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No Gear, No Problem: 4 Rental Services That Make Camping Easy

Whether you’re not ready to invest in a garage full of gear or simply don’t have room to store it all, these rental companies will equip you with top-of-the-line tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and more..

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Get everything you need for your next camping trip without spending thousands of dollars.

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With sleeping bag sunsets and morning coffee in the pines, a weekend camping trip is the stuff of summertime dreams. But for many first-time campers —and anyone with limited storage space—buying everything you need for a stint in the great outdoors can seem like an impossible hurdle.

Enter camping gear rentals: While some will let you rent one or two items missing from your packing checklist , others will bundle everything you need for a camping trip into a campground-ready box, then deliver it to your doorstep or your destination (including hotels or Airbnbs). Each of these outfitters swaps out gear on a regular basis to keep the selection up to date, which makes rentals a great way to test the latest camping gear before investing in your own. While all equipment gets a thorough cleaning between each trip, sleeping bags and sleeping pads get special attention: Those are whisked to a professional cleaner or treated with an anti-microbial spray before heading back into the field.

So whether you’re dreaming of a campsite on the beach or exploring a national park , don’t let your lack of a good sleeping bag stop you. Instead, use one of these companies to rent camping gear.

• Where : Portland, OR, for local pickup; ships nationwide
• What : Fully equipped camping setups with premium gear, plus a free campsite concierge service
• How much : From $149 for one to three days, plus $50 for round-trip shipping

Portland-based Xscape Pod rents comprehensive camping “pods” that include a tent, 30-degree sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping pad, camp chairs, headlamp, and fire starter, and it packs all your supplies into hard-sided pods that are easy to slide into the trunk of a car. Campsite chefs will appreciate well-appointed cooking kits with camp stove, cooler, lightweight pots, pocket knives, and roasting skewers. (Hello, s’mores!)

For backcountry adventures, it also offers a backpacking pod , which includes a backpack and other, lightweight camping gear to set you up for an overnight trek in the woods. Additionally, you can rent gear à la carte if you’re only missing an item or two.

Xscape Pod packs all the gear you need for a camping trip into one easy-to-transport box.

Courtesy of Xscape Pod

What it costs

Pods start at $149 for one person and $199 for two people for a one- to three-day trip. Shipping is included for orders $349 and over. Otherwise, nationwide round-trip FedEx shipping is a flat rate of $50. Pods arrive the day before your start date; if you choose a one-day rental, you’ll have until 6 p.m. the day after your departure date to get your gear in the mail using a return shipping label.

Going to Portland, Oregon ? You can pick up a pod at Xscape Pod headquarters to save on shipping costs.

Outdoors Geek

• Where : Local pickup available in Denver, CO; ships nationwide
• What : Customizable packages tailored to basic camping, glamping, and family outings
• How much : From $69 for one to three days, plus shipping

Most gear rental companies offer a few types of prepacked camping kits, but variety is where Denver-based Outdoors Geek shines, starting with budget-friendly basic packages that include a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. On the other end of the spectrum are luxe, glamping-inspired setups with a two-person sleeping bag, a table and chairs, and a spacious Santa Fe bell tent. The eight-person tents supplied in family camping packages sleep your entire clan, and you can add kid-pleasing games and hot chocolate too.

If you already own some gear, Outdoors Geek is also a good place to rent extras—its comprehensive gear collection dwarfs that of other outlets and features big-name brands such as Marmot, the North Face, MSR, and Big Agnes.

Related The Best Campsites Near Major U.S. Cities

Basic camping packages with a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag start at $69 for a one- to three-day rental period, while stylish “fancy camping” kits are $268 and up. Round-trip, nationwide UPS shipping is extra, or you can pick up your kit at Outdoor Geek’s Denver location.

Arrive Outdoors

• Where : Local pickup and delivery in Los Angeles, CA; ships nationwide
• What : Premium equipment, cushy extras, and service from on-call staff
• How much : $187 for one to three days, plus free shipping

Arrive Outdoors in Los Angeles is a gear rental service that stocks equipment from Marmot, Nemo, Black Diamond, and other top brands, and its sustainability-driven mission helped the company snag Outdoor Retailer’s 2019 Inspiration Award . Pick the gear you want item by item or order camping packages that bundle basics with creature comforts like Helinox camp chairs, heavy-duty Yeti coolers , and full cooking kits. Or go even bigger and build a chic site equipped with hammocks, solar-powered mood lighting, and a stainless-steel grill that turns your campfire into an open-air barbecue.

Arrive Outdoors also has on-call staff who can help with gear selection and trip-planning advice by phone or chat.

Generously stocked, one-person camping sets start at $187 for one to three days. Round-trip FedEx shipping is included for orders over $49 and in-store pickup and local delivery are available in Los Angeles.

Don’t worry about stuffing a tent into your carry-on luggage—most rental gear companies will deliver to FedEx boxes and hotels.

Photo by Patrick Hendry/Unsplash.com

• Where : Nationwide
• What : Convenient in-person camping rentals
• How much : Starting at $114 for members; $171 for nonmembers for a basic, two-person car camping kit

With 168 locations in 39 states across the United States, REI is one of the easiest places to rent camping gear from—especially if you need it ASAP. REI rentals come either à la carte—great if all you need is a bear canister or an extra camping chair—or as part of a kit, complete with tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, coolers, chairs, table, and headlamps. You can generally expect to receive REI-brand gear, like the REI Co-op Half-Dome tent, though some stores may be able to swap for a different brand if you want to test something specific.

The only downside is that not all REI rental locations take online reservations (you have to call to check on availability and reserve gear) and they don’t ship gear like the companies mentioned above. However, for last-minute adventures and small odds-and-ends, REI’s convenience and affordability is hard to beat for campers who live near a store with this option.

A basic two-person car camping kit from REI starts at $114 for the first night and $27 for each additional night for members, $171 for the first night and $40 for each additional night for nonmembers.

Other ways to camp if you don’t own gear

Renting a camping gear kit is a flexible, low-effort way to test out camping for the first time, or avoid loading up your checked luggage while flying to your destination. However, there are other ways to spend a night outdoors, even if you don’t own the equipment.

Rent a fully equipped camper van or RV

If you’re spending the night at a drive-in campsite, you could skip the tent entirely and rent a fully equipped camper van or RV for your camping adventure. Many developed campgrounds throughout the United States, including those at national and state parks , have special sites to accommodate RVs (although you should check on the park’s website before making a reservation).

Camper vans are a little more flexible because you can usually park them in standard, non-RV campsites. For both, rental companies like the West Coast’s Native Campervans and New York–based Wayward Campers provide everything you need—stove, bed, fridge or cooler—to spend a night (or more) comfortably outdoors.

Read more: Where and How to Rent an RV in the U.S.

Book a campsite that comes with a tent

What if we said that you could book a campsite that comes with a fully set-up and equipped tent? At the signature glamping sites on Tentrr —available in over 40 states—that’s exactly what you get: A ready-to-sleep-in safari-style tent, complete with other camping essentials like chairs, grill, and a bed. Although the platform generally works with private landowners, you can find several of its setups in state parks in Maine and New York .

This article was originally published on July 17, 2019; it was updated with new information on May 11, 2021. Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.

>>Next: You Can Now Go Glamping at These 4 New York State Parks

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Everything You Need to Know About Renting Tents

By Emily Kantner

If your next camping trip takes you on a cross-country flight, stuffing a bulky tent into your luggage just might not be practical. Or maybe you haven’t invested in a four-season family tent just yet and would like to try before you buy. If you’re on the fence about whether to bring or borrow, here’s what you need to know about renting a tent. 

How do you rent tents?

Most serious campers own a tent lineup to cover a wide range of group sizes and weather conditions. They’ll usually jump through hoops to transport a trusted tent rather than roll the dice on a shelter that’s been put through the wringer by other renters. For occasional campers, though, renting a piece of gear once a year instead is relatively common. 

But booking a tent rental adds another piece to the logistics puzzle when planning a camping trip. While you’ll typically have to reserve a campsite directly through the park or campground, these locations don’t often offer the option to rent tents or other camping essentials. You’ll likely need to rent from a local outfitter or nationwide gear company. 

REI’s rental program allows adventurers to pick up tents and other camping gear at brick and mortar locations in some of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations throughout the country. This is one of the most convenient and affordable options if available where you’re heading, but hours of operation and availability may be limited. 

Other companies such as OutdoorsGeek , LowerGear Outdoors , Xscape Pod , and Arrive Outdoors can ship tents and other outdoor gear directly to your destination. Once the rental period is over, you simply slap a prepaid return shipping label on the box and drop it off at a shipping partner location. 

What are some common tent rental policies? 

What if a zipper breaks, a pole snaps or a critter claws its way into that tent you’re renting at a premium? Each rental company has slightly different policies, but generally, you could be on the hook for the full retail price of the tent if you return it with anything beyond normal wear and tear. You can opt to add gear insurance from most rental companies to minimize risk for a nominal fee. 

If inclement weather forces you to ditch your plans at the last minute, you’ll probably pay a cancellation fee. If you return your tent after the deadline, you’ll probably pay a late fee. And if you send it back damp or dirty, you’ll probably pay a cleaning fee. 

Be sure to read all terms and conditions before renting a tent. 

How much does renting a tent cost?

The brand and size of tent you choose will affect the rental price, but you can get a solid four-person tent (that would retail for $350-$500) for a full week in the $50-$100 range from most companies. If you’re not renting from a location where you can pick the tent up in person, expect to pay another $50 for shipping. 

Many rental companies offer gear packages, so you can also get sleeping bags and other camping essentials along with your tent and save by bundling these items together. 

Some companies allow you to buy the tent if you like it and will deduct the rental fee from the final price. This is a nice option if you want to test drive gear before you splurge. 

Renting a tent isn’t overly expensive. But if you struggle to take care of gear or stick to a schedule, you could rack up a lot of fees that end up costing you more in the long run. 

When should you rent a tent or BYO?

If you already own a quality tent built for the conditions you’ll be facing and can transport it to your camping destination without too much trouble, taking it with you is a better bet than renting. 

But renting can be a much better option in some scenarios:  

• You own a tent but need one designed for different conditions or a larger group.  
• The inconvenience of getting your tent to the destination outweighs the cost of renting one.
• You don’t own a tent and don’t have the space or means to store one.  
• You only rarely use a tent so buying one isn’t worth the investment. 
• You’d like to test out a couple options before buying a tent. 

Do your research and crunch some numbers to make the best choice for your next camping trip!

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How to rent camping and hiking gear for your next outdoor adventure

If buying and storing expensive equipment is not for you, these companies offer gear rentals for everything from backpacking to family glamping

By Roadtrippers

I recently faced a bit of a camping conundrum. I was about to leave on a 9-day motorcycle road trip, where I’d be camping for a couple of nights and then staying in hotels the rest of the trip. With very limited storage opportunities on the bike, lugging around camping gear I didn’t need wasn’t ideal. 

The solution? I decided to rent the camping gear I needed for the first few nights, and then ship it back before continuing on with the trip. I picked up my kit—which included a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad—at a FedEx location a few miles from my campsite, and dropped it back off when I was done. While my situation isn’t necessarily the typical scenario of someone looking to rent gear for a road trip or outdoor adventure, it ended up being an easy and affordable solution. 

There are many reasons to consider renting gear for a camping trip, backpacking excursion, or other adventure. Perhaps you live in the city and have limited options for storing equipment, or you want to try a new activity before committing to purchasing expensive gear. Maybe you’re traveling to a new destination and want to avoid carrying along the extra luggage. 

Whatever your reason, and whatever your activity, you have options. Here are a few of the companies leading the charge in outdoor gear rentals in the U.S. 

Where to rent camping and hiking gear

Arrive outdoors.

California-based Arrive Outdoors offers camping, hiking, and winter gear for rent. Gear is offered as curated sets for specific activities—like backpacking or camping—or a la carte. You can choose to have your rentals delivered to your home, hotel, or a FedEx location. “Similar to Rent the Runway, we partner directly with premium outdoor gear brands and offer their gear for rent on our platform,” says Rachelle Snyder, CEO and co-founder of Arrive.

Since launching as a rental platform, the company has expanded to power rental programs for outdoor retailers such as Dicks’s Sporting Goods and Eddie Bauer. It also works with several state park systems, and recently started offering snowboard rentals in partnership with Burton. 

Related Arrive wants to make camping more affordable and sustainable by delivering gear directly to your home or destination

Outdoor retail giant REI offers gear rentals through many of its stores. Depending on which location you reserve through, you may be able to rent anything from mountain bikes and climbing gear to kayaks and skis, in addition to a variety of camping, hiking, and seasonal gear. REI Co-Op members can save up to 33 percent on rentals. Find participating stores here .

RightOnTrek

Outdoor adventure startup RightOnTrek is based in Montana and offers backpacking meals, adventure planning tools, and gear rentals. With its new Wilderness Edge facility in Columbia Falls, just outside of Glacier National Park, the company is taking a different approach to gear rentals. The facility essentially functions as a big vending machine, open 24/7, where walk-in customers can rent gear—and purchase meals—on demand through an automated locker system, no reservation required. It’s also possible to reserve gear online and pick it up at one of the company’s three locations in the Glacier area.   

While RightOnTrek currently doesn’t offer nationwide rentals, the goal is to expand beyond Glacier. “We would like to build a Wilderness Edge close to all of the major national parks in the country” says David Diehl, RightOnTrek’s director of gear and delivery services. “From here, we’ll probably move south toward the Yellowstone area, and then toward California, Utah, and Colorado after that.”

Related Planning a trip to Glacier National Park

LowerGear Outdoors

Arizona-based LowerGear Outdoors has retail store locations in Tempe and Lake Havasu, focusing on trail and water sports. It also offers nationwide gear rentals through its online platform . You can choose from packages designed for backpacking or family camping, or go the a la carte route. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available for local pickup.    

As seen on Shark Tank , Kit Lender offers equipment and apparel rentals for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including snow sports, triathlons, and camping. Renters can choose from complete kits designed specifically for car camping , traveling with dogs, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and more, and sizes offered range from toddler to adult. Kits are delivered straight to your destination and include free shipping and returns. 

Outdoors Geek

Outdoors Geek is based in Denver, Colorado, but ships its outdoor rental equipment anywhere in the U.S. In addition to its standard camping, backpacking, and hiking gear options, the company also offers glamping tents and packages. Choose from yurts, safari tents, and dome tents, along with glamping beds and bunk bed cots, for an elevated DIY camping experience .

Meet the Author

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

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How and Where to Rent Camping Gear Anywhere in the U.S.

With Instagram and social media helping to create an astronomical upswing in tourism to both state and national parks and monuments, camping, often hand-in-hand with park visits, is also on the rise. And as budget airlines with hubs within driving distance (or at least epic road trip distances!) away from parks, a slew of companies are popping up around the country offering ways to rent camping gear and  other essentials  for a range of outdoor needs.

Alternatively, as more folks are curious about the outdoor lifestyle and quality gear is anything but budget-friendly, folks are using gear rental companies as a way to try-before-they-buy. There is, of course, cheap camping gear readily available for last-minute trips, but these companies are not concerned with quality, and the result is that poorly-made gear ends up in a landfill not long after purchase.

If you care about the environment in which you’re exploring, this is a big deal. The option of trying a quality, albeit more pricey, item out allows you to make smart purchases down the road…effectively putting your money where your mouth is.

How To Save Money And Rent Camping Gear Across the U.S.

No matter what your recreational plans are, these companies offer ways to rent camping gear that will fit even the most basic needs. Many of these companies will ship their gear nationally, if you’re looking to rent a specific item from any of these outfitters.

A note from the author: as research was conducted for the purposes of this article, I discovered that many colleges have an outdoor gear rental system. Some rent gear only to college students, others to community members and visitors. If you’re able to go this route, rental prices are super affordable. Availability is limited and there might be a catch if you’re not a student, but prices are incredibly low. It might be worth it to do a quick search of the area colleges to see what you can find.

New York City: Duffle Out

Camping around New York City can be a complicated endeavor for those who call The Big Apple “home.” Camping gear just takes up too much space in compact city apartments. But Duffle Out makes things much easier. Based out of Brooklyn, Duffle Out keeps it simple with everything you need to go camping, all packed in a convenient duffle bag. Why use up all your closet space when you could rent instead? Just tell them the number of people and the number of nights, and they take care of the rest. Duffle Out drops off the bags and picks them up at the conclusion of your trip.

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The Midwest: Rocktown Adventures

There’s a common saying about the Midwest that’s both wrong and unfair: these states are just fly-over states. Nothing could be further from the truth. With some pretty spectacular outdoor scenery (think: endless undulating fields, enormous skies, and stunning hikes in their own right), the Midwest has some of the best camping in the US.

If you’re new to camping, in need of gear, or visiting the Midwest to see the beauty for yourself, Rocktown Adventures has quality gear and affordable prices–prices can be by the day, long weekend, or full week. They have multiple tent styles and sizes to choose from, cooking stoves, and more.

• MSR Cook Sets
• Big Agnes Tents
• Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Pad Combo
• and more…

The South: Mountain High Outfitters

With multiple locations in three prime southern states, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, Mountain High Outfitters is the gear rental company for whatever southern adventure you’re planning. In addition to tents, backpacks, and other typical camping gear rental items, Mountain High Outfitters rents directly from select stores.

As a bonus, whatever gear you cannot rent (we doubt you’ll have this problem, though), you can buy in-store whatever products you need. They carry top outdoor brands for your gear needs, such as Chaco, Patagonia, Marmot, and Hydro Flask.

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Northwest Mountain States: Big Boys Toys Rentals

Image from The Dyrt camper Alison C.

In the more mountainous, landlocked region of what is still considered the northwest, Montana is a bucket-list kind of state for outdoor lovers and adventure fiends. For whatever adventure you’re about to embark on here, if you need to rent camping gear, Big Boys Toys has you covered. Offering rentals from the most low-key to extreme outdoor activities (they even rent ATVs!), prices are relatively affordable (a two person tent rental starting at $9/day).

• Four-Wall Camping Tent
• Bear Spray & Electric Fencing
• Cylinder Charcoal Stove

Southwest: Basecamp Outdoor Gear

If you’re flying into Vegas and adventuring from there, Basecamp Outdoor Gear is the gear rental company you’re going to want to use. They have top of the line gear, super friendly and accommodating owners, and bonus, you’ll be supporting a small, local, start-up company.

Pick-up is easy: they’re located less than a mile from McCarran International Airport. They have various options for gear outfitting packages, such as all of the necessary gear needed for a successful hike down into the Grand Canyon. Everything you need comes packed neatly in a tote that’s easy to load and unload. They have everything from baby backpack carriers to top-of-the-line headlamps, multiple-sized tents, camp chairs, and stove, fuel, and cooking accessories.

• Double Nest Hammock
• Child Carrier Backpack
• Camping Stove Fuel

California: Wilderness Trio

With free local delivery and quality brands, Wilderness Trio has all of your must-rent camping gear items for a dream camping trip from a California base. The outfitter has operations working out of SoCal and NorCal, and offer tent rentals, sleeping gear, backpacks, and even snowshoes, if you’re planning on an escape to the mountains. Going backpacking? On top of appropriate rental gear, you can also purchase water filtration and backpacking food.

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Pacific Northwest: Xscape Pod

Image from Xscapepod

For those heading to the Pacific Northwest Region of the West Coast, Xscape Pod is your go-to gear rental company. They offer national shipping, local delivery, or store-front pick-up in their Portland, Oregon space.

The idea is simple: if you need to rent camping gear for the short-term, Xscape Pod has created the perfect pod-like package for your camping needs. Each pod includes everything you’ll need for a fun camping trip (minus the munchies!).

What does this look like ? An expertly packed pod, packed with such items as a tent, hammock, sleeping bags, camping stove and cookware.

• Winter Camping Pod with Snowshoes and Trekking Poles
• Camping Pod with Cooler, Sleeping Bags and Tent
• Backpacking Pod with Lightweight Gear & Backpacking Pack

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When Tana isn't adventuring in the outdoors, she's writing about adventuring in the outdoors. Based out of the East Coast, Tana has traveled extensively throughout the US and abroad. Despite her travels, or perhaps because of them, she is in a constant state of wanderlust. She's excited to be a part of The Dyrt team, where she can marry her love of writing with her love of nature.

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• Meet the Owner of LowerGear
• REI Rental Comparison
• Take These on Any Wilderness Trip
• Which Gear to Rent for Your Backpacking Trip
• Selecting the Right Backpack to Rent
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• What size rental tent is best for me?
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• Suggestions on Using and Renting Hiking Poles
• Tips on Rest and Sleeping on Camping Trips
• How to Setup a Tent and Select a Camp Site.
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Rent Camping Tents at Affordable Prices

We rent high-quality tents for camping and backpacking with our popular nationwide shipping program or via our local pickup option at our Tempe, Arizona retail store.  We stock all sizes of camping tents for most any scenario.  For instance, we carry family tents for larger parties, lightweight tents for t...

We rent high-quality tents for camping and backpacking with our popular nationwide shipping program or via our local pickup option at our Tempe, Arizona retail store.  We stock all sizes of camping tents for most any scenario.  For instance, we carry family tents for larger parties, lightweight tents for the weight-conscious ounce-counter, and the in-between onces for the rest of us. We've got them all, but not so many as to get you confused with too many choices. We bounce around a bit in the tents brands we rent, but in recent years have stuck with a few select, high quality tents by Alps Mountaineering for car-camping styles, and Big Sky International for backpacking tents. Our big canvas bell tents are from Stout Tents.  All tents are shipped to you clean, with no smells, tears or holes, and are easy to setup. All tents are already seam-sealed, so if it rains, you will stay dry. These tents are much better quality than the cheapies you find a sporting goods store and at most rental outlets. Here's what to look for:

• The listed capacity for a given tent means there is enough room in the tent for that many adults, typically sleeping on a standard size mattress pad, and yes,  we rent mattress pads   
• But don't expect lots of extra room if you're at the rated capacity, especially in the backpacking lines - a 3-person backpacking tent is more realistically sized for 2.5 persons.
• Going out by yourself or in a group where everyone is packing their own tent? Check out our one- and two-person backpacking tents.
• Have a partner you want to (or at least are willing to) share a tent with? Try the two- or two+ person backpacking tents if you are headed down the trail, or otherwise any of the car-camping tents if weight and size are no issue. If the latter, we suggest getting the biggest tent your budget allows; there's no point being cramped.
• Most of the backpacking tents are free-standing - that is, they do not require staking - but some do. Free-standing ones are sometimes more convenient and easy to setup and move around, but are usually heavier for their size and may cost a bit more. The descriptions under each item will specify.
• Taking the family gang out to the great outdoors for a weekend camping adventure? Take a look at our 4 - 6 person free-standing tents to see which one best meets your needs. Suggestion - for more comfort, rent the tent rated at least one-person capacity greater than your planned number of campers - so if for example there are 4 adults going camping, rent at least a 5-person tent so you'll have some extra elbow room for you and your gear.  Learn more about tent size.
• If you're headed out into potentially gnarly weather - high winds, lots of rain, or several inches of snow is a possibility - rent our four-season tent. It's more expensive than our standard "3-season" tents, but it's pretty darn bomb-proof.
• The tents and all of our gear are all pretty easy to setup, but we have some videos to make it simpler still.   Included are some videos on our tents that may be helpful, including this one on our car-camping dome tent models .

Read thru each product description to learn more about our offerings. We have lots of advice about the great outdoors including more information on tents and shelters for camping and backpacking such as how to choose the best tent and how to find and make a good camp site. Feel free to call us anytime at 480-348-8917 with any question about your camping and backpacking gear rental needs!

Tents for Camping and Backpacking  --> There are 16 products in this category listed below. See photos, descriptions and specs.

Rental Rate Range

Rent Tent - 1-person Size for Backpacking Rent Tent - 1-person Size for Backpacking

Lightest option for one person . . . Lightest option for one person . . .

Rent Tent - 2-person Size for Backpacking Rent Tent - 2-person Size for Backpacking

Lightweight but cozy for two, or one plus gear . . . Lightweight but cozy for two, or one...

Rent Tent - 2-Person Free-Standing for Car Camping Rent Tent - 2-Person Free-Standing for Car...

About 7 pounds; 5' wide and 4' at peak . . .  About 7 pounds; 5' wide and 4' at...

Rent Tent - Four-Season, All Weather for Extreme Conditions Rent Tent - Four-Season, All Weather for...

Extra support poles and durability for snow or high winds . . .  Extra support poles and durability...

Rent Tent - 2+ person (2.5) Size for Backpacking Rent Tent - 2+ person (2.5) Size for...

Lightweight but a little extra room for two plus gear . . . Lightweight but a little extra room...

Rent Tent - 3-Person Family Size for Car Camping Rent Tent - 3-Person Family Size for Car...

About 9 pounds; 6.5' wide and 4'+ at peak . . . About 9 pounds; 6.5' wide and 4'+ at...

Rent tent-Mons Peak 3 or 4 Man Hybrid for Backpacking Rent tent-Mons Peak 3 or 4 Man Hybrid for...

Specialty hybrid tent when you need more room without all the added weight . . .  Specialty hybrid tent when you need...

Rent Tent - 4-Person Family Size for Car Camping Rent Tent - 4-Person Family Size for Car...

About 12 pounds; 8.5' wide and 5' at peak . . . About 12 pounds; 8.5' wide and 5' at...

Rent Tent - 5-Person Family Size for Car Camping Rent Tent - 5-Person Family Size for Car...

About 15 pounds; 10' wide and 6' at peak . . . About 15 pounds; 10' wide and 6' at...

Rent Tent - 6-Person Family Size for Car Camping Rent Tent - 6-Person Family Size for Car...

About 18 pounds; 10' wide and 6' at peak . . . About 18 pounds; 10' wide and 6' at...

• All about LowerGear's outdoor gear business

Retail Locations

How to Rent Everything You Need for Your Next Camping Trip

You don’t have to buy a tent to sleep in one..

Although camping is considered a cheap-and-cheerful accommodation option, sleeping under the stars can be shockingly pricey when you factor in the cost of a tent , sleeping pads and bags, a camp stove, portable chairs , a cooler — The list could continue . It takes time and a few trips to build out your kit. Until then, you can rent.

Renting camping equipment is a good way to get outside without spending a fortune, but it's also handy when you fly to a destination to camp and don't want to deal with packing your own gear, or if you want to test drive an item before buying it.

But how exactly can you borrow everything you need? Whether you're planning a laid-back family car camping adventure or a multi-day backpacking expedition in the mountains, here are all the places where you can rent some gear—and a little bit of guidance on being a good borrower.

National retailers

Perhaps the most widely known and trusted brand that rents out camping gear is REI . The outdoor retail giant rents out the works, from bikes to bear canisters, at select locations throughout the US. In terms of camping gear, you get your pick of one- to six-person tents, accessories (cooking essentials, chairs, lanterns, etc.), and even entire backpacking kits that come with the backpack included. REI's rental rates range from $4 to $163 per night, depending on the gear's value.

Public Lands , a spinoff of Dick's Sporting Goods, also has a rental program based out of its seven retail locations around the country. And  Outdoors Geek , though it has just one brick-and-mortar retail store (located in Denver), claims to have the largest supply of camping and backpacking rental gear in the US—all available online and deliverable to anywhere in the country.

Local outfitters

To support a small business, check out San Francisco's  Last Minute Gear . It ships everything from tents to headlamps nationally, even offering to deliver throughout the Bay Area by bike courier (Have you ever heard of anything more San Francisco?). To get an idea of pricing, you can rent a Mountain Hardwear backpacking tent worth about $500 for a week for just $50. Your money will automatically go into a rent-to-buy program in case you rent so many times that you would have been better off buying. If you’re seeking out an even cheaper option, Last Minute runs a community borrowing program, but it's only available in stores. SF-based renters can also check out Sports Basement , which offers delivery via DoorDash.

