Renting an RV in the USA is the best way to have the ultimate road trip through the country. The first time we used an RV rental site was for our 10-day West Coast USA trip. We ended up having an awesome experience, although it was difficult finding information and tips online.
Now that we have multiple RV trips under our belt, we wanted to create a comprehensive guide for those who want to find an RV rental in the USA. In this article, you’ll learn where to rent a travel trailer or motorhome, how to choose the best vehicle for your trip, and other factors to consider when pricing out your RV rental.
Best RV Rentals in the USA in 2023 + Prices
Ever since our first RV excursion, we’ve been hooked and have taken multi-day trips throughout the country. We’ve also learned a lot along the way, so we want to make the process as smooth as possible for you!
I’ll tell you upfront that we love to use Motorhome Republic whenever we want to rent a Class C motorhome and Travellers Autobarn for campervans rentals in the USA. However, if your main concern is staying on budget, I highly recommend a peer-to-peer RV rental site like Outdoorsy. You can even get $50 off your rental when using the coupon code CAPTURE THEATLAS.
I’ll cover everything you need to know about each of these companies below, so keep reading!
Guide to RV rentals in the United States
To help you out, I’m sharing the best RV rental companies in the USA as well as how to get the most out of the experience. In addition to the top-rated companies, I’ll give you tips on what to look for in a rental and other details to consider.
To sum up, this article covers:
- Best RV rental companies in the USA
- RV rental prices in the USA
- Things to look for in a USA RV rental
- Best road trip ideas for your U.S. RV rental
- Tips for traveling by RV rental in the USA
Best RV rentals in the USA
There are quite a few motorhome and RV rental companies in the U.S., so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Don’t worry because I’ve compiled the 7 best rental sites to help you streamline the process.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap camper rental or a luxury motorhome, you’ll be able to find it with one of these companies.
Best RV rentals in the USA
At a glance, these are the 7 best national RV rental companies:
- Outdoorsy
- Motorhome Republic
- Travellers Autobarn
- RVshare
- Escape Campervans
- USA RV Rentals
- Cruise America
RV rental prices in the USA
Before you rent a travel trailer or motorhome, it’s important to consider all the costs involved. In addition to the RV rental price, your calculations should include things like fuel consumption, insurance, and the nightly rates for any campgrounds you’re visiting.
To help you out, here is a chart comparing motorhome rental prices in the USA for all the companies I mentioned above. To make the comparison as fair as possible, I calculated the costs for a 10-day road trip along the West Coast in a 20-foot RV 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 | $1,430 | $1,544 | $1,420 | $2,045 | $1,489 | $1,613 | $1,962 |
Insurance | $250 | $240 | $240 | Included | $243 | $240 | $180 |
Delivery | Included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included |
Roadside assistance | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Total price | $1,680 | $1,784 | $1,660 | $2,045 | $1,732 | $1,853 | $2,142 |
RV RENTAL PRICES IN THE USA |
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As you can see, Outdoorsy and Travellers Autobarn are nearly tied for the cheapest RV rentals in the USA. Motorhome Republic is only a tiny bit more, making it the best choice if you need a large RV and want to go through a company rather than an RV rental sharing app.
Which is the best RV rental company in the USA? Which is the cheapest?
After going through several RV rentals in the USA, I can say that Motorhome Republic is one of the best RV rental companies. We turn to them whenever we want to rent a Class C motorhome, and they never disappoint. I love that you can pick up and drop off the vehicle at different locations, which is what we did on our trips from Philadelphia to Maine and from Las Vegas to San Francisco.
If you’re concerned about your budget, I recommend Outdoorsy or Travellers Autobarn for cheap RV rentals in the USA. Outdoorsy is a great peer-to-peer platform, letting you rent the vehicle directly from the owner, so it offers some of the lowest prices. The first time we used Outdoorsy was on our trip to visit Niagara Falls, and we had such a positive experience that we decided to use them again on two other occasions.
Which is the best RV rental company in the USA?
Travellers Autobarn is a wonderful alternative to Outdoorsy if you’re looking to rent a campervan in the USA and around the world since they also operate in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Of course, every trip is different, so do your research and determine your destination and route beforehand to make the best choice. You can also find some useful information and tips in our guide on how to travel cheaply.
