Chicago to Los Angeles Campervan Rental

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 areas 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 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.

This depends on the company. Several suppliers will allow you to travel to Canada in your hire 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.

Most hire companies only allow their vehicles to be driven on sealed roads.

In addition, note the following restrictions regarding specific areas:

• Mexico - Travel to Mexico is generally prohibited in hire 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 hire supplier for full details.
• New York City/City Centre Manhattan - Some hire suppliers restrict travel in or through Manhattan (and sometimes parts of NYC). Check your hire agreement for full details.
• Canada - Motorhomes 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 damage incurred, and an additional fine may be imposed.

Check your hire agreement for any further restrictions regarding your motorhome 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.

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

• Class A: (6.4–13.7 m) 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 loaded with all amenities and a large living space.

• Class B: (5.2–5.8 m) Small and affordable, easier to drive or manoeuvre. Class B vehicles are often known as campervan conversions and are built on a smaller chassis than the Class A.

Some Class B vehicles may include a toilet or fresh water 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: (6–10 m) 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.