If you’re going to opt for recreational vehicle rental in the USA, there’s no better place to go exploring than California. As the third largest state in the United States by area, it’s certainly a place that’s not short on natural beauty and outdoor attractions. If you’re looking to save money as you travel, you can’t beat recreational vehicle rentals for maximum economic value.
Cost to Rent Recreational Vehicles in California
Rental rates for RVs in California are just as diverse as the state itself. In general, you can expect recreational vehicle rental fees to be higher in the summer when travel volume is greater. Rental rates in the Golden State tend to be lower in the winter and spring when there is less demand.
To rent an RV in California, you’ll have to be 21 years of age and need a valid license. Deposits are also required for all rentals, and you’ll need to have verifiable insurance. Keep in mind that what you’ll spend on rental fees is far less than what you would pay to see the same sights while also paying for hotel stays.
California is home to several national parks with one of the most well-known being Yosemite. Minimize your expenses while exploring this vast location by simply renting an RV for the anticipated duration of your trip. Allow about $30 – 45 per night for camping fees, although you can save money by bringing your own food with you to make up for any fees you may have to pay.
Yosemite has 10 campgrounds located in the park. Each of them can accommodate RVs and trailers of varying lengths, including fifth wheels. You’ll need to be in a designated campsite if you plan to stay overnight at the park, and note that generator use at all park campgrounds is relegated to certain hours of the day.
The area has an abundance of bike paths and hiking trails that will take you past magnificent giant sequoias. There are also plenty of restaurants, museums, and local shops worth checking out while in the area. You can always spend a day or two at the Merced River RV Resort and take your time exploring the adjacent Merced River, or you can just treat yourself to a picnic along its banks.
The maximum RV length at Yosemite is 40 feet, and the trailer length max is 35 feet. There are other sites in Yosemite Valley that permit RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Some campsites will allow any RV as long as it fits on the parking pad.
The cost for a standard size RV in California will be about $150 per night in the summer; fall, spring, and winter prices will be somewhat lower. Recreational vehicles for rent in California do not include unlimited mileage. Some companies offer packages for extended miles; otherwise, you’ll want to avoid going over your mileage limit.
A search online shows that lower rental rates are generally available in California on Class A, Class B, Class C, and towable RVs. You can also save if you compare rates ahead of time in your desired travel area.
Recreational Vehicle Rental in Los Angeles
The most populous city in the United States just behind New York City, Los Angeles is a true paradise for any RVer. Recreational vehicle rentals in LA can be a great way for you and your family to explore the botanical gardens surrounding the Huntington Library in Pasadena, an extensive cultural, educational, and research center.
You can also make your way through the 130-acre Runyon Canyon Park a few blocks away from Hollywood Boulevard. Don’t forget to snap a pic of the Hollywood sign off in the distance.
There are 10 campgrounds within 25 miles of Los Angeles. Thirteen miles from Universal Studios, one of the largest RV locations in the area is Balboa RV Park. Several RV parks here will allow dogs on leashes.
Use your RV rental as an excuse to take a daytrip or weekend trip to the many must-see attractions just outside of LA, including Malibu Beach (33 miles away via Interstate 10), Disneyland (30 minutes away via Interstate 5), and Santa Monica Pier. East Shore RV Park and Orangeland RV Park (minutes away from Disneyland) are among the higher-rated RV parks in the LA area.
RV rental prices in Los Angeles vary according to season, specific location, and availability. Booking early often increases your odds of enjoying a lower rental rate. Some of the smaller RV parks in Los Angeles suburbs and nearby small towns are cheaper than locations directly adjacent to beaches or in popular tourist areas.
Recreational Vehicle Rental in San Francisco
Home of iconic bridges, recreational sites like Golden Gate Park, and attractions that include Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, San Francisco has long been a preferred destination for visitors to California. The easiest way to see all there is to see in this culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful part of California is to rent a recreational vehicle.
After you’ve seen the sights of San Francisco, do some day-tripping in your rental RV. Whether you prefer a small or medium class C RV or something larger, it won’t be long before you are sampling wine in the Napa and Sonoma areas or walking along the beaches of Half Moon Bay. Yosemite National Park is only three and a half hours away via Interstate 580 E.
Ranked among the best RV parks in the area, Coyote Valley RV Resort in San Jose is a short drive from San Francisco. Just across the bay, you’ll find Fair Park RV. Other RV sites in the area include Golden Gate Trailer Park, which is north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco RV Resort, which has full hookups plus Wi-Fi.
Recreational vehicles for rent here will typically cost you less during the offseason, which is primarily late fall through early spring. Specific rates will vary by campsite or RV park.
Recreational Vehicle Rentals and Ownership Possibilities in California
You’ll likely benefit more from RV rentals if you are a part-time adventurist or just looking for a relaxing, cost-effective family trip. If you are more than just a casual RVer in California, though, you may wish to become a recreational vehicle owner. You’ll have the convenience of a home that can go anywhere, anytime you want.
Whether you decide to rent or own, there’s no denying the many perks of taking to the road in an RV. In California, this means easy access to popular attractions such as Disneyland, Magic Mountain in Valencia, and numerous wildlife areas, recreation trails, and state parks.