Quick Answer: Burning Man RV Rental
Week Cost: $3,000-$8,000 (2-3x normal rates for playa use)
Deposit Required: $2,000-$5,000 + cleaning fee ($500-$1,500)
Best Size: 25-32 ft Class C for navigating Black Rock City
Book When: 6-12 months ahead (playa-friendly rentals are rare)
Critical: Most rental companies BAN Burning Man—need playa-approved sources
Budget Total: $5,000-$10,000 including fuel, supplies, and fees
Burning Man is unlike any other festival on Earth, and renting an RV for the event requires special preparation. The Black Rock Desert's alkaline playa dust, extreme temperatures, and remote location make this one of the most challenging—and rewarding—RV camping experiences possible. This guide covers everything you need to survive and thrive at Black Rock City.
Critical Warning
Most mainstream RV rental companies (Cruise America, El Monte, etc.) explicitly prohibit Burning Man in their contracts. Taking a standard rental to the playa can result in forfeited deposits, damage charges of $10,000+, and legal action. Always use playa-approved rental sources.
Finding a Playa-Friendly RV Rental
The first challenge is finding an RV you can actually take to Burning Man. Understanding how fleet coordination works helps because coordinators often have relationships with owners willing to rent for the playa.
Rental Options
Playa-Approved Sources
- • Specialized Burning Man rental companies
- • Private owners via peer-to-peer platforms
- • Fleet coordinators with playa experience
- • Local Reno/Nevada RV owners
- • Camp rental pools and shares
Expect These Terms
- • Deposits: $2,000-$5,000
- • Mandatory cleaning fee: $500-$1,500
- • Higher daily rates: 2-3x normal
- • Signed playa damage waiver
- • Pre and post inspection required
Playa-Proofing Your RV
The playa's alkaline dust is extremely fine and corrosive. It will get into everything unless you take serious precautions. Start prepping your RV days before arrival.
Essential Sealing Steps
- Tape all exterior seams: Use blue painters tape along slide-out seals, door frames, and window edges
- Cover roof vents: Use furnace filters cut to size, taped securely over all intake vents
- Seal the cab: If driving a motorhome, seal the cab-to-coach doorway with plastic sheeting
- Protect A/C units: Cover external A/C intakes with filter material
- Block slide gaps: Stuff foam pool noodles in slide-out gaps before deployment
- Tape interior vents: Cover any interior vents you won't use
Interior Protection
- Cover all mattresses and upholstery with sheets
- Put area rugs down on floors (easier to shake out than cleaning carpet)
- Bring multiple air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Store clothing in sealed plastic bins
- Keep electronics in ziplock bags when not in use
"After coordinating dozens of Burning Man RV deployments, I can tell you the single biggest factor in getting your deposit back is preparation. Spend a full day sealing before you arrive—it saves thousands in cleaning costs."
— Dathan Black, Co-Founder at EventFleetRV
Survival Essentials
Water & Power
There are no services on the playa. You must be completely self-sufficient.
Minimum Requirements (per person, per day)
- Water: 1.5 gallons drinking + 1 gallon washing = 2.5 gallons/person/day
- Power: Generator fuel ~3-5 gallons/day for A/C (daytime temps hit 100°F+)
- Shade: External shade structure essential—RV A/C can't keep up alone
The RV Packing List
Must-Have Items
- • 50+ gallons fresh water (in addition to RV tank)
- • Generator + 30 gallons fuel minimum
- • Shade structure (10x10 minimum)
- • Air purifiers (2-3 units)
- • Painters tape (10+ rolls)
- • Furnace filters
- • Plastic sheeting
- • Vinegar (neutralizes playa dust)
- • Spray bottles
- • Shop vac
Personal Survival
- • Goggles (for dust storms)
- • N95 masks or respirator
- • Saline nasal spray
- • Eye drops
- • Moisturizing lotion
- • Lip balm with SPF
- • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- • Electrolyte packets
- • First aid kit
- • Headlamp + batteries
Placement and Positioning
Where you park your RV in Black Rock City significantly impacts your experience:
- With a camp: Pre-arranged placement, shared resources, community
- Open camping: First-come placement in designated areas
- Position for shade: Orient to minimize afternoon sun exposure
- Consider wind: Prevailing winds come from the 1:00-2:00 direction
Post-Burn Cleaning
The real work begins after you leave. Plan 2-3 days for proper cleaning:
- First pass: Shake out everything, vacuum with shop vac
- Vinegar spray: Mix 1:1 white vinegar and water, spray all surfaces
- Exterior wash: Multiple washes needed—playa dust is stubborn
- Detail cleaning: Wipe every surface, clean all crevices
- Air system: Replace cabin air filters, clean A/C coils
- Professional detail: Often required for deposit return
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent an RV for Burning Man?
Yes, but with important caveats. Many rental companies prohibit Burning Man due to playa dust damage. You need to find "playa-friendly" rental companies or use a fleet coordinator who works with owners willing to rent for the event. Expect higher deposits ($2,000-$5,000) and cleaning fees ($500-$1,500).
How much does it cost to rent an RV for Burning Man?
Burning Man RV rentals typically cost $3,000-$8,000 for the week, significantly higher than standard rentals. This includes the premium for playa use, higher deposits, and mandatory deep cleaning. Budget $5,000-$10,000 total including fuel, supplies, and fees.
What size RV is best for Burning Man?
Most burners prefer 25-32 foot Class C motorhomes—large enough for comfort but small enough to navigate Black Rock City streets. Larger Class A units work but are harder to position. Travel trailers require a capable tow vehicle that can handle playa conditions.
How do you protect an RV at Burning Man?
Seal all openings with painters tape and plastic, cover vents with filters, bring air purifiers, use mattress covers, tape over slide seals, and plan for extensive cleaning. The alkaline playa dust infiltrates everything and is corrosive, so protection is essential.
Dathan co-founded EventFleetRV and leads client relationships and business development. His background in hospitality and event management helps clients plan and execute memorable RV experiences for festivals, productions, and corporate events.
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