RV Rental Pennsylvania

RV Rental Pennsylvania: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals PA

Pennsylvania is easily one of America’s most vibrant tourist destinations. In one trip, you’ll be able to marvel at the Appalachian mountains, shop for the nation’s finest crafts, take in a Major League Baseball game, and see history come alive.

Given everything there is to do and see, we can’t recommend an RV trip through Pennsylvania highly enough. In a camper, travel trailer, or motorcoach, you’ll be able to lodge on the doorstep of historic parks and wild natural scenery. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to touring via RV rentals in Pennsylvania, including the best attractions, cultural events, campgrounds, and other things you’ll need to know.

Popular RV Destinations in Pennsylvania

Independence National Park

Whether you’re an American history buff, you want to see the scene of John Trumbull’s iconic painting, or you’re crazy about Hamilton, Independence National Historic Park will give you a day to remember.

We’ve all heard the stories of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. But to truly understand the romance and drama of those times, there’s nothing like visiting the “Room Where It Happened” and walking in the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin.

Once you’ve toured Independence Hall, you can visit the Liberty Bell and explore the park’s other attractions, including a 1700s-style garden. Don’t miss the Franklin Museum, where you can learn about the life, inventions, and philosophies of the most iconoclastic Founding Father.

Amish Country

The Amish, or “Plain People,” have created a culture based around tradition and meaningful work, centered in Lancaster County in the southern part of the state. In a world that always seems to be moving faster, the Amish are justly celebrated for eschewing easy solutions and taking the time to do things right. It’s clearly working, since the Amish population in Pennsylvania has tripled since the 1960s.

A visit to Lancaster County starts with a tour of the countryside in an authentic horse-drawn buggy. On these tours, be sure to respect people who prefer not to be photographed or scrutinized. Afterward, browse crafts from the many Amish cottage industries, including their famous handmade furniture and quilts.

Lancaster County is also host to a diverse food scene, and many restaurants that use locally-grown ingredients.

Hersheypark

This legendary theme park was founded in 1906 as a place for employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company to blow off steam. More than a century later, both the chocolates and the park are still going strong in the company town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Hersheypark features roller coasters, family rides, water rides, a zoo, and of course plenty of places to sample and buy sweet treats. They’ve just added a whole new area—including their biggest roller coaster yet—so now is the perfect time to visit. During the summer, the park sells package deals that include free lodging, meals, and tickets for kids.

In case all of that isn’t enough: During the last hour before closing time, you can ride three of the wildest roller coasters—completely in the dark. Who’d have thought a theme park based on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups could get so intense?

Events and Entertainment in Pennsylvania

Groundhog Day

The Groundhog Day tradition may have started out as Pennsylvania Dutch weather lore: If a groundhog sees its shadow the first time it emerges from its burrow, winter will last for six more weeks. A creative newspaper editor in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, attached the tradition to one specific groundhog—the seemingly immortal Punxsutawney Phil.

Meteorologists haven’t found any correlation between groundhog antics and the start of spring, but that hasn’t stopped people from filling Gobbler’s Knob park every February 2. After the release of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” where Bill Murray is trapped in a time loop of the Punxsutawney festival, attendance increased from 2,000 to almost 40,000 people per year.

Sure, you could just watch the livestream like millions of others. But just like with Independence Hall, nothing compares to being there.

Gettysburg Re-Enactment

Between July 1 and 3, 1863, the forces of the Union and the Confederacy fought the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg marked the farthest that Robert E. Lee’s army had ever intruded onto northern soil. Had the Union lost, President Abraham Lincoln might have sued for peace, and America would look very different today.

Every year, on the anniversary of the battle, you can see it come to life thanks to the efforts of the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee. With the help of horses, swords, rifles, and cannon fire, thousands of volunteers re-enact the critical moments of the battle. But it’s not just about fighting: The event also hosts living history exhibits, Q&A sessions with impersonators, and live Civil War-era music.

