voyager van life

21 Camper Van Rental Companies for Your US Road Trip

Rent an adventuremobile from one of these camper van rental companies & choose from Sprinters, Vanagons, Ford Transits, Sportsmobiles & more!

Looking for a camper van rental so you can check off multiple National Parks in one big road trip without dealing with hotels or setting up a tent every night? Or maybe you’re thinking about #vanlife, but you’re not 100% sure you want to commit fully? A campervan rental for your next US road trip will give you the opportunity to experience van life, get off the beaten path, and have a more spontaneous adventure.

With the increasing popularity of van life, camper van rental companies are popping up across the country so no matter where you’d like to adventure, there’s a good chance you’ll find a campervan rental near you.

To help you find the right camper van rental for your next road trip, in this roundup we share an extensive list of camper van rental companies in the US, including options from east to west. We break down locations, the types of vans available, pricing, and more so you can narrow down your search.

Also, before you go, check out our Van Life 101 guide to learn more about van life whether for a short-term stint via a camper van rental or if you’re looking to do van life longer term. And be sure to grab our packing checklist below as well!

Van Life Packing Checklist

Get this free PDF that will help you pack up your van in a jiffy.

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Why Rent a Camper Van?

Renting a camper van can provide an elevated road trip experience by pairing some of the comforts of home with the freedom of the open road.

With a camper van, you’ll have everything you need with you including a bed, kitchen, indoor seating space, and in some cases, even a bathroom. There’s no need to set up camp and pitch a tent every night, so you’ll have the flexibility to camp in more places and will be able to move around more easily.

Plus, depending on where you want to travel, daily rental fees may be cheaper than a hotel room, and you can also save by cooking your own meals since most rental camper vans come with a sink, cooking equipment, fridge (or at least a cooler), and a stove.

Many people also rent a camper van to give van life a try before diving in and committing to buying a van themselves. It’s also a great way to test out a certain type of camper van model and layout to see if it’s the right fit for you.

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Considerations for Renting a Campervan

With the growing popularity of van life, there are a growing number of camper van rental companies out there offering campervan rentals of all types for all budgets. That means you’ve got a good chance of finding a campervan rental at the right price for you.

Base pricing generally includes a certain number of daily miles (usually starting at 100 miles/day included, sometimes more) with an additional cost per mile if you go over.

Camper van rental companies often provide basics like bedding, camp chairs, a camp table, and cooking supplies although this varies and may not be included in some of the more budget campervan rentals. Most camper van rental companies also offer add-ons for an extra fee such as portable toilets, rooftop tents, and bike racks.

Be aware that you may need to pay a deposit and cleaning fee in addition to the rental fee, so be sure to read the company’s FAQs or discuss this with them before booking.

Seating & Sleeping Space

You’ll want to make sure the rental camper van you’re looking at can safely seat and sleep the number of people that you’ll be road tripping with. For example, some campervans have bench seating in the back, but these seats don’t always have seatbelts and aren’t meant to be used while driving.

Some campervan rentals offer a rooftop tent in addition to indoor sleeping space so you can have two separate sleeping areas. And some rental companies offer an add-on camping tent you can pitch if you need more sleeping space as well.

Read next: See the Best Campervan Layouts for Families to get some ideas on how to comfortably fit everyone.

Some camper van rental companies include a variety of amenities in their rental fee, and some offer them as add-ons for an additional fee . Make sure you’re clear on what’s included in the price so you can plan accordingly.

From a fully stocked kitchen with a stove, cookware, and dishes to camp chairs, an outdoor table, and bedding, some camper van rentals come with all the amenities you need to cook and relax on your road trip.

On the other hand, some budget rental campervans are a little more bare bones so you’ll need to bring camping, cooking, and sleeping supplies with you.

You generally pay for what you get, so if you need the convenience of having all the amenities supplied (for example, if you’re flying to your destination and you don’t want to deal with bringing everything with you), then you’ll want to look for a campervan rental company who provides everything you need.

If you’ll be picking up a camper van near home and can load it up with everything you need for your trip, you can likely save some money by bringing your own gear.

Read next: For a full list of recommendations with photos and descriptions, check out my Van Life Essentials Guide .

Bathroom Facilities

Some camper van rentals come complete with a shower and toilet (usually a porta potty), and some don’t. If a bathroom is a must for you, make sure this is something you look for when searching for rentals, but be aware you’ll likely pay a little more as well.

If you plan to camp at campgrounds where bathrooms and showers are readily available, you can likely go without these luxuries and save some money. And if you plan on finding free campsites without facilities, you can likely get by with a portable shower and portable toilet system if you don’t mind roughing it a little.

We’ve noticed that most camper van rental companies will allow dogs for an additional fee , although there is one company on our list below that lets dogs join the adventure for free, and there are a few who don’t allow them at all.

Be sure to look into this before booking if you plan on road tripping with your dog .

Age Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to rent an RV or camper van in the US .

Many campervan rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers who are under the age of 25 due to additional insurance costs.

When looking into renting a camper van, you’ll want to look into insurance requirements and pricing as well. Some camper van rental companies include insurance in their daily rates, while some add on an additional daily fee for insurance .

Most camper van rental companies do not allow you to be covered by your personal auto policy or credit card for campervan rentals . This is because most basic auto policies do not cover campervans that are classified as Class B RVs. Be sure to check with your insurance company prior to booking a campervan rental and ask specifically if your policy includes Class B RV coverage.

One Way Campervan Rentals

Depending on your road trip plans, you may want to start in one location and end in another to make the most of your time and avoid backtracking. If that’s the case, check with the campervan rental company to see if they charge an additional fee for one-way rentals.

In some cases, we’ve seen rental companies offer discounts on certain one way routes when they need a van transported from one location to another – that’s something to look out for as well.

Peer-to-Peer Camper Van Rentals

With the rising popularity of van life, there are now a handful of peer-to-peer campervan rental companies where people rent out their own campervans – kind of like Airbnb but for camper van rentals. This allows owners to earn extra income by renting out their campervans when they’re not using them, and it gives travelers the chance to pick from a variety of campervan models, layouts, and interior designs.

These peer-to-peer campervan rental sites allow you to easily search for campervans available in your area or in the area you plan on traveling to.

Peer-to-peer camper van rental companies you’ll find on our complete list below include Outdoorsy and GoCamp . The rest of the companies on our list are all camper van rental companies that own a fleet of converted campervans.

How Much Does a Camper Van Rental Cost?

Camper van rentals can cost anywhere from $33 per day to upwards of $500 per day . Those rates often don’t include insurance or additional amenities you may want for your road trip. But the good news is, there are budget camper van rentals available if that’s what you’re looking for.

