11 Must-See California Van Life Road Trip Destinations

Explore 11 must-see California road trip destinations perfect for van life from the Bay Area. Experience breathtaking national parks and epic roads, making unforgettable memories on your journey.

Top California Road Trip Destinations for Van Lifers:

1. Joshua Tree National Park

2. Death Valley National Park

3. Mammoth Mountain & Lake

4. Yosemite National Park

5. Big Sur

6. Sequoia National Park

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park

8. San Elijo State Beach

9. Mojave National Preserve

10. Lake Tahoe

11. Bonus: Redwood National and State Parks

    
    

    

Joshua Tree National Park

Experience the unique desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, a must-visit for van life enthusiasts exploring California. Managed by the National Park Service, the park offers multiple campgrounds with varying amenities, many of which are open year-round and don't require reservations—perfect for spontaneous road trips in your converted camper rental from the Bay Area.

For stunning sunset views, consider the high-elevation Black Rock and Hidden Valley campgrounds. Black Rock requires reservations and provides water, a dump station, flush toilets, and fire grates—ideal for camper vans. Hidden Valley operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers a more rustic experience with pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates.

Death Valley National Park

Discover one of the most unique landscapes at Death Valley National Park. With multiple year-round campgrounds, such as Furnace Creek and Sunset, you'll find amenities like water, dump stations, and, at Furnace Creek, RV hookups, tables, and fire pits. For a budget-friendly option, Wildrose Campground is free and offers basic amenities.

Private campgrounds with additional amenities like swimming pools are also available but require reservations. This extreme environment provides an unforgettable van life experience.

Mammoth Mountain/Lake

Whether it's hiking and swimming in the summer or skiing in the winter, Mammoth Mountain and Lake have it all. Mammoth Mountain RV Park is open year-round and offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and even an indoor pool—perfect for van life travelers needing a bit of luxury.

For a more rustic experience, Tuff Campground offers RV sites without hookups and allows fishing. Keep in mind that most campgrounds here close from October to April, so plan accordingly.

Yosemite National Park

No California road trip is complete without visiting Yosemite National Park. With 13 campgrounds open to the public year-round, this glacial valley offers majestic natural beauty, extensive hiking trails, climbing routes, and scenic roads.

RV-friendly sites are scattered throughout the park, all providing water taps. Only Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp have showers, and the sole year-round dump station is at Upper Pines Campground. Reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons.

Big Sur

Explore the stunning coastal views and waterfalls of Big Sur, a perfect destination for van lifers. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers over 90 campgrounds and cabins, along with free public restrooms. Campgrounds range from luxury resorts to more rustic sites.

Fernwood Campground and Resort provides amenities like showers, flush toilets, a camp store, and electric hookups for $70–$100 per night, depending on the season. For a more budget-friendly option, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground costs $35–$50 per night and includes showers, flush toilets, and a dump station but no hookups. Reservations are highly recommended as sites can fill up six months in advance.

Sequoia National Park

Home to General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, Sequoia National Park is a natural wonder. Along with Kings Canyon, the park offers campsites like Azalea and Potwisha that are open year-round. Both provide potable water and flush toilets, with Azalea featuring a camp store and Potwisha offering a dump station. Rates are $22 per night for up to six people.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Experience diverse landscapes at Lassen Volcanic National Park, from flower-filled meadows and pristine lakes to towering volcanoes. Campsites near every lake offer basic amenities like flush toilets. Group sites are available at Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Manzanita Lake. The park's varied hiking trails cater to all levels, making it a great stop for van life explorers.

San Elijo State Beach

If surfing is on your agenda, San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas is the perfect coastal stop. Park your camper right by the Pacific Ocean and wake up to the sound of waves. The campground offers RV-friendly sites with full hookups and a dump station, making it ideal for van life travelers. It's also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along.

Don't miss a visit to the iconic Pannikin Coffee & Tea for a delicious brew and light snacks to enjoy on the beach. With its laid-back vibe and stunning coastal views, San Elijo is a quintessential California experience.

Mojave National Preserve

Spanning 1.6 million acres, the Mojave National Preserve offers endless exploration opportunities. Traverse diverse hiking trails ranging from the easy Ring Loop Trail to the challenging Kelso Dunes ascent. A must-see is the Lava Tubes, where you can descend into ancient volcanic tunnels.

Two developed campgrounds—Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills—are perfect for camper vans, though they lack hookups. Hole-in-the-Wall offers a dump station, and both operate on a first-come, first-served basis, ideal for impromptu adventures.

Lake Tahoe

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Paddleboard across crystal-clear waters or fish for trout along the shore. For a bird's-eye view, take a hot air balloon ride over the lake.

Campgrounds like Meeks Bay Resort and Marina or Campground by the Lake.

Bonus: Redwood National and State Parks

Step back in time among the ancient giants of Redwood National and State Parks. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the park protects a majority of the world's redwoods.

Explore over 200 miles of trails, including the elevated Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, where sunlight filters through the towering canopy. RV camping is only permitted in developed campgrounds, which do not offer hookups but provide a serene setting amid these majestic trees.

These top California road trip destinations are perfect for van life enthusiasts of all kinds—whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family. Begin your adventure by picking up a converted camper rental in the Bay Area and set off to explore all the incredible sights that California has to offer.