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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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Portland, the city of Oregon, is an ideal place to rent a camper van and discover the natural wonders of the region. Located near beautiful national parks and breathtaking landscapes, Portland offers a privileged starting point to experience an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you are drawn to the region's waterfalls or lush forests, renting a camper van will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Oregon. Get ready for days filled with adventures and memorable memories during your stay in this vibrant city.
Itineraries and road trips in Oregon starting from Portland
Discover Portland as the ideal base for camper van road trips across Oregon, blending wild nature, rugged coastlines, and iconic parks. These three itineraries, suitable for vans and camper vans, start and return to Portland, prioritizing accessible roads and authorized camping spots for a complete immersion in autonomy.
7-10 days: Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood Loop
Start from Portland towards the Columbia River Gorge for a must-see first stop at Latourell Falls, a 70-meter waterfall accessible via a short hike, perfect for a picnic in your camper van. Continue to Hood River for the Fruit Loop, a circuit of orchards and vineyards with river views, ideal for parking your van near the viewpoints. Then head up to Mount Hood, a snow-capped peak offering trails like Timberline Trail and camping areas in the national forest. Return via Smith Rock State Park for spectacular cliffs and easy climbs. In Portland, finish at Washington Park with its International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum, urban spots to recharge your camper van before completing the loop in 7 to 10 days, enjoying the winding roads suitable for converted vehicles.
14 days: Pacific Coast and Crater Lake
From Portland, head to Astoria and Cannon Beach, with Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park for ocean views and coastal hikes accessible by camper van, with camping possible in authorized parking lots. Drive down the coast via Three Capes Scenic Drive to Cape Kiwanda and Newport, exploring Cape Perpetua and Heceta Lighthouse under the mist, with whale watching from van-friendly spots. Include an essential detour to Crater Lake, a deep blue lake surrounded by volcanic cliffs, via Umpqua National Forest and its waterfalls like Salt Creek Falls, justified by its relative proximity and status as a natural wonder. Return via Newberry Volcanic Monument before Portland, where you can visit the Alberta neighborhood for its murals and Japanese gardens. This 14-day itinerary emphasizes the camping areas along the Oregon Coast, making the camper van journey smooth and immersive.
21 days: Grand tour of inland Oregon and coast
Start in Portland by taking the Historic Columbia River Highway to Cascade Locks and Thunder Island, then Hood River for craft beers in your van. Explore the interior with Crater Lake and its East Rim Drive, descending to Cleetwood Cove to touch the turquoise water, followed by Painted Hills and Fossil for fossilized landscapes and colorful canyons. Continue to Smith Rock and Shaniko Ghost Town before reaching the coast at Cannon Beach and Hug Point for wild beaches. At Garibaldi and Cape Perpetua, hike and observe marine wildlife, with buggy rides in the Oregon Dunes for a playful touch. Return via Mount Hood and Portland, exploring the Japanese Garden and Lan Su Chinese Garden at the end of the loop. This 21-day journey, enriched by forests like Umpqua and Olympic coastal influences nearby, justifies detours for their complementarity to Oregon's camper van routes, for a comprehensive discovery from Portland.
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 Portland: when to leave to make the most of your trip
When to leave from Portland in a camper van
The United States, from Portland in Oregon, offers exceptional road trips in a camper van, with an oceanic climate ideal for exploring the Cascades or the Pacific coast while considering seasonal weather and fluctuating rates.
Summer from June to August is the prime time to leave Portland, with temperatures reaching 27°C to 29°C in July and August, only 2 days of rain per month, and maximum sunshine, perfect for camping along the Columbia River Gorge without the risk of excessive humidity.
Weather and pricing seasonality around Portland
From May to October, the pleasant climate in Portland allows departures to parks like Multnomah Falls, but July and August show the highest rates for van rentals due to dryness and outdoor festivals at Waterfront Park.
Avoid January with 250 mm of precipitation and a maximum of 8°C, where roads to Mount Hood become slippery; instead, opt for September with 24°C and fewer tourists, lowering camping prices near Portland.
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!
Camper van travel guide from Portland
Driving and regulations
In Portland, parking a camper van or RV on public streets is strictly regulated by the city camping ordinance, which prohibits the occupation of vehicles like RVs in public spaces when alternative shelters are available, with fines up to $350 followed by towing by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. In residential areas, only one occupied recreational vehicle is allowed per parcel with a main house, with wheels needing to remain in place to stay mobile, and it cannot be parked in front of the facade facing the street or on undeveloped land.
Outside of Portland, in Washington County like Aloha, new rules limit parking to 48 hours for overnight stays on public streets or 96 hours on a residential street within a two-mile radius, with progressive enforcement to avoid neighborhood conflicts around Southwest Blanton Street.
Sleeping and connecting
Sleeping in a camper van is prohibited in residential areas of Portland unless in a legal RV park with established utility connections, limited to less than one month, as RVs are not considered permanent dwelling units according to zoning code chapter 33.266.150 and property maintenance code Title 29, which require parking on paved surfaces at least five feet from the main residence for any electrical connection.
Local tips and safety
For optimal safety around Portland, avoid open fires or gas heaters in public campsites, do not block sidewalks or access to businesses, and report violations to Portland Permitting & Development, as enforcement is based on resident complaints. Stay discreet near neighborhoods like Aloha to minimize noise or waste nuisances, and prefer authorized RV parks to avoid costly towing that can lead to demolition after 30 days.
