Best Campervan Rentals in Salt Lake City (+expert tips!)

Known as “the Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip. We’ve rounded up the best campervan rentals Salt Lake City has to offer, along with tips to help you plan the perfect adventure.

If you’re considering renting a campervan in Salt Lake City, I want to be the first one to give you a big ol’ high five and tell you wholeheartedly that you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

In 2017, we built our first campervan from scratch and set out on a bucket-list USA road trip. The otherworldly landscapes of Utah absolutely blew us away, and experiencing it all from our home on four wheels was life-changing. We were hooked.

Since then, we’ve been absolutely obsessed with traveling by campervan, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!

But hold up! Don’t go and book any campervan or motorhome you can find just yet… 

We have traveled all over the world in campervans, and we have some expert advice that’ll be essential as you begin planning your trip. 

In this article, we’ll go over exactly how to choose the best campervan rentals Salt Lake City has to offer for your budget and travel style (what was best for us might not be best for you!). 

We’re also sharing some tips that have come in really handy over the years, essential items to pack, and mistakes we’ve made, all so that you have the very best experience. 

In the end, we want you to fall in love with vanlife too!

Guide to renting a campervan in Salt Lake City

Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the juicy details.

• Why trust us?
• Our experience
• Our top recommendation
• How to book a campervan rental in SLC
• Best campervan rentals in Salt Lake City
• Why rent a campervan or RV in Salt Lake City?
• When to make your booking
• Things to consider when choosing a vehicle
• How much does a campervan rental cost?
• Salt Lake City campervan rental FAQs
• Campervan insurance
• What to pack for a campervan trip
• Campervan with a baby
• Where to stay in your campervan
• When to plan your campervan trip
• Salt Lake City travel resources

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Why you can trust us about campervan rentals

If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:

• We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
• We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
• We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and Ireland.

Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?

I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.

Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!

Our personal experience traveling in a campervan in Salt Lake City 

In 2017, we built a campervan all by ourselves and lived in it for 3 months as we explored the western United States. We traveled to all of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, made lifelong memories, and learned a ton about #vanlife.

We feel like a campervan or motorhome really gives you an added level of freedom that you just don’t have when you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, and we honestly think it’s the best way to explore the state of Utah.

Since we’ve personally explored Utah in a camper ourselves, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about in this article and are sharing tips that will truly help you plan your own trip. 

Our top campervan rental recommendation

If you just want to skip to our overall recommendation, here it is:

We’d recommend using Motorhome Republic to compare all rental options for your dates. 

Spoiler Alert: Our 2 top picks for companies are Native and Escape. More on that later!

We’d highly recommend you continue reading this guide as it is packed with insider tips on what to look for when choosing your vehicle, mistakes to avoid, and some other companies we’d recommend if you have a different budget or travel needs.

How to book a campervan rental in Salt Lake City

Best campervan rental companies in Salt Lake City

Okay, you’ve got Motorhome Republic pulled up for your dates and you can see all your options… But how do you even begin to choose between the companies?

Being that we’ve personally rented campervans all around the world (and have built 3 of our own!), we feel like we have a really good handle on what to look for. 

The companies below have been hand-picked by us, and we think each can be a good choice depending on what it is you’re looking for.

Campervan rental companies in Salt Lake City

• Native (our top recommendation)
• Escape (our top rec for budget travelers)
• Outdoorsy
• GoCamp
• Vancraft
• Moterra
• Wandervans

We’ve scoured reviews, compared specs, and analyzed prices to bring you a comprehensive list of the best campervan rentals Salt Lake City has to offer, so the decision is a little simpler for you.

We’re sharing what company we would recommend to rent with, but we’ll also highlight some other companies in case you think a different one would be a better fit for your personal needs or budget.

For each company, we’re sharing pros, cons, and price points (budget or mid-range) to make this big decision a breeze.

Native

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: 
• Check availability here

Native is our top pick overall for campervan rentals in Salt Lake City. They have custom vans in 3 sizes (all Dodge Ram ProMasters) to accommodate your party’s needs.

Rates vary based on vehicle and length of your trip. With a 3-day minimum, all campervan rentals come with basic insurance coverage and 100 miles per day.

Extras include bedding, propane and kitchen equipment, plus camping chairs and a table. 

We love this company for its commitment to responsible travel! Beginning in 2020, they are now offsetting the carbon emissions of all of their vans by purchasing carbon offset credits.

