RV rental Vermont: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

In a state filled with small mountain towns and friendly family farms, Burlington is Vermont’s only real urban center. Sitting on the beautiful eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain and being home to the University of Vermont, Burlington is an interesting mix of hippies, young professionals, and bookish students. The downtown area is highly walkable and is centered around the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace, a row of local shops, restaurants, and street performers. Burlington is well-known for its cultural attractions too, with the Flynn Theater being home to a lively arts scene, along with several galleries in the downtown area to explore. Just north of the city is the Island Line Trail, a mixed-use path that follows the old Rutland Railroad causeway right through the middle of Lake Champlain and ending on Grand Isle. The rural farms of Grand Isle, along with a top-notch winery, make this a popular summer biking route. If you’re looking for a low-key place to stay with your camper rental in Vermont, the North Beach Campground is just a short drive away from Burlington’s downtown. It doesn’t have much for amenities, just picnic tables and BBQ grills (no hookups), but when you’re so close to town, creature comforts might not be as important. Plus, the sites have some excellent waterfront views of Lake Champlain and easy access to the Island Line Trail. Only half an hour's drive from Burlington is the state’s capital, Montpelier. It’s the smallest state capital in the nation but packs quite a few exciting attractions into a small space. Despite its tiny population, Montpelier has loads of great restaurants with gourmet options and inventive cuisines. Vermont also has a very active political scene. If you’re wondering how the citizenry feels about hot-button issues, take a trip to the State House to see if a group is protesting while you’re camping in Central Vermont (it’s a fairly common occurrence). Just outside the capital is the Rock of Ages Quarry, where you can take a guided tour of a working granite mine. It’s a fantastic attraction for those who like to see how things are made, and the site even has a granite bowling lane. There aren't a lot of RV parks in Montpelier, but Lazy Lions Campground is relatively close by and is a great option for exploring the capital. It’s a full-service park with a swimming pool, full hookups, and lots of activities for the kids. Both Burlington and Montpelier lie just off of Interstate 89 and are popular tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a quieter Vermont RV camping experience, the Northeast Kingdom is a great place to start. The Kingdom is largely rural, and the little town of St. Johnsbury is one of its only developments and certainly worth a visit. Its Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium is filled with world-class exhibits ranging from antique toys to fossils, and it’s all housed inside a picturesque castle structure. Film buffs will love the Catamount Film and Arts Center, which has a terrific art gallery and a small auditorium showing independent and documentary films. The Kingdom’s primary attraction is the outdoors; there is plenty of nature to enjoy in its most pristine form. In the spring, hop on a bike and ride the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and in the fall sugaring season, head to one of the nearby maple farms to learn how the syrup is made. There’s never a shortage of great places to go camping in the Northeast Kingdom, and Moose River Campground is one of its best offerings. It’s right in St. Johnsbury and has full hookups, a pavilion, and a small store where you can grab supplies. Despite being more accessible from neighboring Massachusetts and New York, Vermont’s southern tip is an underrated gem that should be included on any tour of the state. Brattleboro, in the southeastern corner, has everything you could ask from a small New England town - delicious food, exciting cultural attractions, and some of Vermont’s best covered bridges. Vermont is also the king of craft brewing, with more breweries per capita than any other state. Brattleboro has a few of its own, and the town is small enough that they’re within walking distance of each other. As with nearly every town in Vermont, Brattleboro is an artist's paradise; to see the work of some local artisans, stop by the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. If you need a solid camping option nearby, the Brattleboro North KOA is an excellent choice. It’s a short drive north of the city on Highway 5 and has full hookups, a basketball court, a pool, and a great gift shop. Like most KOAs, this campground has a social atmosphere and is a good place to meet fellow travelers. Getting an RV rental in Vermont is one of the best ways to explore the Green Mountain State and surrounding New England. While there are plenty of excellent B&Bs and hotels in more urban areas, the landscapes are undoubtedly the state’s biggest draw. What better way to experience them than from the comfort of a motorhome rental, sleeping amongst the foliage every night.