van tourist country

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Disneyland Resort
• Ka La’I Wakiki Beach
• Kalamazoo Grill
• Raffles Hotels & Resorts
• Tributary Idaho
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

The 16 Best Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

Now you can experience #vanlife in comfort and style..

Senior Staff Writer

Bryan Hood's Most Recent Stories

Mclaren’s next supercar is coming next month, one of the most powerful jaguars of all time is up for auction right now, a german tuner just gave the ferrari purosangue a wild makeover.

• Share This Article

The first years of this decade have already provided ample evidence that it’s important to get away from our daily lives from time to time.  And you don’t have to suffer the airport hordes or step foot on a plane to do so. We currently find ourselves in something of a golden age for luxury trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing many, and in some cases any, of the comforts of home. And now, there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated conversion shops giving the same treatment to vans and other similar vehicles. They may not be able to sleep as many people as their hulking cousins—with one key exception—but these all-in-one wonders come loaded with perks such as high-end kitchens, Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia systems, and plush beds. Plus, their relatively smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park. Below are 16 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Best overall: airstream atlas, best for off-roading: jayco terrain, best for weekend getaways: volkswagen california, best for off-the-grid trips: winnebago solis, best for cyclists: outside van tails, best for camping (anywhere): storyteller overland beast mode 4×4, best to live in: loki expeditions discovery series, best all-electric option: tonke eqv.

• Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl

Best With a Bathroom and Shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Best for $50,000: caravan outfitter free bird, best comeback: westfalia wave, best for families: winnebago boldt, best for winter road trips: sportsmobile sprinter 4×4, best conversion: boho old faithful, best for diy couples: ford transit trail.

Sometimes bigger really is better. Just ask Airstream, whose range of camper vans, or touring coaches as the brand calls them, is topped by the Atlas. Yes, it’s a van, but it has all the space and features you’d expect to find in a much larger RV thanks to its unique power slide-out section that isn’t available on the also-excellent Interstate 24X. There’s only one floorplan to choose from—the Murphy Suite—but it has everything you could need including a pull-down Murphy bed, couch, kitchenette, closet, and large residential-style bathroom with a standalone toilet and shower. The Mercedes-based vehicle may sleep fewer people than some of the other entries on this list—it’s designed for two, although there’s room to entertain more—but the trade-off is an unusual amount of comfort for the class. This will come in handy for short trips, of course, but especially if you and yours are planning to spend some serious time on the road.

Special Features: —The power slide-out section means there is plenty of room for both rest and relaxation. —Pull-down Murphy bed and large bathroom allow you to really bring home on the road.

Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream, it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new  Terrain  model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

Special Features: —Equipped with Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a heavy-duty tow hitch. —Kitchenette can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

Volkswagen has shown over the years that it knows a thing or two about building a solid camping van. The latest iteration of the California may not be a classic Microbus, but it’s the next best thing currently out there. The stylish van may not look all that big, but VW has turned it into a versatile mini-RV thanks, in no small part, to its roof-mounted pop-up tent. Just as important, though, is the ultra-flexible passenger cabin which is surprisingly well-stocked considering its size. Five different interior layouts are available—Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean— making this van an option for basically every kind of camper out there.

Special Features: —Five layout options make the vehicle well-suited to almost every kind of camper. —Pop-up roof tent means that going to bed requires minimal fuss.

The Winnebago Solis is for adventurers who don’t want to be confined to the campground. The van is available with an optional power kit that has everything a group of up to four adults needs to spend a few days off-the-grid. The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. On top of that, the van features a kitchenette, a convertible entertainment area with room for a double bed, and a full-width wet bath.

Special Features: —A unique power kit that can provide enough power to spend up to 72 hours off the grid. —Still has all the features you’d expect from a luxe camper van, including a full-width wet bath.

If you like to mix biking and camping, Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brand’s  Tails  model is a camper van designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a roll-over sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle that’s basically an on-the-go bicycle repair shop, with a fold-down work table, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn’t enough, it somehow has room for six bikes, even when the bed is laid out for the night.

Special Features: —The back of the van is basically a bicycle-repair shop with a fold-down table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools. —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeping area is out.

This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure van. The  Beast Mode 4×4  is the outfit’s most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you may have guessed from the company’s name). It’s a true 4×4 powered by a 188 hp turbodiesel V-6 that’s strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its slick retro-style livery is offset with loads of useful off-roading gear, too, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and a side ladder and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to relax after a day of exploring, including a cushy lounge that can be converted to a full-size sleeping area. There’s even a climate-control system to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather outside. It’s priced at a flat $198,746, for everything listed above.

Special Features: —Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow 5,000 extra pounds. —Surprisingly cushy lounge for an off-roading beast.

Let’s get this out of the way: the Loki Expeditions Discovery Series isn’t technically a camper van. It’s a giant expedition vehicle, but because its cabin is installed directly onto a heavy-duty truck chassis you also don’t need anything to tow it. The vehicle’s cabin is what separates it from anything else on this list. Loki Expeditions has turned a shipping container—yes, you read that right—into a full-featured living space that has all the amenities you’d expect to find in a luxury apartment, including a full kitchen with a large fridge, an entertainment area with a U-shaped banquet, and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It’s also big enough to sleep six adults, with room for two in the dedicated bedroom and four in the entertainment area. And because the heavy-duty vehicle, which starts at $550,000, has all-wheel drive, you can take it practically anywhere.

Special Features: —Cabin has all the features you’d expect to find in a well-appointed apartment and can sleep six adults. —Built on a burly heavy-duty truck chassis that gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path.

Looking for an EV you can take to the campground. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size—it’s smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter—Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to outfit it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a workspace along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two more, too). Best of all, there are two variants available—the Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and the Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

Special Features: —Fully electronic power train means you won’t have to worry about filling up the tank (though the battery is another story). —Can sleep up to four even despite its relatively compact size.

Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl 

The Tecrawl isn’t a camper van per se, but it’s hard to leave something this cool off a list like this. Terracamper’s latest offering is based on one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary vehicles, the G-Wagen . The German shop has dreamed up a modular accessory kit for the luxury 4×4, that starts at $11,900 and includes a roof-mounted tent, a convertible sofa, and a pull-out kitchenette with a fridge box. Thanks to the ingenious setup, the boxy SUV can sleep up to three and act as your home base next time you want to rough it for the weekend. And because it’s a G-Wagen you can take it as far off-road as you want.

Special Features: —A G-Wagen but has room for up to three people to sleep. —Packs a brawny powertrain that’s well-suited for off-road adventures.

Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the  Sanctuary , the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, a dual-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven and a fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

Special Features: —Full-featured bathroom has a sink, a shower and a toilet. —Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

Caravan Outfitter’s third-generation Free Bird isn’t the most feature-laden camper van out there, but it has everything you and the family need to spend a weekend (or more) at the campground. The van, which starts at $50,810, is built on the relatively compact Ford Transit Connect platform but still has room for a full-size bed, a multi-purpose table that can be used as a dinette or workstation, and a pull-out kitchenette with a sink. Because it’s smaller than other options on this list, it only has room to sleep two, but there are several enticing add-ons, including roof- and rear-mounted capsule tents, in case you’re traveling group includes more people.

Special Features: —It’s the rare camper van that’s small enough to be comfortably parked inside your garage. —Caravan Outfitters offers several intriguing add-ons so you customize it to your liking.

After a two-decade absence, famed German (and French-owned) camper maker Westfalia has returned to the U.S. The company’s first new stateside model is the Wave, a Ram Promaster 3500-based van stocked with luxury amenities and plenty of room for your travel party. The Wave stretches 20.7 feet bumper-to-bumper and Westfalia has done everything it can to maximize the space. The cabin has everything you could need, including a kitchen with an island extension and a full wet bath with a stand-up shower. Its most impressive feature may be its many sleeping areas, though. The rear seating can be converted into a queen-size bed and the dinette into a double mattress. There is also a roof-mounted pop-up tent with room for two. It may not be based on a Volkswagen, but the Wave is still almost as “Westy” as they come.

Special Features: —The spacious interior includes a kitchen with an island extension that makes meal prep that much easier. —The van’s 20.7-foot length means there’s enough room to sleep up to six adults.

Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe  Boldt . Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior decor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready  Revel.

Special Features: —Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there’s plenty of room for you and yours. —Enough space for dedicated entertaining and sleeping areas.

Take one look at  Sportsmobile’s Sprinter 4×4  and it’s clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit’s stripped-down take on Mercedes’s ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the toughest terrain. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a full-featured kitchen. If you want even more room, you can also opt for a pop-up sleeping area that’ll make it that much easier to lounge in comfort.

Special Features: —Well insulated throughout, but also has space for a propane furnace or heater. — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive mean it can take on any terrain.

Struggling to find a camper van that’s just right? Boho might be able to help. The Arizona-based company specializes in conversions and will work with you to create the vehicle of your dreams. The company offers several 20- to 24-foot layouts—of which the most popular is the appropriately named Old Faithful—that can be further tailored to meet your needs, whether your priority is multi-season versatility, lots of cooking space, or spending serious amounts of time on the road. The company also offers plenty of cool add-ons too, like wood paneling and flooring.

Special Features: —Versatile layouts that can be further customized so that you’re getting the exact van you want. —The wooden interior option looks better than it has any right to.

Ford’s ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter off its perch. The Detroit giant unveiled its own camper van, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van but is taller, wider and outfitted with protective body cladding. It’s also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the camper van of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a slew of features that will come in handy at the campground, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves, a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It also available in three body configurations—medium-roof, standard length; high-roof, standard length; and high-roof, extended length—one of which should fit your needs.

Special Features: —It’s basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper. —Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.

Read More On:

• Mercedes-Benz

This New Coffee Table Book Explores the Lines Between Captivating Cars and Great Architecture

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Cars

The Powerful 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 in Photos

‘Carchitecture USA—American Houses with Horsepower’ in Photos

More from our brands, kamala harris accessorizes with symbolism in tiffany and co. necklace and pearl earrings for arizona campaign rally, wada seeks suspension for sinner’s failed drug test, ‘snl’ takes on ‘brat’ summer with charli xcx-themed talk show as bowen yang plays ‘brat or nat’, christie’s first 21st century day sale at new hong kong hq sees middling results, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Van Life Guide for Beginners: Traveling Around the United States in a Campervan

Written By Bastian Graf

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we have you covered. We’ve put together a full guide covering do’s and don’ts, great tips, and expert recommendations for traveling around the United States by road.

Download the full guide here

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we...

Here’s what you can find in this Guide:

1. Best Campervan Rentals

• Campervans or Conversion Vans

2. Tips for Campervan Travel 

Plan Out Your Route

Be prepared on the road, must-have travel apps.

• Campervan/Minivan Maintenance

Campervanning = Minimalism so Pack Smart

3. Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on Your Campervan Trip

4. Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips To Consider

5. Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the US

6. Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Take Selfies

Go Stargazing

• Watch the Sunsets

Best Campervan Rentals

Fridge vs. no fridge – lots of space vs. not so much space – proper campervan vs. minivan … decisions decisions decisions.

Renting a car or campervan for the first time can be pretty daunting, and with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on what’s the best van is for you. Read on for top tips and expert advice on how to find the right vehicle for you.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• What am I most comfortable driving?
• How many people are in my group?
• What is my overall budget for this road trip?
• Do I prefer to sleep in a vehicle or a tent?

Answering those simple questions will help you to decide between renting a campervan or minivan.

Minivan Rentals

These dependable vehicles are cheap, reliable, and, most importantly, easy to pick up all over the country. We recommend minivans for:

• Travelers who are happy to fold down the seats and throw a mattress in the back of the van.  Packing a tent is also an option.
• Travelers on a budget – minivans are cheaper vehicles to run than campervans or RVs .
• Groups of people who are traveling together (this is a great way to save on the cost of fuel)
• People who are planning to mix it up between camping and staying in hotels .

Campervan Rentals

The perfect vehicle for groups of two who are planning on living on the road, experiencing the van life, for the length of their road trip.

We recommend campervans for:

• People who have a bigger budget to spend on a vehicle
• Travelers who prefer their home comforts such as the fridge, kitchen sink, and gas stove.
• Travelers who are planning on sleeping in their vehicle every night, and are looking for a little more room.
• Travelers who are considering van living as a lifestyle

*Bonus – Some campervans have solar panels!  Having solar panels means you have less of a need to stay at a powered campsite to recharge the batteries for your fridge & lights!

Still not sure what vehicle to rent? Check out our articles  6 Reasons to Rent a Minivan for your Next Road Trip and  6 Reasons Renting a Campervan is the Best Way to Travel the USA .

Tips for Campervan Travel

Traveling around in a campervan is a brand new experience to many people, so we thought we’d put together some tips to ensure that your trip around the USA with Travelers Autobarn is the ultimate, stress-free road trip!

The United States is vast, and you won’t be the first road tripper to look at Google Maps and underestimate how long it will take you to drive from one place to another. But, while you still want to keep some degree of spontaneity in your trip, it’s ideal to have a rough idea of where you want to travel to, the route you want to take, and how long it will take you to get there. If you are going through larger cities, try to avoid rush hour traffic, or you may get delayed for hours.

Have a rough plan of where you want to go, your must-see sites, and where you plan to stay each night will help you stay on budget, be more relaxed, and have a more enjoyable trip. Bring a map of the United States too!  You never know when you may hit a stretch of highway without services, so be prepared!

*Bonus – when you rent a campervan RV or minivan from Travellers Autobarn USA, all of our vehicles come with FREE UNLIMITED MILES ! So even if you detour from your original plan, we have you covered!

Food & Water

The hotter it is, the more water you need.  You don’t want to get stuck in Death Valley National Park without water!

It’s also crucial that you pack some non-perishable food to keep you going should you break down – think cereal bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Try to avoid snacking on salty snacks – it’s just going to make you even thirstier and could speed up dehydration.

Weather – Know the forecast!

Knowing the weather forecast is extremely important!  Depending on the time of year and what parts of the country you plan to campervan through, Mother Nature may have a different plan for your road trip.  Winter months can bring on harsh temperatures, slippery roads, high winds, and road closures. Knowing ahead of time can save you from having to turn around or from being stuck in a stressful situation.

In some parts of the United States, you will need to be aware of hurricane season and pay attention to tornado warnings.  The Weather Channel app is a great way to check the forecasts before you set off on the open road each day.

Our flexible drop-offs and unlimited miles are extra helpful in these situations. Don’t be in a rush!

*Bonus – For more tips on winter travel, check out our Van Life Guide to Winter Road Trips in a Campervan .

Avoid unsealed roads

Although many of the highways and roads in the United States are in good condition, you may end up on a gravel or dirt road.

If you have rented a campervan or car from one of the big cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco (to name a few), then you might find that the insurance policy you took out does not cover you when you are driving on unsealed or unpaved roads. Make sure you read the small print.

When you’re driving, be aware that collisions with these animals are frequent, as well as cows and other animals, particularly at nighttime, dawn, or dusk. If you are pulling a night shift at the wheel, then try to ensure that the passenger next to you stays awake and alert to help you watch out for any animals on the road.

And please don’t try and take a selfie with or pet the wild animals!  Not only is it against the law in certain parts of the country, but it is dangerous and could result in serious injuries or even death.

Boondocking – Dry Camping – Wild Camping

Solar panels come in very handy when you need to dry camp.  If you are running out of steam and need to pull over in the middle of the night, or you can’t find a campground for the night, make sure you are in an area that allows the campervan to be parked.  If you are in or near a larger city, it should be reasonably easy to find a Walmart, gas station, or truck stop that will allow you to use the parking lot for the night. Make sure it is 24-hours in the event you need to use the bathroom facilities.  If you are in the middle of nowhere, make sure you don’t park on private property or where there is a “no trespassing” sign.

GasBuddy – An excellent app for travelers on a budget!  Gasbuddy helps locate the cheapest gas near you so you can compare prices and save.  They have a rewards program that allows you to earn points towards free gas, as well.

Google Maps or Waze – Real-time GPS apps with live traffic alerts. Both apps are popular, so it comes down to preference.

The Weather Channel – The Weather Channel app has a free version and is great for current and extended forecasts across the United States. If you are heading to a new location, make sure and double-check the weather forecast.  You may need to change your route, stop and restock your water supply, or give yourself additional time due to slippery roads.

First Aid: American Red Cross – The First Aid app is a must!  We hope you never need it, but in the event, you have a first aid emergency or need to prepare for a weather emergency, the content is preloaded, so you have access to safety tips, step by step instructions, videos, and access to 911 no matter your location.  And it’s free!

HipCamp – Hipcamp is an awesome app for finding and booking campsites, RV parks, and more.

Campervan or Minivan Maintenance

Remember that you are responsible for the campervan while it is in your possession. You should treat it like it is your vehicle and carry out basic maintenance checks every 300-500 miles. Basic maintenance includes checking things like tire pressure, and oil, washer fluid, and coolant levels.

If you’re driving a campervan, then make sure you know the height of the vehicle and be wary of driving into parking garages, under bridges, or low hanging branches if you aren’t sure.

Forest fires and brushfires are unfortunately very common in parts of the United States.  They can be dangerous – so always make sure you adhere to the guidelines.

We recommend that you visit the check the fire danger rating in the area and make sure campfires are permitted where you are staying (particularly in summer).

If you start a campfire, then you must always make sure it is entirely out at the end of the night and have at least 10 liters of water nearby in case it gets out of hand.

Just because you are camping doesn’t mean you have to stick to cups of noodles, hot dogs, or cans of beans.  Get creative and meal prep before you head out on the open road. Here are a few prep tips for cooking in a campervan.

• Cut up your chicken, beef, or pork and toss them in the seasoning or sauces before you pack up.  Not only does this help with cleanup in the campervan, but it also saves space. If you season the meat ahead of time, then you don’t have to pack spices or bottles of sauce, and the meat will be full of flavor! You can even go one step further and cook the meat ahead of time.
• Wash, cut, and put your fruits and veggies in a gallon bag.   Again, this saves time and space on the road and makes it easier for snacks if you are traveling with kids.
• Pack Reynolds Wrap and grilling bags. These are great for preparing meals over the campfire.  Toss in your preseasoned steak strips, potatoes, veggies and add a little water, seal or wrap it up tight and throw it on the fire. Quick cleanup, easy to throw together and delicious!  Foil is also great for cooking breakfast burritos, shrimp boils, teriyaki chicken with peppers and pineapple, fish, and Banana S’Mores, to name a few.
• Precook a few pounds of ground beef! Ground beef is very versatile.  You can throw together some tacos, taco salads or nachos, add to some pasta sauce for a quick spaghetti, or use it for breakfast burritos or hobo packets in the morning. If you aren’t a red meat eater, then chop up some sausage or ground turkey, or mushrooms if you are vegetarian/vegan.

It’s no secret that traveling in a campervan comes with less storage and smaller space than a motorhome.  Dollar stores are a great place to find travel-size toiletries for your road trip, and it’s easier on the budget.

Another great packing tip is to save condiments from fast-food restaurants.  If you know you are going on a campervan road trip, plan to keep any extra condiments from eating out.  Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper packets take up a lot less space than full-size bottles and don’t require refrigeration.  This not only saves space for additional packing items but doesn’t take up space in the campervan fridge.

Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on your Campervan Trip

One of your biggest outgoings is going to be the cost of your fuel. As we mentioned earlier, one of the best apps we recommend is GasBuddy. It’s convenient for finding the cheapest gas prices in your area. Having an app like GasBuddy or Waze can assist you in not only finding a gas station nearby but also which station has the lowest fuel prices.

*Pro-tip: Having the A/C on all the time will eat into your fuel tank – so if you’re trying to save some money settle for opening the windows instead.

Hit a supermarket with a grocery list in hand!

Once you have rented your campervan, you will likely be departing from one major city, so we recommend that before you hit the road, you stop by a supermarket to stock up on all the essentials (and we don’t just mean beers and sausages for the barbie!).  Have a list! We all know that we spend more money in the grocery store without a list frequently buying food or supplies we don’t need and forgetting items we do.

Buying food and supplies from gas stations and small local stores on the journey can hit your traveling budget hard.

National Parks Pass

If you plan on visiting more than 3 National Parks, then we highly recommend you invest in an annual America the Beautiful pass ! The cost is $80 and gives access to over 2,000 National Parks and National Refuges.  Typically each park has around a $35 entrance fee, so an America the Beautiful pass is an excellent deal for travelers planning National Park Road Trips . If you are 62 and older, they have an annual Senior Pass that is significantly cheaper.  If you are a current, or veteran, member of the US military or if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with permanent disabilities then you are eligible for a free pass.*

*Please confirm prices and terms have not changed for these passes at NPS.gov .

Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips to Consider

Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trip   – One of our top recommendations that you can enjoy in both summer and winter !

West Coast Campervan Road Trips – Los Angeles to Big Sur , LA to San Fran , or Los Angeles to Seattle

The Narrows Hike – Ultimate Zion Campervan Getaway – Zion National Park features some of the most incredible hikes in the United States.

Ultimate Rock Climbing Campervan Road Trip – Not for the novice!  But if you love rock climbing, then this itinerary is a must!

San Francisco to Denver and back – You won’t regret this roundtrip campervan adventure!  Our itinerary takes you through some of the most famous places in the western United States.

Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the USA

The United States has so many amazing places to visit . Traveling around in a campervan lets you see the most popular destinations, plus all of the beauty in between. You’ve decided which campervan is best for your road trip, you know all of the tips and best travel apps, we’ve given you a few road trip itineraries to consider, so now all that is left is where to stay.

The US is full of campgrounds and RV parks with a variety of amenities. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may want to look for free campgrounds along the way.  Just be prepared, many of the free campsites come with no facilities or amenities so you will need to plan accordingly.  Some of these sites are within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in parking lots of larger retailers like Costo, Walmart, and Cabelas, and truck stops and rest areas.  Make sure and do your research so that you don’t get ticketed.

Here are 5 of our favorite RV Parks to visit:

• North Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
• Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana
• Zion River Resort, Zion National Park, Utah
• Mesquite Spring, Death Valley National Park, California
•  Paradise on the River, outside Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Bonus: If you are planning a road trip out of Las Vegas or California, check out our  Best Campervan Campgrounds Near Las Vegas  and  Best Places to Campervan in California.

Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Whether it is the Grand Canyon in Arizona, inside of a gigantic tree in Redwood National and State Parks, overlooking the Pacific ocean with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, or hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, we know travel selfies are a must! Here are our top 5 selfie spots.

• Antelope Canyon in Arizona – We already mentioned places like the Grand Canyon & Zion above, but add Antelope Canyon to your list. It is particularly incredible and something everyone should experience.
• Glacier National Park, Montana – Lake McDonald, Grinnel Glacier, Going to the Sun Road – GNP should be on everyone’s bucket list!
• Redwood National & State Parks, California – The enormous redwood trees are not only a site to see but are fantastic backdrops for the avid selfie-taker.
• San Francisco , California – Hawk Hill is a great spot to take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge and the city in the distance.
• Las Vegas, Nevada – There are too many spots to list, but the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel is a great place to start.

Pro tip: Any US National Park is a spectacular place for selfies.

Travel outside of the bigger cities, put your phone down, and stargaze into the incredible nighttime sky.

