What Outdoorsy Does
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer marketplace where private RV owners list their vehicles for rent to travelers. Instead of renting from a traditional company lot, you book directly from an owner — similar to how Airbnb works for homes. The owner sets the price, availability, and rental terms. Outdoorsy handles the booking platform, payment processing, and insurance coordination, but the RV itself belongs to someone else.
The platform covers motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class B vans. Owners can rent out their vehicles when they're not using them, and renters can find RVs in specific locations without being limited to what a single rental company stocks. You search by location, dates, RV type, and price, then message the owner directly through the app or website before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoorsy connects you with private RV owners rather than traditional rental companies, which often means more vehicle options and sometimes lower prices in your area.
- You pay the owner's nightly rate plus Outdoorsy's service fee, and the platform holds payment until after your trip is complete.
- Insurance through Outdoorsy is optional but recommended, and covers damage, theft, and liability depending on which plan you choose.
- The owner sets cancellation rules, which range from strict (no refund) to flexible (full refund up to a certain date), so read the listing carefully before booking.
- You communicate directly with the owner to arrange pickup, ask questions about the RV, and handle any issues that come up during the rental.
How to Search and Book an RV on Outdoorsy
Start by entering your pickup location, drop-off location, and travel dates into the search bar on the Outdoorsy website or mobile app. The platform shows you available RVs in that area sorted by price, rating, or distance. Each listing includes photos, the RV's specifications (length, sleeping capacity, amenities), the owner's reviews, and the nightly rate.
Click on a listing to see the full details: exact pickup address, what's included (kitchen equipment, bedding, outdoor gear), mileage limits, fuel policy, and the owner's cancellation terms. Read the owner's house rules and any restrictions — some owners don't allow pets, smoking, or off-road driving. If you have questions, message the owner through the platform before you book.
Once you're ready, click "Request to Book." Outdoorsy asks for your driver's license, insurance information, and payment method. The owner then has 24 hours to accept or decline your request. If they accept, Outdoorsy charges your payment method and holds the funds until after your trip ends. You'll receive pickup instructions and the owner's contact number.
Understanding Outdoorsy's Pricing and Fees
The nightly rate you see in search results is set by the owner and varies widely depending on the RV type, location, and season. A Class B van might rent for $80 to $150 per night, while a larger motorhome could be $150 to $400 or more. Peak seasons (summer, holidays) are more expensive than off-season travel.
On top of the nightly rate, Outdoorsy adds a service fee, typically 15 to 20 percent of the rental cost. This covers the platform, payment processing, and customer support. Some owners also charge a one-time cleaning fee or mileage overage fees if you exceed the included miles. The total cost appears before you confirm your booking, so you'll know the exact amount.
Outdoorsy holds your payment after you book but doesn't transfer it to the owner until after your rental ends and the owner confirms the RV was returned in good condition. This protects both you and the owner.
Insurance Options Through Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy offers two insurance plans: Roadside information and Damage Waiver. Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and roadside repairs if your RV breaks down — it costs around $15 to $20 per day. Damage Waiver reduces your financial responsibility if the RV is damaged during your rental and typically costs $25 to $40 per day depending on the RV's value.
Damage Waiver has a deductible (usually $1,000 to $2,500) and doesn't cover certain things like fuel, cleaning, or damage from misuse. It also doesn't cover your personal belongings or liability if you damage someone else's property. Check your personal auto insurance and renters insurance — some policies cover rental RVs, which might mean you don't need Outdoorsy's coverage.
Insurance is optional, but most renters purchase at least Damage Waiver because RV repairs are expensive. If you decline coverage and cause damage, you're responsible for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $5,000.
What Happens at Pickup and During Your Rental
You'll pick up the RV at the owner's location on your start date. Arrive on time — the owner will walk you through the RV's systems: how to operate the water, propane, generator, slide-outs, and appliances. They'll show you where everything is stored and explain any quirks or maintenance needs. Take photos or video of the RV's condition before you leave, and note any existing damage on the checkout form.
During your rental, you're responsible for refueling, emptying waste tanks, and returning the RV in the same condition you received it. Most owners include a certain number of free miles (often 100 to 150 per day); if you exceed that, you pay an overage fee per mile. Some owners require you to return the RV with a full tank of fuel; others charge a fuel surcharge if you return it empty.
If something breaks or you have an emergency, contact the owner when ready. Outdoorsy also has a support line, but the owner is your first point of contact for mechanical issues or questions about how to use the RV.
Cancellation Policies and What to Know Before You Book
Each owner sets their own cancellation policy, which appears in the listing. Strict policies mean no refund if you cancel, even days before your trip. Moderate policies might refund 50 percent if you cancel more than a week out. Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to a certain date, often 7 to 14 days before pickup.
Read the cancellation terms carefully before you book, because they vary widely from one listing to another. If your travel plans are uncertain, look for owners with flexible cancellation policies, even if their nightly rate is slightly higher. Outdoorsy's platform shows the cancellation type clearly on each listing.
If the owner cancels on you, Outdoorsy refunds your full payment and helps you find another RV or provides a credit toward a future booking. If you need to cancel, contact the owner as soon as possible — they may be willing to work with you even if their policy is strict.
How Outdoorsy Compares to Traditional RV Rental Companies
Traditional RV rental companies like Cruise America or El Monte operate their own fleets from fixed locations. Outdoorsy connects you with private owners, which means more variety in vehicle types and locations. You might find an RV available in a small town where no rental company operates, or a specialty vehicle like a vintage Airstream that companies don't stock.
Pricing can be lower on Outdoorsy because owners set competitive rates to attract renters, though this varies by location and season. The trade-off is that you're dealing with an individual rather than a company with standardized processes. Communication, pickup logistics, and problem-solving depend on the owner's responsiveness and professionalism.
Traditional companies offer consistency: the same checkout process, predictable vehicle condition, and a corporate customer service line. Outdoorsy offers flexibility and variety but requires more direct communication with the owner. Both have insurance options, though the details differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own RV insurance to rent through Outdoorsy?
Not necessarily. Outdoorsy's Damage Waiver covers damage to the RV during your rental. However, check your personal auto or renters insurance first — some policies cover rental RVs, which might be cheaper or more comprehensive than Outdoorsy's plans. You're never required to buy Outdoorsy insurance, but most renters do because RV repairs are expensive.
What if the RV breaks down during my trip?
Contact the owner when ready. They may be able to walk you through a straightforward fix or arrange a repair. If you purchased Roadside information, that covers towing and roadside repairs. For major breakdowns, the owner is responsible for getting the RV fixed, though this depends on what caused the problem and your rental agreement.
Can I book an Outdoorsy RV for a one-way trip?
Yes, some owners allow one-way rentals where you pick up in one location and drop off in another. This is less common than round-trip rentals and usually costs more because the owner has to arrange to retrieve the RV. Search for "one-way" or message owners to ask if they offer this option.
What if I damage the RV and have Damage Waiver?
Report the damage to the owner and Outdoorsy as soon as it happens. If you have Damage Waiver, you pay the deductible (usually $1,000 to $2,500) and Outdoorsy covers the rest, up to the RV's value. The owner documents the damage and submits a claim. Without Damage Waiver, you're responsible for the full repair cost.
How do I know if an Outdoorsy owner is trustworthy?
Read the owner's reviews from previous renters. Look for comments about the RV's condition, the owner's communication, and whether the vehicle performed as described. Check how many trips the owner has completed and how long they've been on the platform. Message the owner with questions before you book — their response time and helpfulness give you a sense of what to expect.