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Searching for an RV Rental near Columbia, SC?
Well, you are in the right place because we found the 7 Best RV Rentals in Columbia, South Carolina!
We found some awesome RV Rentals for every type of camper! We found a spacious Class A motorhome and a cheap RV rental for the more budget-conscious families.
We also found a luxurious 5th wheel and a huge toy hauler for the more adventurous campers. And we found a small camper perfect for a couple or small family!
Start packing for your road trip in your RV rental from Columbia, SC!
The 7 Best RV Rentals in Columbia, SC
1. Best Class A RV Rental in Columbia, SC
Thor Motor Coach Hurricane
RV Details
- Length: 34 feet
- Sleeps: 9
- Year: 2019
- Transmission: Automatic
- Fuel: 80 gallons
- Water: 50 gallons
- Gray water: 40 gallons
- Sewage: 40 gallons
- Propane: 20 lbs.
About this RV Rental in Columbia SC
This 2019 Thor Motor Coach Hurricane is fully stocked with everything you will need on your camping trip!
It sleeps up to 9 people and has a king-sized bed in the bedroom, twin bunk beds, a double bed above driver’s area, a couch and dinette that convert into beds.
It has an outdoor kitchen, outside shower and an outside TV so you can totally enjoy your outdoor experience!
The inside area has a full bathroom with shower, kitchen with stove, oven, double sink and full-size fridge, plenty of storage, and 3 TVs!
This RV is packed with all the creature comforts!
2. Best Cheap RV Rental in Columbia, SC
Keystone Hideout
RV Details
- Length: 21 feet
- Sleeps: 5
- Year: 2017
- Water: 27 gallons
- Gray water: 30 gallons
- Sewage: 30 gallons
- Propane: 20 lbs.
About this RV Rental in Columbia, SC
This 2017 Keystone Hideout is easy to tow and spacious inside!
It has a queen bed, two bunk beds and a convertible sofa bed for smaller children so it compfortably sleeps up to 5 people.
It has A/C, heat, bathroom with shower, sink & toilet. The kitchen includes a sink, two-burner propane stove with hood, microwave, and electric/propane refrigerator.
There is also a 32″ TV with HD antenna & DVD player, AM/FM, and a blue tooth player with inside & outside speakers.
The retractable awning is perfect for shade and there is plenty of storage throughout. This is a perfect, lightweight trailer for both beginners and experienced campers to pull behind.
3. Best Class C RV Rental in Columbia, SC
Winnebago Navion 24D
RV Details
- Length: 26 feet
- Sleeps: 4
- Year: 2020
- Transmission: Automatic
- Fuel: 25 gallons
- Water: 30 gallons
- Gray water: 41 gallons
- Sewage: 41 gallons
- Propane: 12 lbs.
About this RV Rental in Columbia, SC
This 2020 Winnebago Navion 24D is full of luxury amenities so you can relax and make great memories in style. It’s built on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, so it is fuel efficient, easy to drive, and equipped with many safety features. The Navion is small enough to fit in most campgrounds and nimble enough to handle almost any road with confidence.
This awesome Class C rental is fully stocked with everything you will need for your camping adventure!
4. Best Travel Trailer Rental in Columbia, SC
Keystone Passport
RV Details
- Length: 34 feet
- Sleeps: 10
- Year: 2017
- Water: 50 gallons
About this RV Rental in Columbia, SC
This 2017 Keystone Passport has enough sleeping space for up to 10 people! You can take the whole family plus a few friends camping in this bunkhouse Keystone Passport Ultralite!
It includes a king-size bed, three twin bunks, and three double beds an it opens up into a spacious living area with two huge slide outs.
It also has an outdoor kitchen, outside speakers, and two automatic awnings for enjoying the outdoors. It’s fully stocked with a complete kitchenware set, dishes, flatware, and small appliances (coffee pot and blender).
5. Best 5th Wheel RV Rental in Columbia, SC
Keystone Cougar
RV Details
- Length: 39 feet
- Sleeps: 6
- Year: 2017
- Water: 60 gallons
- Gray water: 76 gallons
- Sewage: 38 gallons
- Propane: 60 lbs.
About this RV Rental in Columbia, SC
Enjoy the outdoors in style in this 2017 Keystone Cougar. This unit has an outdoor kitchen, surround sound includes speakers outside with Bluetooth capability. This RV has so many luxuries. It has bunk beds in the spare room, a full-size shower, and 2 TVs with cable connectivity.
6. Best Toy Hauler RV Rental in Columbia
Forest River Nitro XLR
RV Details
- Length: 41 feet
- Sleeps: 7
- Year: 2017
About this Columbia, SC RV Rental
The 2017 Forest River Nitro XLR is the perfect toy hauler for any adventure!!