Pros:

• Carbon footprint offsets
• Basic insurance is included
• Lots of extra gear and equipment are available at an extra cost
• They have “super discrete branding” on their vans, “so your vacation photos are about you and not us”

Cons: 

• If you are traveling in the winter, their “winter package” costs extra
• There are no self-contained options (aka no toilets)
• The “Biggie” is the only model you can stand up in

Escape

• Price range: budget
• Recommended for: solo travelers, couples, and budget travelers
• Check availability here

Very basic but comfortable campervans that don’t have the frills of some other companies. The biggest reason we like Escape is they are super budget-friendly, making it accessible for more people. 

Each unique vehicle is hand-painted by artists in LA, so you’ll be sure to stand out anywhere you go and get lots of fun photos.

They offer a variety of different models from pop-top Jeep campers to the 5-sleeper “Big Sur”, which is a Ford T-350 van. 

All Escape campervan rentals include a fridge, sink, and stove, plus a solar energy system with dual battery. Bedding, camping gear, and kitchen extras are available for an additional fee.

Pros:

• One of the most affordable rental options available
• Unique and fun designs painted on each campervan
• Different layouts to choose from
• One-way rentals available

Cons: 

• You will not be able to stand up in these vans
• No self-contained options available (aka no toilets)
• Depending on your personality, the loud design on the exterior of the vehicle may be a drawback
• The builds themselves are quite basic and don’t have the frills of some of the more expensive “boutique” options

Outdoorsy

This is essentially the “Airbnb of campervan rentals” and gives you the most options no matter your location, your budget, or your style. In addition to campervans, you’ll also find tow-behind trailers and RV rentals.

• Discount: Use our code TWOWANDERINGSOLES to get $50 off your first booking!

GoCamp

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: couples or solo travelers
• Check availability here

GoCamp is another platform similar to AirBnb where campervan owners rent out their vehicles. Not only is their fleet carefully curated, but the owners are also vetted to ensure you get the best campervan and the best renting experience.

Pros:

• With a variety of different vehicles/layouts to choose from, you’ll find something to fit both your needs and budget
• They offer discounts for teachers, first responders, and active members of the military, as well as deals on long-term rentals (more than 10-14 nights)

Cons: 

• Very few options in Salt Lake City compared to some other locations
• The fee for pets is $125, which is higher than other campervan rental companies

Vancraft

• Price range: luxury
• Recommended for: 
• Check availability here

This camper van rental company based out of San Diego specializes in luxury Sprinter campervans, complete with all the essentials.

If you want to go off the grid, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, Vancraft has you covered. They offer both long and short wheel-base models, which seat and sleep 2-6 people, are equipped for four-season camping, and 100% self-sustained on solar power. 

Each campervan rental comes with a fully-stocked kitchen with 2-stove burner, refrigerator and 20-gallon outdoor hot water shower.

They also include bedding and camping gear with your rental cost and 150 travel miles a day. Rates decrease incrementally based on the length of your rental.

Pros:

• Lots of extras included like a kitchen kit, bedding and camping gear
• Four-season insulated cabins 
• Great mileage on the diesel Sprinters, getting 20+ mpg
• Comfortable Tempurpedic mattress
• Plenty of storage space to accommodate surfboards or ski equipment
• Optional rooftop tent or bike rack at an additional cost

Cons: 

• 24-hour roadside assistance comes at an additional cost
• No indoor toilet options (only portable toilets available)

Moterra

• Price range: luxury
• Recommended for: couples or small groups
• Check availability here

Moterra Campervans offer 19-foot Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervans in both high-roof and pop-top models. They come stocked with everything you could possibly need for any type of adventure.

All Moterra campervan rentals include a full kitchen, optional toilet and solar power, as well as bedding, camping gear, and wood for fires. Depending on the model, you can also have an indoor shower or optional outdoor solar shower.

Pros:

• Self-contained options available (plus portable toilets included with all rentals!)
• Multiple insurance coverage options
• Lots of accessories are included at no additional cost

Cons: 

• Vehicle pick-up and return are at set times of day
• Pets cost an additional fee of $150, which is pretty hefty compared to other companies

Wandervans

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: 
• Check availability here

Wandervans is a company offering “boutique” Ford Transit campervans for rent in 3 different sizes.

Their floorplans offer 2 and 4-person sleepers, and all rentals include a kitchen with refrigerator and stove, table and camp chairs, curtains and bug screens for the doors.

They also have a wide range of add-ons available at an additional charge to make sure you are equipped for your adventure.

The price varies depending on the model you choose and reservations are made by calendar day and not based on the 24-hour clock, which means you don’t have to worry about getting off the road by a certain time at the end of your trip.

