Renting a Camper Trailer: The Ultimate Guide
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If you plan to go camping on your next family trip, exploring the country with a rented camper trailer offers a one-of-a-kind experience. My family and I have been RVing for so many years. Traveling with a camper trailer is the perfect option for us. The best thing is that the kids love it, too!
Plus, if you’re new to RVing, a towable RV can also be a better option than a large drivable RV. And a trailer can be convenient as you’ll be able to leave it at camp and enjoy your time around town.
You will be prepared to rent a camper trailer and hit the road with confidence by the end of this article.
The Price to Rent a Camper Trailer
As a guideline, the price to rent a camper trailer will vary between $30 to $250 a night. The smaller, pop-up or micro-trailers will cost between $30 to $100 a night and can be easily towed. The larger travel trailers and fifth wheels rent for $80 to more than $200 a night and require a larger tow vehicle.
We put together a table based on the size and type of campers. Here is a comparison of the cost to rent a camper trailer.
| Type of RV | Outdoorsy (per night) | RVezy (per night) |
| Pop-Up Trailer | $50 to $100 | $75 to $100 |
| micro-camper | $30 to $90 | $35 to $80 |
| Travel Trailer | $50 to $125 | $75 to $225 |
| Airstream Trailer | $85 to $500 | $100 to $225 |
| Toy Hauler | $75 to $250 | $105 to $150 |
| Fifth Wheel | $60 to $190 | $100 to $175 |
*RVezy’s price ranges are based on Colorado Springs, CO
Types of Camper Trailers
If you are here you likely know a little about campers but let’s start with the basics:
What’s the difference between an RV and a camper trailer?
The term recreational vehicle (RV) is a phrase used for all campers and motorhomes. Camper trailers are RVs that are set on a trailer frame and towed behind a vehicle. This includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, micro-campers and more!
A camper trailer is a camper built on a trailer frame and lacking the drivable part of a motorhome. The trailer is your sleeping space, and it can be towed by a 2WD or 4WD. But, if you plan to travel off-road on your trip, I suggest towing with a 4WD vehicle.
There are different types of camper trailers you can choose from, and each has the qualities that can be right for your next family vacation. Here are some of the types of camper trailers you can choose from for your next RV vacation.
Pop-Up Camper
A pop-up camper is a type of towable RV that has canvas sides. It can be collapsed, stored, and transported. It is also lightweight and easy to pull. This is one of the cheaper types of RV you can rent with its price ranging from $40 to $100 per night.
Read more about pop-up campers here:
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers come in a wide variety of sizes. They also offer more storage compared to tent or pop-up campers and include a full kitchen and bathroom. To learn more about travel trailers, check these 11 questions to ask yourself before renting one.
I personally own the 35-foot travel trailer in the photo above. Read more about travel trailers here:
- The Best Length for a Travel Trailer
- Pros and Cons of Owning a Travel Trailer
- 11 Important Questions to Ask Before Renting a Travel Trailer
Fifth-Wheel
Fifth-wheels are a larger type of camper trailer, thus offering more storage and living space than other types of RVs. However, a fifth-wheel requires a larger truck with a special fifth wheel hitch in the bed. Rather than a ball hitch, a U-shaped fitting hitch connects the trailer to the inside bed of your truck, making it easier to maneuver.
One great idea to enjoy renting a fifth wheel without worrying about towing is to have it delivered. Read here to learn all my best tips for having an RV rental delivered.
Toy Hauler
A toy hauler comes as either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. This type of rig has a room or garage in its rear where you can carry “toys” such as motorbikes, golf carts, and other types of cargo.
Truck Camper
This type of trailer is different in that is does not need to be towed but it is worth mentioning here. It sits atop a truck. This type of camper trailer is ideal for more rugged terrain, so if you’re planning to go off-road, this type of rig is perfect for you.
Where to Rent a Camper Trailer
For camper trailer rentals, you can go through traditional RV rentals services. But the commercial places generally rent class C motorhomes. So the odds are that they’ll most likely have none or only a few camper trailers at most. For a bigger inventory of rental options, the best way to go is through a peer-to-peer rental company.
