After landing at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, allow roughly 1½–2½ hours for baggage, the rental shuttle or transfer, paperwork, a careful vehicle orientation, and loading your bags. With a toddler and a late arrival, avoid trying to reach the Olympic Peninsula tonight. Before leaving, confirm that the rental company permits you to drive to and sleep at a campground the same evening, and photograph the van’s exterior, tires, windows, and interior before departure. Pick up any necessary propane, leveling blocks, electrical adapters, or child-seat equipment at the rental counter.
Make a practical 45-minute grocery stop in the SeaTac or Kent area—places such as Fred Meyer or Safeway are usually the easiest for a full camper-van shop, though late-night hours should be checked closer to departure. Buy bottled water, oatmeal, bananas, yogurt, bread, peanut butter, pasta, rotisserie chicken, diapers, wipes, toddler snacks, and one no-cook backup meal in case everyone is exhausted. Expect approximately $70–$130 for a modest first shop, plus $15–$30 for fuel depending on the van. Keep the cold items together and secure everything before driving; loose groceries become hazardous quickly in a moving van.
Drive south on I-5 for approximately 1–1½ hours to a prearranged campground near Tacoma or Olympia, choosing the closest site with late check-in rather than chasing a scenic location after dark. Confirm the gate-closing time and your site number in advance; many campgrounds will not accept a late arrival without instructions. Once parked, keep the evening simple: use the van’s interior lighting, prepare a quick snack or reheated meal, set out the toddler’s sleep items, and leave the full campsite organization for morning. Budget roughly $35–$70 for a basic site, and do not rely on finding an open fuel station or grocery store after arrival.
Leave South Puget Sound around 7:00 AM in the camper van and follow US-101 toward the Olympic Peninsula; allow roughly 3–3½ hours, plus a grocery and fuel stop. Stock up before the peninsula—Safeway in Port Angeles is the most convenient full-size supermarket for toddler snacks, diapers, and camper supplies. Your first park stop is Madison Falls in the Elwha Valley, where a short, mostly level walk leads to the waterfall. It is a good 45-minute introduction after the drive, though bring a rain cover for the stroller and expect wet, uneven patches.
Continue west along US-101 to Lake Crescent Lodge, arriving around lunchtime. The lodge restaurant is seasonal, so check its 2027 opening schedule before relying on it; otherwise, enjoy a packed lunch at the lakeshore and let your toddler stretch their legs. From there, the Marymere Falls Trail begins near the lodge area. Allow about 1½ hours for the 1.8-mile forest walk, using a toddler carrier rather than a stroller because of roots and steps. Keep the pace easy—this is lush, mossy old-growth forest, and the trail is more enjoyable when you are not rushing.
Drive west toward the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort area, allowing about an hour depending on your starting point and road conditions. If the springs are operating, soaking commonly costs around $20–30 per adult, but confirm reservations, seasonal opening dates, and child-age rules before going; young children may have restricted access to the pools. If soaking does not work for your family, spend the time on the surrounding forest paths instead. Finish at Fairholme Campground or a Port Angeles-area campground, depending on availability. Fairholme is especially convenient for the next day, but April nights can be cold and wet, and some facilities may still be seasonal—check Recreation.gov and bring extra dry layers, waterproof shoes, and a warm sleep setup for the toddler.
From your Lake Quinault campsite or lodging, leave around 6:30 AM for the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center—about 1½ hours via US-101 and Upper Hoh Road. Fill your water bottles and pack breakfast before leaving; services are very limited in the Hoh Valley. Arriving by 8:00 AM is worthwhile because the small parking area fills quickly, and spring rain is common. The Olympic National Park entrance fee is generally around $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven days, or covered by an America the Beautiful Pass (currently about $80, though 2027 pricing should be checked). After the visitor center, walk the Hall of Mosses Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop that usually takes about 45 minutes with frequent stops. It is manageable with a sturdy toddler carrier, but not suitable for most strollers because of roots and mud; waterproof shoes and a rain cover are essential.
Drive roughly 1¾ hours back toward the coast and stop at Ruby Beach, where driftwood, offshore sea stacks, and gray-green surf make one of the peninsula’s best short coastal walks. The path down is brief but uneven, so carry your toddler and keep well back from the water—sneaker waves are a real hazard. Allow about an hour, including time for a snack on the beach. Continue south for approximately 20 minutes to the Kalaloch Tree of Life, a remarkable spruce growing above an eroded coastal hollow. It is only a quick walk from the parking area, but the bluff edge can be slippery and there are no meaningful facilities, so treat this as a photo stop rather than a playground. Keep an eye on fuel: the next reliable larger supply is away from the immediate beach area.
Finish at The Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge, a good change from camper-van cooking and a pleasant place to warm up after a wet day. Dinner is typically about $20–40 per adult, with simpler options for a toddler; hours can be seasonal, so call ahead or check the lodge’s current schedule before committing. Afterward, return to Lake Quinault Campground or your nearby lodging for the night. Expect cool, damp conditions even if the afternoon feels mild, and secure all food before bed—the forest is quiet but wildlife is active. Settle in early: tomorrow’s drive toward Mount Rainier is long, and mountain roads may still have snow or weather-related restrictions in late April.
Leave your Lake Quinault campsite by about 6:30 AM for Mount Rainier National Park, allowing 4½–5½ hours via US-101, I-5, and WA-7, plus a fuel or toddler-break stop. This is a long transfer, so pack breakfast and lunch before leaving; good stop options are the Centralia area or Eatonville. Before committing to the mountain, check the WSDOT pass report and the park’s road alerts—April can bring clear lowland roads but winter conditions around Paradise. Enter through the Nisqually Entrance, where the standard private-vehicle park fee is typically about $30, or use an America the Beautiful pass if you have one. Continue to Longmire Museum for about 45 minutes; its small historic exhibits and restrooms make it a useful reset after the drive.
From Longmire Museum, walk the Trail of the Shadows, an easy 0.7-mile loop taking roughly 45–60 minutes. The boardwalks and forest are manageable with a sturdy stroller in dry conditions, though a child carrier is safer if the trail is muddy or icy. Keep the outing flexible: if the weather is poor, spend more time around Longmire rather than pushing immediately higher. Then drive the roughly 25 minutes toward Paradise Visitor Center, stopping at Narada Falls if the road and viewpoint are open. Spring runoff can make the falls especially impressive, but the short access path may be slick and snowy. At Paradise, allow 1–1½ hours for the visitor center, views, snacks, and a short snow play session; in late April, most surrounding trails are still snow-covered, and snowshoes or traction devices may be needed. Do not expect the full summer trail network or reliable stroller access.
Return to Longmire for dinner at the National Park Inn, one of the few convenient full-service options inside the park; budget approximately $20–35 per adult, with simpler choices for a toddler. Hours can be seasonal, so confirm them before relying on the restaurant, and keep backup camper-van provisions ready. After dinner, continue to your reserved campsite near Ashford or at Longmire if operating; staying near the park entrance will make tomorrow’s departure easier. Expect cold nights, wet ground, and limited cell service—charge devices before entering the park and keep warm toddler layers, dry shoes, and an evening snack within easy reach.
Leave Mount Rainier National Park around 7:00 AM for Cannon Beach, allowing roughly 4½–5 hours via I-5 south and US-26 west, plus a toddler break and fuel stop. This is a good day to keep breakfast simple in the camper and use a larger stop around Olympia or Longview for diapers, groceries, and a proper stretch. Before turning west on US-26, check Oregon road conditions and your campground’s check-in policy; Cannon Beach parking fills quickly, especially near the beach, so unload only what you need and keep the camper parked at your accommodation whenever possible.
After arrival, head first to Ecola State Park, about 10 minutes north of town. The viewpoint gives you one of the finest Oregon Coast panoramas—Tillamook Head, offshore sea stacks, and the broad sweep of coastline—and the short trails are manageable with a toddler in a carrier. Allow about 1½ hours, and expect an Oregon day-use fee of roughly $5 unless your vehicle or camping pass covers it. Continue down the park road to Indian Beach for another hour of easy beach wandering and tide-pool scenery; bring rain layers, since this exposed stretch can be windy even when Cannon Beach feels calm. Stay well back from the surf and never turn your back on sneaker waves.
Drive back into Cannon Beach and spend about 1½ hours strolling the downtown blocks and shoreline around Haystack Rock. The beach is stroller-friendly near the main access points at low tide, although a carrier is easier on soft sand. Check tide times before walking toward the rock, and keep the toddler away from tide pools unless an adult is closely supervising—the rocks are slippery and the incoming water can be surprisingly fast. The galleries and small shops along Hemlock Street are easy to browse in short bursts, with plenty of chances to return to the camper for a nap.
For a relaxed coffee stop, go to Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters for locally roasted coffee and breakfast-style snacks, budgeting roughly $5–15 per person; hours can vary seasonally, so check the morning schedule before relying on it as your only breakfast option. Finish with dinner at Public Coast Brewing Co., a casual family-friendly choice where adults can try Oregon beer and the kitchen usually has approachable options for children; plan on about $20–35 per person. Pick up any next-day snacks and toddler supplies before settling in—full grocery options are more limited in town than in larger inland communities—and keep the evening early after the long drive.
This is the trip’s longest transfer day, so leave Cannon Beach by 5:30–6:00 AM with breakfast packed and the camper fully fueled. Follow US-101 south through Tillamook, Newport, Florence, and Coos Bay, then turn inland toward OR-42 and OR-62. Expect roughly 8–10 hours of driving, not counting stops; with a toddler, plan on arriving after dark only as a last resort. Check Oregon TripCheck and Crater Lake National Park road conditions before departure—snow, ice, and seasonal closures are entirely possible in late April. Keep chains or approved traction devices accessible, not buried in the storage compartment.
Your first useful break is Tillamook Creamery, which generally opens in the morning and makes an easy one-hour stop: the self-guided viewing area is free, while dairy treats and lunch typically run about $10–25 per person. Let your toddler stretch indoors, use the restrooms, and pick up portable snacks before continuing south. In Newport, spend about an hour at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, where the lighthouse and paved coastal viewpoints offer a quick, stroller-friendly reset; the federal recreation fee is commonly around $7 per vehicle, though confirm the 2027 rate and lighthouse access locally.
Continue along US-101 to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near Yachats, allowing about 45 minutes for the viewpoints. Thor’s Well is dramatic but dangerous in rough surf—keep well back from the edge, especially with a toddler, and treat it as a viewpoint rather than a walking destination. Afterward, make your substantial grocery stop at a supermarket in Coos Bay for roughly 30–45 minutes. Refill toddler snacks, milk, fruit, easy breakfasts, and extra water before turning inland; services become sparse as you approach the park. From Coos Bay, follow OR-42 toward Roseburg, then OR-62 toward Crater Lake, watching carefully for snow and reduced mountain-road speeds.
Aim for Mazama Village Campground only if it is confirmed open for the night; late-April openings can be delayed by snow. Otherwise, use reserved nearby lodging or a confirmed campground outside the park rather than relying on walk-up space. Once settled, keep dinner simple and save sightseeing for tomorrow: at this hour, the priority is a warm meal, dry layers, and an early bedtime. Before pulling in, confirm that the camper’s heater is working and keep footwear, rain shells, and toddler sleep layers within easy reach.
Start early at Crater Lake National Park, ideally around 7:00–7:30 AM, because the drive to the redwoods is long and late-April access can be very limited by snow. Check the park’s road-status page and weather forecast before leaving camp: Rim Drive is usually not fully open in April, and roads may be icy or require tire chains. Visit whichever accessible viewpoints are open—Discovery Point, Watchman Overlook, or Pumice Castle are good possibilities—but don’t count on reaching every overlook. Allow about two hours, keeping your toddler close to the edge barriers and bringing a carrier rather than relying on a stroller.
Continue to Rim Village for about 45 minutes. The overlook beside Crater Lake Lodge provides the classic view, though the lodge and many facilities may operate on a reduced or seasonal schedule. There is generally no separate fee for these viewpoints beyond the park entrance fee, typically about $20–35 per private vehicle depending on the current 2027 rate and pass status. Use the restroom, refill water, and make coffee or an early lunch in the camper before departing; food options are sparse this early in the season.
Leave Crater Lake by roughly 10:30–11:00 AM via OR-62 and US-199, then continue toward Crescent City on US-101. The mountain section can be slow in April, with snow, fallen branches, or temporary controls, so allow six hours rather than planning tightly. Grants Pass is the most useful larger-service stop for fuel and groceries if needed; after that, services become less frequent. Keep snacks, diapers, and a toddler activity bag within reach, and take a short break at a safe pullout rather than rushing the winding US-199.
Near Crescent City, make your first redwood stop at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The short, shaded forest walks near Stout Grove are spectacular, but the access road may be narrow, wet, or unsuitable for a larger camper van; check current conditions and use the park’s easier roadside trails if necessary. A one-hour visit is enough for a gentle family introduction—use a toddler carrier, as roots and mud make a stroller impractical. Day-use fees are commonly around $8–12 per vehicle, though California State Parks passes or current fee changes may apply.
For dinner, head to SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City, where the relaxed atmosphere and broad menu work well after a driving day; expect approximately $20–35 per adult, with simpler choices for a toddler. Call ahead if arriving during the dinner rush, especially with the camper van, since parking can be tight. Finish at your reserved Crescent City campground or lodging, ideally somewhere with easy US-101 access for tomorrow’s redwood exploring. Before bed, plug in or secure the camper, check the next day’s tide and weather, and keep rain jackets and muddy shoes ready—the northern California coast is often cool, windy, and damp even when the forest feels calm.
Begin early near Crescent City, ideally around 7:30 AM, and drive to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Allow about 30–40 minutes, and check the status of Howland Hill Road before setting out: it is narrow, winding, and generally unsuitable for large camper vans. Park at the Stout Grove trailhead and spend roughly 1½ hours on the easy, mostly level forest walk. The enormous redwoods are especially peaceful in the morning, and a toddler carrier is much more practical than a stroller on the damp, uneven sections. There is no reliable cell service, so download directions and bring breakfast, water, and snacks.
Afterward, take Howland Hill Road slowly if your rental company permits it and conditions are dry—allow about an hour, with frequent pullouts for photographs. If the van is too large or the road is closed, do not force it; enjoy the grove and return via the paved approach instead. Continue south toward Crescent Beach Overlook, where a 30-minute ocean stop makes an easy toddler reset. The overlook is free, but keep children close to the edge and expect wind even when the forest feels calm.
Drive about an hour south to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for Fern Canyon. Confirm the seasonal access rules and any required parking permit before going, as the approach road and stream crossings can be affected by spring rain. Plan around two hours, wearing waterproof shoes or sandals with secure straps—the trail follows a shallow creek and can be muddy. A toddler carrier is strongly recommended; a conventional stroller will not work. Pack dry socks and a change of clothes, and skip the canyon if water is running high.
From there, take the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a quieter alternative to US-101, for about an hour of giant-tree scenery and short pullouts. It is a lovely place to let everyone decompress without adding another formal hike. Keep dinner simple in the camper tonight; after the long day, head toward Arcata or Eureka and stop at an area grocery store or the Arcata Farmers’ Market if it is operating on your travel day. Restock diapers, fruit, yogurt, sandwich supplies, and extra water before the demanding inland drive tomorrow. Expect no entrance fee for the redwood parks themselves, though parking or Fern Canyon permits may carry a small seasonal charge; budget roughly $10–$20 for permits and $60–$100 for groceries.
This is the trip’s toughest driving day, so leave the Redwood National and State Parks area around 5:30 AM with coffee, breakfast, and toddler supplies ready in the camper. The route via US-101, I-5, and CA-198 takes roughly 8–9 hours before stops. Expect a long, mostly functional transfer rather than a scenic sightseeing day; rotate drivers if possible and plan a substantial break every two hours. Before departing, check Caltrans and Sequoia National Park alerts for snow, road closures, and chain controls. Even with a camper van, carry properly sized chains and know the rental company’s policy—late April can still bring winter conditions on the Generals Highway. Fuel costs will likely be around $70–120, depending on the van’s mileage and fuel prices.
