Find Your Van
Girl leans out window with her dog in a 1995 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper.

FAQ

Answers to Your Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about renting a camper van. Don’t see the answer to your question? No worries. Email us at letsgo@gocamp.com and we’ll get back to you in the next 48 business hours. You can also hop on a live chat with a GoCamp Counselor during our business hours by clicking the chat bubble below.

Updated July 2023

Pricing and Discounts

Why do the camper vans vary in price?

Each GoCamp van is owned by an individual, and therefore each van is unique. Prices vary based on location, season, make, model, and many other factors.

What’s the difference between high season and low season pricing?

High season runs from May 1-September 30, and low season runs from October 1-April 30. Though it varies by van, high season rates are about 20% higher than low season rates.

When you are browsing through the van listings on the website, the rate that is displayed corresponds to the season we’re in. For example, if you are looking at a van in December, the low season rate will be displayed. And if you are looking at a listing in July, you’ll see the high season rate. For an accurate estimate on costs, simply plug your travel dates into the reservation system and we’ll generate a quote with rates that correspond to the season in which you are traveling.

Is there a minimum number of nights I need to rent the van?

Yes, minimum rental periods in the low season are typically two to three nights depending on the van, while high season minimums are generally three to five nights. Check individual listings for more information on minimum rental periods.

Do you offer first responder, teacher, or military discounts?

Yes, GoCamp offers a 15% discount on all camper van rentals–at any time of year–to teachers, active duty military personnel and veterans, and first responders such as healthcare workers. Learn more on our Special Offers page.

Do you offer discounts for long-term rentals?

It varies by van, but we are often able to offer discounts on trips greater than 10 or 14 days. If you are planning to travel for an extended length of time, please email us at letsgo@gocamp.com so we can help facilitate your request.

Do you offer other discounts?

Text “JOIN” to +1 (833) 782-0458 for insider tips, first peeks at new vans, and occasional special offers. People on our SMS list and mailing list are always the first to know. Subscribe to our mailing list here.

How do I get in touch with someone at GoCamp?

We love hearing from you! Our small team of GoCamp Counselors are around 7 days a week. The best way to get in touch with us is to send us a chat or email us at letsgo@gocamp.com. We monitor our inbox every day and will get back to you within 48 business hours.

Blue camping enamelware still life photo.

Payments and Fees

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my reservation?

Yes. You pay 50% of the total rental fee at the time of booking. You pay the remainder 14 days before the rental begins, or, if booking with less than 14 days to go, at the time of booking.

Is there a security deposit as well?

Yes. Two days before your trip begins, we will place an authority to charge (usually $1000-$1500 depending on the van) on the credit card on file. This is not actually a charge; no funds will leave your account. The security deposit is held in the unlikely event that damages are incurred while the vehicle is in your care. Upon your return, we deduct costs for minor damage, as relevant, and applicable fees (fuel, mileage charges, any post-trip charges) and then we remove the hold on your card. This typically takes place within seven days of your return.

Do I pay taxes on my rental?

Yes. Taxes are determined based on the local rules in the area where you will be picking up your van. Most cities and counties do require that we collect tax, which varies depending on location. For example, those who rent in Multnomah County, Oregon will pay a 17% rental car tax.

What is the service fee for?

All reservations include a 12.5% service fee. The service fee covers GoCamp’s administrative costs.

What is the Prep Fee?

The Prep Fee covers costs associated with cleaning the van, driver verifications, and insurance coverage on the day you pick up the van.

Will there be any surprise costs or fees after my trip?

After you return the van you may incur additional charges that we refer to as post-trip charges. These are typically things like mileage charges, extra hours fees, refueling costs, tolls, etc. A 12.5% service fee and appropriate taxes will apply to all post-trip charges. Your rental agreement and GoCamp’s Renter Policies are the best place to find information about potential post-trip charges.

Man looks at a map while in the driver's seat of a Eurovan Camper.

