The Essential Guide to Renting an RV in San Diego, California
One of the easiest ways to get to see this beautiful city is by renting an RV in San Diego, CA.
It’s one of the best ways to travel and get a true feel for this place. Whether it is a romantic getaway with your spouse, an adventure with your family, or a girl’s weekend trip, traveling around San Diego in an RV is an activity you should consider doing while visiting Southern California.
That being said, there are some crucial things to know about RV rentals near San Diego. If you’re looking to rent an RV in San Diego, this guide will provide all the details you need to rent an RV for your next trip to San Diego.
If you are located closer to the city, check out these RV rentals in Los Angeles
California National Parks (RV Camping Allowed)
California’s national parks are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Here are our top three selections that you can explore with your San Diego RV rental.
1. Yosemite National Park, CA
The crown jewel of all California National Parks, Yosemite is one of the most popular destinations in America. The park is home to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan — but there’s so much more to see than just those two sites.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Located along Interstate 10 between Los Angeles and Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park was named after a type of desert tree native to Southern California. It’s famous for its rock formations, which look like trees when viewed from above or below ground level — hence its name.
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is located in California and Nevada. It contains the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level (Badwater Basin) and many other unique features such as salt flats, dunes, valleys, mountains, and canyons.
California State Parks
The California State Parks system has over 280 parks, beaches, and recreation areas to explore. The parks are open year-round, but some have seasonal closures or restrictions.
Some of the most popular San Diego State Parks include:
1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The largest state park in California features desert landscapes, wildlife, and several historical sites, such as the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail and Salton Sea History Visitor Center.
2. Crystal Cove State Park
This secluded beach near Laguna Beach is known for its rugged coastlines and tide pools filled with colorful sea life. In addition to the beach, there is also a campground, dunes area, and hiking trails through canyons filled with live oaks and sycamores.
3. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
This scenic park offers camping along with hiking trails up to Cuyamaca Peak, which overlooks Lake Cuyamaca below. There’s also a waterfall nearby called Descanso Falls that flows year-round due to its underground source of water.
San Diego Campgrounds
1. Campland on the Bay
The Campland on the Bay is located in San Diego. It has been around since the early 90s and has over 400 sites, most of which are pull-throughs. The San Diego RV rental-friendly park also has a pool and bathhouse, laundry facilities, and a store where you can buy groceries.
2. Mission Bay RV Resort
The Mission Bay RV Resort is located in San Diego and has been around for over 25 years. It has about 200 sites available and features amenities such as laundry facilities and a pool area. The resort is open year-round and offers discounts during the winter months.
3. Kumeyaay Lake Campground
The Kumeyaay Lake Campground is located near Julian in San Diego County. It features 50 campsites with water and electrical hookups and bathrooms with showers on site. There are also picnic tables available for visitors to use at no charge while they’re there.
Things to do while RVing in San Diego, California
San Diego is a popular vacation destination for people all over the world. The city has several attractions and activities that keep you busy while in town. Here are some of the most popular destinations and attractions perfect for an RV rental near San Diego.
Popular Destinations
1. Coronado Island
Coronado Island has been a landmark for years due to its proximity to downtown San Diego. Still, it’s also home to some great restaurants, shopping spots, and beautiful beaches like Silver Strand Beach or Glorietta Bay Beach, where you can enjoy swimming or fishing in the ocean.
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an animal conservation park just outside San Diego City limits. It’s home to more than 1,500 animals from around the world, including polar bears and giraffes!
3. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the largest urban cultural parks in the world, with over 1,200 acres of land that feature museums and other attractions like botanical gardens, historical buildings, and more than 50 public art galleries.
Top Attractions and Activities
1. Legoland California
Legoland California is the largest Legoland park in North America with over 60 rides and attractions for children and adults alike! Of course, you can also take a ride on one of their famous Star Wars-themed roller coasters if you dare!
2. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is the world’s largest marine park, featuring killer whales, dolphins, penguins, and other animals around the globe. They also have rides like Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic (a polar bear exhibit).
3. Sea Life Aquarium, Seaport Village
This aquarium features thousands of animals from around the world who live in an underwater world visitors can walk through! You’ll be able to see sharks and rays swimming overhead for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Dump Stations for RV Rentals, San Diego
Dump stations are available at many of the RV parks in San Diego. The following list is a partial list of RV parks in the San Diego area that offer dump stations:
1. San Diego RV Resort, La Mesa
This resort has a big rig-friendly dump station for its guests and is just a few miles from downtown San Diego. Guests can enjoy a heated pool, spa, and clubhouse with full kitchen facilities.
2. Rancho Los Coches RV Park, Lakeside
This park has multiple dump stations for its guests. It is located on Lake Jennings Road next to Mission Bay Park and just minutes from downtown San Diego. Guests can enjoy fishing from the pier or swimming in their heated pool during summer.
3. Santa Fe RV Resort, San Diego
This resort’s dump station is also a big rig-friendly San Diego RV rental resort. It is located near Old Town San Diego and close to Sea World and Balboa Park museums. Guests can enjoy nearby shopping at Horton Plaza or dine at one of many restaurants within walking distance from this resort.
RV Storage San Diego, California
1. Stor’em Self Storage, Mission Bay Drive
Stor’em is one of a few self-storage companies that offer storage units for RV rentals in San Diego. The company’s website states that it has “clean, safe, and secure facilities for San Diego RV rentals” with 24-hour access and video surveillance.
2. Toy Storage
Toy Storage has multiple locations in the area, with indoor parking available at each location for RVs up to 45 feet long. In addition, all units come with free Wi-Fi and cable TV as well as free basic cable and pay-per-use laundry facilities onsite at all locations.
3. Southland Indoor RV Storage
This facility is open 24 hours a day and offers RV parking and boat storage with easy access to the freeway. The RV park has multiple spaces for RVs up to 40 feet long and boats up to 16 feet long.
Final Thoughts on Renting an RV in San Diego
And there you have it! Of course, you’ll want to consider your options to make sure that you’re choosing the right RV to rent, so we recommend spending some time finding the perfect San Diego RV rental for your trip. You’ll be able to rent an RV in San Diego, explore the exciting city, and have the convenience of having everything you need in the RV.
Ready to Rent an RV in San Diego?
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