Road Trip with RVshare Seattle to Sacramento

You'll find some of the best scenery in the Pacific Northwest on your Seattle to Sacramento RV road trip. Starting out, you can make side trips to visit Olympic National Forest and National Park or Mount Rainier National Park. The city of Portland, which is also known as the City of Roses, Rip City, and Stumptown, offers a wealth of activities as well as entertainment and recreational opportunities. Cruising through Oregon, you pass state and national parks that beckon the outdoor enthusiast. As you cross into California, you'll witness the majestic Mount Shasta and have numerous opportunities to visit more national forests as you make your way south.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

While you can make the road trip from Seattle to Sacrament in one day, it would be most comfortable to break it into two or more days. Here are a few of the cities and towns you'll pass along the way.

Portland 

Portland is a city with thriving music, art, and theater communities. You'll also find a wide range of dining possibilities, making it a great stop on your Seattle to Sacramento RV road trip. Whether staying a few days or just passing through, Portland has a host of dump stations. You'll also find plenty of campgrounds such as the Roamer’s Rest RV Park.

Salem

Salem is the state capital of Oregon and offers plenty of art, entertainment, and dining possibilities. There are many dump stations, including places such as Silver Falls State Park. Campground options abound, including the self-described five-star campground Phoenix RV Park.

Grants Pass

Grants Pass is a lovely small town located along the Rogue River on I-5. If you want to camp here, you'll find plenty of RV campground options such as Schroeder Park.

Redding, California 

Redding is a city of about 90,000 people that lies a couple hours north of Sacramento. Along with restaurants and attractions like Waterworks Park, you'll find plenty of campgrounds to accommodate your RV, including Mountain Gate RV Park and Cottages. If your RV needs a pit stop, you'll also find dump stations.

National Parks

You won't have to deviate very far off of your route if you want to visit national parks on your road trip between Seattle and Sacramento. This part of the country is home to old-growth forests that house some of the largest trees in the country. From high peaks to the deepest lake, nature's beauty is on full display. 

Olympic National Park

Whether you want to walk beside the ocean, stand on a glacier-topped peak, or hike through dense, old-growth forest, Olympic National Park has something for you. The park covers nearly 1 million acres and encompasses a variety of distinct ecosystems. While the park is open year-round, it's most popular in the summer when travelers like to escape the heat of the cities.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier dominates the area around Seattle. Despite being the most glaciated peak in the continental U.S., Mount Rainier is an active volcano. With the peak topping 14,000 feet, Mount Rainier National Park offers a variety of outdoor recreation year-round. In the warmer months, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and strolling through wildflower-strewn meadows, or you can participate in ranger-led programs. During winter, you can take advantage of ranger-led snowshoeing adventures as well as go snowboarding, sledding, and skiing.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is less than two hours from the I-5 corridor and could be an unexpected jewel along your Seattle to Sacramento RV road trip. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and arguably the most pristine. The lake was formed 7,700 years ago when the volcano known as Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed. Visitors can marvel at the incredibly clear, blue water and stunning landscape. Swimming is allowed, but even in the height of summer, the lake's surface temperature rarely goes above 60 degrees. Kids can participate in the junior ranger program, and all ages can enjoy hiking, fishing, and bicycling in the park. In addition to basking in the scenic beauty, winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you want a chance to stretch your legs on your Seattle to Sacramento road trip, Lassen Volcanic National Park has over 150 miles of hiking trails. The area in and around the park has experienced volcanic activity for about 3 million years. Check out the visitor's center to learn about the park, which has all four types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. Lassen Volcanic National Park has a variety of hydrothermal features, including steam and gas vents, thumping and boiling mud pots, boiling pools, and steaming ground. While the hydrothermal features are not safe for bathing, you can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and swimming at the many lakes within the park's boundaries. Other dramatic features include the Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Terminal Geyser.

Yosemite National Park  

The land within Yosemite National Park has been protected since 1864 and encompasses nearly 1,200 square miles. Famed for its waterfalls and world-class climbing, the park is also known for its abundance of wildlife and theatrical displays of nature. You can walk through groves of giant sequoias or explore over 750 miles of hiking trails. The park also offers tours along with ranger-led and interpretive programs. You can join the long list of artists who have captured Yosemite's landscape in a variety of art forms, or you could choose to participate in biking, birding, fishing, horseback riding, or stargazing.

Nearby State Parks

As you cruise along I-5 on your road trip from Seattle to Sacramento, you'll pass by loads of state parks. Here are a few that are worthy of a short detour along the way.

Silver Falls State Park  

If you've always wondered what it's like to walk behind a waterfall, then be sure to include Silver Falls State Park in your road trip itinerary from Seattle to Sacramento. Among the numerous waterfalls, the park boasts four waterfalls that have a natural path going behind the cascading water. The most famous is South Falls, a 177-foot curtain waterfall. You'll find it along the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls. The park offers many different trails of a variety of length and difficulty, and all except the Canyon Trail allow dogs on leashes. The day-use area has picnic tables, horseshoe pits, barbeque stands, and an area to let you dog run off-leash.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is part of the Redwood National and State Park complex that is co-managed by both the California State Parks and the National Park System. The park was established in 1829 and contains 7% of the world's remaining old-growth redwood forest. The dense redwood forest has a primeval feel with giant ferns and towering trees that cast the area into deep shade. In addition to hiking on the trails, you can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking on the crystal-clear Smith River.

Castle Crags State Park

The entrance to Castle Crags State Park is less than a mile off I-5 in the north end of the Sacramento Valley. The park is named for the 6,000-feet tall granite spires that were formed 170 million years ago. It features 28 miles of hiking trails, with routes that offer everything from a leisurely stroll to a strenuous adventure. You'll find picnic tables along the Sacramento River, and fishing is allowed.

Along the Way

International Rose Test Garden

For a fragrant stop on your Seattle to Sacramento RV road trip, visit the International Rose Test Garden in Portland. The garden is located in Washington Park, which also houses the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children's Museum, Portland Japanese Garden, and the World Forestry Center. The garden is one of the 11 rose test gardens of the American Garden Rose Selections (AGRS). This test garden includes the Miniature Rose Garden, one of only six such test gardens for the American Rose Society (ARS) miniature rose test program. Amenities include paved walking paths, a fountain, a gift shop, and guided tours.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Cave tours are the main attraction at the Oregon Caves. You can choose from a variety of options, with everything from a kid-friendly tour to a full off-trail caving adventure. If you don't like enclosed spaces, you can enjoy the light of day at one of their many hiking trails through the surrounding forests. In addition to the variety of bats inside the caves, the area is home to an estimated 130 species of birds, amphibians such as the Pacific tree frog and giant salamander, and a host of mammals ranging in size from the diminutive Siskiyou chipmunk to the large American brown bear.

The Oregon Vortex

Prepare to have your senses altered at the Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery. This quirky roadside attraction has demonstrations that seem to defy the laws of physics. The visual and perceptual natural phenomena make it seem as if balls roll uphill and the relative size of two people becomes reversed. 

Folsom Prison Museum

Folsom Prison was the site of one of Johnny Cash's infamous prison concerts from the 1960s. The museum is located just outside the gates. Only about a half-hour from the center of Sacramento, Folsom Prison Museum houses an array of artifacts such as weapons made by inmates as well as photos and memorabilia from Cash's concerts.

Nature is the centerpiece of many destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Your Seattle to Sacramento road trip will take you by or near a number of places that showcase nature's phenomenal variety. To get the most out of your trip, you can rent an RV from RVshare in Seattle, Sacramento, and many points in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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