This 14-day West Coast RV itinerary covers 1,400 miles from San Diego to Seattle, hitting iconic stops like Big Sur, San Francisco, Redwood National Park, and Crater Lake with recommended campgrounds and must-see attractions at each destination. You’ll spend roughly $1,800-2,500 total (including RV rental, campgrounds, and fuel) while experiencing coastal cliffs, ancient forests, and charming seaside towns at your own pace. It’s best to book campgrounds 3-6 months ahead, plan for 200-250 miles daily, and stay flexible when the weather or a hidden beach calls for extra time.
WHAT’S THE BEST 14-DAY WEST COAST RV ITINERARY?
This route balances driving with exploration, giving you time to actually enjoy each destination instead of white-knuckling through endless highway miles. Following the 3-3-3 rule means driving no more than 300 miles per day, arriving by 3 PM, and staying at least 3 days when possible.
DAYS 1-3: SAN DIEGO & ORANGE COUNTY (BASE CAMP)
Miles: Local exploration only
San Diego makes the perfect starting point with abundant RV rentals in Southern California and weather that cooperates 300 days a year.
Must-See Stops:
- La Jolla Cove for sea lions and kayaking
- Balboa Park’s museums and gardens
- Coronado Island’s pristine beaches
- Mission Bay for paddleboarding
Campground Pick: San Elijo State Beach (right on the coast, $65/night with hookups, book 6 months ahead)
Alternative: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve (full hookups, family-friendly, $70/night)
DAYS 4-5: SANTA BARBARA & CENTRAL COAST
Miles from San Diego: 220 miles (4 hours)
The transition from Southern to Central California brings wine country, Danish architecture, and that perfect “California coastal town” vibe you’ve seen in movies.
Must-See Stops:
- Solvang’s Danish bakeries (trust us on the aebleskiver)
- Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf
- Refugio State Beach for tide pooling
Campground Pick: El Capitan State Beach (beachfront sites, $65/night, whale watching from your campsite in winter)
DAYS 6-8: BIG SUR & MONTEREY BAY (THE MONEY SHOT)
Miles from Santa Barbara: 180 miles (4.5 hours with stops)
Big Sur delivers jaw-dropping ocean views with dramatic cliffs and the iconic Bixby Bridge. It’s one of the most photographed stretches of the entire journey. Drive slow, stop often, and don’t skip McWay Falls.
Must-See Stops:
- Bixby Bridge (arrive early for photos without crowds)
- McWay Falls (waterfall onto beach, short walk)
- Point Lobos State Reserve (best tide pooling)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (world-class, worth the admission)
- 17-Mile Drive in Carmel
Campground Pick: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (among the redwoods, $50/night, maximum 32-foot RVs)
Backup: Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey (ocean views, full hookups, $75/night)
Pro Tip: Many Big Sur campgrounds close in winter due to storm damage. So check California State Parks for the current status before finalizing dates.
DAYS 9-10: SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Miles from Monterey: 120 miles (2.5 hours)
The Golden Gate City offers urban exploration with nearby RV parking, though navigating downtown in a 30-foot rig will test your skills and patience.
Must-See Stops:
- Golden Gate Bridge (park at Vista Point)
- Alcatraz Island (book tickets weeks ahead)
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
- Sausalito for waterfront dining
Campground Pick: Candlestick RV Park (15 minutes from downtown, full hookups, $90/night)
Day Trip Option: Wine country in Napa and Sonoma (rent a car or book a tour)
If you want to extend your San Francisco adventure, check out our complete guide to national parks from San Francisco, including Yosemite and Sequoia.
DAYS 11-12: REDWOOD NATIONAL & STATE PARKS
Miles from San Francisco: 280 miles (5.5 hours)
Nothing prepares you for standing next to a 300-foot tree that was already ancient when Columbus sailed to America. The Redwoods create a cathedral-like experience that photos can’t truly capture.
Must-See Stops:
- Avenue of the Giants (32-mile scenic drive)
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove (easy 1.5-mile loop)
- Fern Canyon (feels like Jurassic Park)
- Gold Bluffs Beach for Roosevelt elk herds
Campground Pick: Elk Prairie Campground (Prairie Creek Redwoods, among giants, $35/night, no hookups but worth it)
With Hookups: Redwood Meadows RV Resort (Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, $65/night)
DAY 13: OREGON COAST
Miles from Redwoods: 180 miles (4 hours)
Oregon’s coastline trades California’s cliffs for sea stacks, lighthouses, and beaches where you can actually walk without crowds. Plus, no sales tax means cheaper gear shopping.
Must-See Stops:
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Campground Pick: Sunset Bay State Park (protected cove, $32/night, perfect for families)
DAY 14: PORTLAND TO SEATTLE
Miles from Oregon Coast: 250 miles (5 hours total)
Your final push north brings you to the Pacific Northwest’s crown jewel, where mountains meet city and coffee culture thrives.
En Route Stops:
- Portland’s food cart scene (stop for lunch)
- Multnomah Falls (quick waterfall fix)
- Mount St. Helens viewpoint
Final Night: Dash Point State Park near Seattle (forest setting, beach access, $45/night)
Seattle Highlights: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, ferry to Bainbridge Island
WHICH RV TYPE WORKS BEST FOR THIS ROUTE?
The Pacific Coast Highway welcomes all RV types, but some definitely handle the winding roads and campground limitations better than others.
FOR COUPLES: CLASS B CAMPERVAN
Perfect for tight parking, easy maneuvering, and stealth camping when official sites fill up. You’ll sacrifice space for flexibility, and on the PCH, flexibility wins.
