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Renting a campervan in the USA is one of the best ways to explore the wonders of nature freely and comfortably. Van life has been a lifestyle trend for years now because it offers unforgettable experiences, so if you can try it for yourself, don’t miss the chance!
We’ve had several amazing road trips by campervan, and now that we’re traveling full-time, we’re excited to go on more adventures. Our home base is Las Vegas since there are all kinds of beautiful places to visit in the area. That said, the entire country is full of impressive natural parks and outdoor attractions, which is why it’s worth getting a USA camper rental and taking your own journey.
After some years of hitting the road and trying out different camper van rental companies, I’m ready to share where to rent a camper in the USA. I’ll tell you upfront that Travellers Autobarn has been the best option for our trips, as it offers great prices, convenient amenities, and rentals for one-way and roundtrip adventures.
Of course, there are other fantastic companies and websites where you can find luxury and cheap campervan rentals in the USA. For example, Outdoorsy really comes in handy when we want to rent directly from a campervan owner, and, sometimes, they can even deliver it to your campsite if you are already traveling. You can also get $50 off your rental with the promo code CAPTURETHEATLAS.
Below, you’ll find the 5 best campervan rentals in the USA as well as a price comparison and a breakdown of what to consider when choosing a vehicle. Keep in mind that this article is specifically about campervans, so if you’re interested in renting an RV in the USA, check out our guide on that.
Guide to renting a campervan in the USA
If you’re not sure where to begin your search for a campervan, don’t worry. It’s not hard to find great rentals throughout the United States, so I’m sure you’ll find the perfect option for your trip and specific needs.
In this guide, I’ll share the best camper van rental companies, what to look for in a rental, and ways to make the most of your camping adventure. So, let’s get into it:
- U.S. camper van rental cost comparison
- Best campervan rentals in the USA
- Things to consider when renting a campervan in the USA
- Where can you park a campervan
- Tips for traveling by camper rental in the USA
Best campervan rentals in the USA
To begin, here is a summary of the top places to find campervan rentals in the USA:
I’ll share more about each company below, including nightly rates, amenities and services, advantages, drawbacks, and more.
U.S. camper van rental cost comparison
First, I want to give you a snapshot of each of these camper van rental companies so you can see the prices and most important information side by side.
For this comparison, I calculated the costs for a 10-day road trip along the West Coast in a large (20-ft) camper van for two people. I set the pick-up and drop-off location as Las Vegas and included the basics like cookware, linens, generator, unlimited miles, and insurance.
Rental price | $1,240 | $1,264 | $1,808 | $1,438 | $2,387 |
Insurance | $240 | $250 | $240 | $243 | Included |
Delivery | Included | Included | Not included | Included | Included |
Roadside assistance | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Total price | $1,480 | $1,514 | $2,048 | $1,681 | $2,387 |
BEST CAMPERVAN RENTALS IN THE USA |
As you can see, Travellers Autobarn stands out as the cheapest campervan rental in the USA. However, if you don’t mind renting directly from the owner, Outdoorsy is a good choice. Escape Campervans has a similar price and is a company with its own fleet of vehicles, so it’s another great option.
Which is the best campervan rental company in the USA? Which is the cheapest?
If the thing you’re most concerned about is the camper van rental’s cost, then Travellers Autobarn is your best bet. Along with its competitive prices, the company offers free delivery and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you’ll be in good hands while you travel.
I’ll also say that we’ve used Outdoorsy several times without any issues, so this camper rental app is another budget-friendly option. While you’ll be renting from a campervan owner, the vehicles are in great condition. However, be aware that Outdoorsy only offers roundtrip rentals. If you want a one-way campervan rental in the USA, I recommend Travellers Autobarn or Escape Campervans, another reputable company.
You’ll learn more about these companies and a couple more below, so keep reading!
1. Travellers Autobarn, one of the best places to rent a campervan in the USA
Travellers Autobarn has become our go-to for campervan rentals in the USA and beyond. We’ve used them for our trips around Las Vegas and New Zealand, and we’re always 100% satisfied with the company’s vehicles and customer service, as we mention in our Travellers Autobarn review. In the U.S., they operate in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle, so if your road trip is starting in one of these cities, don’t think twice.
In addition to having some of the best campervans in Las Vegas, Travellers Autobarn offers free unlimited miles with its USA campervan hires, so you can travel without worries. Some other companies charge mileage fees or have strict mileage policies, so having unlimited miles puts Travellers Autobarn ahead of the pack.
Moreover, you can request that the campervan be delivered to your campsite (for free), and you can use the vehicles for one-way and roundtrip journeys. You’ll also have 24/7 roadside assistance should you run into any issues during your trip. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that the campervans are very comfortable and feature newer amenities and conversions, so I’m sure you’ll love them.