1. Outdoorsy, the best overall RV rental site in the U.S.
Outdoorsy is an RV sharing rental site that connects RV owners with people who want to rent a vehicle for a few days. Think of it like an Airbnb or VRBO for motorhomes.
1. Outdoorsy, the best overall RV rental site in the U.S.
The site is super easy to use, too. Simply go online and select your desired pick-up location and the duration of your trip. You can even filter the results based on preferences like motorhome model, age, and included amenities.
Not only can you find a wide variety of RVs for rent in the USA, but the prices are cheaper since RV owners usually rent their vehicles at a lower price than companies do. Besides, you can get $50 off your rental with the coupon code CAPTURETHEATLAS. Some owners will even deliver the motorhome to your campsite.
We’ve used Outdoorsy a few times without any problems, and I appreciate that it offers free roadside assistance. The main drawback is that you must drop off the motorhome in the same location where you picked it up at. We rely on Outdoorsy for our road trips around Las Vegas since it’s the cheapest option, and I recommend it if you’re taking a roundtrip excursion.
If you’re looking for a one-way RV rental company, you’re better off using Motorhome Republic, which is the service we use in such scenarios.
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2. Motorhome Republic, one of the most popular RV rental companies
Motorhome Republic collaborates with the best motorhome, campervan, and RV rental companies in the USA, so they’re one of our favorites. If you’re looking for a cheap RV rental in the USA, I highly recommend Motorhome Republic since they offer steep discounts. However, the prices aren’t as low as Outdoorsy since Motorhome Republic isn’t a peer-to-peer platform.
2. Motorhome Republic, one of the most popular RV rental companies
The main advantage of this company is that you can pick up and drop off the vehicle in different locations. That’s why we went with Motorhome Republic for our trip from Philadelphia to Maine. In fact, this is the best one-way RV rental company throughout the U.S., so we relied on it during one of our trips from Vegas to San Francisco too.
We’ve always had a great experience with Motorhome Republic, from the discounted prices to the variety of newer RV makes and models. Just keep in mind that the company doesn’t have a delivery service, so you’ll have to go directly to the pick-up location to get your rental.
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3. Travellers Autobarn, one of the best camper rental sites in the U.S.
Travellers Autobarn is the best RV rental site if you are looking for campervans. We have used it several times since we love their conversion vans. They operate in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle, so if your road trip starts in one of these cities and you want something compact to move around in, don’t think twice.
3. Travellers Autobarn, one of the best camper rental sites in the U.S.
Another thing I love about Travellers Autobarn is that they include free unlimited miles with each rental, so you can get a great deal. It’s also nice that you can get your rental delivered to your campsite if you don’t like the pick-up location, and you can drop off the rental in a different city.
The company updated its fleet in 2020, so the aesthetics and amenities are newer. Plus, Travellers Autobarn has 24/7 roadside assistance, a complimentary campground app, and a 10% discount for select campsites around the country. So, if you’re interested in a smaller RV rental, this is one of the best options.
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4. RVshare, another great site for renting an RV in the United States
RVshare is another one of the best RV rental apps, specifically for peer-to-peer rentals. It works just like Outdoorsy, although RVshare doesn’t have as many options.
4. RVshare, another great site for renting an RV in the United States
To use RVshare, simply enter your location and travel dates. You can use different filters to find what you’re looking for, as well as check customer reviews and ratings. The platform has a decent range of vehicles, including somewhat newer motorhomes and older ones. I recommend looking at both RVshare and Outdoorsy to compare your options.
RVshare has affordable RV rentals and the added bonus of vehicle delivery and 24/7 roadside assistance. While I prefer Outdoorsy, we’ve used RVshare once and had a positive experience with the company and our rental.
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5. Escape Campervans, a very affordable RV rental site in the USA
If you have your heart set on a campervan and you want an alternative to Travellers Autobarn, check out Escape Campervans. 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 newer and older models, so it’s a good option whether you’re looking for a luxury RV rental or something cheaper. Just be aware that some of the older campervans date back to 2012.
