Washington DC RV Rentals, USA

Book & Compare Motorhome Rental & Campervan Hire in Washington DC

The capital of the United States, Washington, District of Columbia, is referred to by the locals as ‘The District’ or simply ‘DC’. The federal district originated from a land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia. As a result Washington is an excellent launching point to explore more of these states, along with the country’s capital; with a Washington DC RV rentals, campervan hire or motorhome rental.

This isn’t just about hiring RV’s in Washington DC, this is about renting campervans and motorhomes in Washington DC, and if you’re not sure what the difference is between these three vehicles, we’re on hand to explain that too and so much more.

Firstly, there’s a lot of fluff about hiring campervans, motorhomes or RV’s on the internet, too much irrelevant stuff to wade through and a lack of basic, simple information. And that’s where we come in, hiring a campervan, motorhome or RV in Washington DC, or anywhere, isn’t rocket science! In fact, the whole process is very simple when you know how and we’re here to show you how: we’ll take out all the hassle, and the stress, of getting you into the perfect motorhome for a self-drive holiday that you’ll remember for all of the right reasons.

We’ll start by recommending the perfect motorhome rental company that have a small, but perfectly appointed, range of vehicles to suit your precise needs. We’ll follow this with an ideal campsite in which to stay in between all those scenic drives and day trips and, speaking of which, how about a top-ten list of attractions in and around Washington DC, with something to suit every member of the crew? So, whether you’re travelling solo, with your friends, family (with or without children) it’s all here, all in one place. Hiring a campervan, motorhome or RV in Washington DC has never been easier.

Top RV Rental Companies in Washington DC

There’s no question that there’s plenty of good rental companies in Washington DC, so you’re free to check them all out and go ahead with price and rate comparisons, while bearing in mind low excess insurance, one-way fees, pick-up or drop off times, plus a whole bunch of other considerations that will cost you time and possibly money. But not today.

With years of hands-on experience under our belt, we believe it’s better to keep things simple. After all, we could be talking about your dream self-drive vacation, spending a load of time worrying about which of the top RV rental companies in Washington DC is right for you is unnecessary! We want to get you out there, not spend hours stuck at home trying to second guess all the reviews, having to learn a new lexis of words and phrases to understand what everything means to make a semi-educated stab in the dark.

Below, you’ll find one of the best, top RV rental companies in the USA, a tried and tested organisation that you can trust. Yep, we’ve just taken all the hassle of finding the perfect motorhome rental company for you, whatever your needs, in one fell swoop.

Cruise America

Cruise America has been in business since 1972 and is the largest RV (campervan, motorhome) rental company in the USA. It’s also 100% employee-owned which means that every person in the company has a vested interest in making you happy!

Factor in 126 rental offices scattered over the USA and a 24-hour support hotline, Cruise America are a comforting option for those new to hiring a motorhome. All of their three models come with a generator, are animal friendly and have air conditioning, toilet, shower, microwave, fridge, freezer and a gas stove as standard. Job done.

Class C

There are two basic classes of campervan, motorhome or RV (Recreational Vehicle). The latter, typically Class A, usually resemble busses or coaches and are designed and built from the ground up as mobile homes. The former Class C examples are more like caravans that have been attached to a pre-existing chassis, which explains why the cab resembles that of a pick-up, say.

These are more likely to be referred to as ‘campervans’ or ‘motorhomes’ (the former tend to be smaller and the latter tend to be larger) and are the more popular option when it comes to motorhome hire as they’re usually cheaper and more practical than their Class A, aka RV counterparts.

Cruise America has three Class C RV rental models from which to choose:

Compact Motorhome:

Sleeps 3 people.
6.1 meters long.
Ford V-8 Chassis Engine;
Automatic Transmission;
2-Wheel Drive;
Power Brakes;
Power Steering

Standard Motorhome:

Sleeps 5 people.
7.6 meters long.
Ford V-8 Chassis Engine;
Automatic Transmission;
2-Wheel Drive;
Power Brakes;
Power Steering

Large Motorhome:

Sleeps 7 people.
9.1 meters long.
Ford V-10 Chassis Engine;
Automatic Transmission;
2-Wheel Drive;
Power Brakes;
Power Steering

Washington DC RV Rental Depot: Cruise America, Historic District, 8000 Wellingford Drive, Manassas, VA 20109, USA.