These online rental platforms have a wider variety of all types of RVs, but they also have cheaper rental prices compared to commercial rental companies. They also offer seasonal discounts and great deals to score throughout the year. Chances are there’s an Outdoorsy or RVezy business location near you!
Read more about the different RV rental platforms here:
10 Best Camper Trailers for Rent
| Type of Camper Trailer | Model | Location |
| Off-Road Camper Trailer | 2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail | Alpine, Wyoming |
| Toy Hauler | 2020 Sunset Park & Rv Inc. 26FCQB | Denver, Colorado |
| Pop-Up Camper | 1991 Coleman Fleetwood Williamsburg Edition | Turlock, California |
| Travel Trailer | 2017 Prime Time Avenger 26BH | Grand Junction, Colorado |
| Travel Trailer | 2016 Starcraft Travel Star | Eagle Mountain, Utah |
| Fifth Wheel | 2016 Palomino Columbus | Columbia Falls, Montana |
| Hybrid Travel Trailer | 2017 Forest River Shamrock | Montclair, California |
| Off-Road Tent Trailer | 2019 Smittybilt Scout | Lehi, Utah |
| Camper Trailer | 2002 Keystone Outback | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Airstream Travel Trailer | 2020 Airstream Caravel | Denver, Colorado |
10 Fabulous Camper Trailer Rentals by Outdoorsy
2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail near Yellowstone National Park
This well-kept and fully stocked off-road camper trailer is the perfect trailer for any occasion. A few of its amenities include bathroom and kitchen necessities, a sound system, A/C, and more. Plus, there’s a mini Weber grill along with 4 camping chairs, perfect for an outdoor barbecue!
- Sleeps: 3
- Length: 21 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $100
- Weekly: $100/night
- Monthly: $75/night
2020 Sunset Park & Rv Inc. 26FCQB near Rocky Mountain National Park
This pet-friendly toy hauler is perfect for safe and sound storage of your toys like motorcycles, golf carts, and more. It has a bathroom and kitchen amenities, plus one queen-sized bed and 2 twin beds. Its cargo length is 10 feet and 10 inches.
- Sleeps: 4
- Length: 26 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $135
- Weekly: $133.56/night
- Monthly: $133.92/night
1991 Coleman Fleetwood Williamsburg edition near Yosemite National Park
This pop-up camper is newly remodeled and renovated with hardwood floors, new fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint. It includes king-sized and queen-sized beds, plus a pull-out-of-couch bed. It has the basic kitchen necessities and extra storage.
- Sleeps: 7
- Length: 15 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $85
- Weekly: $76.50/night
- Monthly: $76.50/night
2017 Prime Time Avenger 26BH in Grand Junction, Colorado
Take this camper out on the road for memorable adventures on your RV trip. It has a private queen bed, oversized bunk beds, and a pull-out-of-the-couch bed. Perfect for couples and group vacations.
- Sleeps: 8
- Length: 26 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $130
- Weekly: $117/night
- Monthly: $117/night
2016 Starcraft Travel Star near Arches National Park
This lightweight trailer sports a king-sized bed but only weighs 3600 lbs. It is an easy-to-tow camper with full kitchen amenities and a large double-door fridge.
- Sleeps: 8
- Length: 18 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $95
- Weekly: $90.25/night
- Monthly: $76/night
Fun Camper Trailer Rentals by RVezy
2016 Palomino Columbus near Yellowstone National Park
This full-winter-ready fifth-wheel trailer includes 2 flat-panel TVs, a 3-door refrigerator, a king-sized mattress, and more.
- Sleeps: 6
- Length: 42 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $150
- Weekly: 10% Discount
- Monthly: 20% Discount
2017 Forest River Shamrock near Yosemite National Park
This family-friendly hybrid trailer sports 3 massive queen-sized beds that fold out. It includes an inside and outside shower as well as a stove range and a refrigerator.
