6 Camper Van Rentals for the Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

camper van rental california

Renting a camper van and road tripping is an incredible way to explore any place on earth, but especially the famously beautiful California coast. And especially if you surf. There are so many great surf breaks all over California, you could spend months exploring them.

We went on an epic surfing road trip up the California coast, and in our planning phases, we did a whole lot of research on camper van rentals. We’ve already done the work for you, so here’s a detailed lowdown on the best camper van rentals in California.

camper van rentals california
The magical coast of Big Sur

In this camper van guide, we give you the whole story on renting a camper van, and then we’ve outlined all the details on the best camper van rental companies, including rental locations, number of passengers, one-way fees, mileage, pet policies, and pricing.

If you’re planning to do some road tripping along the coast (which we highly recommend!), be sure to check out our guide to the Pacific Coast Highway >> Highway 1 Road Trip / A Surfer’s Guide to the California Coast

Camper Van Rentals 101

Camper van rentals in california

Camper vans are small motorhomes equipped with various camping and living features such as a small kitchen, fridge, bed, storage space, and a range of other amenities. Because camper vans are relatively small in size compared to traditional motorhomes, they don’t require a special driver’s license and are easy to drive and maneuver.

Also known as Class B RVs or Class B motorhomes, camper vans are typically 19 to 24 feet in length and are smartly designed to pack as many features and amenities as possible into a compact space.

There are many different types of camper vans and layouts, so floor plans and amenities can vary quite a bit. Custom camper vans can be equipped with a whole host of special features like luxe interiors, outdoor or indoor showers, bathrooms, recessed lighting, solar panels, and special gear storage, to name a few. Some camper vans also have pop tops or high tops that can accommodate easier standing in the van and/or offer an additional bunk bed.

While amenities and features of camper van rentals can vary greatly, all of the camper van rentals on this list have some form of a small built-in kitchen and a bed, as well as a host of other amenities to consider. It’s good to note that all camper van rentals are not created equal. Some campers are smaller, more bare-bones rentals, while others come with the whole enchilada. So definitely take that into consideration when looking at pricing.

Because camper vans have become wildly popular over the past several years, there are a huge variety of camper vans for rent in California. From sporty off-grid adventure vans to retro VW buses to fully-equipped luxury camper vans for the ultimate glamping experience — there are endless options to travel in a camper and experience the #vanlife.

Camper Van vs Large RV

rv rental california
Class A and Class C RVs are much larger than camper vans / This is a Class C RV for rent in Los Angeles

First things first – RV stands for ‘Recreational Vehicle’ and there are all types of campers that fit into the RV category. Camper vans, larger motorhomes (Class A and Class C RVs), travel trailers (such as Airstreams), and truck campers are just a few of the main types of recreational vehicles.

While camper vans are technically a type of RV, they have quite a few differences from larger motorhomes that give you a very different experience. As with everything, there are pros and cons to both campervans and larger motorhomes, and the best option for you will completely depend on your personal tastes, travel style, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

We’ll spare you the details of describing every single type of RV, and to keep it simple just compare camper vans to larger motorhomes (Class C and Class A RVs).

  • Class C motorhomes are what many people have in mind when thinking of an RV – they range from 21 – 41 feet, have an attached cab, and most models have an overhang that extends over the cab which is used for storage or sleeping quarters.
  • Class A motorhomes are the giants of the RV world. The largest and most luxurious of all motorhomes, these huge RVs resemble big buses and are equipped with large kitchens, bathrooms, and can sleep up to 10 people.
campervan vs rv
Class C Motorhome vs Campervan

Pros & Cons

While the pros and cons of camper vans and larger motorhomes are subjective and depend on the travel experience you’re looking for, here are a few key points to consider to determine if a camper van is an ideal option for your trip.