Located about 21 miles/34 kms from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or 34 miles/55 km from downtown Washington DC.

Cruise America Washington DC office hours:

Monday to Saturday:
- Pick Up: 1pm to 4pm
- Drop off: 9 am to 11 am
Closed Sundays and Public Holidays

Included with Standard Rate:

24-hour assistance
0-4 years old

Beyond the White House

Tourists flock to the National Mall; that part of downtown D.C. where iconic monuments dedicated to the Founding Fathers and the history of the creation of the United States are clustered. While the District is best known for the White House and the political symbol it stands for, it is also a heavyweight in equal measure when it comes to the arts, culture and cuisine as befitting the capital of one of the most powerful nations on earth.

From here, the DC outdoors are just a short drive in your Washington DC campervan hire.

The Tidal Basin just south of the National Mall, and the Great Falls Park made up of 20 waterfalls featuring the steepest line of rapids in the eastern seaboard, are a great start.

Washington DC to North Virginia

Northern Virginia, just under an hour’s drive in your campervan rental in Washington DC; has other great attractions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian has, among its displays, the Space Shuttle Enterprise and other spacecraft. It also has numerous displays for children and an IMAX theatre.

There is the U.S. Marine Corp Memorial museum with its 32-feet Iwo Jima memorial statue and the US Air Force memorial with its three 270-feet steel spires representing contrails. There is also the Manassas National Battlefield Park which has historical information and artefacts from the civil war years.

Enjoy Maryland’s Attractions by RV Rental

Your Washington DC Motorhome rental will also allow you to visit Maryland with its assorted attractions, perhaps most popular of these being the Eastern Shore coast. This is a peninsula that separates Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, stretching for hundreds of miles, and ideal for all kinds of water sports. It also hosts golf course and cycling trails, as well as renowned birding spots.

With Washington DC RV rentals, you can explore some of the major attractions along the peninsula; such as Chesapeake City with its canal that dates back to 1829. As well as being quaint; Rock Hall is a fishing village, that has the Waterman’s Museum with crabbing and oystering exhibits. Cambridge is home to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge; a 27,000-acre area reserved for resting and feeding migratory birds. Blackwater also houses 35 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Top 10 Attractions near Washington DC

We’ll go ahead and assume that you’ve checked out the city properly or intend to… Washington DC is one of the greatest cities in the USA, it’s the seat of government and the capital of the USA, but it also has a unique culture that begs to be explored.

Aside from all of the monuments and museums, you’ll find plenty away from the well-trodden tourist path too: Washington DC is renowned for its performing arts, go-go, R&B, punk, indie and there’s plenty for foodies to check out as well, and that’s before we’ve even started with our top ten!

Mount Vernon

The home of George and Marsha Washington, so why not start your Washington road trip by enjoying a tour of the mansion, visiting the immaculate gardens, taking in the museum and gallery while learning about Mount Vernon’s enslaved staff; those who lived and died here before being finally freed.

George Washington’s 500-acre Mount Vernon Estate is located on the shores of the Potomac River, giving a scenic backdrop to a visit to this mansion and historical grounds with slave quarters, smokehouse and stables. Don’t forget to also visit the George Washington Whiskey Distillery and gristmill in your motorhome rental or campervan hire as they played a major role in Washington’s vision of America.

Arlington Cemetery and Museum of American History

With your RV rental in Washington DC, take a day trip to the Arlington National Cemetery which is open for visitors daily except on Christmas Day. The newly renovated Welcome Center gives informative information on touring this 624-acre national shrine; and explains the intricacies of a full military funeral.