• Arches National Park – Utah Bryce Canyon – Utah
• Death Valley National Park – California (make sure to go during the milder seasons)
• Joshua Tree National Park – California
• Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
• Sedona – Arizona (don’t plan to stargaze during the late summer months.  Early July to late August is monsoon season.)

Watch the Sunset

Who doesn’t love a good sunset? Below are some of our favorite spots to take in some of the most magnificent sunsets in North America.

• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona – The south rim, in particular, provides not only an exceptional sunset experience but a view of most of the canyon itself.
• California – Pick a place! Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Joshua Tree National Park.  California is full of beautiful sunsets locations.
• Montana/Wyoming – Glacier National Park , The Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park.  The clean mountain air and the sun setting behind the mountains – you can’t go wrong.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Old Fort Marcy Park is an incredible experience for those willing to hike.
• Arches National Park, Utah – When the sun sets, it changes the colors in the sandstone arches making a spectacular visual experience and a prime opportunity for incredible photos.

You are all set for traveling around the USA in a campervan, now book your campervan at one of our three US RV rental locations !

Here are a few other guides you might enjoy.

Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA

Guide to Free Camping in the USA

Visit all our Guides here

Considering traveling overseas?  Check out our other Beginner’s Guides for New Zealand and Australia Campervan Trips.

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

Sign up for deals and road trip itineraries.

Our travel guides, guide to the best campgrounds usa, beginner's guide to travelling around usa, find your nearest travellers autobarn location, road trips & travel tips, our campervans.

Tent Optional

Chairs Optional

Ice Box Optional

Ext. Table Opt.

Gas Cooker Opt.

Kuga Campervan

Seats 2-3 • sleeps 2-3.

Solar panel

Hi5 Campervan

Seats 4-5 • sleeps 4-5.

Hi-Top Campervan

Beeva Camper

Seats 2 • sleeps 2.

Built-In Heater

Sign up for special deals and awesome road trip itineraries!

Data collection policy.

Destination:

The NEW Winter Special: Starting at $40 a day + FREE extras!!

4.8 / 5 average star rating

Over 90,000 happy travelers

600+ bookings in the last week

• Los Angeles
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Itineraries
• Deutsch ( German )
• Français ( French )
• Italiano ( Italian )
• Español ( Spanish )
• Campervan Artwork
• Campervan Cooking
• Class B RV Rental
• Escape Local Content
• How-To's & Resources
• Jeep Campervan
• National Parks
• News & Events
• Renter Guest Posts
• Traveling With Kids
• Trip Ideas & Guides
• Van Life Guide
• Winter Road Trips
• Women on the Road
• Portland, OR
• Vancouver, BC
• Calgary, AB

Get our top tips for saving money on a campervan trip:

Van life guide: how to travel the country in a campervan.

   Van Life Guide

Most of us dream of traveling more often. However, flexibility and affordability are common hurdles that prevent us from reaching all those destinations we’ve been dreaming about. 

That’s why van life is becoming more popular – you can often find affordable camper van rentals that act as transportation and sleeping space all in one. Suddenly, you have the mobility to make it to all those cities, states, and attractions across the U.S. you want to see without breaking your budget.   

The rest of this guide will explore van life in more detail, including its pros and cons of camper vans , the best road trips you can make in a camper van, where you can find affordable camper van rentals, and more. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to feel prepared while planning your next journey. 

Introduction to Van Life

To get started, here’s a quick van life overview . Van life typically consists of converting a van into a mobile living space. Vehicles like camper vans that are specifically designed for this often come with essential amenities like beds, storage, and a small kitchen. This makes it feel like a homey environment you can take everywhere you go, providing comfort on the road. 

Many people of different lifestyles and preferences can benefit from participating in van life. You don’t even need to live in a van full time to get a lot out of it, especially with affordable rental options available like our vehicles at Escape Camper Vans. You can simply reserve a vehicle for your trip and get started without a huge upfront cost. 

That said, if you really want to embrace a life of travel, many people also live out of camper vans full-time. Within camper van life , you can create a setup that allows you to live, work, and travel without being tied to a specific location. It’s more possible than ever nowadays as more remote and online freelance work options become available. 

Brief History of Van Life

The van life movement began in the 1960s and 1970s, with many in the counterculture movement embracing more minimalist lifestyles. Back then, many people converted Volkswagen buses into full living spaces. These vehicles became a symbol of freedom and rebellion during that time. 

After a brief break in van life’s prevalence, it’s become more popular again in the last 10 to 15 years, especially with new technology and vehicles on the market that make it easier to live out of a van for an extended duration of time. 

Social media has also helped introduce this lifestyle to more people. The thriving van life communities on social platforms allow people to connect while sharing tips, conversion projects, and exciting journeys. It makes it feel even more accessible when you can practically have a step-by-step guide and a helpful community behind you as you start. 

Why Do People Choose Van Life? 

Aside from simply wanting to travel more, there are many reasons people choose van life or traveling in a camper van during their trips, such as: 

• It appeals to those with a strong sense of adventure or who want to connect deeply with nature. This flexible lifestyle encourages getting outside more, exploring new places, and meeting new people. 
• It’s a great escape from the traditional 9 to 5 grind. Whether you want to take a quick scenic road trip on the weekends or take an extended break to travel across the country, van life provides mobility and affordability to do so. 
• It allows you to stop at more places during your journey. Rather than just buying a plane ticket and going straight to your primary destination, a camper van road trip helps you stop in other cities, scenic locations, and attractions you would’ve missed otherwise.
• It encourages downsizing and more minimalist lifestyles. Many find it hard to do this in their everyday lives, but when you only have a small space to work with, it helps you understand how much less you actually need for a happy and healthy life. Many people say getaways in camper vans change their mindset about what they need to feel fulfilled in life.  
• It’s a terrific way to connect with family or friends. Having a smaller space and fewer distractions around you can help you connect more with those you care about.   

What Are the Best Camper Van Trips in the USA?

Now that you know about the benefits of van life, let’s look at some of the adventures you can expect when taking up this lifestyle. Some of the best campervan trips in the USA include:  

• Los Angeles to San Francisco: Both Los Angeles and San Francisco are popular tourist destinations in California, and traveling between them can make for a terrific scenic drive. You can take the western Sierra route and stop at top attractions along the way, like Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park. 
• Los Angeles to San Diego : This is another popular road trip option in California. Many people decide to take the stunning Pacific Coast Highway during this trip, stopping at popular cities and locations like Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Long Beach, and more. 
• Phoenix to Sedona: This is a historic drive through Arizona with many landmarks along the way. You can visit Whiskey Row, Jerome State Historic Park, and local wineries in Cottonwood during your road trip. Then, spend a few days exploring Sedona with its famous Devil’s Bridge trail, spas, and the popular Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. 
• Take a trip around Florida: You can start your trip in Orlando to see popular destinations like Disney World, the Orlando Museum of Art, and Lake Eola. Then, drive to other popular cities nearby, like Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
• Visit Oregon’s seven popular ecological wonders: Oregon is home to 7 ecological wonders that make for great stops during a road trip. Those 7 wonders are Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, Painted Hills, Smith Rock, Mount Hood, and Wallowas. 
• Visit Utah’s national parks: Another one of the best camper van trips when you’re looking for a 5 or 7-day itinerary is making it around to each of Utah’s scenic national parks . The best parks to visit include Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. 
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas : Many travelers like this trip because it allows them to take part in the historic Route 66 along the way. This route lets you visit many unique attractions, such as the Route 66 Museum, Bottle Tree Ranch, Emma Jean Holland’s Burgers, and Antique Station. 

In addition to these options, there are tons of great road trips throughout the U.S., which is why we have 11 pickup and dropoff locations across the U.S. where you can start or end your journey with an Escape Camper Van for all your travel needs. 

How Much Does It Cost to Travel the US in a Van? 

Taking road trips across the U.S. in a camper van sounds great. However, travel costs add up, so estimating how much you’ll need to spend during an extensive journey is important. 

When thinking about the cost of traveling in a van , you’ll first want to know the cost of the camper van itself. You might consider buying a camper van. However, they’re pretty expensive to purchase outright, with new camper vans going for $100,000+ and used camper vans going for $60,000+ when they’re in good condition. 

The better option for most travelers is to rent one. Camper van rentals usually range from about $75 to $150 per day. You might even be able to get a discount on the daily price if you commit to a longer-term rental of a month or more. That said, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and location you’re renting in. 

When you compare those daily prices to renting hotel rooms, you’re getting a pretty good deal. The average 3-star hotel room costs about $140 to $195, so you usually come out better with the camper van. 

Plus, camper vans offer other amenities, like the ability to cook your own meals, which helps you save money compared to eating out at restaurants all the time. Additionally, when you rent a hotel room, you still have to pay for transportation, whereas the camper van provides both transportation and sleeping space all in one. 

Other Expenses to Consider When Traveling in a Camper Van

Some other expenses to consider when traveling in a camper van include:

• The prices to reserve campsites or other parking. Campsites usually cost about $15-40 per night. For an alternative option, you can sometimes find free parking at public rest stops, truck stops, or public lands for boondocking.  
• Fuel expenses. The more distance you plan to drive, the more gas you’ll have to pay for during your trip, with costs between $0.30 and $0.40 per mile on average. 
• Vehicle insurance. Having a collision or liability insurance plan for long trips is a good idea.
• General expenses for activities. When traveling, plan out what activities you want to do and budget accordingly for things like entrance fees and ticket prices. 

What Is the Cost of Living in a Camper Van Per Month? 

Now that we’ve reviewed the most common van life expenses , you’re probably still looking for a total estimated cost of living in a van per month . 

The average monthly cost of living while traveling across the U.S. in a camper van typically falls around $3,000 to $5,000. You’ll see some van lifers online say they get away with spending as little as $1,500 to $2,000 per month. However, if you’re traveling and on the go often, it usually costs more to sustain that lifestyle than if you keep your van parked in one spot most of the time. 

Understand that these are just estimates. The actual monthly costs can vary quite a bit depending on the lifestyle you want to have while on the road, so it’s important to get quotes from rental companies, plan activities, and calculate expenses yourself before embarking on your journey. 

What Should You Look for in a Camper Van for Sale? 

As mentioned earlier, buying a camper van outright is usually pretty expensive for the average person who wants to travel a bit more. However, if you saw a camper van for sale that looks like a good deal and you’re considering purchasing it, you should know what to look for to ensure it’s a good choice.  

What to Look for When Buying a New Camper Van

When looking at a brand-new camper van, the most important thing is to ensure it has the amenities and space you need for a successful vacation. 

However, it’s also good to compare prices between dealerships, look into warranties offered, and ensure enough vehicle service options are available to upkeep the camper van. 

Additionally, take the vehicle for a test drive before buying it. You don’t want to purchase a camper van you don’t enjoy or feel comfortable driving since you’ll have it for a long time. 

What to Look for When Buying a Used Camper Van

Used camper vans are a bit more tricky. You’ll want to ensure you thoroughly inspect the vehicle before committing to buy it. Here’s a step-by-step process on what you should check: 

• Exterior inspection : Check the van’s body and undercarriage for signs of rust, damage, or wear. Pay attention to the condition of the tires, axles, suspension, and the integrity of the seals around windows and doors.
• Engine and mechanical components : Inspect the engine for fluid leaks, check the oil and coolant levels, and ensure that belts and hoses are in good condition. This will help you gauge whether the vehicle has been well-maintained.
• Electrical system : Test all electrical components, including the lighting, appliances, and outlets, to ensure they function correctly. Verify that the battery is in good condition and that the breaker box is operational.
• Water and plumbing systems : Test the water system by checking the faucets, shower, and toilet functionality. Ensure there are no leaks in the tanks or plumbing connections and that the water heater and pump work properly.
• Heating and cooling systems : Test the air conditioning and heating systems to ensure they work efficiently. Check for leaks around the AC unit and make sure the filters are clean.
• Interior condition : Inspect the interior for signs of water damage or mold, especially around the ceiling, walls, and floors. Test all doors, windows, and safety devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Along with these things, ask the seller:

• How long have they owned the camper van?
• How many previous owners were there?
• Did they perform routine maintenance on it? 
• How many miles are on it?
• Was it ever in any accidents?

These answers will help you determine the vehicle’s condition, including things that might not be caught in a visual inspection or quick test drive. 

Why Do Some People Quit Van Life?

While van life has many positives that make it great for affordable travel, it isn’t right for everyone, especially when living in a camper van for an extended amount of time. That’s why you might see the occasional post on social media or an article online titled “ Why I quit van life ” or something similar. 

To provide a well-balanced overview, here are some common challenges of van life and reasons why some people eventually quit the lifestyle. 

• Constantly moving around can be tiring: Most people choose van life because they want to travel more. However, constantly being on the move can grow tiring for some, and it isn’t always easy to find permanent parking in every location. Therefore, some people return to a more traditional lifestyle, renting an apartment or buying a house to stay in one place.  
• It can feel isolating: Some people transition to van life easily and travel the country on their own. While it can initially feel freeing, some find it isolating after a while of being separated from family or friends. 
• Working on the road can feel challenging: Many set out with aspirations of working remotely while traveling the country in a camper van. While some people can find a great balance, others struggle to make it work and feel burnt out trying to manage everything at once. 
• Financial changes: Things in life happen that change our financial situations, including accidents, health problems, or investments that were thriving in a downturn. Therefore, some might give up their travel-focused lifestyle since they can’t afford it anymore.  
• Shifting life goals: Our goals in life evolve over time, and living out of a van isn’t always the best way to achieve every goal you have. Some people decide they want to settle down and start a family or focus more on building their career, which causes them to give up van life in the process. 

While some people find that van life isn’t right for them, many really enjoy it and feel that it helps them better connect with the world, so experiences will vary. That’s why renting a camper van for a shorter trip is often a good starting point before completely diving into the lifestyle. That way, you can get a taste of what it’s like to know if it’s right for you. 

Additionally, even if living out of a van long-term isn’t right for you, many who live more traditional lifestyles love renting camper vans for short vacations. So, it’s always there to help you get away as needed. 

What Are Essential Tips for Successful Camper Van Travel?

When you don’t know all the ins and outs of the van lifestyle, it can feel like a lot to take on during your first trip. Here are some tips for camper van travel to help you get the most out of it.

Safety Tips for Van Life

• Park your van securely: Always park with the van’s cockpit facing the exit for quick departure if needed. Choose well-lit, secure areas, preferably with surveillance.
• Research areas before going to them: Do some research before your trip to understand the destination’s surroundings and nearby resources if you run into trouble. 

Must-Have Gear and Supplies

• Emergency tools: Carry a first aid kit, basic tool kit, portable air compressor, Fix-A-Flat, and a spare tire for roadside emergencies. If you are planning to go off-grid during your travels, consider opting for a satellite phone if you need to make any calls. 
• Comfort essentials: Include items like portable water storage, proper bedding for temperature control, and a flashlight/headlamp.
• Outdoor and camping gear: You don’t want to have to spend all your time relaxing inside your camper van. Bring folding chairs, a tent or awning, and a weather-resistant outdoor blanket for added comfort and versatility. 

Health and Well-Being on the Road

• Stay hydrated and nourished: Plan meals and pack enough food and water for your journey. Shop locally when possible for fresh produce and consider non-perishable snacks for long trips. 
• Mental and physical health: While we all want to make it to as many destinations as possible, some of the best camper van travel advice is to plan flexible itineraries to avoid fatigue. Take breaks, stretch regularly, and manage your sleeping environment to ensure proper sleep​. 
• Hygiene management: While many camper vans don’t have showers, there are still plenty of ways to stay clean and fresh. Use portable showers, wet wipes, or gym memberships to maintain hygiene on the road. Also, make sure you’re keeping your van clean and throwing away any trash that accumulates. 

How Do You Plan a Route for Your Camper Van Adventure? 

Route planning is essential to get the most out of your camper van adventure. After choosing the destination you want to visit, looking up sample road trip itineraries or popular stops along the way can be helpful. That way, you can choose which stops sound the most interesting to you. 

Afterward, you can use a tool like Google or Apple Maps to plan your camper van route . Both allow you to add multiple stops and can give you a good visual of your route to ensure you’re planning your drive time and distance efficiently. 

It can also be helpful to download an offline map to your phone for the trip since some routes could take you outside cell coverage, especially if you’re traveling through very rural areas. AllTrails is a great tool to use for this. 

Lastly, it’s important to practice flexible planning and adjust your schedule as needed. Unexpected things can happen on the road, such as running into construction zones, bad weather, or a flat tire. When you get off course, take a deep breath and figure out how to navigate from there. It’s all part of the adventure. 

To give you a van life summary , it’s a terrific way to explore the country affordably and flexibly as you drive and sleep in your camper van. Before you set off for your trip, make sure you plan your route, activities, and budget, and pack all the essentials you’ll need.

Our final thoughts on van life are that you should try it and see if you like it; we love it! 

If you want to get started or explore your options, we have you covered here at Escape Camper Vans. With 11 rental locations across the U.S ., you can conveniently pick up one of our affordable and uniquely hand-painted camper vans and start your journey. 

Each of our vans is equipped with helpful features such as queen-size beds, a propane stove, a refrigerator, a sink with a water tank, and extra storage. 

Ready to get started? Reserve your Escape Camper Van today or contact us with any other questions. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In high demand - book now!

This website stores cookies on your computer to improve the website experience and improve our personalized services to you. To find out more about these cookies and our privacy processes please see our privacy policy. By clicking Accept you are granting permission for us to store this cookie. If you do not want us to install this cookie please close your browser window now.

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Budget Travel » How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

Excuse me, sir, ma’am, do you have a second to talk about freedom?

That’s why we travel, right? Sure, maybe it starts as an escape. Maybe your ex trashed you so you ran away from all those delicious problems (don’t feel bad; it’s a common story).

Maybe the looming threat of your tertiary education commitments was rearing its ugly head so you decided to delay.

Maybe you wanted to  ‘find yourself’ .

Whatever your reasons, the outcome was the same. You left… And then you caught the bug.

Now that I know how to be free, how can I choose to put myself back in the cage?

Excuse me, sir, ma’am do you have a second to talk about van life?

There’s something pure about van travel. You’ll have to peel back the layers first: the trashy Instagram hashtags. The ‘polyamorous’ douchebags competing for level-10 gipsy status to sleep with cute hippy chicks at psytrance festivals.

Peel that shit back first and what do you find? Freedom: a sincere desire to simply live freely. Travelling in a van, or any form of motorhome for that matter, is not a lifestyle: it’s an answer.

Less is more.

So let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about why you should live AND how to travel in a van.

Let’s talks about the ins and outs of travelling in a motorhome: a beginner’s tips and hacks guide for campervan travel. And let’s talk about travelling the world in a campervan: the best countries to go and how to acquire your new roots-less home.

I’m talking my favourite topic how to travel in a van.

Let’s go

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Vanlife: Let’s Paint a Picture of the Van Travel Lifestyle

How to live in a van and travel, the best countries for rv and campervan travel, vanlife tips 101: your beginner’s rv and campervan travel guide, freedom, vanlife and the 21st century nomad.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

Right, so that was soppy – sorry, folks! Here’s the deal: it’s a house on wheels. Let me reiterate that for you.

It’s a house on wheels.

Yeah sure, it may not be a very big house. But, look, if your biggest concern is not being able to take much stuff, then, mate… the traveller lifestyle might not be for you.

Let’s call it nomadic van living (just to separate it from actual nomadic living in which if you didn’t move, then winter came and you died). Living out of a van means living out of a home with wheels. Think about that for a sec.

If you run out of milk, you don’t have to leave the house to buy milk. You take the house WITH YOU to buy milk.

That’s fucking sick.

There’s a new level of freedom that comes from travelling the country in an RV , campervan, or even one of the cars with the fold-out tents on the roof (they’re awesome; I’ve seen JUCY rentals in New Zealand and Australia do them). Do you know what a common thought for me is while staring out the window on a bus ride? “That’s a nice mountain; I wish I could go climb it.” 

Ta-dah! Traveller vans to the rescue.

And, to be a little bit real for a second, I do think it’s an answer. We’re in a time where we are – possibly, hopefully, maybe – starting to look at the traditional model of ‘How to Adult – 101’ and saying…

Maybe, there’s another way. Maybe we don’t need all the things we thought we did.

I’d say it’s an experiment. You travel in a van, living in a motorhome, and you have an adventure. One way or another, you come away with a new perspective. And, if you’re built for it, maybe you come away with a whole new model for life.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Why Travel and Live in a Van or RV

Let’s talk specifics, not quasi-philosophical ramblings. What are the benefits of travelling in a van or RV?

I mean, there’s the ease of buying groceries, obviously, but there’s more to motorhome travel than just that:

• There’s the obvious financial benefit. Your mileage (hah) will vary depending on your style. A family of four living and travelling in a full-power RV and staying at powered holiday parks are going to have a very different cost-footprint than two dirtbags travelling in a van and staying in the driveway of someone called Possum Joe. But, you can’t say rolling your transport and accommodation costs into one while cooking for yourself doesn’t help!
• You can go anywhere! Unless the road ends in which case you get out and walk. Campervan travel changes the landscape of your adventure, but I’ll save that for when I talk about the best countries to campervan in further down.
• You can pick up hitchhikers! Ahh, thank you, much appreciated! My people thank you in advance.
• There is, of course, the art of minimalism. How low you go is up to you: packing for living in an RV vs. a van vs. a hatchback Prius all offer different lifestyles. But it’s a middle-point between having what fits in your house and having what fits on your back.
• It offers freedom of movement. That’s why I call it nomadic van living. It’s like the next evolution up from nomadic horse living on the tech-tree-of-life. Stay, go, settle, cross the country; it’s all your choice. The only difference is that motorhomes break down. But, then, horses die…
• And, of course, it allows you to shift to a more nomadic lifestyle . At a certain point, travelling in a van becomes synonymous with living in a van…

Living in a Van: From Part-Time to Full-Time

This is what I’m talking about: what starts as toes dipped in the water of motorhome travel turns into the full immersion of motorhome living. You start off travelling in an RV or campervan around Australia or New Zealand and suddenly you’re reexamining your whole model of life. Suddenly, living out of a van doesn’t seem like such an alien concept.

You start looking at your life. Maybe I don’t need so many possessions. Maybe I don’t need the weekly depression of rent day.

Suddenly, yes, van life is worth it.

Your career aspirations change; you’ve realised just how many jobs can be done while travelling and living in a campervan. How much freedom is open to you when your cost of living has drastically reduced and your office can be any old breathtaking view.

And, suddenly, you’ve become a digital nomad .

Now, a deep-dive into the digital nomad lifestyle is a whole other can of worms and it’s not really my point either. My point is simply that these things tend to go way further and way deeper than we can often imagine. And that many people have created a sustainable (and fulfilling) life model around living in a van or RV full-time and earning money as they travel.

But that’s long term! Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. The digital nomad path changes your travel game , so take your time! Patience is good!

First, you need to get out there and experiment with motorhome travel! You need to see if it’s your holy grail. You need to dip your toes in and that means choosing and acquiring your traveller van.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Ok, so I’ve convinced you, yeah? On the awesomeness of van life? Not pressured, mind you; you’re still in control here. I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do…

But, you’re ready: ready for the adventure of travelling the world in a campervan – the full-time RV lifestyle! You’re ready to start thinking about buying your first campervan.