Booking a Van: Rental Period + Pick Up and Drop Off

Where are GoCamp vans located?

GoCamp vans are located throughout the US. We add new locations every day.

Because the camper vans on the GoCamp website are owned by individuals, each van is available for pick up at a different location. Check the map on individual van listings for a sense of where the van is located. You’ll be sent the van’s specific address once you have completed your reservation.

Should I book in advance or can you accommodate last minute requests?

Yes to both! For peak summer months, to ensure you get the exact dates and the exact van you fell in love with, it is best to book early. For example, many people start booking summer adventures in January and February.

But not everyone plans in advance and many GoCamp van owners are more than happy to accommodate last minute requests. If you are trying to make a reservation fewer than four days before your departure date, your reservation won’t be confirmed until we’ve had a chance to triple check with the van owner to make sure they can have the van ready for you. We usually are able to confirm one way or another on the same day that we receive your request. Always feel free to drop us a note at letsgo@gocamp.com so we can help expedite your request.

Are there minimum nights required when I book a van?

Minimum rental periods in the low season are typically two to three nights depending on the van, while high season minimums are generally three to five nights. Check individual listings for more information on minimum rental periods.

Do you rent by the day or by the night?

We rent by the night. The rental period is generally considered to be 24 hours. If you pick up the van at 10 am, you will be expected to return it by 10 am.

Am I allowed to bring my pet in a GoCamp van?

See individual camper van listings for specifics on pets. Some van owners allow them, others do not. A standard $125 fee will be applied if pets are allowed. You can search for vans that allow pets by toggling to “YES” under the pet friendly field. If you plan to bring your pet, please be sure to add the pet fee to your booking when completing your reservation. If you fail to declare a pet in advance, you will still be charged a pet fee which will be deducted from your security deposit.

How old do you have to be to rent a van?

You must be at least 25 years of age to rent a GoCamp van. Occasionally van owners will make an exception to this rule for responsible young adults with clean driving records. Please reach out to us if you are under the age of 25 and would like to request permission to book a camper van. We reserve the right to cancel any booking made by renters under the age of 25 who didn’t first receive explicit permission to book.

How does pick up and drop off work?

There is no set pick up and drop off time. You’ll make arrangements suited to your needs and schedule with individual van owners. As noted above, the rental period is generally considered to be 24 hours. As a general rule, we prefer that you pick up and drop off your van during daylight hours.

Can I pick up in the morning but drop off in the evening?

Who wouldn’t want to make the most of their time in a van!? You can add a half-day charge to your reservation when completing your booking. By adding the half-day charge you could, for example, pick up the van at 9 am and return it at 5 pm. Prices vary by van so check individual van listings for more information.

Can I add extra time on the day of pick up or drop off?

Most van owners can accommodate requests for extra time. For every hour beyond the 24 hour time period, we charge $20/hour. If not arranged in advance, the fee will be deducted from your security deposit.

Can I book a long-term camper van rental?

Absolutely. We have had renters book camper vans anywhere from 2 to 120 nights! It varies by van, but we are often able to offer discounts on trips greater than 10 or 14 days. If you are planning to travel for an extended length of time, feel free to drop us a note at letsgo@gocamp.com to discuss your plans.

Do you offer airport pick up and drop off?

Some van owners do, yes. Check individual camper van listings for more information.

Will my child’s booster seat fit in the van?

In most cases yes, but please check with us if you have questions about the appropriateness of a specific van.

My driver’s license is from a country other than the United States. Can I rent a GoCamp van?

Yes, we’re happy to rent to international drivers! You may be asked to provide additional documentation (e.g. passport, international driver’s permit, etc.). The documentation required varies per individual, so we won’t know what’s needed until you book. Usually, uploading an image of your driver’s license and passport will suffice.

Do you do background checks?

We do a DMV check on all drivers to ensure you meet minimum requirements. If you’ve had two or more major moving violations or any DUIs in the recent past, you will be denied access to renting. If you fail the DMV check you will receive a full refund. Your license must be valid throughout the duration of your rental.

