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Hello adventurous traveler! If you're reading this, it's probably because you've caught the adventure bug and are planning to travel the West Coast in a motorhome or campervan, or RV (Recreational Vehicles) as these vehicles are called in the USA – a choice that promises to be epic and full of unforgettable moments!

As a mother of two and a passionate road trip enthusiast, including a seasoned motorhome traveler, I want to share with you our 21-day adventure exploring the fascinating land of opportunity in a motorhome—or rather, a rental campervan this time. I'll also share all the secrets, tips, and anecdotes we gathered on this very special trip, one of my top five family adventures to date. So, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Our RV trip along the West Coast

Our trip got off to a slightly rocky start with a canceled Level flight from Barcelona to Los Angeles. Luckily, two days later we were able to enjoy 21 spectacular days and almost 9000 km in a large campervan rented from Roadsurfer, which we picked up near Los Angeles airport as soon as we arrived. Before going into details, let me give you a sneak peek of our trip.

Imagine waking up at the Grand Canyon, surrounded by wildlife from elk to bears, witnessing the sunrise of a lifetime in Monument Valley, and sleeping under the stars in Yellowston National Park after seeing nearly 500 geysers and stunning hot springs. All this and more is possible when you travel across the United States in a comfortable and practical RV or camper van, saving you time and allowing you to visit far more than you would by car and staying in motels, which are often located far from these points of interest. Join me on this journey and discover how to plan your own adventure based on the ideas and knowledge gained during our experience.

Motorhome travel requirements on the West Coast: Checklist before traveling

During our trip, we learned that planning is key, especially if you want to spend your vacation enjoying yourself and not dealing with problems. That's why I've written a guide to preparing for a trip to the USA, with a checklist of things you should know you need to prepare before your trip to the United States, whether you're traveling by motorhome or however you're traveling. In this post, you'll find information on legal requirements , safety, and other preparations, such as how to get internet access in the United States, and more.

Improvisation is also part of the charm of travel, but in this case minimize it, listen to me otherwise you will waste the time visiting wonderful places!

Finally, a key point from this post, especially if you're traveling in a motorhome or campervan: book campsites as far in advance as possible , particularly in popular destinations like Yosemite or Yellowstone. Also, take advantage of the different camping options we explain below to save money and make your trip a success.

Renting a motorhome in the United States: what is better, prices, advice from our own experience

When we started planning our trip, we faced a crucial decision: rent a motorhome or campervan, or stay in hotels? After comparing options and assessing our needs, we opted for a large campervan for four, as it offered more space and comfort for our family and was the most economical choice. If you're looking for a similar experience, I recommend considering factors like size, equipment, and rates. You can check out my post about our rental experience for prices, tips, and how it works, including the requirements for renting a motorhome or campervan in the United States.

West Coast RV Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in the United States?

This is one of the questions I get asked most often. In the post I mentioned earlier, I go into more detail, but here's a general overview. Prices vary depending on the season, the size of the vehicle, and the rental duration . Generally, renting a motorhome or campervan in the United States can range from $150 to $350 per night, depending on the model and time of year. Remember to book in advance to ensure availability and better rates. If you can travel during the off-season, you can save more than half, so keep that in mind.

A little gift

Total West Coast budget in a motorhome

Well, it will depend mainly on 3 fundamental issues :

• With How far in advance do you buy the flights? back and forth so that these get a good price. It can cost you 600 euros round trip if you buy them in advance, but if you do it with little time, estimate that 1000-1500 euros is what is normal.
• De How long are you going to be there? Every day the costs of renting the motorhome, gasoline, campsites or RV Parks add up... It is not the same to stay for one week as for three obviously.
• In what time of year you are going to go, High season is not the same as low season. In low season the costs of renting a motorhome in the USA are half!

In our case, we stayed for 3 weeks and our total cost (everything included: flights, campervan rental, meals, shopping, activities, sightseeing, gas, etc.) was €3000 per person. This is a high amount for us because we traveled during peak season at the end of August and booked our flights only 3 months in advance. If you travel in October or November, for example, and book your flights 9 months in advance, it could cost you €1500 for 3 weeks!

Video guide West Coast USA in a motorhome

Below we summarize in a video everything you need to know about traveling to the US in a motorhome, camper or RV. From how camping and overnight stays work to how water draining and other motorhome services are performed.

Camping on the West Coast in a motorhome: general regulations and fines

The regulations regarding camping in RVs or campervans in the United States are essential to avoid penalties. In the United States, it is strictly prohibited to camp outside of designated areas , such as campgrounds, RV parks, or RV camps. Remember that extending beyond the perimeter of your vehicle with tables, chairs, awnings, or other items is considered camping. Therefore, to avoid fines and legal problems, always look for designated camping areas, which in the United States are primarily campgrounds or RV parks, as mentioned before.

