Renting an RV or camper trailer for your next vacation is an excellent way to bring the comforts of home with you as you head out into nature.
However, if this is your first time renting an RV, there are many unknowns… How much does it cost to rent an RV? What size RV should I get? Where should I rent an RV from? What else am I missing?
This RV Rental Guide was designed to make vacationing in a camper rental go as smoothly as possible. We provide all the information you need below to make your vacation a success!
Tip: Booking your RV rental through Outdoorsy will save you money and give you peace of mind on your trip! They have one of the largest inventories in the U.S., over 93% 5-star ratings, 24/7 roadside assistance, $1M insurance protection, and more! Book your RV rental through Outdoorsy today!
First-Time RV Renter? Start Here
Renting an RV is a little more involved than renting a car. But there’s nothing to worry about.
“There’s always that fear of the unknown when it comes to renting an RV for the first time. But, we’ve really put the effort in to simplify the RV rental process for our readers.”.
Tory Jon – CamperFAQs.com Chief Editor
To get started, check out our guides below designed for first-time RV renters. They cover everything you need to know to make the rental process and your entire RV vacation go as smoothly as possible.
Tip: Download our RV Camping Checklist to ensure you have everything you need on your camping trip!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV?
The first question that comes to mind when renting an RV will likely have to do with cost.
The neat thing about RV rentals is they can fit just about any budget! You can go all out and splurge on a luxurious motorhome and campground, or you can go the bare-minimum route and rough it off-grid in a small pop-up camper.
The choice is up to you and your budget.
But if you want a place to start, we’ve created several guides to help you determine the cost of renting an RV. No matter what type of RV you rent or how long, we’ve got you covered below.
Average Cost to Rent an RV
Here’s a quick look at the average nightly cost to rent an RV.
| Class | Cost/Night (Age) |
| Class A Motorhome | $175-$275 (10+) or $350-$450 (Newer) |
| Class B Motorhome | $100-$200 (10+) or $200-$350 (Newer) |
| Class C Motorhome | $150-$200 (10+) or $225-$400 (Newer) |
| Travel Trailer | $50-$125 (10+) or $125-$200 (Newer) |
| Fifth Wheel | $60-$150 (10+) or $150-$300 (Newer) |
| Pop-up Camper/Teardrop | $30-$100 (10+) or $75-$150 (Newer) |
If you really want to drill down and learn how much it costs to rent an RV of a specific type or duration, check out our guides below. Plus, get tips to save money on your RV rental!
RV Rental Price Guides
Where to Rent an RV
Of course, there are many RV rental companies to choose from. And to add to the confusion, there are different types of RV rental companies.
The three main types of RV rental companies are:
- Peer-to-peer RV Rental Companies: Think Airbnb, but for RVs! You essentially rent an RV from a private owner near you. Examples include Outdoorsy, RVshare, and RVezy.
- Corporate RV Rental Companies: These companies have their own fleet of recreational vehicles for rent from local rental stores. Examples include Cruise America and El Monte RV.
- RV dealerships: Local dealerships will sometimes offer certain models for rent.
So, which type of RV rental company is best?
There are pros and cons to each type of rental company, but we prefer peer-to-peer networks as they tend to offer the best rental prices, have the largest inventory, and have better reputations and reviews than the other types.
In fact, Outdoorsy (a peer-to-peer network) is our RV rental company of choice since they have an industry-leading insurance policy, some of the best rental rates you can find, and arguably the best reputation and reviews of any RV rental company we could find!
But, that’s not to say that another company might be a better fit for your needs. So, here’s a quick comparison of the five best RV rental companies available today.
| Company | Features | |
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Choosing the right rental option for your needs is extremely important (it can make or break your trip), so check out these guides to help you find the best rental for you!
How to Rent Your RV
There are a few different ways you can rent out your RV, but to save you time, the easiest and safest way is through a peer-to-peer RV rental company like Outdoorsy or RVshare.
To rent your RV is simple:
- List your RV for rent: Head over to Outdoorsy and list your RV for rent by adding photos, a description, and your location.
- Manage your bookings: Once your RV is listed, you’ll be able to manage your bookings through their online dashboard.
- Hand over the keys: Once your RV is booked, you’ll meet up with the renter, hand over the keys, and give them a walk-through of your RV.
- Get paid: Within 24 hours of your RV being returned, you will receive payment in your bank account!
Check out our guide on how to rent out your RV successfully for a full step-by-step breakdown and some important tips!
Do You Need a Special License to Rent an RV?
You do not need a special license to rent and drive an RV. As long as you possess a valid and current motor vehicle license and are of legal age in your state to rent an RV, you are good to go.
Is Renting an RV Cheaper Than Flying?
RVing can be cheaper than flying because you have more opportunities to control costs. Choosing the bare-minimum RV to rent, cooking your own meals, and finding free or cheap campsites can make it the cheapest way to travel.
Are You Still on the Fence About Renting?
Renting an RV comes with distinct advantages over other forms of travel. It’s also a great way to determine if the RV life is right for you and your family before buying one.
But whether it’s worth it just depends on your needs and what you consider “worth it.” If you love the open road, stopping to see the sights along the way, and having the comforts of home with you as you travel, renting an RV is definitely worth it.
However, if you just want to quickly get to your vacation destination as fast as possible, then maybe flying would be more worth it than RV travel.
It really boils down to what you’re looking for in travel, your budget, and so on. And if you’re on the fence or have any questions about renting an RV that we haven’t covered in this guide, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be glad to help!
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