

Salt Lake City Campervan & Motorhome Hire
Compare live Cruise America and El Monte RV prices for your dates.
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Salt Lake City at a glance
The essentials for starting your RV road trip in Salt Lake City.
Checked October 2026
Vehicle types
Class C motorhomes
18 ft to 32 ft across two brands
Main depot area
Millcreek & West Valley
Two depots south of downtown
From
US$63 per night
Cruise America, October 2027
Popular route
Utah's Mighty 5
National park loop from SLC
Best season
May to Jun, Sep to Oct
Parks mild, summer heat avoided
Airport proximity
15 to 20 minutes
Taxi or rideshare, no shuttle
RV hire in Salt Lake City starts from about US$63 a night plus mileage charges, based on our live Cruise America search. Cruise America is in Millcreek, about 20 minutes from SLC, and El Monte RV is in West Valley City, about 15 minutes from SLC. Allow 10 to 14 days for a loop of Utah's five national parks. We compare live Cruise America and El Monte RV prices for your dates.
Compare RV rental brands in Salt Lake City
Two rental brands are bookable from Salt Lake City: Cruise America, with Class C motorhomes from 18 ft to 30 ft, and El Monte RV, from 21 ft to 32 ft. We show live prices with real totals and no booking fees, and human help if you want it.

CLASS C MOTORHOMES
Class C motorhomes from the 18 ft Ultra Compact to the 30 ft Large
Best for: families and groups who want a bathroom on board
Compare Cruise America →
CLASS C MOTORHOMES
Class C motorhomes from the 21 ft Small to the 32 ft Family Sleeper
Best for: families, groups of up to 7 and pet owners
Compare El Monte RV →Rental company guides: Cruise America, El Monte RV and Indie Campers.
- Real totals up-front: no booking fees or surprises at either Salt Lake City depot.
- Live prices in US$: compare Cruise America and El Monte RV sizes and dates in one search.
- Miles flagged: both brands charge per mile, so we point it out before you book.
- Human help: talk to our team about the right vehicle for your trip.
What does RV hire cost in Salt Lake City?
Cruise America nightly rates in US$ from our live Salt Lake City searches for 14 day hires in July and October 2027. They leave out mileage charges and kits, one-way fees and extras, so compare live prices from all brands for your dates.
BUDGET
Compact 21 ft or Ultra Compact, 2 to 4 berth
US$63 to US$173/day
Cruise America: Oct US$63, Jul US$173.
MID-RANGE
Standard 25 ft, sleeps 5
US$63 to US$177/day
Cruise America: Oct US$63, Jul US$177.
FAMILY
Large 30 ft, sleeps 7
US$63 to US$198/day
Cruise America: Oct US$63, Jul US$198.
Miles are extra: Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile and El Monte RV 38 cents or prepaid 100-mile packs. Cruise America's Half Price Mileage Deal halves its rate on returns departing by 31 October 2027.
Where to collect your RV in Salt Lake City
There is no RV rental depot at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or downtown. Cruise America is in Millcreek on South State Street, about 13 miles (21 km) from SLC, and El Monte RV is in West Valley City, about 7.5 miles (12 km) from SLC, a drive of about 15 minutes.
Want campervans too? Compare Las Vegas RV hire →
4125 South State Street, Millcreek, UT 84107
6 Apr to 10 Oct: Mon to Sat 8:00am to 5:00pm. 11 Oct to 4 Apr: Mon to Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm, Sat 9:00am to 4:00pm. Closed Sundays and holidays.
Get directions
2222 W 2300 S, West Valley City, UT 84119
1 Apr to 30 Sep: Mon to Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm. 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Mon to Fri 9:00am to 3:30pm. Closed weekends and holidays.
Get directionsGetting to Your Salt Lake City Depot
- From SLC: Neither depot runs an airport shuttle, so take a taxi or rideshare, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pick-up and return times: Cruise America hands over 1:00pm to 4:00pm and takes returns 9:00am to 11:00am. El Monte RV pick-ups are after 1:00pm on weekdays and returns before 10:00am, set at online check-in.
- Weekends and winter: Cruise America is closed on Sundays and holidays, El Monte RV on weekends and holidays, and both keep shorter winter hours. In harsh-winter areas Cruise America drains RV water systems from about mid October to late March.
