8 RVs for rent in Johnston, IA
Travel Trailer in Urbandale
2021 • 5.0 (10)
$110 USD /night
Instant BookClass B in West-Des-Moines
2024 • 5.0 (3)
$205 USD /night
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Des-Moines
2017 • New listing
$150 USD /night
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Winterset
2020 • 5.0 (5)
$200 USD /night
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Newton
2026 • 5.0 (3)
$120 USD /night
Travel Trailer in Pilot-Mound
2022 • New listing
$120 USD /night
Superhost
Johnston RV rental: How it works
8 RVs for rent in Johnston, from $110 a night. Pick one up yourself, or have the owner deliver it and set it up at any of 8 campgrounds near Johnston, IA. Travel trailers, motorhomes and camper vans, all insured, most pet-friendly.
1. Explore RV rentals
Browse a wide range of campervans, travel trailers, and motorhomes. Filter by dates, price, amenities, RV type, or delivery availability to find the right fit for your trip.
2. Choose pickup or delivery
Pick up your RV from a local host in Johnston, IA or arrange delivery directly to your campsite, home, or other approved destination.
3. Get ready to travel
Confirm your booking and coordinate details with your host before departure. Insurance coverage and roadside assistance are included, so you can travel with confidence.
Johnston RV rental reviews - 4.9 out of 5 from 71 renters
2026 Jayco Travel Trailer
Easy and great guy to work with! Camper was a nice stay! Thanks for a great weekend!
KV
Katie VannoyAug 2026
2018 Thor Motor Coach Class C
We rented this RV as advertised from Alex and we were not disappointed. We had a pretty long trip, Over 2400 miles and it was smooth sailing! Everything went better than we expected from the communication through the booking process, the flexibility and did I mention the great and responsive communication.
LM
Lykia MossAug 2026
2021 Travel Trailer
Absolutely great experience
AW
Adam WoodardJul 2026
2020 Forest River Travel Trailer
Great experience with Travis. RV was awesome and delivered as promised. Would utilize again for sure.
Benson HargensSep 2025
2022 Prime Time Fifth Wheel
Everything about this RV was perfect for our stay! Deliver and picked up with ease and the communication was exceptional! Would rent this RV again and again!
EL
Elisha LeinenAug 2025
2023 Forest River Class C
My wife and I both want to thank Juan for making the start of our camper trip great. Juan met with us and introduced himself, he had the camper already set up for preview and gave us a detailed tour of the camper, including sanitation,and instrumentation. We then went over the paperwork and everything went smoothly. I can honestly say it was a pleasure dealing with Juan. Our trip in itself was great as we took off to see Americana covering from Florida to Iowa and back. It was beautiful country, and the people were very pleasant. Just to see those beautiful cornfields for miles in rows humble you. God bless our farmers. The camper itself ran smoothly with no mechanical failures or concerns. The vehicle is well maintained. Now for the negative. I may have lost or had stolen off the vehicle three hubcaps. Lesson learned: equipment security is important and a check should be done periodically. When checking tires make sure you hubcaps are there. My overall evaluation is that I would gladly do business with Juan again. I know I could count on him and His Sunseeker camper. Thanks again Juan We appreciate you.
Carmelo RodriguezAug 2025
2021 Travel Trailer
So lovely Everything worked great! Thank you
Lynn LieversJun 2025
2021 Forest River Travel Trailer
Tim was great. He delivered the RV on time and got the RV ready for us. The RV was clean and very nice. He kept in touch and answered our questions. helped us learn how the RV life works. First time for us. Thanks Tim
PS
Pat SchutzJun 2025
2021 Travel Trailer
Blake and Heather are wonderful to work with! The RV was delivered ahead of schedule and Blake took his time to walk us through everything we needed to know. The RV was very clean and stocked with everything we needed for camping. The kids liked it so much, they didn't want to leave the campsite. Thank you for being apart of our camping weekend!!
