Road Trip with RVshare San Francisco to Las Vegas

Traveling in an RV from the Golden City to Sin City can be a lot of fun, especially if you make a few stops along the way. There are several routes that you can take to reach your destination, but if you take the U-shaped path that gets you there the quickest, you will miss out on exploring some great national parks and forests. Yosemite and Death Valley should also be on your must-see list, so your nine-hour drive can easily become much longer depending on how long you spend at each location. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Oakland

Oakland is the third-largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a busy port city with plenty to see and do. You can take a picture with the oldest bonsai tree in the U.S., explore the labyrinth at the Sibley Volcanic Preserve, and visit the Oakland Aviation Museum. 

Since this is a larger city, you may want to stay at one of the many campgrounds in nearby Berkeley. Some of the most popular local options include the Novato RV Park and Treasure Island RV Park. There are also plenty of dump stations in Oakland and nearby Berkeley, so make sure to use them if you don’t have an empty tank.

Fresno

Fresno is a major city along your San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip that you will want to stop in. While you are there, check out the Forestiere Underground Gardens and Fresno Chaffee Zoo. If you're willing to head just outside the city, you can explore some California hot springs and the Mammoth Lakes area before you start back on the road. If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of Fresno campgrounds that you can consider. 

The Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno has a rose garden that smells delightful. Located in Kingsburg, the Club Royal Oak RV Resort has water access with boat races to enjoy and more. This campground also has a dump station.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a city that is only about an hour's drive from Los Angeles. If you want to extend your road trip, you can stay in Bakersfield and also add Los Angeles to your itinerary. The city is actually about halfway between the Los Padres National Forest and the Sequoia National Forest, so if you are planning on exploring nature during your trip, finding a Bakersfield campground will be beneficial. 

Rosedale Village RV Park is a relatively quiet place to get a good night’s sleep, but if you are looking for a little more luxury during your travels, Bear Mountain RV Resort is also an option. There is even a dump station at this location so that you can empty your tank before heading out again. There are also plenty of other Bakersfield dump stations available to use if there are no spots available at the resort for you to spend the night.

National Parks

Yosemite National Park

As you head south on your road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas, the first national park is Yosemite. You'll have to head about 100 miles from Interstate 5 to get there, but this legendary park is worth the journey. Yosemite is home to Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and sequoias that are over 1,000 years old. It’s a great place to take a hike, and in the winter, you can enjoy skiing in the park as well. If you want to camp in or near the national park, be sure to reserve your spot several weeks ahead of time. 

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park has some of the tallest trees in the world. As you walk through the park, you will see breathtaking views throughout the 800 miles of trails. There are even horseback riding options and areas that are perfect for skiing or rock climbing at certain times of the year. Early in the morning, the rays from the sun that shine through the treetops are quite ethereal. 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a unique area that is 282 feet below sea level at its lowest point. The area is a harsh landscape that often reaches temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. It cools down considerably at night when the clear skies are perfect for stargazing. If you are planning on hiking or exploring this park, make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Nearby State Parks

San Bruno Mountain State Park

Taking a road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas gives you plenty of opportunities to visit state parks as well. One of the most scenic views to explore along this route is San Bruno Mountain State Park. The summit has an elevation of 1,314 feet, and it provides a breathtaking view of San Francisco looking out over the bay.

Mount Diablo State Park

Another state park that has amazing views of the San Francisco Bay is Mount Diablo State Park. On a clear day, you can see the entire Bay region and the Central Valley. There are several waterfalls in the park to explore, and if you are up for a hike, the summit path is a great option that is not too difficult to climb.

Lake Tahoe State Park

Lake Tahoe State Park is a breathtaking area south of Route 28 in Nevada. It has an area called Sand Harbor, which is known for its sandy beach on the shores of the lake. There are also trails that accommodate hiking or horseback riding as well as plenty of locations to take out a boat and go fishing. During the snowy months, there are winter activities like skiing and sleigh rides that you can take advantage of as well.

Along the Way

Golden Gate Bridge

Before you even leave San Francisco, your road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Las Vegas should allocate some time to check out the Golden Gate Bridge. As an iconic part of the city, the bridge can make for some awesome pictures to send home before your trip even begins. There are plenty of angles to get great pictures of this red-orange suspension bridge, so make sure you get a vantage point that you won’t regret.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

If you would like to add a bit of adventure to your road trip, then take the time to stop at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. Get your adrenaline racing by riding some roller coasters. There are also plenty of family rides that you can enjoy if you prefer something a little tamer.

California Automobile Museum

Do you like cars? Well, since you are taking a road trip, this is the perfect time to take a look at some classics. You can learn a little bit about the history of the automobile at this museum in Sacramento. Some of the exhibits have covered road tripping through the years and cars in films.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Even though it's slightly off the path that you'll be taking for this road trip, the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Nye County, NV, is worth the extra travel time. The museum started as a smaller group of exhibits in 1984. As the years progressed, however, it has been filled with more art and sculptures.

Exploring San Francisco to Las Vegas by RV is going to be your best option if you would like to make a budget-friendly trip. RVing gives you plenty of space, even if you are traveling with your entire family. Furthermore, it allows you to camp in campgrounds, which will minimize the amount of money that you need to spend for accommodations during your San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip. If you don’t have your own RV or prefer not to take it on long distances to get to the West Coast, then consider renting one. You can always check RVshare’s page to get a rental in San Francisco. For those who want to do this trip in reverse, renting an RV in Las Vegas is always an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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