There’s nothing like taking to the open road on a trip to Carmel, CA in a motorhome! Traveling in an RV gives you flexibility most other forms of travel don’t. If you’re in a spot you love, you can linger longer. If you’re not thrilled with your spot for the night, you can pack up and move on the next day. Traveling in a motorhome allows you to see the country, and Carmel, CA in a way that many people don’t have an opportunity to experience.
The fact that you don’t own an RV doesn’t need to stop you, either! Renting a motorhome or camper can be a great introduction to RV life. If you rent with RVshare, you’ll have 24-hour roadside assistance available to you, with someone on-hand to answer any questions you have at any time.
Browse 600 roomy Class A RVs and motorhomes, smaller Class B campervans, or Class C campers that are the perfect middle ground between the two. Carmel, CA also has 5th wheels, toy haul trailers if you want to bring along ATVs, boats, or other fun equipment, and so much more.
While you’re considering a camper rental, keep in mind that many renters also offer a discount the longer you rent. If you’re renting a motorhome for a week-long, or month-long, trip, your cost per night could end up being less than the price listed on the main page. Simply click on the vehicle you’ve chosen, and scroll down to see weekly and monthly rental rates for that vehicle.
You can search for the perfect option for you, and narrow your search by price, RV type, or year of vehicle. You can look for vehicles that are pet-friendly. You can even choose between a one-way rental that you drop off at your destination, or a round-trip rental. If you don’t want to drive all the way from your home to Carmel, CA, you can also consider flying into town and renting an RV there to use on your trip.
As you plan your trip, be sure to check our top picks here to help you decide on your activities. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor getaway, a trip steeped in the area’s history, or an upscale vacation with world-class dining and shopping, there’s something for everyone in our guide! Get suggestions on nearby national and state parks to visit and campgrounds where you can stay close by. Also, get guidance on local restaurants, art galleries, and shopping - you’re sure to find something to interest you! Be sure to check the Events & Entertainment section for live music, sporting events, festivals, and other timely events while you’re in town. Our practical help includes ideas on road trips starting in Carmel, CA, and offers information on RV Dump Stations to help you with facilities while you’re there.
Happy trails!
Carmel Mission Basilica Museum: The stunningly magnificent mission in Carmel is a haven of serenity with flowery gardens and a thick-walled cathedral rich with artwork and relics from the Spanish Colonial period. Franciscan monk Junipero Serra founded the mission in the adjacent town of Monterrey in 1770. Still, it was compelled to relocate to Carmel two years later due to poor land and the corrupting influence of Spanish soldiers. In his previous quarters, where you can also see his sparsely furnished cell that appears to have come straight out of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", he is interred in a chapel-like space. However, the elaborately designed casket in the adjoining Mora Chapel Gallery is empty and only serves as a memorial made in the 1920s by sculptor Jo Mora. Carmel Beach: This picturesque beach is one of the most popular in the area. Its pier stretches nearly a quarter-mile into the Pacific Ocean, and its charming shops line the streets just beyond it. The city’s famous Mission Basilica San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, which dates back to 1770, sits atop a hill overlooking the beach. One of the most famous sights in iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is its magnificent white sand beach. Carmel Beach continues to be breathtaking to first-time tourists and locals making the daily trek, whether standing above the beach on the route along the scenic Cypress tree-lined Scenic Road or feeling the sand beneath your feet. 17 Mile Drive: On the Monterey Peninsula in California, 17 Mile Drive is a scenic route that runs through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Much of the route hugs the Pacific coastline and passes renowned golf courses, mansions, and scenic landmarks like the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and the 5,300-acre Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees. The red-dotted line on 17-Mile Drive will lead you to a magical place with breathtaking coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, ethereal forests, and renowned golf courses.
To the northwest of Carmel is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park. This park is especially beautiful when the foliage turns a brilliant red during fall. The Tuolumne Meadows Campground has sites with hookups for RVs. Pinnacles National Park is not far from Carmel, California. This park is home to spectacular rock formations, including spires, pinnacles, and caves. The park's diverse habitats support a wide variety of plants and animals. Pinnacles National Park was created by the eruption, flow, and slide of many volcanoes about 23 million years ago. They pass through chaparral, oak forests, and canyon bottoms in their travels. Rare talus tunnels are preferred by hikers, who then emerge to see towering rock spires abounding with wildlife, including prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the impressive California condor. Sequoia National Park: One of the most famous sights in iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is its magnificent white sand beach. Carmel Beach continues to be breathtaking to first-time tourists and locals making the daily trek, whether standing above the beach on the route along the scenic Cypress tree-lined Scenic Road or feeling the sand beneath your feet.
Some of RVshare’s favorite state parks are located near Carmel, California. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of them, with scenic views and various activities for visitors of all ages. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park has more than 100 miles of hiking trails, so it's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park also has more than 50 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping reservations are not accepted at this park. Leo Carrillo State Park is located in Malibu, California. It has 1,900 acres of land with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This park also has an ocean beach popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing. The New Brighton State Beach is located in San Diego County, and it has 3,000 acres of land with a wide variety of activities, including surfing, swimming, and fishing. Sunset State Beach: It is possible to view herds of bottlenose dolphins in the summer and fall. The beach has high sand dunes, pine trees, and picnic areas beside the water.
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a must-see for anyone interested in aviation history. This site commemorates the Dayton area's role in the development of aviation. Three significant historical figures—Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar—and their contributions to the Miami Valley are honored at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the life, career, and presidency of one of America's most important early 20th-century politicians. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a mile north of Downtown in Cincinnati, Ohio's Mount Auburn Historic District, at 2038 Auburn Avenue. The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park portrays the life and times of one of America's most important Revolutionary War heroes. The Park is situated in Vincennes, Indiana, on the Wabash River's banks at what is thought to be the location of Fort Sackville. The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument portrays the experiences of African American soldiers in the 19th-century United States Army. Charles Young faced many challenges during his life as he rose to fame. Young advanced through the military ranks to become one of the most admired leaders of his era despite overt racism and oppressive inequity.
- Carmel is a great place to RV in California. - Indiana State Fair Campground, White River Campground, and Glo Wood Campground are some popular campgrounds nearby. - Many campgrounds offer amenities like electric hookups, Wi-Fi, and a free dump station. -The campgrounds offer areas for both full hookup and rustic camping. Full hookup sites are accessible from April through October (weather permitting).
- There are a few options in Carmel, California, where you can dump your tanks. - The Flying J Travel Plaza No. 652 is just miles from the city center, while the Flying J Travel Plaza and Flying J Travel Plaza No. 656 are just outside the city limits. - These sites have access to bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. - You can also check the Kokomo Wastewater Treatment RV dump station near Carmel.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Carmel, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Carmel?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Carmel from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Carmel?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
