25 Coolest Campervan Rentals in California

Renting a campervan in California is sure to be an unforgettable journey. Maybe you’re on a California road trip headed for the jagged cliffs of Big Sur. Or maybe you’re making your way towards the towering sequoia trees of Yosemite National Park.

Wherever your trip takes you, you’ll be glad that you’re exploring California from the comforts of a home on wheels.

But how exactly do you find a campervan or RV rental in California, and what are some of your best options?

How to Find a Campervan Rental in California

Renting a camper in California is fairly easy, you just have to know where to start! Once you have the logistics figured out, you’ll be on the open road in no time.

While you’re probably familiar with booking flights and hotels online, knowing where to rent a camper might leave you scratching your head. Thankfully, there are services that make renting a camper a piece of cake.

Outdoorsy is one of those rental companies.

With thousands of rentals available throughout the US, Canada and the United Kingdom, Outdoorsy has become the most comprehensive website for finding an RV or campervan. Owners list their vehicle directly on the site, and you can rent them if they’re available!

Besides having one of the largest collections of cool and cozy camper vans, Outdoorsy also lists every type of motorhome you can imagine, including fifth wheelers, Class A, B and C RVs, and even toy haulers. From glitzy marble-counter topped Winnebagos to simple, efficient travel trailers, Outdoorsy has a rental for every type of traveler and budget.

Think of Outdoorsy as the Airbnb for campervans, where renters connect directly with the owners to book the best possible vehicle for their journey.

To learn more, click here to read my full Outdoorsy review or get started and use the form below to search for RVs and campervans in California.

Campervan vs RV Rentals in California

Before we dive any further into road tripping in an RV rental, let’s first discuss the differences between vehicle types. When it comes to motorhomes, there a quite a few terms floating around.

An RV (otherwise known as a recreational vehicle) is a broad term widely used to describe any type of motor vehicle that comes equipped with home amenities.

Depending on your budget, the amenities can range anywhere from a small living space with a peep-hole window to a luxurious apartment on wheels with all the bells and whistles.

To take things one step further, RVs can be broken down into several categories:

Motorhomes come in a variety of shapes and sizes but are often built on top of a truck or bus chassis. They are completely self-contained vehicles with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and sometimes even a dining and living room.

The largest motorhomes are classified as Class A, while the smaller, efficient motorhomes are called Class C. Generally speaking, the term RV is used to refer to the type of vehicle pictured below.

Campervans, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more compact. There is usually a bed, a small cooking area and maybe a bathroom—think classic 1960s Volkswagen Westfalia (yes, the brightly colored ones with pop-up tops), and you’ll get the gist of the campervan shape.

Compared to motorhomes, campervans have all the necessary basics, fit into smaller parking spots and are easier to drive.

Maybe you’re not the world’s best parallel parker, or maybe you’re just looking for something that’s easier to maneuver on the highway. If that’s the case, then a campervan is more for you.

And it gets even more complicated from there! You’ve also got:

• Camper trailers
• Fifth-wheel trailers
• Popup campers
• Truck campers

Navigating the world of RVs can be complicated (see what I did there?), but in this article, I’m going to keep it simple and focus mostly on motorhomes and campervans with a few trailers and campers mixed in.

If that doesn’t work for you, though, Outdoorsy lets you filter by whatever kind of RV you want!

How Much Does it Cost to Rent Campervans in California?

Not only is renting a camper more fun than spending all day sitting in a hotel, but it can also be more cost-efficient. The cost of California campervan hire will vary drastically, but you should expect to spend anywhere between $80/night to $250 or more depending on a variety of factors.

Amenities

The biggest cost associated with renting a California campervan will depend on how big and pimped out you want your ride to be. As a rule of thumb, a newer, larger, more extravagant vehicle will obviously cost a lot more cash than a camper with basic necessities.

While it may seem like an awesome idea to cruise up and down the Californian coast with a high-tech entertainment system, washer and dryer, and luxury bedding, it might not make the most sense economically. After all, your camper is simply a platform to explore the wilderness and outdoors.

