Road Trip with RVshare San Jose to Austin

Going on a San Jose to Austin road trip will take you from the coast of California to the heart of Texas. Along the way, you'll get to explore some incredible national parks that feature deserts, ancient trees, gorges, and more. While visiting some of the state parks on your route, you'll get to hang out on the coast, climb some rugged mountain terrain, and spend time on and in some lovely lakes and rivers. Since there are so many great places to visit, you'll have an abundance of options for your road trip itinerary from San Jose to Austin.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Los Angeles, California  

Fabulous attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Griffith Observatory await you in sunny LA. Numerous high-quality dump stations and campgrounds can be found close to this international tourist mecca.

Phoenix, Arizona

The Heard Museum, Papago Park, and Arizona State University are several top destinations you can visit in Phoenix. Plenty of excellent dump stations and campgrounds are in the vicinity.

Tucson, Arizona  

When exploring Tucson, you can stop by great places like the Pima Air and Space Museum and the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Some nice dump stations and campgrounds are nearby.

Las Cruces, New Mexico  

Dripping Springs Natural Area, Old Mesilla Village, and more are attractions to tour in Las Cruces. You’ll be able to easily locate some stellar dump stations and campgrounds in the area.

El Paso, Texas  

This Texas town close to the U.S.-Mexico border is home to awesome places like the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre. Several comfortable campgrounds and dump stations are available locally.

National Parks

Sequoia National Park  

If you drive an hour and a half east of Coalinga, California, you'll be able to visit Sequoia National Park. This fabulous national park in Sequoia National Forest is, of course, famous for its giant sequoia groves; some of these trees are over 1,000 years old. You'll be able to view more than trees here. However, stunning mountain views, green valleys, and lovely waterfalls await you on the park's more than 800 miles of trails. Kings Canyon National Park is only 15 minutes away, so you can double the beauty on this part of your road trip from San Jose to Austin by exploring this neighboring park as well. 

Joshua Tree National Park  

Since Joshua Tree National Park is just a couple of minutes from Interstate 10 as it passes through Indio, California, it's a must-see on your San Jose to Austin RV road trip. Cacti, wildflowers, and, of course, Joshua trees are on display at this desert park that covers over 1,200 miles. Hiking and mountain biking are popular here, as are rock climbing and backcountry camping. At night, you can gaze at the stars thanks to the dark skies of this national park. 

Saguaro National Park  

Five minutes from the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, is Saguaro National Park. Iconic saguaro cacti abound in this national park, but you'll also get to see plenty of other types of desert flora. Hiking is popular here thanks to the many gorgeous trails in the park; you'll find numerous classic Old West views here, but you'll also get to see Tucson itself from the park's ridges and mountains. This park is known for its spectacular desert sunsets, so you should stay into the evening and watch the sun go down.

White Sands National Park  

Roughly 55 minutes from Las Cruces, New Mexico, is stunning White Sands National Park. The white gypsum dunes in this park draw people in thanks to their pristine, sprawling nature. This dune field is 275 square miles, so it's the biggest dune field of its type in the world. Walking, riding, and sledding on the dunes are all popular activities here. Plenty of animals make this park home; today, you may see roadrunners, bobcats, and coyotes, but you may also see some fossilized remains of the dire wolves, saber-toothed tigers, and mammoths from the days of yore. 

Big Bend National Park  

Big Bend National Park is an hour and a half south of Fort Stockton, Texas. As its name implies, it's located in a big bend of the Rio Grande, so it's a wonderful place for boating and fishing. Bikers, hikers, and riders also enjoy exploring the mountains, deserts, canyons, and more here. If you'd prefer to do your exploring at night while looking up, then you'll want to take advantage of the dark sky here since no other national park in America has less light pollution. 

Nearby State Parks

Pismo State Beach  

Approximately an hour and a half from Kettleman City, California, is lovely Pismo State Beach. You should spend some quality time on California's coast on your road trip from San Jose to Austin, and this 17-mile beach is a great place to do so. Swimming and surfing are immensely popular, but so are fishing and snorkeling. On dry land, you can hike on the surrounding grounds and, if the time is right, visit the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove colony.

Alamo Lake State Park  

An hour and five minutes from Salome, Arizona, is the entrance to Alamo Lake State Park. Alamo lake is 3,500 acres large, so you'll have plenty of room for fishing, swimming, and boating. You can tour some of this park in your vehicle, but you can also walk through the park in search of the many types of wildlife here. If you're lucky, you might even get to spot a bald eagle. 

Franklin Mountains State Park  

Franklin Mountains State Park is located in the city limits of El Paso, Texas, and is only five minutes from your route, so it's a great addition to your road trip itinerary from San Jose to Austin. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are favorite pastimes here, thanks to the hundred miles of trails in the park. Multiple places in the park are ideal for rock climbing; bird-watching is also big here, thanks to the more than 100 species that have been seen in the park. 

South Llano River State Park  

You'll be able to find the entrance to South Llano River State Park by driving 15 minutes from Junction, Texas. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are all big here thanks to the lovely Llano River; fishing for bass and catfish is also popular. If you're into bird-watching, you may want to take advantage of the multiple bird blinds in the park that give you excellent vantage points. Some of the world's darkest skies can be found here, so the stargazing is outstanding.

Blanco State Park  

Near the end of your San Jose to Austin RV road trip, you should take a 10-minute detour from Blanco, Texas, to visit Blanco State Park. The Blanco River is an excellent place for fishing, tubing, wading, and more. Picnicking is popular here, thanks to the multiple great picnic tables and pavilions available in the park, as well as the camp store that sells supplies you can use to have an awesome cookout.

Along the Way

Raging Waters Los Angeles  

Southern California's largest water park is an excellent place to visit on your road trip from San Jose to Austin. This 50-acre park is just five minutes off of your route as it goes through San Dimas, so you won't have to drive far in order to ride attractions like Aqua Rocket, Dragon's Den, and Neptune's Fury. 

OdySea Aquarium  

If you drive about 10 minutes north of Mesa Grande, Arizona, you'll reach OdySea Aquarium. This interactive aquarium boasts 200,000 square feet, so there's plenty of room for the more than 70 exhibits that house 300 different species. Some of the galleries that await you are OdySea Voyager, Deep Ocean, and Penguin Point. 

Tohono Chul  

Tohono Chul is 10 minutes east of Marana, Arizona. This beautiful garden is full of plants that showcase the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. There are plenty of lovely gardens here, so you'll be able to tour gardens like the Hummingbird Garden, Streamside Gardens, and the Butterfly Garden.

Old Tombstone Western Theme Park  

Half an hour southeast of Benson, Arizona, is Old Tombstone Western Theme Park. This theme park can take you back in time to the days of the Wild West. You'll be able to take in a gunfight show, ride in a historical trolley tour, pan for gold, and take Old-West jailhouse pictures.

National Museum of the Pacific War  

You can find the National Museum of the Pacific War just a couple of minutes off of your route as it passes through Fredericksburg, Texas. Featured exhibits here are the Pearl Harbor Exhibit, the Doolittle Raid Exhibit, and the Iwo Jima Exhibit. You can also check out other exhibits like the Okinawa and the Atomic Bomb Exhibit and the Medal of Honor Exhibit.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Jose to Austin, 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 Jose or Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Austin?

To plan an RV road trip from San Jose to Austin, 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 Jose to Austin 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 Jose to Austin. 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!