Trip Planning
Where will you go?
Southern California and the desert Southwest are some of the best camper van destinations in the world — from Anza-Borrego's badlands to Joshua Tree's boulder fields to Death Valley's otherworldly terrain. These guides cover the seven destinations our renters visit most, with campground recommendations, drive times from San Diego, and 4WD-specific tips.
Badlands, slot canyons & dark skies
Anza-Borrego
California's largest state park. Slot canyons, badlands, palm oases, and some of the darkest skies in Southern California. Closest major destination from San Diego.
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Boulder fields & desert night skies
Joshua Tree
Jumbo Rocks, Hidden Valley, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. World-class bouldering, otherworldly rock formations, and some of the best stargazing in the state.
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Alpine lakes, an hour from the desert
Big Bear & San Jacinto
Big Bear Lake, Idyllwild, and the San Bernardino National Forest. Pine forest and alpine air within a short drive of the desert floor — the closest mountain escape.
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Dunes, lava tubes & Joshua tree forests
Mojave National Preserve
Kelso Dunes, the Lava Tube, and Cima Dome's Joshua tree forest. One of the least-visited, most rewarding dispersed-camping destinations in the desert Southwest.
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Stark, surreal, unforgettable
Death Valley
Best visited November–March. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artist's Drive, and Racetrack Playa (high-clearance 4WD strongly advised). Completely off-grid viable.
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Hot springs & granite peaks
Eastern Sierra
The Mammoth Lakes basin, Mono Lake, Bodie, and the Buttermilks. Hot springs on BLM land. Dispersed camping throughout the Inyo National Forest. A longer trip, best as a multi-day run.
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The classic California drive
Pacific Coast Highway
Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, and Kirk Creek Campground on the cliff. The PCH is the quintessential California campervan itinerary.
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Ready to go?
Pick your destination. We'll handle the van.
Both vans are 4WD capable and fully equipped for every destination on this list. Book through Outdoorsy — they handle payment, insurance, and 24/7 roadside support.