Overnight in a motorhome on the West Coast of the United States

Overnight stays in the United States are generally prohibited for all vehicles , except in rest areas or roadside parking lots where it is permitted, provided camping is not allowed. Unless otherwise indicated, overnight stays are prohibited. This is the general rule, although each of the 50 U.S. states has its own regulations and varying numbers of designated RV (campervan, motorhome, or caravan) overnight parking areas. I will now detail all the options available for overnight stays in a motorhome in the U.S., which will help you understand how this sector is organized in the United States.

Places to spend the night in a motorhome in the US without fines

Finding safe and suitable places to spend the night is essential for a peaceful experience in your RV or campervan during your vacation. So, besides avoiding fines, plan your overnight route carefully. I'll start the list with the most recommended places to sleep in your RV in the United States, from least to most recommended in terms of safety and charm, but all legal.

Campsites, called campgrounds, public

One of the things that surprised and delighted us most about the United States was the extensive network of public campgrounds across the country . There's a national network of campgrounds (run by US states) and a network of campgrounds run by each individual state. All of these campgrounds can be found on the official websites of any national park or protected natural area you might want to visit, and reservations are made through those same websites. The best thing about these campgrounds is their location , in spectacular natural settings and protected areas.

They are much more affordable than private campsites or RV parks, which are also private. Another plus. In our case, we paid between $14 and $50 per night for the most expensive, but most average around $20, about €18 per vehicle, including up to 6-7 people per site. They offer varying levels of amenities , but all have very spacious sites, much larger than private campsites or RV parks, surrounded by nature and with a picnic table and a fire ring —a ground-level fire with a grill for barbecues or the famous marshmallows, just like in the movies. So, if your trip mainly involves visiting National Parks, this is definitely the option I recommend for sleeping right in the heart of those parks without having to drive extra miles.

Tips on public campgrounds

Finally, I should warn you that these are the most popular places to stay in the US National Parks, and their campsites fill up quickly , so book as soon as possible. Something else to keep in mind is that, depending on the campground, there are few sites suitable for large vehicles . This was one of the key factors that led us to choose a camper van over a motorhome, since anything under 21 feet is easier to find a site there.

 Private campgrounds

As I mentioned, campsites there can be public or private. You'll always find private campsites outside the boundaries of protected natural areas, outside of public land . Outside the natural parks, you can find these private campsites in the first towns. The good thing about private campsites is that you always have guaranteed services for your motorhome or campervan. At a minimum, they have a "dump station," an area for emptying and filling water tanks for your motorhome or campervan. And usually, each pitch also has a hook-up point, a service connection tower, a drain for grey and black water, a fresh water tap, and a pole to plug into electricity. Besides that, like in public campsites, you'll have your picnic table and a fire ring.

The difference between a private campsite and an RV park, which I'll explain now, is that in a private campsite you can also set up tents , which isn't the case in other places. Regarding price, in our experience they're a bit cheaper than RV parks, although more expensive than public campsites. Around $40 to $80.

Motorhome areas, called there RV Parks or RV Camps

RV parks or RV camps are private spaces (we are unaware of any public ones) specifically designed for motorhomes, campers, and caravans, offering services such as electricity, water, and drainage, among many other amenities similar to those found in private campgrounds. The only camping equipment prohibited here is tents.

Most RV parks have picnic tables, fire rings, and hook-ups at all their sites, and in our experience, they are among the most expensive places we've stayed. We've paid between $50 and $120 per night.

Like private campgrounds, many of these RV parks or campgrounds offer laundry facilities, swimming pools, playgrounds, and other amenities such as shops. Finally, it's also worth noting that many RV parks or campgrounds have a "resident" area, meaning motorhomes that live there more permanently or on a more stable basis than just for a couple of days' vacation—a lifestyle that's currently booming in the United States.

Private parking lots that allow you to stay overnight for free

Some private establishments in the US allow RVs and campers to stay overnight for free in exchange for a purchase or consumption. These are some of the best places to spend the night for free in the United States, as these parking lots usually have security cameras and are quite safe if you sleep alongside other RVs or campers. The most common establishments for free overnight parking there are some Walmart supermarkets, McDonald's restaurants, and many casinos. However, you should know that not all Walmarts, McDonald's, or casinos allow overnight stays , and you may find "no overnight" signs in their parking lots. Before staying overnight , always ask at the register first ; since it's a private property, they have to give you permission and will also advise you on their security measures.

Enabled public areas (public lands)

 In some public places in recreational areas, overnight stays are allowed in specific public areas. Public lands are not easy to find most of the time, only by asking or doing a lot of research on the maps of each municipality or surrounding area can you find out. Making sure to follow local regulations, these places, sometimes free but often also with a modest payment in the mailbox like many public campgrounds, can be a good option for an overnight stay on the road that is cheaper than an RV park or campsite.

