip is La Pine, OR, which is actually part of the Bend, OR, metro area. In La Pine, you can check out the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, which has some similarities to the Australian Outback. Additionally, there's the Oregon Observatory, which is a great place to visit for stargazers. In addition to these places, there are golf courses, marinas, recreation centers, and even lava cast forests to explore. La Pine is also home to its namesake state park.

National Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Along the way to Bend, OR, you'll be passing through California, and an interesting national park to visit within this state is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is a great park for anyone that's a fan of geology because you'll be able to experience hydrothermal springs, genuine volcanic activity, geysers, and steaming fumaroles. Don't get the wrong idea; this park also has beautiful flowers, evergreen trees, and mirror-like lakes. On the latter, you can even rent a boat, engage in water sports, or do a little fishing.

Crater Lake National Park

As you arrive in Oregon consider the state’s only national park, Crater Lake. As the name implies, the lake was formed out of a crater, which itself was created when Mount Mazama erupted almost 8,000 years ago. The lake is the deepest in the United States; to reach the base of the crater's caldera, you'd have to dive almost 2,200 feet deep. You can swim, scuba dive, hike, fish, or picnic at the national park. There are also several RV-friendly campgrounds to stay at while you're at this park.

Nearby State Parks

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a California state park nestled between Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta. The park has a beautiful landscape that is home to some picturesque falls and a massive lake. This is a park with a variety of unique wildlife, so be sure to bring a camera and perhaps some binoculars to witness some of the colorful birds in the area.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Often, Ahjumawi, located approximately 40 minutes west of Bieber, CA, is described as a truly primeval experience because of the state park's true natural beauty. Ahjumawi is home to crystal clear water in its creeks and ponds, and much of the park is covered by recent, cooled lava material. As a result, there's plenty of black basalt at the park, and there's lush, verdant growth everywhere thanks to the fertile lava-enriched soil. When visiting, remember to bring the proper equipment because hiking can be rough in the area. This is definitely one of the most unique California state parks.

Klamath Falls State Park

Klamath Falls rests along the Booth State Scenic Corridor. As one of the more scenic Oregon state parks, you'll be very busy enjoying the landscapes and snapping pics of places like Drew's Gap and the Booth Wayside. This is also a place abundant with wildlife; it's not uncommon to see mule deer, coyotes, and even mountain lions throughout the area.

LaPine State Park  

LaPine State Park has become famous for its statuesque ponderosa pines and winding rivers, so bring your family to check out nature's beauty at this state park that's on the banks of the Deschutes River. This is an all-year state park, and visitors tend to go hiking in the summer and skiing or snowmobiling once the snow has fallen.

Along the Way

Sierra Nevada Zoological Park

Before you leave Reno, consider a visit to the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. The park is a zoo that is home to hundreds of species of animals. This zoo is the only one in Reno and is the largest in the entire state. At this zoological park, you'll be able to witness species like gorillas, mountain lions, sloths, and even tigers. 

Subway Cave Lava Tubes

Situated within the Lassen National Forest of Old Station, CA, you'll find the Subway Cave Lava Tubes. This section of the forest has tubes created by lava flows that are easily hiked since it's only about a third of a mile in length. Once you arrive, you'll understand why this is named the Subway Cave; the caves almost look as if they were man-made and are truly majestic.

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Dating back to 1928, this wildlife refuge near Homestead, CA, has been a state favorite for families looking to get back to nature. The wildlife refuge is also famous for its waterfowl since the lake rests on about 39,000 acres of wetlands. This is a prime place to consider if you're following migratory birds, and this is also a place where hunting waterfowl, within limits, is possible.

KLA-MO-YA Casino

Another point of interest in Klamath County, OR, is the KLA-MO-YA Casino, which is a tribally-owned gambling establishment. This is a great place to get away during the night while the kids are out having fun. What does the name mean? The name is actually a portmanteau combination of the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin tribes that inhabit the area and run the casino.

Lava Cast Forest Trail

Another geologically-rich stop to consider on your road trip itinerary from Reno to Bend, OR, is the Lava Cast Forest Trail in Deschutes, OR. Lava flows created this trail around 6,000 years ago, and as a result, molds of ancient trees were left behind. As you explore this geologic feature, you can use one of several hiking trails.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Reno to Bend, 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 Reno or Bend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Reno to Bend?

To plan an RV road trip from Reno to Bend, 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 Reno to Bend 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 Reno to Bend. 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!