Camper Van Rental: Costs, Tips, and What to Know Before You Book

When you think about hitting the road in the UK, a camper van rental, a self-contained vehicle that lets you sleep, cook, and travel all in one. Also known as a campervan hire, it’s the simplest way to explore without booking hotels or hauling gear. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a month-long adventure, renting one cuts out the hassle—no maintenance, no depreciation, just drive and discover.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: the daily rate is just the start. camper van hire cost, the total price you pay when renting a motorhome, including extras often hides fees you won’t see until checkout—insurance upgrades, cleaning charges, mileage limits, and even mandatory GPS rentals. One family in Cornwall paid £250 extra because they didn’t know their rental didn’t include roadside assistance. Another got hit with a £180 fee for returning the van with an empty propane tank. These aren’t rare mistakes—they’re standard traps.

rent a campervan, the act of borrowing a motorhome for a set period, usually from a private company or individual isn’t just about picking the cheapest option. The van’s age, size, and features matter. A 2018 model might look fine, but if the fridge doesn’t work on battery or the awning is torn, you’re paying for frustration. And don’t assume all companies are the same. Some charge for every mile over 100 a day. Others charge extra for driving into Scotland. One rental firm in Bristol even added a £75 "winterization fee" in November. Know what’s included before you sign.

camper van prices, the range of costs you’ll see across different models, seasons, and rental durations vary wildly. In summer, a basic van might cost £80 a day. In winter, you could find the same one for £40. But the real savings come from booking early or renting for a week. Many companies drop the daily rate after five days. One user in Wales saved £220 by renting for 10 days instead of two separate weekends. And don’t forget insurance—third-party only won’t cover you if you hit a tree in the Lake District. Full coverage is worth every pound.

And then there’s the UK’s wild camping laws. You can’t just park anywhere and sleep. Even with a rented van, you’re bound by the same rules as tent campers. In England, you need landowner permission. In Scotland, it’s legal in remote areas—but only if you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. One couple got fined £200 in Dartmoor because they didn’t know they couldn’t park on the roadside overnight. Your rental company won’t warn you about this. You have to learn it yourself.

What you’ll find below aren’t just generic tips. These are real stories from people who rented vans, made mistakes, and figured it out the hard way. You’ll see how much others paid, where they got ripped off, which companies actually deliver on their promises, and how to avoid the traps that turn a dream trip into a nightmare. Whether you’re renting for the first time or you’ve done it before and got burned, this collection gives you the unfiltered truth—no fluff, no marketing spin, just what works.