So you’re itching to escape the city lights and get lost under the stars—but you’re wondering, “Where can I rent camping gear near me?” Whether you’re a first-time camper, a seasoned hiker without the storage space, or simply not ready to drop hundreds of dollars on new equipment, renting camping gear is the smartest move you can make.
Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more sustainable, practical, and—let’s be honest—way less stressful than hauling a tent through the airport. Let’s dive into how and where you can rent top-quality camping gear near you (or shipped right to your door).
Why Renting Camping Gear Makes Sense
Camping is freeing—but buying all the gear upfront? Not so much. Between tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and backpacks, a decent setup can easily run over $800–$1,200. Renting gear solves that.
Here’s why renting camping gear near you just makes sense:
- It saves money. Renting is often a fraction of the cost of ownership, especially for occasional campers.
- It saves space. Apartment dwellers know the struggle—there’s just no room for bulky tents or sleeping pads.
- It’s eco-friendly. Renting helps reduce waste and supports a sharing economy.
- You can try before you buy. Unsure about the best tent or sleeping bag for your needs? Renting lets you test premium gear first.
- It’s travel-friendly. Heading out of state? Rent near your destination and skip the baggage fees.
Now, let’s look at the best places—online and offline—to get geared up for your next outdoor adventure.
Top Places to Rent Camping Gear Near You
Whether you want the flexibility of nationwide delivery or prefer to pick up gear locally, these are the most trusted options for finding camping gear rentals near you.
Lowergear Outdoors — Best for Nationwide Rentals
Location: Arizona (ships anywhere in the U.S.)
Website: lowergear.com
Lowergear Outdoors has been a go-to for campers who value quality and simplicity. From tents to headlamps, they’ve got every category covered. You can rent a 1-person backpacking kit starting around $179 for a few days—or pick individual items à la carte.
The process couldn’t be easier:
- Choose your gear online.
- Have it shipped to your home or destination.
- After your trip, re-box and drop it off at FedEx.
If you’re ever in Arizona, you can even pick up your gear in person at their Tempe or Lake Havasu locations.
Xscape Pod — Best for Easy Camping Kits
Location: Portland, Oregon (ships nationwide)
Website: xscapepod.com
Think of Xscape Pod as the Airbnb of outdoor gear. Their all-in-one “pods” come with everything you need—tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, fire starter, and even a camp chair. You can choose from camping or backpacking versions depending on your trip style.
Prices start around $189 for one backpacker and scale up for groups of up to eight people. The company offers free shipping on orders over $349 and even lets you cancel up to seven days before your trip—perfect for when Mother Nature changes her mind.
Kit Lender — Best for Families and Group Trips
Location: Vermont (ships across the U.S.)
Website: kitlender.com
If you’re planning a family trip, Kit Lender is your best friend. They rent everything from toddler-sized sleeping bags to adult-sized gear. Their curated camping kits make it simple: just enter your destination and rental dates, and the complete setup ships directly to you—free of charge.
The 2-Person Deluxe Backpacking Kit starts at around $104 per day with a three-day minimum. When you’re done, drop everything off at FedEx and you’re good to go. Easy, affordable, and kid-friendly.
Outdoors Geek — Best for Glamping and Premium Gear
Location: Denver, Colorado (ships nationwide)
Website: outdoorsgeek.com
For campers who love a little luxury, Outdoors Geek is the holy grail. They’ve been renting high-end outdoor gear for over 15 years, with everything from basic camping tents to glamping yurts and safari tents.
Their DIY Glamping Safari Tent Rental starts at about $529 for a week, including setup instructions and shipping both ways. Want to try “glamping” before investing in a fancy setup? This is the perfect trial run.
REI Co-Op — Local Convenience for Members
Location: Select U.S. stores
Website: rei.com/rentals
Yes—REI rents camping gear, though availability varies by location. Some stores only rent bikes or snow gear, but others still have robust camping kits. Prices are extremely competitive—especially for members.
For instance, the REI Basic Backpacking Kit (2-person tent, 2 sleeping bags, pads, chairs, stove, and more) starts around $276 for the first night, or $185 for members. You’ll pay less for each additional day.
If you’re lucky enough to live near an REI that offers rentals, this is one of the most affordable ways to try premium gear locally.
How to Find Local Camping Gear Rentals Near You
Beyond national companies, plenty of local rental shops cater to outdoor lovers. Here’s how to find them:
- Google Maps Search: Type “camping gear rental near me” or “outdoor gear rental + [your city].”
- Check Local Co-ops: Some outdoor collectives and climbing gyms rent out tents, stoves, or sleeping bags.
- Colleges & Universities: Many have “outdoor programs” open to the public for low-cost rentals.
- National Park Visitor Centers: Some parks partner with local outfitters to rent gear onsite.
- Community Groups: Apps like Meetup or Facebook groups for hikers often share rental recommendations.
If you’re in major metro areas like New York City, Denver, Seattle, or San Francisco, you’ll find dozens of rental hubs catering to weekend adventurers and festival-goers alike.
Tips for First-Time Renters
Renting camping gear is simple—but a little prep goes a long way. Before you click “book,” keep these pointers in mind:
- Book early. Peak camping months (June–September) can sell out fast.
- Inspect the gear. Check for wear and tear, especially on zippers, tent poles, and sleeping pads.
- Understand the policy. Read the fine print on cancellation and damage fees.
- Confirm sizing. Double-check sleeping bag lengths and backpack capacities.
- Ask about insurance. Some rentals include coverage for accidental damage.
- Clean up. Always return gear clean and dry to avoid extra charges.
Pro tip: Snap photos when you receive your gear—just in case there’s a dispute about condition later.
Renting vs. Buying Camping Gear
Still debating whether to rent or buy? Let’s break it down.
| Item | Buy (Average Price) | Rent (Per Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| Tent (2-person) | $250 | $40–$60 |
| Sleeping Bag | $150 | $20–$35 |
| Sleeping Pad | $100 | $10–$20 |
| Backpack | $200 | $30–$40 |
| Camp Stove | $80 | $10–$20 |
| Total Setup | $780 | $110–$175 |
If you camp more than five times a year, investing in your own gear makes sense. But if you’re a casual camper, renter, or traveler with limited space, renting saves you money and hassle.
Plus, you’ll always have access to the latest, most comfortable equipment without the maintenance headache.
Essential Gear Checklist for Renters
If it’s your first trip, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’ve got the basics covered:
- Tent (with stakes and rainfly)
- Sleeping bag & pad
- Headlamp or lantern
- Camp stove + fuel
- Cookware (pot, pan, utensils)
- Cooler or camp fridge (like the Alpicool)
- Power bank or solar charger (like Ecoflow River Pro)
- Folding chair
- First aid kit
- Water filtration system
Most rental shops offer these as bundles, so you don’t need to hunt for individual pieces.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Adventure Awaits
The next time you find yourself Googling “where to rent camping gear near me,” remember: the outdoor world is more accessible than ever. From full glamping kits to minimalist backpacking pods, renting gives you the freedom to explore without the commitment—or the clutter.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend in the Catskills, a cross-country road trip, or your first night under the stars, gear rentals make adventure easy.
So go ahead—pick your destination, grab your rental kit, and get outside. The great outdoors is waiting, and now you know exactly where to start.
