Salt Lake City, Utah RV Rentals

If you’re planning your next RV road trip, you need to add Salt Lake City to your list of contenders. Salt Lake City is both the capital city and the most populated city in the state of Utah. Salt Lake City is a beautiful and welcoming region that offers so much to do in the form of amazing outdoor attractions and family friendly events. 

RV rentals in Salt Lake City are plentiful and you can choose from just about any style you want, whether it’s a tiny tow-behind minimalist dome or an opulent caravan with all the bells and whistles. You’ll also have no shortage of excellent options when it comes to places to park your RV. Free WiFi, clean and modern laundry and shower facilities, friendly staff, and plentiful amenities are standard fare here. 

Take a look at all the great options for things to do and events to attend that will guarantee that your time in Salt Lake City is one of your most memorable vacations yet.

Popular RV Destinations in Salt Lake City

The Great Salt Lake

Obviously, and maybe even predictably, we have to put a trip to the Great Salt Lake as one of your top must-do activities. Where else can you see this amazing and natural wonder? It’s the largest saltwater lake in the entire western hemisphere and the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River.

A remnant of the enormous, prehistoric Lake Bonneville, Salt Lake is actually quite shallow, with a maximum depth of only 35 feet. Explore the lake by canoe, kayak, boat, sunset cruise, or feel the surprising buoyancy of the salty water by swimming or floating in it. Fishing, sailing, bird watching, hiking, and biking are also all very popular pastimes on this vast body of water. It’s a must-see for visitors of all ages and levels of health.

Temple Square

A trip to Salt Lake wouldn’t be complete without touring the holiest place of the Mormons, Temple Square. You can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the vibrant flower beds, lush flowering trees, and intricate fountains that occupy this 35-acre paradise in the middle of the city. Sitting as protective sentinels overlooking the square are the Mormon Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and the Temple Annex.

All of these exquisite examples of architecture and design offer you the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of the Church of Latter-day Saints and the Mormon religion itself. The Mormon Temple is able to be entered solely by Mormons, but there is an extremely detailed model on display that will give you an accurate depiction of the Temple’s inner grandeur. Temple Square also boasts several other notable historical monuments that highlight important events and people that have been key in furthering the religion.

Skiing

Another extremely popular activity that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Salt Lake City each year is skiing. Winter sports opportunities abound in this area, with world-class ski resorts like Park City, Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, and Deer Valley within a stone’s throw from the city. Just driving to the resorts is a jaw-dropping scenic journey in and of itself.

Renting an RV in Salt Lake City is a great option for avid skiers and snowboarders who want to ski some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the country while not blowing out their budget on an overly extravagant trip. If you choose to visit Salt Lake City in the summertime, many of the resorts offer some aggressive and fun mountain biking on their dry ski slopes.

Utah Olympic Park

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else, Utah Olympic Park is it. As host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City offers a state-of-the-art training facility unlike any other. Here you can learn all about the park’s proud Olympic heritage by taking a guided tour throughout the facility.

The tour culminates in an adrenaline-pumping ride of a lifetime on the Comet Bobsled Ride. You can also zip, hike, slide, and climb around the park with plenty of activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. If you’re looking for something a little more tame, you can skate on Olympic ice or cheer on competing Olympic hopeful athletes.

Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is a wonderful place for horticultural enthusiasts and visitors looking for a pleasant and quiet break from the hustle and bustle of a jam-packed vacation. As part of the University of Utah, the gardens are filled with meticulously landscaped grounds, lush scenery, bubbling fountains, and leisurely pathways that beckon you to explore. The garden is neatly organized into sections that are each devoted to highlighting a specific type of ecosystem or plant species, like the Medicinal Garden and the Water Conservation Garden. 

The park is open year-round, with plenty of fun events, including outdoor live concerts throughout the summer. Enjoy rotating art exhibits that are ingeniously integrated into the garden. If you happen to visit during the months of December, January, or February, you can enjoy half-price admission, but the garden is particularly known for its incredible spring blooms, so try to make it a point of catching them if you can.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Conveniently located right next door to the Red Butte Garden, is the Natural History Museum of Utah. This is a fun and educational activity for the whole family on a rainy or chilly day. Just the museum building on its own is a spectacular 40,000 square foot copper-clad feast for the eyes. With 1.6 million objects in its collection, this museum is one of the most comprehensive and extensive natural history museums in the nation. The museum keeps a rotating display of approximately 5,000 items at a given time. 

