8 Best RV Rentals in Knoxville, TN Plus Discount Code!

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The 8 Best RV Rentals in Knoxville

1. Best Class A RV Rental

Thor Motor Coach A.C.E.

RV Details

About this RV

Finding the right RV for you can be difficult. There are so many great options out there that it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. This Class A RV is a great option for families. It is 31 feet long and can sleep up to 5 people.

2. Best Rooftop Tent Rental

Jeep Wrangler Overland

RV Details

About this RV

If you would rather drive your jeep or truck than an RV, you should consider a rooftop tent camper. This one is 15 feet long and can sleep up to 4 people. It is easy to install and will provide you with the comfort you need at night.

3. Best Class C RV Rental

Forest River Forester

RV Details

About this RV

Traveling with your friends can be a lot of fun if you have the right RV for it. This Class C RV is perfect for friends looking to go on a road trip. It is 32 feet long and can sleep up to 6 people.

4. Best Travel Trailer Rental

Crossroads SunsetTrail

RV Details

About this RV

Driving an RV is not challenging, but it can be scary because of its size. As a result, many of you might prefer to get a trailer. If you have a tow vehicle, you can rent a travel trailer and have the same experience you would in an RV. This option is 32 feet long and can sleep up to 9 people.

5. Best 5th Wheel Rental

Palomino Columbus

RV Details

About this RV

5th wheel trailers are great for people that want a home away from home. This one in particular is perfect for people that want to live in luxury while they are on the road. It is 36 feet long and can sleep just 4 people. So, it has plenty of room for all the amenities you could ever want.

6. Best Toy Hauler Rental

Forest River NoBo

RV Details

About this RV

Camping trips are more fun with kids because they are always excited. However, if you are planning an extended trip, you will have days you just want to relax. If you rent a toy hauler you will have the storage you need to bring their toys, allowing them to entertain themselves. This one is 13 feet long and can sleep up to 4 people.

7. Best Teardrop Camper Rental

2021 Braxton Creek Bushwacker 10FB

RV Details

About this RV

Teardrop campers are perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. They are perfectly sized for couples to cozy up to each other on cold nights. However, it is not so large that you will be tempted to stay in bed all day. This one is 13 feet long and can sleep up to 2 people.

8. Best Truck Camper Rental

Go Fast Campers XL

RV Details

About this RV

If you own a pickup truck, you might want to bring it with you on your camping trip for when you want to head into town. You will not be able to do that if you rent an RV. As a result, you should consider renting a truck camper. This one can easily be set up in the bed of your truck. It is 20 feet long and can sleep up to 2 people.

Find Other Great RV Rentals in Knoxville!

How Much Does an RV Rental Cost in Knoxville, TN?

RV Type	Daily Rental Price
Class A	$215
Class B	$225
Class C	$184
Travel Trailer	$119
5th Wheel	$143
Pop Up Camper	$85
Truck Camper	$175
Toy Hauler	$138

Is It Safe to Rent an RV?

It is very safe to rent an RV. All RV owners have been educated about how to clean their RV per CDC recommendations. When you rent from Outdoorsy or other peer-to-peer RV rental companies, you’ll see that there is a service or preparation fee.

RV owners must follow high standards to participate in Outdoorsy’s rental program, including keeping their coaches COVID-19 safe. To clean your rental correctly takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Many use professional cleaning services to ensure the best outcome.

And, RVing and camping are socially distant activities. We go camping and never get within 100 feet of anyone if we don’t want to. Plus it is very easy to remain socially distant from others while hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities.

What Do I Need to Pack When I Rent an RV?

What you need to bring depends on what is included in your RV rental. Peer to peer RV rentals like on Outdoorsy usually have many items already included because the RV owner also uses the RV. So, most of what you need will be on board.

However, if you rent from an RV dealership or RV Rental Company, nothing is included. Most likely, you will need to pay for the add-on packages and still stop at Walmart to buy things like a coffee pot, a toaster, a grill, etc.

But no matter where you rent, you are responsible for bringing groceries and your own camping supplies.

Do I Need a Special Driver’s License to Rent an RV in Knoxville, TN?

Generally, the only time you need a special driver’s license, like a CDL, to rent an RV is if your RV is over 45 feet, over 26,000 pounds, and you’re driving it for commercial purposes. Since you’re using it for your private purposes (even as a rental), you don’t need to worry.