5. Escape Campervans, a very affordable RV rental site in the USA
In addition, the company offers roundtrip and one-way options, and your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance and insurance with the option to upgrade your coverage. You’ll also notice that the company’s fleet is full of fun, hand-painted vehicles. Of course, you can also opt for a plain white model.
While Escape Campervans has cheap camper rentals, it doesn’t offer unlimited mileage, but you can get a 10% discount when booking through this link. Rentals are charged 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’re looking for an RV rental with unlimited mileage, I recommend Travellers Autobarn.
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6. USA RV Rentals, a luxury RV rental site in the United States
Another motorhome rental company is USA RV Rentals. Here you’ll find newer and more expensive models that you can use for one-way and roundtrip excursions. A variety of brands are available, and you can use the filter tool to find just what you’re looking for.
6. USA RV Rentals, a luxury RV rental site in the United States
What I like least about this company is that it has a lot of hidden fees. While it shows you the rental price per night, there are added expenses for things like tax, mileage, kitchen accessories, and beds. So, while the price seems in line with the other options at first, you’re hit with a higher cost in the end.
While it’s worth looking at this RV rental company if you have something specific in mind, I also recommend checking other options. For example, I think you can find better deals with Motorhome Republic, even if you’re looking for a higher-end model.
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7. Cruise America, one of the top national RV rental companies
The last RV rental site I want to mention is Cruise America, another easy-to-use platform. Simply select your pick-up location, departure date, and return date, and you’ll get a list of available RVs and motorhomes in the area.
7. Cruise America, one of the top national RV rental companies
Each listing includes the nightly rate and any accessories or amenities that are included. A nice thing about Cruise America is that you get free 24/7 roadside assistance. The only catch is that you must rent the vehicle for at least three nights.
Another thing to note is that most rentals require you to return the vehicle to the same location where you picked it up. So, unless you’re doing a roundtrip route, this won’t be a good option for you. Rather, I recommend Motorhome Republic, one of the best one-way RV rental companies that also offers variety and great rates.
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What to look for in an RV rental in the United States
Now that you know the best RV rental companies in the USA and their prices, I want to focus on the common amenities and conditions for these types of vehicles. Before you rent a motorhome or RV, you should know the difference between each type as well as policies like pay-per-mile vs. unlimited mileage.
What to look for in an RV rental in the United States
What type of RV is best to rent in the US
The best RV to rent in the USA depends on your trip. Where are you going? How long will you be traveling? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is great but can also make things confusing. To give you a better idea of which type of motorhome or RV to rent, here is an overview of the different options:
Class A motorhomes
A Class A motorhome is the traditional style of vehicle that most people picture when they think of a huge, luxury RV. If you want to rent a large RV, you’ll probably be looking at Class A motorhomes.
The advantage of this type of motorhome is that it has lots of space and storage available, so it’s ideal for families or groups. There are even slide-out components so you can expand the space once you’ve parked at your campsite.
While this is a more luxurious option, this RV is more difficult to park since it’s so big. It’ll also be less fuel-efficient, so plan on spending more on gas. Also, depending on the vehicle’s weight, you may need a special driver’s license to drive it.
Class B motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, also known as conversion vans or campervans, are a small RV rental option. They’re more compact, making them easier to drive as well as cheaper to rent. With a Class B RV, you can go into more urban areas quite easily while also being able to navigate the great outdoors.
Of course, be mindful that this is a much smaller type of RV, so you’ll have limited space to sit, sleep, and store your belongings. It’s a good option if you’re traveling light for shorter periods of time. Plus, you can find budget-friendly Class B motorhomes on many RV rental sharing apps like Outdoorsy. From my experience, Travellers Autobarn has the most comfortable conversion vans.
Class C motorhomes
Finally, a Class C motorhome is the vehicle we usually choose when we want to rent an RV in the USA for a longer trip. This is a good in-between size if a Class B motorhome is too small, and Class A is too big. It’s not too difficult to drive, usually has an overhead sleeping area, and includes enough storage space for you to bring everything you might need.
