California is one of the most spectacular states in the country to travel by RV — and one of the most challenging. Here's an honest accounting of both.
The Case for California
The arguments in favor of California are overwhelming on paper. The coastline alone — from the redwoods of the north to the cliffs of Big Sur to the beaches of San Diego — is worth a dedicated trip. Add Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, the wine country of Napa and Sonoma, the food culture of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the sheer variety of landscapes packed into one state, and you have an argument that's hard to counter. California is genuinely extraordinary.
"California is genuinely extraordinary — and it requires more planning than most states."
The Challenges of Traveling California by RV
The practical realities of RV travel in California are more complicated. Campground reservations — especially in the state parks — need to be made months in advance, and popular sites book up within minutes of becoming available. Fuel costs are consistently higher than the national average. Many of the most scenic roads are narrow, winding, and not suitable for larger rigs. And the cost of everything, from groceries to campground fees, reflects the state's overall cost of living. None of this is a reason to skip California, but it requires more planning than most states.
What We'd Do Differently
Traveling California again, we'd plan further ahead, travel in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall rather than summer), and spend more time in the less-visited parts of the state — the Central Valley, the Eastern Sierra, the far north. The iconic destinations are iconic for good reason, but the crowds at peak season can undermine the experience. California rewards patience and preparation. Go in with both, and it delivers.