Pros:

• Really well-reviewed company
• Offer insurance or the option to use your own insurance
• Pet-friendly
• Port-a-potties are offered at an additional cost
• 24-hour pick-up and drop-off

Cons: 

• Not a very wide availability across the US
• Cleaning fee between $40 to $70, plus an additional fee for excessive dirt
• Only portable toilet, no indoor toilet options

Why rent a campervan or RV in Salt Lake City?

Still need a little convincing on the whole renting a campervan thing?

We get it. If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, the idea of it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though — we literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success. 

First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan in Salt Lake City is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.

a) You can save (lots of!) money.

Renting a campervan is like having a car, a hotel, and a kitchen all in one place. 

Sure, the total cost per day isn’t cheap, but consider what it would cost to book a hotel room, rent a car, and eat out for every meal.

Most likely, a campervan will save you quite a bit of money.

b) You have ultimate freedom.

With a campervan, you have more flexibility than if you are staying in hotels. 

Do you like a place? Stay longer. 

Want to move on more quickly? Go for it. 

Got a local tip and you want to switch up your route completely? Consider it done!

While having campground reservations is recommended at least a day or two in advance (more on that later), you have the ability to have a less rigid route. 

c) It is an adventure of a lifetime!

You’ll be telling your grandchildren about this adventure. 

’Nuff said. 

When to book your campervan rental in Salt Lake City 

If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Salt Lake City, listen up because this is crucial… 

Book your vehicle as early as possible. (This applies to all companies on this list.)

During popular travel seasons (like summer), the best models get snagged up fast! 

What types of campervans or RVs are available?

There is a huge variety to choose from. 

We’ve listed a handful of different types below, but if you’re still confused, hop down to the next section where we’ve broken down some of the major things to consider that’ll make your decision easier.

• Low-roof converted minivan: ideal for budget-minded adventurers
• Pop-up campervan: iconic old-school campervan style
• High-roof campervan: spacious while still easy to drive and park
• Mini-motorhome: home on wheels, perfect for a young family
• Large motorhome: pile in the kids, bikes, and dog for an all-out road trip!

Things to think about when choosing a rental vehicle

Consider your answer to the following questions, as they will help you narrow down the best campervan rental for your personal needs.

How many people are you traveling with?

How comfortable are you with driving a large rig? 

If you have an RV at home, perhaps deriving a motorhome will be no big deal for you. However, if this is your first time in a larger vehicle, a campervan will be an easier transition for you. 

In short, our advice is to get the smallest possible size you think will work for you. 

What is your budget? 

The answer to this question might help you narrow down your rental choices, so it should be one of the first things you really dive into. 

In general, a campervan will be cheaper than an RV. And a low-roof vehicle will be cheaper than a high-roof vehicle.

Psst! If you’re curious about how much a campervan rental in Salt Lake City costs, we have a whole section about that. Jump there now.

Do you want a high-roof vehicle?

Think about this one for a minute: Do you need to be able to stand up inside your campervan? 

This will help make getting dressed, cooking and just hanging out more comfortable. But it will mean you’ll likely be in a higher price bracket. 

If a low roof isn’t a deal-breaker, you can probably save quite a bit of money. 

Our personal opinion: We’ve had lots of experience in both low-roof and high-roof vehicles. When we were on a budget, it was a great way for us to save money, especially when we were traveling in places where we spent a lot of time outside. However, now that we’ve spent more time in a high-roof van (and now that we travel with a child!) I don’t know if we could go back to a low roof. It’s honestly just so much more comfortable being able to stand up!

How luxurious of a set-up do you need?

From super basic to extra bougie, there are all types of campervan and RV rentals. Determining your budget is the first step, as this will help you narrow down your options. 

From there, think about your personal preferences: Are you used to roughing it? Do you have a lot of camping experience? Or will splurging for a more plush vehicle be worth every penny to you? 

Keep your answers in mind as you’re sifting through your rental options.

How much does a Salt Lake City campervan rental cost?

Campervan rentals will vary drastically, depending on the following factors: 

• which company you choose
• type of vehicle
• time of year
• manual vs. automatic transmission
• how far in advance you make your reservation

To give you a general price range:

• 1 week in Salt Lake City in July (peak season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about $1,100 (priced in September 2023) 
• 1 week in Salt Lake City in October (shoulder season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about $800 (priced in September 2023) 

Other costs to consider

In addition to paying the nightly rental fee, you won’t want to forget these other things:

• Additional rental add ons (make sure you understand what is included with your company and what is an extra fee)
• Campground fees
  • I’ll let you in on a li’l secret: we rarely pay for camping. Here’s how we find free camping in the USA.
• Insurance
• Gas
  • Insider Tip: Be sure you know whether your vehicle is gas or diesel so you’re sure to fill up at the proper pump at the gas station.

