Renting an RV in San Diego opens up a world of adventure, whether you're a family looking for a unique vacation, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a group of friends craving an epic road trip. San Diego is the perfect starting point for a campervan journey thanks to its sunny weather, beautiful coastline, and easy access to many national parks and scenic driving routes.
RV rental in San Diego is a popular choice. Here are some travel tips for your road trip, and sample itineraries to help you make the most of your RV rental.
Which Rental Companies have a depot in San Diego?
Two main popular rental companies operate in San Diego:
Cruise America: One of the longest-established rental companies in the USA, offers a fleet of modern RVs:
C21
C25
C30
Located in Spring Valley, 15 minutes from downtown San Diego.
El Monte RV: Well-established, with a modern fleet:
Class C Small
Class C Medium
Class C Large
Class C Family Sleeper
Class A Family Sleeper
Why Choose an RV Rental in San Diego?
Freedom and Flexibility
Renting an RV gives you the freedom to create your own schedule and travel wherever you want without being tied to hotel bookings or strict itineraries. Whether you want to explore San Diego’s beautiful beaches, head up the Pacific Coast Highway, or venture inland to the mountains and deserts, your RV gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Great for travelling with children. Stop when you need to and eat when you like. Self-catering saves a lot, especially when you are feeding a family. Being able to stock up at local stores and markets helps with catering for a family or a group of friends, and it’s cheaper.
Cost-Effective Travel
When travelling with family or friends, an RV rental can be more cost-effective than staying in hotels. Plus, with a motorhome or campervan, you can cook your own meals, saving money on eating out. The cost of RV parks and campgrounds is often much cheaper than hotels or motels, especially when there are many travelling together.
Freedom camping or “boondocking” is permitted in some areas of California, offering savings on campsite fees. Freedom camping can be permitted on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
One-Way and Return Rentals
Both Cruise America and El Monte RV rental companies in San Diego offer one-way rentals. This allows you to start your trip in San Diego and end it somewhere else without having to circle back. For example, a popular one-way RV trip is from San Diego to Seattle or Las Vegas. On the other hand, if you prefer a return journey, you can explore many routes that loop back to San Diego in 28 days, such as a coastal journey up to Oregon and back.
Travel Tips for Your San Diego RV Adventure
1. Plan Your Route, But Stay Flexible
While part of the charm of RV travel is spontaneity, it helps to have a basic route planned out. Make sure to research your destinations and have a general idea of where you’ll stay each night. Apps like RV Parky or Campendium can help you find campgrounds and parks along your route. Roadtripper, TripIt, and Waze are all popular apps to help you with planning your route.
2. Book Popular Campgrounds Early
In peak seasons (spring, summer, and around holidays), popular campgrounds, especially near national parks like Joshua Tree or along the coast, fill up quickly. Booking ahead is crucial to secure a spot.
3. Understand Wild Camping Rules
Wild camping (or boondocking) is allowed in certain public lands, like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and some national forests. However, make sure to follow "Leave No Trace" principles and check for local regulations. Wild camping is typically free but comes without amenities, so ensure your RV is self-sufficient for water, waste, and power.
4. Pack Smart for RV Travel
Even though RV rental in San Diego offers ample storage, packing light is key for comfortable travel. Stick to the essentials: layered clothing, comfortable shoes for hiking, cooking supplies, and of course, your favourite road trip snacks. Don’t forget camping chairs for sitting outside under the stars!
5. Drive Safely and Follow RV Etiquette
Driving a larger vehicle like an RV requires extra caution, especially on narrow or winding roads. Always be mindful of speed limits and give yourself plenty of time to brake. At campgrounds, respect quiet hours, keep your campsite clean, and be a courteous neighbour.
Suggested Itineraries for Your San Diego RV Road Trip
Two-Week Coastal Route (San Diego – San Francisco – Return)
This journey takes you up the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), one of the most scenic drives in the world, with stops at:
San Diego: Start by enjoying the sun and beaches of La Jolla and exploring Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Los Angeles: Visit the Griffith Observatory, stroll down Venice Beach, or head to Disneyland for family fun.
