West Coast Campervan Hire

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 USA.

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 car park 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.

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

In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will apply 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.

A wide variety of campers are available in the US, from smaller estate cars up to large motorhomes. Some of the common types include:

• Class A: (21-45 ft) The biggest and most expensive; can be hard to manoeuvre if you are new to driving motorhomes but often comes equipped with additional luxuries.

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

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

• Class B: (17-19 ft) Small and affordable, easier to drive or manoeuvre. Class B vehicles are often known as campervans/conversions and are built on a smaller chassis than the Class A.

Some Class B vehicles may include a toilet or freshwater tanks but not always. Class B vehicles usually have basic cooking equipment, folding beds, and limited storage space.

Class B vehicles are great for short-term getaways.

• Class C: (20-33 ft) Medium-sized, moderate storage space, and a few extra luxuries.

Class C vehicles are a smaller version of the Class A motorhome. They are built on a truck or van cutaway chassis and operate on a petrol-powered engine.

The Class C motorhome generally has sleeping quarters above the cab and more sleeping space in the back. Some Class Cs also have a slide-out option that helps increase the living space when the motorhome is parked.

Class C vehicles come equipped with a good amount of facilities including a self-contained toilet, refrigerator, heating or air conditioning and cooking facilities.

Class C vehicles are very versatile and are great for both short or long-term getaways.

Our comparison tool will show you the specifications of each vehicle available to ensure you find a camper suitable for your needs.

All drivers must have a current and full driving licence to hire a vehicle. Foreign licences are generally acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation, otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required.

In addition to your driving licence, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pick-up.

Some companies may require an IDP or official English translation depending on the language of your licence. For example, Road Bear requires an international driving licence translation if the original licence doesn't have an English translation, and Britz recommends an international driving licence for translation purposes.