How Much Does It Cost to Rent an RV in California?
Renting an RV is one of the best ways to explore California with your family. Your beds, kitchen, and bathroom come with you, and you can wake up at the beach, in the mountains, or in the desert.
Before you book, it helps to know what the trip will really cost. The nightly rate is only part of the picture. Mileage, fees, fuel, and campgrounds all add up, and every rental company handles them differently.
We're a family-owned RV rental company in Yorba Linda, and we believe in clear pricing with no surprises. Here's how RV rental costs work, using our own rentals as an example.
What Affects the Price of an RV Rental
RV type. Large Class A motorhomes usually cost the most. Class B camper vans are smaller and often cost less, but they have much less space. Class C motorhomes sit in the middle. They have a separate cab, a full living area, and room for a family, and they're easier to drive than a large Class A.
Season. Summer, holidays, and school breaks book first. Fall and spring are great times to travel in Southern California, and campgrounds are often easier to reserve.
Trip length. Longer trips spread one-time fees, like cleaning, across more nights.
What's included. This is the one people often miss. A rental may look cheaper per night but charge extra for insurance, bedding, generator use, or propane. Always compare the full cost, not just the nightly rate.
What's Included With Our RVs
We rent two Class C motorhomes:
2023 Thor Chateau 22E: Sleeps up to five. Great for couples and smaller families.
2025 Thor Four Winds 25V: Sleeps up to six, with a slide-out for extra space.
Every rental includes:
Commercial rental insurance, subject to the policy's terms and deductibles
100 miles per rental day, pooled across your whole trip
4 generator hours per rental day, also pooled across your trip
Propane
Sheets, bedding, pillows, blankets, and towels
Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
Paper towels and trash bags
Basic water, electrical, and dumping equipment
A walkthrough before you leave, so you know how everything works
"Pooled" means you don't have to use your miles or generator hours evenly. A three-day rental includes 300 miles, and you can drive them however you like.
Please note: The awning is not available for use during rentals.
What to Bring
Pack your food, clothes, and personal items. If you plan to cook, bring:
Pots and pans
Cooking utensils
Any other kitchen items you like to use
A flashlight or headlamp and marshmallow roasting sticks are also nice to have for campfire nights.
Our Fees, Explained
Here's every fee you could see on a quote from us:
Nightly rate: Varies by season. Send us your dates and we'll share the current rate. Pricing is also posted on our website at www.rvrentalsrus.com
Cleaning and preparation fee: $150 per reservation. This covers normal cleaning, sanitizing, and preparing the RV for your trip.
Dogs: $75 per dog, per trip. Up to two dogs with approval.
Taxes and card fees: Applicable taxes and payment processing fees may apply.
Need more miles? You can buy a prepaid mileage package before you leave:
300 extra miles: $125
500 extra miles: $200
1,000 extra miles: $375
Miles beyond your included and prepaid miles are $0.50 per mile. Prepaid packages cost less per mile, so they're worth it if you're planning a longer road trip.
Extra generator time beyond your included hours is $5 per hour.
Security deposit: We collect a $1,000 refundable security deposit before your trip starts. After you return the RV, we complete an inspection and release your deposit or send an itemized statement within 10 days.
Fees That Are Easy to Avoid
These fees only apply if something isn't done at return. We'll show you how to handle each one during your walkthrough.
Fuel: Return the RV with the same fuel level as pickup. Otherwise, it's $10 per gallon.
Holding tanks: Empty the gray and black tanks before you return. Otherwise, there's a $150 dumping fee.
Propane: Propane is included. A $39 refill fee may apply if your trip uses enough to need a refill.
Late return: Return by 11:00 AM. Late returns can be charged up to an extra rental day.
Excessive cleaning: You don't need to deep clean. Just remove your belongings and trash and leave the RV reasonably tidy.
Smoking or vaping: Not allowed inside the RV. It carries a minimum $500 cleaning charge.
Sample Weekend Trip
Here's what a three-day weekend trip could look like for a family with one dog:
3 nights: Nightly rate varies by season (avg. $199/night)
Cleaning and preparation fee: $150
One dog: $75
Mileage: 300 miles included
Generator: 12 hours included
Propane: Included
Taxes and fees: Varies
Plus the $1,000 refundable security deposit.
Many popular weekend trips from Orange County, like Big Bear, Joshua Tree, or San Diego, fit within 300 miles round trip. That means no extra mileage cost for most weekend getaways.
Other Trip Costs to Plan For
These costs aren't paid to us, but they belong in your budget:
Fuel: Motorhomes use more fuel than a car. Check gas prices and plan your route before you go.
Campground fees: State beaches, private RV resorts, and national park campgrounds all charge different rates. Book early for popular spots.
Food: Having a kitchen helps. Cooking a few meals in the RV can save a lot compared to eating out three times a day.
Tolls and parking: Some Orange County roads are toll roads, and tolls are the renter's responsibility. Some attractions also charge for RV parking.
Activities: Park entry fees, tours, and rentals like bikes or kayaks.
Is Renting an RV Cheaper Than a Hotel?
It depends on your group and your trip.
For a family of five, a hotel trip often means two rooms or a suite. Add restaurant meals for every meal, and the total climbs quickly. You also pack and unpack every time you change hotels.
With an RV, your room, kitchen, and bathroom travel with you. You pay for the rental and the campground, and you can cook many of your meals.
RVs usually make the most sense for:
Families and groups
Trips of two nights or more
Trips to beaches, parks, and campgrounds
Travelers with dogs
A hotel may make more sense for:
Solo travelers
Short city trips
Trips where you'll mostly eat out anyway
For many families, the value isn't only about cost. It's the campfire nights, the ocean views out the window, and the kids having their own beds wherever you go.
Tips to Get the Most Value From Your Rental
Book early. Summer weekends and holidays fill up first.
Map your miles. If your trip will go past your included miles, buy a prepaid package before you leave. It costs less than paying per mile.
Pick the right size. A smaller RV is easier to drive and park. Our 22E is a great fit for couples and smaller families.
Travel in fall or spring. Southern California weather is often perfect, and campgrounds are easier to book.
Cook some meals. Bring a pot and pan and plan simple breakfasts and dinners in the RV.
Plan your return. Leave time to refuel and dump the tanks before your 11:00 AM return.
Pickup, Return, and Cancellation
Pickup is at 3:00 PM on your first day, and return is by 11:00 AM on your last day. Need more time? An extended return until 6:00 PM may be available for 50% of the daily rate. It must be requested when you book and approved in advance.
Cancellation policy:
More than 30 days before pickup: Full refund, minus non-refundable payment processing fees
15 to 30 days before pickup: 50% refund of rental charges
14 days or less before pickup: No refund
How Booking Works
Submitting a rental request does not guarantee availability or confirm a reservation. We'll review your requested dates before sending the official quote, rental agreement, and payment instructions. Your reservation is confirmed only after we receive the required payment, the refundable security deposit, the signed rental agreement, and driver's license information for every driver. The primary driver must be at least 25 years old.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
We want every family to know exactly what they're paying for and feel ready before they leave. If you have questions about pricing or which RV fits your trip, we're happy to help.
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