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Rent an RV in San Francisco for an epic California road trip

Start your unforgettable motorhome journey along America's west coast in San Francisco, a city rich with iconic attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and natural beauty such as Half Moon Bay. Explore Fisherman's Wharf, visit renowned museums, and enjoy the convenience of RV camping with options ranging from family-friendly campgrounds to full-amenity parks. Venture beyond the city to Yosemite National Park or nearby state parks for hiking and camping, or relax on scenic beaches like Ocean Beach. Begin your adventure in San Francisco, blending vibrant city life with serene outdoor escapes, all from the comfort of a motorhome. Find your perfect RV online at Motorhome Republic.

 

Be careful when driving your San Francisco RV at the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Hiring a motorhome from San Francisco, CA

To get started, simply enter your travel details on the widget above and hit the 'Search' button. In just a few seconds, you will see all the available RV rental deals and campervan rentals from leading suppliers in San Francisco, CA will be available for you to compare. Filter by price, size and much more to narrow down your results. Once you've found the right RV, you can request a booking in minutes.

 

RV Rental companies in San Francisco, San Francisco

Search and compare motorhome rentals from a range of suppliers including Cruise America RV Rentals, Apollo RV, Road Bear, Escape Campervans, El Monte RV, Expedition Motorhomes, Lost Campers, Star Drive Rentals, Road Bear RV, Britz Campervans, and many more.

Here are more details about some of the leading companies offering San Francisco RV rentals.

El Monte RV Rentals

El Monte RV rentals is at 6301 Scarlett Court, Dublin, CA. The depot is around 48 miles from the San Francisco International Airport and closer to the Oakland International Airport (about 20 miles). It’s also conveniently located close to Livermore's premium designer outlet store.

 

Transfers are not available from the airports. However, transfers can be organized for a fee from a number of hotels around the airport and downtown San Francisco. This is provided when you call to arrange the service between 8:30 am and 9:30 am on the day of RV pick-up. San Francisco RV rentals run the gamut—from two-­berth recreational vehicles to eight­-berth class A campervans. Collection times are between 1 pm and 4 pm. Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare, as orientation and contract processing can take 1-­2 hours.

Lost Campers

Lost Campers offer budget rental camper vans for affordable touring and a smaller carbon footprint. For those who want to stay anonymous on the roads, this San Francisco motorhome rental company doesn’t have branding on their vans. The motorhomes do not have toilet and shower facilities on board, so you will need to stay in campgrounds or RV parks during your stay. The company provides linen, 24­hour roadside assistance, and 100 miles free daily.

 

The rental office in San Francisco, CA, is at 2955 3rd Street, between 25th and 26th Streets. Vehicle pick up is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm, while drop off is available 24/7. The San Francisco International Airport is just 15 minutes away by taxi, or you can take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to downtown San Francisco.

Escape Campervans

Located at 893 Ames Ave, Milpitas, CA, this RV rental depot stands out with a fleet of artfully designed van conversions. They offer camper rentals with up to three sleeping spots and don’t charge extra for drivers aged 21 to 25. You must organize a campsite or RV park, as these campervans do not have bathroom amenities.

 

The depot is open daily from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm and does not offer transfer services. That said, public transport in San Francisco is quick and easy from city areas or either airport. You can get a taxi from SFO or Oakland Airport, which will cost a little more. You can drop off your RV rental in San Francisco between 8:30 am and 10 am and collect it between 11 pm and 4 pm. If you return the campervan more than an hour later than the agreed time, you will be penalized with an extra full­ day rental charge.

Road Bear RV and Britz Campervans

Both of these San Francisco RV rental companies are at 420 San Leandro Boulevard, San Leandro, CA. They are conveniently located just 10 minutes by taxi from Oakland Airport and approximately 40 minutes from San Francisco Airport. Road Bear and Britz do not allow you to pick up your motorhome rental when you arrive from overseas, so you should book accommodation for your first night in the city.

 

If you are arriving on a domestic flight from any location in the USA, you can collect your vehicle on the same day. A complimentary shuttle service runs to certain airport hotels and international airports by request.

 

Road Bear RV offers campervan rentals from modern suppliers such as Coachman and Thor with Class C and Class A RVs. Britz covers the basic family model. This San Francisco, CA, depot is less than 10 minutes from the nearest Walmart, so you can stock up before hitting the road.

 

Top Tips for San Francisco, California RV Trips

Here are some pointers to help you keep on track and get the most out of your RV adventure in San Francisco, CA.

 

  • San Francisco has many great possible destinations, but the Napa and Sonoma countryside should be top of the list.

  • You must be 21 or older to rent an RV.

  • A credit card is often required to guarantee San Francisco campervan rentals.

  • Give yourself time! California is full of small towns, state parks, and hidden gems to explore—be flexible; your RV camping itinerary might change.

  • If you are arriving on an international flight, it is wise (and often compulsory) to leave your San Francisco RV pick-up until the following day. That way, you will start your RV rental journey well-rested and ready for the family adventure.

RV Rental in San Francisco - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I rent an RV one way?

