Travel Trailer Rentals in Reno, NV

Reno sits at the edge of the Sierra Nevada and the gateway to some of the most underrated camping terrain in the American West — and a travel trailer rental is one of the best ways to take full advantage of it. From alpine lakeshores to high desert playas, northern Nevada rewards travelers who bring their own base camp. Here's everything you need to know before you book.

How much does it cost to rent a travel trailer in Reno, NV?

A travel trailer rental in Reno typically runs between $100 and $250 per night, depending on the size, age, and features of the unit. Smaller, lightweight trailers on the lower end of that range are great for couples or solo travelers, while larger bunkhouse-style towables can run higher — especially during peak summer season. Most hosts on BookRVs also charge a security deposit and may include a mileage or delivery fee, so read the listing details carefully before booking. Booking midweek or outside of July and August can bring the nightly rate down noticeably.

Do I need a special license to tow a travel trailer in Nevada?

No special license is required to tow a travel trailer in Nevada, as long as the combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) stays under 26,000 pounds — which covers virtually all standard towable RVs. A standard Nevada driver's license is sufficient. That said, Nevada does require trailers over 10,000 pounds GVWR to use trailer brakes, and your tow vehicle must be properly equipped with a hitch rated for the load. If you're renting the trailer only and using your own vehicle, confirm your hitch capacity and ball size before pickup.

What kind of truck or SUV do I need to tow a rental trailer from Reno?

The tow vehicle requirement depends entirely on the trailer's weight, which varies by listing. Most mid-size travel trailers weigh between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds loaded, which puts them within the towing range of a half-ton pickup like a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, or a full-size SUV like a Tahoe or Yukon. Lighter models — sometimes called ultra-lite or toy hauler variants — can be towed by smaller trucks or crossovers with factory tow packages. Always check the trailer's listed dry weight and add an estimate for gear and water when comparing to your vehicle's tow rating. If you're unsure, the RVIA's towing guide is a reliable resource.

Where are the best campgrounds near Reno for a travel trailer?

The Reno area offers a strong mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites that suit travel trailers well. Washoe Lake State Park, about 20 minutes south of downtown, has pull-through sites with good access and views of the Sierra Nevada. Boca Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir in the Truckee area — roughly 30–45 minutes west — are popular for their forested settings and lake access. Further afield, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers dispersed camping with few restrictions, ideal for longer stays. For site-by-site reviews and road condition notes, The Dyrt is worth checking before you head out.

Is it worth renting a travel trailer instead of a hotel in Reno?

For stays of three or more nights, a rental trailer almost always delivers better value than a hotel — especially when you factor in meals. A mid-range hotel in the Reno/Sparks area runs $120–$200 per night, and you're still paying for restaurants. A towable RV rental at a similar nightly price gives you a kitchen, a real bed, and the ability to wake up at a campground rather than a parking lot. The trade-off is logistics: you need a capable tow vehicle and a little patience on mountain passes. For families or groups, the cost advantage gets even more pronounced.

Also browse rentals options in Las Vegas, NV.

What's included in a typical Reno travel trailer rental?

What comes with a rental trailer varies by host, so you should never assume a bare-bones or fully-loaded setup until you read the listing. Most hosts include standard kitchen gear, bedding, and basic outdoor furniture, but extras like generators, solar setups, outdoor grills, and bike racks depend on the individual owner. Some hosts also offer delivery to your campsite, which removes the need to tow the trailer yourself — a popular option for first-timers. Before booking, message the host directly to confirm what's included and what you'll need to bring. You can also browse travel trailer rentals in California if you want to compare similar listings across the border.

When is the best time of year to rent a travel trailer near Reno?

Late spring through early fall — roughly May through October — is the prime window for a Reno area travel trailer trip. Summer brings warm days, dry skies, and full campground access, but it also means peak demand and higher prices. June and September are the sweet spots: shoulder-season pricing, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures across both the Sierra and the high desert. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but many campgrounds close after October, and mountain passes can close without warning. If your itinerary includes Lake Tahoe or mountain-adjacent sites, aim for late June through August to avoid snow-related road restrictions.

Can I take a rental travel trailer to Black Rock Desert or Burning Man?

Whether you can take a rental trailer to Black Rock Desert or Burning Man depends entirely on the host. Many hosts don't allow playa travel at all — the alkaline dust is notoriously destructive, working its way into every seal, bearing, and surface on the trailer. Others do permit it, but charge a significant markup on top of the standard nightly rate to cover the deep cleaning and above-average wear and tear that comes with a playa trip. Before booking, read the listing's usage rules carefully and message the host directly if Black Rock Desert or Burning Man is your destination — don't assume it's allowed or that the standard rate applies. Check recreation.gov for Black Rock Desert permit information well in advance of your trip.

How far in advance should I book a travel trailer rental in Reno?

For summer travel — especially July 4th weekend, Burning Man season (late August), and Labor Day — book at least 6 to 8 weeks out to get your pick of listings. Popular trailers with strong reviews and competitive prices go fast once summer demand picks up. For shoulder-season travel in May, June, or September, 2–4 weeks of lead time is usually enough. Last-minute bookings can work outside of peak season, but you'll have fewer options and less time to coordinate towing logistics. If your trip dates are firm, booking early also gives you time to communicate with the host and confirm any gear or delivery arrangements.

What are the best day trips from Reno in a travel trailer?

Reno's location makes it one of the most versatile basecamp cities in the West. Lake Tahoe's west shore is 45 minutes away and delivers alpine camping with water access. Virginia City, a well-preserved mining town, sits just 30 minutes southeast and pairs well with an overnight stop at a nearby campground. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal lands, about an hour north, offer dramatic desert lake scenery and some of the best fishing in Nevada. Further out, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California is a realistic two-day drive that rewards the extra effort with boiling mudpots and volcanic terrain unlike anything else in the region.

What's the difference between a travel trailer and a 5th wheel rental?

A travel trailer hitches to a standard ball mount on your vehicle's rear, making it compatible with most trucks and full-size SUVs. A 5th wheel connects via a specialized hitch mounted in a truck bed, which requires a pickup — no SUV will work. 5th wheels tend to be larger, more residential in feel, and more stable on the highway, but they're also more expensive to rent and require the right truck. For a first-time Reno trip, most renters are better off with a travel trailer unless they already own a compatible pickup and want the extra space.

Related article: Fifth Wheel RV Rental: What Every First-Timer Should Know

Reno is one of the most adventure-ready cities in the West, and a travel trailer is one of the best ways to experience the terrain surrounding it. Browse available Reno, NV travel trailer listings on BookRVs.com to find the right rig for your trip — whether you're heading to the Sierra Nevada, the Black Rock Desert, or somewhere in between. Filter by trailer type, size, and availability to find a setup that fits your vehicle and your itinerary.