How many drivers can I register to drive the van?

As many as you’d like!

Can I smoke in the van?

Please do not smoke cigarettes, tobacco, marijuana or anything else in the vans. If we find evidence of smoking inside the van, you may be subject to a fine of up to $200.

Mileage and Fuel

How many miles are included in the rental?

125 miles per night is included in every rental. Additional miles are charged at rates between 35 cents to $1.00 per mile depending on the van. For example, on a four-night rental, you will have 500 free miles. If you traveled 600 miles, at 35 cents a mile you would pay an additional $35 at the end of your trip. A 12.5% service fee is also applied to mileage charges.

What do I need to know about putting fuel in my van?

The van owner will show you when you pick up the van where the fuel tank is. They will also let you know whether the van takes diesel or unleaded gas.

Do I have to refill the gas tank?

Yes, please fill up the tank before you return the van. If you don’t refill the tank, you will be charged a refueling fee of $9/gallon.

What about propane? What’s propane for anyway?

If you’re renting a Volkswagen Vanagon or Eurovan camper with a kitchen, your van will have a full tank of propane when you pick it up. Propane powers your stovetop, and often your heater and refrigerator, too. The full tank that’s included is usually sufficient for the duration of your rental. If your propane needs exceed one full tank, you are responsible for purchasing additional propane. You’ll want to carefully follow the detailed instructions in the van’s binder for refilling propane; you will be responsible for any damages to the propane system caused by improper filling! You do not need to return the van with a full propane tank.

Girl spells GoCamp Adventure with bananagram tiles on a picnic table.

One-Way Reservations

Does GoCamp offer one-way camper van rentals?

Yes, a select number of GoCamp van owners offer one-way rentals. When searching for a GoCamp van for your one-way trip, you can toggle the “One-Way Rentals” drop down menu to “Yes” and you’ll be shown a selection of vans whose owners are open to considering one-way requests.

Please note that all one-ways require van owner approval, so even if it looks like you’ve booked a one-way, your trip is not confirmed until we have reached out to the van owner and confirmed their ability to accommodate the request. Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance and the reservation needs to be a minimum of five nights.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals?

In addition to the cost of the rental itself, you will pay a recovery fee to cover expenses associated with retrieving the van and getting it back to its home base. When retrieving the van, costs incurred by the van owner include things like airfare, fuel, Lyfts or Ubers, and lodging. Recovery costs start at $500 and vary depending on where you start and end your trip.

What is the cancellation policy for one-way rentals?

One-way trips cannot be rescheduled. You can cancel your reservation for a full refund, less a 5% service fee, up to 30 days prior to the rental. If you cancel 15 – 29 days prior to the rental, you will forfeit 100% of the one-way fee and receive a full refund on the remaining reservation line items, less a 5% service fee. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to the rental, you will forfeit 100% of the one-way fee and receive a refund for 50% of the remaining rental fees. Cancellations must be made in writing.

Where can I go with a one-way rental?

We can often accommodate one-way rental requests that start and end at popular destinations in our key markets, like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles as a few examples. We cannot accommodate cross-country one-way requests. It is also very difficult to accept requests for one-way trips that end where there is no major airport.

Why do one-way rentals require van owner approval?

One-way requests are unique enough, with multiple variables and nuanced scheduling considerations, that van owners need to consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

How do I know if my one-way reservation has been confirmed?

A GoCamp Counselor will reach out to you to let you know if the van owner has approved your request. If not, we will do our best to find a van that meets your needs.

View into the back of a Eurovan Camper.

Travel Restrictions

Where can I travel in my GoCamp camper van?

Individual van owners designate approved ranges for their van. Some will let you go all the way across the US, others prefer that you stay within certain areas. Check individual camper van listings for more information on approved travel ranges specific to each van.

Can I take the camper van to Mexico?

No. Unfortunately, our insurance coverage is not valid in Mexico.

Can I take the camper van to Canada?