Professional Sports

Pennsylvania may be steeped in history, but we’d like to see the Founding Fathers take home six Super Bowl trophies like the Pittsburgh Steelers did. No, the work of putting the Keystone State on the map in the 21st century falls to its dominant professional athletes. Pennsylvania’s sports are centered on its two biggest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, that share all its major league teams between them.

With teams in every major sport, there’s always a game to catch. From March to October, the Phillies and Pirates rule the baseball world. The Eagles and Steelers take over for football season, and in the winter, you can catch the 76ers playing basketball, or the Penguins and Flyers at the hockey rink.

Campgrounds and Parks in Pennsylvania

Mount Pocono Campground

The Pocono Mountains are one of Pennsylvania’s best natural recreation areas. From the Delaware Water Gap where the Appalachian Trail meanders through woods filled with songbirds, to the top-notch skiing at Camelback Mountain, the Poconos are the perfect starting point for getting acquainted with Pennsylvania’s wilder side.

Mount Pocono Campground offers RVers full hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, showers, bathrooms, swimming pools, a dog run, and a driveway that’s easy for big rigs to navigate. It’s located two hours from Philadelphia, and 90 minutes from New York City. Check out the stocked, spring-fed fishing holes, or roar off on one of the nearby ATV trails.

Bald Eagle State Park

Bald Eagle Valley is a hidden gem in the heart of Pennsylvania. Located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 99—though not so close you can hear either one—Bald Eagle State Park is a beautiful RV destination for hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping on the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir.

There’s a dump station and hot showers, but no hookups, so this is an RV site for those more OK with going primitive. You’ll be able to pick up firewood and restock at the marina store. And for you “Office” fanatics out there, it’s only two hours from Scranton, the Electric City.

Pymatuning State Park

Pymatuning State Park, open year-round, is one of the largest natural destinations in all of Pennsylvania. In fact, it’s so big it spills over into Ohio. It’s also got the biggest freshwater lake, the Pymatuning Reservoir, one of the finest fishing spots in the nation. 

Linesville Campground is the best spot for RVers, with bathrooms, showers, laundry, and 30- and 50-amp hookups. See waterfowl gathering on the frozen lake in winter, or visit in summer to watch bats fly out to hunt by night. Whether you’re looking for natural solitude or just stopping by on a longer road trip, this is a fantastic place to make memories.

RV Storage and Dumpstations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has so much to see and do that we guarantee you’ll find places where you want to stay for more than one night. When that happens, it can be helpful to know where to keep your RV. Here are a few of the top storage facilities in the state:

• Philadelphia Boat Supply in Philadelphia
• Secondary Storage in Pittsburgh
• Stuff-A-Lot Outdoor Storage Facility in Allentown
• North Reading Storage in Reading

It’s also a good idea to plan a visit to a dumping station or two so you can get rid of waste along the way. These dump sites are some of Pennsylvania’s most convenient:

• Rocky Springs Campground in Pittsburgh
• Roamers’ Retreat Campground in Lancaster
• Lake In Wood Resort in Harrisburg
• Mills Bridge Village and Camp Resort in Philadelphia

FAQs

1. What are RV rentals?

Renting an RV is a great way to save money and stay closer to the action while exploring a new place. With a full living space traveling right beside you, there’s no more worrying about finding hotels or tent sites—you can camp almost anywhere.

2. How much are RV rentals?

The cost per night to rent an RV varies based on the size and amenities of the vehicle. Prices range from about $150 per night for a travel trailer to $450 per night for a Class A motorcoach.

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Pennsylvania?

To rent any vehicle in Pennsylvania, you need to be 21. Some companies will add an extra surcharge until you’re 25, and a select few won’t rent to you at all until then.

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Proof of insurance must be on-hand in the RV any time you’re driving it. Keep your whole rental packet in the glove compartment to ensure you don’t lose it.

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

You should, but if you find yourself absolutely unable to, most companies will let you off with an extra fee. Private renters, of course, are more variable.

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Traveling by RV is a great way to bring your pet along for the adventure without worrying about whether hotels will accept them. Additionally, many RV campgrounds include dog parks.