Renting a camper for an RV camping experience offers the comforts of home, like a bathroom, kitchen, and cozy beds. Buying an RV might not be practical for everyone due to limited use or financial constraints. Renting an RV is a feasible, affordable option that can create lasting camping memories.
Where Can You Rent an RV?
Many options exist for camper rentals. Traditional RV dealers typically offer a limited selection, while peer-to-peer rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RV Share provide a wider range of choices, including pop-ups, hybrids, travel trailers, and motorhomes. Owners list their RVs on these platforms, allowing renters to browse available campers, check prices, availability, and book directly, similar to Airbnb.
Renting A Camper Through Outdoorsy
Founded in 2015, Outdoorsy quickly became one of the biggest RV and camper rental portals on the internet.
Outdoorsy is known especially for its ease of use for renters and owners alike. Their booking system makes contacting and booking an RV incredibly easy and efficient.
Other benefits Outdoorsy offers RV renters is that they offer $1,000,000 in liability insurance, $250,000 in collision coverage and RV rental roadside assistance for all renters. You can even purchase travel insurance through Outdoorsy that will cover your expenses if you get sick or a multitude of other issues.
Check out Outdoorsy’s RV and Camper Rentals here.
Renting A Camper Through RV Share
RV Share is the first and largest peer-to-peer camper rental website around today. They offer thousands of RVs for rent through their website and enjoy a perfect 5-star rating from both renters and owners alike. RV Share does require you to provide your own insurance but does offer their renters 24-hour roadside assistance.
How Do Camper Rentals Work?
1. Browse Options: Begin your camper rental process by visiting rental platforms like Outdoorsy or RV Share. These platforms allow you to search for campers based on your location, travel dates, and the type of RV you’re interested in, such as a pop-up camper, hybrid trailer, or motorhome.
2. Check Ratings: As you browse through the available options, take the time to review the ratings and reviews for both the camper and the owner. This can give you valuable insights into the overall quality and reliability of the camper, as well as the owner’s communication and service.
3. Ensure Amenities: Make sure the camper you’re interested in has all the amenities you need for your trip. This could include a bathroom, kitchen facilities, sleeping arrangements, and any other features that are important to you.
4. Review Rules: Each camper owner may have their own set of rules and guidelines for renters. Pay close attention to these rules, especially regarding pets, smoking, and any restrictions on where you can take the camper.
5. Understand Mileage: Most RV rentals come with a certain amount of included mileage per day. Be sure to understand how much mileage is included with your rental and what the cost will be for any additional miles you may need.
6. Check Extra Fees: In addition to the rental cost, there may be extra fees for things like cleaning, delivery, or waste disposal. Make sure you’re aware of these fees and factor them into your budget.
7. Book Your Rental: Once you’ve found the perfect camper and confirmed that it’s available for your desired dates, you can proceed to book your rental. Some campers offer Instant Booking, while others may require you to Request A Booking and wait for confirmation from the owner.
8. Communicate with Owner: Before your trip, be sure to communicate with the owner to confirm details such as pickup or delivery arrangements, as well as any other important information regarding your rental.
9. Payment Handling: All payments for your rental will be handled through the rental platform. This ensures a safe and secure transaction process, with no need for direct exchange of money between you and the owner.
How Much Do Camper Rentals Cost
- Typically $100 – $300 per night.
- Rentals under $100 available on Outdoorsy and RV Share.
- Most rentals: $100 – $200 per night.
- Newer, larger motorhomes: $200 – $300 per night.
- Very new, large, luxurious motorhomes: over $300 per night.
Additional Expenses:
- Minimum rental period: usually 2-3 nights, some require 4 or more.
- Taxes added to rental cost.
- Additional fees may include:
- Stocking camper with gear.
- Bringing pets.
- Not cleaning camper.
- Exceeding included mileage ($0.30 – $0.60 per mile).
- Drop-off or pick-up fees (around $50).
Example Calculation:
- Renting a $150/night camper for two nights.
- Driving 75 miles (no additional mileage fees).
- Expected additional fees and taxes: around $75.
- Total cost: approximately $375.
Remember to budget for food, activities, and campsite fees as well.
