📋 What you'll discover
- Compare the top 4 RV rental platforms side by side
- Find great prices with peer to peer marketplaces
- Understand insurance and protection differences
- Choose the right platform for your trip type
Comparison Transparency
Smart RV Hub earns a commission on qualifying purchases or subscriptions made through links to Outdoorsy.
We have no affiliate relationship with RVshare, Cruise America, and El Monte RV.
This material connection may influence which brands we cover, though our underlying analysis is based on published specifications and verified user reviews.
Outdoorsy platform figures (fleet size, city and country coverage) verified October 2026, insurance verified 5 September 2026. Check outdoorsy.com for current details.
Affiliate Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links to Outdoorsy.
When you purchase from Outdoorsy through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This helps support our free calculators, guides, and research tools. Read our full disclosure
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Pick: Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy ranks first of the four platforms compared here, for its wide selection and the insurance included on every booking.
Outdoorsy runs one of the biggest RV rental marketplaces, with owner listed rigs available in every US state.
Each reservation carries a protection plan with state liability limits by default, with $500,000 and round the clock roadside support available in the paid protection packages, and what that cover includes and excludes is worth reading before you rely on it.
New to RV rental? That insurance and roadside support mean a first booking carries less risk than most renters expect, and the walkthrough for a first booking covers the handover people rush.
Cost is usually the deciding factor, so the full breakdown of what a rental costs and the months when rates fall are the two to read next.
Still unsure which size to book? The classes set against each other covers what each one can and cannot get down.
Not sure of your exact dates? Outdoorsy states every booking includes a 24 hour grace period for a full refund when your departure is 7 or more days away.
After that, owner policies vary: moderate policies typically refund 50 percent for cancellations 7 to 30 days out and 100 percent if you cancel 30+ days in advance.
Check each listing for specifics.
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Popular RVs for major summer holidays often book up 60 or more days ahead.
Which RV Rental Website Wins on Selection, Price, and Insurance?
Here is how the best RV rental websites stack up side by side on selection, insurance, and who each one suits.
- Outdoorsy leads on selection, with 200,000+ vehicles listed
- RVshare ties on insurance and roadside at roughly half the listing count
- Traditional fleet renters like Cruise America offer airport pickup at higher base rates
| Platform | RV Selection | Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoorsy | 200,000+ | Protection plan | Most renters |
| RVshare | 100,000+ | Protection plan | Alternative option |
| Cruise America | 4,000+ | Available | One way trips |
| El Monte RV | Not published | Available | Budget traditional |
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What matters most in a rental platform?
Pick your priority and see how Outdoorsy measures up.
Outdoorsy
200,000+ vehicles
A deep marketplace means more chance of finding the right rig near your dates and your town.
Figures verified October 2026.
Check availability and book on OutdoorsyAffiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
RV rentals make road trip adventures accessible to everyone
Which RV Rental Site Has the Most Availability and the Widest Size Range?
Outdoorsy has the deepest availability of the four sites ranked here, with 200,000+ vehicles listed and owner listed rigs in all 50 US states, across 14 countries in total.
RVshare holds the next deepest pool at 100,000+ listings, per its trust and safety page, read October 2026.
The traditional fleets are much smaller, with Cruise America citing 4,000+ motorhomes in its company history, while El Monte RV does not publish a fleet count.
Size range follows the same pattern, because a peer to peer marketplace carries whatever owners choose to list.
So if you want a camper van for a road trip through the national parks, start your search on a marketplace rather than a traditional fleet.
That runs from compact campervans and towable travel trailers up to large Class A motorhomes, while a standardized fleet offers a short list of near identical models.
Availability still shifts with your pickup city and travel dates on every platform, based on published policies and user reviews.
Searching the two peer to peer sites first gives you the widest pool, then a fleet branch is the fallback when nothing local fits.
Best RV Rental Apps
Based on App Store ratings and listing counts, the best RV rental app for most renters is the free Outdoorsy app, with the free RVshare app a close second, and both let you search, message owners and book from your phone.
Each app draws on its own platform's listings, so the choice mostly follows whichever platform has the right rig for your trip.
