Road Trip with RVshare San Francisco to Medford

A San Francisco to Medford road trip will see you traveling north along the Pacific seaboard. During this trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the RVing experience. As you travel upwards, your trip will expose you to a beautifully geothermic national park, several scenic state parks, and multiple sightseeing opportunities that are uniquely Californian. Finally, your trip will end in beautiful Medford, Oregon, where you can visit the Craterian Theater or fish off the Rogue River.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Vallejo, California

Vallejo is a neighboring city to San Francisco, so it’ll be the first city on your road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Medford. The city is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the Mare Island Preserve. There’s a ton of things to do within the city limits, so make sure you have an itinerary. If you like history, consider a trip to the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. Gambling is also permitted in some parts of the city, so play some games at the Cache Creek Casino Resort, which has 2,400 slot machines and 122 table games. For the hikers, Vallejo has several trails to master, and bicyclists also have several paths on which to ride.

Vallejo has a lively camping scene, and for those with RVs, there are also several Vallejo-area campgrounds to pick from. For those looking to camp in town, Trade Winds RV Park has 78 sites. Sightseeing opportunities like the Golden Gate Bridge are only about 40 miles away, and the park includes free Wi-Fi, free cable, and a BBQ area. In addition to this local campground, there are several surrounding cities like Novato, San Francisco, and Pa. Some even have dump stations.

Sacramento, California

Found in the Gold Country of California, Sacramento is a city that is rich in history, culture, and art. You’ll find several museums throughout the city, including the Boarding House Museum, the California Agriculture Museum, the Aerospace Museum of California, the Crocker Art Museum, and the California Automobile Museum. The city is also known for its outdoor activities and festivals. Places like Capitol Park, which has 40 acres to explore, really will help you get to see the town.

Sacramento campgrounds provide a varied experience for RVers. Local examples like Cal Expo RV Park have almost 200 sites to use for your RV and also boast full hookups for guests. For those with pets, Folsom Lake SRA – Beal’s Point Campground also has plenty of pet-friendly sites. Some also have available dump stations.

Redding, California

When you visit Redding, CA, one of the first things you’ll notice is the massive Sundial Bridge, which is one of the largest working sundials on the planet. The bridge also serves as a pedestrian walkway that you can use as you hike around the city. Redding is an excellent place to do things on the water; in fact, it was named one of the top 10 fishing towns in North America by Forbes. Do you like to kayak? Well, bring your craft because Time magazine called this Californian city the “Unofficial Capital of Kayaking.” 

Redding RV parks are pretty numerous. Just in town, you’ll find at least 10, which include options like Marina RV Park, Sacramento River RV Park, and JGW RV Park. Some of these even have pools and hot tubs, and some also provide complimentary dump stations.

National Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park

As you wind your way up the coast on your road trip from San Francisco to Medford, you’ll only be presented with one easy-to-reach national park, which is Lassen Volcanic National Park. As the name implies, there is plenty of geothermic activity here; you’ll see geysers, fumaroles, hydrothermal springs, and, of course, the four types of volcanoes, including shield, plug dome, composite, and cinder cone. Nestled amongst all the volcanic sites, you’ll also be presented with the chance to observe various wildlife, including American black bears, coyotes, weasels, and mountain lions. The park covers about 106,000 acres, so you might want to set aside a few days for proper exploration. Since the highest elevation here is over 10,000 feet, you’ll find miles of hiking trails with amazing climbs and some truly picturesque vistas. 

Nearby State Parks

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park

You’ll find McLaughlin Eastshore State Park in Berkley, and in its entirety, it covers about 8.5 miles of the Californian seashore. In addition to being a California state park, the location is also a wildlife refuge, so don’t be surprised if you see various sea and terrestrial birds, grizzly bears, opossums, moles, and skunks. There are also several trails to explore, including the Albany Bulb Trail, the Berkeley Marina Loop Trail, and the Bay Trail. The park is also home to numerous events throughout the year, so if you’re looking to have a little fun, consider stopping by on your San Francisco to Medford RV road trip. 

William B. Ide Adobe State Park

One of the more interesting facts about the William B. Ide Adobe is that the famous Californian landowner never owned it. In fact, it was built in 1852 by A.M. Dibble, but since its inception as a California state park in the 1950s, the park was named for the history of contributions by Mr. Ide. Located in Redding, the park is dedicated to capturing the experiences of the first settlers during the American push westward. As a result, it’s easy to find evidence of the famous Gold Rush, and the staff at the park endeavors to show visitors what life was like during the early years of California’s history. As you travel around the adobe, you’ll also find a blacksmith, ranch buildings, a visitor center, and educational buildings. There’s also a dedicated Adobe Day where there is live music appropriate to the era and crafts for visitors to try out.

Castle Crags State Park

One of the better features of Castle Crags State Park is that it doubles as a campground where you can bed down in your RV. Outside of the 76 campsites for RVs, there are also multiple activities that include hiking, fishing, rock-climbing, and swimming. The state park gets its name for the castle-like mountain range that can be seen from anywhere inside, and areas like the Pin Cushion Wall really will provide you with a unique climbing experience. At the park, you’ll experience vintage train cabooses, cabins, and the Dining Car Restaurant.

Along the Way

Alcatraz Island

The former home of the famous Birdman of Alcatraz, this former prison, known as “The Rock,” is now home to various tours and ferries. There are plenty of opportunities to become educated about the notorious criminals that used to call this island home, including Al Capone. While Alcatraz was in operation for less than three decades, its repurposing has made it a major tourist attraction since 1973.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Found in Northern California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a theme park with over 45 rides, shows, and attractions. Not only can you enjoy thrills on rides like Batman: The Ride, Boomerang Coast to Coaster, and Bugs’ Buccaneer, but you can also visit attractions like Alligator Isle and the Butterfly Habitat. As a result, you will easily have a full day that’s packed with activities when you visit Discovery Kingdom, so make sure you set aside enough time. 

Pluto’s Cave

Pluto’s Cave is named after the Roman god of death, and when you enter, it will feel like you’re on a trip to the underworld. This cave is a partially collapsed lava tube formed by a basaltic lava eruption that occurred 190,000 years ago. It's about right miles long and goes all the way to the originating vent that’s to the northeast of the cave’s entrance. For safety, you’ll only be able to hike about 1,200 feet into Pluto’s Cave, but that’s more than enough space to learn about the ecosystems that can exist in these kinds of lava tubes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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