Yes, renting an RV for a one-way journey is possible, although often, one-way fees are included. Watch for “no one-way fee” sales and other RV deals on Motorhome Republic.
 

How much does it cost to rent an RV in San Francisco, CA?

Rv rental prices will vary by season and vehicle availability. To discover current rates on a full range of recreational vehicles and suppliers in San Francisco, CA, search our site for your next RV at Motorhome Republic.
 

Do I need vehicle cover for an RV rental?

Yes, you do. To get this sorted quickly and efficiently as part of the rental booking process, select Motorhome Republic’s Protection Plus Cover.
 

Can anyone drive an RV in California?

To drive a rental RV in San Francisco, CA, you typically need to meet certain requirements, including having a valid driver's license and meeting the minimum age requirement set by the motorhome rental company. 21 is usually the minimum age for drivers looking to hire an RV in San Francisco, but some suppliers may only hire to drivers aged 25 and over. It's essential to check with the specific rental company you plan to use for their requirements and policies regarding RV rentals in California.
 

Are SF RV rentals pet-friendly?

Make sure to review the RV listing to confirm if pets are permitted in your chosen motorhome rental. Check for any additional deposit or fee associated with bringing pets along before making your booking request.
 

Do RV rentals in San Francisco offer delivery?

Arranging for an SF RV rental to be delivered to your home or destination can significantly streamline your trip. Numerous RV hosts provide delivery and setup services, often for an additional fee or within a specified distance from their location. Each listing typically indicates whether delivery is available, making it easier for you to plan your RV rental adventure hassle-free.
 

Are there RV rentals with unlimited mileage?

Absolutely! Each motorhome rental supplier has the flexibility to decide whether to offer unlimited miles on their vehicles. When browsing listings, you'll easily find out if unlimited mileage is provided as an option. If unlimited miles aren't offered, you'll still see what's included in the base rate and the cost for any additional miles beyond that.
 

How many people can sleep in an RV?

Compact travel trailers and campervans typically offer cozy sleeping space for 2-4 people. Mid-size trailers and motorhomes are designed to accommodate 4-8 individuals comfortably. Larger rigs can often sleep anywhere from 6-10 people, with some capable of accommodating up to 12.

Heading further afield in your motorhome rental

As one of two famous cities in California, a big drawcard for heading further south is Los Angeles. The city is home to Hollywood Hills, the original Disneyland in Anaheim, and the infamous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It will take you over six hours to drive between these cities, a trip of just under 400 miles. Pick up your San Francisco campervan rental, and allow some time to enjoy a variety of sceneries as you move from one city to another.

 

America’s west is known for its towering sequoia trees, so a camper trip to these forest giants while in the area is a must. Make your way just over 5 hours southeast to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which are right next to each other in the Sierra Nevada. You can hike, bike, horseback ride, and more amongst sequoias that can grow up to 280 feet tall.

 

Napa Valley is only two hours north of San Francisco and is one of the best spots in the country for wine growing—and, therefore, wine tasting. This beautiful wine-country region also offers spas, wine tours by bike, and luxurious hot air balloon rides over the landscape.

 

Four hours east (roughly 160 miles) of San Francisco, CA, is Yosemite National Park, the third most visited state park in the country, with almost 4 million people visiting every year. Yosemite National Park hosts amazing waterfalls, granite cliffs, sequoia trees, hiking tracks, and animal life.

 

California’s capital city, Sacramento, is just 2.5 hours from San Francisco and is a beautiful spot built around the Sacramento River, with pockets of history throughout the city. It’s known for its museums, food, parklands, and historic locations. You can easily hop from one tourist site to another with your San Francisco camper rental.

 

An 8.5-hour drive to the east is the city of casinos and shotgun weddings. The Nevada city of Las Vegas is a great spot to start or finish an RV Rental road trip.

 

San Francisco is one of the Californian cities with a busy nightlife.

 

San Francisco RV Rental vacation planning

Get on the road in San Francisco, CA, and enjoy the fabulous bay area and the state of California with a rental RV. Having your own wheels allows you to explore the San Francisco Bay and Half-Moon Bay, drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and check out Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Zoo. Travel south to more fabulous coastal cities or north into the Napa Valley wine country.

 

San Francisco - City on the Bay

One of America’s most popular destinations, San Francisco, is located on the west coast—north of Los Angeles and south of Napa Valley. Not many cities have a song dedicated to them, but San Francisco is more than worthy.

 

It’s been described as a “roller-coaster ride of a city,” with so much to see and do. Landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, rolling hills, and a remarkable multicultural population help create this tourism favorite.

 

Lay Your Head

Wondering where to stay in San Francisco, CA, before or after your RV camping adventure? You can’t go wrong at Union Square in downtown San Francisco. From Chancellor to the Grand Hyatt, the larger hotels are here. But brace yourselves, as it can be bustling all night long. Nearby Lombard Street has more inns and motels, but many options exist.

 

If you are traveling as a family, Fisherman’s Wharf is easily accessible by public transport and is a city in itself. You won’t find many hostels in Fisherman’s Wharf, but you will in the CBD. Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, near Chinatown, has a good reputation. Find an RV park such as Candlestick RV Park or a campground on the coast to park up your campervan rental in the San Francisco Bay area.

