Road Trip with RVshare Seattle to Los Angeles

A road trip along the West Coast offers a wealth of recreational and entertainment activities to choose from. Terrain and climate will vary widely on your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip and can take you through the depths of the redwood forests, the arid landscape around Mount Shasta, and the agricultural hubs around Sacramento and Fresno. Several majestic national parks can add just an hour or two to the overall drive time. By bypassing Sacramento with a trip to San Francisco, you only add a few minutes to the overall trip, but you gain all the cultural and culinary treasures of the City by the Bay as well as get dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Portland

The motto here is "Keep Portland Weird." While you're on your Seattle to Los Angeles RV road trip, you'll find plenty of RV parks and dump stations. One dump station is at Jantzen Beach RV Resort, which is right at the border of Washington and Oregon. Some of the RV parks feature unusual amenities, such as the on-site gym at Portland Fairview RV Park.

Grants Pass

Grants Pass, OR, sits on the Rogue River, a popular waterway for fishing and rafting. It's the gateway to outdoor recreation in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Umpqua National Forest. You'll find plenty of private and county RV campgrounds, such as Schroeder Park.

San Francisco

Known for hippies, cable cars, and Alcatraz, San Francisco has something for everyone. You'll also find a host of RV parks, such as San Francisco RV Resort, that offer full hookups for all sizes of RV.

Sacramento

You might want to make this Gold Rush town part of your road trip itinerary from Seattle to Los Angeles. You'll find loads of RV campgrounds to relax at. Campgrounds such as SacWest RV Park & Campground can be a whole vacation unto themselves.

Fresno

If you're looking for budget-friendly RV campgrounds on your Seattle to Los Angeles RV road trip, plan to make a stop in Fresno. Many of the RV parks in and around Fresno offer excellent amenities at affordable prices, such as Three Palms Mobile Home & RV Park of Fresno. While you're there, you'll find plenty of sunshine in this city, which sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

National Parks

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., and Crater Lake National Park is Oregon's only national park. You can easily include a trip to Crater Lake on your Seattle to Los Angeles RV road trip. The drive along the rim offers a spectacular view of the incredibly blue water. During the warmer months, you can make the steep hike down to the water or enjoy many miles of hiking and biking trails. Winter offers several cross-country skiing trails as well as opportunities for snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Redwood National Park

There's a reason why parts of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and other movies were filmed in the redwoods. When you enter the old-growth areas of Redwood National Park, the temperature drops dramatically, and the light dims as it filters through the tallest trees in the world. In this ancient ecosystem, you can hike, bike, ride horses, watch for wildlife, and attend cultural programs by the Tolowa and Yurok tribes.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Yellowstone is not the only place where you'll find bubbling mud pools and geysers. During your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip, you can visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is located in Northern California, near the border with Oregon. Within the park, all four types of volcano are present: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. In the summer, kids can take advantage of the park's Junior Ranger activities, and winter offers ranger-led snowshoeing adventures. The park offers 150 hiking trails where you may encounter all manner of wildlife, big and small. Other activities include boating, horseback riding, fishing, bird-watching, and stargazing.

Yosemite National Park  

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular parks in the U.S. It is known for its world-class climbing, pristine backcountry, and common sightings of bears. You can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year, including auto touring, hiking and backpacking, biking, horseback riding, birding, rock climbing, boating, fishing, and winter sports. There are also a number of ranger-led activities for all ages.

Sequoia National Park  

While redwoods are the tallest trees, the giant sequoia is the largest. The varied terrain in Sequoia National Park offers stunning views of the various peaks and valleys of the Sierra Nevada range. The giant sequoia only grows on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California. The primary activity is strolling among these ancient trees, which can be over 36 feet in diameter. It takes a whole lot of people to hug these trees.

Nearby State Parks

Silver Falls State Park  

If you've always wanted to walk behind a waterfall, Silver Falls State Park is the place to do it. The state park is located just east of Salem, OR, making it an easy addition to your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip itinerary. You'll find South Falls as you hike along the Trail of Ten Falls, and there, you can check out the view from behind this 177-foot curtain of water. You can hike, bike, or ride a horse through the many miles of trails.

Castle Crags State Park

Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and swimming await at Castle Crags State Park in California. In addition to outdoor recreation, this park offers cultural programs from the Okwanuchu Shasta and Wintu tribes.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park near Santa Rosa, CA, makes for a serene stop along your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip. In addition to hiking amid redwood trees and giant ferns, you can take advantage of the astronomy education and interpretation programs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory that is located within the park.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park honors the more than 300 families who settled here in the early 1900s to escape Southern sharecropping. The park near Earlimart, CA, hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Stop at the visitor center to learn about the daily life of the settlers or to get information about a cellphone self-guided tour.

Point Mugu State Park

While only about an hour from Los Angeles, Point Mugu State Park is a world apart. With its more than 70 miles of hiking trails, you can stroll along the beach, hike through a shady river canyon, or traverse valleys in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Along the Way

International Rose Test Garden

Located within Washington Park in Portland, OR, the garden has over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties. The garden is free to visit and can be a pleasant and fragrant stop along your Seattle to Los Angeles RV road trip.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

The natural marble halls deep within the Siskiyou Mountains are a perfect reprieve from a hot summer day. The park near Cave Junction, OR, offers several different types of cave tours, ranging from kid-friendly to full-on off-trail spelunking. If you prefer to stay out of the caves, you'll also find hiking trails through the surrounding forest. If you get hungry, Oregon Caves has a historic lodge with dining facilities.

The Oregon Vortex

This quaint stop is home to the House of Mystery and has been welcoming visitors since the 1930s. It's located near the small town of Gold Hill, which is just north of Medford, OR. Perception is skewed in this sphere of energy. When measured, who is short and who is tall reverses. There are no truly level surfaces, and what appears to go uphill is actually downhill, and vice versa. Just minutes off I-5, the Oregon Vortex can add an element of wonder to your road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Folsom Prison Museum

Another unique option for your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip, the Folsom Prison Museum is located just to the east of Sacramento. Among the artifacts, you can browse memorabilia from Johnny Cash's famous concerts inside the prison walls as well as contraband and other weapons crafted by inmates, walk into cells, and check out photos and other fascinating historical documents.

The West Coast offers endless options for road trips in an RV whether you want to spend a day, a week, a month, or longer. Traveling in an RV allows you to set your own timeline and itinerary. If you don't own an RV, there are plenty of rentals available from RVshare in Seattle, Los Angeles, and many points in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles?

To plan an RV road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles, 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 Seattle to Los Angeles 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 Seattle to Los Angeles. 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!