  • The largest difference between camper vans and Class C and Class A motorhomes is obviously size. Because camper vans are more compact vehicles, they’re more versatile and give you more freedom and flexibility. Camper vans offer easier driving and more maneuverability which translates to easier travel in cities, the ability to park in normal parking areas, and the option to take the camper on smaller roads and adventures that wouldn’t be accessible in a larger RV.
  • Of course, there can also be downsides to a more compact vehicle. Space can be very limited so camper vans aren’t ideal for larger groups, and if you run into rainy weather or you’re traveling in winter, the interior space is quite small.
  • Most campervans don’t have a bathroom, whereas many RVs have bathrooms.
  • Camper vans are much more fuel efficient than large RVs and therefore have a lower carbon footprint and lower costs for fuel.

Pricing Comparisons

When it comes to RV rentals, a smaller size doesn’t necessarily translate to being less expensive. Camper van rentals can be the same price or even more expensive than large motorhome rentals. But if you’re looking to travel on a lower budget, don’t despair! There are definitely some simple camper van rentals available for a more budget-friendly trip. We’ll cover campervan pricing in more detail below.

RV Rental California

If you’re considering a larger RV or different type of RV for your trip, you’ll have plenty of options to find your perfect California RV rental. To check out different types of RVs and to get the lowdown on renting an RV in California, check out our guide to California RV Rentals.   

Camper Van Rental Prices in California

Many camper van rental companies don’t publish standard rates. As with most travel, the rates on camper van rentals vary greatly depending on what time of year you’re traveling, how long you want to rent for (typically the longer you rent, the lower the nightly rate), and how far in advance you book. Other major pricing factors are the camper van model, features, and what’s included in the rental.

We’ll give you exact price ranges for our recommended rental companies listed below, but just to give you an idea, camper van rentals in California can range from $50 – $400 per night, with many rentals priced around $120 – $250 per night.   

As mentioned, pricing on camper van rentals ranges widely depending on the time of year, with the high season demanding the highest rates and the low season offering great deals. Here are the seasons (roughly) for road-tripping and camping in California:

  • High season (summer): June – September
  • Midseason: October, April, and May
  • Low season (winter): November – March

* Note that you will see higher rates during US holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years, and dates that include 3-day weekends.

It’s also good to know that some companies offer relocation rates when, essentially, they need to get campers from one location to another. The rates vary, but for example, Escape Campervans has discounts of 50 – 70% off their pricing and no one-way fees. There are different terms and time frames with relocation rates, but if the terms align with your plans it can be a great way to go. You can check out Escape’s relocation rates here.

The Nitty Gritty of Price Comparisons

Camper van rentals
A colorful camper by Escape Campervans.

If you’re looking for the best pricing, it can sometimes be challenging to compare the pricing of camper van rentals because all rental companies have different things included in their rates.

For example, say rental company A advertises a starting base rate of $50 per night, but this rate doesn’t include any mileage or extras like kitchen utensils or bedding (this would all be an extra charge). Company B advertises their rentals for $75 per night and includes 150 miles per day, but extras like kitchen utensils and bedding aren’t included. Company C advertises their rentals for $100 per night and includes 150 miles per day, plus extras like bedding, kitchen utensils, and propane all included.

Which company has the best value? It’s like a 5th-grade math problem, plus a whole lot of other variables! Because of this, it’s hard to get an apples-to-apples comparison unless you meticulously match up the amenities of one rental versus another. The reality is that, while one company is advertising for $50 per night and another for $100 per night, by the time you get through the whole check out process you could be looking at the same exact pricing for your trip.

Another thing to take into consideration is that it also really depends on your individual situation and what type of trip you want to do. If you won’t be driving a lot of miles, then it could be better value for you to go with the company with the lower base price, because you won’t be needing to buy much additional mileage. Anyway, as much as we’d love to give you an easy answer here, it all really depends on your specific needs and the type of trip you want to do.

The Pricing in This Guide

Camper van rentals in california

In this guide, we list the base price, and to help give you more transparency on pricing across the board, we researched quotes for each camper van rental company for a week, both in the high season (June) and the low season (December). The quotes are for one week (7 nights) and include:

  • at least 100 miles per day
  • bedding
  • kitchen utensils
  • propane
  • camping chairs

The quotes do not include taxes or any additional insurance, but we do list insurance details as well. Again, keep in mind that the best pricing really depends on your trip, so check out the pricing situation, but also consider what type of vehicle best suits you and the experience you’re looking for. And remember the pricing will vary widely depending on the season so this is just to give you an idea of rates.

