As travelers who love to rent a campervan and road trip it out, we wondered one day:
'Is it possible to rent a campervan in any country?'.
Our instant thought was that wherever there is a road, a road trip with a campervan rental should be possible.
This could actually not be further from the truth. So, I decided to do some research and find out in which countries you can rent a campervan in.
Which countries offer campervan rentals? You may rent a campervan in 44 out of 193 countries in the world. The road trip experience in each country is mostly dependent on its infrastructure and campground network. There are popular campervan destinations like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. And there are more 'indie' ones like Cuba, Japan, and Botswana.
To inspire you and ourselves to try to campervan outside of the popular choices, I've compiled a list of all the countries where you may rent a campervan.
You may be surprised by some destinations.
Countries where you can rent a campervan
I have classified the countries worldwide in four categories:
A detailed list of the countries
- Canada
- USA
- Argentina
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Peru
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- Botswana
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Australia
- New Zealand
The Big Four: North America and Oceania- Campervan Paradise
It is no secret, Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand are by far the most popular destinations for campervan holidays. We like to call them 'The Big Four' here at RTE.
All of these countries have an extensive network of campgrounds. You can find anything from small campgrounds with the minimum amenities to big recreational parks with pools and game rooms.
In all of these countries, you will find tons of recreational vehicle rental companies that offer everything from trailers to converted vans to class A motorhomes.
If you are new to road-trippin' with a campervan and don't know which one to choose for your next adventure, we have classified them into two categories. You can find all the details in our complete guide.
The USA
Due to its size, the US has some of the most astonishing road trip routes in the world. From the desert and red rock southwest to pristine national parks and forests up north and east.
The cool thing about campervanning in the USA is that you can just arrive at a campground, even if the reception is closed, and self-check-in. This is, of course, if the park is not fully booked.
Most campgrounds have a map with free spots posted at the reception, where you mark the campsite you want and pay the fee in an envelope in cash. And off you go.
Most campsites have a fire pit where you can light your own campfire. Just remember to read the signs to make sure campfires are allowed.
You are allowed to park and sleep in any land that belongs to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
You can find BLM areas at Campendium by typing 'BLM' in the search bar and filtering the price to 'FREE'.
If you are starting your route from L.A., we have curated the best campervan rental companies for you. You can check out our detailed article 'Top 4 Campervan Rentals in Los Angeles for 2 People'.
Canada
Very similar to the US, Canada offers some fantastic national parks to explore with turquoise bodies of waters and rocky mountains as backdrops to amazing landscapes.
Although the season in Canada for campervanning might be shorter than in the US, due to their super icy winter, it is absolutely worth exploring this beautiful country with a rented van.
Similar to BLM lands in the US, Canada offers territories where it is allowed to camp and sleep for free, called Crown Lands.
Choosing which country, the USA, or Canada to explore first with a campervan could be a challenging decision. We have done a mashup between the two. Make sure to check it out: 'USA vs. Canada for Road Tripping: A Comparison Guide'
If you are starting your route from Vancouver, we have curated the best campervan rental companies for you. You can check out our detailed article 'A Curated Comparison of 6 Campervan Rentals in Vancouver'.
Australia
Exploring Australia in just one vacation is impossible. There are so many routes to choose from.
The East Coast, where you are most likely to spot kangaroos and koalas. This route also allows you to visit coastal towns and major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. You also could explore the Great Barrier Reef and impressive sand islands.
The Outback, an adventurous road trip where a 4x4 is necessary. You will see impressive deserts, animals, rock formations, and get the chance to interact with aboriginals.
The West Coast, with very few major cities, less population, and even more pristine beaches and forests than the East Coast. Plus, it's the home of the heart-warming quokka.
Regardless of which route you choose, you will be able to explore any corner of Australia with a rented campervan. The number of companies out there is impressive.
If you are starting your route from Melbourne, we have curated the best campervan rental companies for you. You can check out our detailed article 'A Curated Comparison of 4 Campervan Rentals in Melbourne'.
Regarding infrastructure, on our adventure along the East Coast (from Melbourne to Brisbane), we were impressed by the amount of public and clean bathrooms. There is also an extensive campground network.
The one downside, compared to the US, is that campgrounds do not allow you to self-check-in. You have to arrive at the campgrounds before the offices close or call them up and ask them if it's possible to have a late check-in.
