Where to rent camping gear in the Southwest
- Feb 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 18
As more and more travelers discover the benefits of the beautiful outdoors surrounding Las Vegas, the concept of sustainability and the protection of our environment becomes much more important. One way to promote responsible travel in the American Southwest is to rent outdoor gear. In fact, many REI stores nationwide rent camping gear, but the REI rental program in Las Vegas was discontinued in 2024. Where else can travelers hire camping gear? Here's a list of places that still rent outdoor gear in the Southwest and around the national parks.

Physical places to rent camping gear in Las Vegas
Since Las Vegas REI rentals are no longer available, the only physical store in Las Vegas that still rents camping gear is Basecamp Outdoor Gear. The only other physical location to hire outdoor gear is the university, UNLV.
Basecamp Outdoor Gear
This is us, and we may be a little biased, but we think we're great. Basecamp Outdoor Gear is a small local business in Las Vegas focused solely on renting outdoor gear to promote sustainability. Check out our sustainability efforts.
Reservations: Preferred, made online at least 24 hours in advance Since we are a small business, we request that you book your rental through our website at least 24 hours prior to your pickup date. This allows us to plan our inventory needs and to schedule rental attendants to meet you in person at the shop. If you have a last-minute request, call or text us to check availability before heading to the store.
Last-minute rentals: Possible Text 702-357-9513 to check availability
Rental items: Choose from individual items and rental packages Our rental inventory includes both lightweight items for backpacking and luxurious and spacious gear for car camping. Such items include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, camp stoves, coolers, and other miscellaneous cooking gear. We also rent other outdoor items such as bouldering crash pads, yoga mats, and trekking poles.
Hours of operation: 7 days a week, all days of the year, including all weekends and holidays In-person: Pick up and return gear by appointment every day of the year 8:30am-5:30pm After-hours: Self-pickups and returns available upon request 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all days of the year, including all weekends and holidays
UNLV Recreational Services
Another physical location to rent camping gear in Las Vegas is the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at UNLV - that's the University of Nevada campus in Las Vegas.
Reservations: Preferred, made online at least 24 hours in advance Request rental items through the online form. A rental attendant will reply to your email with all the necessary information. They request 24 hours notice for rentals, but because this is a university subject to academic schedules, you would ideally contact them at least 2 weeks in advance.
Last-minute rentals: Possible Call 702-774-7130 to check availability
Rental items: Basic 3-season camping gear, mountain bikes, canoes and kayaks, snowshoes
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours and by appointment only Monday-Friday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday closed
Desert Adventures
Another physical store nearby that rents camping gear is Desert Adventures in Boulder City. They specialize in kayaking trips of Black Canyon, a portion of the Colorado River just behind the Hoover Dam, but they also run guided mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking tours.
Reservations: Preferred Call or email to request rental items
Last-minute rentals: Possible Call 702-293-5026 to check availability
Rental items: Basic 3-season camping gear. Specialty equipment such as mountain bikes, SUPs, canoes, and kayaks only provided with related tours.
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours only. Check current hours on their website.
Various campervan rental companies
If you're renting a campervan or RV, chances are that the company or person from which you rent also offers camping gear add-ons. Call/email them directly to find out.
Other camping gear rental shops around the Southwest
REI rents camping gear in cities other than Las Vegas. And other small shops all around the Southwest rent camping gear and packages.
REI rentals - SLC and various locations in California
Though the REI rental program was discontinued in Nevada and Arizona, REI rentals are still available in Salt Lake City, San Diego, Fresno, Berkeley, and other select locations in California.
Reservations: Preferred
Last-minute rentals: Walk-ins possible depending on availability
Rental items: Camping gear, bikes, kayaks, snowshoes, and more
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours only. Check current hours on each store's website.
Sports Basement - various locations in California
Sports Basecamp is very similar to REI. Rentals are available in Orange County (LA-San Diego area) and the Bay Area (San Francisco and surrounding).
Reservations: Preferred online 5 days in advance
Last-minute rentals: Walk-ins possible depending on availability
Rental items: Camping gear, bikes, kayaks, snow sports, and more
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours only. Check current hours on each store's website.
Zion Adventures - Springdale, UT
Planning to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park? This is the place to rent boots, dry suit, and walking staff. Zion Adventures also specializes in guided mountain biking, hiking, canyoneering, and backpacking trips.
Reservations: Preferred. Call 435-772-1001 to reserve
Last-minute rentals: Walk-ins possible depending on availability
Rental items: Basic camping gear, bikes, microspikes, and more
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours only. Check current hours on their website.
Last Minute Gear - San Francisco, CA
Very similar to Basecamp Outdoor Gear in Las Vegas. Last Minute Gear is a small local business in the heart of San Francisco focused solely on renting outdoor gear to promote sustainability.
Reservations: Preferred, made online at least 24 hours in advance
Last-minute rentals: Walk-ins possible depending on availability
Rental items: Camping gear, climbing gear, and winter wear
Hours of operation: In-person pickups and returns only available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday between 3-6pm. Self-pickups and returns available upon request 24 hours a day
Grand Canyon Outfitters - Grand Canyon South Rim
Located inside of Grand Canyon Village Market in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Reservations: Preferred and possible up to 6 months in advance. Call 928-638-2262, ext 127 to reserve
Last-minute rentals: Walk-ins possible depending on availability
Rental items: Very basic camping gear. Here's the list of gear and rental rates.
Hours of operation: Rental gear pickups and returns possible during facility opening hours only. Check current hours on their website.
Phoenix
Lower Gear in Tempe, AZ has absolutely everything camping! Online reservations preferred but walk-ins possible depending on availability. Check their website for operating hours.
Flagstaff
Snow Mountain River - Very basic camping rental items. Check their website for store hours. Call 928-774-1461 to check availability and reserve.
Northern Arizona University - The Outdoor Adventures office has very basic camping rental items on a first come first serve basis. No reservations. Check hours and contact information on their website.
Peace Outfitters - Very basic camping rental items. Complete their online rental request form to reserve. Walk-ins possible depending on availability. Check their website for store hours.
Babbitt's Backcountry Outfitters - Very basic camping rental items. Check their website for store hours. Call or complete their contact form online to check availability and reserve.
Companies that ship camping gear nationwide
A number of nationwide companies will ship rental gear to you. All of these will need at least 14 days notice in order to prepare the gear and ship it so it arrives on time at your requested destination. Some examples include Lower Gear, Kit Lender, Outdoors Geek, and Xscape Pod.

Conclusion
Planning a trip to the American Southwest? Now you know where to go to rent camping gear. If your trip starts in Las Vegas, be sure to check out our rental items and packages.