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Los Angeles, the city of angels, is a must-visit destination for road and nature lovers. With its sunny beaches, lush hills, and iconic attractions like Hollywood and Santa Monica, the city offers an ideal setting for an unforgettable adventure. Renting a camper van in Los Angeles allows you to discover this vibrant metropolis at your own pace while enjoying the freedom to travel to picturesque destinations like Joshua Tree National Park or the majestic California coast. Embark on a unique experience and explore the many facets of this fascinating region.
Road trip itineraries starting from Los Angeles
Discover three iconic itineraries in a camper van starting from Los Angeles, suitable for durations of 7 to 21 days. These routes highlight the California coastline and must-see parks, with parking spots designed for vans, scenic roads, and natural stops. Perfect for free and immersive exploration in a camper van from the City of Angels.
7-10 days: California coast and desert parks
Start from Los Angeles for a 7 to 10-day itinerary focused on Highway 1 and diverse landscapes, ideal for a first camper van road trip. Begin at Santa Monica and Venice Beach, where dedicated parking welcomes vans to enjoy the beaches and the historic canal district. Drive to Malibu for its wild coves, with parking in Angeles National Forest for an ocean view. Continue to Palm Springs via the scenic route, for nights of wild camping allowed in the desert. A must-visit excursion to Joshua Tree for its rock formations and short hikes, before returning via Los Angeles through Griffith Observatory, where you can park the camper van near the Hollywood Sign for a magical night view of the city. This itinerary of approximately 800 km prioritizes coastal roads suitable for camper vans, with amenities in Los Angeles for refueling.
14 days: Loop to the Grand Canyon and Zion
This 14-day route from Los Angeles includes iconic national parks, justified by their proximity and their iconic status in the American West. Start in Los Angeles at Universal Studios and spend a night near Santa Monica. Head to Kingman via the historic Route 66, with photo stops for the camper van. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim from Mather Point, with official campgrounds for vans. Continue to Page for Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then Monument Valley for its legendary mesas. Finish at Zion National Park and its accessible trails, before Las Vegas for an urban break. Return to Los Angeles via Death Valley if temperatures permit, with designated parking. About 1500 km, this itinerary optimizes distances for the camper van, integrating Los Angeles as a base for departure and arrival, focusing on free areas in parks.
21 days: Grand tour of the American West
For 21 days in a camper van starting from Los Angeles, choose a complete circuit covering the must-sees of the West, essential for their unique geological diversity. Start in Los Angeles with Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Hills, park the van in the dedicated parking. Drive to Palm Springs and Bombay Beach, then Phoenix for Lost Dutchman State Park. Explore Canyon de Chelly, Page with Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon for its hoodoos, Zion and Capitol Reef. Pass through Las Vegas and Valley of Fire, before returning via Death Valley and Mammoth Lakes. Conclude in Los Angeles for a final night with an ocean view. This journey of approximately 3000 km is designed for camper vans with national campgrounds, justifying detours for their concentration of major parks close to Los Angeles, allowing for a smooth loop and regular nature breaks.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in the United States
Discover on this map all the cities in the United States where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in the United States or elsewhere.
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Renting a camper van in Los Angeles: When to go, weather, and rates
When to leave from Los Angeles
Depart from Los Angeles in a camper van or van in spring or autumn to enjoy the best weather conditions, with temperatures between 20 and 27°C ideal for exploring Venice Beach or the surrounding hills without the summer crowds.
These periods, from March to May and September to November, offer a dry and sunny climate in Los Angeles, perfect for a departure towards the Pacific coast or nearby deserts like Joshua Tree.
Weather and pricing seasonality
In Los Angeles, summer from June to August brings heat up to 29°C at Huntington Beach, but with massive crowds that drive up camping and van rental prices; opt instead for autumn when prices drop after September.
Avoid January and February in Los Angeles due to winter rains around Manhattan Beach, while spring ensures moderate rates and pleasant weather for economical road trips to the Sierra Nevada.