We did not find any campsite that had a fire pit. Most local travelers brought their fire pit or rented one from the campground.
New Zealand
Nature in New Zealand is supposed to be even more pristine than the one found in Australia. With a big campervanning culture, it is no surprise finding dozens of van rental companies.
If you are short on time, it is definitely worth exploring the South Island before the North Island. The South Island is the one that has most of all those magical natural gems.
New Zealand also has a big network of campgrounds and public toilets.
Be aware that if you rent a campervan in New Zealand and you want to do some freedom camping, your van has to have a self-contained certification.
If you are starting your route from Christchurch, we have curated the best campervan rental companies for you. You can check out our detailed article 'A Curated Comparison of 9 Campervan Rentals in Christchurch'.
Latin America - For the advanced vancationers
I am originally from Guatemala, and campervanning is definitely not a thing in my country. I think I saw my first motorhome on holiday in the USA. I cannot really remember.
It was only in 2018 when I experienced my first road trip with a campervan and fell in love with this style of travel. I then learned about things like the Panamerican Highway and how many people are traveling through it every day with their own vans.
How crazy is this? I drove the Panamerican Highway every day on my commute to my university in Guatemala City. I had no idea that this was such an important highway for road trippers!
I did not expect to find many campervan rentals in Latin America. I expected to only find some campervan rentals in countries like Chile and Argentina. I was not wrong.
But, what I did not expect was to find campervan rentals in other countries in Latin America.
Finding information in general about any of the countries in Latin America was tough. Here are the highlights worth mentioning:
Argentina and Chile
As I expected, I found several RV rentals in Argentina and Chile, all quite expensive, compared to the standard of living.
Most road trippers rent these vans out to explore beautiful Patagonia.
I read experiences on travel forums from travelers who have done this kind of trip. They all say that the campground infrastructure is very simple. The campgrounds are not very well maintained and do not offer amenities like clean bathrooms, showers, and a kitchen.
Some people recommend renting an RV with a toilet and shower in their van. But I still think there is a challenge when it comes to dumping the gray and black water correctly without harming the environment.
Another thing they pointed out is that crossing the border into Chile from Argentina could be challenging. You need to inform your rental company, and they need to prepare some documents for you. Other people have mentioned that it is not so hard to cross the border, as long as you have the right paperwork with you. Also, make sure to get your passport stamped when exiting/entering a country.
If you plan on going to Patagonia, a 4x4 is recommended as roads there can get very bumpy. Also, you should feel comfortable in changing tires as punctures are not uncommon at all.
Cuba
The option to explore Cuba with a campervan caught me by surprise.
As it turns out, back in 2018, a privately owned travel agency called Daiquiri Tours Cuba initiated a project called 'Cuba on the Road'. They are the only company in Cuba to rent RVs, scooters, and e-bikes. This company only rents Class C motorhomes, and their vehicles have a big logo on them.
Daiquiri also built 20 parking areas in the western and central parts of Cuba. These areas are free to use for those who rent a van from them. They all have electricity, water, and a safe place to pump out the gray and black water tanks.
Most of these areas are located on hotel properties, so travelers also have access to restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and swimming pools.
The route does not seem to be so flexible, and the only places where you can overnight are in these 20 parking areas built by Daiquiri.
Peru
Peru, another surprise in this list. I was able to just find one rental company called Intorno. It seems that the route is not very flexible, as the campgrounds need to be organized beforehand by the rental company. Most of the time, you will stay at gardens from locals or lodges.
Similar to Cuba, it seems that there is not much freedom and flexibility in making a road trip with a campervan in Peru.
Costa Rica
Again, another surprise. I did not expect a Central American country to make this list.
According to some threads that I read in TripAdvisor, the campervan movement in Costa Rica started to gain steam in 2018. This is why you will not find so many campervan rentals.
What is interesting is that the country has a network of over 200 campgrounds already, and free camping is allowed. So you can definitely overnight overlooking a beautiful beach.
I am very curious to see whether in the coming years there will be more campervan rental companies popping up.