Campervan or RV Size

Not only does the size of your vehicle affect the rental cost, but it also impacts the level of comfort. Cramming five or six surfing buddies into an Airstream Trailer might not make for a very enjoyable or pleasant trip.

On the other hand, a couple looking to explore the national parks will probably not need a fully-equipped motorhome with multiple bathrooms.

If you’re traveling with a group of friends, then keep in mind that you’ll likely all be sharing the same space for a long period of time.

If you don’t want to be breathing down each other’s necks or bumping shoulders the entire ride, then think about renting an RV with separate bedrooms or dividers between beds.

Although you’ll be forking over more cash for a larger vehicle, you’ll also have more bodies to split the bill with.

Duration and Timing of Your Trip

Just like flights or hotels, the cost of renting a campervan in California will fluctuate depending on the demand.

Summer is one of the busiest (and most expensive) times to rent a campervan. The sun is shining, the kids are off school, and the demand is high for booking outdoor vacations. Try and book your rental as far in advance as you can in order to snag the type of camper you want without shelling out too much cash.

Some California RV rentals and camper hires also offer discounts if you plan on booking a vehicle for an extended period of time. For example, you might save 10% off the nightly fee when booking for a week, or 20% off the nightly rate when booking for a month.

Don’t Forget Food and Gas!

Although the daily rental rate might be affordable, don’t forget to take into consideration any extra charges.

Due to the sheer size and weight of most RVs, it should come as no surprise that they tend to guzzle more gas than your average car. Don’t forget that most owners will want their RV returned with a full tank of gas, as well.

The number of miles you rack up on the odometer might also incur an extra charge. While there is usually a set number of miles included per day, read the fine print to see if there is an extra fee (anywhere from $0.25-$0.75 per mile) for going over the allotted amount.

Besides the rental price, you will also probably have to add taxes, pay a cleaning fee and put down a security deposit.

Do I Need a Driver’s License to Rent a Campervan in California?

One of the first questions that might pop into your head before renting a campervan or RV is, “Am I actually allowed to drive this thing?”

The short answer is yes. As long as you have a valid United States driver’s license, you don’t need any sort of special license to rent a camper in California.

The only condition where you’ll need a special license to rent a campervan in California is if the vehicle is over 26,000 pounds.

Thankfully, the majority of RVs and campervans are way under that limit, clocking in around an average of 8,000 to 12,000 pounds.

Now that we’ve gone over the logistics of how to rent an RV, let’s dive into the coolest, most exciting rentals you can find in California.

Campervan Rental in Los Angeles, California

With endless hours of warm sunshine, white sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters, there’s no place quite like Los Angeles. Although tourists flock to the City of Angels for amusement parks and celebrities sightings, renting a campervan in Los Angeles and escaping the bustling city will allow you to explore the state’s vast, sprawling landscape.

Here are some of the best Los Angeles-based RV hires in California.

1. 1977 Volkswagen Westfalia

You can’t get any more Californian than a classic 1977 Volkswagen Westfalia. Perfect for your trip to outside the big city, this vintage caravan will bring out your true surfer spirit. It’s certainly one of the best RV rentals Los Angeles, California has to offer.

Painted a bright, candy yellow and decked out with a kitchen sink, fridge and stovetop, you’ll be able to spend your entire trip listening to the crashing waves of the ocean from your Los Angeles campervan hire in California.

2. 2018 Dodge ProMaster

For all the top amenities built right into a compact campervan, rent a 2018 Dodge ProMaster. On this road trip, fall asleep on your memory foam queen-size bed or cook a gourmet meal with a built-in gas stove and oven.

In true Californian fashion, the ProMaster comes with solar panels, so you can help save the planet while venturing beyond Los Angeles in your California campervan rental.

3. Model V Mercedes Winnebago

Go on a road trip with a top of the line Mercedes Winnebago. It might not look like much from the outside, but the interior is incredibly sleek and swanky, complete with leather seats. You’ll be riding in style as you head out of Los Angeles in your extravagant California RV rental.

