What It’s Like to Rent an RV in Atlanta, Georgia

I’d never rented an RV before. Truthfully, I wasn’t even sure what RV stood for until a few months ago (Recreational Vehicle, for the record). But after years of flying, hotel hopping, and living out of suitcases, my wife and I decided we wanted something different—more flexible, more spontaneous, and ideally, more affordable for our family of four.

Enter: RV rental in Atlanta, Georgia.

This blog is for anyone who's ever thought, “I wonder what it’s like to rent an RV…”—especially first-timers who want a full picture of what to expect. Spoiler: we had a five-star experience, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

How We Found the Right RV Rental in Atlanta, Georgia

After researching a few national rental platforms and getting lost in red tape and hidden fees, I came across Georgia RV Rentals—a locally owned RV rental company just outside of Atlanta.

What immediately stood out was how personal and responsive the territory manager was. I submitted a question through their website, and within the hour, someone called me back. We weren’t routed through a call center—we were talking directly to the local expert who would be handing us the keys.

They asked what kind of trip we had in mind (a long weekend, just the four of us), whether we’d need pet-friendly accommodations (yes, we brought our golden retriever), and helped us choose a 25' Class C motorhome with bunk beds for the kids.

The price was competitive, and the insurance was already baked in. No hidden fees. No guesswork. Just straight talk.

Pickup Day: Like Borrowing an RV From a Friend

We arrived at the lot on a Friday morning. The RV was parked and ready, sparkling clean, tanks full, fridge cooling, and the AC running—southern hospitality at its finest.

The walkthrough wasn’t rushed. The territory manager showed us how everything worked:

• How to level the RV at a campsite
  
  
• Hooking up water, electricity, and sewer
  
  
• Using the slide-outs
  
  
• Operating the awning and outdoor kitchen
  
  
• Even how to switch between propane and electric appliances
  
  

He let me record videos on my phone during the walkthrough, which I referred to more than once during the trip. It was like RV 101, and it gave me peace of mind.

Driving the RV: Way Easier Than I Feared

Leaving the lot was the part I was most nervous about, but the truth? It felt like driving a big van. With huge mirrors and a rear-view camera, I had great visibility. Within 30 minutes, I was totally comfortable behind the wheel.

We headed north from Atlanta toward Helen, Georgia—a little Bavarian-style mountain town about 1.5 hours away. The drive was smooth, and since we had everything we needed in the RV, there was no pressure to stop anywhere for food or bathrooms. Traveling felt relaxing again.

Our Campsite Experience: Pure Family Bonding

We camped at Unicoi State Park, which had full RV hookups, pull-through sites, and plenty of space between neighbors. The kids were outside immediately, running between the trees and collecting firewood. My wife and I sat under the awning with cold drinks and watched the sunset paint the mountain ridge.

Inside, the RV had everything we needed:

• A queen bed and bunks (surprisingly comfy)
  
  
• Full bathroom with hot showers
  
  
• Kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink
  
  
• Bluetooth speakers and a small TV with a DVD player (great for rainy evenings)
  
  

We grilled burgers, roasted marshmallows, and played board games without screens for hours. It was one of the most present, connected weekends we’ve had in a long time.

Returning the RV: Smooth and Stress-Free

Back in Atlanta, we gave the RV a basic wipe-down and emptied the tanks (which wasn’t nearly as gross as I expected—it’s a sealed hose system). The drop-off process took less than 20 minutes. The territory manager walked around the vehicle with us, checked for any issues, and thanked us for taking good care of it.

He even gave us a list of other great weekend destinations we could try next—Lake Lanier, Cumberland Island, and even a trip to the Florida Panhandle.

Things We Packed (That Made a Big Difference)

Here are a few tips from our first-time RV rental in Atlanta, Georgia:

• Bring soft bags, not hard suitcases – Easier to store
  
  
• Pack paper towels, dish soap, and trash bags – Not always included
  
  
• Bring outdoor chairs and a tablecloth – For picnic tables and relaxing outside
  
  
• Download movies in advance – In case of no signal
  
  
• Take firewood and marshmallows – Always a hit with the kids
  
  

Why We’ll Do It Again (and You Should Too)

This trip gave us the freedom of camping, the comfort of a hotel, and the convenience of bringing our "home" with us. Renting an RV in Atlanta, Georgia turned out to be the perfect balance between adventure and ease.

And the best part? We didn’t have to drive halfway across the country to find natural beauty or peaceful campgrounds. Georgia has it all—waterfalls, mountains, lakes, historic towns—all within 1–3 hours of Atlanta.

If you're considering your first RV trip, I can’t recommend Georgia RV Rentals enough. It was hands-down the smoothest rental experience I've had, in any travel format.

Try It for Yourself

If you’ve been daydreaming about unplugging for the weekend or reconnecting with loved ones under the stars, don’t wait. RV rental in Atlanta, Georgia is the perfect way to explore the Southeast on your own terms—whether you're a couple, a family, or an adventurous solo traveler.

Visit Georgia RV Rentals and book your escape today.