Camplify makes camper van hire in Essex easy
Why choose Camplify for your next getaway around Essex and beyond? Here's what sets us apart:
- Hire from your neighbours: Connect with Essex locals sharing their vans. Get that community spirit and insider tips on the best local spots.
- Perfect for any escape: From weekend trips to to week-long adventures, find the ideal ride for your journey - be it a towable caravan, cosy campervan, or spacious motorhome.
- Flexible pickup and delivery: Our platform connects you with owners offering convenient options. When you hire a van, you can pick up the vehicle yourself, have it delivered to your or surrounding address, or even to your destination. Find the service that suits you best for a smooth start to your getaway.
What to see and do with caravan hire in Essex
Essex is a county in the south east of England, and offers a wide range of tourist attractions to suit different interests, whether you are travelling with your family, your partner or a few friends.
A popular destination is Colchester, known for its Roman history and boasting several ancient monuments, including the ruins of a Roman temple and an amphitheatre. There are also several castles and stately homes to explore, such as Leeds Castle, Audley End House and Saffron Walden Castle.
For those interested in art and culture, the city of Chelmsford is home to several museums, such as the Chelmsford Museum and several art galleries, as well as a theatre and live music venues.
Nature lovers can enjoy one of the many nature reserves located in Essex, such as the RSPB's Wallasea Island, or take a walk along the coastal path to enjoy the sea views. Essex is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens, such as Belhus Woods Country Park and Hylands Park.
When to visit Essex
Spring is when Essex really comes alive, temperatures are mild and sites are uncrowded, making it a perfect time to hire a motorhome, campervan or static caravan in Essex. Spring is also an excellent time for bird watching as many species return from their winter migration.
During the summer months, you can take advantage of the warmer weather and explore Essex's beautiful countryside by foot, bike or horseback. With over 3,862 km of public rights of way, there are plenty of routes to choose from.
If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at kayaking or canoeing on one of Essex's many rivers. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of walks and cycle trails to enjoy, as well as a number of country parks and gardens open to the public.
Autumn is the perfect time to see Essex's incredible variety of wildlife. In addition, migratory birds, such as the dark-bellied brent goose, start to arrive in October, and this is also when the stag rutting season begins. Head to one of Essex's nature reserves to see rare birds and animals in their natural habitat.
And finally, winter is a magical time in Essex, with frosty mornings and twinkling lights in the evenings. Take a stroll through one of Essex's many Christmas markets or visit one of the county's many historic houses decked out for the festive season.
Best destinations to visit in Essex with your motorhome or campervan hire
Colchester
Colchester is the oldest recorded town in England and is home to a number of historic landmarks, including Colchester Castle, which was built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The town is also home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theatres, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.
Dedham Vale
Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty renowned for its picturesque landscapes, which have been immortalised in a number of paintings by the British artist John Constable. Dedham Vale is a great destination for nature lovers and walkers, as there are a number of scenic walking trails that wind their way through the valley.
Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh Castle is a ruined castle built in the 13th century and was once one of the largest castles in England. Today, Hadleigh Castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public all year round. The castle offers stunning views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford is the county town of Essex and is home to a number of interesting attractions, including Hylands House, a Grade I listed building that was once the home of British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. The town is also home to a number of parks and gardens, as well as a lively nightlife scene.
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a seaside resort town that is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Adventure Island, an amusement park with over 30 rides and attractions, and the world's longest pleasure pier. The town is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, making it the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Maldon
Maldon is a historic market town that is best known for its annual Maldon Mud Race, which sees participants race through the mud flats of the River Blackwater. The town is also home to a number of independent shops and cafes, as well as Maldon Promenade Park, which offers stunning views out over the river estuary.
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is a large area of ancient woodland that covers over 3,000 hectares and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species. In the forest you can also find many popular trails for walkers and cyclists.
Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is a medieval deer park that covers over 1,000 hectares and is home to red deer, fallow deer, and muntjac deer. The forest also has a number of ancient trees, including oak trees that are over 500 years old. Hatfield Forest is also popular with birdwatchers as it is home to over 100 different species of birds.
Danbury Common
Danbury Common is an area of open heathland that covers over 200 hectares and is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, woodlarks, nightjars, and adders. The Common is also popular with walkers and cyclists as there are a number of marked trails to follow.
Mountfitchet Castle
Mountfitchet Castle is a Norman castle built in 1066 and today it stands as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in England. Mountfitchet Castle is open to the public all year round and offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a market town, home to a number of historic buildings including Saffron Hall and Audley End House (now owned by English Heritage). Saffron Walden also has a thriving market square which hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as farmers' markets and fairs.
Need some inspiration for your adventure starting in Essex?
From the charming seaside towns to the picturesque countryside, Essex offers the perfect blend of coastal and rural adventures for your camping journey.
Quick getaways (1-3 days)
Best Road Trip Around East Coast England: Explore the stunning East Coast, including Essex's finest seaside spots, historic towns, and beautiful beaches. Perfect for weekend adventures along the coast.
Best 3-day road trips from London: Discover the perfect short break exploring Essex and the surrounding East Anglian countryside, with routes taking you through charming villages and coastal landmarks.
Longer adventures (4-7 days)
Best Road Trips in England: Experience some of England's finest routes, including the spectacular East Anglian coastline and countryside, perfect for longer explorations of the region.
The Best Coastal Road Trips in the UK: Journey along the eastern shoreline, discovering Essex's maritime heritage, from historic ports to modern seaside resorts.
Extended explorations (1 week+)
Where to stay in and around Essex with your motorhome or campervan hire
Practical tips for camping in Essex
Many coastal campsites are seasonal (March to October)
Book well ahead for summer weekends, especially bank holidays
Consider inland sites during peak coastal season
Check tide times when visiting beaches
Many sites offer good transport links to London
Popular areas like Clacton and Southend get very busy during school holidays
Hire a van in Essex: Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the questions most frequently asked by our customers. If you don't find the answer you are looking for or need more information, please have a look at our
help section.
How to hire a campervan, motorhome or caravan in Essex?
Once you have chosen a van, select your dates and send a booking request to the owner and discuss your trip. Once the owner approves your booking you can make a secure payment via our platform.
When the first day of the booking arrives you'll meet with the owner to pick-up the van (some owners will also drop-off to your holiday location). They'll guide you through using the van and submit a pre-condition report to our platform. On return, they submit a post-hire condition report as part of the handover.
How much does it cost to rent a van in Essex?
Prices for motorhomes and campervans in Essex range from approximately £40 to £200 per day. Prices are set by the owner, but generally vary depending on how far in advance you book, the time of year, the type of van you choose and its features (beds, kitchen, amenities, etc.).
What’s included in the van rental?
All the vans on our site are comprehensively insured and we also have 24/7 roadside assistance.
Some owners will provide linen as part of the booking, others will charge an extra fee. And some owners will not provide linen at all. Check the details on the van you're interested in.
How old do I have to be to hire a van in Essex?
Licensed drivers must be between 25 and 70 years of age and hold a full and valid licence that is not subject to any restrictions or conditions. Probationary licence holders and learner drivers are not accepted.
What’s required to hire or drive a van in Essex?
To hire a motorhome or campervan in Essex, a full and valid driving licence is required. If your licence is from outside the UK, you will also need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) or equivalent document. A valid credit card is also required for booking.
Alternatives to hiring a van in Essex
If your destination is Essex but you are closer to other regions in the
East of England, you may prefer to hire a van in one of them: