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Northern California & Southern Oregon RV Adventure with Kids (1-2 Weeks)

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & San Francisco Exploration

Morning: Arrive in San Francisco and settle into your RV site at . Take a light walk nearby to stretch after the trip.

Afternoon: Visit Golden Gate Park to explore playgrounds and the California Academy of Sciences, a hit with kids for its aquarium and planetarium.

Evening: Relax at the RV park or enjoy a family-friendly dinner in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

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Day 2: Muir Woods & Sausalito

Morning: Drive to Muir Woods National Monument and enjoy an easy hike amongst towering redwoods.

Afternoon: Head to Sausalito for lunch and explore local shops and waterfront parks.

Evening: Return to your RV spot and have a campfire cookout or relax with board games.

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Day 3: Napa Valley & Calistoga

Morning: Drive north to Napa Valley with a kid-friendly stop at Boundless Adventures ropes course.

Afternoon: Visit Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga, a fun natural spectacle for all ages.

Evening: Overnight RV camping near Calistoga with time to rest and prepare for next day’s journey.

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Day 4: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Morning: Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Explore the easy trails and geothermal features like Bumpass Hell.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch and nature programs at the visitor center, perfect for kids to learn about volcanos.

Evening: Camp at the park’s RV-friendly campground with stargazing opportunities.

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Day 5: Shasta Lake & Outdoor Fun

Morning: Drive towards Shasta Lake. Take a short boat tour or explore the lake shore playgrounds.

Afternoon: Stop by the Shasta Dam Visitor Center to learn about the dam’s construction and history.

Evening: RV camping near Shasta Lake with a relaxing evening around the firepit.

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Day 6: Mount Shasta & Siskiyou Wilderness

Morning: Explore Mount Shasta town and easy hiking trails in the Siskiyou Wilderness, great for families.

Afternoon: Visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Visitor Center for interactive exhibits.

Evening: Camp near Mount Shasta or stay in an RV park with amenities for kiddos.

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Day 7: Ashland, Oregon - Theatre & Nature

Morning: Cross into Southern Oregon and visit Ashland. Check out the children's programs at the Ashland Library.

Afternoon: Explore Lithia Park with its playgrounds, ponds, and gentle hiking paths.

Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival if timing allows, or stroll the charming town.

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Day 8: Crater Lake National Park

Morning: Early drive to Crater Lake National Park. Take scenic viewpoints and easy rim walks.

Afternoon: Boat tour of the lake (seasonal) or visit the Crater Lake Visitor Center with kid-friendly exhibits.

Evening: Camp within the park or nearby RV park to enjoy sunset views.

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Day 9: Return Journey South

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and optional morning walk in the forests surrounding the RV park.

Afternoon: Begin your southbound drive stopping at Klamath Falls for lunch and a quick visit to local parks.

Evening: Overnight at an RV park halfway between Crater Lake and Northern California destinations.

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Day 10: Redwood National and State Parks

Morning: Explore Redwood National and State Parks, walking amongst some of the tallest trees on earth on easy kid-friendly trails.

Afternoon: Visit the Kuchel Visitor Center and enjoy beach time at Gold Bluffs Beach.

Evening: Camp at a nearby RV campground and enjoy a quiet night under the redwoods.

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Day 11: Avenue of the Giants & Eureka

Morning: Drive the Avenue of the Giants, stopping at scenic viewpoints and picnic areas.

Afternoon: Visit Eureka’s Old Town with its historic buildings and waterfront walk.

Evening: Stay in an RV park close to Eureka, preparing for return towards San Francisco on following days or trip end.

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Day 12-14 (Optional): Extend with Coastal & Wine Country Delights

Morning: Explore Northern California's coast, including Trinidad State Beach and Patrick's Point State Park.

Afternoon: Wine tasting stops for adults at family-friendly wineries in Mendocino County while kids enjoy outdoor activities.

Evening: Camp by the coast with fresh seafood dinners and beach bonfires.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • California Academy of Sciences: 3-4 hours, $40 per adult, kids under 5 free
  • Muir Woods National Monument: 2-3 hours, $15 parking fee
  • Old Faithful Geyser of California: 1.5 hours, Free entry, small donation suggested
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: 4-5 hours, $30 per vehicle entry
  • Boat Tour on Shasta Lake: 2 hours, approx. $35 per person
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival (family show): 2-3 hours, $15-$35 per ticket
  • Crater Lake National Park Entry: 4-5 hours, $30 per vehicle
  • Redwood National and State Parks: 3-4 hours, Free entry
  • Avenue of the Giants: 2-3 hours, Free
  • Mendocino Wineries (optional): 1-2 hours per stop, tasting fees $10-$20 per adult

Total Estimated Cost: $250 - $400 (depending on activities and ages)

Tips

To extend the trip, add extra days in Mendocino County for additional coastal hikes and beach time or explore further north into Oregon forests and rivers for extended outdoor adventures. To reduce the trip duration, focus on key highlights near San Francisco, Lassen, and Mount Shasta, eliminating the Oregon portion and some long driving days.

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