San Francisco to Redwood National Park: An Epic RV Route into the Land of Giants

The engine settles into a low, steady hum as the city drops away behind the hills. In the mirror, the Golden Gate Bridge fades into a band of fog, while the road ahead unwinds toward a quieter coast. With every mile, traffic thins, the air shifts, and the soundtrack changes from sirens and horns to wind, surf, and the rattle of gravel under tires. 🌊

Traveling this route by RV turns the drive into something more than point A to point B. Mornings can start with a kettle on the stove, a cracked window, and the smell of salt or wet earth drifting into the rig. Evenings might end with headlights clicking off under towering silhouettes, a simple meal on the table, and just enough light left to scan a map for the next day’s trail. 🌲

San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks is one of California’s classic week-long journeys. It trades city skylines for vineyard hillsides, then for rugged coastline, and eventually for groves of the tallest trees on Earth. Coast redwoods can exceed 300 feet and live more than 1,000 years, and this route threads straight through their strongest remaining strongholds.

This guide walks through how to plan the drive, choose the right RV, decide where to stop, and which pieces of gear make camp life smoother—so time on the road feels relaxed, not rushed.

How to Plan Your RV Route from San Francisco to the Redwoods

This trip naturally falls into two personalities:

• A coastal route with big views, smaller roads, and slower daily mileage
• An inland highway route with smoother driving and easier logistics

Most travelers find a middle ground—enjoying the drama of Highway 1 early on, then shifting to Highway 101 as the goal becomes more time in the trees and less time behind the wheel. 😊

The Main Artery: U.S. Highway 101

U.S. Highway 101 is the backbone of this journey. Once past the Golden Gate and the Marin headlands, 101 heads through rolling pastureland and into wine country before swinging north into deeper forest.

For RV drivers, this is the more relaxed option:

• Lanes are generally wide and well-marked
• Speeds are reasonable, but still efficient
• Services—fuel, groceries, and repair shops—are easier to find

As the route moves into Humboldt County, the character of the highway changes. Forests press closer to the shoulders, fog drifts between trees, and small river towns appear every so often. Just south of Eureka, the highlight of the inland route branches away: the Avenue of the Giants.

This 31-mile scenic byway parallels 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It feels like driving through a living cathedral: narrow two-lane pavement, filtered light, and massive trunks lining both sides of the road. The pace slows naturally. Expect frequent pullouts, short trails, and picnic areas where stepping out of the rig and walking a few minutes transforms the entire day. 🚐

For anyone traveling with a larger Class C motorhome or towing a trailer, treating 101 plus the Avenue of the Giants as the core of the northbound drive keeps things simple and stress-free.

The Scenic Detour: California Highway 1

California Highway 1, by contrast, trades ease for drama. It traces the cliffs and coves of the North Coast, hugging a shoreline that feels wild and exposed.

From the Golden Gate:

• Highway 1 passes through Marin’s rolling hills and coastal headlands
• It continues into Sonoma and Mendocino counties, weaving past ranches, small towns, and ocean overlooks
• Tight curves, steep drop-offs, and occasional narrow sections demand focus, especially in larger rigs

The payoff is the kind of scenery often seen on postcards: wind-twisted cypress trees, sea stacks hammered by waves, and headland trails that lead to big-sky viewpoints. For compact campervans and shorter rigs, this drive can feel like the heart of the trip. For those less comfortable with narrow roads and steep grades, it may be better as a partial detour with shorter daily mileage. 🌤️

If Highway 1 becomes part of the plan, aim for conservative driving days—perhaps 100 to 150 miles—and build in time for stops at overlooks, beaches, and trailheads. The road itself becomes a destination.

