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Driving from the Pacific shores of Southern California to the bustling heart of the East Coast is the quintessential American road trip. This expertly paced 22-day journey covers 3,179 mi, weaving through twelve distinct states to deliver an unforgettable cross-country experience. By traveling in an RV, you can embrace the rhythm of slow travel, taking your time to explore towering red rocks, vast plains, historic museums, and iconic urban markets.
| Total Days | 22 Days |
| Total Distance | 3,179 mi |
| Start / End | Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY |
| States Covered | California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah |
| Best For | Families, couples, and long-haul adventurers |
| Best Season | Late Spring, Summer, or Early Autumn |
Crossing the United States requires a balance of driving days and exploration days. Over 22 days, this route breaks the massive 3,179 mi distance into manageable stretches, allowing you to transition smoothly from the arid deserts of the Southwest to the lush, rolling landscapes of the Midwest and the historic Eastern Seaboard. Traveling by motorhome means you have your kitchen, bedroom, and living space with you at all times, making it incredibly convenient to transition between remote natural wonders and vibrant city attractions without the hassle of unpacking at every stop.
A successful coast-to-coast trip relies on regional flow rather than rushing from point to point. While the detailed day-by-day itinerary and interactive map are available inside RV PLAN, here is how the journey unfolds across four distinct stages.
Leaving Los Angeles, the journey begins by trading the Pacific coastline for the vast, rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert. As you cross from California into Nevada and Utah, the landscape transforms into striking red rock formations and deep canyons. This leg requires steady driving but rewards you with some of the most iconic geological features in the country.
Moving eastward, the route climbs into the majestic elevations of Colorado. The air cools and the scenery shifts to alpine forests and towering peaks. After navigating the mountain passes, the terrain gently descends into the Great Plains of Nebraska, offering wide-open skies and a relaxing, rhythmic driving experience.
The middle of your journey is defined by the agricultural heartland of America. Cruising through Iowa and Illinois, you will cross historic rivers and pass through charming midwestern towns. This stage is characterized by shorter driving stints between botanical gardens, local industries, and riverside parks, making it perfect for slow travel.
The final leg winds through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before culminating in New York and New Jersey. You will witness the transition from America's industrial heritage sites into the bustling energy of the East Coast. The driving here involves more navigating through populated corridors, leading you to the grand finale in New York.
This 22-day route offers an incredible diversity of attractions. Here are the prominent themes and highlights you will encounter along the way:
To truly enjoy the 3,179 mi drive without feeling rushed, 22 days is the recommended duration. This allows for an average of a few hours of driving per day, leaving ample time to hike in national parks, explore museums, and enjoy family activities.
Absolutely. A coast-to-coast trip is a bucket-list experience. By traversing 12 states—from California to New York—you get a front-row seat to the changing geography, culture, and history of the United States. It is an unparalleled educational and bonding experience for families and couples alike.
This route is designed for travelers who appreciate variety. With amusement parks, extreme activities, and aquariums, it is highly engaging for families. Meanwhile, the historical sites, fine dining, and heritage tours make it equally appealing to couples and adult groups seeking a comprehensive American tour.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. These shoulder seasons help you avoid the extreme summer heat of the Nevada and Utah deserts, while also keeping you clear of the heavy winter snows in the Colorado Rockies and the Northeast.
Planning a 22-day cross-country rental requires careful attention to logistics. Because you are starting in Los Angeles and ending in New York, you will need to book a one-way RV rental. One-way fees are standard for this type of journey and cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. When reviewing your quote, ensure you understand what is included.
Mileage is another critical factor. At 3,179 mi, you will need to select a generous mileage package. Many suppliers offer unlimited mileage options or pre-purchased blocks of 500 miles, which can be more cost-effective than paying a per-mile overage fee at the drop-off counter. For full pricing details, campground recommendations, and vehicle availability, utilize the live search tools provided on RV PLANET.
From the deserts of the West to the historic markets of the East, this 22-day journey is the road trip of a lifetime. To view the exact day-by-day itinerary, secure your vehicle, and access detailed campground recommendations, visit the full Los Angeles to New York RV Route on RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate American adventure today.
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) | $1,000–$1,300 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $1,050–$1,680 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$1,200 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $800–$1,400 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume 10 mpg for a Class C motorhome, an average of $65/night for mixed campground stays, and shoulder-season travel. 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.
Transition from the sunny Pacific coast through the arid Mojave desert and into the striking red rock landscapes of Nevada and Utah.
Climb into Colorado's dramatic mountain elevations before descending into the vast, open skies of the Great Plains.
Cruise through Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, exploring America's agricultural heartlands and historic river crossings at a relaxed pace.
Wind through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, transitioning from industrial heritage sites to the bustling energy of the New York metropolitan area.
Total cost for this 22-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 3,179 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → New York 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 → New York 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: