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Madison, Wisconsin, has so much to offer in terms of outdoor adventure – especially from the mobile comfort of a campervan rental.
Surrounded by lakes, parks, and forests, Madison is perfect for travelers of all kinds. Fill your days with mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or out on the water.
Madison has two major lakes, Mendota and Monona, as well as other smaller bodies of water for you to explore. Paddling, fishing, sailing, and boating opportunities abound, with plenty of businesses in the area if you need to rent your watercraft.
Hikers will enjoy time spent on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that winds its way across the state from the Minnesota border to the shores of Lake Michigan in Door County. Madison also has an abundance of city and county parks, natural areas, and nature centers.
In the warmer months, Madison is a biker’s paradise. Choose a campervan with a bike rack and check out the paved Badger or Capital City state trails. If you prefer a bumpier ride, grab your mountain bike and head to Middleton Bike Park, which features a jump line, pump track, and a single-loop track.
For rock climbing and hiking, head northwest of Madison to Devil’s Lake and Governor Dodge state parks to experience the famous purple quartzite outcroppings. Near the Wisconsin Dells, the area also features epic swimming, paddling, and hiking opportunities.
However you plan to enjoy the outdoors, here are the five best campervan rentals near Madison for your next adventure.
1. Baloo the 2002 Volkswagen T4 Westfalia
Why you should rent: This campervan has its own Facebook page so you can follow its adventures and share your own!
- Sleeps: 3
- Seatbelts: 3
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $265/night
Make your adventures memorable for all the right reasons by renting Baloo, the 2002 Volkswagen T4 Westfalia campervan. Whether you plan to hit the trails, the water, or just relax under the awning, Baloo’s owners have loaded in tons of extras to make him your perfect home base.
Baloo calls the town of Fitchburg home. Located just south of Madison, Fitchburg puts you close to McKee Farms Park (a great playground if you have kids) and the Nevin Springs Fish and Wildlife Area. This Madison-area campervan rental features an inverter, a Dometic porta-potty, and a third seat that converts into an additional bed. Just make sure to pack your own bedding.
The best part of an adventure with Baloo is the ease of meal prep after returning from a full day of adventure. The pop-up allows you to stand while you cook, and the kitchen has a two-burner cooktop, sink, seven gallons of potable running water, a coffee maker, a crock pot, and all the pots, pans, plates, and utensils you could ever need.
Adventures with Baloo are pet, music festival, and tailgating-friendly. However, the owner asks you not to smoke while renting Baloo.
Check Availability2. Breeze the 2021 Ram ProMaster
Why you should rent: This custom-built campervan has thought of all the little details.
- Sleeps: 2
- Seatbelts: 2
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $215/night
This custom-built campervan has lots of character. Breeze, the 2021 Ram ProMaster van, is located near the Dane County Regional Airport, making it easy to pick up after landing in Madison.
Kitchen highlights include an induction cooktop, a mini fridge, a sink with running water, a dining table, and all the dishes, mugs, utensils, and cookware you may need for your culinary pursuits while on the road. Breeze has an outdoor shower and toilet, as well as ample storage thanks to built-in drawers and under-bed units.
Best of all, Breeze uses solar power, batteries, and an inverter to power your electric needs, allowing you the freedom to use electronics wherever and whenever you want.
Breeze’s owners allow pets to join the adventure, but kindly ask you not to smoke inside. Tailgating and attending music festivals are also prohibited. Keep in mind, Breeze includes 125 miles per day, with additional charges per mile after that. But don’t worry, the number of adventures within that range can easily keep you busy for your whole journey!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 7 Best Great Lakes Destinations for an Unforgettable Vacation
3. 2020 Winnebago Travato 59GL
Why you should rent: Lithium-powered means you can power your adventure whenever, wherever you want.
- Sleeps: 4
- Seatbelts: 4
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $390/night
Check your worries at the door when you rent this sparkling Winnebago Travato. Its lithium-powered battery means no generator to run, so you can sleep with the air-conditioning running while you sleep worry-free. The campervan also features hot and cold water, a surprisingly rare luxury in campervans.
Located in Middleton on the west side of Lake Mendota, pick up for the Travato puts you minutes away from hiking the trails at Black Earth Creek Natural Area. Luckily, the campervan has a bike rack and a roof rack with a ladder, making gear transport a breeze.
Speaking of features, this campervan has leather cab seats up front, a kitchen stocked with a fridge, sink, microwave, and induction stove, as well as a great bathroom set up with a toilet, shower, and sink.
Leave your adventurous pups (or cats) at home if you plan to rent this campervan as the owners ask to keep their rig pet-hair free. They also prohibit smoking while renting their vehicle.
Check Availability4. SteVan the Camper Van
Why you should rent: Full-back window screens allow you to enjoy the fresh air (without the bugs) from the comfort of the full-size memory foam bed.
- Sleeps: 2
- Seatbelts: 3
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $170/night
Small but mighty, SteVan the Camper Van is the perfect solo or couple adventure vehicle. The cab features bench seating, allowing you to snuggle up close to the driver (if that’s your thing), or extra room for easily accessible snacks while on the road.
SteVan has tons of thoughtful touches designed to make your adventure more comfortable. Plush bedding and extra pillows for the full-size memory foam mattress make time spent inside as enjoyable as your outdoor adventures. SteVan also comes stocked with towels, toilet paper, and an igloo cooler.
In addition to a great name, SteVan has a three-wall wet room with a porta potty and shower door, perfect for rinsing yourself or your off gear. Speaking of gear, SteVan comes equipped with a bike rack, an air compressor for inflating kayaks and bike tires, a two-person hammock, and camp chairs.
While SteVan is pet and tailgating-friendly, the owners ask that you do not smoke in or near the campervan while renting.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 7 Enchanting Treehouse Rentals in Wisconsin
5. Summit the 2021 Ram ProMaster
Why you should rent: Modern interior, powered by solar energy.
- Sleeps: 2
- Seatbelts: 2
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $215/night
If you’re looking for thoughtfully designed modern interiors, then Summit, the Ram ProMaster campervan, is the perfect rental for your next adventure. Located in Madison, just five miles southwest of Dane County Regional Airport, this vehicle has everything you need, including bedding, an outside shower, and a toilet.
Summit uses solar power, batteries, and an inverter, so you can thrive off the grid if you choose. Its kitchen has a two-burner induction cooktop, a sink with running water, and a refrigerator. Cookware and tableware are included in the rental, as well as a fold-out dining table if you choose to eat indoors.
This campervan rental is best for staying nearby, as it does not feature unlimited mileage. It includes 125 miles per day, with a charge per mile after that. Summit loves pets, but its owners ask you not to use Summit to tailgate or attend festivals.
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