Top 7 places to visit on your Utah road trip

From the famed “Mighty 5” National Parks to enchanting hidden gems, there are endless adventures to be had on your Utah road trip.

But if you’re looking for a list of the very best places to put on your itinerary, we’ve got you covered. 

We chose these places specifically because they are ideal for visiting in a campervan or RV. Use this list to start planning your perfect Utah road trip route!

Good to know: You might notice that we purposely left big cities off this list. That’s because cities are not as fun to navigate with a large vehicle and finding parking can be a pain. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add them in, but we’d highly recommend focusing your route around the places below. (We say this from personal experience!)

Zion National Park 

Not only is Zion the most visited National Park in Utah, it’s one of the most popular in the entire country. And in our opinion, its overwhelming popularity is well-deserved!

Clusters of pine trees dot the landscape and towering red rock cliffs rise on either side of the canyon. Carving through the center is the crystal-clear Virgin River.

This national park offers all kinds of hikes, from the strenuous Angel’s Landing and The Narrows to easy walks the whole family can enjoy.

Psst! If you’re planning to visit more than one of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass.

Bryce Canyon National Park  

Known for its unique pillar-like rock formations called “hoodoos”, Bryce Canyon is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. 

The park’s high elevation makes for breathtaking hikes (literally and figuratively!) and magnificent stargazing.

Lose yourself in the everchanging shadows and colors of the red rocks and hoodoos in the canyon. Getting your butt out of bed for sunrise is a must!

Good to know: The dark skies and sunrises make camping in Bryce Canyon extremely popular and reservable sites book out about six months in advance.

Moab 

Okay, we might be cheating a bit, because this is actually a 3-for-1 deal…

The small city of Moab is just a stone’s throw away from both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, making it a great base to explore both.

Psst! If you’re obsessed with hiking like us, head over to our sister site and check out our guides to the best hikes in Arches and best hikes in Canyonlands!

Moab is also a popular destination for outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting, as well as a good jumping off point for some of Utah’s best hikes. 

Capitol Reef National Park 

Since Capitol Reef National Park isn’t near any major cities, many visitors skip over it during their time in Utah… but we’re here to say you should definitely make room for Capitol Reef on your itinerary!

The landscape is out of this world, and since it’s less popular than the rest of Utah’s Mighty 5, it feels a bit “off the beaten path”.

You can pick fruit from historic orchards, drive through a narrow gorge to see ancient petroglyphs, and do tons of hiking in this “hidden” gem of a park. We think it’ll surprise you!

Monument Valley 

Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park located in a reservation on the Utah-Arizona border, just 60 miles west of the famed Four Corners. Its big blue sky and red rock formations make up some of the most quintessential iconography of the American Southwest.

You can see the most famous monuments – The Mittens, Three Sisters, John Ford’s Point, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chai, and Ear of the Wind – on a scenic 14-mile drive through the park. 

We recommend you hire a Navajo guide to learn about the history and culture of these ancestral lands and have a chance to explore off the typical tourist path.

Bonneville Salt Flats 

West of Salt Lake City near the Nevada border is a landscape so surreal you’ll swear you’ve teleported to a different planet.

The Bonneville Salt Flats cover more than 30,000 acres in a saltscape so flat and barren that you can see the curvature of the Earth. Mirages shimmer in the intense Utah heat.

In order to preserve this unique environment, vehicles must stay on the roads. There are roads that delve deep into the flats, so you’ll still be able to explore up-close.

Overnight stays on the flats are prohibited, but camping is available on surrounding private lands or in nearby Wendover, Nevada. 

Escalante 

With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, the small ranching town of Escalante makes for a charming stop along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12.

Though its remoteness gives it a “wild west” feel, Escalante is actually the largest “city” for 70 miles around, making it a great base camp for exploring southern Utah.

Nearby attractions include Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and numerous slot canyons.

Salt Lake City campervan rental FAQs

I get it — there is a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan in Salt Lake City. 

Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a campervan in Salt Lake City?

Most likely, no.

Unless your home country’s license is in a non-Roman language (Japanese, Russian, etc.), you will not need an international driver’s license. 

Can I bring a child on a campervan trip?

Absolutely. We’ve brought our daughter on many campervan trips! 

In fact, we’d say it’s a great way to travel with a baby or older children.