Whoa, Nelly! Slow down there, sexy-legs! I know you’re excited but even buying the cheapest of campervans is a big and expensive commitment for a lifestyle you don’t know if you’re ready for yet. Jumping in feet-first is commendable but jumping in head-first into an unknown body of water is just bloody stupid!

Let’s start small with finding the right van to travel in so you can decide if van life is worth it for you. Then, if it’s everything you’ve dreamed of (psst, it will be) , you can make the shift to living in a campervan permanently.

So, step 1: finding the right type of motorhome for you. I stress the word motorhome because, as you may have noticed, you have a wide range of options and the different terms get thrown around somewhat interchangeably.

Types of Motorhomes

Think of choosing your motorhome like choosing a travel buddy . If you choose well, the vibe is good and you’ll have a long grand adventure together with lifelong cherished memories. But choose poorly and you’ll end up ditching them on the side of the road and hitchhiking in the opposite direction.

Choosing a Van for Travel: How to Find the Best Motorhome for You

Well, what are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes? How good are you at reversing?

These are the important questions you must ask yourself! (Especially that last one.) The number one tip for van living is that it’s gotta feel like home.

• Travel camper trailers, for a start, have no appeal to me. Lugging a trailer around everywhere in my journeys is unwieldy. But for someone who doesn’t want to make a full-time lifestyle commitment to RV or campervan travel, a camper trailer means you get to still have a car and a home and you can just park the thing in your yard when you’re not off adventuring.
• A  converted travel van  is the DIY option for the DIY mindset. Seriously, I’ve watched friends go to town on their DIY van conversion and it’s a marvel to behold – a power tool in one hand and WikiHow in the other. Good news – you can save a lot of time if you  buy van cabinets  for your camper, making the process much smoother and more efficient. If full-time van life is something you ultimately commit to, I feel this the best option because you’re in control; who needs a loving committed relationship and a beautiful family to raise when you have a van! Backpackers in Australia and New Zealand often invest in buying a cheap van at the beginning of a year-long work visa, but for shorter trips, budget campervan hire tends to be a much smarter route.
• Class C Motorhomes (RVs) provide more luxury; let’s call it the family meal deal. RV travel offers more creature comforts at the cost of higher living expenses making it the top choice with families and grey nomads. But, if your travelling with a big group or just have a soft spot for the luxury road trip experience, an RV rental might just be right up your alley.
• Class B Motorhomes (campervans) are the bang-on choice for travellers fresh to the van travel game. Not too big; not too small: just right (just like a certain narcissistic little blonde girl’s porridge). For someone looking to dip their toes into van camping and see if this whole vanlife thing stacks up to the hype, this is the sweet spot!
• Class A Motorhome (monstrosities) are reserved for when you’re 70-years-old, greying, and have nothing but time, disposable income, and a loving life partner you want to bang all over the continent.

But, that leaves one last question: how do you acquire your new transient home?

Rent or Buy – Travel Van Rental: The Advantages of Campervan Hire

Ok, so let’s level with each other: buying a motorhome is expensive! The outright cost is enough to make any broke backpacker curl into the foetal position on the floor and that’s before you add in the insurance and registration costs plus the rising fuel prices in an ever-increasingly unstable global community. 

You’d be better of buying a station wagon and crashing at your mum’s house on laundry/shower day, though, I feel that sorta defeats the purpose of the fully independent, ‘fuck the man’ nomadic van-living lifestyle.

Here’s van living tip number two: don’t buy a motorhome until you know that it’s right for you. I’m talking about using campervan hire as your jumping-off point.

There are a lot of ways to travel a country, but I’d imagine we all have a soft spot for having our own vehicle. And, truthfully, a campervan is simply a better way to travel some countries (looking at you, New Zealand) .

Sometimes, public transport sucks; sometimes we want to go far out. And, sometimes, we don’t want to pay 50 bucks for what amounts to 12-hour bag storage and mattress rental (with complimentary white bread for breakfast).

The Great Australian Road Trip is a dream journey of many travellers I meet (I’m not sure why; I don’t think you realise how boring our roads are – long, straight, and filled with dead things). Plus, road trips are SICK! Talking shit with your mates, good tunes, smoking – ahem – “ciggies” at isolated lookouts (wink-wink): road trips are the best!

It doesn’t mean that one day you won’t have the holy grail converted traveller van, but the best way to start that big journey is with a little step. Hire a motorhome, have an adventure in any of the best countries to campervan in, and once you know how to actually live in a van and travel, you’ll know if the vanlife is right for you.

If you’re after my recommendation, for New Zealand and Australia road trips, JUCY rentals are the best. These iconic whips are the perfect home on the road to explore the roads of down under.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

You’re going to notice a common theme with most of the countries on this van travel bucket list: they’re costly to travel with plenty of ground to cover.  

That’s why by choosing to travel in a cheap van or RV rental, you’re going to please the tight-fisted pantheon deities of Backpakistan. Now, don’t misunderstand – you’re not going to cut your travel expenses in Europe down to the level of Southeast Asia. But taking all our usual tricks-of-the-trade backpacker secrets and applying them while living out of a van certainly helps.

The other recurring theme? They have wicked roads to drive on! Picturesque and long and fast (and sometimes windy too).

You’re still on an adventure. Spend some money, live a little! You know that 2000-year-old tree in the middle of buttfuck-nowhere… you have a house with wheels now! Go see it!

Again, you’re driving a campervan. You’re in control.

We are freedom.

Australia RV and Campervan Travel: Whole Lotta Nothin’

Ok, so there is actually a lot to see in Australia. From travelling Australia’s east coast – tropics, beaches, and seagulls – to the rugged solitude of the west, it’s fair to say that you’ll find something you vibe with amongst Australia’s massive scope.

And if you get down to Tassie, that shit will blow your mind right open. Seriously – backpacking in Tasmania is an experience simply built for van travel.

Only, Australia is big. And the roads are really long and really straight (and really empty). Notice how you never meet anyone who says they circumnavigated Australia twice?

Australia is so big, and there’s such a campervan culture Down Under with backpackers and locals, that vans are being bought, sold, and traded for weed all the time; buying a van outright is perfectly a viable option. Of course, the thing about buying a backpacker van is that one minute everything is hunky-dory, and then the next your broken down in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain with black smoke spewing from both ends (of the van… not you… if you are too, see a doctor).

Travelling around Australia in a motorhome is THE way to go. Travelling and living in a campervan is a good antidote to the high prices of… everything… and, given the country’s lacklustre public transport services, is also the best way to see everything . 

Of course, you can – and should for trips on a shorter itinerary – go for a budget campervan hire in Australia. Skip the bureaucracy, skip the queue, and, best of all, skip stamp duty <groans internally>. (Our insurance and rego costs are daylight robbery too – fair warning.) All this leaves a rental as the smoothest option for entry into Oz’s untold vastness.

So… what’s the best campervan hire in Australia? Easy, JUCY Campers .

JUCY Campers Australia have been around serving backpackers for a long-long time, so they know their clientele and they know them well . Even while growing up in Byron Bay almost twenty years ago, I remember seeing scores of JUCY campervans parked at the beach. Usually, with some happy-go-lucky, not-a-care-in-the-world bangin’ their lack-of-woes away in the backseat.

They do cheap campervan hire in Australia, and they’ve been around for more than two decades. They gotta be doing something right!

New Zealand RV and Campervan Travel: The Real Aotearoa

It’s fairly comparable to campervan travel in Australia but with less roadside drug testing. And you can cross the country in about eight fewer days. Oh, and petrol is more expensive!

Everything aside, road tripping in New Zealand – and road tripping on South Island in particular – is FUCKING MINDBLOWING. Like, ‘I’m having a transcendental moment just from watching a sunset’ mindblowing. There’s so much to explore in every tucked-away corner, and then you cross the ferry to South Island and New Zealand is all like:  Welcome to New Game Plus, Bi-yatch. 😉

Public transport is meh and hitchhiking is traditionally the gold standard for getting around, but to truly get lost in Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud), driving a campervan is the way to go. It’s kind of hard to put into words the true majesty of traversing New Zealand’s natural landscape. Can we just say that it did things to my soul and leave it at that?

So, what about cheap campervan hire in New Zealand? Well, you’ve got JUCY Campers New Zealand (yes, same guys obviously) who are also probably the best campervan hire in New Zealand. Seriously, I can’t stress JUCY Campers enough for budget campervans in New Zealand and Australia. RVs, mini-campers, minibuses too – they know they’re way around!

Be careful, though: if you start living in a campervan in New Zealand, you may just decide that it’s finally time to hang up your boots. New Zealand is where people stop travelling.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Japan RV and Campervan Travel: Ore No Daibouken!

Once upon a time, this may have been considered a weird entry on this list. Maybe, it still surprises you.

It’s not that your transport options for travelling around Japan aren’t excellent (because they are, albeit expensive), but a road trip in Japan by campervan is still an amazing way to see the country, and there’s loads to see! Once you’ve broken off the main roads into the mountains, forests, and villages, you’ll see why.

The downside to campervan travel in Japan is that petrol is pricey and the tolls on expressways (the country’s primary road infrastructure) are a nightmare. The upshot is living off home-cooked tofu stirfry is ridiculously cheap and the Japanese are some of the most patient and courteous drivers you will ever encounter.

So what about campervan hire in Japan? I mean, you could buy one outright but somehow I imagine that could get confusing…

Well, guess what? For campervan rental in Japan, you’ve got Japan Campers . Easy name, easy game!

If you’re thinking you’d like to partake in a road trip somewhere other than the standard destinations, I would highly suggest going for a Japanese campervan journey. Japan is still fairly unused to nomadic van living so you can get away with a few more sneaky overnight parks than you would elsewhere and if you want to travel off the beaten track – Shikoku or most definitely Hokkaido is the place to go for vanning – then you’ll be a fan of a van in Japan… man.

USA RV and Campervan Travel: The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly

I mean, there are fifty states all up so road tripping the USA by campervan is a pretty damn good way of seeing them all! (Although Alaska and Hawaii may take some tricky planning to reach.)

Look, here’s a picture of the American wilderness:

Now does a campervan road trip in the USA make sense? The American landscape is so majestic that even just seeing an old Spaghetti Western gives me them wanderlust vibes – and that is a term that I loathe and do not use lightly!

So, let’s talk campervan hire in the USA! I mean… you could buy one off of Craigslist, but you might get shot.

For cheap campervan and RV rental in the USA, check out Outdoorsy . It’s another takeoff in the sharing economy; you’re renting motorhomes of actual humans with actual thoughts and feelings and lives.

I gotta be honest: that’s seriously dope. Think Airbnb for the vanlife.

For budget campervan rental in the USA, Outdoorsy is the go. Then you can go and have your own 21st-century Spaghetti Western!

Oh, plus there’s all that legendary rock climbing in the States. You want a van for that shit.

• Driving the West Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: Las Vegas
• Driving the East Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: California

Canada RV and Campervan Travel: A Little Drive Aboot

To the north of the States is another big-ass country filled with gorgeous nature and lovely people who get weirdly offended whenever I drop the C-bomb. Cultural differences aside, Canada makes the list of the essential ‘Great Roadtrip’ countries.

The RV and campervan game in Canada is strong . It might have something to do with the expansive wilderness simply built for vanlife. Well, it would be fairer to say that vanlife was built for the expansive Canadian wilderness.

Anyway, forget the split hairs! A backpacking adventure in Canadian is supreme and by way of campervan is the best way to truly get lost there. But you’re getting quite far north. By which I mean, it’s getting cold. You’ll want to get the best travel van you can (with some damn proper insulation).

Outdoorsy , once again, is the top pick for cheap campervan and RV rental in Canada. It’s all about that sharing economy! Cheap, good services, and you’re dealing with REAL people rather than a dealership with a salesperson with a 5-syllable last name that has way too many ‘K’s in it.

Find yourself a budget campervan to hire in Canada (ideally with good insulation) and go find a moose! Why a moose? I dunno, I’ve just always wanted to see a wild moose!

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan RV and Campervan Travel: Meet Stan

See, told you I’d give you some interesting choices! Have you heard of the Pamir Highway? Probably not… I hadn’t either until one of my fellow Broke Backpacker Adventure Experts told me it was the perfect place for a non-standard campervan road trip.

And he’s right! The Pamir Highway is gorgeous! Officially it’s called the M41 Highway (but nobody calls it that) and it runs from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan down into and through Tajikistan . Hell, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can keep driving it into Uzbekistan and Afghanistan !

In all honesty, the scope of Central Asia is breathtaking. Exploring Kyrgyzstan alone is something out of a dream, and that’s just one of the Stans! It’s huge, there is so much space, and it is still vastly untouched by the hand of western tourism. If you’re looking for a van life adventure that really is ‘off the beaten track’, it’s the way to go.

How do you acquire a campervan over that way? Well, you’re outside the scope of most of the standard budget campervan hire services but you still have options. One of the highly recommended options is Iron Horse Nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Owned and run by a couple of ex-pats, these guys can get you sorted for transport around the Stans.

Or you could just charge it: catch a flight over and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you just buy a horse!

Europe RV and Campervan Travel: Home of the Autobahn

“Europe isn’t a country!”   Shut-up, dude; nobody cares. It still counts.

An RV or campervan in Europe goes a long way towards getting you around; there is a lot to see there. Backpacking around Europe is also expensive as all hell (on the west side), so travelling in a motorhome is also going to go a long way towards keeping your budget in check.

The cool thing about a campervan road trip in Europe is all the countries you’ll visit! By the time you’re done, you’re reasonably looking at 5 to 10 different countries (at least).

That’s a lot of unique cultures, languages, landscapes, and… food! All those accommodation cost savings? Yeah, just put them towards eating your way across Europe!

So, what are your options for cheap campervan and RV hire in Europe? Well, there’s CamperTravel Bookings . They have great coverage right across Europe (in case you forgot, there are a lot of different places in Europe) and they’re cheap with lots of different rental options.

Europe is a bit of a funny one for van travel. When it comes to the idealised road trip, it often gets left behind. But with such great options for budget campervan and RV rental in Europe, it’s becoming a more sought-after destination.

Plus, the roads, man! So big, so fast, so furious, and so damn pretty! Arrgghh, vanlife, YES!

Sort out your rental before you’re living the vanlife DREAM. To get the best price, rentalcars.com simplifies the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure.

So, it’s as simple as finding the best van for your new van life and you’re away, right? With that sort of simplicity, you could be living and sleeping in a campervan within a week. Nay, good sir! Campervan life requires more finesse than that.

Do you remember how the first time you left on a backpacking adventure you packed like a dickhead? But then, you repeated the process and, every time, you got better. The question of what to take on a road trip and even how to live and travel in a van is the same.

It’s all about practice.

You’re starting out – be it your first budget RV rental or your first converted traveller van purchase – and that makes you a beginner. That’s fine though, that means you’re only going to get better: it’s all practice!

And besides, you’ve nabbed yourself a campervan and RV travel guide 101 filled with tips for beginners. Let’s talk finesse!

The RV Travel Lifestyle: What to Expect from Travelling in a Motorhome

Before I give you the bullet point list of deliciously digestible tips, let’s talk about the actual ins and outs of the campervan and RV lifestyle. Whether you’re going on your first great campervan road trip or experimenting with living in an RV full-time, it’s not all just about freedom and good shots for your socials.

First up, there’s adulting. There’s always adulting. Just because you’re living out of a van doesn’t mean you’re not an adult!

Chores are a big part of van life. You know how when you live in a really small flat even not washing the dishes kills those rocking feng-shui vibes? Well, it’s the same deal in a van only multiplied by fifty: it’s a small space.

Kitchen cleanup, sweeping out the dirt, changing the greywater, making your bed… don’t forget to brush your teeth too! Living in a campervan permanently still means being a good homemaker. And if it’s travelling and living in an RV, you’ve just doubled up on your chores and maintenance schedule.

That’s another important point to touch on – maintenance and breakdowns. If you’re not a gear-headed person, prepare to learn. Rolling into the mechanic’s every time you hear an odd noise is going to severely hurt your budget. I’ve watched mates brand new to the van living game teach themselves welding, change windows, and play with their vehicle’s electronics all with the assistance of our benevolent overseer Google: that shows a good mind for it.

It’s also worth mentioning cops. Mileage varies depending on how many laws you’re breaking (aim for less than five) but you will always be in closer proximity to the coppers. And – I think it goes without saying – losing your licence is a death sentence to the lifestyle of a vanner.

The idea of pulling over anywhere anytime is super appealing, but it’s also far from always being that easy, especially in urban environments. Overnight parking and sleeping in a campervan is something cracked-down on, especially in our good ol’ friend, the affluent West, though the ferocity of revenue-raising tactics varies by area. It’s sorta case by case and depends on where you are in the world, your type of van, and how smartly you’ve chosen your park-up.

Stealth van living is an acquired art form and something you will gradually get better at over time. Again, it’s about finesse: a bountiful boondock takes a deft approach.

RV and Campervan Hacks for Travelling

Everyone likes a good hack! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a vanlife pro!

• Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – everything that’s good for an emergency. A well-stocked toolbox , duct tape (definitely), spare fuses – put some effort into your motorhome inventory checklist!
• Van and RV camping apps – There are actually tonnes of these and many that are region-specific. They’ll help you suss out good camping spots to set up your van at from the free park-ups to the ‘ Why am I paying $35 for cold shower and shit-pit usage?’ variety. There are also some wicked RV trip planner apps out there and even apps for budgeting on gas. App up! It helps.
• Utilise 24-hour stores and petrol stations – They can be a really good place for staying overnight in a campervan. Buy some supplies and then ask the attendant if they mind if you hang around until the sun is up. Or don’t ask and just look scary and unapproachable and they’ll probably leave you alone. Face tats help with that.
• And boondock beautifully – Like I said, sneaky parking takes a bit of practice. However, generally, if you’re rocking up somewhere after dark and not planning a lengthy loiter the following morning, she’ll be right. Worst case scenario, just play the “I was falling asleep at the wheel and really needed to pull over for the night,” card: it’s bulletproof
• For the ladies – Get yourself a GoGirl – it makes girls pee like boys! I won’t give you a how-to, but I reckon you can figure it out. Jokes aside, it’s honestly a really important safety tip. The reason animals are so cautious when and where they do their thang is because they’re vulnerable while they do, and it’s the same for people… unless you have face tats.
• Clear storage bins – And for any other containers you use for storage, clear plastic is the way to go. Not having to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for goes a long way when you’re van living.
• Anti-moisture packs – The desiccant ones (of the ‘DO NOT EAT’ variety) that come in just about any sorta packaging and fresh packets of burrito wraps. Use them for keeping away the damp in your campervan’s storage. But, yeah, don’t eat them.
• Grippy rubber mats – Yeah, look, I have no idea what these are called. These ones! Stick them under your plates, cups, condiments, and whatever else so they don’t slide around on the road.
• Always have a headtorch on hand – Hell, have two. Why stop there? Have six! Every traveller needs a headtorch.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

RV and Campervan Travel Tips for Staying Sane and Not Killing Each Other

Practical tips are good but what about mindset tips for van life? If you’re travelling with someone, there’s always the off-chance that you’ll get sick of them off and drive off the next time they’re using a petrol station toilet.

If you’re travelling alone, well, sometimes the hermit’s path can send us a bit loopy:

• Keep structure – The most important part about freedom is not having too much of it; constraints are good. Set an alarm, have a morning routine, write a to-do list; these things go a long way for keeping you focused.
• And don’t sweat the mistakes – You’ll make them, and you’ll make a lot of them. Getting lost, puncturing a tyre, nearly bogging yourself in an ancient forest deep in the primordial wilderness of Tasmania: these things happen.
• Exercise – Similarly, keeping a routine of steady exercise is equally important. Many people like to join a 24-hour gym chain which has the added bonus of shower usage (that’s a van life hack!). That said, if you’ve ever watched a Youtube video on callisthenics, you know that any old park or tree can be a gym!
• Keep a tight ship – A more-or-less no-brainer but take control of your space, keep it clean, and keep the feng shui on-point. I cannot stress JUST HOW MUCH keeping your space organised is necessary. And when you lose things in a van, just assume it’ll show up by itself in six hours times.
• Meet ‘n’ greet – Use the nights you stay at campsites, backpackers, or wherever else to make friends. Socialising is good! It can’t all be a stoic monk-living in a van.
• Take space – For travel buddies and partners, take some damn space from each other sometimes. It’s basic relationshipping 101. It’s totally ok to have days where everything they say and do makes you want to kick them in the shins, but the healthy response is to go for a long walk (up a mountain).
• Bang it out – For every great fight, there must be a great catharsis. For couples on the road , I’m not the best person to give advice. But if we’re talking a platonic travel buddy, maybe just roll a joint on it instead.
• Take the traveller mindset – Always remember to don your traveller hat. “What’s a ‘problem’ ? I only know of  ‘fun challenges’ . That person looks friendly, I’ll ask for help .”

Get Insured Before Embarking on Your Van Travelling Adventure

Oh, so you got some legally mandated vehicular insurance? Well, that’s a good start, but what about some optional insurance for your anatomical features? Your face, your spine, your favourite bits…

You’re going travelling in a van and that means getting travel insurance before you do because, like it or not, things go wrong. And when they do, someone has to pick up the tab. Personally, I’d prefer that someone be a faceless insurance corporation with the cash to spare rather than my mum.

Make sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend World Nomads, as they’re one of the best travel insurance providers out there.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

History is a funny thing: it works in cycles. Once upon a time, our ancestors walked great distances shepherding their livestock and foraging for food. They followed the sun.

And then, we discovered how nice it is to have a home. You mean I can have a mattress, a flushing toilet, and a kitty-cat? Sign me up!

And now, reality is settling in. Faced with the reality of crushing debt, overwhelming mortgage payments, and storage spaces full of stuff we never use, we once again yearn for the romance of the nomadic life. But things are different now.

Our horses have been replaced with vans, our cooking fires with gas stoves, and our deep-seated fear of the night’s terrors with deep-cycle solar-powered batteries. It’s a new kind of romance, but it’s still an adventure.

To live the minimalist lifestyle and see the world with no roots save the one you’re driving. To do something kick-ass! That’s an adventure.

You know that feeling you get when you’re doing something awesome and ballsy and you’re going your own way? That’s van travel.

Give it a shot. Hire a campervan, or an RV, or a converted ice-cream truck… Hell, build one from scratch! But just give it a damn shot.

Take that first little dip in the water of van life. Then, see if you can go back in the cage.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Ziggy Samuels

Share or save this post

I had been traveling around America with my husband for over 10 years, but now it seems impossible, not just because of the pandemic but because we bought a horse farm in Irvine, CA, and have been spending most of our time here ever since. I literally can’t wait to start traveling again!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

21 Camper Van Rental Companies for Your US Road Trip

Rent an adventuremobile from one of these camper van rental companies & choose from Sprinters, Vanagons, Ford Transits, Sportsmobiles & more!

Looking for a camper van rental so you can check off multiple National Parks in one big road trip without dealing with hotels or setting up a tent every night? Or maybe you’re thinking about #vanlife, but you’re not 100% sure you want to commit fully? A campervan rental for your next US road trip will give you the opportunity to experience van life, get off the beaten path, and have a more spontaneous adventure.