Santa Barbara: Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and stunning beaches.
Big Sur: Camp by the ocean cliffs and take in the breathtaking views of Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
San Francisco: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Alcatraz Island, and visit the Fisherman’s Wharf.
Return to San Diego: Take a quicker inland route through Santa Cruz and Monterey.
28-Day One-Way Adventure (San Diego to Seattle)
This route allows you to explore a diverse range of landscapes, from California’s beaches to the forests of the Pacific Northwest:
San Diego: Begin by exploring the coast, and maybe make a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Park your camper and walk across the border. Many rental companies will not insure your vehicle to travel into Mexico.
Santa Cruz and the Redwoods: See the famous redwoods and visit the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Yosemite National Park: Hike around El Capitan and enjoy the waterfalls and giant cliffs. Check booking an entrance pass, especially in peak season.
Oregon Coast: Visit quaint coastal towns like Cannon Beach.
Seattle, Washington: End your journey with a visit to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and local coffee shops.
28-Day Return Trip (San Diego – Grand Canyon – Utah – Return)
This itinerary is ideal for nature lovers, offering a blend of desert landscapes, national parks, and stunning canyons:
San Diego: Start with a few days in San Diego, then head east towards the desert.
Joshua Tree National Park: Camp under the stars and explore the park’s famous rock formations.
Grand Canyon: Spend a few days at one of the world's natural wonders.
Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon (Utah): Stunning red rock landscapes and incredible hiking opportunities.
Las Vegas: For a change of pace, stop by Las Vegas for some fun before heading back to San Diego.
Why Choose Us for Your Campervan and Motorhome Hire in San Diego?
Our RV rental service in San Diego is designed with you in mind. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with friends, we offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs. From spacious motorhomes perfect for families to compact campervans ideal for couples or small groups, we provide well-maintained, easy-to-drive options that come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable trip.
Our service stands out for several reasons:
Extensive Vehicle Selection: We offer both motorhomes and campervans with various layouts to fit different group sizes and preferences.
24/7 Roadside Assistance: You’re never alone on the road. Our roadside assistance is available around the clock in case of any issues.
Flexible Rental Terms: We cater to short-term, long-term, and one-way rentals, giving you the flexibility to design your perfect trip.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Addressing Common Concerns About Renting an RV
1. Driving a Large Vehicle
Many people are worried about driving an RV for the first time. Rest assured, modern campervans and motorhomes are equipped with features like rear cameras, GPS, and power steering to make driving easier. You’ll also receive a thorough introduction to the vehicle before hitting the road.
2. Finding Places to Stay
San Diego and the surrounding areas offer a variety of RV parks and campgrounds with full hookups (electricity, water, and sewage). You can also take advantage of public lands for free or low-cost camping, especially if you’re travelling inland.
3. Costs
While the upfront rental cost may seem high, renting an RV often works out cheaper than booking flights and hotels for an extended trip. You can also save money by cooking your meals and staying at affordable campgrounds.
Where to camp and spend nights:
San Diego Metro KOA Resort: Family-friendly with full hookups, close to town.
Silver Strand State Beach: Camp by the beach with views of the ocean.
Wild Camping Options: If you're venturing further out, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park allows for wild camping with stunning desert landscapes.
Key Attractions and Events in San Diego
San Diego Comic-Con: If you're a fan of pop culture, plan your trip around this major annual event.
Balboa Park: Home to numerous museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum.
La Jolla Cove: Great for snorkelling, kayaking, and seal watching.
Old Town San Diego: Explore the historic roots of San Diego with traditional Mexican cuisine and live mariachi music.
Getting Around
Although you’ll have your RV, consider using public transportation (bus, train) when exploring cities. San Diego’s MTS Trolley is an easy way to get around without having to worry about parking a larger vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Renting an RV in San Diego gives you the flexibility to design the perfect vacation, whether it’s a family road trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with friends. With proper planning, you can see the best of the West Coast, from iconic cities to breathtaking national parks. So why wait? Start planning your RV rental in SanDiego today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
