What Escape Campervans is and how to rent from them
Escape Campervans is a campervan rental company operating in the United States, primarily in California, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. They rent self-contained campervans — vehicles equipped with beds, kitchens, and bathrooms — by the day or week. You book through their website, choose your vehicle type and rental dates, and pick up at one of their locations.
The rental process starts with creating an account on escapecampervans.com, selecting your travel dates and pickup location, and choosing a campervan model. You'll see the daily rate, any mileage allowances or charges, and insurance options before you complete the booking. Most bookings require a credit card to hold the reservation and a valid driver's license at pickup.
Escape operates as a peer-to-peer rental platform in some markets, meaning you may rent directly from individual owners rather than from a company fleet. In other locations, they manage their own vehicles. Either way, you book through the same platform and follow the same general process.
Key Takeaways
- Escape Campervans charges daily rates that vary by vehicle size and season, with additional fees for mileage, insurance, and cleaning if you return the van in poor condition.
- You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent, and Escape typically holds a security deposit that is refunded after the rental ends.
- Rental rates include basic insurance coverage, but you can purchase additional protection through Escape's damage waiver or decline their coverage and use your own auto insurance.
- Cancellation policies vary depending on when you cancel relative to your pickup date, so review the specific terms for your booking before confirming.
- Escape provides a vehicle walkthrough at pickup and documents any existing damage, so photograph the campervan's condition yourself before you leave the lot.
Daily rates, mileage charges, and what's included in your rental
Escape Campervans pricing depends on the vehicle model, the season, and how far in advance you book. A smaller van (often called a "Compact" or "Standard") costs less per day than a larger model with more sleeping space or amenities. Peak season — typically May through September — costs more than winter rates. Booking further ahead sometimes offers lower rates, though this varies.
Most Escape rentals include a daily mileage allowance, commonly 100 to 150 miles per day depending on the vehicle and rental agreement. If you exceed that allowance, you pay an overage charge per mile — typically $0.25 to $0.50 per mile, though this varies by location and vehicle. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage for a higher daily rate.
The rental rate covers the vehicle, basic insurance, and roadside information through Escape's partner network. It does not cover fuel, campground fees, parking, tolls, or any damage you cause to the van. You are responsible for returning the vehicle with a full fuel tank and in the same condition you received it.
Insurance options and damage responsibility
Escape includes basic liability insurance in every rental, but the coverage limits and what it covers vary by state. You have two main choices: purchase Escape's damage waiver (sometimes called a "loss damage waiver" or LDW) or decline it and rely on your own auto insurance.
Escape's damage waiver reduces your financial responsibility if the van is damaged, but it comes with a deductible — usually $500 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle and the waiver level you choose. The waiver does not cover certain types of damage, such as damage to the undercarriage, windshield, or tires from normal wear, or damage caused by negligence or violation of rental terms.
If you decline Escape's waiver, your personal auto insurance may cover the rental — but many personal policies exclude rental vehicles or limit coverage. Contact your insurance company before you book to confirm whether your policy covers a campervan rental and what your deductible would be. Some credit cards also offer rental car coverage; check your card's benefits guide.
You are responsible for any damage beyond what insurance or the waiver covers. Escape documents the vehicle's condition at pickup and again at return, so minor dings or scratches you cause may result in charges to your credit card after the rental ends.
Age requirements, driver's license, and security deposits
You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Escape Campervans and hold a valid driver's license from any country. Drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee, typically $15 to $25 per day, depending on the location and vehicle.
Escape holds a security deposit on your credit card at the time of booking — usually $500 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle and the damage waiver you choose. This deposit is not charged to your card; it is straightforward held as a may provide. Escape releases the hold after you return the vehicle in acceptable condition, typically within 5 to 10 business days.
You will need to provide a valid credit card in your name at pickup. Escape does not accept debit cards or prepaid cards for the security deposit hold. If you are renting a peer-to-peer vehicle (from an individual owner), the owner may have additional requirements, such as a higher deposit or specific cancellation terms.
Cancellation and change policies
Escape's cancellation policy depends on how far in advance you cancel before your pickup date. Most bookings allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before pickup — commonly 7 to 14 days, though this varies. If you cancel closer to your pickup date, you may lose part or all of your payment.
Some bookings are marked as non-refundable at a lower price, meaning you cannot cancel and receive a refund. If you need to change your pickup or return date rather than cancel entirely, Escape may allow you to modify your reservation if availability permits, though this depends on the specific booking terms.
Check the cancellation terms for your specific booking before you confirm. Escape displays the policy on the confirmation page and in your booking email. If you are renting from a peer-to-peer owner, their cancellation policy may differ from Escape's standard terms.
What to expect at pickup and return
At pickup, Escape or the vehicle owner will walk you through the campervan, pointing out how to use the kitchen, bathroom, heating, water systems, and other features. They will document the vehicle's condition — fuel level, mileage, any existing damage — and you will sign off on this inspection report. Take photographs or video of the van's interior and exterior at this time, including the odometer and fuel gauge, so you have your own record.
Before you leave the lot, confirm the mileage allowance for your rental, the fuel level you need to return with, and the return date and time. Ask about any restrictions — some rentals prohibit off-road driving, towing, or driving outside certain states. Clarify what to do if you have a mechanical problem or accident during the rental.
At return, you will bring the van back to the same location (or a different Escape location if your booking allows it) with a full fuel tank and in the same condition you received it. Escape will inspect the vehicle, compare it to the pickup report, and charge you for any new damage. If there are no issues, your security deposit hold will be released within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive an Escape Campervan across state lines?
Most Escape rentals allow travel within the continental United States, but some bookings restrict travel to certain states or regions. Check your rental agreement before you book. If you plan to cross into Canada or Mexico, contact Escape directly — most rentals do not permit international travel without special approval and additional insurance.
What happens if the campervan breaks down during my rental?
Escape provides roadside information through a partner network, and you can call their support line for help. Mechanical breakdowns are typically covered at no cost to you if the vehicle was maintained properly. If you cause damage that leads to a breakdown — such as running out of fuel or driving off-road — you may be charged for the repair.
Are pets allowed in Escape Campervans?
Pet policies vary by location and vehicle. Some Escape locations allow pets for an additional fee, while others do not. Check the specific vehicle listing before you book, or contact Escape directly to ask about pet rentals in your area.
Do I need a special license to drive a campervan?
In most U.S. states, you do not need a special license to drive a campervan under a certain weight. Escape's rental vehicles are typically under that threshold, so a standard driver's license is sufficient. If you are unsure, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or ask Escape at the time of booking.
Can I rent an Escape Campervan one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
One-way rentals are available at some Escape locations, but they typically cost more than round-trip rentals and may have mileage restrictions. Check the booking options for your specific pickup and return locations to see if one-way is available and what the additional cost would be.