Leave Camas around 6:30 AM with the RV fueled and stocked, taking I-5 south toward Grants Pass before joining US-101 for the final stretch into Eureka. Plan on roughly 9.5–10.5 hours of driving, plus stops; a practical break is around Grants Pass, where you’ll find easy-access fuel, groceries, and fast meals without threading the RV through a downtown. Keep an eye on fuel range once you leave I-5, and try to arrive before dusk—US-101 is beautiful but slower and less comfortable to navigate after dark in a large vehicle.
After checking that your campground or RV site can accommodate your rig, head to Old Town Eureka for an easy one-hour walk along 2nd Street, F Street, and the waterfront. The district’s ornate Victorian storefronts and small galleries are especially atmospheric in the evening, and it’s compact enough to explore on foot. Park only where your RV length is permitted; if downtown spaces look tight, leave the RV at camp and use a rideshare or taxi rather than attempting narrow street parking.
Have dinner at Lost Coast Brewing Company, a relaxed Old Town stop known for local beer and hearty pub food, with dinner generally running about $20–35 per person. Allow around 1.5 hours, and check the current closing time before setting out since hours can vary by season. Once you’re settled, keep the evening quiet after the long drive—the next morning’s route north is much more enjoyable when you’re rested.
After the long drive into Eureka, make Samoa Dunes Recreation Area your first proper stop and give everyone about 90 minutes to stretch out. It’s roughly a 15-minute drive west across the bay via the Samoa Bridge; the broad sand, wind-shaped dunes, and open Pacific horizon feel wonderfully remote after hours on the highway. Wear layers and sturdy shoes—the wind can be surprisingly sharp in September—and keep an eye on children and dogs near the surf. Parking is generally free or low-cost, but facilities are limited, so use a restroom and carry water before heading out.
Return across the bridge to Sequoia Park Garden, a peaceful late-morning reset on Eureka’s southeast side. Allow about an hour to wander the landscaped beds and redwood-shaded paths; the gardens are usually open during daylight hours, with no admission charge, though donations are welcome. From the dunes, expect a 20-minute drive in the RV, and use the larger designated parking areas rather than trying to maneuver into tight residential spaces around the park.
In the afternoon, head to the Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise from the Eureka waterfront for an easy two-hour introduction to the working side of the bay. Check the day’s sailing time and reserve ahead—cruises are seasonal and schedules can change with weather, and you’ll want to arrive 20–30 minutes early. Leave the RV at your campground or a confirmed oversized-vehicle parking spot; the waterfront streets around the docks are not ideal for turning or lingering in a large rig. Afterward, take a relaxed walk through Old Town Eureka, whose restored Victorian storefronts are best enjoyed without trying to cover every block.
Finish at Brick & Fire Bistro, where wood-fired pizzas and seasonal plates make an easy first-night dinner, typically about $25–45 per person before drinks. It’s popular and relatively compact, so an early dinner or reservation is sensible; aim for around 5:30–6:00 PM if you want a quieter table. The restaurant is a short walk from the harbor area, but confirm your RV is secured at the campground before setting out—Old Town parking is much easier for a normal car than for a motorhome.
Leave Eureka around 8:00 AM on US-101 north; the drive to Crescent City takes about 2½ hours in the RV, with redwood-lined stretches and occasional ocean glimpses. Before setting out, top off fuel and confirm current RV parking and road conditions for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. After arriving, continue to Howland Hill Road for roughly 2½ hours among some of the coast’s most impressive old-growth trees. This narrow, winding road is not suitable for every large RV, so check the current vehicle-length guidance before committing; if your rig is too long, park at an appropriate day-use area and explore on foot rather than attempting the full drive.
From Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, make the short transfer to Stout Grove, allowing about an hour for its easy, exceptionally atmospheric riverside walk. The trail is mostly gentle but can be muddy after rain, so waterproof shoes are useful; pack lunch and water, since services inside the redwood area are limited. Return toward town in the late afternoon for Battery Point Lighthouse, reached from Crescent City harbor by a short walk across the rocky causeway only when the tide is safely out—check the tide table locally and never cross if water is covering the access. Finish at SeaQuake Brewing, a relaxed local stop for seafood, burgers, and house beer, generally $20–35 per person. It is a good place to settle in after the forest walks, but RV parking can be tight, so use a designated larger vehicle space or leave the RV at your campground and take a short rideshare or taxi.
Leave Crescent City by about 7:00 AM for the long southbound run to Mendocino. Allow 5½–6½ hours in the RV, with fuel and comfort stops along US-101; fill up before leaving and again around Fort Bragg, where services become more useful before the final CA-1 stretch. Check Caltrans for current CA-1 restrictions, since the Mendocino coast has tight curves and limited places to turn around. With this driving day, pack breakfast and lunch rather than counting on a leisurely roadside stop, and aim to arrive with enough daylight for the coast.
After checking in or securing your RV spot, drive to Mendocino Headlands State Park for roughly 1½ hours of fresh air and cliff-top views. The paths near the village are easy to reach, but keep well back from the edges—wind and undercut cliffs are serious here. Parking is generally roadside and free, though spaces can be limited; an RV is easier to manage if you arrive before the late-afternoon sightseeing rush. Walk the bluffs toward Point Mendocino for the best sunset-facing outlooks, but allow time to return before it gets dark.
A short walk or drive brings you into Mendocino Village, where an hour is enough to browse its small galleries, independent bookstores, and preserved historic homes without turning the evening into another itinerary marathon. Most shops tend to close around 5:00 or 6:00 PM, so use this as a gentle wander rather than saving all the browsing for late. Finish at Cafe Beaujolais, a longstanding restaurant in a historic house, for polished California cooking; budget about $35–65 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are wise, especially on a Friday, and dinner typically takes about 1½ hours—afterward, return to the RV slowly, as village roads and coastal lanes are very dark.
Leave Mendocino around 8:00 AM for the coast-to-wine-country run via CA-1 and US-101, allowing 3½–4½ hours in the RV with a fuel or coffee stop near Santa Rosa. The last approach through Sonoma Valley is especially pleasant in September, but avoid trying to improvise winery stops with a large vehicle—many lanes and tasting-room lots are tight. Arrive at Sonoma Plaza in the late morning and use the public lot off West Napa Street or nearby marked RV-compatible spaces; do not leave the RV blocking the historic square. Walk the leafy plaza, then take a look at Mission San Francisco Solano and the surrounding historic buildings. The mission generally opens from late morning into the afternoon, with a modest admission fee, and the whole stop takes about an hour.
From Sonoma Plaza, allow roughly 20 minutes in the RV to Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, preferably with a reservation confirmed in advance. The estate’s structured tasting and tram-style vineyard experience are a good fit today because they keep the visit focused rather than turning it into a long sequence of unplanned pours; budget approximately $35–75 per person depending on the experience. Designate a sober driver, and call ahead to verify current RV parking instructions—space can be limited, especially on weekends. Afterward, continue about 30–40 minutes to Oxbow Public Market in Napa, arriving in the late afternoon when the market is lively but before the dinner rush. It is an easy place to split up, browse prepared food and local products, and stretch your legs for 90 minutes; individual vendor prices vary, with snacks generally $6–15.
Stay at Oxbow Public Market for dinner at Gott’s Roadside, where burgers, fries, and shakes run about $15–30 per person. Order at the counter and expect a casual 45–60-minute meal; lines are usually shorter before 6:00 PM. After dinner, move the RV to your reserved Napa-area campground or accommodation rather than attempting to linger in the market lot, whose spaces are intended for customer visits and may have time limits. For tomorrow’s drive toward Mariposa, top off fuel tonight if possible and check the RV route via CA-29, I-580, and CA-140—Napa traffic and the Bay Area approaches can add substantial time to an otherwise straightforward departure.
Leave Napa around 7:30 AM for Mariposa, allowing 4½–5½ hours in the RV via CA-29, I-580, and CA-140, plus a proper fuel and grocery stop before the foothills. Once you leave the Central Valley, services thin out and the road becomes more winding, so arrive with a full tank and avoid relying on a last-minute dump of supplies. CA-140 is generally the most comfortable Yosemite approach for larger RVs, but check Caltrans and NPS conditions before departure. After checking in, give yourselves a little downtime rather than trying to rush straight into sightseeing.
Spend about an hour at the Mariposa Museum & History Center, a compact, volunteer-run museum typically open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning into the afternoon; hours can vary seasonally, so verify before setting out. Admission is usually around $5–10. The exhibits put the town’s Gold Rush history and Yosemite gateway role into context without taking over the day. From there, it’s an easy walk into historic downtown Mariposa, where the Mariposa County Courthouse anchors a pleasant heritage stroll along the old Main Street storefronts. Allow roughly 45 minutes to browse the blocks, pop into local shops, and get a feel for this small mountain town; RV parking is easiest at the edge of downtown rather than on the narrowest central blocks.
For dinner, walk or make the short RV transfer to Charles Street Dinner House, a relaxed local choice known for steaks, seafood, salads, and hearty mountain-town plates. Budget about $30–55 per person, and call ahead if you have a larger party or need to confirm seating—September weekends can be busy. It’s the kind of evening to keep unhurried: eat early enough to avoid a late drive, then return to your campground and prepare for tomorrow’s Yosemite start, including checking parking limitations and having breakfast items ready before dawn.
Leave Mariposa around 6:30 AM for Yosemite Valley, allowing 1½–2 hours on CA-140. Arriving early matters with an RV: once inside the valley, follow signs for designated oversized-vehicle parking rather than trying to circulate through the central lots. Allow about an hour to park, use the restrooms, and get oriented at the visitor facilities. Check the National Park Service road report and any entry requirements before leaving; park entrance is generally $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days, while an annual pass may make sense for longer trips.
After parking, take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle when operating, or drive the RV only if necessary. Head first to Tunnel View via Wawona Road for the classic overlook of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the valley floor; allow about 30 minutes, and use the pullout rather than stopping along the road. Return to the valley and spend roughly 2½ hours on the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, choosing a shorter out-and-back if the group is tired. The mostly flat route passes meadows and enormous granite walls, but carry water and expect limited shade at midday. Pack lunch from the RV—valley dining is convenient but expensive—and keep all food secured because bears are active.
Continue to Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, a short, mostly easy walk from the valley shuttle area to the base of the falls; allow about an hour, including time for photographs. September can bring a much lighter flow than spring, but the granite amphitheater remains impressive, and the trail can be slick near the viewing area. Finish at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, where the high-ceilinged lodge and stone-and-timber interior make dinner feel like part of the Yosemite experience. Dinner is approximately $45–80 per person before drinks and gratuity; reservations are strongly recommended, and smart-casual clothing is appropriate. Afterward, return to the RV only through designated routes and avoid moving it around the valley after dark, when wildlife and pedestrians are harder to see.
Leave Yosemite Valley around 6:00 AM for Morro Bay, allowing 6–7 hours in the RV via CA-41, CA-49, and US-101. This is a demanding transfer day, so treat the drive as the main event: fuel before leaving the mountains, take a proper break in the Central Valley, and avoid trying to thread the RV through small downtown streets. Expect the final approach along US-101 to feel much easier, with broad coastal light and glimpses of the Pacific. After checking into your campground or RV site, give yourself a little downtime before exploring.
Head first to Morro Bay State Park, where the marina and estuary provide an easy, mostly level walk after the long drive. Allow about 1½ hours to wander along the harbor, watch kayakers and shorebirds, and take in Morro Rock from across the water. Parking is generally simpler near the marina than in the busiest Embarcadero lots, but check RV length limits and avoid leaving valuables visible. Later, move toward the waterfront for Morro Rock Beach; the shoreline is the best place for a clear photograph of the landmark, especially as the afternoon light softens. Allow roughly 45 minutes, and bring a jacket—the wind can pick up quickly even on a sunny September day.
Continue along the harborfront to the Morro Bay Maritime Museum, a compact stop that works well before dinner and usually takes about an hour. Check the same-day schedule before walking over, as seasonal hours can vary; admission is typically modest, around $5–10 per adult. Finish at Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley on the Embarcadero, a casual local-style seafood stop where counter service keeps things easy after the drive. Expect roughly $20–35 per person for fish, shellfish, or a basket with sides. Go before the dinner rush if you want a quicker table, then take a short harborfront stroll afterward rather than adding another major activity.
Leave Morro Bay around 7:30 AM for Monterey on CA-1, allowing 3½–4½ hours plus stops. Before committing to the coastal route, check Caltrans District 5 for current Big Sur closures, one-way controls, and RV length restrictions; some viewpoints have tight approaches and very limited turning space. Your first stop is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, about 45 minutes north of San Simeon. The overlook is free, open year-round, and reached by an easy accessible path from the parking area. Late morning is usually lively, though the seals may be noisier and more active during seasonal changes—keep well behind the railings and expect a strong marine smell.
