There’s a special kind of magic in watching your kids press their faces against the van window as a desert horizon unfolds, or seeing them scramble out of bed in the morning to greet the ocean with messy hair and sandy feet. Family travel is always memorable, but exploring Southern California by camper van elevates it into something unforgettable—a shared experience that blends freedom, adventure, and the simplicity of life on the road.
If you’re thinking about taking your crew on a California family road trip, there’s no better home base than San Diego. With a San Diego camper van rental from Van Voyage, you can roll out of the city and be winding through mountains, cruising along coastal cliffs, or crossing otherworldly desert landscapes in just a few hours. Southern California is a region built for exploration, and a well-planned family camper van trip lets you experience the best of it at your own pace.
Here’s your complete guide to planning the ultimate family camper van adventure.
Why Choose a Camper Van for Family Travel?
Family travel should feel exciting—not like you’re hauling luggage, snacks, and strollers through terminals or checking into hotels at midnight. A camper van solves all of that. It becomes your home, your car, your restaurant, your play space, and your cozy evening hangout—all in one rolling basecamp.
A family camper van rental offers:
1. Flexibility
Traveling with kids means being ready to change plans on the fly. Camper vans make it effortless. If the beach is windy, the campsite full, or the kids need a break, you can just move on to the next great spot. No cancellations or stress.
2. Comfort + Fun
Modern camper vans (especially the ones in the Van Voyage fleet) are built for real family travel. Think: proper beds, kitchenettes, climate control, storage for gear, and comfortable seating for long drives. Plus, kids love the novelty—your vehicle becomes a tiny adventure cabin on wheels.
3. Access to the Best Destinations
Southern California has world-class locations for quick escapes, long weekends, and multi-day family adventures. With a van, you can seamlessly hop from mountains to beaches to national parks in a single trip.
Planning Your Trip: Where to Begin
A great camper van trip from San Diego starts with a little preparation. Fortunately, this is where families shine—packing snacks, planning stops, and dreaming up experiences. Here’s your step-by-step framework.
Step 1: Choose the Right Camper Van
Not all vans are created equal, especially when it comes to family use.
Size Matters
You’ll want a layout that accommodates sleeping arrangements for everyone. Van Voyage offers models with convertible beds, rooftop tents, and spacious interiors designed for families of 3–5.
Safety + Features
Look for vans that include:
• Child-seat-friendly seating
• Diesel or gas heating for mountain nights
• Powerful battery systems for running fridges and fans
• Privacy curtains and good ventilation
• All-terrain capability for off-grid camping
Most families find it easiest to pick up their San Diego camper van rental in the morning, load up in the driveway, and hit the road with plenty of daylight.
Step 2: Pick the Best Family-Friendly Destinations
Southern California is packed with family-friendly places that offer easy access, stunning landscapes, and fun activities for all ages. Here are some of the top destinations to consider for your California family road trip.
Top Family Camper Van Destinations from San Diego
1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Distance from San Diego: ~2 hours
Best For: Stargazing, slot canyons, fossil beds, spring wildflowers
This desert wonderland is ideal for first-time van families. The roads are accessible, the skies are spectacular, and the hiking is surprisingly kid-friendly. Explore the Slot Canyon, scout for desert bighorn sheep, or let the kids climb the massive metal sculptures scattered throughout Borrego Springs.
Families love camping at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground or boondocking discreetly on the miles of open desert roads.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
Distance from San Diego: ~3 hours
Best For: Rock climbing, desert exploration, junior ranger programs
Joshua Tree feels like a real-life Dr. Seuss book—giant boulders, funky trees, and starry skies. Hidden Valley is perfect for scrambling and exploring, and the paved roads make it easy for families driving camper vans.
Campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks are unforgettable when the moon rises between the boulders.
3. Big Bear Lake
Distance: ~3 hours
Best For: Mountain adventures, lakeside activities, family hikes
This alpine escape is perfect if your kids love pine trees, crisp air, and the feeling of “summer camp.” You can paddleboard on the lake, go mountain biking, ride the alpine slide, or hike Castle Rock Trail for views over the water.
There are fantastic RV-friendly campgrounds right near the lake, and the cooler mountain temps are ideal in summer.
4. Laguna Beach + Crystal Cove State Park
Distance: ~1.5 hours
Best For: Beach days, tide pooling, surfing
For families wanting a coastal vibe, Crystal Cove is unbeatable. You can watch dolphins from camp, stroll the boardwalk, explore tide pools, and enjoy some of the best sunsets in Southern California. Kids love the historic beach cottages and coastal trails.
Make reservations early—beachfront campsites fill fast.
5. Malibu + Point Mugu State Park
Distance: ~3 hours
Best For: Ocean cliffs, wildlife viewing, easy hiking
Malibu might sound posh, but for camper van families, it’s paradise. Point Mugu offers dramatic cliffs, wide beaches for sandcastle building, and trails that lead to stunning overlooks.
Take a morning to explore Malibu Pier or grab fish tacos at Malibu Seafood.
6. Santa Barbara + El Capitan State Beach
Distance: ~4–5 hours
Best For: Coastal camping, farmer’s markets, easygoing beach towns
If your family is looking for a mellow getaway, Santa Barbara’s coastline is full of charm. The beaches have tide pools, gentle waves, and kid-friendly bike paths.
El Capitan State Beach campground feels like you’re tucked into a forest right beside the ocean.
7. Yosemite National Park (for the ambitious families!)
Distance: ~8 hours
Best For: Bucket-list adventures, waterfalls, granite views
While it’s farther than the typical camper van trip from San Diego, it’s absolutely worth it if your family is up for the drive. A camper van makes it easy to stay multiple nights inside the park, cutting down on long daily commutes.
