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Compare live Cruise America and El Monte RV prices for your dates.
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Dallas at a glance
The essentials for starting your RV road trip in Dallas.
Checked October 2026
Vehicle types
Class C and Class A
21 to 32 ft Class C, plus Class A
Main depot area
East Dallas, McKinney
Cruise America east, El Monte RV north
From
US$86 per night
Cruise America 25 ft, Oct 2027
Popular route
Texas Hill Country loop
Austin and San Antonio, then back
Best season
Spring and autumn
Mild days, no summer heat
Airport proximity
35 to 45 minutes
DFW to either depot, no shuttle
RV hire in Dallas starts from about US$86 a night plus mileage, based on our live Cruise America search. Cruise America's centre is in east Dallas, about 4.5 miles (7 km) from downtown, and El Monte RV's depot is in McKinney, about 31 miles (49 km) north, with 21 ft to 32 ft Class C motorhomes and Class A models between them. A week covers Fort Worth and the Hill Country, and two weeks adds San Antonio and the Gulf Coast. We compare live prices from both brands for your dates and flag mileage charges before you book.
Compare RV rental brands in Dallas
Two RV rental brands are bookable in our Dallas search: Cruise America, from its centre in east Dallas, and El Monte RV, from McKinney north of the city. Compare their motorhomes with real totals and no booking fees, and we flag mileage charges before you book.

CLASS C MOTORHOMES
25 ft Standard and 30 ft Large Class C motorhomes
Best for: families and groups who want a bathroom on board
Compare Cruise America →
CLASS C AND CLASS A
21 to 32 ft Class C motorhomes, plus Mighty Class A
Best for: families and groups who want more sizes to choose from
Compare El Monte RV →Rental company guides: El Monte RV, Indie Campers and Road Bear RV.
- Real totals up-front: no booking fees or surprises when you collect in Dallas.
- Live prices in US$: compare Cruise America and El Monte RV sizes and dates in one search.
- Miles flagged: both brands charge for miles, so we point it out before you book.
- Human help: talk to our team about the right vehicle for your trip.
What does RV hire cost in Dallas?
Cruise America nightly rates in US$ from our live Dallas searches for 14 day hires in July and October 2027. They leave out mileage, kits, one-way fees and extras, so compare live prices from both brands for your dates.
MID-RANGE
Cruise America 25 ft, sleeps 5
US$86 to US$185/day
October US$86, July US$185.
FAMILY
Cruise America 30 ft, sleeps 7
US$99 to US$185/day
October US$99, July US$185.
Miles are extra: Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile, or 19 cents on Half Price Mileage Deal return trips departing by 31 October 2027. El Monte RV charges 38 cents a mile, or US$37 per prepaid 100 miles.
Where to collect your RV in Dallas
There is no RV rental depot at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Cruise America's centre is on Samuell Boulevard in east Dallas, about 4.5 miles (7 km) from downtown and 25 miles (41 km) from DFW. El Monte RV's Dallas depot is in McKinney, about 31 miles (49 km) north of downtown.
Heading north? Compare Chicago RV hire →
2908 Samuell Boulevard #100, Dallas, TX 75223
Mon to Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sat 9:00am to 12:00pm. Closed Sundays and holidays.
Get directions
3500 S Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75070
Mon to Sat 9:00am to 4:00pm. Pick-ups after 1:00pm on weekdays, returns before 10:00am. Closed Sundays and holidays.
Get directionsGetting to Your Dallas Depot
- From DFW or Love Field: neither depot runs airport transfers, so take a taxi or rideshare, about 35 minutes from DFW to east Dallas or 40 minutes to McKinney.
- Pick-up and return times: Cruise America pick-ups run 1:00pm to 4:00pm and returns 9:00am to 11:00am; El Monte RV pick-ups start after 1:00pm and returns are before 10:00am.
- Saturdays and Sundays: Cruise America closes at noon Saturdays, El Monte RV at 4:00pm, both all day Sundays and holidays, so plan a weekday pick-up.
- Kits and miles: kitchen kits cost US$125 (Cruise America) or US$140 (El Monte RV), bedding US$75 per person, and miles 38 to 39 cents each.
Depot details checked October 2026. Hours change with the seasons and over public holidays; your booking confirmation is the final word.
What's on in Dallas
From rodeo season in Fort Worth to the State Fair in autumn, Texas's big events fill vans and campgrounds early, so book ahead.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Dickies Arena and Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth
Rodeo nights at Dickies Arena run from 15 January to 6 February 2027, ending with the Championship Finals.
SXSW
Downtown Austin
Film, music, comedy and tech conferences take over Austin from 15 to 21 March 2027, with SXSW EDU starting on 13 March.
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails
Ennis, about 35 miles (55 km) south of Dallas
Over 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet driving trails through April, with a festival weekend in mid-April (17 to 19 April in 2026).
State Fair of Texas
Fair Park, Dallas
Big Tex, fair food and the midway for more than three weeks each autumn. The 2026 fair ran from 25 September to 18 October.
Quick Event Tips for Dallas Travellers
- Book Event Dates Early: State Fair weekends, SXSW week and bluebonnet season are busy, and Texas State Parks campsites open for booking five months ahead at 8am.
- Ride DART to the Fair: The DART Green Line stops at Fair Park station on Parry Avenue, so leave the van at camp and skip the US$25 official fair parking.
- Watch for Flash Floods: Spring and summer storms can flood low-water crossings and rivers within minutes. Never drive through floodwater, and check DriveTexas first.
Holiday parks and attractions around Dallas
Where to stay with the van around Dallas and across Texas, plus the road trips worth a few days: the Hill Country, San Antonio, Austin and Big Bend.
Holiday parks where you can stay with your campervan