The Arlington National Cemetery lies across 624 acres of landscaped grounds featuring monuments and memorials to the great and the good, including John F Kennedy and the Unknown Soldier. It’s located next to the Museum of American History, which is packed full of fascinating exhibits celebrating the US Nation.

Gettysburg National Military Park

It’s impossible to think of Gettysburg without mentally noting the famous address given by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, before one of the most important battles in the American Civil War. The former battleground, now a national park, features a Museum full of civil war artefacts and a cemetery of remembrance.

Chesapeake Bay

Over 12,000 years old, this stunning bay is the largest estuary in the USA at 200 miles long and home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. If you’re up for a scenic drive near Washington, point your motorhome rental south-east to Chesapeake Bay for a jaw-dropping ride.

Baltimore

The fact that Baltimore is also known as Charm City should be enough to at least the whet the appetite and, speaking of which, check out the food at the historical Lexington Market. Art galleries, top shopping, picturesque parks, craft beers, and that’s just for starters.

Monticello

Monticello is A historic national landmark, Monticello is the former home of one Thomas Jefferson and stands as a testament to its creator. For fans of architecture, it’s an anomaly, an eclectic mash of Roman, Palladian and French architectural styles that reflect the ever-changing tastes of its creator.

Shenandoah National Park

Let’s cut to the chase, as far as you and your motorhome rental are concerned, we’re talking about the 105-mile-long Skyline drive in Shenandoah National Park, a scenic drive that might just see you getting to the end, turning around and doing it all over again.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

This 1.8-million-acre forest that covers the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky does the former presidents proud. A vast area of outstanding natural beauty, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has lakes, waterfalls, and, of course, an abundance of trees.

Antietam National Battlefield

This quiet, unassuming patch of US soil was the site of (arguably) America’s bloodiest day in history. In the space of twelve hours on September 17, 1862, Abraham Lincoln’s men defeated the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The Antietam National Battlefield pays homage to those that fought and died here.

Rock Creek Park

This could be the perfect place to visit after you’ve arrived in Washington DC or, indeed before you leave. Park up the motorhome rental and take a relaxing stroll through Rock Creek Park, get among the many activities you’ll find here -tennis, golf, horse-riding- and let yourself go.

Best Campgrounds & RV Parks near Washington DC

It’s natural to assume that, if you’ve hired a motorhome in Washington DC, you’ll be off on your way, always ready to drop anchor at a moment’s notice and get some shut-eye for the night. And while parts of that sentiment are true, it comes with two basic caveats.

Firstly, you can’t camp wherever you feel like and, secondly, you’re going to need somewhere to dump your black (waste) water and re-charge your gas/batteries, so at some point, you’ll need a campground. No worries, here are four of the best campgrounds and RV parks in and around Washington DC.

Cherry Hill RV Park

9800 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, MD, 20740

Celebrating its 100th year and probably a good candidate for the oldest campground in the USA, Cherry Hill Park has RV sites with full hookups plus a host of amenities: two pools, mini-golf, playgrounds… that’s the kids sorted while you kick back in the hot tub then.

Washington DC/Capitol KOA

768 Cecil Avenue North, Millersville, MD 21108

More cool stuff for the kids (pool, jumping pillow, ping-pong) Washington DC/Capitol KOA is also a great place to relax and unwind thanks to its countryside setting, 50 acres to be precise. With full hookups and space for big rigs, this could be the campground that ticks all the boxes.

Greenbelt Park Campground

6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD, 20770

If you’re looking to get closer to nature with a no-frills camping experience that’s more than adequately compensated by its beautiful, natural surroundings, then Greenbelt Park Campground should be at the top of your list. No fancy hookups here, just you, your motorhome rental and acres of peace and quiet.

Lake Fairfax Park Campground

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190

Lake Fairfax Park Campground has 54 sites with full electrical hookups available in a mixture of shade and sun, it may be lacking in amenities for the kids (there’s a skate park for older children) but this semi-rural campground was always going to be about the beautiful Lake Fairfax.