TL
Tisha LackJun 2025
RV friendly events in Johnston, IA
Iowa State Fair
Picture 11 days of blue ribbons, sizzling food on a stick, and the legendary Butter Cow, then a short walk back to your own cozy RV. The Iowa State Fair turns Des Moines into the heart of the Midwest every August, and camping right at the fairgrounds puts you in the middle of it all. Rent an RV and live the fair from sunrise barn visits to late Grandstand encores.
Hinterland Music Festival
Picture a grassy hillside bowl in rural Iowa, golden-hour sets, and a campground that hums long after the headliner bows out. Hinterland Music Festival turns St. Charles into Iowa's biggest summer music gathering every year. Bring an RV and your front row comes with a bed, a kitchen, and cold drinks waiting just a short walk from the gates. Here is why Hinterland is made for RV road trippers.
Best National Parks near Johnston, IA
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Indiana
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Popular State Parks near Johnston, IA
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability
RV delivery to 8 campgrounds near Johnston, IA
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
Cutty's Des Moines Camping ClubWalnut Woods State ParkGriff's Valley View RV Park and CampgroundTimberline RV CampgroundTimberline CampgroundAdventureland CampgroundDallas County Fairgrounds CampgroundDes Moines West KOA HolidayRiver Oaks RV ParkShady Brook Camping and RV Adventures, LLC
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Frequently asked questions about renting an RV in Johnston, IA
How much does an RV rental in Johnston, IA typically cost?
Good news: an RV rental in Johnston, IA is one of the more affordable ways to explore the Midwest. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Des Moines metro typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A models run $250 to $400 per night. You'll save the most by booking midweek, traveling in May or September (just outside peak Iowa State Fair demand), and choosing a travel trailer if you already have a tow-capable vehicle. Pro tip: Johnston sits right next to the Iowa State Fairgrounds traffic zone, so booking a cheap RV rental Johnston locals love often means scoring a delivered trailer rather than driving one yourself.
traveliowa.com/things-to-do/camping/What license do I need to rent an RV in Johnston, IA?
Great news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Johnston, IA. Iowa does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for personal motorhomes or trailers under 26,000 pounds, which covers virtually every rental on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the booking platform, so there's no extra DMV paperwork. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association. Most guests are surprised at how quick the approval is, often within a few hours of booking.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicenseWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Johnston, IA?
Every RV rental in Johnston, IA booked on RVezy comes with a protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built in, so you can hit the road with real peace of mind. During checkout you choose from several renter protection plan tiers that cover physical damage to the RV during your trip. Hosts do not pick your coverage level, you do, so you control how much protection feels right for your trip. Whether you are heading to Saylorville Lake for the weekend or planning a longer Iowa RV trip, you are never alone if something goes sideways. Review the full details and what is included at the RVezy insurance and protection page before you book.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat happens if I need to cancel my Johnston RV rental?
Booking feels lower risk when you know the rules up front. RVezy sets a standard cancellation policy on every reservation, hosts do not set this themselves, and it is not displayed inside individual listings. Depending on how far in advance you cancel, you may qualify for a partial or full refund, and there is a short grace period right after booking that gives you a safety net if plans shift. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook. Iowa spring weather can bring thunderstorms across Polk County, so it is smart to read the cancellation policy in the RVezy Help Center before confirming your dates.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Johnston, IA?
Yes, your dog is welcome on the road. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in Johnston, IA, toggle the Pet Friendly filter on RVezy and you will see hosts who welcome pups. Once you arrive, Johnston is a great basecamp for dog owners, with the Johnston Dog Park off NW 62nd Avenue and paved trails along the Neal Smith Trail leading down to Saylorville Lake. Pet-friendly campgrounds at Saylorville Lake, including Acorn Valley and Prairie Flower, require pets to be leashed (no longer than six feet) per U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rules. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and you are set.
mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Saylorville-Lake/Can the RV be delivered to me in Johnston?