The Vineyards Campground, Grapevine
On Grapevine Lake about 24 miles (39 km) north-west of downtown Dallas, near DFW Airport, this park has paved sites with 30/50 amp power, water, sewer and Wi-Fi, most over 60 feet (18 m) deep. Sites run from about US$64 to US$84 a night, plus US$5 on weekends. There is a camp store, laundry, a sandy beach and a nature trail, and historic downtown Grapevine is minutes away.

Cedar Hill State Park
About 20 miles (32 km) south-west of downtown Dallas on 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill has 147 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp power (US$30 a night) and 192 water and electric sites (US$25), plus a US$5 daily entry fee for each adult camper. There is a swimming beach, lit fishing jetties, the historic Penn Farm and the DORBA mountain bike trail.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
About 385 miles (620 km) north-west of Dallas near Canyon, Palo Duro is about 120 miles long and up to 800 feet (245 m) deep, and the park road drops 500 feet (150 m) to the floor. The Mesquite, Sagebrush, Hackberry and Juniper loops have water and electric sites, some up to 60 feet long, from US$26 a night plus US$8 entry. Flash floods are a real danger, so heed closures.

Pedernales Falls State Park
About 30 miles (48 km) west of Austin and 235 miles (380 km) from Dallas, this Hill Country park has 69 campsites with water and 30-amp power from US$20 a night, plus a US$6 daily entry fee. Walk to the overlook to watch the river spill over tilted limestone, but swimming and wading are banned in the falls area. The river can rise within minutes, so leave if it turns muddy.
Top attractions to build your trip around

Texas Hill Country and Fredericksburg
About 260 miles (420 km) south-west of Dallas, Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers in 1846 and is the base for a region with nearly 100 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms. Browse downtown and the National Museum of the Pacific War (closed Tuesdays), then drive 18 miles (29 km) north to climb the pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock. Book an Enchanted Rock day pass ahead to guarantee entry.

San Antonio and the Alamo
About 270 miles (440 km) south of Dallas, the Alamo Church on Alamo Plaza is always free to enter, but reservations are required, and the site opens 9am to 5.30pm daily. Then follow the Hike & Bike Trail south to the four missions of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which with the Alamo form Texas's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Austin
About 195 miles (315 km) south of Dallas on I-35, Austin is home to SXSW and the Austin City Limits festival. Free 40-minute Texas Capitol tours leave the South Foyer from 9am Monday to Saturday and from noon on Sunday. From spring to autumn, an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats pour out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk, best seen from the free lawn on its south-east side.