Another thing to consider is that some companies allow one-way trips and some don’t. And again, everyone has different pricing for one-way trips as well. At the end of the day, have fun with it and choose the camper van you feel will be the best for your taste and trip.

Here’s the lowdown on the 7 best camper van rentals in California. You’re sure to find a wonderful camper van to have an incredible road trip to remember!

Camper Van Rentals in California

1 • ESCAPE CAMPERVANS

Campervan Rentals California

*use promo code Lush25 for $25 off your booking.

camper van rentals escape

Escape Campervans has the largest fleet of camper vans in North America, with 12 locations across the US and Canada. Each van has been hand-painted by a local artist, so you’ll be driving and living out of a moving piece of art. Escape has partnered with LA-based artists to paint every van and styles range from abstract to landscape to cartoon to classic graffiti.

Escape offers four camper models (from small to large): the Santa Cruz (Ford Transit Connect), Mavericks (Ford E150), Big Sur (Ford T-350), and a 4×4 Jeep Camper with a rooftop sleeper tent. The four camper models fit in most tent sites and if you want to get more remote, the vans are equipped with solar panels so you can camp off the grid without a hookup.

Jeep camper rental in California

Escape’s camper vans are all outfitted with beds, storage space, sinks, refrigerators, stoves, come with 24/7 roadside assistance, and allow extra drivers for free. The company also offers tons of extras to rent – everything from bedding and kitchen kits to solar showers and bike racks.

camper van rentals california
camper van rentals california

Check out Escape Campervans >>

RENTAL LOCATIONS: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Miami, New York, Atlanta, Vancouver, B.C., and Calgary A.B.

PASSENGERS: Santa Cruz (seats 2, sleeps 2), Mavericks (seats 5, sleeps 2-3 or 5 with rooftop sleeper), Big Sur (seats 5, sleeps 2-3 or 5 with rooftop sleeper), and 4×4 Rooftop Jeep Camper (seats 5 and sleeps 2)

MILEAGE: Additional fee. Mileage packages depend on camper van model.

  • 0 miles: $0.25 – $0.35 per mile
  • 100 miles/day: $19 – $30/day
  • 200 miles/day: $35 – $45/day (7-13 days)
  • Unlimited: $35 – $45/day (14+ days)

PETS: The pet fee is $150. Pets are allowed in the shoulder and low season ONLY (outside July, August, and September).

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: $37 – $260 per night (depending on the season)
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE (including 100 miles/day and extras):
    • LOW SEASON: starting at $530 per week (7 nights) / ~$76 per night
    • HIGH SEASON: starting at $838 per week (7 nights) / ~$120 per night

ONE-WAY FEE: $150 to $350 depending on locations

INSURANCE: $10 to $22.25/day

If you’re a U.S. or Canadian resident with a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance that provides full coverage for rental vehicles (including minivans), you may have coverage.

GOOD TO KNOW:

  • Because Escape has so many locations and they have one-way trips available, you have tons of options for road trip routes.
  • You only have to be 21+ to rent an Escape camper van, and there are no young driver fees.
  • Escape’s offices are open seven days a week.
  • These camper vans are quite the artistic bunch! It’s good to know that the company doesn’t offer basic-color vans so roll with it and embrace the color.

LUSH PALM PERKS: Use promo code ‘LUSH25’ at check out for $25 off your rental.

2 • OUTDOORSY

Book Campervans, RVs, and Travel Trailers direct for owners

*use promo code LushPalm for $50 off your rental

Outdoorsy is an online rental marketplace that connects camper van owners with camper van renters. Think of it as Airbnb for campervan rentals. Outdoorsy has listings for all types of adventure-happy vehicles—from modern custom camper vans and vintage Airstreams to all sizes of motorhomes and RV rentals.

Like Airbnb, you communicate directly with the camper van owner, and Outdoorsy gives you security and support through the process. When booking through Outdoorsy, you get  $1M insurance (as long as you pass the DMV check), 24/7 RV rental roadside assistance, and a customer support team.