Some of the major highlights include dinosaur fossils, a three-story indoor canyon, a digital globe, and the Trailhead to Utah, which is a mobile guide that walks you through the museum with over 70 stops, complete with audio recordings and interactive illustrations that help bring the museum to life. Some permanent exhibits include Native Voices, First Peoples, Gems and Minerals, Utah Futures, and many more. Be sure to check out the amazing views of the city and the valley from the observation deck while you’re there.

Events and Entertainment in Salt Lake City

Sundance Film Festival

Likely the famous festival in the region, the Sundance Film Festival is mainly centered in nearby Park City but offers plenty of events in Salt Lake City as well. Held in January, this is one of the largest festivals in the world, attracting famous and up-and-coming filmmakers and celebrities from around the globe. Films in the festival span practically every genre, topic, and language known to the human race.

The Sundance Film Festival is open to the public with a huge variety of choices when it comes to films, events, and venues. Start planning your strategy for this diverse and complex festival early so that you can be sure to see all the items you have on your list and won’t miss out on the coveted tickets. Immerse yourself in festival culture, classes, workshops, and all things film.

Utah Arts Festival

For three days each June, you can join 80,000 of your fellow art lovers in Salt Lake City as it offers itself up to celebrate all things to do with the visual and performing arts. Local and global artists all congregate to showcase a multitude of talents from poetry slams to life-sized sculptures, dancing, film screenings, live music, and so much more. You’ll find art of every kind here, including many amazing and innovative never-before-seen concepts.

Kids will love the Kids Art Yard, where they can express their own artistic sides. Hundreds of attractions and events spread out over seven performing venues will leave you struggling to decide what you want to see and experience the most. After you’ve had your fill of art for the day, you can fill your belly with delicious local foods, treats, and beverages, which are all works of art in their own right.

Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival

Each August, the Salt Lake Suburb of Sandy hosts the dreamy and whimsical hot air balloon festival. Enjoy ethereal sunrise launches of hot air balloons as they rise majestically over the mountains in the picturesque Storm Mountain Park on both days of the festival. Take part in the BalloonFest 5K, or try your hand at some of the craft tables and other activities that take place throughout the park.

You also want to be sure to check out the fun and romantic Balloon Glow that takes place at the South Towne Promenade on Saturday evening. Live music, bounce houses, face painting, and food trucks provide something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age. Be sure to take your camera to capture the stunning scenery of the mountain backdrop as it plays the perfect visual host to the brightly colored hot air balloons.

Oktoberfest

Since 1973, nearby Snowbird Ski Resort has been hosting its beloved annual Oktoberfest celebration, which actually begins at the end of summer and goes all the way until mid-October. The festival celebrates all things Bavarian, including food, beer, music, costumes, and art, and is one of Utah’s longest-running cultural events. One of the most iconic events of the festival is the fun and energetic Bratwurst Eating Contest, which is an officially sanctioned Major League Eating event. 

With over 50 varieties of beer, a huge beer garden, and the pageantry and spectacle of traditional costumes, this event is sure to be one that you’ll remember for years to come. Not to worry if beer isn’t your thing; there’s also a well-stocked wine garden and even a Jagermeister tent, as well as plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Live music and the billowing calls of the traditional Alphorns round out this fun festival.

Luminaria

If you happen to be visiting Salt Lake City between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you need to see the magical and jaw-dropping light displays at Luminaria. Located at Thanksgiving Point, this enchanting one-mile walk will immerse you in an otherworldly holiday wonderland. It’s a captivating experience for people of all ages.

Make your way through the awe-inspiring Ashton Gardens and marvel at the Grand Allee’s 6,500 programmable luminaries. Each display seems better than the last as you take in flying reindeer, brilliantly lit Christmas trees, poinsettias, and every holiday symbol imaginable. You’ll definitely be impressed by the mammoth 120-foot lit tree that sits atop a 40-foot hill like a holiday sentinel. 

The gently lit nativity scene provides an opportunity for quiet introspection, as do the glowing lanterns and peaceful music that transform the Light of the World Garden. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious s’mores roasted over a glowing fire pit, or sample sweets and hot chocolate from the gift boutique. You can’t be a Grinch after attending this festive and magical event.

FAQs:

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate for your RV rental. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographical location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. They allow you to get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you are considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV Rentals?

RV rentals in Salt Lake City can range between $75-150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost between $100-250 per night, depending on the season and the year, make and model of the RV. Some companies also offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Salt Lake City?

The minimum legal age to rent an RV in the state of Utah is 25. 

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

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Salt Lake City. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most RV rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

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

This policy varies between rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Salt Lake City will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you got the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Salt Lake City?

Many RV and camper rentals in Salt Lake City are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.