Introduction
White sandy beaches and never-ending oceans, rugged mountains and hiking trails, clear blue lakes, or towering cliffs — California has them all! California is truly the place to be if you appreciate the freedom to explore. From the north to the south, you have the option to be fully in control of your trip with locations, and routes to explore. With lots of fresh air and breathtaking scenery, California is the one place you should consider if you plan to go on a road trip anytime soon.
Take a few days stop at Yosemite National park, or spend a day along the coasts of Big Sur, there is no limit to what you can do and how long you intend to spend doing it. In the great outdoors of California, you are the master of your own journey.
California is home to 280 state parks and nine national parks. Thousands of campsites, be it in forestal or coastal areas, dot the various cities and counties which are home to different kinds of natural wonders and scenic landscapes.
With the countless different locations and activities to partake in, no one trip is the same as another. With different styles of trips come different types of vehicles. Read on further to know more about the types of vehicle selections you can have.
Pick Your Wheels
When it comes to outdoor adventures and road trips, there is no type of vehicle better suited for these types of trips than ‘Recreational Vehicles’ or also known as RVs. However, there are a wide array of vehicles that fall under the broad spectrum of RVs, and certain types of RVs are better suited to certain types of trips.
Motorized RVs are some of the more common types of RVs for long road trips. These types of RVs are self-contained and come in all sorts of sizes and variations. There are full-sized vans and even long, bus-style motorhomes equipped with all sorts of amenities perfect for long road trips. When it comes to RVs, these motorized versions are more suited for long rides across large open freeways and even the desert due to their significantly larger size. Their larger size also often means higher mileage and more gear for those long rides where fewer stops are made.
On the other end of the spectrum lie towable RVs. These types of RVs are generally smaller and more compact, making them perfect for trips where frequent day stops are made at different locations. Their small frame also makes them more suited for road trips where you have to traverse winding and smaller roads such as those found across Highway 1. Much like motorized RVs, towable RVs also come in various options and sizes. On the larger end of towable RVs lie fifth-wheel trailers. Towable pop-ups are a great option as well and come at much cheaper price points as compared to fifth-wheel trailers.
These RVs come in all sorts of designs as well. Many might appreciate the classic look of the vintage camper vans and the retro teardrop-style trailers, whilst others may go for more modern vehicle designs.
RVs also come equipped with all sorts of amenities and gear that you may want to have on your trips. However, do take note that certain options may add a significant dent in your budget so choose wisely, we recommend that you check out rv rentals in california here!
Choose Your Scenery
You will certainly be met with a myriad of options when it comes to California. With plenty of scenic locations, routes, and fun activities to try out, there will be something for every type of road tripper out there.
Hundreds of cliffs and beaches line the coast of California, and many more mountains, lakes, and forests dot the many counties of California. There are even small towns worth visiting and larger cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where the fun never stops.
With plenty of options to choose from, planning your route is a must. We suggest going for a thematic approach. Want to experience the outdoors fully? Go for a nature-based itinerary where you visit various beaches, cliffs, mountains, and forests for an off-the-grid adventure. We recommend driving along the stretch of Highway 1 that passes through Big Sur if you want to enjoy an unblemished and preserved stretch of road where nature truly is allowed to go undisturbed.
Coastal drives where you get to enjoy the sea breeze and sunsets are some of the most relaxing types of trips out there. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, learn how to surf, or even go scuba diving in the beautiful waters that line the beaches.
Hike-filled trips are also a must for those who want to experience nature to its fullest and don’t mind spending some energy. Visit some of the state’s famous nature parks such as Yosemite and freshwater lakes such as Lake Tahoe.
The cities of LA and San Francisco are certainly must-visit as well. The bustling city life is unlike any other, full of vibrancy and great communities. When it comes to California, there is simply no limit to what you can do!
Start Browsing Campgrounds To Create Your Itinerary
Campgrounds typically are up for booking six months ahead of time, through various sites and booking platforms. Such public campgrounds do get fully booked quite fast, especially during peak periods. Although the camping season in California starts from early April and lasts all the way till October, we recommend you plan your trip for April, just before it starts to get busy during the summertime.
Private campsites do exist as well, although their booking periods tend to be sporadic and last-minute slots often open up.
There is a multitude of different campgrounds available in California. Do make sure that the sites you plan to hunker down at are RV-friendly options. Campsites can come with all sorts of facilities and amenities such as showers and even free wifi. Some larger ones even have courts for all sorts of sports and even rentals for water sports activities.
If you fancy an off-the-grid adventure, some campsites even offer lodgings with no running water or electricity for the full outdoor experience.
Conclusion
California is the perfect road trip location for any type of traveler. Explore the sights, or take part in all sorts of activities, the choice is yours. All that is left to do is to have fun and enjoy California to its fullest!