Traveling Across the USA in a Camper

Are you ready for a real adventure? To enjoy a pure feeling of freedom, feel the wind in your hair, and simply drive whenever and wherever you want without any commitments? Then I have a hot tip for you: Travel across the USA in a camper!

Traveling across the USA in a camper... What might sound unremarkable quickly transforms into an exciting trip. Because when you have your accommodation with you at all times, you are as free as the wind and can explore the vastness and numerous sights of the USA, just as you please. Imagine: bed, bath, food, and a mobile vehicle - you have everything you need with you and you drive... A real 'Road Trip' just like you might see in the movies.

Spending your vacation at the campground by grandma or uncle's lake, taking a stroll with the dog, and passing by the ice cream truck was once the norm! Those who think camping has become completely old-fashioned and is 'a thing of the past' are very mistaken! On the contrary: Renting a camper is currently all the rage and is no longer just for families. With a camper, you are as flexible as possible and can explore a country on your vacation without having to adhere to the timing, financial, and location constraints of hotels! One thing is clear: a camper means pure freedom. And if you are in the mood for a self-determined adventure rather than a regular package vacation on your next holiday, a camper is the perfect choice!

And what could be more thrilling and worthwhile than a camping trip through the land of freedom itself, the USA?

But what should I consider if I am interested in such a vacation? How can I rent a suitable camper, under what conditions, and what should I keep in mind? What routes are best to take, and where can I find good parking spots for my camper? I've gathered the most important information and guidelines for your personalized camping journey through the USA!

When you land in the USA, it is usually common to spend the first night in a hotel. Since most 'rentals' operate around midday, and you'll likely be suffering from a bit of jet lag, immediate pickup doesn't make much sense. The next day, you head fresh to the rental you trust. Often, they even offer a shuttle bus to pick you up from the hotel. There are quite a few camper rental companies in the USA. You will find the perfect camper for your personal needs at CU Camper. Here, you can already filter for the best price from a huge selection of motorhomes for North America and Canada before your trip, ensuring all desired extras and allowing you to book your camper directly online.

Want additional gear like child seats, a toaster, or a TV? What kind of insurance do you need?

Typically, liability insurance is mandatory, but it often isn't enough in severe cases. If you get insurance with 'extended coverage,' you are also protected if you find yourself in an accident through no fault of your own and the perpetrator simply flees (which does happen) or simply where a basic liability insurance is insufficient. You can pretty much insure against everything, and it's up to you to decide what you need and what you don't. The only thing you cannot insure against is roof damage.

In general, it is advisable to make a booking online in advance rather than renting 'on the spot'. Because only if you have already informed yourself can you be sure that you won't book anything unnecessary at the location.

This also applies to mileage packages. Beforehand, plan which route you want to take and how many miles that entails. And then it's best to add a few extra miles: often, camping neighbors along the way might give you a good tip for a sight to see, or you might think of something additional you want to check out. Small 'detours' are part of that unbounded freedom and are often worth it! You should keep in mind that excess miles read from the vehicle at the end will usually cost you more than the ones you booked in advance. So when planning mileage packages, it's better to round up generously.

Of course, there are also significant differences in equipment. Are you taking a large or small motorhome? Do you need any of the offered extra features like a child seat or TV? From cozy mini-campers to modern luxury homes on wheels, almost anything is possible. However, the equipment typically meets certain standards. Depending on size, you can expect to find sleeping places for two to six people in your camper, two of which are usually above the driver's cabin and two at the rear. Often, the table inside the motorhome can also be converted into a sleeping space.

Speaking of tables: in your camper, depending on size, you'll have one or two tables, seating four to eight people. There's also a kitchenette with a glass stove, an oven (sometimes), microwave grill, a single or double sink, and a refrigerator with a freezer compartment.

The bathroom is of course small, but it definitely has a toilet and shower facilities (the famous 'shower/toilet' in most cases). Freshwater and wastewater tanks are separated for toilet use from those for shower and sink, and a connection to public freshwater and sewage disposal is of course mandatory. Additionally, a power generator with a hook-up for potential external supply is included.

Even if you're happy that the friendly guy at the rental served you so quickly-during drop-off, they will be much more thorough in checking for blemishes and scratches! So better be safe and take the time during the rental to thoroughly inspect your vehicle for the next days and weeks. The same goes for mileage and hours used of the power generator: make sure that both the rental company and you noted the correct readings before the trip starts. Again: excess miles later on will cost you more than those you purchase in advance.

When dropping off, the camper should generally be returned by noon. And it should have a full gas tank and empty freshwater and wastewater tanks, just as you received it. Most importantly, the motorhome should be clean and cleared out. After drop-off, some 'rentals' also offer a shuttle bus ride to the airport or possibly to a nearby hotel. However, this varies from rental to rental. Additionally, you should consider whether you want to return the camper to the same rental at the end of your holiday or if you'd prefer to drop it off elsewhere if you're flying from a different location. However, be aware that this may cost you more-sometimes significantly more.