Important note about renting a campervan in Latin America
Before you plan your route for a Latin American road trip and rent a campervan, keep the following things in mind:
- Roads might be bumpy: Roads can be terrible. Trust me, as a Guatemalan who loves to drive, I can tell you that you might find some holes on the highway or secret speed bumps that will make you jump out of your seat. If you can rent a 4 x 4, it will be a lifesaver.
- Do not drive at night: This is mainly due to road conditions. Some streets might not be appropriately illuminated, and it could be dangerous driving at night.
Europe - the land of campervans and vignettes
Europe is a fascinating continent to explore. You can be in a completely different culture and flair in a matter of a few hours. It's no wonder that campervanning is such a loving way to discover this fantastic place.
With such a big campervanning culture, it is no surprise that you can rent a campervan in 23 out of 44 Continental European countries. That is in over 50% of the continent.
Ok, in these 44 countries, the Holy See (a.k.a. The Vatican) is included. So, in reality, it's more like 23 out of 43 countries.
Although renting a campervan in each country is not possible, all of the countries in Europe have campgrounds everywhere. This allows you to rent a campervan from one country, cross the border and explore any other neighboring country as well.
The way I determined the 23 countries was by filtering rental companies that have campervans in their fleet, not a massive class C Motorhome. Another point I considered was that their website had to be in English.
If you are curious, here is the list of countries that do not offer campervan rentals:
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Holy See (obviously...)
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Macedonia
- Monaco
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Ukraine
Crossing borders
The super cool thing about Europe is that you can cross borders quite easily, especially in Western Europe. Exploring multiple Western European countries during one vacation and having a one-way rental is totally possible.
In Eastern Europe, however, it is a bit different. It seems campervan rental companies can only be found in selected Eastern European countries.
For this part of Europe, it might be wise to do a loop route to start and end in the same place. For example, if you rent a campervan from Croatia, you can totally explore the neighboring countries like Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro and return to Croatia.
Highways
Highways are the fastest way to reach your next destination. But we are all about the slow backcountry roads here at RTE. That is kind of the whole point of renting a campervan, isn't it? 😉
Sometimes, though, you might need to take the highway. If so, keep in mind that counties like Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland require that you purchase a vignette before taking the highway.
The vignette is pretty much paying a toll just ahead of time. You may buy a vignette online or at gas stations. You are allowed to be on a highway for a maximum of 60 minutes without a vignette. The highways are controlled by cameras, though, and if you fail to purchase one, you will get caught and fined.
What we usually do after entering a highway that requires the purchase of a vignette is to stop at the very first gas station and buy one there.
Vignettes are only required if you're going to take a highway. If you are enjoying those countryside backroads, there is no need to purchase one.
If you are starting your rental from a 'vignette country', it is most likely that the rental company has already purchased a vignette for you. If you are crossing the border into another 'vignette country', you will most likely need to buy a new one.
Make sure to ask your rental company just to be on the safe side.
Free camping
Free camping is legally allowed in 7 out of the 23 European countries you can rent a campervan from:
- Estonia
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- UK
Caravanya has gathered a really comprehensive list of the do-s and don'ts of free camping in Europe.
Bear in mind that, just like in any other country, there are some exceptions to free camping. For example, free camping in National Parks or close to roads may be frowned upon in some countries. So make sure to check with your campervan rental company beforehand.
Also, remember to leave no trace if you will be staying outside of a campground. This means to leave a place the same or better than how you found it. Make sure to take all of your waste with you.
Here are a few apps you can use while on the road that can help you find a free camping spot:
Camper stops
Most European countries have a network of places set aside by the local authority for RVs to stay at; they are called camper stops. Every country has a different name for them:
- Reisemobil-Stellplatz - German
- Aree di Sosta - Italian
- Aires de Service - French
- Area de servicio para autocaravanas - Spanish
- Bobils - Norwegian
Camper stops can be found in or very close to town centers, remote locations, beachside spots, and National Parks.
Camper stops can have different facilities. Most will have drinking water and facilities to dump out gray/black water. Some might even have electric hookups. Overnighting is usually free.
Some might charge for using their services; for example, the water to top up tanks might run on a meter and cost around €1 per 100 liters.
Something important to mention is that you may not camp in a camper stop. Meaning, you cannot take out your camping chairs, table, awning, or cooking stove.
Campgrounds and camping cards
It's important for you to understand how Europeans see campgrounds.
