The Volkswagen camper van has undergone quite a journey since it was initially introduced as a concept sketch in 1947, going on to become an instantly recognisable cultural icon over the decades. Nowadays, these ‘vans continue to offer comfortable and innovative bases, both for driving as every day vehicles and for touring in. In this guide, we’re rounding up the best VW campervans.
The Volkswagen campervan celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022 and these iconic ‘vans remain among the best vans for a camper conversion. In fact, in 2023, the 200,000th VW California was produced in Hanover since Volkswagen had taken production in-house, a milestone that was all the more impressive considering it had only passed 100,000 in 2017.
If the best campervan for you will add some iconic charm to your tours, as well as a smooth drive and a practical layout, a VW camper could be the way to go.
Here, we’re sharing our favourite VW campervans from the 2026 season, as well as our favourite options from recent years, so you will have choice whether you want to buy new or pre-owned. These include models on a variety of base vehicles, including the VW Crafter, the Multivan, the T7 and the T6.
The best Volkswagen camper van:
Eriba Car 602
Rolling Homes Columbus S
Volkswagen California Coast
Bilbo’s Celex HL
Hillside Hopton 600RS
Volkswagen Caddy California
VW California Ocean 2.0 TDI
Bilbo’s Nexa HL
VW Grand California 680
HemBil Drift
The best VW camper vans
Eriba Car 602
- Price: £70,800
- Base vehicle: VW Crafter
- Berths: 2-4
- Belted seats: 2
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.07m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2826kg
- Payload: 357kg
Reason to buy:
- Stylish looks, comes with a washroom
Reason to avoid:
- Only has two travel seats
We named the Eriba Car 602 the best VW campervan at the 2025 Practical Motorhome Awards, and it continues to impress us in 2026.
We’re fans of the Volkswagen’s smart Uni Candy White and Deep Ocean Blue exterior as standard (although Uni Candy White and Cherry Red or Metallic Oyster Silver and Indium Grey are both available as options), and the blue continues inside too, including on the kitchen unit.
We actually think it’s quite a neat layout, with a nice lounge at the rear of the campervan, which provides comfortable parallel seating and can either be made up as two single beds or a larger double bed.
We like how it comes with features that should help to make touring life that little bit easier too, including an electric step on the habitation door, a mosquito net pleated blind on the sliding door, and a range of driving aids, such as a rear-view camera, Hill Start Assist, Crosswind assist, Traffic sign detection, and more.
The kitchen includes a two-burner hob in line with the sink, a 90-litre compressor fridge, and a worktop extension, always useful to have to hand should it be needed.
We like how the washroom features space-saving solutions, including a drop-down foldaway washbasin and a swivelling tap.
Should you decide you want an extra two berths as well, a pop-up roof is available as an optional extra. All in all, we think this is a VW campervan which not only looks very stylish, but should also offer a great touring base.
Rolling Homes Columbus S2
- Price: from £64,995
- Base vehicle: VW T7
- Travel seats: 4
- Berths: 4
- Length: 5.05m
- Width: 2.27m
- MTPLM: 3200kg
- MiRO: 2380kg
- Payload: 620kg
Reason to buy:
- Looks the part, both inside and out
Reason to avoid:
- No separate toilet or shower
The Columbus S is a four-berth campervan which can come on a LWB and can be based on a Ford or VW, but it’s the VW SWB T7 that we’re looking at here. We think it has a stylish interior that matches the sleek exterior good looks that are associated with the best VW campervans, thanks to its smart oak furniture and resin worktops.
There’s a fold-away table which can be stored in the sliding door when it’s not needed, while it also comes with a 100Ah lithium leisure battery as standard.
The campervan’s berths can be found in a RIB bed with Isofix (1.88m x 1.20m), and in the elevating roof (2.20m x 1.32m), while it also comes insulated with sheep’s wool.
You may have heard of the Columbus from Rolling Homes, but what we like about the Columbus S is that it has a larger kitchen unit in the side kitchen, as well as an extra drawer.