Big Bend National Park
In far west Texas, about 575 miles (925 km) or 10 hours from Dallas, Big Bend runs from the Rio Grande up into the Chisos Mountains. Entry is US$30 a vehicle for seven days. Chisos Basin Road is not recommended for RVs over 24 feet (7.3 m), while Rio Grande Village RV Park has 25 full-hookup sites for rigs up to 38 feet. Fuel is sold at Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village, and phone signal is patchy.
Google Reviews (source: Google) - 4.9/5 average from 100+ reviews
jimmy

September 8, 2026
Scott was wonderful to deal with. Made the process easy and provided me with helpful alternatives when our situation changed. Highly recommend, would use again.
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Source: Google
Lucy Loney

September 8, 2026
Very helpful, very friendly. Explained everything and offered lots of options. Responded promptly. Recommend 👌
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Source: Google
Ari Welsh

September 7, 2026
Scott was awesome helped me navigate this site with ease absolute legend.
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Source: Google
nora Muru

August 25, 2026
My first time ever booking a camper van it was sure an easy process with Scott from Camper van he actually rang to see if I made the right decision amazing customer service and great help and support
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Source: Google
Kylie Obrien

August 24, 2026
Scott was absolutely fantastic very helpful made it all very easy
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Source: Google
Chris Rae

August 20, 2026
went online and had a look at campervans to hire from Perth, finished up ringing the phone number provided and was so impressed with the customer service provided by Scott, he was very thorough in giving us all the info we needed, then walked us through the whole booking process. It was so easy with his help. Thank you so much Scott, much appreciated,
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Source: Google
Catherine Barnes

August 19, 2026
Had amazing, patient support from Scott, who answered my multiple queries and put up with my incessant mind changes cheerfully and efficiently. I feel I ended up with a great deal, although we don't pick the van up for a while so I won't finally know till then.
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Source: Google
Colin Hill

August 18, 2026
Booked a van today. The process was all very straight forward . Scott dealt with the booking and was very helpfull and above all very efficient and I could tell he knew his job inside out , which is not always the case these days ! Thankyou.
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Source: Google
Joseph Corney

August 5, 2026
I recently used Campervan Rental Guide to book a van for a road trip in NT. I wasn’t able to make the trip due to a leg fracture, so had to change my booking at late notice. Nel was extremely helpful in helping me to rearrange this to next year and I thoroughly look forward to my trip
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Source: Google
Anne-Maree

August 4, 2026
I made a phone call on a Sunday not really expecting anyone to answer and to my surprise Simon did! What a lovely person, helping me by answering all my questions and by booking our camper van experience, we are very excited and can’t wait for our adventure Thanks Anne-Maree Melbourne
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Source: Google
Lorenzo Zanatta

July 29, 2026
Super kind and available!
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Source: Google
Mia Sigersted

July 27, 2026
Easy to make a reservation, functional and nice campervan and super customer service. 3 weeks, 8 states, 3000+ miles loved it!
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Dan B

July 27, 2026
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Pienaar Family

July 17, 2026
Nel was friendly and very helpful. She followed up after my initial online quote request and explained the whole process. I felt much informed, she answered all my questions clearly and the whole process until we made the booking was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend!"
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Source: Google
Kim Moran

July 13, 2026
Great company for all your travel and campervan needs. Please contact this company as I don’t think they will disappoint you.
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Source: Google
Damien Glasse

July 12, 2026
I recently booked a campervan through this company. It was my first time booking an RV and I had a lot of questions & fears going into booking a vehicle that was worth so much & really needed to understand how the process works. I called the company & was given detailed information on what to expect & was guided through the process. They even mentioned I could call back with any further questions to ensure I was happy & comfortable with my decision. I rented the vehicle for 14 days and drove from Brisbane to Jindabyne to go Skiing. I would definitely book through this company again.
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Source: Google
Joe Barbaro

July 10, 2026
Scott has been very helpful, I told him my requirements, he phoned back a few minutes later with all my requirements fulfilled including the cost
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Source: Google
Katelyn Jarrett

July 3, 2026
Fantastic!!! Highly recommended, great customer service we will definitely book again next time 🫶
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Source: Google
keithndi

July 2, 2026
Scott is great to deal with. Scott promptly replied to my queries - whether by message, email etc, and outside of normal office hours. The whole experience was really good. I can confidently recommend Scott and his team.
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Source: Google
Helen Fitzpatrick

