Holidaying in a roadsurfer camper van.

roadsurfer: rent a California, have an adventure

Van life to rent

Bags packed, engine on, it’s time for an adventure. Travel means freedom and van life is much more than just a trend. It’s a way of life. It’s a chance to unwind. Experience nature. Enjoy the freedom of deciding on a whim where you want to go. And each time the sun goes down, there’s a chance for new destinations and new stories.

But if you’re still not sure whether the trend is really for you, why not try it out first. Think of it as your van life trial run. Thanks to the outdoor travel experts from roadsurfer, this is now possible – with over 70 stations across Europe and North America and the world’s largest fleet of rental camper vans. All you have to do is book your van, pick it up and you’re off!

Rent, subscribe, buy: your hassle-free van life service

A roadsurfer camper van on a country road.

roadsurfer is your go-to partner for camper vans and mobile homes. Whether you want one just for a holiday, on a monthly basis or as a forever purchase – you’ve come to the right place. So, what’s the history? Five friends wanted to go to the Atlantic coast. Two of them had a camper van, while the others went on the hunt for one – but to no avail. So, when they were back home again, they thought: “There must be an easier way!” And that’s how roadsurfer came to be. They launched in 2016 with 25 Volkswagen T6 California buses.

Now, the Munich-based company is the market leader with around 8,500 rental camper vans. From smaller VW campers to large, family-sized mobile homes, they cater to almost every need. Their philosophy? Simply book your camper van, pick it up and you’re off. Then all that’s left is to enjoy the ride. Experience the freedom of life on the road according to your own schedule. Here today, there tomorrow – there’s adventure around every corner. With no limits on your mileage, a 24/7 hotline and plenty of extras, like a free second driver and ready-to-go camping equipment, your introduction to van life could not be easier.

What’s more, roadsurfer also offers a camping subscription for a fixed monthly fee, as well as selling young used vehicles with expert advice included. And don’t forget about roadsurfer spots. This platform enables you to find beautiful and unusual campsites across Europe – from vineyards and farms to lake-side spots. Your outdoor holiday just got even more exciting.

Book the new California now for your 2025 holiday

VW California from roadsurfer with the awning set up.

The new flagship model in the roadsurfer fleet is a true all-rounder for both leisure and day-to-day driving: the new California. With a second sliding door, smart camping equipment and a flexible 3-zone concept – for sleeping, living and cooking – it is the ideal solution to almost any circumstances. “The California Ocean is particularly suited to warm regions and city breaks. Thanks to its kitchenette and pop-up roof, it has plenty of storage space and, with its compact size, it is ideally suited to narrow streets,” explains Dr Susanne Dickhardt, co-founder and CXO at roadsurfer. So, it’s perfect for a couple’s adventure, a trip with your dog or a solo trip. As an exclusive offer, you can now book the new California as a “Sunrise Suite” from roadsurfer – ready for a road trip from early 2025.

Van life is cool, but perhaps you think a bathroom will make it even hotter? Then you should opt for the new California’s big brother: “For holidays in Northern climes or trips with the whole family, the Grand California – or the roadsurfer ‘Family Finca’ – with a built-in wet room, is ideal as it still has plenty of room, even in wet weather” explains Susanne. So, if you’re planning to travel somewhere with unpredictable weather, this may be the perfect way to try out van life for yourself. Take a closer look at one of the two models and find out which California model best suits you and your needs.

The California Ocean is particularly suited to warm regions and city breaks.
Dr Susanne Dickhardt
Co-founder and CXO at roadsurfer

Ready to roll: a camper van that is fully equipped for your adventure

VW camper van with a bed and kitchen.

Your hassle-free adventure: “Our camper vans are fully equipped and ready to use straight away, including a kitchen box full of important utensils, such as pans, plates and cutlery, plus power cables, chocks and lots more,” explains Susanne. “So, camping newbies can relax and enjoy their holiday without feeling like they’ve forgotten something.”

What’s more, there are in-depth tutorials to help you and your camper van to become the best travel buddies. “We take you on a digital tour through the vehicle and provide you with important tips on using the van and its equipment. You’ll also find lots of handy information like packing lists on our roadsurfer blog,” explains Susanne, who also has a valuable nugget of information: “Less is more! Camping is still an outdoor experience, so you should limit yourself to the essentials. It’s about packing smartly, making optimum use of your storage space and dialling down your expectations. If you constantly have to tidy up, you’ll lose your flexibility.”

So, camping newbies can relax and enjoy their holiday without feeling like they’ve forgotten something.
Dr Susanne Dickhardt
Co-founder and CXO at roadsurfer

Camper van subscription: your van life flat rate – all you have to do is refuel

Two camper vans in the VW California’s awning.

Fancy a slice of flexible freedom on four wheels? With the roadsurfer subscription, you get a camper van that is also suitable for everyday trips, like the California 6.1 Ocean or the California 6.1 Beach, for a fixed monthly price – without any hidden costs. Don’t like paperwork? Not a problem! The price includes everything apart from fuel. Insurance, maintenance, tyres and more for a monthly flat rate. Simply book online and hit the road for 3, 6 or 12 months: “You could use it for a sabbatical, for instance, for remote work, parental leave or simply a summer with the freedom to travel independently. This is a great way for young people and couples to experience the advantages of the California,” explains Susanne – perfect for anyone keen to test out van life without any long-term commitments.

Buy instead of rent? Not a problem!

VW California camper van with a bed.

Pick your camper van, check it out, sign the sales contract – all from the comfort of your couch

Your personal mobile home is waiting: whether you opt for a camper van, panel van or mobile home – roadsurfer has a range of new used vehicles with top-level equipment. The outdoor travel experts are on hand to provide individual advice to help you find your dream camper that caters to your needs. You can select your vehicle, inspect it in person or via video, and sign your sales contract online. Your camper van will then be delivered to your nearest station for added convenience.

Find your dream campsite: easy booking for immediate enjoyment

Discover incredible campsites in more than 15 countries across Europe: with roadsurfer Spots, you have access to over 10,000 unique spots that are off the beaten track – from idyllic vineyards to remote coastal locations. Use the app or website to find your perfect spot for free and without any hassle – regardless of whether you’re in a camper van or in a tent.

Plan your trip with the roadsurfer Spots app and read recommendations for an unforgettable experience. “As well as providing defined routes for inspiration, which you can then adapt to suit your tastes, we also enable you to create your own routes and then find suitable camping spots along this route with the option to book for immediate confirmation,” explains Susanne. roadsurfer Spots also regularly highlights new “Campsites of the month”, which boast unique extra facilities and a dreamy location for an unforgettable adventure.