A Hybrid Approach for the Perfect Journey

For many travelers, a hybrid route offers the best balance:

1. Day 1–2: Golden Gate to Point Reyes and the Sonoma Coast
   • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and follow Highway 1 into Marin.
   • Explore Point Reyes National Seashore, with its lighthouse, elk herds, and quiet beaches.
   • Spend a night at or near Point Reyes to ease into the trip instead of pushing deep into the drive immediately.
2. Day 2–3: Sonoma Coast to Mendocino and Fort Bragg
   • Follow Highway 1 along beaches, headlands, and small towns.
   • Pause in places like Jenner, Gualala, or Manchester for short walks and photo stops.
   • Plan at least one night near Mendocino or Fort Bragg to enjoy blufftop trails and a slower coastal pace.
3. Day 3–4: Inland to Highway 101 at Leggett
   • At Leggett, Highway 1 curves inland and merges with 101.
   • From here, driving becomes easier, with gentler curves and more predictable grades.
4. Day 4–7: Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National and State Parks
   • Leave enough time to drive the Avenue of the Giants slowly, stopping at short trails and viewpoints.
   • Build at least two or three nights in or near Prairie Creek, Del Norte Coast, and Jedediah Smith for a fuller redwood experience. 🌿

This kind of pacing allows for a mix of coastal scenery, quiet forest time, and practical resupply stops in small towns along the way.

Navigating Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP)

Redwood National and State Parks aren’t a single, compact unit like some national parks. Instead, they form a mosaic of protected land across the North Coast, with four main pieces:

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

These units are managed together, which is why maps and brochures often refer to the whole area as Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP). In practice, that means:

• A mix of national and state park signage and fee structures
• Trailheads and campgrounds scattered along roughly 50 miles of coastline and river valleys
• Multiple “centers of gravity,” rather than one single hub

An RV or campervan fits this layout well. It’s easy to:

• Spend a night near Prairie Creek to explore elk meadows and fern-filled canyons
• Move north for a night or two near Del Norte Coast or Jedediah Smith to focus on river hikes and dense groves
• Shift back toward the coast if the forecast looks clearer there 🌧️

Before finalizing plans, review official trip-planning information on the NPS site at nps.gov/redw. This “Plan Your Visit” hub covers camping options, maps, safety tips, and seasonal updates specific to the region.

Traveler Tip Box: Redwood Route Logistics 🚐

• Vehicle size limits
  Major roads like Highway 101 and the Avenue of the Giants handle most drivable RVs. Narrow, unpaved routes—such as Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods—are not appropriate for larger rigs or trailers. Park brochures and staff at visitor centers listed on the official Visitor Centers page can help confirm what fits where.
• Scenic park roads
  The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods is a standout drive and friendly to most RVs. It offers access to multiple trailheads directly from the shoulder and often features Roosevelt elk grazing in nearby meadows.
• Fuel and supplies
  Plan to refuel in larger towns such as Eureka, Arcata, or Crescent City. Smaller communities in between may have limited fuel options or reduced hours. Stocking up on groceries, propane, and basic supplies in those hubs keeps things simple once deeper in the park system.
• Dump stations and water
  Several state park campgrounds in the region offer dump stations and potable water, though not all campsites have individual hookups. Check campground listings and availability through Recreation.gov’s Redwood gateway and the NPS reservations and permits page.
• Tall Trees Grove permits
  Tall Trees Grove requires a free day-use reservation. Details are outlined on the official Tall Trees Trailhead reservations page, and reservations are made online (linked from that page). Make this part of the pre-trip checklist so the permit is secured before leaving cell coverage.
• Weather and road conditions
  The North Coast is known for fog, rain, and quickly changing conditions. Before driving smaller park roads or committing to longer hikes, check current conditions, closures, and alerts on the Current Conditions page. A quick check can prevent backtracking or unexpected delays.

Treating logistics as part of the plan—not an afterthought—keeps the trip relaxed and flexible instead of rushed or stressful. 🙂

RV Rentals Near San Francisco: Your Basecamp on Wheels 🌟

The right rig shapes the entire experience. A compact 4×4 van makes small pullouts and narrow roads feel easy. A classic Class C motorhome adds interior space and familiar layout. A rugged overland trailer turns an existing SUV or truck into a rolling basecamp.

Before choosing, think about:

• Group size: How many people need permanent sleeping space?
• Driving comfort: Is parallel parking in towns important, or is a bigger rig manageable?
• Campsite style: Full-hookup RV parks, state park campgrounds, or more primitive sites?
• Pet plans: Is a dog joining the trip? 🐾

From the Bay Area, RVshare offers a wide range of rentals. The four options below work especially well for a San Francisco–to–Redwoods itinerary. Each listing link points to the exact rig described, so availability, photos, and current pricing can be checked with a single click.

