#VanLife is a huge trend now!  Many people, however, are not choosing to sell everything they have and live as nomads in a van!  I mean, I get it. The “tiny home” movement is … wait for it … huge, (haha, see what I did there?) but the bottom line is that there are a LOT of things on TV that are great to watch, but not awesome to actually do.  Ice Road Truckers, Deadliest Catch, and Fear Factor come to mind.  But, terrifying television shows aside, there are tons of people, TONS!,  just like us, who love the idea of #VanLife, just not on a permanent basis.  We love the idea of traveling, maybe even for long periods of time, but still having a home to return to!

Just trying to decide if you want to even purchase a camper van, or a converted Sprinter Van, for your family is a big decision.

Guess what?  Someone felt your pain, and these these camper van rental companies are here to help!

You can rent #VanLife before you buy! People. That is stinkin’ awesome.  #LiveLikeAHippie!  You can rent a campervan for your road trip or camping trip, and travel anywhere from San Francisco to New Zealand (yup, you read that right!).  Thes 13 companies allow you to test drive sprinter vans, VW Buses, or campervans before you buy!  Seriously, how cool is this?  Let’s get started with the BEST camper van rental companies you can use!

Here are the 13 Companies that Let You Try Out #VanLife

1. Jucy USA

Location: San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles

These are very distinct purple and green vans, that come in two sizes – sleeping either 2 or 4 people.  They have a rooftop tent, and all include a fridge, gas stoves, a sink, table, bed, and storage space!  Pretty slick!  This is a New Zealand/Australia company, so we can thank the Kiwis/Aussies for this awesome company!  That’s not a van….THIS is a van!  This company gets fantastic reviews, so if you are in that part of the country, check them out!

2.  Native Campervans

Location:  Denver and Salt Lake City

With two sizes:  From the “Biggie Plus” to the “Biggie”  to the “OG” and the “Smalls,” you can find your perfect camper van to rent for Rocky Mountain National Park.  These vans have a bed, sink and stove, and are fantastic if you are considering many of the hikes that are detailed here by us!  They promise that once you try the #VanLife you won’t go back!

3. Escape Campervans

Location: 7 cities:  L.A., San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, Denver and Seattle

Another Kiwi company started in New Zealand, they “escaped” to the U.S. in 2009.  These are probably the most fun camper vans you can buy!  Each one is handpainted by a local artist, to give it a unique and amazing look.  They have two models, and both have a bed, water, fridge, and a stove.  The larger one offers an optional rooftop tend.

4. Wandervans

Location:  Boise, Idaho

This company has three different Ford vans that come with all the bells and whistles.  The vans include a bed, kitchen, fridge, and a shower!

5. Roamerica

Location: Portland, Oregon

Thinking of heading into the Pacific Northwest for a road trip vacation into the great outdoors?  These are your people.  They have a “pop-up” rooftop and each van sleeps 4 (or maybe 5 if you have little kiddos).  While they are located in Portland, you can take these anywhere in the U.S.!

6. Basecamper Vans

Location:  Salt Lake City, Utah

Travel to pick up your van from the airport, and head out on your adventure!  The vans sleep 2, and seat 5, and include a stove, refrigerator, and heater.  These vans, however, are just vans, and are not high top, and you won’t be able to stand up in them if that is a priority for you!  But a great deal nontheless!

7. Lost Campers

Locations:  San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City

These campers, are essentially mini-vans, and are billed as a low cost budget rental van option.  They do come with a bed, and an outdoor kitchen and cooking kit.  For the more budget minded, this may be the way to go!

8.  Vintage Surfari Wagons

Location:  Los Angeles, California

Dude.  If surfing is your scene, or you just want to LOOK LIKE surfing is your scene, then this is your company.  This company has a fleet of 1970s and 1980 Volkswagon Camper buses that are screaming out to be on Instagram.  They include updated interiors, but they are all different, and unique!.

9. Adventure Travel Sports Rentals

Location:  Golden, Colorado

This company takes its adventure seriously.  They have some SERIOUS rigs set up for some SERIOUS adventures!  These are the opposite of the lazy hazy California surfin’ days vans!  These are packed and ready for some serious off road adventures!

10.  PeaceVan Rentals

Location:  Seattle, Washington

In case you just got stressed out reading about the Adventure Travel Sports Rentals, then no worries, we are back to the surfing lifestyle with Peace Van Rentals. They are a company that also allows some limited one way rentals to Seattle and Sara Cruz.  With their fleet of Vanagons and Eurowagons, you are sure to be in style on the West Coast! They do, however, have a six night minimum rental, so make sure that you are traveling for a while, if you choose this company (but who wouldn’t want to in one of these amazing retro vans?)

11.  Campervan North America

Locations:  Bozeman, Montana; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver, Colorado

Four locations.  Four types of vans.  Nothing super snazzy here, but function over fancy wins the day!  They have Ford Transits, Dodge Promasters, and the Sprinter Vans we love so much 🙂  Did you know?  We have a van.  You knew I was going to have to sneak that in somewhere right? If you want a van that will really let you see what it is like to live the #VanLife in a basic converted Sprinter Van – these are your people for sure!

12.  Tonto Trails

Location:  Durango, Colorado

Tonto Trails has 4×4 Sportsmobiles and vans all fully equipped for your #VanLife Adventure.  They all come with stoves, a bed, chairs, and a table.  These expedition vehicles are a great way to have an adventure of a lifetime and travel throughout the beautiful mountains of the west!

13.  Lost Camper USA

Locations:  Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Francisco

This a great company if you want a comfy bed (like, super comfy – that’s their deal!) and fresh sheets and bedding.  This company only has vans that are regular sized and do not have high tops, but if comfy bedding and just a place to sleep is what you want – this is your company!

EXTRA BONUS – CAMPER VAN RENTALS BY OWNER

We can’t forget that there are many of us out there who like to rent out our converted vans or camper vans to rent to others!  Sharing the love, and the vans!

The three most popular places to rent from owners are: Campanda, Oudoorsy,  and RV Share

But the clear winner?  OUTDOORSY – WHY?  Because if you use the code “vanadieu” at checkout – you get $40.00 off your rental – since Van Adieu partners with OUTDOORSY!  Check out a way to completely view all RV’s and Camper Van’s available for rent in your area here: OUTDOORSY RENTALS!

This is a great option to see if #VanLife is right for you.  And hey, do you have a van?  You could make a bit of extra cash for your next adventure if you rent yours out while you aren’t using it.

So, which one did you go with and why?  Tell us in the comments below – we can’t wait to hear from you – and send us pictures!  We would love to know how you tried out #VanLife – and did you LOVE IT?  Yah, I bet you did!!! 🙂 

Adieu for now!