Roadtrip with RVshare San Jose to South Lake Tahoe

On this San Jose to South Lake Tahoe, you'll begin in the largest city in northern California and the 10th largest city in the United States. Enjoy the fresh air at one of the several gardens and parks in this city. While en route during your San Jose to South Lake Tahoe road trip, you will also encounter several state parks as well as a national park, if you travel north on I-680 towards Livermore, CA. Once you stop at that town, head east to Yosemite National Park, which is one of the most iconic national parks in the country. Then, continue traveling north until you reach South Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe has plenty to explore, no matter the time of year you visit, so make sure you have some extra time to spend at South Lake Tahoe before you go back home.

Nearby National Parks

Don't be afraid to venture off course to visit a national park on your road trip from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe, as there are a plethora of adventures to be explored!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is the only national park that you will find on this San Jose to South Lake Tahoe RV road trip. The park is nearly 1,200 square miles of land, and there are sequoia trees in the park that are well over 1,000 years old. If you enjoy looking at waterfalls, then make sure to venture to Yosemite Falls. Half Dome is also a landmark that you will want to hike to and explore. Hikes in the park range from a less intense mile-long walk to trails that are over 16 miles long with quite a bit of elevation to climb. Biking is often enjoyed in Yosemite National Park when it is warm outside. In the winter months, skiing, ice skating, and tubing can be enjoyed in the park.

Nearby State Parks

If you love the fresh air and are looking for a chance to enjoy the sun, consider adding some additional stops to a state park on your San Jose to South Lake Tahoe RV road trip. 

Castle Rock State Park

The first California state park that you will encounter during your road trip from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe is Castle Rock State Park. The park is located approximately 20 miles from San Jose, and it is a must-see if you enjoy rock climbing. The trails provide access and views of the beautiful rock formations and canyons that can be found here. Bike riding and horseback riding is also permitted on the trials. In total, there are 34 miles of trails to explore in the park.

Calaveras Big Tree State Park

Another state park in California that you will want to visit during your RV road trip is Calaveras Big Trees State Park. If you haven't seen the giant sequoias yet, you will be able to do so at this park. The park is 6,498 acres, so you can imagine how many trees are planted in the groves. In addition to tree and wildlife viewing, there are several other things that you can enjoy in this park. The trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the meadows and the rivers within the area. Fishing, swimming, biking, hiking, and geocaching are also popular activities enjoyed in the park.

Washoe Meadows State Park

Washoe Meadows State Park is a fairly undeveloped California state park, which makes it one of the least populous parks that you will encounter on this trip. The area is full of birds and fish, so birdwatchers and anglers will have a great time exploring the wilderness here. Geocaching is also a common activity that many enjoy while visiting. The trails in the park offer stunning views of Freel Peak, Angora Peak, and the Twin Peaks. Since this is mostly meadowland, it is ideal for children to enjoy as well as those who will not have the ability to hike more strenuous trails. 

Emerald Bay State Park

The last California state park that you will encounter during your road trip is Emerald Bay State Park. It is actually positioned about 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, but traveling the few extra miles to enjoy the park is well worth it. There are several trails that you can explore along the edge of the water, but if you are interested in enjoying the water up close, there are swimming beaches and boat docks that can be accessed with ease. Fishing is often enjoyed here, but one of the main attractions in the park is the fact that you can go scuba diving and snorkeling in the lake. In fact, many visitors to the park enjoy exploring the Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail.

Along the Way

Sycamore Grove Park

If you enjoy hiking in nature, you will want to stop at the Sycamore Grove Park just south of Livermore. This park is 847 acres, and there are several trails that you can explore in the area. These trails can be explored on foot or bike. There are even some horse trails available to you if you brought your trusty steed. Wildflowers are also plentiful at the park, so you can get amazing pictures of the plant life up close when you are walking the trails.

Black Chasm Cavern

The Black Chasm Cavern is a natural landmark that is located approximately an hour east of Sacramento. In the caves, you can see stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, and rare crystals. Over the years, the helictites in the caves have curved to form shapes that resemble animals, including a dragon that serves as the cave's mascot. In addition to guided tours of the caves, there are also trails on the property that visitors can explore. 

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is a location that you will want to stop at to get some stunning views. Check out the Angora Lake Trail for a loop trail that will give you a bit of a challenge. There are several other trails along the lake that you can explore as well, and during the summer, there are options to rent boats and other watercraft. There are even vendors that serve food during this time of year. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Livermore, California

One of the first cities that you will want to stop at during your road trip itinerary from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe is Livermore. The city is located in one of California's premier regions for growing wine, providing a great excuse to enjoy a wine tasting. You can also visit the Ravenwood Historic Site and Lizzie Fountain Park during your stay. If you want to find a place to stay, check out campgrounds in the area. There are also plenty of dump stations.

Modesto, California

Modesto is a city that you will want to visit during your trip, especially if you are a fan of the Star Wars movies. This is the hometown of George Lucas, and it is the location that is used in the movie "American Graffiti." Modesto is fairly close to Yosemite National Park, so finding a campground should be simple. You can visit the McHenry Mansion, Dry Creek Regional Park, and the George Lucas Plaza while you are in Modesto. Since this is about the midpoint of your road trip, you may need to find a dump station where you can empty the gray and black water from your RV.

Jackson, California

Another city that you will want to stop at is Jackson, California. You can check out a show at Baker Street West, or you can take some time to explore the Amador County Museum. You can also partake in a Kennedy Gold Mine Tours to take advantage of learning a bit more about the history of the area. It is said to be one of the deepest mines in the world, and it played a big part in how gold changed California living back in the 1800s. There is also a gift shop that you can visit and buy souvenirs. Finding a campground or dump station in the area should be fairly simple if you want to say overnight. 

Find Adventure from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in San Jose or South Lake Tahoe.