Comparison Table: 4 Top RV Rentals for Your Redwood Adventure

1. The Off-Grid Explorer: 2021 Winnebago Revel 4×4

Atmosphere:
Picture the Revel parked just off a quiet forest road, rear doors open to a hillside of ferns and dappled light. Boots sit by the threshold, bikes lean against nearby trees, and a compact living space waits inside—warm, dry, and dialed for life between rides or hikes. It feels more like a mobile gear room and trailhead combined than a traditional RV. 🚵‍♂️

• The lowdown:
  Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, this 2021 Winnebago Revel 44E is designed for off-grid travel. A permanent rear bed sits over a generous gear “garage,” with space for bikes or bulky equipment. A compact galley, indoor wet bath, diesel heater, and solar-backed power system support multi-day boondocking. Despite its capability, it remains short enough to handle narrow roads and tight parking lots more easily than bigger rigs.
• Ideal for:
  Adventure-focused couples or solo travelers who plan to spend long days outside and want a comfortable, efficient basecamp rather than a sprawling living room.
• Logistics:
  This rental is pet-friendly, giving dogs a place in the adventure. Generous mileage and a 4×4 drivetrain make it a strong fit for itineraries that include forest roads, shoulder seasons, or side trips to other parks before or after the redwood segment.

Ready to build a redwood basecamp that can handle gravel roads and rainy trailheads?
Check current availability and pricing for this rig on RVshare: 2021 Winnebago Revel 4×4 – View on RVshare or browse more options via our RVshare partner link.

2. The Boutique Hotel on Wheels: 2018 Winnebago Era 70B (Mercedes)

Atmosphere:
Now picture rolling into a quiet coastal campground after a long day of driving and exploring. Wind and fog swirl outside, but inside the van, warm light and thoughtful details give things a calm, hotel-like feel. A real mattress, proper kitchen, and functional bathroom mean comfort never feels like an afterthought. ✨

• The lowdown:
  The 2018 Winnebago Era 70B blends Sprinter-based drivability with a refined interior. It sleeps two comfortably on a dedicated bed, with additional seating and a functional floorplan that still allows movement when someone is cooking or packing. A full bathroom, reliable climate control, and a well-equipped kitchen make it easy to stay comfortable in wet or cool coastal conditions.
• Ideal for:
  Couples who want the feel of a boutique retreat without dropping the connection to the outdoors. It works well for special occasions—anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a long-planned vacation where comfort is a priority.
• Logistics:
  This rig remains compact enough for coastal towns, grocery runs, and scenic pullouts. The listing is pet-friendly, and delivery options are available, which can be especially helpful for travelers flying into the Bay Area and skipping rental cars.

Looking for more comfort than a tent but more freedom than a hotel chain?
Start planning from the RVshare listing: 2018 Winnebago Era 70B – View on RVshare and compare similar rigs through RVshare’s main search.

3. The Classic Road-Trip Rig: 2017 Thor Motor Coach Majestic 23A

Atmosphere:
Imagine the familiar outline of a Class C motorhome parked under second-growth trees: a cab-over bunk, an extended awning, and kids or friends gathered at the dinette while dinner simmers on the stove. This is the kind of rig found in many national park campgrounds across the country—simple, practical, and surprisingly capable. 🌧️

• The lowdown:
  The 2017 Thor Motor Coach Majestic 23A is a compact Class C that sleeps up to five. The layout typically includes a rear bed, cab-over bunk, and convertible dinette. Inside, there’s room to move around, cook real meals, and sit at a table when the weather sends everyone indoors. For many travelers, this style of rig feels intuitive on day one.
• Ideal for:
  Small families, couples who like extra space, or groups of friends taking a first step into RV travel. The clear separation between driving cab and living space creates a traditional “home on wheels” feel.
• Logistics:
  This rental is not pet-friendly, which can be a plus for travelers with allergies. At roughly 23 feet, it fits into many national and state park campsites without trouble, and the familiar Class C layout makes it easy to learn systems and routines quickly.

