LA to Seattle up Coast in RV, first time RV'er

[ocryan]

My family and I are renting an RV and traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle over a seven day period (Just one way, we're taking a plane back). We have never traveled in an RV, but are very excited to see all the great views and stops up the California Coast. I had a few questions I was hoping you fellow Road Trippers would be able to help with.

1) Is seven days really long enough to make this 1200 mile trip?
2) Since we've never gone RVing before, does any one have recommeded stops along the way? I've checked out a few of the larger "parks" but they want a 2 or three day miniumum stay, we'll only be at each stop for an overnight.
3) Any route suggestions from anyone who has made the trip would be fantastic!!

Thanks in advance!!

Ryan in "The OC"

[Mark Sedenquist]

My family and I are renting an RV and traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle over a seven day period (Just one way, we're taking a plane back). We have never traveled in an RV,

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! Our on-board RV experts wrote a couple of articles that you should read today. The first covers the types of rentals available and the second is a checklist that you should print out and take with you when you pick up the rental.

1) Is seven days really long enough to make this 1200 mile trip?

Seven days is a reasonable stretch of time.

2) Since we've never gone RVing before, does any one have recommeded stops along the way? I've checked out a few of the larger "parks" but they want a 2 or three day miniumum stay, we'll only be at each stop for an overnight.

Larger parks? I would pick up a copy of either TrailerLife's or Woodall's camping guides -- they both provide lots of information about the parks. We prefer Woodall's format. But you can easily stay at public campgrounds the entire distance (without time restrictions).

3) Any route suggestions from anyone who has made the trip would be fantastic!!

Look at the bottom of this page for some suggestions and also use the search function for west coast travel. There are scores and scores of posts on this subject.

Happy Planning!

Mark

[RoadTripper Brad]

7 Days is more than enough time for the trip. One can make the trip in 2 days easily, 3 comfortably, so 7 is plenty of time... depending on what you want to see.

What size of RV are you taking? It may be worthwhile to check out the USFS and National Park Service for availble RV overnight sites. If they have any that can accomodate your size of RV, it will save you some cash and allow you to stay in the great out doors. Especially helpful if you intend on visiting such lands.

-Brad.

[ocryan]

Brad, thanks for the suggestion. I didn't consider the National Park route. We do a lot of camping and have always seen RV's so I don't know why I didn't think about that. I just did a searc for "RV Parks" along the route and the few that I foudn required a three night stay. We're taking a small 26 foot C Class, so I think it should fit just about anywhere. Any campgrounds you've personally visited that you would recommend. We'd like to stay on PCH as much as possible.

Thanks!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

We'd like to stay on PCH as much as possible.

For some odd reason, I thought you were starting in San Francisco -- but upon re-reading this thread -- I realize LA is the departure point, so this has been re-worked a little. The only national park facilities that I can remember on PCH are Golden Gate Recreational Area and Redwood National Park -- but there are some awesome state park camping places on the coast in both Oregon and California.

First night -- Carpinteria state beach is quiet and pretty fun. Or you could make your way up to Pismo --- there are a bunch of private parks and a state park -- there are no hookups at the state beach -- but it is right on the beach! Another option, which I have enjoyed over the years is Avila Hot Springs Spa near San Luis Obispo. I am going to list a few of my favorite places below -- but they would constitute more days than you have for travel -- so you get to pick and choose...

-- there is a very quiet and isolated camproud in the heart of the Big Sur country. It is a bit of drive in from the coast -- very windy road -- but pretty darn special. It is near Lucia and it is administered by the Los Padres National Forest -- Ponderosa.

-- gonna be hard to beat the campground at Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz

-- Next I would stay near Mendocino (there is a campground south of the bridge -- I can't remember the name -- it is a little rustic but very cool and right on the beach -- I can remember finding lots and lots of abalone shells all over the place.

-- there is a very amazing BLM campground about ten miles inland from PCH at Shelter Cove on Kings Peak Road. There are only about five RV spaces -- but if you are looking for a hidden retreat...

-- I have stayed at several places in the greater Arcata/Eureka area but I would bet by now you would want some hook-ups. In that case, I would recommend the Mad River Rapids RV Park in Arcata. We have stayed there a dozen times over the years -- it has a great hot tub and nice level spaces (it is semi-urban park -- but in a good location and the managers are very friendly)

--- Redwood NP is pretty hard to beat.

But you will think you have gone to heaven when you reach the state parks in Oregon. Beautiful lay-outs and nice staff. The parks I have stayed at include: Stewart (next to Lost Creek Lake), Tumalo (solar showers), and my favorite -- Beverly Beach State Park.

Another commercial park that might interest you would be Pacific RV park across from the Tillamook Cheese Factory -- take the tour -- it is fun. Another park I enjoyed was Anderson's RV Park at Long Beach, Washington -- it is right on the beach.

I don't know if you will have time to explore the Olympic penisula, but my two favorite campgrounds there would be Queets Rainforest campground in the park (imagine a cool temperature Jurassic park) and Lyre River Park -- gorgeous -- I found agates on the beach -- the river runs through the campground -- very idyllic. Another fun place is Fort Worden State Park near Port Townsend -- if you remember that film "An Officer and a Gentleman" you will recognize the site for many of the pivotal scenes. A good article about this area can be read here.

Campgrounds in the greater Seattle area -- Trailer Inn RV in Bellevue -- very convenient -- but very tight spaces. I think my preference would be the South Seattle KOA near Kent -- pretty basic campground, but a very nice walking route follows the canal and streams. Another one we have stayed at is in Bothell -- Lake Pleasant RV Park -- you and 5,000,000,000 geese... (if you get my drift...)

Oh, and one more post -- be sure to look at Judy's suggestions since it will be on your route too!

Hope this helps,

Mark

[ocryan]

Wow, what a great post. These are some really great suggestions, and we'll certainly have a hard time to pick just a few of these! We're really looking forward to the trip and these suggestions have certainly made it easier. It's great to hear from someone who has been there.

Thanks!!!

[QueZee]

You're great. we are going to take your advice. we are going from Vegas to San Diego, to Oregan to Seattle and home is New Orleans, hoping to finish this trip from 7/19/2016-7/31/2016. All advice will be used, places to stay and visit within day. It will be my husband, me and our 9 year old daughter.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum, QueZee!

We're glad you could get some advice from this old thread. I will note, however, that the original post is actually 10 years old. If you have any questions about your own trip, please, create a new thread and we'll do our best to help.