If you have any concerns, you can go to each state’s Department of Motor Vehicle website you’re going to be traveling in to learn more. Be sure to ask the RV owner you will be renting from if a special license is required. Typically though, you do not need a special license to drive an RV.

Will I Need a Security Deposit to Rent an RV?

Yes, you will need a security deposit to rent an RV. Just like anything you rent from a car to an apartment a security deposit is required.

But Outdoorsy handles all the details of your deposit and payment to ensure you and the owner both have a safe and secure transaction.

Are There One Way RV Rentals from Knoxville?

Yes, there are one way rentals available. Most of the big national rental companies and some RVs on Outdoorsy have them available. However, there is usually a hefty fee involved with this type of rental.

For example, Susan and I inquired about a one way rental from San Francisco to San Diego and the fee was $500. Pretty steep.

Can I Have an RV Rental Delivered to My Campsite and Set Up?

Yes! Absolutely you can!

Say for example you want to rent a towable RV like a travel trailer or 5th wheel but you can’t tow an RV. Well, there are rentals available on Outdoorsy where the owner will deliver their camper right to your campsite, set everything up for you, give you an orientation tour, and then pick it back up at the end of your stay. It just doesn’t get any more convenient than that.

Some RV owners will provide the delivery and set up for free but most charge a fee for this service. It’s usually in the $100 range.

Pro Tip: try to find an RV rental as close as possible to your campground to keep the fee as low as possible. Maybe you can even talk to the owner and get them to throw it in for free!

Are Pets Allowed in RV Rentals?

Yes and no… some RV owners offer pet friendly rentals and others don’t. I would say 70% of all rentals are pet friendly. You can even use “pet-friendly” as a filter when narrowing down your choices so you only consider them. For more info about pet friendly rentals see our article called Are Dogs Allowed In RV Rentals?

Where is the Best Place to Rent an RV in Knoxville?

In our opinion the best place to rent an RV is from Outdoorsy. Here’s why:

• Huge selection of RVs
• Outstanding Reviews
• They handle all the paperwork and reservations
• They handle the deposit
• They are the most trusted RV rental company
• Outstanding customer service

In fact, we like them so much we arranged our special discount for our readers and subscribers so you can SAVE up to $100 or more when you rent from Outdoorsy.

There are two other peer-to-peer RV rental companies worth mentioning and they are RVshare and RVezy. They both operate like Outdoorsy.

How Do I Rent an RV?

Renting an RV is just like rental a vacation home for a week on VRBO or Airbnb. Here are the simple steps:

1️⃣ Log onto Outdoorsy and enter your destination and dates you want to travel.
2️⃣ Use the filters to narrow down the type of RV and amenities you want.
3️⃣ You can email the owner with any questions
4️⃣ Rent the RV ( if you have any questions just call customer service and they will walk you through it)
5️⃣ Fill in all your info so you can get insured and make your deposit.
6️⃣ Meet the owner to pick up your RV – they will give you an orientation tour!
7️⃣ Have an awesome RV vacation!
8️⃣ Return the RV!

Things To Do in Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville sits right between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River. As a result, it is a beautiful area with plenty of amazing scenery for you to see. However, if you want to take a break from nature there is that option as well. The city is filled with exciting attractions, interesting museums, and delicious restaurants. So, no matter your interests, there will be something for you to do if you go to Knoxville. Here are 10 of the best things to do when you get to the city.

1. Visit the East Tennessee History Center

If you are a history buff, this East Tennessee History Center should be one of your first stops. The museum is host to several award winning exhibits, and it also has several educational programs. The goal of the museum is to show the 300 year history of Tennessee by displaying several historical artifacts.

There are two great times to visit this museum. First, from April to May the Blue& Gray Reunion is held. Second, the East Tennessee History Fair is held in August. So, if you are interested in either of those events, you can plan your trip around it.

2. Head to the World’s Fair Park

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the World’s Fair Park. It is the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, and now it is a great place to spend some time outdoors in the city. As some time has passed since the World’s Fair was held here, there have been some renovations.

New lawns, walkways, and water features have been introduced to make for a more scenic environment. It is also home to several innovative fountains, as well as geysers that guests can use to cool down during the hot summer months.

Additionally, you will find man made lakes, and streams in the park. Finally, depending on the time of year you arrive, you may be able to go to the park during a festival or see a live performance. Events happen here throughout the year, so you will need to check to see if anything is happening while you are there.