The Columbus S also features a 50-litre fridge freezer and a two-burner hob with a sink (an induction hob is available as an option, if you so desire), while the camper van’s blackout curtains and cab blinds should help to keep the light out.
Volkswagen California Coast
- Year: 2025
- Base vehicle: VW Multivan
- Travel seats: 4
- Berths: 4
- Length: 5.17m
- Width: 2.25m
- MTPLM: 2850kg
- MiRO: 2417kg
- Payload: 433kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers an excellent driving experience, comes with twin sliding doors
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen is a bit basic and there is no washroom
When we tested the 2025 Volkswagen California Coast, we were impressed by the driving experience the VW provided.
In fact, we thought it would work just as well as a campervan for every day use as it would for a touring base, so long, that is, as you’d be happy with the compromise of a more basic kitchen.
We found both of the cab seats comfortable and easy to swivel, while the rear seats, both of which are belted, come on runners so they can be easily positioned. A table can be retrieved from beneath the bed extension at the rear, although you need to walk to the back of the VW to access it, something which may not be appealing on any wet days. However, assuming the weather is good, you can utilise the twin sliding doors to let the sun in.
The kitchen itself only comes with a single burner and limited workspace, but it’s a nice touch that the fridge can be reached from outside the vehicle. Unsurprisingly, there is no washroom, but a Porta Potti could be stored here, while an external shower point with cold water can be found at the tailgate.
When it comes to the berths, you fold the rear seats flat before the mattress folds out on top, while the other two berths come in the rising roof. Based on our experience, it could be worth checking that the fabric doesn’t stick out of the sides after the roof closes, even if it does operate at the press of a button.
We thought storage was good for a vehicle of this size, with the space used efficiently, too, while a wind-out awning is provided as standard.
Full review: Volkswagen California Coast
Bilbo’s Celex HL
- Year: 2024
- Base vehicle: Volkswagen T6.1
- Travel seats: 4
- Berths: 2-4 (pop up roof is optional)
- Length: 4.89m
- Width: 2.10m
- MTPLM: 2800kg
- MiRO: 2400kg
- Payload: 400kg
Reason to buy:
- Well-made and comfortable
Reason to avoid:
- Food preparation area is a bit limited, no washroom
Coming on a SWB and with a low-lie, side-hinge elevating roof, we thought the Celex HL, based on a VW T6.1, provides excellent fixtures and fittings, a comfortable driving experience, and plenty of style for couples.
We reckon this could be an ideal VW for those who want a small campervan that will be nimble to drive around, as it’s less than 5m long and under 2.1m high, with the side-roof proving easy to use and offering excellent headroom when it’s elevated. Swivel the cab seats round to create a nice lounge space, while a table can be found by the 65-litre Dometic compressor fridge.
A side kitchen is kitted out with a two-burner hob with a gas cover and Piezo ignition, and a small sink. Workspace is a bit limited, but there are some good campervan storage options provided here, and there would be room for a microwave or grill to go.
There is no washroom, but a suitable cupboard is provided for the Porta Potti. A comfortable double bed, measuring 4’4″ x 6’3″, is made from the rear seating, but unlike some VWs, the seats do not slide back and forth.
Storage is good throughout, including options beneath the seats, a shelved area at the back, and a wardrobe. Spec includes a 130Ah AGM leisure battery, air conditioning, and alloy wheels.
Full review: Bilbo’s Celex HL
Hillside Hopton 600RS
- Year: 2025
- Base vehicle: VW Crafter (MAN TGE also possible)
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 3
- MTPLM: 3850kg
- MIRO: TBC
- Payload: TBC
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.04m
Reason to buy:
- Great end kitchen, reassurance.
Reason to avoid:
- The corner washroom is perhaps a bit poky
As standard, this end kitchen model (which is also available on a MAN TGE – essentially the same vehicle) has three travel seats, so you get a single seat by the door and then a sideways facing sofa that extends out to become a double bed.
Or as an option you can have four travel seats, in which case you get two single seats at the back which become two single beds. You also have the option of having a pop-up roof with a roof bed.