With the increasing popularity of van life, camper van rental companies are popping up across the country so no matter where you’d like to adventure, there’s a good chance you’ll find a campervan rental near you.

To help you find the right camper van rental for your next road trip, in this roundup we share an extensive list of camper van rental companies in the US, including options from east to west. We break down locations, the types of vans available, pricing, and more so you can narrow down your search.

Also, before you go, check out our Van Life 101 guide to learn more about van life whether for a short-term stint via a camper van rental or if you’re looking to do van life longer term. And be sure to grab our packing checklist below as well!

Van Life Packing Checklist

Get this free PDF that will help you pack up your van in a jiffy.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Why Rent a Camper Van?

Renting a camper van can provide an elevated road trip experience by pairing some of the comforts of home with the freedom of the open road.

With a camper van, you’ll have everything you need with you including a bed, kitchen, indoor seating space, and in some cases, even a bathroom. There’s no need to set up camp and pitch a tent every night, so you’ll have the flexibility to camp in more places and will be able to move around more easily.

Plus, depending on where you want to travel, daily rental fees may be cheaper than a hotel room, and you can also save by cooking your own meals since most rental camper vans come with a sink, cooking equipment, fridge (or at least a cooler), and a stove.

Many people also rent a camper van to give van life a try before diving in and committing to buying a van themselves. It’s also a great way to test out a certain type of camper van model and layout to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Save this post!

Enter your email & I'll send this post to your inbox! You'll also receive my weekly newsletter full of helpful advice for planning your adventures.

Considerations for Renting a Campervan

With the growing popularity of van life, there are a growing number of camper van rental companies out there offering campervan rentals of all types for all budgets. That means you’ve got a good chance of finding a campervan rental at the right price for you.

Base pricing generally includes a certain number of daily miles (usually starting at 100 miles/day included, sometimes more) with an additional cost per mile if you go over.

Camper van rental companies often provide basics like bedding, camp chairs, a camp table, and cooking supplies although this varies and may not be included in some of the more budget campervan rentals. Most camper van rental companies also offer add-ons for an extra fee such as portable toilets, rooftop tents, and bike racks.

Be aware that you may need to pay a deposit and cleaning fee in addition to the rental fee, so be sure to read the company’s FAQs or discuss this with them before booking.

Seating & Sleeping Space

You’ll want to make sure the rental camper van you’re looking at can safely seat and sleep the number of people that you’ll be road tripping with. For example, some campervans have bench seating in the back, but these seats don’t always have seatbelts and aren’t meant to be used while driving.

Some campervan rentals offer a rooftop tent in addition to indoor sleeping space so you can have two separate sleeping areas. And some rental companies offer an add-on camping tent you can pitch if you need more sleeping space as well.

Read next: See the Best Campervan Layouts for Families to get some ideas on how to comfortably fit everyone.

Some camper van rental companies include a variety of amenities in their rental fee, and some offer them as add-ons for an additional fee . Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the price so you can plan accordingly.

From a fully stocked kitchen with a stove, cookware, and dishes to camp chairs, an outdoor table, and bedding, some camper van rentals come with all the amenities you need to cook and relax on your road trip.

On the other hand, some budget rental campervans are a little more bare bones so you’ll need to bring camping, cooking, and sleeping supplies with you.

You generally pay for what you get, so if you need the convenience of having all the amenities supplied (for example, if you’re flying to your destination and you don’t want to deal with bringing everything with you), then you’ll want to look for a campervan rental company who provides everything you need.

If you’ll be picking up a camper van near home and can load it up with everything you need for your trip, you can likely save some money by bringing your own gear.

Read next: For a full list of recommendations with photos and descriptions, check out my Van Life Essentials Guide .

Bathroom Facilities

Some camper van rentals come complete with a shower and toilet (usually a porta potty), and some don’t. If a bathroom is a must for you, make sure this is something you look for when searching for rentals, but be aware you’ll likely pay a little more as well.

If you plan to camp at campgrounds where bathrooms and showers are readily available, you can likely go without these luxuries and save some money. And if you plan on finding free campsites without facilities, you can likely get by with a portable shower and portable toilet system if you don’t mind roughing it a little.

We’ve noticed that most camper van rental companies will allow dogs for an additional fee , although there is one company on our list below that lets dogs join the adventure for free, and there are a few who don’t allow them at all.

Be sure to look into this before booking if you plan on road tripping with your dog .

Age Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to rent an RV or camper van in the US .

Many campervan rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers who are under the age of 25 due to additional insurance costs.

When looking into renting a camper van, you’ll want to look into insurance requirements and pricing as well. Some camper van rental companies include insurance in their daily rates, while some add on an additional daily fee for insurance .

Most camper van rental companies do not allow you to be covered by your personal auto policy or credit card for campervan rentals . This is because most basic auto policies do not cover campervans that are classified as Class B RVs. Be sure to check with your insurance company prior to booking a campervan rental and ask specifically if your policy includes Class B RV coverage.

One Way Campervan Rentals

Depending on your road trip plans, you may want to start in one location and end in another to make the most of your time and avoid backtracking. If that’s the case, check with the campervan rental company to see if they charge an additional fee for one-way rentals.

In some cases, we’ve seen rental companies offer discounts on certain one way routes when they need a van transported from one location to another – that’s something to look out for as well.

Peer-to-Peer Camper Van Rentals

With the rising popularity of van life, there are now a handful of peer-to-peer campervan rental companies where people rent out their own campervans – kind of like Airbnb but for camper van rentals. This allows owners to earn extra income by renting out their campervans when they’re not using them, and it gives travelers the chance to pick from a variety of campervan models, layouts, and interior designs.

These peer-to-peer campervan rental sites allow you to easily search for campervans available in your area or in the area you plan on traveling to.

Peer-to-peer camper van rental companies you’ll find on our complete list below include Outdoorsy and GoCamp . The rest of the companies on our list are all camper van rental companies that own a fleet of converted campervans.

How Much Does a Camper Van Rental Cost?

Camper van rentals can cost anywhere from $33 per day to upwards of $500 per day . Those rates often don’t include insurance or additional amenities you may want for your road trip. But the good news is, there are budget camper van rentals available if that’s what you’re looking for.

A few budget-friendly camper van rental companies you’ll find on our list below include:

Escape Campervans

• Lost Campers
• Voyager Campervans

Best US Camper Van Rental Companies

Now here is our list of the best camper van rental companies across the US rounded up by our team of van lifers.

Outdoorsy Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations:  All across the US by owner
• Types of camper vans: All
• Price: Varies

Outdoorsy is one of the leading peer-to-peer RV and camper van rental companies and is essentially like Airbnb but for campervan rentals. They connect RV and camper van owners with renters and their selection includes everything from vintage Airstreams, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as a variety of trailers and camper vans. Simply enter your location, dates, and the number of campers to see what’s available in your area.

Native Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas
• Types of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster camper vans
• Price: starting at $69/night

We love that Native Campervans classifies their rentals as “Biggie”, “Smalls”, and “Squad”. Biggie rides 2 and sleeps 2 with all the comforts of an RV. Smalls is smaller and sportier and sits and sleeps two. And last but not least, Squad (pictured above) has room to seat AND sleep 4 along with proper DOT-approved seating to keep the kiddies (and your favorite backseat drivers) safe.

Native Campervans include basics like bedding, camp chairs, a table, and cooking essentials. Rates start at $69 per night and they require a 3-night minimum.

Moterra Campervans

• Rental Locations: Jackson WY, Whitefish MT, San Francisco CA, Salt Lake City UT, Las Vegas NV, Seattle WA, Portland ME
• Type of camper vans: pop-top and high-roof Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $279/night

Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, locally-owned and operated Moterra Campervans offers high-end all-inclusive Sprinter camper van rentals across the United States. Both pop-tops and high-roof Sprinters are available in their fleet – all are 3 years old or less and built out by Sportsmobile. They include everything you need for your campervan road trip as a standard and also offer fully customized itineraries for those who want to take the stress out of planning their own campervan vacation.

Moterra’s pop-top vans accommodate 4 people with 2 double beds and have a full kitchen with an optional toilet. Their high-roof vans accommodate 2 and have a full kitchen and full bathroom complete with a hot water shower and a toilet. Rates start at $279/night and they have a 3-night minimum in the low season and a 5-night minimum in the high season.

• Rental Locations: Los Angeles CA, San Francisco CA, Las Vegas NV, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Salt Lake City UT, Denver CO, Phoenix AZ, Chicago IL, Orlando FL, New York NY
• Type of camper vans: Ford camper vans and Jeeps with rooftop tents
• Price: starting at $33/day

Escape Campervans is one of the largest campervan rental companies in the US with locations across the US and a fleet of more than 600 campervans converted in house. Each van is unique with hand painted designs which makes for some fun photos on your trip.

Escape Campervans offers 4 different models of converted Ford campervans, as well as a Jeep camper with a rooftop tent, that can seat and sleep anywhere from 2 to 5 people. Rates start at $33/day and they have a 3-14 day minimum depending on location, time of year, and whether you’re doing a round trip or one way camper van rental.

All their camper van rentals include a bed, dining area, sink, refrigerator, stove, and a dual battery system with solar. Extras like bedding, camping gear, and kitchen kits are available for an additional fee.

Escape Campervans are also available in Canada via Vancouver and Calgary.

#1 campsite finder app

Try the dyrt pro free for 30 days.

Get a FREE 30-Day membership to The Dyrt PRO, one of our favorite apps for finding campsites.

Perks include: • 5,000+ free camping locations • 1,000+ campground discount network • $0 extra booking fees • Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, and more

Use the code BEARFOOT to get 30 days free!

Mercedes Sprinter RV Rental

• Rental Locations: 28 locations throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington
• Types of camper vans: Luxury Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $2950/week

Departing from 28 locations in the Western US, this company solely offers Mercedes Sprinter luxury camper vans for rent. All their rental vans have full bathrooms with a shower, sink, and toilet. They also come with solar power and are decked out with ovens and TVs for late-night movies. These Mercedes Sprinter RV campervans can seat up to 7 people and sleep up to 4 people. Be prepared though–all of these amenities can run you about $400-$500 a night.

Peace Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Seattle, WA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Mercedes Sprinters, and Mercedes Metris pop-up campers
• Price: starting at $265/night

Based in Seattle, WA, Peace Vans Rentals offers Pacific Northwest campervan rentals, as well as limited one-way campervan rentals between Seattle, WA and Santa Cruz, CA. They rent out beautiful, classic VW Vanagons, each unique in their own way, as well as Mercedes Sprinters and Metris pop-up campers for those looking for something a bit more modern. They throw in lots of thoughtful extras like cookware, spices, wine glasses, a french press, fresh ground coffee, and more.

Pricing starts at $265 per night with a 4-night minimum in the shoulder season and a 6-night minimum in the high season.

Vintage Surfari Wagons

• Rental Locations:  Costa Mesa, CA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Eurovans, and Mercedes Metris camper vans
• Price: starting at $135/night

Ever dreamed of taking a vacation in a nostalgic Volkswagon camper bus? We have! Here is your opportunity to flashback to the 1970’s/80’s era with these great campervan rentals in the greater Los Angeles area. Vintage Surfari Wagons  has a fleet of buses, Vanagons, and Eurovans for rent from the 1970s-2000s plus Mercedes Metris campervans for those of you looking for something a little more modern. Rates start at $135 per night and they generally have a 2-night minimum.

Hawaii Surf Campers Rentals

• Rental Locations: Oahu, HI
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Ford Econolines, and Ford Transit camper vans
• Price: starting at $149/night

Hawaii Surf Campers offer a range of campervans for rent with a variety of Volkswagens to Ford Econolines and Transits that start at $149 a night. They offer airport pick-ups and drop-offs for a small fee and they provide their guests with a map of camping recommendations around the island.

One cool perk, they partner with a local surf school where you can get discounted lessons, and you can add a surfboard to any rental for an additional fee. If you also plan to visit Kauai on your trip, read more about whether or not it’s worth renting a van there  here .

Campervan North America Rental

• Rental Locations: Yellowstone/Bozeman, MT
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Promaster
• Price: starting at $100/night

Campervan North America offers 5 different camper van models to choose from, including a converted Dodge Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit. Many of their vans were purchased new and then converted so they’re peppier and have lower miles than some other options you might find.

Their vans sleep up to 5 people depending on the model. The interiors are clean and simple; some models have kitchens and baths and some don’t. During the high season, they have a 7-night minimum and a 4-night minimum rental for the rest of the year. Rates start at $100/night although they offer discounts for rental periods longer than 15 days.

VanCraft Sprinter Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Diego CA, Denver CO, and Salt Lake City UT
• Types of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $59/night

VanCraft offers 3 models of campervans for rent: long-wheelbase Sprinters, short-wheelbase Sprinters, and Micro Campervans. All of the vans include a full-sized bed, off-grid solar power, refrigerator, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor shower, and camping basics. You can also choose from add-ons like an optional toilet, bike rack, or rooftop tent

A major perk of this campervan rental is they are designed for all 4-season camping, so you can stay warm and cozy even in the coldest of temps. Rental rates start at under $59/day for their Micro Campervans and $135/day and up for their Sprinter models, and they have a 3-day minimum. Oh, and they also allow dogs at no extra charge!

GoCamp Campervans

• Rental locations: All across the US by owner

GoCamp is a peer-to-peer camper van rental platform that enables van owners to earn extra income by renting out their camper vans and gives renters an opportunity to experience #vanlife without having to purchase a van of their own. Their fleet features only the best camper vans with a wide variety of choices—from old-school Volkswagen Vanagons to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 adventure vans , and much more. Their campervans are road trip ready and located across the US. You can easily search for availability by location and dates on their website.

Boho Camper Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA
• Price: Starting at $209/night

Boho Camper Vans has a fleet of Dodge Promaster vans that they built out themselves, each designed with their unique boho flare. These camper vans are equipped with running water, an outdoor shower, stove, privacy curtains, bedding, cookware, camping chairs, and a portable cooler. Just minutes away from the Phoenix airport, you can live your boho dreams for around $209/day.

They are also starting to offer van rentals by owner out of San Diego, CA.

Lost Camper Van Rentals

• Rental Locations:  Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA
• Types of Camper Vans: Ford Transits and Dodge Minivans
• Price: starting at $39/night

Lost Camper is all about comfort and affordability. They offer Ford Transit rentals and a variety of Dodge Minivan rentals starting at $39/day, making this a good budget camper van rental company. All their campervan rentals include unlimited miles in their daily rates, as well as bedding, kitchen kits, and basic camping equipment like a table and chairs. Most of their vans have sinks and awnings (be sure to check the specific model) and all have an inside double bed, dining table, privacy curtains, and a cooler at minimum (some have refrigerators).

Trekker Vans Ford Transit Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transits
• Price: starting at $99/night

Trekker Vans prides itself on being a bootstrapped, locally owned and operated business. The owners are avid outdoors people, so they’re always happy to help you plan your adventure. 

All their camper van rentals are Ford Transits equipped with bedding, curtains, cookware, stove, refrigerator, sink with running water, camping chairs, and a table. The dinette transforms into a queen-size bed that sleeps 2-3 people, and if you need room for more, they’ll add on a rooftop tent. Depending on your party size, you can customize your seating to accommodate 2 or 4 people.

Pricing starts at $99/night with a minimum of three nights. During the high season, the prices will be about twice as much. If you’re looking for a San Francisco camper van rental company right near the airport, this is a great choice.

Ondevan Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, FL
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster and Ford E-350 camper vans

Ondevan Campervan is another locally-owned company with locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Florida. It’s named after the Spanish phrase, “¿A dónde van?”, which means “Where are you going?” because the owners love to travel like we do, and wanted the namesake to inspire others.

Ondevan campervan rentals are fully stocked with a stove, cooler, cookware, bedding, curtains, chairs, and a table. The rental fleet has Dodge Promasters and Ford E-350s to select from. Daily rental rates start at $59 per night depending on the vehicle. Plus, they have an online road trip map made by fellow travelers with information on where to find showers and campsites.

Basecamper Van Rentals

• Rental Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promasters and Chevy Express camper vans
• Price: starting at $109/night

Basecamper Vans is a campervan rental company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They’ve got several vans in their fleet including a Dodge Promaster 2500, Dodge Promaster City, and Chevy Express camper vans. Their vans sleep 2-4 with options to add on a rooftop tent. Daily rental rates start at $109/night. All their vans are set up with cookware, refrigerator, stove, bedding, and camp chairs.

Voyager Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Minneapolis MN
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster

Voyager Campervans is based in Minneapolis Minnesota making it a great camper van rental company option for outdoor adventures in the state including to the Boundary Waters . Their Dodge Promaster City camper van rentals are compact and equipped with linens, cooking utensils, and cooking fuel. The daily rental rates start at $59 per night for a 2-person campervan rental and $159 per night for a 4-person camper van rental. They have a 2-5 day minimum depending on the season.

Rocky Mountain Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster pop-top campers, VW Vanagons, and Eurovans
• Price: starting at $145/night

Another family-owned and operated business, Rocky Mountain Campervans rents luxury conversion vans and vintage Volkswagen vans. The luxury campervan rentals are Dodge Promaster pop-top campers that sleep 5 and have a toilet and a full kitchen. If you’re looking for something with a vintage feel, they offer Volkswagen Vanagons and Eurovans for rent. These vans sleep 4 and have a stove, small refrigerator, and sink.

All of their camper van rentals are stocked with bedding, cookware, and a number of camping accessories to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of the vehicles are 4-season ready. Daily rental rates start at $145 per night and they sometimes offer one-way specials.

Tierra Traveler

• Rental Locations: Bozeman and Livingston, MT
• Type of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $300/night

Tierra Traveler offers Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan rentals outfitted with luxury amenities for maximum comfort. With two locations in Montana, they’re perfectly positioned for exploring Yellowstone, Grand Teton , and Glacier National Parks.

Their vans have a queen size bed, Dometic fridge, are stocked with all the camping essentials, and are ready for all four seasons with a propane heater and digital thermostat. Rates start at $300 per night and they have a 3-night minimum during summer and fall.

Vander Outdoors

• Rental Locations:  Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster and Dodge Minivans

Vander Outdoors , a locally owned campervan rental company in the DC area, includes a fleet of 2- and 4-passenger camper vans, all under 18 feet long for stress-free driving, easy parking, and great fuel economy over 25mpg.  All of their vans come fully equipped with a stove, sink, fridge, cookware, bedding, and basic camping gear. 

Prices start at $99 per night and they have a 2-night minimum in the low season and a 3-night minimum in the high season. These campervans are great for exploring out through the Shenandoah Valley, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or along the Atlantic coast from Acadia National Park in Maine to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Vegas Campers

• Rental Locations: Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram camper vans

Vegas Campers offers micro campers that sleep and seat up to two people that are perfect for Southwest road trips. Their vans get incredible gas mileage in comparison to larger RVs, are much easier to handle on the road, and come fully stocked with sleeping bags, linens, a stove, sink, refrigerator, couch/bed, outdoor shower, a solar powered electronics charging station, all sorts of lighting, dishes, cookware, and more.

The team provides online instructional videos which means you don’t waste time any time on the ground… you’ll be able to “grab the keys and go” because you will already know how everything works. They have a 3-night minimum (though they allow 2 nights at the same rate as 3) and prices start at $99 per night.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip in your Camper Van Rental

We have tons of free resources on our site to help you plan the ultimate road trip in your rental camper van. Check out these guides to get started:

• How to Save Money on a Road Trip
• How To Find Free Campsites
• 65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials
• How to Get WiFi on the Road
• Solo Road Trip Planning Guide
• Van Life 101: How-To Guide for Living in a Van
• 15 Must-Have Van Life Apps
• Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist
• Van Life Essentials

Have you rented a campervan from any of these camper van rental companies or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

58 Comments

CamperVanGuy will outfit you with the van and gear if starting your trip in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks, Jody! We weren’t aware of CamperVanGuy, looks like a neat company for those starting in LA! Thanks for posting.

Wow I didn’t know there were so many good options! I’m hoping to do a US Road trip sometime next year, and can’t wait to explore a bit more of my own country

Check out Simple Campers in the SF Bay Area for camper vans that offer a variety of amenities. Including, unlimited mileage, one way rentals, pop tops, wifi, and more.

Thanks for the tip, Mav!

A great campervan alternative we found is Pacific Overlander (www.pacificoverlander.com). Their vehicles are totally tricked out and got us through the southwest without having to think about campsite reservations at all. Opened up a whole new way to do our road trips. Highly recommended!

Great to hear! Thanks for the rec!

Great post, Kim! Thanks for sharing. Looks like you might need a bay area company on this list 😉 I recently launched Outervan, a handcrafted campervan rental company.

Hey Lindsey! Thanks so much for reaching out. Drop me an email @ [email protected] with more details about Outervan.

your idea for adventure in campervan is great. campervan is famous for long road trip with other drinking and eating services. i really like this because you talk about adventure.

This is to say that it was really-really well and truly nice to read such kind of posts. You have to say that it should be continue to posts the blogs like this. Thanks

I am looking to rent for a minimum of 6 months; do you know which companies may provide the best rates for More long term ventures? I am primarily concerned with finding comfort at a low price. LOst camper appears to Ben a good option. Was wondering if you knew of any companies specifically geared towards this end.

Many campervan and RV rental companies will offer discounts for long-term rentals. I recommend reaching out to some companies and asking what discounts they can offer you for a 6+ month rental.

Anything in colorado springs?

Not entirely sure – I’d recommend doing a google search or trying Outdoorsy. There are definitely campervan rental companies elsewhere in Colorado including Denver if you aren’t able to find anything in Colorado Springs. Good luck!

Anything in St. Louis?

Hmmm… not sure!

Would like to take aroad trip in April 2021 from Texas to Las Vegas, need help in finding a company to rent camper van in my area

I recommend doing a quick google search for campervans in your area to see what comes up!

Any suggestion for area of Boston?

Not sure about the Boston area. A quick Google search might turn up something!

Great article, thanks for all these recommendations!!

Travellers Autobarn in Los Angeles,Las Vegas, and Bay Area! Unlimited miles included!

I’m trying to find a one way Class B rental starting in either Los Angeles or Phoenix and ending up near Glacier National Park in Montana – having a hard time finding a company that has a drop off point near Glacier

Nee to this Camper Van life! Intrigued and ready to take to the next level. Can someone recommend a good place to start as a beginner? I would love to learn, and be aware of “I wish I woulda known?” questions. Lucy!

Hi Lucy – we have a ton of resources and blog posts on Van Life how-tos. Check out our Van Life Course homepage . Our Van Life 101 guide also answers a lot of questions for people just starting out.

Great list but you HAVE to not forget the South and specifically sCAMPervan in Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. What an original and unique brand and collection of vans to rent loaded with all the goods and necessities as well as rooftop tents. scampervan.com

Thanks for that tip, Jonathan, we’ll look into adding them!

Hello! I’m flying into Reno and I’m looking for a camper van such as these, anyone know of a location near Reno/Lake Tahoe? Thanks, much appreciated ☺️

Vancation.com has 3 or 4 campervan rentals in Reno!

