How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in America for 2 Weeks?

Planning a two-week RV road trip across America? You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers rent RVs every year to explore national parks, coastal highways, and desert towns without booking hotels. But the big question isn’t just how much is it to rent an RV in America for 2 weeks? It’s: What are you actually paying for?

RV Rental Prices Vary Wildly - Here’s Why

Don’t expect one flat rate. An RV rental in the U.S. can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $8,000 for two weeks. That’s a huge gap. Why? Because RVs aren’t cars. They come in different sizes, ages, features, and demand levels.

A small Class B camper van - think Volkswagen Westfalia style - might run you $80-$120 per night in low season. That’s around $1,120-$1,680 for two weeks. But if you want a luxury Class A motorhome with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and slide-outs? You’re looking at $300-$600 per night. Multiply that by 14 days, and you’re at $4,200-$8,400.

Season matters a lot. Renting in May or September? Prices drop 20-30% compared to summer. July and August? You’ll pay peak rates - and some companies won’t even rent for less than 14 days. Winter? You might find discounts, but you’ll be stuck with a heater that’s barely keeping up.

What’s Included - And What’s Not

Most rental companies list a base price, but that’s not the full story. Here’s what you’re likely paying extra for:

• Insurance: Basic liability coverage is often included, but collision damage waiver (CDW) is extra - usually $15-$30 per day. That’s another $210-$420 over two weeks.
• Delivery and pickup: If you don’t want to pick up the RV at a depot, some companies will deliver it to your airport or home for $100-$300.
• Generator use: Many RVs have onboard generators for power when off-grid. Some rentals charge $5-$10 per day to use it - $70-$140 extra.
• Propane: Tanks are usually full when you pick up, but you pay for what you use. Most companies charge $5-$8 per gallon. A full tank runs $50-$80.
• Cleaning fee: Even if you clean it yourself, expect a mandatory $100-$200 fee for deep cleaning and waste tank disposal.

Some companies bundle insurance and cleaning. Others charge you for every little thing. Always ask for a line-by-line breakdown before you sign.

Where to Rent - Big Brands vs. Peer-to-Peer

You’ve got two main options: big rental chains or peer-to-peer platforms.

Big brands like Cruise America, El Monte, and RVshare (their corporate side) offer standardized vehicles, 24/7 roadside assistance, and clear return policies. But they’re pricier. You’re paying for reliability - and sometimes, outdated models.

Peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare (individual owners) let you rent directly from private owners. Prices are often 20-40% lower. You might get a newer RV with custom upgrades - like solar panels or a rooftop AC. But you’re on your own for roadside help unless the owner offers it. Some owners won’t let you take the RV out of state. Others require you to pay for mileage over 100 miles per day.

One traveler rented a 2023 Forest River RV from a private owner in Arizona for $220/night. The rental included unlimited miles, free propane, and a $50 credit for campsite fees. Total for two weeks: $3,080. Same model from a corporate rental? $4,800.

Hidden Costs That Surprise People

Here’s what most first-timers don’t think about:

• Deposits: Most companies hold $1,000-$2,500 on your credit card. That’s not a charge - it’s a hold. But it can block your available credit, which matters if you’re traveling with a low limit.
• Damage fees: A scratch on the bumper? $300. A dent in the side? $800. Even a dirty toilet tank can trigger a $150 cleaning fee. Take photos before you leave and after you return.
• Mileage limits: Many rentals cap you at 100-150 miles per day. Go over? You pay $0.35-$0.75 per extra mile. Drive 200 miles one day? That’s $35-$75 right there.
• One-way fees: If you pick up in Orlando and drop off in San Francisco? Expect a $1,000-$2,000 drop-off fee. Some companies won’t even allow it.

One couple rented a Class C RV in Seattle and drove to Yellowstone. They didn’t realize the daily mileage limit was 120 miles. They drove 180 miles on day three. The company charged them $45 per extra mile. Total: $270. They didn’t see it until their credit card statement two weeks later.

How to Save Money on a 2-Week RV Rental

You don’t have to break the bank. Here’s how real travelers cut costs:

1. Book early: Rentals are cheapest 3-6 months out. Last-minute deals are rare - unless someone cancels.
2. Travel shoulder season: April-May and September-October are ideal. Weather’s still good. Prices are half of summer.
3. Choose a smaller RV: A Class B or small Class C saves you $100-$200 per night compared to a giant Class A.
4. Use free campsites: BLM land, national forests, and Walmart parking lots often let you stay overnight for free. Avoid paying $50-$80 per night for RV parks unless you need hookups.
5. Bring your own gear: Don’t rent linens, cookware, or towels. Most rentals charge $10-$25 per item.
6. Check for discounts: AAA, AARP, and military members often get 5-15% off. Some companies offer weekly discounts.

One family rented a 2022 Winnebago for $150/night in October. They drove 1,800 miles over 14 days. They used free BLM sites, packed their own food, and skipped insurance because they had good auto coverage. Total cost: $2,500 - including gas, propane, and parking.

Gas, Food, and Other Trip Costs

Don’t forget the other expenses. The RV rental is just the start.

• Gas: An RV gets 8-15 miles per gallon. At $3.50/gallon, driving 2,000 miles costs $470-$875.
• Food: Cooking in the RV cuts costs. A family of four spends $40-$60 per day on groceries. That’s $560-$840 for two weeks.
• Campsite fees: If you stay at paid RV parks, expect $30-$80 per night. For 10 nights, that’s $300-$800.
• Attractions: National park passes cost $35. Museums, guided tours, and zip lines add up fast.

So, total cost for a 2-week trip? Add the rental ($2,000-$6,000), gas ($600), food ($700), and campsites ($500). You’re looking at $3,800-$8,000 total.

Is It Worth It?

Compared to hotels? Absolutely. A hotel room for two in Yellowstone costs $250-$400 per night. For 14 nights? $3,500-$5,600 - and you’re still paying for parking, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. With an RV, you’ve got your own kitchen, bathroom, and bed. You sleep where you park. You save on meals. You get flexibility.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about freedom. You wake up at 6 a.m. and drive to a lake. No check-in. No room service. No noise from neighbors. Just you, the sunrise, and the sound of the engine cooling down.

Yes, it’s messy. Yes, you’ll forget the sewer hose. Yes, you’ll run out of propane in the middle of nowhere. But that’s part of the adventure. And for most people who’ve done it once - they do it again.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• You need a regular driver’s license. No special class needed for most RVs under 26,000 lbs.
• You must be at least 21 to rent. Some companies require 25.
• International travelers need a valid passport and, in most cases, an International Driving Permit.
• RVs can’t drive on some narrow mountain roads or in certain national parks. Check restrictions ahead of time.
• Always test the brakes, lights, and water system before leaving the lot.

One tip: Practice backing up in an empty parking lot before hitting the highway. It’s the #1 reason people panic on their first trip.

If you’re thinking about renting an RV for the first time, start small. Pick a Class B or compact Class C. Book early. Drive slow. And don’t rush the stops - that’s where the memories are made.