If you’re dreaming of an open-road adventure along the California coast, through the desert, or up into the mountains, there’s no better starting point than San Diego. With its year-round sunshine, laid-back surf culture, and proximity to some of California’s most iconic landscapes, it’s the perfect base for your next road trip.
But when it comes to choosing your adventure vehicle, one big question comes up again and again: Should you rent a camper van or an RV?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which option fits your travel style, budget, and adventure goals.
The Rise of Van Life in San Diego
Over the last decade, van life has exploded in popularity. What started as a minimalist movement among surfers and digital nomads has become a mainstream travel trend. San Diego has become a hub for camper van rentals, offering everything from simple converted cargo vans to luxury off-grid adventure rigs.
Companies specializing in San Diego camper van rental provide travelers with a flexible way to explore California without the size and restrictions of a full RV. Whether you’re heading to the desert for a weekend escape or up Highway 395 for a multi-day adventure through the Sierra Nevada, camper vans have become the go-to for modern explorers.
The Basics: What’s the Difference Between a Camper Van and an RV?
Camper Vans
Camper vans—sometimes called Class B motorhomes—are built on a van chassis (like a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram Promaster). They usually seat 2–4 people and are fully self-contained, with sleeping space, a small kitchen, and sometimes a toilet or shower. Our Van Voyage van has seatbelts for 6!
These are ideal for people looking for flexibility, stealth camping, and easy mobility in both cities and remote areas.
RVs (Recreational Vehicles)
RVs range from Class A motorhomes (bus-sized luxury homes on wheels) to Class C models (cab-over designs often seen in rental fleets). They’re much larger and offer more space, often with slide-outs, full bathrooms, and large kitchens.
RVs excel in comfort but can be more expensive and challenging to maneuver—especially in areas like the California coast where parking is limited.
1. Size and Maneuverability
Winner: Camper Van
If you’re new to driving large vehicles or plan to explore cities like San Diego, La Jolla, or Encinitas, size matters.
• Camper vans are compact and agile, making them easy to park at beaches, trailheads, or in downtown neighborhoods. You can pull into a standard parking space and even parallel park on the street in many places.
• RVs, on the other hand, require much more planning. Many beach lots and downtown areas simply can’t accommodate their length and height. You’ll often need to book special RV campgrounds instead of spontaneous overnight stops.
For anyone planning short, spontaneous camper van trips from San Diego, the smaller footprint of a van is a huge advantage.
2. Comfort and Amenities
Winner: RV
RVs are designed for long-term living and comfort. They often include:
• Queen or king-sized beds
• Full kitchens with ovens and large refrigerators
• Separate bathrooms with showers
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Dining and lounging areas
Camper vans, while cozy and efficient, are built around simplicity and smart design. You’ll have a bed, a compact kitchen, and sometimes a small toilet or outdoor shower setup—but space is always at a premium.
If your top priority is comfort and space (especially for families or long-term stays), an RV may be the better choice.
3. Flexibility and Access
Winner: Camper Van
California’s diverse landscapes are one of the biggest reasons people embark on camper van trips from San Diego. Within a few hours, you can explore beaches, mountains, forests, and deserts. Camper vans give you the freedom to access places RVs can’t reach—from remote national forest campgrounds to narrow mountain roads.
For example:
• The tight switchbacks of Joshua Tree National Park are far easier in a van than a 30-foot motorhome.
• In the Eastern Sierras, small dispersed camping sites along Highway 395 are often only suitable for compact rigs.
• Even in Big Sur, many roadside pull-offs and forest camps are van-friendly but inaccessible to RVs.
If your goal is to chase sunsets, soak in natural hot springs, or find those hidden off-grid gems, a camper van wins on versatility.
4. Cost: Fuel, Rentals, and Campsites
Winner: Camper Van (usually)
Let’s break down the typical costs:
While high-end camper van rentals in San Diego can get pricey, they generally remain more economical overall, especially on fuel. RVs require larger campsites, more hookups, and cost more to operate. Our Van Voyage is $195 per night and here is a link to our pricing: Rates
5. Ease of Setup and Mobility
Winner: Camper Van
One of the biggest perks of traveling by van is how quickly you can get on the road. There’s no towing, leveling, or connecting to water/electric lines required. You can pull into a scenic spot, slide open the door, and start cooking dinner within minutes.
In contrast, RVs often need time to set up—especially when dealing with slide-outs, leveling jacks, and hookups. They’re better for staying in one place for several days, not for quick overnights or daily movement.
For those who love exploring multiple destinations in a single trip, vans are a clear winner.
6. Where You Can Stay Overnight
Winner: Camper Van
California is full of overnight options for van travelers. You can find:
• Public lands and national forests that allow dispersed camping
• Beachfront parking in some areas (with permission)
• Campgrounds and hot springs that cater specifically to van lifers
In contrast, RVs are often limited to RV parks or designated campgrounds, which can book up months in advance and cost significantly more.