There are thousands of listings for camper van rentals in California, most of which are based in or near San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. There are some seriously awesome camper vans available for rent. Choose from 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter Adventure Vans, Vintage VW pop-top campers, and slick custom campers complete with surfboard racks and all the bells and whistles.

Check out Outdoorsy Campervans >>

RENTAL LOCATIONS: Throughout California – the majority of rentals are based in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

PASSENGERS: Depends on the vehicle; the camper vans typically seat 2-5, and sleep 2-4

MILEAGE: Depends on the vehicle; most rentals are in the range  50-150 free miles per day

PETS: Depends on the vehicle; some rentals don’t allow pets whatsoever, some allow pets for an additional fee, and some are pet-friendly without an additional fee

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: starting around $89 per night
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE:
    • pricing ranges greatly depending on the camper van
    • starting around $842 per week (7 nights) / ~$120 per night

ONE-WAY FEE: Most camper vans for rent on Outdoorsy are listed by private owners and therefore don’t offer options for one-way trips

INSURANCE: The Outdoorsy insurance process is fully automated, paperless, and only takes a few minutes for each user. Coverage is automatic for every certified vehicle on Outdoorsy with any renter who passes their DMV check. Renters are covered under a $1 Million liability policy and $250,000 in comprehensive and collision protection. Outdoorsy also offers optional roadside assistance packages for $15/day USD.

GOOD TO KNOW:

  • You must be 25 years or older to rent with Outdoorsy.
  • To search for camper van rentals on Outdoorsy and filter out all other rental types (there are lots of huge RVs for rent on the platform), go to the Outdoorsy home page, type in the city or area you want to pick up the van (dates are optional) and click ‘Search.’ This will bring you to a page with all of the rentals in the area, so what you want to do is find the top bar with the filters. Click ‘Vehicle Type‘ and select ‘Camper Van.’ This will filter out everything besides camper vans so you can van-browse to your heart’s content!
  • Because all listings on Outdoorsy are owned and managed by individual owners, terms and amenities can vary greatly. Make sure you read the listings thoroughly to know exactly what amenities are included in your rental. Also, many rentals offer add-ons such as surfboards, wetsuits, camp chairs, etc.

LUSH PALM PERKS: Use promo code ‘LushPalm’ at check out for $50 off your rental.

girl with surfboard on oceanview balcony

Epic surf trips made easy.

Explore luxury done-for-you surf vacations with Lush Palm Private Retreats.

LEARN MORE

3 • TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN

Campervan & RV Rentals

*use promo code Lushpalm for $25 off your booking – 7 days or more required.

camper van rentals california

Travellers Autobarn offers budget-friendly minivans and camper van rentals with a unique layout and plenty of head space. The two campervan models, the HiTop and Kuga come with a sink, microwave, fridge, gas stove, 120 Volt and USB plug-ins, and free unlimited miles with all rentals. The Kuga camper model also comes equipped with solar panels to recharge your lights and fridge at your campsite.

Travellers Autobarn also rents out a basic un-branded minivan that isn’t outfitted as a camper van, but you can add on their ‘Living Equipment’ package to get outfitted with a tent, camping chairs, table, gas cooker, and cooking equipment.

A bonus for longer road trips is that one-way fees are waived for all rentals over 28 days.

camper van rentals california
camper van rentals california

Check out Travellers Autobarn Campervans >>

RENTAL LOCATIONS: Los Angeles, San Francisco & Las Vegas

PASSENGERS: Sleeps and seats 2 to 3 people

MILEAGE: Free unlimited miles with every rental.

PETS: Pets are not allowed.

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: $45 – $83 (depending on the season)
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE
    • LOW SEASON: starting at $440 per week (8 days) / ~$55 per day
    • HIGH SEASON: starting at $712 per week (8 days) / ~$89 per day

ONE-WAY FEE: $175

INSURANCE: $0 – $22.25 per day

GOOD TO KNOW: All vehicles come with free unlimited miles. You can pick-up and drop-off all day between 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Saturday (they are closed on Sundays), so you don’t have to pick up in the afternoon and return early in the morning. The Kuga Campervans come with solar panels so you don’t need to have an electric hook-up because the second battery for the lights and fridge will charge automatically.

