3 BEST Long-Weekend Road Trips from LA (with a Camper!)
I've always wanted to take a road trip in a camper, but for some reason, I kept putting it off. This year I decided it was finally time to go for it, especially since I live in one of the BEST road trip states: California!
I rented a camper from Travellers Autobarn right in Los Angeles which made it super easy, affordable, and honestly, it felt like the best way to really connect with nature and switch up my usual travel vibe. So if you're also looking for something a little different, maybe a bit more laid-back and outdoorsy, this is such a fun and affordable way to check a road trip off your bucket list.
Here are 3 of my favorite road trips from LA that would be PERFECT for a camper trip!
1. Big Sur: One of my favorite places in the world!
Why Big Sur?
Big Sur is probably my FAVORITE place in all of California. You’ll find dramatic cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters, and towering redwoods up and down the coast. You’ll want to stop at nearly every scenic pull-off to snap photos or make your way to a secret beach (of which there are plenty!)
These are some of my favorite stop-off points;
McWay Falls
Bixby Bridge
Pfeiffer Beach
Nepenthe Big Sur
Camper Perks:
Here’s why getting around Big Sur in a camper is one of the best ways to explore the area: renting a camper from Travellers Autobarn means you don’t have to worry about booking hotels or dealing with long check-in times. Instead, you can stay right by the ocean, cook breakfast with a view, and enjoy spontaneous stops along the way. It’s the best way to explore this region because it gives you so much more flexibility.
Plus a camper just feels so homey after a day of exploring! I loved having the cozy beds and the ability to cook my own food. It felt like a little sleepover fort! I also love a camper because you can follow where the weather is best without having to stick to a set schedule!
Cost Breakdown:
Camper Rental: ~$109/day
Bedding & Kitchen Kit: $45 flat fee (includes sleeping bags, pillows, and a full kitchen setup)
Fuel & Campsites: ~$100 total (expect to pay for campsites along the coast, which can vary in price)
Total for 4 Days: ~$650
Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the local markets in Big Sur like Carmel Farmers Market or the Monterey Farmers Market for fresh local produce to make your meals even more delicious while you’re parked at a campsite with an ocean view.
2. Joshua Tree: An LA Rite of Passage
Why go?
I feel like if you’re in LA and you HAVEN’T been to Joshua Tree yet… we need to change that. It’s truly one of those places I think everyone should visit, especially when it’s relatively close. There are so many things to do and some of the most other-wordly landscapes in all of California. The hiking is great, the views are amazing (especially stargazing at night), and there are cute towns to explore nearby.
When you're not exploring the park, make sure to stop by the local towns like Pioneertown or head over to the Integratron for a rejuvenating sound bath. This is truly the perfect area for zen AND adventure.
Camper Perks:
Joshua Tree's campsites feel super remote and a Travellers Autobarn camper will give you all the amenities you need, from a propane stove to cook up some comfort food to a cozy bed where you can unwind after a full day of exploring. Imagine waking up to the quiet desert morning and sipping coffee in your pajamas while enjoying the stillness… I wish that’s what I was doing right now as I write this!
I highly recommend traveling with 2-4 people to keep costs lower and make the most out of your trip! A camper trip with a group of friends is a very special experience.
Cost Breakdown:
Camper Rental: ~$109/day
Bedding & Kitchen Kit: $45 flat fee
Fuel & Campsites: ~$80 total (Joshua Tree campsites are affordable, but reservations are highly recommended)
Total for 4 Days: ~$600
Pro Tip: Don't miss the Cholla Cactus Garden or the famous Barker Dam. And for those looking to splurge a little, there are some cool boutique hotels nearby, but the campsite views at night are hard to beat!
3. Santa Barbara & Santa Ynez Valley: The Perfect Cozy Getaway
Why Go?
Santa Barbara is one of those perfect weekend destinations, especially since it’s just a few hours north of LA. It feels like a totally different world than the big city though since it’s so laid-back! You can spend your mornings wandering around downtown Santa Barbara, sipping coffee at a cute café, and reading a book by the beach. Afterward, you can hop in your camper and head to the nearby Santa Ynez Valley for wine-tasting! The rolling vineyards and quaint towns like Solvang will make you feel like you're in Europe…without the long flight! I need to remember that this destination exists more often, because it’s one of my favorite places to escape to.
Camper Perks:
The beauty of a Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley road trip is that you can park your Travellers Autobarn camper right by the beach or within close proximity to wine country. You’ll have everything you need: a stove for cooking up your favorite meals and a warm bed to fall into after an afternoon of wine tastings. It’s also great for a group and would be the perfect long-weekend destination for a girls trip!
Cost Breakdown:
Camper Rental: ~$109/day
Bedding & Kitchen Kit: $45 flat fee
Fuel & Campsites: ~$90 total (Santa Barbara has lots of great campsites that offer views of the ocean or vineyards)
Total for 4 Days: ~$640
Pro Tip: Stop at local farmers' markets along the way to pick up fresh produce and snacks for your trip. And for a special treat, visit the local wineries for unique blends you can’t find anywhere else.
Sooo… why choose a camper?
Budget-Friendly: At around $33/day per person, it's a way cheaper option than hotel stays or dining out at restaurants for every meal!
All-Inclusive: Bedding, kitchen gear, and unlimited miles are included, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs adding up.
Flexible: You can stay wherever you want! Beaches, near a vineyard, camper parks!
Fun: It’s like a road trip and sleepover rolled into one! Imagine being able to take breaks whenever you want, make meals on the go, and spend the night in your cozy home-on-wheels.
CHECK OUT CAMPERS ON TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN HERE
Which will you choose?
Can you see why California is truly one of the best places to explore via road trip!? There’s something for everyone: ocean, wine-country, desert vibes, and some of the most beautiful views in the world no matter which option you choose!
I think taking any of these road trips with a camper makes the whole experience even more special and it’s the perfect long-weekend disconnect from the “real world”. Renting with Travellers Autobarn makes it easy with affordable rates, unlimited miles, and all the essentials you need.
Tell me if you’re planning a trip to any of these places!
CHECK OUT CAMPERS ON TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN HERE
Got any questions? Send me a DM on @raimeetravel!