Platform Review
Escape Campervans Review: Cheapest Option, Fewest Frills
Escape Campervans is the budget pick. Hand-painted vans, unlimited mileage and prices that start under $100/night. The catch? No bathroom, basic everything and older vehicles. Perfect for the right traveler. Wrong for everyone else.
What Is Escape Campervans?
Escape Campervans is a fleet campervan rental company. They own all their vehicles — converted cargo vans with beds, basic kitchens and hand-painted mural exteriors. Originally from New Zealand (founded 2003), they expanded to the US and Australia.
The target market is clear: young travelers, couples on road trips and solo adventurers who want to sleep in a vehicle without spending RV-level money. If you've ever searched "cheapest way to rent a camper," Escape is probably the answer.
Escape Campervans Vehicle Lineup
Mavericks (Sleeps 2)
The most affordable option. Converted cargo van with a fold-out bed, two-burner stove, sink, cooler/fridge, basic storage. No standing room inside. Think of it as a car you can sleep in comfortably. Best for couples on a budget who plan to spend most time outdoors.
Typical rate: $75-$120/night
Mid-size Vans (Sleeps 2-3)
Slightly larger converted vans with more headroom and storage. Same basic kitchen setup. Some models fit a third sleeper with a fold-out bench. More livable for multi-day trips. Still no bathroom.
Typical rate: $100-$150/night
Big Sur (Sleeps 4-5)
The largest Escape vehicle. Full-size van with a pop-top roof tent that adds sleeping space. Kitchen with fridge, stove and sink. Storage for gear. The roof tent is the key feature — sleeps 2 adults up top and 2-3 below. Closest thing to a real campervan experience in the Escape fleet.
Typical rate: $125-$175/night
Escape Campervans Pricing
The pricing model is refreshingly simple compared to other platforms:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly rate | $75-$175 | Depends on van size and season |
| Mileage | Unlimited ✓ | Included on most rentals. Huge savings on road trips. |
| Insurance | $15-$25/day | Basic included. Premium reduces deductible. |
| One-way fee | $200-$500 | Between their 12 US locations |
| Add-ons | $5-$15/day each | Camp chairs, table, portable toilet, bedding |
Real example: Mavericks van for 7 nights at $90/night. Subtotal: $630. Insurance (standard): $105. Bedding kit: $50. Camp chairs: $35. Total: $820. That's $117/night all-in with unlimited mileage. Try getting that price on any other platform.
The No-Bathroom Reality
Let's address the elephant in the van. No Escape Campervan has a bathroom. No toilet. No shower. No running water beyond the kitchen sink.
This works if you're:
- → Staying at campgrounds with restroom facilities
- → Comfortable using public restrooms during the day
- → Willing to rent a portable toilet add-on ($10-15/day)
- → OK with outdoor solar showers or gym memberships
This doesn't work if you:
- → Have kids who need bathroom access at night
- → Plan to boondock in remote areas without facilities
- → Value privacy and comfort over savings
If a bathroom is non-negotiable, look at Cruise America (all vehicles have bathrooms) or Class B campervans on Outdoorsy.
Pickup Locations
12 US locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Miami, New York City, Chicago and Atlanta.
One-way rentals between any two locations are available. Popular routes include LA to San Francisco, Denver to Salt Lake City and Miami to Atlanta. One-way fees range from $200-$500 depending on distance and season.
If you're not near one of these 12 cities, Escape won't work for you. RVshare and Outdoorsy have listings in virtually every US city.
Escape Campervans Pros and Cons
Pros
- → Most affordable camper rental option
- → Unlimited mileage on most rentals
- → Easy to drive — regular van size
- → Fits in normal parking spots
- → One-way rentals available
- → Fun hand-painted exteriors
- → Simple pricing, few surprises
Cons
- → No bathroom in any vehicle
- → Very basic interiors
- → Older vehicles in the fleet
- → Not suitable for families with young kids
- → Only 12 pickup locations
- → Limited availability in peak season
- → Gas mileage on older vans is mediocre
Our Verdict
Escape Campervans earns 4.0/5. It's the right tool for a specific job: affordable road trips for couples and solo travelers who don't need luxury. Unlimited mileage is a real differentiator. The lack of a bathroom and limited locations prevent a higher rating. But for what it is — the cheapest way to sleep in a vehicle on a road trip — it delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Escape Campervans cost?
$75-$175/night depending on van size and season. Off-season can drop below $60/night. Unlimited mileage included on most rentals.
Do they have bathrooms?
No. None of the vans have bathrooms. You can rent a portable toilet as an add-on ($10-15/day) or use campground/public facilities.
How many people can sleep in one?
2 in the smallest vans, up to 5 in the Big Sur with pop-top. Realistically best for couples or solo travelers. Families of 4+ will be tight.
Where can you pick one up?
12 US locations: LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Miami, NYC, Chicago and Atlanta.