Whichever option you go for it is possibly the end kitchen itself which will impress you here. Its “L” shape means it has loads of workspace, and its position means you can use it as a “bar” from which to serve food and drinks to whoever may be sitting on a table outside behind the van.
You also get some reassurance by buying a Hillside model, because the Derby company is one of the few converters in the country to be a Volkswagen Qualified Converter. It has had to go through a rigorous procedure to gain this qualification, and was one of the first to do so.
Volkswagen Caddy California
- Berths: 2
- Base vehicle: VW Caddy
- Engine: 2.0-litre 102PS Euro 6d-Temp
- MTPLM: 2350kg
- Payload: 601kg
- Shipping length: 4.50m
- Width: 2.10m
Reason to buy:
- Great boot area
Reason to avoid:
- Doesn’t come with a toilet or sink, cab seats don’t swivel
When we tested the VW Caddy California, we noted the steady ride it provides – minimal sway was felt when cornering, even if it was a bit more sluggish than we expected.
We like how VW has made unfolding the bed a straightforward one-person job too, only requiring the rear seats’ backrests to be flattened before unfurling it. The sleeping space may only be 1.07m wide but is longer than you get in many coachbuilts too, with a length of 1.98m.
It doesn’t provide the sociable setup seen in the Campaway Casa – the front seats don’t swivel around, for instance. There’s no toilet or sink either – in the case of the former, taking one of the best portable toilets for a campervan with you could help. However, it does come with some excellent and innovative touches.
At the rear, a one-burner gas hob can be pulled out and pushed back at the press of a button. The tailgate won’t be an issue for taller drivers either, with our 1.98m-tall tester able to shelter under it when raised.
A feature we love here is the kitchenware drawer beneath the hob – look beneath the bed to find a foldaway table and chair set too, complete with its own storage bag. It was also good to see the detachable zip-up compartments that come with the rear magnetic blinds – these can hold 5kg and are useful day bags.
Full review: Volkswagen Caddy California
VW California Ocean 2.0 TDI
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- Engine: 2.0-litre TDI, common rail diesel with DPF
- Payload: 537kg
- Shipping length: 4.90m
- Width: 2.29m
Reason to buy:
- Looks good, drives well, packed with features
Reason to avoid:
- The side sliding door is on the offside, no toilet or shower
We loved how well the California Ocean drove when we tested it in 2021. It was actually similar to driving a large car – easy to park and well-powered thanks to its seven-speed gearbox. Its length of 4.90m also makes it well suited to everyday driving and negotiating town, something that the best small campervans always offer.
We found the DAB+ navigation system and heated cab seats at the front made time on the road a comfortable experience – those in the rear won’t feel too left out either, with good legroom and plenty of space.
Pull open the sliding side door when you’re pitched up to reveal the interior – however, we would like to have seen this on the nearside, instead of the driver’s side. Internally, you can move the seats backwards and forwards, while a large drawer can be found underneath for storage.
Raise or lower the roof at the push of a button depending on whether you need the roof bed – the other berths can be made up by pulling out the rear seats and dropping the backrests. Usefully the front seats can be rotated, while cooks will appreciate the two-burner hob, fridge and sink that the VW campervan comes with. Something we should highlight is that there’s no toilet or sink.
Full review: VW California Ocean 2.0 TDI
Bilbo’s Nexa HL
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Kombi Highline
- Engine: 2.0 150bhp Euro 6
- Length: 4.91m
- Width: 2.10m
- MTPLM: 3000kg
- Payload: From 759kg
Reason to buy:
- Comes with a toilet, couples-friendly layout, delightful to drive
Reason to avoid:
- Only has two berths
Bilbo’s is one of the few campervan converters in the UK who can claim VW recognition. We were very impressed by the Nexa HL when we saw it in 2020 – it offers owners a flushing toilet (housed in the rear offside corner) and an elevating roof, while we think its layout is very couples-friendly.