This is a good choice for a weekly RV rental, and it’s the type we most often choose for our trips. We turn to Motorhome Republic since it has the best rates and a decent variety of vehicles, plus the option to choose a one-way rental.
Travel trailers
Travel trailers need to be towed by another vehicle. You can rent them on peer-to-peer sites like Outdoorsy but you must have a truck with enough towing capacity (or rent a truck), so you can move the travel trailer around.
Unlimited mileage vs. pay-per-mile
Another thing to consider when shopping around is whether you want an RV rental with unlimited mileage or whether you prefer pay-per-mile.
With the first option, you pay one flat rate, which is added to the final price of the RV rental. While this sounds great, consider that most companies calculate 150-300 miles per day, so it may not be the best deal if you’re not planning to drive long distances during your trip.
Unlimited mileage vs. pay-per-mile
The alternative is a pay-per-mile situation. Most RV rental companies in the USA charge a mileage rate of 30 to 38 cents per mile, although I recommend double-checking the policy. As an example, let’s say that the company charges customers 100 miles for local, roundtrip excursions, and 250 miles for one-way trips. If your total mileage falls under that threshold, you may be refunded for the difference, and if you surpass that mileage, you’ll be charged for the excess.
I recommend planning out your road trip itinerary ahead of time so you can determine how many miles you’ll cover. That way, you can choose the best RV rental company for your needs.
RV rental insurance
You should also factor in whether the company includes insurance coverage in its RV rental prices. Damage protection insurance is required for you to rent an RV in the USA. This includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage so you’ll be protected if you get into an accident or damage the vehicle.
The price for insurance depends on the type of RV rental and the duration of your trip, but it could be as low as $20/day.
Many companies also offer the option to add personal property and supplemental liability insurance to cover claims made by third parties for injury or damage. This isn’t required, so it’ll cost extra to add this to your rental policy.
Popular places to rent an RV in the U.S. – By location
If you’re thinking about renting an RV in the USA, just check out any of the companies I mentioned above and see if they have rentals in the area you’re visiting.
Popular places to rent an RV in the U.S. – By location
RVing is a popular pastime and something that’s on many people’s bucket lists, so I have no doubt that you’ll find an affordable RV rental for your trip. That said, it’s best to book in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during the high season (summertime).
It’s always a good idea to plot your route ahead of time so you can be prepared for things like road conditions, your estimated mileage, gas stations, and RV parking. To give you a better idea of where to start your motorhome road trip, I’m sharing the best places to rent an RV in the U.S.
RV rental in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is an incredibly popular place to rent an RV, so much so that we even have a complete guide to RV rentals in Vegas. Besides all the things to do in Las Vegas, its location in the middle of the American Southwest means that you can take all kinds of wondrous motorhome adventures to the national parks around Las Vegas.
You won’t have any trouble finding an RV rental company here, so your options are wide open. When it comes to staying overnight, check out one of the best RV parks in Las Vegas. Many of the nearby attractions and parks also offer designated RV camping, including Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
With so many interesting places in the surroundings, it’s easy to understand why Las Vegas is a hotspot for RV rentals in the USA.
RV rental in San Francisco, CA
Another popular city to rent motorhomes in the States is San Francisco. From here, many RVers visit Yosemite National Park and other nearby natural areas. Thousands of people take an adventure from San Fran every year, so you can find motorhome rentals through peer-to-peer platforms or rental company sites.
This is actually my favorite place to rent an RV in the USA. Last time, after visiting all the tourist places in San Francisco we took a one-way rental to Los Angeles and explored the Big Sur. We loved it!
RV rental in Los Angeles, CA
Renting a motorhome in Los Angeles is very popular since the city is close to several national parks in the Mojave Desert, as well as interesting cities. So, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a vehicle from any of the RV rental companies I mentioned above.
I will say that if you plan on exploring LA’s city center to visit some of the popular attractions in Los Angeles, you should leave your RV parked outside the city and take public transit into town. Most of the RV parking and campsites are in southern Los Angeles, but you can find a few options close to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
RV rental in Denver, CO
Denver is right in the middle of Colorado, so it’s a good starting point for a trip to the state and national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is particularly breathtaking during the fall season when the trees are covered in gorgeous warm tones.
