RV Rental San Bernardino: Explore Southern California

Your Gateway to Adventure: Discover San Bernardino

Welcome to San Bernardino, the perfect starting point for your next great American road trip! When you choose a camper rental in San Bernardino, you're not just picking up a vehicle; you're unlocking the gateway to Southern California's most diverse landscapes. Nestled at the crossroads of major freeways and just east of Los Angeles, this city is your launchpad to mountains, deserts, and the Pacific coast.

Geographic Crossroads and Rich History

San Bernardino sits in the heart of the Inland Empire, a sprawling metropolitan area cradled by the majestic San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Jacinto Mountains to the south. This unique location has shaped its history, from its origins as a Spanish mission outpost to its boom during the Gold Rush and its role as a key stop on the iconic Route 66. The city's name honors Saint Bernardine of Siena. With a population of over 220,000 people, it’s a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. An RV rental in San Bernardino places you right in the middle of this historic landscape, ready to create your own chapter of adventure. Did you know the world's very first McDonald's restaurant was opened here in 1940 by the McDonald brothers? While the original building is no longer there, a museum stands on the site, a quirky and fun stop for any traveler.

Climate and Best Time to Travel

San Bernardino enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning you can expect warm, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. The best time for a camper rental in San Bernardino is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are comfortable, making it perfect for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the great outdoors without the intense heat of mid-summer. This is the ideal weather to take your 4x4 camper rental San Bernardino up into the mountains or out into the desert. An RV rental in San Bernardino offers the ultimate flexibility to chase the perfect weather, whether you seek the sun-drenched valleys or the cool mountain air.

The strategic advantage of starting your journey here cannot be overstated. From this central point, you are just a short drive from the alpine beauty of Big Bear Lake, the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, and the bustling energy of Los Angeles. Opting for a camper rental in San Bernardino means less time navigating dense city traffic and more time enjoying the open road. The freedom that comes with your motorhome allows you to explore these iconic destinations at your own pace, making your trip truly your own. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for a memorable vacation, securing an RV rental in San Bernardino is your first step toward an unforgettable California experience.

Attractions & Activities Around San Bernardino

With your RV rental in San Bernardino, a world of discovery awaits just beyond your dashboard. The region is packed with natural wonders, cultural hotspots, and unique attractions, all easily accessible with your mobile home base.

San Bernardino National Forest

This is the backyard playground for anyone with a camper rental in San Bernardino. Covering over 800,000 acres, this vast wilderness offers everything from serene alpine lakes to rugged mountain peaks. Drive the scenic 'Rim of the World Scenic Byway' for breathtaking views. Find a secluded campground and spend your days hiking, fishing, mountain biking, or simply relaxing in nature. In winter, the slopes of Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit offer fantastic skiing and snowboarding.

Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead

These two mountain resort towns are quintessential California getaways. Park your RV and explore the charming villages, rent a boat for a day on the water, or hike the extensive network of trails. A 4x4 camper rental from San Bernardino is perfect for exploring some of the less-traveled forest roads in this area, giving you access to more secluded spots.

The Original McDonald's Site Museum

Take a nostalgic trip back in time at the site of the very first McDonald's. This unofficial museum is a quirky, fun stop filled with memorabilia from the fast-food giant's history. It's a must-see piece of Americana and a perfect, easy stop with your motorhome.

California Theatre of Performing Arts

If you're looking for a touch of culture, this beautifully restored 1928 theater in downtown San Bernardino is a gem. Once a vaudeville house and movie palace, it now hosts a variety of concerts, Broadway shows, and performances. Check their schedule and enjoy an evening of world-class entertainment.

Route 66

San Bernardino is a key city on the historic 'Mother Road'. Your RV rental in San Bernardino is the perfect vehicle to cruise down sections of this legendary highway. Look for classic motels, diners, and kitschy roadside attractions that harken back to the golden age of American road trips. The Wigwam Motel is a famous nearby landmark.