Here is how they compare on the features each company lists in its App Store description.
| Feature | Outdoorsy app | RVshare app |
|---|---|---|
| Price to download | Free | Free |
| App Store rating | 4.8 of 5 from about 22,000 ratings | 4.7 of 5 from about 11,000 ratings |
| Search filters | Dates, vehicle type, sleeping capacity, cost, dog friendly, kid friendly | Pet friendly, delivery to your campground, trailers your vehicle can tow |
| Towing help | Tow compatibility calculator on listings | Filter for trailers your vehicle can tow |
| Talking to the owner | Message the owner before you book | In app messaging before and during the trip |
| On the road | Trip itinerary and campground search | Trip documents in the app and mid trip extensions |
Source: the Outdoorsy app listing and the RVshare app listing on the Apple App Store, checked September 29, 2026.
Pick the Outdoorsy app if you want the larger pool of listings and a kid friendly filter for family trips.
Pick the RVshare app if the rig you want is only listed there, or you want delivery straight to your campground as a search filter.
Prefer to compare on a bigger screen first? The Outdoorsy button in the platform reviews below searches the same listings the app does.
Detailed Platform Reviews
Among the best RV rental websites compared here, Outdoorsy ranks first for selection and included protection, and RVshare is the closest alternative.
Cruise America and El Monte RV suit one way trips and renters who prefer a traditional fleet.
Each review below lists inventory, insurance, pros, cons, and who it fits best.
Outdoorsy
Popular ChoicePros
- Listings in all 50 US states
- Message the owner before you book
- International availability (14 countries)
- A protection plan on every booking, with $500,000 available on the paid Peace of Mind package
- Professional photos and verified reviews
Cons
- -Service fees can add up on longer rentals
- -Availability varies by location
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RVshare
Solid AlternativePros
- Large selection of RVs
- Similar insurance coverage
- Good mobile app
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- -Smaller selection than Outdoorsy
Cruise America
Traditional RentalPros
- Standardized fleet (you know what you get)
- One way rentals available
- No owner coordination needed
- Airport pickup locations
Cons
- -Higher prices than peer to peer
- -Limited RV variety
- -Older fleet average
- -Basic insurance requires upgrades
El Monte RV
Budget TraditionalPros
- Competitive traditional rental pricing
- Multiple pickup locations
- One way rentals available
Cons
- -Fleet size not published
- -Mixed customer reviews
- -Additional fees can add up
Why Renters Choose Outdoorsy
Listings in All 50 States
The widest selection means you will find the right RV for your adventure, wherever you start
Protection Plan on Every Booking
Selected at booking, with 24/7 roadside help inside the protection packages
Adventure Anywhere
International availability for worldwide RV adventures
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Own an RV Instead of Renting One?
These same platforms let owners earn rental income, and Outdoorsy's host protection includes up to $1 million in liability coverage, per its help center in September 2026. If you have a rig sitting idle, learn how to list your RV on Outdoorsy and start earning.
Renting an RV opens up endless camping adventures across the country
How to Choose an RV Rental Platform
1. Consider Selection Size
More RVs means better chances of finding the right fit at a good price.
Outdoorsy lists RVs in all 50 US states to help you find exactly what you need.
Check the real ways to save on Outdoorsy before booking.
2. Check Insurance Coverage
Look for platforms that include real protection on every booking.
Every Outdoorsy booking carries a protection plan with state liability limits by default, and higher cover such as $500,000 on the Peace of Mind package is a paid upgrade at checkout.
3. Read Real Reviews
Peer to peer platforms have verified reviews from real renters.
Check both platform and individual RV reviews before booking.
Our first time rental tips explain what to look for in reviews.
To drop the nightly fee between campgrounds, consider joining Harvest Hosts, where one annual fee covers overnight stays and a purchase from the host is customary.
4. Compare Total Costs
Include service fees, insurance, mileage, and generator charges. Use our RV Rental Cost Calculator to estimate total costs.
Planning your first RV rental? Use this checklist to prepare
Best RV Rental Sites Compared: The Short Version
Across the best RV rental sites in this comparison, Outdoorsy takes the top spot on selection, included protection, and international reach.
- Best overall: Outdoorsy, for 200,000+ listings and a protection plan on every booking, with $500,000 available on the paid Peace of Mind package.
- Best alternative: RVshare, when the RV you want is not listed on Outdoorsy.
- Best for one way trips: Cruise America, which offers airport pickup locations and a standardized fleet.
- Best budget fleet: El Monte RV, for traditional rentals from multiple pickup locations.
Whichever of the best RV rental websites you start with, price the same dates on at least two of them before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to rent an RV?
Outdoorsy ranks first among the best RV rental websites compared here, running one of the biggest peer to peer marketplaces with owner listed rigs in every US state.
Each reservation carries a protection plan with state liability limits by default, and protection packages, including roadside support and $500,000 on the paid Peace of Mind package, are priced at checkout.
Weigh its selection against rival platforms to land the right RV for your trip.
Is Outdoorsy or RVshare better?
Both platforms offer similar insurance and pricing.
Outdoorsy has more selection and international availability in 14 countries.
RVshare operates in the US and Canada.
Compare both to find the specific RV that meets your needs.
Is there an app for renting an RV?
Yes.
Outdoorsy and RVshare both run free apps for iPhone and iPad that let you search listings, message the owner and book from your phone.
The app comparison earlier on this page sets out the filters and trip tools each one offers, with a link to each App Store listing.
Where can I rent an RV online?
The best RV rental sites are Outdoorsy (peer to peer marketplace), RVshare, Cruise America (traditional fleet rental), and El Monte RV (traditional fleet).
Peer to peer platforms typically offer more variety and owner direct pricing.
What does an RV rental cost a night?
On Outdoorsy's own published ranges, nightly rates run from about $50 for a travel trailer to about $275 for a Class A motorhome.
Split by type, a travel trailer lists at $50 to $125 a night, a Class B campervan at $100 to $200, a Class C motorhome at $150 to $200, and a Class A motorhome at $175 to $275.
The Go RV Rentals 2026 Price Index, from March 2026, puts US market averages higher, at $128, $252, $225 and $343 respectively.
Outdoorsy figures checked August 2026, index figures October 2026.
Which RV rental company has the best prices?
Peer to peer platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare often offer competitive prices compared to traditional rental fleets because individual owners set their own rates.
Compare prices across multiple platforms for your specific dates and location.
Is it safe to rent an RV from Outdoorsy?
Outdoorsy bookings come with a protection plan with state liability limits by default, with $500,000 available on the paid Peace of Mind package and roadside support inside the protection packages, alongside verified owner reviews and secure checkout.
The platform has been operating since 2014.
Can you rent an RV for a one way trip?
Traditional fleet companies like Cruise America and El Monte RV offer one way rentals, where you pick up in one city and drop off in another.
Peer to peer platforms such as Outdoorsy and RVshare are usually round trip, since most owners want their RV returned to its home base.
Some owners do allow one way trips for an extra drop off fee, so check each listing.
Do you need a special license to rent an RV?
In most US states you do not need a special license to rent or drive an RV under 26,000 pounds, which covers most Class B and Class C motorhomes and towable trailers.
A standard driver's license is enough for the rentals most travelers choose.
A few states require a non commercial Class B license for the largest Class A motorhomes, so confirm the rules for your state.
How early should you reserve an RV?
Book two to four weeks ahead for regular travel and two to three months ahead for peak summer or holiday trips.
Popular RVs near national parks and major events can sell out even earlier, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Booking early gives you the widest selection and the best pricing.
Independent member rating for Outdoorsy: Rated 3.3 of 5 on Trustpilot, checked September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Smart RV Hub Editorial Team
RV Technology Research and Reviews
Our writers research smart RV technology full time, covering solar power, connectivity, security, and power management.
Every guide draws on published manufacturer specifications and verified owner reviews, so you can compare options with confidence.
Meet the editorial team and our review standardsReady for Your Adventure?
You have seen the best RV rental sites ranked, and Outdoorsy came out first for selection and included protection.
Explore owner listed rigs nationwide, with a protection plan on every reservation and $500,000 cover plus round the clock roadside support available in the paid protection packages.
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