Where you base your campervan matters a lot. Location affects everything from booking frequency to the rates you can charge and the length of your season. If you’re thinking about renting out your van, choosing the right home base could be the difference between decent returns and genuinely impressive earnings.

Based on data from Quirky Campers owners, campervans in Scotland and Bristol consistently outperform other locations. Let’s look at why these areas work so well, and what other locations offer strong potential for campervan rental income.

Scotland: The UK’s Campervan Capital

Scotland dominates campervan tourism in the UK, and the numbers back this up comprehensively. According to VisitScotland, 1.58 million camping and caravanning trips were made in Scotland by domestic visitors in 2022, generating £355 million in spend. Campervan tourism now accounts for at least 25% of accommodation used by visitors in six of Scotland’s largest tourism areas.

Why Scotland Works So Well

The appeal of Scotland for campervan holidays runs deep:

• The North Coast 500 has become one of the world’s top road trips, ranked number 2 globally by CNN
• Extended touring season from spring through autumn
• Strong demand for multi-location trips, with over a third of motorhome users staying in more than five locations per trip
• Year-round appeal for short breaks and longer adventures
• Dramatic scenery that photographs beautifully for social media

Research from VisitScotland shows that campervans are the most common vehicle type used on trips in Scotland, beating motorhomes and caravans. This reflects both the practicality of campervans on Scottish roads and the growing preference for smaller, more agile vehicles.

The infrastructure continues to improve too. Highland Council launched the NC500 Motorhome Scheme in 2024, offering designated overnight parking at 12 locations along the route for a £40 weekly pass. This kind of investment signals recognition of the sector’s importance and makes Scotland an increasingly attractive proposition for campervan hirers.

The Scotland Premium

Campervans based in Scotland command higher nightly rates due to destination appeal. Hirers specifically seek Scottish adventures, which means they’re willing to pay for the experience. Combined with longer average booking durations (many hirers take week-long NC500 trips), Scotland-based vans generate strong annual earnings.

Bristol: Gateway to the South West

Bristol’s position makes it incredibly versatile for campervan renters. The city sits at the junction of multiple popular touring regions, giving hirers genuine choice about where to head.

Destination	Drive Time from Bristol
The Cotswolds	45 minutes
Bath	20 minutes
Cheddar Gorge	30 minutes
South Wales coast	1 hour
Mendip Hills	25 minutes
North Devon	1.5 hours
Cornwall	2.5 hours

This versatility matters enormously. A hirer picking up in Bristol can choose to explore honey-coloured Cotswold villages, dramatic Welsh coastline, or classic Cornish beaches depending on weather, mood, and available time. That flexibility drives bookings.

Bristol also benefits from excellent transport links. Hirers can fly into Bristol Airport or arrive by train from London in under two hours, making it accessible for visitors from across the UK and Europe. The city itself offers enough interest that hirers can comfortably arrive a day early and explore before collecting their van.

Other Strong Performing Locations

While Scotland and Bristol lead the pack, several other locations show strong rental potential.

Lake District

Compact enough to explore in a long weekend, yet with enough variety for week-long trips. The Lake District attracts visitors year-round, with autumn colours and winter walks extending the season beyond summer peaks. The national park’s popularity means strong demand, though road congestion during peak periods can affect the experience.

Cornwall

The South West peninsula remains one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. Campervans based in Cornwall benefit from strong summer demand and genuine coastal appeal. Competition is higher than in Scotland, with more rental options available, but the market size compensates. Beach access and surf culture drive a specific demographic who actively seek campervan experiences.

Wales

Growing in popularity, particularly for adventure tourism. The Wales Coast Path offers 870 miles of signposted routes, while Snowdonia provides mountain scenery rivalling Scotland without the longer drive. Welsh tourism has invested heavily in outdoor positioning, and campervans fit this narrative perfectly.

Yorkshire

Often overlooked, but the combination of the Dales, Moors, and easy access to the Lake District makes Yorkshire a practical base. Lower competition means less crowded listings, while the region’s beauty provides genuine appeal. The Yorkshire coast adds variety for hirers wanting beach time alongside countryside exploration.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Location

Before deciding where to base your campervan, consider these practical factors:

1. Proximity to major transport hubs (airports, train stations) affects who can realistically hire your van
2. Local competition from other rental providers influences both pricing and booking volumes
3. Seasonality of tourism in the area determines how many months generate strong income
4. Ease of handover logistics for you matters for sustainability
5. Distance to attractive destinations for multi-day trips affects hirer appeal

The Regional Tourism Picture

Understanding broader tourism trends helps explain why certain locations perform well:

Region	Key Appeal	Primary Season	Shoulder Potential
Scotland	NC500, Highlands, Islands	March to October	Strong
South West	Beaches, coastline, countryside	April to September	Moderate
Lake District	Walking, scenery, villages	Year-round	Strong
Wales	Adventure sports, coast path	April to October	Growing
Yorkshire	Dales, Moors, heritage	Year-round	Moderate

Scotland’s extended shoulder season represents a significant advantage. Hirers book Scottish trips in March and October at rates that would be difficult to achieve elsewhere. This extends the earning window substantially.

Making Location Work for You

Your campervan doesn’t need to be based in Scotland or Bristol to succeed. The key is understanding what makes your location attractive and marketing accordingly. A van in Yorkshire can target the Dales, Moors, and easy access to the Lake District. A van in Kent can appeal to European visitors arriving at Dover and those wanting to explore the South East.

Consider your location’s unique selling points:

• What destinations are within a two-hour drive?
• What experiences can hirers access from your base?
• What transport links make your location accessible?
• What seasonal events or attractions drive specific demand?

The data simply shows that certain locations have structural advantages. If you’re fortunate enough to be in one of these areas, you’re starting from a strong position. If you’re elsewhere, success requires clearer positioning and smarter marketing.

Location and Your Earning Potential

The difference between a strong location and an average one might be £1,500 to £2,500 annually in rental income. That’s significant, but it’s not the only factor. A well-marketed van in a secondary location can outperform a poorly-presented van in Scotland.

Location provides a foundation. What you build on that foundation determines results.

Ready to list your campervan? Learn more at Quirky Campers