Looking for the perfect campervan rental for your next road trip? This guide covers everything you need to know—from budgeting and comfort levels to insider tips on choosing the right van for your adventure.
Let’s be honest—trying to choose the perfect campervan rental can be a bit overwhelming. There are tons of companies, different types of vans, and all sorts of small print to decode.
Plus, every traveler has their own expectations for the level of comfort and budget they’re able to spend.
Don’t worry—you’re in the right place.
We’re here to guide you through this process. We have a pretty good idea of what to look for in a campervan rental (plus what red flags to avoid!)…
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 campervans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and more!
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!
In this guide, we’re breaking it all down for you: from budget tips and comfort levels to toilets, bed setups, and insider advice you won’t find on a rental company’s website.
Whether you’re planning a bucket list road trip or just dipping your toes into vanlife for the first time, this guide will help you feel confident choosing the best campervan rental for you.
Campervan Rental Guide
Ready to roll? Let’s start by going over the factors you should consider before you start looking at campervan rental companies.
Start by writing down your answers to the following questions:
1. Where are you going to travel with your campervan?
Are you renting a campervan in the US, or abroad?
Do you have a specific pick-up and drop-off location in mind?
Most campervan rental companies around the world only operate out of specific cities and may not even have the option for you to drop it off at different locations.
This means you’ll be limited in which companies you have to choose from based on the location(s) you plan to start and end your road trip.
Renting a campervan in the US
The tricky thing about renting a campervan in the US is the sheer size of the country and how much ground there is to cover.
We’ve broken down our list of campervan rental companies by where they’re located so you can see which ones will work for you.
→ Unsure of where you want to go? We’ve gotchu covered with a list of the best road trips in the USA!
2. What is your budget?
Traveling in a campervan can be a great way to save money during your road trip.
Not only can you cook your own meals (which is cheaper than eating out), but with a campervan, you can often find places to camp for free.
All that said, renting a campervan in any country isn’t necessarily cheap. Depending on where in the world you are, the price can vary. Plus, things like cleaning fees, extra mileage, and insurance can add up.
You may also need to provide a refundable security deposit when you make a reservation.
So just how much does it cost to rent a campervan?
Well, it depends on a few factors.
- Comfort level: First of all, the level of comfort (or luxury) you prefer in your van can vary drastically and affect the overall price of your rental. There are budget rentals that cost considerably less than an average hotel room and there are luxury rentals that can add up to more than a hotel would cost you… But more on that next!
- Time of year: The time of year can affect the price of your campervan rental as well. If you are traveling in the peak summer season (aka June – August in the northern hemisphere), expect to pay peak rates. And on the other hand, if you travel during off-season, you might be able to score a cheaper rate. Shoulder seasons (before and after peak season) will grant you a rate that is neither crazy expensive nor super cheap.
- Length of your trip: Finally, the length of your trip will impact your daily rate as well. Some campervan rental companies offer cheaper rates the longer your trip.
Here’s an idea of price points to get you started:
- Budget campervan rentals: Starting as low as $30 per day
- Mid-Range campervan rentals: Will run you between $80 – $120 per day
- Luxury campervan rentals: Start from around $150 per day and go up from there
Beware of additional costs
One important thing to remember is all the additional costs you may incur such as gas, extra mileage, insurance, facilities such as campsites/showers, and additional equipment. These are all factors to look into when planning the cost of your campervan rental.
→ Traveling on a budget? We’ve got you covered with some money-saving tips for a cheap road trip!
3. What are your expectations when it comes to comfort level?
Another very important thing to consider is what level of comfort you are expecting in your campervan rental.
“I’m low maintenance and don’t need much to get by.”
If you are an avid camper and are used to tents and all the discomforts that come with sleeping on the ground, any campervan you choose will feel damn near luxurious.
And if you’re used to sleeping in hostels, you’ll love the privacy that comes with your own space. Even if you choose the smallest, cheapest, oldest campervan, you will still have a good time.
