Planning your Dream RV Holiday- Unbelievable California RV Parks
So many choices and so much scenery awaits you in these unbelievable California RV parks. You can plan you dream RV holiday and cover as many or as few miles as you like. If you want to stay in one place for your dream RV holiday, you can pick your favorite park from these, or if you want to adventure and travel around to several, you will not be disappointed at these gorgeous locations for RV camping in California. We’ll divide the state into 3 geographic areas for simplicity and you can see which parks you would like in one or more location.
Northern California RV Parks:
1) The Ramblin’ Redwoods RV Resort, Crescent City, CA
Hidden in the woods by the coast, this park is surrounded by some of the tallest spruce, hemlock, Douglas fir and redwood trees you’ll ever see. They can accommodate just about everybody and everything. And you won’t need to find a dog sitter – they’re a pet-friendly park, and even have a dog-washing site as well.
They offer huge pull-through sites, back-in sites, Big Rig sites, wooded tent sites, and full hook-ups (with water, sewer and electric). The recently renovated resort also boasts new electric pedestals, as well as a brand-new plumbing system and a playground for the little ones.
2) Pioneer RV Park, Quincy, CA
Pioneer RV Park offers a secluded place to stay in the forests of the Sierra Nevada mountains. At an elevation of 3500 feet, they’re far from any railroad or highway noise – so you’ll be able to just kick back and relax in silence – but still be within just a short drive to Lake Tahoe or Lassen Volcanic National Park.
They provide spacious, extra-long Big Rig pull-through’s, with 20/30/50-amp electric service. They also have free Wi-Fi throughout the park, as well as pristine showers, laundry facilities, and even an on-site dog wash.
3) San Francisco RV Resort, Pacifica, CA
The view doesn’t get any better than this. Located only 15 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, this oceanside park offers heavenly accommodations on a 60-foot bluff, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
At night, the sunsets are almost too dreamy for words. The ocean draws in anyone looking to surf, explore tide pools, or just relax by the waves.
They can accommodate the smallest of RVs on up to 45′ motor homes. Guests will be able to enjoy a clubhouse, Wi-Fi hotspots, a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, picnic/BBQ area, and laundry facilities. Feel free to bring Fido with – pets are welcome, too.
There are many other great RV campgrounds in Northern California too. If you take the time to look you will certainly find the one that is perfect for you and your family.
Central California RV Parks:
California’s Central Coast covers 230 miles of Pacific coastline north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco. With temperate weather year-round and easy ocean access, this is an extremely popular destination. Call ahead when planning your camping locations to make reservations. Before you decide, take a look at the map on this link of Central California Campgrounds. There are so many places it may be hard to choose the best one. We will present 3 of our favorite locations for you to consider.
1) Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach, near San Luis Obispo at the midpoint of the Central Coast, provides plenty of adventure options. Camp on the state beach or rent an ATV and hit the dunes. For a slightly quieter experience, head just 30 minutes north to reach Morro Bay. Bring binoculars; this area’s excellent for campers who enjoy birdwatching.
If you are looking for an RV campground that allows you easy access to the ocean, great amenities, and tons of local area attractions, then Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is the place for you. It is located directly on Pismo Bay.
The campground is 26 acres and accommodates 400 camp sites. Amenities include a general store, bike rentals, a restaurant, miniature golf, and a heated pool. Children can run off their energy at the playground, or your whole group can hit the arcade or enjoy a game together. Games at the campground include shuffle board, basketball, horseshoe pits and ping pong. There is a laundromat on site.
The campground itself is a destination to enjoy, but Pismo Coast Village RV Resort makes the list of some of the best RV campgrounds on the Central Coast because of its location. From the campground, you can walk to Pismo Bay, the Pismo Pier, local shopping and restaurants. It is also only a short drive to many attractions including over 20 wineries, Charles Paddock Zoo, state parks, golf, and the Santa Maria Speedway.
2) Bella Vista by the Sea, Cayucos, CA
If you are looking for a truly oceanfront camping experience then Bella Vista by the Sea is where you want to be. This is laid back, on the ocean, camping like you won’t experience anywhere else.
You can take short walk to enjoy the funky beach town, Cayucos, or take in the stunning view from your campsite. Right from the campground you can see the state beach, Morro Rock, and the historic pier at Cayucos.
The beach between the south end of Cayucos and the north end of Morro Bay is a beach where dogs are welcome and can run off leash. Walk that beach any time of day and you will see dogs romping in the water and chasing balls down the sand.
The location provides a great place to call home while you experience the local attractions like Highway 1, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, and Morro Bay.
