FAQ

Answers to Your Questions

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below. Don’t see the answer to your burning question? No worries. Send an email to gocamping@gocamprentals.com and we’ll reply promptly.

Payments and fees

When is payment due? Is there a down payment?

You pay 50% of the total rental fee at the time of booking. You pay the remainder 30 days before the rental begins, or, if booking with less than 30 days to go, at the time of booking.

What’s the security deposit?

Two days before your trip begins, we will charge a security deposit (usually $1000 – $1500 depending on the van) against the credit card on file.

When will I get my security deposit back?

You will typically get your security deposit back, less any charges, no more than seven days after you return the vehicle. We deduct costs for minor damage, as relevant, and applicable fees (fuel, mileage charges, etc.) from your security deposit.

Does pricing vary by season? 

Yes. High season runs from May 1 – September 30, and low season runs from October 1 – April 30. Though it varies by van, high season rates are about 20% greater than low season rates. For an accurate estimate, simply plug your dates into the reservation system and we’ll generate a quote for you.

Is there a minimum number of nights I need to rent the van?

Yes, minimum rental periods in the low season are typically 2-3 nights depending on the van, while high season minimums are generally 3-5 nights. Check individual listings for more information on minimum rental periods.

Do you offer discounts for longer trips?

Give us a call to discuss your trip. It varies by van, but we are often able to offer discounts on trips greater than 10 or 14 days.

Do you offer a military discount?

GoCamp offers a 10% military discount off the base rental rate to all military families in honor of our friend Dave Kersey. Please let us know if you are an active duty member or veteran so we can say thank you with a discount code.

Do you offer other discounts?

Yes, every now and then we issue coupon codes. The best way to receive a coupon code is to subscribe to our E-letter.

Cancellations and Changes

Do you offer flexibility for cancellations in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic? 

YES. As of March 2020, in light of concerns related to traveling during the novel coronavirus outbreak, we are waiving all cancellation and change fees. Whether you can cancel or change your camper van trip if you need to is something you can take off your worry list. We hope this situation ends soon, and we also hope you are able to get a break from it all in a camper van.

We will revert to our standard cancellation policy, described below, at a later time.

If we have to cancel, do we get our money back?

If you cancel 30+ days prior to your trip, you’ll get your money back (less a 5% service fee). If you cancel less than 30 days out, you’ll receive a refund for 50% of the total reservation charge. Cancellations must be made in writing.

If we end our trip early, do we get a refund for unused nights?

We don’t give refunds for unused nights because your reservation made the van unavailable for other renters.

Can I extend my rental while on the road?

It’s easiest to make changes to your reservation before you depart, but if you find yourself out there having so much fun you never want to come home, give us a ring and we’ll see if we can extend your rental.

Does GoCamp ever cancel reservations?

Only when safety concerns force us to do so. At our discretion, we may determine that the rental would not be safe (e.g. a renter shows up intoxicated, a hurricane is expected along the coast and you are determined to go surfing, etc.). If we cancel the reservation, you will receive a full refund.

Does the weather ever affect reservations?

We generally do not issue refunds due to bad weather. If we are expecting extreme weather during your reservation (e.g. 10 feet of snow, biblical rain that creates flooding) we will work with you to reschedule your reservation to another time.

Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Can I use my own insurance or do I have to buy yours?

Because peer-to-peer rentals have their own unique insurance requirements, purchase of GoCamp’s insurance is mandatory. Our insurance provides $1 million in liability coverage to you and the van owners. Comp and collision coverage of up to $125,000 is also included. Insurance coverage is $32.50/day.

Am I required to purchase roadside assistance?

Most GoCamp van owners require that you have a roadside assistance policy in place that covers camper vans during your rental. If you don’t already have your own, we make 24-hour roadside assistance available for $15 a day. Coverage includes unlimited: towing, flat tire assistance, emergency fluids delivery, battery boost, and a mobile mechanic.

Can I use my own AAA or similar policy for roadside assistance?

Yes, provided your policy provides comparable coverage. Our standard of coverage includes a free tow within 100 miles. If your policy provides the same, we can waive our roadside assistance charge. Just send us proof of your policy; for example, a photo of your AAA Plus or Premier card works just fine. (Note that regular AAA doesn’t meet our standard. Depending on the length of your rental, you might save money simply by upgrading your regular coverage to Plus or Premier.)

Mileage, Gas, Propane and Off-Grid Camping

How many miles are included in my rental?

125 miles a day are included in the rental fee. Additional miles are charged at .35 per mile. If a mileage charge occurs, it is deducted from your security deposit. For example, if you rent a van for four nights, 500 miles are included in your rental. If you travel 600 miles on your adventure, we’ll deduct $35 from your security deposit at the end of your trip. (And we’ll know you had fun because we always take extra miles as a sign that good times were had!)

Do I have to refill the gas tank?

Yes, please fill up the tank before you return the van. Alternatively you will pay a refueling fee of $5/gallon. Your van will have a full tank when you pick it up, so you’re only paying for the fuel you’ve used.

What about propane? (What’s propane for, anyway?)

If you’re renting a Vanagon/Eurovan camper with a kitchen, your van will have a full tank of propane when you pick it up. Propane powers your stovetop, and often your heater and refrigerator, too. The full tank that’s included is usually sufficient for the duration of your rental. If your propane needs exceed one full tank, you are responsible for purchasing additional propane. You’ll want to carefully follow the detailed instructions in the van’s binder for refilling propane; you will be responsible for any damages to the propane system caused by improper filling! You do not need to return the vehicle with a full propane tank.