3. Visit the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

This museum will be a hit with your kids right away as you can take a picture with the dinosaur on the front lawn. When you enter you will be able to show your kids a plethora of different dinosaur bones that were all found locally in Tennessee.

Additionally, the museum is home to some historical artifacts from ancient civilizations from this area, and throughout the world. Two of the most popular exhibits are the Civil War and Human Origins exhibits. However, they are just two of many and there are plenty of other things to see if they do not pique your interest.

4. Head to the Market Square Farmer’s Market

One of the best things for everyone to do when they get to any new city is going to the farmer’s market if they can. A farmer’s market lets you experience the culture of the city and see what is different about the area compared to where you are from.

In this farmer’s market, you will fresh fruit and other delicious food. Additionally, you can purchase works from local artisans.

5. Go See the Old City

Like many cities, Knoxville has a portion of the city known as Old Knoxville. It is a revitalized area that you can visit to see what the city was like before it was taken over by modern architecture. In it, you will find authentic restaurants, coffee houses, and even old school art galleries.

One of the best times to come to this part of this city is at night. The area really comes alive at this time as vibrant music is showcased by the many musical talents from the Knoxville area.

6. Check Out the James White Fort

If have ever been interested in the Revolutionary War, the James White Fort should be on your list of attractions to see in the Knoxville area. James White was a general in the Revolutionary War and was out leading an expedition when he discovered this area. He turned it into his fort and it eventually became the capital of the Southwest Territory.

Although the fort took significant damage during the war and over time in general, it was reconstructed in downtown Knoxville in 1970.  Now it hosts for than 10,000 visitors every year. It has interactive exhibits which show how cooking, blacksmithing, and spinning worked back in the 1700s.

7. Check Out Ijams Nature Center

If you are a nature lover you prefer to see something a little more natural, you should head to the nature center. This area was initially developed by Harry Ijams as a bird sanctuary. However, over time it evolved into a larger nature center as a whole.

This attraction is located just three miles from downtown Knoxville and has plenty of trails, creeks, and groves for you to explore. Additionally, there is an area where you can try your hand at rock climbing. Alternatively, you can rent a canoe and take a leisurely ride down the river.

8. Head to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women’s National Basketball Association is quite possibly the most successful women’s professional sports league in the world. The league is funded by the NBA, and as a result, they have managed to grow their league faster than women’s competitors from other sports.

If you are a fan of basketball you should check out the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. In it, you will see exhibits that feature the 139 inductees, as well as memorabilia that honor the greatest women basketball players.

9. Go See Neyland Stadium

If you are a sports fan, this is a stadium you will want to check out. It is a massive arena that can host around 102,000 fans. This makes it the fifth largest football stadium in the country. As a result, it is considered one of the landmark fields for college football.

The stadium is named after legendary coach, General Robert Neyland. He was the head coach for the local college team from 1926 to 1952. In addition to having the stadium named after him, he has a statue on the west side of the stadium.

10. See a Show at the Bijou Theater

If you have had enough of nature and you want to relax, you should head to the Bijou Theater. Here you will be able to see performances from famous artists. The theater has perfect acoustics and hosts all kinds of performances.

This is the fourth oldest building in Knoxville, and it is also one of the most profitable for the city. As a result, it should be no surprise that it received a $2.6 million renovation in 2006.

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The 10 Best RV Campgrounds in Knoxville, Tennessee

After reading the above section, we hope we gave you a few reasons to head to the Knoxville area. If you are interested, you are probably ready to get your trip started. However, before you do that, you will need to sort out your living situation. So, here are 10 of the best RV campgrounds in the area.

1. Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park has 20 rustic campsites scattered throughout the campground. Since it is a smaller campground with a limited amount of space, you need to make reservations to stay here. They do not take walk-ins like some other campgrounds.

When you get to the campground you will find a bathhouse that provides guests with hot showers. There is a water faucet that provides drinking water and is centrally located. Every campsite is also equipped with a parking spot, picnic table, grill, lantern hanger, and fire ring. However, you will also find that electricity and water hookups are not available at this campground.

2. Anchor Down RV Resort

The Anchor Down RV Resort has 170 sites and is on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee. It has a beautiful view of the Great Smoky Mountains, and many of the amenities you would want. Some of the standouts include a basketball court, cable TV hookup, golf cart rental, a playground, and a pool with a waterslide.