The flexibility of a camper rental in San Bernardino allows you to link these destinations together seamlessly. Spend a day in the mountains, an evening at the theater, and the next morning exploring a piece of history—all without the hassle of packing and unpacking. It's the ultimate way to experience the rich diversity of Southern California.

Unforgettable Road Trips from San Bernardino

Your RV rental from San Bernardino is your ticket to some of the most iconic road trips in the American West. Here are a few tour ideas to get your adventure started:

⛰️ The Mountain Escape Tour (3-4 Days)

🌵 The Desert Wonders Tour (4-5 Days)

Returning Your RV Spotless in San Bernardino

After an amazing trip, one of the final steps is returning your RV clean, just as you received it. This can be tricky, as most standard car washes can't accommodate the height and size of a motorhome. Trying to squeeze into a small wash bay can lead to expensive damage.

The key is to look for truck washes or RV-specific cleaning stations. These facilities are designed for large vehicles and have the high-clearance bays and equipment needed to do the job safely and effectively. It’s a great way to ensure you get your full security deposit back. A clean vehicle makes the checkout process with your RV rental San Bernardino company smooth and fast.

Here are a few suitable options in the greater San Bernardino area where you can get your camper or motorhome washed:

1. Blue Beacon Truck Wash of L.A. East
While technically in Ontario, this is a very popular and reliable choice for RVers. They are open 24/7 and are experts at handling large vehicles.
Address: 4200 E. Guasti Rd, Ontario, CA 91761, USA

2. Little Sisters Truck Wash
Another excellent 24/7 option located at a major truck stop, providing thorough exterior washes for trucks and RVs.
Address: 8701 E. Gilman Springs Rd, Moreno Valley, CA 92551, USA

3. High-Clearance Self-Serve Bays
Keep an eye out for self-service car washes that have at least one oversized, high-clearance bay. These are often labeled for RVs or boats. They allow you to wash the vehicle yourself using their pressure wands and brushes. An example is the Waterman Car Wash, but always check the clearance yourself before entering.
Address: 133 S Waterman Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA (Confirm clearance on-site)

Always call ahead if you're unsure about their services or hours. Planning this final step will make the end of your camper rental in San Bernardino adventure completely stress-free.

How to Get to San Bernardino for Your RV Adventure

Your adventure begins the moment you decide to get an RV rental in San Bernardino, and getting here is straightforward from many parts of the world.

By Air - The Best Airports

The most convenient airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), located just 20 miles west of San Bernardino. It's a fantastic, easy-to-navigate alternative to LAX and is served by many major US airlines.

The largest international gateway is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 60 miles west. It offers the widest range of international flights.

From the USA & Canada:
You'll find numerous direct and connecting flights to both ONT and LAX from major hubs like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Vancouver (YVR), and Toronto (YYZ). From the airport, it's an easy drive to San Bernardino to pick up your camper. If you live in a neighboring state like Arizona or Nevada, driving directly to San Bernardino is a popular and scenic option.

From the UK & Ireland:
Major carriers like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Aer Lingus offer direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and Dublin (DUB) to LAX. From there, you can take a connecting flight to ONT, rent a car one-way, or use a shuttle service for the final leg of your journey.

From Australia & New Zealand:
Qantas, Air New Zealand, and other airlines operate direct flights from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Auckland (AKL) to LAX. This long-haul flight is the most direct route to Southern California to start your camper rental San Bernardino adventure.

From South Africa:
There are no direct flights to California. The most common routes from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) involve a connection in Europe (e.g., Amsterdam, Frankfurt) or the Middle East (e.g., Dubai, Doha) before the transatlantic flight to LAX.

Getting to the Rental Station

Once you land, you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or a pre-booked shuttle to get from the airport to our rental station. The drive from ONT is short, while the drive from LAX can take 1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic. Planning your arrival carefully will ensure a smooth start to your RV rental in San Bernardino holiday.