Aim for lunch at Bravo Farms Restaurant in Visalia, a useful family stop roughly before the final mountain climb. Allow about 45–60 minutes for a relaxed meal and a toddler reset; budget approximately $15–30 per person. The restaurant is casual and roomy enough for a family, and Visalia is the last convenient place to top up groceries, diapers, snacks, and fuel before heading toward Three Rivers and the park. Keep the camper well stocked, since mountain-area services are limited and park facilities may operate on reduced spring schedules.
After lunch, continue toward the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. Spend about 30 minutes here checking current road conditions, trail access, wildlife notices, and any restrictions affecting the camper van. From there, make the short roadside stop at Tunnel Rock, allowing about 20 minutes for photos and a stretch. The road and pullouts are tight in places, so park only in marked areas and do not leave the camper unattended with food visible.
Continue uphill to Giant Forest for General Sherman Tree, allowing 1–1½ hours. This is the day’s main experience: the tree is reached by a short but stair-filled and uneven route, so a toddler carrier is much more practical than a stroller. Keep the visit flexible—snow, ice, or wet footing may slow you down—and bring warm layers even if Visalia felt hot. The park entrance fee is generally around $35 per private vehicle, though exact 2027 pricing may change; an America the Beautiful pass, currently about $80, is worthwhile if you are also using it at the other national parks on this trip.
Finish at Wuksachi Lodge in the Lodgepole area for dinner and the night, subject to seasonal opening and road access. Budget roughly $25–45 per person for dinner and confirm operating hours before relying on it, as late-April services can be limited. Keep the evening simple: eat early, refill water, charge phones, and prepare for a cold night at elevation. Temperatures can fall below freezing, so place the toddler in warm sleep layers and keep tomorrow’s breakfast ready inside the van.
Leave Sequoia National Park by about 5:00–5:30 AM with breakfast, coffee, and a full water supply ready in the camper. The drive through CA-180 and CA-41 takes roughly 4½–6 hours, but late-season snow, chain controls, or closures can change the route substantially. Check Caltrans, Yosemite National Park, and the Generals Highway status before leaving; do not assume the most direct road is open. Fuel before entering the mountains, and expect limited services until Oakhurst or Fish Camp. With a toddler, plan one proper break rather than trying to push straight through.
Enter through Yosemite’s South Entrance and go first to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, allowing about 1½–2 hours. The grove access road and shuttle are seasonal, so confirm the current operating arrangement; if the shuttle is not running, parking may be limited and the walk from the lot adds significant distance. For a family visit, stay near the lower grove and take the gentle section toward the Bachelor and Three Graces area rather than attempting the full upper-grove climb. Keep the toddler close—roots, snowmelt, and slippery boardwalk sections are common in April. There is no reliable meal service at the grove, so use the camper for an early lunch afterward, or stop for supplies in Oakhurst before entering the park; groceries and fuel are generally more expensive inside the park.
Continue north on Wawona Road to Tunnel View, a spectacular 30-minute stop overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan. The parking area can be busy even in the shoulder season, and the pavement may be wet or icy, so use a carrier rather than a stroller if conditions are snowy. Then continue into the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center area for about 45 minutes of orientation and an easy look at the valley scenery. Finish with the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, an approximately one-hour paved walk to the waterfall viewpoint. A stroller may work in dry conditions, but a toddler carrier is more practical for puddles, snow, and crowded sections. There is no park entrance fee beyond the vehicle pass—budget roughly $35 per private vehicle for a seven-day pass, unless your rental includes an eligible pass—and summer-style services may still be limited in early May.
Because the drive from Yosemite National Park to San Jose International Airport is approximately 4½–5½ hours, leave the valley by 1:00 PM at the latest, earlier if the flight is before evening. Follow CA-41 toward Oakhurst, then use CA-99 and CA-152 toward the airport; allow extra time for mountain traffic, construction, and the camper-van return inspection. Refuel, empty waste tanks, and complete the rental company’s cleaning requirements before arriving—doing this near Merced or Los Banos is usually easier than searching near the airport. Keep diapers, snacks, pajamas, and one change of clothes accessible for the final drive, and allow at least 2½–3 hours before departure for camper return, shuttle transfer, security, and toddler breaks.