LUSH PALM PERKS: Use promo code ‘Lushpalm’ at check out for $25 off your rental. 7 days or more required.

4 • VINTAGE SURFARI WAGONS

*use promo code LushPalm for $50 off your booking

camper van rentals california / vanagon rentals

Get a taste of California’s swinging road trip past with a 1970s era VW camper bus. Vintage Surfari Wagons has a fleet of super sweet retro VW Eurovans from the 70s, as well as a handful of 80s VW Vanagons that are also pretty darn groovy. Each bus and Vanagon rental has its own unique charm and has been revived with fresh trim and nifty beach-inspired accents.

The buses all come standard with essentials such as: stove, sink (with water tank), icebox or refrigerator, dining table, and all the other accessories you’ll need like kitchen utensils, a coffee press, and cooking fuel.

We had the pleasure of renting a 1979 Deluxe Westfalia Pop-Top Camper named Eddie and had an epic road trip, surfing and camping up the California coast. Read about our VW adventure here.

6 Camper Van Rentals for the Ultimate California Coast Road Trip / Vintage Surfari Wagons
camper van rental california

Check out Vintage Surfari Wagons Campervans >>

RENTAL LOCATIONS: COSTA MESA (near Los Angeles)

PASSENGERS: 4-5 people (sleeps 2-4 adults) depending on model

MILEAGE: 120 free miles included per rental day (Additional miles on Vanagon and Eurovan buses are at .39/mile. Bay Window buses are .79/mile per additional mile.)

PETS: Pets are welcome with prior approval. A $100 per pet per rental is required (maximum of 2) and they request that dogs be under 45 pounds.

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: $154 – $194 per night (depending on the season)
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE:
    • LOW SEASON: starting at $1,140 per week (7 nights) / ~$162 per night
    • HIGH SEASON: starting at $1,280 per week (7 nights) / ~$183 per night

ONE-WAY FEE: $550 (and a 14-day minimum rental required)

INSURANCE: $18 – $28 per day

If you are a North American resident and have a full coverage auto policy (liability, comprehensive and collision), then you’re probably insured while driving one of Surfari’s VWs.

GOOD TO KNOW: These vintage VWs are exactly that–vintage! Because these buses were developed in the 1930s and built with all the technical sophistication of the 1970s, you don’t have some of those modern car conveniences you take for granted. Most of the buses have a manual transmission, there’s no air conditioning or power anything, and the company asks that you not exceed 65 mph (105 kph).

LUSH PALM PERKS: Use promo code ‘LushPalm’ at check out for $50 off your rental.

5 • THE CAMPER CARTEL

The Camper Cartel rents a small fleet of beautifully-designed custom camper vans and 4x4s outfitted with premium extras and gear. These dapper campers will take your road trip to the next level with their special features, comfort, and style for days.

The Camper Cartel has four camper models available. There are two camper van models: The California Classic (which is a converted Ford Transit High Roof) and The Topanga Tourister (a converted Ford Transit Low Roof). Both models feature modern neutral-hued interiors, solar power, and a panoramic sunroof that you can open to the stars.

camper van rental california
camper van rental los angeles

The 4×4 jeep camper is perfect for adventuring off the beaten path, and there’s also a Toyota Tacoma camper. Both models come complete with rooftop tents, awnings, and full sets of camping gear.

All of Camper Cartel’s rentals come equipped with all the essentials for your trip including: a generous list of kitchen supplies, portable cooking stove, refrigerator, ambient lighting, bedding, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, outdoor shower, and more. Extras like kayaks and stand up paddleboards are also available.

camper van rental los angeles

Check out The Camper Cartel’s Campers >>

RENTAL LOCATION: Topanga, California (in Los Angeles)

PASSENGERS: 2 – 5 / sleeps 2 – 5 adults

MILEAGE: Unlimited miles

PETS: Pets are not allowed

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: $180 – $400 per day (depending on the season and model)
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE:
    • LOW SEASON: starting at $1,140 per week / ~$205 per night
    • HIGH SEASON: starting at $1,656 per week / ~$236 per night

ONE-WAY FEE: One-way trips are not available

INSURANCE: Insurance coverage is required for all rentals. There are multiple insurance options available, starting at $26 per day which includes California’s minimum insurance protection, up to $1M physical damage protection, 24×7 roadside assistance, 24×7 customer support, and a $2,000 deductible.

