RV Rentals in Riverside, California

Riverside is one of the densely populated cities in California. Located in the Inland Empire region east of Los Angeles, the city boasts a comfortable year-round climate, multiple historic sites, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a scenic location between the beach and mountains. 

It also provides an atmosphere of fun, which is complemented by its close proximity to LA and Orange County. So, you can take a quick trip from Riverside to enjoy LA’s nightlife and Orange County's theme parks like Disneyland Park, and be back in time for a peaceful sleep.

Vacationing in a new environment can make you a bit anxious so to make yourself feel more comfortable, you need to create a more relaxed environment for yourself. In Riverside, RV Rentals give you the much-needed calm for vacationing by providing a homely environment and giving you full control of your travel. 

Popular RV Destinations in Riverside

Rancho Jurupa Park 

Located at the foothill of Mt. Rubidoux along the Santa Ana River is the Rancho Jurupa Regional Park, a 200-acre recreational area. The park boasts a three-acre lake, cottonwood trees, and beautiful meadows. It's open all year round and there's a $5 entrance fee for adults. 

To keep visitors entertained, the park is filled with hiking and cycling trails, camping grounds,  miniature and disc golf courses, and rock climbing spots. You can also fish at the Rancho Juniper Park Lake but you have to get a fishing permit. Expect to get channel catfish in the summer and rainbow trout in the winter.  

RV owners can choose between two campgrounds: Lakeview Campground or Cottonwood Campground. The Lakeview Campground is closest to the lake, and is favorable for RVs, trailers, and tents. All the campsites house laundromats, Wi-Fi access, modern restrooms, paved roads, and electrical hookups. 

Lake Elsinore

If your idea of a good time is being next to a large water body and getting into all kinds of fun water sports, then you will do well to visit Lake Elsinore. It's a natural freshwater lake covering a surface area of about 3,000 acres, depending on the season.

It's a great place to go jet skiing, water skiing, boating, wakeboarding, and fishing. The lake is filled with a wide variety of fish including bluegill, carp, bass, and catfish. 

The best place to park your RV while visiting the lake is at the Roadrunner RV Park. It's a large campground that's pet-friendly and has clean restrooms and showers. Amenities available include 30- and 50-amp hookups, picnic tables, sandy beaches with fire rings, and a laundromat. 

Mount Rubidoux Park

Experience the glorious wildflowers, cactus, and wildlife at Mount Rubidoux Park, which offers a conducive environment for running, walking, hiking, or biking. It has a 2.7-mile trail that’s split into a path with more incline and a path with the lowest elevation, but they all lead to the top of the mountain. Therefore, the trail is good for hikers with all skill levels. 

On the way to the top, you will find some of Riverside's historic landmarks such as the American Flag, the World Peace Bridge, and lastly, the cross at the summit. Also at the summit, you can take in the beauty of Riverside’s finest features. Dogs are allowed on the trail but have to be kept on a leash.  

Events and Entertainment in Riverside

Riverside Dickens Festival 

If you are a fan of Charles Dickens’ works, then you can throw yourself into the Riverside Dickens Festival, which happens every February celebrating the works of the author. It’s an educational and family-friendly event that was started in September 1993 by a five-person committee with the intention of cultivating a sense of community among the Riverside residents.

The event is marked with Victorian-era costumes, drama, musical performances, lectures, classroom study, literary workshops, museum and library exhibits, storytelling, kids games, a street fair, and a Victorian military parade. 

The festival consists of a variety of events and while most are free, a few events like Victorian Tea Room and Music Hall are ticketed. Both residents and visitors are welcome to share in the tea-scented festival. 

Riverside Airshow 

All aviation and military enthusiasts gather at the Riverside Municipal Airport every march to witness the incredible aerobatic aircraft performances over the skies of Riverside. It’s a free event that has been around for more than 20 years, and attracts more than 90,000 spectators to watch the aerial performances. 

You can expect performances by the local aviation community, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Air Combat Command demonstrations team. It also includes over 200 acres of aircraft, helicopters, and military vehicle displays.  

There are also kid-friendly events, food, and refreshments. This one-day show is free for all, but you can pay for reserved seating at an umbrella table for eight where you can get a better view of the flight line. 

Riverside International Film Festival 

Every April offers a chance to marvel at some of the best films in the world at the annual Riverside International Film Festival. The event has many sponsors, including the city of Riverside and local universities. The films include documentaries, shorts, features, and world premieres. 

Multiple themes are selected for each year and more than 100 independent and international films following the highlighted themes are screened. The audience gets the opportunity to analyze the films from a shared perspective, and also get entertained with the best of horror, science fiction, and comedy. 

The event runs for a whole week so if you miss the first screening, you will still get the chance to catch a few more shows before the week ends. On the last day of the festival, awards will be given to the best films in their categories, including awards for the best director, actor, and actress. 

Nightlife 

If you are looking for a place with an active nightlife, then Downtown Riverside is the place to be. It's a lively neighborhood that's filled with restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Also, every first Thursday of every month at about 6 to 9 p.m, is when Downtown Riverside comes to life with local artists displaying and selling their art at the Riverside Arts Walk.

It’s a free community event that features live art performances, open art galleries, and crafts. The displays are typically in art studios, museums, and art galleries in more than 20 downtown locations. 

FAQs:

Q: What are RV Rentals?

Just like any other rental, RVs are rented out by their owners to vacationers on a temporary basis so they can be used for road trips or for a temporary stay in town. They are convenient for people who don’t want to stay in a hotel and would prefer to be in control of their means of transportation. 

Q: How much are RV rentals?

The costs of renting an RV can range from $100 to $300 per night depending on the size of the vehicle, the type of RV, and the season. You can save money by renting a small RV or a towable trailer if you already have a pickup or an SUV. You may also incur extra fees if you have a pet or need to use other amenities such as a generator. 

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Riverside?

Most RV owners in riverside rent their vehicles to people who are 25 and over, but it’s not entirely impossible to rent an RV if you are under 25. Some small local RV rental services may rent to people between the ages of 21 and 25 but they may charge an extra fee. However, you shouldn't lie about your age or use a fake ID since it may lead to the revocation of your license, or even worse, jail time. 

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you need insurance, even if you are renting the RV for a short period. Most RV rental companies offer insurance coverage at reasonable prices, and the cost can be included as part of your payment package. You will be covered from the day you pick up the RV till the day you return it. 

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

Different RV owners or RV rental companies may have different policies on the fuel issue so you need to refer to your rental agreement. You may be required to return the vehicle with a full tank or at least top it off to the same level as when you rented it. In case they don’t specify what you need to do, you can avoid some hidden costs by refueling the tank before you return the vehicle.  

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Riverside?

Most RV owners allow pets in their vehicles and even include amenities to help keep your furry friend more comfortable. However, you may be required to pay an extra pet deposit.