Families

Family RV Trips are the Vacation Trend of the Year

There’s no better place to road trip than California. This sunny wonderland of sandy beaches, vast national parks, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and otherworldly deserts is ripe for the adventuring family. The open road calls. With fewer people in the air, now is the time to knock off a few items on your California bucket list in style. Family-friendly and perfect for building the memories you’ll cherish for years to come, an RV is the ideal way to experience all that this beautiful state has to offer. RVs provide all the comfort of home, but with far superior views, making the road trip much more enjoyable for kids and adults alike. An RV becomes your home on wheels, meaning you’re never far from work when you need it and always ready to treat the entire state as your backyard. With the family safely and comfortably in tow, you’ll visit the epic landmarks you’ve always wanted to see, from the giants of Muir Woods, to the mythic topography of Yellowstone, to the vast Joshua Tree forests of the Mojave Desert. The Bay Area serves as the perfect starting place for your family road trip. There, it’s just as easy to access the mountains of Lake Tahoe as the boardwalk of Santa Cruz as the warm summer days of wine country. Head north on Highway 1 to the rustic beauty of Mendocino and the wild rivers of the Klamath Valley or head south on the 101 to Hearst Castle and Santa Barbara Wine Country, and end your adventure at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Whether you travel back between the Western and Eastern Sierras, stopping at Death Valley or the poppy fields of the high desert, or up the coast on Highway 1 to Big Sur, all you need is a full tank and the people you love to make the memory of a lifetime.

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Packing

Campground

RV Types

For those of us who love the idea of a family road trip in theory but have no idea how to pull it off in reality, a little encouragement and inspiration may be in order. Luckily, we’ve compiled the articles you need to research a family vacation that delivers on fun.

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Vintage RV trailer

Vintage RV trailer campers are all the rage. If you’re looking for impeccable style and practicality—easy towing and convenient sleeping—look no further than a refurbished vintage camper. Check for reference: https://happiercamper.com

Airstream

The classic RV trailer is certainly the Airstream. Known for their robust construction, sleek design, and unflappable value, Airstreams are the RV trailer of the past, present, and future. With a variety of sizes, an Airstream is perfect for any family. Check for reference: https://www.airstream.com

Camper van

Camper vans are ideal for the family that really wants to embrace #vanlife. With a variety of manufacturers making high-quality camper vans, from Sprinters to Rifters to the iconic VW camper, there’s plenty to choose from. Based on the size and scope of your travels, check in with this helpful article to help you narrow down your choice! Check for reference: https://gearmoose.com/van-life-best-camper-vans/

RV Types

Inspiration

MOUNT SHASTA CITY KOA

Campground

This scenic alpine campground and RV park rests at 3,500 feet near the base of Mount Shasta. The cool summers of the Siskiyou Mountains are ideal for hiking, fishing and backpacking. In the winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling at Mount Shasta Ski Park. This KOA is open year-round and offers Tent Sites and full-hookup RV Sites, Cabins and Deluxe Cabins.

RESERVE / CHECK RATES

900 North Mt Shasta Blvd., Mt Shasta, CA 96067

Packing

Inspiration

Thule Chasm Carry On

A weather-resistant carry on designed for short trips and weekends away.

With so many RV types available, there is definitely something for everyone. But don’t let the choices overwhelm you. We’re here to help you sort through them all, figure out your needs and wants, and find the RV of your dreams.

Winnebago

To road trip and not miss a single comfort of home, there’s only one choice: a Winnebago. This is RV royalty, top-of-the-line construction, guaranteed to keep the entire family smiling. You’ll love your home on wheels so much, you just might make your road trip permanent. Check for reference: https://www.winnebago.com/theroadahead Also: https://whereyoumakeit.com/converted-vehicles/stats/

BENBOW KOA

Mountain views and some of the tallest redwood trees in the world will wow visitors to the Lost Coast of Northern California - and so will the amenities at this KOA, located on the East Branch South Fork Eel River. Settle into a Deluxe Cabin, RV or seasonal Tent Site and savor the beauty of Benbow Valley.