“I expect some more creature comforts in my campervan.”
However, if you are used to spacious hotel rooms and are a bit nervous about this whole “campervan thing”, you might want to choose one of the more plush options to make this new experience a bit more comfortable.
You know yourself and you’re the only one that can really decide what comfort level you are going to be okay with.
Here are some helpful things to consider:
Do you want to be able to stand up in your campervan?
Many of the budget campervan rental companies are not designed to be able to stand up inside. So think about what this means and whether or not it is a deal-breaker for you.
The first campervan we built ourselves and a few of the campervans we rented around the world have not been tall enough for either of us to stand up inside. We do just fine in both cases, but both agree it is much more comfortable to have a van you can stand up in.
Good to know: Campervans that don’t allow you to fully stand up typically have the kitchen in the rear so you can cook outside without hunching over.
But other tasks, like making the bed and getting dressed, can be a bit tricky when you can’t stand upright.
A plus to this type of vehicle is they are more streamlined, use less gas, and are easier to drive if you’re not used to big vehicles.
Do you mind converting your bed every night and morning?
In most smaller campervans, the bed converts into a couch during the day.
It can be tedious every night transforming your sitting space into your bed, especially at night in the dark with bugs trying to attack you. We speak from experience!
Some of the large campervans are designed with a stationary bed that you won’t have to convert twice a day. But this likely—nay—definitely means a higher price tag.
→ Are you on the fence? Be sure to read our article with 8 reasons you should rent a campervan for your next adventure!
4. How many people will you be road tripping with?
The number of people you’ll be sharing the vehicle with can make a big difference in determining the vehicle you choose. Remember, everyone not only needs a place to sleep, but also a seat and seatbelt.
- If you’re traveling solo or as two passengers, you will have the biggest selection of vehicles to choose from, as most campervans have sleeping space for at least 2 adults.
- 3-4 passengers are a bit more uncommon, and are typically laid out as a double bed below with a small “loft-style” bed above (oftentimes in a pop-top). Typically, this type of set-up is meant for families with kids, so the sleeping areas aren’t exactly suitable for more than 2 adults. And even if it says it “sleeps 4 adults”, we’d warn you it will be very tight.
- If you have more than 4 passengers, you might have to consider whether you want everyone in one vehicle or should you split up into multiple vehicles. There are some options that allow for more than 4 passengers, but often require a rooftop tent for extra sleeping space (or a regular tent would work). Alternatively, an RV or motorhome may be a better option for you.
Another important thing to consider is this: How close are you to the person/people you are traveling with?
If it is a new friend or acquaintance, you may want a bit more room, as living in a campervan is… umm, how shall we put this… very close quarters.
If it is a close friend or partner, you may do just fine with less space.
→ Make sure you ask these questions to your campervan travel partner before you book your van rental.
5. Do you need a toilet?
Is having a toilet really necessary? Like most other answers, it depends on you.
If you prefer to have the ability to use the bathroom in your vehicle and not rely on public facilities or make your way into nature, you’ll want to find a self-contained vehicle.
If, however, you don’t think you’ll want to poo in your vehicle, then it might not be necessary.
Our personal opinion on campervan toilets…
We lived in a campervan for 3 months without a toilet, and we got by just fine. That said, there were definitely some uncomfortable moments and times when we had to frantically search for a toilet.
For our second and third campervan builds, we splurged and installed a composting toilet, which we are obsessed with.
But the thing I should point out here is that if a rental company has a toilet in the van, it is likely a cassette toilet, which is great for emergencies but isn’t a complete solution (like a composting toilet).
Our rental experience: We had a cassette toilet in our rental van in New Zealand, but we never once used it for number 2 (because it requires smelly chemicals and you basically have to dump it after each use).
If you book a campervan rental with a toilet, just be sure you understand what it’s going to look like to actually use it. And perhaps after reading this, you might realize having a toilet isn’t a must after all.
