How Much Does a Camper Trip Cost?
JuliaUpdated at: 01/09/2026
Reading time: 5 minutes
This is a question that gets asked a lot here at CamperDays, but the truth is that there are so many variables. Campervan rental prices vary by season and vehicle type. In spring, you might pay around £100 a day for a smaller van. In summer, a family motorhome can cost closer to £200. Where you travel matters, too, and so does the size of the camper. We know people often get caught out, not because the motorhome rental price is hidden, but because no one explained the extras. Fuel adds up. Campsites and tolls do as well. That is why we put this guide together. We will go through the best times to book to save money, as well as extra costs you might not have thought of.
1. How Much Does a Camper Cost Per Day?
In the off-season, you can expect to pay around £100 per day. During peak, the same camper often rises to £150–200 per day. That change in price comes down to demand. The summer is when most book for school holidays, so availability drops and rates rise (just like flights or cottage holidays).
Like most things in life, size matters. A smaller campervan with two seats is always going to be cheaper than a family-sized motorhome with space for the whole family. If only two of you are travelling, it is wise to book a two-berth campervan. The extra space in a four-berth is nice, but the jump in cost might not be worth it.
Probably the biggest thing that affects camper rental prices is the country you book in. Scandinavia is often the most expensive at any time of the year (don’t let that put you off, though). Southern Spain and Portugal offer more affordable options for good value on a long trip.
So if you’re asking how much a camper costs for one day, the best answer is to plan around season, size, and location.
2. Let’s Look at Australia Campervan Rental Prices
Australia gives a good idea of how campervan rental prices change by season. The table below shows the average costs for trip compared to a rental car and hotel:
You can see how the numbers shift. In the off-season, the daily rate drops, and campsites are a little cheaper. Once demand rises in summer, the costs climb quickly.
This pattern repeats in most destinations. Prices depend on when you travel, with the biggest jump between low and high season. The table also shows why many travellers book early.
3. How to Save Money When Booking
Book early
Think of campers like flights. The earlier you book, the better the deal. Leave it too late and you pay more for the same vehicle. Many rental firms also offer early bird discounts, so you save twice over.
Compare companies
People often ask, rv rentals how much can they really vary between firms? The truth is, a lot. Some include mileage and insurance, others don’t. CamperDays takes the guesswork out. It shows you the full cost across companies so you see the real value, not just the headline price.
Travel off-peak
Spring and autumn are the sweet spot in most places. Campsites are quieter, and daily rates drop. In Portugal or Spain, you still get warm days, but without the high-season prices. That difference adds up over a two-week trip.
Pick the right size
A smaller van costs less to rent and saves fuel too. It also makes narrow village streets less stressful. Only move up in size if you really need the extra space.
A few good choices can drop your motorhome rental price without cutting back on the trip itself.
4. Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
We’ve helped plenty of travellers get the most out of their trips by keeping costs clear from the start. A little budget cushion means you can enjoy your campervan trip without money worries and work out the trust cost of how much rent a rv.
Fuel
This is the most obvious extra, but it’s easy to underestimate. Bigger campers use more, and some routes involve long climbs that eat through a tank faster than flat highways. We’ve seen travellers surprised at how often they had to stop for fuel, especially in countries where distances are longerCampsites
Campsites
Prices vary a lot. In Europe, most sites land between £15 and £40 per night, depending on the location and facilities. A simple field with basic services costs less, while a full site near a lake or coast charges more.
Tolls and vignettes
Several European countries require you to pay for certain roads. The costs for these are not massive, but they do add up and it’s something to think about. France and Italy use toll booths. Austria and Switzerland use a vignette sticker on your windscreen, but your campervan provider usually provides you with this.
Cooking and groceries
One of the best parts of camper life is enjoying the food. Cooking your own meals with food bought from local markets can save you money compared to eating out. It also helps when you are somewhere remote.
Optional extras
Some extras you might be able to avoid, such as GPS (you could use your phone). Others, like a child seat, might be unavoidable, as if you are arriving by plane, you won’t be taking one of these with you. It all adds up.
Keeping Camper Costs Under Control
A campervan trip doesn’t have to drain your budget. Once you know the daily rental rate and add in the extra costs, the numbers become clearer. Book early, use discounts, and aim for to book just outside of peak season.
CamperDays helps by showing you the options side by side, so you can save and plan with confidence.
