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First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
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Minneapolis, the northern city of the United States, offers an ideal setting for camper van rental. Discover the must-see attractions of the region, such as the beautiful Lakes Park with its hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. Also enjoy the vibrant city of Minneapolis, renowned for its modern architecture and cultural vibrancy. Whether you are looking for adventures in nature or urban experiences, renting a camper van in Minneapolis will meet all your desires.
Itineraries and road trips in Minnesota starting from Minneapolis
Minneapolis, the ideal gateway for a camper van road trip in the American Midwest, offers a perfect departure to the vast spaces of Minnesota and beyond. With its surrounding lakes and accessible parks, the city allows for easy travel by van or camper van, enjoying natural campgrounds and suitable roads. Discover three iconic itineraries, from 7 to 21 days, to explore Minneapolis and its regional highlights freely.
7-10 days: The Mille Lacs Tour
Start from Minneapolis for a compact itinerary of 7 to 10 days focused on Minnesota, the Mille Lacs region ideal for camper vans. Begin by exploring Minneapolis and its Mississippi River banks, before camping at Afton State Park, just 45 minutes away, with its wooded trails and river views. Head to Wild River State Park for hikes along the St. Croix River, where riverside campgrounds easily accommodate camper vans. Continue to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a must-see for its crystal-clear lakes and primitive forests; choose sites like Ann Lake Campground, suitable for vans. Return via Frontenac State Park to observe wildlife along the Mississippi. This itinerary loops back to Minneapolis, prioritizing wide roads and parking areas designed for camper vans, without unnecessary long detours, for accessible nature immersion.
14 days: The Great River Road
From Minneapolis, embark on the Great River Road for 14 days along the Mississippi, a legendary route of over 3,000 km suitable for camper vans crossing several states. Follow the river from Minneapolis, camping at Interstate State Park at the Wisconsin border, with its basalt cliffs and glacial basins. Head down to La Crosse in Wisconsin for panoramic views, then Itasca State Park in Minnesota, the source of the Mississippi, where camper vans park near the trails. Explore the marshes and forests of the Lower Mississippi River, camping at places like Frontenac State Park. The itinerary justifies an extension into Wisconsin for its unique river landscapes, complementing Minneapolis. Finish the loop back in Minneapolis after admiring the orchards and vineyards of the south, with stops for fishing or paddling from your vehicle, all in autonomy.
21 days: North to the Badlands
Starting from Minneapolis, this 21-day itinerary extends north and west to include the Badlands of South Dakota, a must-see for their spectacular rock formations accessible by camper van. Start in Minneapolis with a night at Sand Dunes State Forest, then head to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, with campgrounds in the prairies to observe bison and mustangs. Continue to Badlands National Park, where winding roads are suitable for camper vans under 25 feet; camp at Cedar Pass for breathtaking sunrises. Include a detour to Voyageurs National Park near Canada for its interior lakes, before looping back via the Mille Lacs of Minnesota. This extension is justified by the proximity (about 1,000 km) and the complementarity with the Minnesota landscapes of Minneapolis, offering a perfect mix of canyons, forests, and rivers in a nomadic van.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in the United States
Discover on this map all the cities in the United States where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in the United States or elsewhere.
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Renting a camper van in Minneapolis: when to go for the best experience
When to leave from Minneapolis
Travel by camper van or van from Minneapolis in spring or autumn to enjoy a mild climate around the lakes like Lake Calhoun, with temperatures between 9°C and 23°C in May or September, ideal for routes to Minnesota State Park.
Avoid the harsh winter of January with -13°C in Minneapolis, where slippery roads complicate departures to Afton State Park, and prefer the summer from June to August despite the high season.
Weather and seasonal pricing
Summer in Minneapolis offers perfect weather of 15°C to 30°C in July, the hottest month to explore parks like Wild River State Park, but camper van rental prices rise to €157 per night during peak tourist season.
In the low season of November, with prices at €82 per night, the cooler climate around 7°C allows for economical departures to Frontenac State Park, despite some precipitation.
Types of vehicles to rent in the United States
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in the United States. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Practical guide for a van road trip from Minneapolis
The United States offers great freedom for travel by camper van, particularly in Minnesota where many free campsites are available near forests and lakes. Minneapolis, as a starting point, allows easy access to dispersed camping areas and developed parks for recreational vehicles.
Regulations and parking in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, camper van parking rules are strict and vary by residential areas. Recreational vehicles must comply with the setbacks required by the zone where they are located, and a written permit from the property owner is mandatory before placing a camper van on private property. If you are considering long-term parking in the Minneapolis area, be aware that most cities, including Minneapolis itself, enforce strict zoning laws that limit or prohibit permanent residency in camper vans on residential lots.
For Class II vehicles (20 feet or more), the rules of Bloomington, a neighboring city of Minneapolis, impose a minimum setback of 30 feet from the rear property lines. Camper vans must not exceed 40 feet in length and must be positioned to minimize their visibility from the main street.
Camping and hookups in the region
Minnesota has many free campsites reserved for camper vans, particularly in the two national forests of the state: the Superior National Forest and the Chippewa National Forest. These areas allow dispersed camping with a limit of 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. After this period, you must move at least 25 miles before you can camp again in the same area.
For developed campgrounds around Minneapolis, facilities must meet strict standards: toilets and showers must be located within 400 feet of each site, and a minimum spacing of 10 feet must be maintained between adjacent camper vans. If you are looking for long-term parking with permanent hookups, you will need to install a permanent septic system or a type II holding tank on the property.
Safety tips and local driving
All occupants of the camper van must wear a seatbelt at all times, and children must be equipped with a child seat or booster seat that meets American standards. Minnesota does not impose specific restrictions on roads accessible to camper vans, unlike some U.S. states, making it easier to navigate around Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.
Pets are allowed to travel in camper vans in Minneapolis, providing greater flexibility for travelers with companions. Before heading out to explore the surroundings of Minneapolis, check with local authorities for the specific rules of each municipality, as municipal ordinances can vary from one city to another in the metropolitan area.
