Outdoorsy Van Rental Review: First Vanlife Experience

A little over a year ago, a camping trip through the Death Valley backcountry with friends in truck campers and vans lit a fire in me for vanlife. A few months later, health issues put my hiking and backpacking on hold, and while I’m finally able to move again, I’m not quite at the point of taking on thru-hikes again just yet. So vanlife feels like the perfect way to get back outside. After a year of drooling over campervans, I finally decided to book my first Outdoorsy van rental to test vanlife for myself. Here’s my honest review and experience.

About Outdoorsy Van Rental

For anyone wanting to experience vanlife without the commitment of buying, Outdoorsy is one of the most popular RV rental platforms in the U.S.

Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV and campervan rental marketplace that connects travelers directly with owners. Unlike traditional rental companies, you’ll find everything from simple truck campers and camper vans to luxury custom Sprinter builds with off-grid setups, Starlink, solar power, and full kitchens.

One of the biggest benefits of an Outdoorsy van rental is variety. Instead of a standard fleet vehicle, you can test unique layouts and builds before deciding whether vanlife is right for you.

Why I Chose an Outdoorsy Van Rental

I was very intentional about choosing this van because I’ve been seriously considering buying a campervan. I specifically wanted this Outdoorsy van rental to double as a real-life test drive for a model already on my shortlist.

My ideal list included:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD
• fixed bed
• Starlink
• AC
• solar power
• inverter
• kitchen appliances
• hot outdoor shower
• garage storage
• backup camera

Luckily, I found exactly what I wanted just 20 minutes from home and booked it immediately.

Outdoorsy Van Rental Review

Outdoorsy Van Rental Booking Process

The booking process was surprisingly easy.

Before booking, I messaged the host with a few practical questions and honestly just wanted to make sure the vibe felt right. She responded within minutes, huge green flag.

I went with the basic insurance included in the booking, since my own car insurance also covers me when driving other vehicles. I paid a security deposit as well, which is automatically returned seven days after the trip ends, as long as there are no damages for the host to claim. [The system emailed me exactly a week after I returned the van to confirm my full deposit was getting returned to me.]

The Outdoorsy van rental driver verification process was simple, and you can even add multiple drivers during the booking process:

• upload driver’s license
• take a selfie
• confirm driver identity
• choose insurance coverage

Within minutes, I was verified and officially booked. The process felt smooth and beginner-friendly.

The Van Amenities and Setup

When I arrived to pick up my Outdoorsy van, it looked exactly like the photos. It smelled fresh, the interior was clean, and everything was ready to go. Before driving off, I did a thorough inspection inside and out and took photos to document any existing damage in the app.

Some of my favorite features included:

• comfortable bed
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• outdoor shower
• induction cooktop
• pull-out outdoor stove
• swivel passenger seat
• generous garage storage
• 22-gallon fresh water tank
• solar charging
• shore power
• alternator charging
• red lighting for nighttime (perfect for photographers and stargazers!)

I never ran out of power during the trip. And Starlink worked incredibly well, which was one of the things I most wanted to test.

Remember to Confirm Amenities with Your Host

One thing I learned from this experience is how helpful it is to confirm certain amenities directly with your host before booking. While the listing mentioned an oven, AC, and heater, a few of those features worked a little differently than I initially expected.

In the particular van I rented, there actually was no oven. The AC and heater were cab-only, meaning they only worked when the engine was running. There was no off-grid AC or heating system for overnight use, and no grey tank. This is why I strongly recommend messaging your host directly before booking.

Ask specifically:

• Is AC off-grid?
• Is heating off-grid?
• Is there a grey water tank?
• What suspension does the van have?
• etc…

Because every van is unique, confirming these details with your host can prevent surprises and make your experience seamless. This makes planning your trip easier and helps ensure the van setup matches your needs.

How the Van Drove

This was my first time driving a Sprinter van, and honestly, I was nervous. Before hitting the road, I drove a few loops around my host’s block to get a feel for the size, the corners, and the general vibe of driving this thing.

But once I got on the freeway, it felt much easier than expected.

The safety features helped a lot:

• blind spot monitoring
• backup camera
• 360° parking assist
• digital rear-view camera

The only challenge was the dirt road. This was my first time driving a Sprinter van, and tackling a dirt road to reach a remote campsite felt a bit nerve-wracking at first. I stopped at the first good campsite I found, which ended up being a great introduction to backcountry vanlife. It was a good reminder that driving a larger vehicle takes some getting used to, especially on rough terrain, but it was also part of the adventure.

If you’re planning backcountry routes, it is definitely worth confirming suspension setup before booking. I plan on asking that question next time I rent a van!