It is large enough for your all of your toys plus the whole family!
7. Best Small Camper Rental near Columbia, South Carolina
Forest River R-Pod
RV Details
- Length: 20 feet
- Sleeps: 4
- Year: 2019
- Water: 30 gallons
- Gray water: 30 gallons
- Sewage: 30 gallons
- Propane: 20 lbs.
About this Columbia, South Carolina RV Rental
This 2019 Forest River R-Pod is a light-weight easy to tow camper that sleeps 4 people. It can even be towed with any 6-cylinder vehicle!
Is It Safe to Rent an RV?
Getting behind the wheel of a motorhome or towing a camper trailer is a great way to explore the country while still having all the comforts of home. RVing is more popular than ever because it lets you get up close to nature while still social distancing for Covid-19 reasons. It also allows you to spend the night under the stars, wherever your destination may be.
Discuss with the RV Owner you are renting from about how they are cleaning your rented camper trailer regularly with the new COVID-19 guidelines. As with all living quarters this is best practice anyways, but with easily spreadable viruses, you may want to take it up a notch and do a little extra cleaning yourself once you get the rental. There is no way to over clean, after all!
What Do I Need to Pack When I Rent an RV?
This is a good question for newbie campers! Let’s say you are going on a week long camping trip. What do you need to pack and is the rental RV going to come with any items you may need?
Here’s the Ultimate Packing Checklist When Renting an RV:
Toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Facial soap
- Moisturizers, including any special facial moisturizers you might use
- Sunscreen with SPF
- Hair dryer, brushes, etc
- Tweezers and other grooming supplies
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shirts
- Pants
- Shoes
- Outerwear
- PRO TIP: When you are camping, it is a good idea to ensure your clothing is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and can be layered. Think of your clothing choices in terms of what will protect me against insects, poisonous snakes, and poison ivy if you are going into the woods.
Household Food
- Dry foods, like pasta, cereal and rice
- Fresh foods, like produce, milk, and deli meats
- Protein snacks, like nuts and jerky
- CAFFIENATED BEVERAGES!
As far as the “cookware” and “linens and towels” categories, many of them have been taken care of by the RV renter-owner. It is always a good idea to double check with them however! There’s nothing worse than discovering you don’t have a SKILLET to cook breakfast on when you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
Do I Need a Special Driver’s License to Rent an RV in Columbia, SC?
First let’s describe that there are three different types of RV’s to rent, which include motorhomes, travel trailers (including fifth wheels), and truck campers. Travel Trailers and Pop-ups are towed behind a truck or SUV and thus do not require any sort of special license or training. Class A motorhome and Class C motorhome options are also available to rent.
Driving the vast majority of motorhomes requires no special license either, and is easier than many newcomers think. You must be at least 25 years of age with a valid driver’s license however to rent most RVs. Some states do, however, require a special license for large motorhomes over a certain GVW (gross vehicle weight).
How Do I Rent an RV?
First it is important to discover the perfect RV for your trip by using the search bar on the Outdoorsy website. Next, filter by location, features and RV type to find exactly what you are looking for.
Now you may talk directly with the RV owner to arrange your trip, ask questions, and book your rental. The owner will go through a quick demo when you pick up the RV, and the you are on your way to a glorious camping trip!
One surprising perk most newbie renters may not know about is Outdoorsy offers 100% free roadside assistance. They also have more 5-Star reviews than any other peer to peer RV rental marketplace. After your vacation is over, you simply return the RV rental in the same good condition.
Will I Need a Security Deposit to Rent an RV?
Yes. Keep in mind a refundable deposit is required before allowing anyone to rent an RV. Deposits will vary from camper to camper rental. This is to give the RV owner security, but you will get a refundable deposit once the rental is returned the way it was when you drove off with it.
Are There One Way RV Rentals?
The answer is yes. If the thought of heading back the way you came does not sound so fun, then a one way RV rental may be for you.
Can I Have an RV Rental Delivered to My Campsite and Set Up?
Absolutely! Again, this is where communication with the RV owner is so important. Delivery options are at the sole discretion of the RV owner, but many are willing to accommodate delivery and set up to your campsite. You can typically expect to pay an additional fee, however, and it will likely be based on distance.
Are Pets Allowed in RV Rentals?
When you do a search to find the perfect RV rental for your next trip, use the “more filters” option. Under this tab you will find the following options:
- Pet friendly
- Tailgate friendly
- Festival friendly
- Smoking friendly
As you can see, many filter options can be applied when you think you’re ready to take that dream vacation in a rental RV! Rest assured, when you book your RV rental online with Outdoorsy, you will find delivery options, pet options, and a variety of camper trailer sizes.
