Pacific Coast Highway: Ultimate RV Travel Guide

Pacific Coast Highway: Ultimate RV Travel Guide

The Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) stands as one of America's most iconic road trips, offering 655 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery from San Diego to Mendocino. For RVers, this legendary route presents unique challenges and unforgettable rewards. This comprehensive guide helps you plan the perfect PCH adventure in your RV.

Route Overview and Best Time to Visit

The PCH hugs California's coastline, transitioning from sunny Southern California beaches through dramatic Big Sur cliffs to the rugged Northern California coast. While technically year-round accessible, each season offers distinct experiences.

Best Seasons:

  • Spring (April-June): Wildflowers, mild weather, fewer crowds, potential fog
  • Summer (July-September): Warmest weather, peak crowds, highest campground rates
  • Fall (October-November): Clear skies, reduced crowds, pleasant temperatures
  • Winter (December-March): Storm watching, whale migration, road closures possible
RV driving on Pacific Coast Highway with dramatic ocean cliffs and blue water
RV driving on Pacific Coast Highway with dramatic ocean cliffs and blue water

RV Size Considerations

PCH sections vary dramatically in RV-friendliness. Southern stretches accommodate larger rigs easily, while central sections (particularly Big Sur) challenge even experienced drivers.

Recommended Maximum Sizes

  • San Diego to San Luis Obispo: All RV sizes manageable
  • Big Sur (San Luis Obispo to Carmel): Under 35 feet strongly recommended
  • Carmel to San Francisco: Under 40 feet acceptable
  • San Francisco to Mendocino: All sizes, but tight corners in some areas

Large RV Alternative: Consider parking your big rig at a base camp and exploring Big Sur in a tow vehicle or renting a smaller RV for this section.

Must-See Stops and Campgrounds

Southern Section: San Diego to Santa Barbara

La Jolla: Stunning beaches and sea caves. Park at nearby campgrounds and explore by bike or car.

Dana Point: Doheny State Beach offers 120 RV sites with full hookups right on the beach.

Malibu: Leo Carrillo State Park provides beachfront camping with tide pools and caves.

Santa Barbara: Carpinteria State Beach features palm-lined campsites steps from the ocean.

Central Section: San Luis Obispo to Monterey

Morro Bay: Morro Bay State Park offers 142 RV sites with iconic Morro Rock views.

Cambria: Base for exploring Hearst Castle. San Simeon Creek Campground provides budget-friendly sites.

Big Sur: Kirk Creek and Plaskett Creek Campgrounds offer cliff-top camping (reservations essential). No hookups but stunning views.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: Saddle Mountain RV Park in nearby Carmel Valley provides full hookups.

Monterey: Veterans Memorial Park offers affordable RV camping near Cannery Row.

RV parked at clifftop campsite overlooking Pacific Ocean at sunset
RV parked at clifftop campsite overlooking Pacific Ocean at sunset

Northern Section: San Francisco to Mendocino

Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay State Beach has RV camping near charming downtown.

Bodega Bay: Doran Regional Park provides bay-side camping with fishing and crabbing.

Jenner: Mouth of Russian River offers seal watching and coastal beauty.

Mendocino: Caspar Beach RV Park offers full hookups near the artsy town.

Driving Tips for the PCH

Big Sur Challenges

The 90-mile Big Sur stretch features narrow roads, tight turns, and sheer drop-offs. Drive during daylight hours only. Pull over at turnouts to let traffic pass—it's California law and good etiquette.

Specific Challenges:

  • No guardrails on many cliff sections
  • Frequent one-lane bridges
  • Limited cell service
  • Few gas stations (fill up in Cambria or Carmel)
  • Occasional rockslides and closures

General Driving Tips

  • Check road conditions via Caltrans before departure
  • Drive during midweek to avoid weekend crowds
  • Plan for slow speeds—30-40 mph common in Big Sur
  • Use lower gears on descents to preserve brakes
  • Watch for cyclists, especially on weekends
  • Be prepared for fog, particularly near San Francisco

Campground Booking Strategy

PCH campgrounds fill months in advance during peak season. California State Parks open reservations 6 months ahead—book exactly at that window.

Booking Timeline:

  • 6 months out: Popular state parks (Pfeiffer Big Sur, San Clemente)
  • 3-4 months out: County parks and private campgrounds
  • 1-2 months out: Less popular or first-come sites
  • Walk-up: Possible midweek in shoulder season

Pro Tip: Mix reservations with flexible days for spontaneous stops. Build buffer days for weather delays or extended stays in favorite spots.

Budget Planning

PCH camping ranges from affordable to expensive depending on season and location.

Typical Costs

  • State Park Camping: $35-65/night without hookups, $50-85 with hookups
  • Private RV Parks: $60-120/night with full hookups
  • Gas: Budget extra—lots of stop-and-go, elevation changes
  • Attractions: Hearst Castle ($25-35), aquariums ($40-60), wine tasting ($20-50)
  • Dining: Coastal towns expensive—$15-30 per meal

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Cook in your RV versus restaurants
  • Visit free beaches and trails
  • Buy groceries inland (less expensive)
  • Use Senior/Military park discounts
  • Visit midweek for lower campground rates

Must-Do Activities

Scenic Highlights

  • Bixby Bridge: Most photographed bridge, Big Sur
  • McWay Falls: 80-foot waterfall to beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
  • 17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach scenic toll road ($11.25)
  • Point Lobos State Reserve: California's crown jewel for coastal scenery
  • Elephant Seal Rookery: Free viewing near San Simeon

Outdoor Adventures

  • Hiking redwood groves at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Kayaking Monterey Bay or Morro Bay
  • Tidepooling at various state beaches
  • Whale watching (December-April gray whales, May-November humpbacks)
  • Surfing at Rincon, Malibu, or Santa Cruz

Sample Itineraries

10-Day Express Trip

  • Day 1-2: San Diego to Santa Barbara
  • Day 3-4: Santa Barbara to Morro Bay
  • Day 5-6: Big Sur (one base, explore daily)
  • Day 7-8: Monterey Peninsula
  • Day 9-10: San Francisco area

3-Week Leisurely Journey

Add time in each region: explore Channel Islands, additional Big Sur hiking, wine country detours, extend to Redwood National Park.

Important Warnings

  • Road Closures: Big Sur sections close occasionally for repairs. Always check current conditions.
  • Fire Season: Late summer/fall brings fire risk and potential evacuations.
  • Tsunami Zones: Coastal campgrounds in tsunami zones—know evacuation routes.
  • Poison Oak: Abundant along trails. Learn to identify and avoid.
  • Theft: Don't leave valuables visible in vehicles at popular stops.

Final Tips

Go Slowly: PCH rewards slow travel. Don't try to cover it in a few days.

Be Flexible: Weather, crowds, and closures demand flexibility. Have backup plans.

Sunrise > Sunset: Eastern-facing coast means morning light is best for photos.

Download Maps: Cell service spotty in remote areas. Offline navigation essential.

Enjoy the Journey: PCH is about the drive itself, not just destinations. Savor every mile.

The Pacific Coast Highway offers RVers an unparalleled journey through California's diverse coastal beauty. With proper planning, patience, and flexibility, it becomes a trip of a lifetime. Start planning your PCH adventure today—the California coast is calling!