Renting an RV is worth it for travelers who want flexibility, pet-friendly trips, or a way to split costs across a group. It’s a great fit for national park visits, multi-stop road trips, and event travel. It’s less worth it for quick couples getaways, big-city trips, or travelers who are uncomfortable driving a larger vehicle. The right answer depends on your travel style, your group size, and how much planning you’re willing to do upfront.
Key Takeaways
- RV rentals tend to be most cost-effective for groups and families splitting costs across one vehicle instead of multiple hotel rooms.
- Class B camper vans, Class C motorhomes, Class A motorhomes, and travel trailers each suit different trip types and budgets.
- RV delivery rentals can solve two of the biggest beginner concerns: driving a large vehicle and handling setup.
- Real renter reviews show the most common complaints are unexpected fees and unfamiliarity with vehicle height and water systems, both avoidable with a little prep.
- Planning campgrounds and routes in advance reduces most of the stress first-time renters report.
What Are the Benefits of Renting an RV?
RV travel is a wonderful way to see the country, and there are a few reasons it tends to win people over. The biggest draws are flexibility, cost savings for groups, and an experience that feels different from a typical hotel-based trip. RVs also make sense for pet owners, families wanting more time together, and anyone visiting multiple destinations who doesn’t want to unpack each time. Here’s a closer look at what travelers love most.
Freedom to Travel on Your Own Schedule
One of the biggest perks of RV travel is the freedom it offers. There’s no rigid check-in time and no fixed itinerary. You can change routes on the fly, linger somewhere you love, or skip a stop entirely without losing money on a reservation.
Cost Savings for Groups and Families
For groups and families, RV travel can be one of the more affordable ways to travel. One RV rental replaces multiple hotel rooms, cuts down on rental car and flight costs, and the onboard kitchen means fewer restaurant bills. For solo travelers or couples, the math doesn’t always work out the same way, so it’s worth comparing the cost of renting an RV vs. a hotel for your specific trip.
Stronger Family Memories
RVing has a way of bringing families together. The small space encourages everyone to spend time in the same room, cooking and eating together becomes part of the experience, and the slower pace leaves room for campfires, board games, and time outdoors.
Great Way to Attend Events
RVs are also a smart choice for festivals, sporting events, and tailgating weekends. Instead of arranging a hotel and transportation to and from the venue, your accommodation travels with you right onto the grounds.
All-in-One Convenience
An RV combines sleeping space, a kitchen, a bathroom, and storage in one vehicle. That means no repacking a suitcase every night and no hotel check-in lines, just one tidy setup that has everything you need.
What Are the Downsides of Renting an RV?
RV travel has plenty going for it, but it’s worth understanding the RV rental pros and cons before you book.
Costs Can Add Up Quickly
RVing can be budget-friendly for groups, but a quick trip for a couple may not be the most economical option. Here’s a typical cost breakdown:
| Expense Category: | Estimated Cost: |
| Rental rate | $100–$300+/night |
| Insurance | $20–$60/day |
| Mileage fees | $0.35–$0.75/mile |
| Campground fees | $25–$100/night |
| Gas | $100–$300+ per trip |
Renting an RV can still come out cheaper than other forms of travel, but it’s worth running the numbers for your specific trip before deciding.
Is It Hard to Drive or Park an RV?
Driving an RV is not like driving a car. An RV is bigger, requires wider turns, and requires more stopping distance. Visibility can also be limited in an RV, and parking such a large vehicle can be a challenge. If I ever want to travel solo, this will be a major drawback for me because I’m really not comfortable driving a big rig.
But it is possible to learn to drive an RV safely, and plenty of renters end up enjoying it. If you’d rather skip the driving altogether, an RVshare delivery rental brings the RV to you.
What Setup and Maintenance Should You Expect?
RVing involves a bit of hands-on work. You’ll need to level the rig, connect to water and electrical hookups at a full hookup campsite, and empty the waste tanks at a dump station. None of this is difficult, but it adds tasks to your trip that some travelers may not love. RV delivery rentals can also help here, since many include full setup and teardown. Just confirm those details on the listing before booking.
When Is an RV Not the Right Choice?
RV travel is great for national parks, state parks, and remote areas. It’s less ideal for big-city travel, international trips, extreme temperatures, or short getaways where there isn’t much time to settle in.
What Do Real Renters Say About RV Rentals?
Curious what other travelers think before you book? Here’s a look at real RVshare reviews from Trustpilot.
Common themes in positive reviews include ease, flexibility, and memorable trips. These are all huge pros of RVing in my opinion, so I can understand why other people appreciated them.
- Trustpilot reviewer: “We have rented through RVshare a couple of times and have always had a great experience! We love having the extra comforts of an RV while traveling and a great company to back us.”
- Trustpilot reviewer: “Seamless process, easy communication, and no problems with our rental at all! Best trip ever!”
- Trustpilot reviewer: “The customer service I received was outstanding. The person seemed very caring and thoughtful and insured all my questions were answered”
What Do Renters Wish They’d Known?
Of course, there are a few complaints mixed in there too. Cost surprises, driving challenges, and logistics are some of the most common complaints. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are important things to know about before you commit.
- Trustpilot reviewer: “The camper itself was outstanding along with the owner. Disappointed that the fees were close to the rental amount.”
- Trustpilot reviewer: “I’d say for first timers- you want to do your research on height requirements. This is something I don’t feel was communicated or explained adequately, and we had some REALLY stressful situations navigating NYC.”
- Trustpilot reviewer: “The water tank wasn’t full when dropped off, leaving us to figure it out (first time renters, so a little stressful at first) but all worked out in the end!”
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Rent an RV?
RV rental costs vary based on vehicle type, trip length, and travel style, plus a handful of additional costs worth budgeting for.
| RV Type | Nightly Rate |
| Class B camper van | $75 to $200 |
| Class C motorhome | $100 to $300 |
| Class A motorhome | $250 to $500+ |
| Travel trailer | $50 to $150 |
What Other Costs Should You Budget For?
- Insurance and protection plans
- Cleaning fees
- Mileage or generator usage
- Campground reservations
- Fuel
When Renting an RV Is 100% Worth It
RVing pays off most when your travel style matches what an RV has to offer. It’s a strong choice if you’re planning:
- National park trips
- Family vacations
- Multi-stop road trips
- Traveling with pets
- Outdoor-focused itineraries
How Can You Make Sure Your RV Rental Is Worth It?
A little planning goes a long way toward getting the most out of your RV rental dollar.
- Book early for better pricing and selection
- Choose the right size RV (bigger isn’t always better)
- Understand all fees upfront to avoid surprises
- Plan campground stays in advance
- Watch tutorials before pickup to learn basics
Doing these things will maximize your time and your dollar.
FAQs About Renting an RV
Still have questions about renting an RV? Here are some of the top questions and answers.
Renting an RV can be cheaper than a hotel, especially when traveling in a group and splitting costs. Solo travelers or couples may find a hotel is cheaper, though not always more convenient.
Driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer for the first time can feel intimidating, but it’s a skill most people pick up quickly. Renters who’d rather not drive at all can look into RV delivery rentals instead.
A week-long RV rental typically runs between $700 and $2,500+, depending on your region, the RV type you choose, and any additional costs you incur along the way.
Yes, insurance is required on any RV rental. RVshare offers built-in coverage options, so this is one less thing to arrange on your own.
Yes, you can rent an RV without prior experience. In fact, most RV renters are first-timers. RVshare owners typically provide a walkthrough, operating instructions, and trip guidance before you head out.
A smaller RV is often easier for a first trip. Class B camper vans and travel trailers tend to be more beginner-friendly than larger Class A motorhomes, though the right size still depends on the size of your group and the type of trip you’re taking.
A full hookup campsite connects your RV to water, electricity, and sewer. Boondocking means camping without any of those hookups, usually on public land, which takes more planning to conserve your water and power.
Final Verdict: Is Renting an RV Worth It?
An RV rental can be a fantastic way to travel for the right person. If you’re traveling in a group or with pets, and outdoor destinations are calling your name, a rental RV is well worth looking into. If you’re after a quick getaway or a big-city trip, it may be worth exploring other travel options this time and saving the RV rental for a trip it’s better suited for.
Ready to find your fit? Browse RV rental options by size at RVshare and see what’s available for your next trip.