July 1, 2026
Fantastic to book and pay with out no fuss can't wait to go camping 😀 😊
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Source: Google
Dallas Campervan Hire Itineraries
Read our BBQ Belt road trip from Texas →Big Bend & West Texas Loop (21 Days)
Days 1-2: Dallas & Fort Worth
Day 1: Collect your RV at Cruise America in east Dallas, where departures are usually between 1pm and 4pm, and allow up to an hour for the walkthrough. Stock up at a supermarket, then drive about 40 miles (60 km) west to Fort Worth. Book two nights at an RV park near the city, and spend the evening in the Stockyards, with its saloons, steakhouses and Western wear shops.
Day 2: Watch the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive along Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards, which usually runs at 11:30am and 4pm. In the afternoon, visit the Kimbell Art Museum or the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in the Cultural District. Take a rideshare into town rather than hunting for RV parking, and fill the fridge tonight for the drive south.
Days 3-4: Waco & Austin
Day 3: Drive about 90 miles (145 km) south to Waco and see the Columbian mammoth fossils at Waco Mammoth National Monument, then browse Magnolia Market at the Silos. Continue about 100 miles (160 km) to Austin, the state capital, and book two nights at McKinney Falls State Park or an RV park about 20 minutes from downtown.
Day 4: Leave the RV at camp and take a rideshare into Austin. Tour the Texas State Capitol, swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool and browse the shops on South Congress Avenue. Queue early for brisket at one of the city's famous barbecue joints, and from about March to October, watch the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
Days 5-6: Fredericksburg & the Hill Country
Day 5: Head west on US 290 to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, with a visitor centre in Johnson City, about an hour from Austin, and the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall. Carry on to Fredericksburg, a German-settled town with a long Main Street of bakeries, beer gardens and shops, and book two nights at an RV park in town.
Day 6: Drive about 20 minutes north to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and climb the pink granite dome early, before the heat builds. Reserve a day pass online up to 30 days ahead, as the park closes to visitors without reservations when it is full. In the afternoon, visit wineries along US 290 or tiny Luckenbach, with a designated driver or a tour.
Days 7-8: San Antonio
Day 7: Drive about 70 miles (115 km) south-east to San Antonio, around 1.5 hours, and check in for two nights at an RV park with an easy bus or rideshare link to downtown. Walk the River Walk, ride a river barge and visit the Alamo, then have dinner at the Pearl, a former brewery turned dining and market district.
Day 8: Follow the Mission Trail south to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting at Mission San José, where the visitor centre is. The four missions sit 2 to 3 miles apart, so you can drive between them. Shop for supplies and refuel tonight, as towns thin out quickly west of San Antonio.
Days 9-10: Del Rio & the Pecos Canyons
Day 9: Drive about 155 miles (250 km) west on US 90 to Del Rio, about three hours, on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. Spend the afternoon at Amistad National Recreation Area, a huge reservoir on the Rio Grande with picnic spots and lookouts, then stay the night at an RV park in Del Rio. Fill the tank before you leave, as fuel stops are far apart from here.
Day 10: Drive 45 minutes west to Seminole Canyon State Park and join a guided walk to the ancient rock art in the Fate Bell Shelter, then stop at the Pecos River High Bridge lookout. Continue about 2.5 hours through empty ranch country to Marathon, a small town on the road to Big Bend's north entrance, and spend the night there.
Days 11-12: Big Bend National Park
Day 11: Enter Big Bend National Park at Persimmon Gap and pay the US$30 vehicle fee by card, as the park takes no cash. Drive on to Rio Grande Village, about two hours from Marathon, where the concession RV park has 25 full hook-up sites for vehicles up to 38 feet (11.6 m), booked by phone. Walk into Boquillas Canyon and watch the cliffs glow at sunset.
Day 12: Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook and Castolon, checking the park's alerts first, as several roads were closed after flooding in October 2026. Leave the steep Chisos Basin Road to smaller vehicles, as the National Park Service does not recommend it for RVs over 24 feet (7.3 m). Exit at Maverick and stay near Terlingua.
Days 13-14: Fort Davis & Marfa
Day 13: Drive about 105 miles (170 km) north through Alpine to Fort Davis, allowing nearly three hours on the winding roads, and book two nights at Davis Mountains State Park. Walk around Fort Davis National Historic Site, a restored frontier army post, then book an evening star party at the McDonald Observatory, high in the Davis Mountains, for some of the darkest skies in Texas.
Day 14: Drive about 25 minutes to Marfa, a small desert town known for its art scene and the Chinati Foundation's large-scale installations. Continue west to see the roadside Prada Marfa artwork near Valentine, then come back to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area east of town at dusk to look for the mystery lights. Refuel in Marfa before heading back to camp.
