Visiting Los Angeles with a campervan: the ultimate guide

Explore California with a motorhome and enjoy a unique experience in the City of Angels!

From the Griffith Observatory to Beverly Hills, from the famous Hollywood Walf of Fame to the legendary beaches of Malibu, discover the best spots with ease thanks to our advice.

Renting a campervan in Los Angeles: good or bad idea?

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, with places to visit and districts that are quite far apart. As for its traffic, it can be downright capricious! So, at first sight, visiting Los Angeles in a motorhome is not really a good idea...

A motorhome is still one of the best ways to explore California and the parks of the American West, so if you're starting or finishing your American road trip in Los Angeles, choose a hotel in the city centre and reduce the time you'll need to hire a vehicle.

On the other hand, if you're passing through the City of Angels during your stay, here are our top tips for making the most of a trip to Los Angeles County in a motorhome!

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Where to stay with a campervan around Los Angeles, USA?

The Malibu Beach RV Park overlooks the Pacific with spectacular ocean views. Located 30 minutes north-west of Santa Monica and the city centre, it offers exceptional panoramic views from sunrise to golden hour! This campsite welcomes travellers to a paradise setting between the sea and the mountains.

The Hollywood RV Park offers a unique experience in Van Nuys, just 20 minutes from the Hollywood district. This themed campsite immerses you in a cinematic atmosphere and its particularly attentive staff will guide you to the best tourist spots in the area, helping you organise your trips to Hollywood Boulevard or Universal Studios. There is also free wi-fi and a number of supermarkets nearby make it easy to stock up. An ideal choice for motorhomers who want to combine comfort with exploring Los Angeles.

The Golden Shore RV Resort welcomes you to the heart of Downtown Long Beach, just 25 minutes from downtown Los Angeles or the Anaheim parks. This urban campsite offers spectacular views of the downtown skyline. Ideally located by the sea, its strategic position makes it an ideal base for exploring Los Angeles while enjoying the maritime charm of Long Beach.

Close to the theme parks, the Anaheim RV Park will delight families. Watch the Disneyland fireworks every evening from your deckchair. The site provides shuttles to nearby attractions.

Where can I park my motorhome?

Well-defined parking areas

Los Angeles legislation strictly regulates motorhome parking. Between 9pm and 6am, night-time parking on public roads is prohibited in most residential areas.

Paid public car parks in the city centre are open to recreational vehicles during the day only. The maximum authorised parking time varies from 2 to 4 hours depending on the zone. It's best to use spaces specially designed for large vehicles.

Outside the city, in the Angeles National Forest, there are free parking areas along the scenic roads. You can take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking or hiring an electric bike, but above all you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from these high-altitude parking areas.

Finally, it's sometimes easiest to leave your motorhome parked at the campsite where you'll be spending the night, and then take public transport, a taxi or a private hire to get to the city centre without having to use a vehicle.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach

These two iconic districts offer a unique experience. A spacious car park near Santa Monica Pier welcomes recreational vehicles from USD 15 per day. The promenade along the waterfront stretches 5 kilometres to Venice Beach.

The bohemian district of Venice is known for its volleyball spots and artistic atmosphere. There are dedicated parking areas for motorhomes along Rose Avenue, just a stone's throw from the famous Venetian canals.

A valuable tip: arrive early in the morning to take advantage of the early morning calm and the best parking spaces. Summer weekends attract crowds from all over the world to these legendary beaches on the Californian coast. And if you prefer to explore Santa Monica without your car, check out the city's official website, where you can choose the mode of transport best suited to your needs.

Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign

The southern slopes of Mount Hollywood are ideal for motorhomes, with a large area of land near the observatory. There is a dedicated area where you can park your vehicle while you visit the astronomical site and its fascinating exhibits.

The panoramic road leading up to the observatory offers breathtaking views. Spectacular views stretch from Downtown to the Pacific Ocean, particularly magical at sunset.

Hikers will love the path linking the observatory to the iconic Hollywood Sign letters, accessible from the car park. Bring a water bottle and a hat, as the walk takes around 2 hours round trip under the Californian sun. Or you can choose mountain biking to try a new experience !

Malibu and its beaches in a motorhome

The Pacific Coast Highway takes you to some of California's most beautiful shores with a relaxed surfer vibe ! Just 45 minutes from the centre of Los Angeles, legendary surf spots such as Surfrider Beach attract enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Wilderness lovers will particularly appreciate El Matador State Beach, with its impressive rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The entry fee of USD 10 provides access to a memorable day in this unspoilt paradise.

Leo Carrillo State Park welcomes motorhomes in an exceptional natural setting and stunning ocean views, between cliffs and ocean. A network of coastal paths allows you to explore the secret coves and observe the colonies of seabirds that inhabit this unspoilt coastline.

Practical information

Camper van, motorhome, RV rental... What do we call a motorhome in the USA?

In the United States, there are several terms for what we call a ‘motor home’. The most common is ‘RV’ (Recreational Vehicle), which covers all leisure vehicles.

Larger integrated models are referred to as ‘motorhomes’ or ‘motor coaches’, while converted vans are called ‘camper vans’ or ‘van conversions’.

The Americans also use a precise classification: ‘Class A’ for large luxury integrated models, ‘Class B’ for compact converted vans, and ‘Class C’ for models with a hood, recognisable by their extension above the driver's cab.

Where can I maintain my motorhome in the USA (fill up with water, empty waste water, etc.)?

Knowing where to carry out regular servicing of your motorhome in a big city like Los Angeles can be a perilous and time-consuming task.

Some service stations, such as Flying J, are strategic stopping-off points for motorhome owners in Los Angeles. Located at the edge of major roads, they offer filling stations and water points accessible between two activities or 24 hours a day.

Along the Pacific Coast Highway, there are several areas where you can fill up with drinking water for USD 5. The Dockweiler RV Park service station remains a benchmark with its modern facilities: simultaneous emptying of waste water, electrical recharging and water filling.

In Santa Monica, the municipal car park offers a full service station for recreational vehicles. A card payment system makes it easy to access basic services such as water supply and tank emptying.

Which license is required to rent a campervan in the USA?

Renting a motorhome in the United States requires a national driving licence for tourist stays of less than 90 days. An international licence, although strongly recommended, is not compulsory if your licence is in the Latin alphabet.

Rental agencies generally require three essential documents: your original driving licence, your valid passport and a credit card in your name.

Hire remains open to drivers with just a B licence, as no specific training is required for recreational vehicles in the United States. These regulations even apply to large motorhomes, unlike European restrictions based on weight.

San Francisco, the parks, Chicago via Route 66... What motorhome road trips to and from Los Angeles?

Thanks to the many airlines that serve it, Los Angeles offers privileged access to many destinations, from neighbouring cities to the vastness of the American West.

The coast as far as San Francisco will delight fans of Californian beaches who want to soak up the region's special atmosphere. If you're looking for a short, low-mileage road trip, discover the stunning architecture of Palm Springs and the agave trees of Joshua Tree. And if you're looking for wide open spaces and ready to drive a certain distance, head east: the great parks of Arizona and Nevada promise you a legendary getaway! And speaking of legends, don't forget the famous Route 66, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026 and links Chicago to Santa Monica (to be discovered in either direction!).

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in Los Angeles ?

Compare the different options, what is included like unlimited miles and what are the extra charges, the sizes of the vehicles, the travel details, the various companies... And if you want the best price guarantee, check out our best offers for motorhome rental in Los Angeles !

Are you ready to discover California?

Book your road trip to Los Angeles now and let our experts guide you on an unforgettable journey!