Yes, and RV delivery in Johnston is the easiest way to start your trip. Many RVezy hosts offer delivery and setup, dropping the RV at your driveway or at a campground like Cherry Glen at Saylorville Lake. They level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. This is perfect if you are a first-time renter, nervous about towing through Des Moines traffic on I-35 or I-80, or simply want to skip the learning curve. Use the Delivery filter on the RVezy search page and you will see exactly which hosts offer it and their delivery radius from Johnston.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Johnston%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Johnston RV rental, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have plenty of road ahead. Many RVezy hosts in Johnston include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and a growing number offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, ideal for longer Iowa RV trips. From Johnston you can comfortably reach the Amana Colonies (about 115 miles east), the Mississippi River at Davenport (about 170 miles east), Omaha and the Henry Doorly Zoo (about 135 miles west), or the Loess Hills Scenic Byway (about 140 miles west). Each listing shows the exact mileage allowance and any per-mile fee before you book. Pro tip: if you are planning a multi-state loop, filter for unlimited mileage hosts first, then compare nightly rates.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Johnston%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Johnston, IA?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Johnston are clustered around Saylorville Lake, just minutes from town: Cherry Glen Campground offers electric sites right on the water, Prairie Flower Campground is the largest with full hookups and a swim beach, and Acorn Valley is the quieter, wooded option near the dam. A bit further out, Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines (15 miles south) has modern sites along the Raccoon River, and Big Creek State Park near Polk City (12 miles north) is a local favorite for boating and fishing. Reserve through Recreation.gov for Army Corps sites and the Iowa DNR reservation system for state parks. Book early for summer weekends, they fill fast.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2723When is the best time for an RV trip from Johnston, IA?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for RV camping Johnston travelers love, with the absolute sweet spots being May, early June, and September. Summer highs hover around 85°F with warm, humid nights ideal for campfires, while spring and fall bring crisp 60 to 75°F days perfect for hiking the Neal Smith Trail. Avoid mid-July to mid-August if you don't love humidity or thunderstorms. Bonus: September lines up with harvest festivals across central Iowa and the tail end of fairground events, when campgrounds are quieter. Winter RVing is possible but limited, most state park campgrounds close water service by late October, so check the listing for cold-weather features if you're traveling off-season.
weather.gov/dmx/climateI've never rented an RV before, will I be okay?
You'll be more than okay, you'll be set up to succeed. First time renting an RV in Johnston is genuinely common, and every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, the generator, slide-outs, and dumping tanks. You can message the host with questions before you even book, and the 24/7 roadside assistance line is in your pocket the whole trip. For an easy maiden voyage from Johnston, head 8 miles north to Saylorville Lake, the roads are flat, the campground loops are pull-through friendly, and you're close enough to home that nerves melt away fast. Most first-timers tell us they wish they'd booked sooner.
nps.gov/articles/rv-camping.htmWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my trip?
Take a deep breath, you're covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, so help is a phone call away whether you're parked at Big Creek State Park or rolling along I-80 toward the Quad Cities. The team can dispatch help for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical issues. Your host is also a direct resource, they know their RV inside and out, and most respond within minutes. Johnston's location near major highways means service is usually quick to reach you. Save both the roadside number and your host's contact in your phone before you leave, and you'll never feel stranded.
iowadot.gov/511Can I take my Johnston RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, an RV road trip from Johnston is one of the best ways to see the Midwest, and most hosts welcome interstate travel. Popular cross-state routes include the Great River Road along the Mississippi, Black Hills of South Dakota (about 8 hours via I-29), and the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri (5 hours south). Travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and protection package, so message them before booking to confirm. One firm rule: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because protection coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: Iowa's central location means you can reach 7 different states within a day's drive from Johnston.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for my Johnston RV trip?
Realistic budgeting makes the trip more fun. Class C motorhomes around Johnston typically average 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), Class A motorhomes run 6 to 9 MPG, campervans (Class B) get 14 to 20 MPG, and towed travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but usually drop it by 4 to 6 MPG. Gas in the Des Moines metro tends to run slightly below the national average thanks to Iowa's ethanol production, with most stations on Merle Hay Road and along I-35/80 offering competitive pricing. For a weekend Saylorville trip (under 50 miles round trip), budget under $40. For a 500-mile Iowa loop, plan around $200 to $300 in fuel depending on RV size.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground near Johnston?