Days 15-16: Guadalupe Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns
Day 15: Drive about 160 miles (255 km) north via Van Horn to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, around 3.5 hours, and pay the US$10 per person entrance fee. Walk the first stretch of the trail towards Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or the Frijole Ranch trails. Stay at Pine Springs Campground, reservable on recreation.gov, which has no hook-ups.
Day 16: Cross into New Mexico and drive about an hour to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Book a US$1 timed-entry reservation on recreation.gov, then pay the US$15 per person entrance fee at the visitor centre and walk down through the Natural Entrance to the Big Room. The last entry is 2:30pm. Stay the night in Carlsbad, about 30 minutes away.
Days 17-18: Lubbock & Palo Duro Canyon
Day 17: Drive about 180 miles (290 km) north-east to Lubbock, around 3.5 hours across the flat Llano Estacado. Visit the Buddy Holly Center, which honours the rock and roll pioneer who grew up here, and the open-air National Ranching Heritage Center, then stay the night at an RV park in Lubbock.
Day 18: Drive about two hours north to Amarillo and photograph the spray-painted cars at Cadillac Ranch, then head 45 minutes south-east to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, billed as the second largest canyon in the country. Take the steep road to the canyon floor slowly, and book a campsite with water and electricity, from US$26 a night plus the US$8 adult daily entrance fee.
Days 19-21: Caprock Canyons & Back to Dallas
Day 19: Walk the Lighthouse Trail to Palo Duro's best-known rock formation early in the morning, before the heat builds, and carry plenty of water. In the afternoon, drive about 100 miles (155 km) south-east to Caprock Canyons State Park, home of the Texas State Bison Herd, and stay the night among the red rock canyons.
Day 20: Watch for bison grazing near the park road as you leave, then drive about 170 miles (270 km) east to Wichita Falls, around 3.5 hours. Stretch your legs on the riverside trails to the city's man-made waterfall, then empty the tanks and refuel this evening so tomorrow's start is quick.
Day 21: Set off by about 8am for the 145 mile (235 km) drive back to Dallas, nearly three hours, and return the RV between 9am and 11am, the normal return window. The depot is closed on Sundays, and late returns cost US$25 an hour. With time before your flight, visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza or the Dallas Arboretum.
Hill Country & Gulf Coast Loop (14 Days)
Day 1: Dallas to Waco
Day 1: Collect your RV in east Dallas in the afternoon, as departures are usually between 1pm and 4pm, and stock up on groceries before you leave the city. Drive about 100 miles (160 km) south on I-35 to Waco, under two hours, and stay at an RV park near the Brazos River. Stroll across the Waco Suspension Bridge at dusk.
Days 2-3: Austin
Day 2: See the Columbian mammoth fossils at Waco Mammoth National Monument and browse Magnolia Market at the Silos, then drive about 100 miles (160 km) to Austin. Book two nights at McKinney Falls State Park, about 20 minutes from downtown, where you can walk to the falls on Onion Creek, or at an RV park closer to town.
Day 3: Leave the RV at camp and take a rideshare into Austin. Tour the Texas State Capitol, swim in Barton Springs Pool and browse the shops on South Congress Avenue. Queue early for brisket at one of the city's famous barbecue joints, and from about March to October, watch the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
Day 4: Johnson City & Fredericksburg
Day 4: Drive west on US 290, about an hour, to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, with a visitor centre in Johnson City and the LBJ Ranch, the former president's 'Texas White House', near Stonewall. Carry on to Fredericksburg, a German-settled town full of bakeries and beer gardens, and book three nights at an RV park in town.
Days 5-6: Enchanted Rock & the Wine Road
Day 5: Drive about 20 minutes north to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and climb the pink granite dome early, before the heat. Reserve a day pass online up to 30 days ahead, as the park closes to visitors without reservations when it is full. Back in town, walk Main Street and visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Day 6: Spend the day on the Hill Country wine road along US 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, with a designated driver or a booked tour. Stop at tiny Luckenbach, a few minutes from town, for live country music under the oaks. In spring, look for bluebonnets lining the roadsides, and stock up on peaches from roadside stands in early summer.
Day 7: Gruene & New Braunfels
Day 7: Drive about 80 miles (130 km) south-east to New Braunfels, under two hours, and spend the afternoon in historic Gruene, home of Gruene Hall, often called the oldest dance hall in Texas. In summer, hire a tube and float the Comal or Guadalupe River, then stay the night at an RV park in New Braunfels.
Days 8-9: San Antonio