 

What’s On in San Francisco

Baseball is a unique institution in the USA—and opening day for the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in April brings more than 100,000 locals out to play. You need to try the garlic fries! The Cherry Blossom Festival is in the same month and is a celebration of Japanese culture with music, food booths, dancing, and much more.

 

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Parade (LGBT) is a two-day festival in June, with the best jazz music performers coming to town around late October-November.

 

Get out of your RV hire and live it up like a local when you join any of those San Francisco events. But overall, no matter what you do, the generally positive atmosphere will make any event memorable.

 

Get Out and About

You will always have places to enjoy San Francisco, California, in a motorhome. Here are some of our recommendations.

Museums and galleries

Art lovers should visit the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts. It’s a scientific haven, with exhibits and programs—just so much to see and do in one place. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art features a spectacular collection of 20th-century pieces. Visit the Asian Art Museum and the Legion of Honor to view historical works spanning thousands of years.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is not just San Francisco’s main icon but also a universally recognized structure. This suspension bridge attracts roughly 10 million visitors annually, and you can see it by taking a bike across, walking, or driving over it.

Alcatraz

It’s a name that inspired fear into the hearts of many as a federal prison for the worst criminals in the country from 1934 to 1963. Nicknamed “The Rock,” no prisoner ever managed to escape this island fortress. You’ll discover why when you take a boat ride out and tour the structure during your visit to San Francisco, CA.

Chinatown

If you’ve ever wondered where the largest Chinatown outside of China is, here it is. San Francisco’s Chinatown is also the oldest in the US and is packed with shops, restaurants, parks, and squares across 24 blocks in downtown San Francisco. The two main roads, Grant Avenue and Stockton Street are two of the best places to simply stroll and explore.

California Academy of Sciences

Over 26 million species are housed in the California Academy of Sciences natural museum. Covering 400,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest in the country. This isn’t just any old museum; it houses an aquarium, a planetarium, and a rainforest—just a few fantastic exhibits worth exploring. Come to the San Francisco Botanical Garden and Golden Gate Park, then spend the night at the Candlestick RV Park campground to the southwest.

Cable Cars

Many places use cable cars, but none are as recognizable as those in San Francisco, CA. This is mainly because this city is where innovator Andrew Smith Hallidie first imagined the idea and tested the system in 1873. In San Francisco, you can ride the cars and enjoy the views (in far more modern versions).

National Parks

San Francisco, CA, is right in the middle of a smattering of the best national parks in the world. To the northeast, the Rockies (the Rocky Mountains) stretch from British Columbia in Canada right down through the States, and you can visit them at countless points with a San Francisco motorhome hire. The Yosemite National Park is a little closer, just three hours east by campervan, and is known for its beautiful waterfalls.

Additionally, Kings Canyon National Park offers a stunning natural experience with its deep valleys and towering peaks. Finally, Yellowstone National Park is a long drive away in Wyoming (mostly) but makes for an incredible RV road trip from San Francisco, California. Check out this piece by the Motorhome Republic team on experiencing Yellowstone in an RV Rental.

Love camping in national forests? Spend the night at a campground and participate in outdoor activities like wildlife spotting and hiking. We recommend you visit El Dorado, Tahoe, Toiyabe, Sierra, Mendocino, and Plumas National Forests.

Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito

The Muir Woods are the world’s most visited redwood park and is a gorgeous place for an afternoon or day spent exploring massive, beautiful trees just outside Sausalito. Sausalito is a small, arty community near San Francisco city, on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Hit the shops or stop at a restaurant to enjoy a glass of vino as you watch the sunset over the bay.

Sonoma County Wine Region

Drive two hours north of San Francisco and indulge in the bountiful Sonoma County Wine Region. Known for its divine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the area has more than 500 wineries just waiting for you to sample.

Half Moon Bay

Day trips don’t get much better than this—Half Moon Bay is just 45 minutes in an RV rental from the city and offers a world away from the bustle of San Francisco. Between the beach (that you can ride horses on), the golf course, and the shops and restaurants in the small township, you can easily while away a day or two in bliss.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is roughly 3.5 hours northeast of San Francisco, CA, and is the largest alpine lake in North America. It crosses the border between California and Nevada and is popular throughout summer for outdoor recreation—hit the hiking trails, go biking, spend a night camping, and kayak. Then in winter, the ski season sets in, and it becomes a leading snowsports destination.

South San Francisco

The San Francisco International Airport is located in South San Francisco, California.

Big Sur

Follow the coastline roughly three hours south of San Francisco, and you’ll reach Big Sur, a popular attraction known for its rugged coastline and rich history. The Bixby Creek Bridge is an iconic structure, as it traverses a canyon right before the crashing waves of the coast—head on down from San Francisco on your campervan road trip.

You can expect the same quality service from us when you secure a campervan rental in Denver or any US destination. You’ll find RVs for families, campervans for those looking for the convenience of a bed on wheels without the extras, and luxury motorhomes for couples and groups who want a comfortable experience.