My First Vanlife Destination

I kept it simple for my first van trip: Idyllwild, just two hours away. An easy, manageable distance that felt just right for a first-timer. But I definitely want to go further next time!!

Best Part of My Outdoorsy Van Rental Experience

Without question, arriving at the campsite.

After the intense dirt road drive, seeing the mountain views instantly reminded me why I wanted to try vanlife in the first place.

It was peaceful, quiet, and honestly one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a long time.

Challenges I Faced During My Outdoorsy Van Rental

I didn’t have any issues with the van or the rental itself; everything worked exactly as expected, and Outdoorsy made the whole process seamless. The “challenges” I encountered were just part of adapting to vanlife for the first time.

For instance, at 5’10”, I quickly realized that headroom in a van takes some getting used to. Between the headliner shelves and upper storage cabinets, I ended up with a few bumps and bruises. I also had to adjust to living in a smaller space and rationing water for dishes, showers, and general use.

These were all personal learning curves rather than problems with the van or Outdoorsy, and part of what makes vanlife such a unique and fun experience.

Tips for Van Owners Listing on Outdoorsy

If you’re thinking about listing your van on Outdoorsy, these are the small details that can make a big difference in your renters’ experience and your reviews:

• Make sure your listing is accurate and up to date, and flag any amenities that are listed but unavailable
• Clearly disclose whether your van has a grey water tank, especially if renters may take it to national or state parks
• Specify whether AC and heating are off-grid capable or cab-only
• Include an outdoor rug outside the sliding door to help renters keep the van clean
• Include a broom, trash, and other cleaning basics for renters

Vanlife Essentials I Recommend After My Outdoorsy Van Rental

Renting a van is one of the best ways to figure out what you actually need before buying your own campervan. Even my host admitted she wishes she’d done the same before buying, because she would have done things differently!

After this Outdoorsy Van Rental experience, I put together my personal Amazon list of vanlife essentials, including gear I wish I had brought and items I’m considering for my future build.

These are my must-have items for comfortable van living and road trips. From portable cooking and water solutions to compact comfort items, tech for work or entertainment, and practical off-grid accessories, these essentials make life on the road easier and more enjoyable.

Outdoorsy Van Rentals Pros & Cons

Here’s what to know about renting a van through Outdoorsy before you book.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Is Outdoorsy Van Rental Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. For anyone considering vanlife, an Outdoorsy Van Rental is one of the best ways to test layouts, amenities, and driving experience before committing to a purchase.

The Verdict on Outdoorsy Van Rentals

Would I Rent from Outdoorsy Again?

100% yes. The whole process was smooth, the host was great, and for a first rental experience, I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ll definitely be back on Outdoorsy for my next van rental.

Did It Help Me Decide on Buying a Van?

Yes. I rented a build on my shortlist, and the experience showed me that this particular layout wouldn’t work for me. I knew I wanted a fixed bed, but in that specific build, the bed pulls out over the dinette to create a queen bed, which is a brilliant use of space, and I wanted to give it a go. But converting it every night proved too difficult given my current physical restrictions, and I can’t risk buying that build. So while I’m still searching, I now have a much clearer picture of what I need, want, like, and don’t like, and my shortlist just got a little shorter.

Tips for First-Time Van Renters

Don’t assume the listing is 100% accurate; confirm any amenities that matter to you directly with your host before you go. If you’re planning to take your rental into national or state parks, always ask your host whether the van has a grey water tank, as many parks require one. And make sure to check the rules and regulations of your destination in advance to ensure your van will be compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoorsy Van Rental

Is Outdoorsy legit for van rentals?

Yes, Outdoorsy is a well-known peer-to-peer RV and campervan rental marketplace in the USA.

How much does an Outdoorsy van rental cost?

Pricing varies depending on van type, location, season, and amenities.

Can you rent a Sprinter van on Outdoorsy?

Yes, Outdoorsy offers many Sprinter van rentals, including AWD and custom builds.

Is Outdoorsy good for first-time vanlife?

Absolutely, it’s one of the best ways to test layouts before buying.

Final Thoughts on my Outdoorsy Van Rental Experience

I was really happy with my Outdoorsy Van Rental experience. Like any first-time rental experience, there were a few learning moments, but both the van and the host made it a great first step into vanlife. I slept really well because it was so quiet and peaceful on that mountain. I had great views, and Starlink worked amazingly well, so I’m glad I got to test its reliability and am happy to confirm it passed with flying colors. It allowed me to determine what I want and need, and don’t want in my own van build. I might rent out other vans a few more times to try different options to perfect my wish list.

Overall, based on my first experience, renting through Outdoorsy is a great way for anyone to experience RV’ing and vanlife without committing to ownership.