Planning a first big national park road trip with kids or friends?
Start with a classic rig that feels familiar from day one: 2017 Thor Majestic 23A – View on RVshare, then explore more family-sized options via RVshare’s search page.

4. The Overland Trailer Basecamp: 2024 Escapod Topo2 Voyager w/ Rooftop Tent

Atmosphere:
Now shift the scene to a small clearing or bluff-top pullout. The trailer is unhitched and leveled, the rooftop tent is folded open, and camp stretches out more like a small outpost than a single vehicle. The tow vehicle handles day trips and quick runs into town, while the Escapod stays set up as a cozy base with a comfortable bed and fully functional galley. 🔭

• The lowdown:
  The 2024 Escapod Topo2 Voyager is a lightweight, thoughtfully built overland trailer. A comfortable interior sleeping space pairs with an integrated kitchen, storage, and an attached rooftop tent capable of sleeping additional guests. It’s compact enough to tow with many mid-size SUVs or trucks while still providing weatherproof shelter and a real mattress.
• Ideal for:
  Groups who already own or plan to rent a capable tow vehicle. This setup suits travelers who enjoy more dispersed camping where it’s allowed, want the flexibility of leaving camp set up while exploring, or simply prefer towing to driving a larger motorhome.
• Logistics:
  The listing is pet-friendly (with rules), and delivery is available within a set radius. Matching tow ratings and hitch requirements with the vehicle is essential, but once dialed in, the combo can feel nimble on forest roads and in smaller campgrounds.

Already have (or plan to rent) a tow vehicle and want a true basecamp setup?
Take a closer look at the Topo2 Voyager: 2024 Escapod Topo2 Voyager – View on RVshare, then keep exploring overland-style rentals via RVshare.

Must-See Stops and Scenic Overnights

One of the advantages of an RV trip is the ability to adjust. If a town feels welcoming or a grove feels especially peaceful, staying an extra night is as simple as checking availability and stretching the itinerary. The following stops fit naturally into a northbound route and pair well with the rigs above. 😊

• Point Reyes National Seashore
  Just north of San Francisco, Point Reyes offers an early and gentle transition from urban pace to coastal rhythm. Hikes along the headlands, visits to the lighthouse, and wildlife viewing (including tule elk and elephant seals in season) make it a full destination, not just a quick stop. Before heading out, review current information on the official Point Reyes NPS page.
• Mendocino & Fort Bragg
  The Mendocino headlands offer easy, scenic walking right from town—cliffs, sea arches, and broad Pacific views. Fort Bragg, just to the north, provides services and attractions like Glass Beach and the coastal trail. This area works well as a multi-night stop if slow mornings and evening bluff walks sound appealing. If a night in a traditional bed sounds nice mid-trip, consider booking a room through Booking.com while keeping the RV reserved for the rest of the journey.
• Avenue of the Giants
  Transitioning from Highway 101 onto the Avenue of the Giants marks a major mental shift into redwood country. Even if the day’s drive is long, it pays to slow down here. Pullouts, groves, and short trails line the road. Stepping into places like Founders Grove or Rockefeller Forest offers a quiet, humbling introduction to old-growth trees.
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
  Prairie Creek blends elk meadows, fern-filled canyons, and dense redwood groves. Driving the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway feels like a highlight on its own, but adding a few short hikes turns a simple drive into a full day. The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park page lists trail options, campground details, and seasonal information.
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
  Farther north, near Crescent City and the Oregon border, Jedediah Smith centers on a clear river corridor ringed by towering redwoods. Short walks like the Stout Grove loop are especially beautiful in the early morning when fog clings to the trunks and the forest floor feels quiet and cool. The Jedediah Smith Campground often ranks as one of the most sought-after RV campgrounds in California, so advance reservations through Campspot or similar platforms are strongly recommended.

Before diving into this zone—where cell service is spotty or non-existent—download maps and routes with Gaia GPS or a similar navigation app. Setting up offline maps and a basic route in Gaia GPS before leaving the Bay Area makes it much easier to pivot when a favorite trail, viewpoint, or campground recommendation pops up along the way.

