Your guide to an unforgettable week-long van camper trip around Central California.
Find a van to rent for the duration of your trip. I recommend using Outdoorsy and adding filters to find vehicles that match your needs and comfort levels. We went with a Sprinter van that had solar capabilities, a kitchenette, and a shower.
Get any necessary permits and reservations for the National Parks, if you plan to enter a national park 3+ times, I'd recommend getting an annual pass.
Identify and book campsites, permits, and reservations in advance. I'd reccomend starting with Recreation.gov, Freecampsites.net, and Hipcamp.
After arriving at the airport, we picked up the van and did a walk through with the owners. Our van rental was located in San Jose, so that is where this itinerary begins.
Approximately 4hrs
After arriving at the airport, we picked up the van and did a walk through with the owners. We began with a detour to San Fransisco where we enjoyed brunch with a view at Fisherman's Wharf, and then drove to the Marin Headlands for a scenic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. From San Fransisco we made the 5 hour drive to Yosemite.
We arrived at Yosemite around 5pm and explored Lower Yosemite Falls and several viewpoints before heading to Tunnel View to watch the sunset.
After a quick breakfast at our campsite, we headed South to Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks offer a variety of overlooks, trails, and shuttles that allow visitors to experience the giant trees however they choose.
Stops: Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias, Vista Point, Moro Rock, Hume Lake, Tunnel Log
*Note: This section can also be done following Death Valley, the drive north from Lake Isabella to Sequoia National Park is about the same as the drive South from Yosemite to Kings Canyon. I would advise checking both options if you're struggling to securing campsites.
If you are visiting Yosemite for the first time, you'll be happy to know the park's glowing reputation is well deserved. Nearly every turn reveals an impressive new viewpoint of the natural beauty of the park. Be sure to check the road status prior to your visit - Glacier Point Road was closed for construction during our trip and we had to adjust our plans at the last minute!
Visitors who want to hike Half Dome will need to secure a permit. For a quieter and less death-defying view of the park, I'd recommend Mount Watkins, which climbs up from Toiga Pass to expose sweeping views of the back of Half Dome.
Stops: Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Inspiration Point, Taft Point, Mist Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Cathedral Rocks, Tenaya Lake
Leaving Yosemite, you'll drive East down Tioga road toward Mammoth Lakes. Between hiking, viewpoints, and the natural hot springs, there is plenty to do in the Mammoth area. I would recommend spending the night at Alabama Hills near Lone Pine or at a designated campsite in Death Valley National Park.
Stops: Natural Hot Springs, Big Pine, Mono Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Inyo National Forest, Mt. Whitney
Exploring Death Valley feels as if you've landed on an alien planet. The park is in the Mojave Desert and is considered to be the hottest place on Earth. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking fabrics while hiking in this area. After getting your fill of the desert, I recommend driving to Lake Isabella to set up camp for the night, this will get you halfway back to the coast.
Stops: Artist’s Palette, Eureka Dunes, Mesquite Flat Dunes, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point
The last leg of this trip is an incredibly scenic drive up the coast on Highway 1. If you slept near Lake Isabella, you'll drive the last 3hrs to Pismo Beach in the morning. From here you can stop and enjoy seafood, panoramic views, and water features at the many overlooks and coastal towns along the way.
Stops: San Louis Obispo, Kayaking Pismo Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Morro Strand State Beach, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Surfing Sand Dollar Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Simeon
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