A few budget-friendly camper van rental companies you’ll find on our list below include:

Escape Campervans

• Lost Campers
• Voyager Campervans

Best US Camper Van Rental Companies

Now here is our list of the best camper van rental companies across the US rounded up by our team of van lifers.

Outdoorsy Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations:  All across the US by owner
• Types of camper vans: All
• Price: Varies

Outdoorsy is one of the leading peer-to-peer RV and camper van rental companies and is essentially like Airbnb but for campervan rentals. They connect RV and camper van owners with renters and their selection includes everything from vintage Airstreams, Class A, B, and C of RVs, as well as a variety of trailers and camper vans. Simply enter your location, dates, and the number of campers to see what’s available in your area.

Native Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas
• Types of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster camper vans
• Price: starting at $69/night

We love that Native Campervans classifies their rentals as “Biggie”, “Smalls”, and “Squad”. Biggie rides 2 and sleeps 2 with all the comforts of an RV. Smalls is smaller and sportier and sits and sleeps two. And last but not least, Squad (pictured above) has room to seat AND sleep 4 along with proper DOT-approved seating to keep the kiddies (and your favorite backseat drivers) safe.

Native Campervans include basics like bedding, camp chairs, a table, and cooking essentials. Rates start at $69 per night and they require a 3-night minimum.

Moterra Campervans

• Rental Locations: Jackson WY, Whitefish MT, San Francisco CA, Salt Lake City UT, Las Vegas NV, Seattle WA, Portland ME
• Type of camper vans: pop-top and high-roof Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $279/night

Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, locally-owned and operated Moterra Campervans offers high-end all-inclusive Sprinter camper van rentals across the United States. Both pop-tops and high-roof Sprinters are available in their fleet – all are 3 years old or less and built out by Sportsmobile. They include everything you need for your campervan road trip as a standard and also offer fully customized itineraries for those who want to take the stress out of planning their own campervan vacation.

Moterra’s pop-top vans accommodate 4 people with 2 double beds and have a full kitchen with an optional toilet. Their high-roof vans accommodate 2 and have a full kitchen and full bathroom complete with a hot water shower and a toilet. Rates start at $279/night and they have a 3-night minimum in the low season and a 5-night minimum in the high season.

• Rental Locations: Los Angeles CA, San Francisco CA, Las Vegas NV, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Salt Lake City UT, Denver CO, Phoenix AZ, Chicago IL, Orlando FL, New York NY
• Type of camper vans: Ford camper vans and Jeeps with rooftop tents
• Price: starting at $33/day

Escape Campervans is one of the largest campervan rental companies in the US with locations across the US and a fleet of more than 600 campervans converted in house. Each van is unique with hand painted designs which makes for some fun photos on your trip.

Escape Campervans offers 4 different models of converted Ford campervans, as well as a Jeep camper with a rooftop tent, that can seat and sleep anywhere from 2 to 5 people. Rates start at $33/day and they have a 3-14 day minimum depending on location, time of year, and whether you’re doing a round trip or one way camper van rental.

All their camper van rentals include a bed, dining area, sink, refrigerator, stove, and a dual battery system with solar. Extras like bedding, camping gear, and kitchen kits are available for an additional fee.

Escape Campervans are also available in Canada via Vancouver and Calgary.

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Mercedes Sprinter RV Rental

• Rental Locations: 28 locations throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington
• Types of camper vans: Luxury Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $2950/week

Departing from 28 locations in the Western US, this company solely offers Mercedes Sprinter luxury camper vans for rent. All their rental vans have full bathrooms with a shower, sink, and toilet. They also come with solar power and are decked out with ovens and TVs for late-night movies. These Mercedes Sprinter RV campervans can seat up to 7 people and sleep up to 4 people. Be prepared though–all of these amenities can run you about $400-$500 a night.

Peace Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Seattle, WA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Mercedes Sprinters, and Mercedes Metris pop-up campers
• Price: starting at $265/night

Based in Seattle, WA, Peace Vans Rentals offers Pacific Northwest campervan rentals, as well as limited one-way campervan rentals between Seattle, WA and Santa Cruz, CA. They rent out beautiful, classic VW Vanagons, each unique in their own way, as well as Mercedes Sprinters and Metris pop-up campers for those looking for something a bit more modern. They throw in lots of thoughtful extras like cookware, spices, wine glasses, a french press, fresh ground coffee, and more.

Pricing starts at $265 per night with a 4-night minimum in the shoulder season and a 6-night minimum in the high season.

Vintage Surfari Wagons

• Rental Locations:  Costa Mesa, CA
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Eurovans, and Mercedes Metris camper vans
• Price: starting at $135/night

Ever dreamed of taking a vacation in a nostalgic Volkswagon camper bus? We have! Here is your opportunity to flashback to the 1970’s/80’s era with these great campervan rentals in the greater Los Angeles area. Vintage Surfari Wagons  has a fleet of buses, Vanagons, and Eurovans for rent from the 1970s-2000s plus Mercedes Metris campervans for those of you looking for something a little more modern. Rates start at $135 per night and they generally have a 2-night minimum.

Hawaii Surf Campers Rentals

• Rental Locations: Oahu, HI
• Types of camper vans: VW Vanagons, Ford Econolines, and Ford Transit camper vans
• Price: starting at $149/night

Hawaii Surf Campers offer a range of campervans for rent with a variety of Volkswagens to Ford Econolines and Transits that start at $149 a night. They offer airport pick-ups and drop-offs for a small fee and they provide their guests with a map of camping recommendations around the island.

One cool perk, they partner with a local surf school where you can get discounted lessons, and you can add a surfboard to any rental for an additional fee. If you also plan to visit Kauai on your trip, read more about whether or not it’s worth renting a van there  here .

Campervan North America Rental

• Rental Locations: Yellowstone/Bozeman, MT
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Promaster
• Price: starting at $100/night

Campervan North America offers 5 different camper van models to choose from, including a converted Dodge Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit. Many of their vans were purchased new and then converted so they’re peppier and have lower miles than some other options you might find.

Their vans sleep up to 5 people depending on the model. The interiors are clean and simple; some models have kitchens and baths and some don’t. During the high season, they have a 7-night minimum and a 4-night minimum rental for the rest of the year. Rates start at $100/night although they offer discounts for rental periods longer than 15 days.

