The ultimate guide to a West Coast campervan trip

From the dramatic coastal bluffs of sun-drenched California to the towering Sitka spruce forests of Oregon, the West Coast of the US offers a cinematic setting for a true American road trip. On this journey travellers can navigate the region’s multifaceted terrain, crossing pristine national parks while winding past rugged cliffs, manicured vineyards, historic mining towns and undulating sand dunes. It’s a landscape that has long stirred the imagination of literary icons such as Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck and Joan Didion, and inspired the songs of the Beach Boys and Woody Guthrie. Today, that spirit for adventure lives on. Whether you’re California dreaming or sleepless in Seattle, here’s how to plan a picture-perfect road trip along the West Coast.

What’s the best route?

While the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is often touted as the quintessential West Coast road trip, consider one of the following scenic byways to discover a side of the US often overlooked by travellers. Stretching along the Eastern Sierra, Highway 395 offers panoramic views of the craggy Sierra Nevada, glacial lakes, alpine meadows, hot springs and red rock formations. To experience California’s past, Highway 49 (Gold Country) meanders through old mining towns, vineyard-dotted hills, cascading rivers and quaint farm stands. In Oregon, the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101) stretches for 362 miles, with perhaps its most picturesque section running from Cannon Beach to Yachats, where you’ll encounter otherworldly sea stacks, historic lighthouses, old-growth temperate rainforest and working fishing towns. Meanwhile, Washington’s 440-mile Cascade Loop showcases everything from vibrant spring tulip fields in Skagit Valley and turquoise alpine lakes in North Cascades National Park, to the gushing Snoqualmie Falls and the Western style town of Winthrop.

What should I pack?

Weather along the West Coast can fluctuate, so pack layers, comfortable hiking shoes, waterproof jackets (especially for Oregon and Washington) and swimwear. Tap water in the US is potable, and most campsites have spigots for drinking and cooking, but it’s still wise to bring refillable bottles with built-in filters. If you’re renting a campervan, companies such as Travellers Autobarn offer optional add-on amenities including bedding, kitchen equipment, heaters, fans and camping gear, that can help lighten your packing list. To visit the West Coast’s national parks, of which there are more than a dozen, an America The Beautiful National Park Pass is required. Covering entry for a driver and passengers, the pass can be purchased at national park entrances or shipped internationally if you plan ahead.

Where can I hire a campervan?

Equipped with kitchenettes and sleeping nooks, campervans combine the freedom of staying outside in nature with the convenience of packing every road trip essential into one compact space. Since the West Coast is a popular road trip destination, it’s worth reserving a campervan in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Rental company Travellers Autobarn has convenient collection hubs across major cities and near airports including Los Angeles International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each of its available models, from budget-friendly minivans to roomy high-top campers, include free unlimited miles and 24-hour roadside assistance for added confidence and ease while travelling.

Where can I park up?

The West Coast is well-suited to road trips, with plenty of places to stay along the way. National parks such as Yosemite in California, Crater Lake in Oregon and Olympic in Washington have designated campsites with toilet facilities and easy access to hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area. While most campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are typically required during peak seasons. Along the California and Oregon coastlines, state parks and beaches also allow campervans to stay overnight in designated campground sites, although these usually require online reservations made at least six months in advance. Another widely available option is KOA (Kampgrounds of America), which offers amenities such as showers, RV hookups, laundry facilities and general stores, with Travellers Autobarn customers receiving a 10% discount.

What shouldn’t I miss?

Along Highway 395, the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine feel like a scene straight out of a plein-air painting, with its snow-capped peaks, natural arches and rounded boulders. Just a short drive away, the Manzanar National Historic Site provides a poignant glimpse into the history of Japanese American incarceration during the Second World War. In Oregon, just under two miles south of Yachats, Cape Perpetua rises 800 feet above the forested coastline, offering panoramic views of the central Oregon Coast and basalt formations such as Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn, a perfect spot for photographers and wildlife spotters. Finally, don’t miss Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, sitting along Washington’s Cascade Loop. In summer, its glacial-fed waters take on a vibrant turquoise hue as fine rock dust refracts the sunlight. Here, rent standup paddleboards or kayaks, or explore several hiking trails that wind around the lake’s edge.

Three more US road trips to try

1. Route 66
This year, the legendary Route 66 is celebrating its 100^th anniversary. Stretching across eight states from Illinois to California, the route will host a variety of events and festivals. Famous for its kitschy motels, quirky roadside attractions such as the giant blue whale and partially buried Cadillacs, as well as vintage gas stations and old-school diners, it’s Americana at its best.

2. Los Angeles, Joshua Tree, Mojave Desert and Las Vegas
While summer is a popular time for road trips, spring and autumn are ideal for exploring California and Nevada’s high deserts. Highlights include the giant eroded boulders, Skull Rock and Arch Rock at Joshua Tree National Park, as well as the Kelso Dunes and Lava Tube at Mojave National Preserve. Joshua Tree is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.

3. Utah Mighty Five
Paint the town red in Utah, also known as Red Rock Country. The southern part of this landlocked state is famous for its distinct, iron-rich sandstone formations, crimson cliffs and burnt-orange slot canyons. Take an epic road trip through the Mighty Five national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion, to see thousands of sandstone arches, crimson amphitheatres and towering rock spires.