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Escaper Campervans

Los Angeles to San Francisco One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco? Did you know you can rent a campervan one-way? Compare vehicles from several RV rental companies offering one-way rentals from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Cruise America C25 Standard
Automatic
Britz 4-Berth Class C non-slide

4-Berth Class C non-slide

Britz

Automatic
El Monte RV AF33 Class A
Automatic
Expedition Class C Thor Citation

Class C Thor Citation

Expedition

Automatic
Lost Campers Sierra Class
Automatic
Travellers Auto Barn HiTop

HiTop

Travellers Auto Barn

Automatic

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

Los Angeles to San Francisco One Way Itinerary

Part Two: Santa Monicato Malibu

Distance: Approximately 32 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes

Attractions:

  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Third Street Promenade
  • Santa Monica State Beach

Part Three: Malibu to Santa Barbara

Distance: Approximately 121 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Zuma Beach
  • Getty Villa
  • Malibu Pier

Part Four: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

Distance: Approximately 161 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Barbara Mission
  • State Street Shopping and Dining
  • Lotusland Gardens

Part Five: San Luis Obispo to San Simeon

Distance: Approximately 64 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
  • Bubblegum Alley
  • Madonna Inn

Part Six: San Simeon to Big Sur

Distance: Approximately 97 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Hearst Castle
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station

Part Seven: Big Sur to Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea

Distance: Approximately 48 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Bixby Creek Bridge
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • McWay Falls

Part Eight: Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Cruz

Distance: Approximately 72 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 17-Mile Drive
  • Cannery Row

Part Nine: Santa Cruz to San Jose

Distance: Approximately 48 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes

Attractions:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Roaring Camp Railroads

Part One: Los Angeles to Santa Monica

Distance: Approximately 24 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes

Attractions:

  • The Getty Center
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory

Part Ten: San Jose to San Francisco

Distance: Approximately 80 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • The Tech Interactive
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • San Jose Museum of Art

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stay at a campground or RV park?

A stay at an RV park will usually cost around $25–$80 (USD) per night.

The cost of campgrounds has risen in recent years due to the popularity of RV vacations in the US.

Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?

The majority of RV rental suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard rental inclusion.

In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed what you’ve purchased/allowed. Refund rules vary by supplier—some refund unused estimated mileage deposits, while others do not refund unused prepaid miles. Some suppliers do include unlimited miles as standard.

Check our comparison tool for details.

Can I pick up my motorhome rental at Los Angeles Airport?

While rentals are limited right at the Los Angeles Airport terminal, most rental companies are a short distance away.

Some RV rental companies may offer an airport shuttle (sometimes free, sometimes paid), but many require you to take a taxi/rideshare or other transport to the depot; always check your supplier’s pickup instructions and hours.

If your flight arrives late, after-hours pickup may not be available with some suppliers, and you may need to pick up the vehicle the next day the office is open. Also, if you are arriving from an international/mid-to-long haul flight, some suppliers strongly recommend picking up the next day so you can rest and be alert before driving.

Where can I camp in Los Angeles?

As in the rest of the USA, overnight camping is generally only allowed where it’s specifically permitted, such as established campgrounds/RV parks, or on certain public lands that allow dispersed camping.

Southern California has many campgrounds and RV parks, but prices vary widely by location/season. In the Los Angeles area, it’s common to see roughly $45–$90+ per night for RV sites with hookups. For example, Dockweiler RV Park lists $45–$75 per night (plus fees), and Hollywood RV Park lists $79 per night (plus tax).

Some popular choices in the Los Angeles area include the Hollywood RV Park, Dockweiler RV Park, and Walnut RV Park.

Are one-way rentals available in Los Angeles?

Yes, many rental companies in Los Angeles offer one-way rentals, making it a great location to start your road trip.

As the largest city on the West Coast, Los Angeles is a great gateway to many other destinations in California, including San Diego to the south and San Francisco to the north.

Are there any restrictions on where I can take my RV in the U.S.?

Most rental companies only allow their vehicles to be driven on paved roads.

In addition, note the following restrictions regarding specific areas:

  • Mexico - Travel to Mexico is generally prohibited in rental vehicles; some suppliers (such as El Monte) may allow it under certain conditions and with additional insurance.
  • Death Valley - Restrictions can vary between suppliers. Some suppliers restrict travel during the hottest months of the year. Check with your rental supplier for full details.
  • New York City/Downtown Manhattan - Some rental suppliers restrict travel in or through Manhattan (and sometimes parts of NYC). Check your rental agreement for full details.
  • Canada - RVs are generally allowed; however, travel to certain locations may be restricted during colder seasons.

If you take your vehicle where it is not permitted, you will be liable for all damages incurred, and an additional fine may be imposed.

Check your rental agreement for any further restrictions regarding your RV rental.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.