VanCraft Sprinter Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Diego CA, Denver CO, and Salt Lake City UT
• Types of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $59/night

VanCraft offers 3 models of campervans for rent: long-wheelbase Sprinters, short-wheelbase Sprinters, and Micro Campervans. All of the vans include a full-sized bed, off-grid solar power, refrigerator, fully stocked kitchen, outdoor shower, and camping basics. You can also choose from add-ons like an optional toilet, bike rack, or rooftop tent

A major perk of this campervan rental is they are designed for all 4-season camping, so you can stay warm and cozy even in the coldest of temps. Rental rates start at under $59/day for their Micro Campervans and $135/day and up for their Sprinter models, and they have a 3-day minimum. Oh, and they also allow dogs at no extra charge!

GoCamp Campervans

• Rental locations: All across the US by owner

GoCamp is a peer-to-peer camper van rental platform that enables van owners to earn extra income by renting out their camper vans and gives renters an opportunity to experience #vanlife without having to purchase a van of their own. Their fleet features only the best camper vans with a wide variety of choices—from old-school Volkswagen Vanagons to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 adventure vans , and much more. Their campervans are road trip ready and located across the US. You can easily search for availability by location and dates on their website.

Boho Camper Vans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA
• Price: Starting at $209/night

Boho Camper Vans has a fleet of Dodge Promaster vans that they built out themselves, each designed with their unique boho flare. These camper vans are equipped with running water, an outdoor shower, stove, privacy curtains, bedding, cookware, camping chairs, and a portable cooler. Just minutes away from the Phoenix airport, you can live your boho dreams for around $209/day.

They are also starting to offer van rentals by owner out of San Diego, CA.

Lost Camper Van Rentals

• Rental Locations:  Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA
• Types of Camper Vans: Ford Transits and Dodge Minivans
• Price: starting at $39/night

Lost Camper is all about comfort and affordability. They offer Ford Transit rentals and a variety of Dodge Minivan rentals starting at $39/day, making this a good budget camper van rental company. All their campervan rentals include unlimited miles in their daily rates, as well as bedding, kitchen kits, and basic camping equipment like a table and chairs. Most of their vans have sinks and awnings (be sure to check the specific model) and all have an inside double bed, dining table, privacy curtains, and a cooler at minimum (some have refrigerators).

Trekker Vans Ford Transit Rentals

• Rental Locations: San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA
• Type of camper vans: Ford Transits
• Price: starting at $99/night

Trekker Vans prides itself on being a bootstrapped, locally owned and operated business. The owners are avid outdoors people, so they’re always happy to help you plan your adventure. 

All their camper van rentals are Ford Transits equipped with bedding, curtains, cookware, stove, refrigerator, sink with running water, camping chairs, and a table. The dinette transforms into a queen-size bed that sleeps 2-3 people, and if you need room for more, they’ll add on a rooftop tent. Depending on your party size, you can customize your seating to accommodate 2 or 4 people.

Pricing starts at $99/night with a minimum of three nights. During the high season, the prices will be about twice as much. If you’re looking for a San Francisco camper van rental company right near the airport, this is a great choice.

Ondevan Campervan Rentals

• Rental Locations: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, FL
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster and Ford E-350 camper vans

Ondevan Campervan is another locally-owned company with locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Florida. It’s named after the Spanish phrase, “¿A dónde van?”, which means “Where are you going?” because the owners love to travel like we do, and wanted the namesake to inspire others.

Ondevan campervan rentals are fully stocked with a stove, cooler, cookware, bedding, curtains, chairs, and a table. The rental fleet has Dodge Promasters and Ford E-350s to select from. Daily rental rates start at $59 per night depending on the vehicle. Plus, they have an online road trip map made by fellow travelers with information on where to find showers and campsites.

Basecamper Van Rentals

• Rental Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promasters and Chevy Express camper vans
• Price: starting at $109/night

Basecamper Vans is a campervan rental company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They’ve got several vans in their fleet including a Dodge Promaster 2500, Dodge Promaster City, and Chevy Express camper vans. Their vans sleep 2-4 with options to add on a rooftop tent. Daily rental rates start at $109/night. All their vans are set up with cookware, refrigerator, stove, bedding, and camp chairs.

Voyager Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Minneapolis MN
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster

Voyager Campervans is based in Minneapolis Minnesota making it a great camper van rental company option for outdoor adventures in the state including to the Boundary Waters . Their Dodge Promaster City camper van rentals are compact and equipped with linens, cooking utensils, and cooking fuel. The daily rental rates start at $59 per night for a 2-person campervan rental and $159 per night for a 4-person camper van rental. They have a 2-5 day minimum depending on the season.

Rocky Mountain Campervans Rentals

• Rental Locations: Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Promaster pop-top campers, VW Vanagons, and Eurovans
• Price: starting at $145/night

Another family-owned and operated business, Rocky Mountain Campervans rents luxury conversion vans and vintage Volkswagen vans. The luxury campervan rentals are Dodge Promaster pop-top campers that sleep 5 and have a toilet and a full kitchen. If you’re looking for something with a vintage feel, they offer Volkswagen Vanagons and Eurovans for rent. These vans sleep 4 and have a stove, small refrigerator, and sink.

All of their camper van rentals are stocked with bedding, cookware, and a number of camping accessories to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of the vehicles are 4-season ready. Daily rental rates start at $145 per night and they sometimes offer one-way specials.

Tierra Traveler

• Rental Locations: Bozeman and Livingston, MT
• Type of camper vans: Mercedes Sprinter camper vans
• Price: starting at $300/night

Tierra Traveler offers Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan rentals outfitted with luxury amenities for maximum comfort. With two locations in Montana, they’re perfectly positioned for exploring Yellowstone, Grand Teton , and Glacier National Parks.

Their vans have a queen size bed, Dometic fridge, are stocked with all the camping essentials, and are ready for all four seasons with a propane heater and digital thermostat. Rates start at $300 per night and they have a 3-night minimum during summer and fall.

Vander Outdoors

• Rental Locations:  Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram Promaster and Dodge Minivans

Vander Outdoors , a locally owned campervan rental company in the DC area, includes a fleet of 2- and 4-passenger camper vans, all under 18 feet long for stress-free driving, easy parking, and great fuel economy over 25mpg.  All of their vans come fully equipped with a stove, sink, fridge, cookware, bedding, and basic camping gear. 

Prices start at $99 per night and they have a 2-night minimum in the low season and a 3-night minimum in the high season. These campervans are great for exploring out through the Shenandoah Valley, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or along the Atlantic coast from Acadia National Park in Maine to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Vegas Campers

• Rental Locations: Las Vegas, NV
• Type of camper vans: Dodge Ram camper vans

Vegas Campers offers micro campers that sleep and seat up to two people that are perfect for Southwest road trips. Their vans get incredible gas mileage in comparison to larger RVs, are much easier to handle on the road, and come fully stocked with sleeping bags, linens, a stove, sink, refrigerator, couch/bed, outdoor shower, a solar powered electronics charging station, all sorts of lighting, dishes, cookware, and more.