GOOD TO KNOW: There is a 10% discount for weekly and monthly rentals. The insurance covers the campers in the US and Canada but not in Mexico.

6 • AIYRE PACIFIC CAMPER VANS

camper van rentals aiyre pacific

AIYRE Pacific Camper Vans rents incognito and carbon-neutral minivans stocked with all the camping essentials to make your California camping road trip a go. With locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle, you have flexibility with pick-up and drop-off locations, and the company provides personalized service to every traveler to answer any questions and make sure you’re all set.

AIYRE Pacific’s camper van rentals come fully equipped with everything but the kitchen sink (all included at no extra charge): a full bed with memory foam mattress, fresh linens, comforter, pillows, cooler, propane stove, cooking utensils, portable awning, folding chairs, table, camp shower, and more.

camper van rentals aiyre pacific

The fleet of new 2019 and 2020 Dodge Grand Caravans are super easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and are completely unmarked with no outside company logos so you can travel like a local. The camper vans are ideal for one or two travelers, but can comfortably seat up to four passengers. The vans sleep two people, so for groups of three or four travelers, the company supplies a tent, air mattress and sleeping bags for camping.

Aiyre Pacific is a member of STI (Sustainable Travel International) and they buy carbon offsets for every mile driven in their cars, making all trips carbon neutral.

campervan rental california

Check out Aiyre Pacific Campervans >>

RENTAL LOCATIONS: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. Pick up and drop off is available 24/7 from locations near the following airports: LAX, SFO, PDX, SEA-TAC, and LAS. Arrangements for pick up or drop off in other locations are possible with advance coordination.

PASSENGERS: seats 4 people / sleeps 2 adults inside the car (and to accommodate additional campers, a tent, air mattress, and sleeping bags are available)

MILEAGE: 150 free miles per day, $0.2 for each additional mile. Unlimited miles package is available at $15/day

PETS: $250 cleaning fee

PRICING (not including taxes):

  • BASE PRICE: $49 – $119 per night (depending on the season and pick up location)
  • 7-NIGHT TRIP QUOTE:
    • LOW SEASON: starting at $611 per week (7 nights) / ~$87 per night
    • HIGH SEASON: starting at $919 per week (7 nights) / ~$131 per night

ONE-WAY FEE: $150 for one-way trips between Los Angeles and San Francisco or Seattle to Portland (both directions). One way trips are available to all major cities in the USA – fee varies by location.

INSURANCE: $8.85 per day for basic coverage. External insurance policies accepted (e.g. US car insurance and policies from international providers) – subject to review and approval. The minimum age is 21.

GOOD TO KNOW: Surfboards up to 90” can be stored inside the car under the bed. Travel to Canada is allowed, and travel to Mexico is possible with specific cars and insurance. The vans are very comfortable and fuel-efficient (25 mpg) on roads, but they have low clearance and should not be used on rough dirt roads (all National and State Parks have paved road access to points of interest and camping sites).

FAQs

Renting a camper van is a great way to explore the California coast for many reasons like the scenic drives and ease of getting around. Here are a few of the top reasons to consider.

  • It’s very easy to get around in a campervan. All of your stuff is right there and with you along for the ride. You just have to pack it up, and move along to the next stop up or down the coast.
  • There are many smaller beautiful and scenic routes to explore. That said, places like Big Sur and other rural highways can have small and winding roads, making a campervan a nice option since they are nimble and easier to drive than a big and bulky RV.
  • It’s easier to manage in small beach towns and to find parking. Since campervans are smaller recreational vehicles, they are much easier to drive through towns, find parking, etc.