Even though it’s in the center of the country, there are plenty of RV rental companies in Denver. It’s worth checking both RV rental sharing apps and more traditional company websites to get the best deal.
RV rental in Seattle, WA
With so many things to do in Seattle and the surrounding area, it’s no wonder this is another hotspot for RV rentals in the USA. Consider renting a motorhome from here so you can explore the country’s northern parks and natural landmarks like North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier.
RV rental in New York, NY
Over on the East Coast, you can rent a motorhome in New York. After seeing all the popular attractions in NYC, discover the state parks and gorgeous areas of the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, and other popular places in New York state. The Big Apple is conveniently located between several beautiful cities and national landmarks, so it’s not hard to find RV rental companies here.
RV rental in Chicago, IL
Chicago is the ideal starting point for those who want to journey along Route 66. From here, you make your way through the country to Los Angeles. All the major RV rental sites and companies operate out of Chicago, so it’s a great option.
RV rental in Orlando, FL
You can rent a motorhome in Orlando and drive down the eastern coast to Miami, passing several popular cities and beaches along the way. Also, don’t miss Everglades National Park, located just an hour from Miami. From there, you can embark on a scenic adventure along the Overseas Highway. This route travels over the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the beautiful Key West.
Moreover, Orlando is very RV-friendly, with several top RV rental companies operating here. There are also lots of RV parking and sharing platforms where motorhome owners rent out their vehicles.
RV rental in Portland, OR
As an alternative to Seattle, you can rent a motorhome in Portland. In addition to the best things to see in Portland, you can check out the impressive Mount Hood. Portland is also a good starting point for a journey along the Oregon Coast, where you can stop at Oswald West State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, and more.
You also can’t miss the Three Capes Scenic Route, which connects Capes Kiwanda, Lookout, and Meares. It’s just 40 miles long but has the most beautiful lookout points and scenery.
RV rental in Phoenix, AZ
If you don’t want to rent out of Las Vegas, Phoenix is an alternative place to rent an RV in the USA. You can find large and small RV rentals here from a wide range of companies, including peer-to-peer platforms. Plus, Phoenix is just a few hours from one of the most incredible natural wonders in the country: the Grand Canyon. You’ll have no trouble finding a place to spend the night here since there are several RV parks at the Grand Canyon.
RV rental in Salt Lake City, UT
The Salt Lake City area is one of the best places to visit in Utah and another place to rent an RV. Thanks to its dense population, the city has all kinds of daily and weekly RV rentals available from different companies.
After visiting Salt Lake City, travel south and explore the magnificent natural structures and hiking trails of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Best road trip ideas for your U.S. RV rental
To help you flesh out your travel plans, here are some road trip ideas you can take in your motorhome rental. Depending on where you’re starting, you may want an RV rental with different pick-up and drop-off locations or a rental with unlimited mileage.
First, you should decide where you’re going, so keep reading to learn about the most popular routes for RVing across the U.S.
Route 66
Route 66 is the most famous road in the country, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a road trip. The route begins in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles, and you can rent an RV in either city. Just be aware that part of the original route no longer exists and has been replaced by new roads. Pay attention so you don’t get lost! You can see the route mapped out here.
Route 66
Another thing to keep in mind is that this road trip requires a motorhome from a one-way RV rental company since you’ll be dropping the vehicle off at a different location. Whenever we take one-way RV trips, we use Motorhome Republic, so I recommend checking them first.
There are various pit stops you can take along the way, such as Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. However, this is a 2,400-mile road, and I prefer less driving and more sightseeing. That is why the next alternative is my favorite one.
Road trip through the American Southwest
The American Southwest is full of natural wonders, from the striking scenery to massive rock formations. If you want to see it all, I suggest renting a motorhome and choosing Las Vegas as your starting point. From here, the possibilities are endless, so pick and choose which destinations interest you and plan your itinerary accordingly. The most popular one is the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, but you can add other sites to your route to take more creative road trips from Las Vegas.
