California’s diverse landscape—from the rugged Pacific coastline to the towering Sierra Nevada mountains and sprawling deserts—makes it one of the premier destinations for RV travel in the United States. Whether you’re planning to explore Yosemite National Park, cruise down Highway 1, or camp along the beaches of Southern California, choosing the right RV rental company can make or break your adventure. Here are the top 10 RV rental companies in California to help you plan your perfect road trip.
## 1. Indie Campers
Indie Campers stands out as the best RV rentals in California, offering an exceptional blend of modern vehicles, flexibility, and comprehensive service. Founded in Lisbon in 2013, this global RV rental company has expanded to over 80 locations across three continents, including multiple strategic locations throughout California.
What sets Indie Campers apart is their innovative hybrid model that combines a proprietary fleet of over 8,000 modern vehicles with a peer-to-peer marketplace featuring privately owned and professional-host RVs. This approach provides renters with an extensive selection of campervans, motorhomes, and RVs to match any travel style or budget.
The company excels in customer convenience with a fully digital booking experience, one-way rental options that allow you to explore California without backtracking, and unlimited mileage on their own fleet vehicles—a significant advantage when covering California’s vast distances. Their 24/7 support ensures you’re never stranded, while flexible booking options accommodate last-minute changes to your travel plans.
Indie Campers also offers new and used RV sales, including refurbished units, making them a one-stop shop for both rental and purchase needs. Their commitment to making road travel accessible and effortless has earned them a strong reputation among both first-time renters and seasoned road-trippers. For sure the Best RV rental company in the US.
## 2. Cruise America
As one of the largest RV rental companies in North America, Cruise America has been serving travelers since 1972. With multiple locations throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, they offer convenient pickup and drop-off points for exploring the state.
Their fleet consists primarily of Class C motorhomes that are well-maintained and standardized, making them reliable choices for families and groups. Cruise America provides comprehensive rental packages that include essential items like kitchen kits, bedding, and camping chairs. Their extensive experience and nationwide network make them particularly appealing for travelers planning multi-state journeys that begin or end in California.
## 3. Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy operates as a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, often described as the “Airbnb of RV rentals.” This platform connects California travelers with local RV owners who rent out their personal vehicles, offering a wide variety of options from vintage Volkswagen camper vans to luxury Class A motorhomes.
The platform’s strength lies in its diversity and local character. Many owners provide personalized service, sharing insider tips about California’s best camping spots and hidden gems. Outdoorsy includes roadside assistance and insurance with every rental, providing peace of mind despite the peer-to-peer nature of the service. Prices can be competitive, especially during off-peak seasons.
## 4. RVshare
Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare is a peer-to-peer rental platform with a strong presence in California. With thousands of listings across the state, RVshare offers everything from compact camper vans perfect for coastal drives to spacious fifth wheels suitable for extended family trips.
The platform features detailed listings with photos, reviews, and specific amenities, allowing renters to make informed decisions. RVshare’s insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance are included in every rental. Many owners offer delivery services, bringing the RV directly to your location or campsite—a convenient option for those flying into California.
## 5. El Monte RV
El Monte RV has been in the rental business for over 50 years and maintains several locations in California, including major hubs near Los Angeles and San Francisco. They specialize in larger motorhomes, offering Class A and Class C vehicles that are ideal for family adventures.
The company provides well-equipped RVs with comprehensive preparation packages, including kitchen supplies, linens, and camping equipment. El Monte RV is known for transparent pricing and customer service, with staff who take time to thoroughly demonstrate vehicle operations before you hit the road. Their RVs are particularly well-suited for California’s state and national parks with full hookup capabilities.
## 6. Lost Campers
Lost Campers brings a fresh, youthful approach to the California RV rental market with their fleet of customized camper vans. Based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, this company caters to adventurous travelers looking for a more authentic, flexible road-trip experience.
Their vehicles are smaller and more maneuverable than traditional RVs, making them perfect for navigating California’s coastal highways and city streets. Lost Campers emphasizes affordability and sustainability, with competitive rates and eco-friendly practices. The camper vans come equipped with essential amenities including sleeping arrangements, basic kitchen setups, and solar panels. This company is ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a minimalist California adventure.
## 7. Road Bear RV
Road Bear RV specializes in premium RV rentals with locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They focus exclusively on newer model motorhomes, ensuring reliability and modern amenities. Their fleet includes Class C and Class A motorhomes with high-end features like slide-outs, entertainment systems, and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Road Bear offers all-inclusive packages with unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance. They’re particularly popular with international travelers exploring California, offering detailed orientations and support in multiple languages. Their vehicles are well-maintained and come equipped with everything needed for a comfortable journey through California’s varied terrain.
## 8. Escape Campervans
Escape Campervans has carved out a niche with their distinctive, hand-painted vehicles that are instantly recognizable on California highways. With depots in Los Angeles and San Francisco, they offer converted vans that balance affordability with functionality.
These compact campervans are perfect for two travelers and come equipped with sleeping platforms, basic cooking facilities, and storage. What they lack in space, they make up for in fuel efficiency and ease of parking—significant advantages when exploring California’s crowded coastal towns and popular destinations. Escape Campervans includes unlimited mileage, and their rates are among the most budget-friendly options for van life enthusiasts.
## 9. Jucy RV Rentals
Originally from New Zealand, Jucy has expanded to California with locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Known for their bright green and purple branded vehicles, Jucy offers both compact camper vans and larger motorhomes suitable for different group sizes.
Jucy’s vehicles are modern and well-maintained, with clever storage solutions and comfortable amenities. They include unlimited mileage and provide comprehensive rental packages with camping equipment options. The company’s website and booking system are user-friendly, and their customer service receives consistently positive reviews. Jucy appeals to both international visitors and domestic travelers looking for reliable, distinctive vehicles for California adventures.
## 10. Apollo RV Rentals
Apollo RV Rentals is an international company with a strong California presence, offering depots in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They provide a range of vehicles from compact campers to luxury motorhomes, all maintained to high standards.
Apollo is known for their transparent pricing structure and comprehensive insurance options. They offer various travel packages including camping equipment, GPS navigation, and pre-stocked kitchen kits. Their vehicles feature modern amenities and are regularly updated, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Apollo’s extensive experience in the RV rental industry translates to smooth operations and knowledgeable customer support, making them a reliable choice for exploring California’s diverse destinations.
## Choosing the Right RV Rental for Your California Adventure
When selecting an RV rental company in California, consider factors beyond just price. Think about the size of your travel group, your planned route and destinations, your comfort level with driving larger vehicles, and what amenities are essential for your trip. California’s regulations, campground requirements, and varied terrain should also influence your decision.
Each of these top 10 companies brings unique strengths to the table, from Indie Campers’ extensive fleet and flexible options to the personalized service of peer-to-peer platforms and the reliability of established national chains. By choosing a reputable company that matches your travel style and needs, you’ll be well-positioned to experience the best of California’s spectacular scenery, world-class campgrounds, and unforgettable road-trip opportunities.