There’s no need to stay in an opulent hotel when your RV comes with a full bathroom (and shower), kitchen and bedroom.

4. 1987 Solar Dodge Van

The 1987 Solar Dodge provides all the comforts of home without breaking the bank. Perfect for camping on the edge of the Mojave Desert on a road trip to Joshua Tree, this Los Angeles campervan rental has all the necessities for a weekend in the outdoors.

You’ll also have a fully stocked kitchen with all the cookware and cutlery needed for a warm meal. The RV also comes with an Igloo ice cooler, so you can have your cold beers at your side at all times (except when driving, obviously!).

5. 2008 Ford E150 Custom Camper

Why go to Coachella and camp in the middle of a thousand sweaty music lovers when you can relax in the privacy of your own campervan? Trade in your tent for a comfortable mattress, couch, and electricity to help you unwind after a long day at the festival.

You’ll be off the ground and away from the natural elements, so you can feel well-rested and refreshed all weekend. This Custom Ford E150 Camper has all the amenities and storage you need for the weekend, and all your friends will be jealous. The owners have truly made the most of limited space, and you’ll be surprised by how roomy this thing actually is!

It’s ready to go with all the bedding and cookware you need, so you can save some money on food by coming back to your camper during the festival to cook (and maybe even take a little nap while you’re at it).

6. 2018 Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Elevate your California road trip camping experience by renting the compact Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Built for adventure, this campervan comes equipped with sleeping bags, a collapsible camp kitchen, and even a TV!

Additionally, you can rent kayaks, stand up paddleboards, mountain bikes, and even motorcycles to bring on your road trip. Now you can finally fulfill your dream of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway!

7. 2021 Custom 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

This brand new Sprinter van is one of the nicest affordable campervan options in the LA area (LA? Affordable? I know). It comfortably sleeps two adults and comes with built-in kitchen, cooking utensils, and fresh linens. 

It’s decked out with all modern finishes, and boasts all the storage and amenities you could need! It even has a great top deck for stargazing (one of my favorite parts of camping)!

The queen size bed converts into a spacious seating area where you can work, play, and eat during the day.

8. 2020 Mercedes Sprinter Winnebago Revel 4×4

This sporty Mercedes Sprinter is perfect for a road trip up or down the California coast, and although it looks a little lackluster on the outside, its interior is anything but. 

Tons of floor space gives way to a small kitchen, a table, a fold-down bed, and even a bathroom. The retractable awning will give you some shade from the hot Californian sun while you pause to take in your surroundings!

Campervan Rental San Francisco, California

With some of the most iconic landmarks in the whole state, there’s a good chance you’ll want to spend some time in San Francisco before your start your California road trip.

After you’ve had the opportunity to explore everything the City by the Bay has to offer, find a campervan rental in San Francisco and hit the road!

Spend your road trip adventuring in style in one of the following campervan rentals in San Francisco.

9. 2019 Dodge Ram ProMaster

This beautiful, wood-finished ProMaster is the perfect Instagram-photo-worthy van. Explore all the wonders NorCal has to offer, while feeling just as woodsy and calm inside as you do outside.

It is outfitted with two 100 W solar panels and a 12V 100 AH battery, so you’ll never run our of power, even when you’re cruising way out of the city.

There’s plenty of standing room as well as ample storage and a sun deck to hang out on.

10. 1997 Converted Ford Econoline 150

You don’t need to venture far out of San Francisco in order to enjoy the California wilderness. Take this converted Ford Econoline a few minutes out of the city center to Candlestick RV Park or San Francisco RV Resort and soak in the San Francisco skyline without being overrun by tourists.

The privacy screens and queen size memory foam mattress guarantee that you’ll get a full night’s sleep—one of the best things about sleeping in a campervan in California!

