With an iconic starting and ending point and some spectacular places in between, a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip is one of the best road trips in the U.S. And doing the trip in your RV or campervan just makes it that much more exciting.
On this journey you will leave San Francisco and head north to Napa Valley, then drive across California to Yosemite National Park. After spending some time in Yosemite, you will drive south to Sequoia National Park, and from there you will head down to Death Valley. Your second to last stop will be Hoover Dam, which is about 45 minutes away from your final stop, Las Vegas.
Napa Valley
Stop 1
One of the most renowned wine destinations in the world, Napa Valley attracts wine lovers, foodies, and people who appreciate beautiful scenery. The region is home to around 400 wineries, charming towns, fantastic restaurants, and gorgeous landscapes. There are numerous campgrounds in Napa Valley, including several that accommodate RVs and campervans.
Yosemite
Stop 2
A road trip through northern California would not be complete without a visit to one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., Yosemite National Park. The park stuns with jaw-dropping cliffs, rock formations, sequoia trees, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore the scenery a number of ways—from hiking to horseback riding to rafting. Yosemite has 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs and trailers of various lengths. Note that electrical, water, and sewer hookup are not available in Yosemite, but there are dump stations with fresh water at several campgrounds.
Sequoia National Park
Stop 3
Next up is Sequoia National Park, known for its towering sequoia trees, which are among the oldest living things on the planet. The park is home to General Sherman, the world’s largest tree and the oldest living thing on earth. However, the sequoias are not the park’s only draw; visitors can also explore stunning mountains, canyons, and caverns.
Death Valley
Stop 4
At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the U.S. outside of Alaska. It is also the “hottest, driest, and lowest national park,” according to the National Park System, and one of the hottest places in the world. Must-see places in Death Valley include Badwater Basin, a salt flat and the lowest point in the U.S.; Artists Drive, a nine-mile drive through beautiful, colorful hills; and Devils Golf Course, a huge flat area of jagged rocks. Lastly, don’t miss Zabriskie Point, the park’s most famous viewpoint.
Hoover Dam
Stop 5
Located on the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam helps power three states: California, Arizona, and Nevada. Built between 1931 and 1936, during the Great Depression, the dam was an engineering feat. Hoover Dam remains the tallest concrete dam and the second tallest dam overall in the U.S. It is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and there are tours for visitors.
Las Vegas
Final stop
Las Vegas is more than just Sin City, although there are plenty of ways to sin there. In addition to the city’s 150,000 hotel rooms and over 100 casinos, Las Vegas offers incredible restaurants and bars, unique museums, a wide array of excellent shows, and thrilling attractions like rollercoasters and ziplines. There are also several RV parks in and around Las Vegas.
Drive safely and have a fantastic trip!
Find other popular road trips across San Francisco
- Check Out San Francisco to Portland Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Crater Lake Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to New York Road Trip
- See all San Francisco road trips
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If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable road trip, you don’t need to spend a fortune. A budget campervan rental in San Francisco gives you all the flexibility and freedom you need at an affordable price. Secure your rental today!
FAQs about San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip
The distance from San Francisco to Las Vegas via Bakersfield and Ridgecrest is around 1014 miles (1631 km). Driving this would take about 15 hours if you did not stop. But with so many epic places to visit, we recommend taking 5 days so you can stop and enjoy the attractions along the way.
If you’re heading out on a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip, there are some fantastic places to hit. Start in Napa Valley, where you can sip wine and enjoy the laid-back vibe of California’s most famous vineyards. From there, cruise to Yosemite, where you’ll find towering cliffs, waterfalls, and endless hiking trails.
Next up is Sequoia National Park, home to the massive General Sherman tree and some of the biggest living things on Earth. Then it’s on to Death Valley for dramatic desert views, salt flats, and colourful canyons, just make sure your campervan’s ready for the heat. On your way to Vegas, swing by Hoover Dam to see one of the most impressive engineering feats in the U.S. Finally, roll into Las Vegas for the grand finale of your trip, with all the lights, food, and fun you could ask for.
Yes! We have facilities in both San Francisco and Las Vegas. This means you can collect your campervan rental from our facility in San Francisco and drop it off when you’re done with it at our facility in Las Vegas.
Yes! Between San Francisco and Las Vegas, you’ll find some great freedom campgrounds offering lodging and hiking activities.
It’s good to be aware that not all freedom camping sites have the same facilities available, so before you set off on your journey, it’s best to compare them beforehand. Go take a look at our guides for freedom camping sites in California and Nevada so you can find the best options for your needs.
The best time to drive the San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip is spring or fall. March to May or September to November gives you cooler desert temps and fewer crowds at popular stops like Yosemite or Death Valley. Summer can be intense, especially across the desert stretches, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
Yes, it can be cheaper if you travel during a quieter time. Booking early may lead to a lower rate and help you plan the drive more smoothly, giving you extra time to think about where you want to stop and how long you want to travel.
There are no tolls on the San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip, so you can take in the desert scenery and long stretches of open road without paying any tolls.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
