Bixby Bridge on the Californian Pacific Highway is one of the world’s most photographed bridges
Source: visitcalifornia.com
If any country lends itself so perfectly to RV travel it is the USA. There is simply no better way to explore this land of rich diversity than with an RV. With a road infrastructure that is both comprehensive and widespread, cheap fuel and abundance of choice the US offers the ultimate for road holidaymakers. There is literally too much to do and explore in one hit.
If you're looking for some exciting tour options in the US's West, look no further than Nevada where you'll find a whole lot more waiting for you beyond the Vegas strip with these self-drive ideas to get the juices flowing!
As is the American way nothing is done in halves and when it comes to renting motorhomes no stone is left unturned ensuring that the US RV rental market is not only the largest, but also one of the most luxurious and yet affordable in the world. The idea of renting an RV and driving coast to coast in the US is a popular one for both locals and visitors, and with DriveNow we can help you find that perfect vehicle and turn that ideal into a reality.
For further information on pricing and vehicle availability on our most popular destinations visit:
And for those looking to hire a campervan north of the 49th Parallel visit our Canadian RV Rental page.
A bit about us. DriveNow has been comparing and booking Motorhome and Campervan rentals for travellers since 2003. With long established relationships, our partners in the US include world renowned and trusted providers such as Britz, El Monte, Jucy and Roadbear all of whom epitomise the very best in motorhome holiday service and delivery.
Our booking service is 100% free for travellers, offering an objective and unbiased comparison of RV rental suppliers, their vehicles and optional extras to help ensure you find the perfect vehicle at the best possible price for a trip of a lifetime in the US. Whether you're after a budget campervan, luxurious motorhome or something in between, we've got hundreds of RV vehicles in the USA lined up and ready to go. Search by make, model, size, price, and features to find the right vehicle for your trip.
Whilst the US is no doubt the home of monster RVs with every bell and conceivable whistle there's still plenty of place for more traditional 2, 4 and 6 berth vehicles in the rental market space. Some of the top of the range models have slide-outs expanding the vehicle width-ways for extra overnight space and, especially popular with family travel, a down the back separate double bedroom with privacy door. All come with kitchens, bathrooms with showers and plenty of space.
For those looking to explore the US on a budget the Jucy Champ is a great option. This custom built vehicle sleeps 4, 2 on top and 2 below, and comes kitchen equipped with cooker burners, fridge and sink in a surprisingly spacious compact vehicle from as little as US$70 per day in the off-speak season (during peak summer this rate more than doubles).
So for choice there's plenty to look at. Let's tackle local terminology and local referencing - some are obvious and some less so.
The RV rental market in the US operates differently to other parts of the world. Particularly when compared to the southern hemisphere where rental pricing is listed as drive-away with only optional extras excluded from the booking price. In the US the listed prices do not include an array of deemed optional - but in fact - essential extras. The US approach slices and dices to provide more options. Cost wise the end result is still often cheaper when compared to other countries but requires that you go through the process of selecting & purchasing options. The rates returned when searching for US RV vehicles on the DriveNow website covers the basic vehicle rental only. Here's a list of the most important optional extras that need to be considered in addition to the rental prices:
Our Reservations Team are here to help with any questions you may have and assist with your booking. Thank you for considering DriveNow in your US holiday plans and enjoy your adventure!
This varies - 25 through to 79 is the norm. Some providers such as Jucy allow from 21.
Yes, however there may be a cost. DriveNow charge no fees for any booking amendments, however the rental companies themselves do impose conditions. Some offer one free change 60+ days before travel whilst others charge US$50 per change which rises the closer to your pick-up date.
DriveNow does not charge any cancellation fees, however the rental companies charge a sliding scale of cancellation fees depending how far out from departure date the cancellation is made. This ranges from 20% to 100% of the booking cost.
Yes. Anyone travelling to the US needs to consider travel insurance particularly comprehensive medical insurance. The quality of medical treatment is world leading - so is the cost - it is astronomical and insurance cover is essential.
No. If you arrive off on an international or trans-continental flight directly or via a US hub, for safety reasons you are required to overnight before collecting your vehicle.
Allow a minimum of 1 hour although during peak times this may be longer. There are priority pick-up options which allow for early morning pick-up. You should contact your rental provider generally between 8.30am and 10am on the day of pick-up to schedule a collection time.
There are varying travel restrictions imposed where vehicles cannot be taken. Breaching these restrictions voids insurance cover and may incur additional costs. These do differ between suppliers so check when collecting your vehicle. Travel is restricted in:
Yes. The fees applicable for travelling to Burning Man differ between each of our campervan suppliers.
Cruise America charge an additional US$1,000 security deposit for pickups between 23 August 2023 - 29 August 2023 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)
No. Mileage packages are paid for when collecting your rental vehicle and unused mileage is not refunded.
Report it to the rental company when dropping off your vehicle. As the hirer you are liable for all such fines. Failing to report these at drop-ff will incur an administration fee. This fee along with any late charges and the fine will be charged to your credit card.
All vehicles are smoke free with high cleaning charges applicable.
With amazing cities all over the country and some of the world’s most sought after vacation destinations, the United States represents a dream holiday spot for many. But not everybody has the same goal when it comes to an overseas trip. While some like to roam the streets of massive urban areas, others prefer to make their home on the road. For those who find themselves in the latter, DriveNow’s USA campervan hire can present an optimal option.
With motorhomes for rent in the USA from a huge range of suppliers, you can pick up your home on wheels and get rolling through the country. For most, this will entail a trip to the western portion of the US. Although you can tour amazing parts of the east with US camper rental in Orlando and New York, your safest bet is probably to focus your efforts on seeing the other side of the country.
With USA campervan hire available in several major cities in the western United States, you can find a great home on wheels that combines two of the biggest aspects of your trip—transportation and travel. This gives you less to worry about when putting your holiday together.
Once you’ve got that sorted out, all that’s left to do is to get going! Unsure where to start? Here are a few strong options.
The western region of the United States is tailor made for awesome campervan adventures. With an amazing mix of iconic driving routes and natural beauty in which to stop for as long as you’d like, there’s no shortage of itineraries waiting to be created and completed. Here are a few ideas to get your started, though it’s hard to go wrong just about anywhere!
Take a campervan road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway and glide through kilometres of stunning scenery
Source: viator.com
One of the most loved driving routes in the United States is on the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1. It was built in 1934 and took 15 years to complete. The road stretches 236.5km (147 miles) along California's coastline and features tons of attractions and views. If you're travelling between November and June, you may be able to see blue whales along the horizon
While there are amazing locations to hit throughout the journey, there are a few that have become the stuff of legend amongst road trippers. Rent a campervan in Los Angeles or San Francisco and get ready to have the time of your life.
Carmel-by-the-sea is an upscale village located in Monterey County in California filled with restaurants, art galleries, beautiful cottages, and a lovely beach. The Mediterranean climate brings a cool summer that is refreshing without being abrasive. This is an awesome spot to park your USA camper hire for a day or two as you enjoy a few days relaxing in this seaside town.
The Bixby Bridge in Big Sur is certainly on the short list of things you must see when on the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll certainly want to have your cameras (whether they be old school devices or just on your phone!) ready for one of the most photographed bridges in the world. One thing to keep in mind is that you can only reach the bridge when travelling from the north. Heavy storms can also cause parts of the motorway through Big Sur to close, so it’s a good idea to check for closures before taking off on your trip.
Whilst this is a fun drive do take your time, there’s a reason this stretch of road is listed on the www.dangerousroads.org website with hairpin bends and unforgiving corners. The 12 miles south of Ouray are particularly steep and twisting. However the road’s winding design provides stunning views of the Rockies with photogenic mountain, valley and gorge vistas.
This drive is ideal after the snow has melted, during the summer months or September when the Aspens glisten in the sun. There are various hiking trails, three Victorian mining towns which you can explore, and thermal springs for you to soak in along the highway. That all adds up to plenty of opportunity to hop out of your USA motorhome rental and explore.
You can begin your road trip by renting a motorhome in Denver and then making your way to Durango, the southern gateway to the San Juan Mountains.
Long, serene drives through towering redwood trees? Sign us up
Many equate the legendary Pacific Coast Highway with the great state of California, which is definitely understandable. But it can also act as your gateway to the wondrous Pacific Northwest. Washington (the state, not be confused with the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., in the east) and Oregon are heaven for outdoor lovers, and those who are ready to get amongst the wooded natural beauty of the country can hardly do better than a motorhome trip through the region.
These two states provide plenty of rustic adventure in an environment featuring beautiful roads through kilometres of towering redwood trees. In fact, the bush surrounds start before you even cross the state lines and leave California. Redwood National Park on the northern coast of the state provides plenty of opportunities to park your US motorhome hire and get out amongst it.
Go for hikes through wooded areas packed with trees that are so big that you might just have to see them to believe in their size. And keep your eyes peeled, because chances are you and your travelling party won’t be alone out here. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see majestic elk roaming the forest.
Once you get into Oregon, you can take a break from wandering the woods and swing by the delicious Willamette Valley. This hidden gem features a wine region that might not grab the headlines garnered by the nearby Napa Valley, but it’s still a great place to try a few glasses of grapes during your US holiday. Choose from more than 500 wineries in the region and just take a moment to relax, OK?
Of course, Oregon and Washington are home to great urban locations, too. The states’ best-known cities—Portland in Oregon and Seattle in Washington—are not well-suited for campervan travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t park your ride somewhere and get to exploring!
The southwestern portion of America offers up a bit of a different landscape than the west coast. If you like deserts, mountains, and national parks, you should definitely take a drive through this region. With a huge collection of national parks and family-friendly areas in which to stay, you’ll be able to build a trip fit for your travelling party.
This legendary route has become synonymous with road trips. Running from the Midwest of the country down through the southwest, this iconic stretch, also known as the Will Rogers Highway and the Main Street of America, played a major role in the westward migration of Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. The highway is well-marked throughout and passes through a huge collection of interesting locales and attractions.
The El Morro National Monument offers a peek into the past for visitors of New Mexico
Source: nationalparks.org/
In New Mexico, Route 66 will take you across the middle of the state. This stretch of the highway will give you a chance to stop off in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, but it’s the slight detours that make the trip so appealing. Break off and head for the beautiful El Morro National Monument, also known as Inscription Rock, a breathtaking sandstone bluff carved by travellers thousands of years ago.
Like El Morrow National Monument in neighbouring New Mexico, Arizona offers you a glimpse into the past alongside Route 66. Check out old trading posts used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago, and check out the famous Wigwam Motel in Holbrook! Of course, you’ll have your own campervan rental to sleep in, but seeing the teepees in person is still fun.
Although your accommodation is sorted, swinging by the famous Wigwam Motel isn’t a bad idea!
Source: sleepinawigwam.com