Best RV Rental San Diego: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals CA

San Diego is home to a 94-year-old wooden roller coaster, a menagerie carousel built in 1910, and the country’s most haunted house. Plus, you can’t forget the picturesque beaches, the famous zoo, and the country’s largest comic con. There’s no bad time to visit this laid back beach town, which has an average of 266 sunny days annually

San Diego RV Rentals

With the plentiful days of sunshine and a plethora of activities, you can’t go wrong with an RV rental in San Diego. By renting an RV from one of the local campgrounds, you’re ready to start your vacation as soon as you arrive. 

This takes the work and endless driving out of your RV vacation. So experience the birthplace of California and embrace the local love of avocados as you check out the parks and beaches. With so many campgrounds located near the water, you can open your windows and feel the ocean breeze while still inside of your camper. 

Popular RV Destinations in San Diego

Balboa Park

This park is a stunning display of gardens, green space, historical buildings, and museums. Originally it was built as a part of the Panama California Exhibition in 1915-1916. Throughout the 1,400 acre site are Spanish style buildings, botanical gardens, and a serene lily pond. 

There are about 20 different themed museums and exhibits that you can explore. Make your way through the many shops and pick up gifts for friends and family. Or you can skip the buildings and enjoy the great outdoors. 

There’s tennis, footgolf, golf, cycling, frisbee golf, archery, dance classes, and swimming. The park enjoys 150 sunny days and 115 partly cloudy days throughout the year.

San Diego Zoo

One of the top attractions in Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo. This is one of the most famous zoos in the U.S. for its size and variety of animals. It’ll take you the whole day to see everything this zoo has to offer. 

There are all kinds of exotic animals, but the most famous are the giant pandas. As you stroll through the zoo, you’ll notice that each animal has its own environment that mimics the natural setting that animal is accustomed to in the wild. 

If you’re looking for more time with your favorite animal, then sign up for a behind the scenes experience. When you or the little ones get tired, you can hop on the Skyfari Aerial Tram or Kangaroo Express Bus. 

Mission Beach

This popular seaside town features stunning white sand beaches for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. Then take a walk down the three-mile boardwalk that lines the seashore. 

One of the most popular attractions at Mission Beach is the East Coast style oceanside amusement park. This one is complete with restaurants, fair treats, and a historic roller coaster. You’ll see several street performers that are some of the most talented people in the world. 

You can rent a bicycle or try your hand at fishing from the jetty at the south end. The only downside is parking; it’s hard enough with a car, so don’t expect to find space for your RV rig or motorhome. 

Events and Entertainment in San Diego

San Diego Comic-Con International

Even if you aren’t a fan of comic books, this event is worth attending. It’s the largest pop culture event in the country. It first began in 1971 and has grown over the years to a giant exhibit hall of over 460,000 square feet with over 130,000 attendees. 

You could wander through the many vendors that sell everything from collectibles to cosplay pieces. There are several talks and demonstrations with actors, writers, and producers from your favorite movies and shows. 

You don’t even have to attend the event—just go hang out outside the exhibit hall, and you’ll see some of the most detailed and impressive costumes ever created. 

Miramar Air Show

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar holds this annual air show. It’s a three-day event and the largest military air show in the country. About 700,000 people attend to see the spectacle in the sky. 

You’ll have a chance to see several military air performances from the US Army Golden Knights, US Navy Leap Frogs, Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning, and Marine Air-Ground Task Force. There are also several civilian performances from some of the country’s most talented pilots. 

Be sure to check out the static displays and the several military plane displays. There are several trams to help you get around the grounds and see everything. 

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

This music and arts festival lets you enjoy three days of music on 10 stages with more than 100 artists. Plus, there are over 250 downtown bars, breweries, hotels, and restaurants nearby for you to explore. To experience everything, you’ll take one of the ferries that shuttle people between Coronado Island and the beautiful sandy beaches. 

Be sure to check out the after parties, boat cruises, and many other water activities. This is more than a music festival. It’s a celebration of San Diego and its laid back lifestyle. You’re encouraged to come and go from the festival grounds and explore the entire city and all it has to offer. 

