Travel & Destinations

RV Travel After 50

Freedom, Comfort, and a Front-Row View

Imagine waking up to red rock vistas, your coffee brewed steps from a cliffside view—and no hotel checkout in sight. RV travel after 50 offers freedom, comfort, and the joy of discovery on your own terms. Whether you’re new to RVing or considering your next great getaway, affordable rentals make it easier than ever to explore without buying.

Ready to see more, do more, and relax more on your next vacation? Thanks to affordable RV rentals available nationwide, you can enjoy the adventure without the commitment of buying one.

Our latest adventure took us to the stunning national parks of southern Utah in an RV rental. After exploring various options, we chose Blacksford RV for our trip. We’ve rented RVs from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale and even abroad in Dublin, Ireland. RV travel is our preferred method for many reasons, and if you’re thinking, “Well, there’s no way I could do that,” think again!

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Explore the hoodoos by RV at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. | Photo by Doug Bardwell

Why RV travel is perfect for adults over 50

Traveling is a chance to discover new parts of the country you’ve yet to explore. RVing allows you to make your own schedule and spend as much time as you like before moving on to the next destination. Unpack once, and no matter how many towns you visit, you never need to repack and unpack again.

Traveling the back roads through small towns, we’ve discovered some of our fondest memories. When we see a charming coffee café or a quaint ice cream shop, we can pull over and enjoy it for as long as we like.

We’ve parked at countless cliffs, mountaintops, along rivers, and even the ocean’s edge and enjoyed breakfast or lunch with unbelievably phenomenal views.

As a photographer, I appreciate the ability to wait for the perfect sunrise or sunset from the comfort of the RV. Many writers and artists do their best work in this mobile environment.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, collecting memories to brag about later with friends, RV life gives you the kind of freedom no hotel room can compete with.

It’s an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re into fishing, hunting, or birdwatching.

Surprisingly, many people over 60 are embracing RV travel for its flexibility in managing dietary needs, medications, and even telehealth appointments. With your own fridge, sleep setup, and bathroom, it’s travel on your terms—no unpacking, no late checkouts, and no hunting down gluten-free breakfast options.

RV on the road and the Interior of a luxury RV showing a kitchen, seating, and sleeping area.
Convenience and comfort on the road. | Photo courtesy of Blacksford RV

The freedom to explore—your way

As we age, convenience is vital—with food, drink, a bathroom, kitchen, and bed all within 25 feet, everything you need is nearby. Feeling tired? Take a nap anytime. Hungry? Your fridge or freezer is right there. Think about it: What other vacation have you taken that offers all these advantages?

According to the RV Industry Association, nearly 50% of RVs are owned by individuals 55 and older—and interest from first-time RVers in this age group has surged post-pandemic.

For those who have reservations about embarking on such a liberating adventure, I’m here to tell you that this 77-year-old couple has been doing it for the past 12 years. Plus, it’s easier now than ever before. Manufacturers have simplified the mechanics and electrical systems, enabling you to set up at an RV site in under 10 minutes. If you can plug in an electrical cord and screw a hose onto an outdoor faucet, you’ve got the skills.

Newer models even include comfort upgrades such as memory foam mattresses, adjustable beds, solar power for off-grid options, and zero-threshold showers for easier mobility (source).

A compact Class B RV with its pop-top raised, parked at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Class B Camper with pop-top raised at Bryce Canyon National Park.

Size matters in RV rentals

We’ve tried different rental companies over the years but picked Blacksford RV for this trip because of the simple rental process and considerate amenities.

Don’t start with a big Class A motorhome until you’ve practiced with something smaller. Rent a Class B or Class C RV first. A Class B is like an oversized van and is best for two people—or maybe with one or two road-ready grandchildren who can sit side by side while on the road. The next-level model is a Class C, slightly wider and taller. It comfortably accommodates 2–6 people and features a larger kitchen and bathroom.

With comfort, convenience, and a spirit of adventure, RVing might become your favorite way to travel. Be prepared—once you fall in love with this mode of travel, you may want an RV of your very own!

Smart tips for choosing the best RV rental

When planning a national parks road trip, choosing the right RV rental company can make a big difference. We used Blacksford RV for this trip and found their service exceptional—but there are many companies to choose from.

When comparing other rental agencies, use this list from Blacksford RV as a guide.

Look for services such as:

  • Trip planning assistance to help you map out scenic stops and campsites
    • Airport pickup and drop-off options for added convenience
    • A park pass that covers national park entry fees
    • Grocery pre-stocking so your RV is ready when you arrive
    • Fully fueled RVs, including propane and water tanks
    • Unlimited mileage with no extra charge for long-distance travel.

Many of these perks may come with additional charges from other companies, so it’s worth asking what’s included when comparing options.

Bonus tip: Look for companies that offer 24/7 roadside assistance and provide video tutorials for first-time renters.

Ready to hit the road?

So, the next time you plan a vacation, consider exploring RV travel. You never know—you just may get hooked.

Need an ADA-accessible option? Outdoorsy offers wheelchair-friendly RV rentals.

Want to explore more? Start here.

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Doug Bardwell

As a writer, photojournalist, and FAA-licensed drone pilot, Doug has traveled to all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces, 40 countries and five continents, with articles and photos published worldwide. His work has been featured on Examiner, CBS Online, CNN, HuffPost, Chicago Parent, North Coast 50 Plus, Medium, No Boundaries for Us, and more. When not traveling with his wife, Maureen, they keep busy following the adventures of their seven children and 19 grandchildren. You can follow his travels and product reviews at DougBardwell.com.

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