Renting a camper in the USA: My experiences, tips & costs for your road trip

The USA is perfect for a road trip - vast landscapes, iconic national parks, and a well-developed road network. Until now, I have always traveled with rental cars and vacation homes, hotels, or motels. This time, I rented a camper for the first time - a new adventure that I will explain to you step by step here.

In this article, you'll learn how to find the right camper, what to pay attention to when booking, and what realistic costs to expect. Everything based on my own experiences with a rented RV in the USA.

At home in Germany, I own a vehicle and have a lot of road trip and camping experience. Thanks to my tips and tricks, you will learn some useful things.

My recommendation for two providers

Rent a motorhome directly from Road Bear or El Monte RV

If you haven't booked a motorhome in the USA yet, read here; if you already have one, you can skip to the next section.

If you're looking for a motorhome for your USA or Canada road trip, I personally recommend the two reputable providers Road Bear and El Monte RV.

Road Bear RV impresses with a very young vehicle fleet (1 to 2 years old), top-notch equipment, and first-class customer service. Ideal if you're looking for a well-maintained motorhome. Visit the Road Bear RV website.
El Monte RV offers a wide selection of well-equipped motorhomes (Class A, B, and C), with all the comforts: kitchen, bathroom, generator, awning, and air conditioning. Particularly convenient is the extensive network of rental stations throughout the USA. The vehicles are a maximum of three years old. Visit the El Monte website.

I have had the best experience with both rental companies - both in terms of the quality of the vehicles and the process of pickup and return.

Why do I mention the age of the vehicles? Shortly before this trip, I had a negative experience in Australia (rental from another provider: The vehicle was old, dirty inside, and many things were not working).

Note on direct booking:

When you book directly through the website, be sure to pay attention to the insurance coverage. The basic insurance is usually not sufficient. I recommend adding supplemental insurance for liability and comprehensive coverage without a deductible. Pay attention to the mileage limitation. If you book through a German provider, you may have unlimited mileage.

Which camper is the right one for your USA trip?

Motorhome USA with slide-out, awning, and plenty of accessories photo by viel-unterwegs.de

The selection of motorhomes in the USA is huge - from compact camper vans to large RVs with slide-outs and bathrooms. We chose a 'C Small (C) 21-23 FT' motorhome from El Monte RV. This size is ideal for two people (2 beds, we are traveling as friends and each has their own bed), offers enough space for sleeping, cooking, and storing, but is still small enough for narrower roads and cities.

Why this model?

Even though couples usually find a smaller model perfectly sufficient, we didn't want to sleep in the same bed. We are not a couple - that's why it was important for us that everyone has their own bed. This vehicle size accommodates that wonderfully, without sacrificing comfort.

Note: We received an upgrade from El Monte to Road Bear and slide-out. Wow!

My tips for choosing the right vehicle:

For two, a smaller model is often sufficient if you want to share a bed - this saves gas and makes driving more relaxed.
Plan carefully how many miles you want to cover - the larger the vehicle, the higher the consumption.
If you want to camp in national parks, make sure your RV is not longer than 25 feet (7.62 m). Many campgrounds have size restrictions (but in the USA, this vehicle qualifies as "small").

Providers for campers in the USA

There are many large rental companies in the USA - from Cruise America to Road Bear to El Monte RV (the latter two belong to the THL group and differ in vehicle age and pricing), from which we chose. The booking was straightforward through a comparison portal where we could view availability, prices, and vehicle types at a glance.

I always recommend booking with a larger provider because they have many stations. This way, the service is better if something breaks down on the road. If you rent cheap from a small provider, you will likely have trouble getting help on the way. This can be very frustrating.

Why El Monte RV?

El Monte had suitable vehicles available in Chicago during our travel period (June-July) and offered good value for money. It was also important to us that we had a provider with multiple locations and good support on the road. This was crucial, as we learned after our disaster in Australia (shabby camper, blown fuses, dirty, etc. - the support was terrible).

In the end, we even got an upgrade to a brand new camper (Road Bear, which belong to the same company but are only available in different regions of the USA). Everything was excellent, and the equipment was perfect for us (even a coffee pot with a filter and a toaster were included).

What was included or booked for us:

Vehicle rental for 21 nights: $3,015.00
Mileage package for 1500 miles (each additional mile $0.35)
Insurance (liability & VIP protection): $619.50
Convenience kits for 2 people: $198.00
Kitchen set: $130.00
Generator flat rate: $210.00 (was included for free later)
2 camping chairs and a table: $24.00

Total costs for 3 weeks of camper rental:

In the end, our booking totaled $4,331.25 including taxes - about €4,000, depending on the exchange rate. A steep amount, but for three weeks of accommodation and mobility, it falls within a fair range.