Earlier is better, especially for summer weekends. Army Corps campgrounds at Saylorville Lake (Cherry Glen, Prairie Flower, Acorn Valley) open reservations 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov, and the most popular waterfront sites are claimed within hours of release. Iowa state parks like Big Creek and Walnut Woods open bookings 3 months out on the Iowa DNR reservation system. For Iowa State Fair week in August, book your campground (and your RV) 6 to 9 months ahead, demand is intense. Pro tip: if you strike out on weekends, try Sunday through Thursday arrivals, you'll often find prime sites available and quieter neighbors at every campground around Johnston.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2723What are driving conditions like around Johnston, IA?
Driving an RV around Johnston is refreshingly stress free thanks to flat terrain, wide Midwestern roads, and well-maintained highways. I-35 and I-80 meet just south of town, giving you easy outbound access without navigating downtown Des Moines. Avoid the Merle Hay Road and NW 86th Street corridors during rush hour (7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM), and watch height clearances on overpasses if you are in a tall Class A. Spring and summer can bring severe thunderstorms and occasional tornado warnings, so pull off at a rest area and wait them out. Winter (December to February) can bring ice and snow, and many renters avoid driving large RVs during that window. Check live road conditions on Iowa 511 before you depart.
iowadot.gov/511What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Johnston?
Most campgrounds near Johnston are well equipped for a comfortable stay. At Saylorville Lake's U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds you will find electric hookups (30 and 50 amp), potable water fill stations, shower houses, flush toilets, and dump stations available to registered campers. Prairie Flower offers some full hookup sites with sewer, while Cherry Glen and Acorn Valley are primarily electric and water. Need to dump or refill mid-trip? The dump station at Jester Park (about 12 miles north) and Walnut Woods State Park are both reliable options. Where to park an RV in Johnston overnight outside campgrounds is limited, so plan to stay at a designated campground. Cell service is strong area wide.
mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Saylorville-Lake/What's included inside a typical Johnston RV rental?
You will feel at home from the moment you step inside. A typical motorhome rental in Johnston comes ready to camp with comfortable sleeping for 4 to 8 people, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control, and seatbelts for every passenger. Most include a TV, and many offer Wi-Fi hotspots, outdoor speakers, awnings, and onboard generators for off-grid power. Campervan rental Johnston options (Class B) are more compact but cleverly designed and perfect for couples. Each listing on RVezy spells out exactly what is included, from linens and cookware to camping chairs and bikes. Pro tip: filter by sleeps count and amenities to find your perfect match in minutes.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Johnston%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons can I get with a family RV trip Johnston rental?
Hosts make it easy to customize your family RV trip Johnston style. Common add-ons include bedding and towel packages, kitchen kits with pots and dishes, generators for boondocking, bikes, kayaks, camping chairs, outdoor grills, and even Starlink Wi-Fi on some listings. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup for a flat fee based on distance from Johnston. Pickup is typically at the host's home with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough, and dropoff is the reverse with the RV returned clean and tanks emptied (or pay a small dump fee). Mileage allowances and add-on pricing vary by host and are listed clearly on each RVezy listing before booking, so there are no surprises.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Johnston%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and built for peace of mind. When you book an RV rental in Johnston, IA on RVezy, you pay securely through the platform, never in cash to the host. The total is typically split, with a portion charged at booking and the balance before your trip begins. A refundable security deposit is placed as a hold on your payment card before pickup and released after a smooth return, separate from your booking payment. To avoid issues, take time-stamped photos of the interior and exterior at pickup and dropoff, return on time, refuel to the agreed level, and keep tanks tidy. See how the security deposit and booking payments work in the RVezy Help Center.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works