Hemet, CA to Klamath River RV Park, CA

[Baja_Man]

Considering this family trip this summer.

What is best and safest route for this trip. Would I be crossing GG Bridge (which would be great!)?

Would like to split trip into two days. First stop would be midway.

What is best place to stay at midway point (appears to be Tracy, Livermore, Dublin)?

Trip is approximately 12.5 hours/800 according to G-Maps.

Thanks!

[CA_Traveler]

San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica is the best CG, $$$. Candlestick RV Park $$$$, overpriced but it has the location, adjacent to higher crime area so go directly on/off 101. There are several in Daly City plus further south.

I’ve taken 280, 19ave, GG Bridge many times with the current rig and toad. Yes it’s 7 miles of city driving, 2/3 lanes stay center/right lane, mid day only, I don’t have the aversion to this route that many do. NEVER TAKE A RV ON 101 THROUGH SF.

SF has a homeless/drug problem like many other cities. Stay in the tourist areas. Never park and put something in the trunk, never leave anything in the vehicle, they are watching.

[Baja_Man]

Looks like this trip is back on... sometime in July/August!

Still not sure about going over the GG bridge towing a trailer. Trying to weigh the experience for my adult son and older teen and the traffic/stress. This is to be an enjoyable trip and most stress comes from towing.

Have any of you crossed towing a trailer?
What was the experience like?
Would you recommend it?

I think the suggestions about staying overnight at an RV park near the GG and then driving over/back (without towing trailer) for the experience, might be the best option for us.
Am I correct in thinking that if we stay at an RV park on the south side of the GG, this would mean driving over the GG (northbound) and then driving back (southbound) back to RV park?

With that said.....what would be the preferred places to stay (3 stop overs, with last one at/near GG with hook ups)?
Suggestions indicate that the 5/20/101 is preferable routes from SoCal.


Thanks!

[profdant139]

If you really want to see the GG Bridge, I'd recommend staying at the Petaluma KOA and then parking near the foot of the bridge for a day trip.

Then walk out to the middle of the bridge. Stand there a good while, and chances are that a ship will pass underneath. My kids still remember that trip, and it was 30 years ago!

Bring sweatshirts -- it's often chilly and windy.

[MarkTwain]

Driving over the Golden Gate with a trailer coming from S.F. would not be a choice for me due to traffic and congestion. An alternative but longer trip plan if crossing the G.G. is that important is to cross over at Vallejo over to 101. Go south until you find an RV park near the G.G. bridge, unload your trailer to stay overnight. Then drive across the G.G. bridge and make a day of it by going to Fisherman's Wharf for a great fish dinner.

[CA_Traveler]

SF is all surface streets to the GG. CG WiFi is often marginal.

[Baja_Man]

Unfortunately, family circumstances did not allow us to take this trip last summer:(.

However, we are ready and able to go this summer!!!:B

The information all of you provided is invaluable; many thanks!

Now, not 100% sure quite yet, but I am considering making this a 3 day trip to get there.

Family would like to cross the Golden Gate going there. However, I do NOT like traffic especially towing my 25' Outback TT (30' overall ball to rear bumper).

Again, I'm leaving from SoCal desert area (Hemet, CA).


A few questions:


Is there a way to cross the GG without the traffic leading up to it? Family would love to cross over pulling our trailer (memories).

Safety and places to pull over for gas and rest are important.

We need Full hook ups when stopping overnight (son needs wi-fi for college courses) and our holding tanks are all small (30w, 30g, 30b).

If 2 days to get there....stops, RV parks, and hwys. to take?

If 3 days to get there....stops, RV parks, and hwys. to take?

MANY THANKS!!

[ford-willy]

Thanks CA Traveler and others for the advise on the 20. We will take it and avoid SF. By the way I just read this article about gas shortages in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Since your up there CA Traveler what have you seen? https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/06/gas-prices-hit-7-year-high-stations-run-fuel-going-4th-july...

[CA_Traveler]

We're in Eureka and heading to Astoria, will wave as we pass Gold Beach.

Traffic in N California is light compared to 2019. A lot of places closed and significant homeless people in Eureka.

[ford-willy]

CA Traveler wrote:
The Oakland - Berkley route is my least favorite due to traffic. Check the Caldecott Tunnel restrictions if you go that way.

And the Red Bluff Redding routes to the coast are often a one time only.

Your input is always valued. No decision yet. Probably right, once trying the northern cross 5 to 101 we were soured. At our age the shorter road day the better. That is always in our plans now. The Caldecott Tunnel tip is appreciated and will search for current news. My wife when young lived in Gold Beach Or, trying for one more visit.

[gme3470]

The I5 to Hwy 20 route is an ideal way to go. Hwy 20 intersects Hwy 101 near Ukiah and then you can travel up 101 and experience the varying terrain up to Klamath. Hwy 36 from Red Bluff over is not suited for RVs and in fact has been closed or restricted for some time anyway. Hwy 299 over from Redding is very scenic but you would miss a lot of the 101 scenery.

[CA_Traveler]

The Oakland - Berkley route is my least favorite due to traffic. Check the Caldecott Tunnel restrictions if you go that way.

And the Red Bluff Redding routes to the coast are often a one time only.

[ford-willy]

I use both Good Sam trip planner (set on slower RV mode) and Google Maps, which has only the faster car mode. I'm taking a similar trip to yours in a couple weeks from now. On the GS Trip Planner (RV mode & allow tolls) from Santa Nella on the 5 to Fortuna on the 101 it takes you across the Richmond-San Rafael Toll Bridge ($21 for 4 axles). If you ask the GS trip planner to avoid tolls, it routes you up to Stockton and then back west on the 37 just above SF Bay to the 101. At about 10mpg the longer route makes the bridge not to expensive. --- Now my wife and I hate San Fran and always try to avoid it. So as some have suggested to take the 5 up by Sacramento and cross to the 101 on the 20 is tempting. But many years ago we crossed from the 5 to the 101 up there (not sure maybe at Red Bluff) and with a big rig it was a long pain, not enjoyable. Still have not made up our mind but the other rig/couple we are traveling with want to take the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge over the bay because of the experience. ??????????

[profdant139]

We do that trip almost every year from So Cal to Klamath. We take 5 to 20 to 101. We stop for the night at Kit Fox in Patterson -- not lovely but adequate for a half-way stop.

If you take 20, try to stop in Williams for the sandwiches at Granzella's. Their muffaletta is amazing.

[CA_Traveler]

Rocky2 I'm at the Ancient Redwoods RV Park.

[Rocky2]

Ca Traveler has good information. I'm in Ventura so I do not use I5 or 99 to get to the Klamath River. I also take 3 days because I love to stop in the Avenue of the Giants for my second stop. I think I would opt for I5 to around Los Banos/Santa Nella for a stop. Then continue to Williams and take 20 across to 101. I get fuel in or around Ukiah and stop at Ancient Redwoods RV park near the Founders Grove. That makes for an easy 3rd day to the Klamath River.