Europeans usually go to a campground to have a social experience. Most families travel to a specific campground to spend their holidays with their friends and family. These campgrounds can have anything from an outdoor and indoor pool to minigolf, restaurants, and tons more.
Due to this way of using campgrounds, space can be a bit cramped, and there could be less privacy. Campfires are generally prohibited, and it could end up feeling more like a small city instead of a relaxed oasis in nature.
Not all campgrounds are created equally, though, so there are still some options for more serene and quiet spots.
Scandinavian countries require that you have a camping card called Camping Key Europe. This card replaces the passport when checking into campgrounds. The card costs ~€15 for a year, and it can be used at over 2,500 campgrounds across Europe. Some might even give a discount on their rates.
Rental companies
There are a few rental companies that are local and don't provide one-way rentals. I have found three companies that have several locations across Europe and might be interesting for the ones planning a one-way trip.
Indie Campers
I think this is the biggest network of campervan rentals in Europe. They have 50+ locations in:
- Sweden
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Iceland
- England
- Scotland
- Ireland
- Croatia
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Austria
Road Surfer
They have offices in Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal.
Balkan Campers
This is an interesting option to rent from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, or Austria.
Diesel regulations
Most European cities have restrictions on diesel vehicles in areas called Low Emission Zones (LEZs).
The cities have announced where and when diesel cars can be used. Also, LEZs can enforce permanent access restriction, car-free days, and an alternating day or hour restrictions.
LEZs are targeted to older vehicles, so if if you rent a diesel that has a modern Euro 6 engine, you should be ok and not run into any issues.
If you are renting a diesel vehicle, make sure to check with your campervan rental company the restrictions, if any, that you should be aware of.
Nudism
Some European countries are big supporters of nudist areas. Nudist areas are marked with a sign that says 'FKK' on them. FKK is a German acronym that means Frei-Körper-Kultur (free body culture).
Although the term was born in Germany, FKK signs can be found all over Europe. FKK areas can be found at beaches and lakes. Also, a popular activity to do naked in some countries is the sauna.
Another thing that you should be aware of is that some beaches, even though they are not marked as FKK, might have some women tanning without their bikini top.
So don't get shocked when seeing some sort of nudism across Europe, as this activity is widely accepted.
Staying at local businesses, farms, and vineyards
Some countries, like Slovenia, Italy, France, and Portugal, have projects where you can get in touch with local farms, businesses, or vineyards to request an overnight at their property.
Sometimes, the stay is free of charge, other times you need to buy some local produce in exchange.
This is a great way to experience the local flare and get to know about the things that are produced locally.
Something to keep in mind is that these places don't have facilities. It is just a parking spot where you can overnight.
France
This beautiful country has a network of winegrowers who provide free private parking space on their land to RVs. The project is called France Passion. According to their website, there are over 2,000 properties of winegrowers, farmers, tradesmen/women, farmhouse inns, and more.
Portugal
Similar to France, Portugal has a network of farmers called Easy Camp, offering a free place for RVs to overnight in exchange for buying one of their products. Their website indicates that the process is as simple as purchasing the product online and then heading to the farm.
Slovenia
There is a network of farms and friendly inns that provide a parking spot for you to overnight with your RV.
More information can be found in the following three websites: Agrocamping, Heart of Slovenia, and GoCampr
Italy
The project is called Agricamper Italia. It requires that you have a self-contained campervan. There is an annual fee of €29 to access their network. Staying at a local business, farm, or vineyard is free of charge.
Montenegro
I found one campervan rental in Montenegro from an ex Olympic handball player called Agape Escape. According to their website, they can also schedule some local experiences with farmers and help you plan a route.
Be aware of mines
Bosnia and Croatia have a lot of heavily mined areas that have not yet been cleared. So it is crucial to be extra careful when heading into areas that are away from main routes or popular tourist destinations.
It is recommended to check with a tourist information office before heading out into not so popular areas. They will be able to point out the areas that you should not explore.
Africa - amazing adventure, but not for the faint-hearted
Visiting Africa is quite an adventure. From spotting lions, zebras, rhinos, and tons of other animals in their natural habitat, to having elephants visit your campground or lodge.