Now you have your camper ready for your very own adventure through the USA. You've counted all the quirks, secured the necessary insurance, and adjusted the side mirrors-it's time to go. But how do you actually drive this behemoth? Anyone who hasn't had experience yet may feel overwhelmed in such a large motorhome. But don't panic: America is primarily a camping country!

The conditions are nearly optimal throughout the country: the roads are wide, parking spots are plentiful, and an easy automatic transmission makes the drive enjoyable.

A little tip: it's less wise to head straight to the first distant destination right after picking up your motorhome. Keep in mind that you still have a lot of shopping to do before your trip through the USA.

As mentioned earlier, roads and the majority of cities in the USA are very camper-friendly. Thanks to automatic transmissions and wide roads with sometimes huge parking lots, you'll quickly get used to driving. However, you should not underestimate the height of your vehicle-about 12 feet (3.5 meters) high, plus one or more air conditioners on the roof, needs to be considered-when passing under tunnels as well as parking under a tree. Additionally, you should not underestimate the rear overhang. The rear axle usually sits just behind the center of the vehicle, leaving several feet that hang over.

If a road is very steep, it may be closed for campers. While this doesn't happen often, it is conceivable. The engine and brakes can be heavily engaged while going up and down, which can lead to overheating. Generally, it can be said that driving in US cities is likely less pleasant than in the rest of the country. If you're traveling along the West Coast, as is quite popular, consider carefully whether you want to tackle the narrow and steep streets in San Francisco. Perhaps in this case, leave the vehicle parked in a spot on the outskirts of the city and take the accessible public transport instead.

Fuel consumption is, of course, higher with a camper than with a regular car. You can expect about 25 to 30 liters per 100 kilometers, and during intense tours and city traffic, it may even be more than 40 liters per 100 kilometers. However, the fuel tank is also correspondingly large, allowing for an approximately 500-kilometer range.

If there's one thing there's an abundance of in the USA, it's parking spots for campers! At least on the West Coast, the ultimate camping paradise, you can expect numerous opportunities to kick back. Often, there's even a breathtaking view right outside your door, and many campsites prioritize comfort. Here, you'll have access to electrical, fresh water, and wastewater hookups (a so-called 'Full Hookup'), toilets and showers, and a picnic area with tables, benches, and a grill right next to your camper's parking spot!

In general, there are two types of campgrounds: state and private. Generally, private ones are said to be better organized, offering more comfort (showers, shops, playgrounds, pools, internet), and therefore cost more.

With private campgrounds, there are two major associations you're likely to come across on your journey. The 'KOA - Kampgrounds of America' are widely praised, as they provide locations across the country. Here, you'll also find uniform standards: there are large, clean, and well-maintained parking spots with tables, benches, and fire pits. Additionally, you can find an online map featuring these locations throughout the country. Good Sam also offers a wide range of campgrounds dispersed across the country, but their standards vary concerning comfort and hygiene.

As for costs, prices depend on the comfort offered. You can stay at a rather basic spot with fundamental amenities for as little as five to ten dollars, while more comfortable sites charge often between 20 and 45 dollars per vehicle with two adults. Sometimes, it's common at state campgrounds to attach the counted cash in a designated plastic bag to the reservation sign. Other than that, as with the rest of the USA: credit cards are widely accepted.

As you already know, there are plenty of campgrounds for you and your campers in the USA. But where exactly? Here you'll find a helpful overview map and lists for each state you travel through. For California, possibly the most popular American state for a camping tour, there is the 'California Campgrounds' overview (for other states, the names are similarly laid out).

On the updated website, you will receive not only the addresses of the sites but also information about the number of parking spots and available service facilities, such as:

In some states, wild camping is also permitted, for example in the National Parks in the USA. However, you must register in advance.

This doesn't have to do with state monitoring methods, as you might suspect now. Rather, in a vast, wild, and naturally kept country like the USA-and especially in the National Parks-it's not unusual for the smells of food from campers to attract wild animals. When there's a risk of a bear attack, for instance, you wouldn't want someone to at least have a rough idea of where you are, would you? And a bear attack should not be underestimated! At some of the more secluded campgrounds, it's customary to store food in designated lockable containers. If no one is in sight, there's also the old trick of our ancestors: hang food from a high tree. In any case, you should ensure not to leave anything outside overnight. Then nothing stands in the way of your safe adventure!

Plan your route, rent your camper, scout for parking spots-your adventure in the USA promises to be something truly special! You will undoubtedly experience your own unique stories and have plenty to share by the end! And for the right flights and potential hotels, you know where to ask.