The open road is calling, and there’s no better way to answer than with the freedom of a travel trailer rental. For American families, couples, and solo explorers looking for flexible, affordable, and authentic travel, renting a camper is the gateway to an unforgettable vacation. Instead of the high costs and maintenance of ownership, you can simply rent a travel trailer for a week, a month, or just a long weekend, unlocking the beauty of the United States at your own pace.

rent-a-travel-trailer
Courtesy of Outdoorsy

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing the best RV rental for your journey—from understanding the different types of trailers to managing costs and finding the top rental marketplaces.

Why Rent a Travel Trailer for Your Next Vacation?

Choosing to rent a camper or towable RV offers a unique blend of adventure and convenience, making it a highly attractive option for travelers in the USA.

The Top Benefits of Travel Trailer Rentals

  1. Flexibility and Freedom: Unlike a motorhome (Class A, B, or C RV rental), a travel trailer is a towable unit. This means once you reach your campsite, you can unhitch the trailer and use your personal truck or SUV to explore the local area, run errands, or visit attractions without having to pack up your entire "home." This is a massive convenience for extended stays.
  2. Affordability: Generally, travel trailer rentals are the most affordable RV rental option. The daily rates are typically lower than those for motorized RVs, often ranging from $50 to $200 per night depending on the size and amenities, making it a budget-friendly way to see America.
  3. No Special License Required: In the United States, you typically do not need a commercial or special driver’s license to tow a standard travel trailer, making the entry barrier low for first-time renters.
  4. Try Before You Buy: If you’re dreaming of owning an RV one day, renting a travel trailer is the perfect "test drive." You can experience different sizes, floor plans, and amenities without the financial commitment of a purchase, helping you decide which camper rental is right for you in the long run.

Choosing the Right Travel Trailer Rental for Your Trip

The term travel trailer covers a wide variety of towable units. Knowing the difference is crucial for finding the best travel trailer rental for your family or group.

Types of Towable RV Rentals

  • Standard Travel Trailers: These are the most common. They come in a vast range of sizes, from small "teardrop" campers perfect for couples to large bunkhouse models with slide-outs that can comfortably sleep a family of 8 or more. Look for bunkhouse travel trailer rentals for family vacations.
  • Fifth-Wheel Trailers (5th Wheel): These are larger, more luxurious towable RV rentals. They require a special hitch mounted in the bed of a heavy-duty pickup truck (typically a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck). They are known for their spacious, residential-style interiors and higher ceilings. If you need a luxury travel trailer rental, a fifth-wheel is often the best choice.
  • Pop-Up Campers (Folding Campers): These are the most compact and lightweight option. They fold down for easy towing and open up at the campsite to reveal canvas-sided sleeping areas. They are the cheapest travel trailer rental option, often averaging $50 to $100 per night. They are ideal for minimalists or those with smaller tow vehicles.
  • Toy Haulers: A specialty trailer with a "garage" area for hauling large items like ATVs, motorcycles, or dirt bikes, along with living quarters.

Key Consideration: Before you rent a travel trailer, you must verify that your personal vehicle has the required towing capacity and the correct hitch type (hitch ball size, fifth-wheel hitch, etc.) to safely tow the trailer.

Where to Find Travel Trailer Rentals in the USA

The RV rental marketplace has expanded significantly, offering more choices than ever before. You can choose between large, commercial fleets and peer-to-peer sharing platforms.

1. Peer-to-Peer RV Rental Marketplaces

These platforms are often described as the "Airbnb of RVs," allowing individual RV owners to rent out their campers directly to travelers. They typically offer a wider variety of trailers, including unique models and older, more budget-friendly options.

  • Outdoorsy and RVshare: These are the two major players in the US RV rental space. They offer a massive selection of both drivable and towable RV rentals nationwide. You can often find local owners willing to offer personalized advice and unique amenities. This is the best place to rent a travel trailer for variety and local selection.

2. Traditional RV Rental Companies

While many corporate chains focus on motorhomes (Class C, etc.), local dealerships or independent rental businesses often have a fleet of travel trailers for rent.

  • Local Dealerships: RV dealers often run a rental program, providing newer, well-maintained units. Search for "travel trailer rental near me" to find local options.

3. Specialty Rental Services

Some businesses offer a full-service experience, which can be perfect for beginners.

  • Delivery and Setup Services: A growing trend is companies that will deliver the camper rental directly to your reserved campsite (e.g., a National Park or State Park campground), set it up completely, and then pick it up when you're done. This eliminates the need for a tow vehicle and the stress of driving and setting up a large trailer, offering a completely stress-free travel trailer rental experience.

The Cost of Renting a Travel Trailer: Beyond the Nightly Rate

While the advertised nightly rate is important, a comprehensive budget for your travel trailer vacation must include several other factors.


Pro Tip: Look for rentals that include kitchen kits, linens, and essential accessories in the price to maximize your value and reduce packing.

Essential Tips for First-Time Travel Trailer Renters

Renting a travel trailer for the first time should be exciting, not overwhelming. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth trip:

1. Master the Tow

Before hitting the highway, spend time practicing. Towing a large trailer is different from driving a standard vehicle.

  • Practice Turning: Travel trailers have a longer turning radius. Practice wide turns in an empty parking lot.
  • Practice Backing Up: This is the most challenging skill. Tip: Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the back of the trailer to the left, move your hand to the left; to move it right, move your hand right.
  • Use a Spotter: Always use a spotter when backing into a campsite. Establish clear hand signals before you start moving.

2. Understand the Systems

Your camper rental is a self-contained unit with several key systems you must understand:

  • Hookups: Learn how to connect to water, sewer (dumping the gray and black tanks), and electrical hookups at the campground. Ask your renter for a thorough demonstration.
  • Leveling: The trailer must be level both side-to-side and front-to-back for the refrigerator and appliances to work correctly and for a comfortable stay. Invest in or ensure your rental includes leveling blocks.
  • Safety: Always check that the propane tanks are secured and all doors/latches are closed before moving the trailer.

3. Plan Your Campsites in Advance

During peak season, especially when visiting popular destinations like National Parks in the USA (e.g., Grand Canyon, Yellowstone), RV parks and campgrounds book up months in advance.

  • Reserve Early: Book your RV campground spots as soon as you book your travel trailer rental.
  • Confirm Length Limits: Some campsites, particularly in older State Parks, have limits on the maximum length of an RV or travel trailer they can accommodate.

Top Destinations for Your US Travel Trailer Adventure

A camper rental opens up endless possibilities across the United States. Here are a few top-tier destinations perfect for a trailer vacation:

  • The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California: A classic road trip with countless RV parks and state park campgrounds offering breathtaking ocean views.
  • The Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming): Excellent for mountain air, hiking, and stunning scenery. Perfect for a fifth-wheel or large bunkhouse travel trailer to accommodate a large family.
  • Florida Keys: Ideal for a warm-weather escape, with many resort-style RV parks offering full hookups and amenities.
  • The National Park System: Renting a travel trailer allows you to stay close to the action. Search for "RV rentals near National Park" for the best proximity.

Start Your Adventure: Rent a Travel Trailer Today!

The convenience, affordability, and sheer freedom of a travel trailer rental make it the smartest way to experience the great outdoors of the USA. Whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a simple weekend getaway, securing the perfect camper rental is the first step toward creating lasting memories. Stop dreaming about the RV life and start living it—rent a travel trailer today and hit the road!