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2. Outdoorsy, another great site for USA campervan rentals
Outdoorsy is another camper van rental company that we’ve used several times. It’s an excellent camper rental site where you can connect with vehicle owners and rent directly from them. On the Outdoorsy website, just select your pick-up location and specify the duration of your trip. There are also search filters available that help you narrow down your results to the most suitable rental options.
Being a peer-to-peer platform, Outdoorsy has lower camper van rental costs compared to some other companies. Along with its competitive rates, it offers free roadside assistance for customers, and many owners are willing to deliver the campervan straight to you. Something to keep in mind is that Outdoorsy only does roundtrip rentals, so you’ll have to return the vehicle to the same location.
We’ve relied on Outdoorsy quite a bit for our road trips around Las Vegas, so I can confidently recommend it as a convenient and cheap option. Besides, you can get $50 off your rental with the promo code CAPTURETHEATLAS. That said, if you’d rather go through a rental company, I suggest looking into Travellers Autobarn.
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3. Motorhome Republic, a cheap USA campervan rental company
If you’re for looking a wide range of vehicles or you want a luxury USA campervan rental, check out Motorhome Republic. This is another company we’ve used several times, including during our first trip to Vegas and when we needed a campervan hire for a West Coast USA road trip.
What’s nice about this company is that it has larger RV rentals in Las Vegas and other major cities, so it’s suitable for different travelers. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here, especially since Motorhome Republic offers access to a wide range of vehicles from different companies.
Another thing you’ll like about Motorhome Republic is that you can select different pick-up and drop-off locations. However, while it offers one-way USA campervan rentals, it doesn’t have a delivery service, so you must be careful about choosing the correct pick-up location.
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4. Escape Campervans, a place for one-way and roundtrip campervan rentals in the USA
Escape Campervans is another place where you can rent a camper in the USA. This company operates in Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle. They have a large selection of campervans available, although their fleet of vehicles ranges in age.
Even so, you can find newer models with Escape Campervans USA, and every rental includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and damage protection insurance, with the option to upgrade your coverage for an additional fee. Plus, their colorful campervans are available for one-way and roundtrip journeys, making Escape Campervans a good alternative to Travellers Autobarn.
Where the two companies differ is in terms of mileage. Escape Campervans charges a fixed rate for estimated mileage ($30-$36/day), followed by a pay-per-mile fee for any excess miles (30-36 cents/mile). If you decide that this company is a good fit for you, use our link to get a 10% discount on your rental.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a USA campervan hire with unlimited miles, I recommend Travellers Autobarn.
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5. RVshare, a good place to rent a campervan in the USA
The last company I want to recommend is RVshare, another peer-to-peer camper rental site. The selection of vehicles may be a bit smaller, but the nightly rates are very good, and you can find different types of campers depending on the purposes of your trip.
Another nice thing about RVshare is that you can set up delivery, so the rental comes directly to your campsite, which is convenient if you’re already on the road. Also, should you need it, 24/7 roadside assistance is included with your rental, so you can travel worry-free.
While we only used RVshare once, it was a positive experience, and we didn’t have any problems with our rental or the company. We still prefer Outdoorsy, which tends to have cheaper USA campervan rentals, but it’s worth checking RVshare before making your final decision.
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Things to consider when renting a campervan in the USA
While you’re perusing the options on the various campervan rental websites, keep in mind that not all campers are the same. Before you reserve a rental, think about what size campervan you need, as well as other amenities and services. For example, do you need a cross-country camper van rental with a one-way option? What about the sleeping situation and storage room?
Below, you’ll find the most important things to look for in a camper. As you read, consider where you’re going, how many people you’re traveling with, and what your budget is.
Do you need a toilet? Shower?
One of the main concerns when thinking about van life is what to do about the bathroom situation. There are a few ways to go about this, depending on your comfort level.
First, you can do your business in the wilderness since you’ll probably be exploring natural areas and attractions during your trip (please, leave no trace!) Another option is to carefully plan your route, so you spend some time at campsites that have restrooms and showers.
Yet another option is to get a luxury USA campervan rental with a toilet. These campervan conversions tend to be more expensive, and a composting or foldable toilet will take up more space in the vehicle, so that’s another thing to consider.
Fixed or convertible bed?
You’ll also want to decide whether you want a fixed bed or a convertible bed. Most campervan rentals in the USA feature a bed fit-out, usually a queen bed that can comfortably accommodate two people. Others have a convertible bed that can fold away, granting you more space to move around during the day.
A fixed bed would be an immovable bed, which is great when it’s time to sleep and you don’t have to assemble anything, but also annoying during the day since you’ll have less room.
High-roof vs. low-roof campervans
As you look through the available USA camper rentals, consider whether you want a campervan with a high roof or a low roof. High-roof vans are usually 8 ft to 8.5 ft tall, giving you more space to stand up and store items. They may also include an overhead sleeping area.
