Road Trip with RVshare San Jose to Bishop

When considering a San Jose to Bishop RV road trip, you will not be able to plan the itinerary to travel directly east because of the mountains, so you will need to curve around a little bit. Ideally, you will want to head east to visit Yosemite National Park, then go south around the mountains to see the sequoias, and then head back north again towards Bishop. This path will allow you to see four national parks, several state parks, and a few national monuments. If you have the option of extending your trip, this can be a spectacular RV trip with lots of exploration in the California wilderness.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Fremont, California

Fremont is one of the largest cities that you will find in the San Francisco Bay area. While in the city, make sure to stop at Ardenwood Historic Farm to see actors dressed in clothing from the 1800s as they demonstrate how people lived during that time. The Niles Canyon Railway and the Niles Essanay Silent Film museum are also highlights of the city that you will want to check out. If you need to find a Fremont campground to stay at for a night or two, there are plenty that you can find near the city. There are also plenty of Bay Area dump stations for your convenience.

Fresno, California

Fresno is another city that you will want to include on your itinerary for this San Jose to Bishop road trip. While in Fresno, be sure to visit the Forestiere Underground Gardens, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the Fresno Blossom Trail, and the Fresno Art Museum. Fresno campgrounds are easy to find in the area, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is only about an hour from Los Angeles, so you can easily make a day trip down to Los Angeles to see some of the sites while visiting the area. In Bakersfield, make sure to go fishing in Hart Memorial Park, see a live performance at the Fox Theater, and take a walk on the Kern River Parkway Trail. Bakersfield campgrounds have amenities that the entire family will enjoy. Rosedale Village RV Park is a great place to stay with kids, and Orange Grove RV Park is ideal for anyone traveling with their dog. Bakersfield River Run RV Park and Bear Mountain RV Resort also have dump stations that are free for guests to use.

National Parks

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is the first and the most iconic national park that you will visit on this trip. In the 1,200-square-mile park, there are three sequoia groves that you can visit. Highlights of this park that you will not want to miss seeing include Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. If you are an experienced climber, make an effort to reach the summit of El Capitan, a legendary 3,000-foot mountain that many strive to defeat. There are several trails that you can explore in this park, which range in difficulty. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is paved and is only 1 mile in length, while the Half Dome Trail is 16 miles and quite strenuous at points.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is another national park where you will want to stop, especially if you would like to see the sequoias up close. The main attraction in this park is the General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world, but there is an entire grove to see. In addition to these trees, there are several small waterfalls and rock formations that you can find throughout the park. Make sure to visit Cedar Grove for some stunning views. There is also a stable that has horses that you can rent to ride on a guided tour. Also, make sure to take a tour of the Boyden Cavern while you are in the park. 

Sequoia National Park

If you enjoy looking at the sequoia trees, then schedule a stop at Sequoia National Park, which is located right next door to Kings Canyon National Park. In fact, this park is home to the largest tree in the world, General Sherman, so it's worth taking a look and exploring the area. This is also a great place to hike, and since there are over 800 miles of trails in the park, you will never need to trek along the same route twice. You can also climb to the top of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states, in this park for some stunning views. 

Death Valley National Park

The final national park on the road trip from San Jose to Bishop will be Death Valley National Park. This is one of the hottest places on Earth, but if you are able to withstand the heat, there are some amazing views to capture. Dante's View and Zabriskie Point are relatively easy to reach because they are only a short distance from the parking lot. You will also want to see Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the United States. If you plan on hiking in the park, make sure that you have half a gallon of water to drink every hour for each person walking with you.

Nearby State Parks

Caswell Memorial State Park

Caswell Memorial State Park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature during your trip. You will be able to swim in the river or take a walk on the trails in the park, which are well-maintained and easy for a child to manage. Fishing is also an activity that is often enjoyed in the park.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is a park that pays tribute to nearly 300 families that settled in the area. The park has nine historical buildings that you can explore as you learn about the families who settled here. The community consists of a school, church, library, hotel, and several homes. The community was built by the highest-ranking black officer in the U.S. military so that black families could live freely outside of the Southern sharecropping system.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a 27,000-acre park that is located about 80 miles east of Bakersfield. It has stunning rock formations that are very picturesque throughout the park. One of the main attractions in the park is the wildflowers that bloom during the spring. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are great ways to spend the day at this park.

Along the Way

Boomers

For anyone who is traveling with children or for those who are young at heart, Boomers offers a ton of activities that the entire family can enjoy. There are go-karts that you can ride, miniature golf that you can play, and bumper boats to make a splash with. Join in a game of laser tag or just play some arcade games while you are at Boomers in Livermore, CA, right outside of San Jose. 

Rainbow Pool

To help you cool off during your trip, stop by the Rainbow Pool, a swimming hole that is right near Yosemite National Park. You can dip your feet in the water, go for a swim, or courageously jump from the rocks into the pools below. Fishing and hiking can also be enjoyed in this area.

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

If you enjoy learning about history, then make sure to include visiting the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, which is near Bakersfield, on this road trip itinerary from San Jose to Bishop. This national monument tells the story of his life and his leadership of the non-violent protests that he led to improve farmworkers' working conditions in the United States.

Manzanar National Historic Site

The Manzanar National Historic Site is another site that has a lot of history. This location, near Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks, is one of the 10 internment camps where Japanese-Americans were held by the government during World War II. In 1942, over 110,000 individuals were sent to these camps, and this site sheds light on what happened during that time. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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