How long can I be camping off the grid? How long do things like propane and the van’s battery last?

The answer to this question varies by van. Check individual listings and/or let us know if you have questions about a specific van.

One-Way Travel plus Travel Restrictions

Do you offer one-way rentals?

Yes! Who wouldn’t want to travel the Pacific Coast Highway one-way? See more about our one-way program here.

Can I take a GoCamp van anywhere? 

Individual van owners designate approved ranges for their van. Some will let you go all the way across the US, others prefer that you stay on the west coast. Check individual listings for more information on approved travel ranges.

Can I travel to Canada?

Check individual listings for travel restrictions specific to the van, but in general yes, our insurance coverage is valid in Canada.

Can I travel to Mexico?

No. Unfortunately, our insurance coverage is not valid in Mexico.

Can I travel to Burning Man?

Burning Man sounds amazing, but no. Because of the damage that the playa dust can wreak on engines, if you take a GoCamp van to Burning Man you will forfeit your entire security deposit and additional fines of up to $5,000 may apply (yikes!). We can’t say it enough: Do not go to Burning Man in a GoCamp van.

Can I go to music festivals?

Yes. Don’t be fooled by our Burning Man policy. We love music festivals and think camper vans are the best way to experience them.

Can I travel off-road?

We want you to go have the adventure of your life, but, do not take the vans off-road. If you do venture off-road, you will be responsible for all damages to the vehicle and all costs associated with any necessary towing or other expenses that result from your breaking this very important rule.

Age restrictions, international drivers and driver background checks

How old do you have to be to rent a van?

Drivers must be at least 25 years of age. We reserve the right to cancel any booking made by renters under the age of 25 if you didn’t first receive explicit permission to book.

My driver’s license is from a country other than the United States. Can I rent a GoCamp van?

Yes, we’re happy to rent to international drivers! You may be asked to provide additional documentation (e.g. passport, international driver’s permit, etc.). The documentation required varies per individual, so we won’t know what’s needed until you book. Usually, uploading an image of your driver’s license and passport will suffice.

Do you do background checks?

We do a DMV check on all drivers to ensure you meet minimum requirements. If you’ve had two or more major moving violations or any DUIs in the past, you will be denied access to renting. If you fail the DMV check you will receive a full refund. Your license must be valid throughout the duration of your rental.

How many drivers can I register to drive the van?

The cost of verifying up to two drivers ($20) is charged as part of your rental. If you have more than two drivers, you will be charged $10 per driver’s license check.

Pet Policy, smoking policy

Do you allow pets in the vans?

Yes, see individual camper van profiles for specifics on pets. Some van owners allow them, others do not. A standard $125 fee will be applied if pets are allowed.

Can I smoke in the van?

Please do not smoke cigarettes, tobacco, marijuana or anything else in the vans. If we find evidence of smoking inside the van, you may be subject to a fine of up to $200.

Rental Period + Pick Up and Drop Off

Do you rent by the day or by the night?

We rent by the night. The rental period is generally considered to be 24 hours. If you pick up the van at 10 am, you will be expected to return it by 10 am.

How does pick up and drop off work?

There is no set pick up and drop off time, though we prefer pick up and drop off to happen between the hours of 9 – 5. You’ll make arrangements suited to your needs and schedule with individual van owners. As noted above, the rental period is generally considered to be 24 hours. If you pick up the van at 10 am, you’ll be expected to return it by 10 am.

Most van owners can accommodate requests for extra time. For every hour beyond the 24 hour time period, we charge $20/hour. If not arranged in advance, the fee will be deducted from your security deposit. Want to pick up in the morning but drop off in the evening? (Who wouldn’t want to make the most of their time in a van!) You can add a half day charge to your rental for $100 when completing the reservation online.

Do you offer airport pick up and drop off?

Some van owners do, yes. Check individual listings for more information.

What do I need to do before returning the van?

Before returning the van you should spend some time doing a quick clean. We know you are going camping, and therefore expect the van might have some sand or pine needles in it, but we ask that you empty all trash, clean all dishes, wipe down counters, and remove your leftover food. The van should be returned largely in the condition it was received. If the van is returned with dirty dishes, trash, and/or is super dirty (our discretion), the van owner may assess a fine of up to $200. Understanding that the van you are renting is cherished by its owner, it is best if you treat the van as if it were your own.

Where are the camper vans located?

Because each van on the GoCamp website is owned by an individual, each van is available for pick up at a different location. Check the map on individual van profiles for a sense of where the van is located. You’ll be sent the van’s specific address once you have completed your reservation.

Traveling as a family

Are the vans family friendly?

YES! Our vans are very family friendly.

Which vans are best for families?

All of the makes and models we offer are good for families. But start by searching for vans that seat more than 2 people so that everyone you are traveling with has a seat belt.

Will my child’s booster seat fit in the van?

In most cases yes but please check with us if you have questions about the appropriateness of a specific van.

Best time to make a reservation

Should I book in advance or can you accommodate last minute requests?

Yes to both! For peak summer months, to ensure you get the exact dates and the exact van you fell in love with, it is best to book early. To beat the crowds, note that many people start booking summer adventures in January and February. That said, because our fleet is relatively large, we can often accommodate last minute requests.