Road trip through the American Southwest
Some of my favorite places around here are Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, Death Valley, Mojave, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Monument Valley. You can even add Yosemite National Park to your itinerary and end your trip in San Francisco. In that case, make sure you use a one-way RV rental company like Motorhome Republic.
Pacific Coast Highway
If you’re on the West Coast, you have the opportunity to discover the Pacific Coast Highway in an RV rental. It starts in Olympia, WA, and goes to San Diego, CA, covering 1,675 miles. If you have the time, it’s worth doing the whole thing but most people drive just one section. One of the most popular ones is the so-called Big Sur, which goes from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Pacific Coast Highway
Anyway, as you drive along the coast, you’ll see lovely beaches and the most spectacular sunsets. Plus, you can take any detour that looks good to you. Regardless, if you love nature and dramatic landscapes, renting a motorhome to travel along the West Coast is an adventure you’ll never forget. You can get a better idea of the Pacific Coast Highway route here.
East Coast road trip
Lastly, it’s worth taking an RV trip along the East Coast. I recommend departing from New York City since it’s a great starting point for exploring various state parks, major cities, and historic landmarks, like Niagara Falls.
Motorhome Republic is among the best one-way RV rentals in the USA, so you can begin in NYC and travel through Connecticut and Rhode Island. If you want to visit Boston from NYC, keep traveling north and park your RV outside the city center at the South Boston Waterfront. Or you can park in Salem and take the Boston commuter rail into the city.
We used Motorhome Republic when we drove from Philadelphia to Maine, so if you want to go all the way up to the far northern U.S., it’s totally possible in an RV rental.
East Coast road trip
Driving in the opposite direction, you can depart NYC and check out Philadelphia and its nearby areas like Valley Forge. Then, head to Washington, DC for a tour of the nation’s most historic attractions. You can park your RV at Union Station or at one of the RV parks on the outskirts of the city.
Also, if you’re going to do a circular route, and don’t mind using an RV rental sharing site, look into Outdoorsy.
Top campsites for an RV rental in the USA
Remember, you can only spend the night in an RV if you’re at an RV campground. Otherwise, you’re at risk of receiving hefty fines.
However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule. First, BLMs are undeveloped public lands that offer disperse camping options for those seeking free camping, but space is limited. You will find them mostly in the western side of the country, close to natural areas. Also, most Walmart stores allow RVers to spend the night in the parking lot. There are also some gas stations that allow this, but you should always check beforehand to avoid any problems.
Top campsites for an RV rental in the USA
Your best bet is to take your rental motorhome to a camping site. There are public and private RV campgrounds where you can park your RV, spend the night, and fill up or empty your water tanks. You can find a list of RV campsites on this website along with availability and other useful information.
Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require that you book a reservation in advance. Also, keep in mind that private campsites are usually more expensive.
Free RV campsites in the USA
If you’re looking to save money, you can camp for free throughout the USA in an RV rental. As I mentioned, many BLMs and Walmart stores allow overnight RV parking, so if you’re near one of them, you can stay there for free.
Free RV campsites in the USA
Another option is staying at one of the campgrounds listed on the Free Campsites app. 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. Be sure to check each option since some campsites don’t have any services.
This website also has a trip planning feature, so you can organize your road trip itinerary. This can help you estimate your mileage, which factors into the price of your RV rental.
RV parking in the U.S.
You’ll also want to be aware of the parking situation along your route and at your destination. Remember, RV parking is only permitted at designated lots. I recommend checking the size restrictions ahead of time so you can be sure that your motorhome or RV rental will fit.
Tips for traveling by RV rental in the USA
Now that you know where to rent an RV and what to look for in a rental, here are some additional tips to make your journey fun, safe, and successful:
- Do your research ahead of time so you know which type of vehicle you want (Class A, Class B, etc.)
- Plan your route carefully and check that all the attractions you want to visit will be open during your travel dates.
- Do your calculations to determine gas costs. Pay attention to mileage and keep in mind that you’ll be driving at a lower speed in a motorhome.
- Double-check the drop-off policy for the RV rental company you choose. Some places offer one-way rentals while others require you to pick up and drop off the vehicle at the same location.
- Book campgrounds in advance to ensure that you have a place to spend the night.
