Road Trip with RVshare San Francisco to Salt Lake City

If you're taking a road trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, get ready to travel through some incredible places. As you head out of San Francisco, you will want to visit the state capital in Sacramento and see buildings from the early days of the Gold Rush. Reno is another stop that should be on your itinerary; it has been dubbed "The Biggest Little City in the World" for its bonanza of entertainment options. Finally, you'll end your trip in majestic Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Range. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

During your trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, you'll find several noteworthy cities along the route. You can also find many RV campgrounds and dump stations along the way to help you keep a safe and clean vehicle on the road. 

Sacramento

In 1848, John Sutter Sr. founded Sacramento, and it became the state capital in 1879. This city is located between the American and Sacramento rivers, and it is often called the Gateway to the Sierra Nevadas. You can check out the numerous historic buildings that date back to the Gold Rush days. When you're done, you'll find plenty of RV campgrounds where you can settle down for the night. 

Reno

Many people head to Reno for its casinos and entertainment venues. Others travel to Reno to relax in one of the many spas in the area. With its close location to Lake Tahoe, this city also provides spectacular views of the local landscape. Reno has many options for those who want to find a campground for their RV.

Provo

Provo is a suburb of Salt Lake City, and it is a popular destination for visitors. It has some world-renowned museums, and Brigham Young University is here. If you love to ski, you'll enjoy spending time at the many ski lodges and resorts in this city. If you need an RV campground near Provo, you can find several great options. 

National Parks

If you are looking for a break from the long drive, you should check out some national parks. As you plan your road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, you should add these spectacular spots to the list. RVshare also has a national parks guide to make planning a little easier for you. 

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. You can see other landscape features in the park, such as oak forests, prairie grasses, coastlines, and riverways. This park covers over 193,000 acres of land, and it includes about 45% of the world's coastal redwoods. This national park is home to some endangered animals, including Steller's sea lions and Northern spotted owls. If you want to enjoy a few outdoor activities, tide pool exploring, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing are just some of the things to do there. 

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park contains large groves of giant sequoias. This park is near the Sierra Nevadas, offering spectacular views of snowcapped mountain peaks. Throughout the year, visitors head here to explore the park's winding trails. The ranger-led talks and hikes are some of the most popular events in this national park. You can also rock climb and horseback ride in the summer. During the winter, skiing and snowshoeing are popular sports. 

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, and it's another place to get a great view of those sequoia groves. This national park is home to the General Grant Tree, which was proclaimed by President Coolidge in 1926 to be the nation's Christmas tree. Along with the majestic trees, you will be treated to impressive views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Inside Kings Canyon, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. You can listen to one of the ranger-led presentations or join a guided hike throughout the park. Rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking, and hiking are some popular activities in this park. 

Yosemite National Park

You'll see plenty of ancient sequoias, waterfalls, high cliffs, and wilderness areas at this park. Yosemite National Park has three groves of giant sequoias, and many of them are more than 1,000 years old. Within the park, you can see notable landmarks, such as the Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. You can hike or take the park's transit system for a closer view of those sights. This park is very popular, welcoming about 1 million visitors per year. It's a great place for hiking, horseback riding, and backcountry camping. In the winter, tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing are popular. 

Zion National Park

Zion National Park has been inhabited by humans for around 8,000 years. This park is the first designated park in the state of Utah. Today, you can visit Zion Canyon to explore its cliffs, canyons, and crags. One popular spot is called the Narrows; you have to wade through a shallow river to visit this area, but the magnificent views of the gorge are worth getting your feet wet. There are many types of recreational activities in the park, including biking, canyoneering, and climbing. In addition to that, rangers offer a wide range of interpretative and educational programs throughout the year.

Nearby State Parks

State parks are another way to get out of the rig and enjoy some of nature's wonders. As you travel on your road trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, there are a few parks that you won't want to miss. For a more detailed look at these parks, visit RVshare's state park guide.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

California is known for its ancient redwood trees. Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz is home to some redwoods that are as tall as the Statue of Liberty. It's incredible to hike below treetops that soar above the dense forest floor. This old-growth forest has over 80 miles of trails for bikers, horseback riders, and hikers.

Colusa-Sacramento River State Park

The Colusa-Sacramento River State Park is located just outside of Sacramento. It's made up of over 63 acres of land. Many people head here to hit the water for boating or fishing. There are other recreational opportunities that you may enjoy, including wildlife viewing and hiking. 

Antelope Island State Park

Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is the largest of the 10 islands in the area. Since 1981, this park has attracted 300,000 visitors per year. From shorelines to mountains, a variety of landscapes await you in this part of Utah. For that reason, Antelope Island is an excellent place for hiking, boating, camping, swimming, and horseback riding. If you want to see the native wildlife, there are bison, coyotes, bobcats, sheep, and mule deer that roam throughout the park. 

Along the Way

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic part of San Francisco. This suspension bridge spans over the 1-mile strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to the city. The bridge has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World. At the time of completion, the Golden Gate Bridge was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. 

California State Capitol

Sacramento is home to the California state capitol building. The building was built between 1861 and 1874, and it is home to the governor's office and the state legislature. While you are there, you can tour the building to learn about the history of California. 

Temple Square

Temple Square is located in the middle of Salt Lake City and is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within the area, you'll find the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Temple, the Seagull Monument, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, and a visitor center. Guests are allowed to tour some of the buildings at this location.

On a San Francisco to Salt Lake City RV road trip, there's no shortage of places to stop. The trip will take you from the seaside cliffs of California to Utah's mountain terrain. You can find many RV rental options in San Francisco or Salt Lake City from RVshare. Whatever you need for your San Francisco to Salt Lake City road trip, you'll find a wide selection of vehicles at RVshare to keep you comfortable on your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City?

To plan an RV road trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. 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!