- Sleeps: 8
- Length: 23 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $100
- Weekly: 10% Discount
- Monthly: 20% Discount
2019 Smittybilt Scout near Arches National Park
This fully outfitted off-road trailer is perfect for camping in the most remote spots available. It features a full-tent annex, a water heater, kitchen necessities, extra storage, and more.
- Sleeps: 5
- Length: 17 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $85
- Weekly: 10% Discount
- Monthly: 15% Discount
2002 Keystone Outback near Pikes Peak RV Park
This vintage camper trailer is great for a family trip to enjoy the great outdoors. It includes bathroom and kitchen necessities, linens, an onboard generator, and more. It can also be delivered or picked up within 155 miles.
- Sleeps: 7
- Length: 25 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $75
- Weekly: 10% Discount
- Monthly: 20% Discount
2020 Airstream Caravel near Dakota Ridge RV Park
This pet-friendly and full-winter-ready airstream trailer have a wide variety of amenities to offer. From kitchen and bathroom necessities to electronics like TV and DVD, this trailer can be the perfect ride for your next outdoor adventure!
- Sleeps: 4
- Length: 22 ft
- Rent Prices:
- Daily: $22
- Weekly: 15% Discount
- Monthly: 20% Discount
4 Reasons Why Renting a Camper Trailer Is the Best Option for You
Cheaper Than Other Types of RVs
One of the great things about camper trailers is that they are cheaper and can accommodate more people than motorhomes. This is perfect for a family-friendly RV trip.
You can save up to $100 a night or more while enjoying the great outdoors and the luxury a large motorhome can give.
Small Trailers are Easy and Safe to Tow
One of the significant advantages of a small camper trailer over a larger motorcoach is that it is easier to tow and back up. The pivot point makes for narrower turns. You can back into tighter spaces that would be tricky with a large motorhome.
There are a lot more options for you when it comes to parking and camping.
Access to More Locations
As camper trailers are smaller compared to other types of RVs, it allows you to have access to more outdoor locations. You can easily, with precautions, pass narrow lanes that a larger rig can’t.
Plus, if you want to go sightseeing on foot or by car, you can leave your trailer behind and enjoy your time.
Better Fuel Consumption
Another good thing about taking a camper trailer on the road is that it consumes less gas or diesel than a larger rig.
Small trailers are lightweight and more aerodynamic making them more fuel-efficient.
The larger the RV, the more fuel it consumes. For example, a Class A bus-style motorhome can see about 6 to 8 miles per gallon on average. While with a small camper trailer your tow vehicle will get around 10 to 14 miles per gallon.
5 Things to Consider When Renting a Camper Trailer
Rental Prices and Your Budget
It is best to weigh and compare your options first before booking a specific rental. I suggest inquiring about at least three RVs you have in mind and see what’s the best option for you.
Budgeting doesn’t end with the camper trailer rental cost alone. Add in the campsite fee and activities. This will be an ongoing process as you research for activities and necessities during your trip. It’s best to start creating a budget early and make adjustments later on than to plan your budget in a haste.
Pro tip: Make sure to always have a budget for miscellaneous expenses. (But, please, don’t take this as an excuse to overspend!)
Additional RV Fees
Always keep possible additional RV fees when renting a camper trailer. Besides the base cost of your RV rental, there are other costs you should know about.
You should be aware of the deposit upfront you need to put down. The insurance you need for your trip will be added to the base price. The mileage covered and the additional cost per extra mile, the fee for extra amenities, and so on.
People You Invite on Your Trip
As RVs offer limited spaces, be it the biggest motorhome, RVing isn’t the type of vacation for everyone. If you’re planning to go on an RV trip anytime soon, make sure that the people you invite will feel comfortable with this way and style of vacation.
It’s best to talk with your family and friends who are interested. Make sure to tell them about what to expect at your destinations and that they understand your plans for the trip.
If anyone feels uneasy with any of the details, such as the duration of the trip, your planned activities, or the thought of traveling in a small space, they should probably skip your RV trip.