There are a lot of (very expensive) organized tours out there. Although for some an organised tour would be their preferred choice, we would be more interested to do a self-driven route through some of the countries this wonderful continent has to offer.
Now, a word of precaution, though, a road trip through Africa is definitely not for the faint-hearted. You will need to consider the following things:
- You have to be familiar with driving a 4x4 vehicle.
- Due to the limited amount of gas stations, you have to carry gallons of gas on the roof of your car and manually fill your tank when necessary.
- You have to plan your route carefully and know that you will get lost at some point.
- You have to be able to stay calm when spotting strong big animals nearby, for example, elephants or lions.
- You should feel comfortable changing tires, as punctures can easily happen.
The most popular destinations, by the level of difficulty, to explore with a self-driven route in Africa are:
Easy:
- Namibia
- South Africa
Advanced:
- Botswana
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What vehicle to rent for a road trip through Africa
Renting a campervan per se is not really possible in Africa. When I googled 'campervan rentals in Botswana', for example, I got no results. I was a bit confused at first.
It was until I started to use the search 'self-drive Botswana', that I found actual results.
So make sure to use the terms 'self-drive' in your search.
As it turns out, due to the harsh terrain, the recommended way to explore this magnificent continent is with a 4x4 vehicle.
You can rent two types of 4x4 cars:
Simple vehicle: this is a 4x4 car with no conversions and no camping equipment. You can either rent a tent to use in campgrounds or book lodges in advance. Price per day (without insurance) can range from €25 to €50.
Fully equipped vehicle: This is a vehicle with a roof tent and other amenities that will let you camp with your car. Price per day (without insurance) can range from €70 - €250.
Freedom camping in Africa
It is not recommended to do any kind of freedom camping, boondocking, or stealth camping in Africa for three main reasons:
- You might get a fine if you are sleeping where you are not supposed to
- You could be mistaken for a poacher, and this could lead to a very scary and totally avoidable situation
- To not damage the environment
There are public and National Park campsites where it is more than suitable to overnight at. You can experience just as much freedom and exciting wildlife encounters in these campsites.
Crossing borders in Africa
If you are planning to self-drive through Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Mozambique, it might be better to start the adventure from Johannesburg, South Africa.
The main reason is you will have more selection of rental companies to choose from, and their prices will be lower.
You do need to inform your rental company that you plan to cross borders with their vehicle because they need to prepare some extra paperwork for you. Also, an additional fee might be charged for you to be able to take the vehicle across other countries.
It is important to stay calm and patient when crossing borders in Africa. Officers can be quite meticulous while inspecting a vehicle. They will sometimes triple-check that your vehicle is equipped with all the necessary things to drive through their country. So again, plan to spend a few hours at a border crossing.
It will be hectic, but so many other people have done it before. So keep calm.
Asia - exploring to feel the local flare
I was surprised to actually find campervan rentals in any Asian country. It's so cool to find out that campervanning is really possible in every continent of Earth.
Japan
This one is definitely on our bucket list. Although most visitors use the train system to discover Japan, we are convinced that renting a campervan will give you a more local feel of the country.
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There is a big network of rest areas called 'Michi-No-Eki', where most campers usually park (for free) and spend the night. These stations have free public bathrooms, and some of them also have a small grocery store, restaurant, and gas station.
For getting clean, it is recommended to visit onsens (hot springs), which can be found everywhere in the country and are incredibly cheap to use (~€5).
Indonesia
Bali and Jakarta are a popular destination, and I was surprised that there are a few campervan rental companies in these islands. The downside is that it's not possible to island hop with the rented vehicle.
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There are not so many campgrounds in Jakarta and Bali. It is totally ok to freedom camp anywhere.
Just bear in mind that lack of campgrounds means a lack of toilet and shower facilities. So you will have to get creative in finding a shower or tolerate not showering for a few days.
The upside of renting a campervan in Bali or Jakarta is that you can overnight close to a natural attraction or temple and explore the place early in the morning. This way, you beat the tourist busses and have the place just for yourself, at least for some time.
That's it, all the 44 countries where you may rent a campervan in. That is 23% of the countries on Earth!
If you know of any other country and I totally missed it, feel free to drop us a line in the comments below so I may update this post. If you have had an amazing campervan trip in any of the countries on this list, please let us know. We always love reading about adventures from other fellow travelers.