Luckily for those based outside of San Francisco, there are other locally owned businesses with rental offerings all over the country. These include LowerGear (out of Tempe, Arizona), Gear for Adventure (Buffalo, New York), Rocktown Adventures (Rockford, Illinois),  Basecamp Outdoor Gear (Las Vegas, Nevada),  Mountain High Outfitters (across the South),  Eastern Mountains Sports (across the Northeast), and  RightOnTrek (operating a self-service gear rental vending machine in Columbia Falls, Montana). But that’s really only the start, so be sure to research outfitters in your area to find others near you.

Online rental marketplaces

Outside of the retail space, there are now a bounty of companies exclusively in the business of renting. Kit Lender , a Shark Tank success, is a reputable one offering full and partial kits for car camping and backpacking for up to 12 people (cooking needs, tents, chairs, backpacks, and sleeping bags included). Individual items are available as well. Kit Lender charges a per-day rate, starting at $2 for a cooking set or an inflatable pillow and going up to $500+ for a 12-person setup. Shipping is usually free.

Kits are to Kit Lender as pods are to  Xscape Pod . Following a similar model, the latter will pack tents, sleeping bags and pads, camp chairs, headlamps and lanterns, a first aid kit, a fire starter, and more into a duffel bag or cooler and deliver it to you anywhere in the contiguous US. Pods are available for both car camping and backpacking, for one to eight people. Or you can rent items à la carte.

Libraries and libraries of things

Check out a drill, a book, and a tent at the same time with just your library card. Libraries of things are lifesavers when it comes to borrowing household tools, electronics, and recreational equipment, including—yep—outdoor gear. Inventory varies by library, so you’ll need to check the catalog of your local library of things to see what’s available.

Libraries of things are often operated by traditional libraries, but keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. An example: Cincinnati, Ohio's  Queen City Thingery . Run by the environmental education organization Imago , this "thingery" has hiking packs, stoves, tents, sleeping bags, and a hammock available for a small fee (no more than $13).

College students should also check their school libraries and campus recreation organizations for borrowing opportunities.

Community gear sharing

Neighbors are good for more than just cups of sugar or some local gossip. People in your area can list camping equipment and accessories for loan on sites like  FriendWithA , GeerGarage , and Quiptu . You'll pay a set amount per day and connect with a neighbor through the site to coordinate pickup.

Another source,  Loanables , will connect you with an individual or company located anywhere in the States. For example, you can borrow a satellite phone for your off-grid camping trip for $5 a day from a random person in Utah and they'll ship it to you.

Campsites with gear included

If you've ever reached your campsite and desperately wished the tent would assemble itself, then you might like  Tentrr , a peer-to-peer rental platform kind of like Airbnb but just for camping. Tentrr campsites from Texas to Maine mostly come with safari-style tents already set up (There are some exceptions that require campers to bring their own equipment, but they’re all clearly marked on the website).

If this kind of don’t-lift-a-finger campsite setup appeals to you, but you already have a campsite in mind, there are even companies that will lug the gear out to you, set it up, and tear it down. Don't believe it? Google  Zion Camping Rental and get to planning a trip to southwest Utah.

What to expect when renting camping gear

Many gear rental platforms will require a security deposit for high-value items. Sometimes, they'll also require a damage waiver—Think of it as insurance. Unlike security deposits, damage waivers are not returned after the rental goes back.

To make sure you’re not blamed for any existing damage, note the condition of every item before using it, and take photos of anything that’s not in perfect condition. If you can, be sure to test the gear with the owner or a company representative before taking it home—and at the very least, test it out before your trip. This way, you can be sure you know how to use it and nothing's missing.

Finally, make every effort to return gear in the same condition it was received. Camping trips can get pretty gnarly, so be sure to clean and dry your rental gear properly to prevent it from molding in storage. And if you accidentally break something (it happens!), just do the owner a solid and let them know. Honesty is the best policy in the world of gear rental.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Rooftop Tents for Rent

Please use our  online rental calendar  for pricing, availability, and reservation..

Our rooftop tents can be mounted to the teardrop trailer or directly on top of your vehicle using standard, flat roof rack’s cross bars, such as Thule or Yakima.  Roof top tents cannot be mounted to the factory curved cross bars that come stock on most vehicles.  Setup is measured in seconds, and all your bedding is stored inside.  You’ll never want to go back to a ground tent again! 

OTG Rooftop Tent, mounted on a Dodge Ram with a Leitner Bed Rack

Inside the OTG Rooftop Tent

OTG Rooftop Tent fully setup

Your camp will setup in seconds!

Otg roof top tent.

Our OTG tent offers easy opening gas struts, memory foam mattress, 2 doors, padded interiors, and a sturdy ladder. To open, simply remove the straps and the tent opens in seconds!

The outer fiberglass shell and ripstop canvas sides make for a dry, waterproof sleeping area. The telescoping ladder can be used on both sides with easy access through the wide side doors.   OTG Tent dimensions 57″W x 85″L x 12″H Closed, 57″W x 85″L x 39″H Open.  120lbs.  Installation and removal fees apply.

Standard features include:

• Built in 2.5 inch foam mattress
• 3 doors – one each side and one in the rear of the tent
• Adjustable height aluminum ladder
• Front facing, screened window
• Full mosquito netting and covers against wind or rain
• 2 small arched windows for ventilation and reduction of condensation
• Arched zippers on the windows with rain covers.
• Simple, adjustable locking straps.
• Spacious roof mounted storage net.
• Internal roof mounted LED light

Airtop Roof Top Tent: Medium 2 person tent

The AirTop offers ease of opening, three doors, great interior space, and the warmth, comfort and durability. To open, simply remove the latch straps and the tent opens instantaneously! Instant Comfort!

The AirTop has a lift system based on articulated gas rams that eliminates the scissors lift and crank of the standard crank up tents. This enables easy, rapid set-up and provides 7″ more usable interior space. Features a rear entry door in addition to the two side doors, the huge window opening the front end of the tent, and a new shell design for extra strength.  Medium AirTop dimensions 57″W x 83″L x 13″H Closed, 57″W x 83″L x 37″H Open.  130lbs.  Installation and removal fees apply.

Standard Air Top features include:

Since 2014, over 2K adventures have happened in our teardrop camper trailers and roof top tents.  Make your adventure plans today! 

Customer Service (call or text):

(949) 234-7223

Quick Links

• Teardrop Camper Trailer Features
• Roof Top Tent Rentals
• The Hookup - OTG Blog

2 Locations in Southern California

Saddleback Automotive Service Center 375 Bristol St #30 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: (714) 662-3838

SoCal Teardrops 9421 Feron Blvd.  Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Phone: (909) 982-1199

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Off The Grid Rentals ™️

21 Camper Van Rental Companies for Your US Road Trip

Rent an adventuremobile from one of these camper van rental companies & choose from Sprinters, Vanagons, Ford Transits, Sportsmobiles & more!

Looking for a camper van rental so you can check off multiple National Parks in one big road trip without dealing with hotels or setting up a tent every night? Or maybe you’re thinking about #vanlife, but you’re not 100% sure you want to commit fully? A campervan rental for your next US road trip will give you the opportunity to experience van life, get off the beaten path, and have a more spontaneous adventure.

With the increasing popularity of van life, camper van rental companies are popping up across the country so no matter where you’d like to adventure, there’s a good chance you’ll find a campervan rental near you.

To help you find the right camper van rental for your next road trip, in this roundup we share an extensive list of camper van rental companies in the US, including options from east to west. We break down locations, the types of vans available, pricing, and more so you can narrow down your search.

Also, before you go, check out our Van Life 101 guide to learn more about van life whether for a short-term stint via a camper van rental or if you’re looking to do van life longer term. And be sure to grab our packing checklist below as well!

Van Life Packing Checklist

Get this free PDF that will help you pack up your van in a jiffy.

Why Rent a Camper Van?

Renting a camper van can provide an elevated road trip experience by pairing some of the comforts of home with the freedom of the open road.

With a camper van, you’ll have everything you need with you including a bed, kitchen, indoor seating space, and in some cases, even a bathroom. There’s no need to set up camp and pitch a tent every night, so you’ll have the flexibility to camp in more places and will be able to move around more easily.

Plus, depending on where you want to travel, daily rental fees may be cheaper than a hotel room, and you can also save by cooking your own meals since most rental camper vans come with a sink, cooking equipment, fridge (or at least a cooler), and a stove.

Many people also rent a camper van to give van life a try before diving in and committing to buying a van themselves. It’s also a great way to test out a certain type of camper van model and layout to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Considerations for Renting a Campervan

With the growing popularity of van life, there are a growing number of camper van rental companies out there offering campervan rentals of all types for all budgets. That means you’ve got a good chance of finding a campervan rental at the right price for you.

Base pricing generally includes a certain number of daily miles (usually starting at 100 miles/day included, sometimes more) with an additional cost per mile if you go over.

Camper van rental companies often provide basics like bedding, camp chairs, a camp table, and cooking supplies although this varies and may not be included in some of the more budget campervan rentals. Most camper van rental companies also offer add-ons for an extra fee such as portable toilets, rooftop tents, and bike racks.

Be aware that you may need to pay a deposit and cleaning fee in addition to the rental fee, so be sure to read the company’s FAQs or discuss this with them before booking.

Seating & Sleeping Space

You’ll want to make sure the rental camper van you’re looking at can safely seat and sleep the number of people that you’ll be road tripping with. For example, some campervans have bench seating in the back, but these seats don’t always have seatbelts and aren’t meant to be used while driving.

Some campervan rentals offer a rooftop tent in addition to indoor sleeping space so you can have two separate sleeping areas. And some rental companies offer an add-on camping tent you can pitch if you need more sleeping space as well.

Read next: See the Best Campervan Layouts for Families to get some ideas on how to comfortably fit everyone.

Some camper van rental companies include a variety of amenities in their rental fee, and some offer them as add-ons for an additional fee . Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the price so you can plan accordingly.

From a fully stocked kitchen with a stove, cookware, and dishes to camp chairs, an outdoor table, and bedding, some camper van rentals come with all the amenities you need to cook and relax on your road trip.

On the other hand, some budget rental campervans are a little more bare bones so you’ll need to bring camping, cooking, and sleeping supplies with you.

You generally pay for what you get, so if you need the convenience of having all the amenities supplied (for example, if you’re flying to your destination and you don’t want to deal with bringing everything with you), then you’ll want to look for a campervan rental company who provides everything you need.

If you’ll be picking up a camper van near home and can load it up with everything you need for your trip, you can likely save some money by bringing your own gear.

Read next: For a full list of recommendations with photos and descriptions, check out my Van Life Essentials Guide .

Bathroom Facilities

Some camper van rentals come complete with a shower and toilet (usually a porta potty), and some don’t. If a bathroom is a must for you, make sure this is something you look for when searching for rentals, but be aware you’ll likely pay a little more as well.

If you plan to camp at campgrounds where bathrooms and showers are readily available, you can likely go without these luxuries and save some money. And if you plan on finding free campsites without facilities, you can likely get by with a portable shower and portable toilet system if you don’t mind roughing it a little.

We’ve noticed that most camper van rental companies will allow dogs for an additional fee , although there is one company on our list below that lets dogs join the adventure for free, and there are a few who don’t allow them at all.

Be sure to look into this before booking if you plan on road tripping with your dog .

Age Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to rent an RV or camper van in the US .

Many campervan rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers who are under the age of 25 due to additional insurance costs.

When looking into renting a camper van, you’ll want to look into insurance requirements and pricing as well. Some camper van rental companies include insurance in their daily rates, while some add on an additional daily fee for insurance .

Most camper van rental companies do not allow you to be covered by your personal auto policy or credit card for campervan rentals . This is because most basic auto policies do not cover campervans that are classified as Class B RVs. Be sure to check with your insurance company prior to booking a campervan rental and ask specifically if your policy includes Class B RV coverage.

One Way Campervan Rentals

Depending on your road trip plans, you may want to start in one location and end in another to make the most of your time and avoid backtracking. If that’s the case, check with the campervan rental company to see if they charge an additional fee for one-way rentals.

In some cases, we’ve seen rental companies offer discounts on certain one way routes when they need a van transported from one location to another – that’s something to look out for as well.

Peer-to-Peer Camper Van Rentals

With the rising popularity of van life, there are now a handful of peer-to-peer campervan rental companies where people rent out their own campervans – kind of like Airbnb but for camper van rentals. This allows owners to earn extra income by renting out their campervans when they’re not using them, and it gives travelers the chance to pick from a variety of campervan models, layouts, and interior designs.

These peer-to-peer campervan rental sites allow you to easily search for campervans available in your area or in the area you plan on traveling to.

Peer-to-peer camper van rental companies you’ll find on our complete list below include Outdoorsy and GoCamp . The rest of the companies on our list are all camper van rental companies that own a fleet of converted campervans.

How Much Does a Camper Van Rental Cost?

Camper van rentals can cost anywhere from $33 per day to upwards of $500 per day . Those rates often don’t include insurance or additional amenities you may want for your road trip. But the good news is, there are budget camper van rentals available if that’s what you’re looking for.

A few budget-friendly camper van rental companies you’ll find on our list below include:

Escape Campervans

• Lost Campers
• Voyager Campervans

Best US Camper Van Rental Companies

Now here is our list of the best camper van rental companies across the US rounded up by our team of van lifers.

Outdoorsy Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations:  All across the US by owner
• Types of camper vans: All
• Price: Varies

Outdoorsy is one of the leading peer-to-peer RV and camper van rental companies and is essentially like Airbnb but for campervan rentals. They connect RV and camper van owners with renters and their selection includes everything from vintage Airstreams, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as a variety of trailers and camper vans. Simply enter your location, dates, and the number of campers to see what’s available in your area.

Native Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas
• Types of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster camper vans
• Price: starting at $69/night

We love that Native Campervans classifies their rentals as “Biggie”, “Smalls”, and “Squad”. Biggie rides 2 and sleeps 2 with all the comforts of an RV. Smalls is smaller and sportier and sits and sleeps two. And last but not least, Squad (pictured above) has room to seat AND sleep 4 along with proper DOT-approved seating to keep the kiddies (and your favorite backseat drivers) safe.

Native Campervans include basics like bedding, camp chairs, a table, and cooking essentials. Rates start at $69 per night and they require a 3-night minimum.