Service areas or roadside parking lots

Along the way, you can find service areas or parking lots on the side of the road or next to gas stations where you can legally spend the night, usually for free (although some of these places do charge). The downside is that these places are the least safe and least appealing for sleeping. We only spent one night in a parking lot on the side of a secondary road, and that was because there was nothing else nearby and we were racking up miles on our route. And frankly, because it was late and there was nothing close by in less than an hour, otherwise we would have made a run for it, we didn't like it at all and didn't sleep well.

RV Services on the West Coast of the United States

Having adequate services for your motorhome or camper is essential for a comfortable and smooth trip on the road. Here I detail where the services are performed and where you will normally find them:

At Dump Stations, water emptying and filling areas for RVs (motorhomes, campers and caravans)

These stations are usually found at least at private campgrounds, some RV parks, some of the larger public campgrounds , or in a variety of areas within towns, natural parks, or near roads. Some municipalities or homeowners' associations make them available free of charge or in exchange for a donation. Dump stations are typically signposted from the roads and always display a symbol of a caravan with an arrow pointing downstream.

In Hook-Ups of the motorhome areas (RV Parks) or private campsites

In most private campsites, RV Parks or RV Camps and some public campsites we even find the service hook-up towers, called Hook-Up, on each plot to connect to electricity and water, and to empty grey and black water into the drain hole.

Circulate and drive on the West Coast in a motorhome or camper

The experience of driving a car, camper or motorhome in the United States is exciting and can sometimes present challenges as well. Here I summarize some important aspects about traffic and driving in this vast country.

General aspects of the United States by road

Before you get behind the wheel, it's crucial to understand traffic regulations in the United States. Some key points include:

• Traffic regulations vary from state to state, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with local regulations and carefully observe all the signs in each place.
• Your European driving license is valid, but it is advisable to have an English translation, so it is better to go to Traffic and have them do the international permit driving, you will avoid problems if you are stopped by a less-than-transparent police officer.
• distances are measured in miles and feet, so it is useful to know the equivalences with the metric system. A A mile is 1,6 kilometers and a foot is 30 centimeters.
• Most The roads are very wide, good and with endless straights that are very easy to drive. Although there are also curves and mountains depending on where you go.
• Be careful with the traffic lights, they are on the other side of the intersection.
• At traffic lights, if it doesn't say otherwise, you can always turn right even if it's redo.
• Lend attention to the country's meteorology where you are going to go. A tornado passed us on the road (luckily not very big) and even a sand storm that made us choke up at that moment.

Driving on West Coast roads in a motorhome or camper

The road network in the United States is extensive and diverse. Freeways are generally wide and well-maintained (although some could use an upgrade; in fact, there are signs asking for sponsors for the roads, haha), but in mountainous areas like National Parks, the roads can become narrow and lack shoulders. In general, here are the rules and tips you should keep in mind when driving in the United States:

• The speed limits vary depending on the road and the State a lot, so stay informed and respect the signs.
• They had told us that in the United States driving was very civilized and they didn't race. Polite behind the wheel and civilized they are, but running they run is a pleasure and they break the speed limits many times.
• Is important to have be careful with trucks, since in most US states they do not have speed limitations lower than cars and they go very fast.
• Highways around large cities can have many lanesWe have counted up to 8 each way in Los Angeles, so keep an eye on traffic and exits.

West Coast Motorhome Highway Tolls

Unlike many European countries, most roads in the United States are toll- free , although tolls exist in 32 of the 50 states , but only on very specific roads and sections. In these cases, payment is by card and is generally straightforward. During our three-week trip through Nevada, California, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona, we didn't encounter a single toll . This is a significant advantage that reduces the cost of your journey.

Putting gasoline at gas stations in the United States: differences with European ones

The logistics of supplying your motorhome or camper with food in the United States has its particularities. Here I explain some important details:

• The gas It is measured in gallons, and prices are indicated per gallon. One gallon is equivalent to approximately 3.8 liters.
• Although it used to be cheaper than in Europe, the price difference has narrowed recently due to the pandemic. Of On average it has cost us about $4,5 per gallon.
• The price of gasoline is different, and they indicate this on their posters as well., depending on whether you pay in cash or card. In cash it is cheaper, although for us when exchanging currency, withdrawing cash at an ATM did not work out and it is better to pay with a card.
• Most Service stations are automatic and accept credit cards or European debit without problems on the same machine.
• El Rib of gasoline varies by state, since each has its own tax rates. From $3,99 a gallon in Wyoming or Idaho to the $6,2 we pay in California.
• We tried different apps and used Google maps to find out gas prices, but in the end the most effective thing was to look at the gas stations we passed and fill the tank when it was around $4,2 a gallon or less, this way we always managed to have a full tank at the best price and without deviating from our route and spending more fuel.
• The hoses have opposite colors to the European ones: green for diesel and black for gasoline, with different octane ratings.

