Columbus, OH RV Rentals and Motorhome Rentals

Columbus is Ohio's capital and most populous city, located close to many out-of-state urban centers like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Louisville, as well as Ohio's other major cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati. Booking one of the RV rentals in Columbus, Ohio puts you within three to four hours’ drive of these major population centers.

Like any large city, Columbus has a robust network of public transportation. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses provide wide coverage, putting you within five blocks of the city's major tourist draws and important places. As downtown Columbus is generally flat, walking around is fairly easy, especially along and around Scioto Mile, where surface parking is abundant. Columbus is particularly appealing to anglers and hikers who will find miles and miles of trails, lakes and waterways within an hour's drive of downtown.

The Great Outdoors

Less than 20 miles north is Alum Creek State Park, where more than 3,000 acres of reservoir and 4,000 acres of gently rolling fields and woodlands await the adventurous angler, boater, kayaker,  and sunseeker. Farther out of town, but still within 45 minutes’ drive of downtown in the Columbus camper rental, is Delaware State Park. Vast meadows, dense woodlands and a 1,300-acre reservoir make this park a suitable playground for camping, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Other state parks where you can take the Columbus RV rental by owner and enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping and hiking are Madison Lake, Deer Creek and Buckeye Lake, all approximately 30 miles from downtown.

When you book an RV rental in Columbus, you can visit Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, about 45 miles south, to see the earthen mounds and embankments built by the Native Americans almost 2,000 years ago. Or you can go all the way north to visit Ohio's 100-mile section of Lake Erie shore that’s a popular summer destination with its share of beaches, giant amusement park, Victorian-era town and breezy harbors. Birdwatchers flock to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, both less than 150 miles north of Columbus, for a chance to encounter migrating warblers at Magee Marsh, and blue herons, egrets and other waterfowl, along with coyotes, deer and foxes at the Ottawa Refuge. You may also explore the shores of Lake Erie to experience the outdoors and sailing on the lake, and you’ll be that much closer to the urban offerings of the home of NBA’s Cavaliers.

Along the way, visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park if you'd like to see more native plants and wildlife while following the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal. For a look back at the life of William Howard Taft, 27th president of the United States, head to Cincinnati for a look around his childhood home.

RV Parks

RV parking sites in the Ohio Expo Center area are the closest to downtown (about three miles) but are only available the week before, during, and after the Ohio State Fair in late July/early August. It wouldn't hurt to inquire though, if you wish to stay with your travel trailer rental in Columbus outside those dates.

Less than 10 miles west of Columbus, you'll find the leafy Alton RV Park, which is the closest you can get from downtown via US Route 40. It is child and pet-friendly (restrictions apply), and offers full hookups and even dump stations for non-campers. There are a couple of Walmart stores within 3.5 miles, and the closest gas station is less than two miles away. Many gas options are available within a three-mile radius.

Columbus North KOA and Columbus East KOA campgrounds are approximately 30-35 miles away from downtown, but if you're looking to explore Alum Creek State Park to the north or Buckeye Lake to the east, both offer convenient parking or an overnight stay for a Columbus RV rental.

All-season Columbus North KOA is nestled in a quiet, landscaped country setting surrounded by woods and overlooks a well-stocked fishing lake. The campground features a dog park, petting zoo, heated swimming pool and workout room on top of practical facilities like laundromats, restrooms, showers, a camp store, and full hookup sites. Buckeye Lake/Columbus East KOA offers full hookup sites and other amenities like propane on-site, a snack bar, swimming pool, dog park, and kitchen. If you love sports, you'll be delighted with their sand volleyball court, basketball hoops, bike rentals and mini-golf course.

Exploring the City

Thumb through Ohio's American Indian roots and Civil War relics at the Ohio History Center, or travel back to the 1800s at the Ohio Village, just outside the center, and encounter 19th-century architecture and period-dressed actors. Make it a life-sized walk down the history lane at the German Village to admire quaint brick houses that also date back to the 1800s. View the works of American contemporary painters and photographers at the Museum of Art, or experience what it's like to be an astronaut or live in ancient Egypt at the Center of Science and Industry, where more than 300 interactive exhibits await discovery.

For an encounter with live animals, visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and have a good look at Masai giraffes, Western Lowland gorillas and Burmese pythons. If you need a quiet moment away from the city bustle, stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Topiary Park or the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or find an open parking lot for the Columbus RV rental along the lush Scioto Riverfront. Then leisurely explore the riverfront, take in the sights, understand the lay of the land, and admire the Art Deco LeVeque Tower.