Moterra Campervans

• Rental Locations: Jackson WY, Whitefish MT, San Francisco CA, Salt Lake City UT, Las Vegas NV, Seattle WA, Portland ME
• Type of camper vans: pop-top and high-roof Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $279/night

Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, locally-owned and operated Moterra Campervans offers high-end all-inclusive Sprinter camper van rentals across the United States. Both pop-tops and high-roof Sprinters are available in their fleet – all are 3 years old or less and built out by Sportsmobile. They include everything you need for your campervan road trip as a standard and also offer fully customized itineraries for those who want to take the stress out of planning their own campervan vacation.

Moterra’s pop-top vans accommodate 4 people with 2 double beds and have a full kitchen with an optional toilet. Their high-roof vans accommodate 2 and have a full kitchen and full bathroom complete with a hot water shower and a toilet. Rates start at $279/night and they have a 3-night minimum in the low season and a 5-night minimum in the high season.

• Rental Locations: Los Angeles CA, San Francisco CA, Las Vegas NV, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Salt Lake City UT, Denver CO, Phoenix AZ, Chicago IL, Orlando FL, New York NY
• Type of camper vans: Ford camper vans and Jeeps with rooftop tents
• Price: starting at $33/day

Escape Campervans is one of the largest campervan rental companies in the US with locations across the US and a fleet of more than 600 campervans converted in house. Each van is unique with hand painted designs which makes for some fun photos on your trip.

Escape Campervans offers 4 different models of converted Ford campervans, as well as a Jeep camper with a rooftop tent, that can seat and sleep anywhere from 2 to 5 people. Rates start at $33/day and they have a 3-14 day minimum depending on location, time of year, and whether you’re doing a round trip or one way camper van rental.

All their camper van rentals include a bed, dining area, sink, refrigerator, stove, and a dual battery system with solar. Extras like bedding, camping gear, and kitchen kits are available for an additional fee.

Escape Campervans are also available in Canada via Vancouver and Calgary.

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Mercedes Sprinter RV Rental

• Rental Locations: 28 locations throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington
• Types of camper vans: Luxury Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $2950/week

Departing from 28 locations in the Western US, this company solely offers Mercedes Sprinter luxury camper vans for rent. All their rental vans have full bathrooms with a shower, sink, and toilet. They also come with solar power and are decked out with ovens and TVs for late-night movies. These Mercedes Sprinter RV campervans can seat up to 7 people and sleep up to 4 people. Be prepared though–all of these amenities can run you about $400-$500 a night.

Peace Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Seattle, WA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Mercedes Sprinters, and Mercedes Metris pop-up campers
• Price: starting at $265/night

Based in Seattle, WA, Peace Vans Rentals offers Pacific Northwest campervan rentals, as well as limited one-way campervan rentals between Seattle, WA and Santa Cruz, CA. They rent out beautiful, classic VW Vanagons, each unique in their own way, as well as Mercedes Sprinters and Metris pop-up campers for those looking for something a bit more modern. They throw in lots of thoughtful extras like cookware, spices, wine glasses, a french press, fresh ground coffee, and more.

Pricing starts at $265 per night with a 4-night minimum in the shoulder season and a 6-night minimum in the high season.

Vintage Surfari Wagons

• Rental Locations:  Costa Mesa, CA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Eurovans, and Mercedes Metris camper vans
• Price: starting at $135/night

Ever dreamed of taking a vacation in a nostalgic Volkswagon camper bus? We have! Here is your opportunity to flashback to the 1970’s/80’s era with these great campervan rentals in the greater Los Angeles area. Vintage Surfari Wagons  has a fleet of buses, Vanagons, and Eurovans for rent from the 1970s-2000s plus Mercedes Metris campervans for those of you looking for something a little more modern. Rates start at $135 per night and they generally have a 2-night minimum.

Hawaii Surf Campers Rentals

• Rental Locations: Oahu, HI
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Ford Econolines, and Ford Transit camper vans
• Price: starting at $149/night

Hawaii Surf Campers offer a range of campervans for rent with a variety of Volkswagens to Ford Econolines and Transits that start at $149 a night. They offer airport pick-ups and drop-offs for a small fee and they provide their guests with a map of camping recommendations around the island.

One cool perk, they partner with a local surf school where you can get discounted lessons, and you can add a surfboard to any rental for an additional fee. If you also plan to visit Kauai on your trip, read more about whether or not it’s worth renting a van there  here .

Campervan North America Rental

• Rental Locations: Yellowstone/Bozeman, MT
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Promaster
• Price: starting at $100/night

Campervan North America offers 5 different camper van models to choose from, including a converted Dodge Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit. Many of their vans were purchased new and then converted so they’re peppier and have lower miles than some other options you might find.

Their vans sleep up to 5 people depending on the model. The interiors are clean and simple; some models have kitchens and baths and some don’t. During the high season, they have a 7-night minimum and a 4-night minimum rental for the rest of the year. Rates start at $100/night although they offer discounts for rental periods longer than 15 days.

VanCraft Sprinter Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Diego CA, Denver CO, and Salt Lake City UT
• Types of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $59/night

VanCraft offers 3 models of campervans for rent: long-wheelbase Sprinters, short-wheelbase Sprinters, and Micro Campervans. All of the vans include a full-sized bed, off-grid solar power, refrigerator, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor shower, and camping basics. You can also choose from add-ons like an optional toilet, bike rack, or rooftop tent

A major perk of this campervan rental is they are designed for all 4-season camping, so you can stay warm and cozy even in the coldest of temps. Rental rates start at under $59/day for their Micro Campervans and $135/day and up for their Sprinter models, and they have a 3-day minimum. Oh, and they also allow dogs at no extra charge!

GoCamp Campervans

• Rental locations: All across the US by owner

GoCamp is a peer-to-peer camper van rental platform that enables van owners to earn extra income by renting out their camper vans and gives renters an opportunity to experience #vanlife without having to purchase a van of their own. Their fleet features only the best camper vans with a wide variety of choices—from old-school Volkswagen Vanagons to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 adventure vans , and much more. Their campervans are road trip ready and located across the US. You can easily search for availability by location and dates on their website.

Boho Camper Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA
• Price: Starting at $209/night

Boho Camper Vans has a fleet of Dodge Promaster vans that they built out themselves, each designed with their unique boho flare. These camper vans are equipped with running water, an outdoor shower, stove, privacy curtains, bedding, cookware, camping chairs, and a portable cooler. Just minutes away from the Phoenix airport, you can live your boho dreams for around $209/day.

They are also starting to offer van rentals by owner out of San Diego, CA.

Lost Camper Van Rentals

• Rental Locations:  Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA
• Types of Camper Vans: Ford Transits and Dodge Minivans
• Price: starting at $39/night

Lost Camper is all about comfort and affordability. They offer Ford Transit rentals and a variety of Dodge Minivan rentals starting at $39/day, making this a good budget camper van rental company. All their campervan rentals include unlimited miles in their daily rates, as well as bedding, kitchen kits, and basic camping equipment like a table and chairs. Most of their vans have sinks and awnings (be sure to check the specific model) and all have an inside double bed, dining table, privacy curtains, and a cooler at minimum (some have refrigerators).

Trekker Vans Ford Transit Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transits
• Price: starting at $99/night

Trekker Vans prides itself on being a bootstrapped, locally owned and operated business. The owners are avid outdoors people, so they’re always happy to help you plan your adventure. 

All their camper van rentals are Ford Transits equipped with bedding, curtains, cookware, stove, refrigerator, sink with running water, camping chairs, and a table. The dinette transforms into a queen-size bed that sleeps 2-3 people, and if you need room for more, they’ll add on a rooftop tent. Depending on your party size, you can customize your seating to accommodate 2 or 4 people.

Pricing starts at $99/night with a minimum of three nights. During the high season, the prices will be about twice as much. If you’re looking for a San Francisco camper van rental company right near the airport, this is a great choice.

Ondevan Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, FL
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster and Ford E-350 camper vans

Ondevan Campervan is another locally-owned company with locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Florida. It’s named after the Spanish phrase, “¿A dónde van?”, which means “Where are you going?” because the owners love to travel like we do, and wanted the namesake to inspire others.

Ondevan campervan rentals are fully stocked with a stove, cooler, cookware, bedding, curtains, chairs, and a table. The rental fleet has Dodge Promasters and Ford E-350s to select from. Daily rental rates start at $59 per night depending on the vehicle. Plus, they have an online road trip map made by fellow travelers with information on where to find showers and campsites.

Basecamper Van Rentals

• Rental Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promasters and Chevy Express camper vans
• Price: starting at $109/night

Basecamper Vans is a campervan rental company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They’ve got several vans in their fleet including a Dodge Promaster 2500, Dodge Promaster City, and Chevy Express camper vans. Their vans sleep 2-4 with options to add on a rooftop tent. Daily rental rates start at $109/night. All their vans are set up with cookware, refrigerator, stove, bedding, and camp chairs.

Voyager Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Minneapolis MN
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster

Voyager Campervans is based in Minneapolis Minnesota making it a great camper van rental company option for outdoor adventures in the state including to the Boundary Waters . Their Dodge Promaster City camper van rentals are compact and equipped with linens, cooking utensils, and cooking fuel. The daily rental rates start at $59 per night for a 2-person campervan rental and $159 per night for a 4-person camper van rental. They have a 2-5 day minimum depending on the season.

Rocky Mountain Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster pop-top campers, VW Vanagons, and Eurovans
• Price: starting at $145/night

Another family-owned and operated business, Rocky Mountain Campervans rents luxury conversion vans and vintage Volkswagen vans. The luxury campervan rentals are Dodge Promaster pop-top campers that sleep 5 and have a toilet and a full kitchen. If you’re looking for something with a vintage feel, they offer Volkswagen Vanagons and Eurovans for rent. These vans sleep 4 and have a stove, small refrigerator, and sink.

All of their camper van rentals are stocked with bedding, cookware, and a number of camping accessories to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of the vehicles are 4-season ready. Daily rental rates start at $145 per night and they sometimes offer one-way specials.

Tierra Traveler

• Rental Locations: Bozeman and Livingston, MT
• Type of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $300/night

Tierra Traveler offers Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan rentals outfitted with luxury amenities for maximum comfort. With two locations in Montana, they’re perfectly positioned for exploring Yellowstone, Grand Teton , and Glacier National Parks.

Their vans have a queen size bed, Dometic fridge, are stocked with all the camping essentials, and are ready for all four seasons with a propane heater and digital thermostat. Rates start at $300 per night and they have a 3-night minimum during summer and fall.

Vander Outdoors

• Rental Locations:  Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster and Dodge Minivans

Vander Outdoors , a locally owned campervan rental company in the DC area, includes a fleet of 2- and 4-passenger camper vans, all under 18 feet long for stress-free driving, easy parking, and great fuel economy over 25mpg.  All of their vans come fully equipped with a stove, sink, fridge, cookware, bedding, and basic camping gear. 

Prices start at $99 per night and they have a 2-night minimum in the low season and a 3-night minimum in the high season. These campervans are great for exploring out through the Shenandoah Valley, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or along the Atlantic coast from Acadia National Park in Maine to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Vegas Campers

• Rental Locations: Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram camper vans

Vegas Campers offers micro campers that sleep and seat up to two people that are perfect for Southwest road trips. Their vans get incredible gas mileage in comparison to larger RVs, are much easier to handle on the road, and come fully stocked with sleeping bags, linens, a stove, sink, refrigerator, couch/bed, outdoor shower, a solar powered electronics charging station, all sorts of lighting, dishes, cookware, and more.

The team provides online instructional videos which means you don’t waste time any time on the ground… you’ll be able to “grab the keys and go” because you will already know how everything works. They have a 3-night minimum (though they allow 2 nights at the same rate as 3) and prices start at $99 per night.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip in your Camper Van Rental

We have tons of free resources on our site to help you plan the ultimate road trip in your rental camper van. Check out these guides to get started:

• How to Save Money on a Road Trip
• How To Find Free Campsites
• 65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials
• How to Get WiFi on the Road
• Solo Road Trip Planning Guide
• Van Life 101: How-To Guide for Living in a Van
• 15 Must-Have Van Life Apps
• Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist
• Van Life Essentials

Have you rented a campervan from any of these camper van rental companies or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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58 Comments

CamperVanGuy will outfit you with the van and gear if starting your trip in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks, Jody! We weren’t aware of CamperVanGuy, looks like a neat company for those starting in LA! Thanks for posting.

Wow I didn’t know there were so many good options! I’m hoping to do a US Road trip sometime next year, and can’t wait to explore a bit more of my own country

Check out Simple Campers in the SF Bay Area for camper vans that offer a variety of amenities. Including, unlimited mileage, one way rentals, pop tops, wifi, and more.

Thanks for the tip, Mav!

A great campervan alternative we found is Pacific Overlander (www.pacificoverlander.com). Their vehicles are totally tricked out and got us through the southwest without having to think about campsite reservations at all. Opened up a whole new way to do our road trips. Highly recommended!

Great to hear! Thanks for the rec!

Great post, Kim! Thanks for sharing. Looks like you might need a bay area company on this list 😉 I recently launched Outervan, a handcrafted campervan rental company.

Hey Lindsey! Thanks so much for reaching out. Drop me an email @ [email protected] with more details about Outervan.

your idea for adventure in campervan is great. campervan is famous for long road trip with other drinking and eating services. i really like this because you talk about adventure.

This is to say that it was really-really well and truly nice to read such kind of posts. You have to say that it should be continue to posts the blogs like this. Thanks

I am looking to rent for a minimum of 6 months; do you know which companies may provide the best rates for More long term ventures? I am primarily concerned with finding comfort at a low price. LOst camper appears to Ben a good option. Was wondering if you knew of any companies specifically geared towards this end.

Many campervan and RV rental companies will offer discounts for long-term rentals. I recommend reaching out to some companies and asking what discounts they can offer you for a 6+ month rental.

Anything in colorado springs?

Not entirely sure – I’d recommend doing a google search or trying Outdoorsy. There are definitely campervan rental companies elsewhere in Colorado including Denver if you aren’t able to find anything in Colorado Springs. Good luck!

Anything in St. Louis?

Hmmm… not sure!