- Miles and kits: Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile and El Monte RV 38 cents. Linen kits cost US$75 per person with both, and kitchen kits US$125 (Cruise America) or US$140 (El Monte RV), so add them when you compare totals.
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 Salt Lake City
Big weekends fill RV parks and campgrounds fast, so book early if your dates line up with one.
Easter Jeep Safari
Four-wheel-drive trails around Moab
Nine days of organised 4WD trail runs from 20 to 28 March 2027, when Moab's RV parks book out early.
Utah Arts Festival
Library Square, downtown Salt Lake City
Four days of artists' stalls, live music, film and food in June. The 2027 dates are still to be announced.
Days of '47 and Pioneer Day
Downtown Salt Lake City and Utah State Fairpark
Utah's 24 July holiday brings a big downtown parade, with the Days of '47 Rodeo at the Fairpark the same week.
Park City Ski Season
Park City Mountain, Park City
Park City Mountain aims to open on 20 November 2026, snow permitting. Check the roads before driving up.
Quick Event Tips for Salt Lake City Travellers
- Book Moab Early: Easter Jeep Safari week and the spring season keep Moab busy, and Devils Garden in Arches is usually full every night from March to October.
- Leave the RV at the Park: Salt Lake City KOA has its own TRAX light rail stop, so you can ride downtown for the Days of '47 parade or the Utah Arts Festival without moving the van.
- Winter Roads: Snow and Utah's traction law can affect mountain and canyon roads in ski season, so check UDOT Traffic before driving an RV up to Park City.
Campgrounds and attractions around Salt Lake City
Where to park the RV in the city and the national parks, and the parks worth building a trip around.
Holiday parks where you can stay with your campervan

Salt Lake City KOA Holiday
About 14 blocks west of downtown on North Temple, this KOA has shady RV sites for rigs up to 80 ft (24 m), 50-amp power, a camp store and a Kamping Kitchen. The heated pool is open from 1 April to 31 October, and there is a hot tub, playground and dog park. A TRAX light rail stop at the campground runs downtown, so the RV can stay parked while you explore.

Bridger Bay Campground, Antelope Island
About 40 miles (65 km) north of the city, Antelope Island is reached by the 7-mile Davis County Causeway. Bridger Bay has 64 sites, with water and power in the upper loop for US$40 a night (US$30 without), plus showers and a dump station. Bison and pronghorn roam free, and the beach is the place to float in Great Salt Lake. Expect biting gnats from April to June.

Devils Garden Campground, Arches
The only campground in Arches National Park sits among red rock fins at the end of the park road, 18 miles (29 km) from the entrance. Its 51 sites take RVs from 20 to 40 ft and can be booked on recreation.gov up to six months ahead for nights from 1 March to 31 October, when it is usually full. There are no hookups, showers or dump station, so arrive with full tanks.

North Campground, Bryce Canyon
Across the road from the visitor centre at about 8,000 ft (2,440 m), North Campground sits in ponderosa pine forest near the Rim Trail. Loops A and B are for RVs and the only loops for vehicles over 20 ft. Sites cost US$30 a night, bookable six months ahead on recreation.gov. There are no hookups, but the nearby general store has showers and laundry from spring to autumn.
Top attractions to build your trip around

Arches and Canyonlands, Moab
Moab is about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, with the Arches entrance just 5 miles (8 km) north of town. Arches has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, and timed-entry tickets were not needed in 2026, though Fiery Furnace hikes still need a booking. Island in the Sky in Canyonlands is about 40 minutes from Moab, home to Mesa Arch and huge views over the canyons.

Capitol Reef National Park
About 3.5 to 4 hours from Salt Lake City via I-15, US-50 and UT-24, Capitol Reef follows the Waterpocket Fold, a wrinkle in the earth almost 100 miles (160 km) long. Drive the 8-mile Scenic Drive, walk to Hickman Bridge and stop at the Gifford Homestead for fresh-baked pie. In harvest season you can pick fruit in the historic Fruita orchards. Entry is US$20 per vehicle.

Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth, best seen from Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points on the first 3 miles (5 km) of the main road. At 8,000 to 9,000 ft it is cooler than Utah's other parks. A free shuttle runs April to mid-October. Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra US$100 each unless covered by the US$250 nonresident annual pass.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Grand Teton is about 300 miles (480 km) north of Salt Lake City, a 5 to 6 hour drive, with Yellowstone's geysers and hot springs just beyond. Most Yellowstone roads close to regular vehicles from early November to late April, so go between late spring and autumn. Both parks charge non-US residents an extra US$100 each, unless covered by the US$250 nonresident annual pass.