6. Understand the restrictions
Before committing to a specific company, make sure that your trip plans will be suitable (and allowed) with your campervan rental.
Here are some things to consider:
- Roads: Are you able to take the rental on all roads, or are some types of roads prohibited?
- Mileage: Do you have a limited number of miles you can drive per day? If so, how much does it cost if you go over the mileage limit?
- Age limit: Is there an age restriction for renting? If you’re under 26 years old (the age at which most restrictions are lifted from rental vehicles), you may find some companies have higher fees. Don’t worry, there are some campervan rental companies we’ve found that rent to 21+.
- Festivals: Can you bring the campervan to festivals? For example, some rental companies located in the Southwestern USA have a strict “No Burning Man” policy which we can totally understand. I mean, can you imagine what that much sand and dust can do to a van? If you’re planning to rent a van for a festival, you’ll need to ensure there aren’t any rules prohibiting you from doing so.
7. What about campervan insurance?
While most car insurance policies will cover you for renting a car, campervans are not usually included in that coverage. Credit card insurance policies typically do not cover you while driving a campervan either.
Just like rental car companies, all campervan companies should offer some form of insurance on your vehicle.
We would recommend taking the insurance because accidents do happen and you wouldn’t want that extra collision expense to ruin your road trip.
In addition, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance, for instances of theft, baggage loss, delayed flights, or medical emergencies.
We never go without travel insurance (check out that article for our favorite providers plus some insider tips!).
Tips for renting a campervan
Before you make a booking, we’ve got some essential tips and things to know about renting a campervan…
Know what “extras” your campervan comes with
This depends greatly on which company you rent from. However, here are a few campervan essentials to keep in mind:
- Bed & Bedding
- Sink with running water (and a tank you can fill with freshwater)
- Stove & Propane
- Cookware and utensils
- Cooler and/or refrigerator
- Coffee maker (definitely an essential in our book!)
Depending on the campervan rental company, these amenities can be very basic or quite luxurious. Also, some companies have the option to add extras, which are typically charged separately. This can include:
- Camp chairs and/or table
- Awning
- Solar-heated outdoor shower
- Portable toilet
- GPS system
- Equipment rack (for bikes, surfboards, etc.)
- Roof tent for additional sleeping space
What else should you pack?
We’ve put together the ultimate packing list of campervan gear essentials to make sure you bring everything you need to get the most out of your trip. We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!
Be prepared for the worst parts of vanlife…
If you’ve never traveled in a campervan before, we’d highly recommend reading this article where we spill the worst parts of vanlife.
We don’t want to scare you away — we still think you’ll love traveling in a campervan! — but we do want you to be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Where to find campervan rentals around the world
Trying to figure out which company to rent a campervan through can be a daunting task.
We’ve done it 5 times (and counting!), so we know how overwhelming it can be the first time.
Our go-to place to find the best campervan rentals in a particular destination is Motorhome Republic. This is an aggregate (kind of like what Booking.com is for hotels or what Discover Cars is for car rentals) that rounds up all the options in one place so you can easily compare them.
We really like using their filters because you can input the number of travelers, and other important features like “automatic transmission” and amenities like a toilet or shower.
Additionally, you can choose to display options within a price range or filter by highest reviews, making it a really handy and user-friendly tool.
We’ve also done the work for you and rounded up the best campervan rentals (by company) in popular destinations all over the world. Check out our campervan rental guides below for more information!
- Best USA Campervan Rentals
- Canada Campervan Rental Guide
- 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
Don’t miss the chance to grab our campervan rental packing list!
These are all our favorite items that we always pack for a campervan trip anywhere in the world. In the coming weeks, we’ll also send you bonus tips on road tripping and traveling around the USA.
Enter your email and we’ll immediately send our Campervan Rental Packing Checklist to your inbox (totally FREE).
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We want to hear from you!
Are you looking for a campervan rental for your travels and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!