Your Route and Destination
One of the greatest perks of RVing is that you can pretty much go anywhere you want. From national parks and campgrounds to luxury RV resorts, the places you can go are endless!
Make sure to have your routes and destinations planned out well, and everyone has something to enjoy along the way. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s best to look for fun activities for them to do, and don’t forget that you and your partner should have some quality time, too.
Here is how to find the perfect campsite every time!
RV Parks and Campgrounds
I recommend reading reviews of people who already took your planned route and destination when choosing an RV park or campground. This way you can compare your options and pick the best one out of them. It’s also ideal to look for a place with all the features and functionality you want for your stay.
Private RV parks and campgrounds are often more expensive than discount communities like KOAs. If the Grand Junction is one of your RV destinations, check out our list of the top 13 best RV parks and campgrounds around the area.
Tips For Renting a Camper Trailer
Book Ahead of Time
Avoid last-minute stress or, worst, getting your trip canceled because there are no more RVs to rent during your planned time frame. With RV trips being a popular way to travel nowadays, sometimes the demand gets bigger than the supply that you might need to book months or even up to a year in advance.
Use Peer-to-Peer RV Rentals
Rather than commercial RV rental, using peer-to-peer RV rentals is a better option. It’s like Airbnb but with RVs! You can view all the different types of camper trailers that RV owners listed for rent in your area, the nightly, weekly, and monthly rental rates, their amenities, and more.
Save Money By Booking Off-Peak Seasons
As much as it’s great to go on an RV trip during the peak seasons like spring and summer, RVing during the cooler months also has perks to boost your camping experience.
An off-season RV camping can give you greater access to popular campsites and parks that tends to be fully booked during summer. Even better, a lot of campsites don’t require a reservation during the winter season. And, as it is less crowded, you can have a more peaceful camping experience to fully relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Additionally, campgrounds and RV parks usually drop their rates and provide discounts in wintertime. You can also score great deals on many RV rental companies during the off-season.
Make Sure that Your Rental is Insured
One thing you should never forget when renting a camper trailer is to make sure that your rental is insured. This will give you and the vehicle protection for possible accidents or damages during your trip.
Insurance can vary between rental companies; some will have an insurance policy already included in your rental price, while some will offer one at an additional cost.
Plan Your Meals Accordingly
One of the easiest ways to save money and to avoid overspending while renting an RV is to plan and make your meals accordingly.
Camper trailers usually have the basic kitchen necessities you need to cook and keep your food edible to eat. If you’re not much of a cook, consider stopping by the grocery store before you hit the road. Bring snacks, drinks, and meal preps for your trip, and eat out only when you must.
Book Your Campground in Advance
Especially if you plan to go RVing during the peak seasons, I would recommend booking your chosen RV park or campground ahead of time.
You should also research the possible extra fees and pricing that might occur when you arrive. Some of these extra costs include additional nightly stays, generator rental, and firewood.
Pack Your Essentials
Packing for an RV trip doesn’t need to be overly complicated.
First, you must know what are the things included in the RV, such as kitchen items, linens, and towels. Make sure to inquire in advance so you’ll know what to bring with you. Then pack your essentials and bring those that aren’t included in your RV’s amenities.
Be Careful on the Road
Finally, hit the road! Drive with caution, and enjoy the experience and every exciting thing that comes with renting a camper trailer. You may fall in love with it and make it your chosen ride for all your upcoming trips.
Final Thoughts About Camper Trailer Rentals
Renting a camper trailer offers you the chance to vacation in a different way than what you’re used to. Plus, it’s the best one to start with when you’re a beginner in driving RVs.
It’s best to rent using peer-to-peer RV rental companies for a wider range of inventory to choose from. They also offer great discounts and deals all year long, which makes the rental prices cheaper compared to commercial rental platforms.
Here are some of our posts that can be helpful for your RV trip:
- How to Rent an RV for an Epic Road Trip: Helpful Beginner’s Guide
- 25 Expert Tips for Renting an RV for the First Time
- 17 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an RV for Your Family Vacation
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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