11. 1984 Volkswagen Westfalia

Channel your bohemian spirit by buzzing your way out of San Francisco in this retrofitted 1984 Volkswagen Westfalia. There’s a compact kitchen and even the opportunity to rent a few extras, like a camp stove and camping chairs so you can have dinner al fresco.

The pop-up top and rear fold-down bench also sleep up to four people, so grab a couple of friends and chill out to some groovy tunes as you boogie out into the wilderness.

12. Ford E350 Custom Camper

This 2007 Ford E350 Camper may be compact, but it has been completely customized to fit all of your adventure needs.

Besides being versatile and efficient, this campervan fits everything you need for a week on the road, and then some. Plus everything is decked out in fun bohemian designs!

The amenities are basic and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be comfortable but don’t need all the bells and whistles.

13. YOSHI: 4×4 Sportsmobile Pop-Top

Imagine watching the fog roll in while you watch the sun set from this 4×4 Sportsmobile Pop-Top. This white van may look ordinary from the outside, but it’s bursting with color and amenities once you open the back doors.

Because of its stealthy appearance, you can park it pretty much anywhere. It’s also built for off-roading, so you’ll be able to get as far off the beaten path as you like. The penthouse roof has mesh windows for the perfect cross-breeze, and the heater next to the bed is perfect for colder evenings.

14. 16′ Retro Riverside Trailer

This easy-tow retro travel trailer has a cozy interior perfect for hosting, relaxing, and sleeping.

It has a lift package for off-road and and even has solar power to keep you powered while off grid (and also had hookups for shore power).

It is equipped with a shower and toilet for maximum comfort, and can sleep up to 3 people. The trailer even offers heating and cooling to keep you and your company comfortable. A toilet and sink provide convenience while on the road.

Leveling jacks ensure you have a comfortable stay, even if the area you’re camping in has uneven ground.

Campervan Rentals in Northern California

California has the most national parks out of any state in the US, so it’s no wonder that exploring the outdoors is a top priority for many travelers. You can find a handful of diverse landscapes and parks just in Northern California, from the cascading waterfalls in Yosemite and the sprawling Lake Tahoe, to the molten, volcanic terrain of Lassen.

A campervan rental in Northern California is the ultimate way to see the serene, majestic beauty of the national parks. Wake up to the rustling leaves and chirping birds every morning with one of these RVs.

15. Fully Converted Tahoe Sprinter Van

Make the most of your road trip with this professionally built Sprinter van located in Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re circumnavigating the lake, headed out to the Redwoods, or making your way down to Yosemite, this Sprinter has you covered.

With unlimited mileage, it’s cost efficient for those longer trips, and even gets decent gas mileage for a van (avg. 18-20 mpg)!

This beautiful campervan comfortable sleeps two on its convertible bed, and can seat up to 8 people inside with the couch and two swivel seats (perfect for those buggy nights).

Enjoy a 20 gallon fresh water tank for all the cooking, cleaning, and showering you need (a convenient outdoor shower hookup is perfect post-lake day).

16. 2022 Winnebago Solis PX

This Fully Converted Winnebago is a great option for those wanting to try out van life. This beautiful build features the comforts of a luxury van with a comfortable feel.

Seat and sleep 4 friends in this Class B van, and come back from your adventures to two sleeping areas—one upper and one lower. They also provide a fully stocked kitchen and a refrigerator to hold all your perishables for those coveted end-of-day camp meals.

17. 2019 Four Wheel Campers Hawk

If you prefer the idea of traditional camping but still love the benefits of an RV’s amenities, then trek through the Northern Californian parks with 2019 Four Wheel Campers Hawk.

With a long-range 40-gallon fuel tank, built-in GPS, and a TRD off-road package (and even studded snow tires in the winter), this bad boy can literally go anywhere. When the sun sets, pop the top and admire the forests and trees around you in peace.

This Toyota Tundra also comes with 20 gallons of water, a fridge, a two-burner stove and a heater so you stay comfortable.

18. 25′ Airstream Safari

Have you always dreamed of staying in a beautiful Airstream? Well, you may have just met your perfect adventure companion.

