What are the requirements to rent an RV in California?

Most rental companies require renters to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Some may allow renters as young as 21 with additional insurance coverage.

Do I need a special driver’s license to rent an RV in California?

No, a standard Class C driver’s license is sufficient for most RV rentals under 26,000 lbs. Larger RVs may require a commercial license.

How much does it cost to rent an RV in California?

Rental costs vary depending on the RV type, season, and rental duration. Expect to pay between $100 to $300 per night for standard models and $300+ for luxury motorhomes.

Are there mileage and generator usage limits when renting an RV?

Many rentals include a set number of free miles per day, typically 100-150 miles, with extra charges for exceeding the limit. Generator usage may also be limited, with additional fees for extra hours.

Can I take a rented RV to national parks or campgrounds in California?

Yes, but check size restrictions for specific campgrounds, as some sites have length limits. It’s also recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

RV rental California: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

Discover California RV rentals for memorable road trips

California is one of the most geographically diverse states in the USA. With the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, unique eco-systems in the southern desert regions, and its beautiful Pacific coastline, California's a fantastic place for an RV road trip.

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The California Outdoors

Begin your California road trip with a visit to the first protected nature area in the USA, Yosemite National Park. Two hundred miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite hosts some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada. When you visit between May and October, you can set up camp in one of the park’s rustic campgrounds and spend days exploring. The Yosemite Valley is ideal for hiking, biking, and rafting. Meanwhile, rock climbers from around the globe come to tackle the park’s granite cliff faces. Throughout the winter season, Yosemite becomes a snowy paradise, ideal for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing.Continue your RV road trip from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, bordering Sequoia National Park. Kings Canyon is home to the deepest canyon in the USA as well as glacial lakes and two of the most pristine rivers in the state, the San Joaquin River and the Kings River. The park’s deep valleys provide miles of gorgeous hiking trails and opportunities for mountain biking. There are scenic camping areas suitable for most California RV rentals and several impressive overlooks. Like Yosemite, Kings Canyon National Park is an excellent location for skiing, snow-shoeing, and sledding in the winter season.Another hotspot for rock climbing is Joshua Tree National Park. It’s located 125 miles east of Los Angeles between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The park gets its name from uniquely shaped trees that grow in the dry and dusty landscape. A 400,000-acre area of Joshua Tree is a protected wilderness area, much of which is open for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. In the evenings, you can settle into one of the park’s campgrounds. Camping in the Mojave Desert is a real treat. The unpolluted air and low humidity make this one of the best places for stargazing.Head west with the campervan rental to spend time on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Point Reyes National Seashore is a 100-square-mile park located 37 miles from San Francisco. Made up of extensive grasslands, coastal beaches, and forests, this protected area is a natural haven for many types of wildlife. From the beaches, you can see whales, elephant seals, and harbor seals. On dry land, elk are a common sight and, looking up, you might see northern spotted owls and hawks flying overhead.

Exploring California's Cities

After discovering the beautiful viewpoints in Point Reyes National Seashore, you can return to San Francisco for city sightseeing. San Francisco is known as the unofficial capital of technology, but the city is also brimming with history and international culture. You can admire galleries of 20th-century art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or discover the more historical pieces at the Legion of Honor. Out and about, you can find many trendy cafes and restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf or taste international Asian cuisine in San Francisco’s Chinatown district.The Bay Area around San Francisco is also where some of the best festivals are held. Visit during the San Francisco Carnival to celebrate Latin American and Caribbean culture, dance, and music. Alternatively, you can shop for souvenirs at the San Francisco International Arts Fair or the Renegade Craft Fair. For the best jazz music, rent an RV in the summertime and camp during the Filmore Jazz Festival.There’s no need to drive your RV inside the city. Many of the nearby RV parks are connected to L.A.’s city center by the Metrolink or Metro Rail. Dockweiler RV Park and Hollywood RV Park both offer campsites with full hookups, swimming pools, restrooms, and laundry facilities. If you prefer to sleep a little farther from the city lights, Acton/Los Angeles North KOA offers tranquil campsites in the Soledad Canyon.Visitors who want to learn more about the gold rush era and the land’s Native American heritage can stop by the Sacramento History Museum or visit the museum hosted inside the State Capitol Building. Another popular attraction is the California Railroad Museum, which was the last station on the Pony Express. While exploring the city and nearby state parks, you can park your RV rental at Sac-West RV Park in western Sacramento. The waterfront RV park provides full hookups, WiFi, and a swimming pool.