7000 Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

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COLEVILLE / WALKER KOA

This is the perfect base camp in the Eastern Sierra for visiting Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Reno, Virginia City and Bodie. Magnificent chiseled gray granite rises up behind Coleville/Walker KOA, situated along the Three Flags Highway (395). This big-rig friendly KOA offers Pull-Thru RV Sites and Back-In RV Sites: All sites are full hookup with electric, water, sewer, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a picnic table.

110437 US Highway 395, Coleville, CA 96107

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SANTA CRUZ NORTH / COSTANOA KOA

Santa Cruz North/Costanoa KOA is an eco-adventure resort designed to encourage guests to explore the stunning beauty of the protected California coastline. This KOA creates many opportunities to retreat from the chaos of everyday life through hiking, mountain biking, music, art exhibits, kayaking, spa treatments and other activities. The campground strives to develop programs and methods to reinforce its uncompromising commitment to the environment.

110437 US Highway 395, Coleville, CA 96107

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VISALIA / SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK KOA

Visalia/Sequoia National Park KOA is a family friendly park that is located in Visalia,California near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, which makes it a great spot for those who plan to visit the Sierras. This location provides opportunities for wonderful day trips, such as downtown Visalia, with all its quaint shops and restaurants, or Exeter, with its murals and antique shops.

7480 Avenue 308, Visalia, CA 93291

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AVILA / PISMO BEACH KOA

The comforts of a small beachside town and the quiet of a beautiful California canyon await you at the Avila/Pismo Beach KOA. The surrounding hills protect the Cabins and 50-amp hookup sites from ocean fog. The temperate weather means campers can enjoy the nearby trails and pet-friendly bike path year-round. Also on-site are all the amenities of home, including a laundry facility, showers, swimming pool, gaming room and a kids’ play area.

7480 Avenue 308, Visalia, CA 93291

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VENTURA RANCH KOA

The Ventura Ranch KOA is a 76-acre campground nestled at the foot of Ventura County’s highest mountain, Topa Topa. Enjoy nature, wildlife, gorgeous views, and clear star-lit nights. We are just off the scenic highway, 7 miles between Santa Paula and Ojai.

7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060

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BARSTOW / CALICO KOA

A refreshing oasis in California’s Mojave Desert, Barstow/Calico KOA is conveniently located midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Accommodations include 70-foot Pull-Thru RV Sites with dividing hedges, full hookups, free cable and Wi-Fi, Deluxe Cabins and Tent Sites as well as remodeled central restrooms/showers.

35250 Outer Highway 15 North, Yermo, CA 92398

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SAN DIEGO METRO KOA

This is San Diego Camping at its finest-your Southern-California Camping Escape! Whether you have an RV, tent or want to try our Deluxe Cabins, the San Diego KOA, California Campground, is one of San Diego’s most popular camping resorts and top-rated destination for family fun. The campground, about 20-minutes from everything San Diego has to offer, is perfectly located to be the base-camp for your San Diego vacation.

111 North 2nd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

RESERVE / CHECK RATES

Thule Chasm Carry On

A weather-resistant carry on designed for short trips and weekends away.

250 Lumen Pop-Up Lantern

Whether at home, in the garage, workshop, or on a camping trip, this mini lantern is an invaluable tool.

FILSON X RANCHLANDS LEATHER CUP SLEEVE - BROWN

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

FILSON X RANCHLANDS LEATHER CUP SLEEVE - BROWN

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

Descensionist Pack 32L

Leather beverage coolie handmade in Colorado by Ranchlands.

FILSON X BRANT & COCHRAN® ALLAGASH CRUISER AXE - STEEL/HICKORY

Built one-at-a-time using time-honored forging techniques, each axe head features Filson branding and the craftsman’s initials.

DAWN PATROL HYBRID SHELL

The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell combines our protective BD.Dry™ laminated waterproof breathable solution with an air permeable softshell fabric in key placements.

Wood Burning Stove