Planning this region

California is rightly described as one of the most varied states in the United States. In a comparatively narrow area, Pacific coasts, deserts, high mountains, huge mammoth trees, volcanic landscapes, wine regions and world cities combine.

This diversity is a great advantage for campers and Fifth Wheel travelers. At the same time, long distances, heavy traffic in the metropolises, seasonal mountain passes and sometimes narrow coastal and park roads require careful route planning.

No other state combines so many world-famous road trip experiences: Highway 1, Yosemite, Death Valley, the Redwoods, San Francisco and the beaches of Southern California are among the great classics of a North American journey.

Category | Information

Capital | Sacramento

Largest city | Los Angeles

National parks | 9

Coastal length | over 1,300 km

Highest point | Mount Whitney, 4'421 m

Lowest point | Badwater Basin, approx. 86 m below sea level

Ideal overall duration | Not less than 6–8 weeks

Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.

San Diego → Anza-Borrego → Salton Sea → Joshua Tree → Palm Springs → Los Angeles → Malibu → Santa Barbara → Solvang → Hearst Castle → Morro Bay → Big Sur → Point Lobos → Carmel → 17-Mile Drive → Monterey → Pinnacles → San Francisco → Alcatraz → Golden Gate Bridge → Muir Woods → Point Reyes → Napa Valley → Yosemite → Mono Lake → Bodie → Mammoth Lakes → Devils Postpile → Sequoia → Kings Canyon → Death Valley → Let Volcanic → Mount Shasta → Redwood National & State Parks → Avenue of the Giants → Glass Beach → Lake Tahoe

The route is built as a large round trip. Depending on the season, snow conditions, forest fires and barriers on Highway 1, it can be useful to exchange individual sections or to drive around spaciously.

March to May is ideal for the deserts, coastal regions and deeper locations. Waterfalls lead a lot of water and in good years Anza-Borrego and Carrizo Plain bloom. High mountain passes can still be closed.

June to September is particularly suitable for Sierra Nevada, Lass, Mount Shasta and the north coast. In Death Valley, Joshua Tree and the southern desert it is often too hot for normal activities.

September and October often offer clear weather on the coast and pleasant temperatures. The Sierra shows autumn colours, while increasing the risk of forest fires and smoke.

Winter is great for Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and Anza-Borrego. Snow chains, seasonal closures and closed campgrounds are possible in the Sierra and north.

California is very large. Between San Diego and the Redwood coast, there are well over 1,000 kilometres. Plan short journeys and several longer stays instead of a quick passage.

In Los Angeles and San Francisco the Fifth Wheel should stay at the campsite. Public transport, bicycle, shuttle or a smaller pickup truck are much more relaxed there. On Highway 1, in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and on individual Redwood-Scenic-Drives there are special indications for long vehicles.

California offers national park campuses, state parks, National Forest Campgrounds and private RV resorts. The most beautiful spots on the coast, in Yosemite and Redwood Parks are often booked months in advance.

Reserve coastal areas as early as possible

Note the clearance times of the booking windows for national parks

Test vehicle length individually at each position

Consistently securing food in bear areas

Boondocking is mainly possible on individual BLM and National Forest areas in the east and deserts. Free overnight stays are much more difficult and often forbidden on the coast and around tourist places.

Tanks in remote regions early.

Download offline cards and parking cards.

Plan city visits without Fifth Wheel.

Bring suitable clothing for deserts and mountains as well as enough water.

Check daily smoke, forest fires and air quality in summer.

California is not a chapter for haste. Plan at least six weeks, ideally longer, and travel the deserts and high mountains in the appropriate season. Thus, California probably becomes the strongest and most versatile chapter of the entire Rolling Dreams journey.