California RV Trip

Question

Hi,

I am in the process of planning a three-week tour of California in a rented RV. 2 questions:

Are then any RV Campsites in California that you would recommend?

When travelling abroad we usually take cash, however we are aware that there are a wide range of cash travel cards available now. Which ones do you recommend? (We live in New Zealand).

Any other advice greatly received.

Many Thanks L.

Answer

Planning a three-week RV tour of California is an exciting adventure! California offers a wide range of RV campsites, from coastal parks to mountain forests and desert oases. Here’s some guidance for campsites, cashless options, and general tips for your trip.

Recommended RV Campsites in California

California has many highly-rated RV parks and campgrounds. Here are some options across different regions:

Yosemite National Park: Upper Pines Campground and Wawona Campground are popular for RVs. Book well in advance as spots fill quickly.
Redwoods / Northern California: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offer scenic forest camping experiences.
Lake Tahoe Area: Campgrounds such as DL Bliss State Park and Fallen Leaf Campground provide lakeside views and hiking access.
Central Coast / Big Sur: Kirk Creek Campground and Big Sur Campground & Cabins are beautiful coastal options, though limited in size—reserve early.
Southern California Desert: Joshua Tree National Park has several campgrounds suitable for RVs, including Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock. Near Palm Springs, consider Desert Hot Springs RV Resort for amenities.
San Francisco Bay Area: Marin RV Park and San Francisco RV Resort (Pacifica) are convenient for exploring the Bay Area.
San Diego Area: Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort offer easy access to beaches and city attractions.

Booking in advance is crucial, especially for popular destinations like Yosemite, Big Sur, and Joshua Tree, particularly in summer months.

Cashless Travel Options

Since you’re traveling from New Zealand, it’s smart to minimize cash and rely on travel cards or credit cards with low foreign transaction fees. Some recommended options include:

Wise (formerly TransferWise) multi-currency card – allows spending in USD with low conversion fees.
Revolut – offers a travel card with competitive exchange rates and the ability to hold multiple currencies.
AirNZ Travel Card – if available, specifically designed for New Zealand residents abroad.
Major credit cards like Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees – useful for hotels, RV parks, and larger purchases.

It’s helpful to carry a small amount of USD cash for places that don’t accept cards, especially in national parks or small towns.

Additional Advice for an RV Trip in California

Plan your route carefully to balance driving distances with sightseeing; California is vast and some roads (like Big Sur) are slow due to winding terrain.
Check RV size restrictions, especially for National Parks and coastal campgrounds with narrow access roads.
Use apps like Campendium or RV Parky to find RV-friendly campgrounds and get reviews from other RV travelers.
Be prepared for variable weather – coastal areas can be cool and foggy, mountains may be chilly, and deserts hot during the day but cold at night.
Stock up on groceries and water, particularly in desert areas where stores may be far apart.
Have a backup plan for reservations, as some sites fill quickly during peak season.

With these tips and careful planning, your California RV trip should be both comfortable and unforgettable. Make sure to enjoy the diverse landscapes, from beaches to forests to deserts, and take advantage of scenic stops along the way.

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