Looking to rent a camper van to travel from around Dallas Texas to Southern Florida. Any recommendations?

Hmm, not familiar with the Dallas area. Maybe someone else can chime in!

I have a Thor Tellaro pop top pro master class b. I live in Idaho. I am hoping to rent it out for winter (late Fall to early Spring) in the Southwest USA.

How might I find a company to manage the rental for me?

Check out the company Outdoorsy

Looking for a Campervan like VW, Dodge or Chevy for 2 adults & 1 baby. Pick up and return should be Los Angeles. Any reccommandations?

Would it be cheapest to rent a cargo van from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, or some other company for a few weeks and turn it into a temporary camper?

You can always buy an inflatable mattress, manual pump, camping stove, styrofoam cooler, cheap pillow, and maybe some cheap black out material that you can tape to the windows at night.

When done, you can mail the camping stove (minus the fuel), mattress, the pump, and tape back to your residence.

Hi Rob, I think many people like the ease & luxuries that come with renting an already built-out van, but your idea is definitely a possibility. Another option to save money is to look at one-way campervan relocations – they are usually last minute and you have to find your way home, but one of our team members has traveled this way before and loved it.

Don’t forget vancation.com, the newest campervan rental marketplace. Zero owner service fees if you join early and the best feature set to manage your listing.

Thanks for the tip!

Thanks! Appreciate the research and information on van rentals that covers a good chunk of the country

It’s nice to see these resources are available, but there are none for where I live. Not much in the way for Missouri I guess, and having lived here 95% of my life so far, I can say that the landscape is beautiful here (the people not so much lol). Maybe someday there will be a van rental place available here, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

I’m sad to see Dallas/Ft Worth area not served on your list. Any ideas? Thanks,

Hi Melissa, I’m unfamiliar with any rental companies in that area, but I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

The best resource. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful, Eugene!

So stoked to have found your site! You rock!

Thanks Stacy!!

Wow you missed Florida Oldscool Campers. Our family loved our trip!

Thanks for the recommendation – we’ll have to check them out!

Hi Sonya! Keys Westys has the largest inventory of Westfalias on the East Coast, including Florida!

This is a great resource, thank you! Is appears that “Escape’ is the only company that operates one-way small camper vans coast to coast — in my case, I need northeast to northwest? Is that true as far as you know? Thank you.

Hi Pam, glad you found this helpful! We’ve never personally used these rental companies (all of our team owns campervans) so I can’t speak to the one-way coast-to-coast rentals, unfortunately. Good luck with your search!

You should add Keys Westys VW Camper Van Rental in the Florida Keys to this article! Keys Westys offers a fleet of vintage and classic VW Westaflia “Westys” for rent for adventures up and down the iconic 113-mile Overseas Highway. The iconic, “instagrammable” pop-top campers sleep four people on two levels, have on-board refrigerators and even slide-out camping air conditioners to deliver the glam to this level of glamping! Vintage ‘Westys’ of Keys Westys include cute models like the 1971 Westy “Hey Mickey” and the 1978 Westy “Key Lime Pie” to the 1980 Westy “Cotton Candy” and 1982 Westy “Cookie Monster”. Several are spotlighted on the Keys Westys website, as well as fan sites online. Keys Westys also offers several more modern VW Eurovan Westfalias, in a rainbow of colors, also sporting refrigerators and slide-out camping air conditioners. Each rental also includes a linens bin of sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases for four persons – as well as a camping bin of incidentals for cooking and camping, including cutlery, plates, cups and more. Keys Westys’ rental rates start at $130 per day, and renters can add on things like inflatable paddle boards, camp sites at several award-winning state parks from the company’s inventory of its self-guided tour and more. Airport pick up and drop off to Keys Westys’ Islamorada location is also available. And, if you are driving down to pick up your Westy, you can leave your car at their gated facility while you adventure – at no additional charge. Keys Westys has a rich history in the Keys, and offers a broad range of information to plan your Florida Keys adventure, including snorkeling, to nature trails, “Campgrounds We Love” and more. Keys Westys can be found online or be reached at 786-326-6763.

Thanks for the info, Michelle!

Wanted to say thanks for featuring Boho Camper Vans as one of your go-to camper van companies! We’re grateful!

Just wanted to say that things have changed a lot for us in the past couple of years, and we’re currently running a fleet of twelve 2021-2022 Promasters (we found those old Econolines were just a liiiiiittle too tight). Our designs have evolved and our vans have grown but we’ve maintained that same “cabin on wheels” kind of feel.

Hi Ryan, thanks for letting us know! Do you have any updated photos and a blurb that we can update our post with? Please email me at contact[at] bearfoottheory.com

Wandervans is also a great option for affordable van rentals or builds. Locations in Boise, Spokane/CDA, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Vegas, Phoenix, and Duluth. Great article, thanks for getting all of these options out there!

• Books & Merch
• Gear We Use
• Advertise With Us
• National & State Parks
• Best RV Campgrounds in New Hampshire
• Best RV Campgrounds in NC Mountains
• Best Florida Beach RV Campgrounds
• South Dakota
• The Great Lakes
• Campers Swear By This Portable Device That Keeps Dogs Safe -The Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping (2024)
• Mosquitos and bugs
• Camping Clothes
• Camping Gifts
• Camping Internet
• 5 Best RV Backup Cameras for RV & Trailer
• 7 Best Screen Tents for Camping (2024)
• Best RV Campgrounds in California
• 5 Best Key West RV Parks
• 9 Best RV Campgrounds in New Jersey
• Camping Reservations
• Campground Comparisons
• Cheap or FREE RV Camping Sites
• Best RV Campground Memberships & Clubs
• Boondocking 101
• Boondocking Adventures
• RV Internet
• What Do Flamingos and Upside Down Pineapples Mean?
• Where to Find FREE or Cheap RV Sites Camping
• RV Winter Camping
• RV Show List for 2024

17 Best Camper Vans 2024 (New Class B RVs Available!)

Our shortlist for the best camper vans in 2024, including long-time favorites, new models, and european models now available in the u.s..

• 1 Our shortlist for the Best Camper Vans in 2024, including long-time favorites, new models, and European models now available in the U.S.!
• 2 How Do You Choose the Right Camper Van?
• 3.1 1. Grech STRADA-ion
• 3.2.1 The No Wood RV = Mold & Mildew Resistant (Video)
• 3.3 3. Roadtrek Pivot
• 3.4 4. Roadtrek Chase
• 3.5 5. Coachmen Galleria Li3
• 3.6 6. Coachmen Beyond
• 3.7 7. Coachmen Nova
• 3.8 8. Thor Tellaro
• 3.9 9. 4X4 Tiffin GH1
• 3.10 10. Winnebago Travato
• 3.11 11. Winnebago Revel
• 3.12 12. Pleasure-Way Plateau FL
• 3.13 13. Airstream Rangeline
• 3.14 14. Airstream Interstate
• 3.15 15. Entegra Coach Launch
• 3.16 16. Westfalia Wave
• 3.17 17. The Advanced RV Van
• 4 Your Vote for the Best Camper Vans
• 5 Our RV Buying Secrets

If you’re looking for the freedom and sense of adventure that a motorhome provides but want the mobility of a car, then you should consider a camper van.

Camper vans are an attractive option given that they are compact, rugged, and can be as equipped as you need. You can go pretty much anywhere a car can go and get better gas mileage than bigger RVs.

They come in a variety of sizes and configurations depending on their purpose.

Some are designed for weekend travel, while others can accommodate simple full-time living. Some are for campgrounds, and others for boondocking. Some are cheap, and others are shockingly expensive!

(Curious what a $500,000 camper van entails? See at the end of the list!)

How Do You Choose the Right Camper Van?

Like other RV classes, there are many options for camper vans on the market. Perhaps too many. That's why we're highlighting the best ones.

Choosing the best camper van for you depends on your travel plans, as well as the following considerations:

• Your Budget
• Size to accommodate your gear and passengers
• Drivetrain (2-wheel, 4-wheel, or all-wheel drive)
• Diesel vs. gasoline
• Service history and mileage (if buying used)
• Weekender vs. Fulltime

The following list of 2024 best camper vans gives you a range of the above features.

The Best Camper Vans 2024

Based on our experience, many visits to RV shows, and other campers, we’ve compiled a list of the best camper vans for you to check out this year.

You'll find camper vans that are tried-and-true, as well as new models that are catching the attention of RVers everywhere.

The following are listed in no particular order, as the “best” depends on your individual needs and wants. But this shortlist will help you determine which camper van is best for you.

1. Grech STRADA-ion

The STRADA-ion is Grech's flagship Sprinter Motorhome. It's a luxury Class B with an advanced lithium-ion battery energy storage system. It provides a total of 1,260Ah, which will run the AC for up to 12 hours on battery power alone.

It has a 280-amp alternator that charges the lithium-ion batteries from idle , meaning you don't have to drive to charge your batteries. The battery management software pairs with its Fire Fly control system, which you can operate from your phone.

The 2024 Grech RV Strada is built on the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD. with air suspension.

It's 24 feet long and sleeps 2. It comes in 2 floorplans, the Lounge Plan and Tour Plan. The biggest difference between the two is that the Lounge Plan seats up to 9, whereas the Tour Plan “only” seats 7. I put “only” in quotations because 7 is a lot of people!

And all seats have seat belts! Many campervans can “seat” several guests, but only provide seatbelts for 2-4. The Stradia provides a safer alternative for all of your travel companions.

MSRP starts at $259,900.

2. Embassy RV Dolphin SL

The Embassy Dolphin SL is known for its revolutionary floor plan that allows for two separate sleeping areas . That means a person can stay awake or wake up early and not disturb the person who's sleeping!

This separate sleeping arrangement also makes it popular among single parents, traveling friends, and traveling business partners. And, speaking of work, the rear bed platform converts into a table-height desk.

It's 22'2″ long and built on a Ford Transit Chassis. The kitchen and bathroom separate the front living/sleeping area from the rear bedroom. Your usable space can be extended with an optional rear porch with tent.

The Dolphin SL has a lithium-ion battery system. It doesn't come with solar, but the system can be fully charged by the engine. You can add a battery management system with Bluetooth™ connectivity as an option.

Unfortunately, Embassy doesn't list MSRP, but it likely starts in the $150,000 – $175,000 range. So, you have to call to get a quote for your desired floorplan and options.

The No Wood RV = Mold & Mildew Resistant (Video)

BUT! Perhaps the most NOTABLE FEATURE of the latest Dolphin SL RV Model is that it's a No Wood RV. It's made of composite material that makes it mold and mildew-resistant .

That's excellent news for RVers in wet or tropical climates. (Hear that Florida snowbirds?!)

3. Roadtrek Pivot

The Roadtrek Pivot is 20'9″ long and built on a RAM Promaster 3500 chassis. It comfortably seats 4 and sleeps 3 with an optional folding mattress.

It has two different bed setup options: two twin beds or one king bed. The optional single folding mattress can be laid across the front two captain seats.

A popular feature is its Duo Space bathroom , which comes standard. It has a pivoting wall that creates a separate showering area and keeps the other amenities dry. They market it as the “driest wet bath ever.”

It also has an outdoor shower and rear access doors. So, you can open the side sliding door and rear swing doors for an open indoor/outdoor setup.

It comes standard with a 13′ power awning, 600 AMP lithium battery system, generator, 300-watt solar panels, and 12/100 V power inverter.

MSRP starts at $183,386.

4. Roadtrek Chase

We've owned a couple Roadtreks, so it's no surprise another model makes it on the list. The Chase is one of the most affordable on the list with it's simple, efficient design.

The Chase is 20'9″ and built on the Ram ProMaster 3500 extended van chassis. It can seat 4 and sleep 3 with an optional folding mattress that lays over the cab seats.

It has a 300W solar panel and 600 amp lithium battery system. Some other nice standard features include a 13′ power awning, 11,000 BTU A/C, and heavy duty magnetic bug screens for rear and passenger sliding door.

MSRP is $176,386.

5. Coachmen Galleria Li3

The Coachmen Galleria is 24'3″ long and built on the award-winning 3500 Mercedes Sprinter extended platform. We toured it and took the above picture at the Florida RV SuperShow.

It has four floorplan options , including one option (24A) with a fixed bed and power incline storage underneath. Its kitchen is on the bigger side, including a 7.3 cu. ft. refrigerator with pull-out freezer in the 24A and 24FL floor plans.

Standard features include an Onan quiet generator, 330W solar, and a standard 330 Ah AGM battery with 2,000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter.

But you'll notice that we specifically listed the Galleria Li3 . This is an upgraded option for a 630 Ah Li3 lithium battery that we think makes it one of the best camper vans. (The model pictured above is an Li3).

Coachmen doesn't list the MSRP, but it likely starts around $250,000. You'd need to contact a local dealer to learn more.

6. Coachmen Beyond

Coachment earns another spot on the list with the Beyond. We toured it and took the above picture at the Florida RV SuperShow.

At 22'2 “, it's two feet shorter and gets 1 mpg better gas mileage than the Galleria. It's built on the Ford Transit AWD chassis with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 10-speed transmission.

The Beyond has three floorplan options , including the 22RB that has a rear wet bath with a flip-down sink and shower. This roomier bathroom makes it a popular choice.

Some standard features include a 2.8KW gasoline generator, 195W solar panel with dual charging capabilities, and a 2,000W Xantrex inverter with auto-gen start. Like the Galleria, you can opt for the Li3 Lithium Battery System, among other nice upgrade options.

Coachmen doesn't list the MSRP, but it likely starts around $200,000. You'd need to contact a local dealer to learn more.

7. Coachmen Nova

That's right, Coachmen has a third model that makes our list of the best camper vans. The Nova (as the name implies) is the newest member of the Coachmen Class B family.

The Nova is 20'11” and has three floorplans to choose from. Like the Beyond, it has a floorplan option with a rear bath (20RB).

It's built on the Ram Pro Master 3500 extended Chassis with a 3.6L V6 engine. It comes standard with 220W solar and 3 Group 31 115AH AGM Batteries.

Like the other two Coachmen on this list, you can opt for the Li3 Lithium Battery System. A unique option the Nova offers is a Pop Top with a 190W solar panel, skylight, and Thule awning.

Again, Coachmen doesn't list the MSRP, but it likely starts around $175,000. You'd need to contact a local dealer to learn more.

8. Thor Tellaro

The Tellaro from Thor is one of the most affordable camper vans on this list. It features many of the same functionalities as their Sequence model, except the Tellaro is available with a pop-top.

The Tellaro is 21′ long, and without the pop-top, sleeps two people. It's available in 4 floorplans, so you have lots of choices with this one. We particularly like the 20A floorplan that gives you a sky bunk option in addition to a rear bedroom.

Standard equipment includes a Thule bike rack, 190-watt solar panel, dual 100-Ah lithium house batteries, power awning, and a power-saver AC system. This model features the same generator you’ll find in the Solis, as well as a similar bathroom.

The Tellaro, however, does have a few advantages over the Winnebago Solis. For example, it has a bigger dining table and refrigerator, extended storage space, and a powered awning.

Tellaro MSRP starts at $140,560, depending on the floorplan you select. The 20A floorplan that we like starts at $144,760.

9. 4X4 Tiffin GH1

The GH1 is the new Tiffin 4×4 AWD vehicle, replacing the Tiffin Cahaba. It's a small but mighty camper van that seats 4 and sleeps 2.

The overall length is 19'6″ long and built on a Mercedes 2500 Sprinter chassis with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine.

It has on-board 200-watt solar panel, and a 540-Amp Hour Lithium-Ion Battery Kit with a 3,000-Watt Inverter. It's pre-wired for optional Starlink Pro and its 15,000-BTU A/C has soft-start and WirelessCapability.

The sleek design includes all-metal running boards, a fixed and side-mounted roof access ladder, and a powered awning. Another cool feature is its on-board air compressor.

Tiffin doesn't list the MSRP, but it likely starts around $180,000. Contact a local dealer to learn more.

10. Winnebago Travato

The Travato from Winnebago is one of the top-selling camper vans in North America. At 21’, it sleeps 2 and seats 4.

It has 2 floorplans, one with a single large Murphy+bed (59G) and the other with two single beds (59K). Both floor plans are available in either AGM batteries/generator or lithium with a second under-the-hood alternator (59GL and 59KL).

It's built on a Ram ProMaster chassis with a 3.6L V6 engine.

Roof and sidewall insulation, heated tanks and available dual-pane acrylic insulated windows extend the camping season. We love winter camping, and even wrote an ebook for those who want to give it a try.

The Travato features a Pure 3  Advanced Energy System that provides more than 9,000 useable watt-hours of power. You can boost that to over 12,000 with their optional 4-module energy pack.

The 4 floorplans range from $175,292 to $210,515.

Winnebago also offers a 4-sleeper floorplan with the Solix 59PX . It starts at $152,169.

11. Winnebago Revel

Winnebao earns another spot on the list with the Revel. It's now built on the AWD Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter chassis with a 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine.

The Revel is 19'7″, sleeps 2, and seats 4. It comes with one 320-amp hour LiFePO 4  battery you can monitor via Bluetooth. ®  Plus, a quiet, Hydronic Heating System.

The Revel's most notable feature that sets it apart from others is its power lift bed with large gear garage below. It gives you extra gear storage without sacrificing sleeping space. We also like the fold-down outside table.

MSRP is $223,495, which we think is reasonable for this compact RV that fits a lot of gear.

12. Pleasure-Way Plateau FL

The Plateau FL is 22'9″ long and built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 van chassis. It has a 3.0L V6 BlueTEC diesel engine.

It has two separate living areas with an electric sofa that coverts to a queen bed in the back and a lounge area in the front. This setup allows two people to easily enjoy “Me Time” with separate TVs and sitting areas.

The front lounge also has a multifunctional workstation. And the gallery kitchen has more counterspace than you often see in camper vans.

The Plateau FL has Dual 100Ah lithium batteries, a 2000-watt pure-sine wave inverter, and an Onan generator.

MSRP is $204,750.

13. Airstream Rangeline

The Airstream Rangeline is 21′ long and is built on the RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis. It has a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.

It has a simple, efficient floorplan with a rear sleeping area for 2 and seat capacity for 4. You can expand the living and sleeping space with an optional pop-top.

It comes standard with a single 270Ah Deep Cycle Lithium Battle Born Battery (LiFePO4), 100 amp charger, a 2,000 watt power inverter, and a 200 watt solar panel.

It may not have as many bells and whistles as other camper vans, but it's very practical and comfortable. Plus, it's one of the most affordable options.

Pricing starts at $147,570.

14. Airstream Interstate

The Airstream Interstate comes in 6 models and two sizes: 19′ and 24′. You get lots of options, especially when it comes to how many people it can accommodate.

The 19-foot models sleep 2 and seat 4, but the 24-foot models can sleep two and seat up to 9 people! It's hard to go into detail about the features and floor plans, because you have so many options.

But Airstream lives up to its iconic name with all six models. So, they're worth checking out individually. The image above is the largest, most expensive of the bunch.

MSRP ranges from $178,640 to $246,351.

15. Entegra Coach Launch

The Entegra Coach Launch is 19'6″ long and is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4×4 van chassis. It has a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine.

The interior includes a generous garage space in the rear with a drop-down bed. It can sleep 2 and seat 3 in a small yet functional living area.

On the exterior, it has a fold-down exterior table, a double roof rack, and a moveable roof ladder. New for 2024, is its integrated Starlink Satellite Internet System.

It comes standard with a 48V 210Ah smart lithium battery that provides 10KWh of power. It also has a 3,500W inverter and 200W solar panels.

The Entegra Coach website has a Build & Price feature, which shows the basic MSRP at $246,375.

16. Westfalia Wave

Twenty years after leaving the American market, the Italian RV company, Westfalia, returns to our shores. Westfalia campers are best known for their pop-up roofs, but they are also introducing a brand-new model called the Wave .

The Wave is 20′-9″ on a Dodge Promaster chassis. It has a complete bathroom, kitchen, and versatile sleeping options for up to 6 people. Yes, this campervan can sleep up to six people!

Their patented convertible passenger seating flips down over the driver's area to create a third bed. That's in addition to the pop-top bed that's perfect for kids and the larger bed options in the back. Of course, 6 adults would be pushing it, but it's a great option for families with small kids or teens.

Other notable features include:

• Modern natural tones
• Rear, under-bed trunk that can fit mountain bikes
• Pass-through storage that can fit long gear, like paddle boards
• Cassette toilet in wet bath (yes, it has a shower!)
• Propane cooktop, microwave oven, and Vitrifrigo Refrigerator
• 600-amp hours of lithium batteries & 3,000-watt inverter
• Firefly tablet-style multiplex system

We got to tour it at this year's RV SuperShow in Tampa, and were impressed. They list two Florida RV dealers on their American website and include MSRP, so it seems like they are officially available*!

The non-pop top Wave MSRP is $156,627. The Wave Pop Top MSRP is $167,616.

*It's rather common at RV shows for European models to be showcased and promoted as “coming to America” without any substance backing that up. They attract a lot of hype at RV shows , but then you never see these RVs actually make it onto American roads.

So, it's reassuring that Westfalia already has an established and growing dealership network. Pro Tip: Be sure to ask about FIRM delivery dates. If the best they can offer is “available soon,” consider holding off.

17. The Advanced RV Van

Rounding out our list of the best Cass B RVs for 2022 are the custom vans built by Advanced RV of Willoughby, Ohio.

They are not for everyone because of the cost. They even clearly state in their FAQs that “an ARV will cost 2-4 times more than a factory-built, class B motorhome purchased from a dealer.” They're very possibly the most expensive campervan on the market.

These vans – built on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis – are completely customized to the customer. Each one is built with features and a floor plan personally selected by the buyer after several days of planning with Advanced RV engineers and designers.

No two Advanced RV vans are alike, and each is named by the customer. From the time the order is submitted to the time it is delivered – usually a year-long process – it is referred to by that name and never a number. 

The vans typically have massive lithium battery power supplies, high-end, computer-controlled air suspension systems for smooth rides, handcrafted cabinetry, deluxe entertainment systems, and innovative components like recirculating water systems.

The vans start at about $340,000 and go up to around $500,000.

I told you these were not for everyone. But in a list of the best Class B RVs, Advanced RV has to be included. They truly are quality designs.

It is worth noting that they have Pre-Owned ARVs for sale on their website, as well. You don't get to fully customize it, but you do get a customized van at a better price.

Here's a video tour we did of the factory to give you an idea of the process.

Your Vote for the Best Camper Vans

We’d love to hear your opinions! Let us know in the comments which camper van you’d buy or already enjoy.

Our RV Buying Secrets

Next to your home, an RV is most likely the 2nd most expensive thing you'll ever purchase.

We get questions every day of other RVers wondering. “How do you buy a new or used RV?”

So we created a 75+-page downloadable digital guide to help you understand the nuances that come with purchasing an RV, where you can save thousands of dollars in the buying process, what the right questions are to ask dealers, what things to look out for, how to select the right unit, amenities, warranties, and so much more!

This ebook is designed to help make your purchase process as smooth as possible. And to teach you step-by-step exactly what to do so you can start your RV Lifestyle today!