This VW camper looks good too, while the Kombi version of the T6.1 Transporter base vehicle that Bilbo’s has opted for offers extra body strengthening. As Bilbo’s has used the Highline version, it’s nicely kitted out too, with features including an immobiliser, hill-holder, CAT1 alarm, automatic post-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. With its electromechanical power steering, it’s a delight to drive.
When it’s time to sleep, simply fold the rear seats down and combine them with the swivelled cab seats to either make up a double bed or twin single beds of 1.87m x 0.60m – usefully, the latter allows for access to the toilet and kitchen without disturbing the other occupant.
The main kitchen can be found on the nearside, offering a sink, a three-ring hob, a mini-grill or microwave, and a 50-litre compressor fridge.
Full review: Bilbo’s Nexa HL
VW Grand California 680
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: VW Crafter
- Engine: 2.0-litre 177PS Euro 6 turbodiesel with 8-speed automatic gearbox
- Length: 6.84m
- Width: 2.04m
- MTPLM: 3880kg
- Payload: 421kg
Reason to buy:
- Innovative, well-built and comfortable
Reason to avoid:
- No oven, disappointing extension in the kitchen
Based on the VW Crafter, the Grand California comes in two campervan layouts – the 600, with a transverse bed and a GRP roof with an optional bed, and the 680, a longer ‘van with fixed single beds. It’s the 680 we’re focusing on here, as we liked what we saw when we tested it in 2019.
A dinette table clips onto the side, and can be reached from the driver’s side. We welcomed the inclusion of the two outdoor chairs and a table that come as standard too, a useful addition for lovers of al fresco dining.
We should highlight you’ll have to make do without an oven – the kitchen’s extension is disappointing too, due to its small size. However, the 680 comes with fixed workspace on the other side of the in-line two-burner hob and sink. This well-lit space also includes a 70-litre drawer fridge, two mains sockets, a shelf with two USB sockets and a TV connection, with the latter particularly handy if you want to take entertainment outside.
Across from the kitchen sits the washroom, with the nice innovation of a motion-sensitive light. This space is reminiscent of an aeroplane, with moulded surfaces and a fold-up basin – a tap doubles up as a shower too. Two drainage holes in the shower tray are a welcome sight too – these will be welcome if your ‘van isn’t level (see: the best motorhome levelling ramps to help with this).
The ‘van’s two single beds come on sprung plastic, and, despite a 10cm difference in length, can come together to create a comfortable double.
Full review: VW Grand California 680
HemBil Drift
- Sleeps: 4
- Base vehicle: VW T6 SWB
- Engine: 2.0 TDI 102PS Euro 6
- Length: 4.89m
- Width: 1.91
- MTPLM: 3000kg
- Payload: 600kg
Reason to buy:
- Clever swing out kitchen unit
Reason to avoid:
- Handbrake needs lowering to turn the driver’s seat
Made by CMC Reimo, the Drift has the typical VW-style layout, incorporating a rear bench and side kitchen. Two sliding doors come as standard, with the option of swinging out the kitchen to cook in the open.
Our model included the Comfort Pack, which gave it numerous extra features, including a Webasto diesel heater and a VW Comfort Dash, as well as a central console, drinks holders and a top-loading glove box.
It’s good to see both cab seats swivel but we found the handbrake needed lowering to ensure the driver’s seat turned fully. Another benefit of the Comfort Pack – a solid pedestal table that can easily take four. It’s useful that the table can be as close to you as you want too, as the rear bench slides and the table’s pedestal leg swings.
The swing out unit in the kitchen provides a two-burner hob, a cold-water sink with a tap and three drawers – however, it’s worth highlighting that there’s no on-board waste-water container. To swing the unit out, simply release a catch in the floor – however, while we like this highly innovative feature, we should point out that it will still be at the same height as the ‘van’s floor, so you may find it awkward to cook in this position. The kitchen also comes with a 29-litre fridge.
A comfortable double bed can be made up by folding down the Reimo Variotech seat – an optional roofbed is also available, which could take two adults.
Full review: HemBil Drift
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