El Monte
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Escaper Campervans

Chicago to Los Angeles One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles? Did you know you can rent a one-way RV rental? Compare vehicles from several RV rental companies.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.

Cruise America C19 Compact
Automatic
El Monte RV C28 Class C
Automatic
Expedition Class C Thor Citation

Class C Thor Citation

Expedition

Automatic
Road Bear 28-30ft Class C
Automatic

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

Chicago to Los Angeles One Way Itinerary

Part Six: Amarillo, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Distance: Approximately 467 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 4 to 4.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Fe Plaza
  • Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
  • Loretto Chapel

Part Seven: Santa Fe, New Mexico to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distance: Approximately 105 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park
  • Old Town Albuquerque
  • Sandia Peak Tramway

Part Eight: Albuquerque, New Mexico to Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Distance: Approximately 354 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Painted Desert
  • Blue Mesa Trail

Part Nine: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona

Distance: Approximately 257 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Attractions:

  • Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument
  • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Part Ten: Flagstaff, Arizona to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

Distance: Approximately 129 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Attractions:

  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • South Rim Trail
  • Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower

Part Eleven: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona to Sedona, Arizona

Distance: Approximately 177 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Red Rock State Park
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross
  • Slide Rock State Park

Part Twelve: Sedona, Arizona to Phoenix, Arizona

Distance: Approximately 193 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
  • Heard Museum
  • Camelback Mountain

Part Thirteen: Phoenix, Arizona to Palm Springs, California

Distance: Approximately 426 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 4 to 4.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Part One: Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri

Distance: Approximately 483 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 to 5 hours Attractions:

  • Gateway Arch in St. Louis
  • City Museum
  • Missouri Botanical Garden

Part Two: St. Louis, Missouri to Springfield, Missouri

Distance: Approximately 346 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
  • Route 66 Car Museum

Part Three: Springfield, Missouri to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Distance: Approximately 346 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 3 to 3.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa
  • Tulsa Botanic Garden
  • The Gathering Place

Part Four: Tulsa, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Distance: Approximately 161 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Attractions:

  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
  • Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens

Part Five: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Amarillo, Texas

Distance: Approximately 418 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours

Attractions:

  • Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
  • Big Texan Steak Ranch
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Part Fourteen: Palm Springs, California to Los Angeles, California

Distance: Approximately 177 km

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Attractions:

  • The Getty Center in Los Angeles
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping allowed in the US?

Free camping is not universally allowed across the USA; it is typically permitted in designated areas and on many US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, subject to local rules.

Both the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management care for millions of acres of land where free camping is allowed.

Many retailers and casinos may also allow you to camp for a night in their parking lot with permission from the owner.

There are also truck stops and rest stops where you can park for a night, though rest-area rules vary by state and some prohibit overnight stays.

Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?

The majority of RV rental suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard rental inclusion.

In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed what you’ve purchased/allowed. Refund rules vary by supplier—some refund unused estimated mileage deposits, while others do not refund unused prepaid miles. Some suppliers do include unlimited miles as standard.

Check our comparison tool for details.

Can I travel from the US to Canada in my rental RV?

This depends on the company. Several suppliers will allow you to travel to Canada in your rental vehicle, including Road Bear, El Monte, Cruise America, Escape Rentals, Campervan North America and Travellers Autobarn (Canada entry fee applies).

Please contact support for information on other suppliers. You must comply with visa and customs requirements at all times.

Are there any restrictions on where I can take my RV in the U.S.?

Most rental companies only allow their vehicles to be driven on paved roads.

In addition, note the following restrictions regarding specific areas:

  • Mexico - Travel to Mexico is generally prohibited in rental vehicles; some suppliers (such as El Monte) may allow it under certain conditions and with additional insurance.
  • Death Valley - Restrictions can vary between suppliers. Some suppliers restrict travel during the hottest months of the year. Check with your rental supplier for full details.
  • New York City/Downtown Manhattan - Some rental suppliers restrict travel in or through Manhattan (and sometimes parts of NYC). Check your rental agreement for full details.
  • Canada - RVs are generally allowed; however, travel to certain locations may be restricted during colder seasons.

If you take your vehicle where it is not permitted, you will be liable for all damages incurred, and an additional fine may be imposed.

Check your rental agreement for any further restrictions regarding your RV rental.

What is a Class A RV?

Class A RVs are the biggest, most expensive vehicles, and often come equipped with additional luxuries. Being larger, they can be a little hard to manoeuvre for first-time drivers.

Class A RVs are built on either a vehicle chassis, commercial truck chassis, or a commercial bus chassis, and run on either diesel or gas, depending on the type of engine.

Usually, Class A vehicles are fully loaded with all amenities and a large living space.

How much does it cost to stay at a campground or RV park?

A stay at an RV park will usually cost around $25–$80 (USD) per night.

The cost of campgrounds has risen in recent years due to the popularity of RV vacations in the US.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.