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Escape Campervan Rentals - San Francisco

Rental ·
4.7
Dog Friendly
Kid Friendly
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
Duration: 1 day

Pricing

The Escape Mavericks
$175
The Escape Santa Cruz
$190
The Escape Big Sur
$210

All Prices

The Escape Mavericks
$175
The Escape Santa Cruz
$190
The Escape Big Sur
$210
The Escape Del Mar
$250
The Escape Jeep Camper
$130

Description

Hit the Road in a Camper Van — One-Way Trips Available from San Francisco

Northern California is one of the great road trip regions in the world. Giant redwoods, volcanic peaks, coastal cliffs dropping into the Pacific, and some of the country's most iconic national parks — all within a day's drive of the Bay Area. A camper van rental makes all of it accessible on your own terms, with your kitchen and bed traveling with you every mile of the way.

Pick up your van near San Francisco International Airport and start exploring. The Pacific Coast Highway north through Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Big Sur is three hours south. Yosemite is four hours east. The Northern California Redwoods and Lassen Volcanic National Park are a few days north. One-way rentals are available — pick up in San Francisco and drop off in Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, or any other location across the U.S. without backtracking.

The compact minivan chassis keeps things manageable on winding coastal highways and fits in standard campsite spots. At 25–30 miles per gallon on the highway, it's also one of the most fuel-efficient ways to cover serious ground.

Duration

  • Minimum rental period varies by season — 3 days in winter, 5 days in summer. Contact the team for last-minute short-term availability.
  • Multi-day and extended rentals welcome. Extensions can be made at any time, subject to availability.
  • Pick-up and drop-off available 24/7 — no rental counter, no wait. All check-in is completed online before arrival.
  • One-way rentals available between all U.S. locations. A one-way drop fee applies; confirm the amount for your route at booking.

Location / Where to Pick Up

611 Gateway Blvd, Suite 102, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Located minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in South San Francisco — not in San Francisco city proper, so plan accordingly.

Detailed pickup instructions will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Getting here: Rideshare or taxi from SFO is the most straightforward option. Public transit is also available from SFO via BART or local bus; confirm the most current route with your confirmation details.

Parking: Personal vehicle parking is not available at this location.

Stocking up: Trader Joe's (Castro Valley), Costco (Hayward), and BevMo! (San Leandro) are all within a short drive of the hub. REI San Francisco and Sports Basement locations are nearby for gear.

Ages & Requirements

  • Minimum driver age: 21 years old.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Drivers under 25 are subject to a young driver fee of $10/day.
  • All drivers must be listed on the reservation. Additional drivers can be added at an extra fee.

Available Van Models

All vans are minivan-based, stealthily designed with no external markings, and fully equipped for independent travel. The San Francisco location page does not explicitly list available models — confirm exact model availability with the outfitter at booking. Reviewer mentions confirm the Mavericks and Mesa at this location. See Missing Information below for full confirmation needed.

What's Included

  • Fully equipped camper van of your chosen model
  • 48" × 72" (123 cm × 183 cm) bed with memory foam mattress
  • Fresh linens, comforter, and two pillows
  • Window covers and front privacy curtain for complete darkness
  • Full kitchen setup: gas stove, fry pan, pot, plates, cups, silverware, cooking utensils, can opener, bottle opener, and cutting board
  • Folding shade canopy and two folding chairs
  • Solar camp shower and two towels
  • 25–28 quart cooler (ice box)
  • 24/7 roadside assistance

Not Included

  • Fuel — van must be returned with a full tank or a refueling fee applies
  • Mileage fees — each rental includes 150 free miles per day; excess miles are charged. Unlimited miles can be added at a daily rate.
  • One-way drop fee — applies for one-way rentals; confirm exact amount for your route at booking
  • Toll fees — a toll pass covering bridges and tunnels is available on the West Coast (Pacific and Mountain time zones). In Central and Eastern time zones, tolls are billed directly to the renter with a 10% processing fee added
  • Young driver fee — for drivers under 25
  • Pet fee — registered service animals are exempt with documentation

Optional Add-Ons

  • Rooftop sleeper — available on Mavericks, Mesa, and Del Mar
  • Additional driver
  • Insurance upgrade options (CDW covers van damage with deductible fee and third-party liability up to state minimums; does not cover personal injury, tire/window damage unrelated to an accident, or personal belongings)
  • Unlimited mileage upgrade

What to Bring

  • Clothing and layers — San Francisco and the Northern California coast can be cool and foggy even in summer; pack versatile layers
  • Personal toiletries
  • Food and snacks
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Propane canisters for the stove
  • Any personal outdoor gear for your planned activities
  • Rain gear — especially if heading to the coastal redwoods or the Pacific Coast Highway
  • A backup portable charger is recommended for extended time off-grid

Tip: Reviewers consistently mention bringing your own pillows or a mattress topper for extra comfort. The bed is functional, but personal sleep items make a difference on longer trips.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Escape Campervan Rentals - San Francisco

FAQs

What type of vans are in the fleet?

The campervans are minivans — Dodge Grand Caravans, Chrysler Pacificas, or similar models — converted with a sleeping cabin installation. They seat four and sleep two adults comfortably (or up to 5 with a rooftop sleeper). The vans do not have built-in plumbing — there is no toilet or shower inside. A portable solar camp shower and external kitchen setup are included.

Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes. The minimum varies by season — typically 3 days in winter and 5 days in summer. Last-minute short-term rentals may be possible based on availability; contact the team directly.

Can I do a one-way rental?

Yes. One-way rentals are available between all U.S. locations. A one-way drop fee applies; confirm your route's fee at booking.

Can I take the van to Canada?

Yes, all vans can travel to Canada at no extra charge. Mexico travel requires a specific approved van and special insurance arranged in advance.

Can I go off-road?

No. Off-road driving is prohibited and not covered by any insurance option.

What happens if I have a mechanical issue on the road?

24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental. Contact the support team via the number provided with your reservation — support is managed via SMS text.

What are the best road trips from San Francisco?

Northern California offers extraordinary range. Head north on Highway 1 for dramatic coastal views through Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino — then continue to the Redwood National and State Parks. Drive east to Yosemite (4 hours) for granite walls, waterfalls, and world-class hiking. Lake Tahoe is about 3.5 hours and spectacular in both summer and winter. For longer routes, one-way trips to Seattle via the Pacific Coast Highway are a classic, as is a southbound drive to Los Angeles — with stops at Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and the Central Coast.

What campgrounds are near San Francisco?

Kirby Cove in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, offers remarkable views of the city from a forested campground. Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin (about 30 minutes) is set among redwoods and creek crossings. Half Moon Bay State Beach (45 minutes south) offers beachside camping with the sound of the Pacific. All require advance reservations, especially in summer.

How far is the pickup location from SFO?

The pickup location in South San Francisco is minutes from San Francisco International Airport — easily reached by rideshare in under 15 minutes.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially in summer (June–September). Popular van models and dates fill quickly. Lock in your reservation early.

What's the best time of year to visit from San Francisco?

Late spring through fall (May–October) tends to offer the warmest, driest conditions for most destinations. Summer can be foggy along the coast but clear and warm inland. Fall is generally considered the best season — clear skies, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds.

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