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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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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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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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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Katelyn Jarrett

July 3, 2026
Fantastic!!! Highly recommended, great customer service we will definitely book again next time 🫶
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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
Salt Lake City Campervan Hire Itineraries
Read our LA to the Wild West road trip via Moab →Utah's Mighty 5 Loop from Salt Lake City (21 Days)
Days 1-2: Salt Lake City to Cedar City
Day 1: Collect your RV from Cruise America's depot in Millcreek, about 13 miles (20 km) from Salt Lake City Airport, with pick-ups normally between 1pm and 4pm. Allow up to an hour for the walkthrough, then stock up on groceries and drinking water before leaving the city. Drive about 40 minutes south to Provo and stay at an RV park near Utah Lake, ready for an early start tomorrow.
Day 2: Follow I-15 south for about 207 miles (333 km), roughly 3.5 hours, to Cedar City, breaking the drive in a town such as Fillmore. From about mid-May to mid-November, take the 30-minute climb to Cedar Breaks National Monument, more than 3,000 m up, for views over a vast red rock amphitheatre. Stay at an RV park in Cedar City, as the monument's small campground only opens in summer.
Days 3-4: Kolob Canyons & Zion Canyon
Day 3: Drive about 20 minutes south on I-15 to Kolob Canyons, Zion's quieter northwest corner, and take the 5-mile (8 km) scenic drive to the Timber Creek Overlook. Continue about 45 minutes to Springdale, the gateway town at Zion's South Entrance, and book three nights at an RV park in town or Watchman Campground in the park. If you plan to visit several national parks, buy the US$250 nonresident annual pass.
Day 4: From March to November, private vehicles cannot drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so leave the RV at camp and ride the free park shuttle, which needs no ticket. Walk the paved Riverside Walk from the Temple of Sinawava and the Emerald Pools trails, then ride back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Carry plenty of water and a hat, as summer days in the canyon regularly pass 38°C.
Days 5-6: The Narrows to Bryce Canyon
Day 5: Wade up the Virgin River into The Narrows from the end of the Riverside Walk, hiring canyoneering shoes in Springdale, or hike Angels Landing if you won a permit in the day-before lottery on recreation.gov. The Narrows closes when the river runs high or a flash flood warning is issued, so check at the visitor centre first. In the evening, stroll the easy, pet-friendly Pa'rus Trail.
Day 6: Cruise America's 25 ft and 30 ft RVs are 8.3 ft (2.5 m) wide, over the 7 ft 10 in limit on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, so leave Zion the way you came. The National Park Service suggests I-15 and Highway 20, about 150 miles (240 km) and 2.5 hours, to Bryce Canyon. Book two nights at a campground in or just outside the park, and check your RV's width and height before you go.
Days 7-8: Bryce Canyon & Kodachrome Basin
Day 7: Park at the shuttle station in Bryce Canyon City and ride the free park shuttle, as RVs 23 ft (7 m) and longer cannot park at the main viewpoints from about mid-April to mid-October. Walk the rim between Sunrise and Sunset Points, then drop down among the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden trails. At about 2,400 m, nights can be cold even in summer, so pack warm layers.
Day 8: Drive the Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point, where oversized vehicles can stop at every viewpoint, pausing at Natural Bridge on the way back. In the afternoon, head about 45 minutes east to Kodachrome Basin State Park for short walks among its colourful sandstone chimneys. Stay at the state park campground, booked ahead, for some of Utah's darkest night skies.
Days 9-10: Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef
Day 9: Follow Scenic Byway 12 about an hour to Escalante through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, then hike the sandy 6-mile (10 km) return trail to Lower Calf Creek Falls if the day is not too hot. Continue over the Hogback, a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides, to the small town of Boulder. Take the road slowly and stay at a campground in or near Boulder.
Day 10: Climb over Boulder Mountain to Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park, about 1.25 hours away, and pay the US$20 entrance fee. Drive the paved Scenic Drive, noting that its dirt spur roads suit RVs only up to 27 ft (8.2 m) long, so the 30 ft model should stay on the bitumen. Pick fruit in season in the historic Fruita orchards and stay at Fruita Campground, booked ahead.
