What a Northern California RV Trip Looks Like
Northern California is a good fit for an RV trip if you like big trees, cool coastal air, and winding scenic roads. The headline stops are the redwood forests along US 101, the rugged Mendocino and Sonoma coast on Highway 1, and inland options such as wine country or the volcanic landscapes around Lassen and Shasta.
It also asks more of an RV than a flat interstate trip. Many scenic roads are narrow and curvy, some campgrounds have strict length limits, and fog is common on the coast. Plan around a slower pace than your mileage suggests. This trip also links naturally with the rest of the coast, which we cover in our Pacific Coast Highway RV trip guide.
Best Time to Go
Late spring through early fall is the most common window. Summer is popular and campgrounds fill, though coastal temperatures stay mild and foggy mornings are normal. Early fall often brings clearer coastal days and thinner crowds. Winter is quieter but wetter, and storms can affect roads and campgrounds.
If you want to see the redwoods at their most atmospheric, mist and light rain can be part of the experience, but bring appropriate gear and check road conditions.
A Sample Route
Here is one way to build a loop or one-way trip. Adjust distances and nights to fit your rig and schedule.
- San Francisco Bay Area (start or end). Large cities are awkward for RVs, so many people camp outside town and use transit or a tow vehicle to visit.
- Sonoma coast and wine country. Highway 1 along the coast has beach access and scenic overlooks. Wine country is inland and has RV parks, though traffic can be heavy.
- Mendocino coast. Small towns such as Mendocino and Fort Bragg have a relaxed feel, with state parks and private campgrounds nearby.
- Humboldt County and the Avenue of the Giants. A scenic road paralleling US 101 through old-growth redwoods. Check the current guidance on vehicle length before driving it.
- Redwood National and State Parks. Near Orick, Trinidad, and Crescent City. This is the heart of the redwood experience.
- Optional inland return. Routes toward Lake Shasta, Mount Shasta, or Lassen Volcanic National Park make a different return trip.
Redwood Campgrounds and Rig Length
Redwood-area state and national park campgrounds are tucked into forests with tight loops, so many have maximum length limits for trailers and motorhomes. Some have limited or no hookups. Always check the specific campground’s current length and amenity details and reserve early for summer. If your rig is long, private RV parks near towns are usually easier to enter, and you can drive into the parks for day visits.
Driving Highway 101 and Highway 1 in an RV
- US 101 is generally the easier route for large rigs, with wider lanes and more services, though it still has hills and construction zones.
- Highway 1 along the coast is slower and has tight curves. Parts of it, particularly north of Fort Bragg, are narrow and winding, and many travelers with larger rigs choose to avoid long stretches of it or drive it only in daylight and good weather.
- Use pullouts to let traffic pass.
- Check Caltrans road conditions before every driving day, as slides, construction, and fires can close or restrict roads.
- Fog can reduce visibility. Slow down and use lights.
Day Trips From Camp
If you do not want to take your rig everywhere, set up at a campground for several nights and make day trips. Good candidates include walking trails in the redwood parks, Mendocino and Fort Bragg for shops and coastal views, and tide pooling or beach walks where the tide and conditions are safe. The best day trip depends on your starting point, so match it to your base camp rather than chasing a “best” list.
Traveling With Dogs
Dog rules differ by land manager. Many state and national park trails restrict or prohibit dogs, while beaches and some towns are more welcoming. Campgrounds usually allow leashed dogs but may limit them elsewhere in the park. Check the rules for each place you plan to visit, and never leave a pet in a parked RV on a warm day.
Costs and RV Parks
Nightly rates vary by campground type, season, and location, so we cannot give a single reliable figure. State and national park sites tend to cost less than private RV resorts, but they often lack full hookups. If you are considering a long stay, ask private RV parks about monthly rates, since these are usually quoted differently from nightly rates and can change by season and area.
California Rules to Check
Rules for RVs in California can change, including vehicle regulations, emissions rules, and local parking restrictions. We cannot confirm recent changes here, so check the California DMV and CHP websites, and your local county or city rules, before you go. Overnight street parking in particular is restricted in many coastal communities.
Planning Checklist
- Verify campground length limits, hookups, and cancellation rules.
- Reserve summer weekends as early as the booking window allows.
- Check Caltrans conditions daily.
- Carry water, food, and fuel for delays.
- Pack layers for fog and cool nights.
- Plan a daytime arrival at each campground.