On the West Coast, an RV with the same amenities during peak vacation times (July - August) can cost double. Friends traveled immediately after us in California. However, they also received an upgrade: a larger RV with 2 slide-outs. I've heard they are happy (currently still on the road).

Tips for camper pickup & return

Important in advance: No pickup on the day of arrival allowed!

If you are traveling from Europe, you may not pick up the camper on the same day of your arrival. Most rental companies - including El Monte RV - require that you spend at least one night in the USA before getting behind the wheel.

-> My tip: Book a hotel for the first night directly. This way, you can rest and pick up your camper relaxed the next day.

My tips for the pickup:

Check carefully if everything is in the vehicle that you booked. On a previous trip to Australia, our table and chairs were forgotten - there was no more station on the way, so we had to buy them ourselves.
Perform function tests: refrigerator, stove, water pump, toilet, lights - check everything on-site. If something is defective, help will be immediate.
Create a condition report with photos - including fuel level and mileage.
Document the briefing: Short videos help immensely later. El Monte has great instructions available as videos as well as PDFs (also in German).

For the return:

Full tank, empty waste water, LPG gas refilled, camper clean, all personal belongings packed?
Allow buffer time for the return - especially in large cities like Chicago. Unfortunately, it took us a bit longer because four families wanted to drop off their RVs at the same time.

Should you reserve campgrounds in the USA?

The question divides many travelers: Be spontaneous or plan everything in advance? I recommend that you at least reserve certain campgrounds in advance during the peak season in the USA - especially in and around the national parks.

My experience:

I truly enjoy travelling spontaneously and booking that way.

But: Even in less touristy states like Michigan or Wisconsin, it was often difficult to find a spot on a whim during the holidays. At times, we had to take whatever was available - or email to ask about 'emergency spots' that were held for spontaneous arrivals.

In highly visited parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Arches, for example, you can only get a spot with early reservation. Make sure to inform yourself thoroughly about your destination.

Tip

For many state campgrounds in the USA, the booking window opens 6 months in advance - and popular sites are often booked out within minutes. Those traveling during the summer months (July/August) or holiday weekends should secure a spot early.

At state parks, we were always able to set an 'alert' for when a spot opened up. That often worked, and we could snag a campsite. Of course, not in the front row by the lake.

Camping in the USA: How to find good overnight spots

Holland State Park (Pine forest not beach) - a beautiful place — photo by viel-unterwegs.de

The selection is huge: from state national park campgrounds and state parks to private RV parks and free spots in nature (boondocking).

National parks and state parks: Book early!

In parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone, spots are often booked out months in advance. Friends told me that they had to be online at 7 AM to even have a chance at a spot.

We also had trouble getting spots spontaneously around the Great Lakes during the holiday period in the USA. However, you can often set so-called 'alerts' for when a spot becomes available.

Private Campgrounds

Private campgrounds like KOA, Good Sam provide full infrastructure but are much more expensive ($40-90/night). They often include a swimming pool, sometimes activities for kids, and many bonuses that we didn't need at all. Ideal for a quick stop - with washing machines, showers, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets.

Although you usually have electrical hookups, water, and sanitation facilities at state parks (just Internet reception often falters since you are in nature among the woods (at least around the Great Lakes)).

However, we preferred the state park campgrounds in nature. The private sites were packed with families and far too noisy (and I don't mean the kids).

Free camping (boondocking)

Allowed in rural areas or at certain parking lots if there is no prohibition sign.

-> Apps like iOverlander, freecampsites.net or Campendium help in the search. On-site, I found spot2nite.com, through which I was able to book a spot at a private campground, even though everything was booked on the official site.

Caution: It is often advised to sleep in a Walmart parking lot. Firstly, these are privately owned (not owned by Walmart), and the police often stop by and ask you to leave. Secondly, the campgrounds in state parks are much nicer. We were explicitly warned about the Walmart problem when we picked up the camper. This may vary by region.

Traffic Rules & Safety

4-Way Stop sign in the USA photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Driving in the USA differs significantly from European roads - especially with a large vehicle like an RV over 7 meters long. However, with some preparation and a watchful eye, it is manageable. The roads are wider, larger, and the parking spots are usually too.

Important traffic rules you should know:

In most states, you are allowed to turn right at red traffic lights - but only if no sign explicitly prohibits it and the road is clear.

At 4-Way-Stop intersections, the rule is: the first to arrive goes first. It sounds chaotic, but it works surprisingly well in practice.

