California by RV

[RDB]

I’m sure we have California members here, so I thought I’d ask for some travel advice.

I’m planning to visit California in the second half of October with my family (partner and two kids 11&14 years old). Flying into LA, staying with friends, then thinking about hiring a smallish RV, visiting some of the national parks using the vehicle as our accommodation, then onto San Francisco before flying home. I had a great trip to Yosemite about ten years ago, so was thinking about Mojave + Yosemite. About five days on the road with as many day hikes as we can manage.

Does anyone have advice about the practicality of this, e.g. is it easy to hire an RV in one place and drop it off in a different city? Anyone know a good rental firm? Tips and things to be careful about? Good sources of information?

This may be a bit niche for a cigar bulletin board…but then again maybe someone here has done exactly this kind of trip. DMs welcome.

[Shakey]

Sounds like a great trip!  I’ve rented from Cruise America in the past, and have heard good things about Indie Campers. Death Valley -> Kings Canyon/Sequoia NP -> Yosemite would be a fun trip. Only suggestions are (1) get advance reservations for Yosemite and (2) check  https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php if you are planning to drive over any of the high mountain passes near Yosemite, they close during winter after the first big snowfall. 
 

Send me a DM when you make it to SF and I’ll get you into the (IMO) best cigar lounge in the city. 🙂 

[Ford2112]

Just be aware of the highway 1 closure if you go up the coast. Big Sur is inaccessible from the south due to slides. 1st thing I would do is get out of LA! Check for wildfire areas too this time of year. I do not have experience with RV rentals but I know every nook and cranny of my home state so pm me with any questions any time.

[JY0]

https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-search?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=RV Rental - General&cam=b269733633&subcam=1147891829837562_kwd-71743926902598%3Aloc-190&msclkid=fb29b5cc6e7c1500656ed318a0a3ed68&utm_term=rent an rv&utm_content=RV Rentals - PM

[Jack]

My neighbors, who have a small RV were discussing the issues with congestion and reservations required in all State and maybe Federal parks in California requiring them to plan months ahead. Just something to check into.

[Ford2112]

It's busy here. That doesn't mean there are not plenty of options with a little research. But yes, traffic can be hard to bear. Sequoia Kings Canyon is an amazing National Park.

[Andy04]

RV rental with a different pick-up/drop off can be insanely expensive and impractical. What I would recommend, decide which side of the Sierra Nevada range you want to see. If you are after accessible forest, go on the west side (Sequoia / Kings Canyon / Yosemite).

Personally I would go up the east side in a normal vehicle and find suitable Airbnb options at places like Lone Pine, Bishop, Lee Vining and South Lake Tahoe / Carson City before heading to SF via Sacramento. The east side of the Sierra Nevada range gives you a bunch of great day hiking options (if follows somewhat nearby the Pacific Crest Trail), a wide range of scenery - crazy that from the highest point in 48 states (Mt Whitney) from the lowest point (Death Valley), and provided that its snow free hopefully you access to Yosemite via Lee Vining.  

If you really like hiking, try putting your name down for the Half Dome lottery and hope for the best.

[RDB]

Thank you all, this is very helpful. @Shakey and @Ford2112 I shall be in touch!