Day 8: Drive about 35 miles (60 km) to San Antonio and check in for two nights at an RV park with easy bus or rideshare links to downtown. Walk the River Walk, ride a river barge and visit the Alamo, then have dinner at the Pearl, a former brewery turned dining and market district.
Day 9: Follow the Mission Trail to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting at Mission San José, where the visitor centre is. The four missions sit 2 to 3 miles apart, so you can drive between them. Spend the afternoon at Market Square for Tex-Mex food and crafts.
Day 10: Goliad & Corpus Christi
Day 10: Drive about 90 miles (145 km) south-east to Goliad and visit Presidio La Bahía and Mission Espíritu Santo, key sites of the Texas Revolution. Continue about 1.5 hours to Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast, and stay the night at an RV park on Mustang Island or North Padre Island, close to the beach.
Day 11: Padre Island National Seashore
Day 11: Drive about 40 minutes south to Padre Island National Seashore and buy a US$25 vehicle pass, valid for seven days. Swim at Malaquite Beach and look for shorebirds along the dunes. Camp at Malaquite Campground, which is first come, first served with no hook-ups, but has an RV dump station and fresh water near the entrance.
Days 12-13: Galveston & Space Center Houston
Day 12: Set off early for the longest drive of the trip, about 285 miles (460 km) and close to six hours north-east along the coast to Galveston Island, with a break in Rockport. Walk the Seawall and the Victorian buildings of the Strand historic district, then stay at Galveston Island State Park, with campsites close to the beach.
Day 13: Drive about 45 minutes to Space Center Houston, the visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center, and allow at least half a day for the rockets and the tram tour. Head north in the afternoon, about four hours, to an RV park near Corsicana, leaving a short drive for tomorrow's return.
Day 14: Back to Dallas
Day 14: Drive about an hour north on I-45 to the depot in east Dallas and return the RV between 9am and 11am, the normal return window, with the holding tanks emptied. Rental centres are closed on Sundays and holidays, so plan to return from Monday to Saturday. With time to spare, visit the Dallas Arboretum beside White Rock Lake.
Fort Worth, Hill Country & Austin (7 Days)
Days 1-2: Fort Worth & Glen Rose
Day 1: Collect your RV in east Dallas, where departures are usually between 1pm and 4pm, and stock up before leaving the city. Drive about 40 miles (60 km) west to Fort Worth, under an hour outside peak traffic, and check into an RV park for the night. Spend the evening in the Stockyards, with its saloons, live music and steakhouses.
Day 2: Watch the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive along Exchange Avenue, usually at 11:30am, then drive about 60 miles (95 km) south-west to Glen Rose. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, look for dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River, best seen when the water is low, and camp the night in the park.
Days 3-5: The Hill Country
Day 3: Drive about 185 miles (295 km) south-west to Fredericksburg, around 3.5 hours through farm and ranch country, and book two nights at an RV park in town. Walk Main Street, with its German bakeries, beer gardens and boutiques, and visit the National Museum of the Pacific War if time allows.
Day 4: Drive about 20 minutes north to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and climb the pink granite dome early, before the heat. Reserve a day pass online up to 30 days ahead, as the park closes to visitors without reservations when it is full. Spend the afternoon at wineries along US 290 or in tiny Luckenbach, with a designated driver.
Day 5: Head east to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, with the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall and a visitor centre in Johnson City. Continue about an hour to Austin, stopping to walk at Pedernales Falls State Park if you have time, and book a night at McKinney Falls State Park or an RV park near the city.
Days 6-7: Austin & Back to Dallas
Day 6: Take a rideshare into Austin to tour the Texas State Capitol and swim at Barton Springs Pool, then grab brisket for lunch. Leave mid-afternoon to beat the I-35 traffic and drive about 100 miles (160 km) north to Waco, stopping at Magnolia Market at the Silos if it is still open. Stay the night at an RV park near the Brazos River.
Day 7: Drive about 100 miles (160 km), under two hours, back to the depot in east Dallas, and return the RV between 9am and 11am, the normal return window, with the holding tanks emptied. The depot is closed on Sundays. Spend the afternoon at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of President Kennedy's assassination.
Essential Dallas & Texas Driving Tips
🛣️ Cashless Toll Roads
Dallas toll roads such as the Dallas North Tollway and President George Bush Turnpike have no cash booths. Without a tag, cameras bill the plate's owner, your rental company, at a pay-by-mail rate double the TollTag rate, and fees may be added. Ask at pick-up how tolls are billed, or set your maps app to avoid tolls.
🌡️ Summer Heat
