California is home to beautiful landscapes, national parks, and attractions. From the coastline of the Pacific to the towering redwood forests and enchanting mountain ranges, there’s so much to explore. For Californians, these are a part of daily life and for the RVing family, adventure can be found weekend after weekend. If you’re new to the state or simply looking for a fresh perspective, we’ve rounded up some of the best RV trips for families.
11 Best RV trips for Families
Redwood National and State Parks
While Northern California is known for its towering and grand redwood trees, the Redwood National and State Parks are more than a forest. Between the National Park Service and California State Park management, these areas also cover prairies, rivers, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of coastline. From biking to hiking, camping, and scenic beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these parks. Four developed campgrounds also exist within the parks themselves, giving you a chance to check out different camping options and stay on-site with your RV.
Did you know that Oakley Executive RV and Boat Storage offers secure RV storage near Livermore, CA? Our central location is close to both Highway 160 and Highway 4, making it simple and easy to travel to these beautiful destinations.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
With more than 150 miles of trails and bubbling hot springs, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to both mountains and volcanoes. Every season can be experienced in this park as well. During the summer and fall, the absence of snow allows you to hike almost every trail and experience the wildflowers that bloom at high elevations between July and September. During the winter and spring, your family can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing across the terrain. The park also has three RV campsites available: Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds. Be sure to check the park’s current conditions before heading out.
Mendocino Coast
The Mendocino Coast boasts ocean views and charming villages along the coastline of Northern California. The coastline itself is home to Mendocino Village, Fort Bragg, and the village of Elk. This area also has cliffside trails, beaches, an art center, and numerous restaurants to enjoy. This coastline is also home to the Mendocino Headlands State Park and the Russian Gulch State Park. The Mendocino Headlands State Park only offers day access, but the Russian Gulch State Park offers RV access and overnight accommodations so you can stay near the coast with your family.
Shasta Lake
The city of Shasta Lake sits lakeside and offers 270 acres of local recreation. This scenic area is home to beautiful caverns, water sports, and nearby national parks. Also close by are the Cascade Range of mountains including Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-foot tall peak that’s the fifth highest in the state of California. This area is known for its recreational activities, so there are numerous places to stay with your RV, including the Shasta Lake RV Resort and Campground in Lakehead, California.
Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a famous, scenic drive through the redwoods in Northern California. The road stretches 31 miles and runs next to Highway 101 through Humboldt County. This area also has access to several hiking trails and the Eel River, which offers swimming, fishing, and paddle boats. There are several RV parks near the Avenue as well, including the Ancient Redwoods RV Park in Redcrest and the Giant Redwoods RV and Cabin Destination in Myers Flat.
Russian River
This river stretches over 100 miles through Sonoma and Mendocino counties, leaving room for plenty of recreational activities and outdoor adventures. The Northern part of the Russian River flows through Sonoma County where you can experience wineries, restaurants, and gardens. Another section of the river flows through the redwood forest which is home to family-friendly activities like canoeing and swimming. Finally, the river empties into the Pacific Ocean where you can travel the coastal cliffs and beaches. Because this river is so long and stretches across multiple areas, there are a plethora of RV parks to choose from. You may want to start your search with the Russian River RV Campground in Sonoma, though, as it sits right along the banks of the river.
When you’ve finished your travels and you’re ready to store your RV again, our facility offers features and amenities like a private dump station, trickle charging, and a power washer so you can store your vehicle with ease.
Solvang
If you’re looking to take a more historical trip with your RV, consider visiting the Danish city of Solvang, California. Within this city, you can experience a touch of Danish culture, wineries, and museums like the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. There are also many family-friendly activities to enjoy like bike rentals, the Solvang Trolley, and outdoor activities at the nearby Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Plus, strolling through the streets gives you a view of historic European architecture. When visiting Solvang, check out the Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground which is only 5 minutes away.
Bodie Ghost Town
Have you ever visited an old-timey gold-mining town? Bodie State Historic Park is just that. This ghost town was originally founded in 1875 upon the discovery of nearby gold. What was once a booming city of roughly 8,000 people and 2,000 structures declined quickly and ended altogether in 1942 when mining officially ceased. Today, you can walk the streets and get a sense of what life was like in a gold-mining town of the late 1800s. Because Bodie is a ghost town, there aren’t any RV parks on site. However, there are several nearby, including Paradise Shores in Bridgeport.
Salvation Mountain and Slab City
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind tourist stop, be sure to check out Salvation Mountain and Slab City. Salvation Mountain was constructed by Leonard Knight, who spent nearly 3 decades building and painting a five-story man-made mound near the Salton Sea. The art project turned mountain is a homage to God and sits at the entrance to Slab City, a plot of land paved with concrete slabs that were left over from a Marine base in World War II. This area has no power or city services, making it a unique off-the-grid community. Because the area has no amenities, there aren’t any RV parks on site, but you can try the nearby Salton Sea State Recreation Area which has RV access and hookups.
Apple Hill
Apple Hill is a cluster of farms, wineries, and orchards near Placerville, California. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, this area is an agricultural community run by the Apple Hill Growers that represent over 50 local family farms. When visiting this area, you can find everything from bakeries and wineries toChristmas tree farms, and of course, apple orchards. Best of all, you don’t have to wait until fall to visit, as there are family-friendly activities and places to stop all year long. While there isn’t an RV park within Apple Hill, American River Resort is a quick 25-minute drive away and offers numerous amenities and RV hookups.
Jalama Beach
Just an hour's drive from Santa Barbara and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of crowds is Jalama Beach. This recreational area provides swimming, surfing, whale watching, and fishing. You can also enjoy picnic areas and visit the Jalama Beach Store and Grill to purchase necessities or order one of their world-famous burgers. The beach also features an RV park and campground on-site, nestled directly next to the Pacific Ocean.
Need a Storage Solution After Your Travels Are Through?
There’s no doubt that California is beautiful and has a lot to explore, but if you need a safe and secure place to store your RV when you’re not on the road, let us help. Oakley Executive RV and Boat Storage offers secure, accessible, and spacious storage solutions, so you can make the most of your travels without worrying about the logistics of storage.
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