The team provides online instructional videos which means you don’t waste time any time on the ground… you’ll be able to “grab the keys and go” because you will already know how everything works. They have a 3-night minimum (though they allow 2 nights at the same rate as 3) and prices start at $99 per night.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip in your Camper Van Rental

We have tons of free resources on our site to help you plan the ultimate road trip in your rental camper van. Check out these guides to get started:

• How to Save Money on a Road Trip
• How To Find Free Campsites
• 65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials
• How to Get WiFi on the Road
• Solo Road Trip Planning Guide
• Van Life 101: How-To Guide for Living in a Van
• 15 Must-Have Van Life Apps
• Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist
• Van Life Essentials

Have you rented a campervan from any of these camper van rental companies or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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58 Comments

CamperVanGuy will outfit you with the van and gear if starting your trip in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks, Jody! We weren’t aware of CamperVanGuy, looks like a neat company for those starting in LA! Thanks for posting.

Wow I didn’t know there were so many good options! I’m hoping to do a US Road trip sometime next year, and can’t wait to explore a bit more of my own country

Check out Simple Campers in the SF Bay Area for camper vans that offer a variety of amenities. Including, unlimited mileage, one way rentals, pop tops, wifi, and more.

Thanks for the tip, Mav!

A great campervan alternative we found is Pacific Overlander (www.pacificoverlander.com). Their vehicles are totally tricked out and got us through the southwest without having to think about campsite reservations at all. Opened up a whole new way to do our road trips. Highly recommended!

Great to hear! Thanks for the rec!

Great post, Kim! Thanks for sharing. Looks like you might need a bay area company on this list 😉 I recently launched Outervan, a handcrafted campervan rental company.

Hey Lindsey! Thanks so much for reaching out. Drop me an email @ [email protected] with more details about Outervan.

your idea for adventure in campervan is great. campervan is famous for long road trip with other drinking and eating services. i really like this because you talk about adventure.

This is to say that it was really-really well and truly nice to read such kind of posts. You have to say that it should be continue to posts the blogs like this. Thanks

I am looking to rent for a minimum of 6 months; do you know which companies may provide the best rates for More long term ventures? I am primarily concerned with finding comfort at a low price. LOst camper appears to Ben a good option. Was wondering if you knew of any companies specifically geared towards this end.

Many campervan and RV rental companies will offer discounts for long-term rentals. I recommend reaching out to some companies and asking what discounts they can offer you for a 6+ month rental.

Anything in colorado springs?

Not entirely sure – I’d recommend doing a google search or trying Outdoorsy. There are definitely campervan rental companies elsewhere in Colorado including Denver if you aren’t able to find anything in Colorado Springs. Good luck!

Anything in St. Louis?

Hmmm… not sure!

Would like to take aroad trip in April 2021 from Texas to Las Vegas, need help in finding a company to rent camper van in my area

I recommend doing a quick google search for campervans in your area to see what comes up!

Any suggestion for area of Boston?

Not sure about the Boston area. A quick Google search might turn up something!

Great article, thanks for all these recommendations!!

Travellers Autobarn in Los Angeles,Las Vegas, and Bay Area! Unlimited miles included!

I’m trying to find a one way Class B rental starting in either Los Angeles or Phoenix and ending up near Glacier National Park in Montana – having a hard time finding a company that has a drop off point near Glacier

Nee to this Camper Van life! Intrigued and ready to take to the next level. Can someone recommend a good place to start as a beginner? I would love to learn, and be aware of “I wish I woulda known?” questions. Lucy!

Hi Lucy – we have a ton of resources and blog posts on Van Life how-tos. Check out our Van Life Course homepage . Our Van Life 101 guide also answers a lot of questions for people just starting out.

Great list but you HAVE to not forget the South and specifically sCAMPervan in Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. What an original and unique brand and collection of vans to rent loaded with all the goods and necessities as well as rooftop tents. scampervan.com

Thanks for that tip, Jonathan, we’ll look into adding them!

Hello! I’m flying into Reno and I’m looking for a camper van such as these, anyone know of a location near Reno/Lake Tahoe? Thanks, much appreciated ☺️

Vancation.com has 3 or 4 campervan rentals in Reno!

Looking to rent a camper van to travel from around Dallas Texas to Southern Florida. Any recommendations?

Hmm, not familiar with the Dallas area. Maybe someone else can chime in!

I have a Thor Tellaro pop top pro master class b. I live in Idaho. I am hoping to rent it out for winter (late Fall to early Spring) in the Southwest USA.

How might I find a company to manage the rental for me?

Check out the company Outdoorsy

Looking for a Campervan like VW, Dodge or Chevy for 2 adults & 1 baby. Pick up and return should be Los Angeles. Any reccommandations?

Would it be cheapest to rent a cargo van from Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, or some other company for a few weeks and turn it into a temporary camper?

You can always buy an inflatable mattress, manual pump, camping stove, styrofoam cooler, cheap pillow, and maybe some cheap black out material that you can tape to the windows at night.

When done, you can mail the camping stove (minus the fuel), mattress, the pump, and tape back to your residence.

Hi Rob, I think many people like the ease & luxuries that come with renting an already built-out van, but your idea is definitely a possibility. Another option to save money is to look at one-way campervan relocations – they are usually last minute and you have to find your way home, but one of our team members has traveled this way before and loved it.

Don’t forget vancation.com, the newest campervan rental marketplace. Zero owner service fees if you join early and the best feature set to manage your listing.

Thanks for the tip!

Thanks! Appreciate the research and information on van rentals that covers a good chunk of the country

It’s nice to see these resources are available, but there are none for where I live. Not much in the way for Missouri I guess, and having lived here 95% of my life so far, I can say that the landscape is beautiful here (the people not so much lol). Maybe someday there will be a van rental place available here, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

I’m sad to see Dallas/Ft Worth area not served on your list. Any ideas? Thanks,

Hi Melissa, I’m unfamiliar with any rental companies in that area, but I’d recommend checking out Outdoorsy, RV Share, or Campanda since those are all rentals by owner and can be located anywhere in the US (like Airbnb for van rentals). Best of luck!

The best resource. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful, Eugene!

So stoked to have found your site! You rock!

Thanks Stacy!!

Wow you missed Florida Oldscool Campers. Our family loved our trip!

Thanks for the recommendation – we’ll have to check them out!

Hi Sonya! Keys Westys has the largest inventory of Westfalias on the East Coast, including Florida!

This is a great resource, thank you! Is appears that “Escape’ is the only company that operates one-way small camper vans coast to coast — in my case, I need northeast to northwest? Is that true as far as you know? Thank you.

