Best Weekend RV Trips from Murrieta, California

There’s something magical about packing up an RV, turning onto the open road, and escaping the everyday — even if just for a weekend. Fortunately, living in or near Murrieta, California, means you’re surrounded by some of Southern California’s most stunning landscapes — all within a few hours’ drive.

Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or trying your first weekend away in a rented RV, this guide highlights five unforgettable RV trips from Murrieta, California. Each destination is friendly to RV travelers, filled with things to see and do, and perfect for short but meaningful escapes.

1. Temecula Wine Country – Vineyard Views & Local Charm

Distance from Murrieta: 20 minutes
Hookups Available: Yes – full hookups at Vail Lake KOA & other local parks
Best for: Couples, foodies, wine lovers

You don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve stepped into a Tuscan valley. Temecula’s wine country is just around the corner and offers rolling hills, award-winning wineries, and charming scenery. Vail Lake KOA, one of the area's top RV parks, is nestled among oak groves and offers full hookups, resort-style amenities, and close access to everything the region offers.

What to Do:

• Wine tasting at Peltzer Winery, Wiens Family Cellars, or South Coast Winery
  
  
• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise for panoramic views
  
  
• Strolling Old Town Temecula with its historic buildings, boutiques, and artisan dining
  
  
• Attend a weekend concert or wine-pairing dinner
  
  

Why RVers Love It:
It’s close, convenient, and allows you to settle into a romantic weekend without a long drive. Many wineries are RV-accessible or within rideshare distance of local campgrounds.

2. South Carlsbad State Beach – Oceanfront Camping

Distance from Murrieta: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Hookups Available: Partial (no sewer) at South Carlsbad Campground
Best for: Beach lovers, surfers, families

Wake up to the sound of crashing waves and a salty breeze. South Carlsbad State Beach is one of California’s few coastal campgrounds perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s an iconic stop for weekend RVers and offers easy access to sand, surf, and coastal exploration.

What to Do:

• Surf, boogie board, or swim in the Pacific
  
  
• BBQ at your site with panoramic ocean views
  
  
• Explore Carlsbad Village – great for cafes, wine bars, and shopping
  
  
• Take the kids to LEGOLAND California, just 10 minutes away
  
  

Why RVers Love It:
Spots fill up fast, but if you score one, you’ll enjoy one of the most scenic RV overnights in SoCal. A true “toes-in-the-sand” experience.

3. Idyllwild – A Cozy Mountain Escape

Distance from Murrieta: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Hookups Available: Yes – at Thousand Trails Idyllwild & other parks
Best for: Hikers, couples, anyone needing fresh air

If the beach isn’t your style, trade the ocean breeze for crisp mountain air. Idyllwild, tucked in the San Jacinto Mountains, is a woodsy paradise with art galleries, hiking trails, and cozy cafés. It’s a peaceful destination ideal for a reflective or romantic weekend.

What to Do:

• Hike the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail or Deer Springs Trail
  
  
• Browse local artisan shops and grab coffee at Cafe Aroma
  
  
• Enjoy live acoustic music at night under the pines
  
  
• Stargaze without light pollution
  
  

Why RVers Love It:
Temperatures are cooler in summer, making it a refreshing escape. Many campgrounds cater specifically to RVs with full hookups and forested sites.

4. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Rugged Beauty

Distance from Murrieta: ~2 hours
Hookups Available: Some full hookups at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, stargazers

For those looking to get off the grid, Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park and feels worlds away. The vast desert landscape offers canyons, wildflowers, and incredible geological formations. RV-friendly sites are available at Borrego Palm Canyon and other nearby locations, with both hookup and dry camping options.

What to Do:

• Hike The Slot, a narrow and photogenic canyon
  
  
• Visit the Galleta Meadows metal sculptures scattered through the desert
  
  
• Enjoy incredible stargazing – this park is an official Dark Sky destination
  
  
• Stop in Borrego Springs for local dining and supplies
  
  

Why RVers Love It:
It’s remote yet reachable. Anza-Borrego offers a sense of adventure and solitude, perfect for unwinding over a weekend.

5. Lake Skinner Recreation Area – Easy Family Fun

Distance from Murrieta: ~30 minutes
Hookups Available: Yes – full hookups
Best for: Families, fishing, boating, relaxing

Want a peaceful lake getaway without driving far? Lake Skinner, just northeast of Temecula, is a favorite among local RVers for quick, affordable escapes. With full hookups, wide campsites, and picnic areas, it’s ideal for families or low-key weekends.

What to Do:

• Go fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding
  
  
• Let the kids bike around the campground loop
  
  
• Bring your dog along—many RV sites are pet-friendly
  
  
• Catch the annual Balloon & Wine Festival if the timing’s right
  
  

Why RVers Love It:
It’s the perfect spot for quick weekend unwinding. With flat roads and open space, it's also ideal for first-time RV drivers.

Plan Your Escape: Rent Locally, Travel Far

Each of these RV trips from Murrieta, California proves you don’t have to go far to feel far away. From vineyards to forests to the open desert, you’re only a short drive from a memorable weekend.

Don’t own an RV? No problem. You can rent the perfect rig for your weekend from a trusted local provider.

Book your RV getaway now at https://www.getlostrvllc.com
Explore Class A, B, and C motorhomes, travel trailers, and camper vans, all ready to roll from Murrieta, California.