If you use toll roads, inform yourself in advance if your rental vehicle is equipped with a transponder or if you need to pay the fees manually. We had to pay tolls in Illinois but not in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Thus, the 1:1 billing (through the provider and credit card) was more worthwhile than paying the daily rental for a transponder.

Also important: Know the dimensions of your vehicle! Especially at bridges, tunnels, or gas stations, it can quickly become tight with a tall or long camper. For El Monte (and Road Bear vehicles), there are stickers with the measurements on the top of the windshield.

Important special case: School Buses

Especially important and often not known: School buses in the USA cannot be passed when they have their warning lights on and the stop sign extended.

Whether you are on the same side of the road or the opposite lane - as soon as the bus lets children on or off, you must come to a complete stop. Only when the warning signal is off and the bus moves on, may you proceed.

Caution: Violations are strictly punished, and heavy fines and points on your driving record may apply.

Safe and relaxed driving in an RV

Prefer shorter daily distances - not only because you drive slower with the camper, but also to allow time for spontaneous stops or breaks along the way.

Be especially cautious in windy or stormy weather: RVs have a large surface area and are susceptible to crosswinds, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.

There are special navigational devices for motorhomes, which I personally don't use (although my pickup with cabin is over 3 m high).

What passes do you need for national parks in the USA?

National Park Pass 'America the Beautiful Annual Pass'

If you plan to visit several national parks or state-protected areas during your road trip, the 'America the Beautiful Annual Pass' is almost always worth it. For $80, you get a year of free admission to over 2,000 parks and recreational areas, including highlights like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Arches.

The pass is valid per vehicle - making it ideal if you're traveling with a camper and not alone. From the third or fourth park visit onwards, the investment usually pays off.

There are also special discounts for US residents, such as for seniors, military personnel, or students. However, these special passes are not relevant for international visitors like us.

Note: We visited two 'National Lakeshore' parks in Michigan. Therefore, it was cheaper to pay for the individual passes (each valid for 1 to 7 days) than to buy the annual pass.

Passes for State Parks

Every American state has state parks for which you cannot use the 'America the Beautiful Pass'. For our road trip around the Great Lakes, we purchased the State Park Pass for Wisconsin and Michigan. Sometimes you're lucky and a sticker is already on your vehicle. That wasn't the case for us. Since we visited more than 2 state parks in each area, both passes were worthwhile for us.

Packing list for your RV trip in the USA

A motorhome offers a lot of flexibility, but you should be well-prepared. Here are the things that have really worked for me on the trip:

Adapters & multi-outlet power strips for US outlets (Type A/B)
Coffee filters & thermos cup (I have a really good solution here - I will introduce it separately) - we didn't need this at El Monte, but often there's nothing to make coffee with
Camping lamp or headlamp - perfect for reading in the dark if you want to stay outside longer. Always handy.
First-aid kit - better well-stocked than short
Power bank & USB cables - essential for nights without power
Paper maps or offline maps on your phone - in case you have no phone reception
Insect repellent & sunscreen - absolutely necessary depending on the region
Universal spices like this one - saves you money by not buying each spice separately. It's a must-have for road trips (in my opinion)
Clothesline - often handy when you need to do laundry and want your clothes to dry (without a dryer)

Travel documents & important papers

Passport & validity
Visa or ESTA - what do you need? Here is a guide on how to apply for ESTA for the USA
Driver's license & international driver's license (rarely required, but it's safer)
Credit cards & cash (only for laundry and firewood) - My tips for the best credit cards in the USA
International health insurance
Booking documents for flights, camper, campgrounds
Backup copies of important documents

Clothing: Prepared for all weather

The tried-and-true layered look (we had everything in summer: from 34 degrees to 8 degrees and thunderstorms with heavy rain)
Pants (short, long, sporty)
Tops & sweaters
Jacket & rain jacket
Swimwear
Underwear & socks
Pajamas
Comfortable & weatherproof shoes (running shoes, flip flops, or water Birkenstocks for showering)
Sun hat, cap, sunglasses

Hygiene & health

Travel pharmacy with personal medications
Hygiene products (including sunscreen & insect repellent)
Toiletry bag & facial wipes
Toilet paper & disinfectant
Quick-drying towels (depending on the provider, towels may be included)

RV & camping equipment

Depending on the provider and package, some of the following items are included; others you can book additionally. Depending on what you need or want to bring with you personally.

Sleeping & sitting: What is included?