Hi Pam, glad you found this helpful! We’ve never personally used these rental companies (all of our team owns campervans) so I can’t speak to the one-way coast-to-coast rentals, unfortunately. Good luck with your search!

You should add Keys Westys VW Camper Van Rental in the Florida Keys to this article! Keys Westys offers a fleet of vintage and classic VW Westaflia “Westys” for rent for adventures up and down the iconic 113-mile Overseas Highway. The iconic, “instagrammable” pop-top campers sleep four people on two levels, have on-board refrigerators and even slide-out camping air conditioners to deliver the glam to this level of glamping! Vintage ‘Westys’ of Keys Westys include cute models like the 1971 Westy “Hey Mickey” and the 1978 Westy “Key Lime Pie” to the 1980 Westy “Cotton Candy” and 1982 Westy “Cookie Monster”. Several are spotlighted on the Keys Westys website, as well as fan sites online. Keys Westys also offers several more modern VW Eurovan Westfalias, in a rainbow of colors, also sporting refrigerators and slide-out camping air conditioners. Each rental also includes a linens bin of sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases for four persons – as well as a camping bin of incidentals for cooking and camping, including cutlery, plates, cups and more. Keys Westys’ rental rates start at $130 per day, and renters can add on things like inflatable paddle boards, camp sites at several award-winning state parks from the company’s inventory of its self-guided tour and more. Airport pick up and drop off to Keys Westys’ Islamorada location is also available. And, if you are driving down to pick up your Westy, you can leave your car at their gated facility while you adventure – at no additional charge. Keys Westys has a rich history in the Keys, and offers a broad range of information to plan your Florida Keys adventure, including snorkeling, to nature trails, “Campgrounds We Love” and more. Keys Westys can be found online or be reached at 786-326-6763.

Thanks for the info, Michelle!

Wanted to say thanks for featuring Boho Camper Vans as one of your go-to camper van companies! We’re grateful!

Just wanted to say that things have changed a lot for us in the past couple of years, and we’re currently running a fleet of twelve 2021-2022 Promasters (we found those old Econolines were just a liiiiiittle too tight). Our designs have evolved and our vans have grown but we’ve maintained that same “cabin on wheels” kind of feel.

Hi Ryan, thanks for letting us know! Do you have any updated photos and a blurb that we can update our post with? Please email me at contact[at] bearfoottheory.com

Wandervans is also a great option for affordable van rentals or builds. Locations in Boise, Spokane/CDA, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Vegas, Phoenix, and Duluth. Great article, thanks for getting all of these options out there!

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Voyager Campervans: Rent the Van Life

“Hey honey, our anniversary is coming up post-haste. What’s the plan, Stan?”

{grins a grin I’ve never seen before, clears his throat and says…} “I rented a van with a bed in the back and thought we could take it somewhere pretty.”

That, my friends, was a real life conversation between me and my husband a couple weeks back. My immediate thought was …Oh. Dear. God…

A) I’m not a camper. B) I like romance. C) Just…WHAT!?

While he has become quite the outdoorsman – taking guy trips to “just climb the Grand Canyon” – I am over here eating chips on our patio and taking the occasional one-mile run when I’m not whining about the cold weather. So it’s pretty obvious that “outdoorsy” isn’t in the top 3 adjectives my friends would use to describe me. However, he caught me in a moment of weakness or something and a “yes” slipped past my lips. So 11 years of marriage was going to be celebrated in a campervan at Perrot State Park in October. It was officially official.

He called up Voyager Campervans – a relatively new local Twin Cities company whose sole purpose is to get people outdoors, comfortably. They rent out  the #VanLife. Instead of fully committing to this crazy new traveling phenomenon, you can live the experience without going all in. After a week or so, I was just as excited as he was – my hiking shoes and coffee creamer (it’s a luxury I refuse to leave behind) were packed and we were off on an epic, unique and not-long-enough kid-free anniversary adventure. You guys, even I can VanLife for a couple of days. 

Our plan included heading down the Minnesota and Wisconsin Wine Trail. Did you know this is a thing? It is. It’s called the Great River Road Wine Trail and it’s amazing. We stopped at wineries, restaurants, a vintage farm sale (my choice – muahahaha), and went on many a hike. If you ever get down to the Trempealeau County area, do it! We hiked up to Maiden Rock Bluff (not for the faint of heart) and cruised around Afton State Park, stopping at plenty of gorgeous pit stops along the way to Perrot State Park near Winona. The best part of the whole adventure was knowing we could stop at any time, open our back van doors, plop onto the full sized mattress and take in the scenery. Between the changing leaves and the lack of agenda, this was easily one of the most relaxing road trips I’ve ever experienced.

I’m going to take a minute and just talk up our sweet ride, ok? First of all, comfortable mattress. Plenty of leg room in the front. Comes with a coffee filter and pot, collapsible cups, silverware, stovetop, drinking water, two chairs, a built-in cooler, dish soap and more. Storage was a hollowed out shelf below the mattress, large enough to hold at least two large suitcases. We packed two of our own pillows and an extra blanket even though it came with those items (because I’m a freeze baby who has a thing about pillows). We wore hiking gear and sweatshirts the whole time, packed snacks, sodas, and coffee grounds and found the stovetop, lights and pull-out table to all be beyond simple, clean and creative.

We took our time getting to our campsite and arrived after 8pm, which in October in Minnesota is synonymous with “it was pitch black outside.” So we turned off the van, busted out the sweatpants, flipped on the interior lights (which dim…so cool), and had actual adult conversations before we both passed out at a ridiculously early time. My biggest fear going in was the cold. The inside of this van must’ve been insulated or something because it was NOT cold, like, at all. It was tight, however. I was only a little disappointed in one thing and that was the lack of headroom. It was hard to be in the van and not be able to fully sit up, ie. drinking on my side and having to roll out the side door to get out to pee in the middle of the night. But that’s my only knock of the entire weekend, and remember – I hate camping!

Waking up the next morning, we realized we were parked directly facing the lake. A family of ducks enjoyed infiltrating our view while we sipped hot coffee and laid in our van, propped heads and happy hearts. I slept so hard, the van was quiet and I am already asking to do it again. Nate suggested renting the four-person version (coming soon) so we can bring the whole family. That experience might not be similar in zen-like quality, but our kids would totally dig this adventure! So I’m thinking that’s going to happen sooner than later.

Voyager Campervans currently offers their “Minny” version , which holds and seats two. Depending on how long you rent, these range from $82-$99/day. They are coming out with their “Mondo” version soon though , which will hold and seat four and range from $146-$179/day. We can’t wait and are all in to do it again…and again…and again.

Don’t get me wrong – I still love a nice hotel room with my own bathroom and a warm shower, but when it comes to “roughing it,” this is a glamper’s dream alternative. I might come around to being outdoorsy after all! But, shhhh, don’t tell my husband.

READER DISCOUNT: Think a Voyager Campervan would be a fun option for you? MinneMama readers get a $30 discount by signing up using the promo code: MINNEMAMAADVENTURE . Get out there and live life – rent one today!

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We’ve just booked in Austin! Heads up, the discount code didn’t work.

What a great article. My wife and I wanted to rent one of these to travel around New Zealand with the kiddos. We’ll have to wait a bit, but looking forward to it. Great story! Hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy.

The Wanderlust Rose

As a Minnesota native who loves to travel, I am shocked to just be finding out about this great company now!! And no, I didn’t know the wine trail was a thing! Haha but as a fan of road trips and wine, I will definitely be checking that one out. Sounds like an awesome adventure 🙂

The Voyager

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• The Weekender
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• Shop Our Vans The Weekender The Adventurer The Excursion The Excursion Extended - 170" Paddle Boards

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Functional freedom, camper vans for sale in missouri (mo).

We design and build high quality, affordable camper vans with top-of-the-line features and equipment.

Digital Nomad Van in AZ and UT

• Sits and sleeps two people
• Fan to keep you cool – even when van engine is off
• Electric outlets and LED lighting – even when van engine is off
• Jackery 500 lithium power box
• Portable cooktop
• Multiple storage spaces
• Compressor Fridge
• Certified water storage: built-in sink with on-board water
• Custom upholstered couch that converts to a bed
• 28 MPG Highway
• Tow Hitch Package
• Fourth-generation Uconnect system with Bluetooth
• Cruise Control
• ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera
• Advanced Airbag System
• Power windows and locks
• State-of-the-Art Cabin Tech
• Superior device connectivity
• 12-volt power outlets

*Factory warranty is provided directly through Ram. Extended warranty available for purchase through the manufacturer.

The Adventurer Camper

The Adventurer is a straightforward, functional camper van that comfortably fits a single traveler or a duo. This model has tons of storage for all of your gear.  Fully insulated with a deluxe, remote-powered fan and sliding window (with a screen!), hanging out in the Adventurer is enjoyable in any climate.

With a flip-out couch, the interior functions as both a sleeping area and work/lounge space. You can sit on the couch and use the slide-out table for eating or working on your laptop. Come nighttime, stretch out and relax on your spacious flip-out bed.

The Ford Transit is outfitted with Ford's latest all-wheel-drive technology. Safety and ease of use are essential; this van can be serviced at any OEM dealer across the country. Each van comes with a full factory warranty.*

• 2x 100-watt Solar Panels
• Lithium Battery Box
• MaxxAir Deluxe Fan with Remote
• Dual-zone Compressor Fridge
• Sink and Single Burner Cooktop
• Electric Faucet
• Fresh and Grey Water Storage
• Flip-over Bed (sleeps two)
• Soft-close Drawer Slides and Hinges
• Locking, Push-Button Hardware
• Slide-out Eating Surface/Work Station
• Ford Transit 250
• Receiver Hitch
• Back-Up Camera
• Tinted Windows
• Sliding Side Window with Screen

2020 Ford Transit 350 AWD Ecoboost 170” wheelbase High roof, 1300 Miles, 10 way power leather seats, big touch screen, backup camera, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, navigation, lane keeping assist, cruise control, parking sensors, receiver hitch, rear jump seat, dual sliding door, rooftop AC, shore power, air bags on the rear, slide out toilet, lithium power box, two 230w solar panels, roof bars, Maxxair fan, LED lighting, dual zone compressor fridge, trickle charger, fresh and grey water holding tanks, Dometic sink and propane cooktop electric faucet, microwave, countertop outlets and usb, push button locking cabinet latches, soft close drawers, 2” leveling kit on the front of the van, tinted windows, passenger sliding locking camper window with screen, pull out table top for working or eating, fully insulated, finished interior height 6’5”

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We've partnered with top auto manufacturers to ensure reliable, consistent quality. Each vehicle comes with a factory warranty and can be serviced at any participating dealer across the country.*

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For the best custom-built camper vans for sale in Missouri (MO), look no further than Voyager Conversions. We are a custom van builder and we have many camper vans for sale from which to choose.

Missouri Is Camper Van Country

Missouri is a beautiful state with many natural wonders and monuments to visit. A camper van builder can connect you with the outdoors by supplying you with an RV that isn't as obstructive as a motor home or a trailer. A camper van is perfect for the average nature-lover to take life on the road and visit Missouri's most beautiful sites.

Missouri's Best Conversion Van Builder

When a van has been outfitted with customizations or entirely converted for a new purpose, it is known as a conversion van. We save you the hassle of figuring out what kind of van works best for this conversion by providing the original vans for conversion.

We are able to help you get financing that helps you cover the price of the vehicle itself, as well as the renovations. All of our prices are up-front, so you don't have to worry about hidden fees surprising you down the road.

Missouri's Only LIVE Watersports Dealers

In addition to building camper vans, Voyager Conversions is proud to offer two of LIVE Watersports' most popular paddleboards. You can find us on their site under the name "Voyager Motorsports," so you know that we are authorized to deal their products. LIVE paddleboards make a great water accessory for your camper van.

If you are interested in one of our conversion van models, give us a call at 573-205-2164 .

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Our vans aren't just for far-flung adventures. Level up your next tailgate party, day trip or weekend excursion.

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We're stoked to bring you some of the best, most badass paddle boards out there. Check out the L2Fish and L4Expedition - designed for ultimate speed and stability.

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From custom class B campers to overlanding beasts or built-out minivans, your next rig is waiting for you on VanlifeTrader.

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After traveling in a van for 2 weeks, I saw how the lifestyle could be cheaper than my Denver life

• I lived and traveled in a campervan for two weeks.
• I wanted to explore the US, but I also wanted to see if van life was something I could do full-time.
• The trip highlighted how life could be more affordable — but only if I worked at it.

It was my third gas station Icee within my first week of traveling by van , and I knew that if I did van life full-time, I'd have to cut the habit.

Not just for the sake of my sugar levels but for the sake of my wallet.

While a $4 Icee doesn't seem like much, it adds up. I quickly realized that these small costs — eating out, gas station snacks, souvenirs — are where van life can get expensive.

At the same time, I saw ways that the van-life movement can be a more affordable way to live.

Like most cities, Denver isn't a cheap place to live

Last October, I left my apartment in Denver for a two-week van trip exploring Southwest America in a rented Ram ProMaster. My route included six states, a handful of national parks , and stops in small roadside towns.