Low-roof campervans are usually 6 ft to 7 ft tall and tend to be cheaper and a bit easier to drive. They also offer easy access to the roof, which is nice if you want to bring bikes or outdoor gear, or you have a pop-up tent.
Unlimited miles vs. pay-per-mile
As you’ve seen, some campervan hires in the USA have unlimited miles, which involves charging you a flat rate for mileage. Typically, companies calculate 150-300 miles per day, so if you don’t plan on covering that much ground, this might not be the best deal.
On the other hand, some companies have a pay-per-mile policy. As an example, say the company charges 36 cents per mile and allots customers 100 miles per day. If your mileage surpasses that, you’ll be charged for the excess according to the per-mile rate. Most pay-per-mile campervan rentals in the USA charge 30-38 cents per mile.
I recommend planning your itinerary ahead of time so you can better estimate how many miles you’ll cover during your trip and the option that best suits your needs.
Campervan rental insurance
Lastly, make sure you have insurance coverage for your campervan adventure. Some companies include it in the rental price, while others offer it as an add-on.
It’s also worth checking with your personal auto insurance policy to see if it covers United States campervan rentals. Usually, if you have rental car coverage, you’ll probably be covered for campervans, too.
If you don’t have car insurance or your policy doesn’t cover campervan rentals in the USA, don’t worry. Many rental companies include damage protection insurance, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage in case you get into an accident or damage the vehicle. The price depends on several things like the type of camper and the duration of your trip, but it could cost as little as $20 per day.
Where to rent a camper in the USA – By location
The rental companies I mentioned in this guide have several locations. While some offer campervan hires on the West Coast of the USA, others are available nationwide. Below, you can get a better idea of the available options in your area.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to book your rental in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during peak season (summertime).
Top campsites for a campervan rental in the USA
Choosing where to rent a camper in the USA is just part of the planning process. You also need to decide where you will spend the night while you’re on the road.
Fortunately, there are RV and campervan-friendly campsites throughout the country. I recommend checking this website to find campgrounds at your destination. You can even see the campsite’s user rating, features, and amenities. If the campsite takes reservations, be sure to book in advance to reserve your spot.
Staying at a campsite is your best bet if you want a safe spot to sleep, shower, and fill up or empty your water tank. You’ll also be able to avoid unnecessary fees for camping in undesignated areas. Public and private campgrounds are scattered throughout the country, but if you want an alternative, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has millions of acres of land in the U.S., and you can park overnight on any of them.
Just be aware that BLM land is public and undeveloped, and while it’s free, space is limited. Also, most BLM areas are on the western side of the country.
Free campsites for campervans in the USA
You can cut your camper van rental costs by staying overnight at a free campground. In addition to BLM land, you can check the Free Campsites app to find places to sleep for free.
Just enter your destination and use the filter setting to choose “RV parking.” Then, the map will show you all the free campgrounds in that area that allow motorhomes and campervans. Be sure to check each option since some campsites don’t have any services.
Where can you park a campervan rental?
While you’re enjoying your road trip adventure, it’s important to be mindful of parking laws and restrictions. Campervan parking is only permitted at designated lots, and the availability of these lots will vary depending on your destination.
If you’re in a pinch, you can park your vehicle in a Walmart parking lot. Walmart allows free RV and campervan parking, although there is usually a 24-hour limit.
Tips for traveling by camper rental in the USA
The last thing I want to leave you with are some tips for renting a campervan in the USA and making the most of your trip:
- Know which type of campervan rental you want, and consider what “extras” come with your rental so you can avoid hidden fees.
- Plan your route so you can better estimate your mileage.
- Calculate fuel costs and scout out gas stations along your route.
- Double-check the drop-off policy.
- Make sure that national parks and attractions will be open during your travel dates, and book entrance fees and campgrounds in advance.
- Take photos of your camper van rental before you embark on your trip. This way, you have tangible evidence if you’re wrongly accused of damages.
- Check the parking situation at your destination(s) to avoid unnecessary tickets and violations.
- Download useful apps to make your journey easier. You can find campervan parks and campsites on the FreeRoam, RV Life, and Free Campsites. iExit shows you nearby food, gas, and lodging, while the EIA app gives you updated gas prices so you can better estimate your fuel costs.
- If you want to have Internet while traveling, consider using a pocket Wi-Fi device. We love our Solis portable router.
Keep these things in mind, and you’ll have the most amazing campervan experience, regardless of where you travel.
FAQs – USA campervan rentals
To wrap up, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about renting a campervan in the USA:
That’s it from me! Now you have all the information you need to choose the best USA campervan rental for your trip. If you still have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below so I can help you out.
Have a safe trip and enjoy exploring the USA by campervan!