Days 11-12: Goblin Valley to Moab
Day 11: Walk the 2-mile (3 km) return trail to Hickman Bridge, a natural arch, then follow Highway 24 east along the Fremont River for about 1.5 hours to Goblin Valley State Park. Wander freely among thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, a favourite with children, and stay at the park's campground, booked through Utah State Parks. Services are few between Hanksville and Green River, so fill up first.
Day 12: Drive about two hours, 100 miles (162 km), to Moab, the base for Arches and Canyonlands, and book four nights at an RV park in town, as spring and autumn sell out. Late in the day, follow the Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128) about an hour upriver to Fisher Towers, where red rock spires rise above the river. Restock in Moab, as there are few services inside the parks.
Days 13-14: Arches National Park
Day 13: Arches dropped timed-entry reservations for 2026, but entrance queues can pass an hour from March to October, so arrive before 8am. Hike the 3-mile (5 km) return trail to Delicate Arch before the heat builds, then drive to the Windows Section and Double Arch. You still need an entrance pass, US$30 a vehicle or an annual pass, and pets are not allowed on any trail.
Day 14: Drive to the end of the park road for the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world. If you booked ahead, join a ranger-led or self-guided permit hike through the Fiery Furnace maze. Spend the hot afternoon rafting the Colorado River with a Moab outfitter, then return after dark, as Arches is an International Dark Sky Park.
Days 15-16: Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point
Day 15: Drive about an hour to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park, about 32 miles (52 km) from Moab. Walk to Mesa Arch, ideally at sunrise, and take in the views from Grand View Point, staying on the paved roads, as the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road are four-wheel-drive routes. On the way back, stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset over a bend in the Colorado River.
Day 16: Head about 1.75 hours south to the Needles district, stopping at Newspaper Rock, a sandstone panel covered in petroglyphs, on the way in. Walk the short Cave Spring Trail with its ladders and old cowboy camp, or the Pothole Point Trail across bare slickrock. Return to Moab for a last night in red rock country, refilling water and emptying the tanks before tomorrow's drive north.
Days 17-18: Helper & the Heber Valley
Day 17: Drive about 2.5 hours, 123 miles (197 km), north to Helper, a former railway and coal mining town with a restored main street, murals and a small mining museum. Continue about two hours over Soldier Summit to the Heber Valley, green ranching country beneath the Wasatch Range, and book two nights at an RV park in or near Heber City.
Day 18: Spend the day in Park City, about 20 minutes away, with its historic Main Street, mountain bike trails and summer chairlift rides, and visit the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Winter Games. Parking in town is tight for an RV, so use a park and ride lot and the local buses. Back in the valley, Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs are good for a swim or paddle.
Days 19-21: Antelope Island & Return to Salt Lake City
Day 19: Drive about 1.5 hours, 72 miles (115 km), via I-80 and I-15 to Antelope Island State Park, reached by a causeway across the Great Salt Lake. Watch for free-roaming bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep, then float in the salty water at Bridger Bay Beach, which has restrooms and showers. Stay at the island's campground, booked through Utah State Parks, for sunset over the lake.
Day 20: Visit the historic Fielding Garr Ranch on the island's east shore, then drive about an hour back to Salt Lake City to see Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol. Stay at an RV park near the city, and tonight empty the waste tanks, refuel and repack, as Cruise America returns are normally between 9am and 11am.
Day 21: Return the RV to the Millcreek depot by 11am, as late returns cost US$25 an hour. Allow time for the inspection and the mileage settlement, as Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile and this loop covers about 1,600 miles (2,600 km). The depot is closed on Sundays and holidays and offers no airport transfer, so book a taxi or rideshare to your flight.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Loop (14 Days)
Day 1: Salt Lake City to Logan
Day 1: Collect your RV from Cruise America's Millcreek depot between about 1pm and 4pm, and stock up on food and water in the city. Drive about 1.75 hours, 87 miles (141 km), north to Logan, a university town in the green Cache Valley, and stay near the mouth of Logan Canyon. This loop suits June to September, and Yellowstone campsites book out months ahead, so reserve early.
Days 2-3: Bear Lake to Jackson
Day 2: Follow the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway about an hour, 39 miles (63 km), through the forest to Bear Lake, nicknamed the Caribbean of the Rockies for its turquoise water. Swim or paddle from a beach at Bear Lake State Park, and try a raspberry shake in Garden City, known for its summer raspberry crop. Stay at a campground or RV park beside the lake.
