The 5 Best RV Rental Companies of 2024
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Answer the call of the wild and commune with nature in comfort without making a major investment. Consider one of the best RV rental companies for your travel needs.
Purchasing an RV gives you the freedom to explore the great outdoors in a home away from home—but you don’t need to own an RV to enjoy this experience. Many companies rent out RVs, allowing customers to try RV life before they buy or simply enjoy an RV vacation without the expense that comes with owning one. There are peer-to-peer companies that connect renters with RV owners as well as companies that rent out their own fleet of rigs.
Renting a rig can be a confusing experience to those new to RVing. There are various options to choose from, including towable pop-up tents, travel trailers, and drivable full-size class A motorhomes. Read on to learn more about some of the best RV rental companies in the country, and find out what to consider when renting an RV.
- BEST OVERALL: Outdoorsy
- RUNNER-UP: RVshare
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cruise America
- BEST FOR CAMPERVANS: Escape Campervans
- ALSO CONSIDER: El Monte RV
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best RV Rental Companies
Understanding the differences among the various RV types, how their pricing works, and what insurance coverage a customer needs to drive one are all crucial factors when renting an RV. Below, potential RV renters can find out more about these and other factors to consider where to rent a camper or RV.
Type of RV
When choosing an RV rental service, customers will first want to consider what type of RV they want to rent. RVs fall into two categories: drivable motorhomes and towable campers. The main difference is that drivable RVs don’t need a tow vehicle, whereas towable ones do—though there are additional differences customers will want to consider when choosing the best type of RV for their trip.
- Class A motorhomes are the largest drivable motorhome rental options. They are capable of accommodating large families due to their spaciousness, and they include kitchens that have full-size appliances. Many have multiple slide-outs that expand the living space once they’re parked at their destination. At up to 45 feet long, they are also quite large, which can make them more difficult to drive than other RV types.
- Class C motorhomes, which are built on a truck chassis, offer many of the same amenities as a Class A motorhome but on a much smaller scale. They are also easier to drive than their larger motorhome counterparts.
- Better known as campervans, Class B motorhomes are less spacious than Class A and C motorhomes and have fewer amenities. However, they’re the easiest to drive and get much better gas mileage than Class A or Class C motorhomes.
- Per their name, towable RVs require a tow vehicle—typically either a pickup truck or an SUV. They range in size from small pop-up campers with modest tent-like accommodations all the way up to large 45-foot-long fifth-wheel trailers that offer a spacious climate-controlled living area with multiple sleeping areas, ample storage, running water, and electricity.
Availability
When considering an RV rental company, customers will want to look carefully at its locations and availability. While some RV rental companies have RV campers for rent throughout the country, some may only serve major cities. Customers can usually find a greater selection of RVs through national peer-to-peer networks, which connect RV private owners throughout the country to renters. RV companies that own their own fleet may not have as much availability throughout the country. Customers will also want to keep in mind that it’s more difficult to rent an RV during peak periods, which is from mid-July to mid-August.
Peer-to-peer companies also have a broad variety of RV types available that include both towable and drivable RVs. RV companies that rent out their own fleet of rigs usually offer only Class B and Class C motorhomes. Customers can search online for “recreational vehicles for rent near me” to see what options are available close to home.
RV Pickup, Drop-off, and Delivery
Customers will want to consider how they’d like to receive their RV when choosing a rental company. Some rental companies require their customers to pick up the RV at a specific location, while others will deliver their RVs to their customers—typically for an additional fee. If the customer is planning on using the RV for a specific trip, such as to a national park, they will want to look for RV rental companies with locations that suit their itinerary. Some, but not all RV rental companies, allow for a one-way RV rental in which the customer picks up the RV at one location then drops it off at a different location when the trip concludes.
Pricing and Fees
While pricing and fees vary from RV rental company to RV rental company, all of them generally use the same system. Customers are charged a nightly fee for the RV plus an additional fee for mileage. Generally speaking, pop-up tents are the most affordable campers to rent, while Class A motorhomes are the most expensive. On average, customers can expect to pay between $155 and $215 per night for an RV that sleeps between five and seven people with a mileage rate that ranges between 35 cents and 50 cents per mile. There may also be additional fees if the renter chooses to have the RV delivered to them. Some companies may also charge a cleaning fee.
Insurance
Some auto insurance policies may cover their customers when they rent an RV the same as they would for any car or moving truck rental. However, many insurance companies have limitations based on the weight of the RV, the number of wheels that it has, and how long the RV is being rented. If the RV rental exceeds those limitations, the customer may need to purchase additional temporary insurance to ensure they’re adequately covered. Keeping this in mind, customers will want to call their insurance company prior to renting an RV to determine what coverage they have and purchase more if needed. Most insurance companies offer coverage plans that range from $300,000 to $1 million for liability insurance. It’s important for customers to get an adequate amount of RV insurance to cover accidents, liability, and other events while they’re on their road trip—in addition to liability coverage, this may include collision insurance (to cover damage to the vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object, such as a light pole) and comprehensive insurance (to cover other types of damage to the RV, such as hail damage following a storm, vandalism, or a collision with an animal).
Roadside Assistance and Support
There’s always the chance for problems to occur with the RV during the journey even with a rig that’s well maintained. As such, customers will want to look carefully at the roadside assistance and support the rental company offers before making a reservation. A reputable RV rental company will offer 24/7 roadside assistance, assuring their customers aren’t left stranded somewhere in the event of a flat tire or mechanical problem.
Cancellation Policy
Most RV rental companies have a limited cancellation policy once customers make a reservation. Since these policies can vary, renters will want to pay careful attention to them to avoid losing money in the event they need to cancel or change their trip at the last minute. While most companies allow renters to cancel up to 7 days in advance, others require 14 days or more. Cancellation policies for peer-to-peer services usually vary from RV owner to RV owner, so customers will want to be mindful of the cancellation policy when using this type of RV rental company.
At-a-Glance Comparison
Types of RVs | Availability | Sample Pricing | Cancellation Policy | |
Outdoorsy | Class A, Class B, Class C, truck camper, campervan, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, folding trailer | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | $215/night for 2018 Class C RV for 6 guests | Varies by host |
RVshare | Class A, Class B, Class C, fifth wheel, toy hauler, travel trailer, pop-up | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | $213/night for 2018 Class C RV for 6 guests | Varies by host |
Cruise America | Large RV, standard RV, compact-plus RV, compact RV, adventure travel trailer | 39 states | $134/night for large RV for up to 7 guests | Full refund up to 7 days before pickup |
Escape Campervans | Campervans | 10 states | $155/night for campervan for 5 guests | Full refund up to 15 days before pickup |
El Monte RV | Class A, Class B, Class C | 11 states | $209/night for Class C RV for 6 guests | Nonrefundable $250 down payment |
Our Top Picks
Our top picks include both peer-to-peer recreational vehicle rental agencies as well as those that have their own rigs. All have multiple locations around the country and have good reputations with their customers.
Best Overall
Outdoorsy
Why It Made the Cut: Outdoorsy offers all types of RVs, has availability throughout the country with delivery and pickup options, and boasts top-notch customer reviews.
With its ability to deliver RVs right to its customer’s doorstep, a wide variety of RVs to choose from, and excellent ratings from customers, Outdoorsy is a top choice for customers looking for RV rentals. The nationwide company offers both towable and drivable RVs, giving customers across the country plenty of rental options to consider. Customers can also choose to pick up the RV or pay to have it delivered to their location, including their home or a campsite. Either way, the host will do an in-person key exchange so they can walk the customer through the RV and answer any questions they may have. Outdoorsy also offers 24/7 roadside assistance should a customer run into trouble while out on the road.
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer service, which means the customer’s rental experience can vary from one host to another. As such, renters will want to pay careful attention to the cancellation policy, which varies with each rental. However, Outdoorsy is well liked by its customers, with more than 90 percent rating it 5 out of 5 stars. Seeing these overwhelmingly positive reviews can give potential customers added peace of mind about renting an RV through Outdoorsy.
Specs
- Types of RVs: Class A, Class B, Class C, truck camper, campervan, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, folding trailer
- Availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Sample pricing: $215/night for 2018 Class C RV for 6 guests
- Cancellation policy: Varies by host
Pros
- Wide selection of drivable and towable vehicles
- Nationwide availability
- Reported 93 percent 5-star ratings
- RV pickup and delivery options
Cons
- Potentially strict cancellation policies
Runner-Up
RVshare
Why It Made the Cut: With its pickup and delivery options, nationwide availability, and last-minute rebooking assistance, RVshare is a top choice for peer-to-peer RV rentals.
RVshare offers a broad range of drivable and towable RVs ranging from pop-up tents to motorhomes and has exceptional customer service. Customers can either choose to pick up their RV or pay a modest fee to have it delivered to them. RVshare also offers last-minute rebooking assistance to those who need to cancel their reservation. The company’s booking team will help the customer find and book a similar RV for their preferred dates.
Before proceeding with a booking, RVshare customers will want to read the terms and conditions and pay careful attention to the fine print. Since RVshare is a peer-to-peer service, different RV owners will have different conditions for renting their rig, such as limiting the areas that the renter can drive. Similarly, each host’s cancellation policy may vary—and some may be quite strict—highlighting the importance of reading the fine print before booking an RV rental. However, since RVshare is one of the largest peer-to-peer RV rental services in the country, with rentals available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., customers will have plenty of options to choose from when looking for the RV that best suits their travel needs.
Specs
- Types of RVs: Class A, Class B, Class C, fifth wheel, toy hauler, travel trailer, pop-up
- Availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Sample pricing: $213/night for 2018 Class C RV for 6 guests
- Cancellation policy: Varies by host
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- RV pickup and delivery options
- Last-minute rebooking assistance available
Cons
- Potentially strict rental terms and conditions
- Potentially strict cancellation policies
Best Bang for the Buck
Cruise America
Why It Made the Cut: Cruise America boasts affordable pricing, a reliable fleet of vehicles, and a customer-friendly cancellation policy.
Those looking to rent an RV without spending a lot of money may want to consider Cruise America, which offers some of the most competitive pricing of any RV rental service. In addition to its low rates, the company frequently offers discounts and promotions that further cut the cost. The fleet of RVs includes four size options of Class C RVs and small travel rental trailers, though customers will want to be aware that amenities on Cruise America RVs are on the basic side with limited customization options, so they won’t find more upscale features such as retractable awnings, ovens, or folding steps. For those looking for low-cost RV rental, though, this is unlikely to be a concern.
Cruise America owns its fleet of rental RVs, so customers can count on them being professionally serviced and maintained. The company also has one of the more customer-friendly cancellation policies in the marketplace, allowing renters to cancel up to 7 days before their rental is scheduled to begin.
In addition, Cruise America customers can book one-way rentals between two of its 119 locations in the U.S. and Canada, making it ideal for customers who don’t plan to return to their starting point at the end of their trip. One-way rental customers may also benefit from a steeply discounted rental rate if their nearest Cruise America location needs to move an RV to another branch. In some cases, customers may even receive a discounted rate for booking a one-way rental.
Specs
- Types of RVs: Large RV, standard RV, compact-plus RV, compact RV, adventure travel trailer
- Availability: 39 states
- Sample pricing: $134/night for large RV for 7 guests
- Cancellation policy: Full refund up to 7 days before pickup
Pros
- Relatively affordable pricing
- Relatively generous cancellation policy
- Regular professional RV maintenance
Cons
- Somewhat limited RV customization options
Best for Campervans
Escape Campervans
Why It Made the Cut: Escape Campervans offers a fleet of colorfully painted and well-maintained campervans that come outfitted with numerous standard and optional amenities.
With its brightly colored fleet of well-equipped RVs, Escape Campervans is the go-to source for those looking to escape the city in a campervan. The company operates in 13 major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver, and offers five different van models, all of which have brightly colored hand-painted artwork on their exteriors. Prospective customers will want to book early, as Escape has a very limited availability of each camper type at its locations. Additionally, Escape has restrictions on where customers can drive its campervans—for example, customers are not permitted to drive on unpaved or gravel roads and will be liable for any resulting damages. However, these restrictions won’t be a concern for those who plan on keeping to paved roads.
Along with the vans themselves, Escape Campervans also sells and rents various supplies and accessories (such as door canopies, electric kits, propane tanks, kitchen kits, picnic tables, booster seats, and roof sleepers), making it easy for customers to get everything they need for their trip from one location. Escape also offers regular discounts and promotions to help customers get the best deal on their campervan rental.
The company’s fleet of vans include such amenities as propane stoves, refrigerators, beds, pop-up tents, and water tanks with sinks. Each van also receives regular maintenance, reducing the odds the customers will experience mechanical problems during their trip. This isn’t always the case with peer-to-peer RV rental sites, so renting with Escape Campervans can provide customers with additional peace of mind.
Specs
- Types of RVs: Campervans
- Availability: 10 states
- Sample pricing: $155/night for campervan for 5 guests
- Cancellation policy: Full refund up to 15 days before pickup
Pros
- Regular professional campervan maintenance
- Generous discounts and promotions available
- Wide variety of rental extras and accessories
Cons
- Limited availability
- Road restrictions limit travel area
Also Consider
El Monte RV
Why It Made the Cut: El Monte maintains its own fleet of RVs, including Class A motorhomes, many of which are less than a year old.
El Monte RV is another great option for those who live near one of its 28 locations. The RV rental company has depots in California and several major cities throughout the U.S. including Miami, Seattle, Dallas, and New York—there’s even one international El Monte RV located in Tokyo. El Monte only serves 11 states in total, though, and has a limited number of locations in some of those states, which could rule it out for those outside the company’s service area. However, the company offers one-way RV rental options, making it a good choice for those wanting to rent an RV for a road trip from point to point rather than returning to the original rental location.
Although rental options can be limited, El Monte is one of the only national companies to rent full-size Class A motorhomes in addition to Class B and Class C RVs. El Monte also owns its fleet of RVs, which means each vehicle rec