Would like to take aroad trip in April 2021 from Texas to Las Vegas, need help in finding a company to rent camper van in my area

I recommend doing a quick google search for campervans in your area to see what comes up!

Any suggestion for area of Boston?

Not sure about the Boston area. A quick Google search might turn up something!

Great article, thanks for all these recommendations!!

Travellers Autobarn in Los Angeles,Las Vegas, and Bay Area! Unlimited miles included!

I’m trying to find a one way Class B rental starting in either Los Angeles or Phoenix and ending up near Glacier National Park in Montana – having a hard time finding a company that has a drop off point near Glacier

Nee to this Camper Van life! Intrigued and ready to take to the next level. Can someone recommend a good place to start as a beginner? I would love to learn, and be aware of “I wish I woulda known?” questions. Lucy!

Hi Lucy – we have a ton of resources and blog posts on Van Life how-tos. Check out our Van Life Course homepage . Our Van Life 101 guide also answers a lot of questions for people just starting out.

Great list but you HAVE to not forget the South and specifically sCAMPervan in Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. What an original and unique brand and collection of vans to rent loaded with all the goods and necessities as well as rooftop tents. scampervan.com

Thanks for that tip, Jonathan, we’ll look into adding them!

Hello! I’m flying into Reno and I’m looking for a camper van such as these, anyone know of a location near Reno/Lake Tahoe? Thanks, much appreciated ☺️

Vancation.com has 3 or 4 campervan rentals in Reno!

Looking to rent a camper van to travel from around Dallas Texas to Southern Florida. Any recommendations?

Hmm, not familiar with the Dallas area. Maybe someone else can chime in!

I have a Thor Tellaro pop top pro master class b. I live in Idaho. I am hoping to rent it out for winter (late Fall to early Spring) in the Southwest USA.

How might I find a company to manage the rental for me?

Check out the company Outdoorsy

Looking for a Campervan like VW, Dodge or Chevy for 2 adults & 1 baby. Pick up and return should be Los Angeles. Any reccommandations?

Would it be cheapest to rent a cargo van from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, or some other company for a few weeks and turn it into a temporary camper?

You can always buy an inflatable mattress, manual pump, camping stove, styrofoam cooler, cheap pillow, and maybe some cheap black out material that you can tape to the windows at night.

When done, you can mail the camping stove (minus the fuel), mattress, the pump, and tape back to your residence.

Hi Rob, I think many people like the ease & luxuries that come with renting an already built-out van, but your idea is definitely a possibility. Another option to save money is to look at one-way campervan relocations – they are usually last minute and you have to find your way home, but one of our team members has traveled this way before and loved it.

Don’t forget vancation.com, the newest campervan rental marketplace. Zero owner service fees if you join early and the best feature set to manage your listing.

Thanks for the tip!

Thanks! Appreciate the research and information on van rentals that covers a good chunk of the country

It’s nice to see these resources are available, but there are none for where I live. Not much in the way for Missouri I guess, and having lived here 95% of my life so far, I can say that the landscape is beautiful here (the people not so much lol). Maybe someday there will be a van rental place available here, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

I’m sad to see Dallas/Ft Worth area not served on your list. Any ideas? Thanks,

Hi Melissa, I’m unfamiliar with any rental companies in that area, but I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

The best resource. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful, Eugene!

So stoked to have found your site! You rock!

Thanks Stacy!!

Wow you missed Florida Oldscool Campers. Our family loved our trip!

Thanks for the recommendation – we’ll have to check them out!

Hi Sonya! Keys Westys has the largest inventory of Westfalias on the East Coast, including Florida!

This is a great resource, thank you! Is appears that “Escape’ is the only company that operates one-way small camper vans coast to coast — in my case, I need northeast to northwest? Is that true as far as you know? Thank you.

Hi Pam, glad you found this helpful! We’ve never personally used these rental companies (all of our team owns campervans) so I can’t speak to the one-way coast-to-coast rentals, unfortunately. Good luck with your search!

You should add Keys Westys VW Camper Van Rental in the Florida Keys to this article! Keys Westys offers a fleet of vintage and classic VW Westaflia “Westys” for rent for adventures up and down the iconic 113-mile Overseas Highway. The iconic, “instagrammable” pop-top campers sleep four people on two levels, have on-board refrigerators and even slide-out camping air conditioners to deliver the glam to this level of glamping! Vintage ‘Westys’ of Keys Westys include cute models like the 1971 Westy “Hey Mickey” and the 1978 Westy “Key Lime Pie” to the 1980 Westy “Cotton Candy” and 1982 Westy “Cookie Monster”. Several are spotlighted on the Keys Westys website, as well as fan sites online. Keys Westys also offers several more modern VW Eurovan Westfalias, in a rainbow of colors, also sporting refrigerators and slide-out camping air conditioners. Each rental also includes a linens bin of sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases for four persons – as well as a camping bin of incidentals for cooking and camping, including cutlery, plates, cups and more. Keys Westys’ rental rates start at $130 per day, and renters can add on things like inflatable paddle boards, camp sites at several award-winning state parks from the company’s inventory of its self-guided tour and more. Airport pick up and drop off to Keys Westys’ Islamorada location is also available. And, if you are driving down to pick up your Westy, you can leave your car at their gated facility while you adventure – at no additional charge. Keys Westys has a rich history in the Keys, and offers a broad range of information to plan your Florida Keys adventure, including snorkeling, to nature trails, “Campgrounds We Love” and more. Keys Westys can be found online or be reached at 786-326-6763.

Thanks for the info, Michelle!

Wanted to say thanks for featuring Boho Camper Vans as one of your go-to camper van companies! We’re grateful!

Just wanted to say that things have changed a lot for us in the past couple of years, and we’re currently running a fleet of twelve 2021-2022 Promasters (we found those old Econolines were just a liiiiiittle too tight). Our designs have evolved and our vans have grown but we’ve maintained that same “cabin on wheels” kind of feel.

Hi Ryan, thanks for letting us know! Do you have any updated photos and a blurb that we can update our post with? Please email me at contact[at] bearfoottheory.com

Wandervans is also a great option for affordable van rentals or builds. Locations in Boise, Spokane/CDA, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Vegas, Phoenix, and Duluth. Great article, thanks for getting all of these options out there!

Tent vacation rentals in United States

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Terlingua Belle Glamping Tent & Private Bathhouse

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Tent Rental Costs in 2024 and Cost of Renting a Tent for Wedding

April 9, 2020 Leave a Comment

Are you planning to rent tents for a party that you’ve planned or a wedding ceremony but do not know how much rental tent costs? In this post you’ll find complete details about rental tent costs per square feet and average cost to rent tents for a wedding or a function.

On average, rental tent costs anywhere between  $.65 and $1.40 per square foot  of space or more. For a rental tent of size 15×15 square foot the cost would be $145 to $165  and it will accommodate 16-20 people and for a 40×80 square foot tent the cost could be anywhere between $950 to $10 40 and it can accommodate 256 to 320 people . A basic Tent lighting costs $1 to $ 2 per foot . Tent heaters could cost anywhere between  $125 to $250  each.

You’ve planned a wedding ceremony or an important function. It’s a rainy weather and you need to have proper shelter for the guests to enjoy the function without getting wet. It could be a sunny day outside but there could be a forecast of sudden rain as well and in such as scenario you have to plan for renting tents. This where tent rental services and companies come in the scene. No matter how many guests would be coming to an event, there are tents of various sizes and combinations to accommodate any number of people.

When you’re planning a wedding, you’ve been thinking about how to cover the expenses of tent rental. Maybe you’ve considered a loan from a bank or credit union? Well, if you have bad credit, that might not be an option for you. Wedding loans for bad credit scores are available for such situations. Wedding loans can be used for everything from the cost of catering to the flowers that will adorn your cake—and everything in between.

Types of Tents

Table of Contents

There are different types of tents that vary in sizes, design and tent rental costs also vary. Below is a list of different types of tents:

Sailcloth Tents

These tents are made with lighter, semi-translucent material which lets in natural light during the daytime events and glows during evening parties. Sailcloth Tents are available in 40′ and 60′ widths.  Sailcloth tents  are the most beautiful of all of the tent options and will give your wedding or event an intimate feel because of the materials used in manufacturing the tent.

These tents are generally stacked on grass as they use poles to stay firm and they have at least one center pole but can also have several poles on the corners which can be covered with materials such as fabric, flowers or vines.

Frame tents

A frame tent is more versatile since it can go on multiple surfaces (including grass, asphalt, concrete or a deck). Since there are no poles inside the tent, it will give you more square footage inside since you don’t have to plan your seating around the poles.

Cost to Rent a Tent for Wedding and Various Sizes

A wedding tent will cost as little as  $140  to rent a tent for one day and tent rental costs could be $1040 for a size of 40×80 which equals 3200 square feet and accommodate upto 320 people. In a small size tent 15×15 square feet you can accommodate upto 20 people and the rental cost of $140 is the lowest in its segment. This is for a very small group or, perhaps, a good tent for a single booth or gathering.

It will cost  $185 to $210  to rent a tent which is enough for accommodating 32 to 60 people . This will get you a modest sized tent that is 400 square feet to 600 square feet in size.

On the other hand, large tents cost from  $580 to $1,040 per day or more . These types of tents will have at least 1,800 square feet of space and will be enough for 160 to 180 people .

If your event gathering is going to be large then you need giant tents and these tents can be rented for  $820 to $1,040 or more  a day, plus $400 to $1000 in setup fee . These tents come in sizes 2,400 square feet to 3,200 square feet . Tents larger than the above sizes can fit 600 to 1,000 people easily. Tents can be custom made and setup as per the requirements of the customers.

To give you an idea about what size of tent you require for an event or a function, let’s apply a ‘ Rule of thumb ‘. You should use the ratio of one person per 10 square feet of space.

10 square feet of tent space= 1 person

As mentioned above it will cost  $.65 to $1.40 per square foot of tent size.

How much does a wedding Tent Rental costs?

Note: Tent rental costs mostly include tables and generally table comes in 8ft size or 60″ round. Tent rental services include a minimum of 2 tables for a small size tent of 15×15 square feet . Remember that tables are required to seat people and table size is a big factor in the amount of people you will be able to seat in a tent. Will the table be 8ft rectangular in shape or 60″ round that will be able to seat more number of people? It’s a matter of preference and budget which table size you prefer. Bigger tables will, ultimately, save space and seat more number of people.

You can choose round tables, rectangular, or square tables depending on your preference but round is the most common shape for tables as it provides consistent seating arrangement. Round tables are considered much more social than rectangular shaped tables or square tables. It will cost  $50 to $100  to rent a disco ball.

Chandeliers are common in tents as they add both charm and elegance to a tent. They are also used for decoration purpose. It will cost  $50 to $500  to rent chandeliers for a tent. If you are hosting an anniversary party or a wedding ceremony or if it’s a corporate event then you might want to add charm to the occasion by adding chandeliers to the decoration list. Chandeliers will definitely turn your event from a tent party to an elegant affair.

Other Materials that add up to the  Tent Rental Costs:

Basic Rental Tent costs for Smallest size :  $140 – $165 for your smallest tent of Size 15×15 Square feet . It is enough for accommodating 16 to 20 people.

Generator Costs:  $500-$1,250 or more depending on the electricity requirements.

Chandeliers:  $50-$500/each or more based on what you choose for the decoration.

Flooring Costs:  Tent flooring can run anywhere between $1-$3.50 per square foot , so estimate between $250-$1,500+ depending on the type you choose such as plastic or wood.

Tent heaters:  $125+/each or more and you may need more than one heater for a larger size tent.

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Moscow luxury cars rental service (car hire)

Russia luxury car hire service

Luxury cars rental in Moscow

Would you like to drive a Lamborghini , Ferrari , Aston Martin or Bentley in Moscow? Prestige Car Hire may be a lot cheaper than you think. Russia Luxury Car Hire in Moscow, we specialize in world class executive, sports and exotic cars in the EU area as well as rentals from Moscow Airport (Flughafen). Whether you are looking to hire a Audi , Maserati , Mercedes , BMW , Hummer , Jaguar , Lamborghini , Porsche , Range Rover , or even a Rolls Royce with a private chauffeur you have come to the right place. We treat all our clients with the red carpet service and are happy to deliver your car to any chosen location. If you are looking for luxury car hire at any place all over Moscow we have a special collection & drop-off service. You can feel confident renting first class, immaculate cars as our range of rental cars is chosen from our very own fleet. We are not agents and this ensures that you benefit from the most complete and extensive way to enjoy driving. You may wish to hire the car for a day or two; a long weekend, or a couple of weeks rental or even long-term; the choice is yours.

Luxury Rent a Car Moscow is a intermediation company ALL IN 1.

We are fully licensed and insured. We do not lie to our insurance company or hide the fact that we're a vehicle rental company. It costs us more, but it means we'll be around for the long haul. There are no hidden fees, obscure taxes, or secret vehicles that we're keeping from you. You are seeing us as we are, and that's the way it should be.

ALL OVER Moscow VIP Services Luxury car request form

Luxury car request form

• Personalized one-on-one instruction on your vehicle’s features by our trained staff.
• Free airport parking for your car during your car rental in Moscow.
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance (towing, lockouts, jump-starts, and fuel-delivery)
• Our priority is your contentment: Fast and friendly customer service is our highest priority.
• Car hire categories of new vehicles equipped with the latest technology.
• We can be everywhere you wish us to be.
• Our car hire prices are unbeatable because many of the services we offer are FREE of CHARGE.
• NO hidden costs for full or partial insurance, boat or flight delays, parking, midnight arrivals, etc.
• ALL PRICES ARE FINAL - TOTAL (ALL INCL.)

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Before your trip –

When comparing rates, be sure to read the reviews of the car rental company you choose. I only use Vamos, Adobe, and Alamo because their customer service is so good. Vamos has some of the best prices, but only has two offices and will sell out of their inventory quickly. Adobe has some of the newest vehicles, offers great low season discounts, and has a dozen offices around the country. And Alamo has offices at nearly every beach town, has low rates on newer vehicles, and great long term rental discounts. Some smaller local businesses may be better if you just have a debit card or want a specialty vehicle like a camper van.