Day 3: Drive about 3.25 hours, 146 miles (236 km), north through Wyoming's Star Valley, stopping in Afton to see the arch of elk antlers over its main street. Follow the Snake River Canyon to Jackson and walk around the town square with its four antler arches. Stay at an RV park near town, ready to enter Grand Teton National Park in the morning.
Day 4: Jackson & Grand Teton
Day 4: Drive about 25 minutes to Moose, 13 miles (21 km) from Jackson, and visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, open from April to October. Grand Teton and Yellowstone each charge non-US residents aged 16 and over US$100 on top of the entrance fee, so show your US$250 nonresident annual pass. Photograph the barns of Mormon Row, then stay at Gros Ventre Campground.
Days 5-6: Jenny Lake to Old Faithful
Day 5: Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, running from about mid-May to the end of September, and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. In the afternoon, drive about 29 miles (46 km) north past Oxbow Bend, a favourite spot for moose and reflections of Mount Moran, to Colter Bay on Jackson Lake. Stay at Colter Bay and lock all food inside the RV, as this is bear country.
Day 6: Enter Yellowstone at the South Entrance and stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, where hot springs steam on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Cross the Continental Divide to Old Faithful, about 59 miles (95 km) from Colter Bay, and time your visit with the posted eruption predictions. Book two nights at Madison Campground, as there is no campground at Old Faithful.
Day 7: Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic
Day 7: Return early to the Upper Geyser Basin and walk the boardwalks past Castle Geyser to Morning Glory Pool, never stepping off, as the ground can be a thin crust over boiling water. Continue to Midway Geyser Basin for Grand Prismatic Spring, then walk the Fairy Falls Trail to the overlook for the best view of its rainbow colours. Car parks fill by mid-morning in summer, so start early.
Days 8-9: Norris & the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 8: Drive about 45 minutes north to Norris Geyser Basin, the park's hottest and most changeable thermal area, and walk the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin loops. Continue about 12 miles (20 km) east to Canyon Village and book two nights at Canyon Campground, open from late May to mid-September. Yellowstone's speed limits are 45 mph (72 km/h) or lower, so allow extra time.
Day 9: Walk the rim trails of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to Artist Point and the brink of the Lower Falls, which drop about 94 m. In the late afternoon, drive south into Hayden Valley, where bison herds graze beside the road and traffic often stops. Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from bison and elk, and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves.
Day 10: Lamar Valley
Day 10: Leave at dawn over Dunraven Pass, open from about late May to mid-October, to Tower Fall and the Lamar Valley, about an hour and 29 miles (46 km) away. Bring binoculars, as the valley is known for wolves, bison, pronghorn and grizzly bears, best seen early and late in the day. Pull fully off the road to watch wildlife, then drive about 50 minutes to Mammoth Campground.
Day 11: Mammoth Hot Springs to West Yellowstone
Day 11: Walk the boardwalks over the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, and watch for elk grazing around the historic Fort Yellowstone buildings. Drive about 1.5 hours, 49 miles (79 km), south via Norris and Madison to West Yellowstone, Montana, and visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Stay at an RV park in town, and restock, refuel and refill water.
Days 12-13: Mesa Falls & Lava Hot Springs
Day 12: Cross into Idaho and follow the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, about 1.25 hours and 50 miles (80 km) from West Yellowstone, to see Upper Mesa Falls thunder over a drop of about 35 m from a short boardwalk. Continue about 1.5 hours through farmland to Idaho Falls and walk the Greenbelt path beside the falls on the Snake River. Stay at an RV park in Idaho Falls.
Day 13: Drive about 1.5 hours south to Lava Hot Springs, a small town with natural hot pools, for a long soak after the driving. Continue about 1.5 hours to Brigham City in Utah, known for its fruit stands along Highway 89 in summer, and stay at an RV park close to I-15. Tonight, empty the waste tanks, refuel and tidy the RV, ready for tomorrow's morning return.
Day 14: Return to Salt Lake City
Day 14: Leave by about 8am for the 64-mile (103 km) drive back to the Millcreek depot, about 1.25 hours plus traffic on I-15, as returns are normally between 9am and 11am and late returns cost US$25 an hour. Allow time for the inspection and mileage settlement, as this loop covers about 1,050 miles (1,700 km) at 39 cents a mile. Then take a taxi or rideshare to the airport.