Did You Know?
Redwood National and State Parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. The protected area preserves not just the tallest trees on Earth, but also prairies, oak woodlands, rivers, and more than 40 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. Learn more about this designation on the UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Essential Gear for Your Redwood Road Trip 🧰

Most RV rentals cover core needs: a roof, bed, kitchen, and some built-in storage. A few well-chosen extras can dramatically improve daily comfort and reduce friction at camp. Rather than packing everything imaginable, focus on items that get used every single day.

Checklist: RV Road-Trip Essentials

• Headlamps for everyone – Easier than passing one light around or fumbling with phone flashlights
• Portable power station – Keeps devices topped off without running the rig or a generator
• High-quality cooler – Adds flexible cold storage for drinks and frequently used items
• Comfortable camp chairs – Makes reading, stargazing, and morning coffee much more inviting
• Waterproof outer layer – A breathable rain jacket turns drizzle into a non-issue
• Binoculars – Useful for elk in meadows, birds in the canopy, and whales offshore
• Downloaded maps and music – Keeps navigation and playlists running when service drops 🎧

Think of these as “comfort multipliers.” Each one pulls more enjoyment out of the same miles, hikes, and campfires.

Our Top Gear Picks

• A reliable power source
  A mid-sized portable power station—similar in class to the Goal Zero Yeti 500—adds a quiet, flexible layer of power for off-grid days. Units of this size are typically strong enough to charge phones, cameras, tablets, headlamps, and small laptops while staying compact enough to stow easily in a van or trailer. Planning to work remotely from the rig or keep cameras charged for early-morning hikes?
  Add a power station to the pre-trip list and consider ordering through REI or Amazon so it arrives in time for packing.

• The camp chair that earns its spot
  A packable, supportive camp chair in the same category as the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair quickly becomes a favorite at camp. Lightweight construction and a small packed size make it easy to justify bringing one chair per person, which means no one ends up sitting on a cooler or step. Whether the evening plan is reading, talking around a fire ring, or watching light fade through the trees, a comfortable chair changes the experience. Before heading north, browse camp chairs at REI or deals at REI Outlet.
  Past-season models often show up at a discount, leaving more budget for fuel, food, and extra nights in the redwoods.

Beyond these bigger pieces, small touches like a dedicated “mud mat” at the rig’s entry, an insulated mug for hot drinks, and a compact camp table for food prep outside can significantly upgrade everyday routines. ☕

If specific items are already on a wish list, sourcing them through Amazon can streamline last-minute gear shopping while trip details are still coming together.

Freedom at Your Own Pace

The drive from San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks is less about racing to a single trail and more about settling into a slower rhythm. City towers shrink in the mirror, headlands open up, and eventually the forest closes in again—this time in the form of trees that have been standing for centuries.

Traveling the route by RV or campervan adds a layer of freedom that’s hard to replicate any other way:

• If a campsite feels special, staying another night is easy.
• If a storm rolls in on the coast, shifting a day inland toward the Avenue of the Giants can be a simple tweak.
• If a ranger or fellow camper suggests a favorite trail, building it into the plan rarely requires changing hotel bookings or long drives. 🌄

Rigs from RVshare provide the rolling basecamps that make this flexibility possible—whether that means a nimble 4×4 van, a classic family motorhome, or an overland trailer anchored by a tow vehicle. Gear from REI, REI Outlet, and Amazon fills in the gaps with durable layers, lighting, and camp comfort. Navigation tools like Gaia GPS help keep the journey on track even when the signal bars disappear.

For more national park ideas and route inspiration, explore additional guides on ChaseTheBigDream.com.

Want this route to move from “someday” to “this season”?
Pick the RVshare rig that matches your travel style, build a simple gear list from REI or Amazon, and set up offline maps in Gaia GPS. With those pieces in place, the rest is as simple as pointing the nose north and giving the redwoods time to work their quiet magic.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always check official park regulations, road conditions, and permit requirements before driving or camping in restricted areas.

Affiliate Disclosure: ChaseTheBigDream.com participates in affiliate programs (including RVshare, REI, REI Outlet, Gaia GPS, Campspot, Booking.com, and Amazon). When you book or purchase through the links mentioned in this guide, a small commission may be earned—at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help keep road-trip guides authentic, independent, and free for readers.

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