Where to Find the Best Campervan Rental Washington, DC

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Updated March 20, 2023.

If you’ve been following along on my adventures either on my blog or Instagram, you’ll know I love many outdoor things, like hiking and kayaking, which causes people to assume I also like camping. Historically, this is definitely not the case! But in recent years, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of trying again. This is why I was so excited about the opportunity to test out 2 campervans on a solo weekend trip and a girls’ trip in 2023! Keep reading for my honest (I’m talking 30 mph winds-related honesty) experiences with Vander Outdoors, my now go-to campervan rental near Washington, DC.

Thank you!

I would like to thank Justin and Vander Outdoors for their partnership and for hosting me on my two camping trips. All opinions are 100% from my own experiences.

Vander Outdoors

Vander is a veteran-owned small business in the Washington, DC area that began as a father-son road trip from California to Washington, DC in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are dedicated to offering affordable, convenient options for unique and flexible travel that focuses on the journey and experiences along the way as much as the final destination.

Vander offers three campervan rentals near Washington, DC, and the owner, Justin, was very patient and helped in choosing which campervan would be best for me.

Cascade

Perfect for: Couples or solo travelers, or those comfortable driving smaller vehicles
Amenities: solar-powered electrical system, so no hook-ups needed, couch converts into a bed
Fuel Economy: 24 city / 28 highway mpg, regular unleaded gasoline
Rates: $150 / night (May-Oct); $120 / night (Nov-Apr)
To Book: Visit the Vander website

The Cascade is the campervan that I took on my first of two weekend camping trips, and it was perfect for me. My main concern was driving it, as I’m not comfortable driving large vehicles. This was the size of a mid-sized SUV, so was no problem for me. I was able to stop at a grocery store for essentials and head to the campground and not worry about parking or driving something too big and cumbersome, which I really appreciated.

Since it was my first solo camping trip, I chose to stay nearby at Pohick Bay Regional Park. (Stay tuned for my separate post on my solo camping trip!) As opposed to my previous experiences, once tent camping and once in an RV, the set-up with the campervan was so fast. I checked in with the campground, parked in my designated spot, and that was it. No hookups, no leveling an RV out, no setting up tents, or anything else. Bonus points to campervans!

One thing I learned about camping on this trip is that weather is a big factor in your enjoyment of the trip. And while the weather gave me rain and near-constant winds, including one night of 30 mph gusts, I really appreciated having this campervan instead of a tent. The solar panels did their job when it was sunny, and my electricity lasted the whole trip. The van was sturdy and comfortable for me to curl up inside and read while the weather raged outside. Also, since it was still a vehicle when I got cold, I just turned the van on and let the heat run a bit to warm the space back up.

My Favorite Features

I have two favorite features about this particular campervan rental near Washington, DC.

The convertible couch/bed. I loved having the option of a couch during the day for more space to reach the sink and navigate in the van, but the bed was surprisingly really comfy at night!
The solar panels. This was such a cool feature that allowed me to not worry about electrical hookups or choosing a camping spot or location based on electricity. I was able to keep my devices charged and still feel connected if I needed to.

My Review

The Cascade was the perfect first step in seeing whether I could be a camper. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous to do this solo! I felt out of my element, very self-conscious, and the weather did not help. But it’s feelings like this that remind me why I love solo travel!

And the campervan allowed me to do the things I love in new ways. When the weather did cooperate, I had a lovely few hours of kayaking and hiking nearby. I was able to enjoy some me time, which as an introvert, I love.

DMV Cruiser

Perfect for: Up to four people
Amenities: 200W roof-mounted solar panel, Webasto vehicle furnace, swiveling front seats for more comfort, higher roof for more room
Fuel Economy: 18-25 mpg, depending on driving conditions, fuel tank holds 24 gallons of regular unleaded
Rates: $225 / night (May-Oct); $199 / night (Nov-Apr)
To Book: Visit the Vander website

The DMV cruiser is the largest and most expensive of the campervan options. But you definitely get what you pay for. My friend and I took this campervan on a girls’ trip, and it was awesome! Its amenities, including heating, more power for electric needs, a full queen mattress, more standing room, and swivel chairs, really elevated the camping experience.

My Favorite Feature

The kitchenette in the van was surprisingly my favorite feature. Having the ability and space to use a stovetop to cook meals and a sink to do dishes without having to leave the van is such a nice amenity. Plus the mini fridge, and plenty of cabinets and drawers to store everything we needed for the camping trip.

My Review

The DMV Cruiser is definitely worth it! In terms of amenities, space, and overall experience, this campervan is a great way to enjoy the fun parts of camping while avoiding the not-so-fun parts. As a previous non-camper, this is my ideal scenario.

Caravan

Perfect for: Up to four people, families with children
Amenities: RoofNest Falcon rooftop tent, galley-style kitchen in the rear
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 25 highway mpg
Rates: $105 / night
To Book: Visit the Vander website

The Caravan option seems perfect for a family and is the most cost-effective of the three campervans. The rear seats convert into a queen bed or a table and seating for group meals or card games. This would be especially good if there is bad weather. Also, the pop-up rooftop tent would be so fun for kids. The galley-style kitchen in the back would make cooking meals easy.

My Favorite Feature

The most unique thing about this campervan is the rooftop tent. I’ve always been curious about them, so I would definitely want to check that out!

Other Amenities

No matter which campervan you choose, Vander ensures that you are equipped with everything you need for a wonderful camping experience. I’m not sure if every other campervan rental near Washington, DC offers these extras, but I was very impressed with what Vander includes in each rental.

Each rental comes with:

bedding (sheets and blankets or sleeping bags),
plates, bowls, cups, utensils, cookware,
a camp table and chairs,
a floor mat,
a clothesline,
firestarters and a lighter,
and a rinse kit (soap, sponge, dish towel).

Other options, including the optional portapotty, outdoor patio package, bike rack, and cargo box, are available for a nominal fee.

As a newbie to campervans, Vander Outdoors made my experiences comfortable, attainable, and fun. I would definitely rent from them in the future and can see myself becoming a camper.

Whether you are new to camping or an old pro, I hope I’ve convinced you to try out Vander Outdoors for your next campervan rental near Washington, DC. And as a newbie camper, I’d love to hear your camping tips and recommendations in the comments!

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