Most people picture an American RV trip in Utah, California or the Rockies. Texas rarely makes the shortlist, which is a pity, because from late autumn to early spring the south of the state is one of the easiest places in the United States to travel in a motorhome. The summer heat has gone, the roads are quiet and the campgrounds are open.

A note on how we write this: our own road-trip experience is in Finland and the Nordics, so this is a researched guide rather than a diary. The facts come from the CampervanPlanet Houston page and its USA price data, updated on 3 November 2026, and from stable local knowledge about the state’s geography and seasons.

If you are new to renting an RV, start with our campervan rental guide, then come back here for Texas specifics.

Why Houston works as an RV start point

Houston is a big airport city with direct flights from many European and Asian hubs, which makes it a practical gateway if you want to see Texas rather than the usual western loop. The CampervanPlanet page describes the pick-up as the Houston depot (HOU) and presents three natural directions from there: Hill Country, the Gulf Coast and Big Bend.

The booking engine covers 35 US depots, so you are not limited to Texas. If you would rather start in another city, you can compare depots on the USA RV rental price page. For a Texas-only trip, though, a round trip from Houston avoids one-way fees entirely.

One practical tip: US RVs are large. If you have never driven something 7 to 9 metres long, plan short days at first, ask the depot for a walk-through, and avoid city centres when you can.

The best time to rent an RV in Texas

The page gives a clear season guide for Houston, and it matches what you would expect from the Gulf climate:

• March to May (spring): bluebonnets and other wildflowers line the roads, Hill Country is at its most beautiful and temperatures are a comfortable 20–28°C. The page calls this the best overall season.
• June to August (summer): very hot, with temperatures regularly above 38°C, and humid on the coast. It is peak rental season, but you will want full-hookup sites for air conditioning.
• September to November (autumn): the heat breaks around mid-October. This is ideal for Big Bend and Hill Country, although the Gulf hurricane season runs through November, so check the forecast. November itself is described as excellent, with mild, dry conditions.
• December to February (winter): mild and pleasant in southern Texas, with daytime highs of 15–22°C. The page names winter as the best time for Big Bend and Gulf Coast camping, with the occasional cold front.

For a trip over the next few months, that makes January to March the sweet spot if you want to avoid the summer premium.

What an RV costs: the live numbers

The USA price data on the Houston page is a useful benchmark. It shows a typical RV at about $104 a day in winter and $173 a day in summer, with the cheapest offer from $36. The search covers 36 vehicles from 7 companies and 2,512 prices.

That gap of roughly $70 a day is the argument for travelling in the cooler months. On a two-week trip it adds up to nearly $1,000 before you add mileage, generators, bedding kits, insurance, taxes and campground fees. Our USA RV rental cost guide explains how those extras work.

Remember that prices change with every search, and the exact figure depends on the vehicle class, trip length and how early you book. Treat the numbers above as a baseline and check the live prices for your dates on the CampervanPlanet Houston page.

Route one: Hill Country

Texas Hill Country lies roughly west and northwest of Houston, towards Austin and San Antonio. It is the gentlest of the three directions, with rolling limestone hills, small towns, wineries, rivers and state parks. In spring the wildflowers are the main attraction.

A sensible loop is Houston to Austin, onwards through the Hill Country towns, San Antonio and back, which is around 800 km in total and fits a week comfortably. Our neighbouring Dallas RV rental guide covers similar ground from the north and has more on the towns along the way.

State parks usually offer RV sites with water and electric hookups, and many book out on spring weekends. Reserve ahead rather than counting on a free space.

Route two: the Gulf Coast

South and east of Houston the coast has long beaches, barrier islands and bird-rich wetlands, and winter is the time when it is most comfortable. The page lists the Gulf Coast among the three main directions, and it names winter as the best season for camping there.

Padre Island is a long drive south, so many travellers choose shorter hops from Houston along the coast and use the RV as a base. Check the rules for beach driving and overnight parking in each place, as they vary. Remember that the hurricane season ends only in November, so late autumn trips should keep an eye on the forecast.

Route three: Big Bend

Big Bend National Park is the big adventure. It sits in the far southwest of Texas on the Rio Grande, and it is a very long way from Houston: allow roughly 10 hours of driving each way and treat it as a trip of at least ten days in total. The page says autumn and winter are ideal for the park, because summer is extreme.

Services are sparse. Fill the tank and the water whenever you can, carry food, and download offline maps. This is also not a destination for a quick weekend in an RV.

If your time is limited, combining Hill Country with the Gulf Coast gives you a lot of variety without the long drive. Save Big Bend for a longer trip.

How to book and save €20

Start by entering your dates on the Houston page, then compare vehicle classes, mileage packages and insurance. Check what is included, such as kitchen kits and generator hours, and ask about one-way options if you want to finish elsewhere. At checkout, use our code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY20 to take €20 off. Booking through our links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you, and bookings within 30 days of your click are credited.