The best camper van rentals near Oakland, CA

One of the first stops for many camper van travelers is the iconic Lake Merritt. This urban estuary, surrounded by lush green parkland, provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can rent paddle boats or take a leisurely stroll around the lake, enjoying the sights and sounds of the local wildlife. The nearby Children's Fairyland, a whimsical storybook theme park, is a delight for those traveling with kids.

Next, consider a visit to the historic Jack London Square, named after the famous author who once resided in Oakland. This waterfront destination pulses with energy, featuring outdoor dining, boutique shopping, and a variety of events such as farmers' markets and live music. The area is also home to the USS Potomac, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s former floating White House, offering intriguing insight into American history.

Art enthusiasts should make their way to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), which showcases the rich heritage and art scene of California through thought-provoking exhibitions. OMCA’s gardens, complete with sculptures and terraces, are perfect for an afternoon picnic break.

For a touch of nature within the city limits, Redwood Regional Park is a must-see. As you wander among towering redwoods, it’s easy to forget you’re just a short drive from downtown Oakland. The park offers numerous trails suitable for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities, providing a serene backdrop to reconnect with nature.

Foodies will revel in Oakland’s culinary scene, with options ranging from street food markets to gourmet dining experiences. Some favorite locales include the diverse eateries around the Temescal neighborhood, where one can sample everything from Korean fusion to authentic Mexican tacos.

When it's time to rest for the night, the Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers a fantastic camping spot just 20 minutes from downtown Oakland. This park has full-hookup sites and boasts breathtaking views of the East Bay hills, as well as a host of recreational amenities. It’s a tranquil spot to recharge before the next day’s adventures.

Continuing your exploration, visit the Oakland Zoo, known for its naturalistic habitats and conservation efforts. This family-friendly destination offers a chance to encounter wildlife from across the globe through sustainable and educational exhibits.

Art and creativity flourish at every corner in Oakland, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the incredible street murals scattered throughout the city. The Oakland Mural Project has contributed to dozens of public works that tell the stories of the city's diverse communities and are ideal for an inspiring self-guided tour.

For a fantastic day trip from Oakland, camper van travelers should not miss the opportunity to drive across the iconic San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to visit the neighboring city of San Francisco, or perhaps venture further out to the storied wine country of Napa Valley—a camper van-friendly region that’s well worth the journey.

A camper van trip to Oakland is rich with possibilities, catering to a wide variety of interests and passions. As your journey unfolds, you’ll find yourself immersed in a city that not only epitomizes the dynamic spirit of California but also welcomes visitors with a warm embrace, inviting them to come back, time and again, to discover even more.

Remember, the key to an enjoyable camper van trip is to plan ahead but remain flexible enough to embrace the unexpected detours that make the journey memorable. Oakland, with its tapestry of experiences, is the perfect canvas for your camper van adventure. Safe travels!

Delivery

Gandalf: 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 170"•High Top in Piedmont

Sleeps6

Seats6

$350/ night

Delivery

Solmar: Winnebago Solis

Winnebago Solis•Pop-Top in Oakland

Sleeps4

Seats4

$190/ night

No city in the world has its natural saltwater lake within its city limits besides the city of Oakland.

Revel Yell: 4x4 Winnebago Revel

Winnebago Revel•High Top in Oakland

Sleeps2

Seats3

$250/ night

Sparkles 2.0: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 170"•High Top in Oakland

Sleeps2

Seats4

$258/ night

There are over 600 churches and temples within the city of Oakland.

Balou: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 144"•High Top in Berkeley

Sleeps2

Seats2

$195/ night

Van Zandt: Ford Transit AWD

Ford Transit•High Top in Berkeley

Sleeps2

Seats2

$150/ night

Oakland is considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America, where 125 different dialects and languages are spoken.

Stan Adventure Van: 4x4 Winnebago Revel

Winnebago Revel•High Top in Castro Valley

Sleeps3

Seats4

$285/ night

Dream Catcher: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•High Top in Richmond

Sleeps2

Seats2

$180/ night

Delivery

Brandy: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 144"•High Top in San Francisco

Sleeps3

Seats4

$195/ night

Rufus: Storyteller Overland Beast MODE 4x4

Storyteller Overland Beast MODE 4x4•High Top in Sausalito

Sleeps3

Seats4

$325/ night

Delivery

Rex: Winnebago Solis

Winnebago Solis•Pop-Top in San Carlos

Sleeps4

Seats4

$189/ night

Delivery

Mateo: Mercedes-Benz Sportsmobile

Mercedes Benz Sportsmobile•Pop-Top in San Mateo Highlands

Sleeps4

Seats7

$190/ night

Van Ness: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•High Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$175/ night

Bonita: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•High Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$175/ night

Hydeout: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•High Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$165/ night

Reyes: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•Low-Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$150/ night

Scout: Nissan NV200

Nissan NV200•Low-Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$100/ night

Lima: Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster•High Top in Fairfax

Sleeps2

Seats2

$180/ night

New!

Delivery

AW Genesis: Ford Transit AWD

Ford Transit•High Top in Livermore

Sleeps5

Seats6

$275/ night