Best campervans 2026: the ideal options for outdoor activities
Modern campervans offer bathing, cleaning and sleeping facilities, plus the ability to drive just about anywhere. But with more choice than ever, which should you choose?...
Manufacturer-built campervans are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Within the (contextually speaking) humble dimensions of a medium or large-sized van, you’ll find a bathroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and lounge area all rolled into one – plus, the ability to drive practically anywhere and everywhere.
This appeal is what drew an estimated 215,000 new leisure vehicle registrations across Europe in 2025, with the UK accounting for around 12% of that according to the European Caravan Federation. Precisely how much of that comprises new campervans is unknown, but what we do know is that Brits love them.
Read more: How we test vans
Indeed, by 2022, the nation’s campervan count was predicted to be around 11.6 million, highlighting just how popular they are on our shores. That number has likely risen since then, and includes privately-built examples. But what if you wanted something that’s new and available right now – what are your best options?
Below is a rundown of our favourites, with our conclusions drawn from hundreds of hours of testing and living in some of the best campervans from companies like Ford, Mercedes and VW. You can also click through to go to the full review of each model, or find answers to the most commonly asked questions about campers at the bottom of this page.
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Strengths
- Torquey diesel engine
- Spacious and practical
- Slow depreciation
Weaknesses
- Can’t disguise its bulk in corners
- Sways a lot in windy conditions
- Unappealing plastics up front
Priced from £85,408 | Recommended trim 600
The VW Grand California was never far off the top spot, and following a mid-cycle update in 2025 – which brought quality of life improvements, fancier interior finishing and a much-improved infotainment system – it finally got there. You can have a Grand Cali in two lengths, but much of the basic chemistry will stay the same. It’ll have a fully functional wet room and toilet, a double bed mounted width or length ways, a working kitchen with a stainless steel sink, electric hob and 70-litre fridge, plus more storage compartments and plug sockets than you can count.
What’s more, in spite of its size, the Grand Cali isn’t at all intimidating or difficult to drive. Sure, the 2.0-litre diesel engine could be more responsive, the ride can get choppy over certain surfaces, and the awkwardly tall shape can sway a fair bit in windy weather, but on the whole, it’s a relaxed thing to hoover up the miles in.
And then there’s the biggest positive of the lot: the Grand Cali is cheaper than its closest rival, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo. That campervan has a stronger engine and is more luxurious, but the Grand Cali is bigger, better equipped, and overall, ticks more boxes.
“It’s so easy to find your driving position and stay comfortable in the Grand California. There are few campervans I’d rather drive for two days straight.” – Shafiq Abidin, Content Editor
Read our full Volkswagen Grand California review
Strengths
- Driving dynamics are impressive
- Remote control roof makes setting up a breeze
- Tech-laden interior is a pleasure to use
Weaknesses
- Rotating the front seats is tricky
- Boot space is smaller than expected
- Access to the roof bed is awkward
Priced from £88,420 | Recommended trim Premium Plus
Mercedes has been using the Marco Polo name since 1984 to identify its factory-built campervans, and it has since been adorned by models like the T1, Viano and, most recently, the V-Class. In fact, the V-Class Marco Polo has been around since 2015, but you could hardly tell, given the sheer level of attention to detail.
The vanity mirror and shelf, for instance, are built into a head-height cabinet for easy use; the rear seats can be converted into a bed electronically; and the front seats swivel to free up more space for dining or socialising. Add to that a pair of gas-powered hobs in the kitchenette, a proper wardrobe, and an electronic pop-up roof, and time away in the Marco Polo seems well covered.
Its refreshingly simple one-trim lineup comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, and it’s both more powerful (233bhp) and faster from 0-62mph (8.8sec) than all its rivals. Coupled with the predictable steering, well-tuned suspension and superb seating position, the Marco Polo is head and shoulders above anything else in its class to drive, including the Ford Transit Custom Nugget.
However, there are some flaws. It's expensive, but the most obvious issue is the lack of a permanent toilet – you’ll instead need to find a small portaloo to wedge into one of the many empty spaces. Boot space is also questionable – especially if you spec it with a table and chairs, which will take up most of the rear space. Elsewhere, the roofbed is also awkward to get to, and if you’re wanting air suspension, it’s a costly optional extra. The Marco Polo is still a great option, but it’s no longer the best campervan on sale.
“The Marco Polo has perhaps the best interior of any big factory-built motorhome, and worth it if you don’t mind spending the money.” – Shafiq Abidin, Content Editor
Read our full Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo review
Strengths
- Well thought out interior
- Lots of standard equipment
- Strong diesel engine
Weaknesses
- Fiddly touch-sensitive controls
- Camper control screen isn’t very responsive
- Gearbox can be slow
Priced from £64,432 | Recommended trim Beach Camper
Despite the name, the VW California isn’t just a smaller version of the Grand California – the former is based on the Multivan, while the latter is spun off the Crafter. With that small discrepancy cleared up, the California is still a very strong choice for adventurers. It’s much closer in size to the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, and yet costs over £23,000 less. That will be… noticeable.
It’s well kitted-out from standard too, and comes with niceties such as LED headlights, front/rear parking sensors, keyless start and a multifunction steering wheel. In terms of furnishings, you’ll get a cool box, gas hob, sink, table, pull-out bed and swivel chairs. There’s a separate 5.0in touchscreen for the various camping controls, plus, both doors are sliding, which is a feature we wish more campervans had.
The higher trim levels (Coast and Ocean) bring additions like front/rear parking sensors, three-zone air conditioning, 17 or 18in alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, upgraded navigation systems, a rear view camera, power latches on the sliding doors, travel assist and a roof storage box. All of these are definitely worthy upgrades if you’re not bothered about the cash, but otherwise, we would stick with the base-level Beach Camper to save out on as much as £14k from the higher spec models.