Camper vans are small motorhomes equipped with various camping and living features such as a small kitchen, fridge, bed, storage space, and a range of other amenities, making them the ultimate road trip vehicle.

Camper vans are more compact than larger motorhomes (Class A and Class C RVs), offering easier driving, more maneuverability, the ability to park in normal areas, and access to smaller roads that larger RVs can’t reach. However, with the smaller size comes some trade-offs like not having a toilet or indoor shower or having a smaller cooking space if you have a preference for those things.

It depends, in many cases, yes. Camper vans are more fuel-efficient than large Class A RVs, which can only get between 6 – 12 miles to the gallon. Class B RVs can range between 20 – 25 MPG, and campervans/Class C RV’s can range between 15 – 25 depending on the make, model, etc.

Similar. You can rent find campervans and large motorhomes for rent from starting around $75/night to $500/night and everything in between. It depends on what you’re looking for and the level of luxury, brand, amenities, year built, etc. Most campervan companies have a fleet that offer a range in pricing from more budget-friendly options to top tier luxe options with all the amenities.

Camper van rental rates vary based on the time of year, rental duration, booking time in advance, camper van model, features, and included amenities. Prices in California can range from $50 to $400 per night. Be sure to snag one of our campervan discount promos listed above for $25 – $75 off your booking!

Yes, because of their relatively small size compared to traditional motorhomes, camper vans don’t require a special driver’s license and are easy to drive and maneuver.

* This post was originally an editorial article and is now supported by the companies listed in this guide, so we may earn when you book through a link on our site. There is never an additional cost to you, and as 1% for the Planet members, we donate a portion of our earnings to nonprofits that support our oceans and the environment. We only partner with companies we genuinely like and are a fit for our readers, and all words and opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting Lush Palm – this helps us stay ad-free and continue to create fresh content and helpful guides.

For more California travel inspiration, check out:

Surfing California / Everything You Need to Know >>

Highway 1 Road Trip / A Surfer’s Guide to the California Coast >>

The Best Beach Camping in California for Surfing >>

Camping in California / 11 Tips Every Camper Should Know >>

Pacific Coast Highway Surf Trip / Huntington Beach to Morro Bay >>

Pacific Coast Highway Surf Trip Part 2 / Big Sur >>

And if you’ve ever thought about road tripping around the UK, check out our lowdown on Campervan Hire UK

Happy travels!

Leave a Comment

27 thoughts on “6 Camper Van Rentals for the Ultimate California Coast Road Trip”

  1. Hi, love your Lush Palm website filled with valuable RV information.…My wife and I wanted to rent a RV from Seattle and drive into Canada, Vancouver and Whistler in the summer months…Do the rental companies allow their vehicles to cross the Canadian Border?

    Reply
    • Hi John – Sounds like an awesome trip! Escape Campervans is your best bet. Escape has locations in Canada (and the most likely to allow), but I’m not sure about crossing the borders into Canada from the US locations. I recommend reaching out to them with your question and I’m sure they will be in touch! Happy travels!

      Reply
  2. Wow I was about to cancel my flights and ditch my travel plans but thanks to you I am now going to rent a van for 2 weeks and travel solo.

    Need to get away from everything and spend some time connecting with nature and myself.

    Highly suggest the $80 annual pass for parks btw!!

    Reply
    • Woot! Sounds awesome! A 2-week campervan adventure will be amazing. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful trip!

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  3. How current are the prices listed in this article, which is very good, by the way. Thanks for all the good information.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Will! 🙂

      This article is updated on a regular basis and we keep the pricing as current as possible. That said, definitely always double-check pricing and quotes because campervan rental companies can change their pricing and policies at any time. Cheers

      Reply
  4. Loved the article, thank you! It’s awesome there are so many great camper vans available for rent! We totally would have done that before we bought ours if we could have!

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  5. I agree that ample living space would be an important things to look for in adventure van rentals. I plan to take my kids on long road trips while they’re still young and not too busy with school work yet. As such, having a lot of room for them during such road trip would ensure their comfort.