PRO TIP: Tell the RV owner what type of pet you are bringing just to be sure it is okay with them. The worse thing to happen is they have a pet pound or size limit and your Fido is over it, you may be up the creek! Again, communication with the RV owner is key to a stress free RV vacation rental.
Things to Do In Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, and as a result, it has many exciting things for tourists to see and experience. There are things for you to see and do in the city, and if you prefer to stay in a more natural setting, you can see some of the tourist destinations in the surrounding areas. Here we will look at some of the best things for you to do when you get to Columbia.
1. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art
One of the first things you should go see in the city is the Columbia Museum of Art. However, it is more than a museum, it is a social hub of the community. The museum is the host of several world class collections. It has several Renaissance and Baroque art that was donated by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
2. Go See the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
If you are little more interested in seeing some nature, you should head to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. Opened in 1974, the 170 acre property is located along the Lower Saluda River. The zoo portion of the area has habitats for the animals to live in that have been designed to be hyper realistic. There are roughly 2000 animals from around the world for you to see, so this is a great place to bring young kids. You will also find that every habitat has special graphics and an interactive computer for the visitors learn about the animals.
3. Go to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
If you want to get some exercise or see some beautiful views you can head to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This area has the most popular jogging and biking trail in the area. The trail is two and a half miles long and runs alongside the lush banks of the Broad River. The park is also a nice place to relax as there is plenty of space for you to sit, and plenty of space for your children to run around.
4. Head to the South Carolina State Museum
If you are a history buff, you will want to see as many museums as possible, and this is one you should not miss. It is also an incredible museum for kids as they will be incredibly excited to go the 4D theater. The 4D theater shows movies with a twist, while you are watching the movie, you will also feel your legs being tickled, wind blasting in your face, your seat vibrating, and a few other surprises. It provides you with a fully immersive experience.
In the museum itself you will find four floors filled with fascinating exhibits. In the exhibits you will find around 70,000 artifacts. Other things for you to see include an observatory, and a planetarium.
5. Visit the Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens
This mansion is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic houses in the city. Built in 1818 for the rich merchant Ainsley Hall, it has changed hands several times throughout history. It was bought by Wade Hampton, and he changed the style of the house from Federal to Greek Revival. It was later bought by the Preston family, and they sold it after the Civil War. Eventually it was reopened in 1970 as a historical site after its renovation.
6. Go on a Columbia Food Tour
One of the best parts about traveling is getting to try the different types of food in the area. For a lot of people it is their favorite part of the trip, and for good reason. So, you should consider going on a food tour. If you sign up for a tour, local guides will take you to between five and seven restaurants where you will get a sample of their food. While on the tour you will also learn about the history of Columbia, its architecture, culture, and cuisine.
7. Visit the Harbison Environmental Education Forest
If you have spent enough time in the city, you can head nine miles away from the city center and see the Harbison Environmental Education Forest. The forest spreads over 2137 acres of land, and it is bordered on one side by the Broad River. It is also has more than 30 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and runners all to enjoy.
8. Head to Saluda Shoals Park
This park is located only a few miles from downtown Columbia, and when you get there you will find a peaceful, lush area. Sitting on a natural riverfront, the park offers educations, cultural, and recreational opportunities for visitors. The park is 400 acres in size, and it is home to the 11,000 square foot Environmental Education Center. This is a state of the art meeting and conference center, and it is also the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission Headquarters.
9. Get Something to Eat at the Oyster Bar Columbia
The Oyster Bar Columbia is one of those rare authentic oyster bars. While you are there you can enjoy a large beer or a glass of wine and wait for them to bring you plates of huge oysters. They can be raw or steamed, but no matter what they use their famous sauce. If there was ever a restaurant that every tourist needs to go to at least once, it would be this one.
10. Visit the South Carolina Military Museum
The South Carolina Military Museum showcases some impressive artifacts from wars and battles that took place in South Carolina. The goal of the museum is to honor national guards as citizen soldiers and show their past through the exhibits and artifacts on display in the museum. While there you can see authentic firearms, weapons, and uniforms. You will even be able to see armored fighting vehicles.
The staff are very friendly and have extensive knowledge on everything in the museum. So, if you have any questions, they will probably have the answer.
The 10 Best RV Campgrounds In Columbia, South Carolina
After reading the previous section, we hope you are at least a little interested in visiting the area. If you are, you will need to learn a few other things before you head down to South Carolina. Most importantly, you need to figure out where you will be parking your RV. Unfortunately, you cannot just park it on the side of the road. So, here are 10 of the best RV campgrounds in the area.
