San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the United States, but if you’re travelling by caravan or motorhome, the steep hills, tight streets, and heavy traffic can be intimidating. However, don’t worry – all hope is not lost. With some clever preparation and insider knowledge from yours truly, you can enjoy the city stress-free while keeping your caravan safe and comfortable.
Today, we’re looking at campervanning tips for visiting San Francisco to make it smooth and enjoyable.
1) Driving in the City
One of the biggest challenges for caravanners in San Francisco is parking. The downtown hub and most residential neighbourhoods aren’t designed for larger vehicles, and street parking is extremely limited. Not exactly the news you want to hear when planning a campervan trip!
Here are some tips for planning your routes and parking:
- Leave your caravan at your parking spot: Once you’ve secured a spot at an RV resort or campsite, avoid driving it into the city. Instead, use public transport, ride-shares, or even bikes to get around. Leave the camper for journeys outside of San Francisco instead.
- Watch for height restrictions: San Francisco has several low-clearance garages and bridges. Always double-check your caravan’s height before attempting to enter parking areas to avoid damaging it and facing fines from your hire depot.
- Plan routes in advance: GPS may direct you down narrow, steep streets as the fastest way to go. Use Google Street View ahead of time to make sure you’re taking caravan-friendly routes to avoid a lot of stressful maneuvering!
- Choosing the Right Base Point
Where you park your camper will have a huge impact on your entire trip. Many people make the mistake of not considering where their parking spot is in relation to the hotspots they want to see around San Fran, leaving them to deal with long bus rides or expensive train fares.
To avoid this, consider the following base points:
- San Francisco RV Resort: About 15 minutes south of the city, this park offers gorgeous oceanfront views and easy freeway access.
- Marin RV Park: North of the Golden Gate Bridge, this campervan park is convenient if you want to explore Marin County and wine country, as well as the city.
- Candlestick RV Park: A rare option close to downtown, this is a goldmine for van-lifers. However, spaces are tight, and a booking is essential to secure your spot.
2) Safety and Security Tips
San Francisco is a busy urban city, so a little extra caution goes a long way to keep you safe and stress-free. Ensuring your security is the best way to thoroughly enjoy your holiday without the concern of your belongings or camper.
Here are our tried and true tips on keeping yourself safe:
- Don’t leave valuables in your caravan if you’re parked outside the city. Break-ins can happen even in busy tourist areas, especially when you’re away from your campervan for long periods of time.
- Use locks and security devices when leaving your caravan unattended for long stretches. Bonus points if you have a camera that can capture any unusual activity.
- Check campsite reviews before booking, especially for urban-adjacent RV parks, as these might clue you in to any criminal activity that’s happened in the past.
3) What to Pack for San Francisco
San Francisco is famous for its microclimates: sunny in one area, foggy and chilly just a few blocks away. For caravanners, that means it’s essential to pack for flexibility and comfort above all else:
- Layered clothing, including a light jacket, is essential, even in summer.
- Good walking shoes, as you’ll be exploring plenty of steep streets.
- Navigation apps downloaded, such as offline maps in case mobile service is patchy while driving in or out of the city.
- A bike rack is a popular option once you’re parked if you’re planning to cycle along the waterfront or across the Golden Gate Bridge.
4) Timing is Everything
Timing can make or break your caravanning experience in San Francisco, so don’t underestimate the importance of planning ahead. Some people will prefer to drive late at night to avoid peak traffic, while others will want the daylight to aid them through tight San Fran roads. When planning your timing, consider:
- Avoid rush hours (7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm) when driving in and out of the area.
- Book campsites early if you’re planning on visiting in summer when demand is highest.
- Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are ideal for campervanners, offering milder weather and fewer crowds.
Plan Your San Francisco Campervan Trip Today!
Caravanning in San Francisco is less about parking in the city centre and more about finding a practical base nearby. By planning ahead, relying on the city’s excellent public transport, and keeping your caravan safely parked, you can experience the best of San Francisco without the stress.
Now you know how to make the most of your trip, it’s time to find a reliable camper. Travellers Autobarn specialises in cheap camper van rental across San Francisco, so book with us today, and get packing!
What say you?
Thoughts on these Campervanning Tips for Visiting San Francisco?
Let’s hear it!