Dallas averages highs of about 35°C in July and August, and desert parks such as Big Bend can be hotter still. Book powered sites so you can run the air conditioning, as generator hours can cost extra, carry plenty of water, plan walks for early morning and check for local burn bans.
🌪️ Storm & Tornado Season
North Texas storm season runs from about March to June, peaking in April and May, with hail, flash floods and tornadoes. Turn on weather alerts, never drive through flooded roads, and if a tornado warning is issued, leave the RV for a sturdy building, as vehicles offer little protection.
First Time Hiring a Campervan in Dallas?
🚦 Driving on the Right
Americans drive on the right. In Texas you can turn right on a red light after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise, and at four-way stops the first to stop goes first. Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, even from the other direction, unless a median divides the road.
📏 Big RVs on Park Roads
Cruise America's 25 and 30 foot motorhomes and El Monte RV's larger Class C models are longer than the 24 foot (7.3 m) limit the National Park Service recommends for Big Bend's Chisos Basin Road. Hire terms rule out unpaved back roads, so stay on paved roads and check campground length limits before you book.
🎟️ Book Parks Ahead
Big Bend's campgrounds need reservations, Carlsbad Cavern needs a US$1 timed-entry ticket on recreation.gov, and Enchanted Rock sells day passes up to 30 days ahead. Visiting several national parks? Non-US residents pay US$250 for an America the Beautiful annual pass, which covers entry for your vehicle.
🅿️ Overnight Stops & Dumping
Some Walmart stores allow overnight RV parking, but it is up to each store and local rules, so ask inside first. Texas has little public land for free camping and Big Bend bans it, so plan paid campsites. Use campground dump stations and return the RV with empty tanks to avoid a dump charge.
Dallas Campervan Seasonal Travel Guide
Dallas has hot summers, mild winters and stormy springs, so timing shapes your RV trip. On NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, July and August average highs of about 35°C, and May and October are the wettest months. Spring and autumn suit most road trips, while November to April is the main season for Big Bend.
Dallas Hire Quick Tips
- Book Early: Big Bend fills from mid-January to mid-April and over holidays, so book your RV and park campsites as soon as your dates are set.
- Check Depot Hours: Cruise America opens 9am to 5pm on weekdays and to noon on Saturdays, El Monte RV 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and both close on Sundays, so plan flights around pick-up.
- Budget for Miles: Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile and El Monte RV 38 cents, and Big Bend is about 575 miles from Dallas each way, so add mileage to your nightly rate.
Dallas Campervan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers to common questions about hiring an RV in Dallas, from the depots, mileage and Texas toll roads to Big Bend, summer heat, storm season and one-way trips.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Dallas?
In our live searches for 14 day hires from Dallas, Cruise America had its Standard 25 ft and Large 30 ft motorhomes at about US$86 to US$99 a night in October 2027 and US$185 in July. Cruise America and El Monte RV both charge mileage and sell kits separately, so compare live prices from both brands for your dates.
Where do I pick up a campervan in Dallas?
Cruise America's rental centre is at 2908 Samuell Boulevard in east Dallas, about 24 miles (39 km) from DFW Airport, open 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to noon on Saturdays. El Monte RV's Dallas depot is at 3500 South Central Expressway in McKinney, about 33 miles (54 km) from DFW, open 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Both close on Sundays, and neither runs an airport shuttle.
When is the best time to hire a campervan in Dallas?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) suit most trips, with average Dallas highs of about 25°C, though spring is also storm season. July and August average about 35°C and bring the highest rates in our searches. For Big Bend and West Texas, November to April is the main season, and the park is busiest from mid-January to mid-April.
How many days do I need for a campervan trip from Dallas?
Seven days covers Fort Worth, the Hill Country and Austin at an easy pace. Allow about 14 days to add San Antonio and the Gulf Coast at Padre Island and Galveston, and three weeks for a loop through Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains and Palo Duro Canyon. Texas is huge, so keep most driving days to three or four hours and budget for mileage.
How far is Big Bend National Park from Dallas?
Big Bend is about 575 miles (925 km) from Dallas, roughly 10 hours of driving, so split it over two or more days, for example via the Hill Country and San Antonio. Campgrounds need reservations, and entry costs US$30 per vehicle, by card only. The National Park Service does not recommend the Chisos Basin Road for RVs over 24 feet, which includes Cruise America's 25 and 30 foot motorhomes and El Monte RV's larger Class C models.
Can I use Texas toll roads in a rental RV?
