San Diego to San Francisco Campervan Rental
San Diego to San Francisco One-Way Campervan Rental
Planning a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco? Explore the West Coast in a one-way campervan rental.
Use our comparison tool above to check prices and availability from local RV Rental companies.
Popular Campervans
Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.
C25 Standard
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C19 Compact
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C30 Large Motorhome
Cruise America
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
AF33 Class A
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C25 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C28 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
San Diego to San Francisco One Way Itinerary
Part One
San Diego, California to Anaheim, California
Distance: Approximately 153 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Attractions:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- USS Midway Museum
Part Two
Anaheim, California to Los Angeles, California
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour
Attractions:
- Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
- Disney California Adventure Park
- Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Part Three
Los Angeles, California to Malibu, California
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory
- Getty Center
Part Four
Malibu, California to Santa Barbara, California
Distance: Approximately 121 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Malibu Beaches
- The Getty Villa
- Malibu Pier
Part Five
Santa Barbara, California to San Luis Obispo, California
Distance: Approximately 121 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Lotusland
- Stearns Wharf
Part Six
San Luis Obispo, California to San Simeon, California
Distance: Approximately 72 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Bubblegum Alley
- San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
Part Seven
San Simeon, California to Big Sur, California
Distance: Approximately 145 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours
Attractions:
- Hearst Castle in San Simeon
- Elephant Seal Rookery
- Piedras Blancas Light Station
Part Eight
Big Sur, California to Monterey, California
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Part Nine
Monterey, California to Santa Cruz, California
Distance: Approximately 64 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
Part Ten
Santa Cruz, California to San Jose, California
Distance: Approximately 30 miles
Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Attractions:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Roaring Camp Railroads
Part Eleven
San Jose, California to San Francisco, California
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- The Tech Interactive in San Jose
- Winchester Mystery House
- Santana Row Shopping District
Popular One Way Routes
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Denver to Las Vegas
- Fairbanks to Anchorage
- Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- New York to Los Angeles
- Salt Lake City to Las Vegas
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to San Diego
- San Francisco to Seattle
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the campervan breaks down during my trip?
Many hire companies include roadside assistance (often 24/7). If you have a mechanical issue, pull over safely and contact the hire company’s roadside/‘on-road care’ team first for instructions.
Mechanical breakdowns are typically handled by the hire company unless the issue is caused by misuse or damage. Do not authorise major repairs without approval. Authorisation thresholds vary by supplier (often $100+). Keep all receipts and documentation for any approved repairs, as small repairs may be reimbursed per the hire agreement.
Is free camping allowed in California?
As in the rest of America, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, state parks, truck stops or service areas as well as certain car parks with permission from the shop manager.
California is home to numerous RV parks and campgrounds, ranging from $35–60 (USD) per night. These are suitable for all vehicle types, from travel trailers to larger recreational vehicles.
Can I travel from the US to Mexico in my rental campervan?
Generally, no. Most motorhome suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for motorhomes hired in the US. El Monte is an exception to this, however, additional insurance is required.
Are one-way rentals possible in California?
Yes, many suppliers have depots in multiple locations throughout California and the US, making one-way rentals a great way to see more during your road trip.
San Francisco is a great starting location for those wanting to explore Northern California, with many attractions in the surrounding areas, including the famous Yosemite National Park.
For those heading through Southern California, Los Angeles is a good starting point. From there, you can head down the west coast to San Diego and throughout the surrounding area.
How much does it cost to stay at a campsite or caravan park?
A stay at a motorhome park will usually cost around $25–80 (USD) per night.
The cost of campsites has risen in recent years due to the popularity of motorhome holidays in the USA.
Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?
The majority of campervan hire suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard hire 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.