Published on 2024-09-04

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

34 Responses to “17 Best Camper Vans 2024 (New Class B RVs Available!)”

September 24, 2024at6:34 pm , Alan wolff said:

Check out Wolff Touring Vans, real DRY bath, auto levers! 7 foot ceiling height. On a 20′-11″ Promaster super high roof.

April 02, 2024at2:05 am , judi ayam said:

Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.

March 30, 2024at4:21 pm , scott huffman said:

These are all great but I am telling you I own a 1998 Chinook and it just blows all of these out of the water. Just a lot more room. 4 people can comfortably play cards around the resturant like booth and table. My advise is buy a mint one for 20k and spend 10k updating all the electronics. Only downside is I am 5-9 200lbs, not very big, but I have trouble wiping my butt in the little wet bath. Hey, I didn’t buy it for the pooper anyway but it is good enough. Just dont eat a lot of donuts.

September 21, 2024at8:05 am , Pat Dover said:

🤣 thank you for your comments! I’m going to search for your recommendation of Chinook! I’m disabled and could never afford a high priced camper van.

February 03, 2024at7:57 am , Frank wright said:

Mike, I was surprised you did not have the Pleasureway Ontour 2.0 and 2.2 in your list. These are some of the most sought after vans in the country. I have an Ontour 2.2 and this coach is amazing. From the Ford eco boost engine to the large bathroom it is close to the perfect B. This doesn’t take into account the customer service Pleasureway is known for. I am 6ft 4in and about 280lbs and it is the only B van than is comfortable for someone my size.

January 26, 2024at3:44 am , Murray Levine said:

I own a Grech 2022 Turismo Ion RV and the Grech build is teriffic. All A1 construction. But you referred to the company as “Gretch.” There is no “T” in the name. The people at the factory are very friendly and they welcome you if you have any problems.

January 26, 2024at11:01 am , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Oh no – thank you for pointing out this typo! Team RV Lifestyle

January 25, 2024at11:07 am , Warren Gress said:

Great summary! I did notice you mentioned the Travato has 4 floor plans. They have 4 trim levels, but only a G and K floor plan, available in either AGM batteries/generator or lithium with a second under the hood alternator.

January 25, 2024at4:20 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Great catch – we clarified the copy – thanks, Warren! Team RV Lifestyle

May 16, 2023at2:19 pm , Dede Bett said:

Just an FYI: The Pleasure-Way Plateau is on a 3500 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, not a 2500.

We own a 2018 Pleasure-Way XLTS, the larger B+ van, they currently don’t make them (too bad, it’s great!) and we love it! We looked at several others and felt the quality of Pleasure-Way was better than some on your list that you’ve rated higher, but that’s our opinion.

May 17, 2023at4:41 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Pleasure-Way makes a great van, for sure! Team RV Lifestyle

July 19, 2022at9:48 am , Michal Grupa said:

Great list! I recently did 2 road trips, 1 in a Winnebago Solis in the States and 1 in a brand new VW T6.1 California in Portugal. The ‘Winnie’ was pretty good but it’s a big sloppy thing, driving it just isn’t much fun and we had a bunch of issues with it form the start… Not Ideal…

The 2nd trip was much different. Portugal is incredible and I was blown away by the level of quality in the VW camper. The fit and finish was really nice and tight. If anyone is heading out that way check out the company, Siesta Campers, I think they’re really onto something special there. Enjoy the ride.

[Link deleted]

July 19, 2022at5:15 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks for sharing your experience ! Team RV Lifestyle

June 26, 2022at4:03 pm , The Luxury Camper Van Buying Guide | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] a more detailed look at the best camper vans in general (all ranges), check out this article: The Best Camper Vans. We compiled that list based on our experience and other campers we’ve gotten to […]

June 21, 2021at7:21 pm , Roger said:

Betty: We will work with you if you are located far away to help reduce your delivery cost — PLMK?

July 03, 2021at10:46 pm , Joel said:

Hi Roger, is this still available? Does it have a toilet? Thanks, Joel

July 10, 2021at11:06 pm , ROGER REINER said:

Yes, everything works, but the shower is not currently hooked up. That’s the way it was when we bought it, but we did have it checked out and it does work, but needs to be re-connected. We never needed it so have not done so yet.

June 15, 2021at2:48 am , Betty Brunson said:

Very interested in your van. Where are you located?

June 17, 2021at11:57 am , Roger said:

Western SD, near Rapid City, Sturgis, Mount Rushmore, etc.

February 15, 2021at10:11 am , ZX Macman said:

I understand the Winnebago Travato is the No. 1 selling camper van but you never mention it.

January 24, 2021at12:16 pm , alan schroepfer said:

Looking for a short 17′ solid high-top B motorhome like the old Roadtrek 170. Todays “short” advertised B’s .are at least 19′. Revel’s Mercedes is too expensive. I’ve called the major B manufacturers and as of January 2021 no USA builder plans to meet this market. Is there a European product like this being sold and available in the lower 48?

June 14, 2021at5:24 pm , ROGER REINER said:

We have a 1990 Ford E-250 fully self-contained. Shower works but is not hooked up. Few minor dings and repairs. We bought this as a basket case and then had nearly everything repaired so it all works fine now, I think. Has new Michelin tires, new computer, many other things. Microwave, fridge, TV, 2-burner stove, Onan 2800 generator, Comfortably sleeps 3 adults or maybe two adults, two children. Respond with ph# or email and I can provide pics and other details. We don’t need to sell but will as both of us are facing health issues. ~est. $20,000 or so.

June 14, 2021at5:42 pm , Roger said:

Forgot to mention this is a factory Ford 190 Falcon. Mileage is 99435. No leaks on vehicle or engine, trans, etc., all 3 new fuel pumps, both batteries replaced, tranny flushed, inverter plate replaced, full tune-up, manual awning works fine, AC/heater work good, plus several other minor things done and a few yet to be including a few cosmetic things. Currently winterized.

June 16, 2021at4:23 pm , ROGER REINER said:

Forgot to mention it has a heavy duty hitch as well. We debugged this a few years ago on a 3000 mile round trip to the Mojave desert in S. CA. — you can try to reach me at rushcard1 which is registered under yahoo.com using the at sign — the generator is actually a 2.8 KW Onan and looks new — thanks.

January 21, 2021at9:22 am , Maureen Collind said:

What about the Recon and Metris camper vans? How do you rate them?

January 19, 2021at12:41 pm , Mark said:

All units listed, except the Revel, have a Truma heating system onboard. Focus on reliability and comfort from these OEMs is clear from their selection of systems on board.

January 19, 2021at9:30 am , Doug said:

No AC or generator on the Solis 59P

January 19, 2021at2:34 pm , Amy Delpiere said:

You’re right Doug. I noticed that also. My understanding is that you need to upgrade to the PX to get enough space on the roof for an AC unit. The small bathroom size may be a deal-breaker for my husband, but I still like the Solis a lot.

January 19, 2021at9:02 am , Anne said:

After many years of searching, I found the Panoramic- built in Quebec Canada. As soon as I walked in, I knew it was the one. Quality is better than all others, in my opinion.

January 19, 2021at8:50 am , richard said:

Coach House Arriva. Same size as the Airstream, equally high-end finishes, and a dry bath!

January 19, 2021at8:49 am , Marsha said:

So sad you don’t even mention Roadtrek anymore….

January 19, 2021at12:34 pm , Pamela Forman said:

It is, isn’t it. Probably sorry they don’t have one anymore!

July 18, 2021at2:31 pm , Joni said:

Since I have one. Roadtrek would probably be my number 1 choice.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

7 Keystone Arcadia Fifth Wheel Mods

Is a Class A or Class C Easier to Drive?

What’s Best? New or Used RV (5 Big Factors)

On the Road: Epic Trips to Tackle in Your Van

Or rv, or airstream trailer, or motorhome . . ..

• Copy Link copied

Vanlife isn’t restricted to vans—lovers of Airstreams and teardrop trailers enjoy a similar lifestyle.

Photo by Airstream Inc./Shutterstock

Since the term “vanlife” entered the lexicon in 2011—and went viral two years ago —the freewheeling, on-the-road lifestyle to which it refers has evolved from a fascination to a trend to a norm. Droves of Instagram-loving millennials and even boomers are following in the tire tracks of RV-loving retirees (those prescient first-adopters) and buying or renting motorhomes, Airstream trailers, or vans to hit the highways on extended trips and shorter “vancations.”

The increase in interest means that the resources available to these modern-day van-dwellers are also proliferating. The internet abounds with explainers on DIY van conversions and restorations. You can find cooking blogs geared toward road warriors, maintenance how-tos, and tell-alls about the lifestyle. And the rigs are getting better too. Companies like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Airstream have tailored their new releases to this wider audience with electric models, customizable and convertible interiors, and Smart Control Technology . Rental companies, too, are popping up to offer the curious a taste of vanlife.

Related The Best Tools for Planning a Road Trip You could go from interested to outfitted in a matter of days. And once you’ve picked a vehicle—a retro Vanagon, sleek Airstream, Insta-friendly Sprinter conversion, or uber-luxurious motorhome—and geared up , the only thing left is to do is figure out where to go. Here, a few of the best places to start, including beginner favorites, the tried-and-true, and envy-inducing Big Trips.

The Pacific Coast

The western United States is a popular place for vanlifers—partly because the abundance of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers so many free and attractive places to set up camp. California in particular, with its warm, sunny climate; 655.8-mile Pacific Coast Highway ; and established RVer communities, is a magnet for road-trip enthusiasts.

California offers plenty of beachside camp spots perfect for parking and relaxing for a while.

Photo by Anton Mishin/Unsplash

You could start at the Canadian border (or in Vancouver, if you’re ambitious) and wind your way through redwood groves, wine countries, and desert landscapes down to Baja. But if you’re new to the game, consider parking in one spot for a while; you’ll minimize the stressors of driving and instead simply enjoy the lifestyle. Ventura, a Southern California city with beachside RV parking, has hosted a vanlife community since long before the hashtag, and Baja’s on-beach camping and sparkling Sea of Cortez make it a popular winter escape for all types of overland travelers.

An American classic, Route 66 is traditionally motel territory. But while you won’t find as many campsites full of like-minded road warriors as you would in California, there are still a number of KOA campgrounds along the way, as well as swathes of wide-open (and dare we say underappreciated) BLM land.

Road-trip friendly infrastructure makes this drive a great one for anyone attempting a first extended vancation. (Kitschy roadside diners can be a welcome relief after a few days cooking in a cramped campervan kitchen, and there are plenty of gas and service stations—some of which are even famous stops along the route .) Route 66 is a road made for moseying. Plan to spend two weeks or more exploring small-town historic districts like Galena, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas; embracing your inner-artist in the VW van–loving Albuquerque ; and stopping to photograph Oklahoma’s Milk Bottle Grocery and Blue Whale of Catoosa, as well as every other quirky landmark.

Related Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip National Parks Loop

There are 417 U.S. National Park Service (NPS) sites—parks, seashores, historic sites, battlefields, and more—and you could, like blogger and LGBT activist Mikah Meyer , drive your converted cargo van to every single one of them. A more reasonable, though still ambitious, route would take you to the 57 national parks in the continental United States (driving to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa gets complicated). But the beauty of a national parks road trip is that you can customize it.

Photographers might want to spend 10 days winding along the red rock–lined roads of canyon country in the southwestern states. Outdoor enthusiasts may drive their rigs to less-visited areas of Grand Teton or Glacier National Parks to explore lonely trails without shouldering backpacking gear. And while harsher climates and a density of cities make the eastern and southeastern states less obvious vanlife destinations, parks such as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains , with their waterfalls and miles of wooded trails, have convinced plenty of road-trippers to turn their wheels toward that part of the country in late spring and early fall.

In countries with right-to-access laws, like Norway, it’s easy to pull your van over almost anywhere and camp.

Photo by Andrey Armyagov/Shutterstock

The Pan-American Highway

For dedicated vanlifers, the Pan-American Highway is the “white whale” of road trips. A daunting, unwieldy, months- or years-long adventure, the route became popular after the couple behind the well-known blog and Instagram account The Bus and Us documented their journey from Alaska to Argentina and then back again. This is the kind of thing you do on a sabbatical, after quitting a job, or before committing to a new career.

Unlike Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, this path is flexible. Whether you start at the northernmost point in Alaska or the southernmost in Argentina, the official highway is more of a guideline with plenty of opportunities for detours. Explore Denali National Park and the forests of western Canada. Lose track of time hopping from one charming mountain town to the next in central Mexico . You’ll have to ship your rig from Panama to Colombia because the Darien Gap interrupts the road. But once in South America, spend your time climbing into the Andes and down again into the salt flats of Bolivia, the Atacama desert, and Patagonia, before finishing your journey in Ushuaia, the city known as the “end of the world.”

Choose Your Own International Adventure

Once you’ve dipped your toe in international van or RV travel, it can be hard to stop. If you’ve gone all-in and your vehicle is your primary home, shipping it to your next destination may be worthwhile. But lots of places, including Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries, have a long history of campervan vacations, and as a result, it’s easy to rent a van for any length of time. Challenge yourself with an (educated) excursion into the Australian Outback . Exercise your (respectful) right to use and camp on the land and in Norway and Sweden. Or indulge in a mellow pace and good seafood along the coasts of Spain and Portugal. Who knows, the road may even lead you to Mongolia .

>>Next: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive

Matador Original Series

9 epic places in the us to visit on your first #vanlife trip.

V anlife is no longer for the nomadic one percent, creative 20-somethings handy enough to skirt outrageous rental prices and Airbnb costs. 2020 has taken this niche market into the mainstream: Van rental companies — the decked-out, traveling kind — are popping up all over, appealing to both locals and tourists alike as a second epidemic strikes: cabin fever.

“We’ve seen customers flip from 50/50 locals vs. tourists to 95 percent locals trying to get out of town,” notes Scott Kubly, CEO and founder of the Seattle-based Cabana . “Not only are people in the area using Cabana as a unique weekend getaway, but people are using our vans as remote offices so they can work from anywhere.”

But is it truly that much different than RVing?

Well, yes. “RVs are much larger and built for people to own and travel or live in. [Our] vans are smaller, easier to drive, and they provide all the space and comfort you need for a weekend getaway. They blend into the background so you feel more closely connected to the landscape,” Kubly explains. (Not to mention built-in WiFi.)

Cabana’s just one of the nation’s many vanlife start-ups. Find the one nearest you, and with a minimal learning curve, you could nab your first taste of this enviable lifestyle this weekend. Here’s where you could go.

1. Mesa County, Colorado

Photo: Zack Frank /Shutterstock

Home to the quirky communities of Fruita and Palisade , the city of Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, the Colorado River, and Grand Mesa National Forest, let’s just say there are a few things you can do outdoors — and a few views you can take in — in Colorado’s Mesa County.

Red rock mesas light up this place — hence the name — but you’ll also find hoodoos, canyons, aspen groves, arches, turquoise lakes, and even one delightful dinosaur museum. It’s even home to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Much of the county is BLM land (meaning your wild camping options are many), but there are plenty of designated campgrounds and RV resorts like Basecamp in Palisade for when you need an amenity-filled day — and a shower.

2. Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire

Photo: Andy Shih /Shutterstock

The tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington (6,288 feet) is the centerpiece of the White Mountain National Forest. Grab a spot at one of 10 campgrounds or primitive camp and spend your days hiking, biking, rock-climbing, or waiting for moose to cross your path. The 3,000-acre Moore Reservoir is good for a paddle, too.

The nearby town of North Conway, NH, is a total adventure town, with the kind of booming apres-ski scene you’d expect up here in the mountains. Get there on the 100-mile White Mountains Trail, one of the few designated scenic byway loops in the country.

3. Tybee Island, Georgia

Photo: SFP Aerial Stock Footage /Shutterstock

Tybee Island, a barrier island near Savannah known for its surprisingly wide beaches, has been a Georgian go-to spot for centuries. There are four main stretches of sand, but Back River Beach is where to go to avoid the crowds; you can also go backcountry at Little Tybee Island, an uninhabited nature preserve only accessible by watercraft. Several local outfitters rent out canoes, kayaks, and boats, and you can camp out here and make a weekend of it, too.

If you’re looking to stick with your van, though, grand live oaks surround River’s End Campground & RV Park , and here you’ll be just minutes from the 1800s lighthouse, several beaches (be sure to shell in the morning), and the island’s best shops and restaurants.

4. Stanley and Snake River Valley, Idaho

Photo: Wollertz /Shutterstock

Gnomad Home ’s John Serbell, a dedicated vanlifer, considers Idaho one of the best states in the US for free or cheap camping. “They make life very easy for vanlifers by having dump stations and drinking-water fills in almost every town.” And Stanley, a funky mountain town smack dab in Idaho’s mountainous center, sits high on the state’s proverbial top shelf.

Put yourself here, and you’ll be neck-craning the whole way as you take an impossibly scenic drive along the gorgeous Snake River. You’ll be right between the picturesque Sawtooths and the Salmon-Challis National Forest, both with endless options for wild camping or designated camping, whichever’s your style. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness — one of the most remote stretches of land in the Lower 48 — is minutes away, too. The beauty here is on par with the country’s most scenic national parks (without the crowds).

Note: If renting a van makes you want to convert one yourself, definitely check out Gnomad Home’s epic how-to on building your own van .

5. Bishop, California

Photo: SNEHIT PHOTO /Shutterstock

One of the larger towns in the famed “Range of Light,” Bishop is known for a strange trio: its scenery, its bakeries, and its mules. Sitting at the northern end of the Sierras in Owens Valley, it has one of the highest concentrations of rock-climbing routes in the country and endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking.

The Sierra National Forest and the Inyo National Forest sit just to Bishop’s east (where you could wild camp), Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks are just a hop away, and the brilliant Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes should make your list, too. With such a stellar location, it’s clear why both the folks at The Discovery Nut and Gnomad Home rank Bishop top-tier on their destination lists.

6. Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina

Photo: MarynaG /Shutterstock

A castle on a beach? Yes, you can have that experience — even in the States. South Carolina’s Huntington Beach State Park is home to the Atalaya Castle (or simply Atalaya), a National Historic Landmark done in Moorish Revival style. The state park also has a three-mile beach on the Atlantic, a freshwater lake, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to spot loggerhead turtles and watch for migrating birds. If you tire of your own cooking, the nearby Marshwalk has plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants and local options right on the water for fresh, al fresco dining.

7. Sauk County, Wisconsin

Photo: Suzanne Tucker /Shutterstock

Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces are seriously underrated — the state has 16 million acres of forested land. And though the Chequamegon National Forest and the Apostle Islands are proof how stunning the northern portion of the state is, don’t write off Sauk County, about an hour away from Madison.

Its pièce de résistance is Devil’s Lake State Park — which has plenty of camping opportunities alongside its towering bluffs and cliffside hikes — but the Wisconsin Dells, Parfrey’s Glen, Pewit’s Nest, Gibraltar Rock, Fern Dell Gorge, and several outstanding sections of the Ice Age Trail are also in the area, each home to some fabulous rock formations, trails, and glacially-carved views. Lake Wisconsin, just a few miles away, also remains from the area’s icy past.

Beyond the state park, there are numerous places to “pull over,” but Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park in Lodi covers all your necessary amenities away from Devil’s Lake’s weekend crowds.

8. Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Photo: Josemaria Toscano /Shutterstock

Mt. Hood National Forest is one of the country’s most popular. The area sees some four million visitors every year — but since you can easily wild camp in your van, you don’t have to see any of them. As long as you’re 200 feet from any water source, road, or trail, the forest is all yours. Spend your time floating or paddling the Clackamas River — a tributary of the Willamette — hike the final section of the Oregon Trail, snow-tube down Mt. Hood, or mountain bike through the groves of Douglas fir and red cedar.

Of course, you could always stay at the Mt. Hood RV Resort as well (depending on your set-up, you may be looking for a dump station). The views from here, with your van doors open, are hard to believe.

9. Seward, Alaska

Photo: ThinkingAhead /Shutterstock

There is no wrong way to live your best #vanlife in Alaska. But since we have to narrow it down, let’s go with Seward: It’s the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park , where great views are had just filling up at the gas station. Get yourself anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula, and you’ll see just how many options you have — and how many places you might yell out, “Pull over!”

More like this

Trending now, 21 of the coolest airbnbs near disney world, orlando, the 15 coolest libraries around the world and how to visit them, these spectacular leaf peeping national parks show their true colors in fall, 19 dreamy airbnbs in hawai'i that are right on the beach, these top-rated new hampshire airbnbs put you near mountains, lakes, and ocean, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.

• Best Whiskey
• Best Gym Shoes
• Best Pocket Knives
• Best Apple Watch
• Porsche Models

The 27 Best Camper Vans and Conversions for Your Next Adventure

A great camper van combines the maneuverability of a passenger car with the comforts of a motorhome.

By Tyler Duffy

Camper vans are the ultimate recreational vehicles. They combine the maneuverability of a passenger car with comforts typically reserved for travel trailers and full-blown motorhomes.

Unfortunately, some of the top camper vans in the world never come to the US. The modern equivalent of the classic VW model, tantalizingly named The California , is only sold in Europe . Meanwhile, only Aussies can snag this badass, off-roading Toyota van with Land Cruiser bits .

But #vanlife is alive and well in the US. Stateside drivers still have dozens of excellent options from major manufacturers and independent builders, alike. Here are the brands to know before your next road trip.

Adventure Wagon

• Location: Portland, OR
• Vans: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter
• Starting Price: $16,000

Portland-based Adventure Wagon builds modular interior conversion kits for Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans.

Its kits come with integrated wiring, ventilation and insulation and can be installed in a matter of days by a professional installer or as a DIY project.

• Location: Jackson Center, OH
• Vans: Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter
• Starting Price: $147,570

Airstream is an iconic name in camping trailers but the company also offers a range of top-of-the-line vans it calls “touring coaches.”

These include the Interstate 19, which fits an entire motorhome of conveniences into a 19-foot van.

In 2022, Airstream debuted a more affordable model called the Rangeline based on the Ram ProMaster.

Antero Adventure Motors

• Location: Colorado
• Service: Conversion
• Starting Price: Contact Dealers

Colorado-based Antero Adventure Motors, formerly known as Summit Adventure Vans, builds off-road-ready adventure vans.

The brand currently offers a Longs Peak model van built with the Mercedes Sprinter, while its Pikes Peak is based on the Ford Transit.

The vans are off-the-grid ready with 180 watts of solar power and offer full-length L-track insets for customizable floor plans.

Benchmark Vehicles

• Van: Mercedes Sprinter

Oregon-based Benchmark Vehicles promises to build your dream escape vehicle.

It dropped Ford Transit conversions to focus on building custom, off-road-ready Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversions.

One unique feature is offering French-made Scopema flip and fold van seats.

Boho Camper Vans

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Van: Ram ProMaster
• Service: Conversion/Rentals
• Starting Price: ~$41,000 (not including van)

Arizona-based Boho Camper Vans performs conversions of Ram ProMaster vans.

The brand is known for its exceptional custom wood interiors. Boho Camper Vans also maintains a rental fleet and sells used vans after one year in service.

Boulder Camper Vans

• Location: Boulder, CO
• Vans: Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit
• Service: Conversions/Rentals
• Starting Price: $100,000

Colorado-based Boulder Camper Vans performs custom Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit conversions — and it also rents its vehicles if you want to give #vanlife a try before buying.

