How To Have An RV Rental Delivered Right To Your Campsite (As Long As The Park Allows It)

Imagine showing up to your campsite with everything already set up for you. Many RV rentals can be delivered straight to you through platforms like RVShare, Outdoorsy, and RVPlusYou. You can browse through the listings to find your ideal RV, and the platform will hook you up with an RV owner who can deliver — and even set up — the RV right to your campsite, with no driving, towing, or hassle required.

Just start by searching your destination and travel dates and filter the results for RVs that offer delivery. Once you've found your dream RV, check with the campground to make sure they allow third-party deliveries since not all of them do. Some may also only allow deliveries from pre-approved vendors. After that, request the RV rental to get in touch with the owner, who will confirm delivery fees, setup details, and anything else you need to know before setting off for your camping trip.

Once everything is booked, all you need to do is pack your bags and head out. If you opt for a stationary RV rental, the owner will drop it off, help set it up, and pick it back up when your trip is over. This is great for people looking for one-site camping trips — there are plenty of popular RV parks in the U.S. with incredible amenities that you won't want to leave. Or you can book a "drivable" RV delivery, which you can take from the dropoff location to other campsites during your rental period. This is a good option for anyone flying to a destination to start an RV road trip.

If you love the idea of planning an RV trip but not the idea of actually driving one, you're not alone. RV camping newbies often underestimate one of the hardest things about towing a trailer: backing up. Plus, massive RVs can be challenging when it comes to turning and parking, and there's always the added stress of getting into an accident or damaging the vehicle. With RV delivery, you don't have to deal with navigating the RV at all if you don't want to.

Then there's the comfort. RVs come with comfy, real beds, cooling and heating, kitchens, and bathrooms, which are all huge upgrades from pitching a tent. You'll stay dry during surprise rainstorms and warm when the nights are chilly. Plus, you'll have room to stretch out and store your stuff. You can lock the door for security and wander away for a day hike, and it offers peace of mind in forests home to unwelcome camping guests like snakes and bears. Another benefit is the added flexibility. Want to camp at the beach one weekend and in the mountains the next? Just book a new location and let someone else handle the driving.

RV deliveries are rising in popularity. In fact, RVShare found that nearly half of its rentals in 2022 were deliveries, which was an increase from 27% the year before and 16% in 2020, according to NerdWallet. With delivery and setup handled for you, your time is spent unwinding — not wrestling with leveling blocks or plumbing hookups. Just show up, unpack, and start relaxing right away. It's perfect for families with kids, first-time RVers, and anyone craving an upscale camping option.

While RV delivery is undeniably convenient, there are a few potential drawbacks worth considering before you book. First off, not all campgrounds allow third-party RV deliveries — for example, RV delivery is banned in Yellowstone National Park. Some state and national parks have strict rules about outside rentals, so you'll need to check park policies ahead of time.

Another potential downside is that you have to bring all your stuff and supplies to the campsite, especially in the case of a stationary RV delivery. Depending on the size of your vehicle, this could limit what you can pack, especially for bulkier items like bikes and kayaks. And just like Airbnbs, the quality and amenities of an RV vary. Some RV deliveries might include kitchen utensils, extra bedding, and other supplies, while others might leave you shorthanded on something you end up needing. Be sure to communicate with the RV owner ahead of time to confirm any included amenities.

Lastly, RV delivery comes at an added price. According to NerdWallet, you could be looking at a flat rate in the neighborhood of $150 to $300, whereas other RV owners might charge by distance, anywhere from $4 to $6 a mile. If the campsite you choose is 50 miles from the RV, that could slap an extra $300 on your trip costs on top of the per-night rental fee. On the other hand, you won't have to pay for gas for a stationary rental, which can be equally expensive. RV delivery is a fantastic option for many travelers, but keeping these factors in mind will help you decide if it's right for your camping adventure.