What It’s Like to Rent an RV in San Diego, California
I’ll be honest: before this trip, I’d never even stepped inside an RV. The thought of renting one seemed exciting, but also a little intimidating. Would it be hard to drive? What about hookups at campgrounds — were we supposed to figure all that out on our own?
But after taking the plunge with a RV rental in San Diego, California, I can say with confidence: this was one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. From the friendly pickup process to the joy of waking up by the ocean, the experience was smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.
Here’s what it was really like — from the moment we booked online to handing back the keys.
Booking the RV
I started the process on San Diego Camper Rentals, the local territory manager’s site. The difference between them and the big corporate apps was clear right away. Instead of endless scrolling with vague listings, I saw real photos of actual RVs I could rent. Each listing explained what was included — linens, cookware, even camping chairs — so I knew exactly what to pack.
After comparing a few models, we chose a mid-sized motorhome that could comfortably fit us plus all our stuff. The booking was as simple as reserving a hotel room. Within minutes, I got a confirmation email, and not long after, a friendly message from the manager offering to answer any questions. As a first-timer, that little touch meant a lot.
Pickup Day
On pickup day, I expected to be handed keys and a packet of instructions. Instead, we were greeted like old friends. The manager gave us a full, hands-on walkthrough. We learned how to connect to water and power, how to use the generator, and even how to dump the tanks without stress (something I had secretly been dreading).
It wasn’t rushed. He patiently answered every nervous question — “What if I forget how to work the slide-outs?” “How do I check the propane levels?” — and by the time we climbed into the driver’s seat, I felt like we’d just taken a crash course in RV living.
Driving the RV
Pulling out of the lot was the moment I truly realized, this is happening. The first few miles felt big — like driving a bus — but after adjusting the mirrors and using the backup camera, I relaxed into it. The roads out of San Diego made it easy to get comfortable, and soon I was cruising up the Pacific Coast Highway with a grin on my face.
The view was spectacular. The sun dipped low over the ocean, surfers dotted the waves, and we rolled past small beach towns with fish taco stands and surf shops on every corner. My partner kept snapping photos from the passenger seat, and we both laughed at how we already felt like seasoned RVers an hour into the trip.
Camping by the Beach
We reserved a spot at a beachfront campground in Carlsbad. Pulling in, I was a little nervous about setting everything up — but with the walkthrough fresh in my mind, it was surprisingly easy. Water and electric hooked up in minutes, slide-outs extended, and within no time, we had chairs outside and the grill going.
That first night, we cooked dinner while watching the sky turn orange and pink over the Pacific. We clinked glasses, grilled fresh shrimp, and listened to the crackle of a nearby campfire. When we finally crawled into the RV bed, the windows open to the sound of waves crashing, it felt like we were in our own private beachfront suite — only better.
The next morning, I woke up before sunrise, brewed coffee on the RV’s stove, and stepped outside barefoot to watch the horizon glow. Families nearby were getting ready for bike rides, kids ran down to the sand, and we just soaked it all in. That’s when I realized why people love RVing: you don’t just visit a place, you live in it, even if only for a few days.
Exploring the Area
One of the unexpected joys was how easy it was to pick up and go. After two nights in Carlsbad, we decided to head inland toward Julian for a change of scenery. Driving through winding mountain roads in our RV was an adventure in itself, and once we got there, we explored apple pie shops, quiet hiking trails, and cozy small-town streets.
Having everything we needed — from a fridge stocked with snacks to our own bathroom — made the day trips effortless. No rushing back to a hotel, no worrying about where to eat. The RV gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
Returning the RV
When it was time to return, I braced myself for a stressful process. Would they inspect every inch? Would I have forgotten something? But just like pickup, the return was smooth and friendly. The manager asked us about our trip, checked the RV quickly, and even gave us tips for where to go next time.
We drove away already talking about “the next one.”
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever thought about trying an RV but weren’t sure where to start, let me tell you: a RV rental in San Diego, California is the perfect introduction. The local territory manager at San Diego Camper Rentals made it easy, fun, and stress-free from start to finish.
We didn’t just rent a vehicle — we had an adventure, a home on wheels, and memories that will stick with us forever.
If you’re ready to experience it yourself, book your RV getaway today with San Diego Camper Rentals, the best RV rental company in the area.