Bedding or sleeping bag, pillow (I always have my BLACKROLL Recovery Pillow with me)
Camping chairs & table

Cooking & eating

Cooking utensils, cutlery, plates
Dish soap, dish towels, sponges
Trash bags & food storage containers (you can use supermarket bags as trash bags). I had 2 Tupper boxes from home as food storage containers
Refillable water bottles

Lighting & electricity

Headlamp or camping lantern
Power reel, adapter & extension cord (check the length of the cord your provider has, ours was too short once)

Organization & cleanliness

Cleaning supplies, cloths (were included in our package)
Clothesline & clothespins (clotheslines are often available at Tchibo)

Tools & accessories

Pocket knife or multi-tool (a Leatherman is always useful, we even had a pocket knife included in the amenities)

Useful extras for on the road

Daypack for excursions (I often use a hiking backpack or my camera backpack)
Travel guides & offline maps (Guide on how to use Google Maps offline)
Power bank & chargers, adapters for the USA
Notebook & pen (for travel diary writing and documenting expenses)
Headphones & entertainment: books, games, music

For special hobbies

Fishing rod & accessories (I don't fish myself, so I can't provide advice for the USA)
Camera equipment
Telescope or drone

My personal packing tip

What many people get wrong on their first RV trip

Many don't consider that there's often no room for suitcases in the camper. Check how large your RV is and whether one or multiple suitcases will fit in the available storage. I always use a rolling bag on road trips with an RV. It fits in everywhere well.

Practical packing organization

Often storage space is tight. Especially if you rent a smaller camper or are traveling with family or friends (3 to 6 people) in the RV. In that case, packing bags are useful to store individual items in one bag: underwear in one, t-shirts in another. This way, you can stuff the storage compartments to the brim and still quickly reach the clothing item you're looking for.

To find the appropriate item even faster, I attached tapes with labels. That way, I can quickly find everything I need.

In our El Monte camper, we even had a wardrobe and five hangers for each person. This was very helpful for hanging up pants, jackets, sweaters, or shirts.

What you can buy on-site - and what you better shouldn't

Consider carefully what you can buy on-site. Hygiene articles like deodorant, shampoo, and shower gel are very expensive in the USA. Tissues, toilet paper, dish soap, etc., can all be purchased on-site. Our favorite supermarket is Trader Joe's; for everything else, we use Target.

Shopping list after picking up the RV in the USA

After picking up the RV, the best first stop is a large supermarket like Trader Joe's (our absolute favorite), Target, or Costco. You can find everything you need for daily living in the camper there - from groceries to camping supplies.

Many things are not worth taking from home due to weight, volume, or import restrictions (e.g., food). You can find all of that cheap and easily on-site.

What you should buy right after pickup:

Camping supplies & household items

Fire starters
Long lighter (for campgrounds)
Grill grid / grill basket, as there's not always a grill available
Picnic blanket (for campground tables that are often dirty)
Grill tongs (we didn't have these, so we bought the cheapest)
Toilet paper (often only 1-2 rolls included in the package)
Toilet chemicals (for the black water tank - e.g., found at Walmart, not at Trader Joe's or Target)
Toilet brush (as the onboard toilet flushes with little water pressure)
Paper towels
Small dish soap & sponge

Tip: Many supermarkets also have simple camping articles like storage boxes or grill tongs available. This way, you can still shop affordably on the spot.

I've read that many Germans buy bedding and linens at IKEA because they don't want to use the provider's bedding. I always travel with my own Blackroll pillow and found the sheets and blankets from the provider acceptable. Everything was newly packaged. I find it wasteful to buy blankets just for 3 weeks.

The first shopping trip should serve to set up a basic supply based on your needs. At El Monte, we had a huge refrigerator with 2 doors and a large freezer. Take advantage of the opportunity because often you will head into nature afterwards, where there are usually only smaller supermarkets and less selection (especially in the north of Wisconsin and Michigan: no Trader Joe's).

For us, the following items are considered basic provisions:

At Trader Joe's:

Several gallons of water
Spices: Umami, Green Goddess, and the 'Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning' blend (we also brought this universal spice from Germany)
Mineral water (we couldn't find it anywhere else)
Coffee grounds & coffee filters
Butter, olive oil, vinegar
Fresh vegetables (corn on the cob, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots ...)
Fruit (blueberries, apples, bananas ...)
Bagels
Cream cheese & cottage cheese
Cheese for tacos
Tacos (we prefer wheat over corn)
Avocados, onions, and garlic (for guacamole)
Canned tuna, capers (for tuna cream)
Yogurt / Skyr
Apple cider vinegar (we drink a glass every morning)
Can of parmesan cheese (shaker) - there's nothing better over grilled corn on the cob
BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayo, truffle mayo (vegan or regular), mustard - depending on preferences

Dumping: How to empty the gray and black water tanks in the USA

Dumping in the USA is easy. My graphic about it. — photo by viel-unterwegs.de

The first time 'dumping' often sounds more daunting than it really is. This term refers to emptying the waste tanks (toilet 'black water' & remaining wastewater - grey water) and usually also refilling fresh water - a perfectly normal part of camper life in North America.

