RV Rental Oshkosh, WI

Oshkosh RV Rentals

Oshkosh, Wisconsin is a quaint and friendly city with a population of about 70,000 nestled on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Seems a fitting place for a road trip in your RV, no? It’s a bustling and fun city all year long, with plenty of family-friendly activities, even in the winter. The natural beauty of the area and the genuine hospitality of the city are just a couple of reasons why Oshkosh RV rentals are on the rise.

Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, a dedicated foodie, or a lover of the arts, Oshkosh won’t disappoint. During the school year, it’s bustling with University of Wisconsin students. In the summer, it’s a scenic and fun playground for lake lovers and campers. There are so many great RV campsites around the area with upscale amenities like free WiFi, hot showers, swimming pools, and laundry facilities you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one, so check out all there is to do here when you’re planning your next RV road trip.

Popular RV Destinations in Oshkosh

Fishing

Lake Winnebago is the largest inland lake in the state, and fishing is one of its number one activities. The walleye fishing on Lake Winnebago is regarded by many as some of the best fishing in the entire country. Further, the lake is also home to large populations of jumbo perch and bass, both largemouth and smallmouth. With so many fish occupying this large and pristine lake, you’re almost guaranteed not to leave empty-netted.

Lake Winnebago is over 138,000 acres, so there’s lots of room to make a day of exploring for fish without feeling too crowded. The shallow average depth of just 15.5 feet makes it a safe and calm lake on which to throw out a line, kick back, and relax while you wait for the fish to jump on it. There’s something so satisfying about grilling your freshly caught fish at your RV site on the outdoor grill, and with plenty of boat rental options, you’ll find something to fit any budget.

Paine Art Center & Gardens

One of Oshkosh’s top attractions is the lush and vast Paine Art Center & Gardens, which was built in 1925 on the estate of Nathan and Jessie Paine. The estate manor is a stunning example of Tudor Revival-style architecture. It impresses and awes with its remarkable arches, columns, doorways, window panes, and woodwork. The numerous rooms and hallways prominently display pristine examples of fine art and decorative objects from the Paines’ collection.

Head outside to explore the twenty opulent and lush garden areas that showcase an impressively wide variety of flowers and plants. The gardens are designed to create outdoor “rooms” that offer a diverse combination of intimate and grand settings, much like the inside of the mansion. You’ll easily get lost for hours in this otherworldly wonderland that transports you back to a different time.

EAA Aviation Museum

EAA stands for the Experimental Aircraft Association, and it represents a growing and diverse group of people who have a wide range of aviation backgrounds and interests. The EAA Museum is one of the most eclectic and extensive collections of aviation paraphernalia in the world and is a year-round destination for many families and aviation enthusiasts. It houses a huge collection of more than 200 historic airplanes.

The museum also boasts an extensive collection of world-class galleries and displays, as well as a whopping four movie theaters. You can even take a ride in a real-life vintage airplane at Pioneer Airport, a working aerodrome derived straight from the “golden age” of aviation. Tour the Willan Space Gallery, examine a tribute to World War II aviation in the Eagle Hangar, and take part in the interactive KidVenture Gallery, which promises fun for all ages.

Winter Sports

Being so far north, winter reigns supreme in Oshkosh, and the city embraces the cold temperatures and plentiful snow with tons of outdoor winter activities to pass the time. Ice fishing is the most popular winter sport in Oshkosh, thanks to the plethora of fish that call Lake Winnebago their home. People come from all over the country to experience fishing on the frozen lake and to take part in the famed Battle on Bago, which is one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in the country, held each February.

Another highly popular local winter experience that is quickly becoming a tradition for many friends and family is sturgeon spearing, which draws thousands of eager people for a couple of weeks every February to try out this one-of-a-kind activity. If ice fishing isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There’s plenty of fun snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing to be had all winter long, with a large network of trails and parks to explore.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Lake Winnebago and the surrounding waterways of Miller’s Bay, Asylum Point, Sawyer Creek, Terrell’s Island, Waukau Creek, Rush Lake, and Boom Bay are ideal spots to explore via canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. You can hone your skills on a wide variety of lakes and streams with varying conditions that allow you to get up close with nature and exercise at the same time. From glassy, still waters, to more aggressive and sporty waves, there’s something for everyone.

Bring your own watersports equipment, or feel free to rent from several facilities if you don’t have or can’t bring your own. Herget Sport Center on the Fox River has kayaks and canoes, and you can also rent SUPs, paddle boats, and aqua bikes at Menominee Park, giving you plenty of options for fun on the water activities. 

Events and Entertainment in Oshkosh

Craft Beer Week

Oshkosh loves to honor and celebrate its diverse and eclectic craft beer scene with an entire week devoted to craft beer and all its awesomeness. This much-anticipated event kicks off with the Annual Winter Beer Fest at the Bare Bones Brewery. The event is usually outside, weather permitting, and is punctuated by plenty of fun activities, like the 50/50 raffle, Chicken S#!& Bingo, a bonfire, and plenty of beer and food samples to go around.

Each of the breweries in town offers deep discounts, limited beer releases, special keg tappings, and other festive ways to celebrate the week. With over ten breweries participating, there is almost an unlimited supply of beer across a huge variety of flavor profiles to test and enjoy. Traditionally, Craft Beer Week culminates with the fun and unique “Hops & Props,” hosted at the EAA Aviation Museum.

Farmers Market

Every Saturday from June through October, the city of Oshkosh hosts one of the best farmers markets in the country from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. downtown. This weekly event is one of the most popular events in the city with more than 130 vendors at the outdoor venue, rain or shine. This fun and lively market also features live music and themed events throughout the season.

In the winter months, you can find the Farmers Market at its indoor home at the Oshkosh Convention Center, where you can purchase food, produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from more than 30 vendors on a regular week or more than 50 vendors at the themed holiday bazaars. This is a great way to check out all the local offerings in and around Oshkosh and is a very family-friendly way to experience the hospitality and friendliness that the city is so well known for.

Oshkosh Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show

Held in May at the SunnyView Expo Center in Oshkosh, this two-day event is free to the public and showcases hundreds of talented dogs as they compete in breed conformation and judging. See firsthand the congruency and seamlessness of communication between dogs and their handlers and marvel at the intuitive nature and prowess of some of the best dogs in the country.

You can visit with breeders, owners, and handlers, and cheer on your favorite pooch as he or she vies for the coveted “Best in Show'' title. This is a unique event that you won’t get to experience in many other cities. It’s something fun and different to do, especially if the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating on your RV vacation. 

FAQs

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can 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’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Oshkosh can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies 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 Oshkosh?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Wisconsin is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent or will charge a surcharge to anyone under 25.

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

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Wisconsin. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most 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 among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Oshkosh 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 picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Oshkosh?

Many RV and camper rentals in Oshkosh 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.