Furthermore, you will find that this campground has electric, water, and sewer hookups for all guests. Pets, alcohol, and fires are all allowed on site. There is also an area where you can take a shower.

3. Elkmont Campground

Elkmont Campground is located just eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and is the largest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This makes it a great place to stay if you are interested in visiting Knoxville or Nashville. Sitting at 2150 feet above sea level, the campground has a moderate climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Since the campground is located in the national park, you will be able to enjoy the hundreds of miles of trails. Some are easy and relaxing trails, and there are others that are more challenging and are largely uphill. One of the most popular trails is the Laurel Falls Trail which leads to an 80 foot waterfall.

The campground has 200 campsites available to guests. They each have paved driveways with gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Most of the campsites are suitable for both tents and RVs, but there are some that are on extreme slopes. As a result, these slopes are better suited to tents.

4. Cades Cove Campground

Cades Cove Campground is located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park allows alcohol, pets, and fires. However, there are no electric, sewer, or water, hookups, unfortunately. There is a camp store on site for you to stock up on supplies.

5. Cosby Campground

The Cosby Campground is tucked under a canopy, and as a result, all the campsites are covered in shade. There are more than 100 campsites available to guests. Most are available on a first come first serve basis, but there are 26 that are available for reservations. Every site accommodates tents, but when it comes to RVs the campsite is a little more limited. As a result, it is recommended that you reserve a campsite if you are traveling in an RV.

At this campground, you will be able to enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You can also go fishing in one of the many rivers and streams in the area. While you are out on the trails and at the river, you will be able to see lots of wildlife. However, this does mean that you need to be careful because there are around 1500 bears that live in the area. They will not give you problems if you do not agitate them, but you still need to be careful.

As for amenities, this campground has several things like flush toilets and drinking water that should improve your stay.

6. Greenbrier Campground

Greenbrier Campground is surrounded by the Little Pigeon River and has several RV sites for you to choose from. There are also tent camping, cabins, bell tents, and RV rentals available. The campground is located eight miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

At this campground, you will find that there are sewer, water, and electric hookups. There are also showers, drinking water, and Wi-Fi available to all guests. Alcohol, fires, and pets are allowed as well.

7. Camp Riverslanding

Camp Riverslanding is another great campground in the Knoxville area. It is filled with several amenities for you to enjoy during your stay. The owners make an effort to ensure that every guest is comfortable. While you are there you will be able to enjoy the heated pool, new bathhouse, and tennis courts. As a result, it is one of the premier campgrounds in the area.

8. Melton Hill Dam

Melton Hill Dam Campground is one of the better places to stay if you are planning on spending a lot of time in Knoxville. That is because it is one of the closest campgrounds to the city. So, by staying here you will not need to spend as much time driving around to get to where you want to go.

Additionally, while you are here you will get to enjoy electric, water, and sewer hookups. Phone service is available on site, and you can bring your pets as well.

9. Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While here you will get to enjoy the many hiking trails in the area. There are also plenty of streams of rivers for you to fish in if you are interested in that kind of thing.

While the campground does provide you with an unforgettable outdoor experience, that does not mean that the park does not have modern amenities. It has flush toilets, drinking water, and sinks.

10. Norris Dam State Park

Norris Dam State Park has two campgrounds and a combined 85 sites. There are 35 on the east side and 25 have water and electric hookups. The other 10 are more primitive, tent only sites. On the west side, there are 50 sites and they all have water and electric hookups. The west side is also paved to accommodate people with disabilities.

Every site in the campground has a table, grill, and fire pit. There is also a centrally located bathhouse in each campground that is open during the in season. Additionally, there is a laundromat next to the park office that is open seasonally. Firewood is available at the park center.

Finally, the maximum stay during the ins season is 14 nights. However, that is extended to 28 nights during the off season.

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Get Ready for Your Trip to Knoxville In Your Rental RV

After reading, we hope you have all the information you need to prepare for a trip to Knoxville. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it is better to be overprepared than underprepared.

You want to know what is available to do in the area, so you have a good time. By preparing, you can ensure that there are things you want to do in the area before you commit to a trip.

RVing is a great bonding experience for families. It lets parents take their kids out into nature and show them areas of the country that they would never see otherwise. The United States is such a huge country that you will never head out on trips. So, start your trip to Knoxville as soon as you can. Once you are done you can get started on your second trip right away.

What about Knoxville appeals to you the most? Are you interested in traveling to this area? What type of RV will you be renting? Let us know in the comments!

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