I have considerable camping experience from Europe, Africa, or Australia. But the USA surpasses all other countries with its system. It's completely easy.

Here's how dumping goes smoothly:

Wear gloves (latex disposable gloves) - we had 2 pairs included at the start
Connect the dump hose: Attach it to the camper's outlet, the other end goes into the opening of the dump station.
First, empty the black water tank (toilet), then the gray water tank (wash and shower water). This ensures that the hose is 'flushed' directly.
You can then rinse the thick hose with the hose available there (not with the fresh water hose!) and store it away. Be careful: never store the hose together with the fresh water one.
Refill toilet chemicals (small bags) and flush the toilet for a few seconds to rinse water through.
Refill fresh water tank - depending on the dump station, this is done either before or after.
You're done. You can drive off peacefully.
Believe me: In Europe, it's all a big mess, as the black water flows directly from the camper and not through a thick pipe into the drain like in the USA. It's often not pretty to see, and the smell is just as disgusting.

Sometimes you can even book wastewater and water along with electricity at the campground and hook it up. The costs here are much lower than in Europe.

The whole process takes only 10 minutes, as the pipe is so thick that everything empties quickly (in my camper at home, it takes twice as long to empty the gray water tank).

This is what it looks like for local campers; they have everything connected permanently. We can also empty everything at most places, but our provider advises against having it connected permanently. Especially the black water tank should only be emptied when it's 3/4 full. Why? Simply put, toilet paper tends to get stuck in corners otherwise.

Power supply in the RV: What you should know

An RV is not a hotel room - especially regarding electricity. In the USA, 110-volt voltage is used (instead of 230 volts in Europe). Many chargers - e.g., for smartphones, cameras, or razors - work globally (indicated by the label 100-240 V) and function without problems. For other devices, it's best to have a mobile solution.

Important: You need at least 1-2 adapters for US outlets (Type A or B) - ideally two, to remain flexible.

110 Volts instead of 230 Volts

In the USA, 110-volt voltage is used (not 230 volts as in Europe). Most chargers for smartphones, cameras, or razors are designed for this - recognizable by the 100-240 V label on the power supply.

However, for other European devices, this is often insufficient - they either don't function at all or only partially. I can recommend my travel hairdryer, which you can set to 110 volts.

Important: You definitely need a travel adapter for US outlets. A voltage converter is usually not necessary as long as you only use typical travel electronics.

What power sources do you have in the camper?

House battery: Powers refrigerator, freezer, lights, water pump, and USB sockets.
Shore power: At almost all campgrounds, you can connect your RV to an external power source (110 V). This also enables normal sockets in the vehicle. This way, the often available air conditioning also works.
Solar panel: On this USA trip, I had an actual solar panel on the roof of a rental RV for the first time ever (worldwide). When the sun shines, your house battery charges during the day. Ideal if you don't have a power source available. We parked our RV at friends' place outside of Detroit for almost 5 days. Thanks to solar, the battery was still 1/3 full, meaning the refrigerator could still keep cool.

Curiosity in the USA: Generator

To my surprise, some campers are equipped with a generator. You turn this on when you have no power source available and you want to charge something or use the toaster for bagels while at a rest area. Brilliant; in Germany, this would probably never be allowed.

The downside: it's loud and may not be used everywhere. Depending on your contract, you may have a certain number of hours of use included or pay as needed. There's a meter attached. In our case, usage was included, but we only used it 3-4 times during breaks.

My solution for on the go

My own camper at home is autonomous. This means I can stand for days thanks to solar and a large battery without being connected to the grid. I also have full volt capacity on sockets to charge my camera and laptop.

We usually manage without a fixed power connection at the campground - even without a generator. For the USA (due to the large refrigerator with freezer and the air conditioning, which we admittedly had to briefly turn on several times, a power connection is indeed beneficial. Despite solar.

However, I can still recommend a setup that has proven itself in practice:

Laptop charger for the cigarette lighter: This allows you to easily charge the laptop during travel - ideal for emergencies (this one).
Power bank: Strong enough to fully charge the laptop when no power is available. We also charge smartphones and cameras with it.
USB-C adapter for 12V outlets: This allows us to charge multiple devices at once - even overnight.

These were my tips for renting a camper in the USA.

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