Kids will love the waterfalls, giant trees, wildlife, and flat valley hiking paths.
Step 3: Plan Your Route and Timing
One of the joys of a Southern California family camper van trip is that you don’t have to rush. But a little planning goes a long way.
Choose a Theme
Some easy trip themes include:
• Beach + Surf Weekend (San Diego → Laguna → Malibu)
• Desert Discovery (Anza-Borrego → Joshua Tree)
• Mountains + Lakes (San Diego → Big Bear → Lake Arrowhead)
• Epic State Park Loop (Crystal Cove → Malibu → Santa Barbara)
Estimate Drive Times
If you’re traveling with younger kids, try to keep daily drives under three hours. Fortunately, Southern California makes this easy.
Check Weather + Road Conditions
Deserts get hot. Mountains get cold. Beaches get foggy. Planning ahead ensures everyone stays comfortable.
Step 4: Dial In Camping Logistics
Campsite Reservations
State parks and national parks open bookings six months in advance. If your dates are flexible, weeknights are much easier to book.
Dispersed Camping
Southern California also has vast areas of BLM and national forest land, where you can camp for free. Van Voyage’s off-grid-ready rigs make this incredibly easy.
Amenities Checklist
Before selecting a campground, decide what you need:
• Bathrooms?
• Showers?
• Picnic tables?
• Shade?
• Beach access or hiking trails?
Even if you choose to stay mostly off-grid, having one or two full-amenity nights can help everyone reset.
Step 5: Pack Smart for Family Comfort
Packing for a van trip is about balance—not too much, not too little.
Must-Haves
• Bedding for everyone
• Clothes for warm days + cool nights
• Towels (quick-dry is best)
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and hats
• Plenty of snacks
• Water jugs
• Headlamps or lanterns
Family Extras
Kids love simple things on the road:
• Binoculars
• Field guides
• Art supplies
• Board games
• S’mores kits
• A bucket and shovel
• A camera (maybe to spark a little photographer pride à la Brian!)
Remember: in a van, the world outside becomes your living room.
Step 6: Make the Journey Part of the Fun
One of the best parts of a California family road trip is that the travel itself becomes the experience.
Plan a few unique stops:
• Julian for pie on the way to the mountains
• Borrego Springs metal sculptures
• Pioneertown near Joshua Tree
• Carpinteria for seals and family-friendly beaches
• San Clemente for excellent tacos
Let the kids choose a couple of stops, too—they’ll love having a say in the adventure.
Step 7: Add Activities Your Kids Will Remember Forever
Every family is different, but here are universal hits for camper van kids:
• Star parties with a blanket and hot chocolate
• Sunrise breakfasts with ocean views
• Sandboarding in the desert
• Nature scavenger hunts
• Junior ranger badges at national parks
• Hot springs soaking (at safe, family-friendly spots)
• Wildlife viewing (from elephant seals to bighorn sheep)
Small moments turn into big memories.
Sample 3–7 Day Itineraries
To make planning easier, here are sample itineraries families love using when renting from Van Voyage.
3-Day Coastal Escape
Day 1: Pick up your van in San Diego → Drive to Crystal Cove → Beach day
Day 2: Tide pools → Picnic → Drive to Malibu → Sunset cliffs
Day 3: Morning beach time → Explore Malibu Pier → Drive home
5-Day Mountain + Desert Loop
Day 1: San Diego to Anza-Borrego
Day 2: Slot Canyon + stargazing
Day 3: Drive to Joshua Tree → Explore Hidden Valley
Day 4: Pioneertown + Barker Dam Trail
Day 5: Head home via Temecula for lunch
7-Day “Classic SoCal” Family Loop
Day 1: San Diego → Laguna Beach
Day 2: Beaches + boardwalks
Day 3: Drive to Malibu
Day 4: Malibu hiking + seafood
Day 5: Santa Barbara exploration
Day 6: El Capitan State Beach
Day 7: Scenic drive home
Why Families Choose Van Voyage
You can rent a van anywhere—but families consistently choose Van Voyage for a reason. Actually, for several reasons.
1. Family-Friendly Designs
Our vans are built with kids in mind: roomy layouts, comfortable sleeping setups, safe seating, and all the gear you need.
2. Easy Pickup in San Diego
Starting your adventure with a San Diego camper van rental puts you in the perfect position to reach California’s best coastlines, deserts, and mountains in just hours.
3. Support and Guidance
From packing lists to route recommendations, we help families plan every detail of their trip.
4. Off-Grid Power + Comfort
Whether you’re staying in state parks or camping wild under the stars, our vans are fully self-sufficient.
5. Local Expertise
We’re based in San Diego, and we know the region intimately—from the best dispersed campsites to the best kid-approved taco stops.
Final Tips for a Smooth Family Camper Van Trip
• Keep drive days short.
• Always have snacks accessible.
• Take breaks often.
• Let the kids help with simple camp tasks—they love it.
• Build in downtime. Even adventurers need naps.
• Embrace the unexpected. Sometimes the best memories come from detours.
Your Family Adventure Starts Here
A family camper van trip in Southern California isn’t just a vacation—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and show your kids the beauty of wild places. Whether you’re exploring the coast, scrambling around boulders in Joshua Tree, waking up to snow-capped mountains, or dipping your toes in desert hot springs, Southern California delivers adventure after adventure.
When you’re ready to hit the road, Van Voyage is here with thoughtfully designed vans, local expertise, and everything your family needs for a seamless journey.
Your next great story starts with a set of keys, a map, and the open road.
Check out the following Blog posts for some additional inspiration:
Highway 1 to Big Sur including Santa Barbara + San Simeon
Check out our Pricing Below:
The Best San Diego, California Adventure Van Rental Pricing
Check out our Guided Trips Throughout California, Arizona and Utah:
