9 Small Camper Vans for Rent: Perfect for Budget-Savvy Road Trippers

Do you want to rent a campervan, but you’re put off by the high prices of renting a Sprinter van or tricked-out Ford Transit?

If you’re looking for an affordable choice, many companies offer small camper vans for rent. Not only are these vans easier to drive and maneuver, but you’ll also save money on your gas bill. Trust me, I lived in a Chevy Astro van for years, which is just a minivan!

These compact and cozy mobile homes offer many advantages that cater to both the budget-conscious and the wanderlust-driven. We hope you enjoy our list and that you get out there to explore in your small camper van rental.

9 Top Small Camper Van Rental Companies

Many campervan rental companies have expanded their fleet to include small camper vans for rent. These camper van rental companies are some of the most popular in the US, and I’ve seen some fantastic reviews on them!

Since campervan rentals have various price ranges depending on if you’re renting in peak season, availability, and amenities included, I suggest you visit the camper van rental company’s website to get a quote for your desired trip pickup location, amenities to include, trip length, and dropoff location.

Remember that a quote you receive in March may not still be valid in July during peak season.

Escape Campervans: Fun for Families

Escape Campervans is known for its unique campervan fleet that boasts a kaleidoscope of vibrant and eye-catching artistic designs. Thoughtfully decorated to reflect the spirit of adventure, these camper vans make your journey as memorable as the destinations you explore.

This company does offer small camper vans for rent, as well as larger ones, too.

• Sleeps: 2-4
• Pickup locations: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, Orlando, New York
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup locations
• Mileage: $30+ per day for 100 miles/day. $.30/mile thereafter
• Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm 7 days a week
• Pet friendly: Yes, for an additional cost, but no pets are allowed July-August.
• Amenities: Bed, propane stove, water storage and sink, powered refrigerator (additional amenities such as camp chairs available upon request for a fee)

Escape Camper vans has your convenience in mind. With multiple rental locations across the United States, you can start your adventure from the destination that suits you best. This flexibility allows you to optimize your travel plans and maximize your time on the road.

Although their base camping amenities included in your rental are less than some other campervan companies provide, Escape Campervans has many add-on options for additional fees, allowing you to customize your camping trip and only have what you need.

Travellers Autobarn: Best Budget Small Campervan

If you’re looking for a great, well-known rental option on a budget, Travellers Autobarn has the perfect minivan camper rental for you! Unlike most other small camper van rental companies, Travellers Autobarn has more of an a-la-carte amenities option, where you can choose an optional “living kit,” along with other add-ons like extra camp gear. You can also rent (or bring your own) a tent for outdoor sleeping or an inflatable mattress that fits in the back of the van to sleep in.

• Sleeps: 2
• Pickup locations: Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup locations
• Mileage: Unlimited
• Hours: 10am – 4pm pickup, 9am – 3pm dropoff
• Pet friendly: No
• Amenities: Optional living kits, bedding kits, and other add-ons for additional fees

Travellers Autobarn is a global campervan company and has been renting campervans in the US since 1993, so they know camping in the US inside and out. Their minivan campers are older Dodge Caravans (2012-2014) that have received lots of maintenance and TLC to ensure their dependability and cleanliness, allowing you to have the trip of a lifetime without worrying about breakdowns.

AIYRE Pacific Campervans: Perfect for Stealth Solo Travel

AIYRE Pacific Campervans understands the importance of flexibility in travel. With a fleet of Dodge Grand Caravans available at multiple pickup locations throughout the US and drop-offs available at most major airports, you can start and end your journey in places that suit your travel plans best. Moreover, they have no logos or identifying marks on the exterior, which makes these small camper vans for rent perfect for those who value privacy and want a safe, stealthy travel and camping experience.

These are some of the best small camper vans for rent in California.

• Sleeps: 2
• Pickup locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Anchorage, New York, Boston
• Dropoff locations: Drop-off available at most major airports, allowing for one-way travel itineraries
• Mileage: 150 free miles per day with optional unlimited mileage for an additional fee
• Hours: 24/7 contactless pickup and returns
• Pet friendly: Yes, for an additional fee
• Amenities: Fresh bedding, shade canopy, camping chairs, table, cooler, outdoor shower (solar), towels, propane stove, cookware, cutlery, and storage boxes.

AIYRE Pacific is known for its personalized customer service, ensuring renters have a positive, memorable, and enjoyable experience. You will enjoy a smooth, quiet ride with a great sound system, strong AC, cruise control, rear-view camera, and even built-in GPS. They offer small campervans covered by a warranty and have a nationwide network of repair shops that can fix or replace your vehicle within a few hours in most major cities.

Lost Campers: California Coast Based

Lost Campers is a California coast-based small campervan rental company, and has been in business since 2007, so they understand the ins and outs of campervan travel. And it shows with their 25,000+ positive reviews across Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Their camper vans have minimal exterior identifiers, so you can travel stealthily and not stand out like a tourist.

• Sleeps: 2-4
• Pickup locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup
• Mileage: 150 free miles with optional free unlimited miles mileage for an additional fee
• Hours: Pickup: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm – Dropoff: 24/7
• Pet friendly: Yes, for an additional fee
• Amenities: Bedding, dish kit, cooler, propane stove, sink with water storage, and basic camping equipment

With the rising costs of accommodations across the US, especially in California, you can combine accommodation and transportation in one and optimize your travel budget without compromising on comfort and convenience. Lost Campers can be your ticket to unforgettable adventures in California without the burden of high costs of hotel room.

KuKu Campers: Quirky and Fun in Colorado

KuKu Campers takes pride in its vibrant and distinctive small campervan rentals that stand out amidst awe-inspiring scenery. Each camper is thoughtfully decorated with unique designs, turning heads on the road and providing a cheerful atmosphere during your journey. From striking murals to eye-popping colors, these campervans express creativity and individuality.

• Sleeps: 2
• Pickup locations: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup location
• Mileage: Unlimited
• Hours: 9am – 5pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat/Sun
• Pet friendly: Yes, with an additional fee
• Amenities: Gas stove, eating utensils, cookware, cooler, cleaning supplies, optional bedding

You don’t have to stay in Colorado with a KuKu Campervan, as long as you bring the camper van back to Colorado! But if you want to explore this magnificent state, they will have a list of their favorite locations with a suggested itinerary to help get your adventure started.

Vintage Surfari Wagons: VW Camper Van Rental

Vintage Surfari Wagons offers a unique and nostalgic journey through time, combining the allure of classic VW campervans with the freedom of modern-day exploration. This campervan rental specializing in vintage VW buses brings a touch of retro charm to your road trip, allowing you to discover iconic destinations and create cherished memories in style.

• Sleeps: 2 – 4
• Pickup locations: Costa Mesa, California
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup location
• Mileage: Starting at 50 miles a day, depending on camper van model
• Hours: Flexible
• Pet friendly: Yes, with an additional fee
• Amenities: Stove, sink, water storage, refrigerator, dining table, all cookware and eating utensils, travel map

Behind the classic exterior lies a thoughtfully designed interior with modern amenities to enhance your road trip. The campervans feature cozy beds, some with rooftop tents, functional kitchenettes, and generous storage space, ensuring a seamless blend of vintage charm and contemporary comfort.

Native Campervans: Mountains to Desert

Native Camper Vans offers “The Smalls,” an intimate and cozy small campervan rental option that invites travelers to experience the freedom of the open road in a compact and comfortable setting. With a focus on simplicity and functionality, The Smalls campervan is the perfect choice for adventurers seeking a unique and budget-friendly journey through picturesque landscapes.

• Rental locations: Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup locations
• Mileage: 100 miles per night
• Hours: 9am – 4pm Mon-Sun
• Amenities: All the camping essentials, fresh bedding, cookware, and flatware

“The Smalls” campervan is thoughtfully designed to optimize space and provide all the essentials for a comfortable road trip. Their focus is an “all-inclusive” experience with all of your amenities and camping gear included in the price.

With rental hubs throughout the mountainous southwest, Native Campervans is the perfect launching point for your next summer adventure! You can also reserve a one-way camper van rental that starts and ends at any of their four rental hubs.

Peace Vans: Perfect for the Pacific Northwest

Peace Vans, a small campervan rental company based in Seattle, WA, invites you to embark on a journey that melds nostalgia with modern-day exploration. Offering Volkswagen (VW) campervans and the modern-day Mercedes Metris, Peace Vans offers travelers a unique opportunity to rediscover the essence of adventure with a touch of retro charm.

• Sleeps: 2 – 4
• Rental location: Seattle, WA
• Dropoff locations: Same as the pickup location, one-way dropoff available for a fee
• Mileage: 125 miles per day
• Hours: Flexible
• Pet friendly: No
• Amenities: Stove, refrigerator, cookware, eating utensils, bedding, camp chairs, coffee-brew vessel, and other basic camp gear

Having a unique option for a “season pass” rental, where you can use a campervan for ten days over multiple trips, some during peak season and some during the off-season. You can even take your camper van rental out for one night at a time! This is a great advantage for those with flexible schedules who want to take multiple trips over the summer instead of just one long road trip.

Hawaii Surf Campers: The Ultimate Island Experience

Who wouldn’t want to explore Oahu in a vintage VW or other small camper van? Hawaii Surf Campers invites you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Aloha and experience the magic of the Hawaiian Islands like never before. As a premier camper van rental company in Oahu, Hawaii, they offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore this Pacific paradise’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and legendary surf spots.

• Sleeps: 2 – 4
• Pickup locations: Wahiawa HI
• Dropoff locations: Same as pickup location
• Mileage: Unlimited
• Hours: Check-in: after 2pm – Check-out: before 11am
• Pet friendly: no
• Amenities: Bedding, cooker, cookware, eating utensils, and other amenities upon request

For surfing enthusiasts, Hawaii Surf Campers is a dream come true. Combining the allure of the open road with access to world-renowned surf spots, their small campervans for rent are the perfect companions for surfers seeking the ultimate wave-riding experience.

Wake up to the sound of the ocean, catch early morning swells, and live the surfer’s dream as you explore Hawaii’s most coveted breaks.

Peer-to-Peer Small Campervan Rentals: A Personalized Experience

If you’re looking for more of a personalized experience, you can opt for finding small camper vans for rent on a peer-to-peer rental hub. Rental platforms like Outdoorsy, GoCamp, and RV Share will have a plethora of options Nationwide to choose from. You can even find truck campers, SUVs with rooftop tents, or even a recreational vehicle with luxury amenities.

5 Benefits of Small Camper Vans for Rent

The allure of van life and the open road has captivated adventurous souls seeking unique and budget-friendly travel experiences. Here are just a few of the benefits that come along with small camper vans for rent.

Economical Accommodation and Transportation:

Combining accommodation and transportation into one entity is an ingenious way to save money. Traditional travel often demands costly hotel stays and rental cars, but with a campervan, you eliminate the need for separate lodging and transportation costs. This makes small campervan rentals economical, particularly for budget travelers aiming to make the most of their resources without having to tent camp.

Easy to Drive and Park:

Have you ever seen those big RVs trying to maneuver through crowded National Parks or pull into a scenic overlook with nowhere to park their rig? You can fit anywhere a regular-sized vehicle can with a small camper van. No stressing about parking, and no anxiety about how to turn around in a crowded lot.

Freedom of Flexibility:

Travel itineraries can be constricting and may not always cater to your spontaneous desires. With a small campervan, you can roam wherever your heart desires, detouring to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations for your very own epic road trip. This flexibility allows you to adapt your journey to the moment, ensuring your travel experience remains authentic and unique.

Self-Sufficiency and Cost-Cutting:

Small campervans often come equipped with essential amenities, such as a compact kitchenette, a sleeping area, and sometimes even a toilet. This self-sufficiency allows you to prepare your meals, reducing dining expenses significantly. Additionally, you have greater control over your spending, making it easier to stick to your budget.

Connect with Like-Minded Travelers:

The rise of small campervan travel has sparked a vibrant community of like-minded travelers who share the same passion for exploration and budget-friendly adventures. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights, travel tips, and even the opportunity to meet other travelers along your journey, creating lifelong memories and friendships.

3 Disadvantages of Small Camper Van Rentals

While small camper vans for rent offer numerous advantages, like any travel option, they also come with their fair share of drawbacks. Before embarking on a campervan adventure, one must know the potential cons to make an informed decision. Let’s explore some of the downsides of renting a small campervan:

Limited Space:

Small campervans are, by nature, compact, which means that space is limited. While they provide the necessary amenities, such as a bed, kitchenette, and sometimes a bathroom, the overall living space and storage space can feel cramped, especially for travelers used to more significant accommodations. This lack of space might lead to discomfort during extended journeys.

Basic Amenities:

While small campervans come equipped with the essentials, they often lack the luxurious features and comforts in larger RVs or hotels. For example, the bathroom facilities might be basic, and the kitchenette may have limited cooking options. This can challenge travelers who are used to modern amenities and conveniences.

Climate Sensitivity:

In small spaces, temperature, condensation, and ventilation issues might arise in certain weather conditions. If camping in a humid area, you might get excess moisture inside the camper van, especially while sleeping at night without any ventilation. A small camper van will heat up and cool down quicker than a full-sized RV. This can be problematic if you’re camping in the desert or during winter months in the snow.

Which Small Camper Van Rental Will You Choose?

Small camper vans for rent have revolutionized the way we perceive budget-friendly travel. These nimble vehicles offer an economical and adventurous alternative to traditional vacationing, allowing travelers to forge their own paths, immerse themselves in nature, and connect with a welcoming community of fellow adventurers.

So, pack your bags, map your route, and embark on an extraordinary road trip to make memories that will last a lifetime. Which small camper van rental will you choose for your campervan trip? Let me know in the comments! Happy travels!