The Different Types of RVs You Can Rent
There are six main types of recreational vehicles that you can rent out on Outdoorsy and RV Share. Each type has its own pros and cons. Here are the basics of what you need to know to make the right decision for your camping trip.
Motorhome Rentals
Motorhomes are essentially a living space built on a truck or van chassis, allowing the living space and vehicle to be driven together. They’re ideal for those without a towing-capable vehicle. Motorhomes are easier to set up at campsites and theoretically allow passengers to move within the living space while driving, though this is unsafe. They are further categorized into three classes.
Class A RV Rentals
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive to rent. They often include features like slide outs, master bedrooms, large kitchens, full-size bathrooms, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and large screen TVs. While no special license is required to drive one, they can be challenging to maneuver. Rental costs for newer Class A RVs range from $200 to $400 per night, depending on size, year, and amenities.
Class B RV Rentals
Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, are the smallest and most maneuverable motorhomes, built on standard van chassis. They are easier to drive and consume less gas than larger RVs. Their compact size makes them ideal for driving to various activities during camping trips. They are also cheaper to rent, typically ranging from $150 to $300 per night. However, they may not be family-friendly, as they are more suited for solo or couples’ trips and may not always include bathrooms or extra seating.
Class C RV Rentals
Class C RVs are a popular family-friendly option, sized between 20-33 feet. Built on van or truck chassis, they offer amenities similar to Class A RVs but with more space than Class B. They often include a bunk over the cab, convertible tables and couches for extra sleeping space, and a master bedroom at the rear. Class C rentals are priced around $200 to $300 per night, offering a good balance of comfort and affordability for families.
Travel Trailer Rentals
Travel trailers offer benefits over motorhomes, being towable RVs without a cab or engine. This allows for easy detachment to drive separately for activities, with some owners offering drop-off and pick-up services. They can have various amenities like kitchens, slide outs, beds, TVs, and bathrooms. They are typically cheaper to rent than motorhomes, ranging from $100 to $250 per night, as they don’t accumulate engine miles.
Fifth Wheel Rentals
Fifth wheel campers offer the most living space of any RV, with large master bedrooms, spacious kitchens, multiple slide outs, full bathrooms, and luxurious amenities. They require a truck with a gooseneck hitch for towing, making them impractical for renters without the proper vehicle. They are typically designed for couples and offer luxury features like fireplaces and large screen TVs. Rental costs range from $100 to $300 per night, but delivery to the campsite is often necessary.
Pop Up Camper Rentals
Pop-up campers are the smallest, cheapest, and easiest-to-tow camping trailers, ideal for budget-conscious adventurers or those mainly seeking a place to sleep and eat. They are towable by most mid-sized SUVs, trucks, vans, and some cars. Pop-ups are great for active trips with activities like canoeing or hiking. They usually include two queen-sized beds, with some featuring additional sleeping options. Pop-up camper rentals typically range from $50 to $150 per night.
A New Category of RVs – The Micro Camper or Small RVs
The Micro Camper is a compact RV category that has surged in popularity recently. These tiny units can be towed by almost any vehicle and offer a cozy interior, often no larger than a bed. They typically feature a convertible couch-bed, AC, electric hookups, and storage cabinets. Some newer models even include exterior kitchens, refrigerators, and showers. Ideal for adventurous singles or couples who prioritize travel and use the camper for sleeping and storage, Micro Campers typically rent for $40 – $100 per night.
Rent an RV for Your Next Adventure!
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that renting a camper for your next outdoor adventure can be a great option for your family. Remember, if you’re new to the outdoors, an RV can be a great way to get your toes wet without diving in head first!
After you’ve rented a few times, you might be interested in buying your own RV. So be sure to check out our guide to Buying An RV – Everything You Need To Know!
Katherine Justice
Monday 15th of July 2019
Love your website and choice of camping options. I am retired and live in Florida. My husband and I with our two dogs would like to get out of Florida in the summer for a couple of months. Some of the sites you have listed are more what we are looking for. I would like to get away from the RV campground and crowds. I want to try to set something up for next summer. Was wondering if you could give us some advise. Thanks