I've long romanticized the choice to live out of a vehicle and explore nature, so while I wanted to see new parts of the country, I also wanted to test-drive the lifestyle .

My desire to ditch my belongings and live in a van has only grown in recent years as I've watched the cost of living rise, too.

Apartments.com reported that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver was $1,681 as of March. Although that number is slightly lower than last year's, Axios reported that Denver's year-over-year inflation rate was the second highest in the country last summer.

It's not just Denver that's feeling these increases. The cost of living is high in major cities across the US, and it's only getting more difficult to find cheap rent .

Plenty of nomads I've interviewed cited expensive rent as the reason they considered living on the road in the first place.

Brittany Newson , for example, said she was living in San Fransico and spending $1,300 to rent a room in a house with four other people. She told BI that she remembers thinking, "There has to be a better way." In 2019, she moved into a renovated school bus.

I've felt that strain firsthand. While I pay a bit less than average for rent, I'm spending more on groceries, paying more than financial advisors recommend I should for my apartment , and I'm thinking twice before eating out these days.

So finding a lifestyle like van life, which includes adventure and potential savings, sounds too good to be true.

Living in a van eliminates some costs but adds others

Throughout the two weeks on the road , I spent less than I normally would on certain things. I also spent more in other categories.

I added 3,000 miles to the van's odometer, making gas one of my most expensive spending categories. Over two weeks, I spent $660 at gas stations. If I took on the lifestyle full-time, I would travel slower and spend less. However, it'd still likely be more than the $75 I budget for gas in Denver each month.

Multiple nomads have said gas is their new rent when living on the road. Zach Nelson , for example, told BI that he got a solid deal from an old boss for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter he lives in today. Now, gas is one of his few expenses.

"Other than car maintenance and insurance, the only thing you really pay for is gas and food," he said.

When it came to food, I spent about the same on groceries as I do living in Denver. I shopped for the trip at Costco and Trader Joe's and spent less than $150 with plenty of food left over. I also spent about the same eating out.

As for accommodations, this felt like the cheapest part of the trip. I splurged on one night at an RV resort, which cost about $60. I also spent $25 to sleep in Joshua Tree National Park and a similar rate for a nearby campsite. Most nights, though, I found free public land or a free parking lot outside a Walmart or Cracker Barrel . Altogether, I spent less than $170 on campsites.

The largest expense would likely be the cost of the van itself. For this trip, I received a media rate from Native Campervans for the van rental. If I did this full-time, though, I'd purchase my own vehicle.

If I was willing to rough it, I could purchase a used bus, van, or car for a few thousand dollars. On the other end, a new Mercedes Sprinter van starts at $71,000 before conversion.

Realistically, the price would be somewhere in between for me. If I wanted to purchase a Ram ProMaster in Denver, I'd likely spend about $27,000 for a used model, according to TrueCar . If I planned to live in a van for about three years and snagged a solid interest rate, I'd pay about $900 a month, according to Bankrate . Hopefully, I'd make some of that back by selling it afterward.

If I calculate the cost of a van loan, campsites, and gas, that still is less than my $1,500 rent. But only by a few hundred dollars.

From the nomads I've spoken to, how much you want to spend is truly up to the individual. Some families have saved tens of thousands of dollars by buying and renovating a school bus instead of a house. Other van dwellers have shared how unpredictable maintenance issues have drained their emergency funds .

I experienced ways that living in a van could be cheaper than my lifestyle today

There are hidden costs that come with van life . You often have to pay for showers, clean water, and emptying your van's gray water tank. Vehicle maintenance issues can arise, and my car insurance would likely be higher than I pay today.

But I'd also eliminate costs with van life. I'd no longer worry about electricity, gas, or water bills. I'd cancel my expensive climbing gym membership and pivot to the outdoors. And I'd spend less on clothes since I'd have nowhere to store them.

Plus, my day-to-day activities would be cheaper. I'd save money by swapping my Sunday brunches with Sunday hikes and nights at the movie theater with evenings stargazing.

I'm not saying van life is necessarily cheaper than city living, but I am convinced it can be if I work at it.

For now, I'm waiting for auto loan interest rates to plummet and am searching for an affordable used van before I make the leap.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

AN IDEA BORN ON THE ROAD

In the summer of 2017, while working with a new beverage startup, we converted an old van and hit the road for three months. Looking to spread the word of our new product, we saw parts of the US that you miss if you just fly somewhere. That three month journey was a flash-back to childhood memories of traveling with my family of seven, plus dog, in our family van.

After the three month journey, I realized that there was no better way to explore the United States. Everyone should have amazing experiences in the outdoors, and it should be easy. I started Voyager Campervans to create an amazing, economical and environmentally friendly outdoor adventure.

Happy Voyaging!

#VOYAGERVAN

Where Will The Voyager Van Take You?

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Voyager 1 is back to life in interstellar space, but for how long?

NASA engineers have succeeded in breathing new life into Voyager 1 after the spacecraft, launched in 1977, went silent seven months ago.

NASA engineers have succeeded in breathing new life into Voyager 1 , the spacecraft launched in 1977 and once again communicating after it went silent seven months ago. But now comes another challenge: Keeping Voyager 1 scientifically useful for as long as possible as it probes a realm where no spacecraft has gone before .

Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2 , are treasured at NASA not only because they have sent home astonishing images of the outer planets, but also because in their dotage, they are still doing science that can’t be readily duplicated.

They are now in interstellar space, far beyond the orbits of Neptune and Pluto. Voyager 1 is more than 15 billion miles from Earth and Voyager 2 nearly 13 billion miles. Both have passed the heliopause , where the “solar wind” of particles streaming from the sun terminates.

“They’re going someplace where we have nothing, we have no information,” NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said. “We don’t know anything about the interstellar medium. Is it a highly charged environment? Are there a lot of dust particles out there?”

Even as the Voyagers continue their journeys, engineers and scientists at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. are mourning the loss of Ed Stone, the scientist who guided the mission from 1972 until his retirement in 2022. Stone, a former director of JPL, died June 9 at the age of 88.

“It’s great. This is exploration. This is wonderful,” Stone told The Washington Post in 2013 when he and his colleagues determined that Voyager 1 had reached interstellar space.

Voyager 1 has four scientific instruments still operational in this extended phase of its mission, but it suddenly ceased sending intelligible data on Nov. 14. A “tiger team” of engineers at JPL spent the ensuing months identifying the problem — a malfunctioning computer chip — and restoring communication.

That laborious process is nearly complete. Data is coming from all four instruments, project scientist Linda Spilker said, though engineers are still checking to see whether data from two of the instruments is fully usable.

