RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
Before you turn the key in the City of Angels, here is a quick overview of what to expect on this spectacular California loop.
| Trip Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Los Angeles, California (Roundtrip) |
| Total Distance | 1,456 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 13 Days |
| States Crossed | California |
| Best Season | Spring and Autumn (Shoulder Seasons) |
| Traveler Profile | Families, Nature Enthusiasts, Slow-Travel Advocates |
Charting a circular path entirely within the Golden State, this 13-day itinerary is a masterclass in natural beauty and cultural nostalgia. By sparking your engine in Los Angeles and setting a bold course along the iconic Pacific Coast, you weave together misty marine sanctuaries, towering groves of ancient trees, and the majestic granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevadas. This route offers a quintessentially Californian adventure, perfectly tailored for motorhome travel. Having your accommodations travel with you allows you to wake up to ocean breezes one morning and alpine thundering waterfalls the next.
This journey also champions "The Green Road." By embracing responsible travel and slow-paced exploration, your camper holiday ensures that these fragile coastlines and towering forests remain unspoiled for future generations. The convenience of a roundtrip out of Los Angeles also simplifies logistics, eliminating complex one-way drop-off planning while maximizing your time exploring the diverse landscapes.
To truly appreciate this journey, we recommend breaking the 1,456 mi drive into distinct regional stages. This prevents travel fatigue and allows you to immerse yourself in the changing ecosystems without rushing. The detailed, day-by-day itinerary is available inside RV PLANET, but here is the general rhythm of the road.
Leaving the bustling City of Angels, your initial days are defined by the rhythmic crash of the Pacific Ocean. As you travel northward, the climate shifts into a mild, coastal marine layer. This coastal stretch is ideal for wildlife watching, beachcombing, and enjoying the relaxed pace of seaside towns. Expect manageable driving days that allow plenty of time to pull over at scenic overlooks.
As you approach San Francisco and the surrounding regions, the landscape transitions. Here, the focus shifts to the towering groves of ancient redwoods. The driving becomes incredibly scenic as you navigate through mist-shrouded forests. The pace slows naturally as you spend time hiking beneath these giants, breathing in the crisp, earthy air.
Leaving the coast behind, the route climbs into the Sierra Nevadas, heading toward the iconic granite cliffs and thundering alpine waterfalls of the Yosemite region. This stage requires confident driving as you navigate mountain grades, but the reward is unparalleled natural beauty. Plan for multi-night stays in this region to fully explore the hiking areas and natural features.
The final leg of your journey descends from the mountains and cuts through the agricultural heart of California—the Central Valley. This stretch offers a faster driving pace as you make your way back to Los Angeles. It is a time to reflect on the incredible diversity of the state, stopping at historical sites and point-of-interest markers along the way.
This route is packed with diverse attractions. While specific stops and campground recommendations are available on rvplan.net, here are the overarching themes you will encounter:
We strongly recommend dedicating the full 13 days to this journey. Covering 1,456 mi is a significant undertaking, and a 13-day window allows for a comfortable driving pace, giving you ample time to explore the coast, the forests, and the mountains without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. It is a quintessential California loop that offers three completely different vacations in one: a coastal beach trip, a serene forest retreat, and a dramatic mountain adventure. The sheer diversity of landscapes makes it one of the most rewarding RV trips in North America.
This route is incredibly versatile. The mix of amusement parks and aquariums makes it perfect for families, while the fine dining, art galleries, and secluded hiking trails appeal to couples and solo adventurers. It is ideal for those who appreciate slow travel and environmental stewardship.
The dynamic and diverse climates along this loop dictate the best time to travel. We highly recommend the spectacular, temperate shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The coastal marine layer keeps places like Monterey and San Francisco mild year-round, but venturing into the Central Valley during peak summer brings intense, dry heat. Conversely, the wet winter season can bring heavy snow and road closures to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevadas.
When booking your RV for this Los Angeles roundtrip, consider the total mileage. With a base distance of 1,456 mi, ensure your rental agreement includes sufficient mileage allowances to cover side trips and scenic detours. Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Los Angeles, you will avoid the hefty one-way drop fees often associated with point-to-point California coastal trips.
When budgeting, factor in fuel costs for the varying terrains—mountain climbs will reduce your fuel efficiency compared to flat valley driving. Campground fees will vary widely; coastal and mountain RV parks tend to book up months in advance and command premium rates, while state parks offer fantastic value but require early reservations. For specific campground availability, vehicle sizes, and live rental pricing, utilize the search tools on rvplan.net.
A journey through California’s coastlines, towering redwoods, and majestic waterfalls is a travel milestone. By planning carefully and respecting the diverse environments you traverse, you are guaranteed an unforgettable motorhome holiday. For live pricing, vehicle options, and the complete day-by-day itinerary, visit RV PLANET to finalize your route planning.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Travellers Autobarn USA-26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), El Monte-2026-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $600–$800 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$900 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$800 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$850 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg fuel efficiency, a mix of state park and private campground rates, and shoulder-season travel for a family of four. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Leave the city behind and embrace a slow coastal drive, focusing on marine wildlife and seaside relaxation.
Navigate the misty coastal marine layers into the awe-inspiring quiet of ancient redwood groves.
Ascend into the majestic granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevadas to witness thundering alpine waterfalls.
Descend through California's agricultural heartland, taking time for historical sites before returning to Los Angeles.
Total cost for this 13-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,456 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Los Angeles pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Los Angeles pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Los Angeles route.
Picking up in Los Angeles but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: