Compare and Book the Best RV Rentals Across the USA

Drivers must be 21 years of age or older to hire a RV or motorhome in the United States. All drivers are required to hold a current, full, unrestricted driver’s licence valid for the entire period for which the vehicle is rented.

All you need is a valid unrestricted or permanent driver’s licence to hire a RV. A provisional licence or a temporary replacement licence is not accepted.

If your licence is not written in English, you will need an accredited English translation or an International Driver Permit in addition to your origin licence.

When collecting the vehicle and signing the rental agreement, all drivers must be listed, present, over the age of 21 years and provide their valid driver’s licence.

Yes. One-way rentals are a common and popular way of hiring a RV to explore the United States. If your RV rental provider has a location in one city, you are welcome to drop-off in another city at their location.

Contact the team at RV Rentals and we can assist planning your one way road trip.

Your home on wheels can be known by the term campervan, motorhome, RV (recreational vehicle) or a 4 wheel drive camper when describing the vehicle. Whilst there are exceptions, a set of rule-of-thumb definitions could include:

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – RV is a popular term used in North American to describe motorised vehicles used for camping and touring. Larger in size, a RV is your home on wheels with large living quarters and all of the mod-cons of home. Capable of towing a trailer or car behind it, a RV is suitable for the whole family and can accommodate up to 7 travellers. RV can be used to refer to campervans, motorhomes or 4WD campers.

Motorhomes – Motorhome models are designed and configured to be spacious and offer the many comforts of home. Motorhomes will have a long-wheel base allowing the vehicle to be larger in size, giving you more room inside the vehicle, having walk-through access from the driver’s cabin into the main cabin area and the higher roof allows a plenty of head room.

Campervans – Typically the compact van style of vehicle, campervans come in many different shapes and sizes which includes mini vans that have been configured into a campervan. Campervans can accommodate 2 adults comfortably, 2 adults + 1 child or up to 4 adults in some Hi-Top models.

4WD Campers – 4 wheel drive campervans are generally a 4WD diesel engine. Designed and built for the adventurous traveller, 4WD campers have the ability to take you offroad.

Travellers should allow between 1 to 2 hours for the check-in process at the branch, this time may vary depending on the vehicle type.

The check-in process will involve reading and signing the rental agreement and vehicle orientation. You may be required to watch the campervan introductory instructional video and then a vehicle walk-around demonstration where a staff member will show you the features, appliances, power outlets, how it works and where things are located.

It is important to call the branch location 1 to 2 days prior to your collection date to arrange a vehicle pick-up time. When collecting the vehicle and signing the rental agreement, all drivers must be listed, present, over the age of 21 years and provide their valid driver’s licence.

Yes you can. Additional fees will apply for any traveller going to Burning Man. Conditions and fees will differ between each of the RV companies.

Cruise America charge an additional US$1,000 security deposit for pickups in late August during the Burning Man travel period from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

El Monte advises a special cleaning fee may apply for rentals attending Burning Man Festival. At pick up the Depot staff will explain the condition required for the vehicle on return. A per hour cleaning fee will be charged if El Monte determine the Rental Vehicle has not been returned in a clean condition.

Where possible it is recommended that you book in advance, especially if you are considering travel during peak periods such as long weekends, Easter, Christmas and School Holidays, or popular destinations vehicles sell out well in advance.

Customers should considering booking 6 to 8 months in advance to secure the best rate and avoid the disappointment of missing out due to supply being exhausted.

Here's why;

Availability

• High demand, limited supply: Campervans are popular, especially in peak seasons (summer, holidays, long weekends, festivals, sporting events). Waiting too long could mean no availability, or being stuck with a vehicle that doesn’t suit your needs.
• Popular destinations get booked out fast.

Better Prices

• Early bookings usually cost less. Last-minute rentals tend to be significantly more expensive due to limited availability.
• Many companies offer early bird discounts.

More Choice

• Booking early gives you the best selection of campervan types, layouts, and sizes. Last-minute bookings often leave only the largest or smallest (less practical or more expensive) options.

Trip Planning

• A confirmed campervan helps lock in your travel plans. It allows you to plan campsites, routes, and activities confidently.
• Some campsites require campervan size/details in advance to reserve spots.

Peace of Mind

• Especially in high season or remote areas, not having a campervan booked can be stressful. Booking in advance means one less major thing to worry about.

When travelling in the United States, most RV rentals have unlimited miles as an additional add-on item and not included in the rental cost. Mileage packages are available to add-on and can be selected when you are making your reservation online.

Yes. When hiring a motorhome or RV with Cruise America, El Monte or Mighty, you are welcome to travel with your furry friend, comfort pet or service animal. A pet fee will apply.

Yes, however, in locations with harsh winter weather, our motorhomes are “winterized” from approximately mid-October to late March. This means the vehicle will have completely drained water and holding tanks, which will prevent the tanks and pipes from freezing and bursting.

If you chose to have your rental motorhome “de-winterized” (so that you can use your sink, shower, and toilet) there will be a cost involved. You will need to exercise extreme care while traveling in a “de-winterized” motorhome during frigid weather. You will need to run the heater at all times to protect the tanks and pipes from freeze damage, or in extreme cases you would need to put RV Anti-Freeze in the water and holding tanks (by doing so, you may not use any water systems). If the pipes or tanks were damaged from freezing, it is considered negligent damage and you will be responsible for the full cost of all repairs.

If you have any more questions on the rental policies during winter, please contact the rental center where your trip would originate. They can provide you with specific information.

Keep your passport, home‑country driver’s licence, IDP (if applicable), rental agreement, and insurance proof in the vehicle whenever you drive. If multiple people will drive, each must be named on the contract and carry their licence. For any international border crossing, bring passports, travel authorisations, and proof of permission from the rental provider. Store digital backups of all documents and keep the originals safe and accessible.

Travel to Canada is often allowed with prior written approval and appropriate insurance; always notify the rental company before crossing. Travel to Mexico is generally prohibited or not covered by US insurance—Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and rarely accepted with standard US rentals. If cross‑border travel is essential, secure explicit permission in your contract and carry all required passports and entry documents for every traveller.

Many national park, forest, and federal facilities use Recreation.gov, while private RV parks and resorts use their own websites. Peak seasons sell out quickly, so learn the release windows for the parks you want, set availability alerts, and stay flexible with dates and site types. If you cannot secure hookups, consider dry camping and verify your RV’s battery, propane, and tank capacities. Always check generator hours and quiet‑time rules before booking.

Your RV will have three tanks: fresh water, grey water (sinks/shower), and black water (toilet). Empty grey and black tanks at a designated dump station only. Wear disposable gloves, follow posted instructions, and rinse the hose and area as required. Never discharge wastewater on the ground. Many parks provide dump stations and potable water; verify availability before arrival and monitor levels so you do not overfill tanks while camping without hookups.

Serviced sites typically provide a power pedestal with 30‑amp (TT‑30) and/or 50‑amp (14‑50) outlets, plus connections for fresh water and sewer. Match your RV’s required amperage and use the supplied cord and adapters. If your site lacks sewer, you’ll empty tanks at a designated dump station. Learn the correct sequence for connecting and disconnecting, keep gloves on hand, and never run air‑conditioning or high‑draw devices on the wrong amperage.

Fuel in the US is sold per gallon (3.785 L) and prices vary by state and season. Typical real‑world consumption is around 6–10 mpg (39–24 L/100 km) for Class A, 8–14 mpg (29–17 L/100 km) for Class C, and 15–18 mpg (16–13 L/100 km) for Class B. Your results depend on speed, terrain, wind, weight, and air‑conditioning use. Plan fuel stops with a conservative range and track prices with a maps or fuel‑price app. For budgeting, multiply expected miles by your vehicle’s mpg to estimate gallons needed, then apply current pump prices.

Most rentals include the vehicle and onboard systems (beds, kitchen appliances, bathroom) as standard. Bedding/linen and kitchenware are often optional extras sold as ‘personal’ and ‘kitchen’ kits. If you are flying in, it’s convenient to add these packages during booking. Marketplace listings vary by owner—always check the inclusions on the vehicle page. Many travellers buy a low‑cost starter set locally if kits are not available or are expensive. Confirm whether outdoor chairs, child seats, or bike racks can be added and whether they affect insurance or deposits.

Yes—most companies place a refundable security deposit or preauthorisation on a credit card at pickup. The amount varies by supplier and vehicle class. A deposit waiver may be available for an extra fee if you prefer not to tie up credit. After return, the hold typically releases once the vehicle has been inspected and any mileage, fuel, tolls, or damage charges