Roadtrips Reimagined: How Outdoorsy is Changing Travel

Outdoorsy offers a modern twist on the classic American road trip through an Airbnb-style marketplace for RVs and camper vans. With over 30,000 vehicle options across all 50 states and Canada, Outdoorsy makes road trips and outdoor exploration accessible for everyone, from first-time adventurers to seasoned travelers.

The company was founded just over a decade ago by Jeff Cavins and Jennifer Young, who both felt it was time to leave corporate America and have a closer connection with the outdoors. They sold their houses, put their possessions in storage and started touring the country with an Airstream trailer and truck they purchased. After staying at many RV parks and campgrounds and speaking with thousands of vehicle owners, the two saw a clear opportunity for a peer-to-peer marketplace similar to Airbnb, but centered around RVs and campers.

“It’s not just something hanging over their head,” he says. “It becomes a revenue driver.”

Bryan Rucklos, Outdoorsy’s Head of Growth, explains how Outdoorsy turns dormant vehicles into opportunities for both travellers and hosts. “RVs are sizable assets that people are constantly not using, but costs like registration, storage, insurance and maintenance continue whether or not you’re using them,” he says. Rucklos adds that Outdoorsy helps turn this financial burden into an opportunity. “It’s not just something hanging over their head,” he says. “It becomes a revenue driver.”

Since its founding, Outdoorsy has grown exponentially, now offering tens of thousands of RV and camper van options hosted by owners across the country. Over the past 12 months, the company has also pushed to increase the quality of its inventory by carefully curating vehicles and raising standards across the platform. Many hosts enjoy the personal side of the experience while meeting guests and learning how their RV will be used. “They get a fair amount of joy in that handoff process,” Rucklos says.

The mission of Outdoorsy resonates strongly in Utah, home to five national parks and world-renowned outdoor recreation. But the appeal in Utah goes far beyond national parks. “It’s not just a family of four going away for a long weekend,” Rucklos says. Utah renters use the platform for hunting and fishing trips, off-road cycling in Moab, ski trips between resorts and multi-day camping trips that require gear storage and flexibility. RV travel offers that flexibility in travel for families, adventurers or those just looking to explore. Plus, renting an RV is almost always at a lower cost than hotels, making trips feel like “effectively free lodging,” as Rucklos puts it.

“People either use us to test before they buy, or they’ve done the math and realized renting just makes more sense.”

Outdoorsy’s selection spans vintage Airstreams, haulers, fifth-wheelers and Class A, B and C motorhomes, as well as towable options like trailers. These are all vehicles not offered by mainstream RV rentals or major vehicle fleets. With countless vehicle options, every renter is sure to find one that fits all of their needs. Pet-friendly, kitchens, baths, entertainment systems and storage can all be accommodated based on renters’ needs. Some hosts will even deliver and set-up the RV, removing excess stress for renter 2026 will be a huge year to travel in the United States. Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, plus America’s 250th birthday and the World Cup will bring many travelers across states. Outdoorsy is positioning itself as a preferred way to explore the country for events like these. For many, it’s also a smarter alternative to ownership. “People either use us to test before they buy, or they’ve done the math and realized renting just makes more sense,” Rucklos says.

If you have your own vehicle you’re looking to rent out, you can sign up as a host with Outdoorsy for free and be paid weekly. Or are you a traveller ready to hit the road? Use the promo code SLUGMAG to get $100 off any RV rental, valid through June 30. Head to outdoorsy.com to browse RV options and read more about their mission.

Read more about how to have fun in the great outdoors:
All-Wheel Impact: Sharing The Love with Mark Miller Subaru
Keeping Public Lands in Public Hands with the SUWA Stewardship Program