With a van, you have more freedom to stealth camp (where legal) or stay off-grid—perfect for anyone craving solitude and adventure.
7. The Driving Experience
Winner: Camper Van
Driving an RV can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to large vehicles. Hills, windy roads, and tight parking lots can be stressful. Camper vans handle much more like regular vehicles, making the journey itself enjoyable rather than nerve-wracking.
If your California van rental adventure includes scenic drives like Highway 1 or Yosemite’s Tioga Pass, you’ll appreciate the agility of a van.
8. Aesthetics and Lifestyle Vibes
Winner: Camper Van
Let’s be honest: van life is cool. It’s not just about travel—it’s a lifestyle. The aesthetics of a camper van—sleek design, minimalist interiors, rooftop decks, surfboard racks—fit perfectly with San Diego’s adventure culture.
From beach bonfires to sunrise surf sessions, vans blend in seamlessly. You’ll find vanlifers parked at Cardiff Reef, Sunset Cliffs, or Silver Strand State Beach—living the dream with ocean views right outside the door.
RV life, while comfortable, carries a different vibe—more traditional, less spontaneous. Think of vans as the surfboards of the road, and RVs as floating condos.
9. Best Type of Traveler for Each Option
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which fits your style:
10. The Perfect Base: Starting in San Diego
San Diego is the ultimate launch point for your California road trip. Whether you’re renting a van or RV, you’re within a day’s drive of:
• Joshua Tree National Park (3 hours)
• Anza-Borrego Desert (2 hours)
• Big Bear Lake (3.5 hours)
• Death Valley (6 hours)
• The Eastern Sierras via Highway 395 (6–7 hours)
• The Central Coast and Big Sur (7 hours)
For camper van trips from San Diego, the options are endless. You can surf in the morning, camp under desert stars at night, and be back at the coast the next day.
11. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Winner: Camper Van
Camper vans generally have a smaller environmental footprint. Their compact size means less fuel consumption and a lighter impact on campgrounds and wilderness areas.
Many modern van builds use solar power, composting toilets, and efficient water systems, aligning perfectly with California’s eco-conscious travel mindset.
RVs, with their larger engines and higher fuel use, tend to be less sustainable—but newer models are improving in efficiency.
12. Community and Culture
Winner: Camper Van
There’s an undeniable community around van life—especially in Southern California. You’ll find local van meetups, Instagram groups, and parking-friendly coffee shops catering to travelers on the move.
In San Diego, the van life culture is especially strong. From Ocean Beach to Encinitas, you’ll meet fellow adventurers swapping stories, sharing camping tips, and comparing van builds.
RVers also have a strong community, but it’s often centered around established RV parks rather than spontaneous travel gatherings.
13. Maintenance and Learning Curve
Winner: Camper Van
Camper vans are simpler to operate and maintain. Most have user-friendly systems, straightforward electrical setups, and standard vehicle parts.
RVs, especially large Class A or Class C models, can require specialized maintenance, including generator service, hydraulic systems, and multiple tanks.
If you’re new to road travel, a van will get you rolling faster and with less stress.
14. Availability of Rentals
Winner: Camper Van
The market for California van rental has exploded. In San Diego alone, you can find:
• Custom-built adventure vans
• Budget-friendly camper conversions
• Family-style vans with pop-tops
• Luxury vans with full off-grid systems
Platforms like Outdoorsy and local rental companies make it easy to find the perfect setup. Many even include gear add-ons—like surfboards, paddleboards, or mountain bikes—so you’re ready to roll the minute you pick up your van.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Your San Diego Adventure?
If your goal is freedom, flexibility, and connection to nature, the camper van is the clear winner. It’s made for the modern explorer who wants to move easily, park anywhere, and live simply without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re traveling with a larger family, plan to stay in one spot for extended periods, or prefer resort-style amenities, an RV might better suit your needs.
For most travelers starting in San Diego, a camper van rental strikes the perfect balance of convenience, adventure, and affordability—allowing you to experience California’s coast, deserts, and mountains on your own terms.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re chasing waves along Highway 1 or soaking in natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra, a San Diego camper van rental opens up a world of adventure.
With countless camper van trips from San Diego to choose from, and easy access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state, there’s never been a better time to hit the open road and embrace the van life.
Your California adventure starts with the turn of a key.
Check out the following Blog posts for some additional inspiration:
Eastern Sierras via Highway 395
Highway 1 to Big Sur including Santa Barbara + San Simeon
Check out our Pricing Below:
The Best San Diego, California Adventure Van Rental Pricing
Check out our Guided Trips Throughout California, Arizona and Utah:
