best rv rental companies

4 Best RV Rental Companies Compared (Prices & Customer Reviews)

With so many RV rental companies out there it can be difficult to choose the right one.

While it’s certainly cheaper than buying, renting a camper or motorhome still costs a significant amount of money.

But, unlike staying in a hotel or rental property, you actually take your home with you. So, you want to know that everything works and that you’ll make it to your destination one piece.

We’ve discovered and reviewed the 4 best RV rental companies for your next road trip. We based our decision on price, features, and — of course — reviews. Read on for an in-depth look at each company and why you should (or shouldn’t) rent from them.

4 Best RV Rental Companies

While there are quite a few companies out there for people looking to rent an RV, these 4 companies are the most popular. We’ve ranked them according to ease of use, selection of vehicles, price, customer service, and reviews.

1. Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy company logo

With the widest selection and highest customer rating, Outdoorsy is our pick for the best RV rental company out there.

Instead of stocking a fleet of vehicles, Outdoorsy has created a peer-to-peer service that allows you to rent everything from Class A motorhomes to compact trailers directly from owners. In many ways, Outdoorsy is the Airbnb of the RV world.

By offering a peer-to-peer RV rental model, Outdoorsy gives renters plenty of choices when it comes to finding the perfect RV for your next adventure.

To ensure that everyone (and their property) is safe throughout the entire process, they also comprehensively screens all renters and owners.

What They Offer…

If you’re thinking about an RV rental this season, here are just a few of the reasons you should consider Outdoorsy — and why we consider them the best.

Huge Selection

From motorhomes to popup campers, you can rent just about anything from Outdoorsy. While many of their competitors (like Cruise America) only rent Class C vehicles or other models, Outdoorsy gives you near unlimited choices. If you can tow or drive it, they can probably rent it to you.

Search for an RV Online

Their website that makes finding the best RV for your needs simple and fun. Search by type and location and browse through detailed listings that provide accurate pictures and descriptions, showing exactly what you’ll be renting. To get started all you need to do is enter your email address.

24/7 roadside assistance and insurance

The biggest hesitation for most consumers considering an RV rental through a peer-to-peer service is the quality and safety of the vehicle. Will it look like the pictures on the internet? Will it be clean and well-maintained? Will your family be safe in the unit?

To address these concerns Outdoorsy provides 24/7 roadside assistance and up to $1 million in insurance coverage to all renters to help keep everyone involved safe and covered in the event of an emergency.

Pros

  • Up to $1 Million Insurance on Approved Bookings
  • 24/7 RV rental roadside assistance
  • Best RV selection with options throughout the US and Canada.
  • Great reviews — and lots of them.

Cons

  • Peer-to-peer model still feel like a risk to some consumers
  • dealing with individuals so service and experience can vary

Outdoorsy Customer Reviews

Outdoorsy is one of the most highly rated RV rental services out there. They have over 55,000 customer reviews on their website(!) with an average of 4.88 stars out of 5 and an A+ rating with the BBB.

Outdoorsy rv rental company reviews

It’s safe to say their customers are consistently happy with their experience.

Here’s what a few customers had to say:

This company does an awesome job. We will continue to use them. They are professional and we have been pleased with their campers.” – Laura

“Awesome trailer that fit our family of five perfectly. Comfy beds, lots of room and very clean. We would rent again from [them] and use this trailer for our next camp out for sure!” – Chris

And if you’re interested in renting out your RV to others, here is some feedback from an owner.

“Fantastic people. The vehicle was so well taken care of we couldn’t even tell they had used it.” – Michael

Interested in learning more? Check out our full Outdoorsy reviews here.

Pricing

Because they use a peer-to-peer RV rental model, pricing can vary widely based on location and type of RV. Much like hotel rates the amount of money you’ll spend is based on location and quality. You should expect to pay more in high-demand locations or for nicer units.

Based on our comprehensive search of the Outdoorsy RVs, here’s roughly what you can expect to pay for the different types:

  • Travel trailer: $50 to $125 per night.
  • Fifth wheel: $60 to $150 per night.
  • Pop up: $50 to $100 per night.
  • Class A: $175 to $275 per night.
  • Class B: $100 to $200 per night.
  • Class C: $150 to $200 per night.

With the best RV inventory and best customer reviews, Outdoorsy is our top choice for the money when it comes to RV rentals.

2. RVShare

RV Share logo

RVShare is another solid peer-to-peer RV rental company. They allow customers to rent all kinds of RVs, including everything from Class A motorhomes to pop-up trailers.

Owners can join the program and list their RV for a fee of their choosing. Renters can then search for vehicles through the RVShare website. Unlike Outdoorsy, RVShare does not appear to have a vetting process for owners, removing a layer of protection for both parties.

how to rent from RVshare

Renters can get a little more peace of mind though with included insurance coverage and roadside assistance.

What They Offer…

RVShare is another strong contender for anyone interested in renting a travel trailer or motorhome. Here are a few features that really define this service.

Loads of Motorhomes in the US

Their website has thousands of RV rental vehicles located all over the US. From Maine to California, this service allows you to rent RVs directly from owners who are not currently using their travel trailer or motorhome.

Rental Guarantee

One benefit of renting with RVShare is the worry-free guarantee. This guarantee ensures that renters payments are secure and that if a vehicle is not satisfactory, they will work to find you a replacement RV rental quickly.

Insurance Coverage and Roadside Assistance

RVShare also offers insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance with all RV rentals. Although the insurance is not quite as generous as Outdoorsy’s offerings, it does help protect both the renter and RV owner.  

Pros

  • $500,000 in liability and $200,000 in RV damage insurance
  • 24/7 RV rental roadside assistance program
  • Large selection of RV rentals throughout the US.
  • RV rental guarantee provides reassurance to wary renters.
  • Consistently good reviews

Cons

  • Peer-to-peer may still seem risky for some – even with a guarantee.
  • RV rental insurance coverage is not as generous as Outdoorsy.

RVShare Reviews

Reviews of RVShare are a bit more mixed. They have nearly 600 reviews on Trustpilot with an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5. They also have a B- rating with the BBB.

rvshare customer reviews

Most of their negative reviews seem to center around deposit issues or listings misrepresenting the condition of the RVs.

Here’s what a few people had to say about their experiences with RV Share:

“Using RVShare was a great decision! I procrastinated renting a pop-up, but was still able to find a good selection in my area and was able to get in touch with the owner quickly. I asked lots of questions so it was great to be able to message the owner back and forth. Overall, RVShare made it a painless experience and helped make a great vacation!” – Lance

“Our family had a smooth process renting an RV and heading off into the sunset with it. I would use RVShare again in a heartbeat.” – Maria

Pricing

With a peer-to-peer RV rental, prices also vary significantly. Ultimately, owners set the price of their units based on features and location.

Though prices may vary, renters are protected by RVShare’s guarantee — ensuring that RV rentals that don’t live up to their expectations can be exchanged.

Here’s a run-down of what you can expect to pay:

  • Travel trailer: $50 to $125 per night.
  • Fifth wheel: $60 to $150 per night.
  • Pop up: $50 to $100 per night.
  • Class A: $175 to $275 per night.
  • Class B: $100 to $200 per night.
  • Class C: $150 to $200 per night.

RVshare’s pricing is very similar to Outdoorsy, but with the latter renters get increased insurance coverage for roughly the same price. That said, sometimes the best deal in YOUR area can be found by searching with multiple companies.

3. CamperTravelUSA RV Rental

camper rental through CamperTravel

CamperTravelUSA is another RV rental service that operates a little differently than Outdoorsy or RVShare.

Rather than allowing RV owners to post their rigs for others to rent, Camper Travel USA acts as an aggregator of RV rentals. You can use their website to browse thousands of listings across the US and pick the one that’s right for you.

rent an RV at CamperTravel USA

While prices and vehicle information are clear and easy to understand on their website, listings are limited to Class C through A motorhomes. You’ll also need to pick up and drop off your rental in one of 45 major US cities.

One interesting thing about this company: their parent company (Camper Travel) is an international brand with options in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. So, if you’re looking to take a more exotic camping trip, this might be the best solution.

What They Offer…

With RV rentals in the US and internationally, here are just a few features that really define this service.

Lots of Listings Near Major Cities

CamperTravelUSA offers thousands of listings across the US plus international listings in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the US, listings are centered around large urban areas, making RV rentals accessible to a large portion of the country.

International Options

The international options could be interesting if you’re planning to travel overseas and would like to do something a little different.

Best Price Guarantee

They guarantee the best price on all of their listings. If you find a cheaper option somewhere else, just contact them about the listing and their staff should match the price. No other rental companies offer this guarantee.

Pros

  • International RV rental options available.
  • Good availability near most major urban areas.
  • Best price guarantee.
  • Clear, simple pricing on website.
  • Aggregate the inventory of multiple companies

Cons

  • Limited selection when compared to Outdoorsy and RVShare.
  • Most listings are motorhomes.

Customer Reviews

There are not many reviews of CamperTravelUSA available. Part of this may be due to the nature of their service. Since they really just provide a connection between renters and a local RV rental company, renters may just go straight to the source and review the companies the RV actually came from.

Just be aware of the lack of reviews if you decide to rent from this organization.

Pricing

Because they are an aggregator, prices vary quite a bit. But, pricing and terms are very clear on the website. And keep in mind they do have a best price guarantee.

In most areas of the US, prices for a Class C motorhomes start around $150 per night and can climb as high as $250 to $300 per night for larger units like Class A motorhomes. You can also find camper vans, camper trailers, and other rental options.

4. Cruise America

Cruise America rental companies

Cruise America has been around for many years. If you’ve spent any time on the highway, you’ve likely seen more than a few Class C motorhomes with “Cruise America” boldly plastered on the unit.

Unlike the other RV rental companies we’ve reviewed, Cruise America is a more traditional rental company. Much like the Hertz or Enterprise car rental services, Cruise America has a fleet of vehicles they rent directly to consumers. Rental locations can be found in most major cities.

The biggest difference between Cruise America and the other RV rental companies we’ve covered is that Cruise America only rents Class C motorhomes and truck campers. They do not rent travel trailers or fifth wheels of any kind.

What They Offer…

Cruise America offers a complete, ready to roll rig that should be in good condition with all systems functioning properly. Cruise America may not offer as many options as the peer-to-peer rental services, but they do provide a consistent rental experience from each branch location.

For those with little to no RV experience, Cruise America is a simple way to rent an RV.

Pros

  • Simple and consistent experience.
  • Only a few rental models to choose from, so selection is simple.
  • well known rental company

Cons

  • Only Class C and truck campers available
  • Customer reviews are consistently poor.

Cruise America Customer Reviews

BBB rating for Cruise America

While they offer a simple experience, they’re reviews don’t reflect a good experience for most of their customers. In fact, for many of their locations the reviews are downright bad.

Cruise America currently has an F rating with the BBB and 2.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp. Most of the negative review center around poor customer service and rental units being in less than acceptable condition.

If you decide to rent from Cruise America, beware. Based on the reviews, we’d be hard pressed to recommend this company.

Pricing

Although Cruise America only offers a few rental options, pricing is a bit complex. In most areas, prices start around $150 per night, but there are extra charges for mileage, kitchen utensils, and bedding items.

What Type of RV Is Right for You and Your Family?

If you’re planning to rent an RV, picking the best type of RV can be one of the biggest challenges.

RVs come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny pop-ups to huge, bus-sized motorhomes, the options are nearly endless.

Do you want to drive your RV?

Or would you rather tow your rental with your own vehicle?

Do you have kids or pets?

These are the kinds of questions you’ll need to answer before renting and traveling in a recreational vehicle.

To make your decision a little easier, here’s an overview of some of the different types of RV rentals available and which one might be right for you.

Class C RV

class c motorhomes are popular rentals

Let’s start with one of the most common types of RV rentals: the Class C motorhome.

Class Cs typically have a van cab up front followed by a big boxy body. These RVs come in many different sizes and can usually sleep 4-8 people depending on the size of the unit.

Most Class C RVs can also tow a car, allowing you to bring along some extra transportation.

Class B RV

class b motor home for camping

As confusing as it may sound … a Class B motorhome is actually smaller than a Class C. A Class B RV rental is really just a van that have been converted into a small RV.

If you’re looking for something smaller that’s relatively easy to drive, go with a Class B. You’ll get better gas mileage than just about any other type and won’t need to worry quite so much about tight spaces when driving.

But, most Class B motorhomes only sleep two to four people comfortably, so make sure your family will fit before renting.

Class A RV

class a motorhome for your American adventure

Class A coaches are the big boys. While they can be had in smaller sizes, a Class A RV rental is generally a large bus-sized vehicles built on heavy-duty truck or bus frames.

These RVs are the most difficult to drive and typically require a different driver’s license but are often the most comfortable and luxurious.

Travel Trailer

trailer rentals

If you have a suitable tow vehicle, you might also consider renting a travel trailer. Travel trailers come in many different shapes and sizes, from small pop-up campers to large multi-room trailers.

Travel trailers make it easy to get to your destination, set up camp and go exploring. But, towing a trailer can be a challenging experience for many drivers.

Why Use an RV Rental Company?

An RV costs a lot of money. For people who are interested in the RV lifestyle but don’t want to buy one before “knowing for sure” RV rental companies offer a great way to test out life on the road.

RV rental companies allow you to get a feel for living in a motorhome, driving it, and performing normal tasks like; driving, setting up camp, refueling, parking, and properly disposing of waste.

A rental also gives your family the opportunity to spend time together in a relatively small space. For some people it works, and for others it doesn’t.

You’ll also need to consider licensing as some states require Class A motorhome drivers to have a specific driver’s license. Before taking the next step, be sure to check out our tips on everything you need to know about renting an RV.

Top U.S. Destinations for RV Travel

Once you’ve figured out what type of RV rental is right for you and know where you’re going to rent from, it’s time to start planning your road trip!

While there are a lot of great places to visit all over the US, here are some of the best destinations for your next adventure.

1. Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, Texas

Houston Texas

Best known for being BIG, Texas is a great place with lots of fun places to explore in an RV. From rural adventures like Big Bend National Park to big cities like Dallas and Houston, this state is a great destination for people who like wide open spaces.

Houston is a great city with a beautiful skyline and lots of things to do. From interesting food, to fun family destinations, Houston will keep you busy.

Dallas is another of our top destinations. It has plenty going on and loads of local attractions to keep families young and old busy for days. Taking your RV rental to Texas is a great way to experience the state.

San Antonio is another beautiful Texas city with lots to offer RV travelers. Check out the riverwalk or other fun, family-friendly attractions.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a popular RV destination

Las Vegas … a city that needs no introduction. If you’re interested in all that Vegas has to offer, there a plenty of world-class RV camping opportunities in the area. And it’s only a couple hours to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

While most people think of Vegas as an adult destination, there is plenty for the whole family to do.

3. Denver, Colorado Springs, Rocky Mountains

Denver Colorado

For a real outdoor experience, the area around Denver Colorado is hard to beat. Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive from the Denver area along with countless other outdoor destinations.

If Denver is a little too large for you, check out Colorado Springs. Just a short drive south of Denver, Colorado Springs is home to many outdoor hot spots including beautiful Pike’s Peak.

Great camping is available all over Colorado. The hardest part about visiting the state is picking just one destination! If you’re traveling with an RV in the summer, be sure to make reservations as many of the best spots are booked early.

4. Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, or Miami, Florida

Miami Florida

Home to sunshine, endless beaches, and loads of great attractions, Florida is a great state to take an RV trip.

While many areas of this beautiful state offer great camping experiences, the areas around Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, or Miami will give you the most things to do — like Disney World, Universal Studios, and other fun attractions.

The Florida Keys are an excellent place to spend the winter if you’re looking for a place to escape the cold weather. One of our favorite destinations is in Big Pine Key. The Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge offers everything from tent camping to RV hookups, great common areas, and is only a 30 minute drive to Key West.

The best time to visit Florida is in the late fall or winter. You’ll find warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. Because it’s a popular RV destination you’ll want to be sure to book reservations in advance.

5. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park

Grand Canyon in Arizona

The western US still has some of the most scenic and desirable camping experiences in the country. And it’s a great place to drive a rental RV as there is less traffic and fewer stops. Most of our country’s most beautiful parks are in the West and the Northwest U.S.

Give your family a trip they won’t forget with an RV vacation to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Glacier National Park. All of these places offer many excellent camping locations, just make sure you make your reservations early!

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in late spring before school gets out or in the fall after it starts back up again. And if the weather happens to be cold you’ll be nice and warm in your RV.