Yes, but plan for them. Dallas toll roads such as the Dallas North Tollway are cashless: cameras photograph your plate and bill the registered owner, your rental company, and NTTA's pay-by-mail rate is double its TollTag rate. The rental company may add its own fees, so ask at pick-up how tolls are billed, or set your navigation app to avoid toll roads.
How do I handle summer heat and storms in a campervan?
Dallas averages highs of about 35°C in July and August, so book powered sites to run the air conditioning, carry plenty of water and walk early. North Texas storm season runs from about March to June, peaking in April and May, with hail, flash floods and tornadoes. Never drive through flooded roads, and if a tornado warning is issued, leave the RV for a sturdy building.
Are miles and kitchen kits included in RV hire from Dallas?
No. Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile, estimated upfront at 100 miles a night on return trips, and sells kits at US$75 per person and US$125 per vehicle. El Monte RV charges US$37 per prepaid 100 miles or 38 cents a mile at return, with an unlimited miles option, and kits cost US$75 per person for linen and US$140 for the kitchen. Generator use can cost extra.
What driver's licence do Australians need to hire an RV in Dallas?
A full, current Australian car licence is enough, as neither Cruise America nor El Monte RV needs a special endorsement, but bring the physical card, as temporary and digital licences are not accepted. Texas lets visitors drive on a valid licence from their home country. An International Driving Permit is mainly for licences not in English, so carry your licence and passport whenever you drive.
What is the minimum age to hire a campervan in Dallas?
Cruise America and El Monte RV both require every driver to be 21 or older and present at pick-up. The main renter also needs a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit card in their own name, as prepaid and gift cards are not accepted (Cruise America also refuses cash and virtual cards). Add any extra drivers when you collect the RV.
What insurance options are available for RV hire in Dallas?
Cruise America says its rentals include supplemental liability insurance, sells an optional Zero Damage Plan with exclusions such as overhead and reversing damage, and takes a deposit of at least US$500. El Monte RV sells liability cover from US$17.50 a night and VIP cover at US$16 a night, which cuts your damage responsibility to US$1,500, and holds a US$1,500 deposit. Check your travel insurance covers RV hire in the US too.
Can I camp in Texas state parks with a hire RV?
Yes. Book state park campsites online or on (512) 389-8900, and pay a daily entrance fee on top, such as US$8 per adult at Palo Duro Canyon, where sites with water and electricity cost from US$26 a night. A Texas State Parks Pass, US$70, gives a year of free entry to 88 parks for the cardholder and guests. Busy parks such as Enchanted Rock sell day passes up to 30 days ahead.
Where can I get propane and empty the tanks near Dallas?
Most campgrounds with full hook-ups have a dump station, and depot staff can point you to the nearest shops, fuel, propane and waste station when you collect the RV. Return it with empty holding tanks to avoid a dump charge, up to US$100 at Cruise America. The RVs carry an LP gas tank for cooking and heating, and not every fuel stop can refill it, so call ahead.
Can I take my dog in a hire RV from Dallas?
Yes. Cruise America and El Monte RV both allow pets, but clean up after them and return the RV as you received it, or a cleaning fee applies, up to US$250 at Cruise America. In Big Bend, pets must stay on a leash of up to 6 feet (1.8 m) and cannot go on trails or along the river. Texas state parks also require 6 foot leashes and do not allow pets in buildings.
Can I hire an RV in Dallas and drop it off in another city?
Sometimes. Cruise America and El Monte RV both have depots in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and Orlando, but one-ways are subject to availability, so check one-way availability for your dates. El Monte RV's one-way fees typically run US$200 to US$750, while Cruise America's US$300 down payment is non-refundable on one-ways and mileage is estimated at 250 miles a night.
Can I drive a hire RV into Mexico from Texas?
Cruise America does not allow it, and El Monte RV allows it only in designated areas with a pre-approved permit and its Mexico liability insurance. At Big Bend you can still visit on foot through the Boquillas Port of Entry, open Friday to Monday from 9am to 4pm in October 2026, then cross the Rio Grande by rowboat to Boquillas. Bring your passport, and leave pets behind.
Official Dallas & Texas Travel Resources
Check state park bookings, road closures and national park campsites before you leave Dallas for the Hill Country, the Panhandle or Big Bend.
Texas State Parks Reservations
Book campsites and day passes at Cedar Hill, Palo Duro Canyon and Pedernales Falls, with most campsites open five months ahead.
Book a Campsite →DriveTexas
TxDOT's official map of road closures, flooding and roadworks across Texas, worth checking before every long drive.
Check Road Conditions →Recreation.gov
Book Big Bend's Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village campgrounds, plus Army Corps lake campgrounds near Dallas like Lavon Lake.
Find a Campsite →
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