Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals across the United States. Main pickup hubs include Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle, Orlando and New York. America offers coast-to-coast highways, desert and mountain routes and more than 4,000 public campgrounds, so trip planning is essential.
The cost of renting an RV in the USA varies based on the RV type, rental company, location, rental duration and season. Additional expenses may include mileage, generator use, insurance and deposits. Here are typical daily rental rates:
Class A Motorhomes: $175 - $450 (largest and most luxurious)
Class B Motorhomes: $100 - $300 (smaller, more affordable)
Class C Motorhomes: $150 - $350 (mid-sized, balanced)
Truck Campers: $70 - $150 (compact, affordable)
Season | Avg High (°F │ °C) | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Spring (Mar–May) | 60–75 │ 16–24 | Yes. Mild weather, smaller crowds. |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–95 │ 24–35 | Good, but hot in the South and very busy in national parks. |
Fall (Sep–Nov) | 55–75 │ 13–24 | Excellent. Colorful autumn leaves, comfortable temperatures. |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–60 │ –1–16 (South often warmer) | Only southern states are suitable. Many northern campsites close or require winterization. |
Speed limits reach 70 mph (113 km/h) on rural highways. Watch for lower limits when passing through towns.
Toll road payment systems like E-ZPass, SunPass, and FasTrak cover most toll roads. Cash payment is becoming less common, so ask your rental company about electronic toll transponders.
Many highway fuel stations can accommodate large vehicles, but urban fuel stations can be tight for large rigs. Plan fuel stops on city outskirts.
Overnight parking at highway rest areas depends on state rules. Read the signs at the entrance before parking overnight.
Right turn on red lights is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.
From October to April, western mountain passes may require tire chains during snow conditions. Carry or rent chains if you cross the Sierra Nevada or Rocky Mountain ranges.
National Park entrance roads can be narrow. Confirm your vehicle height (most rentals are under 12 ft / 3.7 m) before arrival.
Wildlife such as deer and elk are most active at sunrise and sunset. Reduce speed in wildlife zones.
Place | Utilities | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
KOA Holiday / Journey Parks | Full | Showers, laundry, playgrounds, online booking | Higher cost, can feel crowded |
National Park Campgrounds | Some Water+Electric, many None | Scenic, close to hiking trails | Reserve up to 6 months ahead, site length often limited to 35 ft |
US Forest Service Dispersed Areas | None | Free, quiet, 14-day stay limit | No facilities, rough roads, check fire restrictions |
City or County RV Parks | Water+Electric | Low cost, near towns for supplies | Limited sites, stays often limited to 7–14 days |
Retail Parking Lots (e.g. Walmart, Cabela's) | None | Free, convenient for one night | Manager permission needed, bright lights, no outdoor setup allowed |
Dial 911 for any emergency nationwide.
A "National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass" (America the Beautiful) covers entrance fees and pays for itself after three park visits.
Many states limit camping on public land to 14 days in a 28-day period. You must move at least 25 miles (40 km) to reset the time limit.
Time zones change as you travel across the country. Cell phone coverage in remote areas can be limited, so download offline maps before departing to remote areas.
In the USA, most campervan rental companies require a minimum age between 21 and 25 years old. If you're younger, you might face extra fees or rules. Be sure to confirm the age policy with the rental company you choose.
Just enter your age in our search tool and we'll show you vehicles that fit your criteria.
Many campervan rental companies in the USA are conveniently located at or near major airports. This allows you to easily pick up your campervan right after you land. Some companies even provide shuttle services from the airport to their rental sites.
In the USA, you usually just need a standard car driver's license from home to rent a campervan. Foreign licenses are fine if they're in English or come with an official English translation. If not, arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular license.
Yes, you can rent a motorhome for a one-way trip in the USA. This means you can collect the motorhome in one city and return it in another. Keep in mind, though, that extra charges might apply for one-way rentals and availability can differ depending on the rental company and location.