1. Barnyard RV Park
The Barnyard RV Park is located near the heart of South Carlina. It is just a few minutes away from the local attractions, and if you visit on a weekend you will be able to see a large flea market.
Furthermore, the park has something for every member of your family. You can spend the day fishing in the lake, or you can head into the city for the ballet. Alternatively, you can sit around the campfire at the park and relax.
2. Broad River Campground and RV Park
Broad River Campground and RV Park is roughly 20 minutes away from downtown Columbia. Each campsite in the area is surrounded by hardwood trees which makes it perfect for summer camping because you will always be in the shade.
The campground is in a very scenic area filled with lots of hiking trails. It is also right next to the Broad River, so you can get in some fishing as well.
3. River Bottom Farms Family Campground
The River Bottom Farms Family Campground is family owned and is spread out across 43 acres of farmland. While you are there you will be able to enjoy scenic walks on the nature trails that lead down to the North Edisto River. Since it is so close to the river, the campground has good fishing set up. If you do not want to go to the river, you can also go fishing in one of the five nearby ponds.
4. Edmund RV Park
Edmund RV Park is located in Lexington, South Carolina and it sits on 14 acres of land. It is also just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, the site also houses the sheriff’s substation. So, that might be something you might not appreciate and could detract from this location.
However, this park is located very close to some of the best attractions in the area. It is close to the Congaree Swamp National Monument, South Carolina State Museum, Riverbanks Zoo, and Lake Murray. There are also several restaurants in the area for you to check out and enjoy. Finally, if you want to get away and relax with a round of golf, there are several golf courses nearby.
5. Magnolia RV Park & Campground
The Magnolia RV Park and Campground sits on 19 acres of land, and it has several amenities for you to enjoy. In the center of the park, you will find a saltwater pool. You will also notice that the park has large pull-through sites that make it incredibly easy to relax before you head off to your next destination.
Fortunately, this RV park is open all year round. It also provides visitors with plenty of activities to enjoy. There are things such as bocce ball, horseshoes, volleyball, and basketball for you to enjoy. There is also a playground for your kids to play on. Finally, if you want to relax after a long day, you can gather around the campfire and have some smores.
6. Mr. Z’s RV Park
Mr. Z’s RV Park is meant to be a family-friendly environment, and as a result, the staff on-site are all very friendly. The park is located next to Lake Murray, making it an excellent location for fishing. Additionally, the owner of the park is Mr. Z, and he stays on the campground. As a result, if you have any pressing issues you can have them resolved relatively quickly. There is also a swimming pool on-site for you to relax in.
7. Sesquicentennial State Park
The Sesquicentennial State Park RV campground lies deep within the 1400 acres of nature trails in the State Park. However, once you get to the campground, you will be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and biking. The 30-acre lake nearby is packed with bream and bass for you to catch as well.
The trails in this area are particularly popular as there are plenty of options for people of all skill and experience levels. The Sandhills Hiking Trail takes you along the sand parking area and boathouse before going back to the lake. Conversely, you can go on the Sesqui Bike Trail which is three miles form downtown.
8. Dreher Island State Park
Dreher Island State Park sits on 348 acres of land that span across three separate islands. While staying at this park you will be able to enjoy some of the best nature trails in the area. There are also plenty of water trails for you to see and lots of great fishing spots for striped and largemouth bass. You will also have access to more than 12 miles of shoreline along the coast of Lake Murray.
This campground is 30 miles away from Columbia, so it is a little further than some of the other options, but it is still less than an hour drive to get there. However, since it is further out in the country, you will have access to three private boat ramps. Depending on the time of year, you also might catch a national fishing tournament being held.
9. Columbia/ Camden RV Park
The final RV campground we will be looking at is the Columbia/ Camden RV Park. This RV park is locally owned and located 16 miles from the Fort Jackson Gate. The park has friendly staff that make sure the camp is secure 24 hours a day. This is a very quiet and peaceful campground. So, if you prefer to stay on your campground and relax instead of traveling around, this is a great option for you.
Get Ready for Your RV Adventure from Columbia In Your Rental RV!
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need to consider traveling to Columbia, South Carolina. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it is better to be overprepared than underprepared when it comes to vacations.
The last thing you want is to get to a location only to find out that there is nothing for you to enjoy. So, take the time, figure out what you like about the area and what you do not like, and decide if this is a good destination for you.
You can rent several RVs and get an idea of what features you prefer, and which size is best for you. So, if you want to purchase an RV in the future, you will be able to narrow down the search quickly because you will have tested out so many RVs already. So, rent an RV and head down to Columbia, South Carolina.
What type of RV are you interested in renting? Do you think you will visit Columbia? What most interests you about the city? Let us know in the comments!