Madison, Wisconsin RV Rentals

Wisconsin may be famous for its beer and cheese, but this great state has so much more to offer. Once the summer home of Frank Lloyd Wright, it has a vibrant Thai community and is home to an impressive number of free attractions. 

Consider using Madison RV rentals to explore this northern state at your leisure. This is your chance to take a road trip and explore the gardens, craft breweries, and vibrant music culture. 

You may consider Wisconsin to be a football and dairy farming state, but RV rentals in Madison will help you change that. Whether you visit in the summer or during the epic winters, Madison, Wisconsin is sure to please. 

Popular RV Destinations in Madison

Henry Vilas Zoo

In 1911 the first exhibits at this lovely zoo opened for visitors. Its establishment was in thanks to the donation of land by Col. William and Anna Vilas. 

As a part of their donation, they stipulated that the zoo and connected park be free for public use. Today, it’s one of ten zoos in North America that’s still free. 

As you make your way through the zoo, you’ll come face to face with a broad range of exotic animals. There’s a tropical rainforest aviary, big cat exhibit, herpetarium, North American prairie, animal health center, a primate house, savannah and high plains enclosure, Wisconsin heritage feature, and arctic passage exhibit. If you have younger visitors with you, be sure to check out the children’s area and behind the scenes tours for an unforgettable experience. 

Parking is free, though the zoo appreciates donations. There’s also on-site parking with enough space for large buses, so they should be able to accommodate your camper or motorhome. 

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin East

As one of the most famous architects in American history, Wright designed more than 1,000 structures throughout his 70-year career. One of his more famous is located in Spring Green, Wisc. This masterpiece was a continual work in progress, with adjustments and tweaks taking place up until he died in 1959. 

Today, you can visit the 800-acre property and see this labor of love that began in 1911. You can take a guided tour that will show you the 37,000-square-foot home, theater, studio, gallery, bridge, windmill, and school. 

On-site, there’s a cafe serving up artisan-style dishes. When you’re satiated, check out the shop and bring a little Taliesin home with you. 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Deemed one of the most inspiring gardens in North America by Horticultural Magazine, this botanical garden is sure to impress. It features 16 acres of stunning landscape. There’s also the Bolz Conservatory filled with tropical species, orchids, birds, and a waterfall. 

One standout attraction is the Thai Pavilion. It’s the only one in the United States and was a gift from the Thai government. The structure was built in Thailand, then disassembled, brought to Wisconsin, and then rebuilt. It’s 40 feet long, 22 feet wide, 30 feet tall, and decorated with gold leaf. 

Don’t miss the Bolz Conservatory during your visit. It’s home to over 650 plants that represent more than 475 species. The glass pyramid is stunning; it’s a 100 by 100 foot entirely glass structure. Visiting the outdoor gardens is free, though you’ll need to pay admission to see the conservatory. 

Events and Entertainment in Madison

Holiday Fantasy in Lights

For over 30 years, Olin Park has turned into a holiday winter wonderland from November through January. This fantasy of lights features over 15,000 LED bulbs and this number is added to each year. The event is energy-efficient and green.

The lights illuminate each evening as the sun sets and stay on until people stop visiting. It’s free to attend, and you’ll drive your vehicle through the park. You’ll stay in your car as you appreciate the lights. 

There are goody bags and snacks to purchase at the entrance to make your visit more enjoyable. Because this is a drive-through event, you’ll want to confirm that your camper or RV will fit in width, height, and turning radius. 

Sugar Maple Music Festival

Presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, this two-day outdoor event celebrates traditional music and dance. It’s family-friendly, and you can camp or stay in your RV right on site. There are performances, workshops, and jam sessions happening throughout both days. 

You can also check out the many vendors and concessions that are also in attendance. The spots are limited, so you’ll want to book your RV site early. You’ll also need to purchase tickets to attend the event. 

This is your chance to learn from the experts or just enjoy some live traditional music. Three stages will run simultaneously throughout the event. 

Taste of Madison

Over 250,000 people gather each year at the end of summer for the Taste of Madison event. Since 1983, local restaurants, breweries, and entertainment have come together for an epic picnic. The event has grown to host more than 80 restaurants, three live entertainment stages, and over 26 beverage stands. 

Download the event app and discover there’s something for everyone. You’ll find nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options. There are also all of the guilty pleasures available that will make your mouth water. 

What’s nice about this event is that all of the beverage stands are staffed by local volunteer groups. When you tip them, you’re helping the local charities and non-profits. 

FAQs

Q: What are RV Rentals?

An RV rental in Madison gives you the chance to explore this great nation at your leisure. Renting lets you travel economically from the white sand beaches of the Florida gulf shores, through the heart of dixie in Alabama, up the Appalachian mountains, and end your road trip in the heart of Wisconsin. 

Q: How much are RV Rentals?

The cost of your RV travel will depend on the size and type of RV you rent. Smaller trailers can cost as little as $100 per day. A world-class top of the line motorhome could be as much as $250 per day. You may be able to secure a daily discount by renting for longer periods. 

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

You need to be at least 25 years old to easily rent an RV, camper, or motorhome. This is for insurance purposes. Some RV owners will rent to younger people. However, expect to pay an additional deposit for this privilege. 

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

You always need insurance when renting any type of vehicle, including an RV. Some RV rentals in Madison come with insurance included. Others will require you to purchase insurance separately. You may be able to purchase insurance through your car insurance company. 

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

You will most likely need to fill your RV’s fuel tank before returning it. Most RV owners require you to fill the tank or at least return it with the amount of fuel it had when you took it. Some owners will agree to charge you for the fuel necessary to refuel the RV for you. 

Q: Are RVs pet friendly in Madison?

You will have no problem finding pet-friendly RV rentals in Madison, Wisc. There are plenty of RV owners who are happy to welcome renters and their four-legged friends. Don’t be surprised if they ask for an additional pet deposit, though.