Types of vehicles to rent in the United States
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in the United States. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Beyond the Hollywood scenery
Driving and regulations in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, traffic drives on the right with speed limits of 25 mph in the city and up to 65 mph on highways like I-405 or I-10, where morning and evening rush hours around 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM make the freeways very congested. Respect curb codes: red for total prohibition near Hollywood Boulevard, green for limited parking of 20-30 minutes in Downtown, and yellow or white for quick unloading only; a Class B license is sufficient for camper vans, accompanied by a passport and a credit card.
On the freeways of Los Angeles, the left lane is often reserved for carpools, and sudden lane changes are common, while parking is prohibited two hours per week for street cleaning in neighborhoods like Venice Beach, with immediate fines and towing.
Sleeping and connecting around Los Angeles
Overnight parking for camper vans is prohibited between 9 PM and 6 AM on public roads in residential neighborhoods of Los Angeles, but free areas exist in the Angeles National Forest along scenic routes offering views of the city. Prefer paid public parking in downtown during the day for two to four hours, or park at campgrounds and use taxis or rideshares to reach Santa Monica.
Local tips and safety in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, be vigilant against mobile units issuing tickets at lightning speed for illegal parking near Griffith Observatory, and avoid exceeding limits with tables or chairs outside authorized RV Parks. On eight-lane highways surrounding Downtown, watch for fast trucks and yellow school buses requiring a complete stop in both directions near schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles and in the United States travel
What are the regulations on camper van parking in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, camper van parking is strictly regulated. Between 9 PM and 6 AM, parking on public roads is prohibited in most residential areas. Paid public parking in downtown accepts camper vans only during the day, with a maximum time of 2 to 4 hours depending on the zones. Prefer designated areas for large vehicles to avoid fines and ensure your safety during your camper van stay starting from Los Angeles.
Where to camp near Los Angeles with a camper van?
Several campgrounds are perfectly suited for camper vans around Los Angeles. The Malibu Beach RV Park offers stunning ocean views just 30 minutes from downtown. The Hollywood RV Park in Van Nuys is ideal for exploring Hollywood with free Wi-Fi and proximity to supermarkets. The Golden Shore RV Resort in Long Beach offers skyline views, just 25 minutes from downtown.
What are the best places to camp in a Sprinter van in Los Angeles?
Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu offers beach access and hiking trails. Dockweiler RV Park, near LAX, has full hookups by the sea. Point Mugu State Park combines ocean and mountains. These sites are suitable for Sprinter vans for an authentic nature experience during your camper van rental in Los Angeles, with essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Where to pick up my camper van in Los Angeles?
Agencies like Cruise America in Carson (15 miles from LAX) offer shuttles or taxis. El Monte RV in Santa Fe Springs (25 miles) provides shuttle services. Road Bear RV in Agoura Hills is 40 miles away, accessible by rental car. Travellers Autobarn in Inglewood is only 5 miles from LAX, ideal for a quick Uber ride to pick up your camper van.
What are the pickup hours for a camper van in Los Angeles?
Pickups generally occur after 1 PM on weekdays, with 1 to 2 hours for formalities. Call the agency 1 to 2 days in advance to confirm. Weekend hours vary by location; all drivers must be present. Plan for a hotel the night before if arriving by long-haul flight, as some rental companies will not allow you to take the camper van on the same day of your arrival.
What is the minimum rental duration for a camper van in Los Angeles?
Most agencies impose a minimum of 3 nights, charged as a minimum of 4 nights. During holidays or events, this minimum may increase. Book online or by phone to check availability and adjust to your itinerary from Los Angeles to national parks or beaches.
What deposit is required for a camper van rental in Los Angeles?
For most camper vans in Los Angeles, a deposit of $500 to $2500 is required, refundable after final inspection with no damages. Check the specific conditions of the rental companies in each of our offers to avoid surprises and enjoy routes like the Pacific Coast Highway peacefully.
What driving rules should I know in Los Angeles in a camper van?
In Los Angeles, you drive on the right. Respect speed limits, especially on crowded highways. Camper vans require increased vigilance in the city and on coastal roads.
