9-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

California is arguably the most popular state in the United States. Dramatic cliffside drives, ancient forests and towering mountains abound. That’s not even mentioning the cities, history and culture in each region. You can travel there anytime of the year too, but with so much to see and do it can be overwhelming to plan an RV rental road trip. Fortunately, we’ve partnered with Visit California and put together the ultimate 9-day California road trip itinerary. Here’s how to make the most out of your Golden State vacation.

Road Trip
Packing Tips
Driving & Camping Information
Useful Apps

Day 1: Start your trip by exploring Los Angeles

Movie stars? Iconic beaches? World-renowned theme parks? Los Angeles has it all and more. Pick up your RV rental in LA and start your adventure in the heart of Hollywood. Get a glimpse of the glitz and glamour by visiting popular attractions like the Walk of Fame or explore Venice Beach and Santa Monica by bike with Bikes & Hikes LA.

Campgrounds recommendation: Dockweiler RV Park (23 minutes from Santa Monica)

Day 2: Discover the unique allure of Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a majestic High Desert national park that boasts stunning landscapes, rugged rock formations and jaw-dropping stargazing opportunities. Book an RV rental and snap a shot at Arch Rock or Skull Rock. Walk through the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset to finish the day. Pappy & Harriets, a quirky BBQ joint and music venue, is worth stopping by for a bite to eat.

Campgrounds recommendation: Jumbo Rocks Campground (12 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park)

Day 3: See the famous Alabama Hills

The dry, gritty and weathered Alabama Hills have been the backdrop to countless Hollywood movies, making it a must-visit on our California road trip itinerary. Marvel at the unique rock formations or hike one of the many trails in the area. Don’t miss Mobius Arch, which frames Mount Whitney perfectly. Pro tip: use your camper van rental to detour via the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest on the way to Lake Tahoe to see some of the oldest living trees in the world.

Campgrounds recommendation: Tuttle Creek Campground (9 minutes from Alabama Hills)

Day 4: Check out the stunning Lake Tahoe area

Lake Tahoe has long been a popular vacation spot for Californians. This alpine lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains and offers endless outdoor activities, from boating and hiking to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Emerald Bay State Park is a must-see spot, with its crystal clear waters and scenic overlook. As is the town of Truckee, with its charming shops and restaurants.

Campgrounds recommendation: Tahoe Valley Campground (3 minutes from Tahoe Valley)

Day 5: Kayak the dramatic Feather River Canyon

Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon offers some of the most breathtaking views in California. Take a break from driving and hit the water by kayaking or rafting through the canyon. The winding river, towering cliffs and lush forests make for an unforgettable RV rental experience. Gold rush artefacts, like the iconic Keddie Wye railroad bridge, are what make our California road trip itinerary so unique!

Campgrounds recommendation: Feather River Hot Springs (38 minutes from Feather River Canyon)

Day 6: Marvel at ancient redwoods in the Avenue of the Giants

If redwoods had a slogan it would be “Bigger is better”! The Avenue of the Giants takes this to heart with its 31-mile scenic drive through towering redwood forests. Stop at Founder’s Grove, a popular spot for photos with its Fallen Monarch and Founders Tree. For a unique experience, visit the Drive-Thru Tree Park where you can literally drive your camper van rental through a massive redwood tree.

Campgrounds recommendation: Giant Redwoods RV Park (9 minutes from the Avenue of Giants)

Day 7: Feel the rugged beauty of Big Sur

Nowhere else on the California coast yells rugged beauty like Big Sur. This 90-mile stretch of breathtaking coastline boasts towering cliffs, turquoise waters and prehistoric-looking beaches. Make stops at McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach to take in the iconic views. And don’t forget to visit the famous Nepenthe restaurant for some delicious food and unbeatable ocean views. It’s one of the most special stops on our California road trip itinerary.

Campgrounds recommendation: Fernwood Resort & Campground (20 minutes from McWay Falls)

Day 8: See the world's largest tree in Sequoia National Park

If you thought the redwoods were impressive, wait until you see the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park. The General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume, is a must-see attraction during your RV rental experience in California. Take a hike through Giant Forest to see more massive sequoias and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Campgrounds recommendation: Lodgepole Campground (20 minutes from Sequoia National Park)

Day 9: Head back to Los Angeles for your last day

Camper Van Parked Near Palm Trees With Cyclists

All trips must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. Leave early and wind your way back to LA taking plenty of leisurely stops along the way. Decompress after the drive by strolling along Santa Monica Pier or grab some last-minute souvenirs before returning your RV rental.

Packing guide for your 9-day California road trip

What you pack for your 9-day California road trip itinerary will depend on the season. However, these essentials are recommended no matter when you go:

Comfortable walking and hiking shoes
A lightweight jacket or hoodie
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Small binoculars for wildlife viewing
Layered clothing for changing temperatures
Swimsuit (for kayaking, swimming and hot springs)
Daypack or backpack for outdoor excursions
Insect repellent for hikes and camping
Reusable water bottle

Find more packing tips here:

→ Packing Guide for Camping

Traffic and camping rules to be aware of during your road trip in California

No California road trip itinerary is complete without a few traffic and camping rules. We’re all for ethical camper van rental. As such, these are our top dos and don’ts for your trip:

DO follow speed limits and traffic laws at all times
DON’T camp or park overnight in undesignated areas
DO research camping rules and regulations before setting up camp
DON’T leave any trash behind on campsites or while driving. Leave no trace!
DO respect the natural beauty of the places you visit and practice responsible tourism
DON’T drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Useful apps & insider tips for your 9-day California road trip

Spend less time crawling the internet and more time enjoying your RV rental road trip with these useful apps and insider tips:

Download the iOverlander app for helpful information on free camping spots, amenities and reviews from other travelers
Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route
Check out Campendium for detailed campground reviews and up-to-date information