Continue north on CA-1, taking your time through Big Sur rather than trying to make up minutes on the winding road. At Bixby Creek Bridge, plan about 30 minutes for the classic photograph from the authorized roadside viewpoint; parking is scarce, so use extreme caution with the RV and never stop in the traffic lane. From there, continue toward Carmel and allow roughly 20–30 minutes to reach Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. With an RV, parking inside can be difficult and the reserve may close its entrance when full, so arrive as early as practical and obey posted vehicle-size rules. Spend about two hours on the coastal trails around Whalers Cove and Cypress Grove—the scenery is the priority, and even a shorter walk gives you rocky coves, sea otters, and windswept cypress without overloading the day. Day-use admission is generally around $10 per vehicle; bring water and layers, since the afternoon can turn cool quickly.
Finish in Monterey at Old Fisherman’s Grotto on Fisherman’s Wharf, a short drive from Point Lobos but potentially slow through Carmel-by-the-Sea and along the waterfront. Dinner typically runs about $35–65 per person, and reservations are wise for the early evening; the restaurant’s seafood, chowder, and harbor views make it a fitting end to the coastal day. RV parking near the wharf is limited, so leave the rig at your campground if possible and use a rideshare or arrange a designated driver; otherwise, park well outside the busiest waterfront blocks and walk. After dinner, take a gentle stroll along Cannery Row or the waterfront before turning in—September evenings are often cool and breezy, even after a sunny drive.
Leave Monterey around 6:30 AM for Fort Bragg, allowing six to seven hours in the RV, plus fuel, coffee, and viewpoint stops. Check Caltrans District 5 before departure: if the Big Sur section of CA-1 has RV restrictions or closures, use US-101 inland rather than attempting a coastal detour in a large vehicle. Keep the fuel tank comfortably above half, since services are limited along parts of the coast; arrive in Fort Bragg around early afternoon and park the RV at your campground or designated lot before sightseeing.
Spend about 1½ hours at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where ocean-facing paths wind through rhododendrons, succulents, fuchsias, and other cool-climate plantings. It is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with admission commonly around $20–25 for adults; allow extra time for the short drive from town and check the seasonal closing time before setting out. Afterward, drive back toward town for Glass Beach, using only the designated public access points and leaving the glass where it is—the shoreline is much less glass-covered than old photographs suggest, but the colorful fragments and rugged coastal setting are still worth a brief, roughly 45-minute stop. Wear sturdy shoes, and don’t bring the RV down narrow residential approaches; park legally and walk the final stretch.
Continue to Noyo Harbor, about a 10-minute drive south of central Fort Bragg, for a relaxed hour watching working fishing boats, sea lions, and harbor activity as the light softens. Dinner at Princess Seafood is a good fit for the evening: expect casual dockside seating, fresh fish or shellfish, and approximately $20–35 per person. Hours can be seasonal and seafood may sell out, so check that evening’s closing time and go earlier rather than arriving just before service ends. After dinner, take a short harbor stroll, then return to the RV before dark; the waterfront roads and parking areas are tight, so leave the RV in one place and explore on foot.
Leave Fort Bragg around 7:30 AM for Eureka, allowing 3½–4½ hours in the RV once fuel and photo stops are included. Follow CA-1 north before joining US-101, and verify Caltrans conditions first—coastal construction, fallen trees, or RV restrictions can change the best routing. Keep the tank comfortably above half-full, since services are widely spaced. Rather than heading straight into Eureka, turn onto the Avenue of the Giants near Phillipsville for the late-morning scenic drive. Allow about 2½ hours for the 31-mile parallel route, with short walks among enormous redwoods and plenty of pullouts; large RVs should use signed areas only and never attempt tight turnarounds on the shoulder.
Continue to Founders Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where the easy, roughly one-mile loop takes about an hour and passes some of the park’s most impressive old-growth trees. The trail is generally gentle but can be damp and muddy in shaded sections, so wear shoes with decent grip. A day-use fee is typically around $8 per vehicle, though fee arrangements and parking rules can change. Afterward, spend about 45 minutes at the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center in Weott—usually open daytime through the main visitor season—for maps, interpretive displays, and the latest word on road conditions before continuing north on US-101. Expect roughly an hour to Eureka from the visitor center, depending on RV traffic and stops.
