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Planning a weekend getaway and not sure if you should drive or fly? Why not try renting an RV instead!
A weekend RV rental is a great way to get out and explore without breaking the bank, which begs the question…
How much does it cost to rent an RV for a weekend?
Below, we break down the average cost to rent an RV over the weekend, learn how the type of RV can drastically affect the overall rental cost, and a few tips to save money on your short getaway!
Cost to Rent an RV for a Weekend
The cost to rent an RV for a two-day weekend getaway is between $100 for a smaller unit like a pop-up camper to $600 for a luxury motorhome with all the features and amenities. That breaks down to around $50 to $300 per night, depending on the RV you rent.
If your idea of a weekend getaway is three nights, you’re looking at around $150 to $900 for the trip.
Realistically, you can expect to be on the lower end of that range unless you go all out with your vehicle selection. You can even find recreational vehicles for as low as $10 per night. It all depends on your location, the dates of your trip, and the type of RV.
Tip: Using a peer-to-peer RV rental company like Outdoorsy will help you find the cheapest rental option near you!
Weekend RV Rental Prices by Type
The type of RV you rent can greatly impact the amount of money you spend on your weekend RV rental.
Let’s break down the cost of renting the different types of RVs for a two-day weekend getaway.
Average Weekend RV Rental Prices by Type
RV Type | Average Weekend Price | |
---|---|---|
Class-A Motorhome | $340 to $840 | |
Class-C | $285 to $715 | |
Travel Trailer | $200 to $430 | |
Fifth Wheel | $230 to $575 | |
Class-B Camper Vans | $260 to $600 | |
Pop-Up and Tear-Drop Campers | $100 to $200 |
Tips to Save Money on Your Weekend RV Rental
The cost to rent an RV for a weekend trip will vary. Plus, it’s important to factor in costs other than just the rental itself (campground fees, gas, etc.).
So, here are a few tips to help you plan your weekend RV getaway without breaking the bank.
Finding the Cheapest RV Rental
There are a few different ways you can rent an RV – find an RV for rent by owner using peer-to-peer companies like Outdoorsy, corporate RV rentals like Cruise America, or some local RV dealers may offer rentals.
Typically, the cheapest way to rent an RV for a weekend is to use a peer-to-peer company like Outdoorsy or RVshare. They connect RV owners with those looking to rent an RV. With this business model, they have essentially the largest inventory of RVs to rent – something corporate or local companies can’t compete with. Plus, due to their larger inventories, you’ll typically be able to find RVs for rent for more competitive prices.
But, no matter what type of RV rental company you choose, it’s always a good idea to shop around. Here are the five best RV rental companies to consider.
Company | Features | |
---|---|---|
| View Rentals | |
| View Rentals | |
| View Rentals | |
| View Rentals | |
| View Rentals |
Escape Campervans is another good option if you’re looking for a camper van rental.
Related: Where Can I Rent an RV? (5 Best RV Rental Companies)
Choosing the Right Camper
Choosing the right size and type of camper can save you hundreds of dollars on even a short two-day getaway.
As mentioned, the type of RV you rent can make a huge difference in the cost. A Class-A motorhome will almost always cost more than a small camper rental. If you can make a pop-up camper work, you could save hundreds of dollars over the course of a weekend versus a Class-A.
Related: How Much Is It To Rent A Pop-up Camper?
Even a fifth-wheel, which can rival a Class-A in amenities and features, can be $100 plus dollars cheaper per night (but you’ll need a tow vehicle).
Furthermore, renting a camper that fits the number of sleepers you need and no more can save you a lot of money. If only two of you are going on your weekend camping trip, splurging on a motorhome that sleeps seven might not make sense.
In other words, rent the size and type of RV that fits your needs and nothing more to save the most money.
Consider Campground Costs
Luxurious campgrounds with all the amenities (showers, pools, full hookups, etc.) can cost $200 plus per night. On the other hand, national parks and some boondocking spots can cost next to nothing (some are even free).
The good news is you have a lot of control here as you can pick the spot you stay at. We often recommend mixing the two – boondock a few nights for free or cheap, then spend a night at a more luxurious campsite to fill up with water, empty your tanks, etc.
Tip: Close proximity to popular destinations and tourist attractions can greatly increase the overnight campground cost. Even staying a few miles away from these destinations can considerably drop the reservation cost and save money.
Pack Your Own Essentials
Some rental companies charge for kitchen essentials, like pots and pans, cleaners, towels, etc. You can save up to $100 by packing your essentials.
Furthermore, bringing and cooking your own food can save you hundreds of dollars versus eating out at restaurants, even for a quick weekend trip.
Rental Insurance
Most RV rental companies offer insurance as part of the rental price. But, there are add-on insurance options usually available for a premium. While more insurance typically means more peace of mind, you might not want or need the extra coverage.
So, read and understand exactly what is covered in the base plan and decide if you want to pay the extra money for additional coverage. You might be able to forego the extra insurance and save some money, especially if your car insurance for your personal vehicle covers you and your RV.
Use a Gas App
It’s no surprise that recreational vehicles don’t get the best gas mileage. Using a gas app like Gas Buddy can help you find the cheapest gas stations near you at any given time and can help you save a lot of money throughout your trip.
Are you ready to plan your weekend getaway? Start by browsing the rental listings on Outdoorsy to find the cheapest RV rental near you. And if this is your first time renting, check out our RV Rental for Beginners guide to help you through the entire process (it even includes a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything).
Want to extend your vacation? Check out the average cost to rent an RV for a week or how much it costs to rent an RV for a month.