This 25′ 2002 Airstream Safari sports a gorgeous, remodeled interior with all the comforts of a little home on wheels. Featuring 3 beds, a couch, dining area, and kitchen amenities, you’ll have everything you need to both entertain and rest.

Best of all? They even offer a stress-free delivery service up to 75 miles from the Redding area.

19. 2022 Four Wheel Campers Hawk Flatbed

If you’re looking for an off-road vehicle that’s a match for any adventure you may take it on, try out this brand new truck camper.

This beautiful modern camper is sure to turn heads while driving through Northern California. Located in Truckee, CA it is the perfect opportunity to do some adventuring around the Lake Tahoe area and beyond.

Fully equipped with a kitchen, dining and sleeping area, and and indoor/outdoor shower, you can ditch the campsites and really go off grid. If you’re the kind of adventurer who like seeing where the next dirt road will take you, this might just be the vehicle for you.

Campervans Rental Sacramento, California

Although it’s just a stone’s throw away from San Francisco, Sacramento is a fascinating city full of history and culture. Thanks to Sacramento’s proximity to major landmarks and monuments, California’s capital city has evolved to attract a variety of travelers and visitors.

After spending some time here, grab an RV rental in Sacramento and head out on the open road to see some of the best sites in California!

20. 2021 29′ Keystone RV

One queen size bed, a convertible dinette, pull out sofa, and four twin bunks offer enough sleeping room for nine people in this RV—perfect for group road trips!

AC and heating guarantees comfort for you and your crew any month of the year. Plus, plenty of outlets will power all your electronics on your trip!

An outdoor awning provides shade for those sunny days, and a TV gives you hotel luxury right from your campground. You also have a full kitchen with everything you could need to whip up a great meal for your family and friends.

21. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

While Sacramento is a great starting point for a road trip, you might be driving several hours a day in your campervan. For a smooth, economy-efficient ride, drive through California in “The Zion,” a luxury campervan with unlimited mileage.

With top of the line amenities such as a fully enclosed indoor shower, RV toilet, and outlets to power your electronics, you can go fully off-grid.

22. 2011 Mercedes Sprinter

Whether you have kids or whether you’re simply a kid at heart, you’ll love soaking in the Californian sun off the top of this Mercedes Sprinter rooftop deck.

Park overlooking the coast and climb to the top to enjoy the unique views right from your own RV. This child-friendly vehicle is one of the best RV rentals in California for families since it comes with a latch for a child seat.

23. 2019 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Trailer

If you have your own pick-up truck, then hook up this fully equipped Forest River trailer to elevate your road trip. During the day, you can eat at the dining room table after cooking on the built-in stovetop.

At night, the dining room table converts to another bed, which means you could comfortably sleep eight adults altogether.

The best part about the trailer is that it comes with unlimited miles, so you can journey wherever your heart desires.

24. 1988 Volkswagen Westfalia

With bright, open windows, the Westfalia is the perfect campervan for sightseeing through Sacramento. Not only do you have all the kitchen amenities and equipment at your disposal, but there’s also enough room to fit four full-grown adults.

The Westfalia can fit in any normal parking spot, which makes it easier than ever to find a home base in a city.

25. 2020 Thor Motor Coach

This luxurious 2020 Thor Motor Coach may seem inconspicuous from the outside, but with living and sleeping space for three people, and seating for up to six, this van is a spacious adventure van for your group.

Not only does this campervan come with a full kitchen, but it also has a shower and toilet. It has all the great perks of an RV without the bulk.

A dinette conversion creates room for a dining and sleeping area for up to three people!

Now that you’re fully prepared to hit the road in one of the aforementioned campervans in California, you’ll have all the best sites, parks and landscapes at your fingertips.

When you rent a campervan in California, take the time to enjoy the scenery outside your windows, the friends that keep you company and the beautiful landscape surrounding you.

You’re road tripping across California—that’s the American dream, after all.

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