From sweeping desert expenses to a chain of pristine islands dotted along California’s rugged coastline, the national parks near Los Angeles offer an incredibly wide range of landscapes to explore. In addition to visiting three of Southern California’s national parks, this west coast road trip will lead you to the spellbinding scenery of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park along with the striking Mojave National Preserve.

After departing from Escape Camper Vans’ Los Angeles hub, get ready to experience breathtaking desert hikes, geological formations, and the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean on this 7-day road trip to Southern California’s national parks.

Travel Time for a Southern California National Parks Tour

This roundtrip loop through Southern California begins and ends at Escape Camper Vans’ Los Angeles locale, and requires approximately fifteen hours of driving time. The itinerary spans about 889 miles, crossing through three of California’s jaw-dropping national parks along the way. To experience all of the diverse national parks close to Los Angeles, we recommend allotting a total of seven days for your California road trip!

Best Time of Year to Visit the National Parks near Los Angeles

Part of the beauty of traveling through Southern California is that it’s a year-round destination. While the coastal state features blissful weather any time of year, each season does offer its own set of pros and cons, which we’ve outlined below:

Spring

The spring is often considered the best time of year to visit the national parks near Los Angeles. The temperature will be optimal for exploring desert landscapes and you may even get to witness California’s stunning super bloom! Just keep in mind that with both Spring Break and festival season beginning, campgrounds can get quite crowded during this time of year.

Summer

While summer is ideal for visiting the California coast and exploring the Channel Islands, it’s not the best time for trekking through the desert. Death Valley in particular will be difficult to safely explore during the summer months, as it’s already one of the hottest places in the world. If you’re set on a summer road trip, it may be worth focusing on California’s dramatic coastline instead.

Fall

Similar to the spring, the fall is one of the best times of year to explore Southern California. Temperatures will have cooled off from the summer and crowds will be minimal, so you should have no problem finding available campsites.

Winter

Winter is another great time of year to visit Southern California’s national parks. Brisk temperatures will be perfect for long desert hikes, and this is often the quietest time of year in many of California’s parks, so you’ll be able to enjoy popular trails and campgrounds without the crowds.

Preparation for a Southern California Camper Van Road Trip

Since this road trip involves a diverse range of landscapes, you’ll need to prepare for spending time in both arid deserts and remote islands. Book your campsites in advance, gather all the gear you’ll need, and make sure you’re stocked up with plenty of water and food!

Camping

Campgrounds are plentiful in Southern California, and finding available sites shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. However, if you’re planning to sleep inside the parks during the busy season, aim to reserve your sites a couple of months in advance. 

If you’re struggling to find availability or you’re on a tight budget, it’s also worth looking into the many dispersed, or free, campsites in the area.

Supplies

Before heading out, utilize Escape Camper Vans’ range of extra add-ons to make sure you have everything you need for your California road trip. Add in a national parks pass to save on entrance fees, as well as an extra bedding kit to stay warm during chilly nights in the desert. Since shade may be limited, you should also grab a door canopy, along with plenty of SPF and a wide-brimmed hat. 

Food & Water

Pack plenty of food and ingredients for easy to make camper van meals, and make sure you’re staying hydrated with tons of water! To make campground cooking and meal prepping a breeze, be sure to also add in a kitchen kit.

Which Camper Van is Best for a Southern California Road Trip?

Escape Camper Vans features a suite of five different camper van models to choose from, all of which are available from our Los Angeles depot. Our three larger models are the Del Mar, Mavericks, and Mesa– all of which feature queen sized mattresses and kitchenettes, and sleep up to five people. For smaller groups, our Santa Cruz and Jeep Campers each sleep up to two people, while also offering convenient kitchenettes.

Southern California National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Day 1: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

After picking up your Escape Camper Van from our Los Angeles locale, your Southern California road trip can begin! Your first stop in the Golden State is the striking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, located just three hours south of Los Angeles.

Nestled in the Colorado Desert, Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and an absolute haven for nature lovers. Spend your day exploring mesmerizing slot canyons, captivating geological features, and jaw-dropping desert sculptures!

Pro Tip: If you have extra time, make a detour to San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a spectacular hike along California’s dramatic coastline.

Things to do in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Hike The Slot: This spellbinding trail weaves through the narrow pathway of a striking slot canyon, and can either be completed as a loop trail or out-and-back. If you opt for the 2.2-mile loop trail, once you exit the slot canyon you’ll hike along a sandy path where you’ll be treated to exquisite views of the park’s stunning scenery.

Font’s Point: For one of the most awe-inspiring views in the park, head to this popular overlook, which is reached by driving about 4 miles along a sandy road. Once you arrive, you’ll be met with sweeping views of the Salton Sink badlands.

Galleta Meadows: This impressive metal sculpture garden offers a truly unique desert experience! Gaze up at over 130 towering structures, including a magnificent sea dragon, several giant mammoth statues, and a 15-foot-tall scorpion!

Wind Caves Trail: This short, 1-mile trail leads to several naturally formed caves dotted by wind-eroded holes that make for an extra fun hike! Along with otherworldly rock formations, this hike also provides astounding views of the park’s surrounding scenery.

Places to Eat near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Carlee’s Place: Beloved by locals, this lively eatery features a jukebox, live music, and an extensive lunch and dinner menu. The giant neon sign atop the restaurant’s roof also ensures that you won’t miss it!

Big Horn Burgers & Shakes: This casual spot just outside of the park features an outdoor patio and a charming, western-themed ambiance. Their menu offers a range of burgers (including vegetarian options), salads, and refreshing specialty cocktails.

Campgrounds near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Tamarisk Grove Campground: This popular campground inside the park offers potable water, showers, a small camp store, and plenty of shade. The site operates from October through May and reservations can be placed on the Reserve California website.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Camping is permitted year-round at this convenient site within the park, and reservations are only necessary from October through May. Amenities include potable water, picnic tables, restrooms, and access to several scenic hiking trails. 

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your campsite, then hop into your van for the drive up to Joshua Tree National Park, located about 74 miles away. As you make your way up to the ethereal park, you’ll pass by the Salton Sea, which is well worth a quick pit stop. Afterall, it’s not everyday that you spot a massive body of water in the middle of the desert!

Once in Joshua Tree, you’ll be mesmerized by its sweeping desert terrain, fields of cacti and towering boulders. Hike past groves of looming Joshua Trees, visit some of the park’s most impressive viewpoints, and spend your evening gazing up at a shimmering night sky for some truly remarkable stargazing.

Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Hike Ryan Mountain: This strenuous hike leads to one of the tallest points in the park, providing panoramic views of Joshua Tree’s enchanting scenery. While only three miles long, the trail reaches an elevation of 1,050 feet and becomes quite steep as it nears the summit. 

Barker Dam Nature Trail: Immerse yourself in the park’s enormous boulders and striking desert landscape on this moderate 1.1-mile loop trail. This quick hike leads past several petroglyphs and geological sites before arriving at a tranquil dam in the middle of the desert.

Keys View: This magnificent viewpoint is easily accessed by car and provides one of the best sights in the entire park. The overlook is especially magical at sunset, when a warm glow casts over the entire landscape.

Places to Eat near Joshua Tree National Park

JT Country Kitchen: As the longest running eatery in Joshua Tree, this casual restaurant is one of the area’s most popular locales. Pop by after a day of exploring to dig into a filling plate of delicious comfort food from their expansive patio.

Crossroads Cafe: Begin your day with a hearty meal at this laid-back cafe, which offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items, along with freshly brewed coffee. This is an especially great choice if you’re craving a healthy, nourishing meal!

Campgrounds near Joshua Tree National Park

Hidden Valley Campground: Nestled inside the park, this scenic site features fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but does not offer any potable water. The site runs all year and operates on a first come, first served basis.

Jumbo Rocks Campground: This spacious, year-round site within the park requires reservations, which can be made up to six months before your stay. The campground’s amenities are limited to vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Day 3: Mojave National Preserve

After a hearty campground breakfast, pack up your camper van and make the one hour drive up to your next destination- the stunning Mojave National Preserve. Immerse yourself in a spellbinding world of geological formations, lava tubes, ghost towns, and imposing limestone cliffs as you traverse through the spectacular Mojave Desert. You’ll even find more Joshua Trees here than anywhere else in the world- including Joshua Tree National Park!