Be sure you know what to expect when paying for insurance. If you see a rate too good to be true, it probably is because it does not include the mandatory third party liability insurance. That can add $12 to $30 per day, plus the 13% tax.

Know how you will get to your vehicle. The major car rental companies have kiosks inside of the airport, but most all of them keep their vehicles at an office offsite. They will greet you at the kiosk, call their shuttle to take you to their office, and that can take no time if the shuttle is parked or a few minutes if the shuttle is dropping off other travelers.

Rental companies also will deliver and pick the car at most hotels (not AirBnb’s). If you choose that option, check for an extra charge, and be sure to tell the front desk that you are expecting the rental company to come. Be sure you have a credit card for the deposit if it is required, and a physical copy of your driver’s license, credit card, and passport.

When you pick up your vehicle –

When you get the car , READ the contract carefully before you sign in. There are many exceptions for insurance, like driving on unpaved roads or going through water. Ask what the fuel charge is since at times you may be running late for a flight and don’t want to stop to get gas. There is usually a hefty fee if you lose your keys. I did this once and was charged $450 since it was an electronic key. Luckily my travel insurance through Travel Guard covered this.

While at the car rental desk, take a photo of your first page of your passport AND the page showing your entry stamp. That way if you are driving without your passport or lose it, then at least you have a photo to show the police. Also take a photo of your driver’s license.

Thoroughly inspect the vehicle with the representative. Too many travelers just want to leave quickly and then find problems later. The representative is to mark any scratches or dents on the vehicle on a form that you sign, and include the fuel level. I have them mark everything bigger than a pea. I check these items – emergency roadside kit (legally required), spare tire, tire tread on the tires and spare, fenders and mudguards, roof, and stains on seats or rugs. Then I start the car and check that the windows work, locks work, the a/c is cold, the stereo works, wind shield wipers and fluid pump, and I open the hood to check for any weird sounds. It also helps to know how to open the hood and find the release for the gas tank lock. If there appears to be anything bad enough to worry about later on your trip, then ask for a different vehicle – especially tire tread and malfunctioning electronics.

Before leaving the lot I figure out the stereo system and how to connect to bluetooth if that is an option. The representative can explain it to you if you need assistance. One tip is to bring with you a phone holder for your car (either one that fits in a drink holder or attaches to the air vent). That makes it a lot easier to follow directions on Waze.

During your trip –

When you need to get gas – every gas station in the country charges the same amount and have both regular gas and diesel. Be sure to put in the right type of fuel (many of the larger SUVs require diesel). Most gas stations are open 24 hours a day. The attendants fill the tank for you. WATCH to make sure they reset the fuel pump and double check the final total for your charges. They can make change for US dollars but the exchange rate is not that great. Some attendants are nice enough to clean the windshield and you are welcome to give them a small tip.

If you get into an accident, be sure to wait and get a police report. This will help later if you need to pay any fines or for repairs. Your travel insurance and the rental company will ask for this. You can call 911 and ask for help (they speak English). Your rental contract will have a number to call for assistance as well. If you scratch or dent the car , take a picture of it right after it happens. That prevents a rental company from overcharging you for repairs.

If you get a ticket for speeding (up to $560), not wearing a seatbelt ($80), parking illegally (up to $160), then do not hide it form the rental company. Call or email them and ask how to pay it. The companies I work with will pay the ticket for you and charge your card, but you have to tell them. If the police take your license plate (which they do at times for parking illegally), then inform the car rental company and ask them what to do to avoid spending too much on fines. Generally the highways are 80kph, going around turns or entering or exiting towns is 60kph, in town it’s 40mph, and near schools and hospitals it is 25kph. Try not to rush, there is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy while driving and a lot of people walking or biking along the road. And even though you see a lot of people doing it, it IS illegal to cross a double-yellow line.

If you get pulled over and you feel that the police officer is trying to extort money from you, take out your phone and ask for the their name and badge number. You can also tell them that you need to call your lawyer or ‘abogado’. If you did not do anything illegal, then most often they will let you go.

When returning the vehicle –

Give yourself about 30 minutes of time for returning the vehicle and getting the shuttle to the airport. Try to return it full of gas, but if you cannot then the fuel charge is most often not much more than the cost of the gas, and you may need that time to catch a flight . When I am running late, I will park at the airport, check in for my flight (2 hours before is recommended), and then drive the car to the rental office. If I am really late, I will call the rental office to tell them I am leaving the car in the airport parking lot and putting the keys under the driver’s seat. I have to leave it unlocked which is a risk, but the rental company will get it within a day and only charge me for the parking (~$20/day) and possibly one extra day’s rental. The companies I work with are very understanding. I also will take photos of the vehicle or a video to show that it was not damaged, just in case there is an issue.

When returning your vehicle be sure to get them to sign off on the form saying there were no damages to the vehicle, and keep a copy of it. Also, ask them to rip up the deposit slip they printed of your credit card. Ask the rental agent for a copy of the receipt, and have him or her go over it with you so you understand everything you were charged for. The price should be the same as the quote of your confirmation.

One Bonus tip! If you are traveling with surfboards, most likely you have boardbags to get them from the airport to your hotel. After you check in and unpack them, put down the seat and ride with the boards in your SUV or car . The reason is that the police have random stops set up and if they see boards riding on the roof, they are more likely to stop your vehicle.

3 replies to this topic

Super super super helpful post! Thank you!

We saved $800+ following this advice. Not having the hassle of driving the awful roads with no shoulders = priceless.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but clearly some of us much prefer driving ourselves. My advice varies depending upon what a poster hopes to do, where they want to stay, and what their comfort level is when driving.

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Hey, Ladies: Here's How to Make Sleeping in a Tent More Comfortable

Tent camping isn’t for everyone, but it might be for you!

Yes, you’re sleeping on the ground, but modern gear has worked to make tent camping more comfortable so that you hardly notice that you’re not actually in a cozy bed for the night.

The tent camping tips below may just make you a convert, and you’ll fall head over heels for sleeping outdoors.

I didn’t start camping until I was in my early twenties, but after my first night in a tent, I was all in! There’s so much to love about sleeping outside — the night noises, the damp air, and the morning serenade from the woodland birds.

Back then, I used a simple and lightweight foam camp pad, a thrift-store sleeping bag, and a pile of bunched-up clothing for my pillow, and I slept like a rock. Campfire cocktails probably contributed to those blissful nights as well. 

Fast forward to modern times, and how things have changed since those carefree days of throwing whatever in a backpack and hitting the trail with a smile plastered on my face.

Last year, I started to realize that sleeping on the ground wasn’t nearly as fun as it used to be. I climbed out of my tent each morning sore, tight, and more than a little grumpy. I started glamping and saying no to tent camping trips. I rented lots of hotel rooms, lots of Airbnbs. 

But I still missed camping, and I didn’t want the aging process to take away my love for sleeping outside.

Tent Camping Tips: Finding the Perfect Sleep System

Last summer, my niece asked me to embark on a national park road trip to celebrate her college graduation.

A camping road trip. How could I say no to that?

Instead of cursing the hard ground and packing extra ibuprofen, I decided to be proactive and invest in some new gear to make sleeping on the ground more enjoyable. 

After hours of research online and more hours snuggled up on the floor of several REIs, I found a system that I hoped would work for my mid-life camping crisis. I’m happy to say that my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp pillow combo rocked our month-long camping trip and that I’ve never slept better outdoors than I did this summer. 

My first decision was to buy all my sleeping gear from the same company so that they would work together as a system.

My second decision was to opt for women-specific gear that would work well for my body type.

Woman-Specific Gear to Make Sleeping in a Tent More Comfy

Sea to Summit pulled through with a woman-specific sleep system that is perfect for three seasons of backpacking or car camping. Better yet — Sea to Summit offers a lifetime guarantee on all of its products, and the customer service is fabulous. Here’s what I went with:

Sea to Summit Women’s Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat . I chose the Women’s Comfort Plus because it offered more insulation and support in the hips, where I definitely need it. It has an R-value of 5.1, so it’s suitable for four seasons of camping. While it’s relatively heavy—32.6 ounces—I knew I could carry it on shorter backpacking trips.

At this stage of the game, comfort beats weight as a priority, and at three inches thick, this sleeping pad is no joke! Of all the sleeping gear I purchased for my camping trip, choosing this sleeping pad has been the best decision I’ve made. It’s made tent camping so much more comfortable and is like sleeping on a firm mattress at home!

• Sea to Summit Ascent Women’s 15-degree Down Sleeping Bag . I’ve shied away from mummy bags in the past, but the Ascent is better tailored to a woman’s body — more narrow in the shoulders and wider in the hips and knees. There’s extra insulation in the toe box, and it can be unzipped to lie flat for use as a quilt. Using the included compression sack, the Ascent shrinks down to the size of a water bottle, and it only weighs 1 lb. 12 oz. It’s great for car camping, backpacking, or living out of a carry-on when you travel.

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Inflatable Pillow . My first dedicated backpacking pillow has me kicking myself for waiting so long. This little thing fits my pocket and weighs just 2.1 oz.

The Aeros Ultralight features a stretch-knit polyester coating that is way comfier than traditional inflating pillows that scratch your face and make your head bounce around at night.

Even better, the Aeros (and all Sea to Summit pillows) are compatible with the Pillow Lock System, which keeps your pillow from sliding off your pad during the night. I will never use a bag of clothing for a camping pillow again!

Tent Camping Tips: Choosing Your Sleep System

For years, I’ve been of the mindset that it’s not the gear that gets you outside and that anyone can enjoy camping, whether you can afford high-end gear or not.

I guess I’m backtracking on that a bit, as having the right gear for your adventures is actually pretty important, and while I hate to throw stuff out, that 25-year-old sleeping bag probably wasn’t pulling its weight anymore. 

Fine-tuning your camping gear to meet your changing needs is critical to continuing to enjoy your time outside, and what you used as a young adult will be different when you have children and will change again as you age and your camping style evolves.

Here are some tent camping tips to help you choose the best women’s sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow for years of camping comfort.

Tent Camping Tips: What’s Your Camping Style?

Are you a backpacker, a car camper, or both?

Do you camp in the winter or just on warm summer weekends?

Do you fly with your camping gear?

Ideally, you want to figure out your camping style and then choose a sleeping bag and sleeping pad combo that can overlap across different outdoor adventures. 

If you know that you will be putting in lots of miles backpacking, then weight and packability will be of utmost importance.

If you are primarily a car camper, then comfort might have more of an edge. Thinking about how you will actually use your sleeping bag and pad will help you figure out the features you need most. 

I am primarily a car camper, but I do want to be able to bring my gear on a few weekend backpacking trips each year. I also do a lot of flying so I can visit national parks out west, which means my gear has to pack up pretty small.

For me, camping is doable in three seasons, so anywhere from 20 degrees up to 90 degrees. Using this information, I was able to narrow down my choices to a lightweight three-season bag and pad. 

Tent Camping Tips: What’s Your Sleeping Style?

Do you sleep with a partner?

Are you a side sleeper or a back sleeper?

Do you sleep warm or cold?

If you know that you like lots of extra covers at home, then you should also opt for a warmer sleeping bag and a sleeping pad with good insulation. A thicker sleeping pad will be useful for side sleepers, and if you think you will be sleeping with a partner or a child, then it might be useful to look for a sleeping bag that can double up with another. 

I sleep cold, often camp with my husband, and do a lot of tossing and turning in the night.

For these reasons, I chose a three-inch-thick sleeping pad that I could deflate slightly to make it softer, but still warm. I went with the Ascent sleeping bag because it can be zipped together with another Sea to Summit bag to sleep two comfortably, and the extra insulation in the toe box makes me feel warmer all over. 

Look for a Good Warranty 

Sea to Summit edged out many competitors because of their customer service and their lifetime warranty.

Last year, my sleeping pad developed a slow leak. I followed the manufacturer’s directions to find the hole, but I was unsuccessful. I contacted Sea to Summit, who agreed that my pad had an internal leak, and they sent me a new sleeping pad within days!

Customer service matters, and Sea to Summit delivers, but there are several brands that are worth checking out. Nemo , North Face , and Mountain Hardwear also have limited lifetime warranties against manufacturer defects. Reading customer reviews will give you a better idea of how a return, repair, or exchange is handled within each company.

Down or Synthetic Sleeping Bag? 

This is an age-old question that I can’t really answer for you. There are many advantages to using a down sleeping bag, including weight, packability, and more efficient insulation, but synthetics are generally cheaper and more waterproof than down.

I have used both synthetic and down bags at different points in my life and down is definitely my choice for superior comfort and warmth. Sea to Summit bags use down that is certified according to Responsible Down Standards (RDS).

The RDS requires independent, third-party assessments of all aspects of animal rearing and handling throughout the entire supply chain, providing confidence that each phase of the collection process has been completed with the welfare and ethical treatment of waterfowl in mind. 

How to Make Sleeping in a Tent More Comfortable

You’ve got the gear, but you still may be wondering how to make tent camping more comfortable. The sleeping bag, pad, and pillow you choose for your camping trip will go a long way toward a more restful night in your tent, but it’s just the beginning.

Where you pitch your tent, what you wear to bed when camping, and even what you drink before turning in will affect how well you sleep. Want to ensure a restful night under the stars? Follow these tent camping tips.

• Pitch your tent on flat ground. There is nothing worse than rolling off your sleeping pad into the wall of your tent because it’s pitched on an incline. Oh wait, I can think of something worse — you spend the night with jagged rocks sticking into your back because you didn’t take time to clear your chosen patch of dirt. Find a flat piece of land, clear it of rocks, sticks, and other debris, and pitch your tent. If you have to pitch on a slight hill, make sure your tent is aligned so that your head is positioned at the top of the hill.
• Pack designated sleepwear. There’s a distinct mental shift that seems to happen when you change from your campfire clothes to your sleep clothes. Sleeping naked in a sleeping bag, at least without a liner, is the worst. Sleeping in the clothes you wore all day is a close second. Choose comfy sleepwear that isn’t too tight, even regular pajamas if you’re car camping. If you’re backpacking, you may need to make do with a set of lightweight thermal underwear. 
• Pack a camping sleep kit. If you’re not sure where you’ll be sleeping on your camping trip, be proactive and pack a little sleep kit that includes a set of earplugs , an eye pillow , and a small bottle of lavender essential oil . Lavender helps erase stress and promote a calm and peaceful state. Add a few drops to your pillow before bed. 
• Don’t drink tea, coffee, or alcohol before bed . Caffeine is obviously no friend to a good night’s sleep, and drinking tea and/or alcohol before bed will mean that you’re constantly sneaking out of your tent to go pee. My goal when tent camping is to spend the whole night inside my sleeping bag without having to use the woods.