- Length: 18-24 feet
- Fuel economy: 14-18 mpg
- Best for: Spontaneous stops, tight campgrounds, boondocking
- Average rental: $150-200/night
FOR FAMILIES: CLASS C MOTORHOMES
Class C motorhomes offer the sweet spot for beginners with easier driving than massive Class A models while providing more amenities than compact Class B vans. Most families find them ideal for week-long trips.
- Length: 25-32 feet
- Sleeps: 4-6 people comfortably
- Fuel economy: 8-12 mpg
- Average rental: $175-250/night
Explore our complete guide to RVs that sleep 4 for detailed family-friendly options.
FOR LUXURY SEEKERS: CLASS A MOTORHOMES
When comfort trumps agility, nothing beats a Class A’s residential feel, but expect challenges on narrow Big Sur roads and limited campground access.
- Length: 30-45 feet
- Fuel economy: 6-10 mpg
- Best for: Spacious living, full amenities, resort-style camping
- Average rental: $250-400/night
BUDGET-FRIENDLY: TRAVEL TRAILERS
If you already own a capable tow vehicle, travel trailers offer the most bang for your buck. Most SUVs and pickup trucks can tow lightweight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds, and it’s great for first-time RVers.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A 14-DAY WEST COAST RV TRIP?
Let’s break down the real numbers so you’re not surprised when tallying up expenses. Transparency prevents that sinking feeling when you realize you budgeted for dreams instead of reality.
Base Costs (Family of 4):
RV Rental: $175/night × 14 = $2,450
- Class C motorhome (25-30 feet)
- Includes basic insurance
- Mileage is typically unlimited or 100-150 miles/day included
Campgrounds: $50/night × 14 = $700
- Mix of state parks ($35-65) and private resorts ($60-90)
- Premium locations cost more (Big Sur, San Francisco area)
Fuel: $850-1,100
- 1,400 miles at 8-10 mpg
- $4.50-5.50/gallon average West Coast pricing
- Budget high, celebrate if you spend less
Food/Groceries: $80/day × 14 = $1,120
- Cooking most meals in the RV
- Occasional restaurant splurges
- Coffee runs not included (we’re realistic)
Activities/Attractions: $500-700
- National park passes ($80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers all)
- Aquarium tickets, wine tastings, adventure activities
- Parking fees in cities
Total Estimate: $5,620-6,970
Money-Saving Strategies:
- Weekly RV rentals: Often 15-20% cheaper than daily rates
- Membership discounts: Good Sam Club can help you save 10% at 2,000+ campgrounds
- Cook most meals: Restaurant costs explode quickly for families
- Free attractions: Beaches, hiking, scenic viewpoints cost zero dollars
- Shoulder season travel: September and May offer better rates and fewer crowds
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A WEST COAST RV ROAD TRIP?
Timing determines whether you’re fighting crowds and paying premium rates or enjoying pleasant weather with elbow room at campgrounds. The sweet spot exists; you just need to know when to book.
PEAK SEASON REALITY (JUNE-AUGUST):
- Pros: Warmest weather, longest days, and everything’s open
- Cons: Campgrounds booked 6 months ahead, highway traffic, and premium pricing
- Who it’s for: Families tied to school schedules and those wanting guaranteed sunshine
GOLDEN WINDOW (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER):
This is when smart RV travelers hit the coast. Fall offers clear skies in California while avoiding summer’s extreme heat and crowds. It is ideal for photography and peaceful camping.
- Weather: Still warm in Southern California and crisp in the Pacific Northwest
- Crowds: Noticeably thinner after Labor Day
- Campground availability: Easier reservations and better rates
- Wildlife: Whale migration season and Roosevelt elk rutting season
SPRING ALTERNATIVE (APRIL-MAY)
- Wildflowers: Central Coast explodes with color
- Weather: Variable but often spectacular
- Drawback: Some campgrounds are still closed, and there is occasional rain in the PNW
- Advantage: Waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt
WINTER (NOVEMBER-MARCH)
- Southern California: Perfectly pleasant, fewer crowds, and great rates
- Central/Northern Coast: Rainy and wild, but dramatic beauty
- Best for: Storm watching, solitude, and off-season pricing
- Reality check: Many campgrounds close, and there are limited services
THE OPEN ROAD IS CALLING
There’s something special about waking up to crashing waves one morning and ancient redwoods the next, all while your coffee maker travels with you. Yes, campgrounds need advance booking, and Big Sur’s curves demand focus. But watching sunset paint McWay Falls orange, or simply having the freedom to stay an extra day because the beach is perfect, makes every planning hassle worthwhile.
The Pacific Coast Highway isn’t going anywhere, but life happens fast. This itinerary gives you the roadmap. The RV provides the freedom. The only thing missing is you behind the wheel.
Find your perfect RV and start planning your epic West Coast adventure with RV Rentals of America today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely, smaller rigs navigate Big Sur’s tight turns more easily, fit in more campgrounds, and often secure last-minute sites that larger RVs can’t access.
Your rental company’s insurance typically covers collision and liability, but consider supplemental coverage for personal belongings and roadside assistance. Most personal auto insurance policies don’t cover RV rentals, so verify coverage before departing.
Take it slow, use lower gears for engine braking on descents, and pull over at turnouts to let faster traffic pass. Big Sur and Highway 101 through Oregon have plenty of safe stopping points. Most importantly, avoid distractions and focus completely on the road during technical sections.
West Coast destinations are more pet-friendly than most regions. State park campgrounds allow leashed pets, many beaches permit dogs before 10 am, and RV travel means your furry family never stays alone in hotel rooms. Just verify specific campground and beach regulations before arrival.
This is why booking ahead matters, but backup options exist. Campendium and iOverlander list last-minute options, including BLM land, Walmart parking (where permitted), and emergency overflow camping. Some private campgrounds hold back sites for same-day arrivals, though you’ll pay premium rates.