Check individual camper van listings for travel restrictions specific to each van. But in general yes, our insurance coverage is valid in Canada.

Can I take a GoCamp camper van to Burning Man?

Travel to Burning Man is strictly prohibited. If you take a GoCamp van to Burning Man the entire security deposit will be forfeited and additional fines will apply.

Can I go to music festivals in a GoCamp van?

We love music festivals and think camper vans are the best way to experience them. Look for the festival friendly icon (♫) when browsing camper van listings.

Can I travel off-road?

We want you to go have the adventure of your life, but we don’t want you to take GoCamp vans off-road.

Most of our vehicles are not appropriate for unimproved roads, 4×4 tracks, thick mud, wet or heavy sand, or heavily washboarded or pot hole laden roads. GoCamp’s fleet is great for paved roads and established campgrounds. Unpaved state and federal forest roads are permitted as long as they are maintained and well-graded. Exercise caution and good judgement when traveling on such roads, and when in doubt, either drive very slowly or turn around. If you do venture off-road and end up stuck or damage the van in any way, you will be responsible for any damages to the vehicle and all costs associated with any necessary towing or other expenses that result from your going off-road.

Is all of the above still true if I’ve rented a 4×4 vehicle?

Yes.

Two kids, one dog in the back of a 1995 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper.

Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Can I use my own insurance or do I have to buy yours?

Because peer-to-peer rentals have their own unique insurance requirements, purchase of GoCamp’s insurance is mandatory. Our insurance provides $1 million in liability coverage to you and the van owners. Comp and collision coverage of up to $200,000 is also included. Insurance coverage is $49.50 – $105.50 per night depending on the location and type of camper van.

How much is the deductible on GoCamp’s insurance?

The deductible is $2,500. If you cause damage to the camper van that is under $2,500 you will need to pay any costs associated with fixing the van out of pocket. If you cause damage to the van that is over $2,500 you will pay $2,500 out of pocket and then GoCamp’s insurance policy will cover the balance due.

What is not covered by GoCamp’s insurance?

The following items are not covered by GoCamp’s insurance:

  • Minor damage, including by not limited to rock chips or windshield cracks;
  • Damage due to renter negligence, including improper use of the vehicle, not managing fluid levels, or using the wrong fuel;
  • Damage due to off-roading;
  • Lost income incurred by the van owner in the event that reservations already on the books must be cancelled because of damage to the van;
  • Roadside assistance.

What is Interior Damage Protection Insurance?

Interior Damage Protection (IDP) is an optional insurance product that covers accidental damages to the inside of the van. You can add it to your reservation for $69. Coverage includes things like broken appliances and certain electronics; damaged interior doors, walls, and furniture; stained bedding or linens; lost keys; and re-keying costs.

You can add this coverage when making your reservation, or up to 48 hours before your departure date. Interior Damage Protection is not available on vehicles more than 20 years old and is only available to renters with U.S. addresses.

The following items are not covered:

  • Windshield damage;
  • Damages incurred while the vehicle is in motion;
  • Damage incurred at Burning Man;
  • Damage to another vehicle or structure;
  • Damage caused by another vehicle.

IDP may be a good choice for you if you are traveling with children or a pet. There is no deductible for IDP and the maximum amount that would be paid for any covered damages is $1,500.

What happens if something goes wrong on my trip and I have to cancel other plans? Will GoCamp’s insurance cover other types of losses?

GoCamp does not currently offer any supplemental trip insurance for costs associated with trip delays such as needing to cancel campground reservations or missing a flight.

Am I required to purchase roadside assistance?

Most GoCamp van owners require that you have a roadside assistance policy in place that covers camper vans during your rental. If you don’t already have your own, we make 24-hour roadside assistance available for $15 a day. Coverage includes unlimited: towing, flat tire assistance, emergency fluids delivery, battery boost, and a mobile mechanic. Our roadside assistance is for coverage related to mechanical issues, not accidents.