Internet and GPS on the West Coast in a camper

Having internet access is vital for GPS, checking information and reservations , booking activities, or even, as I mentioned before, getting the correct time in each location. Here are three options for internet access, but I'll get straight to the point: don't overthink it, because the best and cheapest is the Holafly SIM card. We also tried Vodafone prepaid, which was the other option from Spain, and ended up buying a second Holafly SIM for my husband. As for the third option of buying a prepaid SIM card locally , we looked into it, and they were all much more expensive than Holafly if we wanted unlimited data like they do.

Conclusion best Internet option in the US

Natural parks without coverage, download offline maps!

In national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, for example, or places like Monument Valley, we had almost no cell service anywhere. Therefore, we recommend, as we did, downloading Google Maps so you can use your GPS offline if needed. How do you do it? It's easy: go to Google Maps on your phone, look at the circle on the right side of your profile, and click on Offline Maps. Add the ones you want, and you're all set. Finally, for this same reason, don't improvise your route and visits; plan your itinerary well.

Tips and things to know about the West Coast by motorhome or camper before you go

Traveling in a motorhome across the United States is a unique experience, but it requires certain knowledge and precautions. Here are some vital tips for your trip that we've considered after traveling in a motorhome across the US—tips that are very important to know:

Necessary legal documentation

Make sure you bring a passport valid for at least six months and apply for ESTA authorization or a visa, depending on your country of origin. Go to the official website to apply; it's super fast—we had our ESTA approved in two days. It's not difficult, and if you're traveling with family or a group, apply as a group, not individually. This is the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Traveler registration

Register as a foreign traveler on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to be reachable in case of emergency during your stay in the United States. Before departing, also consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travel alerts and recommendations for the United States, including areas to avoid and potential risks.

Food restrictions

Check food restrictions before bringing any animal products into the United States in your suitcase , as certain foods are prohibited. Consult the U.S. embassy website for more details, but don't risk fines.

Environmental awareness

Remember that the United States is a country with high resource consumption and waste generation. Do your part to minimize your ecological footprint during your trip , although it can sometimes be difficult because recycling is often limited.

What to see on the West Coast of the USA in a motorhome: 15 essentials

Now for the exciting part! The West Coast of the United States is a land brimming with natural and cultural wonders. Here are 15 must-see spots that you absolutely can't miss on your RV trip—we were blown away! You'll notice that this list doesn't include any major American cities, because we firmly believe that cities aren't ideal for RV or campervan travel, neither for comfort nor, above all, for safety. In both Europe and the United States, we advise against visiting large cities in an RV or campervan. Staying in a hotel and using public transportation will make visiting them safer and more comfortable. Here are the 15 essential places to visit in an RV or campervan on the West Coast of the USA . But first, let's take a look at our map, and in this other post, you can see a West Coast RV route from some good friends.

West Coast travel map West Coast by motorhome

Here you can see our map of essentials and places to spend the night on the West Coast in a motorhome. If you hire our route assembly service, you will have it interactive in the route sheet and in full detail.

The 15 essential things to see on the West Coast of our West Coast route by motorhome

Route 66 in its most beautiful section through Arizona

An iconic experience full of history and changing landscapes.

Grand Canyon

One of the most impressive natural wonders in the world.

Monument Valley

A unique place with its characteristic red sandstone monoliths.

Horseshoe Bend

The spectacular horseshoe-shaped bend of the Colorado River.

The New Wave

A dreamlike rock formation that seems taken from another planet.

Antelope Canyon

A slot canyon famous for its undulating rock formations and magical lights.

Bryce Canyon

A national park that is home to an impressive collection of rock pinnacles.

Zion National Park

A paradise for hiking lovers with canyons and unique rock formations.

Grand Teton

A national park with majestic mountain peaks and picturesque lakes.

Yellowstone National Park

 The world's first national park, famous for its geysers and wildlife.

Crater Moon National Park

 A park that houses an impressive crater of an extinct volcano.

Lake Tahoe

A lake with crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains, perfect for outdoor activities.

Big Trees Skulls

A place to marvel at the giant redwood trees.

Yosemite National Park

An icon of nature with waterfalls, valleys and impressive cliffs.

Sequoia national park

 Home to the largest sequoia trees in the world.

 Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Traveling in a motorhome across the United States is an experience that will take your breath away. From its stunning wilderness to its vibrant small towns, there's something for everyone in this vast country. So pack up your motorhome, follow our recommendations, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on the West Coast! May the open road lead you to amazing places and unforgettable moments! And remember to tell us about your adventure in the comments—we're reading them!

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