My introverted 12-year-old would rather stay home nine times out of ten. Traveling with her usually means finding hotels that offer quiet and comfort. Her extroverted older sister, on the other hand, thrives on exploring new places, unbothered by noise or crowds. Balancing both has always been a challenge—until we tried our first RV road trip through Nevada with RVshare, a rental platform that works like Airbnb for RVs. Here’s what we learned, including the real cost and whether it’s worth it.
We rented a mid-size Class C motorhome from a couple in Las Vegas. It was shaped like a U-Haul with a bunk bed over the cab. Inside, it had a queen bed in the back, a dinette that converted into a third bed, a fully stocked kitchen with a gas stove and solar-powered fridge, and a full bathroom with a separate shower. It felt like a house on wheels, and my 12-year-old loved having a quiet space within steps of any activity.
The biggest win? Having a basecamp that moved with us. Instead of the usual go-go-go pace with only hotel breaks, we could pause anytime. The RV was roomier than our car, with plenty of storage. My kids never felt cramped. I loved being close to nature with home conveniences, especially a bathroom for quick stops.
Cooking on the road saved us money. We spent $333 on groceries for four over five days—less than one restaurant dinner in Las Vegas after we returned the RV. That meal alone cost more than our entire week’s food.
But there are downsides. Mechanical issues can pop up. Our generator died after day one, but since we had full hook-up campsites, it wasn’t an emergency. The owners helped us fix it via video call. Parking was tricky; we always looked for oversized spots and used a spotter when backing up, despite cameras.
The worst part? Wind. Driving through Nevada’s desert with gusts up to 55 mph was nerve-wracking. The RV’s boxy design made it worse, rocking us at night. My husband drove most of the time because it made me nervous.
Cost is another factor. RVshare’s average nightly rental is just over $210, set by owners. But that doesn’t include insurance (starting at $14 per night), fees for campsite delivery, pets, cleaning, excess mileage, or generator use. RVshare suggests setting aside 20-30% extra. Plus, fuel and campsite bookings add up. It’s more than tent camping, but less than theme parks or cruises. And unlike trips that blur over time, this one stands out. My mother-in-law still talks about her childhood RV trip across the country. I hope my girls will too.