Can I use my own policy for roadside assistance?

Yes, provided your policy provides comparable coverage. For comparable coverage, we’re looking for 1) RV towing and 2) a minimum towing distance of 100+ miles. If your policy provides the same or comparable coverage, we can waive our roadside assistance charge. Just send us proof of your policy. Note that for longer rentals it might be more cost-effective to upgrade your policy to one that’s comparable with our coverage.

What happens if I get a flat tire or have some other kind of mechanical issue while I’m on the road?

Call the roadside assistance number that was provided with your reservation, or your own if you provided your own coverage. Please also be in contact with the van owner as soon as it is safe to do so.

What else do I need to know about roadside assistance?

Please be mindful of the fact that in some remote and/or rural areas tow service may be very limited. There is no absolute guarantee with any roadside assistance package that a tow truck will arrive quickly, and in some rare cases, at all.

Family in front of a fire in a 1995 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper.

Cancellations and Changes

Will I get my money back if I need to cancel my reservation?

Standard cancellation policy: You can reschedule your trip one time in the same van with no penalty up to 48 hours prior to the rental. Requests to reschedule a trip a second time will incur a 5% rescheduling fee. You can cancel your reservation for a full refund, less a 5% service fee, up to 14 days prior to the rental. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to the rental, you will receive a refund for 50% of the rental fee. Cancellations must be made in writing. We are unable to offer refunds for shortened trips if for some reason (e.g. weather, change in schedule) you return the vehicle early. If we cancel the reservation you will receive a full refund.

Oops clause: Did you get excited and accidentally book a van before you were really ready? No worries. Reach out to us within 48 hours and we’ll cancel your reservation without penalty.

One-way trip cancellation policy: One-way trips cannot be rescheduled. You can cancel your reservation for a full refund, less a 5% service fee, up to 30 days prior to the rental. If you cancel 15 – 29 days prior to the rental, you will forfeit 100% of the one-way fee and receive a full refund on the remaining reservation line items, less a 5% service fee. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to the rental, you will forfeit 100% of the one-way fee and receive a refund for 50% of the remaining rental fees. Cancellations must be made in writing.

How does it work if I need to reschedule my trip?

If you need to reschedule your trip simply reach out to our team and we’ll help you change your reservation. You can reschedule your trip one time in the same van with no penalty up to 48 hours prior to the rental. Requests to reschedule a trip a second time will incur a 5% rescheduling fee.

Can I extend my rental while I’m on my camping trip?

It’s easiest to make changes to your reservation before you depart. But if you find yourself out there having so much fun you never want to come home, give us a ring and we’ll see if we can add additional days to your rental.

If I end my trip early, do I get a refund for the unused nights?

We don’t give refunds for unused nights because your reservation made the van unavailable for other renters.

Can I change vans after I’ve made my reservation?

If you decide you want to switch into a different van after you’ve made your reservation, please reach out. With enough notice we can usually accommodate requests to change vans. If you wait until the last minute to let us know you’d like to make a change, it becomes much harder to accommodate the request.

Does the weather ever affect reservations?

We generally do not issue refunds due to bad weather. If we are expecting extreme weather during your reservation (e.g. 10 feet of snow, biblical rain that creates flooding) we will work with you to reschedule your reservation to another time.

Does GoCamp ever cancel reservations?

Only when safety concerns force us to do so. At our discretion, we may determine that the rental would not be safe (e.g. a renter shows up intoxicated, a hurricane is expected along the coast and you are determined to go surfing, etc.). If we cancel the reservation, you will receive a full refund.

Do van owners ever cancel reservations?

Cancellations by van owners are exceedingly rare, and typically beyond a van owner’s control. In the unlikely event that a van owner cancels a reservation (e.g. there is a mechanical issue with the van), GoCamp will make every effort to put you in a comparable van so that your plans are not disrupted. If we are unable to find a replacement that meets your needs, or you are dissatisfied with the options available to you for any reason, we will issue a full refund.