Moab, Arches & Canyonlands (7 Days)
Days 1-2: Salt Lake City to Moab
Day 1: Collect your RV from the Millcreek depot between about 1pm and 4pm, then stock up on groceries and drinking water before leaving the city. Drive about 2.25 hours, 113 miles (182 km), southeast on US-6 over Soldier Summit to Price, and stay at an RV park in town. If you arrive early, the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price shows dinosaurs found nearby.
Day 2: Continue about 2.25 hours to Moab via Green River and book four nights at an RV park in town, as spring and autumn weekends sell out. Pick up maps at the Moab Information Center, then follow the Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128) about an hour upriver to Fisher Towers for a sunset walk among red rock spires. Fill the water tank before you head out.
Days 3-5: Arches & Canyonlands
Day 3: Arches dropped timed-entry reservations for 2026, but queues at the entrance, about 6 miles (9 km) from Moab, can pass an hour from March to October, so arrive before 8am. Hike the 3-mile (5 km) return trail to Delicate Arch before the heat builds, then drive to the Windows Section and Double Arch. Entry costs US$30 a vehicle, or use your annual pass.
Day 4: Drive about an hour to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park, walk to Mesa Arch and take in the view from Grand View Point, keeping to the paved roads, as the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road are four-wheel-drive routes. On the way back, stop at Dead Horse Point State Park, where the Colorado River makes a sweeping bend far below, and stay for sunset.
Day 5: Return to Arches early for the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch, or a Fiery Furnace hike if you booked a permit. Spend the hot afternoon on a half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River with a Moab outfitter, or by the pool at your RV park. After dark, drive back into Arches to stargaze, as it is an International Dark Sky Park open 24 hours a day.
Days 6-7: Goblin Valley & Return to Salt Lake City
Day 6: Drive about two hours, 100 miles (162 km), west to Goblin Valley State Park and spend the morning wandering among its mushroom-shaped hoodoos, a favourite with children. Then head about 2.25 hours north to Helper, a former railway and coal mining town with a restored main street, and stay at an RV park in the Helper and Price area.
Day 7: Leave by about 8am for the two-hour, 105-mile (170 km) drive back to the Millcreek depot, as returns are normally between 9am and 11am and late returns cost US$25 an hour. Empty the waste tanks and refuel before you arrive, or you may pay a dump charge of up to US$100. With an evening flight, spend the afternoon at Temple Square.
Essential Salt Lake City & Utah Driving Tips
🎟️ Park Fees for Visitors
Since January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra US$100 each at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, on top of the entrance fee. The US$250 nonresident annual pass covers both fees for everyone in your vehicle, while two adults would pay US$400 in nonresident fees at Zion and Bryce alone.
📏 RV Size Limits in Zion & Bryce
Vehicles over 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m) wide or 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m) tall cannot drive Zion's Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which rules out Cruise America's 25 ft and 30 ft RVs and probably most other Class C models, so use I-15 and Highway 20 to reach Bryce. At Bryce, RVs 23 ft (7 m) and longer cannot park at the main viewpoints in shuttle season.
🚦 US Road Rules for Australians
Drive on the right and keep the centre line on your side. You can usually turn right on a red light after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise, at four-way stops the first to arrive goes first, and you must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights. Speed limits are in miles per hour.
First Time Hiring a Campervan in Salt Lake City?
🔥 Desert Heat & Fire Season
Summer days in Arches and Zion often pass 37°C, so hike early, carry about 4 litres of water each and keep the RV's tanks topped up. Utah sets fire restrictions by area, from campfire limits to total bans, so check utahfireinfo.gov before lighting a fire, and avoid slot canyons when late-summer storms bring flash floods.
🏕️ Where You Can Park Overnight
Book campgrounds ahead, as sleeping outside a campground is banned in Yellowstone and limited elsewhere. Some Walmart stores let RVs stay overnight but many do not, so ask the store and check signs. Free dispersed camping on BLM land is generally capped at 14 days in 28, and near Moab it is only allowed in designated sites.
🚽 Dump Stations, Propane & Water
Empty the toilet and grey water tanks at an RV park or public dump station every few days and before your return, or you may pay a dump fee (up to US$100 with Cruise America). Refill the propane at stations that fill RV tanks, and drink bottled water, as Cruise America does not recommend drinking from the RV's fresh water tank.