Campgrounds and Parks in San Diego

San Diego RV Resort

This RV park is located close to the Mission Trails Regional Park and is surrounded by trees. This creates the perfect oasis for you to relax in the California sun and enjoy nature. Most of the RV pads are grassy to give you all-natural vibes, but there are some concrete ones available. 

It’s also close to downtown San Diego and has direct access to the 70th Street Station on the Green Line, which makes it perfect for exploring this sunny city. The customer service is above all, and the check-in process is fast. These lush sites come with full hookups. 

During your stay, you can relax in the lounge chairs and enjoy the sparkling pool and spa. Get a workout in with the state-of-the-art fitness center, or play a game in the billiards room. 

Mission Bay RV Resort

This campground looks over the shores of the De Anza Cove Park. This is also a great place to stay if you’re looking to explore Mission Bay. You’ll be so close that your RV pad will have a view of the amusement park. 

Also within walking distance are several grocery stores and restaurants. The sites come with full hookups and can accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes. During your stay, you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi and cable TV, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and convenience items for sale at the front desk. 

You can also rent an RV through the campground to make your visit even easier. 

Chula Vista RV Resort

If you want to immerse yourself in the beach bum lifestyle, then this is the campground you need to stay at. It’s located right on the beach with access to a small park and boat launch at the marina next door. Bring your boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to enjoy the water. 

Their sites are back-in or pull-through and come with full hookups. You can use the ground’s amenities that include laundry, a pet park, restrooms, garbage service, a fitness center, hot tub, pool, game room, and cable TV.

The campground also hosts several live music and concert events throughout the year. 

RV Storage and Dumpstations in San Diego

The city of San Diego is one of the most desirable places to go for RVing enthusiasts. Some campgrounds are known for people living there year-round. With such a large RV community, there are several places throughout the city where you can find a dump station. Many are free if you’re a registered guest or charge a small fee. 

  • Circle RV Resort, El Cajon
  • Eagle Gas Station, El Cajon
  • Vacationer RV Resort, El Cajon

If the temperate climate and beach proximity convince you to stay, then you’ll need a place to store your RV. There are plenty of storage facilities in the area that can protect your RV. You’ll find facilities that have plenty of security measures to keep your rig safe. 

  • Big Toy Depot, San Diego
  • Mission Valley Self Storage, San Diego
  • RV World Storage, San Diego

FAQs

1. What are RV rentals?

An RV rental in San Diego lets you experience this laidback California town from the perspective of a local. Stroll out your RV door and dip your toes in the water. You’ll quickly understand why so many people choose to make this their year-round RV home base. 

2. How much are RV rentals?

Most smaller rigs for rent in San Diego are $75 to $150 per night. If you want to rent something larger, like a motorhome, then it can cost $100 to $250 per night. Agreeing to a camper rental in San Diego for longer periods of time can reduce your nightly cost. 

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in San Diego?

Yes, you should be at least 25 years old. If you’re under 25, put the rental in the name of someone old enough and traveling with you. If no one is old enough, it may be more challenging to find a rental, but not impossible. You may need to pay an additional deposit. 

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you should always have insurance when renting a vehicle. RVs and motorhomes are large and can be expensive to fix. Insurance will protect you should anything happen while on your trip. 

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

It’s considered polite to fill the tank. However, not all owners require it, so check what their policy is when agreeing to your rental. 

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in San Diego?

Yes! The city of San Diego is very pet-friendly, and RV rentals are no different. You may need to comply with size and weight requirements. There may also be a required pet deposit. 

7. Are there RV rentals with unlimited mileage?

Some owners will rent their RV with unlimited miles, but this isn’t common. You’re more likely to find an owner who will give you a set number and then charge on a per-mile basis after that. 

8. How many people can sleep in an RV?

The number of people you can sleep in your camper rental in San Diego will depend on its size. Smaller trailers and campervans fit two to four people. Mid-sized campervans and RVs fit four to six people. Larger motorhomes can sleep from eight to 10 people.