Tent Camping Tips: Keeping Warm Through the Night

I truly can’t get a good night’s sleep if I’m cold, and I imagine that most people feel the same way. You want your camping trip to be memorable for all the right reasons, and for that, you need a measure of climate control.

Staying warm in your tent will obviously start with the sleeping bag and the pad that you choose for your camping trip. If you know you are a cold sleeper, then definitely pack a sleeping bag that is rated well below the forecasted temperature and a sleeping pad with a high R-value. 

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad is rated for four seasons of use with an R-value of 5.1. It’s been toasty in really cold conditions, although I haven’t tried it in the winter.

Because I’m not much of a winter camper, the Sea to Summit Ascent Women’s 15-degree sleeping bag is perfect for the coldest conditions I’m likely to encounter.

I would also suggest inviting your favorite sleeping partner along, whether it’s your husband, your child, or your dog. An additional warm body in your tent will definitely keep you warmer. Here are a few more tips for staying warm while camping.

• Tuck a hot water bottle into your sleeping bag. Before bed, heat water over your campfire, pour it into your Nalgene bottle and tuck it into the foot box of your sleeping bag for toasty toes. 

Exercise before bed. You may think you’re warm sitting around the campfire before bed, but as soon as you walk toward your tent, you’ll be shivering. Make your own heat by doing a minute of jumping jacks before climbing into your tent. That warmth will last until to get into your sleeping bag.

• Wear wool to bed. If you know it’s going to be chilly on your next camping trip, pack merino wool base layers and socks. Wool regulates your temperature, won’t make you stinky, and feels super soft next to your skin. Woolly makes affordable Merino base layers , and Darn Tough Merino socks come with a lifetime guarantee.

After investing in the right gear for a good night’s sleep while camping, I can honestly say that I still love sleeping on the ground.

If you are on the fence about purchasing that high-end bag or pad, I urge you to take the plunge. Finding the gear that suits my camping needs has been a total game changer and well worth the price tag. 

Are you a tent camper? What tent camping tips do you have for maximizing comfort for a good night’s sleep?

Want to read more camping tips? Check out these posts: 

• Avoiding Ticks That Carry Lyme Disease While Camping and Hiking
• 6 Reasons Why Spring Camping is Perfectly Awesome
• Your Amazing Car Camping Kitchen

Follow us on social media for more camping and road trip tips:

Tara is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

Dog that spent 7 years walking around world with owner dies in N.J.

• Updated: May. 21, 2024, 12:05 a.m. |
• Published: May. 20, 2024, 2:09 p.m.

Tom Turcich sharing some final precious moments with his dog, Savannah, before she died on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Photo courtesy of Tom Turcich

• Rob Jennings | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A dog that spent seven years walking around the world with her owner — covering approximately 25,000 miles and stealing the hearts of countless admirers before the trip ended in 2022 — died Sunday.

Savannah, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, spent her final three hours laying on the chest of her owner, Tom Turcich, in New Jersey — just as they did when it was too cold inside their tent during their six-continent journey around the world, he said.

“The way I’m coping with it right now is, she lived the best life you could possibly have for a dog. We spent every minute of every day together for seven years. That’s everything a dog would ask for,” Turcich, 35, told NJ Advance Media on Monday.

Tom Turcich and his dog Savannah completed a seven-year, 25,000 mile walk around the world in 2022. They were welcomed home by family, friends, and supporters at The Taproom and Grill in Haddon Township. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media

Savannah was put to sleep at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls on Sunday following an extended effort to save her, including an ultrasound and blood transfusion, as she grappled with kidney problems and other health issues.

The dog appeared to be improving. But, by Sunday, their 3,183rd day together, there was no longer any hope for her recovery, Turcich said.

Savannah would have turned 9 in a few weeks, he said.

She was four months old when Turcich adopted her in Texas in 2015, several months into an epic global journey that began when he walked out the front door of his family’s home in Haddon Township in Camden County.

The dog became an unlikely social media star when she was featured in YouTube videos uploaded by Turcich as they walked their way through 35 nations before completing their trek around the world.

At times, their journey was perilous. Turcich previously said they got a police escort while walking in Algeria and nearly froze while camping in South America. He contracted a bacterial infection in Europe that forced him to return to New Jersey for several months of recovery before continuing the round-the-world journey.

Turcich and Savannah reached Antarctica via a 6,600-ton research vessel and saw a colony of Gentoo penguins. In Kurdistan, they were joined by a guide and horse, in order to to explore the mountains.

Their journey included two other breaks over the years and they never made it to Australia.

A crowd was waiting when their adventure concluded May 21, 2022, with a homecoming celebration at a restaurant in Haddon Township.

Savannah enjoys a cup of ice cream during a homecoming party for her and her owner Tom Turcich at The Taproom and Grill in Haddon Township, Saturday, May 21, 2022. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media

Turcich wrote a book, Savannah’s World of Adventure: Crossing the Andes , that was published last June. It recounts Savannah discovering “harsh altiplano, daring vicuñas, and the wonderful people of Argentina.”

He is continuing to work on a memoir of their journey and now lives in Cincinnati with his girlfriend, Bonnie.

Savannah had been staying with his parents in New Jersey during the couple’s recent vacation in Italy, he said. When they returned two weeks ago, the dog’s condition had worsened.

During her heartbreaking final week in New Jersey, Turcich posted several updates on Savannah’s condition on social media. He recounted her “slow decline” over several months and how, as of a week ago, she was down to 34 pounds and not eating.

He posted videos of her with a feeding tube and another in which she was wagging her tail and appeared to be rallying.

On Sunday, Turcich posted the news of Savannah’s death.

“It was a lot of whiplash and a lot of pain,” he said of Savannah’s last days.

Turcich’s father took a photo of them during their last cuddle.

The announcement of Savannah’s death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from the dog’s admirers who had been following her health problems on social media.

“Not a dog on Earth had a fuller life, all thanks to you. Well done, Tom. You’re the dad I wish every dog could have,” one commenter said.

Turcich has said his worldwide journey was inspired by the death of his friend, AnneMarie. He was 17, and she was 16, when she was killed in a jet ski accident. The trip was also inspired by the exploits of Karl Bushby, a former British paratrooper who for two decades has been attempting to become the first person to walk an unbroken path around the world.

Turcich said he never intended to make his trip with a dog. But, that ended up being his trek’s defining feature.

When Savannah was a pup, he pushed her in a cart. Before long, she was walking 30 miles per day and playfully running in circles at night, always appearing curious about their next adventure, he said.

“She was a beast,” Turcich said.

Stories by Rob Jennings

• Former N.J. schools superintendent enters world donut hole eating championship
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01/30/2023 • 5 min

5 Best Alabama Road Trips

Most people know Alabama as a landmark location for many key moments in America’s history, from the Civil War to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. But alongside its historic monuments and museums, Alabama has a vibrant present filled with bustling cities, rolling mountains, championship golf courses and more.

Take a look at the Alabama road trips in our list to see what we’re raving about. We’ve pulled together some of the best routes from our American Road Trip Planner , to help you plan the perfect southern adventure.

So, whether you’re a history buff, golfing pro or self-proclaimed foodie, there’s an Alabama road trip just for you. Read on and get inspired…

1. Alabama to Alabama: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

831 miles, 11-14 days, 11 stops.

Love to golf? Practice your swing on some of the best golf courses in southern America on this Alabama-based road trip. Collect your car in Mobile and drive northwest to the first course at Magnolia Grove, where you can play a round on one of the world’s top 50 golf courses. Spend the night in downtown Mobile, so you’re well-rested for your next few games at Lakewood Club and Highland Oaks.

Your fifth stop on the trip is just outside of Montgomery , at Capitol Hill – the host course of the Guardian Championship. Bring your A-game for its 18-hole Senator course, complete with 40 feet mounds and 140 bunkers. It’s not for the faint-hearted.

From here, you can tick off the rest of the Robert Trent Jones Trail, including the challenging Ross Bridge course and Oxmoor Valley in the heart of the Appalachians. End your tour by the Tennessee River at The Shoals facility for your final day.

Take on the Robert Trent Jones Trail

2. Atlanta to Louisiana: The Road to Civil Rights

1,110 miles, 12 days, 9 stops.

Alabama was at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, with Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham becoming key places for protests, meetings and marches. So, what better way to learn about this historic movement than with a road trip to some of the main sites? 

From the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site in Atlanta , you’ll venture into Alabama. Head to the Rosa Parks Museum, where you’ll learn about Rosa Parks’ life and the pivotal moment where she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.

After Montgomery, drive over to Selma – the starting place of the Selma to Montgomery Marches – and learn about its history at the National Voting Rights Museum. The route then takes you into Tennessee , Mississippi and Louisiana , where you can continue to follow the movement at the states’ very own civil rights museums.

Learn about the Road to Civil Rights

3. New Orleans to New York: Eat the East Coast

1,537 miles, 10 days, 12 stops.

Want to find the very best food from New Orleans to New York ? Look no further than this delicious 10-day road trip to some of the very best diners and restaurants on the East Coast.

Starting out with flavor-packed creole soup and powdered beignets in Louisiana, you’ll head across state to Wintzell’s Oyster House in Alabama. It’s the best place to grab oysters along the Gulf Coast, and an ideal spot to stop off before heading back up north to Atlanta.

From here, make your way to North Carolina for an all-American BBQ. Just make sure you save some room for your final few nights of the trip – Philly cheesesteaks and Katz’s pastrami subs await.

Eat the East Coast

4. Daytona to Charlotte: Nascar Homelands

1,200 miles, 10 days, 10 stops.

Strap yourselves in – this road trip is for those who live life in the fast lane. Starting at Daytona International Speedway, the birthplace of American stockcar racing, our route covers some of the top tracks in the NASCAR series.

Head through Atlanta on your second stop, then continue your road trip to Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway to see the set of the comedy film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. It’s the longest circuit of the series, that separates the pros from the amateurs.

The only way to get around on this road trip is with a classic American sports car, like a Chevrolet Corvette or a Mustang GT-H. Drive in style from the North Wilkesborro Speedway to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and beyond.

Plan your NASCAR Homelands road trip

5. Texas to Florida: To Florida and Beyond

1,734 miles, 10 days, 13 stops.

Reach for the stars with this family-friendly road trip across the south and south-east coasts. Stop off at some of the region’s most action-packed theme parks, beaches and museums, including the Houston Space Center, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Universal Studios Florida.

From Texas to Alabama, this road trip route is packed full of fun activities. Go dirt biking in Sam Houston National Forest, venture inside a space shuttle, then set sail on a sunset cruise at Orange Beach, off the Gulf of Mexico.

This road trip deserves a sporty convertible for driving down the open roads, wind in your hair. Finish up in Miami at the interactive Jungle Island, where kids can meet their favorite animals up close.

Explore Alabama, Florida and beyond

With a range of routes for every occasion, an Alabama road trip is always on the cards. Reserve your car rental in Alabama with Hertz to see historic sites, beautiful beaches and taste some of the best food the southern states have to offer.

You can also use our blog for more travel inspiration.

Where do you want to go today?

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5 Hollywood Inspired Romantic Getaways

Away from the stress of daily routines and interruptions, true love blooms. Romantic getaways allow couples to rekindle their passion in beautiful settings, and silver screen rom coms provide plenty of inspiration for choosing picture-perfect, romantic backdrops. Consider these five dream-worthy locations:

Bike rental places in Erie Pa. offer options, prices for all levels of riders

Better weather in Erie means more bicyclists will be out and about enjoying a trip around areas like the bayfront and Presque Isle State Park.

For those who don’t own a bicycle, Erie has at least two rental options that will allow you to take a ride either manually or with some help from an electric motor.

For Erie riders who are looking to rent a bicycle around the Presque Isle area, The Yellow Bike Rental Company at 52 Peninsula Dr. offers several options.

Owner Greg Clarke, who also owns Presque Isle Boat Rental, says that his company offers both manual and electric options.

For manual bikes, Clarke's business has options from normal single-speed cruisers to tandem bikes, fat tire bikes, tricycles for kids and teens, senior tricycles, three-wheel bikes for easier balance, junior bikes for kids, and streamways, which are step-through bicycles.

More: Paddling around: The ins and outs of kayaking at Presque Isle State Park

The rental prices for manual bikes are:

• Bicycles : $12 for one hour with $5 each additional half hour.
• Tandem bicycles : $22 for one hour with $8 each additional half hour.
• Youth bicycles : $10 for one hour with $3 each additional half hour.
• Trikes for ages 17 and under : $15 for one hour with $5 each additional half hour.
• Senior trikes : $15 for the first hour with $5 each additional half hour.
• Fat tire bicycles : $12 for the first hour with $5 for each additional half hour.

To reserve a bike ahead of time, all bike rentals require a $40 deposit.

Surrey bikes, four-wheeled bikes that seat four to six people in a carriage with an open bench seat, start at $30 for an hour with $10 every additional half hour for a bike with one bench. A double-bench surrey costs $40 for the first hour with $15 for every additional half hour.

To reserve a surrey bike ahead of time will require a $100 deposit.

The Yellow Bike Company also offers an aqua-cycle water trike for $20 every half hour and a $40 deposit to reserve ahead of time.

“They’ll rent a bike, come back and then the kids usually want to go out on the pond and pedal one of our water tricycles,” Clarke said.

Electric bikes are becoming more popular in Erie

On top of the manual bike options, Yellow Bike Company also offers electric bikes that can be requested at the shop.

“We have noticed an increase in electric bikes, Clarke said. “A lot of people like to get what our most popular bikes are, which are beach cruisers."

He continued, "I think where eBikes come in handy is if you are riding in an area or going an extended distance that have a lot of hills in it then the pedal assist will help you."