    Reply
  6. Thanks for this! Very helpful! We are looking for a campervan for three adults and we are starting in San Diego and finishing in San Francisco. Thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • Haha, exactly! Renting a camper van is an especially great way to travel with COVID happening right now.

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  7. My husband and I are interested in a van for just the two of us, probably around mid may for 10 days. Pickup near San Jose or San Francisco ariport. Can you head us in the right direction or give us some options .

    Reply
    • Hi Kimberlee, The camper van companies with locations based in San Francisco are Escape, Travellers Autobarn, and Aiyre Pacific (see the info and links in the article above). You can also find a camper van from a private renter via Outdoorsy. You can read more about pricing, policies, and everything included in rentals in this article, and then head over to their respective sites when you’re ready to book. Happy planning and hope you have a great trip!

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  8. Dear Sir or Madam,

    I am interested in booking a vehicle from you for 28 days in July 2019.

    This is for my wife and me.
    However, we have two friends coming with us who will sleep in a tent throughout our trip.

    I would like to ask if there is a vehicle for 2 persons (sleep), but with space for four people on the road?

    Thank you very much for your support and I am looking forward to meeting you next year!

    Yours faithfully,

    Alexander Schurr

    Reply
    • Hello Alexander, while we write all about campervans, camping, and beach life for our website, Lush Palm, we are not a campervan rental company ourselves 🙂

      However, in this article, there are direct links to all the campervan rental companies we recommend so you can contact any of them directly and they’ll more than happy to help you with a rental.

      Thanks for visiting Lush Palm and we hope you have an awesome trip!

      Cheers

      Reply
  9. Thanks for the helpful article! Do you have a recommendation for a family of four wanting a simple camper van to travel from San Francisco to Seattle? One way, wandering our way up the coast for the month of August…

    Reply
    • Hi Megan,

      Happy you found the article helpful! Sounds like a wonderful family trip! For your needs of traveling one way from SF to Seattle, I would recommend Escape Campervans because they have offices in both locations, which makes it convenient for pick-up and dropoff. You can read more about their campervans and pricing here.

      Have a great trip and happy travels!

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  10. Agree with the above comments, this was incredibly helpful, thankyou for posting.

    Hoping you could provide some more insight if possible. Was wondering if you had any advice on the most cost effective option for a solo traveller doing a two week trip?

    Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Hi Christian, thanks for the feedback and glad you found the article helpful!
      If you’re looking to rent a campervan then Jucy is probably your most cost effective option. But then you have to factor in campsite fees which can add up. You can look for few ‘rest stops’ that allow free overnight stays and plot a few of those into your plans to save some money. Another option would be to just rent a cheap car and tent camp at the more budget friendly campsites. Good luck and we’d love to hear back about what you end up doing! Safe travels.

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  11. Hello there
    I am searching for caravan for rent in California starting from 24th of August until 16th of September for eight passengers that we can travel in the coast of California and we all one family and one child with seven adults

    if you have that you can contact me please and how much is the cost and all details about this kind of car thank you very much and have a nice day

    Reply
    • Hello Khalid,

      We write about campervans and beach life on Lush Palm, but we don’t actually rent them out ourselves 🙂 !

      In the article, you can find information and pricing for 6 companies that rent out campervans, as well as links to all of their websites for more information and bookings. Hope you have an awesome trip!

      Happy travels!

      Reply
  12. Loved your article about 6 camper vans
    Very well written

    Please enlighten me , you said about the rv motorhomes , some special drivers license required

    I’ve never heard of a requirement like that for motorhomes in the USA

    Please give details of what you are saying

    I can find no verification of that
    Actually I find the opposite

    Thanks !

    Reply
    • Hi William,

      So glad you enjoyed the article! Licensing for driving motor homes varies from state to state, but basically, very large RVs require a special license in some states. For smaller RVs, no special license is required. In California, motor homes over 40′ but not longer than 45′ require non-commercial Class B. Trailers over 10,000 lb GVWR and fifth wheels over 15,000 lb GVWR require non-commercial Class A. Here’s a link to the California DMV for more info: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/dl648/dl648pt2

      Hope this clears up any confusion! Happy travels!

      Reply