- Be mindful of height restrictions while traversing different areas. Make sure the tunnels you need to enter have enough clearance for your RV to fit through.
- Check for RV parking ahead of time so you can avoid tickets and violations.
- Download some useful apps to make your RV rental experience as smooth as possible. We use iOverlander to find dump stations, and the iExit app to locate nearby lodging, food, and gas. The Free Campsites app helps with finding a place to park an RV for free, and EIA lets you check gas prices and better estimate your mileage. To find the country’s best RV parks and campgrounds, use FreeRoam or the RV Life app.
- If you want to have Internet while traveling, consider using a pocket Wi-Fi device. We love our Solis portable router.
FAQs – RV rentals in the USA
To finish up this guide to RV rentals in the USA, here are some commonly asked questions:
What do you need to rent an RV in the USA?
To rent an RV in the USA, you need a valid driver’s license and a credit card for payment.
What is the minimum age to rent an RV in the USA?
Most places require you to be at least 21 years old to rent an RV in the USA. For some companies, the age requirement is 25 and older.
Do you need a special license to rent an RV in the USA?
No. A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent most of the Class C and Class B RVs in the US. In case you’re renting a Class A RV with a weight over 26,000 pounds, you will need a special driving license.
Also, if you’re traveling from outside the States, an international driver’s license is recommended. You won’t need it to rent the vehicle, but you’ll want to have it on hand in case you get pulled over by the police.
How much does an RV rental in the USA cost?
The cost to rent an RV in the USA depends on several factors, including the vehicle class, the age of the RV, the size, and where you rent it from. On average, expect to pay around $180/night.
What is the best RV rental company in the USA?
I highly recommend renting from Outdoorsy or Motorhome Republic. We’ve had positive experiences with both of these USA RV rental companies. Outdoorsy is great if you want to rent directly from an owner, while Motorhome Republic is great for brand-new large RVs. If you just want to rent a smaller RV or campervan, Travellers Autobarn is perfect.
Is renting an RV worth it?
Yes! Renting a motorhome is the best way to explore the great outdoors while traveling to several different places. Some of our most cherished memories and trips have been while traveling by RV in the USA.
What kind of gas does an RV take?
Most RVs take unleaded gasoline. However, always confirm with the RV rental company when you pick up your motorhome.
Where can I fill up my motorhome’s water tank?
You can fill up at any RV dump station. These stations are located throughout the country, mostly at public and private RV campsites.
How do I dump my RV’s water tank?
RV dump stations not only allow you to fill up your motorhome’s water tank but also dump your gray and black water. When you pick up your RV rental, you’ll receive instructions on how to empty the water tanks, but it’s not difficult.
Can you park an RV anywhere in the United States?
No, RV parking is only allowed at designated lots. If you can’t find any RV park near you, all Walmart superstores allow RVers to park overnight.
When is the best time to take an RV trip through the United States?
The best time to travel by RV through the USA depends on where you go. I prefer spring or autumn when the weather is mild in most of the country, and you’ll also enjoy fewer tourists since it’s the low travel season. Of course, research your destination ahead of time to make sure that the attractions and campsites you’re visiting are open. Some areas are only worth visiting during the summer.
That’s everything you need to know about renting an RV in the USA! I hope you feel better prepared for your trip and that you got some ideas for your travel itinerary.
Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below if you have any other questions about RV rental sites and the types of RV rentals in the USA.
Have a safe trip and have a blast exploring the U.S. by RV!
Brilliant article! So helpful thank you.
I have a question though.
Do you know much about travelling when spring brake is on?
We are going to hire an RV for April . West coast highway / national parks.
I keep seeing things about the Easter brake.
I’m not sure if this is classed as a ‘high season’
Thanks
Hi Nico,
The high season starts in June in most National Park on the West Coast. However, it could be a little more crowded than usual during the Spring Break. Don’t worry, you will have fun for sure 🙂
Ascen
Hello!
Somebody told me that I cannot get my RV the day of arrival in the US. Is this correct?
I’m from Belgium 🙂
Hi Emilie,
You can perfectly Rent your RV in the USA on your arrival date, there is no problem at all 😉