The California Double: Surf and Ski in a Single Day

When was the last time you checked something off your bucket list? Better yet: When’s the last time you added something to it? As RVers, it can be easy to get into easy mode. The RV stays half-packed already. The rig knows its way to all the same old campgrounds. But there’s a reason you got into RVing in the first place, And if you’re reading this article, it’s easy to bet that one of those reasons wasn’t to get into a routine. It was to get out of one. So here’s a way to break out of the moldy routine: the California Double.

Imagine this. You wake up to the sounds of waves hitting sand and the smells of ocean air. You hit the beach with the sun still stretching across a golden sky, catching early waves with the morning die-hards. By evening, you’re strapping on a thinner, lighter board, surrounded by the crisp, pine-scented air of mountain slopes. That’s the California Double, a bucket-list adventure for only the hardest of core recreationists. It’s not just about skiing and surfing in a single day — it’s about mastering the land and seas in the absolutely raddest ways possible.

The key to pulling off the perfect California Double just might be with an RV. It’s road-laced trip that’s full of turns — with drastically different temperatures and sets of gear. And if you’re bringing along your adrenaline-junkie besties (we suggest that), an RV gives you room for them and their gear t0o. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Class B, Class C, or a compact toy hauler. Fact is, RV are built to make this kind of adventure possible.

A Uniquely Californian Experience

California’s unique geography makes it one of the few places in the world where the Double is even possible. For RV enthusiasts, the draw goes beyond the activities themselves. It’s about the journey: navigating the winding roads, setting up camp with a view, and sharing stories with fellow travelers under a canopy of stars. 

But let’s face it — it’s also about the bragging rights. Because pulling off the California Double isn’t just a matter of parking your rig wherever and hitting the road. It takes planning, strategy, and a finely tuned sense of adventure. (No newbie is going to pull this one off.) From choosing the right routes to finding RV-friendly stops, this is a challenge tailor-made for only the hardest-charging road warriors.

Step One: Choose Your Wave

Consider starting your day at the beach to make the most of your California Double. Surfing in the early morning offers smaller crowds and the chance to soak up a serene sunrise. You’ll also have more time between activities by choosing slopes with night skiing. Southern California offers several prime surfing spots with RV-friendly access.

Huntington Beach

A classic choice, Huntington Beach’s early morning surf is unbeatable. RVers can set up camp at Huntington Beach RV Campground, just a short walk from the sand. It’s the perfect spot to park your rig and fuel up with breakfast in your RV before hitting the waves.

San Onofre State Beach

This relaxed beach is a favorite among surfing purists. The RV parking is basic — dry camping without hookups — but you’re rewarded with uncrowded waters and an unforgettable sunrise sky.

Pro Tip: Check tide charts and surf conditions the night before. Morning high tide often provides better waves, and knowing the forecast ensures you’ll maximize your time in the water without delays.

Step Two: Pick Your Mountain for Night Skiing

After you’ve had your fill of surf, it’s time to skedaddle to the mountains. By timing your visit to take advantage of night skiing, you’ll extend your adventure into the evening, allowing more time for potential traffic hiccups and avoiding the midday rush on the slopes. Two ski areas stand out for their excellent night skiing and RV-friendly accommodations.

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Just a two-hour drive from the coast, Big Bear offers night skiing at its Snow Summit slopes. RVers can book a spot at Big Bear Shores RV Resort, which provides full hookups and a heated clubhouse for unwinding after a thrilling evening on the snow.

Mountain High

Slightly closer to the coast than Big Bear, Mountain High offers night skiing until 10 p.m. RVers can take advantage of nearby campgrounds like Table Mountain Campground, a rustic option perfect for a peaceful overnight stay while nursing those taxed boarding muscles.

Pro Tip: Many resorts allow RVers to park overnight, so you might max out your slope time by crashing overnight on-site.

The Drive: From Surf to Slopes

Transitioning from the coast to the mountains can be a peaceful midday reset. If you’re starting at Huntington Beach or San Onofre, head inland on Interstate 15 or Highway 38, depending on your mountain of choice. This stretch of the journey offers a mix of scenic vistas and bustling highways, giving you time to refuel and re-energize before the evening’s activities.

Masterful Plans Make for Maximum Vibes 

Prior preparation is key to making the most of your California Double. 

1. Pack Strategically
   

   Make the most of your limited space by packing gear for multiple purposes. For example, a lightweight shell jacket can work for both skiing and windy beach conditions. Your maxed-out day will also flow better if you pack grabbable hydration and snacks throughout.
   

2. Embrace the RV Kitchen
   

   Nothing beats a hot, homemade meal after a day in the surf and slopes. Use your RV kitchen to whip up hearty favorites, like chili or soup, that can be made ahead of time.

3. Stay Flexible
   

   Weather can change on a dime, especially in the mountains. Don’t forget to check conditions throughout the day in case things change.

An RVer’s Dream

For many, the California Double is more than just a physical challenge. It’s an all-American celebration of the freedom and flexibility that RVing provides. It crams the best that outdoor recreation has to offer into a single day, making maximum use of the RV as the ultimate road trip enabler.

No hotel check-ins or rental car schedules to slow you down. No restaurant reservations to make. You haul your home with you, complete with your favorite bed, and the comforts of your own shower.

There’s also a unique satisfaction in pulling it off. It’s the kind of story you’ll be telling at countless campfires — the time you pulled off the California Double.