❄️ Winter & High-Altitude Driving
In harsh winter areas, Cruise America winterises its RVs from about mid-October to late March, draining the water system. Bryce sits at about 2,400 m, Cedar Breaks' main road closes from about mid-November to mid-May, and most Yellowstone roads close from early November to late April. Check UDOT Traffic before mountain drives.
Salt Lake City Campervan Seasonal Travel Guide
Salt Lake City has four distinct seasons, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, so the time you travel shapes your RV trip. Summer opens the roads to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, while spring and autumn suit the desert parks of southern Utah. On NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals, July is the city's hottest month and April its wettest.
Salt Lake City Hire Quick Tips
- Book Early: Summer and the spring and autumn desert seasons sell out first, so book your RV and park campsites as soon as reservations open.
- Mind the Clock: Cruise America hands over 1pm to 4pm, El Monte RV after 1pm, returns are in the morning and both close Sundays, so plan your first and last nights nearby.
- Buy the Annual Pass: The US$250 nonresident America the Beautiful pass covers park entry and the US$100 nonresident fees for everyone in your vehicle.
Salt Lake City Campervan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers to common questions about hiring an RV in Salt Lake City, from the depots and park passes to Utah's Mighty 5, Yellowstone, one-way trips, mileage charges, licences, camping and pets.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Salt Lake City?
In our live searches for 14 day hires from Salt Lake City, Cruise America motorhomes cost about US$63 to US$77 a night in October 2027 and US$173 to US$198 in July. Cruise America and El Monte RV both charge mileage and sell kits separately, so compare live prices from all brands for your dates.
Where do I pick up a hire RV in Salt Lake City?
Cruise America is at 4125 South State Street in Millcreek, about 13 miles (20 km) from Salt Lake City Airport, open Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays and holidays, with pick-ups 1pm to 4pm and returns 9am to 11am. El Monte RV is at 2222 W 2300 S in West Valley City, about 7.5 miles (12 km) from the airport, open weekdays only, with pick-ups after 1pm and returns before 10am. Neither offers an airport transfer, so take a taxi or rideshare.
When is the best time to hire an RV in Salt Lake City?
For the desert parks of southern Utah, spring and autumn bring the most comfortable days, as summer highs in Arches and Zion often pass 37°C. For Yellowstone and Grand Teton, June to September is best, as most Yellowstone roads close to regular vehicles from early November to late April. Salt Lake City averages about 32°C in summer and 5°C in winter, when RVs are winterised with no running water.
How many days do I need for an RV trip from Salt Lake City?
Seven days covers Moab, Arches and Canyonlands at an easy pace. Allow about 14 days for a Yellowstone and Grand Teton loop, as West Yellowstone alone is about 325 miles (523 km) from Salt Lake City, and around 21 days to see all five of Utah's national parks, the Mighty 5, without rushing. Keep most driving days to two to four hours, as park roads are slow and busy.
Can I visit Utah's Mighty 5 national parks in a hire RV?
Yes. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion all have paved roads suitable for RVs, but some set size limits. Vehicles over 7 ft 10 in wide or 11 ft 4 in tall cannot use Zion's Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which rules out Cruise America's 25 ft and 30 ft RVs and probably most other Class C models, and RVs 23 ft (7 m) and longer cannot park at Bryce's main viewpoints in shuttle season. Zion Canyon itself is shuttle-only from March to November.
Do I need a timed-entry reservation for Arches National Park?
Not in 2026. Arches dropped its timed-entry reservation system for 2026, so you can enter at any time with an entrance pass, US$30 a vehicle or an annual pass. Entrance queues can pass an hour from March to October, so arrive before 8am or after 3pm. The park decides each year, so check nps.gov/arch for 2027 before you travel. Fiery Furnace hikes and Devils Garden Campground still need reservations.
Can I drive to Yellowstone from Salt Lake City in a hire RV?
Yes. West Yellowstone is about 325 miles (523 km) from Salt Lake City, around six hours of driving, and Grand Teton is a similar distance via Jackson. Most Yellowstone roads open to regular vehicles from mid-April or early May until 31 October, with Dunraven Pass open from late May, so June to September suits an RV trip best. Campground reservations open six months ahead and fill fast.