You will need to select a vehicle that has enough seating for your family. And you’ll need to think about what you will do about a sleeping space. (We have tips on that!)

Which is better: Campervan or RV?

The answer to this is truly a matter of personal opinion, but here’s our opinion:

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, we’d absolutely recommend a campervan to keep the size to a minimum. However, if you’re traveling with a small family, a campervan may be too small to fit you all comfortably, so a small motorhome might be a better option.

Insurance for your campervan trip

Insurance is always one of those tricky topics to write about because it widely varies from person to person depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take. 

When traveling, we always make sure we are covered (we’ve heard some horror stories of accidents happening abroad).

Read the fine print of your credit card: A typical credit card rental car insurance policy only covers 4-door sedans and not campervans, so don’t rely on that coverage. 

As always, whether you get campervan rental insurance or not, we recommend getting medical travel insurance. 

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to choose the best travel insurance policy for you that should be helpful!

What to pack for a campervan trip

We have a whole checklist of things to bring for your campervan trip, but here are some items you really don’t want to forget:

• Aeropress: If you are a coffee drinker and your rental company doesn’t include a coffee maker (many don’t), definitely pack this!
• Rubber bands and/or chip clips: This is something that is often overlooked, but important to keep the food you buy sealed (think bags of granola, crackers, etc.).
• Spices and oil: When going on a campervan trip, we always like to bring our own spices so we don’t have to stock up. You can bring mini containers filled with your faves (we bring high-quality salt, pepper, cayenne, and any others that strike our fancy). We like this leak-proof container for storing coconut oil and this one for storing olive oil.
• Lightweight towel: If your campervan rental does not include towels in the rental price (many charge extra), bring your own! We like this microfiber one or this Turkish towel.
• Travel lumbar pillow: If you have a bad back (like Ben!), this would be clutch!
• Shower shoes: Trust me when I say you don’t want to go barefoot in some of the campground showers! 
• Travel slippers: The floors of your vehicle will inevitably get dirty, so it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers to wear at night to prevent your feet from collecting all that dirt.

We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!

For more ideas, we have an article dedicated to all of the campervan essentials you might want to have on the road with you.

Packing for a baby on a campervan trip

This checklist has a whole section of all our baby-related items we recommend, but here are a few things we’d definitely recommend bringing if you are renting a campervan with a little one in tow.

• Travel high chair: We love this portable high chair and use it in our personal campervan at home.
• Travel tent: This is the sleeping tent that we used on trips when our daughter was under a year old. It packs up super small and gave her a safe space to sleep.
• Inflatable bed bumpers: We’ve transitioned from the tent to these as our daughter has grown and they worked really well to transform a normal bed into a safe sleeping space for our toddler.
• Travel sound machine: we don’t go anywhere without this!
• Tap light: This light is super handy at home or on travels.

Psst! Looking for more family travel tips? Check out our list of practical (& super encouraging!) tips for traveling with a baby.

Where to stay in your campervan

You’ll be happy to know that there are tons of campgrounds all around Salt Lake City.

Wild Camping 

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, and don’t want to pay for campgrounds every night, it’s worth mentioning that it is possible to wild camp in Salt Lake City (a.k.a. park somewhere that is not an established campground). 

But you can’t just park anywhere! Read our article on how to find free camping so you know the ins and outs and don’t wind up inadvertently breaking the law (yikes!) on your road trip.

When to plan your Utah campervan trip

The overall best time for a Utah campervan trip is during the spring or fall, just outside of peak tourism season and when the weather is most pleasant. However, each season offers visitors something unique and the best time for you to plan your trip depends on your personal preferences.

Spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and mountain biking, while winter boasts the least amount of tourists and the opportunity to see some of the iconic landscapes dusted in snow.

As for summer, this generally tends to be an easy time for people to make travel plans. Our Utah campervan trip was during the month of June. While we had very hot temperatures during the day (especially in Moab), we were still able to do everything we wanted to.

Utah travel resources

Be sure to bookmark these additional articles because they will be a huge help as you plan your trip.

The ‘Utah Mighty Five’: Best National Parks in Utah

15 Incredible Places to Visit on a Utah Road Trip

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Love the idea of campervan trips around the world? 

Us too – which is exactly why we keep booking campervan trips!

Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:

• Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide 
• New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide
• Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
• UK Campervan Guide
• Italy Campervan Rental Guide
• France Campervan Rental Guide
• USA Campervan Rental Guide
• Canada Campervan Rental Guide

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a campervan trip and still have questions about the campervan rentals Salt Lake City has to offer? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for!