Things to do in the Mojave National Preserve

The Lava Tubes: Embark on a short trail and down a wooden ladder to access this striking basaltic lava tube, which is approximately 500 feet long. If you time your visit correctly, you’ll also be able witness a majestic light beam shining onto the floor of the cave.

Kelso Dunes: Reaching over 600-feet tall, this vast field of sand dunes is one of the preserve’s top highlights! If you trek all the way to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of seemingly endless dunes against a backdrop of the Granite Mountains in the distance. 

Hike the Rings Loops Trail: This ethereal, 1.5-mile trail traverses past ancient petroglyphs and towering limestone cliffs before reaching a jaw-dropping overlook. Keep in mind, at one point you will need to pull yourself up using iron metal rings along the rock wall, so adequate upper body strength is necessary.

Places to Eat near the Mojave National Preserve

Due to its remote location, there are very few eatery options near the Mojave National Preserve, aside from a handful of fast food chains. While there are a few exceptions in the area, this is a great opportunity to utilize your camper vans’ handy kitchenette!

However, if you’re not in the mood to cook, these are a couple of the better options within driving distance:

Los Dos Toritos: This no-frills eatery in Baker, California offers a variety of Mexican cuisine along with an expansive salsa bar. The convenient establishment is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a number of vegetarian options.

The Kit Fox Cafe: If you’re craving a strong cup of coffee and decadent baked goods, head to this charming cafe in the town of Tecopa. The casual eatery also offers delicious, wood-fired pizzas and freshly made sandwiches. 

Campgrounds near the Mojave National Preserve

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground: Located inside the preserve, this otherworldly site is enveloped by volcanic rock walls and sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet. In addition to magnificent views, the year-round campsite features fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. All sites operate on a first come, first served basis.

Mid Hills Campground: Also located inside the Mojave National Preserve, this scenic campsite is situated at an elevation of 5,600 feet, offering a bit of respite from the desert heat. The site operates all year, runs on a first come, first served basis, and features pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Day 4: Death Valley National Park

In the morning, continue exploring California’s vast desert landscapes as you make the one and a half hour drive up to Death Valley National Park. Home to both North America’s lowest point and the hottest recorded temperature on earth, Death Valley is unlike anywhere else in the world. In just one day, you’ll be able to slide down towering sand dunes, trek through rugged badlands, and stroll along majestic salt flats! 

Things to do in Death Valley National Park

Badwater Basin: These otherworldly salt flats are the lowest point in North America and one of Death Valley’s most notable sites. The trek out to the salt flats is about two miles round trip, and will lead to stunning views at 282 feet below sea level!

Zabriskie Point: Admire a sweeping view of the badlands down below from this iconic overlook! The otherworldly landscape’s yellow hues and rigid lines become even more exaggerated during sunset, so aim to plan your trip here for the end of the day!

Artists Palette: Hike past vibrant hues of pinks, greens, and blues as you trek along the awe-inspiring Black Mountains. Created by volcanic deposits, the rich colors that wash over the rugged mountains are extraordinary, and truly look like they were painted on!

Places to Eat near Death Valley National Park

Toll Road Restaurant: This popular eatery within the park offers All-American fare in a fun, western style setting. Choose from a number of local specialties like Elk Chili, or opt for one of their customized pizzas.

Badwater Saloon: This Old-West style saloon is the perfect place to kick back with a cold beer and juicy burger after a long day in the sun! After dinner, stick around for a game of pool while trying out one of their inventive cocktails. 

Campgrounds near Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek Campground: This very popular campground within the park allows for reservations to be made up to six months in advance for most of the year, although from mid-April until mid-October sites become first come, first served. The year-round campground features flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water.

Sunset Campground: The park’s seasonal campground runs from October until mid-April and operates on a first come, first served basis. The spacious site’s amenities include drinking water, a dump station, and a convenient camp store.

Days 5-6: Channel Islands National Park

After an early wake up, take in one last view of Death Valley’s bewildering landscape before heading for the coast! Today, you’ll trade in sweeping desert views for the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Your final destination of the trip is the stunning Channel Islands National Park– a chain of five enchanting islands off the coast of California.