What no one can change, though, is the mortality of a spacecraft with a limited power supply. Voyager 1 is running on fumes, or, more precisely, on the dwindling power from the radioactive decay of plutonium.

The Voyagers have traveled so far from the sun they can’t rely on solar power and instead use a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. But an RTG doesn’t last forever. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 will eventually go silent as they continue to cruise the galaxy. NASA scientists and engineers are hoping Voyager 1 can keep sending data until at least Sept. 5, 2027, the 50th anniversary of its launch.

“At some point, we’ll have to start turning off the science instruments one by one,” Spilker said. “Once we’re out of power, then we can no longer keep the spacecraft pointed at the Earth. And so [the Voyagers] will then continue on as what I like to think of as our silent ambassadors.”

In a sense, this is all a bonus because the primary mission for the two Voyagers was the exploration of the outer planets. Both visited Jupiter and Saturn, and Voyager 2 went on to Uranus and Neptune in what was known as the “Grand Tour” of the outer solar system, enabled by a rare orbital arrangement of the planets. The Voyagers delivered spectacular close-up images of the outer planets, and the mission ranks among NASA’s greatest achievements.

The gravitational slingshot from the planetary encounters sent Voyager 1 out of the elliptical plane of the solar system and did the same to Voyager 2 in a different direction.

About four years ago, Voyager 1 encountered something unexpected — a phenomenon scientists have dubbed a pressure front. Jamie Rankin, deputy project scientist, said the instruments on the spacecraft picked up a sudden change in the magnetic field of the interstellar environment, as well as a sudden increase in the density of particles.

What exactly caused this change remains unknown. But NASA scientists are eager to get all the data flowing normally again to see whether the pressure front is still detectable.

“Is the pressure front still there; what is happening with it?” Melroy said.

Voyager 1 is heading toward the constellation Ophiuchus, according to NASA, and in about 38,000 years, it will come within 1.7 light-years of an unremarkable star near the Little Dipper. But although it will have long gone silent, it does carry the equivalent of a message in a bottle: the “Golden Record.”

The record was curated by a committee led by astronomer Carl Sagan and includes greetings in 55 languages, sounds of surf, wind and thunderstorms, a whale song and music ranging from Beethoven to Chuck Berry to a Navajo chant. The Golden Record is accompanied by instructions for playing it, should the spacecraft someday come into the hands of an intelligent species interested in finding out about life on Earth.

“The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced spacefaring civilizations in interstellar space,” Sagan said.

But that advanced spacefaring civilization might not be an alien one, NASA scientists point out. It’s conceivable that the cosmic message in a bottle could be picked up someday by a human deep-space mission eager to examine a vintage spaceship.

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft finally phones home after 5 months of no contact

On Saturday, April 5, Voyager 1 finally "phoned home" and updated its NASA operating team about its health.

NASA's interstellar explorer Voyager 1 is finally communicating with ground control in an understandable way again. On Saturday (April 20), Voyager 1 updated ground control about its health status for the first time in 5 months. While the Voyager 1 spacecraft still isn't sending valid science data back to Earth, it is now returning usable information about the health and operating status of its onboard engineering systems. 

Thirty-five years after its launch in 1977, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to leave the solar system and enter interstellar space . It was followed out of our cosmic quarters by its space-faring sibling, Voyager 2 , six years later in 2018. Voyager 2, thankfully, is still operational and communicating well with Earth. 

The two spacecraft remain the only human-made objects exploring space beyond the influence of the sun. However, on Nov. 14, 2023, after 11 years of exploring interstellar space and while sitting a staggering 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, Voyager 1's binary code — computer language composed of 0s and 1s that it uses to communicate with its flight team at NASA — stopped making sense.

Related: We finally know why NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft stopped communicating — scientists are working on a fix

In March, NASA's Voyager 1 operating team sent a digital "poke" to the spacecraft, prompting its flight data subsystem (FDS) to send a full memory readout back home.

This memory dump revealed to scientists and engineers that the "glitch" is the result of a corrupted code contained on a single chip representing around 3% of the FDS memory. The loss of this code rendered Voyager 1's science and engineering data unusable.

The NASA team can't physically repair or replace this chip, of course, but what they can do is remotely place the affected code elsewhere in the FDS memory. Though no single section of the memory is large enough to hold this code entirely, the team can slice it into sections and store these chunks separately. To do this, they will also have to adjust the relevant storage sections to ensure the addition of this corrupted code won't cause those areas to stop operating individually, or working together as a whole. In addition to this, NASA staff will also have to ensure any references to the corrupted code's location are updated.

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On April 18, 2024, the team began sending the code to its new location in the FDS memory. This was a painstaking process, as a radio signal takes 22.5 hours to traverse the distance between Earth and Voyager 1, and it then takes another 22.5 hours to get a signal back from the craft. 

By Saturday (April 20), however, the team confirmed their modification had worked. For the first time in five months, the scientists were able to communicate with Voyager 1 and check its health. Over the next few weeks, the team will work on adjusting the rest of the FDS software and aim to recover the regions of the system that are responsible for packaging and returning vital science data from beyond the limits of the solar system.

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Robert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics. Rob holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and astronomy from the U.K.’s Open University. Follow him on Twitter @sciencef1rst.

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• Robb62 'V'ger must contact the creator. Reply
• Holy HannaH! Couldn't help but think that "repair" sounded extremely similar to the mechanics of DNA and the evolution of life. Reply
• Torbjorn Larsson *Applause* indeed, thanks to the Voyager teams for the hard work! Reply
• SpaceSpinner I notice that the article says that it has been in space for 35 years. Either I have gone back in time 10 years, or their AI is off by 10 years. V-*ger has been captured! Reply

Admin said: On Saturday, April 5, Voyager 1 finally "phoned home" and updated its NASA operating team about its health. The interstellar explorer is back in touch after five months of sending back nonsense data. NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft finally phones home after 5 months of no contact : Read more

evw said: I'm incredibly grateful for the persistence and dedication of the Voyagers' teams and for the amazing accomplishments that have kept these two spacecrafts operational so many years beyond their expected lifetimes. V-1 was launched when I was 25 years young; I was nearly delirious with joy. Exploring the physical universe captivated my attention while I was in elementary school and has kept me mesmerized since. I'm very emotional writing this note, thinking about what amounts to a miracle of technology and longevity in my eyes. BRAVO!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE PAST & PRESENT!!!

• EBairead I presume it's Fortran. Well done all. Reply

SpaceSpinner said: I notice that the article says that it has been in space for 35 years. Either I have gone back in time 10 years, or their AI is off by 10 years. V-*ger has been captured!

EBairead said: I presume it's Fortran. Well done all.

• View All 13 Comments

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