Interiors are hand-crafted, and vans can be outfitted for four-season use with heat, air conditioning and insulated piping.

Brooklyn Campervans

• Location: Brooklyn, NY
• Service: Conversions
• Starting Price: $92,000

Brooklyn Campervans is based in — you guessed it — Brooklyn, New York.

It specializes in building what it calls “beautifully designed smart homes” out of Mercedes Sprinter vans.

Its offerings feature a wide range of materials and, crucially, indoor showers.

Caravan Outfitter

• Location: Everett, WA
• Vans: Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes Metris, Mercedes Sprinter
• Service: Conversions/Upfits/Rentals
• Starting Price: $49,810 (Free Bird)

Caravan Outfitter brings the spirit of the old Volkswagen Westfalia into modern camper van builds.

Its four-seater Freebird model is all-new for 2022 and based on the Ford Transit Connect.

The company also does a la carte upfits for Mercedes Sprinter vans, adding features like a pop-top roof and diesel heater.

Colorado Camper Van

• Location: Loveland, CO
• Services: Conversions (Interior and Pop Top)
• Starting Price: Varies

Colorado Camper Van performs custom conversions for a wide range of camper vans.

The company specializes in adding pop-top roofs to both camper vans and camping trailers; custom interiors; and 4×4 conversions for Ford vans.

• Location: Newport Beach, CA

Southern California-based El Kapitan builds luxurious camper vans based on short and long-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter vans.

It specializes in what it calls “handcrafted perfection” with metal, hardwoods, fine leather, fabrics and electronics.

It offers Story Maker (Sprinter 144 inches) and Dream Weaver (Sprinter 170 inches) conversions with a range of floor plans.

Freedom Vans

• Location: Bellingham, WA
• Starting Price: $40K (van not included)

Washington-based Freedom Vans builds cozy, comfortable and custom Sprinter and Transit conversions, whether you’re looking for a family van or a commercial buildout.

The brand specializes in cozy interiors and solar power systems, which can be added to other vans a la carte.

• Location: Oakland, CA
• Starting Price: $45,000

California-based Glampervan specializes in multi-use builds based on the Ram ProMaster that are designed to transition from two-person weekend getaway vehicles to everyday duty as a mobile office or van for hauling gear.

The company also offers a stripped-down Core build for those who want to DIY their own van.

Mercedes-Benz

• Location: Germany
• Van: Mercedes Metris
• Starting Price: ~$70,000

Mercedes-Benz offers a pop-top camper version of its Metris van called the Metris Getaway built by Peace Vans .

It seats five, sleeps four, and it can be fitted with upgrades like a roof rack, an eight-foot awning, mosquito nets and a pull-out rear kitchen.

You can order one through a Mercedes dealership with a full factory warranty.

• Location: Vancouver, Canada
• Starting Price: $120,000-plus (bespoke build)

Vancouver-based Nomad Vans builds custom overland expedition vans based on the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit that are designed to be durable and provide comfortable living in any season.

Vans can include custom gear garages, pop-out compartments for extra living space and even custom upholstery.

Oasis Campervans

• Location: Larkspur, CO
• Vans: Minivans
• Starting Price: $8,100

Want a camper based on a minivan instead of a full-size one? Oasis Campervans offers custom minivan conversions for the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica with kitchen, sleeping and storage setups with hardwood finishes.

It offers two conversions, Classic and Nomad, the latter aimed at campers on a budget.

Outside Van

Outside Van performs Mercedes Sprinter-based conversion vans for adventure enthusiasts, performing custom woodwork, metalwork and upholstery in-house.

Buyers can opt for the Peak experience with a fully bespoke build or the Fusion using one of Outside Van’s proven layouts.

Paved to Pines

• Location: Redwing, Saskatchewan, Canada
• Van: Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter
• S ervice: Conversions
• Starting Price: ~$30,000

Paved to Pines is a Canadian builder based in Saskatchewan that ships all over North America. It works with Ford Transits, Ram ProMasters and Mercedes Sprinters — not to mention school buses.

The company can build four-season off-the-grid units. And it offers both custom and more affordable semi-custom layouts.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Services: Conversion/Repair/Rentals

Peace Vans performs modern conversions of Mercedes Metris vans. It offers a basic Weekender build and a Full Camper build with a fully-outfitted kitchen (42-liter refrigerator, integrated sink, two portable stoves) and custom cabinetry.

Want a more vintage style? Peace Vans also repairs and does electric conversions of old VW Vanagons.

Ready.Set.Van.

• Location: Hamilton Twp, NJ
• Services: Conversions
• Starting Price: $38,000 (van not included)

New Jersey-based Ready.Set.Van turns Ram ProMaster vans into apartments on wheels, with the help of Tesla-sourced batteries .

It specializes in innovative storage solutions, including below-the-bed gear storage and off-grid power systems. Read our review of Ready.Set.Van .

Sportsmobile

• Location(s): Huntington, IN, Austin, TX, Fresno, CA
• Vans: Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter
• Starting Price: Contact (expect $150,000-plus)

Sportsmobile performs a range of conversions on Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vans.

It specializes in outfitting 4×4 vans for heavy-duty off-roading, including the Sportsmobile Ford-based Classic 4×4 and the Sprinter 4×4 , with features like locking differentials, Fox Shocks and a sway bar disconnect.

Storyteller Overland

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Starting Price: $171,429

Storyteller Overland is based in Alabama. The company produces a line of Mercedes Benz-based off-road vans including its top-of-the-line Beast Mode and a Ford Transit-based Mode LT model .

Features include custom wheels with all-terrain tires and a touchscreen control system.

• Location: Bellevue, ID

Idaho-based Sync Vans performs “semi-custom” conversions of short and long-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter.

Buyers make their customizations using a Sync Vans suggested configuration as a template, allowing for a quicker build time than a complete custom build.

Sync Vans can add custom cabinets, lighting and upholstery.

Thor Motor Coach

• Location: Elkhart, IN
• Vans : Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter
• Starting Price: $112,980

Thor Motor Coach is a sibling brand of Airstream . It has a vast lineup of Class B motorhomes and Mercedes Sprinter-based camper vans and that includes the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4-based Sanctuary , which is ready to hit the trail from the factory with optional off-road tires and a roof-mounted solar panel.

• Location: Golden, CO
• Starting Price: $225,000 (vehicle included)

Colorado-based TouRig performs both spec and custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and (newly for 2020) Ford Transit-based 4×4 adventure van conversions.

t offers a range of electrical and plumbing systems for going off the grid. TouRig can also outfit vans for off-road use with suspension kits, shocks and mounts, wheels and tires.

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Starting Price: $119,000

San Diego-based VanCraft performs conversion for both short and long-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter vans.

Its builds are designed to go off the grid and offer features like Oak Butcher Block Counters, four-season insulation and open-concept garage storage. VanCraft also offers rentals.

Vanlife Customs

• Location: Denver, CO
• Starting Price: $90,000

Denver-based Vanlife Customs can build modern or rustic conversions of Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vans.

It can also tailor them to your unique style with custom wood interiors. VanLife Customs also rents vans in Colorado, Nevada and Utah.

• Location: Eden Prairie, MN
• Starting Price: $140,374

Winnebago is an iconic Iowa-based recreational vehicle manufacturer.

While best known for its bus-like RVs, the company also produces a wide range of Ram ProMaster- and Mercedes Sprinter-based camper vans, from the affordable pop-top Solis and comparatively petite Solis Pocket to the off-road-ready Revel 4×4 .

Hit the (Dirt) Road

Related Topics

I took my camper van across 48 US states. These are my 10 favorites

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Setting off on the road in a camper van gives you maximum flexibility as you discover the USA © epicurean / Getty Images

Hitting the road in a camper van is one of the most intimate – and exciting – ways to experience the USA .

Which is why I set off on a two-year road trip with my husband and dog in 2017. We camped in 48 states, hiked countless national parks , ate in local towns and drove from coast to coast in our 1996 retro camper van.

As our trip unfolded, we learned that certain states suited us van campers better than others. The states of the Southwest , for example, contain a wide diversity of landscapes within their free public lands. The East Coast amazed us with stunning fall colors and historic towns we had previously only seen in books.

While every state added something unique to our adventure, a few really stood out. Having now crossed the entire continental United States, we’re delighted to share the 10 best US states that are perfect for your next camper or RV trip.

Where to find the best US national parks for RV campers this summer

Pine forests and craggy coasts

Driving into Maine from its northwest side brings tall pine trees, skinny roads and no cell phone service for miles. This was the stuff of a novel by famous Mainer Stephen King – and to us West Coast folks, it was the unfamiliar territory that made the trip that much more exciting. In northern Maine, the entire landscape smells like Christmas trees. (We learned from a fellow camper that balsam fir collected from Maine provides the largest supply of Christmas wreaths in the country.) Heading toward the coast, we reached Acadia National Park , where the mountains meet the ocean. We were happy to find that this is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the USA, which meant we got to bring our travel companion along many of the trails.

The 10 best parks in Maine to hike, snowshoe or swim

2. New York

Forget the city, and head upstate

Putting New York State on our top-10 list was a tough call, since it shares so many things we loved about Vermont and New Hampshire as well, like incredible fall foliage. Yet New York makes the cut thanks to its surprising (to us) range of geography. From Eternal Flame Falls in the state’s far west to wineries in the Finger Lakes and watchtower hikes high in the the Adirondacks , we barely had enough time to check off everything on our must-visit list. And that’s not to mention the more well-known Lake Placid Olympic sites, Niagara Falls and Letchworth State Park . What’s more the hiking trails all over the state really impressed us. Now that we’ve sampled a bit of all the state has to offer, it’s at the top of our itinerary for future road trips.

6 Hudson Valley road trips for every type of traveler

3. Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are especially beautiful in fall

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited one in the whole country – and for good reason. As we visited the park and drove through Tennessee in the fall, we took in the rolling mountains and waterfalls that dot the landscape, finding countless surprises around each corner of the twisty back roads.

Traveling in a camper van, we’re always on the lookout for affordable things to do. The mountain town of Gatlinburg is the perfect gateway for enjoying free trails in and around the national park. We spent the majority of our visit hiking through the colorful forests and climbing fire towers to get the best viewpoint.

Where to celebrate Dolly Parton in Tennessee

4. California

Experience a little bit of everything

If we had to pick one state to experience a little bit of everything, it would be California . Its ecosystems are so varied that you don’t need to drive too far to witness something new; in fact, the place is so large and diverse that it shouldn’t even count as a single state. Despite the state’s famous popularity, the vast size of its public lands made finding campsites easy. Within the space of a few days, we spent evenings under the famous redwood trees, had picnics by the ocean and wandered aimlessly among the cacti of Death Valley National Park . Oh, and rock climbed in Joshua Tree National Park , took a dip in Lake Tahoe and hiked among the rocks of Lassen Volcanic National Park .

Here’s what you need to know before your trip to California

5. Pennsylvania

A cradle of American history

Pennsylvania turned out to be one of the most memorable states we visited, thanks to its role in the USA’s story. We spent an entire day taking an auto tour around the Gettysburg National Military Park , and seeing the battlefields in person brought to life the history we had read in school. Eastern State Penitentiary and Valley Forge National Historic Park were other stops we hadn’t considered before rolling into Pennsylvania. While federal public land is sparse here, Pennsylvania has numerous state parks that offer free, easily accessible camping.

The 5 best road trips in the Poconos

6. Michigan

Great Lakes and pristine beaches

From its southern stretches to the Upper Peninsula , Michigan has a surprising number of pristine beaches that are not packed with tourists like the ones we visited in California. One of my favorite memories is camping on the shore of Lake Superior, having dinner on a pebble beach after several days of visiting Great Lakes lighthouses.

We were able to find camping spots all the way north to the UP, feasting on whitefish and pasties (meat pies) along the way. In the summer months, bushes brim with fresh berries to pick, and farmers markets abound with fresh produce.

11 of the best places to visit in Michigan

7. Minnesota

See the northern lights on a fall night

We just loved Minnesota , which rarely makes the list of top road-trip spots in the USA. Known as the state of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota had no shortage of fishing holes and quiet campsites by the water. We were able to travel all the way north to the border of Canada and take a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters . While Minnesota winters are exceptionally cold, fall is lovely here. And the chances are high that you can see the northern lights on a cloudless night.

Minnesota’s best – and most underrated – state parks

Natural wonders for everyone; off-grid travelers most welcome

For outdoor enthusiasts who love mountain biking, rock climbing and stunning hikes , Arizona is a gem. While most people (rightly) associate the state with the Grand Canyon , all of it is ripe for adventure. Free campsites are scattered in the forests surrounding Sedona , Flagstaff and southern Arizona, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly places to visit year-round.

We loved Arizona’s warmth and hospitality toward explorers from elsewhere. Indeed, the state is a magnet for anyone interested in off-grid living. Each February, the town of Quartzsite swells to accommodate nearly 2 million travelers, who visit in camper vans, RVs and converted school buses. Workshops and community events held on the outskirts of town teach travelers about van life, provide help with solar-panel installations and bring people together to share tips on future road trips. All these services for nomads provide a sense of community – which, together with the fair weather, make Arizona the perfect launchpad for an epic road trip.

Introducing Arizona’s national parks and monuments

9. New Mexico

Do you prefer red or green chile?

Starry nights. Predictable (even if chilly) temperatures. Few flying bugs. What’s not to love about camping in the desert? And when it comes to spectacular desert vistas, New Mexico is in a class of its own. Endless trails lead through spire-like hoodoo rock formations, while a lack of trees in the north allows for excellent landscape visibility, and some of the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever seen. It’s also home to our favorite cave system, Carlsbad Caverns National Park , on the state’s southern border.

New Mexico’s camping logistics are appealing, too. Large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)–managed areas allow free camping, and the state generally flies under the radar, which makes it less crowded even in the most scenic areas. And we ate vibrant cuisine at affordable prices all over the state, an underrated food haven. Red or green chile? We’ll take both.

How to take a perfect spring-break road trip through New Mexico

Come for the national parks. All five of them

Home to five national parks , Utah might be the most picturesque state we visited. Our goal? Getting to all of the Mighty 5: Capitol Reef National Park , Canyonlands National Park , Arches National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park . An essential tip we picked up along the way: get to the national parks early . By following this advice, we were able to beat the crowds; it often felt like we had the park to ourselves. Climbing Angels Landing in Zion had always been a goal of mine – but the trail can be overly packed by 10am. Arriving early made all the difference; here was a fantastic way to take advantage of the mobility a camper van affords you.

15 unique activities to add to your Utah bucket list

This article was first published Jun 19, 2020 and updated Apr 14, 2024.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Sep 28, 2024 • 6 min read

If you’re headed to Montréal soon, you’re lucky indeed. From tipping to weather to geography, these tips will help you get the most out of your trip.

Sep 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Sep 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 21, 2024 • 9 min read

Sep 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Sep 19, 2024 • 9 min read

Sep 18, 2024 • 13 min read

Sep 18, 2024 • 14 min read

15 Best Camper Vans of 2023 for the Adventurous

Today we’re going to be looking at the top camper vans on the market. Each of these tiny homes would make the perfect adventure bus for you next off grid adventure but working out which one is best is a process individual to each person.

It’s essential to spend time thinking about what you need in your tiny house as there is so much choice out there.

You will need to choose wisely

• First , you need to think about how many people will be travelling in your camper conversion. A compact camper can be ideal if you’re travelling alone but if your travelling as a family or large group then you’re going to need a more significant, monster camper.
• Next , you need to think about how much time you will spend living the van life. Are you going to be travelling in a van for an extended period or even living in a van or will you just be exploring on the weekends?
• Finally , you will want to think about which van life ideas are critical to a comfortable road trip. Do you need to have a camper shower on board, an indoor kitchen or space to store surfboards?

Once you have created a list of van life essentials you are ready to begin the search for your camper van and this list of the best camper vans is the perfect place to start.

Itching to try out Full Time Van Life? Want to reveal to the world that you’re a weekend warrior? Head over to our brand new Facebook Group ! It’s a place to pick up vanlife tips, share ideas, and meet other van life enthusiasts from around the globe

What are the best camper vans?

Based on our extensive research we’ve compiled a list of the top camper vans on the market:

1. Winnebago Revel Camper Van

At number one on our list of the best camper vans out there, we have a camper that was designed with adventure in mind, the Winnebago Revel Camper Van.

The Winnebago Revel takes the Mercedes Sprinter chassis to the next level, by adding 4×4 capabilities, making it perfect for chasing the road less travelled. Once you’ve reached your remote location, this camper helps you create the ideal outdoor setting with a powered patio awning to provide shade, complete with a light so you can stay out way after the sun has gone down.

Also mounted to the exterior of the van is a fold-down table, ideal for an outdoor dinner while watching the sunset. 

Inside, the Winnebago interior is clean and modern with everything fitting neatly into its own space. Packed inside this camper, you will find everything you need for a fantastic adventure, including kitchen space, dining/seating area, shower room with toilet and, of course, a comfortable double bed.

Power comes from the 200-watt solar power system, and a diesel-powered heating system will keep you warm in the coldest of places, so you can enjoy camping all year round. The Winnebago Revel also comes equipped with a hot water system with a continuous supply giving you the luxury of a hot shower on demand.  

One of the best features of this camper van has to be the power lift bed. This innovative feature allows you to raise your bed to the camper’s ceiling at the press of a button, transforming your living space into a 140 cubic ft garage. Just think of all the outdoor gear that you can take with you on your next adventure!

If this vast storage area isn’t enough the Winnebago Revel also comes with a durable roof rack (and moveable ladder) that you can secure larger items to, such as kayaks or surfboards. The Winnebago Revel’s base price starts at just over £100,000… not exactly cheap, but you do get a lot of luxuries for your money.

2. Nomad Vanz Sprinter Conversion

Second, on our list of the best camper vans, we have this stunning Mercedes Sprinter Van conversion from Nomad Vanz, Yin Yang.

Yin Yang is a van that brings together opposites to create total harmony: work and play, eat and sleep, near and far. Whatever your adventure looks like, this van has got you covered. On the outside, this Sprinter Van chassis has been pimped to create a beast of a vehicle.

It has a safari roof rack and ladder, 175-litre water storage and indoor/outdoor shower system, agile off-road wheels, a massive LED light bar mounted to the front of the roof rack and anti-glare window tinting.

Inside, this van is a comfortable tiny home, suitable for living in during all four seasons of the year. A generous kitchen with a fridge, sink, hob, storage and food preparation space takes up the central area inside the van, giving you the ability to prepare delicious meals wherever you are.

In front of the kitchen is a bench seat and table, with the driver and passenger seat swivelling to create a dining area. To the rear of the van is a large double bed with plenty of storage underneath.

The best thing about Nomad Vanz is that your camper van will be unique to you, while still upholding the high quality you would expect to find in a factory-built camper. They are an experienced company and know what layouts and features work best together and what you would find beneficial, depending on the type of person you are and what you will be using your camper for.

Nomad Vanz work directly with each customer to design and create the perfect van for you, based on your needs and budget, head over to their website to find out more!

3. Ford Terrier M Sport

Next up on our list of the best camper vans we have the Ford Terrier M Sport , perfect for any speed junkies out there. If you’re a weekend warrior that likes putting the ‘pedal to the metal’, then this has got to be the best camper van that you’ve ever laid your eyes on.

The Ford Terrier M Sport is a six-speed beast, complete with bumper kit, rear spoiler, front diffuser, wider wheel arches, quad exhaust, lowered suspension, sill extension kit and limited edition OZ 18 inch alloy wheels. If you’re looking to catch eyes on the road, then this is the camper for you.

Moving inside to the cab of the Ford Terrier M Sport and you will find a thickened M-Sport Embossed steering wheel, white M-Sport dials, napper leather seats, M-Sport mats, Limited Edition plaque with own edition number.

All of these fine details give this camper a luxury feel, like a five-star hotel on wheels. If you’re looking to enjoy a weekend away in style, then the M Sport is for you!

The M Sport has leather swivel front seats and ample space for the back passenger seats to fold down into a bed. It may be flashy, but the Ford Terrier M Sport also means business and comes with all the amenities you’d need for a weekend in the wild (or a wild weekend) including a 12v compressor fridge, sink, hob, toilet and 40L fresh water container.

This weekend party bus starts at £55,000, with more customisation options available.

4. Knauss Boxstar 600

The BoxStar 600 is a funky fresh camper from the wonderful world of KNAUSS, that deserves a spot on our list of the best camper vans. If you’re looking for an all-round classic for all of the family, then look no further.

The BoxStar sleeps up to four, in several different formations depending on your preference. You could go for double bunk beds at the back to comfortably sleep four, or opt for a lifting bed to give everyone a bit more space. There are four seat-belted seats to ensure the whole family is safe when on the move. However, no space is wasted when in relaxing mode as these seats transform into a dining area, utilising swivel seats and a table. 

Aside from the sleeping and seating areas, the Knauss BoxStar 600 also comes equipped with a spacious bath and shower cabin, allowing you to stay clean on the road. A generously sized kitchenette makes cooking for the whole family a breeze when travelling in the Knaus BoxStar 600.

We love that the hob is in front of the sliding door, so you can take in your view while cooking and allowing food smells to escape the camper, keeping it fresher for longer.

On the exterior of the vehicle, handy compartments mean you can access the toilet cassette, gas canister and water storage without needing to go inside. There is also an awning, convenient fly screen and roof vents.

The Knauss BoxStar 600 is one of the best camper vans on the market and can be purchased for around £ 50’000 from select dealers. To find out more, visit the  Knauss website. 

5. Dalbury E Electric

Meet the worlds first all  electric campervan , the Dalbury E Electric . Boasting an 80% quick charge in just 30 minutes, this is the camper van of the future.

Vanlifers often love visiting the roads less travelled and are aware of the damage and pollution that driving can cause such beautiful spots. Green and eco-friendly, the Dalbury E Electric could be the solution to this problem and the best camper van for your next eco-conscious road trip. 

Inside and this compact camper van has everything you need for an amazing road trip. It may be small, but within it you will find all the comforts of home. The Dalbury E Electric has swivel seats and a bench seat with a removable table to create a dining area; a kitchen area with sink, gas hob and fridge; storage for clothes and essential gear and a (seat-belted) bench that converts into a large bed in minutes.

The Dalbury E Electric is also a pop-top camper, meaning you have the headroom to stand up in your van easily.

Simple, stylish and full of all the hidden extras that you need for a cosy trip into the wild. From solar panels to charge your tech to a silent key push start system, this camper boasts a calm yet road-ready atmosphere that will keep you well-rested when you’re out and about.

Did we also mention that it’s tax-free? Another reason to go electric! Prices start from £ 29’995, and you can click our link to check out more info on the  Dalbury Electric Campervan .

6. VW Crafter VanWorx 

Next up on our list of the best camper vans we’ve got another custom-built van from UK based company, VanWorx .

VanWorx specialises in all things VW and today we’re looking at MaxTraxx, a VW Crafter Conversion. This camper is an excellent example of a VW Crafter conversion and is designed for those who want more room and to be able to go off the beaten track.

