Renting an RV for Burning Man

Navigating RV Rentals for Burning Man

The Playa Store saves you time by delivering all the essential items you need for Burning Man, in a few clicks. Skip the research and prepping, just buy and go at theplayastore.com.
Are you gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime at Burning Man? If so, you've likely considered renting an RV to enhance your experience. While platforms like RV Share offer convenience, there are crucial factors to consider, especially when it comes to insurance coverage and reliability.
 
Many RV rental platforms, including RV Share, don't provide coverage for damages incurred at Burning Man. This can leave renters in a precarious position, with some owners either accepting the risk or backing out last minute. The risk of encountering flaky owners or last-minute cancellations is real, potentially leaving you stranded without accommodation.
 
So if you opt for renting privately, honesty is key. Be transparent about your destination being Burning Man to avoid any misunderstandings. Saving a few bucks might seem tempting, but it's not worth the risk of being left high and dry:  finding a last minute RV replacement will be expensive. 
 
For a more reliable option, consider established rental companies like El Monte RV (note: we have no affiliation with El Monte). While they might not have locations directly near the event, options in nearby cities like Reno, San Francisco or Las Vegas could suffice. In some cases, renters have had to travel as far as San Diego due to high demand, so booking early is advisable.
 
Beware of services offering to deliver RVs directly to the Playa at Black Rock City. This is not permitted, due to the principle of Radical Self Reliance, and if discovered could result in the entire operation being shut down. This has happened at past Burns, leaving renters stranded. It's essential to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the event organizers to avoid any complications.
 
One out of the box option is to find an RV for sale on platforms like Craigslist (again, we have no affiliation) and negotiate short-term rentals. However, as Burning Man's popularity has grown, these opportunities have become increasingly rare - and as we said above, for insurance and damage reasons, be honest with the owner that you'll be using it at Burning Man.
 
If you don't have a trusted private rental, investing a bit more in a reputable company is advisable to ensure a hassle-free experience without the risk of last-minute setbacks which could cost you thousands of dollars or to miss Burning Man altogether.
 
Wherever you rent from, always remember the principle of Decommodification means you have to cover up any logos on your RV (use masking tape, which is part of our Utility Pack at https://theplayastore.com/products/utility-pack).
 
The Playa Store saves you time by delivering all the essential items you need for Burning Man, in a few clicks. Skip the research and prepping, just buy and go at theplayastore.com.
Back to blog