Camper van rental in California
Your basecamp for Yosemite, the Pacific Coast Highway, Joshua Tree and Big Sur.
See every camper van available in California
Live prices, photos and instant booking on Outdoorsy — the biggest RV & van rental marketplace in the US.
Booking & payment happen on Outdoorsy. This is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
California is the birthplace of van life — the Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite, Big Sur and Joshua Tree make it the most rewarding state in the country to rent a camper van.
Why rent a camper van in California?
A camper van is the ideal way to explore California. Instead of booking hotels and doubling back each night, you carry your bed, kitchen and plans with you — waking up next to Yosemite and moving on whenever the mood takes you.
With Yosemite, the Pacific Coast Highway, Joshua Tree and Big Sur within reach, California packs a lot into one trip. Most vans sleep two to four and drive on a normal licence, so they suit couples and families alike. Prices typically run about $85–$250 a night, and everything below will help you plan — then book directly with the owner on Outdoorsy.
Where to go from California
A camper van in California puts these within easy reach:
Yosemite
Granite giants, waterfalls and giant sequoias make Yosemite a bucket-list stop for any camper-van trip in California.
Pacific Coast Highway
One of the world’s great drives, hugging the California coast past Big Sur, beaches and clifftop viewpoints.
Joshua Tree
Surreal boulders and twisted trees under some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.
Big Sur
A rugged stretch of the California coast where mountains drop straight into the Pacific.
Trip idea: a classic route from California links Yosemite, the Pacific Coast Highway and Joshua Tree — an easy loop you can stretch or shorten to fit the days you have.
Best time to rent a camper van in California
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the sweet spot in California: warm days, thinner crowds and lower nightly rates than peak summer. July and August are busiest and priciest, so book well ahead — especially for the national parks. Winter trips are quieter and cheaper but check that your van is winter-ready and that mountain passes are open.
What it costs
Expect around $85–$250 a night for a camper van in California. What you actually pay comes down to:
- Season — summer and holidays cost the most; spring and autumn are far better value.
- Van size & age — a newer six-berth costs more than a classic two-berth camper.
- Trip length — weekly hires usually bring the nightly rate down.
- Extras — insurance cover, mileage limits, camping gear and one-way or airport pick-ups.
On Outdoorsy, the price you see includes the owner's rates upfront, and you book and pay securely through the platform.
Driving & staying in California
Most camper vans in California drive on a standard licence and fit a normal parking space, so they’re far easier to handle than a big Class A motorhome. You can mix paid RV parks and campgrounds — book ahead in summer and around the national parks — with free dispersed camping on BLM and National Forest land. Fill up on fuel and water when you can, and note where the dump stations are for your grey and black tanks.
How camper van rental in California works
- 1
Search California
Browse available camper vans in California with live pricing and photos on Outdoorsy.
- 2
Book direct
Message the owner, confirm your dates and pay securely — all through Outdoorsy.
- 3
Pick up & go
Collect your camper van, get a handover walkthrough, and start your trip.
Popular pick-up points in California
Camper van rental in California: FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a camper van in California?
Most camper vans in California cost around $85–$250 a night, depending on the season, the size and age of the van and how far ahead you book. Weekly hires usually work out cheaper per night. You'll see live prices and availability when you search on Outdoorsy.
Where can I go with a camper van from California?
California is a great base for Yosemite, the Pacific Coast Highway, Joshua Tree and Big Sur. A camper van lets you travel on your own schedule and stay close to the places you actually want to see, rather than driving back to a hotel each night.
What licence do I need to drive a camper van?
Almost every camper van in California can be driven on a standard car licence — they're built on regular van chassis, not heavy motorhomes. Check each listing's minimum driver age and licence-held period on Outdoorsy before you book.
When is the best time to rent a camper van in California?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the sweet spot in California: warm days, thinner crowds and lower nightly rates than peak summer. July and August are busiest and priciest, so book well ahead — especially for the national parks. Winter trips are quieter and cheaper but check that your van is winter-ready and that mountain passes are open.
Can I travel with pets or one-way?
Many owners in California allow pets and some offer one-way or airport pick-ups — it varies by listing. Filter and message the owner directly on Outdoorsy to confirm before you book.
Is it better to rent a camper van or a large motorhome in California?
A camper van is easier to drive and park, cheaper to fuel and fine for one to four people — ideal for exploring California. A big motorhome gives more living space for longer, slower trips. For most visitors in California, a camper van hits the sweet spot.
See every camper van available in California
Live prices, photos and instant booking on Outdoorsy — the biggest RV & van rental marketplace in the US.
Booking & payment happen on Outdoorsy. This is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Camper van rental in other states
Loved van life in California?
Plan the electrical system for your own build, or browse converted vans for sale.