Another company in Erie that offers electric bicycle options is eBIKE DROP.

This company offers three rental options including a 24-hour delivery service, a two-hour rental bayfront cruise and a service known as the long haul rental.

With the 24-hour doorstep service , the bicycle will be dropped off at your front door. Employees will provide a crash course on how to use the bike and then pick it up on the last rental day.

The 24-hour doorstep option costs $95 for one day or $85 per day for two or more days.

The long haul rental allows riders to pick up and drop off the bike at any select eBike drop location around Erie. Two notable pick-up and drop-off locations include the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at 301 Peninsula Drive, and either end of the Bayfront Connector trail.

The other option that the eBike company offers is the Bay-side Cruise. This is a two-hour eBike rental that also involves pick up and drop off at any eBike location around Erie.

The Bay-side Cruise option is for a two-hour rental that costs $50.

More: Getting ready to plant a wildflower garden? Try using these native plants in northwest Pa.

Each eBike rental includes a helmet, bike lock, battery charger, instruction booklet, side mirror and basket storage.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at [email protected] .

I went on a 2-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for just $50 a day

• I went on an epic two-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.
• I camped beneath the stars and saw elephants right from my tent.
• Driving our own car, camping, and preparing our own food saved us money. 

The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

According to a data analysis from Go2Africa , the average traveler heads on South African safaris with a medium-high budget, meaning they spend $5,500 to $6,000 on a trip, an increase from last year.

But, on a recent trip, I found that I was able to have an incredible two-week safari trip in Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.

Here's how I did it and how travelers can save money when planning their safari.

I saved by buying an annual pass

The biggest savings at Kruger National Park can come from buying a Wild Card, an annual pass that gives you a year of access to 80+ parks in southern Africa, including Kruger.

The Wild Card is discounted for South Africans but it cost me 3,780 rands, or about $200, as a foreigner.

Without a Wild Card, I would've had to pay over 486 rands a day to visit Kruger, meaning this pass pays for itself in just over a week.

Overall, my pass came to about 270 rands a day for the two-week trip.

We also stayed in one of Kruger's many rest camps

One of the most immersive ways to experience Kruger is by camping in the South African bush. We saw elephants near our camp and woke up to the sounds of warthogs and hyenas in the distance.

We live in South Africa , so it was easy enough to bring our own camping gear, though travelers can rent a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and cooking basics from nearby rental companies for a few thousand rands for two weeks.

Kruger National Park has a range of rest camps for different budgets and preferences, whether you prefer to use your own tent or stay in a bungalow with your own kitchen and bathroom.

Related stories

Prices also vary depending on the season, so it's wise to avoid really busy months, like September and December. I found that around mid-January to mid-March, two people can camp at Punda Maria, one of Kruger's cheapest camping options, for just 285 rands a night. During high season, prices go up by about 100 rands per night.

My husband and I visited during a less busy season. We camped at Maroela Satellite Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp for 331 to 349 rands a night.

Cooking our own food saved us money …

We chose to prepare our own meals and braai (a type of South African barbecue) beneath the stars.

Fortunately, most campsites have plug points, braai stands, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and shops selling everything you need to braai.

The park also has restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout it, which is helpful for anyone who wants to purchase food and drinks without leaving the property.

But there's nothing quite like braaiing beneath the stars, watching for the occasional hyena along the fence line.

… and so did doing a self-driving safari

If you don't have your own car, you can rent a sedan for just over 4,000 rands for two weeks. Fortunately, though, there are enough tarred roads in Kruger that you don't need a special 4x4 to enjoy the park.

We ended up self-driving our own car in Kruger National Park, which allowed us to choose our own adventure and be our own guide.

Rest camps have sighting boards on which visitors pin their major animal sightings from that day and the previous day. This makes it easy to follow trends and choose where to search first. There's also an app where visitors post their sightings.

On our last self-drive safari in Kruger, we saw cheetahs and all the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and African buffalo).

Overall, our trip was affordable and dreamy

We saved money throughout our trip and managed to go on a two-week safari in Kruger National Park for just under $50 a day per person.

This price includes two Wild Cards, petrol for our vehicle, and our camping fees and expenses — and our trip was well worth it.

Watch: A single trail takes hikers to 10 waterfalls near Portland, Oregon — and you can walk it in less than a day

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4 must-know camping tips

Camping is a quintessential Colorado activity. If you are planning a summer trip, here are some must-know tips. 

1. Choosing a campsite 

Spur of the moment camping trips can be fun, but if you’re new to camping it’s usually better to plan ahead. Here are some things to consider when choosing a campsite. 

Make a reservation. Many campgrounds require a reservation, and spots can fill up fast. This means you might have to plan out your trip well in advance to snag a spot. Take some time to research the areas you’d like to visit and familiarize yourself with the reservation process. You can explore a variety of options online through resources like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the federal recreation site . 

Know the rules. It’s important to review the rules and requirements for your specific site before booking your trip. For instance, campgrounds may restrict the number of cars you’re allowed to have, prohibit dogs or have fire bans in place. This means you may need to arrange a carpool, leave your pets at home or skip the s’mores. Knowing (and following) the rules can help you avoid unexpected citations and fines. 

Check the amenities. Not all campsites are created equal, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you book your trip. Here are some common terms that are used to describe the amenities for different types of campsites: 

• Full hookup or electric: These sites are typically reserved for RVs only. That’s because they usually come equipped with electricity, sewage connections and paved roads. They may also include amenities like picnic tables, potable water, trash receptacles, supply shops and more. Full hookup campgrounds can usually be accessed on paved roads. 
• Basic: These sites can accommodate tents and car campers. They typically have amenities like picnic tables, trash receptacles, potable water, bathrooms, grills and fire rings. These campgrounds are usually accessible by partially paved and unpaved roads. These campsites may also come with bearproof lockers (call ahead to double check). 
• Dispersed or primitive: These sites are ‘bare bones.’ They have few, if any, amenities. In many cases roads to these campsites are not paved or maintained, so it’s usually best to have a high clearance vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive. They may also require walking, so be prepared to carry all your gear a few hundred feet or yards to the site. If you stay at a primitive site, you’ll likely need to collect and carry out your own trash, pack drinking water and use vault toilets (some may not offer toilets at all). Disperse campsites can also fill quickly and don’t have reservation systems, so plan on arriving early and have a backup plan in place. 

Keep in mind that this list provides a general overview of possible amenities and conditions. However, you will need to review the specifics of individual campsites, as they may vary depending on location. 

2. Packing your bags 

Check your gear before heading out to ensure it’s in good working condition, and repair if needed. 

• Tent (with footprint and stakes)* 
• Sleeping bag* 
• Sleeping pad* 
• Camp chairs* 
• Lantern, headlamp 
• Mallet, hammer (for stakes) 
• Local firewood (outside firewood may be prohibited)
• Camp stove, fuel* 
• Firestarter, matches, lighter (check fire restrictions beforehand) 
• Pots, pans* 
• Sharp cutting knife 
• Utensils (cooking and eating) 
• Plates, bowls, mugs, cups 
• Water bottles 
• Camp sink, biodegradable soap 
• Dish towel 
• Trash, recycle bags 
• Cutting board 
• Food, drinks, snacks 
• Quick-drying pants, shorts* 
• Quick-drying tees, long sleeves 
• Warm layer (e.g., sweater, sweatshirt, etc.) 
• Rain jacket* 
• Windbreaker 
• Extra socks, underwear 
• Sturdy shoes (e.g., boots, sneakers) 
• Water sandals, swimsuit 
• Hat, sunglasses 

Personal care

• Toilet paper, wipes 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Trowel (primitive camping) 
• Toothbrush, toothpaste 
• Toiletry kit 
• Quick-dry towel 
• Medications 
• First aid kit 
• Insect repellent 
• Camp reservation (if needed) 
• Power bank 
• Cellphone, electronics 
• Pet gear, supplies 
• Entertainment (e.g., books, games, etc.) 
• Binoculars 
• Navigation tools 
• Field guides (e.g., flowers, insects, trails, etc.) 
• ID, wallet 
• Bear cannister* 
• Trekking poles* 

* These items can be rented from Outdoor Pursuits at the Rec Center.

3. Planning your meals 

Meal planning can be stressful, especially when you’re out in the woods. If you are worried about creating a camping menu or packing food for your trip, here are some tips to help make it easier. 

Keep it simple. Keep your menu simple by packing a limited number of easy meals. Things like oatmeal, sandwiches and other basic staples are low stress and simple to make. 

Be mindful of perishables. If you plan to bring perishable foods like lunch meat, eggs or hotdogs, plan ways to keep them cold. You’ll need a cooler of ice, and it’s usually best to freeze foods in advance. You can always thaw them once you’re ready to cook. It’s also a good idea to keep perishable foods separate from drinks to avoid cross contamination.   

Don’t forget the little things. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean your food has to be bland. Plan to pack spices, seasonings and condiments with you as part of your meal plan. If you’re worried about keeping condiments cold, consider buying single serving packets of mustard, ketchup or mayo. 

Use prepackaged options. Lugging around a cooler can be hard work, especially if you are going to a walk-up campsite. If you want to lighten your load and don’t mind splurging a bit, you may want to consider bringing prepackaged, freeze-dried options. These meal packs are lightweight and can be prepared with hot water. 

Keep bears at bay. Black bears are common in Colorado. You can help keep them at bay by using bear-resistant food containers, keeping your campsite clean, not eating in your tent, clearing food out of your car, locking your car doors and stashing your trash. Keep in mind that bears may also be attracted to other scented products like toiletries and sunscreen. 

4. Being good a steward 

Camping comes with a variety of regulations and other unspoken rules. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’re being a good steward while enjoying the great outdoors. 

• Use established campsites. 
• Avoid damaging natural features or taking natural souvenirs home with you. 
• Use biodegradable soap and dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet from natural water sources. 
• Don’t burn or bury your trash. 
• Check for fire bans ahead of time and follow all restrictions and regulations. If fires are allowed, be sure to properly extinguish your campfire by ensuring that the coals and ashes are cool before abandoning it. 
• Bury human waste away from natural water sources in a hole that is at least four to eight inches deep (do not bury toilet paper). 
• Clean your campsite by disposing of trash and putting everything back where you found it. 
• Respect your neighbors by observing quiet hours, keeping your voice down and not cutting through other campsites.  
• Avoid camping right next to other people. 
• Avoid trespassing on private land by sticking to designated trails. 
• Do not approach or feed wildlife. 

Following these rules can help everyone have a more positive camping experience and prevent damage to your surroundings.  

Outdoor equipment rentals

Outdoor Pursuits offers outdoor equipment rentals for activities like camping, hiking, climbing and water sports. Equipment rentals are available for all students, staff and faculty (no Rec Center membership required).

Adventure Resource Center

Stop by the Adventure Resource Center on the first floor of the Rec Center to explore guidebooks, resources, atlases and wall-sized maps of Colorado areas.

Apothecary Pharmacy

Need to stock up on sunscreen, aloe vera, bug spray, allergy medications or other essentials? Stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy at Wardenburg Health Center for over-the-counter products.

Medical Services

Sometimes, accidents happen. If you get injured or sick while camping, you can make an appointment with Medical Services on campus.

ELECTROSTAL HISTORY AND ART MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Watch CBS News

Memorial Day weekend 2024 could break travel records. Here's what to know.

By Emily Mae Czachor

May 20, 2024 / 5:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Despite another month of spring technically still ahead, travelers often view Memorial Day weekend  as an unofficial kickoff to the summer season — and traffic notoriously reflects that . Based on current forecasts, travel around the upcoming 2024 holiday next Monday, May 27, is not expected to relieve Memorial Day of its bad reputation for drivers and airline passengers. They may actually find themselves on some of the busiest highways and flights they've seen in decades.

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, warned of potentially unprecedented congestion on roads this weekend, along with airports that could be even more crowded than in years past. The organization, which looks at various economic factors and partners with other groups to project travel conditions, announced earlier this month that an estimated 43.8 million people across the United States would likely travel at least 50 miles from Thursday to Monday. That would mark a 4% increase in overall travel compared with 2023, according to AAA. It would also come close to the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, which happened in 2005 when 44 million people left home for the holiday.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of the travel division at AAA, in a statement. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."  

For those planning to hit the road or board a plane this weekend, here's what to know.

Prepare to hit traffic

Memorial Day weekend in 2024 is expected to set a new record for road trips, according to AAA. The organization has estimated that 38.4 million people will travel in cars over the course of the weekend, which would be the biggest number recorded around this particular holiday since the group first started keeping track of Memorial Day travel patterns in 2000. 

Car rental company Hertz told AAA that demand for rentals this year will be highest in Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando, with most renters scheduled to pick up their cars on Thursday and Friday.

In general, drivers hoping to beat the traffic, or at least face less of it, should avoid the roads during afternoon hours on any day of the long weekend. Citing transit data from INRIX , AAA said the worst times to travel by car , in any U.S. time zone, are between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. 

The best times to drive will be before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Thursday, before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Friday, before 1 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on Saturday, before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Airports will be crowded

Airports across the country are bracing for another spike in travelers, following an upward trend in flights booked around Memorial Day since last year's air travel numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 3.51 million people are projected to fly this weekend, according to AAA, which is up from 3.35 million who traveled on planes to their destinations last year. If as many people fly as expected, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when AAA said 3.64 million people caught flights for the holiday.

United Airlines said more than 500,000 people are expected to fly each day from Thursday to Tuesday, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend on record. Delta said 3 million people are expected to fly on its planes over that six-day period and American Airlines said it expects 3.9 million people to fly over the weekend.

Public transportation tips

Any of the projected 1.9 million people who use public transit systems to get to where they're going this weekend can plan ahead, too. INRIX projections show metro riders will face a degree of congestion in major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Congestion on metros is expected to peak in those places in the late afternoon, early evening and mid-morning each day between Thursday and Monday. 

Forecasts suggest D.C., Los Angeles, Houston and Tampa will see the largest jumps in metro crowding compared with their respective norms. The worst is projected for one route from Gainesville to Tampa, where INRIX said metro congestion on Sunday at 9 a.m. local time could be 88% higher than usual.

Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting.

• Memorial Day

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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