"You can tell VW isn’t new to the camper game and living in the California for three days was a pleasant experience. I just wish the monstrous – and heavy – tailgate was electric." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer
Read our full Volkswagen California review
Strengths
- Strong diesel engines
- Well thought out interior
- Competitive starting price
Weaknesses
- Not as much space on offer as larger campers
- You’ll want to add quite a few options
- Dashboard feels a little utilitarian
Priced from £36,215 | Recommended trim Caddy California
VW won’t build you a brand-new Caddy California, as it is currently off sale. However, there’s plenty of stock in dealer networks across the country, so finding a spec you like won’t be difficult. And we think that’s something you’d be interested in, because this David among Goliaths punches very hard.
Based on the fifth-gen VW Caddy Cargo, there are two body styles to choose from too: the standard short-wheelbase and the Maxi, which is 353mm longer. The latter gains a bit of extra storage space in the boot area, and we think most will appreciate that in a recreational van of this size.
More broadly speaking, Caddy California has five seats, a double bed and a mini kitchen – and that’s despite this vehicle being a similar size to the VW Golf. VW achieved this by using plenty of clever storage solutions, and including as many extendable fittings as possible. You can have an optional annex tent to attach to the tailgate too, which gives extra protection against typically British weather.
There are three possible engines to choose from: a turbocharged petrol (112bhp) or a pair of turbodiesels (101bhp or 120bhp). These can then be paired with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic. Perhaps the best part, though, is that you can have a Caddy California for around £36k.
“The Caddy California's compact size gives you confidence driving on country roads, and its sharp steering means you can place it exactly where you want within a lane.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor
Read our full Volkswagen Caddy California review
Strengths
- Keen discounts from Ford
- Punchy EcoBlue 185 engine
- One of the few fully equipped five-seat campers
Weaknesses
- Slow-witted automatic gearbox
- Mercedes Marco Polo has a classier interior
- Ride and handling
Priced from £63,150 | Recommended trim L1 Titanium
As you’ll no doubt have been able to discern from its position in this list, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget isn’t exactly our favourite camper – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a look. For one thing, it’s one of only a few fully featured campers that can boast five seats and four berths – and for another, the conversion is carried out by renowned German camper specialist Westfalia, plus you get a full Ford manufacturer warranty.
You also get a gutsy diesel engine, and while the Nugget isn’t cheap to buy, it’s possible to find with some very tempting discounts, which means it probably won’t set you back quite as much as you might at first think.
There’s lots to like here, in other words. But you do have to remember that you only get a toilet and sink – not a full bathroom – and then only on the long-wheelbase version. What’s more, the cheap-feeling plastics inside, the sluggish automatic gearbox and a fidgety ride make it a van you won’t want to spend a long time driving.
“I wasn't expecting Playstation levels of graphics from the Transit Nugget's infotainment system, but while it doesn't have the best looks, it is at least quick to respond to my inputs and loaded with features.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our full Ford Transit Custom Nugget review
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FAQs
If you hold a driving licence issued before 1 January 1997, you’ll have a C1 entitlement on your licence, which allows you to drive campers with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 7500kg.
If your driving licence was issued after this date, however, you’ll be limited to entitlements B and B1. What that means is that you’ll be limited to campervans of up to 3500kg MAM. But that isn’t a huge cause for concern, because most motorhomes and campervans are built with a weight that falls below this limit, thus enabling them to be driven by most UK licence holders.
Converting a van to a camper is a labour-intensive job, and that’s before you factor in the addition of bespoke, low-volume furnishings that require intensive design and development processes.
On top of that, modern campers have to pass stringent safety regulations, and don’t forget that most campers require a fairly gutsy engine to haul their weight around – that means they’re often based on higher-spec, powerful engines that are a cut above the more basic versions you’d find powering most regular vans.
With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that campervans cost quite a bit to buy. On the plus side, high demand and a relative dearth of supply means that they tend to hold their value on the used market pretty well.
In just the same way as you’d buy any other car or van. You can buy a camper brand-new, direct from the manufacturer or converter, or you can buy one second-hand from a dealer or from the previous owner themselves.
Don’t forget, however, that there are lots more items you’ll need to check over if you’re buying a camper; not only have you got the basics of the van’s engine, gearbox, suspension and underpinnings to contend with, but you’ve also got the complex habitation systems – gas, water, furnishings, and so on. You should also check that the living area is watertight.
Not quite, though there is something of a blurred line between the two. The accepted wisdom, however, is that a campervan is a van that’s been fitted out for sleeping in, with an all-metal body and, sometimes, a pop-top or plastic high-top roof extension.
A motorhome, by contrast, is larger, and based on van underpinnings, with a purpose-built body that’s constructed separately (usually entirely of fibreglass) and then bolted on top. By those definitions, all of the vans in our list below fit into the campervan category – even the Volkswagen Grand California, with its enormous fibreglass roof extension.
Yes. Standard campervans and motorhomes up to 3500kg MAM are able to use the Eurotunnel, though they’ll have to travel in the large vehicles section, as the standard train carriages won’t allow the roof clearance necessary.
Campers weighing in at more than 3500kg MAM will still be able to use the Eurotunnel, but they will probably have to travel as freight, which would involve leaving the vehicle while it’s travelling through the Channel Tunnel, and travelling instead in the separate passenger carriage.
Yes, though you’ll need to make sure you doing so safely. You can use either an A-frame device to do this, or tow a car on a separate trailer. Keep in mind that you’ll have to keep within the maximum train weight of the camper, as well as that permitted by your licence – so it’s worth doing your research before you commit to this course of action.