Cayucos itself has great restaurants and antique shopping. Or, just sit back and listen to the sound of the ocean waves and enjoy the salty ocean air.
3) Wine Country RV Resort, Paso Robles, CA
If you want to pair a campground experience with the enjoyment of being in wine country, you owe yourself a visit to the Wine Country RV Resort, in the heart of Paso Robles. Wine Country RV Resort is surrounded by vineyards, and across the street from the Ravine Waterpark, sure to be a hit with any children or adults who are children at heart.
When you are ready to step away from camp, you will have over 250 wineries to choose from for your wine tasting visits. If wine tasting is not your pleasure, try some of the local breweries, such as Firestone or Barrelhouse, which both have facilities in Paso Robles that serve food and their signature brews.
When you want a taste of town, it is just a short drive to the center of Paso Robles, with its central town park, anchored by an historical Carnegie Library (now a small museum), and surrounded by shops, galleries and restaurants… and more wine tasting!
Southern California RV Parks:
Here in Southern California, you have so many more options and great places to camp whether you want adventures in Disneyland or the quiet shore of the San Diego coast. Here are a few suggestions for Southern California great RV campground destinations.
1) Ocean Mesa at El Capitan, Santa Barbara, CA
Ocean Mesa is a serene coastal getaway just a couple hours north of bustling Los Angeles. Conveniently located off the infamous vertically running Route 101, this campground is situated on a stunning beach amid miles of hiking trails and a host of vineyards. On the property, Ocean Mesa has a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, a kids’ playground, and the occasional al fresco concert or outdoor movie. Off the property, you can visit Santa Barbara’s 18th-century Spanish mission, cruise Stearns Wharf, or get lost in the cacti and desert botanicals of Lotusland. For a little more action, the vibrant Santa Monica Pier is about 100 miles down the road.
This RV park provides full utility hookups—including 30- and 50-amp—plus water and sewer facilities. Bonus amenities include cable TV, Wi-Fi, grills, and fire pits on every pitch. There are both pull-through and back-in sites that can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length. For added entertainment, sign up for a beach run or astronomy session by the campfire, all arranged by the Ocean Mesa staff.
2) Malibu Beach RV Park, Malibu Beach, CA
Southern California is famous for its laidback, surf-centric beaches, among the most iconic being the sliver of coast just west of Los Angeles. Malibu Beach RV Park is the only RV Park in the city of Malibu, and its name is not lying —you really can camp out right on the sand. Each of the 142 RV sites and 35 tent sites offers a view of either the mountains or the ocean (both, if you’re lucky), so you can’t go wrong with your placement. The campground is located right along the Pacific Coast Highway between Corral Canyon and Solstice Canyon, both popular for hiking, and is just half a mile from the beloved Malibu Seafood, always with a line out its door.
This park has everything required for a cozy stay, including full hookups, hot showers, laundry facilities, a convenience store for late-night munchies, game room, propane refilling, dump stations, and more. You can venture out to see what the region has to offer—the Santa Monica Pier, The Getty Villa, Hollywood—or sit back at the campsite and enjoy a classic California sunset.
3) Campland on the Bay, San Diego, CA
Further south, this waterfront RV park in San Diego is brimming with activities, from kayak and paddleboard rentals to kid-friendly swimming pools and lagoons. Campland on the Bay has a 50-year history, offering more than 500 paved RV sites with full utility hookups, access to laundry and bathroom facilities, a game room, cantina, ice cream parlor, and hot tubs, all along Fiesta Bay. Boats are welcome in its own private marina and a “supersite” (with its own private jacuzzi, bathroom and laundry facilities, and views of the Kendall Frost Wildlife Sanctuary) is available for big families.
The campground—more like an estate—boasts a near-endless offering of amenities, including a skate park and concert stage. The staff also runs supervised kids’ programs so the adults can kick back with a cocktail on the beach.
Always lively and occupying a hefty chunk of the San Diego coast, Campland is a vacation in itself. However, if you were to venture out, the resort is 4 miles from Mission Beach and just over 5 miles from Old Town. The scenic, rugged coastline of La Jolla with its famous seal colony is a 15-minute drive.
To plan your own special dream holiday:
- Make a list of your and your family’s favorite activities you want to do.
- Find RV parks that offer those activities you love.
- Figure out how much time and money you have for your vacation; decide on a budget.
- Once you’ve figured everything out, start packing! You’re ready for an unforgettable RV holiday in California!
- Don’t forget to stop by your local El Monte RV Sales location and ask any questions before you travel.