This vehicle can be equipped with off-road capabilities such as extra suspension, a winch, underbody protection, a snorkel and off-road tires. These added extras will allow for a smoother ride when choosing the dirt road. 

Inside, this cosy campervan is suitable for a couple or a family of four, depending on your choices. This camper can come in a medium or long wheelbase VW Crafter, depending on how much space you need. Both models can sleep up to four with the option of a fold-out rib bed. In the medium wheelbase camper, sleeping four comes at the sacrifice of a full shower room, which can be added in if you only need to sleep two.

Each model also comes with a kitchen area and fridge, swivel front seats, large double bed with garage beneath and a seating area. The larger model also comes with a table and larger bed, shower room and fridge. 

This custom camper van reaches the highest quality and will not disappoint. The MaxTraxx VW Crafter is built on request so is customisable with added extras such as solar, a roof rack and lithium batteries.

This is the perfect camper to take you wherever you want to go. This VW Crafter Camper Conversion starts at £80,000 (plus VAT). 

7. Fiat Ducato Sunlight Cliff 600

Up next on our list of the best camper vans out there is the Sunlight Cliff 600 . The Sunlight campervans are relatively new to the block, first showing their faces in 2018.

However, all Sunlight campervans are made by German experts Dethleffs , which is in turn owned by the grandfather of campervans, Hymer .

With a reliable umbrella company behind them, we can be sure to expect good things from the Sunlight Cliff 600, which is built in a Fiat Ducato chassis. 

Inside and the Sunlight Cliff 600 does not disappoint, the clean well-designed layout, with stylish wooden accents, certainly does catch the eye. The interior of this camper features all the comforts of home, including a large washroom complete with shower, toilet, sink and plenty of storage. Even the bathroom is finished in wood effect giving it a warm and cosy feel.

Beyond the bathroom is a kitchenette, perfect for cooking up a storm. A dining area with swivel seats allows for space to seat four, and the large double bed at the back will be welcoming after a long day of exploring.

Below the bed is a large ‘garage’ area, perfect for storing outdoor gear or larger pieces of equipment such as mountain bikes. The bed can fold away to one side to allow even more height for storing bulky items when on the move.

With a price starting from £37,899, this campervan is a competitive model that would make an excellent home on wheels. 

8. School Bus – Paved to Pines 

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have something a bit different, a school bus conversion by Paved to Pines .

The bus we’re looking at today is a huge, classic American ex-school bus, aptly named ‘ The Cabin ’. The Cabin is beautifully handmade with warm wooden cladding covering the walls and ceiling of the bus, making it feel like you have indeed stepped inside a cabin in the woods.

The wood is beautifully complemented with green accents running throughout the conversion, found in the upholstery, kitchen and bedroom. 

The gorgeous colour scheme that runs through the bus ties together the different areas of the conversion that have been cleverly made to feel like separate rooms, while mostly keeping an open plan layout.

An L-shaped sofa (that can transform into an extra bed) partitions the living room from the kitchen/dining room and the bathroom gives the bedroom a part wall to make it feel enclosed and cosy. 

This bus has everything you would find in an apartment (and more!). On top of all the usual components of a camper, there is a full oven and four ring hob, large fridge freezer, wood-burning stove, dining table and shower. But best of all, this apartment can go wherever you please!

Paved to Pine is a Canadian based company who are happy to work with all clients, whatever their location. Each conversion is customised and created on a client by client basis, depending on your needs and budget. Good news, they convert vans as well as busses! 

9. Benchmark Ford Transit Camper

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have another custom-built conversion for you. This conversion, called Benchmark, by Benchmark Vehicles shows you just what you can do with a Ford Transit .

This Ford Transit conversion has been externally upgraded, adding features that will allow this van to easily make it to base camp, no matter the terrain. As well as off-road tires this camper also has a huge light bar, roof rack and ladder, spare wheel mounted on the back door, an additional fuel canister and a winch on the front. With all that gear you will be ready for any situation when travelling in Benchmark. 

This van may look tough and rugged on the outside, but inside it is light and airy, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The front area of the conversion is taken up by the kitchen which features a fridge, cooker that is covered by a lovely wooden chopping board when not in use, sink that is also covered when not in use to give more workspace and plenty of storage.

The large, raised double bed at the back folds up onto each wall. This allows the whole of the back of the van to be used as a storage area when the bed is not in use, good news if you want to bring a lot of gear on the road with you. For seating, the two front driving seats swivel round. 

Benchmark is a custom build, and Benchmark Vehicles has an extensive portfolio of amazing Ford conversions, as well as Mercedes Sprinter Van conversions. Their experience and skill are evident in every vehicle they create, and they would be happy to design your dream van for you.

Each van is unique and so, therefore is the price. Their cheapest conversions can start at $25k, but for a fully pimped out camper, you’re looking at $125k+. 

10. Sportsmobile Classic  

At number ten on our list of the best camper vans, we have The Sportsmobile Classic 4×4 , a true off-road vehicle that will take you wherever you want to go.

The Sportsmobile Classic takes a Ford Cutaway body and moulds it with a steel reinforced fibreglass shell to give it a unique look. The pop-top roof allows for plenty of standing room inside but, when popped down, the vehicle remains streamline and easy to drive, even on rugged dirt roads. 

Outside there are added extras to turn this off-roading beast into the ideal camper. Included is an awning to provide shade in the warmest of climates, a roof rack and rear-mounted box for extra storage, solar panels for off the grid electrics and a fold-down table on the side door for dinner al fresco.

One thing we love about the Sportsmobile Classic is the outward opening doors on this van, it’s such a unique look that gives this camper iconic style. 

Inside and this van is just as fresh as the exterior of the vehicle, with everything needed for your next road trip but still enough open space to not feel cramped, thanks to the fact that cabinetry only runs along one wall.

A fold-out bed at the back of the van provides a comfortable sleeping and sitting area, and in front of this is the kitchen, complete with microwave oven, sink, fridge and plenty of storage. The Sportsmobile Classic starts at $39,100 and is customisable to your needs. 

11. VW Caddy

At number eleven on our list of the best camper vans, we have the VW Caddy . The VW Caddy may be one of the smallest camper vans out there, but it is still mighty.

There are plenty of advantages to having a small camper van such as affordable to buy and run, easy to drive, can be used as daily transportation, can squeeze into tight parking spaces and easy to handle on rougher, windier or narrower roads. If you’re looking for something to take out on the weekends or for short breaks that ticks these boxes, then a VW Caddy could be for you. 

This VW Caddy conversion by Freedom Conversions , who are based in the UK, utilises the space inside well. Despite its small size this conversion manages to squeeze in everything you need for a weekend away. There is room to seat four people, with seatbelts when driving, meaning the camper could be a family affair, if the kids are okay with sleeping in a tent that is. The back passenger seats convert into a large double bed for the adults to provide a comfortable nights sleep.

This camper also has a full kitchenette with sink, two-burner hob, fridge, storage and preparation space. Swivel seats and a removable table create a dining area, and more storage runs along the wall for clothes and other essentials. 

While the VW Caddy may be small, this conversion has added a pop-top roof. This is a brilliant idea and suddenly makes the small space feel a whole lot bigger. Being able to stand up inside your camper van is such a huge benefit and makes cooking inside a van much more comfortable.

This excellent conversion doesn’t come with a price tag, but a brand new VW Caddy Maxi costs £20,500, so you’re probably looking at an extra £6000-£8000 for the conversion. However, if you were looking for a more affordable option, then second hand is an excellent way to go! 

12. Hymer Aktiv 2.0

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 , a camper van perfect for any travelling family. This family friendly camper van can sleep up to five people with a unique layout.

Two sleep in the double bed at the rear, two on the sleeping platform in the pop-top roof and one more on an optional added bed that can be converted from the front dining area. Unlike most campervans, the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 can also safely seat five people while driving: two in the cab, two in the dining area and a further three on an optional rear sofa. 

The sleeping areas may be impressive and so is the rest of the camper, thanks to the pop-top roof the extra bed doesn’t take up any extra floor space meaning there is plenty of room for all other essentials.

At the front is the dining area, with two seats plus the two swivel front seats and a dining table. During the day the rear sofa creates an extra seating area, meaning the kids can have their own space until it becomes the bedroom via the press of a button. A full kitchenette and shower room take up the rest of the area, giving you everything you need for the perfect holiday. 

The Hymer Aktiv 2.0 is a great family campervan with room to stretch out and accommodate everyone.

The Hymer Aktiv 2.0 starts at $114,127, which isn’t exactly cheap. However, it’s unusual to find such a compact vehicle that can sleep five and seat up to seven so if you’re looking for something for the entire family, then it may be worth saving. 

13. EarthCruiser GZL 300

At number thirteen on our list of the best camper vans we have something a bit different, the EarthCruiser GZL 300 . The EarthCruiser GZL 300 is a truck camper, a great option for someone that is already the owner of or is looking to buy a suitable truck as it slides onto the back.

This is a fantastic option as it can make purchasing a camper more affordable. It also means that you do not need to own more than one vehicle as you can simply remove the camper when not in use and use the truck as your everyday car. 

By transforming a truck into your camper van, you also get all the driving capabilities of a truck that are often powerful vehicles with off-road capabilities. This allows you peace of mind when hitting the road that your camper will be able to take you wherever you want to go.

The EarthCruiser GZL 300 has a pop-top roof, allowing extra room when inside, allowing you to stand where needed but also allowing the vehicle to remain streamlined when driving. 

The pop-top roof design allows you to stand inside the kitchen area of the camper van, and to stand when using the indoor fold-out shower. Beyond the kitchen is a seating area with two bench seats and a table, giving you space to eat and work.

At the back, situated above your truck is the sleeping area, comfortable and welcoming after a long day of adventuring. This impressive truck camper starts at $36,000. 

14. Ram Promaster City

Up next on our list of the best camper vans we have the Ram Promaster City . A Ram Promaster City conversion is another compact camper van that is perfect for anyone looking for something on the smaller and more affordable side.

A Ram Promaster City is small, but it has a roomy feel inside thanks to its boxy shape. This square shape allows for more headroom when sitting down, so you won’t find yourself hunching over. 

Today we’re looking at this conversion by Contra Vans who are based in Colorado, America but have had customers all over the USA.

Contra Vans have two basic conversion options for the Ram Promaster City. The first option is a large double bed that takes up the whole of the van. This looks super comfortable but maybe not so practical unless you’re somewhere where you can sit outside all the time. This option comes with a great pull out kitchen so you can prepare and eat food outside. 

The second option is to have a horseshoe-shaped bench seat inside the van that converts into a double bed. The benefit of this layout is that you can chill out inside your camper without sitting on the bed. However, this option doesn’t come with a built-in kitchen.

We like both of these layouts and think they could work for a keen weekend warrior who loves being outside. The fixed bed with kitchen conversion starts at $9698, and the bench conversion starts at $8998, both reasonably affordable options. 

You can’t write an article about the best camper vans and not include the classic VW bus. The VW bus is where campervans began, and they are as much loved now as their first debut in 1950!

These cute, iconic busses bring up thoughts of The Beach Boys, long Californian road trips and pure freedom and are just as roadworthy in 2020 as they were fifty years ago. The bright, bold colours that are the signature look of the iconic VW bus make it hard not to feel happy when you see one cruising down the highway and being in one has got to feel even cooler. 

Inside the VW Bus looks just as cute as the colourful exterior. The classic layout can sleep two to four people, depending on whether you go for a pop-top or not, two on the downstairs rock’n’roll bed and two on the loft bed in the pop-top roof.

The eye-catching checkerboard floor is a must-have for a real retro VW Bus, as is the striking leather interior, matching the outside colour of the camper. As well as the sleeping areas, these campervans have a seating area with a collapsible table and a full kitchenette. 

The price of a VW can vary drastically depending on its age and quality. Most classic VW busses will have had to have been lovingly restored to be a reliable vehicle in 2020. Due to their age, they can be a lot of work to run and keep, so it is essential to find one in good condition if you are looking to buy a VW Bus.

Try to find a well-loved model with an honest owner who is open with you about the pros and cons of the bus. However, once you have located your camper, there will be no better feeling than navigating the open road together.  

Final Thoughts…

Just as every person is unique, so is every camper van. Finding your perfect camper will be down to your lifestyle and needs, but we hope this article has introduced you to some vans that tick a lot of boxes. Where the Earth Cruiser GZL 300 might be someone’s dream rig, the School Bus Conversion might be someone else’s idea of perfection but what all these vehicles have in common is the epic road trip they will take you on. Let us know what your ideal camper is by joining the Van Clan over on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

More Content From The Van Clan Team!

Please note that all comments will be checked by our team before being approved.

Related Van Life Posts

Find out more about the most suitable vans for your camping passion.

Incredible Custom Off-Grid 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter Conversion

We are addicted to 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter’s, they are like the great white sharks of the road, vicious, unstoppable and beautiful all at the same time. American based conversion company Outside Van are known for their incredible Sprinter Conversions, here they showcase a custom made 4×4 beast and we instantly fell in love. OV have seriously […]

VW Buzz: The Iconic Camper’s Futuristic Evolution for the Modern Vanlife Enthusiast

Everyone knows that VW are the kings of the camper world; take their California XXL for example. Their brand is classic and iconic, you don’t need to be a van fan to recognise that they are truly beautiful machines. But now the vanlife pioneers have an ‘out of this world’ new revamp of their legendary camper; […]

Best Truck Bed Tents for Epic Tailgating Excursions

For those with trucks, camping has never been easier – all thanks to the truck bed tent. Gone are the days of pitching a ground tent because you can now transform your truck into a comfortable and roomy sleeping area. The 9 Best Truck Bed Tents for 2022 Ready to get out on the road […]

• 239,733 Members
• 1734 Stories Told
• 94 Featured Places
• Van Life Stories
• Camper Vans
• Off Road Campers
• Tiny Homes on Wheels

NOTICE September 28, 2024

U.s. citizens requesting support in lebanon.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Haiti Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 18, 2024, haiti - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to reflect additional information on crime.

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping , crime , civil unrest , and limited health care.

Country Summary: Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed. Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims’ families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members. 

Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are common and unpredictable. They often damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent. Mob killings and assaults by the public have increased, including targeting those suspected of committing crimes.  

The airport in Port-au-Prince can be a focal point for armed activity. Armed robberies are common. Carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic. They often target lone drivers, especially women. As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport.

Do not cross the border by land between Haiti and the Dominican Republic due to the threat of kidnapping and violence. These dangers are present on roads from major Haitian cities to the border. The U.S. embassy cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic by air, land, or sea.  U.S. citizens who cross into the Dominican Republic at an unofficial crossing may face high immigration fines if they try to leave. The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about security in the ports of Haiti. Until those are addressed, the Coast Guard advises mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Haiti to exercise caution.

 The U.S. government is very limited in its ability to help U.S. citizens in Haiti. Local police and other first responders often lack the resources to respond to emergencies or serious crime. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies are common throughout the country. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack trained staff and basic resources. In addition, they require prepayment for services in cash.

U.S. government personnel are subjected to a nightly curfew and are prohibited from walking in Port-au-Prince. Personnel movement is restricted throughout Haiti. U.S. government personnel in Haiti are also prohibited from:

• Using any kind of public transportation or taxis. 
• Visiting banks and using ATMs. 
• Driving at night. 
• Traveling anywhere after dark. 
• Traveling without prior approval and special security measures in place.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Haiti.   

If you decide to travel to Haiti: 

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks. 
• Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival. 
• Do not give personal information to unauthorized people to include those without uniforms or credentials. Individuals with bad intent may frequent areas at the airport, including near immigration and customs. 
• If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately. 
• Travel by vehicle to reduce walking in public. 
• Travel in groups or at least do not travel alone. 
• Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving. 
• Be cautious and alert. This is especially important when driving through markets and other crowded areas. 
• Do not fight back during a robbery. It increases the risk of violence and injury to you. 
• Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage ahead of time. 
• Review information on  Travel to High-Risk Areas . 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  X/Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  on Haiti. 

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• North Caucasus
• Chechnya republic
• Dagestan republic
• Ingushetia republic
• Kabardino-Balkaria republic
• Karachay-Cherkessia republic
• North Ossetia republic
• Stavropol krai
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

The North Ossetia - Alania Republic, Russia

The capital city of North Ossetia republic: Vladikavkaz .

The North Ossetia - Alania Republic - Overview

The Republic of North Ossetia - Alania is a federal subject of Russia located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, part of the North Caucasian Federal District. Vladikavkaz is the capital city of the region.

The population of the North Ossetia - Alania Republic is about 688,100 (2022), the area - 7,987 sq. km.

North Ossetia republic flag

North ossetia republic coat of arms.

North Ossetia republic anthem

North ossetia republic map, russia, north ossetia republic latest news and posts from our blog:.

13 April, 2021 / Mountain Landscapes of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania .

6 October, 2020 / The City of the Dead in Dargavs .

26 June, 2018 / Beauty of Mountainous Digoria in North Ossetia .

28 May, 2016 / Stunning nature of the Caucasus - climbing Stolovaya Mountain .

History of the North Ossetia - Alania Republic

From the first millennium BC, Koban culture was spread on the territory of present North Ossetia. It was named after the village of Koban located in Tagaur canyon, where ancient archaeological monuments were found. Since the 7th century BC, the Scythian tribes began to settle in the Central Caucasus.

Koban population assimilated among the Scythians and then the Sarmatians, some of whom switched to a settled agricultural economy. By the 2nd century AD, the Sarmatians of South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia united under a new name - the Alans. Like the Scythians, the Alans used Derbent pass and the passes of the Greater Caucasus for their raids.

In 372, the nomadic tribes of the Huns invaded Europe from Central Asia. This invasion was the reason of migration of the Alans to the most inaccessible mountain areas on both slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. In the 6th-7th centuries, Alania was again a relatively powerful state with a dense network of well-fortified settlements, developed agriculture, trade and crafts. At the beginning of the 10th century, Orthodoxy became the state religion in Alania.

In the 12th century, Alania experienced the feudal period and was divided into principalities fighting against each other. They were unable to unite against the Mongols who invaded the region in the 13th century. In 1222, the Mongolian army defeated the Alanian army. In January 1239, after a three-month siege, the Alanian capital of Magas was captured. The Mongols ravaged the plain part of the country, but the resistance continued in the mountain areas.

More Historical Facts…

The final blow in a series of tragic events of the 13th-14th centuries was the invasion of the troops of Tamerlane in 1395. Almost all of the Alans were killed, the state of the Alans collapsed. The survivors took refuge in the mountains where they mingled with the local population of other language group and later became known as the Ossetians.

In the 15th-17th centuries, the Ossetians fought for survival in extremely cramped conditions of the mountains (the plain was occupied by Adygeyan tribes). In the 18th century, the Ossetians were in need for resettlement on the plane because of the extreme shortage of land. Ossetia was also important for Russia, as the region that controlled the strategic passes in the Caucasus.

In 1774, the territory of North Ossetia was among the first regions in the North Caucasus, which joined the Russian Empire. Vladikavkaz, founded in 1784, became the first Russian fortress in the area. In the 19th century, the Ossetians migrated from the mountains to the plains and outskirts of Mozdok.

In Soviet times, Ossetia was divided into two parts. The part north of the Caucasian ridge came under the jurisdiction of the RSFSR (present Russian Federation), the part to the south came under control of the Georgian SSR. In 1921, Ossetia became part of Gorskaya Soviet Republic. It received the status of an autonomous oblast in 1924. In 1936, it was reformed into North Ossetian Soviet Socialist Republic.

During the Second World War, fierce battles took place on the territory of the republic, the northern and western parts of North Ossetia were occupied by the Germans. In November, 1942, the German advance was stopped near Ordzhonikidze (Vladikavkaz). About 85,000 people were drafted into the Soviet Army in the republic and almost 45,000 of them were killed.

During the war, the territory inhabited by the Ingush, who were deported for “collaboration” with the Germans, was joined to North Ossetia. Empty villages were inhabited by the Ossetians from North Ossetia, the South Ossetian Autonomous District and inner districts of the Georgian SSR.

The Ingush, who returned home in the 1950s, were given back part of their former territory. Instead of Prigorodny district, which then belonged to North Ossetia, they received the land taken from Stavropol krai. But the Ingush demanded that the eastern part of Prigorodny district should be returned to them. In 1992, an armed conflict broke out because of territorial disputes.

In 1993, the region received a new name - the Republic of North Ossetia. In January 1995, it received its present name - the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.

In the 1990s and in the early 21st century, several major terrorist attacks occurred on the territory of the republic related to the wars in Chechnya including the taking of hostages in the school #1 in Beslan in 2004. This terrorist act led to serious political consequences not only for the republic but also for Russia in general (the system of election of regional governors was abolished).

North Ossetia - Features

The territory of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania stretches from north to south for 120 km, from west to east - 125 km. The highest peak is Mount Kazbek (5,033 meters). The Terek is the main river.

It is one of the most densely populated Russian regions. About half of the population lives in Vladikavkaz. The largest cities and towns are Vladikavkaz (298,800), Mozdok (41,000), Beslan (37,300), Alagir (19,400), Ardon (19,200). The national composition according to the 2010 census: Ossetians (64.5%), Russians (20.6%), Ingush (4.0%), Armenians (2.3%), Kumyks (2.3%), Georgians (1.3%).

The climate is moderately continental in the central part and foothills. The average temperature in January is about minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20.4 degrees Celsius. The natural resources of the region include complex ores containing zinc, lead, copper, silver, dolomites, mineral water springs. Also there are several oil deposits. Forests cover about 22% of the territory.

The main industries of the republic are non-ferrous metallurgy, machine-building, mining (non-ferrous ores, construction materials), electronics, light, glass, food. Several large plants producing spirits are located in Vladikavkaz and Beslan.

Two main highways (Georgian Military Road and Transkam) pass through the territory of North Ossetia connecting Russia with the South Caucasus countries and the Middle East.

Tourism in North Ossetia - Alania

Since the middle of the 19th century, Ossetia was positioned as one of the tourist centers in the North Caucasus. The Soviet period was the next milestone in the development of a recreational complex of the republic. By the early 1990s, spa treatment and tourist-excursion services became an important part of the local economy.

Today, North Ossetia may serve as a basis for the creation of a large health resort agglomeration, comparable to well-known Sochi-Matsesta and the Caucasian Mineral Waters regions.

The geographical location of the republic allows to organize year-round ski resorts. In addition to traditional forms of recreation, there is great potential for the development of extreme forms of recreation, agricultural and ecological tourism. North Ossetian State Nature Reserve is located in the upper reaches of the Tsey, Ardon and Fiagdon rivers.

The rich historical heritage of North Ossetia is of great value. The republic has more than 1,500 historical and cultural monuments. Vladikavkaz trams are one of the oldest tram systems in Russia (1904).

North Ossetia republic of Russia photos

The beauty of the mountainous north ossetia - alania.

Mountain valley in North Ossetia

Author: Dmitry Zhmakin

The North Ossetia Republic scenery

Author: Ivan Diakonenko

Skiing in the North Ossetia Republic

Author: Yegorin Sergey

North Ossetia - Alania scenery

Horses in the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

• Currently 2.76/5

Rating: 2.8 /5 (131 votes cast)