Since this national park is not accessible by vehicle, you’ll need to base yourself in Ventura, California– the gateway to the majestic islands. After spending the night in Ventura, wake up early and hop on the morning ferry to your chosen island. Most visitors opt for Santa Cruz, the largest and most easily accessible of the five land masses.

Things to do in Channel Islands National Park

Snorkel at Scorpion Anchorage: On Santa Cruz Island, you can easily rent snorkeling gear and then explore a mesmerizing kelp forest right off of the beach! If you’re an experienced snorkeler, guided tours are also available, where you’ll have the option to venture even further.

Kayak through the Painted Cave: Santa Cruz’s massive sea cave stretches over 1,227 feet long and is best explored by kayak. A guided tour is required to reach the spellbinding cave, which you can book before your trip or once you arrive on the island, depending on availability.

Hike Pelican Bay Trail: This peaceful, 4-mile trail is a wonderful way to get the lay of the land (and sea) on Santa Cruz Island. Take in the island’s tranquil scenery while keeping an eye out for a variety of birds and wildlife- both on land and in the water!

Explore Anacapa Island: This idyllic island is the second most popular area to visit in the Channel Islands, and perfect for a quick day trip from Ventura. Embark on a stunning two-mile trail, take a dip in the water from Landing Cove, and enjoy an abundance of bird and other wildlife sightings!

Places to Eat near Channel Islands National Park

There are no restaurants on the Channel Islands, so be sure to plan ahead and pack a lunch for the day. However, you’ll find countless options once you’re back in Ventura- especially if you’re craving fresh seafood!

Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co: This laid-back, beachfront locale features a decadent menu of fish tacos, seafood tapas, and a fresh catch of the day. During the week, be sure to stop by for Happy Hour, which includes several food specials!

Brophy Bros: Enjoy fresh seafood with a view at this laid-back, harborfront locale in Ventura. While the eatery’s decadent menu offers plenty of options, their award-winning clam chowder and signature Bloody Mary are the two must-try items!

Campgrounds near Channel Islands National Park

Emma Wood State Beach Campground: Wake up to the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean at this stunning, beachfront campground. Reservations are mandatory at this year-round site, and amenities include restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Forest Residence Campground: If you prefer a forested site with ample treeshade, head to this verdant, year-round campground. Reservations are required and site facilities include trail access, fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, and electric hookups.

Day 7: Drive from Ventura to Los Angeles

Load up with breakfast in Ventura, then pack up your camper van one last time. The drive from Ventura to Escape Camper Vans’ Los Angeles hub should only take about one and a half hours, so you’ll be able to enjoy a stress free morning. Just remember to have your van back by your pre-determined drop off time, and don’t forget to factor in LA traffic!

Why Rent a Camper Van to Explore the National Parks Near Los Angeles?

From the arid Mojave Desert to the winding roads along the coast, visiting the national parks near Los Angeles requires a versatile vehicle. Compared to a traditional RV, a camper van allows for more flexibility, freedom and comfort as you traverse through the Golden State!

1. Mobility: Unlike a bulky RV, a compact camper van is very agile and can easily handle both the sweeping desert landscapes along this route, as well as the busy city streets of Los Angeles and the coastal roads of Ventura. Plus, a camper van can easily fit into tight parking spaces and narrow camping spots that are typically meant for tents. 
2. Ease of Use: A week-long road trip through Southern California should be a relaxing, carefree experience! While a huge RV can be intimidating to drive, our camper vans are similar in size to a large family vehicle, allowing for far less stress behind the wheel.
3. No Electric or Sewer Hookups: While a traditional RV requires finding campgrounds with electric and sewer hookups, this isn’t a concern for our self-contained camper vans. Since many campgrounds on this itinerary offer very basic amenities without any hookups, not having to worry about these extra logistics will be a big time saver!
4. Fun Design: Every Escape Camper Van is customized by a talented artist. Not only will this make for amazing photos against California’s stunning backdrop, but it’s also a great conversation starter with fellow campers!

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for your Southern California National Parks Tour

From snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean to trekking through lava tubes in the Mojave Desert, this Southern California road trip is bound to be an unforgettable adventure! Now that your itinerary is set, all that’s left to do is book your camper van, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the breathtaking national parks near Los Angeles!