Can I hire an RV in Salt Lake City and drop it off in Las Vegas or Denver?
Possibly. Cruise America takes one-way bookings between most of its rental centres, including Las Vegas (Henderson) and Denver (Frederick), by advance reservation only, and its US$300 down payment is non-refundable on one-ways. El Monte RV allows one-ways between its own depots, including Las Vegas and Denver, with fees typically US$200 to US$750. Both depend on availability, and Salt Lake City to Las Vegas is about 414 miles (667 km), so check one-way options for your dates.
Are miles included, and what extras will I pay for?
No. Cruise America charges 39 cents a mile, estimated upfront at 100 miles a night on a return trip and settled when you return, and our 21-day Mighty 5 loop covers about 1,600 miles (2,600 km), roughly US$625. El Monte RV charges 38 cents a mile or sells prepaid 100-mile packs, with unlimited miles for an extra fee. Bedding and kitchen kits are extra with both, and Cruise America's generator costs US$3.50 an hour.
What driver's licence do Australians need to hire an RV in Utah?
Both brands need a valid, physical driver's licence, with no temporary or digital licences accepted, and a standard car licence covers Cruise America's RVs with no special endorsement. Smartraveller notes that some US states and rental companies also want an International Driving Permit, so get one before you leave Australia and carry both. You also need a credit card in the main driver's name.
What is the minimum age to hire an RV in Salt Lake City?
Cruise America and El Monte RV both require every driver to be 21 or older with a valid licence. The main renter needs a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit card in their own name, as neither brand takes prepaid or gift cards, and Cruise America also refuses virtual cards. Every driver must be at the depot at pick-up to be listed on and sign the rental agreement.
What insurance comes with RV hire in Salt Lake City?
With Cruise America, you are responsible for loss or damage up to US$3,000 per occurrence, and its optional Zero Damage Plan, US$24.95 a day, waives that amount, though it is not insurance and excludes interior, overhead, reversing and freezing damage. El Monte RV's VIP cover, US$16 a night, cuts your damage responsibility to US$1,500 per occurrence, and VIP Plus to US$0. Unpaved back roads can void your cover, so check your travel insurance covers rental vehicle excess too.
Where can I camp in a hire RV around Utah?
National park campgrounds such as Watchman in Zion and Devils Garden in Arches are booked on recreation.gov and fill months ahead. Utah State Parks, including Goblin Valley, Dead Horse Point and Antelope Island, take their own bookings, and private RV parks offer powered sites with water and sewer. Free dispersed camping on BLM land is generally limited to 14 days in 28, but near Moab it is only allowed in designated sites.
Where can I get propane and empty the tanks near Salt Lake City?
Depot staff will point you to the nearest shops, fuel, propane and dump stations when you collect the RV. Most RV parks and many state park campgrounds have dump stations, though some in Yellowstone close in freezing weather. Empty the holding tanks before you return the RV, or you may pay a dump fee (up to US$100 with Cruise America), and refill propane at stations that fill RV tanks.
Can I take my dog in a hire RV from Salt Lake City?
Yes. Cruise America and El Monte RV both accept pets, but clean up after them or pay a cleaning fee (up to US$250 with Cruise America). In the national parks, pets are mostly limited to roads, car parks and campgrounds: Arches bans them from all trails and overlooks, and in Zion the only trail open to leashed pets is the Pa'rus Trail. Never leave a pet in a parked RV in summer, when southern Utah often passes 37°C.
Do Australians pay more to visit US national parks?
At some parks, yes. Since 1 January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay a US$100 fee each on top of the entrance fee at 11 parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. The US$250 nonresident America the Beautiful pass covers entrance and nonresident fees for everyone in your vehicle for a year, so it soon pays off. Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef charge only the standard fee.
Official Salt Lake City & Utah Travel Resources
Book campsites, check road conditions and read park alerts before you set off on a Utah road trip.
Recreation.gov
Book Devils Garden and Bryce Canyon campsites up to six months ahead, plus Fiery Furnace hike permits in Arches.
Book a Campsite →UDOT Traffic
Utah's official map of road conditions, closures, construction and traffic cameras, handy for winter mountain drives.
Check Road Conditions →Utah State Parks Reservations
Reserve Antelope Island's Bridger Bay and other Utah state park campsites, at least two days before you arrive.
Reserve a Site →
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