After settling in, walk or take a short local drive to North of Fourth in Eureka for dinner. This relaxed downtown restaurant focuses on North Coast ingredients and is a good choice after a full day in the forest; budget approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. Evening hours can vary by day and season, so check the current schedule and reserve if possible. Downtown parking is generally easier earlier in the evening, but with an RV it is wiser to leave the vehicle at your campground or designated large-vehicle parking and use a taxi or rideshare rather than searching for a tight street space.
Leave Eureka around 7:00 AM for the long but beautiful US-101 run north to Newport, allowing 5½–6½ hours in the RV with stops. Keep passports or other required travel documents handy for the Oregon state-line transition, and top off fuel before leaving town; services are easy to find along the highway, but an RV is much easier to manage when you are not searching for fuel at the last minute. Around late morning, stop at the Port of Brookings-Harbor for about 45 minutes. The waterfront is a convenient place to stretch your legs, check the harbor, and refuel, with large-vehicle access generally easier near the commercial port than in the small downtown lots.
Continue north on US-101 to Bandon Beach, arriving around lunchtime or early afternoon. Give yourself roughly 1½ hours here for the broad shoreline and the view of the offshore sea stacks—this is a better stop for wandering and photographs than trying to squeeze in a full sit-down meal. Park only where the RV is permitted and keep an eye on the tide and wind; the beach can feel much colder than the highway. Afterward, allow roughly two hours to continue to Newport, arriving in the late afternoon. Head straight to your reserved RV site or parking area before sightseeing, since the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area access road and nearby lots are not designed for casual large-RV circulation. At Yaquina Head, spend about 1½ hours on the headland trails and tide-pool viewpoints; the basalt cliffs are especially striking in the late light. Check the official opening schedule and any day-use fee before leaving—vehicle access and tide-pool conditions can vary, and sturdy shoes are worthwhile.
For dinner, make the short drive to Local Ocean Seafoods on the Newport Bayfront, where the menu focuses on fresh local catch and a meal typically runs about $25–45 per person. Aim to arrive early or expect a wait, particularly on a weekend; the working harbor setting is part of the appeal, and you can use the time to stroll the waterfront rather than move the RV repeatedly. Parking along the bayfront can be tight for larger rigs, so leave the RV at camp if possible and use a rideshare or arrange a short drop-off, then walk the compact waterfront afterward.
Leave Newport around 7:00 AM via US-101, then continue toward Astoria before joining I-5 and WA-14 later in the day. Allow roughly 3½–4½ hours of total driving, but break it up rather than treating this as one long push. Check Oregon 511 for coastal and Portland-area traffic, and make sure the RV has enough fuel before leaving the coast. Around late morning, head to the Astoria Column in Coxcomb Hill; the tower grounds are generally open during daylight, with a small parking fee and a modest fee to climb the 164 steps. The view over the Columbia River is excellent, though the parking area can be tight for a large RV—arrive early and use the designated oversize spaces if available.
Continue west across the Astoria-Megler Bridge—allow extra time if wind or bridge traffic is heavy—and drive to Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, about 20–25 minutes from the column. Spend around 90 minutes near the historic Peter Iredale shipwreck and the beach access; the wreck is especially photogenic at lower tide, but keep well back from the surf. Oregon State Parks charges a day-use fee, and the park roads are generally manageable in an RV, although beach-area parking can fill quickly. Return to downtown Astoria for lunch at Riverside Fish & Chips, a casual stop for fried fish, shrimp, and chips at roughly $15–30 per person; call ahead or check the day’s hours, since small local restaurants can vary seasonally. Allow extra time for downtown parking—the waterfront lots and nearby streets are easier than trying to maneuver directly beside the restaurant.
After lunch, begin the return east on I-5, crossing back into Washington and leaving the freeway near Washougal for Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a relaxed final stop rather than a full hike: allow about 1½ hours for the flat wildlife walk, with binoculars useful for herons, raptors, and seasonal waterfowl. Check refuge access and trail conditions before setting out, and bring water because shade is limited. From Steigerwald Lake, it is roughly 15–20 minutes to Camas via WA-14 and local roads; if you still need fuel or a final rest break, take care of it near Vancouver before leaving the busier Portland corridor. Expect to reach Camas in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on Portland traffic and how long you spend at the refuge.